SELECTION OF STALLION. 297 



for the same purpose. The most ignorant farmer is particular to 

 select the largest and soundest potatoes, the best quality of oats, 

 wheat, etc., for seed, because he has learned that this is true econ- 

 omy ; yet there is the utmost disregard of this law of prudence in 

 the breeding of horses and farm-stock in general. This sort of 

 economy is like paying a quarter for a chicken and giving a dollar 

 to get it carried home. 



It costs just as much to raise a poor, coarse-blooded colt, as a 

 fine-blooded one. The cost of feeding and care is really the same, 

 the only difference being in the use of the horse. The first will 

 possibly sell, when 'five years old and trained to harness, for from 

 a hundred t;o a hundred and fifty dollars. The other is worth from 

 two hundred to a thousand, and possibly more. The first will 

 scarcely sell for the cost of feeding and care. The second insures a 

 large profit, and this for a little additional, first cost. The fact is, 

 breeding from poor, unsound horses is so much a detriment, that it 

 would be a damage to any one to be compelled to breed from such 

 stock, if given for the purpose. 



In Russia, Prussia, and Austria, the breeding of horses is con- 

 trolled by the government, each one having tatfge breeding estab- 

 lishments, where those wishing, can procure sound stallions, devoid 

 of all hereditary diseases. ., Each stallion is furnished with a certifi- 

 cate from the government. No other stallions are allowed to serve 

 mares, under a penalty. -The result is that you will scarcely find an 

 unsound horse, except from accidents, etc. Hereditary diseases, 

 such as ophthalmia, roaring, rupture, spavin, ringbone, curby hock, 

 spohgy feet, etc,,, are scarcely known. It would be a source of un- 

 doubted economy and benefit to the breeders, if the legislature of 

 each State would enact such laws/ by appointing competent inspec- 

 tors to grant licenses to those 'free from blemish or hereditary dis- 

 eases or unsoundness* 



A few years' breeding, under such restrictions, would materially 

 increase the value of horses in each State, and thus be a real bless- 

 ing to owners and the country. 



In selecting a stallion, first look carefully at his head. The nos- 

 trils should be' large and well defined ; eyes full, bright, and clear, 

 and good breadth between them ; the ears lively, rather short and 

 tapering, and the head high between the ears. Next, see that the 

 throat shows no enlargement of the glands, indicating a tendency 

 toward a whistler or roarer. The shoulder should be oblique, strong, 

 and high, the fore leg not tied in under the knee, for such are liable 

 to spring. 



