92 REPORT OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATION No. 66 



Victoria — Continued . 



no report of such. Of those seen there were three pure-bred. Clydesdales, two 

 of them imported, and two Standard-breds, one of these not being regis- 

 tered, though eligible. They are a fairly good lot of horses, and their stud' 

 fees axe from |10 to |15. Mares are of mixed typea, as elsewhere, and aver- 

 age 1,250 lbs. 



Mares in Ops township are fairly good, with a large percentage of 

 draught type, averaging 1,300 lbs. There is a good percentage of Clydes- 

 dale stallions located in Lindsay, all seven being pure-bred. Besides these 

 there are four Standard-breds, two Coach horses, and a French Draught. No 

 less than four are unsound and are unfit for service. The balance are fairly 

 good. 110 is the minimum .service fee, and $15 the highest except for a 

 Standard-bred for which the fee is f25. Horsemen interviewed, expressed 

 opinions similar to those already given ; while the majority favored stallion 

 inspection, there are still quite a large number of breeders doubtful as to 

 the wisdom of such legislation. 



There is quite a noticeable improvement in the quality of both stallions 

 and mares in Marpoea township as compared with some of the districts pre- 

 viously visited. While mares are of mixed breeding and very few conform 

 to any particular type, still they average fairly well in quality and weight. 

 There is no unsoundness reported amongst the stallions inspected, which 

 comprise six pure and four grade Clydesdales and two Standarl-bred grades 

 and a grade Thoroughbred. Service fees are only given in some cases and 

 work out at f9 to fl5. Some of these stallions only stand at their own 

 stables. Inspection and license on stallions . seem to be the most favored 

 form of legislation. 



The stallions in Eldon township are not so good as they might be, with 

 perhaps, three exceptions. Heavy horses are most popular. A lack of good 

 mares and the patronizing of unsuitable stallions hinder improvement. The 

 majority of horsemen favor a stallion Inspection Act as a means to improve 

 the horse industry. There are five Canadian-bred Clydesdales and a grade, 

 a Standard-bred and a grade in this district, besides two that the Inslpectors 

 were unable to examine. One horse has passed his usefulness, but has been 

 a good one. 



The following suggestions made in writing to Inspectors by a horseman 

 of this county are given here m full : 



"There are two or three things a Government measure ought to deal with 

 most stringently. One is unsoundness, whether acquired or otherwise. 

 Unsound horses should not be allowed to do business, even should their 

 breeding be all that is required. No license should be granted, and if their 

 owners are known to collect fees, make it hot for them. 



"The inspection made by a competent Inspector. 



"I think too it is highly important that the Government define clearly 

 the standard of character required. I am inclined to think it would not be 

 wise to place that standard too high at first, but say in four or five years, by 

 a gradual process of thinning out, reach a standard equal to or higher than 

 our Associations require. ' 



"My reasons are that a great number of men have purchased stallions 

 for next year's service that will not begin to reach what is required by 

 either the Clydesdale or Shire Associations. In these oases it would be a 



