26 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
21. Origin. —The Clydesdale originated in the low- 
lands of Scotland, with the county of Lanark as the chief 
center of activity in producing the breed. It is fre- 
quently referred to as the Clydesdale district, and is 
divided throughout its length by the Clyde River. While 
the lowlands of Scotland have long been noted for the 
heavy horses bred there, yet it was not until the latter 
part of the eighteenth century that the breed was much 
improved by the importation of some heavy stallions 
from Flanders. John Paterson, of Lochlyoch, is said to 
have imported the first Flemish stallion for this purpose 
early in the eighteenth century. The Flemish stallions 
were large-boned and heavy horses of sluggish tempera- 
ment, with slow, awkward action. The lowlands of Scot- 
land are very favorable for the breeding of heavy horses, 
as the soil is fertile and the pasturage luxuriant; and 
these, with a suitable climate, have a marked effect on 
the characteristics of the modern Clydesdale, as they are 
favorable for growth of bone and muscle, giving both 
height and substance. 
22. History of breeding. — The Clydesdale of to-day 
is the result of careful and persistent breeding for definite 
ends. The results of the breeders’ efforts in a general 
way may be summed up by stating that they have ulti- 
mately been very successful in combining weight, quality 
and action as the prime essentials of a draft horse. These, 
successfully united, produce a draft horse that has pulling 
power, wearing quality or endurance, in association with 
ability to move properly at a satisfactory pace, either 
walking or trotting. The evolution of this breed of draft 
horses is more than usually interesting because of the 
decided views of the home breeders and the singleness of 
purpose which they have shown. The progress has been 
