THE ANCIENT PROVINCE OF THE PERCHE 27 



In that part of the Department of Ome lying in 

 Normandy Italian, Barb, and Spanish stallions are 

 mentioned, but no reference is made of Arabs. From 

 the same document we learn that "M. de Morangis 

 has visited all the stallions in the district," finding 

 that "there are many beginning to show signs of 

 old age, and that it would be better to replace them 

 by more vigorous and heavier sires; the mares of the 

 region are too small." He remarks that "as soon 

 as the colts are six months old the farmers sell them 

 to buyers coming from outside districts," and that 

 "this method results in the money staying in the 

 country. ' ' This report was then made to the Secre- 

 tary of State : 



"He has visited all the stallions. There are some 

 fine ones descended from the stallions of the King 

 that would soon populate the region if the farmers 

 would not sell them at 30 months old. Nothing 

 stays in the country except those which certain gen- 

 tlemen are careful to raise and mature. The major- 

 ity of the King's stallions are too old; a few private 

 persons have replaced them by others. 



"It would be very desirable if the King would 

 furnish about six more stallions of heavier build. 

 The Barbs are getting colts with too weak limbs." 



Notwithstanding this criticism of the royal stal- 

 lions it is asserted that under Louis XIV The Perche 

 still maintained that high reputation as a nursery 

 of good horses which it had apparently enjoyed 

 since the Middle Ages, and the stage-coach and 

 carrying companies were steadily increasing their 

 purchases in the district. Speed with heavy loads 

 was of course the prime requirement in front of the 



