164 A HISTORY OF THE PERCHEEON HORSE 



1874 stood 161/4 hands high, weighed 1,850 pounds, 

 and was dapple-gray in color. He was very com- 

 pact, symmetrical and stylish, with extreme spirit 

 and courage. He was second at the Societe Hip- 

 pique Percheron Show at Nogent in 1872, being 

 beaten by his half-brother, Duke de Chartres 162 

 (721). He was sold to Leonard Johnson of Min- 

 nesota shortly after importation, but the colts sired 

 by him in France proved so good and were such 

 consistent winners when imported that Mr. Dunham 

 bought him back to head the Oaklawn stud in 1878. 

 Here he remained in service till 1885 ; he was the 

 chief stock horse until superseded by Brilliant 1271 

 (755). He sired 36 purebred colts, most of which 

 were bred by Mr. Dunham and Mr. Johnson. His 

 greatest son, Nogent 738 (729), was placed at the 

 head of the Dillon stud in 1877. 



Drawing from the Fountain Head. — Mr. Dunham's 

 pioneer service as an importer and breeder was 

 notable for his insistence upon purchasing only 

 horses of true Percheron breeding and character. 

 He was not long in locating the source of the best 

 draft horses in France. He sought his material in 

 the very heart of The Perche. He early determined 

 that the Percheron combined the necessary size and 

 quality with unusual symmetry, style, action, spirit, 

 and courage. His earliest purchases were made from 

 such men as M. Cajet, M. Fardouet pere, M. Dupont, 

 M. Miard and Ernest Perriot, Sr., all located in The 

 Perche, and all leaders in Percheron breeding. His 

 deliberate selection of the best stallions and mares 



