426 A HISTORY OF THE PERCHEEON HORSE 



sires, and intelligent management in the breeding 

 and development of the colts mean far more than 

 the possession of a large band of mares. 



McLaughlin Bros., whose headquarters were at 

 Columbus, 0., were among the most extensive im- 

 porters operating in the United States during this 

 period. They confined their operations exclusively 

 to imported horses and rarely bought mares except 

 on special orders. They imported a large number 

 of very high-class stallions, excellent both in in- 

 dividuality and in bloodlines, between 1901 and 1908. 

 Nearly all their stallions were sold to syndicates on 

 the company plan at high prices, and as a result 

 comparatively few of the many stallions which 

 they imported were ever used on purebred mares, 

 as most of them went to neighborhoods where only 

 grade mares were available. There were some notable 

 exceptions to the rule, but the majority of the stal- 

 lions imported by this firm have been lost to the 

 breed. The firm was very active, however, in adver- 

 tising and popularizing Percherons. The McLaugh- 

 lins were extensive exhibitors at the leading shows, 

 sending forward horses that ' were as a rule 

 well brought out. They were aggressive and 

 extensive advertisers in the agricultural press. The 

 large amount of notes taken on horses sold finally 

 brought about the downfall of the firm, as great sums 

 proved impossible of collection and eventually forced 

 a liquidation of the business. 



The Percherons bred in Ohio during this period 

 were good, although they did not possess on an 



