584 A HISTORY OF THE PERCHEEON HORSE 



George Lane, owner of the largest stud of Perch- 

 erons in the world, says: 



"Branding Percherons in plain figures, so that 

 each animal has its own distinguishing number, is 

 essential to any man who undertakes systematic 

 Percheron breeding. It is the best possible evidence 

 that the breeder is careful in his operations and that 

 the animal is bred as represented. For the benefit 

 of those not familiar with details of the work, I 

 am pleased to give the following instructions: 



"The branding irons must be of copper. The 

 sample set shown in the illustration is correct in all 

 respects. The colts to be branded should be blind- 

 folded and the hair be clipped from the neck where 

 the brand is to be applied. If the skin seems dirty, 

 it should be washed clean and allowed to dry 

 thoroughly before the brand is applied. This will 

 result in a clear, plain brand. If you are in doubt 

 about being able to apply the brand in the correct 

 position, take a piece of chalk and lightly mark the 

 figures on the neck, then apply the brand on the 

 figure outlined. This will insure getting the brand 

 on straight. The hair must be clipped to permit of 

 clean, quick branding. Blindfold the colt and stand 

 him beside a fence or gate, so that he cannot crowd 

 away. The iron should be heated in a small char- 

 coal burner, or in any other small, clean fire. Keep 

 a coarse brush at hand, so that the face of the brand- 

 ing iron can be brushed off before applying it. This 

 is done to make certain that there are no specks of 

 dirt or cinders adhering to the face of the brand 

 when it is applied. The presence of any such par- 

 ticle blurs the brand and spoils the results. The 

 copper head should not be heated red hot, but should 

 be just turning from a bluish tinge to a faint red 

 when removed from the fire. It should be allowed 



