212 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF' HORSES 



tions until the eighties, when they were brought over in 

 large numbers. The following are among the more noted 

 early importers : The Wabash Importing company of 

 Wabash, Indiana; D. P. Stubbs & Sons of Fairfield, Iowa; 

 Nicholas Massion of Mintonk, Illinois. The following 

 names are the more common among the recent importers : 

 A. B. Holbert of Greeley, and Lefebure & Sons of Fair- 

 fax, Iowa; J. Crouch & Son of Lafayette, Indiana; Mc- 

 Laughlin Bros, of Columbus, Ohio; Dunhams of Wayne, 

 Illinois ; and H. A. Briggs of Wisconsin. 



While many stallions have been brought over only a 

 few mares have been imported. In the past this may 

 have been due, in part at least, to the fact that there was 

 not the demand for Belgians to encourage importing and 

 breeding, as the trade was better satisfied with the Per- 

 cherons and some of the English draft breeds, although 

 at present this condition cannot be said to exist. Another 

 factor that is serving to keep the Belgian mares at home is 

 the high price asked for them in Belgium. 



Growing popularity of the Belgian. — In the past decade 

 this breed has received very favorable comment among 

 breeders and consumers of heavy draft horses. This is 

 forcibly illustrated by the high prices obtained in the 

 horse market for Belgian grades as well as by the many 

 attractive exhibits shown at the various fairs and horse 

 shows. This growing popularity is due to the size, 

 strength and endurance as well as to the action possessed 

 by Belgians of quality. The conformation and color are 

 attractive, the legs clean and free from long hairs, which 

 adds to the popularity. 



Famous show animals. — Since the World's Fair at St. 

 Louis in 1904, the Belgians, particularly the stallions, 

 have made a strong public impression at the show ring. 

 While the list of prize winners is very long, the following 

 table contains a few of the more important stallions and 

 mares that have won at the International Live Stock Ex- 

 position, Chicago: 



