36 



of crosses of blood after the system of the Herd 

 Book ? 



In the face of these incorrect and disparaging 

 remarks, I am convinced that it is impossible to 

 over-estimate the good effect which the different 

 Horse Societies* are producing, or the importance 

 of maintaining them. 



I do not believe, however, in relying alone upon 

 Stud and Herd Books ; the buyers in the future will 

 not depend upon a long pedigree. The animals to 

 be recorded in future books must have a stamp of 

 merit upon them. 



MATING 



We come now to the most important part of 

 my subject, viz., that of mating. By judiciously 

 crossing or blending the two races — the thorough- 

 bred stallion, with all the quality he possesses, and 

 the van-mare or the lighter description of draught- 

 mare, with frame and constitution, well-formed 

 flat legs, and high courage — animals may be 

 produced which no other country in the world can 

 yield. 



From the half-bred mares thus begotten, cross- 



* There is the Hackney Horse Society, which was established in 1880 to 

 promote the breeding of Hackneys, Roadsters, Cobs, and other horses. It 

 has pubHshed Stud I3ooks which contain the pedigree of several thousands 

 of Stallions and contain other information. 



