for improving the steppe horses and the breeds of South 

 \\'estern Russia. 



(5) The Derkulski stud, referred to on page 41 as the 

 oldest in Russia, is devoted to the breeding of Draught 

 horses (23 head in 1889), steppe and heavy cart-horses. It 

 was formerly given up to the breeding of carriage-horses. 



(6) The Limarveo or Limarevski stud, for half-bred 

 riding-horses ; and 



(7) The Jarrow or Yanovski stud, where English Thorough- 

 breds (187 head) and half-bred riding-horses are bred. 



The total number of stallions, mares and foals at these 

 seven studs in 1889 was 2,510. 



For more than a century the Russian Government and 

 private owners have imported Thoroughbreds from England. 

 The English Thoroughbred stallion Grey Diomed and four 

 ■rrtares formed the foundation stock of the Golowkowa stud in 

 1794. Traveller and Orelius, son of Eclipse, were imported 

 in 1799, Doncaster in 1810, Cerberus in 1812, Memnon, 

 winner of the St. Leger of 1825, a few years later. In 1833 

 a special mission was sent to England to buy stock ; the 

 stallions Birmingham, Middleton and Admiral were purchased, 

 and numerous mares, among them Lalla Rookh, Executrice, 

 Tweedlewings (by Touchstone), Metal (by Glaucus), and 

 Marchioness. Mr. Kirby of York, says "The Druid," began 

 his business with the Russians in 1791, when he was 21, and 

 repeated his visits till he reached the age of 60, taking with 

 him " the choicest blood of Yorkshire." The highest prices 

 Mr. Kirby ever received from the Czar Nicholas (i 825-1 855) 

 were 2,000 guineas for Van Tromp, and 2,250 for General 

 Chasse. 



The Imperial studs are directed with great judgment ; the 

 utmost care is exercised in the choice of forage ; all horses are 

 exercised regularly every day, and young horses when 3-J- years 

 old are tested for strength and staying-power according to 

 their class and breeding. No mare is given up to breeding 

 until she is five years old and is fully developed. 



46 



