DRAFT HORSES 145 



upon this possibility is taking much too long a 

 chance. The reversion, too, is just as likely to be 

 to inferior ancestors as to superior ones. 



Animals that are themselves individually good 

 and that also trace back through individually 

 good ancestors are the kind to buy for breeders. 

 For it will be readily seen that, however good a 

 breed may be, if care is not exercised in the mating 

 in each generation the offspring will, as a rule, fall 

 below the general average and the breed will 

 deteriorate. 



It is hardly my place here to say which of the 

 draft breeds is the best. The Pefcherons are the 

 greatest favorites and it may be doubted if there 

 is any better breed. But there is no reason to be- 

 lieve that there are not others equally good ; other 

 things being equal, the breeder had best be 

 guided in his choice by his personal preference. 

 But before buying, he should carefully examine 

 the stock that is in keenest demand for practical 

 purposes in the open market and see if the breed 

 of his choice conforms to it in characteristics and 

 general type. 



I would also caution all against breeds that are 

 excessively hairy on the legs. Not only is this 

 an unsightly and unequine feature, but it serves 

 no good purpose and — what to the breeder is still 

 more to the point — it is unfashionable in the 



