24 



Live Stock in Belgium. 



[APRIL. 



By these means the provincial regulations encourage the 

 maintenance of good breeding stock from the age of eighteen 

 months, and encouragement is continued during a long period if 

 the condition of the horses justify it. As regards stallions of 

 merit, the maintenance bounties are paid to the owners so long 

 as the committees pass the horses as fit for service. 



In 1886 the Belgian Draught Horse Society was established, 

 with the object of encouraging the breed by shows, and by 

 keeping a stud-book. An annual subsidy of £ 1,200 is now 

 granted to the Society. 



In addition the Government have offered since 189a 

 premiums for the best stallions. These rewards number 

 eighteen, and amount to £60 each ; they are awarded in four 

 district shows to the three year old stallions which have gained 

 a first prize at the provincial shows. 



The Belgian Government encouraged by grants the impor- 

 tation of the Shorthorn breeds of cattle by the provincial 

 authorities. These animals were bought in England by a 

 Committee appointed for the purpose, and were publicly sold in 

 Belgium. The difference between the cost price and the sale 

 price was paid one half by the State and the other half by the 

 provinces. 



The want of judgment, however, shown by farmers in using 

 the English bull, the bad choice of the animals purchased in 

 England, the difficulty of crossing Belgian breeds with the 

 Shorthorn, and the difference in the living conditions and feed- 

 ing of the two races, were the principal reasons for the poor 

 results obtained by the infusion of English blood, and Belgian 

 farmers have consequently given up breeding Shorthorns. 



A great many Dutch cattle are imported into Belgium, as a 

 number of farmers find it advantageous to buy certain classes of 

 these Dutch animals rather than to breed them at home. 



Regulations are in force in all the provinces for cattle 

 breeding similar to those relative to the improvement of horses. 

 The examination of bulls intended for service is prescribed, and 

 prizes are awarded to encourage the preservation of the best 

 animals, both male and female. 



