48o Improvement of Live Stock in Ireland, [nov., 



Xo check the importation of these breeds, which it is thought 

 would, if too freely imported, impair the reputation of Irish 

 horses. In 1906, in order to provide for districts requiring sires 

 other than thoroughbred, Irish draught and half-bred stallions 

 were included. 



The number of stallions registered in 1905 was 229, of which 

 154 were thoroughbred, 49 Clydesdale, and 26 Shires. Local 

 exhibitions of mares to the number of 214 were held, and 3,503 

 mares were nominated at a cost of ;^8,289. Eleven loans were 

 granted, 



Although the number of registered stallions has steadily 

 increased since 1901, the number is still inadequate for the 

 purposes of the scheme. It may be noted that the total number 

 of stallions standing in Ireland in 1903 was 2,400, of which 30 

 per cent, were thoroughbred, leaving 1,700 other than thorough- 

 bred. The owners of these animals were invited to submit them 

 to inspection, but only 494 were offered, and the net result of the 

 inspection was that only twelve animals were passed as sound 

 and suitable. As they were outside the ordinary scheme, 

 premiums of ^^50 were offered on condition that they served 

 fifty mares at a fee of £1 each. This class of animal has been 

 provided for in the 1906 scheme by the inclusion of Irish 

 draught and half-bred stallions. 



Cattle. — Grants are also made for encouraging improvement in 

 the breeds of cattle and pigs. The main objects of the cattle 

 scheme are to improve the dairy and store cattle in Ireland by 

 encouraging the breeding or introduction of pure-bred bulls of a 

 high degree of excellence, and by inducing associations of 

 farmers or persons of means to purchase high-class bulls for the 

 use of small farmers. Money is only granted for this purpose 

 in localities where aid is given either by the local authorities or 

 from other local sources, and the funds are administered by the 

 County Committees. 



Premiums are limited to bulls entered or qualified by pedigree 

 for entry in their respective herd-books and not above four years 

 old. Applicants for premiums are required to deposit £2 for 

 each bull, and to undertake to exhibit their animals at an ap- 

 proved show and to retain them in the district till September ist. 

 The amount of the premium for a high-class bull is £\ 5, or in 



