1910.] Agricultural Exhibitions Abroad. 763 



yet been fixed in ail cases: — Poultry and Rabbits, May 4th to 7th; 

 Dogs (probably in the latter part of May) ; Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, and 

 Horses (in September). 



Exhibition of Hybrid Animals at the Odessa Exhibition. — Accord- 

 ing to a report by H.M. Acting Consul-General at Odessa, some ex- 

 ceptionally fine specimens of ordinary domestic and hybrid stock were 

 exhibited at the Odessa Exhibition of 19 10, by the owner of a large 

 estate in the Government of Taurida. These exhibits excited a great 

 deal of interest and curiosity, especially as this new departure may be 

 of importance to agriculture in the future. 



Four Zebridas, the result of cross-breeding between a zebra and a 

 mare, were shown, and are described as remarkable animals in many 

 respects, exceedingly handsome, having every appearance of great 

 strength, and possessing great resistance to fatigue. They are also 

 hardy and not difficult to feed. It is possible that similar experiments 

 might produce equally good results in some of the British Colonies, 

 where horses of ordinary breed are unable to stand the climatic con- 

 ditions, or at any rate to furnish a reasonable amount of work. 



A specimen of the wild horse also created a great deal of interest, 

 chiefly owing to its extreme rarity. The animal is about the size of 

 a small polo pony, and very thick-set, with a comparatively big head 

 and small ears. It is not stated if any experiments have been made 

 by crossing it with an ordinary brood mare, but the result would be 

 of considerable interest. 



Another hybrid exhibited was the Zubrida, a hybrid animal result- 

 ing from the crossing of a Russian Zubr, or bison, with the ordinary 

 domestic cow. The Zubrida . is a strong, powerful animal, eminently 

 suitable for traction purposes, and, unlike most hybrids, is able to 

 reproduce its species. The aim of the breeder in this case is said to 

 be to produce animals highly resistant to climatic influences. 



A similar experiment, with equally good results, has been made to 

 cross the American buffalo with the domestic cow. As the former 

 animal is yearly becoming more rare, it is hoped by this means to 

 save the species by instilling new blood. There would appear to be 

 no reason why such an attempt should not be successful, in the sense 

 of producing an animal possessing one-eighth or less of the blood of 

 ordinary domestic cattle, and in all essential points resembling the 

 pure buffalo. 



The horses, some of which were sent to the Exhibition from the 

 Government stud in the Kherson Government, showed the great and 

 increasing care which is now being bestowed on the breeding of 

 horses in South Russia. 



International Agricultural Congress, Madrid, 191 1. — The Board of 

 Agriculture and Fisheries are informed that the 9th International 

 Agricultural Congress will be held at Madrid from May 1st to 6th, 

 191 1, under the distinguished patronage of his Majesty the King ot 

 Spain. In accordance with the decision of the last Congress held at 

 Vienna in 1907 the Congress at Madrid will be divided into eight 

 sections, and the subjects to be discussed will include the organisation 

 of co-operation and agricultural credit, reafforestation, diseases of fruit 

 trees, animal nutrition, and the application of new manures. 



Societies or private persons can participate in the Congress, the 



