Sept. 1895.] 



PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS. 



231 



Horse- Breeding. Fifth Report of the Royal Commission on 

 Horse Breeding. [C. — 7811.] Price l\d. 



The Commissioners appointed to dispose of the Royal Bounty, 

 which was formerly given in Queen's Plates for racing, and also 

 the money which Parliament has granted for the encouragement 

 of horse-breeding in Great Britain, state in this publication that 

 since presenting their last Report on the 9th of February 1893, 

 three shows have been held in London during the years 1898, 

 1894, and 1895, at which the Queen's premiums have been 

 awarded. The Show of 1893 was held in conjunction with the 

 Hunters' Improvement Society and the Hackney Horse Society. 

 The Shows of 1894 and 1895 were held in conjunction with the 

 Hunters' Improvement Society only, as it was found impossible, 

 owing to the large proportions which they had assumed, con- 

 sequent upon the increase in the number of entries, for the three 

 bodies to combine as heretofore. 



In view of the reduction in the value of the premiums offered 

 since the last Report was issued, from 200^. to 150Z., the number 

 cf stallions entered has been satisfactory, and suitable horses 

 out of those exhibited have been located in the various districts 

 in England, Wales, and Scotland. 



The Commissioners are satisfied with the per-centage of foals 

 left by the stallions, and call attention to the continued success 

 which attends the exhibition of the stock of the premium 

 stallions when competing with that of other horses at the 

 summer meetings of the different agricultural societies. 



They have given careful and sustained consideration to the 

 important subject of Veterinary Examination of the stallions 

 competing for the Queen's premiums. They report that the 

 new regulations which have recently been enforced have resulted 

 in greater consistency in the decisions, and that there is a steady 

 decrease in the number of horses pronounced unsound by the 

 veterinary experts. 



Numerous applications are recorded from breeders of horses 

 and agricultural societies throughout the country for the location 

 of a Queen's premium stallion in their district, and it is regretted 

 that the limited amount of money at the disposal of the 

 Commission is insufficient to meet the increased demands. 



Information referring to the work of the Commission since 

 February 1893 is appended to the Report. 



