453 



Horse-breeding in Austria-Hungary. 



also augmented by purchase from private breeders, either in 

 the country or abroad. There are also foal farms in 

 Xadworna, where fillies purchased by the State are reared 

 for eventual distribution to the peasants in the poorer parts 

 of Galicia Tree of charge) on condition that they should be 

 used for breeding purposes. 



In addition to the above organisation for the supply of 

 stallions at a very low fee, the estimates included an item of 

 ^"12,300 for prizes at race-meetings, at horse-shows, and to 

 breeders ; for subventions to owners of licensed stallions, and 

 to private owners for rearing foals with a view to breeding. 

 Every recipient of a State prize has to keep the animal in 

 question for another year. 



Among other encouragements may be mentioned the sale 

 of mares at a price far below their actual value, in the 

 poorer districts, on condition that they are used for breeding. 

 It is possible also to obtain State stallions on hire for use in 

 a private stud under very favourable conditions. A further 

 advantage is the ready market offered to private owners by 

 the frequent purchase by Government of animals suitable for 

 the State studs, and for cavalry and artillery remounts. 



The number of stallions owned by the State, when the 

 report was written, was 2,138, of which 1,763 were in 522 

 covering stations, 276 in private hands, and 99 on hire. As 

 regards the breeds, 94 were English thoroughbreds, 766 

 English half-breds, 20S Norfolk, 339 Arab half-breds, and 5 15 

 cart-horses, the remainder being made up of Arab thorough- 

 breds, Lippizaner, Kladruber, and Normans. Most of these 

 animals are bred in the country. 



Private owners are encouraged to keep stallions to cover 

 their mares and also those of others, as by this means it is 

 hoped that horse-breeding may be gradually emancipated 

 from State assistance. All stallions used for covering mares, 

 other than those belonging to the proprietor of the stallion, 

 must have a license (gratis), even if no covering fee be 

 charged. This license is only granted after a veterinary 

 examination, the cost of which is borne by the State ; and 

 the use of an unlicensed stallion except for the owner's own 

 mares) is a punishable offence. In some provinces the 



