Management of Farm-Horscs. 
261 
which is never knowingly to breed from animals of vicious dis- 
positions. It is unfortunate enough for society that the vicious 
amongst mankind are enabled to perpetuate themselves : it were 
folly indeed in the highest degree to permit the vices of quad- 
rupeds to be added systematically to the catalogue of crimes. 
Biters, kickers, gibbers, and horses difficult to shoe, should be 
therefore carefully eschewed ; and so likewise should the possessors 
of the minor vices and other hereditary faults, such as crib-biters, 
roarers, hot-workers, &c. 
Although the breeding of cart-horses more frequently forms a 
part of the farmer's business than that of any other description 
of horse, it has not yet received that attention that its importance 
merits, or that in my opinion the necessities of agriculture will 
for the future obtain for it. Too frequently have the infirmities 
of the mare caused her to be selected for breeding, and too often 
has the size of the stallion been his only recommendation. It 
would be well if, instead of this, the following rule were observed, 
viz., never to breed from an old infirm animal, but to select for 
the purpose tlie younfjest and best mares on the farm. There is 
not even the excuse amongst farm-horses which exists amongst 
others for breeding from inferior mares, as the cart-brood mare 
will not require more than two months' rest, and that during a 
leisurable period of the year, thus being otherwise adequate to 
most of the ordinary requirements of the farm. 
The object, however, to be kept in view ought to be to en- 
deavour to breed the most valuable description of animal, and 
one that will afford the highest pecuniary return. Due regard 
must of course be paid to the nature and quality of the land ; for 
instance, it is vain to attempt, on ordinary or inferior land, to rear 
those leviathans which command such high prices from the 
London brewers. 
There is, however, a smaller description of horse that can be 
bred to advantage, being more suitable for agricultural purposes, 
and yet large enough to command a good price in the London 
market. Such an animal, averaging about 16 hands, short 
in the back, and round in the barrel, with well-proportioned 
limbs, is sure to command a good price, and to pay well for 
breeding. Such horses, however, can only be bred by devoting 
the best mares to the purpose, and keeping the colt well through 
the two first winters, so that his growth shall not be stunted and 
his symmetry destroyed. The breeding of farm-horses can be 
entered into with far less inconvenience than that of any other de- 
scription, inasmuch as there is far less necessity for taking the 
mare from her usual work for some time previous to foaling. A 
half-bred mare is incapable of pursuing very fast work for many 
months before foaling, whilst a cart-mare can continue her usual 
