Report on the Studs and Breeds of Horses in Hungary. 451 
the Hungarian horse, as we see him here, is essentially a harness 
horse, and unfitted, from his conformation, for the saddle. In 
fact, he is used almost exclusively for draught, and ridden only 
when he has to carry the hussar or dragoon for military pur- 
poses. He has a great reputation for endurance, and will travel 
long distances. 
I was informed that the only time oats are given is during 
the first winter after the foal is weaned, and during work ; at 
other times he is exclusively grass-fed. But then the pasturage 
about Debrecsen is the best I have seen in Hungary, very different 
to the pasturage at Mezohegyes. 
The pure Hungarian is branded on the near quarter thus : D\^. 
Stallion Depots. 
The number of State stallions employed throughout the 
country is from 1750 to 1800. These, as before mentioned, are 
bred in the Government haras, with the exception of some 
40 or 50 purchased from outside. It is the object, I believe, in 
time to gradually reduce the number, as the breed of the country 
improves and becomes established ; but this, I fear, will be at a 
very distant date, as I shall have occasion to refer again. 
The expense of keeping up these large establishments is 
enormous, I believe over a quarter of a million sterling annually. 
The price charged for the service of the horses is very small, 
ranging from 15 to 30 francs per mare. 
Some of the stallions are let out for the season to the pro- 
prietors of private studs — generally some wealthy nobleman, or 
gentlemen of property and position — for which sums varying 
from 400 to 12,000 francs are paid. In this way some 80 to 
100 stallions are let out. In no case is the number of mares to 
exceed 40 during the season. The stallions are only employed 
during four months in the year, viz. from March to July. During 
this period there are about 600 stallion-stations throughout the 
country. The stallions do not travel the country, as with us, 
but stand at certain well-known centres. From 2 to 8 stallions 
stand at each station. Each horse serves, on an average 
30 to 35 mares a season. In some years as many as 60,000 mares 
are covered by the Government horses. This will give some idea 
how much the breed of the country must be influenced by them. 
At other times the stallions lead a life of idleness, simply exercise, 
at the principal depots, of which there are five, as follows : — 
1. Szekesfehervar. 
2. Nagy-Koriis. 
3. Debrecsen. 
4. Szepsi-Szent Gyorgy. 
5. Varasd. 2 G 2 
