20 T H E P E R C H E 
RON REVIEW 
Type is the aggregate of the characteristics of 
the breed. The conclusion is that a representative 
should be so moulded physically and mentally for 
a distinctive purpose. Breeds are produced for 
definite uses and typical specimens should clearly 
indicate their adaptability. Variations from a uni- 
form standard account for the difficulty in match- 
ing for harness use. Two Percherons may have 
the same color and approximately the same size 
and yet not constitute a matched pair for the 
reason that one may have been bred mainly for 
size, the other for action, but having received bet- 
ter feed and care matured at about the same 
weight. If all Percheron breeders should breed for 
about the same size and quality, and the distinc- 
tive action so closely combined with quality, and 
then supply feed and care with generous and dis- 
criminating hands, the lines of type would gradu- 
Carnot 66666 (66666) 
ally converge toward one point. This is what they 
are doing in the Percheron breed. 
I do not understand why a beginner should 
hope for satisfactory results if he selects his mares 
of different types, even though he may secure 
ever so prepotent a stallion with which to mate 
them. Beginners with Percherons are numerous. 
Some have bought before they thought. When 
their products are presented in the show-ring they 
usually learn their mistake, but it mars the general 
educational value of the show. At some exhibitions 
I have wondered what idea the prospective breeder 
gained of Percheron type. If he takes a composite 
view of the whole display he may go wrong; if he 
confines his study to the prizewinners at our larger 
shows his vision will be clarified. The main charac- 
teristics of the popular Percheron pattern predom- 
inate among the prizewinners, even though some 
variations of detail are bound to occur. 
Dragon 52155 (63516) 
The Percheron Pattern 
"Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap," 
and as one selects his females and sires and properly 
attends to their development so shall the harvest be. 
Imbedded in heredity lies the breeding problem. By 
matmg animals of like characteristics we produce 
animals also like them in those same characteristics. 
Of course, the certainty with which a definite pattern 
is reproduced is increased if numerous preceding 
generations experienced the same careful selection 
toward the same standard. If these principles were 
not true the production of a certain character or type 
would become a result of chance. When two ani- 
mals are mated we expect the resultant offspring 
to resemble one or both of the parents or some 
ancestor. Discrimmating and persistent selection 
enables us to eliminate most of the chances for 
the offspring to resemble any but the one ideal type 
which we desire. 
The ideal must be kept clearly in mind, and it must 
be the one which the best knowledge of the times 
indicates is correct. This ideal type is the pattern 
by which we must work. As a builder works to 
conform to a plan so must a constructive breeder 
breed to the type. A building erected partly of one 
style of architecture and the balance of one or more 
other styles results in an inconsistent joining of 
factions. It is the same with a breed. 
To produce a certain type of animal it is impor- 
tant that the sire and dam should be of as nearly 
the same material m character and construction as 
is possible. We should also prefer that they and 
their ancestors be as nearly alike as may be in color. 
In that way we gain for the breed distinctiveness of 
pattern throughout. Then the animals all look 
much alike. Each animal carries the impress of 
its breed so indelibly expressed that he who runs may 
read. No one then ever asks the question, so humil- 
iating to answer, "What breed does he represent.?" 
