IMPROVING THE BREEDS OF HORSES. 99 
In France, on the contrary, there has been a notion abroad 
that through the blood of speed and conformation all our breeds 
of horses were susceptible of regeneration, even up to the har- 
ness-horse. What has been the consequence of this 1 
The study of the most elementary principles for the improve- 
ment of animals teaches us that, to improve the breed of a coun- 
try, to render it superior to its originality, it becomes requisite 
to cross it with other breeds which possess at least some ana- 
logy Of structure with it, providing that be of a superior order. 
Another consideration is, the mode of rearing of the two breeds, 
and it is one which is of the greatest importance to consult : in 
this respect, animals bear the greatest resemblance to vegetables. 
In one as in the other kingdom, a subject reared upon rich soil, 
with every care and attention, will thrive altogether as badly if 
suddenly transplanted to opposite nutriture and treatment. To 
be able to reckon on success, it is absolutely necessary that there 
exist some approach, if not analogy, in the main circumstances 
of the cases. There is no practical breeder, no man of observa- 
tion, who does not agree in opinion with us on this point. 
These, then, are the leading considerations to be regarded as 
forming the fundamental basis upon which the success of cross- 
ing depends. If one desired to effect an entire change in any 
breed, to give to it a form different from that which was charac- 
teristic of it, it would be a very unwise proceeding to set about 
crossing it with individuals very distinct from itself in charac- 
ter. This would produce mongrels without any distinctive 
character, without useful designation. In conformation they 
would consist of a spurious mixture of defects and points, 
and, as horses, they would be valueless. Their structure 
would prove ill proportioned and ill functioned ; they would not 
repay the cost of their rearing and the interest of the money 
expended on them ; and therefore would turn out profitless. 
In nature, transformations are ever slow in bringing about. 
If we would evoke them, we must act with discretion, and ad- 
vance a step at a time by judicious combination and wise pre- 
caution. If we attempt to force them, and especially under cir- 
cumstances little favourable to their development, it is possible 
that, instead of promoting them, we may destroy them. 
This is just what has come to pass in France. Let us now 
inquire how it might have turned out otherwise. 
To proceed methodically in this inquiry, we shall first describe 
what ought to be the nature of the thorough-bred horse (cheval 
de vitesse); in what manner he is reared and managed; what the 
sole end of his production is. Afterwards, we will inquire in 
what capacities he is employed in France, and then see if he be 
anywise calculated to regenerate our useful kinds of horses, and 
especially such as are required for the army. 
