436 
THE NORTON FARMERS’ CLUB. 
numerating the breeder for the expense and risk of his rearing. 
After all, there is much that is arbitrary, and totally beyond all cal- 
culation, in the mysterious laws of procreation : enough, however, 
has been said on the principle of like producing like to induce us 
to select the best and most valuable parents, in order to secure as 
well as we can the most valuable offspring. It will not be neces- 
sary to classify the various breeds of horses, or to lay down distinct 
rules for the breeding of each, as the same rules will apply to all 
descriptions. The bold and animated countenance, and active step, 
the light heart and resolution to go through the labours required of 
him, — to use a dealer’s phrase, “ upstanding” carriage and sym- 
metrical proportion of form, are characteristics of a perfect horse of 
any description. I will, therefore, make a few general remarks on 
the kind of mare and horse to select, and then point out some 
minor particulars which, in my opinion, we should endeavour to 
secure in each kind of horse sought to be bred. 
It is a common error in people to breed from tall, long-legged 
mares (merely as such) in expectation of getting fine tall horses. 
The mare best calculated to breed fine stock being one that is short- 
legged, with a deep, roomy chest, carcass, and constitution, a power- 
ful vital and nutritive system, indicative of great powers of genera- 
tion and nutrition in the formation and rearing of the young. I must 
not be understood as preferring small mares, short, compact animals, 
without growth or capacity about them, but in contradistinction to 
tall, long-legged mares (which are very seldom well-proportioned 
in depth and roominess of carcass). I like a lengthy well-grown 
mare, on short legs, with good chest and carcass, and good constitu- 
tion, and capable of supporting and sustaining the drain upon it of 
suckling a hearty and a hungry progeny. I would never breed 
from a mare that does not shew what is called “ breed” in the class 
to which she belongs ; I mean a good animated head and counte- 
nance, density and firmness of muscle, sinew, and structure ; a good 
chest and shoulder, activity of motion, and well-turned loins and 
quarters. Some cart-horses will plough or harrow half as much 
more ground in a day as others, merely from the superiority of 
their action. Then look at the value of this property to their 
owner 1 Again, in travelling along the road, drawing manure, or 
the like, what saving is effected by horses being able to walk 
rapidly and cheerfully along, without being distressed by the pace. 
In hunters, hackneys, and carriage horses, action is an indispen- 
sable requisite, and without it either of these kinds of horses is 
comparatively worthless. 
I have mentioned generally the kind of mare to select, and 1 
will now refer more particularly to the peculiarities of form and 
action to be sought after in a brood mare. Hunters, hacks, and 
