REPLIES TO A SERIES OF QUESTIONS ON BREEDING. 5 
Mr. Gibbon says that it is considered desirable to allow 
only two hours between the first and second act of copula- 
tion ; but a longer time must elapse between the second and 
the third act, and that horses are very rarely allowed to 
serve more than three mares in the day if it is wished to 
ensure good stock. It would be well if this course were 
universally adopted. 
It appears from the answers we have received, that the 
profession generally has but little knowledge on the subject 
of impotency in stallions. Statistics bearing on this subject, 
if there are any, would be gladly received by us. 
THE MARE. 
Our correspondents give us very little information as to 
the cause of sterility in mares. From the observation of 
Mr. Chamberlain, we infer that he inclines to the opinion 
that an accumulation of fat in the system is unfavorable to 
their being impregnated, for he says : “ The most likely 
means to ensure the mares being stinted are, attention to 
the condition of the animal, placing her as much as possible 
in a state of nature, and the removal of all stimulating food.” 
On the same subject Mr. Stanley says, “ Change of diet, and 
cooling medicine given previous to the animal being stinted 
are beneficial.” 
The observations of these gentlemen agree with our opinion, 
namely, that fat in excess induces sterility in mares ; indeed 
we believe it to be a very frequent cause of barrenness, still 
w e should be glad to be furnished with some practical infor- 
mation on this subject. And also at what period during the 
time the mare is at oestrum ought she to have sexual inter- 
course to ensure her being impregnated? Would it be 
better to put her to the horse as soon as it is discovered that 
she has a desire for him, or just as it is passing off, or during 
the middle of that period ? Or are there any particular 
signs familiar to breeders which point out the proper time 
for coition, so as to ensure the mare being stinted ? 
In answer to the tenth question, Mr. Chamberlain says, 
“ 1 believe it is a common law in nature of unlike breeds 
to be more productive. It is so with the common-bred bull 
as compared with the high-bred animal. Besides which such a 
bull is in a much more natural condition for coition, from 
his not having been exposed to the same artificial mode of 
living, &c.” Many instances are mentioned where some 
peculiarity has been transmitted to the better-bred descen- 
dants. I have no doubt but this will occasionally be seen. 
