ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FARM HORSES. 
Ill 
mankind are enabled to perpetuate themselves : it were folly, 
indeed, in the highest degree, to permit the vices of quadrupeds 
to be added systematically to the catalogue of crimes. Biters, 
kickers, gibbers, and horses difficult to shoe, should be therefore 
carefully eschewed ; and so likewise should the possessors of the 
minor vices and other hereditary faults, such as crib-biters, roarers, 
hot workers, &c. 
Although the breeding of cart-horses more frequently forms a 
part of the farmer’s business than that of any other description of 
horse, it has not yet received that attention that its importance 
merits, or that, in my opinion, the necessities of agriculture will for 
the future obtain for it. Too frequently have the infirmities of 
the mare caused her to be selected for breeding, and too often has 
the size of the stallion been his only recommendation. It would 
be well if, instead of this, the following rule were observed, viz. 
never to breed from an old infirm animal , but to select for the 
purpose the youngest and best mares on the farm. There is not 
even the excuse amongst farm-horses which exists amongst others 
for breeding from inferior mares, as the cart-brood mare will not 
require more than two months’ rest, and that during a leisurable 
period of the year, thus being otherwise adequate to most of the 
ordinary requirements of the farm. 
The object, however, to be kept in view ought to be to en- 
deavour to breed the most valuable description of animal, and one 
that will afford the highest pecuniary return. Due regard must, of 
course, be paid to the nature and quality of the land ; for instance, 
it is vain to attempt, on ordinary or inferior land, to rear those 
leviathans which command such high prices from the London 
brewers. 
There is, however, a smaller description of horse that can be 
bred to advantage, being more suitable for agricultural purposes, 
and yet large enough to command a good price in the London 
market. Such an animal, averaging about sixteen hands, short in 
the back, and round in the barrel, with well-proportioned limbs, is 
sure to command a good price, and to pay well for breeding. Such 
horses, however, can only be bred by devoting the best mares to 
the purpose, and keeping the colt well through the two first 
winters, so that his growth shall not be stunted and his symmetry 
destroyed. The breeding of farm horses can be entered into with 
far less inconvenience than that of any other description, inasmuch 
as there is far less necessity for taking the mare from her usual 
work for some time previous to foaling. A half-bred mare is 
incapable of pursuing very fast work for many months before 
foaling, whilst a cart-mare can continue her usual labour till within 
& very few weeks of this period. This being the case, there can 
