THE HORSES OF THE PRUSSIAN ARMY. 91 1 
scientific value—an annual report of this description would, 
from a professional point of view, beyond doubt suggest 
retrenchments quite compatible with an increased efficiency of 
those invaluable but costly elements of our army, its mounted 
branches. 
Returning to the subject of Prussian Army Horses, we find 
some particulars respecting the costs of remounts, which are 
at variance with the idea popularly entertained amongst us 
that the German army is horsed at a far less cost than our 
own. Of the relative quality of the horses in the two armies 
we offer no opinion. 
The precise cost of remounts during the twenty-five year 
period 1845-69, varied much in different years and in dif¬ 
ferent districts. The average was lowest in 1847, when it 
was about £15, and highest in 1869, when it was about £25 
per horse. 
In the latter year, the average prices given for different 
descriptions of remounts were as follows : For the Cuirassiers 
£27 (178 thalers) ; for the Uhlans, £23 (152 thalers); for 
the Dragoons and Hussars, £20 (152 thalers) ; for the Artil¬ 
lery, £21 (143 thalers). 
But, as the remounts are kept for a twelvemonth before 
they are placed in the ranks, we must add to the above prices 
the cost of their keep at the Remount-Depot during that 
period. This sum appears to have varied greatly during 
different years and at different depots. The average of all 
the Remount-Depots for the year 1860 shows the cost of 
keep, including share of working expenses of depot, to 
amount to 56 thalers, lls.gr., or about eight guineas per 
horse for twelve months. Adding this sum to the prime cost 
we have the following as the actual value of the remounts 
in the several branches of the service, when placed in the 
ranks, viz. Cuirassiers, £35; Uhlans, £31; Hussars, £28; 
Artillery, £29 ; mean average of whole army, £31 per 
horse. 
Assuming, for the sake of comparison, that the market 
prices of the animals are the same in Germany and England, 
if, for the exceptionally small charge of eight guineas for 
twelve months’ keep, we substitute £28, which, we suppose, 
may be taken to represent the average charge for the same in 
our service, we get as the approximate English value of the 
Prussian remounts during the year 1869 £55 apiece for 
those of the Cuirassier regiments, and fifty guineas apiece 
for those of the army taken all round.* Unsuitable horses, 
the Germans know right well, are dear at any price. 
* Though the Prussian horse may appear to be so expensive by the time 
XLV. 61 
