THE HORSE. 
46 
THE CLYDESDALE BREED. 
These horses are disposed of in great numbers at the fairs of Glasgow, Rutherglen, and others in the district, and nume¬ 
rous dealers resort thither from different parts of the kingdom to procure them. They are carried largely to Lancashire 
and even to the southern counties of England. They are taken in considerable numbers to the north of Ireland, where they are 
used by carriers and others. They have spread over the whole Lowlands of Scotland from Caithness to the Solway Firth, and 
have been mixed in blood with all the other varieties. They are now reared in the eastern, as well as in the western counties, 
with more or less of intermixture with the pre-existing breeds. The figure in the plate represents a fine and powerful Horse 
of this mixed lineage, which retains the essential characteristics of the Clydesdale stock. 
The Clydesdale Horses, although inferior in weight and physical strength to the Black Horse, and in figure and showy action 
to the better class of the Draught Horses of Northumberland and Durham, yet possess properties which render them exceedingly 
valuable for all ordinary uses. On the roads the individuals perform tasks which can scarcely be surpassed, and in the fields they 
are found to be steady, docile, and safe. It is important not only to the district which produces them, but to all the others to 
which they are carried, that a due attention be given to a development of the useful properties distinctive of the breed. In Clydes¬ 
dale, some breeders apply themselves to the rearing of Stallions, and exhibit in their practice the skill and liberality which can be 
desired; but in the case of the mass of breeders in the district, no peculiar energy or skill is exhibited. They are often too easily 
contented with cheap and inferior mares, and not always sufficiently aware of the importance of employing stallions of the first class. 
