Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-05-26
AGRICULTURAL.
A SHORT CHAPTER ON HORSES.


We are very glad to be able to record the
fact, that farmers are paying increased attention
to the improvement, of their horse stock The
stimulus Of Agricultural reading" and Of
fairs" have produced revolution in the minds
of many persons, in regard to what is the prop
er stock for farmers to breed
The wise breeder keeps control over the laws
Of reproduction, by iudicious selection of breed
ing aniu-r's md crosses with an intelligent nm
deT- aadiUg Of what The cross will produce, in
"outline,' and in anatomical and physiological
pecularities. He is poor machinist indeed,
who does aoI become familiar with the require
ments of an engine, an economical expenditure
of power in given direction, and pourer still,
who does not familiarize himself with the tone,
and elastic properties Of metals, that he may Sc
lect with reference 10 dissfmilar requirements
OF the several parts, and the combined power to
be exerIed by the whole. The machinist aims
10 produce the greatest possible power in the
smallest space, and with the least friction and
fuel, in all of which he is consistent.
The art of breeding, being Of equal, if not Of
greater importance, should be as carefully stud-
ed, and praciiced upon by the farmer There
are several prominent ends which should be
sought in the rearing Of horses, and where the
breeder succeeds in combining these. his reputa-
ton will be on par with that of the well in
formed machinist. An outline, pleasing to the
eye, fine quality Of muscle, bone and tendon,
large developement of muscles, these combin-
tons, giving the greatest power in the smallest
space. Speed and elasticity Of movement, en-.
ergy, intelligence and dociliiy, large lungs and
belly, with vigorous digestion, thus furnishing
the means Of engendering the greatest amount
of physical force, from given quantity of feed,
and long life, with continued health and en-
ergy.
These combinations are found but rarely, and
we assert, without fear of contradiction that the
course heretofore generally pursued in breeding,
has well nigh obliterated many of these leading
characteristics of the genuine horses.
We occasionally find an animal, in nearly
every neighborhood, possessing these qualities
in the largest degree, and although of advanced
age, they are always ready for their raions,
and are always relied upon with confidence, for
che pillow or the road. or these noble speci-
mems, of an almost byRone race, all are ready to
bear testimony that "Old Charleys' end of the
double tree, has never been known TO slacken.
nor he to limp, complain Of the collie, or refuse
feed while many scrub Aas sickened by
his side, or been turned out TO grass with spring
knees, spawn, ringbone, sweeney, windgalls,
and cholic, old Charley" has kept the even
tenor Of his way, has seen generations al badly
bred nags, come and go, from want of capacity
to digest hearty feed, OF TO endure the labor
Of the field and road.
Farmers should select these rare specimens.
and study their formation and peculiariles with
care, and practice upon the upon The lessons thu:
obtained
The very worst recommendation breeding
horse can possibly have. is that he possesse:
great hight. If the horse had been made like
the "Crane," for wading in search of food, OF
could be made useful to man for hunting ducks
or as fruit ladder, then tmighi be well to breed
few for these objects. But, iuasmuch as, fol
all the use TO which we put the animal, long
legs are serious disadvantage, rendering hin
liable to cripple up, at an early age, (who evel
saw ''leggy" horse, fiji for The road at ifieer
or iweniy,) and being invariably coupled will
ollier serious imperIecions, il is of the utnos
importance, that we steer clear of all animal.
for breeding purposes. both male aud female, tina
show too much daylight" Or if under tn,
apparent necessity of breeding from mare witt
this form, a sire should be selected of the op
posite extreme, and thus the defect "breed Off
in the progeny.
The proper horse for the farmer, land I
horse suitable for the farmers use, is just m
horse for all pu'Poses,) is one of enduring con
stituion, round in the body, and thick set, quicl
but not frey, good sized joints, but not large
boned, broad in the hips, deep in the quarter
strong 10 the lons, capcoua in the chest, how
upon the legs, and having good hoof. Sucl
horse will be hardy strong, and good travel
er. and always up 10 the collar and he feed-bor.
Let US ask the farmers, what proportion 18th,
horses that are kept through the country 70
breeders, are of this description.
The horse that we have described as "mod
ell" will always be found, il his geneaogy b.
traced back, TO have sprung fromhigh bred stock
He may moi be great for size, but trial Of CT
teen or twenty years, has proved to his owner
that he is possessed Of qualify, unknown to III
scrub. His muscle and joints, are firm and pow
erfol, and he moves with ease. load that stag
gers scrub with aabby mnscle, and loosely sc
joints, though he be Of greater size Ohio Far
paer.