The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-10-01
CROSSING WITH THoRoUeHBREDs.

We will now pass to the point, subject
of extreme Importance to the horsebreeders
of our country, and see what are the probabili-
ties of cross between the thoroughbred and
mares of the larger class like the Percheron,
producing perfect work horse for the gener-
al uses of the road or farm. Observation
with all varieties of animals has established
the fact that the more violent the cross the
greater is the variation in the offspring-in
other words, the greater is the uncertainty of
producing the animal we desire; for while
some will be medium between the parents,
others will greatly resemble either the father
or mother, while still others, and often the
larger portion, will in part be a fac smile of
the sire and in another of the dame. All of
the animals except those occupying the medi-
UNI position are badly proportional, defective
in some part, and of little value for any pur-
pose. Unfortunately the result of crossing
the thoroughbred on breeds like the Perche-
on, has generally been to produce animals of
this kind: but shall not ask the reader to
depend entirely upon my own opinion. The
cross has been often tried in France, not on
ly on the Percheron, but on allied breeds, and
the opinions of zootechnists there are based
on abundant experience. Let US see what
the authors already quoted have to say on
this point.
''The somewhat heterogeneous elements
LAab dlC iuduO W uultO lOI tuC lOImdIlOA Vi
half-blood breeds often meet unforeseen and
considerable resistance in the local influence.
The point sought is then only found with
time, the result persued is much delayed, the
object proposed attained with much diff
ficulty. Many forsake it and stop halfway,
exhausted and discouraged.
besides, the creation of a halfblood breed
is a laborious and complex work; the work of
single individual is not sufficient; the great
number is necessary, because OF the time that
it requires and the sacrifices that it imposes.
The first generations are not nameable-they
are mongrels, more or less misshapened, dis
proportioned and giving little encourage
ment." (Gayot in Bouley & ReynaPs Dict,
Art. Cheudt, p. 596-6). And these are the
words, be it remembered, of the great
champion of tbs happy influence of the thor
oughbred cross, and applied to cases where
the cross is not contradicted.
"The second rule" he says, els judicious
choice of the breed from which the mothers
are drawn, as well as of the individuals of
this breed to be bred from; errors are disas-
trous, almost irreparable. 1t is desirable, let
us repeat it, the question of blood aside, that
the two breeds be to certain extent, of
similar size, aptitudes and combinations.
As the Percheron is the antipode of the Ara
bian, according to the same author, we can
Judge of the desirablity of the cross from the
facts when nave come unQer MS observation !;
and as he directed most of these crosses him.
self, in his official capacity, very few have
had better opportunities tor information.
M. Magne says: "The breeder must alb
stain from crossing, or cross only with pre-
caution, two breeds which differ in size;
otherwise he may obtain badly proportioned
mongres. This has often happened in cross
ing common breeds with the Arab or Eng
lish thoroughbred stallion. Colts OF no value
have thus been produced, having the fine
legs OF the sire and the heavy body of the
dam. The opinion of some that the Arab
produces larger than hlmself-that he brings
good products, even with the large draugh,
mares, is contrary to observation"
Finally, Samson says of the cross between
the thoroughbred and Breton Ia breed closely
resembling the Percheron): They are mel
with often in the streets OF Paris, and may bt
recognized by the anterior half resembling