The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1888-06-28
CAmerican Agriculturist]
A Profitable Market for American
Horses.
BY A. B. ALLEN.

BY A. B. ALLEN.
During the past twelve years, En-
gland has imported from different
mostly in Europe, upwards
Of 100000 horses, valued at about
S5O,OOO,OOO. Many of these were
wanted for military purposes, and the
requisition for such is on the increase.
To ascertain if America could not fur
nish these at price lower than they
rule in England, the British Govern
ment sent deputation last year to
examine the horses in Canada and our
Western States. Eighty were select
ed, mostly in Canada, quite satisfacto-
ry for military purposes, and on arri-
val in England were found to cost,
with all expenses, less price than
they can be bought for there. In
consequence Of it, commissioners will
doubtless be annually sent over here
to make other and more numerous Sc
lections, affording our farmers an op-
portunity of disposing of a large
number of their horses at fair prices.
But in order to do this. more careful
attention must be given than usual,
in the selection Of both parents for
breeding purposes. These need not
be high-priced animals, but should be
sound, Of good figure, and fine, free
action. The height may vary from
fifteen to sixteen hands, and the
weight from 1000 to 1,2O0 pounds.
The former will answer for cavalry
and the latter for artillery, worth an
average Of 5000 each.
Carriage horses, also, are much in
demand, but to breed these requires a
superior selection Of parents over
those for military purpose. These
should be larger, SO that their proge-
ny may grow up to 16t hands high
or little more, and weigh about 1,3OC
pounds. They must be snowy in har-
ness and have good knee-action. Oul
finest formed and largest sized trot.
ting stations would be the best class
to use on stout, nicely-shaped mares
Well-matched pairs from such parents
would command, according to style
and goodness, say from 81 200 to So,
400, Or more in very choice instances
and be quick sale at these prices, fol
the demand for such in England ii
always greater than the supply. There
is another class Of horses required il
considerable number, which is almos
exclusive to England and Ireland
These are called hunters, because uset
by the noblemen and gentlemen ther,
for the fox-chase with hounds. TIL,
dams to breed this sort should be O.
the choicest of medium size in the pos
session Of farmers, while the stallion
must be stout, compact thourough'
bred. Their progeny will sell, accord
ing somewhat to fancy, from $1,0O(
to $4,000 each.
At the Horse Show for Hunters a
Newcastle-on-Tyne, held recently b.
the Royal Agricultural Society, fv'
prizes of e20O each (about $1,000 il
all), and gold medal were offered fo
stations suitable to get a hunting
progeny; the winners engaging tt
travel for service in parts of the coun
ties of Northumberland, Durham
Cumberland and Westmoreland. Ii
future years, every part Of the king
dom is to be visited in turn by tn,
Royal Agricultural Society for fur
thering the same object. This will b.
attended with a considerable benefi
to the farmers, as it will enable then
to raise very superior class Of horses
suitable not only for hunting, but fol
the gentleman saddle and the seryic,
of cavalry officers, who take grea
pride in possessing first-rate hors,
for their mount, and one that car
leap broad bitches, high fences, ane
go a fast pace when necessary in at.
tacks and retreats-all Of which viii
add greatly to the efficiency as we'll az
to the safety Of their riders.
Our State Agricultural Societies
ought to follow the example of the
English in giving increased amounts
added to present prizes to the stations
exhibited at their shows. And wher
this is done, make it rule that they
shall not only be Of good form, tenn
per and action, but all be found per-
fectly sound after a rigid examination
by one or more veterinary surgeons
In addition to this, the owners of the
stations should agree to let them
serve in certain counties of their
States, and these counties be changed
every year until the whole State has
been gone over.
The rate of interest on money in
the Eastern markets is the lowest ii