Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-12-20

of our soldier boys-at once.
HORSE FAMINE vERMON1"s OPPOR-
TUNITY.
We spoke the other day of the extent to
which the horse was figuring in the war
and of the opportunity afforded for the
revival of the Morgan horse industry
which so long made the Green Mountain
State famous throughout the equine world.
This opportunity is now emphasized by
the prediction by authorities on horse
breeding that there is certain to be fam
inc in good horses after the war ends as
one of the numerous conditions we must
face with the return of peace.
At the recent meetings of different
breeding associations in Chicago success
full and hard-headed specialists viewed
the steady drain of horse supplies in Brit
ain. France. Italy and Germany and the
expectations from Scandinavia due to the
war. together with the vast losses Of ami
mails on the western front and formed the
opinion that Europe will experience great
scarcity of horses after the war. They
further believed that any surplus in Amer
lea before the war was rapidly dwindling.
and that as America is now the chief
source of supply for all the allies the pros
pect ahead is one of scarcity. From many
shrewd breeders came the advice to save
all the youngsters and mares. to breed
every good mare during 1913. for after the
war America will be called upon to ex-
port horses in vast numbers for the re-
stocking of Europe. The end Of the war
would give to the horsebreeders of Amer
lea an opportunity such as might never
occur again.
One of the speakers said that while agri-
culture was rendering service Of the
ereatoSt patriotism In conserving the horse
IN tho United States and in breeding for
future needs. It was even more important
F.s.it row to anve every possible horse on
the battle front. This war called for
hsrHss and mules. An infantry regiment
required ono horse for every four men,
and avery horne that was killed must be
replaced by one from America. Veterin-
Any surgery and care for animals had
nsvsr In the history of world warfare
fsashed such Il high state Of efficiency as
In,
Der Of horses killed in France was as high
a. five thousand n day. the number of
sieit and wounded animals cured and re-
turned to service was one of the wonders
Of tho campaign.
Tho extent to which Vermont Morgans
are still figuring In breeding circles
throughout the United States is we'll illus
trated by tho case of Thomas w. Ames
Of Wyoming, who according to the Ben
ninsten Banner has Just come to his an
eeHtrai home In Putney to secure Morgan
siFez tn this State and some thoroughbreds
fram other parts Of the East. These ami
mails are 70 be shipped to Putney and
thence In the spring to Wyoming for the
production Of army horses. These sires
are to bs placed on the Ames and neigh
barring ranches In Wyoming.
Mr.. Amos IL sanguine that the quality Of
cavalry mounts thus bred will not be
surpassed by any record anywhere in the
United States.
"our country is ideal for the production
Of horseu." said Mr.. Ames, land we are
anxiour to do our part by furnishing the
government with the greatest possible
number Of army horses. AS starter we
can be depended upon for some 800 head,
and this amount can be increased yearly.
"Their life makes them ready for any
emergency. as they are reared in the open
and run the range from the time they are
foaied except during the weaving period.
whom they are taken from their mothers.
and fed on oats and alfalfa. and also dur
Ing portions In their yearling form, when
they got grain rations to stimulate their
full growth. We realize the Importance
of feeding and give the youngsters every
chance to get to grass in the spring Of
their three-year-old form at the highest
stage of development
"Our experience has taught U.S." con-
cluded Mr.. Ames. that the thoroughbred
II tho best horse for our purposes, though
the Morgan is a close second, and II Is
for this reason that ! am in the East,
nnd we need some additional sires. / have
boon promised assistance in securing half
q dozen thoroughbred horses Of the right