As for the English alliances, these have not given as yet all the results promised; but from this nothing must be inferred against new trials. Too much blood had constantly been used, and consequently the end was missed by wishing to proceed too rapidly.
Little blood, at first, but blood well chosen, from the Norfolk race, blood patiently infused into Percheron veins, is the means of triumphing over old prejudices and opening to this country an extensive and successful future.
KATE.—MARE.
CHAPTER II.
TRADE.—GLANCE AT THE MOST CELEBRATED BREEDING PLACES.
The good horses are generally bought upon the farms, and among these the dealers are constantly roaming. The trade of the whole of France, and the numerous and intelligent amateurs from abroad, visit them carefully, beating the country and searching it in all its farthest corners. Still, notwithstanding the purchases there made, the fairs are not wanting in numerous and good animals. We will, like these strangers, run over the best breeding places.
As an equine country, “Perche, the land of good horses,” is divided into three very distinct districts.
That in which the colts are foaled—stocked exclusively with mares and fillies;
The district in which the male colts are weaned and raised;
And that in which they are brought to perfection—a privilege which it shares with Beauce and the Chartres country which it bounds.