THE FARM.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 130, 10 January 1916, Page 4

THE FARM.

In view of vocent criticism of the Clydesdale, considerable interest should now be manifested in a lecture on u The Clydesdale Horse," delivered by Professor John K. M'Call. The professor said although it was commonly believed that Lanarkshire was the home of the Clydesdale, there was evidence to show that at the time referred to <{uite a number of good animals were to bo found in Renfrewshire and other counties. With the foundation of the Stud Book iu 1877 the improvement in the Clydesdale was moro manifest than it had been jmor to the inauguration of the book. Ihoso responsible for the book had considerable difficulty in deciding what animals were to be admitted. They allowed in two horses, Prince of Wales and Darnley, which were the real fouudation of the present breed. Both Darnley and Prince of Wales were of Shire descent. Coming to the characteristics of the breed, be

said Ike chief essentialities of the Clydesdale were the possession of extraordinary quality, with weight, substance, gaiety of action, quality of by ne, and nice si iky hair, sloping pasterns, and large souud loot. The height of males was usually about 17 hands, and of females up to ldh L'in. Today the Clydesdale was really divided into two types, one of which was the show type, such us was to bo seen at Scot stow u and other shows. Animals of tkat type showed superb quality, extraordinary finish and good action, but, if one might be hypercritical, a little lacking iu middle and substance. Ihey had not to consi ler the height of an animal ouly. A Clydesdale might be 17 hands high, but, looking at him "end on," there might not be very much of kirn. Owing to the great extent to which iu-breed-.ug was carried on, quality was being roduced at the oxptuso of substance.

Breeders had to face that question, j the results of which were apparent ! in the show ring. Clydesdale breed- j era had always to keep the market in view. There was always a de- | raand for heavy horses. They had that market at home and abroad. The colonies wanted horses of size and weight, and if farmers would choose to breed with that object in view there would be fewer "misfits" i and disappointments. It had often been suggested of late that the only remedy for the so-called deficiency in size was to adopt the principle of allowing in Shire blood again. That, however, was out of the question The Clydesdale Stud Book was recognised all over the world, and it would never do to open up the book and admit Shire blood again. Those who wanted increased size should use the Shire, but let it be done without the Stud Book.