As regards form, the Arab cross is the surest. The sire being, if I may
so speak, _sui generis_, of a confirmed race, and possessing for ages
a like shape, his get always resemble him, no matter what may be the
race, color, shape, and derivation, of the dam. Only, in consequence of
the warmth and strength of his blood, the progeny is always larger and
heavier than the sire.
It is not so with the English horse. Made up, and not having the
same confirmed nature as the Arab, he has not the same sureness in
generating. Sometimes his get is large and sometimes small. His progeny
may be spare or may be stout. This comes from his ancestors being at
times of one height and at times of another, and often resembling
different types.
We have dwelt, perhaps, at too great length upon our preference for
the Arab cross; it now remains to put it in practice. The method to be
pursued in making this cross is simple.
Having an Arabian of pure race, the heaviest and finest bodied that can
be found, put him to the heaviest and strongest short-limbed mares.
Sell the male produce of this cross, unless it has been a perfect
success. Be less strict with the fillies, reject a smaller number, and
use the good for breeding. As much as their conformation will permit,
and in order to fix the Arab blood in a deeper and more indelible
manner, some choice specimens may be put either to their sire himself,
or to such of the half-brothers as should have proved themselves the
best. But beyond the first trial, consanguineous crossings should
never again be contracted, except under exceedingly rare circumstances,
or under great temptation. The dam of one of the most justly celebrated
horses of our times is the result of breeding a stallion to his dam.
From and after the second generation, colts and fillies, provided their
merit had rendered them worthy of being used as producers, might be
taken as types, and as a starting point of a solid and sure improvement
of the race of a country.
When, in consequence of age and numerous generations of his own get
growing up around him, the common sire might be exposed to alliances
with his grandchildren, it would become indispensable to transfer him
to a distant district by proceeding in the manner indicated above.
After such an infusion of warm blood many years might elapse without
the necessity of recurring again to Arabian stock. But if it should be
remarked that its distinctive characteristics commenced to disappear
from the breed, and the action became less free and light, it should be
again resorted to immediately, following the same method as before.
The light draft types at first obtained, might, according to the
districts in which they are raised, be transformed into the posting,
omnibus, and even heavy draft types. But all should be done with time
and without haste nor even _wishing_ to depart from a wise and prudent
moderation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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