Many other studs well meriting notice could be dealt with did time and space permit, including that of a tenant farmer who named one of his best colts “Sign of Riches,” which must be regarded as an advertisement for the breed from a farmer’s point of view. Of past studs only one will be mentioned, that of the late Sir Walter Gilbey, the dispersal having taken place on January 13, 1915. The first Shire sale at Elsenham was held in 1885--thirty years ago--when the late Lord Wantage gave the highest price, 475 guineas, for Glow, by Spark, the average of £172 4_s._ 6_d._ being unbeaten till the Scawby sale of 1891 (which was £198 17_s._ 3_d._). Sir Walter has been mentioned as one of the founders of the Shire Horse Society; his services in aid of horse breeding were recognized by presenting him with his portrait in oils, the subscribers numbering 1250. The presentation was made by King Edward (then Prince of Wales) at the London Show of 1891. CHAPTER XVI THE FUTURE OUTLOOK This book is written when war, and all that pertains to it, is the absorbing topic. In fact, no other will be listened to. What is the good of talking about such a peaceful occupation as that of agriculture while the nation is fighting for its very existence? To a certain extent this can be understood, but stock breeding, and more particularly horse breeding, cannot be suspended for two or three seasons and then resumed without causing a gap in the supply of horses coming along for future use. The cry of the army authorities is for “more and more men,” together with a demand for a constant supply of horses of many types, including the weight-moving War Horse, and if the supply is used up, with no provision being made for a quantity of four-footed recruits to haul the guns or baggage waggons in the days to come, the British Army, and most others, will be faced with a problem not easily solved. The motor-mad mechanic may think that his chance has come, but generals who have to lead an army over water-logged plains, or snow-covered mountains, will demand horses, hitherto--and henceforth--indispensable for mounting soldiers on, rushing their guns quickly into position, or drawing their food supplies and munitions of war after them. When the mechanic has provided horseless vehicles to do all this, horse breeding can be ignored by fighting men--not before. But horses, particularly draft horses, are needed for commercial use. So far, coal merchants are horse users, while brewers, millers, and other lorry users have not altogether discarded the horse-drawn vehicle. For taking loads to and from the landing stage at Liverpool heavy horses will be in great demand after the war--perhaps greater than they have ever been. The railways will continue to exist, and, while they do, powerful Shire geldings must be employed; no other can put the necessary weight into the collar for shunting loaded trucks.