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i FRENCH ENCOURAGEMENT OF RACING. Not being a gunner or artillery expert, I would not presume to express an opinion, or make a comparison between French and German armaments, but in the matter of cavalry I should be prepared to back France. She is the only countrv in Europe callable of supplying her own horses. Wheu in mi emergency we wanted army remounts, we had to scour the world, take any screws that were offered, and pay exorbitant prices for them. How much more sensible is the policy of France. Three-quarters of a million of money has been voted unnually to the Minister of War for army horses, on the understanding that the money shall all be spent in the country. The government buys the best of stallions thoroughbreds, half-breds, Arabs and draft horses and she now possesses 2,000 of them. French farmers can haye the use of these stallions for a nominal fee as low sometimes as eight shillings . and the government will purchase the produce if suitable for their purpose. All the farmer has to dc Is keep mares that are approved by the government Inspectors. Iu this way a great national Industry has Iw-eu created, and the country has been made independent of outsiders for its horse supply. This will explain why the French government takes such a sensible and practical interest in horso racing, for it is only by racing that the standard of tho thoroughbred can bo maintained. When an en-tire horse distinguishes himself on the turf especially In steeplechases, where he has to carry a heavy burden, and give evidence of strength, stamnU and aptitude, the state Imvs him for the national service. London Sporting Times.
