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STALLIONS FROM ABROAD Sweeper II. and Hire aux Larmes Eeach This Country Latter to Maryland Stud. The blood stock interest of the United States will be enriched through the importation of the fine stallions Sweeper II., by Broomstick Ravello II., by Sir Hugo, and Rire aux Larmes, by Rabelais Weeping Willow, by Le Sancy, which arrived in this country last week. Sweeper II. was recently leased by Joseph E. Widener of Philadelphia from Mrs. H. B. Duryea with option to purchase at a reported price of 5,000, while Rire aux Larmes was imported by Francis R. Hitchcock, who purchased him from his friend, X. Balli, of Haras St. Patrick ?n France. Sweeper II. left for Kentucky Friday, where lie will take the premier stallion role at the fine nursery Mr. Widener has established on a portion of the Haggin property, near Lexington. It was the intention of Mr. Hitchcock to send Rire aux Larmes to Kentucky also, the horse having been bought because of his being a perfect outcross for American mares; but Messrs. Morris and ACalden, of the Middleburg stud, looked the horse over in Jersey City and were so impressed with his blood line, quality and racing record that they bought a half interest in him. The son of Rabelais was shipped to Empire City by van and then to Maryland along with the horses that had been racing for his new owners at that point. He will be a decided acquisition to the breeding industry of Maryland. His blood should nick with the descendants of Domino Transvaal, a grandson of that horse that has had the private place for years at Middleburg, and his daughters should make ideal mates for Rire aux Larmes. Naturalist is a result of this blend, as he is a son of Rabelais Nature, a daughter of Correction, a sister of Domino. Sweeper II., is a typical Broomstick a golden chestnut in color. He looked magnificent on his arrival despite his long trip. He is a trifle low in the back, but is altogether a most captivating horse. He has great length of neck, a fine masculine head and a superb shoulder, while his feet and legs are of the best- His loin and quarters are heavily muaied, the latter being unusually deep. His temper is of the best and he ca-ne off the boat in show horse condition. Rire aux Larmes is also a fine tempered horse. He is low in flesh, however, ana his ribs showed plainly. He is a dark bay in color, standing about 15.3 hands, with an exquisite top line. Both hind legs are white half way to the hocks and one front leg to well above the pastern. A small blaze sets off his blood-like head to perfection. He will be a smasher when he has 150 pounds more flesh. For a horse that raced hard till five, his feet and legs are unusually fine a great requisite in the stock horse. His shoulder is beautifully placed. He appeared to be much at home and his intelligent eyes took in the strange sights while he was being walked about under inspection.
