AN IMPORTED CLYDESDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 29 January 1902, Page 17

AN IMPORTED CLYDESDALE.

MR JOHN BOAG'S ROYAL FAME.

(Canterbury Times.)

The Clydesdale stallion Royal Farac imported by Mr John Boag, the well-known breeder of draught hor-es, has now settled down at his owner's farm, Middle Rigg, Brookside, where he has had many admiring visitors. "When Mr Boag went Home, some twelve months ago, it was with the determination to obtain a Clydesdale stallion for his famous stud as near hi« ideal in conformation, bleeding and other points aa coukl be bought in the United Kingdom, and the result is the presence in New Zraland of one of the most famous and \alu-a-ble animals ever permitted to leave Great Britain. Tue horse is Royal Fame (No. 10,272), a brief notice of whom was published in this journal on his arrival by the Tongariro a few weeks ago. At that time, it was Mr Boag's intention to rechristen the horse Prinre of Wales, owing to the close blood relationship of this horse to his> illustrious ancester of that name. There being, however, already a horse of that name in the New Zealand Draught Stud Book, together with the fact that it would, perhaps, rause a little confusion in the British Stud Book, Mr Boag has decided not to alter the name.

In appearance, Hoyal Fame is, by reason of his perfect symmetry, a most deceptive horse. A glance at him while in action •hows him to be a compact and active horse, apparently about 16 hands. On getting alongside, however, he towers up, and it is then his enormous size is brought home. He stands 17.3 high. He does not give the slightest suspicion of being "leggy." but, on the contrary, is a short-limbed, flat-boned and well set animal throughout. In colour he is a dark rich brown, having a full white face and four white "stockings." Although being British-bred and, in consequence, baying" now his winter coat, his skin is like satin, and while his " feather " will be seen to grsfttef adwitatt in. » f«w months, tht

quantity and quality alike of his hair leave little to be ctCfired. He has a perfectly docile temper, and carries himself like a veritable equine "Beau Brnmmel," pnd, altogether, is a model of which the " Squire of Middle Rigg " is pardonably proud. As giving some idea of the respect hs is held in on his native heather, the following, clipped from the North British Agriculturist, Oct. 2, 1901, speaks for itself:— "We learn that Mr R. W. Trotter, South Acomb, has sold to Mr John Boag, of Brookside, Canterbury. New Zealand, the Clydesdale stallion Royal" Fame (10,272). This hor^e was bred by Mr G. Bean, West Ballochy, Montrose, and was got by Mount Royal (8065) out of the great prize mare Sunflower, by Prince of Wales (673), who.="c dam was by Glenlee (363), and grand-dam by Drumore Farmer (284). Royal Eame is thus nearly full brother to Royal Gartly. He is probably about the biggest Clyde=dale stallion living, as he stands o\er 17 3 high, and weighed, when shipped at the end of a heavy season, 19jscwt. While immensely massive in substance, he is handsome in appearance, proportionate in build, and symmetrical in conformation. He was passed 'absolutely sound,' and is, for his size, a very active horse. He has ample bone, long flowing feather, and the best of feet. He won the £75 premium at the Isle of Man Spring Show in 1899, and again at the same show this year, and was the premium horse at the Ea=t Northumberland Show last year. He has left splendid «tock, some of his yearlings in the Isle of Man making high prices. Mr Boag inspected most of the best Clydesdale studs in the country before purchasing Royal Fame, and he is to be congratulated on having secured such a valuab!e horse." In connection with the purchase and shipment of this horse, Mr Boag had some amusiug experiences. While the horse wa« being led in the Royal Albert Docks, prior to his embarkation on the Tongariro, a policeman accosted Mi Boag with, " Good day, sir! Is this your horse?" On being assured that such was the case, he waxed enthusiastic, and as a climax to his " song of praise,"' told Mr Boag that "if he had it he'd give him £100 for the beauty." When it is known that the horse has cost Mr Boag a "mm well up into four figures, the humour of the incident is apparent.

What left the most kindly recollections in Mr Boag's. mind, however, was the untiring and ever-willing assistance he received from all with whom he came in contact— railway officials, shipping officials, Customs officials and" Government veterinary officials, all seeming to vie with each other in making his task a pleasunt one. All interested in draught hor=e breeding will wish Mr Boag an abundant return for his enterprise.