§ Average prices in pounds sterling, excluding animals sold to butcher, realised to date, namely, riders 63, light draught 69, heavy draught 96, pack horses 44, mules 52. Considered sufficient guarantee of good treatment by purchasers. Each animal sold with horse rug. Localauthorities only allow responsible persons to bid at sales. All animals sold are specially branded to enable British control. Local mayors have promised to hold frequent inspections. No cases of ill-treatment reported to date. Italian Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals assisting 1575 as number of animals sold is considerable, and their distribution covers wide area. Only perfectly fit animals, in good condition, sold; remainder, destroyed. High reserve price fixed to ensure good purchasers.