858 [Assembly 



been a three-fourths blood English mare, of great speed and ex- 

 cellence. Others assert that the residue of her blood, or a still 

 greater infusion, ^vas of the Canadian or Norman stock. This 

 cross has doubtless communicated to the breed its eminent traits 

 of vigor and endurance. The Black Hawk is himself a scion of 

 the Morgan family. A fact illustrated by the whole progeny of 

 this stock,' seems to assert its pretensions to high blood. The de- 

 cisive stamp of the marked and peculiar characteristics of the 

 stock, uniformly exhibited by these horses, must denote a strong 

 and well defined blood, which thus impresses its qualities upon 

 an entire race ; and not the result of an accidental cross, producing 

 an individual of great excellence. A practiced eye seldom errs 

 in distinguishing an animal of this stock. The original Black 

 Hawk has a jet black glossy color, with a large flowing, wavy 

 mane and tall ; he is of good size, and larger than he appears, 

 from tlie symmetry and almost faultlessness of his proportions. 

 His action is free, graceful and vigorous. The qualities which 

 pervade and distinguish this stock, is extreme docility and great 

 intelligence, admirable symmetry, great vigor and endurance. 

 They are conspicuous for speed as trotters, and immense capacity 

 for the road. The perfect form, brilliant coat, bright and promi- 

 nent eye, a heavy and waving tail, endow these amimals with ex- 

 ceeding beauty. A glossy black is the predominant color of the 

 stock, although far from being exclusive. Almost faultless in 

 their ap{)earance and qualities, the strongest objection to this stock 

 is the want of that size and physical frame that is required in a 

 draught horse. Although the breeding of this stock has become 

 so general in the county, as to almost form a distinct department 

 of hu>bandry, the interest is undiminished, whilst the demand 

 for them increases yearly^ with ascending prices. Colts at four 

 months sell promptly from $50 to |100 ; yearlings, from $100 to 

 $1,000 ; older and choice stallions range in price from $1,500 to 

 $4,500. The rearing of these horses is made a highly remunera- 

 tive and prominent pursuit among the farmers of Essex county. 

 The following is an excellent portrait of Black Hawk, the pro- 

 genitor of the stock : 



