254 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



that it takes four men to get him into the shafts, and a stout 

 and skilful driver to steer, not to speak of holding him, gives 

 indisputable evidence of good treatment. He has enjoyed a 

 bed of sweet straw in a quiet, well-ventilated, capacious stable; 

 he has been cleaned morning and evening till not a particle 

 of dust or a loose hair could be found upon him, and suitably 

 clothed according to the season ; he has had regular and 

 abundant exercise at proper hours, and has had food and drink 

 given him, of the best quality, of suitable variety, at the right 

 time, and in the right quantity, and therefore he is alive all 

 over and all day. 



Let no man advocate any of the terrible evils which seem 

 inseparable from the race-course, nor say one word in favor 

 of horse-racing gamblers ; neither let any one voluntarily 

 remain in ignorance respecting the horse, because they are 

 wise, nor reject valuable knowledge, though derived from 

 their experience, relating to the improvement and the proper 

 treatment of this, the noblest and the most useful of the animal 

 creation. 



It is quite unnecessary here to repeat the praises of the 

 horse, or to show how indispensable his services have been 

 to man in all ages of the world, and in all the circumstances 

 both of peace and war. That man is greatly to be pitied, 

 who can honestly say, "I care nothing for a horse;" who 

 has no appreciation of the almost human intelligence, the 

 unflinching spirit, the majestic beauty, and the marvellous 

 power and fleetness of a superb horse. Still such may find 

 an apology in the fact, that perhaps they never had any 

 acquaintance with a really fine, intelligent, capable animal. 

 It is indeed impossible for many to become the owners of such, 

 even at any price, since the demand is tenfold greater than the 

 supply. 



The great want of the whole country is better horses at 

 a more reasonable rate. A really good roadster, capable of 

 making ten miles an hour under favorable circumstances, 

 young, sound, well-trained, and withal somewhat stylish, is 

 very difficult to find, and generally when found, not for sale. 

 Now there is nothing to prevent the production of such horses 

 to any required extent, but it cannot be done without a 

 corresponding expenditure of labor and money. Intelligent 



