Nipher — Predetermination of Speed of Trotting Horse. 



71 



record as published at that time, and covering the four years 

 1889 to 1892 inclusive. Estimating t in years from 1889, 

 the equation for her performance was found to be 



— C.693< 



.s= 124.5 + 20.06 



The constants in this equation were computed from the 

 observed and published values reproduced in columns one, 

 two and three of the following table. Column four shows 

 the corresponding values of s computed from the last 

 equation. The agreement between observed and computed 

 values could not be more precise. 



NANCY HANKS. STANDARD TRACK RECORDS. 



The computed speeds for the years 1893 and 1894 are also 

 given, and the limiting speed which this horse would make 

 after an infinite time (if she could have continued to train 

 indefinitely) is also given at the bottom of column four. It 

 will be seen that this horse must have reached within one 

 second of her own possible speed during 1893. In about four 

 years the speed of this horse changed 19 seconds and came 

 within one second of the final speed possible, even if this 

 horse had been immortal and could have continued the pro- 

 cess forever.* 



* In September, 1892, this horse trotted a mile in 2:04, but this record 

 was made with the newly adopted 28-inch wheel, with pneumatic tire and 

 ball bearings. It is thought that this diminishes the time by about three 

 seconds. I also find on examination that the record 2:07.25 in the table 

 above was made with the same running gear. This makes the record for 

 that year of less weight, in discussing the records of this particular horse. 



