442 



BRITISH AND IRISH HORSES. 



The Suffolk Horse (Figs. 453 and 454), which 

 was formerly called the Suffolk Punch, is our most typical 

 agricultural horse, and is a distinctive chestnut breed 

 that has been in existence for the last two hundred years, 

 if not longer. Unhke the Shire and Clydesdale, he carries 

 httle or no superfluous hair on his legs. Respecting his 



Photo hy] [C- HEID, WISHAW. 



Fig. 459. — Sir Walter Gilbey's Hackney Stallion, Danegelt. 



merits, I cannot do better than give the following quo- 

 tations : — 



" Of the three great breeds of heavy-weight horses, 

 the Suffolk is the handiest and the most active, whether 

 at plough or on the road, while his pluck at a dead pull 

 is extraordinary. As a heavy vanner, where speed is 

 required as well as endurance and strength, the Suffolk 

 especially shines. Then he is very thrifty ; a poor Suffolk 

 is almost as rare as a dead donkey, as his great girth and 



