THE HORSE. 15 



hese remarks exemplified, and recalled to the memory. The 

 number of distinct species, in the class of quadrupeds, is usually 

 stated at about two hundred, or two hundred and twenty. Late 

 authors have enumerated two hundred and eighty, and some 

 have even sub-divided them into upwards of four hundred ; for 

 in these cases distinctions may be multiplied according to opinion 

 or fancy. In proceeding to a more minute investigation of the 

 different species of quadrupeds, we shall endeavour rather to 

 generalize, than enumerate, and, without entering into tedious 

 details, exhibit the great and marked outlines of their history, 

 with which every gentleman ought to be acquainted. In the 

 view of uniting pleasure with instruction, and agreeable amuse- 

 ment with useful information, we shall bring forward such ob- 

 jects as will most evidently display the power, the wisdom, and 

 the goodness of the great Author of Nature, whose omnipotent 

 word called the universe into existence. 



CHAPTER II. 

 THE HORSE. 



" Hast thou given the horse his strength, hast thou clothed his neck 

 with thunder ?" JOB, chap, xxxix. ver. 19. 



AMID that interesting variety of quadrupeds which Nature 

 presents to view, or provides for our use, the great and well- 

 known utility and various excellencies of the Horse, give him 

 unrivalled precedency, in a view of tJ brute creation. 



Of the numerous species of animals, which Infinite Wisdom 

 has ordained to inhabit this terraqueous globe, some are found 

 to alarm us by their terrific appearance, to endanger our safety 

 by their ferocious disposition, and exercise our caution in avoid- 

 ing their attacks ; others, on the contrary, evidently appear to 

 have been created to delight us by their beauty, or increase our 

 comforts by their utility. This noble quadruped, without having 

 any of the formidable qualities of the former, possesses all the 

 excellencies of the latter, uniting in his form grandeur of stature, 

 and elegance of symmetry, to gracefulness of motion, and is, 

 above all, estimable for his peculiar and diversified utility. When 

 ranging wild, and without control, he is not ferocious ; and in 

 his domestic state he is generous and docile, and, although 

 spirited, yet obedient to rule. Equally adapted to the purposes 

 of business and pleasure, he affords us the most essential ser- 

 vices, and contributes to our most healthful amusements. Horses 



