MODERN FARIIIER. 155 



he properly used are mentioned under the head of 

 the diseases where tlie precaution is recommended. 



81. Different Breeds. 



The horse is produced in most parts of the world. 

 In the wild and extensi\e plaiiis of Africa and Ara- 

 bia, he ranges without control in a state of entire 

 freedom. In those immense tracts, the wild horses 

 may be seen feeding together, in droves of four or 

 five hundred ; one of them always acting as ceiitinel, 

 to give notice of approaching danger. This he does 

 by a kind of snorting noise, upon v/hich they all fly 

 off with astonishing rapidity. The wild horses of 

 Arabia are esteemed the most beautiful in the 

 world ; they are of a brown colour, their mane and 

 tail of black tufted hair, very short ; they are smaller 

 than the tame ones, are very active, and of great 

 swiftness. The most usual method of taking them 

 is by snares or pits formed in the sand. It is pro- 

 bable there were once wild horses in Europe, which 

 have long since been brought under subjection. 

 Those found in America were originally of the Spa- 

 nish breed, sent thither upon its first discovery, 

 which have since become wild, and spread them- 

 selves over various parts of that vast continent. 

 They are generally small, not exceeding fourteen 

 hands high ; with thick heads and clumsy joints ; 

 their ears and necks are longer tlian those of the 

 English horses. They are easily tamed : and if by 

 accident they should regain their liberty, they sel- 

 dom become wild again, but know their master, and 

 may be easily caught by him. 



Tlie difference that exists in the form and quali- 

 ties of this noble animal is to be attributed chiefly 

 to peculiarity of soil and climate. The extremes of 

 heat and cold are alike adverse to the luxuriant })ro- 

 duction of herbage and the growth of animal bodies. 

 Hence, perhaps, the contrast between the small 



