156 HIODERN FAUmEK. 



pony produced in the bleak isles of Shetland, and 

 the huge horse bred in the more temperate and 

 fertile plains of Flanders. Some have supposed 

 that the Welch pony was originally the only breed 

 peculiar to Great Britain, and which has been im- 

 proved by intermixtures with foreign horses. How- 

 ever this may be, it is certain that the English 

 blood-horse is superior to any other, not only in 

 Europe, but in the whole world. 



The superior excellence of the English blood- 

 horse is to be ascribed to the care and attention be- 

 stowed upon breeding, especially for the turf; and 

 which system has been zealously pursued for a great 

 number of years. Some good judges, are, however, 

 of opinion that the breed is deteriorating, as the 

 present practice of running horses so young has 

 caused a preference to be given to a slighter race 

 than formerly. They have strongly recommended 

 a more frequent recurrence to a first cross with ge- 

 nuine Arabians ; but the expence and difficulty of 

 importing an Arabian horse is very great. Few 

 that are introduced into this country as Arabians 

 have any claim to that title. The earl of Elgin, 

 whilst in Turkey, offered a poor native 500/. for an 

 Arabian mare which he rode, but was refused. Per- 

 haps an association of gentlemen could best effect 

 the important object of obtaining a selection of the 

 most valuable Arabian horses. 



82. The Arabian Horse. 



The Arabian horses are divided into two classes; 

 the nobles and the plebians : the latter are crossed 

 in a variety of different manners, and form the 

 most numerous species. The former has been pre- 

 served uncontaminated and without alteration for 

 an amazing length of time. The Arabs have no 

 tables of genealogy to prove their descent, yet they 

 are sure of their legitimacy ; for a mare is never 

 covered, writes Niebuhr, unless in the presence of 



