ON THE EDUCATION OF THE HORSE. 183 

 Thus we find in most animals, even of the fe- 

 rocious trihe, an apparent attachment to their 

 feeders ; but it is probable that this attachment 

 is less the effect of gratitude, than the result of 

 simple recollection of the source from whence 

 they satisfy one of the most urgent calls of na- 

 ture. Hence the horse can distinguish the 

 voice of the person who feeds him from any 

 other, and will express his satisfaction by neigh- 

 ing ; but may not this testimony of joy arise 

 solely from the expectation of receiving his 

 accustomed allowance of corn ? For by con- 

 stantly feeding him immediately after perform- 

 ing certain actions, he will acquire the habit of 

 repeating those actions when demanded of him 

 at other periods. This practice ought to con- 

 stitute the basis of horse-breaking; but how 

 seldom it is adopted, maybe daily seen through- 

 out the country. The parties who pursue this 

 branch of business, are too often of a ferocious 

 disposition ; added to which, an habitual state of 

 intoxication tends not a little to heighten their 

 N 4? natural 



