314 Gait of the American Trotter and Pacer 



cause he selects horses that suit him in temperament anl in gait; and 

 again, but more rarely, because he is successful with all kinds of horses. 

 We cannot always be choosers, and the last reason proves the adapta- 

 bility of the man. This is a position calling for a great deal of study 

 and investigation of the question of balancing. In such cases this 

 book may be of some assistance. Its investigations may not always 

 appear to be as conclusive and complete as desired, but in his work 

 on this subject the writer was at least guided by the simple principle: 

 a little less mystery and a little wore enlightenment. Men are entitled 

 to their convictions and to their business secrets which by hard work 

 they have acquired ; but it seems as if a more general progress is gained 

 in any line of work by the more widespread knowledge of an unr^r 

 served and free investigation. Whatever may be the benefit of such an 

 investigation and whatever view may be taken of the usefulness of the 

 trotter, the deeper meaning of the service of this horse, as well as of all 

 horses, should never be lost sight of. This great service rendered hu- 

 manity is an inherent part of our much vaunted civilization, and 

 should be judged by a broader standard than that of dollars and cents. 

 By that service the horse is preeminently entitled to the full measure of 

 a fair treatment. The still prevalent inhumanity of man to animals 

 is no doubt a transmitted taint from the primeval ferocity of the 

 human breed, which evolution has not yet blotted out by a greater 

 sense of responsibility. Cruelty and thoughtlessness make the life of 

 most horses a tragedy, and my plea for the trotter would be incom- 

 plete if there were not added to it this earnest appeal to my fellowmen : 

 BE MERCIFUL! 



