408 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



somewhat similar to the Arabian, but not so perfect in 

 their symmetry. 



THE PERSIAN HORSE. 



From the most remote ages Persia has been 

 famous for its breed of horses, which even now are 

 only excelled by the Arabian breed. The former, how- 

 ever, were noted for their excellence long before we 

 have any account of the latter. The Persian horse is 

 considerably larger than the Arabian. The neck is 

 beautifully arched, with a finely-formed crupper, and 

 the whole frame more developed. We are informed 

 by historians that Alexander the Great considered a 

 Persian horse as a gift of the highest value ; it was one 

 which he only bestowed on potentates and favourites 

 of the first class. 



The Parthian kings used to sacrifice Persian horses 

 to their divinities ; this they considered the most 

 costly offering they could make. 



THE TARTAR HORSE. 



In the widely extended plains of independent 

 Tartary, there are various breeds of wild horses, which 

 differ considerably in their external conformation. 

 Those in general are ill-made, clumsy animals, but are 

 said to possess great speed. They are hunted by 

 the natives on account of their flesh, which is con- 

 sidered a great delicacy, more especially that of the 

 foals, which is prized above that of all other food. 

 The better formed animals are tamed and domesti- 

 cated. 



The largest of these wild coursers are a little 

 larger than the smaller Russian horses, with large 

 heads in proportion to the size of the body, and some 



