HORSES. 



135 



it is said, would entirely prevent all ruts, as the horse's feet 

 would beat down and level the small track cf each preceding 

 wagon ; and in case some ruts or holes should begin to makf^ 

 their appearance, the horses, to avoid them, would immediately 

 turn to the right or left, and the wheels of course would follow: 

 the consequence of which, would be smooth, level, and dura- 

 ble roads, with half the expense for repairs which is now laid 

 out upon them. 



If the advantages which are suggested, will result from such 

 a constructed harness as has been above described, the gener- 

 al use of them, especially on great market roads, ought to be 

 introduced ; as a partial use of them, would not effect the ob- 

 ject. 



The above remarks, respecting teams, are submitted to the 

 consideration of the'American farmer, without any farther com- 

 ment than barely the suggestion that, they are the result of the 

 observations and experience of practical farmers, in some parts 

 of our own country, and in Europe, where every branch of hus- 

 bandry has been gradually progressing in improvement, fot 

 five hundred, perhaps for one tliousand years. 



Horses. 



The raising a good breed of horses, is an object worthy of' 

 the attention of the American farmer. 



The opinion that the value of the colt depends on the gcod 

 properties of the horse, has by universal experience been prov- 

 ed to be incorrect. The laws which govern the generative 

 powers in every animal, with which we are acquainted, evi- 

 dently give to the female, its full share in characterizing the 

 issue. Common observation confirms the truth of this fact. 

 If farmers would secure a good breed of colts, they would be 

 more likely to succeed in that business, if they would keep 

 mares for that purpose which have such properties only as are 

 essential to render a horse valuable ; notwithstanding it may 

 be expedient to preserve a stud which has valuable properties- 

 But the only reliance which most farmers have upon the value 

 and properties of the sire, too often disappoints their expecta- 

 tions, and subjects them to great expense, as the price of the? 



