38 



of speed witnessed on the modern course, and probably amongst the 

 ancients, haci a raihtary, rather than any other view. 



On the foundation of the Eastern empire, the races or ports of the 

 Circus were estabhshed at Constantinople, on a scale of the highest magr 

 nificence, by Constantine the Great, who there built the famous HipjJOr- 

 dro)ne,the ruins of which are still extant and visible. That line of princes, 

 like the royal family of Stuart, in this country, had a strong 

 attachment to Horses and the course, shewing a regular and unceasing 

 attention to their breeding and improvement. The Royal agents wese 

 indefatigable in their researches throughout the neighbouring countries,, 

 for the most esteemed and valuable breed of Horses, which were then 

 chiefly the Cappadocian, Phrygian and Spanish; the two former, such 

 as are now known as Turkish and Syrian breeds. The superior speed, 

 and excellence of the Horses of the desert, of the Arabian and mountain 

 Barbs, seems to have been a modern discovery, and made in this coun- 

 try, which has in consequence produced Horses without parallel for speed 

 and endurance, in any part of the world, or in any age. In the age of Con- 

 stantine, two particular breeds, or varieties, were in such super-eminent 

 estimation,, as to be monopolized by the emperors, nor could they be ob- 

 tained from the gi-ex dominicus, or royal stud, but with express licence. 

 These breeds were known by the names, Palmatian and Hermogenian;_ 

 the former so called from Palmatius, a celebrated Cappadocian breeder, 

 whose talents in that Avay have immortalized his name. A cross with, 

 these Horses and Phrygian mares, was at that period supposed to pro? 

 duce the best racing stock. 



•r-^T-r-a-^rrt—. 



SEC- 



