PREFACE. 



It is the object of the ensuing Work, to unite with 

 the utiHty of description, the most finished eleg-ance of 

 the graphic art. To pourtray the noblest and most beau- 

 tiful of all animals, in his natural and improved form, in 

 order to aid the comprehension and judgment of the 

 reader, by an address to the eye, as well as to the under- 

 standing. To blend both useful and ornamental decora- 

 tion with solid instruction, and with such a degree of 

 amusement, as may result from anecdotes connected with 

 the subject. 



With respect to arrangement, a cursory, yet it is 

 hoped, satisfactory view, is given of the Horses and 

 Horsemanship of the earliest ages, and of this country 

 especially, with an attention to the various species in use, 

 and a delineation of the origin of the Race Horse, through 

 the blood of which, the English breed has been generally 

 ameliorated and elevated to its present state of perfection. 

 This gradually progressive improvement, it has been en- 

 deavoured to trace, and place before the eye of the Sports- 

 man, 



