61 



SECTION. IX. 



THE HORSE OF SOUTHERN EUROPE — SPAIN — PORTUGAL — ITALY AND THE 



ISLANDS. 



THE Horses of Switzerland are said to resemble and to partake 

 in a degree, of the qualities of those of Italy and Spain, an account 

 which I give upon report. In Spain, Portugal and Italy, the Horse 

 seems, if not to have degenerated, to have varied considerably from 

 their once celebrated models. The Spanish Horses of the present 

 time, of which I have seen some of the best specimens, are of a larger 

 breed than of old, and appear to have a considerable mixture of the 

 northern blood, the foundation of which change might probably be 

 laid during the connection of their monarchy with the empire of Ger- 

 many. I have my doubts, whether the race of Jennets, formerly so 

 celebrated as equal in blood to the Persians, or even the Barbs, at 

 present exists in Spain, Accounts render it probable, that they have 

 been long since totally extinct. In Butler's days they were better 

 known : — 



Made them curvet like Spanish Jennets, 

 And take the rinsr at Madame Bennet's. 



*o 



In truth, in a priest-ridden and oppressed country, we cannot expect 

 that ancient excellence should be preserved, or new improvements en- 

 couraged. Besides, mules and asses are in general use, and the con- 

 cern of breeding Horses necessarily in few hands. This is still more 

 the case in Portugal, where nothing now is heard or known of their 

 once famous breed of Coursers, which in speed outstripped the winds, 

 and being too excellent for a mortal origin, were begotten by the winds. 

 The Portugueze of rank generally purchase Spanish Horses, entirely 

 neglecting to breed in their own country, one of the fittest, perhaps, in 



the 



