230 THE ARAB THE HORSE OF THE FUTURE 



that Mr. Huntingdon, being a man acquainted 

 with the history of the horse in the world as well 

 as in America, held that the potent blood in 

 every European type, as well as American type, 

 was of Eastern origin ; he therefore hailed the 

 coming of the Grant stallions, and prepared to make 

 use of them by securing some half-dozen virgin 

 Clay mares, themselves rich in Arab blood. With 

 General Grant's consent, Mr. Huntingdon bred 

 these mares to Leopard and Linden Tree, and in 

 a little while had a small collection of the greatest 

 possible interest. He persevered in this for fifteen 

 years, and had developed what he called an 

 American Arab or a Clay Arabian. They were 

 splendid animals — large, shapely, strong, fast, and 

 kindly. Unfortunately, according to Mr. Speed, 

 Mr. Huntingdon had associated with him in the 

 ownership of the horses a New York lawyer — alas, 

 a lawyer! — who proved, in 1893, ^^ tie one of the 

 most noted defaulters the United States has known. 

 Mr. Huntingdon was among the victims, and so his 

 valuable and interesting collection had to be sold 

 and dispersed. I do not doubt but that the pure 

 Arab blood would improve the largest animal, as 

 Mr. Speed and Mr. Huntingdon state, but I venture 

 to give a word of warning about breeding horses 

 too large. Modern experience goes to show that 

 it is a mistake to get much beyond 15 hands, and 

 many hold that 14.2 to 14.3 is better for most 

 purposes. 



