THE COMMON HORSE. 423. 



ing, the same animals will submit quietly to carry 

 burthens, or to toil, for days together, along the 

 roads, or in agricultural labours. Their general 

 character is certainly marked by mildness and doci- 

 lity; but their tempers and disposition are very 

 various. Many are stupid and indolent ; and 

 many, almost beyond the power of man to correct 

 them, vicious and perverse. In all these disposi- 

 tions, however, the more they are treated with care 

 and attention, the more do they adapt themselves 

 to our wants and conveniences 



In some parts of Tartary, these animals have been 

 made objects of divine worship ; and altars are 

 erected, and offerings paid,, in honour of them. 

 Amongst the ancient Romans they were held in 

 great esteem. At one period, an ordination was 

 passed, which directed that no Horses should be 

 sold, or conveyed out of the Roman provinces. 

 Andromache is related to have frequently amused 

 herself, by feeding, with her own hands, the Horses 

 of Hector. 



The ancient writers attribute to the Horse nu- 

 merous excellent qualities ; and, among others, 

 such unusual powers of understanding and re- 

 collection, that one of them has asserted of Buce- 

 phalus, the Horse of Alexander, that 'after he had 

 once been clad in his splendid trappings, and had 

 received his rayal master on his back, he never 

 would suffer any other person to mount him. 

 informs us, as a very remarkable instance of 

 F f 4 sagacity, 



