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Horses. 



The number of horses has riseu from 4,336,719 in 1850 to 

 14,976,017 in 1890. In 1850 Ohio headed the list with 463,397 ; in 

 1860, Ohio again, with 623,346 ; in 1870 Illinois had gone to the front 

 wiih 853,738, and at the front she remained in 1880 with 1,023,082, 

 and in 1890 with 1,335,289 horses. It is a curious commentary on 

 the old fear that railways would destroy the market for horses, that 

 their number has most increased where railways have been most de- 

 veloped. 



In 1850 there were returned, horses, 4,336,719 ; mules and asses, 

 559,331 ; together, 4,896,050, to a population of 23,191,876, or an 

 animal of equine parentage to each 4| inhabitants. In 1890, horses, 

 11,976,017; mules and asses, 2,296,045; together, 27,272,062, to a 

 population of 62,317,194, or an animal to each 21 inhabitants, not- 

 withstanding that the miles of railroad had enormously increased in 

 the 40 years. 



It would be interesting and instructive to learn the average value 

 of each animal in 1850 and in 1890. Undoubtedly the common 

 horse of to day is a great deal better animal and will sell for much 

 more money than his predecessor a human generation ago. Probably 

 that increase is one-third to one-half. The deep and widespread in- 

 terest in running and trotting for their own sake, as well as the efforts 

 purposely made to improve horse stock, have borne abundant and 

 gratifying fruits. 



