THE HEAD. 11 



weight of iron a distance of five miles. I have 

 seen a small-sized ass di-awing half a ton weight of 

 goods from Portrush to Coleraine. Here, then, are two 

 animals which conld di'aw far more in proportion to 

 their size and weight than any di-aj-horse that ever 

 was foaled ; and tliis plainly proves that di'aught does 

 not depend altogether upon weight and size. It is in a 

 great measm-e the result of a vital power. Although 

 weight can render some assistance, the power of draught 

 is chiefly owing to muscular action and nervous energy ; 

 which again are intimately connected with, and greatly 

 dependent on, the temperament of the animal. The genet, 

 mule, ass, and blood-horse have much more energetic 

 temperaments than the Clydesdale or Belgian cart- 

 horse, and consequently possess more muscular power 

 than the latter, in proportion to theu' weight and size. 

 Their leverage, however, is not nearly so well suited 

 for draught, and in that respect, when compared with 

 the ordinary cart-horse, they labour imder a decided dis- 

 advantage. 



Ha\'ing said thus much regarding temperament, I 

 will proceed with a detailed description of the points of 

 the horse ; and, for convenience sake, I will commence 

 with 



THE HEAD. 



The head of every horse should be as small as would 

 be in keeping mth the rest of his body. A large, 



