OF FARRIERY. 



293 



CHAPTER II. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE HORSE, ETC. 



Having finished the treatment of diseases 

 in the Horse, as well as his general manage- 

 ment in the stable, we shall proceed with 

 more pleasure in writing upon him in his 

 natural state, than when tortured by disease. 



When we contemplate the beauty and ma- 

 jesty of this noble animal, a religious feeling 

 runs through our frame, and no purer devo- 

 tion can exist in our minds, than when be- 

 holding this specimen of the work of God ! 



Of all the animals in association with man, 

 the Horse occupies the most important rank. 

 He seems made to be caressed and loved. 

 Without him half the happiness of man would 

 be banished. It is not only in his luxuries 

 that he is to be considered ; but in his very 

 necessities. Whether it be to till the soil for 

 the nourishment of his master, or to perform 

 the longest and most painful journeys, still he 

 is the ready and obedient slave of man. His 

 full eye beams with pleasure at the sight of 

 his attendant, and his big heart throbs, and 

 often even bursts in the fulfilment of his mas- 

 ter's wishes. On the course, and in the 

 chase, how often do we behold him with life 

 quivering at his very nostrils. The elephant 

 is stronof— the ox is laboriouis — but neither are 



so fitted for the companion of man as the 

 Horse. Look at his symmetry — his large 

 veins — his fine skin — his limbs delicate, though 

 strong — his expanded nostrils, when strug- 

 gling for fame on the coucse. In battle, still 

 the protector and friend of man — dauntless 

 and animated amidst the thunder of the 

 cannon. But common language fails in doing 

 justice to him. There is no description of the 

 Horse equal to that of the inspired Job. He 

 says : — 



" Hast thou given the Horse strength'^ 

 Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder.' 

 Canst thou make him afraid as the grass- 

 hopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrible. 

 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his 

 strength. He goeth on to meet the armed 

 men. He mocketh at fear, and is not af- 

 frio;hted. Neither turneth he his back from 

 the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, 

 the glittering spear and the shield. He swal- 

 loweth the ground with fierceness and rage : 

 neither believeth he that it is the sound of the 

 trumpet. He sayeth among the trumpets 

 ha ! ha ! and he smelleth the battle afar ofT, 

 the thunder of the captains and the shout- 



ings." 



4 B 



