210 THE FARMER AT HOME. 



certainty, in what country he originated. Wild horses, it is true, are 

 found in various parts of the world, but in most cases it is impossible 

 to say whether they are the remains of the ancient stock or are 

 derived from the domesticated animal ; though, as respects those 

 found in the American continent, there is no doubt but that they were 

 originally introduced by the Spaniards. Desmarest gives upwards of 

 twenty varieties of the horse, and his catalogue is by no means com- 

 plete. We shall only be able to notice the principal. The wild 

 horses of Tartary are smaller than the domestic ; their hair, particu- 

 larly in winter, is very thick, and generally of a mouse color. Their 

 heads are larger, in proportion to their bodies, than those of tame 

 horses, and their foreheads remarkably arched. .These horses are very 

 watchful of their common safety. Whilst a troop is feeding, one of 

 their number is placed on some eminence as a sentinel ; when danger 

 of any kind approaches, he warns his companions by neighing, and 

 they all betake themselves to flight. 



The most esteemed horses are the Arabian. These are seldom 

 more than fourteen to fourteen and a half hands high, more inclined 

 to be lean than fat ; they rise higher from the ground than other 

 blood horses, and gather much more quickly. The breed in Arabia 

 is never crossed as in other countries, but preserved unmixed with the 

 utmost solicitude. The Arabs prefer the mare, as being more capa- 

 ble of bearing hunger, thirst and fatigue ; and these must neither bite 

 nor kick, or they are deemed vicious ; indeed, it is no uncommon 

 thing to see children play and fondle about the mare and her foal 

 without fear of injury. Madden says, when an Arab sells his mare, 

 he rarely sells all his property in ' her ; he generally reserves the 

 second or third foal. That author also observes, that it is so difficult 

 to get a thorough-bred Arab mare to send out of the country, that he 

 doubts if any ever go to Europe; those usually sent as such being 

 Dongola horses, which are very inferior, being worth only from one 

 hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty dollars, whilst an 

 Arabian is worth from fifteen to two thousand dollars. 



The Persian horses are much esteemed, but not equal to the 

 Arabian. The Barbary horse, which approaches the Arabian, is the 

 origin of the Spanish and Italian. The Andalusian horse is much 

 prized. It is small, but beautifully formed. The head is, however, 

 rather large in proportion to the body, the mane thick, the ears long, 

 the eyes animated, the breast full, the legs finely shaped, and the 

 hoofs high. The Italian horses are not so much esteemed now as 

 formerly ; they are large, and move well, and are used for carriage 

 horses and heavy cavalry. The Danish horses are stout and well 

 built, but seldom elegant The same may be said of the Dutch horse, 

 which is preferred for draught throughout Europe. The French 

 horses differ much, according to the part of the country from whence 

 they are derived. The breed of horses in England and the United 



