INTRODUCTION 3 



hand with him here ; for, with a true Homeric spirit, 

 he tells us that the horses which Csesar consecrated 

 when he passed the Rubicon wept, and refused their 

 food on the day of their master's death. Of Virgil, 

 however, it may be justly observed, that he gave 

 to the world what in his day must have been considered 

 most useful information respecting this noble animal ; 

 and whenever he has an opportunity of introducing 

 him in his poem, he descends to the minutest parti- 

 culars as to colour, shape, furniture, etc., and dwells 

 upon him in a manner that plainly shows the particular 

 esteem in which he held him. 



It is difficult to determine the nature of animal life, 

 but it is evident that it cannot exist without certain 

 organised parts ; and in proportion as this organisa- 

 tion is complete, is the vigour it possesses. When we 

 compare the different species of animals we find each 

 of them possessed of powers and faculties peculiar to 

 themselves, and well adapted to the peculiar sphere 

 of action allotted to them. Mere strength requires 

 solidity alone ; but when, as in the horse, it is united 

 with that suppleness and activity which we see them 

 possess, what a multitude of combining powers must 

 it not require ! What levers, springs, etc., must be 

 called into play ; and how small a space do they 

 occupy, at the same time allowing full liberty of 

 action ! Look at the fetlocks of a horse, how small 

 they are ! and yet we find them capable of lifting a 

 great weight, in addition to his own, to the height 

 of five, six, or even seven feet ^ from the ground, and 



^ It is wonderful what a bound or spring some horses have the 



