INTRODUCTION. 



Horse-breedinpj in the United States, having, 

 thanks" ti) tlie elloits of public-spirited men, reached 

 such dimensions, and been raised to a high stand- 

 ard of excellence, our breeders can, most favorably, 

 compete with those of any other nation. Still, the 

 vast expanse of our country renders it in many cases 

 impossiblj for the buyer to purchase directly from 

 the breeder. He is, therefore, compelled to address 

 himself to the dealer, who, like every merchant, will 

 s.^lect his goods to secure quick sales, especially 

 because they are really an eating capital, and 

 perhaps, more than any other, exposed to damage. 

 The appearance of the damaged and the used-up, — 

 *^ome visible defect,— is far more in the way of a 

 quick sale than inferior quality, and, therefore, is 

 studiously avoided by the defiler. He will take good 

 care to produce his goods to the best advantage to 

 himself. 



The fine appearance of th,^ horse, that is, the good 

 ■condition and the smooth hair, is brought about by 

 rich and soft feed, a warm stable, careful covering, 

 and good grooming. The whip takes care of the 



