PREFAfJE 



possess, with candour and simplicity. In a work ol 

 this nature, the claim to entire originality must be 

 relinquished; so far from attempting it, I confess 1 

 have, in a few instances, made quotations from other 

 authors, when I have found from experience they con- 

 tained matter, useful, clear, plain, and familiar for my 

 purpose. I hope this acknowledgment will bo received 

 in place of marks of quotation. 



Amongst the great number of animals under the 

 control of man, the excellent horse, unquestionably, is 

 the most serviceable. How often do we see him the 

 sole dependence of the poor farmer and his family, 

 with whom he divides the morsel, shares in the toils, 

 and by slowly turning up the soil, not only keeps them 

 free from want, but fills the barn with plenty ! Trace 

 him from the lowest to the highest situation, you will 

 find him faithful, affectionate, and no less useful. Jn 

 every species of farming, the horse bears the principal 

 burden, and is the means of increasing wealth and 

 happiness. In the transportation of foreign growth 

 and manufactures to the interior of our country, and 

 the exportation of the produce of the United States, 

 the faithful horse affords a speedy conveyance to and 

 from the water's edge. For the quick communications 

 by posts and stages, even with the most remote parts 

 of the union, we are indebted to the horse. Even 

 our happy republican government has been established, 

 protected, defended, and administered, by the means 

 and aid of these noble animals. Men of every pro- 

 fession, must all acknowledge the benefit derived 

 from him; indeed he has been the very spring oi 

 punctuality and attention to business of almost every 

 description. The horse, in his mature, is mild, patient, 

 forgiving, and affectionate. After being hard used, 

 half starved, and unmerclfi' v beaten, who recoi- 



