AMERICANS AND THEIR HORSES 1 37 



hitherto unthinking. That they follow the example set by 

 the Queen of England, who permits no check-reins, does 

 not detract from the courage of refusing here, to follow a 

 fashionable fad. 



All domesticated animals crave a perfect sympathy with 

 their masters, and ask in their mute way for some constant 

 expression of it. What lover can exhibit a more genuine 

 jealousy than a devoted dog, or show the symptoms of that 

 unhappy trait more determinedly ? What a tragical grief is 

 that which can make a dog or horse refuse his food, and 

 thus die of starvation, for the loss of his companion for 

 whom he had such enduring love ? Such instances are 

 numerous. Horses are never so willing as when they feel 

 the magnetic influence of the hand that guides, and the 

 voice that cheers them on ! So intense is this sympathy 

 that they become easy subjects of hypnotisation. The 

 practice of this mysterious science was introduced into the 

 Austrian army by a cavalry officer named Balassa, and 

 hence is called ' Balassiren.' So popular has it become in 

 cases of any painful operation, that it has been adopted by 

 law in Austria. 



END OF PART I 



