PREFACE. 



When a man finds himself, from any reason, the exponent 

 of an honest and meritorious cause, he need not be choice 

 of words, nor punctilious of demeanour in urging it. 

 Nevertheless, the Author feels all the difficulties that 

 beset this his present effort in its handling. Fearful that 

 enthusiasm in his task might engender a style bordering 

 upon the didactic (so offensive to most readers on equine 

 subjects), and, apprehensive that a less vigorous style of 

 writing might suggest weakness, he has thrown to the 

 winds everything like anticipation of what would be 

 thought of his production in any sense but that of 

 practical utility. And, with this slight explanation, he 

 respectfully and earnestly commends the common sense 

 wisdom of the principles he advocates and upholds to 

 the Nation, at a specially exigent period, for its con- 

 sideration. 



THE AUTHOR. 



Boscobel House, 



Begent's Park, 



London, N.W. 



