THE TROTTING-HORSE OF AMERICA. 389 



qualities with which Dexter is gifted, it is at least probable 

 that no other given horse possesses them. One may have 

 his speed without his bottom ; another may have speed and 

 bottom for a race, or two, but be quite unable to stand the 

 long campaign of a journey of two thousand miles, with 

 trots nearly every week, and sometimes two or three in a 

 week. A third may be a fine harness and wagon horse, but 

 of no account under saddle. A fourth may be fast under 

 saddle, but come back about ten seconds when in harness or 

 to wagon ; and a fifth may go along finely until he strikes 

 the mud, or feels weight behind him, either of which stops 

 him. But all the most desirable characteristics Dexter 

 possesses. What any trotting-horse can do, at any reason- 

 able distance, or in any way of going, he can do. 



I think the Auburn Horse might trot faster than Dexter 

 can do in harness ; but I should not feel at all confident of 

 winning a race with him against Dexter. I know the 

 thorough bottom of the little horse, and I have never tested 

 that of the big one. There is no reason why I should not 

 say here what I have already said to some of my friends : 

 therefore I give it as my opinion, that, when the Auburn 

 Horse is all right, I can drive him a mile in 2m. 18s. in 

 harness. That would win a heat from Dexter, I think, but 

 it would not win a race ; and, if the Auburn Horse came 

 back much in the second or third heat, the little one would 

 probably split the heats, and finally win the race. Of 

 course this is all speculation, as Mr. Bonner will not trot 

 any of his horses in a race ; but having had both the horses, 

 and having driven them on various occasions when they 

 were both feeling fine and trotting very fast, I have formed 

 the opinion that the Auburn Horse can trot as fast in 

 harness as Dexter himself can. 



Some may think that my prejudices lean a little against 

 Dexter, now that he is no longer in my hands ; but I do not 

 think they do. One thing is certain ; and that is, that I 

 believed in him before anybody else did, except Mr. Alley, 



