EXTERNAL FORMATION 



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it is admitted on the turf, that high-breeding is of more consequence than 

 external shape, and that of two horses, one perfect in shape but of an 

 inferior strain of blood, and the other of the most winning blood, 

 but not so well formed in shape, the latter will be the most likely to 

 perform to the satisfaction of his owner on the racecourse. On this 

 principle the proverb has been framed and handed down to us, that " an 

 ounce of blood is worth a pound of bone," and with the above explan- 

 ation such is really the case. But in spite of all this recognized superiority 

 of blood, it is indisputable that for the highest degree of success there must 

 be not only high purity of blood, and that of the most winning strains, but 

 there must also be a frame of the most useful character, if not always of 



FISHERMAN. 



the most elegant form. Many of our very best horses have been plain, and 

 even coarse-looking as, for instance, most of the Melbournes, and especially 

 that very fast horse, Sir Tatton Sykes ; but in spite of their plainness, all 

 their points are good and useful, and the deficiency is in elegance, not in 

 real utility. On the other hand, there are some strains which unite ele- 

 gance with utility, such as the fast and stout Venisons, which are remark- 

 able for their beautiful frames and neat Arabian heads. But there must 

 always be a distinction made between what is really useful and what is only 

 agreeable to the eye. There are some characteristics which, over and above 

 their mechanical advantages, indicate high-breeding, and as such are regarded 

 with especial favour by purchasers. For these a term has of late years been 

 invented, the meaning of which is well understood, but somewhat difficult 



