OF HORSEMANSHIP. up 



It is a rule with the Arabs never to let a capital mare 

 be covered but by a ftallion of equal quality. Each 

 breeder acquires a perfe6t knowledge of their own and 

 neighbours horfes, and of each particular relative to 

 them ; as their names, mark, colour, exploits, and 

 age. When an Arab has not an approved ftallion 

 of his own, he hires one for a certain fum of his 

 neighbours ; Jfitnejfes are called to be prefent at the 

 confummation, who give a folemn certificate of the 

 performance, figned and fealed in the prefence of the 

 Emir, or fome other magiftrate. hi the inflrument of 

 atteftation, the names of the horfe and mare are men- 

 tioned, and their pedigrees fet forth. When the mare 

 drops her foal, witnefles are called again, who fign a 

 frefli certificate, touching the birth of the foal, in 

 which they defcribe each particular, and record the 

 day of the birth. Thefe vouchers fiamp a great value 

 upon the animal, and, like the deeds of an eftate, are 

 given with if, when fold, or otherwife called in 

 queftion. 



The loweft-priced mares of the firft clafs, are worth 

 five hundred French crowns ; many of them will bring 

 a thoufand, and fome even four, five, or fix thoufand 

 livres. As the Arabs have no houfes, but live in tents, 

 thefe tents ferve at the fame time for ftables for their 

 horfes, and homes for themfelves. Mares, foals, the 

 mafter, and his wife and children, lay together pell- 

 mell, and receive the flielter of the fame roof ; which 



Et peats et dominum communi cJanderet umbm. Juv. 



In 



