ISA- THE HISTORY AND ART 



no repute, and differ as much from their neighbours 

 the Spaniards, as Crabs from apples, or Sloes from 

 grapes» 



The Italian horfes were formerly more beautiful, and 

 of greater fame, than the prefent race are thought to 

 be ; this degenerate alteration is faid to be owing to a 

 neglecft of the breed, and a decay of that fpirit whicli 

 formerly animated the Italians, the fathers of modern 

 horfemanfhip. Neverthelefs this country is not defli- 

 tute of many generous and beautiful breeds, dif- 

 perfed in ftuds, which arc formed in different flates. 

 and diftrii5ts. 



The Neapolitan horfes have always been renowned,, 

 and iliine both in the Saddle and the Traces, Great 

 numbers are bred in Sicily, a kingdom always extolled; 

 for the fuperiour merit of its horfes — The Neapolitans' 

 are fubje(3: to have great heads, and thick forehands,, 

 are untradlable, vicious, and confequently dilEcult xa 

 be fubdued and dreffed, this being their national cha- 

 izditr : to balance thefe faults, they are large and 

 Ilrong, and charm the fpe(5lator with their animated 

 carriage, and majeftic action. They have a wonderful: 

 genius for the Piaffer, and excel on all occalions of 

 pomp and parade. Thofe of Sardinia and Corfica are: 

 fmall, but nimble, bold, and full of fpirit. 



The Swijs horfes partake of thefe qualities, and 

 were formerly accounted ferviceable in war. 



Ger- 



