THE HORSE. 17 



draught, for which purpose they are used in every part 

 of Europe; but those of a superior kind come from the 

 province of Friezeland. The French horses are of va- 

 rious kinds, but very few of them are good. The best 

 breed in that country come from Limosin; they have 

 a strong resemblance to the Barb, and, like them, are 

 excellent for the chace : they require the utmost care 

 whilst young, and must not be backed until they are 

 eight years old. 



If we consult the ancients on the nature and quality 

 of this animal, we shall learn, that the Grecian (and 

 particularly those, of Thessaly) had the reputation of 

 being excellent for war ; but those of Achaia exceeded 

 all others in size. But that Egypt bred the greatest 

 number, and that in beauty they would not yield to 

 any other clime. 



If the Egyptians were proud of the qualities of this 

 animal, the English have no less reason to be vain ; for, 

 so much care has been taken to improve the breed, 

 that they may vie with the fleetest of the Arabian race. 

 An ordinary racer will go over a mile of ground in the 

 space of two minutes ; but Childers, a horse that never 

 yet was equalled at Newmarket, performed it within a 

 few seconds of one. 



The number of our horses (in London alone), during 

 the time of King Stephen's reign, is said to have amount- 

 ed to twenty thousand; but, in the reign of Queen Eli- 

 zabeth, the whole kingdom could not supply above two 

 thousand, even to support the cavalry during war. At 

 present their number greatly exceeds that which was 

 found in King Stephen's time ; but how far this aug- 

 mentation may be beneficial to mankind, it is doubt- 

 less difficult for the historian to pronounce; yet certain 

 it is, that where horses increase in too great a degree, 



