74 ON COLTS. 



the signs of courage and long wind. The color of horses depends 

 somewhat upon fancy ; but bay, dapplegray and black are the most 

 preferred in our county. 



The three greatest and most common faults to which horses are 

 liable, are stumbling, kicking and shying. We know of no remedy 

 for the first. The second may be avoided by using him to the har- 

 ness about his haunches and head, when out of the carriage, and 

 when he can do no mischief. Shying may be quite benefitted, if not 

 cured, by stopping and moving slowly by the object, instead of urg- 

 ing the horse to breast it at once. 



The Arabian breed of horses are attracting some attention in our 

 county. They have not yet come to years quite sufficient for use. 

 They promise speed, courage, dociUty, and an exemption from most 

 of the principal faults of road horses. 



The growing of this kind of stock in our county Is, at the present 

 time, receiving great attention, if we may judge from the number 

 at the show. We believe it to be as profitable as any other stock, 

 as very few horses, at four years old, are worth less than from 75 to 

 100 dollars. The demand and the value have not lessened, but 

 rather increased, since the introduction of railroads. 



Now let us bespeak for this noble animal kind treatment, good 

 keeping, and light burthens. With such gentle usage, the horse will 

 hve and serve you faithfully for twenty-five, forty, and even fifty 

 years. Do not maim or disfigure him by the ci'uel practice of prick- 

 ing, nicking, or even cutting off a single hair, which the author of 

 nature has furnished him with, for his special accommodation. And 

 good taste will require, that in his natural garb and form, he actually 

 shows the best, and is the most comfortable to himself. Curry and 

 groom him every day, and give him a blanket and a warm stable in 

 cold weather, and clean straw to lie on. Talk to, and with him, for 

 he will soon understand your language, and manifest signs of recog- 

 nition, or the tenor, at least, of your words. 



Horses like to be petted, and words of encouragement, we will 

 again repeat, are better under all circumstances, than the whip. 



For the Committee, 



R. A. MERRIAM. 



Salem, Sept. 27, 1849, 



