THE BREEDING OF GOOD HORSES. 93 



will exhibit a double ebullition of spirits, as if in re- 

 proach to say, " Why can't you come on 1 " To prove 

 such cases of whimsicality further, replace the apparent 

 sluggard by coupling with our vivacious steed a more 

 lively and active animal, and you will see the latter in 

 his turn become subdued and "shut up," in comparison 

 with his previous sprightliness. 



Again, although the animal is decidedly gregarious, 

 a horse, from some dislike to its companions or other 

 whim, will absolutely pine and cease to thrive in a stall 

 stabled with others, and be restored to its usual spirits 

 and health on removal to a loose-box. Such animals 

 are generally restless at night, and show great ability in 

 smashing their head-collars. 



On the other hand, most horses like company, and 

 will pine away if kept alone. 



These things should be studied. 



IRISH HUNTERS, AND THE BREEDING OF 

 GOOD HORSES. 



Much attention has latterly been attracted to the 

 deterioration in the superior breeds of horses, having 

 reference more to a decline of powder and endurance 

 than to diminished swiftness. 



There is no reason why our old fame for breeding 

 good horses of every kind should not be maintained. 

 Unrelaxed attention must nevertheless be given to some 

 well-known and established rules respecting breeding, 

 and more marked encouragement might with advantage 

 be in every way afforded to the production and rearing 



