CAPRICE. 91 



four-in-liand. One horse will not stir till removed from 

 the wheel, and another will be equally unmanageable if 

 assigned the leader's part, while an exchange of places 

 will perhaps render both animals perfectly tractable. 



In double harness it may sometimes be observed 

 that an animal, while working by itself, or with others 

 not faster, will casually show great spirit, but when 

 coupled with another possessing more life and action, 

 it will seem at once subdued from its former liveliness, 

 and go along like a slug, quite out of sorts at finding 

 itself outpaced, &c., while its more sprightly neighbour 

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

 proach to say, " Why can't you come on?" 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. 



