lOO 



OUR DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



rather taller than the Kirghiz horses, but have 

 nearly the same characteristics. The Calmucks 

 are excellent horsemen, and long-distance races 



CubSACKS Ol THE GUARD (RUSSIA) 



are much in favor with them, as they are also 

 among the Kirghiz. The riders take with them 

 neither food nor drink, and make no stop for 

 rest. The competitors are drawn up in a 

 straight line, and at a signal rush away with 

 the greatest speed. The first to arrive at the 

 terminus receives a prize, which is often very 

 large, sometimes a hundred horses, from 

 one to two hundred sheep, a number of 

 camels, valuable weapons, etc. The 

 second prize, on the contrary, is very 

 small, often only one sheep. 



As it is thought shameful not to reach 

 the goal, the horses which are e.xhausted 

 by the run are sometimes dragged by 

 ropes across the wanning line. These 

 Mongol nomads are far from kind to 

 their beasts; they guide them with a 

 rough hand, and give them no food but 

 what the steppe affords. The manner 

 in which they protect them from cold is 

 both cruel and unique. When the ani- 

 mals come back from a long run, in a 

 temperature of from twenty to thirty degrees 

 below zero, there are no stables to shelter them 

 and blankets are unknown. The Mongols simply 



pour water over their backs, which freezes 

 instantly and prevents the heat of then- 

 bodies from escaping. 



The horses of the Cossacks 

 of the Don are found on the 

 prairies that border that river 

 and its affluents. They are not 

 handsome, but they are robust 

 and swift. Their muscles are 

 well developed in every part of 

 their body ; the eyes are small, 

 the ears alert, the withers long 

 and high, the back short and 

 straight, the loins robust, the 

 croup broad, the chest not 

 broad, but deep and well 

 formed ; the flanks are round, 

 the belly sometimes rather in- 

 drawn, the legs long and power- 

 ful, the tail thick and long, and 

 the mane short and full. Their 

 color is usually chestnut, dark 

 brown, or white. The whole animal is built to 

 travel long distances without fatigue. His gait 

 is free and firm, but a steady trot is the one 

 that suits him least. It is at a gallop and 

 when he has to clear obstacles in his way that 

 he shows to most advantage. Though quite 

 ignorant of fear, he is touchy and skittish. 



Ready for Transport (Libou, Russia) 



In the present day the old breed of the Don 

 horses is being improved and ennobled by cross- 

 ing them with thoroughbred stallions. In 1882 



