HORSES OF ASIA AND ^FRICA. 25 



thrown back ; withers high and arched ; legs fine, flat, and 

 small-boned, and the body somewhat light. 



THE PEKSIAN. 



This horse is slightly taller than the Arab : is full of bone, 

 and very fast. The Persian feeds his horse as does the Arab, 

 the food given being coarse and scant. Hay is utterly un- 

 known for the purpose, barley and chopped straw being gener- 

 ally substituted. Although this variety is in most respects less 

 esteemed than the Arab, it is in some points its superior. 



THE TAKTARIAN. 



Like the Persian, this variety is swift ; but the horses are 

 heavy-headed, low-shouldered, and altogether very awkwardly 

 put together. The Tartars eat the flesh of their horses and 

 use the milk of their mares, from which they also make excel- 

 lent cheese. 



THE TURKOMAN. 



This is a variety of the Tartar, but superior to it ; bringing, 

 even in Persia, frequently from five hundred to a thousand dol- 

 lars. Its average height is some fifteen hands, and in general 

 appearance it bears a strong resemblance to a well-bred En- 

 glish carriage-horse. Though possessed of considerable speed, 

 it is not enduring. This variety is often foisted upon the 

 ignorant as the pure Arabian. 



THE TURKISH HORSE. 



This horse is a cross between the Persian and the Arabian, 

 and is of slender build, carrying his head high, lively and 

 fiery, and possessing a gentle and affectionate disposition. 

 The tail of the horse is regarded in Turkey and Persia as a 



