THE AMERICAX ELOOE-HORSE. H 



of the original American colonies, twenty-one foreign, and fifty 

 native stallions, some of them the most celebrated horses which 

 the world has ever seen, were in service as stock-getters in the 

 United Kingdom ; and from some of these are descended all 

 our racers of the present day. 



It was precisely during this period that the American colo- 

 nies were planted ; and, as might be anticipated, English horses 

 of pure blood were introduced at a very early date. Indeed, 

 in those sections where the settlement was mainly effected by 

 men attached to the Cavalier party, race-horses were kept and 

 trained, race-courses were established, and a well-authenticated 

 stock of thorough-bred animals, tracing to the most celebrated 

 English sires, many of which were imported in the early part 

 of the eighteenth century, was in existence for some time before 

 the outbreak of the old French war. 



In the Eastern States, whose settlers were mainly attached 

 to the Puritan party, and therefore opposed in an especial man- 

 ner to horse-racing, very few horses of thorough blood were im- 

 ported. 



In Virginia and Maryland, as the head-quarters of the Cav- 

 aliers, it is probable that racing commenced simultaneously, or 

 nearly so ; it being an attribute of the principal towns of 

 Maryland some years prior to Braddock^s defeat in 17 53. 

 In the latter State, indeed, it appears for some time to have 

 been considered a part of the duty of the Governor to keep a 

 racing stud ; since no less than five successive governors were 

 all determined turfmen and supporters of the American racing 

 interest. 



As our Revolutionary War interrupted the peaceful progress 

 of the country and the avocations of our country gentlemen at 



