54 THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 



under the skin, partly from its thinness, but also from thei^ 

 extra size and number of branches. This network of veins is 

 of importance in allowing the circulation to be carried on 

 during high exertions, when, if the blood could not accumulate 

 in them, it would often choke the deep vessels of the heart 

 and lungs ; but, by collecting on the surface, great relief is 

 afforded, and the horse is able to maintain such a high and long- 

 continued speed, as would be impracticable without their help. 

 Hence these points are not useful as a mere mark of breed, 

 but as essential to the very purpose for which that breed was 

 established. 



The mane and tail should be silky, and not curly, though a 

 slight wave is often seen. A decided curl is almost univer- 

 sally a mark of degradation, and shows a stain in the pedigree 

 as clearly as any sign can do. Here, however, as in other 

 cases, the clear tracing of that all-powerful proof of breeding, 

 will upset all reasoning founded upon inferior data. The 

 setting on of the tail is often regarded as of great importance, 

 but it is chiefly with reference to appearances ; for the horse is 

 not dependent for action or power upon this appendage. Nor 

 is strength of dock of any value as a sign, and many very stout 

 horses have been known with flaccid and loosely pendant tails. 



It is well known that certain horses can run half a mile at 

 high speed, but no more; others, a mile; others, again, a mile 

 and a half, or two miles; whilst another class, now less common 

 than formerly, require a distance of three or four miles to de- 

 velop their powers, as compared with ordinary horses. These 

 peculiarities are generally hereditary, though not always so ; 

 but still, when the blood is known, it may generally be surmised, 

 that the individual will, or will not, stay a distance. When the 



