THE RACE-irORSE. 



67 



earlier derivation is required, that ends either Avith an Eastern horse or in 

 obscurity. 



It is now admitted that the present English thorough-bred horse is of 



THE COLONEL. 



foreign extraction, improved and perfected by the influence of climate and 

 diligent ciiltivation. There are some exceptions, as in the cases of Samp- 

 son and Bay Malton, m each of which, although the best horses of their 

 day, there was a cross of vulgar blood ; but they are only de^aations from a 

 general rule. In our best racing-stables this is an acknowledged principle • 

 and it IS not, when properly considered, in the slightest degree deroo-atorv 

 to the credit of our country. The British climate and British skilf made 

 the thorough-bred horse what he is. 



The beautiful tales of Eastern countries and somewhat remote days may 

 lead us to imagine that the Arabian horse possesses marvellous powers • 

 .ut It cannot admit of a doubt that the English-trained horse is more 

 beautiful and far swifter and stouter than the justly-famed coursers of the 

 desert. In the _ bm-ning plains of the East and the frozen climate of 

 Itussia, he has invariably beaten every antagonist on his native ground 

 It has been already stated that, a few years ago. Recruit, an Enghsli 

 horse of moderate reputation, easily beat Pyramus, the best Arabian on 

 the Bengal side of India. 



It must not be objected that the number of Eastern horses imported is 

 far too smaU to produce so numerous a progeny. It will be recollected 

 that the thousands of wild horses on the plains of South America de- 

 scended from only two stallions and four mares, which the earlv Sixanish 

 adventurers left behind them. " ^ 



Whatever may be the truth as to the origin of the race-horse, the 



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