120 THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 



fact, that, as is the case with men, and all things in 

 animal creation, there are few of large growth per- 

 fect in other respects. A horse of sixteen hands, 

 with symmetry as faultless, and power proportionate, 

 must be better calculated for a hunter than one of 

 fifteen, neither having* exceeded, or fallen short of, his 

 natural growth. I say this upon conviction, still taking 

 leave to retain my own predilection for little ones, 

 till I see their inferiority manifested. With regard to 

 entire horses, there is a notion, that, if once stopped, 

 or tired, they never forget it, and are liable to shut up 

 early, in a fit of the sulks : there may have been such 

 cases, but not enough to form a rule. If an entire 

 horse be good-tempered, and not inclined to be trouble- 

 some in company, there can be no doubt as to his 

 superior powers of endurance. During the severest 

 campaigns in the Peninsular war, according to the 

 highest and best authority, mares were found most ser- 

 viceable throughout the whole of our cavalry force ; and, 

 from the number of mares to be found in coaches, &c., 

 it would seem that mares should have the call. It is 

 sufficient, however, for us to know, that there is no 

 objection to thenj, that there is no need to regard them 

 as the weaker vessel, that sex is as immaterial as colour, 

 and that whether " black, white, or gray ;" masculine, 

 feminine, or neuter ; anything of the equine genus, 

 possessing sufficiency of blood and bone — wind, speed, 

 and bottom — may be a hunter. 



How far, or in what manner, this trebly accursed 



