16 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



nearly of the same measurement in all horses ; but the 

 apparent size differs widely in different cases, and this 

 difference springs from two causes as we understand it : 

 first, whether the eye is set Avell forward or back- 

 ward as to its position in the socket ; and, in the second 

 place, to the thinness and openness of the eyelids, or the 

 reverse. The eye should set well out, yet not so far as 

 to be exposed to outward injury. I think too little at- 

 tention is paid to the color of the eye, because from 

 this, as we think, can be judged the character of the 

 temper. A little observation on the part of the reader 

 will substantiate this, or prove us to be in error. 

 As to the 



EARS, 



I would observe that they should be thin, not over 

 lengthy, free from long hairs, curved a little inward at 

 the point, and full of vein-tracery. They should be 

 rather close together at the base, strongly set on, quick 

 and lively in movement, and covered with fine, short 

 hair. You will never find an indolent, sluggish, heavy- 

 moving horse blessed with such ears. 



I think also, but to a less degree, the color of the hair 

 should be considered. I do not think that color is a 

 mere matter of taste, as some assert. We know that 

 the color of a man's skin does assist one in forming a 

 correct judgment as to his temperament. 



We know that the florid complexion denotes the san- 

 guine temperament ; that with the darker skin we as- 

 sociate the bilious temperament; and the chalky hue 



