HOW TO KNOW HIM. 17 



points to the lymphatic. Why should this not hold 

 true in relation to the horse? We believe it does. 

 Other things being equal, I should not select a sorrel 

 horse, nor a white-haired horse, nor a jet-black. I do not 

 regard these as hardy colors. I should prefer rather 

 the rich chestnut, the deep blood-bay, or a handsome 

 brown. The former colors suggest scrofulous constitu- 

 tions and imperfect blood-conditions ; while the latter 

 point to fineness of bone-texture, and perfection of the 

 venous system. 



The portion of the head lying between the eyes and 

 the ears is worthy of the closest possible attention ; for 

 it is the section occupied by the brain itself, — the seat 

 of all inteUigence, docility, and motive-power. This 

 section of the head can scarcely be too full. I would 

 never breed a mare to a stallion deficient at this point 

 of his structure. I want no colts from a sire with a flat 

 forehead ; for such a horse is a savage, sulky, detestable 

 brute. To start with, he will have no memory : he will 

 forget to-morrow what you taught him to-day. Even 

 if he wished to remember it, he could not ; for he is 

 incapable. To a bad memory must be added a bad 

 disposition. He is sour, cross and crabbed, tricky and 

 malignant. His cunning is not playful, but mean; and 

 his tricks are tricks of cruelty. No one ever saw a 

 horse, with such formation of front, tractable and trusty. 

 But if, on the other hand, you meet a horse with a bold, 

 prominent forehead, a noble fulness at that point where 

 the brain is lodged, you will find him to be of a docile 



