202 THE PERFECT HOKSB. 



preferable. After the first month, you can begin to 

 let him out a little. Yery likely, before this, he has 

 begun to get an inkling of his powers, and showed a 

 disposition to avail himself of the smooth stretches in 

 the road. For such manifestations you have been 

 anxiously looking ; and their coming is a delight to your 

 soul. It is the sure evidence that your colt has " got it 

 in him ; " and that, with proper education, he is bound to 

 be a trotter. Now select your nicest bit of ground, 

 straight and level as may be, not more than fifty rods 

 in length, at least two miles from your stable, so that, 

 by the time he reaches it, the effervescence of his spirits 

 has worked itself out ; and when you have come to it, 

 and he begins to lift his head, and feel of the bit with 

 his tongue, — which he is pretty sure to do, — do not 

 restrain him, but let him go it. Don't say any thing to 

 him. It is his affair, remember; and let him enjoy it 

 undisturbed. Simply steady him slightly with the lines ; 

 and after he has gone what you regard as a sufficient dis- 

 tance, and while he is in full blast, and eager as a young 

 hound on the scent, take him gently in hand, and slow 

 him up. Now is your time to praise him. Call him pet 

 names ; flatter him ; reach over and pat him with your 

 hand. Make him feel that he has done something 

 worthy, and that you are proud of him. Do not smile 

 incredulously as you read this, and say a colt can't 

 understand you. A colt can understand you. Among 

 all animals, the dog only is more susceptible to praise. 

 If you have the right stuff in you, you cannot drive a 



