MORGAN HOUSE : HIS RELATION TO BREEDING. 807 



his step short and nervous. He was not what in these 

 days would be called fast : and we think it doubtful 

 whether he could trot a mile, much, if any, within four 

 minutes ; though it is claimed by many that he could 

 trot it in three. 



^'Although he raised his feet but little, he never 

 stumbled. His proud, bold, and fearless style of move- 

 ment, and his vigorous, untiring action, have, perhaps, 

 never been surpassed. When a rider was on him, he 

 was obedient to the slightest motion of the rein ; would 

 walk backwards rapidly under a gentle pressure of the 

 bit; and moved sideways almost as willingly as he 

 moved forward ; in short, was perfectly trained to all 

 the paces and evolutions of a parade-horse. When 

 ridden at military reviews (as was frequently the case), 

 his bold, imposing style, and spirited, nervous action, 

 attracted universal attention and admiration. He was 

 perfectly gentle and kind to handle, and loved to be 

 groomed and caressed : but he disliked to have children 

 about him ; and had an inveterate hatred for dogs, — if 

 loose, always chasing them out of sight the instant he 

 saw them. When taken out with halter or bridle, he 

 was in constant motion, and very playful. 



*' He was a fleet runner at short distances. Running 

 horses short distances for small stakes was very com- 

 mon in Vermont fifty years ago. Eighty rods was 

 very generally the length of the course, which usually 

 commenced at a tavern or grocery, and extended the 

 distance agreed upon, up or down the public road. lu 



