308 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



these races the horses were started from a ' scratch,' — - 

 that is, a mark was drawn across the road in the dirt ; 

 and the horses, ranged in a row upon it, went oif at 

 ' the drop of a hat ' or some other signal. It will be 

 observed that the form of the Justin Morgan was not 

 such as in our days is thought best calculated to 

 give the greatest speed for a short distance. Those 

 who believe in long-legged racers will think his legs, 

 body, and stride were all too short ; and to them it may, 

 perhaps, seem surprising that he should be successful, 

 as he invariably was, in such contests. But we think 

 his great muscular development and nervous energy, 

 combined with his small size, gave him a decided 

 advantage in the first start over taller and heavier 

 horses; just as any ordinary horse can distance the 

 finest locomotive in a ten-rod race. At all events, the 

 history of racing in this country and in England proves 

 conclusively that small horses may have great speed. 

 In such a race, a horse of great spirit and nervous 

 energy derives a decided advantage from these quali- 

 ties, especially after being a little accustomed to such 

 struggles. When brought up to the line, his eyes 

 flash, and liis ears quiver with intense excitement ; he 

 grinds his bit with his teeth ; his hind-legs are drawn 

 under him; every muscle of his frame trembles, and 

 swells almost to bursting ; and, at the given signal, he 

 goes off like the springing of a steel trap. His unvary- 

 ing success in these short races may perhaps be partly 

 accounted for in this way ; though he was undoubtedly 



