366 AGRICULTURE AND THE HORSE. 



the box of a market- wagon, drawn by a well-matched, 

 even-working pair of solid bays, I always found seated 

 a contented and thriving farmer. The minister of my 

 native town, a large-hearted, kindly, sympathizing 

 pastor, and a sensible preacher of the gospel of Christ, 

 always drove an elegant horse, and drove him well ; so 

 that in his two-wheeled chaise at least, or when 

 mounted erect in the saddle, the people respected him, 

 and did not forget their respect when he had dis- 

 mounted. And never shall I forget the chagrin and 

 dismay, and " dismal doubts," which filled my mind as 

 I found myself and my beloved Jerusha, now my wife, 

 seated in her father's ancient chaise, behind her father's 

 ancient steed (both borrowed by me for the occasion), 

 and subjected to the sly jibes of the smart young 

 people who drove their smart equipages on that 

 memorable drive to the seaside. I pitied Jerusha; 

 and Jerusha pitied me. But, fortunately for us both, 

 that horse was the only fault she or her flimily had. 

 Excuse me, sir : but I cannot forget those days ; and, 

 when I am away from my wife and children, they will 

 constantly be uppermost in my mind. 



Now, sir, when I commenced farming, I made up my 

 mind that my horses should be as good as my sheep 

 and cattle ; that none of them should be surpassed ; 

 and that I would find out a way to breed and rear my 

 own, instead of going into the market to purchase the 

 fruits of other people's industry. I knew very well 

 what I wanted. I did not want a running-horse, nor 



