POINTS. • 421 



which medical gentlemen occasionally recommend as a "hard-trotting 

 horse." A child might sit upon the back of a well-bred steed. The 

 author recollects to have only seen one animal of this description em- 

 ployed as the riding companion of a gentleman. The master (a northern 

 nobleman) was evidently proud of his possession ; for the hack abounded 

 in energy and with fire. The life never appeared fresher in a colt ; but, 

 on inspecting the teeth, the writer was pleasantly surprised to behold 

 indications which denoted that at least twelve years had been passed. 

 The following illustration will suggest to the inexperienced reader the 

 more striking peculiarities which characterize the well-bred action. 



Any quadruped is supposed suited for the collar when it displays 

 points which unfit it for the saddle. A prime saddle horse, however, 

 always makes the best harness animal ; only, it is considered too valu- 

 able for such a purpose. There is but one law which is absolute with 

 draught horses. In them, the forelegs are pardoned a few faults; but 

 the hind quarters should always be powerful. That is desirable in all 

 quadrupeds ; for draught of every kind it is essential ; it should never 

 be overlooked, or the want of such a property ever be pardoned. 



There is another point of importance. Any gentleman purchasing a 

 draught horse — no matter whether for cart, for carriage, or for phaeton 

 — be it for any kind of vehicle, he should be certain, before the transfer 

 is concluded, that the new possession stands high enough. Nothing 

 looks worse than small horses before a tall carriage. The living power 

 may be in excess — it can hardly appear too mighty — but an inch below 

 the requisite size gives to the most elegant and the newest of "turn 

 outs " a shabby and a mean appearance. The draught may be Hght ; 

 the horses may not be overweighted; still, no fact or knowledge can 



