438 BREEDING. 



soft«n restraint, aud render less perilous the time of danger. Ths mare, 

 being more intelligent than the cow, feels more acutely, and does not 

 suffer so apathetically. It is more demonstrative in its behavior; but 

 the generous quadruped will, in the utmost wrench of agony, recognize 

 the step or the voice of one who- has been kind, and will even be sus- 

 tained by the presence of him who has earned its confidence. The 

 animal is by gentleness wooed, as it were, to submission. It learns to 

 associate happiness with the person of its superior ; and willingly sub- 

 jects itself to his assistance. Moreover, there is a depth in nature which 

 humanity has not fathomed, and the indulgences bestowed upon the 

 mother, in some mysterious manner may serve to tame the progeny 

 that is not yet numbered among the host of this world's inhabitants. 



Then, following the author's proposed m'ode of treating a mare, which 

 shall be profitable for brood purposes, let the most promising female foal 

 be destined from its birth for this function. It should never be placed 

 in the hands of a "breaker," or have its back strained by being mounted. 

 The creature should be rather coaxed to toil than coerced to labor ; it is 

 astonishing how much more can be accomplished by such means than 

 will be effected by the harsher methods. Subsequent to the fourth year, 

 the quadruped may earn its keep ; but it should never be urged beyond 

 that point, and where a difference must exist, the balance should stand 

 in the animal's favor. Only the lightest jobs should be chosen — the 

 mare being treated more like a favorite slave than regarded as the servile 

 drudge, whose exhaustion will tend to the profit of a harsh proprietor. 



In this manner the first six years should be passed, when the mare, 

 being matured sufficiently, and uninjured by work, may be put to the 

 destined purpose ; similarity — not sameness, but more decidedly not 

 difference — regulating the choice of a sire. In the selection, allow one 

 to amend the faults of the other ; but in seeking this, avoid absolute con- 

 trast, as the union of opposites is too apt to produce deformity. 



When choosing a mare for breeding, endeavor to discard the much 

 which has been printed on this subject. Let compactness of form, 

 strength, and an aptitude for exertion decide the choice. The legs 

 should be stout and short, — declaring bone and tendon to be present. 

 The upper portions of these members cannot be too bulging, thick, long, 

 or muscular. The crest should be highly arched, and characterized by 

 substance ; for the movements of the body are much controlled by the 

 muscles of the neck. The shoulder cannot be too fleshy, so it shall 

 slant properly, is firm to the touch, and is situated below withers suffi- 

 ciently lofty. For hunting or for ordinary purposes, high withers are 

 imperative. For racing they are no recommendation, as lofty action 

 delays speed and lessens the length of stride. The back should be 



