BREEDING. 439 



short, save only in the racer. The loins ought to be broad. The hips 

 cannot appear too ragged or be too wide apart, while the quarters must 

 seem large in every direction ; nor is it to be considered a fault, should 

 these last parts stand higher than and appear disproportioned to the 

 other regions. Above all, see that the channel is wide, the mouth large, 

 and the nostrils ample. 



Do not, according to the prevailing notion, search after a long or 

 roomy trunk. Most people like such a shape, because the carcass 

 which they seek after is wanted to contain, with a foal, the enormous 

 quantity of grass which the animal is forced to consume before life can 

 be sustained. The mare just described is not supposed to live in the 

 field, but to be as carefully tended and as liberally nurtured as the best 

 horse in the stable. It is, during gestation, desirable that nourishment 

 should occupy as little compass as possible ; whil^ it should not corrupt 

 the body's natural juices. This last effect is consequent on the con- 

 sumption of dry fodder. The moisture of the mother's body is ab- 

 stracted from the foetus, to soften the harsh and hard food which op- 

 presses the stomach. But when grass is eaten, an excess of water 

 renders that which should support the growth of the future foal weak 

 and devoid of nurture, while it engenders dropsy in the dam, and also 

 compresses the dawning life in its primary home. 



When the period arrives, the time occupied by the mare in "foaling" 

 will be short. The cow is usually slow in these matters. The mare is 

 always speedy, and far less patient under pain. Therefore when the 

 signs, which are well understood, declare the time to be rapidly ap- 

 proaching, send immediately for the nearest veterinary surgeon. How- 

 ever, previously ascertain that he is apt in this kind of business ; and, 

 above all things, be sure he is a feeling man. A coarse and noisy prac- 

 titioner is of no service about horses. The words may not be under- 

 stood, but the manners are quickly interpreted. The quadruped, at this 

 period, wants support, encouragement, and kindness. A harsh com- 

 mand or a threatening gesture may so alarm timidity, in its hour of ex- 

 citement, as shall retard the event they are intended to facilitate. Se- 

 verity, however, does not always lead to any immediate result ; but it 

 may so flutter the mother or disturb its system as will assuredly be 

 fruitful in after disorder. 



Should the animal be properly formed, and have been well selected, 

 but little aid will probably be required ; yet it is always prudent to have 

 assistance at hand, as the mare on such occasions admits of no delay. 

 Do not, however, allow the animal to give birth in a field or in the open 

 air. Such may be the prevailing custom ; but custom is always a bad 

 leader for a prudenv man to follow. Numerous children are born under 



