448 BREEDING. 



of no consideration. But before the reader jumps to such a conclusion, 

 he is entreated to reflect that the period of gestation in the mare occu- 

 pies nearly the space of an entire year. Having weighed this fact, let 

 him learn the gestative season required by other animals, and determine 

 whether there is any living creature whose capabilities are taxed with 

 an equal severity to those of the equine tribe. At the same time, he 

 should appreciate the circumstance that the oflTspring of the horse is 

 esteemed only as its body is developed, or is capable of labor; whereas 

 the young of many other creatures ai"e kept for amusement, or valued 

 only as articles of food. Surely, where perfection is the object, a greater 

 patience might be reasonably displayed in the mode of securing its 

 attainment I 



