TEOTTING INSTINCT. 56 



involuntary or unreasoning prompting' to action, — a disposition to any 

 mode of action without any apprehension of the end or object, — a 

 natural and unthinldng impulse of an animal to do any act guided 

 solely by inclination, and ungoverned by reason. 



What is inclination? It is a leaning of the mind or Avill, — a pro- 

 pension or propensity, — a disposition more favorable to one thing 

 than another, — disposition of mind. 



What is temperament? It is defined to be disposition of mind, — 

 the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions 

 and affections; as, a calm temper, a hasty, fretful temper, — degree of 

 calmness of mind, or moderation. 



It will be seen further along, that this matter of temperament is one 

 deserving of consideration in the mental character of the trottinjr 

 horse ; but it is apparent that it has no proper application to the ques- 

 tion under consideration — that of the natui-al inclination of the animal 

 to the trotting gait. 



It is clear, from a careful analysis of the several terms and phrases 

 used, that the terms inclination and instinct more accurately express 

 the real idea embraced than any others. The term " trotting instinct " 

 has been generally accepted; and, but for the proprietary assumjDtion 

 that has been so loudly sounded in regard to it, would have become 

 universally satisfactory as both convenient and philosophical. 



This mental trait that we call trotting instinct, is an unseen quality, 

 not discernible by any of our senses, and it can not be located except 

 in the light of science. Like all other mental states or conditions, it 

 is only discoverable in its outward manifestations — in its leading, 

 inducing or inclining the animal to adopt and adhere to the trotting 

 action or gait, in preference to any other. This is the scope and 

 province of trotting instinct; and the correctness of the principle does 

 not, in any respect, refer to the rate of sj^eed which the animal can 

 display at that gait. It simply embraces the inclination — the tenacity 

 or force of that impulse. The other qualifications of the trotter 

 depend upon other traits and qualities. 



This much being settled, it will be oIdvIous that this trotting instinct 

 must, like all other mental qualities, have had an origin somewhere. 

 It started before it grew; it was acquired before it was transmitted or 

 inherited. It may be thus clearly stated that this habit or inclination 

 of mind comes, first of all, and in great part, from a required or con- 

 venient form of action that suggests the inclination, and induces its 

 gratification and growth, until simjjle inclination becomes confirmed 



