PHYSICAL CONFORMATIO]^-. 61 



or proper adaptation of the several parts of the machinery that is 

 to be propelled by it. 



Allow me then, in the further progress of these chapters, to assume 

 that our American trotter has already attained a high degree of ex- 

 cellence in natural and acquired mental traits and nerve capabilities, 

 except in so far as, in the individuals selected, the contrary shall 

 appear; and to give a large share of my attention to those matters 

 of physical conformation and proper adaptation of one part to another 

 that go hand in hand, and ai*e of equal importance in the make-up 

 of the great and valuable trotting stallions ; keeping in mind that 

 while trotters do go, and can, by great skill, be taught to go, in many 

 diverse forms, there is, nevertheless, a form more perfectly than many 

 others adajited to the gait and constitution of the trotter, and without 

 which the bio-hest deo-ree of excellence can not be attained. 



It is also worthy of remembrance, that as mental or nervous traits 

 are the result in great measure of education — training and practice 

 — so defects can, in large j^art, be ameliorated, and, in many cases, 

 entirely cured, by like processes; but physical defects, either in con- 

 formation or in blood infirmities, can only be overcome by the most 

 judicious selections and crosses, and, in many cases, after long-con- 

 tinued and protracted efforts in breeding. These efforts are attended 

 with so many incidents of uncertainty and discouragement, that 

 the importance of avoiding defects apparent in form can not be over- 

 estimated. 



It is, of course, absurd to suppose that we can determine the 

 quality and capabilities of a trotter by the tape-line; but it is not always 

 out of the question to determine his lack of capacity. 



Conformation and the proper proportion show whether he is, in 

 this respect, well or ill adapted to the highest excellence. If he 

 lacks form, or any of the great essentials, he may be a fast horse, 

 and yet not a great nor successful trotter. Form of the most perfect 

 proportion will not guarantee speed ; but if he lack form, he will 

 be lacking so much of that perfect excellence which is the standard 

 sought after by every intelligent breeder. 



The rate of sj^eed made by a horse on a particular occasion enters 

 the public journals, and gives him a record — be it official or luiofficial 

 — and this is often all that is known of him, and all that can, under 

 our system, be known of him ; while his way of going, and those 

 traits which are so requisite to a great horse or a family of enduring 

 excellence, are never known to the public. In this way we are 



