LIFE WITH THE TROTTERS. 421 



although it remains to be seen if the early-developed and 

 speed-forced colt will j^rove the better horse. 



With such bright stars before us as Patron, two-year-old 

 record 2:42|, three- year-old record 2:19|, five-year-old record 

 2:14^, and this made after a season in the stud, there is a 

 grand argument for the advocates of early training. I will 

 speak of another which has attracted my attention a good 

 deal, and that is Bermuda, yearling exhibition 2:39f, 

 two-year-old record 2:29f, three-year-old record 2:24|, four- 

 year-old record 2:22, and five-year-old record 2:20^. 



There are other matters of importance to think of, one 

 of which is this: If it is possible to raise horses as well 

 develox)ed in speed at five years old, and that will stand the 

 campaign and fight out long, closely contested races (as 

 Jack and Geneva S. have done), will it not be more of an 

 incentive for men looking for a place to enjoy their surplus 

 capital to invest where they will get such sj^eedy returns 

 and not have to wait eight or ten years, or until changes in 

 business or tastes force them to deny themselves the jirivi- 

 \ege1 The best time to catch fish is when they bite well; 

 then with a tempting bait throw your hook. Show a buyer 

 (wliether he be breeder or speculator) a fast young one, and 

 he will pay more, and buy much quicker, than for one as 

 well bred that does not jDerform as well. How to do this is 

 the theme which engrosses the mind of the breeder of trot- 

 ting horses. The breeder who does not believe in early 

 speed development, and practice it, will in time sink out of 

 sight, just as surely as railways have superseded stage 

 coaches. His capital may enable him to bear the expense 

 and to sell at a low figure, until such time as the colts are 

 develoi)ed by other peox)le and demonstrate their ability to 

 trot young, or a breeder may be so well stocked in speed - 

 producing, fashionable strains, that the current may carry 

 him along with it, but in the nature of things the boom will 

 change. "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.''' Colt 

 raising, as well as handling, has become an ai t of its own, 

 and apart from the training and handling of aged horses. 



