164 A TREATISE ON HORSE-BREEDING. 



raising second only in importance to that of 

 blood, which is purely an inherited quality, and 

 for lack of which no after-care can ever com- 

 pensate. 



Abundant opportunity for exercise in the 

 fresh, pure air, uncontaminated by stable odors, 

 is an absolute essential to a healthy develop- 

 ment in all young animals. It is not sufficient 

 that the colt be led out at stated intervals for 

 exercise; he needs the opportunity to romp and 

 play, that he may extend his muscles to their 

 utmost capacity, expand his lungs to their very 

 depths, and send the blood coursing through 

 every vein with fiery vigor. All this is essen- 

 tial to a healthy, robust development of heart 

 and lungs, and bone and muscle; and nowhere 

 can it be obtained in so great a degree of per- 

 fection as in the freedom of the open field. A 

 colt that is kept in the stall and fed highly on 

 heating grains is seldom afforded an opportu- 

 nity for this health-giving exercise. Like the 

 tender hot-house plant, he grows up deficient 

 in stamina and vigor a victim to his artificial 

 surroundings, which do violence to every want 

 of his nature. To the exhilarating race in the 

 fields and pastures which colts as well as boys 

 so heartily enjoy he is a stranger; and he 

 grows up a stiff, clumsy brute, with only a 

 tithe of the development of lungs and other 



