THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 29 



length or shortness. There is no surer criterion of a 

 well-bred horse than a broad, angular forehead, pro- 

 minent features, and a short face ; nor of a horse 

 with little breeding than a narrow forehead, small 

 features, and lengthened nose. The comparative 

 development of the head and face indicates, with 

 little error, the preponderance of the animal or intel- 

 lectual principle." 



As the horse breathes only through the nose, it is 

 important that the openings into that cavity should 

 be free, and capable of dilating sufficiently to allow 

 of the passage of a large volume of air when the 

 animal is put to his speed. The expanded nostril is 

 a striking feature in the blood horse, especially when 

 he has been excited and not overblown. What a 

 sudden effect is given to the countenance of the 

 hunter, when his ears become erect, and his nostrils 

 dilate, as he first listens to the cry of the hounds, and 

 snorts and scents them afar off ! And the war-horse 

 " the glory of his nostrils is terrible ! " 



The following anecdote, related by Professor 

 Kiigler, of Halle, proves both the sagacity and the 

 fidelity of the horse : A friend of his, riding home 

 through a wood on a dark night, struck his head 

 against a branch of a tree, and fell stunned to the 

 ground. The horse immediately returned to the 



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