THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 47 



degree analagous to certain forms of human insanity. 

 The following anecdotes are related by Mr. Youatt, 

 on the authority of Professor Rodet, of Toulouse : 

 A horse, seven years old, was remarkable for an 

 habitual air of stupidity, and a peculiar wandering 

 expression of countenance. When he saw any thing 

 he had not been accustomed to, or heard any sudden 

 or unusual noise, whether it was near or at a distance, 

 or sometimes when his corn was thrown into the 

 manger without the precaution of speaking to him or 

 patting him, he was frightened to an almost incre- 

 dible degree; he recoiled precipitately, every limb 

 trembled, and he struggled violently to escape. 

 After several useless efforts to get away, he would 

 work himself into the very highest degree of rage so 

 that it was dangerous to approach him. This state 

 of excitement was followed by dreadful convulsions, 

 which did not cease until he had broken his halter, 

 or otherwise freed himself from his trammels. He 

 would then become calm, and suffer himself to be led 

 back to his stable, nor would any thing more be seen 

 but an almost continual uneasiness, and a wandering 

 and stupid expression of countenance. He had be- 

 longed to a brutal soldier, who had beaten him 

 shamefully : but before he fell into that man's hands 

 he had been perfectly quiet and tractable. 



