274 THE HORSE 



and the chickens. I stopped long enough to look them 

 all over, and received instruction. 



The old custom of presenting each son with a colt 

 or young horse on arriving at his majority was most 

 excellent, and might well be revived. If father will 

 not present you with a colt, raise one for yourself; 

 if he confiscates it, raise two more, but raise good 

 ones. A poor horse may be made to increase your 

 efficiency in production five -fold, but a good one not 

 only gives pleasure but may be made to increase your 

 productive power more than ten-fiold. Then, too, a 

 good horse may be one of the truest, most helpful and 

 appreciative friends you will have in your boyhood. 

 No boy can be said to be ignorant who has learned 

 how to breed, rear, feed and drive a good horse. 



My young lads and lasses, I have laid aside for a 

 time the discussion of scientific and practical horse- 

 breeding for the pleasure of having a familiar chat 

 with you; and if you believe the half of what I have 

 said as to the beneficial influences, pleasures and 

 profits which may be derived from a love for and the 

 breeding of the horse, you will read the next chapter, 

 which gives directions somewhat in detail, as well as 

 some of the principles which should be observed, if 

 the breeding and rearing of horses is to be added to 

 the general farm operations already established. 



