PREFACE 



THE following popular, and yet, I hope, scientifi- 

 cally accurate, account of the natural history of the 

 more important representatives of the horse family, 

 inclusive of the older domesticated breeds and its 

 extinct forerunners, will, I venture to think, appeal 

 Co a large circle of readers. For breeders, racing 

 men, antiquarians, naturalists, and big-game hunters 

 ought all to find something of interest. 



It should be emphasised that only the natural 

 aspect of the subject is dealt with, such side-issues 

 as the legendary history of the horse, horse-sacrifice, 

 the acquisition and development of the art of riding 

 and driving, the training and management of horses, 

 being left untouched. 



Several difficult and debatable points are pur- 

 posely left undecided, as I have preferred to quote 

 the various opinions expressed by different writers, 

 rather than to assert my own views. 



For the illustrations I am especially indebted to 

 the Trustees of the British Museum ; but I have 

 also to express my acknowledgments to the 

 Duchess of Bedford, Prof. R. S. Lull, Dr. E. L. 



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