48 Advantages of proper Food and System. 



boats were discontinued, and, being " fresh as a 

 lark " at the time, suddenly fractured the bone 

 of one of his legs in his gambols while being led 

 home by his purchaser. 



I am aware that breeding will in a measure 

 account for " pluck " and disposition to work in 

 animals as well as in man, but it will not stand 

 in the place of ability under any circumstances. 

 The willingness or pluck may be always present, 

 but ability will depend upon a condition of 

 strength. 



One thorough-bred horse will resemble another 

 very much in disposition, but differ widely in ability 

 from mode of living. Take the first from the 

 green pasture and run him alongside that brought 

 direct from hard dry corn and sound hay, upon 

 which he has subsisted months, and performed 

 daily exertion. The effect is easily perceived; 

 weight or distance is scarcely an object to him, 

 but the first is blown or lamed before half a 

 dozen fences are crossed, or has received his 

 death summons from various causes. 



Harness horses, and horses used in draught, 

 require similar treatment to produce strength and 

 endurance. 



While pluck is derived from breeding, strength 

 is derived from food and a healthy digestion. 

 Corn and hay, transmuted within the penetralia 

 of the living organism, becomes muscle. Manure, 

 the refuse of digestion and the animal body, the 



