NEGLECT OF HORSES. 51 



where the soil was rocky and sterile, to that where it is as 

 rich and fruitful as the valley of the Nile. They toiled at 

 the breaking plow, late and early, to convert the flowery 

 prairie into fields that were overladen with all the pro- 

 ducts the most provident farmer could desire ; hauled the 

 rails that protected these crops from devastation ; reaped 

 the grain, harvested, thrashed ; in fact, thanks to the in- 

 ventive genius of the country, did all the heavy work of 

 the farm, and after that was accomplished, joined in the 

 owner's pleasures, carrying him where he listed. 



The excitement of the wolf chase could not have been 

 enjoyed had they refused to follow the wily denizen of the 

 grove and bluff over the rolling prairie, never making a 

 mistake in the treacherous gopher holes, and knowing 

 just where it was safe to cross the slough that trembles 

 under their light feet. 



For all these services rendered, they are requited by 

 having to stand the cold night with no protection, while 

 the owner has replaced the cabin with the good two story 

 brick or frame, protected from every breath of cold air. 

 Would that I had the power to make them change places. 

 The burly farmer should shiver for a while till he ac- 

 knowledged his indebtedness, and finally repaid it by 

 making his horse as comfortable as his now ample 

 means would render easy of accomplishment. 



You almost frighten me from the determination to 

 make this bolter forget his dangerous trick, but as 

 there never was a steeple-chase rider that did not get a 

 "purler" or "sockdolager," before he attained the re- 

 quisite knowledge, so I will even brave the chance of 

 being impinged on some heavy, ponderous object that 

 will receive me at the risk of compound fractures, 

 liberal contusions, and seeing stars generally. I cor- 

 dially agree with you relative to the wintering, and have 



