152 HORSE PORTRAITURE. 



would not be long ere the good effects would be visible ; 

 not only in improving horses for cavalry service, but road, 

 trotting and carriage horses would be more plentiful and 

 of a great deal better quality. I have thought so much 

 of the scheme since reading the article alluded to, that 

 I am full of the subject; and to follow it in all its bearings 

 for the good of the horse stock would be a trial to youi 

 patience more formidable than I am inclined to punish 

 you with. However, it is so intimately blended with the 

 breeding of trotters that I hope every effort will be made 

 to have such a project become a law. There are enough 

 influential men in every State interested in the welfare of 

 the horse, who, if united in their endeavors to press the 

 matter on the members of Congress from their respective 

 districts, could render its success sure. I feel confident 

 General Grant would recommend it, even if ten times the 

 amount were asked for, for the benefit that would follow 

 to the improvement of the cavalry alone. During the .last 

 Illinois State Fair, the General, attended by a brilliant 

 company of general officers, was present. Though he 

 paid great attention to the various departments, it was 

 soon evident which was of the most interest to him. An 

 old man, whose appearance was striking from the pecu- 

 liarity in his manner and apparel, came in upon the judge's 

 stand where the General was seated, and asked his per- 

 mission to name a favorite colt, then on the ground, 

 after him. The request was courteously acceded to by 

 the hero, with the promise of visiting his namesake before 

 he left the ground. The old gentleman withdrew to pre- 

 pare the colt for the distinguished company, and on the 

 approach of Grant, led him to the front of the stall. Well 

 did he merit the encomiums bestowed on him by his 

 breeder. 



The whole group was striking, and as I looked at the 

 few comprising it, X would have given a pretty good trotter 



