DEIVI^a OH THE EOAD. 187 



has been the point that has troubled me the most. Often, 

 when putting the sweaters on a horse, have I asked my- 

 self the questions : What are you going to accomplish ? 

 Have you not carried this drain on the system far enough ? 

 He goes the distance without showing undue labor of the 

 lungs. It is true, many will say, he is not " drawn fine 

 enough ;" but do not his performances show this is a 

 mistake ? However, I will not trouble you with questions 

 now, awaiting the time when I can see the advantages 

 practically exemplified. I am aware though I thank you 

 for the reminder of the importance of this preparatory 

 stage, and shall watch closely each member of the stable, 

 to see that his appearance merits your approbation when 

 you return. The colts I can be driving, and hope, when 

 you see their action, that you will be as favorably im- 

 pressed as you are with their form. 



PEECEPTOB. The few days' walk they have had, since the 

 completion of their long journey on the cars, will be suffi- 

 cient to remove the soreness incident thereto ; and they 

 ought to learn something every time they are driven, that 

 will bring them much nearer being trotters. So it is best 

 to neglect no opportunity of tuition. The plan I would 

 recommend would be to drive them, on the road, to a skele- 

 ton wagon, and when you come to a smooth piece where the 

 grade is descending, let them rattle along merrily, striving 

 to keep them as nearly at their top speed as they can go 

 without breaking. If you fall in company with some one 

 who is willing to drive along-side, so much the better ; but 

 never extend the brush farther than a quarter of a mile. 

 They may be anxious to go along, yet, by restraining them, 

 vou will keep up that feeling of pleasure, which will en- 

 courage them to "try again," and at a better rate of 

 speed. King, I hope to find more amenable than at pres- 

 ent. He has been quite a study to rae ever since I re- 

 ceived so unfavorable an impression of his appearance? 



