ON 



THE THOKOUGHBKED HOKSE, 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE RACEHORSE, perhaps, combines in the greatest 

 degree perfection of symmetry and power with grace- 

 fulness of action, and therefore I propose first to intro- 

 duce him to my readers. 



To see one or two dozen three-year olds of the best 

 blood in the world, in blooming condition, stripping for 

 the great contest at Epsom, is a most impressive sight. 

 Vivacity and courage mark every movement of their 

 eyes and limbs as they lash out as if to feel their 

 elasticity, while the head lads cautiously remove their 

 neatly-made clothing. 



There is something one may almost say supremely 

 aristocratic in their whole demeanour as they step out 

 of the enclosure, scarcely deigning to touch the sward, 

 with their talented pilots looking neatness itself. 



Without entering into any details as to the history 

 of the present thoroughbred horse, I will merely say 

 that it appears to me, from the information at my dis- 

 posal, that we are indebted to the cross with the barb 

 for the fine, speedy, and high-couraged animals to be 



