32 The Horse Farrier. 



perament has superior influence, the animal, though 

 looking fresh and fat, and starting well at first, will 

 soon flag and knock up, and will rather endure the 

 lash than make an extra exertion. It is the happy 

 combination of these three temperaments that make a 

 perfect horse, when severe exertion is demanded. The 

 full development of the abdominal organs is essential, 

 inasmuch as it is through the food that both the mus- 

 cular system and the nervous energy is furnished. If 

 the digestion is weak, the other powers will be in- 

 efficiently supplied. The sanguineous organs are need- 

 ed to furnish the muscular powers, and the nervous sys- 

 tem is demanded to furnish the muscles with the re- 

 quisite energy and capability of endurance. What is 

 called bottom in the horse, is neither more nor less than 

 the abundant supply of nervous energy, the muscles 

 being at the same time well developed. 



There are two errors commonly committed by per- 

 sons selecting animals from which to breed. Some pay 

 too much attention to pedigree, and too little to form, 

 spirit, etc. The correct theory is, though form and 

 character is of primary importance, the blood should 

 never be neglected. The great point to be aimed at 

 in a horse for all work, is the combination in the same 

 animal, of maximum of speed, compatible with suffi- 

 cient size, bone, strength, and solid power, to carry 

 heavy weights, draw large loads, and to secure to the 

 stock the probability of not inheriting deformity or 

 disease from either parent. Breed as much as possible 

 with pure blood, of the right kind, and breed what is 

 technically called up, not down, that is to say, by breed- 



