20 THE HORSE. 



proof of Eastern blood*. Every part of the continent, however, following 

 the example of England, has been diligently engaged in the improvement 

 of its breed, and the German and Prussian horses are now better propor- 

 tioned, and have considerable endm-ance, but are still deficient in speed. 

 The Prussian, German, and the greater part of the French cavalry are 

 procured from Holstein. They are of a dark, glossy, bay-colour, with 

 small heads, large nostrils, and full dark eyes, the fire and clearness of 

 which seem to denote the inward spirit of, the animal. They are beautiful, 

 active, and strong. 



THE SWEDISH, FINLAND, AND NORWEGIAN HORSE. 



Of the Swedish horses, Clarke, in his " Scandinavia," says, that they are 

 small but beautiful, and remarkable for their speed and spirit. Those of 

 Finland he describes as yet smaller, not more than twelve hands high, 

 beautifully formed, and very fleet. The peasants take them from the forests 

 when they are wanted for travellers. Although apparently wild, they are 

 under perfect control, and they trot along with ease at the rate of twelve 

 miles an hour.'* 



The following story is told of one of the Norwegian horses. His master 

 had been dining at a neighbouring town, and, when it was time to return, 

 had exceeded so much, that he could not keep a firm seat in his saddle. 

 The horse regulated himself, as well as he could, according to the un- 

 settled motion of his rider, but, happening to make a false step, the 

 peasant was thrown, and hung with one foot entangled in the stirrup. 

 The horse immediately stopped, and twisting his body in various direc- 

 tions, endeavoured to extricate his master, but in vain. The man was 

 severely hurt, and almost helpless ; but the shock had brought him to 

 his senses. The horse looked at him as he lay on the ground, and, stoop- 

 ing, laid hold of the brim of his hat, and raised his head a little ; but the 

 hat coming off, he fell again. The animal then laid hold of the collar of 

 his coat, and raised him by it so far from the ground, that he was enabled 

 to draw his foot out of the stirrup. After resting awhile he regained the 

 saddle, and reached his home. Grateful to his preserver, the man did, 

 what every good feeling bid him, — he cherished the animal until it died of 

 old age. 



Many an English farmer owes a considerable debt of gratitude to his 

 intelligent and faithful servant, who has taken care of him when he was 

 unable to take care of himself, and, possibly, has preserved his life. Let 

 him repay the debt by kinder usage. 



THE ICELAND HORSE. 



There are numerous troops of horses in this cold and inhospitable country, 

 descended, according to Mr. Anderson, from the Norwegian horse, but, 

 according to Mr. Ilorrebow, being of Scottish origin. They are very small, 

 strong, and swift. There are thousands of them in the mountains which 

 never enter a stable, but instinct or habit has taught them to scrape away 

 the snow, or break the ice, in search of their scanty food. A few are 

 usually kept in the stable, but when the peasant wants more he catches as 



* M. de BufFon strangely affirms, that the Hussars and Hungarians slit the nostrils of 

 their horses with a view to increase their wind, and to prevent their neighing ; and that 

 Hungarian, Croatian, and Polish horses continue to old age to have the mark in all tlieir 

 fore-teeth. 



