THE AMERICAN TROTTING-HORSE. 173 



overwhelmed with wonder, and awe-stricken when 

 they beheld the strangers mounted on animals dis- 

 similar to any they had previously seen. Nor were 

 the Spaniards slow to avail themselves of this ad- 

 vantage, and in the numerous re-enforcements con- 

 stantly forwarded, cavalry formed a large portion ; 

 familiarity between the natives and the dreaded ani- 

 mals soon reduced their fears, and as a natural con- 

 sequence in many of the engagements that took 

 place, the rider being slain the charger was cast 

 upon his own resources and became free. Again, 

 upon the line of march, doubtless many a foot-sore 

 and exhausted animal was left to perish, but liberty 

 and rest imbued him with fresh spirit, and the for- 

 saken, broken-down steed, with abundant pasture, 

 abundant water, perfect idleness, and self-control, 

 soon became thoroughly resuscitated. Further, we 

 learn that on one of the repulses which the Spaniards 

 were subjected to, in their hurry to save their lives, 

 they turned their horses loose, and took to their ship ; 

 and still again, when De Soto discovered the upper 

 waters of the Mississippi, he turned all the expedi- 

 tion's horses free, as he had determined to continue 

 his researches through that then terra incognita^ on 

 the bosom of the mighty father of waters. From 



