148 



A HISTOR1' OF THE EXGL1SH TURF. 



these Eastern sires have transmitted their influence to the twentieth century, we 

 shall find that the dominance of Eclipse is almost the only theory in horsebreeding 

 which admits of proof. But the researches of Bruce- Lowe and of William Allison 

 have established another no less valuable theory, and this is that a very large majority 

 of good horses are descended in direct female succession from one or other of a 

 comparatively small group of mares ; some of these descendants are famous on the 



racecourse, others at the 

 stud ; but in each case a 

 demonstrable proof can 

 be adduced of the pro- 

 bability of their perform- 

 ances being traceable to 

 the influence of certain 

 mares alive about the 

 time with which this 

 chapter deals. I am con- 

 cerned neither to sup- 

 port nor to oppose what 

 is known as the " Figure 

 System " ; for this vol- 

 ume is a modest attempt 

 at history, and not the 

 personal expression of 

 favourite prejudices. But 

 as material for the his- 



King fferod. 



By Sarlorius. 



torian I can conceive few 

 more valuable manipula- 

 tions of the ancient stud- 

 books than those which have been placed before the public by the gentlemen I have 

 named. They have done so with a definite purpose. I respectfully discard that pur- 

 pose as foreign to my present plan, and joyfully avail myself of all the proved facts 

 they have so industriously collected concerning the origin of the modern racehorse ; 

 for it is time that I should say something about breeding before the early days slip 

 past us, in order to appreciate the importance of many events and names prior to 1748 

 (the birth of Matchem), which might otherwise be passed over without due attention. 



