3krODERN FARRIER. 155 



be properly used are mentioned under the lieapl of 

 the diseases where the precaution is^-ecommended. 



81. Different Breeds. 



The liorse is produced in most parts of the world. 

 In, the v/ild and extensive plains of Africa and Ara- 

 bia, he ranges without control in a state of entire 

 freedom. In those immense tracts, the wild horses 

 may be seen feeding together, in droves of four or 

 five hundred ; one of them always acting as sentinel, 

 to give notice of approaching danger. This he does 

 by a kind of snorting noise, upon which they all fly 

 off with astonishing rapidity. The v/ild horses of 

 Arabia are esteemed the most beautiful in the 

 • world ; they are of a brown colour, their maiie and 

 tail of black tufted hair, very short ; they are snjaller 

 than the tame ones, are very active, and of great 

 swiftness. The most usual method of taking them 

 .is by snares or pits formed in the sand. It is pro- 

 bable there Vv^ere once wild horses in Europe, which 

 have long since been brought vmder subjection. 

 Those found in America were originally of the Spa- 

 nish breed, sent thither upon its first discovery, 

 which have since become wild, and spread them- 

 selves over various parts of that vast continent. 

 They are generally small, not exceeding fourteen 

 hands high ; with thick heads and clumsy joints ; 

 their ears and necks are longer than those of the 

 English horses. They are easily tamed ; and if by 

 accident they should regain their liberty, they sel- 

 dom become wild again, but know their master, and 

 may be easily caught by him. 



The difference that exists in the form and quali- 

 ties of this noble animal is to be attributed chiefly 

 to peculiarity of soil and climate. The extremes of 

 heat arid cold are alike adverse to the luxuriant pro- 

 duction of herbage and the growth of animal bodies. 

 Hence, perhaps, the contrast between the small 



