HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 35 



search for improvement. In this way, an almost incalculable 

 amount of benefit might be imparted to the farmer, and he 

 earnestly recommended the introduction of such meetings 

 among the farmers of the Connecticut valley. 



Horses. 



The committee suggest to farmers the expediency of more 

 care in the rearing of colts. Those are said to make the best 

 horses, which are weaned after six or seven months sucking. 

 For the first year, particular attention should be given to their 

 food, which should be bran twice a day, with a little hay, suf- 

 ficient water, and pasture in pleasant weather. The second 

 and third years, the pasture is preferable from May to Novem- 

 ber; and, in the winter, hay mixed with barley or oats wetted. 

 When four years old, colts may be taken from the pasture and 

 fed on hay. After weaning, attention should be given to the 

 temperature of the stable, that it be not too warm. The litter 

 should always be fresh and often changed. Cleaning with 

 straw is preferable to the currycomb, for the skin does not 

 harden till the colt is two and a half or three years old. The 

 breaking may commence at three and a half years of age, at 

 first with merely wearing a light saddle a few hours every day. 

 The colt should be led about by a leather strap (not by a curb) 

 and be made to trot without a rider, on even ground, with only 

 a saddle or harness on. When accustomed to this, a man may 

 mount and dismount; for, until four years old, the colt will not 

 be sufficiently strong to walk or trot with a rider on his back. 



By careful attention to these points, the committee believe 

 that many a noble horse may be raised, and, in reality, illus- 

 trate the description given by Camerarius, of a perfect horse : — 

 " It must," says he, "have three parts like those of a woman, — 

 the breast must be broad, the hips round, and the mane long; 

 it must, in three things, resemble the lion, — its countenance must 

 be fierce, its courage great, and its fury irresistible ; it must 

 have three things belonging to the sheep, — the nose, gentleness, 



