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around the streets an old, poor, lame, half-starved animal, 

 is one of the " seven deadly sins which cry to heaven for 

 vengeance.'' 



Age. — The horse for general family use should not be less 

 than six years. If he has any weak points they will be 

 likely to show themselves by that time. If he is found 

 sound at that age, well trained, not broken and cowed by 

 violent treatment, but educated, as any sensible domestic 

 animal is capable of being, with good care and usage he 

 will be good for fifteen years. Such an animal will render 

 his most valuable services while in his teens. 



We once were fortunate in purchasing a Blackhawk 

 mare, 8 years old, which gave us good, satisfactory services 

 for twenty-three years. 



It was no idle life, or under the eight-hour system, but 

 every day, Sunday and all, year in and out, and many a 

 day in the harness twelve to fifteen hours. She was an 

 active partner in the business, and hustled when the case 

 required. She now slumbers on one of the shaded hillsides 

 of Essex county, and her memory is cherished as an old and 

 trusted friend. 



We would much prefer a horse raised among the rugged 

 hills of New England than the prairies of the west. He 

 will be of much finer texture and of more nimble action. 

 The New England horse has spent his youthful days in 

 prancing up and down the rocky hills and has an energetic 

 way in picking up his feet, making him less liable to 

 stumble on rough and stony roads. The western horse 

 spends his youthful days in pulling his feet out of the 

 mud, and the same manner of handling his feet will stick 

 to him through life. 



Of course the blood and temperament of the breed may 

 have some influence, but will seldom overcome the lessons 

 of his early years. 



Stable. — Having purchased your horse, the next thing in 

 order will be a suitable stable to keep him in. 



Better have a little spare room than to be cramped. 



