48 NEW FOREST EXMORE PONIES. 



To return to the PONIES of the New Forest, Dorsetshire, although private 

 property, they run wild in their extensive domain, as if in a state of nature, and 

 are often in the summer season, seen feeding like Deer, in herds of a score or two. 

 Their colts, when wanted, are even hunted down by horsemen, or caught by 

 stratagem. With few exceptions, these foresters are ill-made and ordinary, but 

 useful for almost every purpose, and sure-footed. They are sold at the neigh- 

 bouring Fairs. Of the WELCH PONIES, little of variety could be added. Ac- 

 cording to tradition, authenticated by the late aged and Rev. Mr. Chafin, the 

 celebrated OLD MERLIN, the Race Horse, acted the same useful part in Wales, 

 which Marsk subsequently performed in the New Forest ; improving the breed of 

 the Welch Ponies. Thence the appellation of a Mountain Merlin, bestowed upon 

 those of certain districts in Wales. The chief part of what has been said, may be 

 likewise applied to the horses of the Forest of Exmore, in Devonshire ; where are 

 sales, probably annual, of those horses, at Simon's Bath House, within the Forest. 



Considering the general utility of those inferior races of the Horse, the Foresters, 

 it is submitted, whether it would not answer the purpose of a higher degree of 

 utility, and of individual profit, to improve their form and powers, by a proper 

 selection of breeding stock, without seeking to increase their height. 



