CHAP. I. 



THE SHIRE HORSE. 



387 



form, and the long, thick, hairy legs attributed to the original breed ; 

 and obtained a more compact and short-limbed animal, possessed of 

 greater activity, and, as he alleged, of a better constitution, being 

 more hardy and better able to stand constant work. If he carried this 

 to a somewhat extravagant length, and sacrificed a little too much of 

 that bone which, in every horse of strength, must have considerable 

 development for the attachment of muscles, this defect has been 

 rectified, and in that respect there is at present no deficiency in the 

 breed. 



Although the black colour, with a blaze on the face, and some white 



Fig. 85. Shire Mare "Starlight," the Champion Mare at the London Shire 

 Horse Shows, 1890, 1891 : and 1892. 



The Property of Mr. F. Crisp, New Southgate, Middlesex. 



on the legs, may be regarded as the distinctive marks of this race, yet, 

 in consequence of various crosses, they are now to be found of all 

 colours. They are generally small-headed compared with their size, 

 short-necked, with thick shoulders, short in the back, deep and round 

 in the body, with broad back and loins, the quarters thick, the thighs 

 and fore- arms peculiarly strong, and the legs short, with large round 

 hoofs ; they possess great strength, and, although very slow, and 

 apparently sluggish in their action, are not deficient in bottom; but 

 from their weight, as well as their natural power, go through draught 

 work that could be performed by few other animals. That particular 

 form commonly known as the Dray-horse is more especially a model of 

 symmetry and strength combined. Not the least of his perfections is 

 his extreme docility, which cannot fail of being an object of admiration 



a c 2 



