96 THE HOKSE. 



Hays " was bred in this county. " Shave Tail, or tlie Cincinnati 

 Pet," was also raised here, from a French mare and Hamilton's 

 " Hickory," the latter claiming thorough blood, bnt we doubt 

 it. Nothing is known of Frank Hays's parentage ; he possessed 

 wonderful foot, but would choke down, consequently was not 

 reliable on the turf. Old Bay Eoman was owned at Plymouth, 

 in Wayne county, for ten or twelve years ; he was undoubtedly 

 thoroughbred, having run his mile in less time than any horse 

 on record in this country — so says the Spirit of the Times. As a 

 stock-getter, he was inferior, and but few can boast of improve- 

 ment by using him, many of his colts failing in the limbs. 



The most noted stallions in this county at the present time 

 are those claiming Black Hawk Morgan as their sire. One at this 

 place, owned by Mr. Turner, can trot his mile in three minutes, 

 full 15^ hands high, and weighs 1100 pounds in medium condi- 

 tion. Good horse judges look at him favorably, and freely ex- 

 press their opinion that his stock will be an improvement. It 

 must be admitted, however, that such opinions are not always 

 sure indications of such an event. It is one thing to express 

 ourselves regarding the improvement of the horse ; it is quite 

 another thing — and much more difficult — to accomplish the task. 

 There is also one owned by Mr. ISTewland, of Ann Arbor, much 

 similar to the one I have described, and a full size larger ; they 

 are, doubtless, as represented by their owners. Besides, there 

 is the chestnut stallion owned by Mr. Andrews of Detroit ; he 

 is now in the possession of Doct. Jeffries, of Dexter, being the 

 only animal of his class that has recently come under my ob- 

 servation, which I think worthy of special notice. There are 

 no other horses in this section, I know of, possessing distinct 

 characteristics, except those named. There is no race-course in 

 this count}^, but there is one at Adrian. 



Gov. Porter, while Michigan Territorial Governor, introduced 

 several thoroughbred horses from the South ; but this worthy 

 enterprise proved of little advantage, in consequence of the 

 death of Gov. Porter, which occurred shortly after their intro- 

 duction. The late Thomas Shelden, Esq., regarded them with 

 high favor, and made strenuous efforts to have farmers cross 

 them on our common mares. Tliey were, however, viewed with 

 distrust by the majority. Thus his efforts were of no permanent 



