196 The Ai^abian Horse. 



over the Arab, but it tells against him over long courses 

 and constant work, which brings him back again below 

 the level of the Arabian. But if we establish a breed of 

 pure Arabians, in which we have increased the size to 

 15 hands 2 inches, we have every reason to believe, with 

 only proper care and treatment, the perfect form of the 

 original will be retained ; we may reasonably expect equal 

 speed to the modern racer, if not greater, but accompanied 

 with lasting qualities and endurance. The course to pur- 

 sue is the attainment of a certain number of pure-bred 

 Arabian horses and mares : the latter would most likely 

 be in foal. It would be better if the Government would 

 undertake this, and, indeed, engage to form such a 

 national stud, as it could then be carried on in its in- 

 tegrity, without let or hindrance from the whims or 

 fancies of private individuals. 



A few well-selected persons, with knowledge of the 

 /Arabian horse and where to seek for him, would be the 

 first thing needful. Should the Government not feel 

 able to undertake it as a national scheme, there 

 is a grand opening for private enterprise, or for a 

 combination of gentlemen who have the welfare of the 

 horse at heart. (It does not seem more unreasonable 

 that there should be a stud for the production of horses 

 entirely of pure or Arabian blood, than that companies 

 should be formed for the breeding of racing stock of 

 inferior and mixed blood.) In this the Government might 

 help by granting certain plates or purses to be run for 

 by Arabians and by their pure descendants. While the 

 Middle Park Stud was intact, I abstained from giving 



