126 THE HACKNEY. 



or twelve, and, if wanted, will go fifteen in that 

 time in a canter or liand-gallop, without once throw- 

 ing up his head^ or requiring to be pulled up. We 

 are, of course, supposing him to be in good condi- 

 tion, and in strong work, or it would not be fair to 

 exact so much from him. But it is only in cases 

 of necessity that any horse should be made to per- 

 form the latter task ; for we are averse to trespass- 

 ing unnecessarily upon the powers and capabilities 

 of so noble an animal. On the contrary, we recom- 

 mend every indulgence that can be granted to him 

 on a journey, and especially in hot weather. At 

 all times, indeed, it is our interest to do so ; but, 

 in very hot weather, a few sips of soft water, often 

 given, keep off fever, and replenish the loss he sus- 

 tains by exhaustion from excessive perspiration. 



One word more respecting action. We are no 

 advocates for 'cery fast trotting. It forces the ani- 

 mal to the very extent of his powers, which, of 

 course, wears him out ; it induces his o-svner either 

 to be constantly displaying these powers in private, 

 or matching him against time in public. Add to 

 this, fast trotting is not a gentlemanlike pace ; that 

 is, it has not a gentlemanlike appearance, neither 

 is it agreeable to the rider. This is apparent at 

 first sight, when we follow two horsemen on a road, 

 one on a fast trotter, and the other on a good can- 

 terer; although going at the same rate, the can- 

 tering horse and his rider are both much more at 

 their ease. With the ancient Romans, indeed, a 

 trotting horse was called a tormenter. Neverthe- 

 less, we admit that fast trotting is a proof of action 



