THE RACE-HORSE. 547 



procured in the countries of the Don. The distance to be 

 run exceeded forty-seven miles. On starting, the Cossacks 

 took the lead, the English following about three or four 

 lengths. They had not proceeded half a mile, before the 

 stirrup-leather of Sharper broke, and he ran off with his 

 rider, followed by Mina. Before they could be brought up, 

 they had run more than a mile, and up a hill. The race, 

 however, continued, and half the distance was run in an hour 

 and four minutes. At that time both the English horses 

 seemed fresh, and one of the Cossacks. Mina fell lame, and 

 was withdrawn. The remaining Cossacks began to flag, and 

 Sharper soon likewise shewed symptoms of distress. The 

 Russians and Cossacks, jealous of the honour of their coun- 

 try's horse, dragged him along by the bridle, threw away 

 the saddle, and mounted a child upon his back, nay, at length 

 dragged him by a rope, and even endeavoured to support 

 him by riding alongside of him. Sharper did the distance in 

 two hours and forty-eight minutes, followed by the Cossack, 

 who came in eight minutes later. In the accounts given of 

 this extraordinary race, it is stated that the English horses 

 carried at starting 3 st. more than their rivals ; while, during 

 half the race, it has been seen the Cossack was ridden by a 

 mere child. If these accounts be correct, it is evident that 

 the Cossack horses were immeasurably beaten, even in that 

 kind of race the most favourable for the trial of their pecu- 

 liar powers. The accident to Sharper, and the distress oc- 

 casioned him by running up a hill, were sufficient to have 

 turned the day against him ; but when to this is added the 

 difference of weight, it is evident that the Cossack horses 

 had not the remotest chance of success on equal terms. It 

 would be interesting, however, to repeat this kind of trial, 

 though for a less cruel distance, so as to determine, in a 

 satisfactory manner, the relative powers of two races of 

 horses both so excellent of their kind. 



A class of Races introduced into this country has found 

 favour among certain persons, but with little of reason to 



