ARABIA. 35 



Have you ever seen Leopard, or Linden Tree, 

 whose arrival in this country made such a sensation? 



" No, madam, and never having seen them I cannot 

 express any opinion. Among horsemen in Europe 

 who study the different breeds, it is believed 

 they belonged to the Levantine family, being showy, 

 stylish, strong, and with many fine points." 



Have you any other reason for believing so? 



" As I have said before, these rare breeds which I 

 have mentioned, are considered so precious that 

 every precaution is taken, not only by the owners, 

 but by the whole tribe, to prevent their loss, by 

 sale or intrigue. The Arabs, with all their peculiar 

 creeds of hospitality, have never arrived at that 

 state of civilization which could induce them to give 

 away such treasures. If an owner should be tempted 

 by an enormous price to part with a mare or stallion 

 — there are no geldings — he would be put to death by 

 his tribe, while the man who had the temerity to 

 seek such a purchase, must do so at the risk of his life. " 



They must take peculiar measures to prevent 

 their loss. 



" Every horse lives inside his owner's tent and is 

 the pet and delight of the women and children, and 

 quite as much a part of the family. Their intelli- 

 gence is almost human, as they answer in obedience 

 to every word, and are so trained as to help their 

 owners in defeating any attempt to carry them off." 



The endurance of the Arab horse is very remark- 

 able, I have heard, Count. 



" It is almost inconceivable. From the days when 

 Noah's ark settled on Mount Aararat and his sons 



