HUNTING. 123 



will soon get him over by kindly encourage- 

 ment. The horse is essentially a timid crea- 

 ture. He is oftentimes subjected to cruelties 

 for his ''obstinacy," where a little kindness 

 and a few reassuring words would be infi- 

 nitely more effectual. Every glance of your 

 eye, every look upon your countenance is 

 noted by your horse whilst he can see you, 

 and, when you are upon his back, your words 

 fall upon highly sensitive ears. A horse's 

 soul is full of affection for his owner. He 

 yearns to please him. He would yield his Hfe 

 to serve him. Alas ! how is such nobihty 

 requited ? Man's cruelty converts a peerless 

 and incomparable companion into a terrified 

 and trembling slave. Young limbs are heavily 

 weighted before they have had time to grow ; 

 dark, wretched, solitary confinement too early 

 takes the place of the open air and free 

 pasturage to which the creature would fain a 

 little longer cling; young heads, pining for 

 freedom, are tied or chained up in melancholy 

 imprisonment. The numerous Uttle devices 

 with which the captive strives to while away 

 the tedium of its captivity are punished as 



