ANIMALS. 4'81 



The Italian horses were once more beautiful than they are at 

 present, for they have greatly neglected the breed. Nevertheless, 

 there are still found some beautiful horses among them, particu- 

 larly among the Neapolitans, who chietly use them for the 

 draught. In general, they have large heads and thick necks. They 

 are also restive, and consequently unmanageable. These faidts, 

 however, are recompensed by the largeness of their size, by 

 their spirit, and the beauty of their motion. They are excellent 

 for show, and have a peculiar aptitude to prance. 



The Danish horses are of such an excellent size, and so strong 

 a make, that they are prefeiTed to all others ior the draught. 

 There are some of them perfectly well shaped ; but this is but 

 seldom seen, for in general they are found to have a thick neck, 

 heavy shoulders, long and hollow back, and a narrow croup : 

 however, they all move well, and are found excellent both for 

 parade and war. They are of all colours, and often of whimsi- 

 cal ones, some being streaked like the tiger, or mottled like the 

 leopard. 



The GeiTTian horses are originally from Arabian and Barbary 

 stocks : nevertheless, they appear to be small and ill-shaped : it 

 is said also, that they are weak and washy, with tender hoofs. 

 The Hungarian horses, on the other hand, are excellent for the 

 draught, as well as the saddle. The Hussars, who use them in 

 war, usually slit their nostrils ; which is done, as it is said, 

 to prevent their neighing, but, perhaps, without any real foun- 

 dation. 



The Dutch breed is good for the draught, and is generally 

 used for that pnrjiose over Europe : the best come from the 

 province of Friezlaiid. The Flanders' horses are much inferior 

 to the former ; they have most commonly large heads, flat feet, 

 and swollen legs ; which are an essential blemish in horses of 

 this kind. 



The French horses are of various kinds ; but they have few 

 that are good. The best horses of that country come from 

 Limosiii ; they have a strong resemblance to the Barb, and, like 

 them, they are excellent for the chase ; but they are slow in com- 

 ing to perfection ; they are to be carefully treated while young, 



Barbary coast, and from tliem-e they received their horses ; hence the orijjio 

 of tlie gpnette~. 



2s 



