230 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



acquaintanceship, or knowledge, and forthwith either 

 ignorantly tinkers with thein himself, or consigns 

 them to the tender mercies of others as indifferent. 

 The future of his machine is always — of his pets 

 rarely — of interest. 



There are some men to whom the horse does not 

 appeal ; there are others who entertain affection 

 and regard for none of the animal kingdom. Many 

 such are mental or physical weaklings, and lacking 

 in ordinary nerve or courage. It has always seemed, 

 however, that there must be some mental failing 

 in the normal and healthy man who does not desire 

 association with this noblest of animals; who does 

 not exult in managing and directing him ; in foster- 

 ing his energies, and ensuring his welfare ; in loving 

 and admiring him. A something is lacking in such 

 a man's individuality. 



All animals are independent of man for food, for 

 shelter, for care, or for protection ; while he, in one 

 way or anothei% must absolutely lean upon them for 

 sustenance, for progress, in labour, or in war. The 

 luxuries of his life come from them ; the essentials 



