CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 10. SOLIDUNGULA. 



611 



AMERICAN ECLIPSE. 



three-fourths round, Eclipse's quarter covered Henry's head and neck, and just as they had fin- 

 ished the bend, and were entering upon the straight run, which extends along the back part of 

 the course, Eclipse, for the first time, was fairly clear and ahead. He now, with the help of the 

 persuaders, which were freely bestowed, kept up his run, and continued gradually, though slowly, 

 to gain during the remaining three-quarters of a mile, and came in about two lengths ahead. As 

 they passed up the stretch, or last quarter of a mile, the shouting, clapping of hands, waving of 

 handkerchiefs, long and loud applause sent forth by the Eclipse party exceeded all description ; 

 it seemed to roll along the track as the horses advanced, resembling the loud and reiterated shout 

 of contending armies." 



We need but add to this animated description the simple statement, that on the third heat, 

 after a desperate struggle, Eclipse was triumphant. Thus ended the most interesting race ever 

 run in the United States. The three heats, or twelve miles, were performed in twenty-three 

 minutes fifty and a half seconds ; beside the original stakes of twenty thousand dollars, two hun- 

 dred thousand dollars changed hands. From this time Eclipse was the undisputed champion of the 

 course ; he lived to the age of twenty -five, having died in the year 1839, and having been the pro- 

 genitor of a large number of animals, among which are many of the most celebrated runners in the 

 annals of the turf. 



But it must be admitted, despite these facts, that the impression extensively prevails in this 

 country that there are native breeds among us better adapted to the wants of the country than 

 even the thoroughbreds of England. It is perfectly well known that a large part of these ani- 

 mals are really very indifferent beasts, and that it is only here and there one that actually rises to 

 that pre-eminence which is claimed for the race. It is not surprising, then-, that such a breed 

 as that of the Morgan Horse* described as an " untiring, all-day horse" should become a favorite 



* The origin of this breed is called the Justin Morgan, from its owner, Justin Morgan, of Randolph, Vt. It was foaled 

 in 1793, and was probably sired by True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, an animal stolen from Col. Delancy at Kings- 

 bridge, near New York, True Briton having been sired by the English horse Traveler. The dam is not known. 

 Though probably descended from an English sire possessing some thoroughbred blood, still this animal must be con- 

 sidered as essentially one of those marked creations by which nature often adapts her works to the particular wants 



