

SHIRE HORSES AT ISLINGTON 65 



of enormous propulsive powers, and the use of a pair of 

 steps for getting on their backs. When alongside them 

 in the stalls and boxes, the impression of bulk is equally 

 great, and the meekness with which they ' get over ' 

 when smacked is almost as surprising as the obedience 

 of an elephant. When taken out some new discovery 

 has dictated that their backs and loins shall be thickly 

 covered with sawdust to prevent their catching cold. 

 Consequently a group of a dozen in the ring suggest 

 recollections of magnums of tawny port in a wine- 

 merchant's window. As an unconventional index of 

 their size, the following figures, taken from the measure- 

 ments of a prize mare and prize stallion, are somewhat 

 interesting. Feet and inches give a clearer idea of 

 dimensions to most minds, so we substitute them for 

 hands. Taking the lady shire horse first, we find that 

 she measures 5 feet 6 inches at the shoulder, 8 inches 

 across the hollow of her front foot, 8 feet 2 inches 

 98 inches round her 'waist.' She weighs 18^ cwt. 

 and is not fat. Her * hair,' which is 5 feet long, 

 is plaited, so that its beauties do not show ; 

 but her complexion, dappled brown and glossy, is 

 perfection. 



At the other end of the hall a ' prize stallion, ten 

 years old, and therefore fully mature, was measured 

 with the following results : Height at the shoulder, 

 5 feet 8 inches, with a * waist ' measurement of 



5 



