THE HOUSE. 



205 



The brain of the horse is large, and has many convolutions, as the engraving will render apparent. 



The early history of the horse is involved in obscurity. In the Sacred Writings alone have we any 

 probable trace of its original subjugation, or even a hint as to the nation to which we are indebted for so 

 valuable a boon. There is reason to believe that it has long since ceased to exist in a state of nature, 



THE ASTRAGAL OF THE HOUSE. 



THE ASTRAGAL OF THE RHINOCEROS. 



THE BRAIN OF THK HORSE. 



and that not a single indication remains by which we can judge of the form, the colour, or the habits 

 by which it was characterised befoi'e it became the servant of man, or how far it may have differed 

 from the present domesticated races. Even " the wild horses that are to be found in several parts of 

 the world afford us," says Mr. Bell, K uo clue to the clearer elucidation of their original character." 

 We shall notice some of the most remarkable of this valuable race. 



THE HOESES OF ARABIA. 



THE horse is believed to exist in a finer condition in Arabia than in any other part of the world. 

 Formerly many lived in a wild state in the deserts which cover so much of the soil of the country, 

 and were caught, not by the chase -for that was impossible but by entangling them in concealed 

 pits ; after which they were reduced to subjugation by hunger and fatigue. But, in consequence of 

 the great demand for Arabian horses, they are rarely seen in a wild state. 



The horse is involved in the most ancient superstitious of the people of Arabia. They believe him to be 

 endowed with a nature superior, not in degree only, but in kind, to that of other animals, and to have 

 been framed by the Almighty with a special regard to the convenience of man, and the setting forth 

 of his person, It is one of their old proverbs, that, after man, the most eminent creature is the horse ; 

 the best employment is that of rearing it ; the mo.st delightful posture is that of sitting on its back ; 

 and the most meritorious of domestic actions is that of feeding it. Mahomet himself did not disdain 

 to inculcate a lesson of kindness towards tha horse. " As many grains of barley," said he, " as are 



