HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 15 



had taught them to observe : the leading Horse, 

 which was always chosen for his sagacity and 

 steadiness, being furnished with bells, gave notice 

 to the rest, which followed the sound, and gener- 

 ally without much deviation, though sometimes at a 

 considerable distance. The following anecdote will 

 shew with -Avhat obstinate perseverance they have 

 been known to observe the line of their order : 

 Some years ago, one of these Horses, w r hich had 

 been long accustomed to follow his leader, by ac- 

 cident or fatigue, was thrown jnto an inferior rank : 

 the poor animal, as if sensible of his disgrace, by 

 the most strenuous exertions, at length recovered 

 his usual station, which he maintained during the 

 remainder of the journey; but on his arrival at 

 the inn-yard, he dropped down dead upon the 

 spot, his life falling a sacrifice to his ambition, 

 a species of heroism we must admire even in the 

 brute creation. 



