50 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



the causeway, to make way for them, and pass to the 

 road-side. For many years after this, the letter-bags 

 from the Post Office were intrusted to boys, who con- 

 veyed them on horseback. 



The qualities of the horses now in use, are often very 

 pleasing. To mention one instance of sagacity ; the 

 writer was a short time ago visiting a gentleman who 

 had a horse, which had long been in his service. 

 Whenever his master's foot was heard approaching the 

 yard of his stable, he promptly advanced to put his 

 head over the gate, and by sounds of pleasure hailed his 

 coming. Hero had been a creature of no common 

 spirit and strength ; and in his early days, would allow 

 nothing to pass him on the road. Indeed the neighbours 

 of his owner foretold serious accidents, and even death, 

 as the result of his unusual speed and power. But 

 happily they were false prophets ; his master's voice 

 was a law which Hero did not break. The lady of his 

 owner, at the time referred to, was a great invalid, and 

 had to be lifted into, and out of the chaise. But he 

 seemed fully to understand what was doing. No one 

 was required to stand at his head, nor even to hold the 

 reins ; he stood perfectly still ; nor was he startled for 

 a second, by the passing of any vehicle. He waited 

 with remarkable patience till every arrangement was 



