d6 THE HORSE 



of steeplechases, either from want of stamina, or of speed, 

 or perhaps both. A staUiou which has won over compara- 

 tively short distances is usually a sharp, quick horse, and 

 is more likely to sire good hunters than a slow, plodding 

 race-horse, which has never come to the front except over 

 long distances. A horse that has shown winning form at both 

 short and long distances is the animal required, but is not 

 always to be found ; and if a choice had to be made between 

 two animals, I would personally select the animal that had 

 shown speed and dash rather than one which had been slow, 

 though a stayer. Speedy horses are often big powerful 

 animals, with excellent shoulders and free action ; but 

 their very weight causes them to tire in a race more 

 rapidly than a light, wiry horse. If the latter has been 

 unable to show speed, it may be taken for granted that the 

 machinery does not work with the due mechanical smooth- 

 ness which probably will be inherited by its more plebeian 

 offspring. 



Some Celebrated Sires. 



It has been mentioned above how certain individual 

 sires have been a conspicuous success in siring hunters, 

 and if within reach of such it is well worth a breeder's 

 while to pay an extra fee for the services of such an animal, 

 whose reputation stands on a well-established footing. To 

 mention but a few whose names have been "household 

 words," there were Old President, and Bay President, 

 MacOrville, and Perion, in Yorkshire, in years now long 

 past, and Gainsborough, Lifeboat, and Gunboat, in Devon- 

 shire. In Ireland, Sir Hercules was a mighty name, and 

 afterwards his son, Birdcatcher, and his many descendants. 

 The Stockwells could all jump, and so could the Melbournes, 

 while the Beadsmans, the Flying Dutchmen, and the sons 

 of Artillery were all constantly distinguishing themselves 

 between the flags, and were eagerly sought for by trainers 

 of steeplechasers. Of later years the Cedrics were re- 

 nowned in Yorkshire, and then the Gordons, and Red 

 Eagles, while Ireland boasted of her Arthurs, and Victors, 

 and then, greatest of all, the incomparable Ascetic. It is 



