502 



UNGULATES. 



and it also occurs in the so-called Low Countries and other parts of the Continent. 

 Typically the black horse, as shown in the illustration on p. 489, has a round 

 and massive body, a broad chest, a powerful muscular neck, and short, stout, and 

 long-haired limbs ; its physical strength being great, but its speed slight. The size 

 varies considerably; the larger and most powerful races being produced in the 

 fens. The more modern breed generally has a white star on the forehead, and 

 more or less of the same colour on the feet and legs, and often on the muzzle. Low 

 says that " the main defects of his conformation and temperament are his too 

 great bulk of body, and want of action and mettle. For a pull with a heavy 



Clydesdale mare (" woodbine"). — The property of the Marquis of Londonderry. 



weight he is admirable ; but he steps out short, and is slow in all his motions." 

 Of recent years the aim of breeders has been to remove these defects. 



To the north of the Humber the native breeds of cart-horses are of smaller 

 bulk, and generally brown, or still lighter in colour; while they are altogether 

 more active than the black horse. This lighter build appears to be largely due to 

 an infusion of the blood of the higher races among the horses of these districts, 

 which is not wanting even among those employed solely for heavy draught. 



The Clydesdale breed takes its name from the valley of the Clyde 

 in Lanarkshire ; and is supposed to have originated by crossing the 

 black horse of the Low Countries with the native breeds. Clydesdales may be 

 either black, brown, bay, or grey in colour, and usually stand about 16 hands, 

 which is considerably less than the height of the black horse. They are also 

 longer in the body and less weighty, with a compact and muscular build, and a 

 characteristic free and long stride. 



Clydesdale. 



