BLOOD WITH SYMMETRY 99 



that accumulation of flesh and tallow by which prize 

 cattle are so unenviably distinguished. 



But with horses and hounds the case is reversed, every 

 imperfection, by the necessary process of training, being 

 exposed to view. A decided preference is, however, 

 generally given, by those who breed for the turf, to horses 

 of thorough good blood, or well-established character as 

 successful racers, without sufficient regard to their 

 external form ; and from the inattention to this point, the 

 produce, although true, and hard, perhaps, as steel, will 

 most likely lack power of action and speed, for although 

 blood will tell, yet blood with symmetry, matched against 

 blood without symmetry, will undoubtedly win the race. 

 Whether in breeding horses or hounds, I have always 

 attached the greatest importance to the dam, and have 

 often witnessed the disappointment of others, who have 

 placed their chief dependence on the sire. It has been 

 said that " horses always go with their shoulders," which 

 is intended of course to imply that the chief power of the 

 animal lies in his fore-quarters, to which doctrine or maxim 

 I cannot give an unconditional assent, although admitting 

 that without freedom of action in those limbs a horse can 

 scarcely go at all. But my impression has always been 

 that the propelling power lies in the back and hind- 

 quarters ; and for hunters to carry weight, I have always 

 looked for my chief dependence behind the saddle. A 

 handsome forehead, with fine arched neck, and deep 

 shoulders, lying well back, is very attractive either in 

 horse or hound ; but for speed and endurance, the hare 

 form or Eclipse shoulder, with muscular loins and good 

 hind-quarters, is of far greater importance. 



