47 



we beat all the world in speed over the Turf." It may 

 be very difficult to get perfection ; but that is no 

 reason why we should take a horse with legs, the 

 timber of which is partly decayed, any more than 

 we should take a carriage with wheels the timber of 

 which is partly decayed ; or a house the foundation 

 of which shows symptoms of sinking. Let the 

 principal supports at least be perfect. Do not be 

 hoodwinked then by any shallow or interested phra- 

 seology of this kind. For either carriage, house, or 

 horse, make first sure of the foundation. The super- 

 structure and the colour to harmonize with it (of 

 course the more requisite in proportion to the price 

 to be paid), must still be regarded as secondary to an 

 undoubted solid basis. 



About eighteen hundred thorough -bred foals, it 

 is stated, are annually born in the United Kingdom ; 

 and I do not believe there are one hundred and 

 eighty of these, that ever reach the age of five years 

 with either perfectly clean limbs, or perfectly open 

 heels. Are the blood and training both so improved, 

 that not one in ten can be brought to the age of five 

 years pure and intact ? I fear they are ; and if so, 

 purchasers and pleasure seekers who pay, must have 

 the privilege of protesting against those pitiful pins 

 that so often accompany this pure blood, being ever 



