BIPEDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 131 



carry some men, though with others on their backs 

 they would not probably live half through a chase ; 

 this arises from the exercise of judgment, and proper 

 assistance on the part of the rider. It is true, very 

 superior horses will do without this ; but, if the 

 inferior animal is enabled to perform his part by the 

 aid of such judgment and assistance, it plainly shews 

 that if it w^as afforded to the superior one, he would 

 perform his part with greater ease to himself. " My 

 horses want no help ;" " I would not ride a horse 

 that gave me any trouble ;" or " If a horse cannot 

 take care of himself he won't do for me ;" this is all 

 contemptible affectation and ridiculous bombast. 

 No horse, if of a generous spirit, can, or at least will, 

 take care of himself ; and if he is a slug, he is not 

 fit to carry a gentleman. The refusal of taking a 

 little trouble, to save a good horse distress, evinces, 

 first, puerile, and at the same time domineering, 

 pride and affectation; secondly, pitiable indolence, 

 or the affected assumption of it ; and thirdly, sel- 

 fish feeling and want of humanity ; we laugh at, 

 while we look with contempt on such conduct in the- 



K 2 



