THE RUSSIAN HORSE. 



49 



hours — and the Cossack horse was brought in eight minutes after him. At 

 starting, the English horses carried full three stone more than the Cossacks • 

 and during the latter part of the race a mere child had ridden the Cossack. 



The Emperor Nicholas has established races in different parts of his vast 

 empire, for the improvement of the Cossack and other horses. On the 20th of 

 September, 1836, the races at Ouralsk took place. The distance to be run was 

 18 wersts, or about 41 French leagues — rather more than 10 miles. Twenty- 

 one horses of the military stud of the Cossacks of Oural started for the first 

 heat, and which was won in 25 minutes and 19 seconds by a horse belonging 

 to the Cossack Bourtche-Tchourunief. The second race was disputed by 

 twenty-three horses of the Kergheese Cossacks, and which was won in 25 

 minutes and 5 seconds by the horse of the Cossack Siboka-Isterlaie. On the 

 following day the winners of the two first heats strove for the point of honour. 

 The course was now 12 wersts — 3 French leagues, or about 6| miles. It was 

 won in 15 minutes by the horse of the Cossack Bourtche-Tchourunief. The 

 Russian noblemen who were present, admiring the speed and stoutness of tho 



[This cut represents a Cossack soldier accoutred for his journey, and having all that is ne- 

 cessary for him or for his horse. It gives a faithful but somewhat flattering representation 

 both of the soldier and hisEteed.} 



