DRAUGHT HORSES. 95 



(generally of the more compassionate sex), 

 who sometimes commiserates the lean-look- 

 ing cab or tram horse, fine drawn by severe 

 work, as "half starved, poor thing," Avould 

 probably be much surprised to hear that the 

 same amount of stimulating food which such 

 a horse puts away daily would render many 

 of the sleek and aristocratic brethren, which 

 haply she admires in the park, dangerous 

 to ride or drive. The 'bus horse is usually 

 a more bulky animal, who contrives to look 

 as well fed as he is, for a certain amount 

 of weight is absolutely necessary to start at 

 frequent intervals so heavy a load as a full 

 omnibus. Nearly all our omnibus horses 

 are imported. Formerly Elemish horses were 

 mostly used, and were very suitable for the 

 work, being strong-limbed and sturdy, with 

 particularly sound joints and feet, able to 

 stand prolonged battering on the paved stones 

 before the introduction of wood blocks and 

 asphalt. The grey Percheron mares, too, 



