170 THE BROOD MARE. 



kept for purposes of sport and amusement 

 only ; while in a century or so tlie last few 

 specimens of a moribund race will be pre- 

 served in the Zooloarical Gardens, in the 

 parks of wealthy noblemen, or conveyed 

 round rural districts in travelling shows, to 

 afford country folk an opportunity of seeing 

 for themselves what the beast of burden used 

 so extensively by their forefathers was 

 actually like. 



Meanwhile, the horse is apparently as 

 much in vogue as ever. The railways, it 

 was once thought, would exterminate him 

 from the roads ; and they certainly have 

 superseded him for long journeys, a day's 

 ride or drive being now rarely under- 

 taken, save in certain wild and remote 

 districts ; or very occasionally for mere 

 pleasure, where time is of no importance. 

 Yet, as a matter of fact and experience, 

 Avith the development of our railway system 

 more horses have been employed than ever. 



