THE BROOD MARE. 177 



in the dam, we shall seek to compensate by 

 corresponding excellence of that point in the 

 sire ; hearing in mind that such compensation 

 is more likely to he obtained when such 

 superiority has been a characteristic in the 

 stallion's family or tribe, than when it 

 happens to be an advantage more peculiar 

 to himself. 



With regard to age, we consider this of 

 less consequence than constitution. The 

 horse, reasonably and nattirally treated, is 

 a longer-lived animal than is popularly 

 supposed, and an individual so ti'eated re- 

 tains its vigour often to a later period 

 than may generally be thought possible. 

 While it is a mistake, therefore, to conclude 

 that any aged and worn-out animal will 

 do to breed from when it can no longer 

 work ; if one has an old favourite of the 

 right conformation, which was not over- 

 worked in her youth and has a good 

 constitution, she may be used for some years 



12 



