162 THE TROTTING-HORSE OF AMERICA. 



It is, as I have said above, too vague and unsu'bstaiitial to 

 build upon; but from Dutcbman's form, character, and 

 peculiarities, this was the sort of parentage that many 

 would have ^een inclined to ascribe to him. He was not a 

 coarse horse, though bony and strong ; and there was the 

 appearance of a deal of breeding in his head and neck and 

 his carriage, especially when going at a good rate. His 

 temper and endurance also indicated that he had good blood 

 in him ; and I have no doubt whatever of that fact. But 

 there is no means that I know of tracing the source of it 

 at this time ; and, though the account in the letter alluded 

 to may be true, it does not appear to be entitled to be 

 regarded as more than probable. 



