136 THE PURCHASE OF YEARLINGS. 
Surely enough has been said to convince the most sceptical 
that little dependence can be placed on the breed of any 
horse, and that as they truly run in all shapes and forms, 
so they do in every variety of breed. Bay Muddleton was 
the largest and longest horse, as well as the best, I ever 
saw at a mile, and. Foe Muller the smallest and shortest. 
Again, Promised Land was just the opposite in shape to 
Crucifix —he, short and strong, having the very shortest 
neck I think I ever,saw; whilst Crucifix had the longest, 
and altogether appeared the weakest mare in the world; 
yet both were equally good. 
I will not multiply instances, but bring my remarks on 
the purchase of yearlings to a conciusion by saying that, all 
things considered, it is best to buy those that are out of young 
mares and dams of winners, and by stallions that are the 
sires of winners, if only of little races: that is supposing you 
cannot afford to give large sums for the most fashionably bred 
ones, which may pay for purchasing, if they are properly 
shaped as well, and have any pretensions to size. 
Only next in importance to the purchase of yearlings is 
the engagement of them, a reference to which will here fitly 
find a place. 
Here again opinions often totally differ. Some engage 
the best-looking horses only, whilst others, holding opposite 
views, engage only the best bred ones. Some again engage 
their horses often; others, but seldom. Adopting a different 
mode altogether, some, irrespective of looks, or breed, engage 
all heavily alike. 
My idea of engaging horses is summed up in a very 
few words. The good-looking, if well bred, I would engage 
heavily ; and the worst, as far as looks and breed are con- 
cerned, the least, or rather not at all. My reason for acting 
