FIRE HORSES. 
VERYBODY knows that a fire-engine horse is 
a large, strongly built, handsome animal, with 
a broad forehead and an intelligent eye. He wears 
neither check nor blinders, and is never blanketed, 
except when he stands out in the street ; but his coat 
is nicely groomed, his hoofs are well oiled; he is 
usually in the pink of condition; his social affections 
and faculties are highly cultivated; interested looks 
follow him when he takes his daily exercise; and, 
seen in full progress to a fire, he is an object of re- 
spect and admiration, almost of terror. 
His work is different from that of any other horse 
in the world, and it requires a peculiar combination 
of qualities. The fire steed must be able to draw an 
extremely heavy load at a smart gallop; in short, his 
