I INTRODUCTION 3 
little about horses ; yet I say, without fear of contra- 
diction from any one who has had experience of 
them, that in some respects their knowledge is 
superior toourown. Take, for example, the scientific 
aspect of horse-breeding, or veterinary science. In 
the latter case the average French vétérinaire is a far 
neater and far more carefully trained and skilful 
operator than his English confrére. Far too often 
the English “ vet.” is a rough man with rough ways, 
who presents himself with a few dirty knives or 
locally-made instruments in his pockets, and proceeds 
with unwashed hands to operate, as if less delicacy 
and cleanliness were necessary in the case of a horse 
than in that of a human being. Contrast such a 
condition of things with that which exists in France 
orevenin Algeria, where such “vets.” as I have seen 
were not a bit behind the surgeon in the manner of 
dealing with the animal under their charge. Under 
such men a cure is more certain and much more 
rapid, to say nothing of the alleviation of suffering, 
than under the rough and horny-handed man with a 
dirty knife. I have often wondered how it is that in 
these days, when it is said to be so difficult to find 
a profession for young men, this important and 
honourable one does not obtain more recruits from 
amongst the higher ranks of society. There is no 
doubt that in this country, as abroad, if we had 
more highly-trained, clever, and neat practitioners, 
they, in many districts, could make a better living 
than the average country doctor, besides being an 
incalculable influence for good. 
It is not part of my purpose to dwell either on 
the Arab or the English Thoroughbred, beyond using 
