22 HORSE-BREEDING FOR FARMERS CHAP. 
from such authorities as Joseph Osborne, Count 
Lehndorff, Frenzel, Goos, and others, whose experi- 
ence and research have given to the world all the 
information and data that we are ever likely to 
possess as to the origin of the Thoroughbred and 
whence he has acquired his impressive powers. A 
study of the facts and all the probabilities and possi- 
bilities that these works set forth, will entitle the 
student to have his own opinion on the subject 
with the best authorities. There seem to be certain 
points, however, which are established beyond doubt, 
and these may be briefly noticed. 
The English climate, soil, and pastures are 
favourable to the development of the equine species. 
English horses, even from the time of Czesar, have 
attracted notice. Horse-racing was in vogue during 
the Roman occupation of these islands, and Arab 
sires were introduced by the Emperor Severus. In 
the reign of King John a large number of Eastern 
sires were imported. Henry VIII. did much to 
restore the breed of horses, and also used Eastern 
blood. James I. encouraged racing, and there were 
imported during his reign, amongst many foreign 
stallions, eleven Neapolitan “coursers” and a large 
number of Eastern sires, including the Markham 
Arabian. The many famous breeds imported at 
various times from Europe, such as the Andalusian 
and Neapolitan stallions, were no doubt largely 
Eastern in origin. Under Charles I. the Eastern 
blood continued to come in, including the Helmsley 
Turk. Under Cromwell some more Eastern stallions 
came into the country, including the White Turk, 
introduced by the Lord Protector. After the 
