160 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
to great age are cited by Sir Walter Gilbey: ‘‘ Mr. Ed- 
mund F. Deane, of Gaulstown Co., Westmeath, lost a 
pony in December, 1894, which had reached the age of 
39 vears; in 1896, Mrs. Pratt, of Low Pond House, Be- 
dale, Yorks, lost a pony mare aged 45 years; on Christ- 
mas Day, 1863, there died at Silworthy, near Clovelly 
in North Devon, a pony that had arrived within a few 
weeks of his sixtieth year. Accounts of ponies which 
lived, and in some cases worked, until they reached 40, 
38, 37 and 35 years also recur to mind.” 
Ponies in America are used chiefly for children’s pur- 
poses and for playing polo. In Europe, in England 
particularly, they serve a much greater variety of pur- 
poses. Some are worked in coal mines, but a great 
many more are put to use above ground. Green 
grocers, fish mongers, market men, small merchants, all 
employ them for delivery purposes. Country gentlemen, 
doctors, land agents, in fact all persons having occasion 
to travel, depend upon ponies a great deal. There is good 
reason for stating that ponies could be used to far greater 
advantage in America than they are at present. For 
light work they could be utilized in many places instead of 
large horses at a considerable saving. Ponies in America, 
the western ponies in particular, have long been availed 
of for saddle purposes, but ponies as a first mount for 
children are just beginning to be appreciated. 
189. The polo pony. — The increasing popularity of 
polo is attracting much attention to mounts suitable for 
playing the game. Polo originally was an oriental game, 
being the national game of the Manipuri, from whom the 
Europeans first learned it. It was introduced into India 
proper in 1864, and was played in England by 
the officers of the 10th Hussars in the year 1872, on 
