12 HORSE. Class I. 



beasts are provided with feet and claws, adapt- 

 ed to the formation of dens and retreats from the 

 inclemency of the weather ; but the former, de- 

 stitute of these advantages, are obliged to run 

 to us for artificial shelter and harvested provi- 

 sion; as nature, in these climates, does not 

 throughout the year supply them with necessary 

 food. 



But still, many of our tame animals must by 

 accident endure the rigor of the season : to pre- 

 vent which inconvenience, their feet (for the 

 extremities suffer first by cold) are protected 

 by strong hoofs of a horny substance. 



The tail too is guarded with long bushy hair 

 that protects it in both extremes of weather; 

 during the summer it serves by its pliancy and 

 agility, to brush off the swarms of insects, which 

 are perpetually attempting either to sting the 

 animal, or to deposit their eggs in the rectum, 

 and the same length of hair contributes to guard 

 it from the cold in winter; but we, by the absurd 

 Docking, and cruel custom of docking, a practice peculiar 

 to our country, deprive these animals of both 

 advantages : in the last war our cavalry suf- 

 fered so much on that account, that we now* 

 seem sensible of the error, and if we may judge 



* This odious custom has been for a long time abolished in 

 our cavalry, andisat present confined toa few unfortunate draught 

 horses. Ed. 



