U4 



THOMAS BEWICK. 



utilitarian than scientific, and though it follows that pursued by Pennant in 

 his "British Zoology," and is the system first adopted by Ray, yet it cannot 

 be pronounced thoroughly satisfactory. Nevertheless, when carefully carried 

 out, as in the later editions of the Quadrupeds (the first edition is by no 

 means perfect), it is more easily grasped than the more correct yet compli- 

 cated arrangement beginning with the Monkey, Bat, and Mole, and down 

 the correct scientific scale. 



The first figure is the full-length representation of the Race Horse, a cut 

 firmly drawn and skilfully engraved ; the high temper of the racer faithfully 

 shown in the backward turn of the ears, and the hind leg ready to vent its 

 force on any offender. The background, as in most of the cuts in the 

 Quadrupeds, emphasizes the prevailing sentiment in connection with the 

 figure, and in this the scene is laid near Newcastle, on the Town Moor, where 

 races are still held ; the steeple of St. Nicholas is shown in the distance, and 

 near at hand a neck-and-neck race is going on. Followed by horsemen, a 

 crowd runs along to keep up with the riders, and on the rising ground far 

 away, the figures, though minute, are distinctly seen to move towards the 

 winning-post. This cut, like a large number in the Quadrupeds, is signed 

 by the engraver. The heavier figure of the Hunter follows : there is scarcely 

 so much animation in this, the careful drawing of the legs being the principal 

 point in the picture. The background lends special interest to the design ; 

 the Hunter in full cry after the hounds marks the particular employment of 

 the horse, and makes a perfectly complete picture. The next figure, the Black 

 Horse, is massive, strong, and intelligent, the head a trifle small perhaps, but 

 the limbs able for any load that could be put to it ; in the distance half-a- 

 dozen horses roam at will. The fourth and last of the Horses is a striking 

 contrast to the Race Horse at the beginning. This, the Common Cart Horse, 

 has few personal attractions ; Bewick depicts him untidy and uncared for; in the 

 background he pulls a cart with entire responsibility, for his master sleeps 

 (but whip in hand) in the lumbering vehicle, and the poor cart-horse labours 



