17 
Foreign Department. 
THE HORSE IN ASIA AND AFRICA. 
It is surprising bow much obscurity hangs about the 
origin of things even familiar to us. Of this we have had 
proof more than once in the necessary researches we have 
had on our hands in the present investigation. We have 
made many searches through the Bible and other sacred 
books, besides looking into Flavius Josephus, and the author 
of Essais Vhilosophiques sur les Mceurs cles divers Animaux do- 
mestiques etr angers, published in 1783. 
It has been long known that the deserts of Tartary, and of 
some islands to the east of India, and now of America as 
well, contained wild horses. In their state of wildness they 
lived in small herds, each herd having the most noble for its 
head. In fact, elephants, monkeys, cattle, asses, camels, 
elk and common deer, antelopes, in a word, all animals that 
live on herbs and fruits, appear to have a strong 'penchant for 
society. Everywhere, various and abundant food is pre- 
sented to them; hence it is that there is so much less 
contention than there otherwise would be. And as families 
are continually increasing, they experience in this reunion of 
strength and means protection against animals in greater 
numbers who would destroy them. The same instinctive 
providence it is which, directed by cruel experience, prompts 
these animals to congregate in countries where desert parts 
are scarce, and where man becomes their most dangerous 
enemy. 
The climate and soil of India have always been regarded 
as one little favorable for horses. The Greeks knew this 
in the time of Herodotus. The best breeds do not last long, 
unless they are crossed with Tartarean horses, Arabian, or 
Persian. Such as are of the primitive breed in India are 
commonly small and ill-shapen, and usually amble in going. 
Indian travellers every year transport Arabian horses, 
which they embark at Guadarah, Mocha, Mascal, and 
Bussera. The ports of Mangalore and Culicut are those, 
however, where the horses are commonly embarked. On 
embarcation they pay the same duty for a well-bred as for a 
common horse. 
Horses in India are treated with great care and kindness. 
xxvi. 3 
