552 
LONGEVITY OF THE HORSE. 
being ever necessary on the part of his driver. He was also head- 
strong and stiffnecked to an overpowering degree, so that curbs 
and bits were of little avail when the Highland blood was once 
fairly roused in his veins. Fortunately, however, with his indo- 
mitable spirit, he was free from all vice ; and although he generally 
exhibited a dislike to the meddling of strangers, yet his temper, 
upon the whole, was gentle and quiet. In the prime of life he 
was truly a noble and valuable animal. His high curved neck, 
his glaring eye, and gaping nostrils, shewed the fire of his nature, 
while his strong and willing shoulder never yielded to the load, 
however heavy. His strength was never fully ascertained, because 
the heavier the load, the easier he appeared to drag it, and he never 
seemed more oppressed than when drawing an empty cart. His 
speed in the yoke, too, was altogether unequalled in that locality. 
He had one or two rivals, but never met with an equal ; and on all 
occasions where large assemblies of horses and carts took place, he, 
as if conscious of his own superiority, found his way to the lead ; 
and, when once there, few ever attempted and none ever managed 
to pass him. Time meanwhile stole on with silent steps, and long 
after age had whitened his once dappled sides and tamed his fiery 
spirit, and transformed him into the sober, steady, milk-white steed, 
he was still in family conversation called “ the grey colt.” All the 
fatigues of his long life never affected him so much as did his re- 
moval to a neighbouring farm, the one where he was bred and had 
remained for a period of twenty years. Although surrounded with 
familiar faces and well-known objects, still he could not be at rest 
in his new abode ; it seemed to him not his home, and many 
an anxious look he cast towards his former residence. Even 
now, after a lapse of ten years, he has not forgotten the roads 
which led to his old, though he is now in a measure reconciled to 
his new, dwelling. Notwithstanding all his adventures during a 
period of thirty years, he is still sound in wind and limb, and free 
from every ailment ; and although the frailties of age have un- 
doubtedly crept upon him, he is still able for a fair day’s work ; 
and, give him the lead of twenty horses, few, if any, will pass 
him. What he has lost in speed he has gained in cunning, and, 
should they over-match him in the former, he will over-reach them 
in the latter, by slily shouldering them into the ditch. “ Donald’s” 
meritorious labours have gained for him a liberal allowance during 
life. He is now spending his days in comparative ease; his tether 
reaches more than half way across the “ hained rig,” and, when his 
yoke-fellows get a full cog, his is always heaped. He has seen 
many sad changes in his master’s family, but we believe nothing 
but death will ever separate him and them. Many happy scenes, 
like green spots on memory’s wastes, are recalled when we think 
on “ Donald’s” young days . — Glasgow Chronicle. 
