724 
THK IIISTOllY OF THE HOESE, 
different organs—to their extension, consolidation, and perfection, 
and to their adaptations to the performance of their several func¬ 
tions. The exertions made for the attainment of these objects are 
great, and commensurate with the magnitude and importance of the 
design, and they give rise to a rapid and varied succession of 
changes. An abundant store of materials is wanted for these 
operations; and although the consumption and renovation of these 
materials is considerable, yet the supply much exceeds the loss, 
and the body, accordingly, continues to augment in bulk. 
In course of time these opposite processes of reparation and 
decay approach nearer to an equality, and, at length, are exactly 
balanced. The parts then cease to grow, the system has reached 
its maturity, and the object of the vital powers and functions is 
now to maintain it in a uniform condition of health and vigour, 
qualified for the exercise of all its physical faculties and powers. 
But, at length, there comes a season when the balance, hitherto 
so evenly kept, begins to decline. The powers of the system are 
less equal to the demands made upon them. A diminution of 
energy becomes evident, and the waste of the body exceeds the 
supply: yet Nature, as we see, does not altogether abandon her 
work. New arrangements are made, and new provisions resorted 
to for accommodating the system to these changes; but with 
whatever care the resources of the system may be husbanded, still 
the changes which are going on through the hand of Time, how¬ 
ever insidious, are nevertheless real; nor must we evince disap¬ 
pointment or vexation should the foal, under these circumstances, 
exhibit an unkindliness in growth, and a corresponding weakness. 
There is scarcely an internal organ that does not sympathize and 
become altered by age, as well also as the external configuration. 
Again, we too often err in disregarding the peculiarity of tem¬ 
perament in our system of crossing the breed—a circumstance most 
especially worthy of due attention and calm reflection. By tem¬ 
perament, I mean that greater or less degree of energy and irrita¬ 
bility of the instruments of the vital powers. The bodily force 
depends materially on the nature of the temperament. 
It is a fact, I believe generally admitted, that undeviating con¬ 
finement to one breed, however valuable or perfect, produces gra¬ 
dual deterioration; yet we cannot dwell too anxiously on the 
judgment and reflection necessary to be exercised on the system of 
crossing. The most perfect of the same breed should be selected, 
but varied by being taken from different stocks. 
It is by neglect of the application of sound principles and judg¬ 
ment in this particular that we sow the seeds of disease, and 
entail those miseries that consign many a young and suffering 
animal to an early end. It matters little what pomts of excellence 
