558 
ON THE EDUCATION OF THE HORSE. 
bunched oxen, which are taken when young and tamed, are soon 
taught to submit to all kinds of domestic labour ; they become 
so tractable, that they are managed with as much ease as our 
horses. Their voice of their master is alone sufficient to make 
them obey, and to direct their course. As their nature is im¬ 
proved by the gentleness of their education, by the kind treat¬ 
ment they receive, and the perpetual attention bestowed on them, 
they acquire sensibility and intelligence, and perform actions 
which we could not expect from them. The Hottentots train 
them to war; they likewise guard the flocks of their masters, 
which they conduct with dexterity, and defend them from the 
attacks of strangers and of rapacious animals. They are taught 
to distinguish friends from enemies; to understand signals, and 
to obey the commands of their master. When pasturing, at the 
smallest signal from the keeper, they bring back and collect the 
wandering animals. They attack all strangers with fury, which 
renders them a great security against robbers. These backeleys, 
as they are called, know every inhabitant of the krall, and dis¬ 
cover the same marks of respect for all the men, women, and 
children, as a dog does for those who live in his master’s house*. 
The object of education is, to give to the body the strength 
designed by nature, and to the mind every perfection which it is 
capable of receiving. But this cannot be accomplished in a few 
days, as is oftentimes attempted by country breakers, who in 
violence and cruelty almost vie with the South Americans')* in 
their attempts to subjugate for the first time the colt. 
“ Untired, untamed, and worse than wild ; 
All furious as a favour’d child.” 
* Voyage de Cap, par Kolbe.— Smellie's Philosophy. 
t “ In the Llanos of Venezuela, and in the Pampas of Euenos Ayres, 
where the richness of the pasture, and extent of level ground, are very 
great, the number of wild horses and cattle are really incredible. In some 
places they are so numerous, as to render it necessary for a party of cavalry 
toprecedc an army on the march, for the purpose of clearing the way for the 
infantry and guns. 
“ The herds of wild horses present a beautiful spectacle, when they are 
alarmed in their native wilds by the intrusion of an army. Instead of flying, 
as the deer, and other timid animals, they gallop round in compact masses 
of many thousands, apparently for the purpose of reconnoitering the 
strangers; and frequently advance boldly to within a few yards of the line 
of march, where they halt to gaze at the troops, snorting, and shewing every 
sign of astonishment and displeasure, especially at sight of the cavalry. 
These droves are always headed by some tierce-looking old bashaws, whose 
flowing manes and tails plainly shew that they never had been subjugated 
to man’s controul; and in the rear the mares and colts follow. 
“ When the Lldneros wish to procure horses, they drive together a herd 
of Chucaros , out of which, every man who wants a horse singles out which¬ 
ever he prefers, and noozes him with the Lazo. Two or more men hold the 
