ON BREEDING. B7‘3 
are desirable, let them have the most nutritious grass that can 
be obtained. Here we beg to refer our readers to our remarks 
on the effect of soil and climate on the dispositions and stature of 
animals. We there endeavoured to prove, that the varieties ob¬ 
served in the horse species were the effects of food and tempera¬ 
ture ; that in countries where the pasture is rich and always 
springing, animals grow to a prodigious size, but were, at the 
same time, characterised by an indolent, stupid appearance ; 
w T hilst those that were inhabitants of dry light soils, were always 
better made, far more active, and possessed more vivacious 
and intelligent countenances. From these and other facts 
we drew r an inference, that at a very early period of life an un¬ 
changeable predisposition to a certain temperament was pro¬ 
duced in all animals by the powerful agencies of climate, soil, 
and manner of living, in thorough-bred horses we observed, that 
the vitality is more exalted, and the nervous system more pre¬ 
ponderating, than in the heavy cart breed : their senses appear, 
as it were, more susceptible of impressions, and more easily ex¬ 
citable. But the most remarkable differences in their breed exist 
in a desire to please, and a spirit of rivalry which they shew 
when matched against each other. 
“ See tlie fleet coursers speed with lightning’s force 
Along the stated circle of the course; 
Their eyes dart tire, their nostrils look like gore; 
SwolPn is each vein, distended every pore ; 
One spirit seems to urge them as they fly. 
And that —the spirit of rivalry 
The natural ardour of race-horses, on some particular occa¬ 
sions, is extraordinary: they appear as if enlightened with a 
degree of human understanding. Witness their zeal, their pa¬ 
tient, long-enduring submission, and self-immolation: we know 
not, we cannot conceive the sensations and instincts which are the 
main spring of such generous devotion. 
The continual reciprocation of good offices, as well as the si¬ 
milarity of pursuits, in which the horse is associated with the 
rider, will do much towards improving this quality ; but educa¬ 
tion alone will not accomplish it; it must chiefly be attributed to 
some impelling principle peculiar to the breed or kind. 
This leads us to the latter part of our subject; viz. the educa¬ 
tion of the young animal, which at some future day we hope to 
accomplish: for the horse, however generous his blood, and 
graceful his limbs, who has never learned certain paces, and had 
his temper subdued to the intimations of the bridle, w ill never be 
victor in the race. 
[To be continued.] 
