Practical papers —Diseases, Etc . 
335 
when a father and son were hotly pursued by a mounted foe, the 
father was anxious to learn the color of the leading horses, and 
said unto the son, “Selim !” He answered, “Here ami, 0! my 
father!” Said the father, “Get thee behind, and take note of the 
color of the horses in advance.” He did so, and reported Light 
Grey. “ Then,” said the father, “ may we take to the sandy des¬ 
ert, for thither they cannot follow us.” A second time the obser¬ 
vation was repeated, when the son reported Black horses. “Then,” 
said the sire, “ let us turn to the country, for surely they may not 
there overtake us.” A third and last time was Selim sent behind, 
and upon reporting Chestnut as the color of the leaders, was 
asked by his father, “Are they dark or light?” Upon receiving 
for answer: “ They are Hark Chestnut, 0! my father!” the father 
cried aloud, “ Then, Allah preserve us, for we are lost! as there 
is no country where they cannot surely and swiftly follow us.” 
This anecdote I relate simply to show what the tradition of a 
nation or people, noted for their breeding and management of 
horses, goes to prove as regards color. 
Among the light Chestnuts, erroneously called Sorrels, are to 
be found nine-tenths of skittish, balky, and otherwise unpleasant 
qualities so much to be feared and rejected. Black horses have 
more faulty eyes and feet than other colors, according to my ob¬ 
servation. The various dapple Greys are much more subject 
to warts than other colors. Yet, of all colors, 1 have seen 
qualities both to be rejected and admired. Among the Buckskin 
and the various shades of Cream, and the Spotted, we often 
have powers of endurance which are quite astonishing, and some¬ 
times speed also ; but these shades arey>bjectionable, not being at 
any time fashionable, and therefore not so marketable. 
Still, gentlemen, the old saying is yet good: A good horse is 
seldom a bad color. But I must leave this part of the subject, 
still adhering to my previous observation, that the dark Chestnut, 
true Bay and dark Brown are the colors to perpetuate, as in them 
we have all the requisites, both of endurance, speed, size, docility, 
and fashion ; and these, I believe, fill the whole bill as to all re¬ 
quirements or needs. 
Next, Breeding .—My remarks will be equally applicable to horses, 
cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, etc. In the first place, I wish to be 
