Every horse owners' cyclopedia the anatomy and physiology of the horse : general characteristics : the points of the horse, with directions how to choose him : the principles of breeding, and the best kind to breed from : the treatment of the brood mare and foal : raising and breaking the colt : stables and stable management : riding, driving, etc., etc. : diseases and how to cure them : the prinicipal medicines, and the doses in which they can be safely adminitered : accidents, fractures, and the operations necessary in each case : shoeing, etc.

Front matter

THE MOST COMPLETE WORK ON THE HORSE PUBLISHED.

EVERY

Horse Owners’ Cyclopedia.

Preface

We believe it may be asserted, without fear of contradiction, that no book has yet been published, in the English or any other language, which even professes to give a complete description of the Natural History, Physiology, Pathology, and General Management of the Horse, in a form and style suited to the country gentleman of the nineteenth century. It is true, that some of these departments are adequately described in separate works ; but they are generally written in technical language, suited rather to the Veterinary Student than for the use and comprehension of the ordinary reader. The writings of Percivall in England, and of Girard, Chauveau, and Colin in France, contain full and accurate details of the Anatomy and Physi¬ ology of this animal ; while the Structure and Diseases of his Foot have been the subjects of various elaborate treatises by Bracy Clark, Spooner, Coleman, and Turner, in this country. But in order to reach the information which he requires, the reader has to wade through many long and wearisome chapters, wholly irrelevant to the practical subjects in which he is interested, and he therefore gives up the study in disgust as a hopeless task. So, also, in reference to the general diseases of the horse, Percivall’s “ Ilippopathology” is a mine of information ; but it is so elaborate, and so diffuse in style, that it is consequently never or rarely seen on the library shelves of the private gentleman. Stable management was well described by Stew¬ art, of Edinburgh, five-and-twenty years ago, and his work still con¬ tinues to be the best manual on this particular subject; but since it was written many great changes have been introduced into general use, and it is therefore now somewhat behind the times. For these reasons the author of this work has thought that a book, combining all the above subjects, treated in a practical manner, and in a style popularly intelligible, yet containing the most recent views of eminent authorities in veterinary knowledge, would supply a deficiency which has long been complained of by all who are interested in the proper management of the horse.

(iii)

IV

PREFACE.

In order to compress within the limits of one volume the informa¬ tion which has hitherto been spread over so many, it has been neces¬ sary to forego all attempts at illustration by anecdote or by records of cases ; and the several chapters, therefore, will be found to contain only what is absolutely necessary for the elucidation of each subject, with the aid of numerous engravings, accurately drawn and carefullj engraved after drawings by Barraud, H. Weir, Zwecker, Scott, &c., &c.

THE AUTHOR.

In bringing before the American public, this edition of a work which has long been acknowledged as the ablest authority on the subject in England, the publishers have spared neither time nor expense in adapting it in every particular to the requirements of the American Farmer and Amateur. There is not a page in the English edition but has been carefully revised, some local and purely scientific matter of no interest whatever to the American owner of a horse has been omitted, late authorities consulted, and every page brought down to the present state of knowledge on the subject. This was intrusted to the skilful hands of Dr. McClure, the well-known author of “ The American Gentleman’s Stable Guide.”

The Essay on the American Trotting Horse, by Dr. Ellwood Harvey, a gentleman thoroughly conversant with his theme, was written at the urgent request of the publishers, and embodying, as it does, the study and research of years, will be found a valuable addition to the work.

Our thanks are due to Gen. Welch, Chestnut Hill, Philada. ; Robert Bonner, Esq., New York ; C. P. Relf, Esq., Norristown, Pa. ; and D. Swigert, Esq., of Spring Station, Ky. ; for their kindness in permit¬ ting us to obtain correct likenesses of the noble animals whose portraits appear in these pages, and for the interest they have shown in the success of this work ; and to Messrs. Schreiber & Son, and Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown, of Philada., and Mr. George G. Rockwood, of New York, for the excellent photographs they have taken of the celebrated horses they represent ; and especially to Messrs. Currer & Ives, of New York, for permission to copy the original of the steel frontispiece, so splendidly engraved by Whitechurch, and to Messrs. James R. Os¬ good & Co. for permission to reprint Mr. Elderkin’s article from the “ Atlantic Monthly.”

THE AMERICAN PUBLISHERS.

Chapter I. Early History Op The Horse

PA9*

The Horse of Scripture — The Greek Horse — That of the Romans — The Arab of Antiquity — Egyptian, Libyan, Numidian, and Moorish Horses —

The original British Horse — Ancient methods of using the Horse . 13

Chapter II. General Characteristics

Habits — External Form as indicated by Points — Proportions — Maturity — Average Age — Periodical Moulting — Mental Development — Small Stomach . 18

CHAPTER IIL

THE HORSES OP THE EAST.

The Barb — The Egyptian Horse — The Horses of Dongola and Abyssinia — Other African Horses — The Modern Arab — The Persian Horse — The Turkish Horse — Other Asiatic Horses — The Australian Horse . . 30

Chapter IV. The Horses Op The Western Hemisphere

The South American Horse — The Mustang — The Indian Pony — The Cana¬ dian Horse — The Morgan Horse — The American Trotter — The Narraganset Pacer — The American Thorough-bred — The Vermont Cart-Horse —

The Conestoga Draught-Horse . .... 45

CONTENTS.

vd

CHAPTER V. THE THOROUGH-BRED HO'/tSE

PAOB

Early Maturity — Object of Encouraging the Breed — Essentials in the Thorough-bred — Purity of Blood — External Formation — Height — Color — Coat, Mane, and Tail . 57

Chapter VI. On The Locomotive Action In The Various Paces

Natural and Acquired Paces — Distribution of Weight — Attitude assumed in Standing — Mode of Progression — The Walk — Trot — Canter — Hand- Gallop — Extended Gallop — The Amble — Racking, Pacing, and Running — The Paces of the Manege — Leaping, or Jumping . . . .76

Chapter VII. The Principles Op Breeding Applicable To The Horse

Theory of Generation — In-and-in Breeding — Out-Crossing, Advantages and Disadvantages of each Plan — Causes of a “Hit” — Importance of Health and Soundness in both Sire and Dam — Best Age to Breed from — Influence of Sire and Dam respectively — Choice of Sire and Dam — The kind of Horse most likely to be profitable to the Breeder — Concluding Remarks on Breeding . 99

Chapter VIII. The Brood Mare And Her Foal

The Hovel and Paddock — General Management of the Brood-Mare — Treat¬ ment when in Foal — After Foaling — Early Management of the Foal — Weaning and After Treatment of the Foal . 117

Chapter IX. The Breaking Of The Colt

Rarey’s Principles and Practice — Ordinary English Method of Breaking for the Saddle — Superiority of the Latter when properly carried out — Break¬ ing to Harness . 128

Chapter X. Stables

Situation and Aspect — Foundations — Stalls and Loose Boxes — Hay Cham¬ ber and Granary — Materials for Floors — Doors and Windows — Drainage

CONTENTS.

vil

PAGE

and Water Supply — Ventilation and Lighting — Stable Fittings--Harness Room — Coach-House — Servants’ Rooms — Ground Plans of Stables — Necessity for Airing New Stables . 155

Chapter XI. Stable Management

Theory and Practice of Feeding and Watering — Dressing or Grooming — Clipping, Singeing, and Trimming — Use and Application of Bandages — Management of the Feet — Daily Exercise — Proper Temperature of the Stable — Remedies for Stable Vices and Bad Habits — Preparation for Work — Ordinary Sweating — The Turkish Bath — Physic — Final Prepara¬ tion — Treatment after Work — Summering — Care of Saddlery and Har¬ ness . 177

Chapter XII. Biding

Mounting and Dismounting — The Seat — Management of the Reins — Modes of Starting the Horse into his Various Paces — Riding to Hounds — Out¬ door Vices and Bad Habits . . 230

Chapter XIII. Classification Of The Various Obgans, And Physiology Of The Skeleton

Classification of the Various Organs — Structure of Bone — Of the Skeleton in General — The Artificial Skeleton — Number of Bones composing the Skeleton — General Anatomy of the Spinal Column — Of the Head and Face — Of the Thoracic Arch and Anterior Extremities — Of the Pelvic Arch and Hind Extremities — Of the Tail — Of the Fore and Hind Ex¬ tremities considered as Organs of Support and Locomotion . . . 248

Chapter XVII. The Abdominal And Pelvic Viscera

The Abdomen and its Contents — Physiology of Digestion — Structure of Giands and Physiology of Secretion — Depuration, and its Office in the Animal Economy — The Stomach — The Intestines — Liver — Spleen — Pan¬ creas — Kidneys — Pelvis — Bladder — Organs of Generation, Male and Female . 278

Chapter XVIII. The Nerves And Special Organs

The Nerves — The Organ of Smell — The Eye — The Ear — The Organ of Touch — The Foot . . . 286

Chapter XIX. The Diseases And Injuries Op Bone

General Remarks — Splints — Ringbone and Sidebone — Ossification of the Lateral Cartilages — Bone Spavin — Exostosis of the Humerus and Scapula, or Shoulder-Joint Lameness — Fistula of the Withers, or Thiselo — Poll Evil — Caries of the Jaw — Osteo Sarcoma, or Big Head — Fractures . 297

Chapter XX. Injury And Diseases Op The Joints, Muscles, And Tendons

Diseases of Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament — Of Cartilage and Synovial Membrane — Inflamed Tendinous Sheaths — Inflamed Bursae Mucosae — Strains — Those of the Back and Loins — Of the Shoulder — Of the Knee — Of the Fetlock — Of the Coffin Joint — Of the Suspensory Ligaments —

Of the Back-Sinews — Breaking Down — Strains of the Hip-Joint, Stifle, and Hock — Curb — Dislocation — Wounds of Joints .... 311

Chapter XXI. Diseases Op The Thoracic Organs And Their Appendages

General Remarks — Catarrh, or Cold — Influenza, or Distemper — Bronchitis — Chronic Cough — Laryngitis, Roaring, Whistling, etc. — Pneumonia and

CONTENTS.

IX

PAGB

Congestion of the Lungs — Pleurisy — Pleurc lynia — Phthisis— Broken Wind — Thick Wind — Spasm of the Diaphragm — Diseases of the Heart — Diseases of the Blood Vessels in the Chest and Nose .... 326

Chapter XXII. Diseases Of The Abdominal Viscera And Their Appendages

General Remarks — Diseases of the Mouth and Throat — Gastritis — Stomach Staggers — Dyspepsia — Bots — Inflammation of the Bowels — Colic — Diar¬ rhoea and Dysentery — Strangulation and Rupture — Calculi in the Bowels — Worms — Disease of the Liver — Of the Kidneys — Of the Bladder — Of the Organs of Generation . 350

Chapter XXIII. Diseases Of The Nervous System

Phrenitis, or Mad Staggers — Epilepsy and Convulsions — Megrims — Rabies, Hydrophobia, or Madness — Tetanus, or Lock-jaw — Apoplexy and Paralysis — String Halt — Coup de Soleil, or Sun-stroke .... 375

Chapter XXIV. Diseases And Injuries Of Certain Special Organs

Diseases of the Ear — Inflammation of the Eye — Cataract — Amaurosis — Buck-eye — Surfeit — Hidebound — Mange — Lice — Mallenders and Sallenders — Warbles, Sitfasts, and Harness-Galls — Grubs — Bites and Stings of Insects — Swelled Legs — Chapped Heels — Grease, or Scratches — Warts — Corns — Sandcrack — False Quarter — Quittor — Thrush — Canker — Laminitis — Seedy Toe — Contraction of the Foot — Navicular Disease — Acci¬ dents to the Legs and Feet . 383

Chapter XXV. Constitutional Diseases

Fevers — Anasarca — Glanders — Farcy . 417

Chapter XXVII. Operations

Administration of Chloroform — Methods of Confining the Horse — Bleeding — Firing — Setons and Rowels — Blistering — Castration — Docking and Nicking — Unnerving — Reduction of Hernia — Administration cf Physic — Clysters— Back-Raking . 432

X

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXVIII

THE PRINCIPAL MEDICINES, AND THE DOSES IN WHICH THEY CAN SAFELY BE ADMINISTERED.

PAGB

Alteratives — Anodynes — Antiseptics — Anti-Zumins — Aperients — Astrin¬ gents — Blisters — Caustics, or Cauteries — Clysters, or Injections — Deter¬ gents — Diuretics — Embrocations, or Liniments — Febrifuges — .Lotions, or Washes — Physic Balls and Drenches — Stimulants — Stomachics — Tonics — Traumatics — Vermifuges, or Worm Medicines ..... 448

Chapter XXIX. List Of Imported Horses . 461

Essay on the American Trotting Horse, and Suggestions on the Breeding and Training of Trotters . 467

Pedigrees of Celebrated Trotting Horses .... 607-623

The History of the Turf and Trotting Horse of America . . . 525

The Percheron Horse

LIS jC of illustrations

FULL PAGE ENGRAVING ON STEEL.

American Girl and Goldsmith Maid . Frontispiece

(by permission of Messrs. Currer & Ives, N. Y.)

FULL PAGE ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD.

Mambrino Pilot. From a painting from life, by E. Troye . 24

Lexington. From a drawing from life, by E. Trote . 54

Hambletonian (Rysdyk’s). From a photograph from life, by Glover . 102

Flora Temple and her Colt. From a photograph from life, by Schreiber & Son . 126

Elevation of Garden Front of Stable . 156

Ground Plan of Stable . . . 176

Skeleton of the Horse . 252

Diseases of the Horse . . . 297

Section of the Abdomen and Pelvis, with the Intestines and Liver removed —

Longitudinal Section of the Thorax, etc . 350

Lord Clyde, a Clydesdale Stallion . 422

Ethan Allen. From a photograph from life, by Schreiber & Son . 469

Gen. Grant driving Dexter across Union Square, New York . 527

Alene, a Percheron Mare, from life . 555

PAGE

Points of the Horse . 20

Oblique Shoulder . 22

Upright Shoulder . 22

Proportions of the various Points . 27

The Godolphin Arabian . 31

Chaban, an Arabian Stallion . 35

The Canadian Horse . 47

Conestoga Draught-Horse . 56

Fisherman — an English Thorough-bred . 62

Saunterer— an English Thorough-bred . 64

Starting for the Walk . 80

Received Interpretation of the Walk . 81

Exceptional Mode of Starting . 82

Action in the True Trot . 88

The Canter . 90

Received Interpretation of the Gallop . 91

Correct View of the Gallop . 94

Mare and Foal . 125

Rarey’b Leg-strap, No. 1 . 131

Rarey’s Leg-strap, No. 2 . 132

Cruiser with the Leg-strap and Surcingle on..., . 132

Cruiser in the Power of his Master . 133

The Horse bounding on his Hind Legs . 134

The Horse on his Knees, about to fall on his Side . 135

(xi)

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

xii

PAGE

The Horse tamed . 138

Rarey’s Halter or Bridle por Colts . 142

Door for Loose Box . 161

Ventilating Windows . 162

Section of Catch-pit . 163

Iron-surface Gutter . 165

Ventilating Shaft . 167

Head of Shaft . 167

The Hanging Bail . 168

Iron-fittings for Stalls and Loose Box . 172

Ground-plan of a Racing or Hunting Stable . 175

Ground Plan of a Stable for Four or Five Horses . ; . 176

Bar-muzzle for Crib-biters . 203

Remedy for tearing the Clothes . 205

Ground-plan of a Turkish Bath for Horses . . . 214

The Hunter turned out to Grass . 226

Ready . 230

Profile View of the Bones of the Head and Face...* . 254

Section of Incisor . 257

Three-year Old Mouth . 259

Mouth of the Colt at Four-and-a-half Years . 260

Upper Nippers and Tushes at Five Years Old., . 261

Lower Nippers and Tushes at Five Years Old . 262

Lower Nippers and Tushes of a Six-year Old Horse . 262

Upper Nippers in the Eight-year Old Horse . . . 263

Lower Nippers and Left Tush of a very old Horse, the Right having fallen out . 264

Sectional Plan of Thorax and its Contents (through the Girth-place) . 272

General Plan of the Circulation . 275

Section of the Parts entering into the Composition of the Foot and the Fetlock and

Pastern-joints . 291

The Hoof . 292

Front View of the Foot, with the Hoof removed . 292

The Under Surface of the Foot . 292

View of Vessels of the Foot, injected.™ . 294

View of the Arteries of the Frog and Sole, injected . 295

Group of Bots attached to the Stomach . 356

Section of the Foot in confirmed Laminitis . 405

A Sound Fore Foot prepared for the Shoe . 426

Seton Needles, One-quarter Size . 439

Clams lined with Vulcanized India-rubber . 442

The Ecraseur . 443

Docking-knife . 444

Flora Temple trotting . 489

Chapter I. Early History Of The Horse

The Horse of Scripture — The Greek Horse — That of the Romans — The Arab of Antiquity — Egyptian, Libyan, Numidian, and Moorish Horses — The original British Horse — Ancient methods of using the Horse.

THE HORSE OF SCRIPTURE.

HE earliest record of the Horse which we possess is in the Old Testament, where we first find him inferentially mentioned in the thirty-sixth chapter of Gen¬ esis, as existing in the wilderness of Idumea about the beginning of the sixteenth century before Christ. Many commentators, however, render the word which is translated “ mules ” in our version, as “ waters,” and thus a doubt is thrown upon the correctness of the inference which is thence drawn. Moreover, in the thirty-second chapter of Genesis, camels, goats, sheep, cattle and asses are all severally alluded to, but no horses ; so that it is highly probable that in the time of Jacob, whose de¬ parture from Laban is there narrated, horses were unknown to the Israelites. It was not until after their arrival in Egypt that the horse is clearly alluded to. Jacob, on his deathbed, leaves us no room to doubt his knowledge of the horse, and of its being domes¬ ticated, for he speaks of the “ horse and his rider” in the same sentence. We need, therefore, go no further for a proof o.f the Oarly existence of this animal in Egypt, and may assume that there were large numbers of them there, for Pharaoh is recorded to have taken “ six hundred chosen chariots, and all the horses,” to pursue the Israelites to the lied Sea. It is generally supposed from the omission of all mention of horses while the Israelites were in Arabia, that this country, which has since become so cele¬ brated for them, was at that time entirely without them. The proof, however, is entirely of a negative character, though I con¬ fess that it is as strong as any of that nature can well be. Indeed. 2 (13)

THE HORSE.

six hundred years later, Arabia could not haTe been remarkable in any way for her horses, for Solomon, while he resorted to her for silver and gold, mounted his cavalry from Egypt. Yet the latter country could scarcely be the native land of the Horse, not possessing the extensive plains which are peculiarly suited to his ex¬ istence in a wild state, and it is considered probable that he was introduced from the central regions of Africa, which are undoubt¬ edly the native plains of the Quagga, the Zebra, and some other congeners of the Horse; but where, curb Hsly enough, he is not now found in a wild state. Thence he would naturally find his way into Egypt, and through Arabia to Persia, Tartary and Greece, ultimately reaching Great Britain ; but in what century he was introduced there we are quite at a loss to conjecture.

THE GREEK HORSE.

Op the precise form of the Horse of Scripture we have no account, beyond the glowing language of Job, which will apply to almost any variety possessing the average spirit of the species. The horse of the Greeks is far better known, being handed down to us in the writings of Xenophon, and preserved in the marble friezes of the Parthenon, which are now removed to our own Na¬ tional Museum. The above Greek writer, in giving his advice on the purchase of a horse, says, “ On examining the feet, it is befit¬ ting first to look to the borny portion of the hoofs, for those horses which have the horn thick are far superior in their feet to those which have it thin. Nor will it be well, if one fail next to observe whether the hoofs be upright both before and behind, or low and flat to the ground ; for high hoofs keep the frog at a distance from the earth, while the flat tread with equal pressure on the soft and hard parts of the foot, as is the case with bandy-legged men. And Simon justly observes that well-footed horses can be known by the sound of their tramp, for the hollow hoof rings like a cymbal when it strikes the solid earth. But having begun from below, let us ascend to the other parts of the body. It is needful then, that the parts above the hoof and below the fetlocks be not too erect like those of the goat, for legs of this kind being stiff and inflex¬ ible, are apt to jar the rider, and are more liable to inflammation. The bones must not, however, be too low and springy, for in that, case, the fetlocks are liable to be abraded and wounded, if the horse be gallopped over clods or stones. The bones of the shanks should be thick, for these are the columns which support the body, but they should not have the veins and flesh thick likewise ; foi if they have, when the horse shall be gallopped in difficult ground, they will necessarily be filled with blood, and will become varicose, so that the shanks will be thickened, and the skin be distended and relaxed from the bone ; and when this is the case, it often

THE GREEK HORSE.

follows that the back sinew gives way and renders the home lame But if the horse, when in action, bend his knees flexibly at a walk, you may judge that he will have his legs flexible when in full canter ; for all horses as they increase in years increase in the flex¬ ibility of the knee. And flexible goers are esteemed highly, and with justice, for such horses are much less liable to blunder or to stumble than those which have rigid, unbending joints. But if the arms below the shoulder-blades be thick and muse alar, they appear stronger and handsomer, as is the case also with a man The breast also should be broad, as well for beauty as for strength, and because it causes a handsomer action of the fore-legs, which do not then interfere, but are carried wide apart. And again, the neck ought not to be set on like that of a boar, horizontally from the chest, but like that of a game-cock, should be upright towards the crest, and slack towards the flexure ; and the head, being long, should have a small and narrow jaw-bone, so that the neck shall be in front of the rider, and that the eye shall look down on what is before the feet. A horse thus made will be the least likely to run violently away, even if he be very high-spirited, for horses do not attempt to run away by bringing in, but by thrusting out, their heads and necks. It is also very necessary to observe whether the mouth be fine or hard on both sides, or on one or the other. For horses which have not both jaws equally sensitive, are likely to be hard-mouthed on one side or the other.

And it is better that a horse should have prominent than hollow eyes, for such a one will see to a greater distance. And widely-opened nostrils are far better for respiration than narrow, and they give the horse a fiercer aspect; for when one stallion is enraged against another, or if he become angry while being ridden, he expands his nostrils to their full width. And the loftier the crest, and smaller the ears, the more horse-like and handsome is the head rendered ; while lofty withers give the rider a surer seat and produce a firmer adhesion between the body and shoulder. A double loin is also softer to sit upon, and pleasanter to look at, than if it be single; and a deep side, rounded toward the belly, renders the horse easier to sit, and stronger, and more easy to keep in condition. The shorter and broader the loin, the more easily will the horse raise his fore¬ quarters and collect his hind-quarters under him in going. These points, moreover, cause the belly to appear the smaller; which, if it be large, at once injures the appearance of the animal, and ren¬ ders him weaker and less manageable. The quarters should be broad and fleshy, in order to correspond with the sides and chest) and, should they be entirely firm and solid, they would be the lighter in the gallop, and the horse would be the speedier. Bui if he should have his buttocks separated under the tail by a broad line, he will bring his hind leg* under him with a wider space be-

TIIE HORSE.

tween them, and, so doing, he will have a prouder and stronger gait and action, and will in all respects be the better on them.”

Here we have described, in most exact terms, a cobby but spirited and corky horse, with a light and somewhat peculiar carriage of the head and neck, just as we see represented in the Elgin marbles

THE ROMAN HORSE.

Of the Roman Horse we know far less than of that of the Greeks ; but the fact of its inferiority to those of the surrounding nations is established, for no sooner were they brought into col lision with the cavalry of Macedonia and Epirus than they suc¬ cumbed. This could only be owing to the quadruped, for the Roman foot-soldier was still unmatched. Caesar depended for his cavalry upon Gallic horses, which were able to ride down the Re¬ man horses of his rival Pompey without the slightest difficulty. So also Crassus was unable to make head in Asia against the Par¬ thian horse; and from his day until British horses were trans¬ ported to Oriental soil, the superiority of Asiatic horses remained undisputed.

THE ARAB OF ANTIQUITY.

The Arab of the present day is said by his countrymen to be the same in form, in courage, and in endurance, with the horse which existed in Arabia before the time of Christ. I have shown that there is every reason to believe that the Israelites who dwelt in Arabia had no horses in the time of Jacob, and therefore it is scarcely likely that this variety could have arrived at its present state of excellence much before the commencement of the Chris¬ tian era. But beyond the traditional accounts which are preserved in the various tribes, there is no means of arriving at the truth, and they are to be regarded with considerable suspicion. Buffon comes to the conclusion, nevertheless, that Arabia is the birthplace of this animal, and his opinions are followed by a host of subse¬ quent writers ; but I have already given the reasons for the con¬ trary conclusion. The dry nature of the country, and the scanti¬ ness of herbage, show that in a wild state the horse could hardly exist there, and that it is only by the care and superintendence of man that the Arabian horse has become so famous.

EGYPTIAN, LIBYAN, NUMIDIAN, AND MOORISH HORSES.

The Egyptian Horse is handed down to us on some of the -jculptures found in the ruins of Nineveh ; the carvings of which are in a high state of preservation, and are very elaborate and spirited. Even the superficial veins are carefully rendered ; and hence we may place some reliarce upon the fidelity of the por¬ traiture. In all these bas-reliefs the animal is represented with a

ANCIENT methods of using the horse.

large and coarse head, a high crest, and a heavy, lumbering body, not very dissimilar to the Flemish horse of the nineteenth century.

Of the Libyan, Numidian, and Moorish horses, which are alluded to by classic writers, we know little beyond the cursory description of iElian, who says that they were slenderly made, and carried no flesh.

THE ORIGINAL BRITISH HORSE.

The nature of the original stock which formed the found¬ ation of the modern European horse is extremely doubtful. In Great Britain horses’ bones are found in caves which are of ex¬ treme antiquity, but they do not define with any certainty the form of the original British horse, nor can we, with certainty, arrive at the exact era at which the animals to which they be¬ longed lived and died. It is, however, an ascertained fact that when the Romans invaded Great Britain they found the people in possession of horses, and using them for their chariots as wrell as for the purposes of riding. After the irruption of the Goths, and the commencement of the dark ages, we have no reliable history to guide us, and we are left to grope in the dark from the fourth century, when Vegetius wrote on the veterinary art, until the time of the Stuarts, when attention was first paid to the improve¬ ment of the breed of horses in this country.

ANCIENT METHODS OF USING THE HORSE.

The mode of using the horse adopted by the ancients was at first by harnessing him to a rude chariot, without springs. In course of time, the grooms who took care of him found that they could manage him while on his back without the aid of the saddle and bridle, which are comparatively modern inventions. Hence, we see the horse represented in the Elgin marbles as ridden with¬ out either the one or the other; and there is also abundant -written testimony in support of this mode of equitation being practised by the early Greeks. This ingenious people, however, invented the snaffle-bridle, and both rode and drove with its aid, after the estab¬ lishment of the Olympian games, in which chariot races formed an essential feature. The curb-bit was invented by the Romans, or, at all events, was first used by them ; but both that people and the Greeks were ignorant of the use of the stirrup, and either vaulted on their horses, or used the back of a slave as a stepping-stone, or sometimes had recourse to a short ladder for the purpose. The earliest period when it can be proved that the stirrup was in use was in the time of the Norman invasion of this country. The incidents of this event in history were recorded on the Bayeux tapestry by the wife of William the Conqueror, and on this the stirrup was depicted, according to the authority of Berenger, as a 2 * B