Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26
NO XIX,
AGRICULTURAL s. ss1sNTlFl@s
COLTS,

COLTS,
OF all our domestic animals, the horse stands in
the foremost rank Although steam and railroads
have lessened the necessity OF his aid, they
have not lessened his value in the market, or the
pleasure which he still affords to those not so much
bent on business and gold, as amasemnnt and
healthy exercise.
The labors of the horse seem to be changing
from year to year, and have in some degree been
mitgated. If we look back but few years, we
find him travelling the bark-mill from morning till
night and before the invention of steam engines
and railroads, he was destined to perform the ar
duous labors of stage-coach, in the duties OF
which, from high feeding and hard driving he was
soon worn out. But the modern application OF
steam seems to be sent in mercy for his relief Ii
steam has not entirely suppressed the Use OF the
horse for the work. it has certainly very much cur
tailed the seedirement fths kind of labor. He is
now mostly used for pleasure riding} and shoFtex-
cursons requiring the cultivation Of different tea
lures and qualities than those heretofore demand
ed. Speed and activity are the qualities sought
for now, in place of strength of body and hmDi
which is better fitted for the draught.
The horse is susceptible of the most perfect
training, and can be made to know your wishes all
most before they are expressed, and possessing
great activity and strength when properly encour-
aged, will use them to the utmost of his power.
The attachment of the horse to his master is well
known, and a reciprocity of feeling between the
horse and his keeper is frequently very great; but
we are sorry to know he is sometimes most gross
ly and wantonly abused. :,
The horse though, when kindly treated, will
manifest great attachment and perfect obedience,
submitting to serve abors, will sometimes exhibit
great and provoking obstinacy. This leads to cru
elty, and sometimes ilnmerciful beating.
From experience and observation, we are fully
satisfied that whipping only increases the dlticul-
ty, and makes him more obstinate. Although It Is
somewhat difficult to command ones temper when
the horse, knowing your wises persists in refusing
to obey, still am satisfied that kindness will soon-
er bring him 10 obedience than an opposite course
of treatment.
When in full health and plight he will be as
fond of moving forward as you are to have HIM DO
so. little patience is much better than the whip
We once asked householder how we should man
age contrary horse. He replied "Never let him
know but that he behaves just as you want to have
him.
Horses are often made vicious in breaking, as it
is called, and in training, when young, by bad
management In breaking colts into the harness,
they should never know that they can break away:
When convenient, the younger you begin win
them the better. Accustom them gradually to the
halter and harness:
The halter, in the first place, should be strong
that they cannot break ii when made fastto SUBJ
stantial post. They will seldom try ITS strength
more than once or twice; and the same with any
part of a harness. If they find they can break
halter, it is seldom forgotten, and becomes very
vicious habit. After two years old, they may be
placed by the side Of any steady horse, and alter
IL, l;,,l,f fnll
for some little length of time.
In shoeing the first time, be sure you get good,
strong smith, that will hold the foot as long as ne
wishes not ooong at first lest he should be wea-
ry. Horses are not unfreequenty very trouble
some through life by falt in first shoeing
The signs of good road horse, and for speed,
are small head short back, and fiat legs
Something may be known by the countenance,
which cannot well be described. A bright full
eve, wide nostrils, and wide projecting forehead,
may be considered some Of the signs of courage
and long wind. The color of horses depends some
what upon fancy; but bay. dapple gray and black
are the most preferred in our country.
Now, let us bespeak for this noble animal kind
treatment, good keeping, and light burdens. With
such genteel usage, the horse will love and serve
YOU faithfully for twenty-five, forty and even fifty
wears. Do not main or disfgure him by the cruel
practice of prickng, nicking or even cutting OF
single hair which the Author of Nature has fur
nished him with for his special accommodation.
And good taste will require that in his natural
oarb and form, he actually shows the best, and is
the most comfortable to himself. Curry and groom
him every day, and give him blanket and awarm
stable in cold winter and clean straw to lie on
Talk to and with him, for he will soon understand
your language, and manifest signs ofrecognization.
or the tenor at least, of our words--From the ".
England Farmer.
RUSSIAN SUPERSTITION ABOUT PoTAToEs.-
When potatoes were introduced into Russia, to-
wards the last century, the people conceived
great dislike to them and called them the Devils
fruit" on account of some foolish tales that had
been told of this now almost indispensable edible
One story was that they were created on purpose,
for the Devil, when he complained on being turned
out of the garden that he had no fruit He was