The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1853-01-08
FOR THE BOYS g. GIRLS.
THE SHETLAND PONY,

these curious little ANIMALS attract 80
nu'h attention wherever they appear eSpe-
cal! among youths that they generally form
a part ofal the mcnageries that travel thro'
the country. No wonder that they are great
favoritcs with the girls and bows; for their
small size. beautiful shane, and gentle. play
fnl disposition. seem to fit them exactly to be
paymates for Young people, and the little
horses are always ready to JOIN in their pleas
ure excursions and troicS.
Egypt was the original country of horses ::
but as they are now found in all parts of the
world, they differ, each kind of horse being
adapted TO the climate and productions of the
country he inhahit>. The Shetland PONY is
Just the animal required in Sco-lanl the
Shetland Islands and Canada in North A.
mcrlca. Its dinnutive size suits the scantv
vegetation of those countries which would
not support large animals; but if they were
as feeble as they are small, they would be Of
little service. They, however, possess i'm
mense strength in proportion to their sizeand
are so tough and healthy that they can live
among the mountains to great age, even fifty
or sixty wears.
In Scotland, they are called Shelties. and
as they have to take care of themselves. they
run almost wild upon the mountainSand will!
climb mp steep places, standing with ease up
on the very ed re of the most frightful preci-
pces On the Sabbath they are ALWAYS want
cd to carry the families to church, and thew
are caught on Saturday. The roeucs know
how to make this difficult task. 1t is a
pleasing sight, on Sunday morning to see one
or two women mounted on one of these p6-
MES, covering him so completely with their
large dresses, that nothing can be seen of the
pony but its droll little head.
a middling-sized man must ride with his
knees raised to the animals shoulders. to
prevent his toes from touching the ground
1t is surprising to see with what speed they
will carry heavy man over zigzag roads in
their native mountains.
A gentleman. some time ago was present
ell with one OfthcSc handsome little animals.
which was no less dorile than elegant. End
measured only seven haadS. or twentv-cicht |.
inches in height He was anxiouS to convey
his present home as speedily as possible, but
hein. at considerable distance. was at loss
how to do so most easily. The friend said.
Can YOU not carry him in vour chaiso -
lie made the experment.and the Shelly was
lifted into it. covered up with the apron. and
some bits of bread given him to keep him qui-
IT. He lay peacefully till he reached his dcS
ination, thus exhibiting the novel spectacle
II horse riding in zig.
A gentleman had white pony which be
,ame extremely attached to little white dog
that lived with him in the stable aud wbcn-
''er the horse was taken ont, the dog always
ian by his side. One dav. when the groom
ook out the pony for exercise. and accompa-
ned, as usual. bv his canine friend, they met
| large dog. which attacked the diminutive
ur upon which the horse reared. and, to the
'stoniShmcnt of the hvstanderS. so effertual
V fought his friends battle with his fore-fee,
hat the aggrcSSor found it for his interest to
camPer of at full speed. and never again
'entnred to assail the small dog
A little girl, the daughter of a gentleman
IN Warwickshire. England, playing on the
banks of canal which runs through his
grounds had the misfortune to fall in. anil
would in all probability have been drowned.
had not little pony which had long been
kept in The family, plunged into the stream
and brought the child safely ashore without
the slightest injury.
A farmer in Canada. had large number
OF ponies. and among them a very handsome
and playful one, which was a great favoritc
with little boy about ten years of age, the
only child of the farmer One dav, the
boy was sent several miles on an GRAND
Tor some money, with a warning to return
heHne before night. as the country was infcst
rd with robbers. His visit was so delightful
that he forgot the command of his parents.
and did not monnt his pony to return till it
was quite dark. His road lay through a thick
forest, and it was not long before Highway
man attacked and dragged him from his
horse, which ran swiftly homrward. Mean
time, ms terrified parents sat trembling hv
their flresidr. awaiting their bows return
They were Just preparing to 90 in search of
HIM. when they heard the GATHERING of hoof>.
and soon after a loud kicking and pawino at
the door. On opening it, they saw the pony
IN a state of great excitement. with his bride
and saddle dangling about him. lie ran from
them short distance then friskcd about. and
seZIng the fathers coat in his teeth. pulled
him along. The agonzcd parents followed
III" animal, who ran ahead, constantly turn
in" back and ne" ching to URGE them onward.
Attcr travelling many miles thro' the woods.
they came to the place where the bow had
been robbed, and found him tied to tree
stripped of his money and clothes. and half
dead with fear and cold. He was placed on
the pony's back. who proudly bore him home
and was ever after treated as true friend
bv the boy whose life lac had saved.
We have somewhere read a curious story
VI a farmer VINO WAS III the habit of ridinn :,
'lttIr Shelly" I" an ale-hou>e. some miles
distant. Where he >1uandcred his hard earn