The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-02-25
THE HORSE.

This noble animal is SO intimately connected
and associated with our everyday life, that
word in his praise, in a paper devoted to agri-
culture, and its kindred arts and sciences, nav
not seem out of place. Of all animals with
which we are acquainted, the H9rse is, perhaps,
most calculated to inspire the beholder with
admiration; and of all quadrupeds, does un-
doubtedy, in his general aspect, present the
most perfect and beautiful symmetry of FORM
and adaptation of part to part. His flashing
eye flowing name, and gallant, archng crest,
wavy tail, and powerful quarters, expanded and
almost transparent nostr, clean sinewy limbs,
and nervous, elastic style Of action, are ali so
many points of attraction and beauty, that they
cannot fail Of attracting the attention of the
most Indifferent observers, and arousing their
admiration and sympathy for this beautiful and
grand animal.
Mans passion for the horse dates back to his
first acquaintance with him, and is confined to
no nation or class of the human family. In
deed, comparatively, there are but few persons
who take no interest in his history, or pleasure
in training and driving him. There may be
uS uSelul 10 man, UuL uOUC Win SO
strong hold upon the affections and sympa-
thies as he. In our long and weary journeys,
he Is at once our companion and servant; alike
patient and un1linchingly courageous in the
quiet business of private life, and in the fierce
struggle and smoky din of the battlefield
With silent submission he awaits his masters
pleasure, and moves only at his bidding. His
courage is not shaken by heat or cold neither
hunger nor thirst drive him to rebellion. When
restless, he is quieted by the soothing tones of
his masters voice, and by the cheering, en-
couraging sounds of the same voice Is aroused
to the noblest efforts to do his will: in fact
the valuable qualities of this noble servant of
man are suggested by the experience of each
and al OF Our readers his invaluable services
In war. in the chase, in travel, and last, but by
no means least, in agriculture, are known to all,
and have been experienced by man in every
portion of the known world. Although our
people differ much In their opinion, as to the
color, style Of movement, &C., of their driving
horses, yet the desire to own free, nlmble
driver, is nearly universal, and might almost
be styled national Characteristic
With these few remarks in favor OF the
horse, l propose to point out some of the
marks of good business, or carriage horse
SIGNS oF GOOD HORSE, AND HINTS TO PUK-
CHASERS OF THEM.
In regard TO selecting horse for your car
rlaSe and general use, it is not to be supposed
that any written rules can be laid down, or des-
CriDti0p triVa hat will
have the keen perception and discriminating
eye, or the regard to form and motion, and the
rapid, searching glance at defects, with which
an experienced horseman seems to be endow-
ed; still, some hints can be given which will
aid, somewhat, many purchasers in their seec-
tion. Before attempting to purchase, he should
determine in his OWE mind what kind of horse
he wants for his business, both as to size and
general qualities; for the value of a horse de-
pends upon his adaptation to the kind of busi-
ness required of him.
For common carriage horse, experience
has taught that one of medium size will gener-
ally be found to be the most lasting, as they
are generally the most compact in form; usu-
ally possess hardy constitutions; are nimble,
easy and graceful in motion. The height should
be from fifteen to sixteen hands, and weight
from nine to ten hundred lbs. the back should
be short and straight; the shoulders deep,
broad, and elanting back at an angle Of forty
five degrees, and the point we'll forward; broad
across the loins and stifle; the legs should not
be too long, and should be wide, fiat, bony, and
free from flesh below the knees and hooks;
above these joints they should be full and mus
cular. The head, generally, should be small,
Clean and bony; the nostrl expanded; fine
muzze: wide between the eyes; small ears,
neatly set on; the neck rather light and short,
as the reverse, as well as u heavy head. induce
stumbling; but rising strong and promptly
from the shoulders and withers, and tapering