>>* • ; ! i OH ~ ,^~v o JOHNA.SEAVERNS TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 3 9090 014 66 /-»/"» -4 157 Webster Family Library of Veterinary tedtcme Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University 200 Westfooro Road North Grafton, MA 01536 I 1 5 ^5 o O go MORGAN HORSES: % |j rem turn €ssr% O N THE ORIGIN, HISTORY, AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS REMARKABLE AMERICAN BREED OF HORSES ; TRACING THE PEDIGREE FROM THE ORIGINAL JUSTIN MORGAN, THROUGH THE MOST NOTED 01 HIS PROGENY, DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME. WITH NUMEROUS PORTRAITS. TO WHICH ARE ADDED HINTS FOR BREEDING, BREAKING, AND GENERAL USE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES, WITH PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS FOR TRAINING THEM FOR EXHIBITION AT AGRICULTURAL FAIRS. BY D. C. LINSLEY, MIDDLEBUBY, VT. NEW YORK: O. M. SAXTON AND COMPANY, AGRICULTUEAE BOOK PUBLISHERS, No. 140 Fulton Street. 1857. t£0 vU l Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by C. M. SAXTON AND COMPANY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. E. 0. JENKINS, printer nnb ^ttrjcotgptr, No. 26 Frankfort Street. PREFACE Mcegak Hoeses as a distinct and remarkable breed, originating in Vermont, and principally bred there, have long been well known to the horsemen of New England, and within a few years, to the people of the West and South, who, having become acquainted with them, have manifested a strong desire to introduce them into their sections of the country. The author of the following work was acquainted with these horses in Vermont, and familiar with their peculiar form and action. But it was not until he en- gaged in the prosecution of a great public work, at the West in 1852, that he became fully aware of their ex- traordinary hardiness, speed and endurance, from severe use and daily comparison of them with horses of different style. Having determined to breed from this stock, it in- duced a careful examination into the different families which have sprung from the original or Justin Morgan. fv PKEFACE. In the course of these inquiries a mass of information was accumulated, with much labor and considerable expense, which was deemed too valuable to be lost. After determining to preserve it by publication in some form, every effort was made to obtain the most reliable information upon all disputed points ; in re- gard to the origin of the breed, the history of the most distinguished families, and their present condi- tion. To make the work useful to breeders who are un- acquainted with them, the peculiarities of the different families have been carefully pointed out, and full and minute descriptions given of most of the sons and grandsons of the original horse, with their pedi- gree, so far as it could be ascertained, and also the pedigree and description of many other stallions of the breed, more remotely descended from the Justin Morgan. A large number of cuts have been used, most of which have been traced from daguerreotypes, and can therefore be relied upon a-s correct portraits of the forms of the animals they are intended to represent. 4m examination of these cuts will enable a good PKEFACE. V horseman to become familiar with the peculiar form which is so distinguishing a feature of these horses, and leave him in little doubt as to the cause of their remarkable qualities. If size is, as is claimed by some, the measure of power, it will be found that form is the measure of action. Too much size is, indeed, incompatible with rapid and long-continued action. The most casual observer of a good Morgan horse, is conscious that he sees a peculiar animal. His short, light, rapid step, point to the great muscles which give him motion. His prominent, clear, eager eyes, set wide apart, testify to his courage and docility — ■ while his clean, light head, carried high, with short, pointed, sensitive ears, gives grace and elegance to every motion. A slight description has been given of some of the most prominent breeds of horses, that they may readily be compared with the Morgan. The style, it is hoped, will be found plain and clear. To the many gentlemen who have aided us in col- lecting the materials for our work, we return our sin- cere thanks. Their hearty encouragement has cheered VI PREFACE. us in the prosecution of our work, and much of any interest that may attach to it, is due to their assistance. Should occasion offer, we trust they will afford us an opportunity to reciprocate their favors. If the publication of this volume should prove in- strumental in awakening increased interest in the breeding of these noble animals, and in leading farm- ers and breeders to the best sources for obtaining this stock, or in enabling them to detect the many spu- rious animals advertised throughout the country as genuine Morgans, the author will feel satisfied that he has not labored in vain. D. C. LINSLEY. Middlebuey, Vt., September 10, 1856. CONTENTS. Preface, •- - _ 3 Contents, _ _ 7 CHAPTEE I. The Most Esteemed Eaces of Horses, and the Kinds of Service to which they are Adapted, ------ 9 CHAPTEE II. Contrast Between the Kinds of Service Eequired of Horses For- merly, and at the Present Day, 29 CHAPTEE III. Description of the Kind of Horses most sought for in the Prin- cipal Markets of the Country, 44 CHAPTEE IV. Peculiar Adaptation of the Morgan Horse to the Eoad and General Use, 63 CHAPTEE V. Origin of the Morgan Horse, -----.-92 CHAPTEE VI. Memoir and Description of the Justin Morgan, - 131 CHAPTEE VII. History and Description of the Stallions Sired by the Justin Morgan, - 144 (T) viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. General Description of the different Families and their Distin- guishing Characteristics, 165 CHAPTER IX. Present Condition of this Stock in Vermont, .... 175 CHAPTER X. Performances of Morgan Horses; the Demand for them, and their Present Value as indicated by Sales, - - - 185 CHAPTER XL Hints as to the Best Methods for Improving and Perpetuating the Breed, - - - 200 CHAPTER XII. Hints in Relation to Breaking and Driving, .... 219 CHAPTER XIII. The Proper Manner of Feeding and Driving upon the Road, t - 238 CHAPTER XIV. Hints to Purchasers of Morgan or other Horses, ... 250 CHAPTER XV. Pedigrees and Description of Stallions, 260 Appendix, 323 [EXTRACT.] TO THE VERMONT STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Committee of Awards, to whom was referred the subject of Essays, respectfully report, that they have attended carefully to the duties of their appointment, and do award the First Premium to Mr. D. C. Linsley, of Middlebury, for his elaborate Essay on the Morgan Horse. In consequence of the peculiar merits of this treatise, the Committee feel authorized to commend it to the particular notice of the Society, as one eminently adapted to the wants of the peo- ple of this State, and as supplying a desideratum long- felt, both in regard to the true history of the Morgau Horse, and in respect to the best methods of its perpetuation. "We believe Mr. Linsley has collected all the facts pertaining to his subject which intelligent re" search and thorough devotion can furnish ; and that he has em- bodied them in an attractive form and with a just discrimination. The information relating to the history of the Breed is important, and, we think, can be found in no work yet published ; the style in which it is communicated is clear, spirited, and in perfect keeping with the subject discussed. When it is considered that the sources of information in regard to the origin and history of the Morgan Horse, now obscure at the best, are rapidly diminishing, and that Mr. Linsley has rescued so much, which in a short time would have been beyond the reach of the compiler, it must be admitted he has rendered a valuable service to the farmers of the State, and one which, in the judgment of the Committee, the Society ought not to leave unrecognized. * * * January 15, 1856. J. A. beckwith, EDWAED SEYMOUE, E. B. CHASE, \ Committee. F. E. WOOPBEIDGE, JOHN GEEGOEY. P St. Johnsbury, Yt., July 7, 1856. D. C. Linsley, Esq. : Dear Sir, — Your favor of the 3d inst. is at hand, as also the accompanying drawing of the old Justin Morgan. I knew the horse well, and owned him about seven years while in the prime of his life. The drawing is a very faithful representation of him as he appeared while I owned him, and I can suggest scarcely any alteration ; perhaps none that would make it a more faithful copy of the original. Tours respectfully, DAVID GOSS. Derby Line, Vt., July 21, 1856. D. 0. Lixsley, Esq. : — Your favor of the 18th inst., containing a drawing of the old Justin Morgan, has this day come to hand, and I hasten to reply. In early life it was my privilege to know the original Morgan Horse perfectly well, and for some time to see him almost daily at the time of his greatest popularity, and I have no hesitation in saying, that the drawing exhibited, in my judgment, is remarkably correct, and gives a very accurate delineation of the horse as he appeared in life. I remain, Dear Sir, yours truly and Very respectfully, SOLO. STEELE, ~ „ T „ Claremont, N. H., July, 1856. D. C. Linsley, Esq. : Dear Sir,— I received a line from you yesterday, and with it a drawing of the old Justin Morgan or Goss horse. As I have be- fore told you, I know the horse well, having seen him often, and kept him one year while Joel Goss owned him. He was far the best horse I ever had anything to do with, and my recollection of him is perfectly clear and distinct. The drawing you send is a very excellent likeness of him, and I am pleased to see an effort making, even at this late day, to preserve some record of him. Yours Eespectfully, DAN. BALDWIN. CHAPTEK I. THE MOST ESTEEMED EACES OP HOESES, AND THE KINDS OP SEEYICE TO WHICH THEY AEE ADAPTED. The history of tlie horse, intimately interwoven as it is with that of man, can hardly fail to interest the most careless student. From the earliest ages he has been man's faithful ally and willing slave. In war, he not only moves all the machinery of the field and camp, but shares with his rider all the fatigue and danger of battle. In peace, how various and invalu- able are his services. Every branch of industry owes much to his patient toil ; he ploughs the soil, sows the seed, reaps the harvest, and transports it to the distant market. From year to year, and age to age, he has toiled unceasingly for his master, in the cart, the mill, the freight-wagon, or the mail-coach. For many centuries prior to the construction of canals, almost the entire inland commerce of the world was carried on by means of the horse. Not onlv has he thus relieved our wants and minis- tered to our comfort, but he shares with us in our pleasures and amusements ; he not only works steadily and patiently in the loaded wagon, but in the race becomes as much excited as his master, and appears to rejoice in the pleasures of the chase. In gracefulness of motion, elegance of form, and dignity of carriage, he is superior to every other quadruped ; and by those 1* W 10 THE MORGAN HORSE. nations to whom he is known he is almost universally considered the most useful and manageable of all our domestic animals Hence he has been admired, cherished and loved, equally by the most enlightened and most barbarous races of men. More time, money and intellect have been used in the attempt to improve and perpetuate the distinguishing characteristics of the best breeds, than has been expended upon any, perhaps it may be safely said a U, other animals. His servant in the field, his companion in the chase, and his willing slave in trials of speed, he becomes the pride, the joy and boast of his master. Boundless wealth is often scattered for pleasures and amusements, in which the flying foot of the horse is the chief attraction. Attached to his master and obedient to his will, he bears him without question or murmur, through sunshine and storm, over mountains and through rivers ; carries him with un- faltering nerves into the thickest of the battle, and if repulsed, his speed and endurance bid defiance to pur- suit. . Hence no animal has received the same care and attention in breeding and training as the horse. Though the horse was domesticated in the time of Moses, and is frequently mentioned in history, yet we know little of his condition, or the manner in which he was trained, until about four hundred years before Christ. Xenophon was the first writer who left us any record of what were then considered the best points of a good horse ; or described, critically and in detail, the proper method of breaking and training him. Consid- ering that nearly twenty-three hundred years have elapsed since this essay* was written, it must certainly THE MOST ESTEEMED BEEEDS. 11 be deemed surprising that it should still be admitted as a standard authority upon the subjects of which it treats. Among the ancients the horse was little used, except in war "and the chase. For these uses the wild horses of the East are perhaps as well adapted as any other breed now in existence. The wild horse being so well suited to the wants of the ancients, no attempt would be made to improve him or alter his general conforma- tion by careful breeding. Had other wants been felt, and efforts made to alter his general form, it could hardly have been productive of any improvement or important change ; for, to be successful, the breeding must not only be continued for several generations, but must be undertaken by a people fixed in their habits, devoted to agriculture, and perfectly conversant with the gieat physical laws that must be carefully ob- served in crossing different races of animals, in order to insure success. The ancients "had not these advan- tages, and we think it may safely be inferred, that up to the commencement of the Christian era, the main characteristics of the horse had undergone little change, except such as had been produced by the climates in which he lived, the nature of the soil, and the pastures upon which he fed. In the central and northern parts of Asia, and the northern part of Europe, where the climate is cold and the vegetation scanty, the wild horses were then, and are still, small, but active and hardy, with bodies closely knit, and hair thick and long. They are capa- ble of performing the longest marches without exhibit- ing fatigue, are fleet, sure-footed, and well adapted 12 THE MORGAN HORSE. for service in the cold and mountainous countries in which they are found. The earliest records we have of the horse, trace him to Egypt, whence he gradually found his way to the various Egyptian colonies. Among the African varieties, the Barb is remarkable for his fine and graceful action ; and is found chiefly in Morocco and Fez. He is lower than the Arabian, seldom exceeding fourteen hands. The shoulders are flat, the chest deep, the joints inclined to be a little long, and the head very fine. He is superior to the Arab in form, but has not his speed and endurance, nor his spirit and "counte- nance." The Barb has chiefly contributed to the excel- lence of the Spanish horse. The Grodolphin Arabian was a Barb, and from him has descended some of the best racing stock of England. The Arabian horse deservedly occupies the very highest rank. So late as the seventh century, the Arabs had very few horses, and those of a very in- ferior quality. The horses that they obtained from Cappadocia and other neighboring countries were preserved with so much care, and so uniformly pro- pagated from the finest animals, that in the thirteenth century they had obtained great celebrity. The Arabs divide their horses into three classes: the Attechi, or inferior breed, which are little valued, and are found wild in some parts of the desert ; the Kadis- chi, or mixed breed ; and the Kochlani, or thorough- bred. Many of the latter have well-attested pedigrees extending more than four hundred years, and the Arab confidently asserts that the pedigree of his favorite mare can be traced directly to the stud THE MOST ESTEEMED BEEEDS. 13 of Solomon. More care is taken to preserve the pedigree of their horses, than the genealogies of their chiefs : these pedigrees are always reckoned from the dams. The Arabian horse might not always be acknowledged to possess a perfect form, but no one can fail to admire his inimitable head. The broad, square forehead, the short, lean, firm, and delicate muzzle, the bright, prominent, and intelligent eye, the small, sprightly, and almost transparent ears, are uni- versally acknowledged to be unrivalled in any other breed. The fineness of his legs, and the oblique posi- tion of his pasterns, may be supposed to lessen his strength ; but the legs, although small, are flat and wiry, and they are not required to carry heavy weights. The muscles of the thigh and fore-arm are strikingly developed, and assure us of his ability to perform many of the feats of strength and endurance related of him ; but in reading of his really marvellous marches, we must remember that there are no watches to note accurately the time, nor mile- stones to mark correctly the distances on the paths of the desert, and we must make some allowance for the proneness of the Bedouin to exaggeration. The Arabian horse is as celebrated for his docility as for his speed and courage. He rarely exceeds fourteen hands in height, his body is light, his hips and loins excellent, and his shoulders extremely beautiful. It is to the Arabian that the English are chiefly indebted for their unrivalled breed of horses for the turf and the chase. The Dongoia horses, bred in the kingdom of Dongola, and the country lying between Egypt and Abyssinia, are somewhat celebrated for their showy appearance 14 THE MORGAN HORSE. They are full sixteen hands high, with very short bodies, long necks, fine crests, and sharp, high withers ; but the breast is too narrow, the quarters and flanks flat and thin, with carped or roached backs. Some of these horses were imported into England about 1825, but were little valued. There are several breeds of horses in India, of which the Toorky is the best, and is descended from the Per- sian. The Chinese horse is very inferior, and unworthy of notice. The Persian horse deservedly ranks next to the Arabian ; his head is almost equally fine, his hip and croup better; he is more stoutly built, is equal in speed, but less enduring. Their food consists of bar- ley and chopped straw, hay being unknown. The Persian horses were very celebrated long before the Arabian was known. They rarely exceed fourteen and a half hands high, are full of courage, and very tractable and docile. Turkistan has long been celebrated for producing a pure and valuable breed of horses, called Toorkomans. They are large, standing from fifteen to sixteen hands high ; are swift and remarkably enduring. They are said to be preferable even to the pure Persian for severe service. They are too small in the barrel, too long in the legs, and their heads are large and clumsy ; yet they are highly esteemed. The Flemish and Dutch horses are very large, strongly and symmetically formed, with fine crests and plenty of bone and muscle, but are a little dull in their paces, and mostly used for purposes of draft. It ia THE MOST ESTEEMED BREEDS. 15 principally from these that the celebrated draft horses of England are descended. France contains several breeds of horses, some of which, particularly the Norman, are very valuable. The government have for some years paid a good deal of attention to the improvement of horses, but they are still inferior to the English in beauty and speed. The best French horses are raised in Limousin and Normandy. Those from the latter province are of large size, with plenty of bone and muscle, large limbs, heavy quarters, sloping croup, deep chest and deep body, but a little flat-ribbed. They are very tractable, and possessed of very great endurance, and can carry great weight at the rate of six to seven miles per houi. Spain has long been celebrated for her breed of horses, but it is thought that they are less valuable now than formerly, having suffered under the general decline of the Spanish government. The Andalusian horse, so called from that province of Spain in which he was chiefly bred, still retains a resemblance to the Barb, to which he was undoubtedly indebted for his most valuable qualities. The Barb was brought into Spain during the first part of the eighth century. England owes much of the present excellence of her horse to this breed. About the year 1060, William of Normandy brought a large number of horses from Spain for cavalry service, and probably these were mostly from the provinces of Andalusia and Asturias, for, owing to the richness of the pastures, horses were much more numerous in these provinces than in any other parts of Spain. Italian horses were formerly thought very valuable, 16 THE MORGAN HORSE. but are now less esteemed. The Neapolitan horses are tolerably well shaped, and from their size and high style of action are in some demand for carriage horses. The Turkish horses are principally descended from the Arab, crossed with the Persian, the Tartar, and some- other breeds. Compared with the Arabian, the head is larger, the limbs heavier, the body longer, the shoulder not so fine, and the hips higher. They are, if possible, more gentle and tractable than the Arabian. The Turkish horse has contributed much to the blood of the present English race-horse. The German horses are generally large, heavy, and slow. The Hungarian is, however, of medium size, and possessed of a good deal of speed and endurance. Many excellent cavalry horses are bred in Holstein. They are generally bay, of good size, with small, fine heads, bold, lively eyes, have good action, and are strong and active. The Swedish horses are between thirteen and four- teen hands high, and are remarkable for their speed and endurance. The horses of Finland are yet smaller, not exceeding twelve hands in height ; they are said to be beautiful, and very fleet. In Iceland, though the country is mountainous, and the climate cold and inhospitable, there are yet very numerous troops of wild horses. They are very small, strong, and swift. The horses of that part of Tartary comprehending the great plains of Central Asia, and a considerable part of European Eussia, are almost in a wild state ,• they are small and badly made, but are very hardy and en- THE MOST ESTEEMED BREEDS. 17 during. They are not very docile or tractable. Tar- tar horses form a large portion of the Persian cavalry, being preferred on account of their great hardiness and endurance. All the horses we have enumerated, with the ex- ception of the German, Italian, French and Flemish, are peculiarly adapted to use under the saddle, carry- ing light weight ; and with few exceptions they are seldom put to any other service. The Eussians have some excellent horses. The most celebrated of their breeds is the Orloff Trotter, of large size and fine action. Great pains are taken in breaking and training them, to prevent their moving in any other gait than a walk or trot, consequently some of them are fast trotters. The English horse, on account of its just celebrity, and as the source from which the best of our own have been derived, demands a more careful notice. Horses were exceedingly numerous in Britain at the time of its conquest by Julius Caesar, and they were so valuable, that Caesar carried many of them to Eome. The Eomans having established themselves in Britain, kept a large force of cavalry there, and these horses, gathered from all parts of the Eoman Empire, mixed with the native breed. Whether this cross re- sulted in any improvement cannot now be ascertained. The next importation of which we have any account was early in the tenth century. Hugh Capet, of France, made Althelstane a present of several German lt running horses." About the middle of the eleventh century, with William the Conqueror came a marked improvement in the English horse. His followers, 18 THE MORGAN HORSE. coming from a country far in advance of England in the science of agriculture, were of great service to the English in improving their horses, by introducing the Spanish horse. The first recorded importation of an Arabian horse took place in 1121 — Alexander I., of Scotland, having presented the church of St. Andrew with an Arabian horse, " decked in Turkish armor, and costly trinkets." About the close of the twelfth or be- ginning of the thirteenth century, King John imported one hundred stallions from Flanders, and thus laid the foundation of the draft horse, which has since become so celebrated. In the beginning of the fourteenth cen- tury, Edward II. imported thirty war horses, and twelve -draft horses. Edward III. purchased fifty Spanish horses, which cost him about seven hundred dollars each. The English had used horses from Turkey and Bar- bary, to improve the native stock, but up to the time of James I. with but little success. About 1610, James purchased a celebrated Arabian horse of a merchant named Markham, for which he paid five hundred pounds. After this, James purchased of Mr. Place, a beautiful horse called the White Turk. Not long after this, the first Duke of Buckingham im- ported the Helmsly Turk. These two animals produced a great change in the character of the English horses. Charles I. eagerly pursued the favorite sport of the English gentleman, and established races at Hyde Park and Newmarket. Cromwell was himself anxious to continue the improvement of the horse, and kept a stud of race-horses ; but racing was not countenanced by his party, and the race courses were closed. THE MOST ESTEEMED BEEEDS. 19 At the Bestoration in 1660, a new impulse was given to the cultivation of the horse. ' Eace courses were opened, and royal plates were now given at the prin- cipal ones. Charles sent his Master of the Horse to the Levant, to purchase both mares and stallions. These were principally Barbs and Turks. His nobles followed his example, and from that time until the eighteenth century almost every valuable variety of Eastern blood was from time to time engrafted on the old stock. In 1703, Mr. Darley imported the Arabian that has since borne his name, being then four years old. About twenty-five years later, a Mr. Coke brought the Godolphin Arabian from France to England, and presented' him to Mr. Williams-, Master of St. James' Coffee House, who presented him to the Earl of Godol- phin. It is to these importations chiefly that is due the high degree of perfection which the English race- horse has attained. The English Hunter is not as distinct a breed of horses as has often been supposed. Every variety of blood has been resorted to, to produce the horse best suited to the work required of him, and he is now usually three-quarters thorough-bred. Mr. Skinner says the Hunter is but a combination of the race-horse or thorough-bred, with one of less blood. Formerly, hunters were bred from coach mares, or "Machiners" as they are called ; but no at the hunter is lighter, and more nearly thorough-bred. Many of the hunters of fifty years ago were bred by crossing the Cleveland Bay with the race-horse ; and resembled the best Hack- neys of the present day. Of the Hackney, a standard English work says : " The 20 THE MORGAN HORSE. Hackney should be a hunter in miniature, with these exceptions : his height should rarely exceed fifteen hands and an inch. He will be sufficiently strong, and more pleasant for general work, below that stand- ard. He should be of more compact form than the Hunter — more bulk according to his height, for he has not merely to stand an occasional though severe burst, but a great deal of every -day work." The English coach horse was formerly bred from the Suffolk, and the Cleveland Bays (breeds now nearly extinct) by crossing the mares with horses pos- sessing more or less racing blood, and was, in fact, but a large, heavy Hunter or Hackney. The Cleveland Bays, the Clydesdale, the Northamp- tonshire, the Suffolk Punch, and the heavy Black, or Lincolnshire horse, are but different varieties of the English draft horse, and are but little used for any other purpose. The coach horse, and the draft horse, have diminished very rapidly of late years, having given way to a lighter, and faster animal. The foregoing glance at the most important races of horses will, it is hoped, enable the reader to form a tolerably correct idea of the main sources from which our horses are derived. The wild horse is found in great numbers in Tartary, in some parts of South America, and a few in the south-western territories of the United States. In none of these can we recognize an original race. The horses of the Ukraine, and those of South America, are equally the descendants of those which have escaped the slavery of man. The former are thought to be de- THE MOST ESTEEMED BREEDS. 21 scended from horses that were employed in the siege of Azofif, in 1657; but were turned loose for want of forage. The latter are descended from animals im- orted by the Spaniards, and they still retain, almost unimpaired, the size and form of the stock from which they sprung. They are not remarkable for their speed at short distances, but possess great endurance ; and many instances are recorded of the natives pushing them over one hundred miles without drawing rein. In our own country we have several breeds of horses. The Conestoga horse is found chiefly in the Middle States, but is not as often met with now, as formerly. He is descended from early importations from Flanders and Denmark ; he is inclined to be too long in the leg, too light in the barrel, and too dull in his paces. His quarters and shoulders are generally good ; and when his body is found sufficiently deep he makes an excel- lent draft horse; he is often over seventeen hands high. The English thorough-bred is found in perfection in many of the States, but is bred chiefly at the South. In most of the States, the great majority of the horses in ordinary use possess traces of racing blood. The Canadian horse is found chiefly in Canada, and is undoubtedly of Norman-French descent, and to this day they preserve, in a high degree, the distinguishing traits of the stock from which they sprung. There are many varieties, some having been crossed with the English thorough-bred. They have maintained the good qualities of their ancestors, but have less size, probably owing in a great measure to the rigor of the climate, and their scanty fare. They are exceedingly 22 THE MORGAN HORSE. hardy, easily kept, are long-lived, and perfectly gentle and docile. Some of them are celebrated for speed at short distances, but as a breed they are not good road- sters. The Narragansett pacer, a breed long celebrated in Rhode Island, is said to have descended in part from a horse imported by Gov. Robinson from Andalusia in Spain. They were noted for their easy pace under the saddle, docility, and powers of endurance. They were small and not well adapted for draught. The Norman horse has not yet been extensively bred in this country, but a few fine animals have .been imported. They are large, usually full sixteen hands high, compact and muscular ; and though not adapted to high speed with light weight — yet it is believed they are unrivalled in their powers of endurance, carry- ing a great weight at the rate of six or seven miles per hour. In addition to these varieties, there are in various parts of the country families claiming more or less alliance to the thorough- bred. Of these, the Messen- gers, the Hamiltonians, the Henrys, the Bellfounders, are perhaps the most noted, as they were generally well-formed, fine-moving, fast-going, and enduring horses. Hamiltonian or Hamlintonian was got by Diomed, sire of the celebrated Sir Archy. Diomed was by Florizel, he by King Herod, he by Tartar, and he by Croft's Partner, who was by Jig, a son of the Byerly Turk ; dam by Spectator, g. dam by Blank, gg. dam by Childers. Dam of Hamiltonian was by Shark, g. dam by Apollo. Hamiltonian was long owned by Col. THE MOST ESTEEMED BBEEDS. 23 Tajloe, of Virginia, and run by him with milch success. He was bred by Mr. Thomas Hamlin, from whom he was named; but of late the stock has been called Hamiltonian. He was chestnut, of good size, and was foaled in 1800. He had an excellent figure and good constitution, and he ran several successful four-mile races. His stock was excellent, but has been frequently confounded with that of Hambletonian, a son of imported Messen- ger. Hambletonian, by Messenger, was a fine horse, and left some very valuable stock that has been a good deal scattered throughout the States of New York and western part of Vermont; and we think much of the stock in these States called Hamiltonian or Hamlin- tonian should be Hambletonian. "We have not at hand the necessary data to give his pedigree or any further description of him, which we regret, as his descendants have been deservedly esteemed for their speed and power of endurance. Many of them are large, and make excellent carriage horses. The pedigree and some description of several other noted horses will be found at the close of the chapter on Pedigrees. The stock descended from Messenger, Hamiltonian, and some others, proved very valuable; many of them were excellent roadsters, and some of them were fast trotters. Hence, it soon became policy for dealers to advertise their horses as descended from those whose stock was known to be good; and at the stables of those dealers whose honesty is not of the adamantine kind, you can usually purchase a horse of any of the 24 THE MORGAN" HORSE. well-known families provided you give a reasonable hint of the stock you prefer. Hundreds of horses are sold every year as Morgans, Messengers, Hamiltonians, &c, who have not a particle of the blood they are rep- resented to possess. Messenger was a gray, fifteen and three-quarters hands high, and stoutly built. He was got by Mam- brino, he by Engineer, and he by Sampson, dam by Turf, his grandam by Kegulus. He was foaled in 1780, and bred by John Pratt, Esq., of Newmarket, England. He ran several successful races, and" finally, in 1785, won the king's plate. He was imported into New York by Mr. Benger. The first two seasons after his arrival, he was kept at Shammany Bridge, near Bristol, Pennsylvania. Mr. Henry Astor then pur- chased him and kept him on Long Island for two years. About this time Mr. 0. W. Van Ranst, Esq., pur- chased an interest in him, and for the remainder of his life he was kept in various parts of the State of New York, with the exception of one year at Cooper's Perry, opposite Philadelphia. He died January 28, 1808*. His stock were cele- brated as roadsters rather than racers, though he was sire of Miller's Damsel and some others of note. "Whether animals of either of these families can now be found possessing sufficient resemblance to one an- other, and enough of the blood of the ancestor from whom they derive their name, to render it possible to establish a distinct and permanent variety, we are un- able to say, but think it doubtful. The observant traveller through the different States of the Union, who possesses any taste for a horse, can- THE MOST ESTEEMED BREEDS. 25 not fail to mark the striking difference in the general character of the horses of different sections of the country. In the New England States he sees a com- pact, hardy stock of horses of medium size, with high carriage — good travellers, and extremely gentle and tractable driving horses. In almost every county he may find descendants of the Justin Morgan, and in some he will see that they comprise a large portion of the stock. Along the Can- ada border he will see many specimens of the French- Canadian horse, and in some parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut he will see descendants of the Norman, the Flemish, and the Danish horse. Throughout New England he will see evidences of the blood of the English racer, and the Arabian ; Mes- senger, Dey of Algiers, Hamiltonian, Cock of the Eock, Henry, Post Boy, Sir Walter, Sir Charles, and many others, having mingled their blood with the com- mon stock of the country, but the pure thorough-bred he will not be apt to see. Passing through New York, we see a greater variety of horses. Within the State may be found individuals exhibiting the form and characteristics of every breed known in this country. As a general rule the driving horses (many of them very fine) are taller than those of New England, and less compact. The farm and draft horses are generally larger, but vary much in size from the Canadian pony to the English cart horse. The thorough-bred may occasionally be met with, though not so common now as formerly ; but scattered throughout the State may be found the descendants of Messenger, Eclipse, Henry, Duroc, and other celebrated horses of that breed. In 2 26 TIIE MORGAN HOESE. the central and northern parts of the State may be seen some of the descendants of the Justin Morgan, some of these horses having been taken there within the past few years. As we pass through Pennsylvania and Ohio, we observe a more striking change in the character of the horses. The fine driving horse is more rarely seen. The farm and draft horses are much larger, and some- times are really immense. They are descended from the Flemish and Danish horses, are usually fat, slow and awkward, are sometimes pretty well formed, but are inclined to be leggjr and loosely built. In the eastern part of Pennsylvania and northern part of Ohio, many fair driving horses may be seen, but in the western part of Pennsylvania and southern part of Ohio, good buggy horses are not common — light wagons are not much used. Many good sad- dle horses may be found possessing more or less of the characteristics of the English thorough-bred, a good specimen of which may occasionally be seen. As we go west and south we find the good buggy horse becoming more and more rare, and the number and quality of the saddle horses constantly increasing ; until arrived in Kentucky and Tennessee, the former is not often seen, while the latter are both numerous and excellent. Many of the draft and carriage horses used in Ken- tucky, are brought from Ohio and Indiana, and are taken from the same stock of those States, the coarsest being used for draft and the finest for the carriage. The horses in common use for farm and similar work, are decidedly inferior. This is, perhaps, in a great de- THE MOST ESTEEMED BREEDS. 27 gree, due to the fact that a large number of the best mares are constantly used for breeding mules, and that more attention is paid to raising the latter animals, which have become one of the great staples of Ken- tucky. Throughout the remaining Southern States the ani- mals used upon the farm and road are principally mules ; light wagons are but little used ; the white popu- lation is more thinly scattered ; and though most of the planters keep a family carriage, yet the ordinary busi- ness travel is principally upon horseback. Through- out the Southern States the English thorough-bred is found in high perfection, and many of the horses in common use partake largely of his blood. The horses of Indiana, Illinois and the other Western and North-Western States, closely resemble the horses of Ohio, and in fact, many of them were raised in that State, and taken farther west by persons emigrating to new lands. Although emigration has been going on for some time from New England to these States, yet until with- in the last few years the emigrants very rarely took an}^ animals Avith them, the journey being too long to be undertaken with teams ; but the emigration to that country from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, has very generally been made in wagons, the emigrants taking their horses with them. Within the last few years a few Morgan horses have been taken into that section, where they command high prices ; and as they become more and more known, so the demand for them is steadily increasing, and in 28 THE MORGAN HORSE. passing through the large towns the traveller will occa- sionally see a good specimen of the race. It is a fact worthy of note that the English thorough- bred is found most numerous, and in the greatest per- fection, in those States where the saddle horse is most in demand, and where the light buggy has not yet come into very general use ; while in those States where the horse is little used under the saddle, but almost entirely in harness, he is not often met with. CHAPTEE II. CONTRAST BETWEEN - THE KINDS OF SERVICE REQUIRED OP H0RSE3 FORMERLY, AND AT THE PRESENT DAY. Up to the tenth, century the Arabs alone seem to have taken much pains in breeding their horses, and the crosses of the different breeds in Europe were due more to chance than to any matured plan of improve- ment. The warlike sports of the joust and the tour- nament, which originated in France, reached their full perfection in that country during the tenth century, and by the close of the twelfth had extended over Europe. Success in these contests depended as much upon the power and activity of the horse, as upon the skill and strength of the rider. Every effort was made to procure the finest horses by those who engaged in these sports. At first the Spanish horse was almost exclusively used. The motley assemblage of people from every nation of Europe, to form the armies engaged in the crusades, » brought together horses of every known variety. The knights of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries were almost constantly engaged in a fierce struggle with the Saracens, or in the warlike sports of that age. The announcement of a "passage at arms" drew them (311) 30 THE MORGAN HORSE. together from the most distant points. The knights had increased the weight of their armor until it alone was an ample load for the horse, consequently ani- mals of great size and strength were needed; and it soon became evident that neither the Andalusian, the Turkish, the Arabian, nor the English horse, was able to cope successfully in the crushing charge of the tournament with the much larger and stronger, though less spirited and active horses of Lombardy, Norman- dy, Flanders, and Denmark. It was this size and strength, combined with symmetry of form and good carriage, that caused these horses to be much sought after by the knights and nobles throughout Europe. It must not be forgotten in considering the services demanded of the horse in that age, that it is not prob- able he was used for field labor on the farm before the commmencement of the eleventh century, and we have no notice of his being put to such service until 1066. Horses were at that time little used except under the saddle, for ordinary travelling, for cavalry carrying heavy armor, and for heavy draft. About the middle of the fourteenth centurv the use of gunpowder for military purposes, and the decline of chivalry with its accompanying martial sports and exercises, produced a great change in the horses used for cavalry, and by the nobles and gentry of Europe. Cavalry no longer derived its chief efficiency from the size and strength of the horse, which was necessary to enable him to carry the two or three hundred pounds of armor that was sometimes put upon him. This armor, encasing both horse and rider, was almost impervious to any weapons that had before been CONTRAST BETWEEN THE KINDS OF SERVICE. 31 used, but afforded little protection from musketry, and was of course utterly useless when exposed to artillery. The horses, large, clumsy and awkward, were incapa- ble of executing evolutions rapidly, or of going into action at anything but a moderate pace; and they rapidly fell into disuse, their place being supplied by a much smaller and more active horse. For cavalry of the present day a horse of medium size is required. He carries no defensive armor. The principal purposes for which cavalry are now used are, keeping open communication between dif- ferent bodies of infantry, and patrolling the country. In battle, they are usually held in reserve to take ad- vantage of any momentary confusion in the ranks of the enemy, and the success of an attack at such a moment depends in a great measure upon the promptness and celerity with which it is made. Finally, they are of great service in following up the success in case of victory, and in covering a retreat. For these kinds of service it will be readily seen that the horse most suitable must be of medium size, compact, muscular, hardy, courageous, and active. Since the use of gunpowder, the greatest changes that have taken place in the general character of the horse have occurred in England ; and for this reason, together with the fact that our American horses are principally descended from English stock, we shall glance chiefly at the changes that have taken place in the character of the English horse, and the service to which he has been put. At the commencement of the seventeenth century, the great mass of the horses of England, with the ex- 82 THE MORGAN HORSE. • ception of the thorough-breds, might be divided into two classes, viz. : draft horses, and saddle horses. The former were used for transporting merchandise from place to place in heavy carts, to which were attached from one to six horses. As, up to that time, canals and railroads were unknown, an enormous number of these horses was required to move to the seaboard the exports of a country rich as England was in agricul- tural productions and manufactured articles; and to distribute throughout the country the imported arti- cles received in exchange. The great demand for these horses caused much at- tention to be paid to breeding them, and the best English cart horse has never been excelled for the kind of service to which he is so peculiarly adapted. The people of that age moved but little from home ; when they did, the journey was made on horseback, and for the saddle they had their hackneys, or hunters. It is somewhat difficult to distinguish very clearty be- tween the hunter and hackney of that age, for both were usually possessed of more or less blood, and the best hackneys were good hunters. Carriages for any other purposes than the transport- ation of merchandise were comparatively unknown, and the heavy draft horse, being the only one broken to harness, was almost universally used for all farm or similar work. Coaches as a public means of convey- ance, were first used in France and England about 1G20 ; but they were long in coming into general use, and in 1637 only fifty hackney coaches were licensed in London. From this time the number rapidly in- creased, and in 1778 there were twenty-three thousand CONTRAST BETWEEN" THE KINDS OF SERVICE. 33 in England. These were all hackney, and not mail coaches. The first mail coach started from London for Bristol the 2d day of August, 1784. In forty years from that time the English mail-coaches travelled nearly thirteen thousand miles per day, and the num- ber of miles travelled daily by hackney coaches largely exceeded this. The opening of canals in France about two hundred, and in England about one hundred years since, caused a great decrease in the demand for heavy draft horses, and the attention of breeders was turned to horses for coaches, which were then just coming into use. The introduction of steam power upon railways some twenty -five years since, soon superseded the use of coaches on all the great thorough- fares, and produced a vast change in the kind of service required of horses on the road. The roads relieved from the heavy coaches that be- ing drawn at a rapid rate kept them in bad condition, were much improved, and consequently much better fitted for the movement of light carriages at a high speed. Formerly the English mail was thought to travel at a rate that defied all competition, but to the traveller upon the railways, ten miles an hour seemed but a moderate pace, and horsemen, emulous of steam, made every effort to increase the speed of light car- riage horses. Horses differing from the old coach horse in size, the slope of the shoulders, and style of action, grew rapidly in demand. But the English have not the same taste for pleasure driving that our court trymen possess, and though they take a greal deal of exercise out of doors, it is generally on foot or in the saddle. 2* 34 THE MORGAN HORSE. The changes that have taken place in this country during the last fifty years, in the kinds of service re- quired of horses, have been more rapid and marked than in England. Fifty years ago almost the entire inland traffic was carried on by means of horses. Excepting in the vicin- ity of the large cities, the roads throughout the coun- try were wretched, and the best consisted of no other material than the natural soil, a little raised by ditching at the sides, and forming the road-bed with the mate- rial thus obtained. Even this was often neglected, and nothing was done but to cnt down the forest, and record in the proper office the course of the road. When we consider that over such roads all the freight of the country was moved upon wagons, it will not be a matter of surprise, that the rate of travel of the lightest carriages rarely exceeded four or five miles per hour. Contracts were made for carrying the mail at this rate, and often in the thinly-settled parts of the coun- try at even a lower speed. The wagons loaded with merchandise, and the heavy mail coaches, kept the roads in a condition that entirely forbade any attempt at rapid driving with any description of carriage. The farmers, as they were often compelled to haul their produce long distances to find a market, required a horse heavier than was necessary or profitable for performing only their farm work, although the farm work of that day was far more severe for both the farmer and his horse, than it is now. Transporting the mails, hauling freight, and ordinary field labor, were then the principal services demanded of the horse. But CONTRAST BETWEEN THE KINDS OF SERVICE. 35 now the lumbering freight wagon with its long team of slow, heavy horses, is rarely seen. The mail coach, with all its comforts and annoyances, will be known to the coming generation only from history. The farm- er, instead of being compelled to transport his farm products to the largest towns or cities, now finds a ready market almost at his door, for, guided by science, steam with its giant power has scaled our mountains, and drives the locomotive cheerily through almost every valley of our country, relieving the worn draft horse of his load, the panting, steaming coach horse of his mails and passengers, and bringing the dealer in produce into almost every hamlet. Science also has greatly les- sened the labor of tilling the soil, has substituted the light, beautifully-shaped, and easy-running iron plow, for the heavy, clumsy, and hard-running wooden one of our ancestors. Every description of agricultural im- plement has been remodelled and improved, until they bear little resemblance to the rude instruments used by our fathers. These improvements in all kinds of agricultural tools, wagons, plows, harrows, &c, have very much lightened the labors of the horse. In ad- dition to this, the forests having been felled, the fields cleared of the timber and stumps, and the soil being in a higher and easier condition for cultivation, the farmers have discovered that active, hardy horses of medium size, are much more profitable than the large 7 slow, and clumsy animals so generally in use fifty years ago. The former can certainly accomplish more ordi- nary farm work than the latter. They will plow as much in all cases except perhaps turning a stiff clay 36 THE MORGAN HORSE. sod ; tliey will harrow more, and reap more ; they are much easier kept, and are less liable to accidents. When used upon the road, they are almost invari- ably better travellers; and if selected w r ith judgment from good stock, they are fleet and tractable. It is probably in a great measure owing to the im- provement in our farms, and forming tools, that horses are now much more generally used for farm work than they formerly w r ere. YvQien the country was new, and the fields cumbered with huge stumps, whose tough roots spread like a net- work through every part of the soil, the ox was most generally used for plowing, for his verv dulness is in such ground an advantage, as at the most moderate pace, andwdththe utmost care, ordinary plows and harnesses will frequently be broken, when the plow comes in contact with the stumps or roots. The substitution of the improved cultivator for the hoe, the reaper for the cradle, and the threshing-ma- chine for the flail, has rendered the horse almost indis- pensable to the farmer in the prosecution of his calling ; so that whatever may be the difference of opinion as to the relative cost of keeping, amount of labor per- formed, «fec, horses are now almost universally pre- ferred to oxen for a farm team. The English race-horse or thorousdi-bred is less affected than any other class of horses, by great changes in the modes of public conveyances, the im- provements of roads and carriages, or the introduction of improved implements upon the farm. Although most of the English horses, with the exception of the draft horse, have a greater or less infusion of blood, CONTRAST BETWEEN THE KINDS OF SERVICE. 37 yet the thorough-bred is put to no ordinary labor, but is bred for one specific purpose, which is to win on the race-course the stakes that are offered. The nature of the qualities he should possess must depend on the distance run, and the weight carried. For while the long, leggy, light-chested horse, may be able to take a prodigious stride, and with plenty of bone and muscle he may carry a heavy weight a short distance at a flight of speed ; yet he can never make four miles and repeat with the same weight, unless he possesses a deep roomy chest to give him wind, a more compact frame, and a shorter leg, that he may be able to keep up his speed without fatiguing the muscles. A century ago there were six, and even eight-mile races at New- market, with old horses, the ordinary races being at four miles and repeat — now the " heavy plates " are all offered to two and three-year-olds for short, single races, of from one to two miles. That this is an im- provement on the score of humanity may be true ; but does it not tend to depreciate the horse for those qualities that render him useful in ordinary business, by inducing the breeder to seek for and foster those qualities that give speed to the horse, and to neglect those that are indispensable to give him endurance? This would seem at a glance to be the inevitable ten ■ dency of such a change in the length of the race, and the age of the horses. But we must not stop to discuss this question, nor inquire into the causes which produced this great change in the character of English racing, however interesting such an inquiry might prove to ourselves or the reader. It will be sufficient for our present purpose to inquire whether 88 THE MORGAN HORSE. there has been any change in the character of the thorough-bred, and if so, whether it has been for bet* ter, or worse. This latter inquiry is of the utmost im- portance to the breeder, for in England, and in our own country, many breeders have been accustomed to be- lieve that direct resort to the thorough-bred was indis- pensable to the production of a fine horse, acting from, faith in the old adage that "blood will tell," without stopping to inquire if that blood is still the same, much less what is the true and proper meaning of the expression. That a marked change has taken place in the char- acter of the thorough-bred, and that the change has been a deterioration in compactness, and power of en- durance, seems hardly to admit of a doubt. A writer in the "American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine," Yol. IX., p. 9, (a paper devoted to the interest of thorough-bred stock,) tells us, that "his size, or perhaps his height, has been much increased, without any diminution of his blood-like appearance, but he has lost that full, round carcase and compact form, which belonged to the horses of the olden time — and if as they now believe they have increased the speed, stride, and capacity to carry weight for short single-heat races, they have not increased their powers of endurance, or enabled them to run long repeating races at short intervals." Thomas Emory of Maryland, certainly a most criti- cal and competent judge of all the points requisite to the perfect race-horse, in a letter to the same paper, Yol. IX., p. 126, says : " The result of my examination was disappointment in my expectations of English CONTRAST BETWEEN THE KINDS OF SERVICE. 39 race-horses. There are here and there a few specimens of the race-horse of the very highest order, but the proportion of the trash to the good, is greatly beyond what I expected, and it is wonderful with what per- tinacity some of the breeders stick to their trash. * * * * * They breed for speed and ability to carry high weights at an early age for short distances ; and many 01 them acknowledge their error, and admit they may ere long have to come to our country for hard-bot- tomed horses. * * * * At Doncaster, I saw sold the produce of several of the large breeding studs in the contiguous counties; a few of them were good colts, many of them leggy, weedy animals, and more than half of them were so badly splented at one and two years old, as to destroy their value. " This splenting at this age unbroke I could not ac- count for, and could find no one who could, but there it seemed a matter of course and nobody seemed sur- prised at it. It was new to me." In an essay on the improvement of horses published in the " Farmer's Magazine " (London) for 1845, the writer says the qualities required in the business horse " are speed and endurance, with the capability of car- rying heavy weight, with varied pace, through deep ground across a broken country ; and in order that they should possess these capabilities they should have what are commonly termed in hunter's phraseology bone, muscle, and compactness. * * * " It would appear that our blood stock formerly pos- sessed these characteristics in an eminent degree ; and by reference to former sporting publications, it will be seen that they were shorter in the leg, and capable of 40 THE MORGAN HORSE. carrying heavy weights, and running long distances now they run with light weights and short distances, where bottom is not so necessary. Our fleetest racers were then what are now called small horses, which means that they were not the tall, lengthy, leggy racers of the present day, but compact, muscular, and remarkable for their capabilities of carrying heavy weight, and power of endurance." Mr. Lawrence, in his " Treatise on the Horse," Yol. I., page 105, says, in speaking of those thorough-Breds that fail to be winners : "As to the refuse of our studs of race-horses, it consists usually of a parcel of half- gotten, delicate, weak, spider-legged creatures, which it is a misery to see applied to any labor whatever." Similar extracts might be multiplied indefinitely, but the foregoing seem amply sufficient to establish the fact, that the thorough-bred, or race-horse, is less com- pact, hardy, and enduring than formerly. It is such evidence that must establish what are the qualities of a breed of horses, and individual instances of animals of the breed-exhibiting qualities Avidely different from those described as characteristic of their kind, whether better or worse, are only to be regarded as exceptions to a general law. The English hunter has undergone a change equally marked, and similar to the race-horse. The field sports now indulged in by the gentry of England, differ ma- terially from those of their ancestors. The chase of the present day is a short, but spirited and exciting race of a few hours. It is now a common custom for the huntsmen to have an extra horse ridden by a light jockey, who. CONTRAST BETWEEN THE KINDS OF SERVICE. 41 keeping far enough in the rear to avoid the circuitous course of the hounds by watching their turnings, and by riding at only a moderate pace, is thus at frequent intervals at hand to give his master a fresh horse, in exchange for his blown and exhausted one. Thus fresh-mounted, the chase is continued at a dashing pace, and the already heated and panting fox is soon run over, and the day's sport is ended at an early hour. The noble sport of hunting was a far different amuse- ment with the English gentleman of the seventeenth century, and taxed to the utmost the power of endur- ance both of man and horse. The earliest light of morning found them gathered in the field, and the shadows of evening often put an end to the chase. If the pace was less rapid, and the sport less exciting, the former was much longer continued, and the latter was certainly more noble and manly. From this change in the character of the field sports, it can easily be un- derstood why the horse who brought his rider "in at the death of the stag," at the close of a hard day's run over broken hills, marshy -valleys, and through tangled forests, should differ materially from one equally successful in the short, but furious chase of the present day. The hunter of the olden time was remarkable for his stoutness and endurance, was rarely more than half, and often not more than a quarter, thorough-bred ; he was short in the leg and back, with deep flanks, and muscular hips and loins ; his stride was short, compared with the hunter of the present day, but he was sure footed, and his step was elastic, nervous, and untiring. The hunter of the present day is rarely less than three- 42 THE MORGAN HORSE. quarters thorough-bred, is taller, longer, less compact, and sinewy, and takes a much longer stride. The thorough-bred having, as we have shown, be- come taller, longer, and less compact and enduring than formerly, and the hunter having now more of this blood than formerly, it is plain that he must have altered still more in these respeccts. A writer in "Bell's Life in London," in 1845, says: " It is not near so easy now as it used to be, to buy a good, strong, young hunter." William Goodwin, Vete- rinary Surgeon to the Queen, in an article published in the "London Veterinarian," for February, 1847, says : " It is an admitted fact by all those conversant with the horse market in England, that good horses were never known to be so scarce as they now are * * * * it being but too true that the superior riding horse or valuable hunter has become almost a vara avis as compared with former days." The increase of blood seems not only to have injured the hunter, but also the carriage and road horse. Pro- fessor Gibson, of Philadelphia, an admirer and critical judge of the horse, thus speaks of English horses. After saying that it is not uncommon to meet with English dealers at the Irish fairs, buying horses for the English markets, he continues: "The English horse, indeed, within the last twenty years has degen- erated so much, in some respects, as not to serve the many useful purposes to which be was accustomed at that period, owing to breeders having run too much upon blood. On this account it is now hardly possible to meet with any of the old stock of hunters so large and powerful, and with so much bone and sinew. * * * CONTKAST BETWEEN THE KINDS OF SEKVICE. 43 Even the carriage horses, indeed, throughout every part of England, are conspicuous for their long, low necks, slab sides, and spindle shanks, and are very inferior as a race to our own stock for the same purposes." We have not a class of horses in this country corre- sponding to the English hunter, but we have the Eng- lish thorough-bred ; and as we have from time to time imported breeding animals from England; a similar change has taken place in our thorough-bred horses. This change may not have been so great with us, as the causes which we believe to have produced that change are here less active. ISTo one who has paid any attention to the subject can have failed to notice that for the last twenty years racing has steadily declined in this country. We do not intend to assert that less speed is attained now than in the days of Henry and Eclipse, but that far less interest is now taken in these contests, especially in the Northern and Middle States. The trotter has been steadily supplanting the racer upon the road and turf. This change, instead of being matter of surprise, seems to us the natural result of the substitution of the lisht buggy for the saddle. For the latter service the thorough-bred is eminently adapted ; for the former, he is not so well fitted. CHAPTER III. DESCRIPTION OF THE KIND OP HORSES MOST SOUGHT FOR IN THS PRINCIPAL MARKETS OF THE COUNTRY. The uses to winch the horses sold in the principal markets of our country are put, are hauling omnibuses, hacks, driving in light carriages, and trucking, or moving freight from place to place, in the large towns or cities. Some horses are still used under the saddle, but the number thus employed in the Northern States is comparatively very small, and in New England a person is rarely seen on horseback. At the South, horseback riding is still a common mode of travelling, but light buggies are rapidly com- ing into use, and will undoubtedly soon afford the favorite means of conveyance, on account of the many conveniences they offer — the comparative protection from the weather, the facility for carrying light pack- ages and ordinary personal baggage, added to the fact that with a light carriage upon good roads, a single horse easily performs the work of two under the sad- dle. Though it is undoubtedly true, yet we cannot but regret, that our countrymen at the North are losing all taste for the manly and healthful exercise of horseback riding. All writers upon the subject of the proper mode of (44) '-^r,y,?&: - ■■ 'GREEN MOUNTAIN. ROMEO HORSES MOST SOUGHT FOR. 45 living, urge upon us, in the strongest language, the im- portance of this exercise, as one most conducive to health, and there are certainly few exercises more graceful or exciting. The healthful excitement pro- duced by this exercise, in a bracing atmosphere, must have been felt by the writer of the following beautiful lines, or he would have been unable to describe its effects so graphically and beautifully. It was first pub- lished in 1832, over the signature of "Idler," in the "American Turf Begister and Sporting Magazine," Vol. III., page 512 : MY HORSE. " With a glancing eye and curving mane, He neighs and champs on the bridle-rein, One spring, and his saddled back I press, And ours is a common happiness ! 'Tis the rapture of motion — a hurrying cloud When the loosened winds are breathing loud ; — A shaft from the painted Indian's bow, — A bird — in the pride of speed we go. " Dark thoughts that haunt me, where are ye now, While the cleft air gratefully cools my brow, And the dizzy earth seems reeling by, And naught is at rest but the arching sky, And the tramp of my steed, so swift and strong, Is dearer than fame and sweeter than song ? *■' There is life in the breeze as we hasten on ; With each bound some care of earth has gone, And the languid pulse begins to play, And the night of my soul is turned to day. A richer verdure the earth o'erspreads, Sparkles the streamlet more bright in the meads ; And its voice, to the flowers that bend above, Is soft as the whisper of early love. 46 THE MORGAN HORSE. With fragrance spring-flowers have burdened the ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 75 nal Morgan horse was nearly thorough-bred. He either thought it impossible to deny it, or, having adopted the theory that no horse can possess any really valuable qualities for farm or road service unless close- ly allied to the English race-horse, it was indispensably necessary to admit him to have been nearly thorough- bred, in order to sustain his theory ; for he felt that it was folly to attempt to deny that his immediate de- scendants were possessed of many excellent qualities. Having assumed that the good qualities of the Mor- gan all came from the racing blood he supposes he had in his veins, he is obliged to depreciate his descendants, as the racing blood disappears in his stock. He says : " When we trace down his stock, we find in the very next generation an admixture of cold, worthless blood, to the full measure of one-half." According to this writer, all blood is cold and worthless, except it comes from the English thorough-bred, and he is evidently one of that small class of horsemen who adulate "high blood," and rejoice in the faith that the English race-horse has reached the acme of perfection for every variety of ser- vice — that he is the Alpha and Omega of all excellence in the entire genus, and who implicitly believe that he is bound to over-run the earth, as the waters do the sea, to the utter and complete extinction of all the other members of the horse family — from the Lincolnshire draft-horse to the Shetland pony. But let us come a little nearer to the subject, and give this letter some further attention ; for having been admitted by the compiler into Youatt, a standard Eng- lish work, it derives from its connection a credit and authority, that would not otherwise attach to it. The 76 THE MORGAN HORSE. writer says : " Many of the colts, related more or less nearly to the old horse, exhibit the. characteristics of the ' Morgan' form, but lack compactness — not of gene* ral form, but of muscle — and they lack bottom." It is very satisfactory to know from so intelligent and disin- terested a horseman, that the Morgan horse still preserves the characteristics of the Morgan form, and that, though he lacks compactness, it is not of form, but of muscle. According to this writer, on the outside all is still right with this breed of horses. No fault is found with the size, or shape of the muscles ; but they have an in- visible defect — "they lack compactness of muscle." "We think the great and striking muscular development of the Morgan horse, giving him such unrivalled ease and vigor of motion, may be safely trusted to live down this invisible defect of this invisible writer. But, he says, " they lack bottom." Not a word of proof is offered, and the assertion leads one to think that the writer is neither a horseman nor ft Yermonter, and that he has only borrowed the name of our little State, to have a good place to write from about Morgan horses. The unrivalled endurance of the Morgan is so uni- versally admitted, not only in Vermont, but through- out New England, that it is desirable in charity to conclude, that Mr. Randall's "distinguished judge of horses" was not much acquainted with the animals he was attempting to describe. Again, he says their w eight is from seven hundred to one thousand pounds. This is evidently an under-estimate, and leads any one well acquainted with the breed, to doubt the fairness ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 77* and candor of the writer. The fair average weight of the Morgan horse, as now, and for a long time bred in Vermont, we think will prove to be, as we have already stated it, from nine hundred to eleven hundred pounds. Many breeders will think this estimate too low ; but we intend to go under rather than over the weight. A few will weigh less than nine hundred, and some will weigh more than eleven hundred pounds. Let any one look at the list of Morgan horses exhibited at the last United States Agricultural Fair ; the weights of a large number of them are given, and it appears that their medium size cannot be less than from nine hun- dred to ten hundred and fifty pounds. The next assertion of this writer is much more re- markable; he says of the Morgans, they have " a long but strong hack." One cannot but fear that, before writing this, this " distinguished judge of horses in "Vermont" had been looking through some deceptive glasses. One of the marked and striking characteris- tics of Morgan horses is, and always has been, the short- ness of their backs. Let any horseman look at the plates in this volume, or at any of the numerous cuts published in various forms, and see how near this writer has come to a fair description of these horses. Again, he says : "As a general thing, the ' Morgans' have not length of stride enough to be good roadsters. They take too many steps in a mile." Now, it is because they take more steps in a mile than the long-strided horse, that the Morgans so easily leave them behind before night-fall. It will take a long time for this writer, or any other, to •78 THE MORGAN HORSE. convince the horsemen of Vermont that a long-stepping animal is the thing for an " all-day horse." But, as the " distinguished judge of horses in Ver- mont" maj not think much of New England opinions, we refer to Youatt, who, in speaking of the compara- tive advantages of a long or short-strided horse under the most trying circumstances, namely, in going over soft ground and over hills, says: "The compact, short- strided horse will almost skim the surface, while the feet of the longer -reached animal will sink deep, and he will wear himself out in his efforts to disengage himself. * * * Every horseman knows how much more enduring is a short-bodied horse in climbing hills, though, perhaps, not quite so much in descending them." At the present day, a long strided horse can hardly be sold for a driving horse, in the Boston or New York markets. Short steps come from short legs, and short legs are indispensable to the greatest endu- rance. Let us compare for a moment this assertion, that "they have not length of stride enough to be good roadsters," with what he says in the second sentence following. Here he admits that they can often be driven twenty miles in two hours, without apparent distress or injury. Where is there a horseman but must at once admit, that the horse which can be driven twenty miles in two hours, without distress or injury, has abundance of stride for endurance throughout the day! and it is evident that, for a short distance, he must have far greater speed — for no horse can be driven at the top of his speed for two hours without distress. ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 79 We think the simple fact that a horse can make his twenty miles in two hours without distress, will, by most horsemen, be deemed the strongest possible evi- dence (save actual trial) of his ability to perform more than an ordinary day's journey. The compiler, at the close of this long attack on Morgan horses, from a concealed enemy, says of it : " The above is not, as already stated, the popular esti- mate of this family. Having stated both sides of the question, we leave it to the judgment of the public." What does the compiler mean by " having given both. sides" ? The only thing the compiler gives favorable to the Morgan is from a New York Committee, who were evidently strangers to the breed, and whose opin- ion was based on the two specimens before them. The Morgans were among strangers, where they and their owners were unknown. They were judged by a New York Committee, and New York had then but little interest in the Morgan breed of horses, and they were, of course, surrounded by friends and acquaint- ances interested in other breeds. But they were too accomplished horsemen to overlook the extraordinary characteristics of the Morgans, and too frank and manly not to speak out fully and boldly their opinions. What they have said is the verdict of a New York jury. Aside from that verdict, the compiler has ad- mitted nothing in favor of the Morgan horse ; and this is what he calls " giving both sides." The reputation of this breed of horses is not the re- sult of a temporary excitement, got up by interested parties to assist their sale, but it is the result of a long and convincing trial of their powers. The ' attention 80 THE MORGAN HORSE. of horsemen was drawn to them long ago, and their reputation has gone on increasing steadily from that day to the present. The following extracts are from a letter written by a gentleman of Philadelphia to the American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine, in 1831. u # # -jf jf ma y no t Iqq generally known that the first trotting matches in this country took place in New England ; and twenty years ago, every stranger who travelled the road from Boston to Portland, a distance then of one hundred and twenty miles r must have been surprised to see horses, not quite fifteen hands high, drawing heavy carriages, with nine passengers, at the rate of eight and ten miles an hour, accomplish- ing the journey with ease in one day. * * * * From what is known of the speed and strength of this horse, and his properties, so well adapted for the road as well as the turf, it has always seemed unaccountable to me why farmers and breeders generally do not introduce the trotting horse instead of the high-mettled racer, of Yvdiose usefulness scarcely one word can be said. I am, however, far from underrating the thorough-bred horse : the sports of the turf are alwa} 7 s interesting to me ; but I now address practical men, and I ask, if they would not benefit themselves and the community more by raising the trotter instead of the racer ? " The one is useful as a work-horse on the farm or on the road ; generally kind and gentle in harness, and often active enough for the saddle. Whilst the other, if his strain is superior, has an irritability, a nervous- ness? that unfits him for the steady routine of making wheels turn round, and is only calcidated to cany a ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 81 light weight and occasionally win a plate or purse. I believe it is estimated that only one colt in thirty proves himself a first-rate runner, under the most judicious management in the selection of brood mares, and the greatest care in feeding, grooming and bitting. Such a colt may possibly bring two or three thousand dol- lars, but the twenty-nine may not average one hundred and fifty dollars ; while the trotting colt of good prom - ise (which is indicated not unfrequently at three years old,) readily brings from two to five hundred dollars, and some of them one thousand. Besides, these horses are always in demand ; every man in the neighbor- hood of our large cities, travelling on dusty roads, wants a trotter for his every-day use ; but how few of them keep a racer ? " I am aware that fine roadsters are sometimes obtain- ed by crossing the large common mare with the full- blooded horse. There are instances of it in the progeny of old Messenger ; he was the sire of Fagdown, and, I believe, of Mambrino and Hamiltonian ; and this stock has supplied Philadelphia and New York with the only trotting horses that they raised for some time. Tippoo Saib, who now stands at the Hunting Park Course, belongs to the same family ; and although, as a trotter, I have never heard of his performance, yet he is the sire of Lady Miller, a very celebrated trotter. "Now, with the exception of Messenger, I have never been able to trace extraordinary trotting families derived from such a source. There are individuals of celebrity whose origin is unknown ; but we want, in this quar- ter, the distinct race, as they pervade some parts of the Eastern States, and the county of Norfolk, England. * * 4* 82 THE MORGAN HORSE. " I think there are two reasons why we have not sup- plied the Philadelphia market with the right kind of roadster ; one is, we have mixed up too much of the running stock, particularly in New Jersey and South- ward of us ; and the other is, we have too little. That medium so desirable for the road, which for years has given celebrity to the private and public conveyances in New. England, was not generally known here until the establishment of the Trotting Club on the Hunting Park Course." In the March number of the Albanv Cultivator for 1848, J. B. Burnett, a '' thorough-bred" man, in an arti- cle in favor of thorough-bred horses, and against the Morgans, with equal truth and candor says : "It can- not be denied that they possess great energy and cour- age, great strength and endurance, great ambition and docility ; that they mature early and are easily kept ; that they are pleasant drivers and always ready for business, and — what is more important — sell at high prices." R. L. Allen, Esq., an accomplished gentleman in New York, and a thorough horseman, having no inter- est then or since in Morgan stock, so far as we can ascertain, thus speaks of them in his American Agri- culture. After pointing out their origin, he says: " The result has been the production of a family of roadsters of much similarity of appearance and uni- formity of character, unsurpassed by any others for ser- viceable qualities. They are of medium size, from thirteen and a half to fifteen hands high, with a well- formed head and neck, high withers, deep chest, round body, short back, large quarters, broad, flat legs, mod- ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. S3 erately small feet, long, wavy mane and tail, present- ing altogether the beau ideal of the road horse. " They are spirited and docile, hardy and easily kept. They have an easy and rapid trot, and glide along with a good load without clatter or apparent effort, at the rate of ten or twelve miles an hour." Mr. Weissinger, formerly one of the editors of the Louisville (Kentucky) Journal, tnat has for many years been a leading paper at the South, made a tour through the Northern States in the summer of 1845. While in Vermont, his taste for horses prompted him to exam- ine carefully the Morgans. In a letter to the "Jour- nal," after some remarks in relation to their origin, he says: " There is no doubt whatever of this — that the breed of the Morgan horse was, and is now, in the few in- stances where it can be found, far the best breed of horses for general use that ever was in the United States — probably the best in the world ; and it is re- markable that this breed was, and is now, known by many striking peculiarities, common to nearly every individual. They have a full, heavy, wavy mane and tail, good head and neck, small, well-shaped ears ; are broad between the eyes ; legs broad and short, with large tendons, bodies rather thick-set ; but their most striking peculiarity is in their carriage : legs well un- der, trot quick, short and springy, the fore-legs bending remarkably, the very reverse of the slow, slouchy move- ment of the race-horse in the trot. They are likewise exceedingly hardy and well-tempered." In the American Farmer's Encyclopedia, edited by 84 THE MORGAN HORSE. Governeur Emerson, and published in Philadelphia, in 1844, is the following description of the Morgan horse : "Perhaps the very finest breed of horses in the United States, when general usefulness is taken into consideration, is what is commonly known in the North ern and Eastern States as the Morgan horse. " This breed is distinguished by its activity, united with strength and hardiness. Its size is moderate, and though not often possessing the fleetness which recom- mends it to the sportsman, it has speed enough to entitle it to the appellation of a fast traveller. Their usual height is from fourteen to fifteen hands, color bay, make round and rather heavy, with lean heads, broad and deep chests, the fore limbs set wide apart, legs clean and sinewy, short, strong backs, with that projection of the ribs from the backbone which is a sure indication of great development of lungs, and consequently of great wind and bottom. Eor saddle, draught, and other useful purposes, the Morgan horses, bred in Vermont and in all the Eastern States, including the Northern and "Western parts of New York, are so much prized as to command much higher prices in the principal cities of the Atlantic States, than horses from other parts of the Union." The Maine Farmer for 1853 (we think in the April number) in an editorial, thus speaks of the Morgan horses : " The stock of Morgan horses is so univer sally known and admired throughout New England, that it is hardly necessary to repeat their merits. For a seller of horse3, it is only necessary to establish the fact that his horses are of the Morgan blood, and he ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 85 meets with, a ready sale at good prices, and the pur- chasers are more than satisfied. " They excel in great endurance, carrying weight a long distance; and as roadsters they excel all other horses in this or any other country ; are full of noble and generous spirit, with such docility of temper that the most timid can driye them ; but if put to their met- tle, they are a full hand for the best driver." In an elaborate article in the Neiv York Herald, in relation to the horses of that city, published early in 1853, in speaking of the large number of horses employed in hauling the cars on the Sixth Avenue Eailroad, the writer says: "Four-fifths of all the horses employed on this road are from Yermont and New Hampshire, and of these neary all are of the celebrated Morgan breed. These horses have long and justly been celebrated for their admirable qualities as roadsters. "They are particularly remarkable for their great strength in proportion to their size, and for their power of endurance, bearing up under hard labor that would break down the strongest draft horse. " The Morgan horse, though a small animal, is noted for his great bottom and hardiness, as well as for com- pactness and roundness of form. He is a very sprightly animal, and is said to be more sagacious than the gener- ality of horses." By reference to the report of the United States Agri- cultural Society's Fair, held in Boston, Mass., the fourth week in October, 1855, it appears that three premiums were offered to stallions as "roadsters;" of these all were awarded to stallions of Morgan descent; four premiums were offered to stallions for general use, four 86 THE MORGAN HORSE. years old and upwards. All of these were awarded to Morgans. To stallions for general use, three years old and under four years, two premiums were offered ; one of these was awarded to a Morgan. To stallions for general use, one year old and under tw r o, three premiums offered ; two awarded to Morgans. To breeding mares and fillies four premiums were offered ; two awarded to Morgans. To fillies three years old, two premiums offered ; one awarded to a Morgan. Fillies one year old, only one premium awarded, and that to a Morgan. To trotting stallions four premiums were offered, and three of them awarded to Morgans. That this was a very large exhibition of horses is cer- tain, for there were four hundred and forty-three horses entered for premiums. The report of every State Fair at the North and West, shows that wherever exhibited, the Morgans take the very highest rank as horses for general use. Now this evidence of his value is the more striking, as at most of these agricultural exhibitions he is among strangers, and he comes into competition with horses long known and having many friends around to assist in sustaining them. A horse that can compete successfully for the highest honors under such circumstances, must be so plainly, and so far superior to his rivals, that the moment he is seen the spectator acknowledges, without hesitation, his great superiority. The appearance of " Champion Black Hawk," and Silas Hale's " Green Mountain," on the fair grounds of Ken- tucky, at different times, strikingly illustrate this. In the account of the agricultural fair, at Florence, Kentucky, in October, 1855, published in the Gincin nati Gazette of October 13th, 1855, is the follow- ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 87 tng description of the exhibition of stallions for har- ness : " The Fair at Florence. — Yesterday was the day for the exhibition of horses. In the ring of stallions for harness, of fonr years old and upwards, the blue ribbon (highest premium) was tied on a dapple grey, but just then Champion Black Hawk, belonging to Messrs. P. & L. Melendy, of Hamilton County, Ohio, was brought in, and the multitude immediately shouted, 'take it off,' 'take it off.' "It was accordingly taken off and put upon Black Hawk, and no judgment of the Committee was more heartily approved by the spectators than this. Cham- pion Black Hawk is of the Morgan stock, and closely resembles old Green Mountain Morgan in size, build, and carriage. He is a small horse, but compactly built, indicates power and endurance, and in horseman phrase is ' big for his size.' " So, also, when Hale's Green Mountain appeared on the show grounds at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1853, he met with a cordial welcome, and the horse was greeted on his entering the exhibition ring, with such eager applause as told, full plainly, that his form and his style of action were new, but were appreciated by the thousands of strangers before whom he was moving. It is hardly necessary to say that he received the high- est premium, as he had previously done the same season at the Michigan State Fair at Detroit, and the Ohio State Fair at Dayton. It is proper to add, that the horse was taken from Vermont to Dayton, Ohio, by railroad, without any stop for the purpose of rest. The fair at Dayton being 88 THE MORGAN HORSE. over, lie went directly to Detroit, arriving there after the commencement of the fair. From Detroit he went directly to Lonisville, where he arrived late the night previous to the last day of the fair. The following letter is from a gentleman long en- gaged in staging, whose opportunities for observation have been very extensive, and we would as soon rely upon his judgment in anything relating to the qualities of a good horse, as that of any person we have ever met: "Jefferson City, Missouri, April 14, 1856. U D. C. Linsley, Esq. "Dear Sir: — It is with much pleasure I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of a recent date, requesting me to give you my views of Morgan horses, as compared with horses in general use at the West. " I have spent the greatest portion of my life in stag- ing, formerly in Vermont, and now in Missouri, and I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the decided superi- ority of Morgan horses for coach service, over any others that I have ever used. I have bought many horses in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, and though occasionally a good roadster can be found, they are not common. Many of the horses of these States have fine forms and good carriage, yet lack the high, free spirit, unflinching courage, and iron constitutions the Vermont horses so generally possess. Very many of the Western horses are too large. Large horses may be the best for draft, but I have always found horses of medium size, weighing, say about ten hundred and o K -a o li §? w - § Hi I ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 89 fifty pounds, much the most serviceable and enduring when used before a coach. " I am, Sir, very respectfully yours, "MILO JUNE." The writer of the folio win g letter is well known at the East, and throughout the West, as one of the largest and most successful stage-owners in our country, and the noble fortune he has secured, by his' own ex- ertions, sufficiently attest his practical wisdom, and the soundness and solidity of his judgment. His large ex- perience at the West gives peculiar value to his opinion, with regard to horses, adapted to that country : " Chicago, April 21st, 1856. U D. C. Linsley, Esq. "Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 8th inst. is received, in relation to the Morgan breed of horses, and express- ing your desire to make them more generally known in the Western States. This desire I sincerely share with you, and cannot doubt your entire success. " Being a Yermonter, I have known Morgan horses as long as I have known any. I have resided at Chi- cago the last seventeen years, during which time I have been largely engaged in the business of staging — which business affords constant employment for about fifteen hundred horses — and have thus had opportuni- ties for observing and testing the capacity and endur- ance of horses. I have no hesitation in saying, I con- sider the Morgan horses far superior to any other breed or blood I have ever known for the road or farm. " In fact, I would prefer them over all others for 90 THE MORGAN HORSE. any kind of service on the American Continent. They are invariably good feeders, are easily kept, and will not only perform and endure more service in a year, but more years of service, than any other breed of horses I have ever known. "Of the horses heretofore raised in the Western States, and particularly West of the Lakes (although much improvement has been made within a few years, and many fine horses may now be found among them), it is undeniably true, that a Morgan horse, from New England, will outlast two horses raised in the West. "It is also true, that but few Morgan horses have, as yet, been brought from New England West of the Lakes, and equally true, that their services are very generally sought by intelligent breeders of horses throughout the country. Any number of inferior horses may be found in the West, which are claimed to be of Morgan blood. "This attempt to palm off counterfeits, is the highest evidence of the value of the genuine blood. The ready and general objection in the West, with those who are not familiar with the Morgans, is want of size, forgetting that their size should be judged, by their weight, and not by the length of their legs, and that the same bodies, upon longer legs, would look much larger. Wishing you success, and hoping that you may be instrumental in causing the whole of our fine State to be filled with horses of pure Morgan blood, " I am, Sir, your friend and servant, "M. O. WALKER" We might continue to adduce testimony of a similar ADAPTATION TO THE ROAD, ETC. 91 character to almost any extent, but we think tne fore- going extracts from the highest sources, from persons uninterested in these horses, and residing in quarters of the country where they have not been bred, amply sufficient to establish the fact, that the Morgans, as a race, are possessed of great powers of endurance, and are admirably adapted for the road and general use. From a consideration of the foregoing extracts, it is to be hoj)ed, that " a distinguished judge of horses in Vermont," will review his opinions, and that the ac- complished compiler of the breeds of horses in the United States, will not admit into a future edition of so valuable a work as Youatt's, an article so prejudiced, and so untrue. CHAPTER Y. ORIGIN OF THE MORGAN HORSE. The different accounts that have been circulated in regard to the origin of the Morgan breed of horses, agree that they are descended from a horse called the Justin Morgan, who derived his name from Mr. Jus- tin Morgan, of Randolph, Vt., once his owner. As to the origin of the Justin Morgan, however, they differ widely. The fact that little or no interest was felt in the sub- ject until after the death of Mr. Morgan,. and indeed until after the death of his -horse, will account for this diversity. Almost half a century passed away before any serious effort was made to determine the origin of an animal, whose value was daily more and more appre- ciated. After the death of Mr. Morgan the horse passed through several hands, and was kept at differ- ent places, and when at length serious inquiry was awakened on the subject, it was found that Mr. Morgan had left no written pedigree of his horse, and different reports of what he said in relation to it got into circu- lation. We think it may be considered as certain, that during Mr. Morgan's life and until long' after his death, very little interest was felt in the question, " What was the (52) ITS ORIGIN. 93 exact pedigree of the horse ?" When the inquiry be- came interesting, and discussion arose, different stories were current, and opinions were frequently formed in accordance with previous prejudices or views of the in- dividual forming them, as to the value of different breeds of horses. Some, holding the opinion that no valuable horse could be expected without a great deal of racing blood, sought to make it appear that he was nearly thorough-bred. Others having less faith in the English racer, entertained different opinions, and adopted for their creed stories that ascribed to him a very dif- ferent origin. No person seemed to take the matter in hand and investigate it thoroughly, until those who might have given the necessary information were gone. It is not now probable that the blood of the Justin Morgan can ever be exactly and absolutely ascertained. We think, however, it may be considered certain that this unrivalled animal was produced by a cross of the Arabian or thorough-bred with the common stock, but the proportion of each cannot now be determined. There are no opinions that men maintain so stren- uously, and give up so reluctantly, as those which they form and publicly avow upon matters in which they are supposed by others to be particularly well-in- formed. This is more especially true when these opin- ions entertained and expressed, relate to matters of practical importance, and not simply to some abstract doctrine. Thus, suppose a man has studied long upon the subject of rotation of crops, and is thought to under- stand it thoroughly ; if his neighbor acting upon his advice is thereby injured, he will account for the fail- 94 THE MORGAN HORSE. ure in any way, rather than ascribe it to his own want of information, or error of judgment. So the tradesman much more reluctantly acknow- ledges an error of judgment in relation to an article of which his very trade presupposes him to be a judge, than the man whose attention has been but momen- tarily drawn to it. It is to this disinclination to admit they have been in error, coupled with inattention to the proofs that have been offered, that we mainly attribute the disparity that may be noticed in the accounts given by horsemen of the origin of the Morgan horse ; for we think all candid persons who will devote but a lit- tle time to an examination of the subject, can hardly • fail to arrive at one and the same conclusion. So much importance has of late years been attached to this sub- ject, and some excellent horsemen not fully agreeing in relation to it, we have been led to devote a good deal of time and labor to a careful examination of all such evidence as we could discover, and the result of our investigation is (as before stated) the firm convic- tion that the original Morgan horse was not thorough- bred, but yet, had a large infusion of blood. Before considering the evidence that has led us to this conclusion, we wish to explain what seems to us should be the character of the evidence that should be deemed amply sufficient to establish this point. While the friends of these horses have been some- times ready to declare the original Justin Morgan fully thorough-bred, on the strength of evidence which we think can hardly be deemed sufficient; yet on the other hand, parties interested in denying he had any claim, even to a particle of that noble blood, insist upon proof that shall amount to demonstration. ITS OKIGIN. 95 The pedigree of a stock horse may in one sense be considered property ; it is a valuable thing, and one from which the owner may derive great benefit. Now what reason can be assigned for insisting that a man shall adduce stronger evidence to establish his claim to such a pedigree, than is required before a court of justice to secure him in the possession of his house, or his farm ; or stronger than would be sufficient to enable his neighbor to turn him out of doors ? There can be no reason. But some gentlemen insist that the pedi- gree of an animal, to be entitled to credit, should be supported by evidence as conclusive as would be re- quired to send the owner to the gallows, if he were in- dicted for murder. This is certainly most unreason- able and unjust. The following articles, we believe, comprise all the important statements in relation to the origin of the Morgan horse that have ever been published. Some of them have been printed in very many different papers throughout the country, but, with a single exception, we believe, they were all originally published in The Albany Cultivator. In the October number of that paper for 1841, Yol. 8, p. 162, there appeared the following letter and ac- companying affidavit: " Messes. GtAYLOED & Tuckee : I lately received great satisfaction from hearing what appears to be a correct account of the origin of the Morgan horses of Vermont ; a breed known and esteemed for activ- ity and hardiness, throughout all the Northern States ; not remarkable for size, and scarcely known to the 96 THE MORGAN HORSE. sportsman for speed. This race is perhaps as highly celebrated as any for general usefulness, and for such a degree of fleetness as entitles it to the appellation of fast traveller. " Their height is from fourteen to fifteen hands ; color, bay ; make, round and heavy, with lean heads, broad and deep chests, the fore-limbs set far apart, clean and sinewy legs, short strong backs, with that projection of the ribs from the spine which is a sure indication of powerful lungs, and, consequently, of great wind and bottom. The original Morgan horse, called also the Goss horse, is well known to have appeared in Ran- dolph and in St. Johnsbury (Vt.) some forty years since, and to have been kept as a stallion, at first with but little, and subsequently with very great patronage, some five and twenty years, or until he was thirty years old or more. Various accounts are current as to his origin ; many think it quite distinct from the Cana- dian breed of Norman-French extraction, and consider the horse to have been of Dutch blood, and to have been introduced from some of the settlements on Hudson river, southward of Albany. Stories are told of a travel- ler's blood mare having got with foal by a Canadian or Indian pony, at various places north and west, and having brought forth this horse ; all these accounts are improbable, and appear to be unauthenticated. "For the last dozen years, being aware, both by observation and experiment, of the surprising results of crossing the Canadian with other breeds of horses, and having become acquainted with the vast variety and different qualities of various races in the Canadian breed, I have believed that the original Morgan horse ITS ORIGIN. 97 was of French Canadian origin. This opinion being confirmed by the accounts here given. I am anxious to ascertain whether any one can prove it erroneous, and, if not, to make it public, that it may be known that thousands of horses may be obtained in French Cana- da of the same blood, and not inferior in qualities to the Morgan, whose existence added several hundred thousand dollars to the wealth of Yermont. "George Barnard. "Sherbrook, P. (?., August, 1841." "(affidavit.) " I was about thirteen years of age when the Mor- gan horse was first brought to St. Johnsbury, in Yer- mont, where my father lived. As I am now fifty, it must have been about 1804. On the eve of the second Tuesday in June (for I well remember that the morrow was training-day) I was at my father's house, and a man of the name of Abel Shorey, a skilful horseman of the neighborhood, was there also ; when David Goss, jr., my cousin, then aged about seventeen, came up from his father's, distant about three-quarters of a mile, with a message to Shorey, requesting him to go to his father's (my uncle David's) and trim a horse that uncle John Goss had just then brought over from Eandolph, distant forty miles. "I accompanied them, and, at my uncle David's, we found uncle John from Eandolph, with a little, heavy, handsome, active bay horse, which he requested Shorey to trim, chiefly by pulling out and cutting the hairs of his tail, which appeared as if it had been gnawed by calves. Uncle John said he was a Canadian horse 6 98 THE MORGAN HORSE. that lie had just got from Justin Morgan of Kandolph, who had lately brought him from Montreal. I, after- wards, frequently heard the manner of his purchasing the horse related in my father's and uncle David's families, which was this: uncle John had lent Morgan the sum of forty dollars on occasion of the latter's go- ing a journey to Montreal in Canada. Morgan obtained the horse, then four years old, at Montreal, and being unable to repay the money on his return, disposed of him to uncle John, to pay the debt. Uncle John, who was no horseman, now brought him to my uncle David, who was much of a horseman, in the hope that some- thing might be made by keeping him for mares. I remember Shorey's calling him ' a full blood French horse.' " Uncle John Goss engaged Shorey to take the horse next day to training, at Maj. Butler's, and there I saw him cover four mares. " My uncle, David Goss, kept the horse through the season, working him on his farm, and putting him to mares when they were brought; he also kept him through the next winter and the ensuing spring, when the foals were found to be universally excellent ; uncle John took him back to .Randolph, where he made his socond season : the third season he was brought to St. Johnsbury, and stood at uncle David's again. After this, as I went to learn my trade, I cannot give so particular an account of the horse, but remember that he was kept several seasons in St. Johnsbury. " This, and more to the same purpose, maybe attested by David Goss, sen., Phillip Goss, David Goss, jr., ITS ORIGIN. 99 Clark Stearns, Abel Shorey,. Abel Butler, and Thomas Pierce, all of St. Johnsbury. " John Stearns. " Sworn before me at Charleston village, this 14th of August, 1841. " David Connell, J. P." In the June number of " The Cultivator" (Yol. IX., p. 99), is the following letter: "Messrs Gaylord and Tucker: — Mr. Edward Terry, of Eochester, Vt., recently sent me two numbers of your ' Cultivator,' containing some account of the origin of the Morgan breed of horses, and also an affida- vit of John Stearns, of St. Johnsbury, Yt., relative to the same subject. I have read the affidavit of the said Stearns attentively, and know that he is entirely mis- taken in all his statements relative to the time said horse was brought into Vermont, the place from which he was brought, and the manner in which he says his uncle, John Gross, obtained said horse of my father. I know very well that Mr. John Goss never obtained said horse of my father in any way whatever. My father owned said horse to the day of his death, and, in the settlement of my father's estate, said horse passed into the hands of William Pice, then living in Wood- stock, Vt., since deceased. " I will now relate the facts relative to said Morgan horse, as I recollect them. My father, Justin Morgan, brought said horse, or, rather, said colt, into Pandolph, Yt., in the summer or autumn of 1795. Said colt was only two years old when my 100 THE MORGAN HORSE. father brought him to Eandolph, and never had been handled in any way, not even to be led by a halter. My father went to Springfield, Mass., the place of his nativity, and the place from which he removed to Eandolph, in the spring or summer of 1795, after money that was due to him at that place, as he said; and, instead of getting money as he expected, he got two colts — one a three years old gelding colt, which he led, the other, a two years old stud colt, which followed all the way from Springfield to Eandolph ; having been, as my father said, always kept with, and much attached to the colt he led. Said two years old colt was the same that has since been known all over New England by the name of the Morgan horse. "My father broke said colt himself, and, as I have before remarked, owned and kept him to the time of his decease, which took place in March, 1798, and said horse was five years old the spring my father died ; and, as before stated, soon after my father's decease, he passed from my father's estate into the possession of Wm. Eice, of Woodstock, Yt. I cannot state positively that my father purchased said colt in Springfield, Mass., but I am very confident that he purchased him in that town, or in the immediate vicinity on Connec- ticut river, and I know that my father always, while he lived, called him a Dutch horse. "Justin Morgan. "Stockbridge, Vt, March 1, 1842." In the next number of " The Cultivator" ("Vol. IX., p. 110), under the head of " Condensed Correspondence and Enquiries," we find the following article: ITS OKIGIN. 101 "After our last paper went to press, containing the statement of Justin Morgan, Esq., of Stockbridge, Yt., that his father brought the original Morgan horse from Springfield, Mass., we received a communication from Mr. John MorgaD, of Lima, in this State, confirming the statement of Justin Morgan, that the sire of the celebrated Morgan horses of Yt. came from Massa- chusetts, instead of from Canada, as has heretofore been supposed. Mr. John Morgan informs us that he resided in Springfield, Mass., near Mr. Justin Mor- gan, sen., previous to his removal to Yermont, and that the two years old stud which he took with him to Yermont, as stated in our last paper, by Mr. J. Morgan, jr., ' was sired by a horse owned by Sealy Norton, of East Hartford, Conn., called the True Briton, or Beau- tiful Bay; he was kept at Springfield one season, by the said Justin Morgan, and, two years after, I kept him two seasons.' This horse was said to be raised by Gen. De Lancey, commander of the refugee troops on Long Island, and rode by him in the Ee volution. It was said that one Smith stole the horse from the General, at King's Bridge, while the General was in the tavern — ran him across the Bridge, and took him to the American army near White Plains, and sold him to Joseph Ward, of Hartford, Conn., for $300. It was also said, at that time, that he was sired by the noted imported horse, called the ' Traveler,' said to be kept in New Jersey. Ward was a merchant, and kept the horse three or four years for a saddle and car- riage horse, and traded him off to Norton, and Norton kept him for mares while he lived. The description 102 THE MORGAN" HORSE. of the Morgan breed, given by Mr. G. Barnard, answers well to the description of the stock of True Briton. "His stock was all bright bays, some inclining to sorrel. I have always understood that Morgan kept the colt for a stud at Randolph, and was very celebra- ted for his stock." The following extract from Mr. Weissinger's letter to "The Louisville Journal," published in the autumn of 1845, to which we have before alluded, embodies one of the stories that have been circulated to some ex- tent in relation to this matter. " Mr. Cottrel, of this place, (Montpelier, Vt.,) who is as well acquainted with horses as any man in Ver- mont, says there is not the slightest doubt that the original Morgan was got by a Canada horse. He says the most probable account of his origin is this : 'A man by the name of Smith, of Plainfield, 1ST. H., had a fine imported mare. He rode this mare to Canada on a courting expedition, and while there his mare got in foal. Smith regretted the accident, and laying no value upon the colt, he sold it to Morgan, a singing-mas- ter, who, when the colt was grown, rode him around on his singing circuit. When the colts from Morgan's horse grew up, they proved fine, and this gave him celebrity. He was a fleet runner at short distances, and this originally induced the people to try him.' " In the January number of " The Albany Cultivator " for 1846, Vol. III., (new series,) page 19, is published a letter from Frederick A. Weir, of Walpole, New Hamp- shire, from which we extract all that in any way re- lates to the origin of the Morgan horse, as follows : ITS ORIGIN. 103 " For the last fifteen years my business has called me frequently into almost all parts of Vermont, and I have been led to make very extensive and particular inquiries into the history of the Morgan horse. Al- though there are six or eight, or more, different stories in circulation in relation to his origin, and several of them attempted to be supported by affidavit, yet I per- fectly agree with you that the account given by Justin Morgan's son, Justin Morgan 2d, who is a merchant now in business at Stockbriclge, Vermont, and a gen- tleman of intelligence and standing, extended and con- firmed by that of Mr. John Morgan, is the only one entitled to belief. "From my correspondence with Justin and John Morgan, and others, I am enabled to state the pedigree on both sides of the Morgan horse. "He was foaled in 1793, was sired by True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, owned by Sealy Norton, of East Hartford, Conn., and then kept by John Morgan at West Springfield, Mass. True Briton was sired by the imported horse Traveller. " The dam of the Justin Morgan horse, at the time he was sired, was owned by Justin Morgan himself, at Springfield, Mass., where he then lived. " The dam is described by Mr. John Morgan, who knew her, as of the Wild-air breed, of middling size, with a heavy chest, of a very light bay color, with a bushy mane and tail, the hair on the legs rather long, and a smooth, handsome traveller. She was sired by Diamond, a thick, heavy horse of about the middling size, with a thick, heavy mane and tale, hairy legs and a smooth traveller. Diamond was kept by Justin Mor- 104 THE MORGAN HOESE. gan himself, at the time the dam of the Morgan horse was sired. He was raised in East Hartford, Connecti- cut. His sire was the Wild-air, known as the Church horse. His dam was the noted imported mare Wild- air, owned by Capt. Samuel Burt, of Springfield, Mass. The Church horse was sired by the horse Wild-air, imported by Delancy, of Long Island, and as it was said, was afterwards taken back to England. "Mr. John Morgan describes True Britton as being a high-headed and hollow, or sway -backed horse, and his stock of such a description ; and states that the Wild-airs also, were generally so." Under date of Stockbridge, Vi, Feb. 27, 1847, Mr. Justin Morgan writes to "The Albany Cultivator" as follows : "There seems to be some persons who still continue to suppose that there was ' French- Canadian '• blood in the original horse which belonged to my father, Justin Morgan, and from which the excellent stock of ' Mor- gan horses ' sprung ; while no one who has attended to the clear proofs to the contrary, which have from time to time appeared in your valuable Journal, can now justly entertain any such notion. "In the fall of 1795, my father brought the horse, then a two years old colt, from Springfield, Massachu- setts, to Randolph, Yermont. Mr. John Morgan, of Lima, 1ST. Y., who, though of the same name, is but a distant relative of my father's family, then lived, as I have been informed, in Springfield, and had every op- portunity, as I believe, of knowing the truth in relation to the horse. Mr. J. Morgan says he was not only well acquainted with my father's horse, but also with ITS ORIGIN. 105 the sire of that horse, 'True Briton' or 'Beautiful Bay,' and he states that he (Mr. J. M.) kept the latter horse at the time my father's colt was begotton by him. He says, also, that he was acquainted with ' Traveller,' 'Diamond,' and ' Wild- air,' and at the time knew them to be English-blood horses. Mr. John Morgan further says, that however much may have been said relative to my father having brought the horse from Canada, he knows that it was not so. His means of knowledge, and the respectability of his character, entitles his state- ments to the fullest credit. The fact that my father died about two and a half years after he brought the colt into Randolph, his children all being young, and the horse having been sold out of the family very soon after my father's decease, may account for his pedigree not being better understood. I have a perfect recol- lection of the horse when my father owned him and afterwards, and have always lived where his stock is well known, and well remember that my father always spoke of him as a horse of the best blood. * * * In order to get a clearer idea of the whole subject, let us glance at some facts in relation to Mr. Justin Morgan. He was born in 1747, at West Springfield, Mass. His father was not wealthy, and was able to give Justin only a common education. He was natu- rally quick and intelligent, and by application obtained a thorough knowledge of the primary English branches, was an excellent penman, and a very fine singer. Physically he was tall, slim, and of feeble health, being inclined to consumption. In fact, he was unable to perform any manual labor of importance after he was twenty years old, and supported himself almost entire- 5* 106 THE MORGAN" HOUSE. ly by teaching singing, writing, and common district schools. As a teacher, he seems to have been success- ful, and was very much liked wherever he went, on account of his urbane manners and upright character. At about thirty he was married, and the fruit of this connexion was one son and four daughters. The son was born March 15, 1786, and was called after his father, Justin. In the Spring of 1788 Mr. Morgan sold his place in Springfield, Mass., and removed with his family to Eandolph, Yt. His wife, Martha, died March 20, 1791, and he died March 22, 1798. The most import- ant of these facts, so far as they relate to our present subject, are first, the time at which he removed his family from Springfield, Mass., to Eandolph, Yt. ; and second, the time of his death ; and we will here give the reasons for the statements we have just made in re- lation to these events. In the Book of Eecord of Deeds of the county of Hampshire, Mass., No. 29, page 29, it appears that on the 12th of March, 1788, Justin Morgan sold to Abner Mor- gan a lot of land in West Springfield, Mass., estimated to contain about two-thirds of an acre, and upon which there was a house and barn, for the sum of thirty-three pounds seventeen shillings and sixpence. From this time until his death, there is no record of his having conveyed any other real estate in that county, nor can we find any record of any conveyance of real estate to him. From this it is clear that he sold his property in Springfield, Mass., in the Spring of 1788. It seems equally clear, that he removed his family to Eandolph the same Spring, for his daughter Nancy was born in ITS ORIGIN. 107 Randolph, Yt., Sept. 3, 1788, as appears from the town records. That he remained constantly in that town until the summer of 1793 is evident, for he was chosen Lister March 19, 1789, and was chosen Town Clerk March 9, 1790, and served the town in that capacity until March 18, 1793. As his name appears from time to time in the parish records of "West Springfield previ- ous to 1788, it is plain that he lived there up to the time he sold his place ; and from the facts we have be- fore given, it is no less plain that from 1788 to 1793, he resided in Randolph, Vt. That he died in 1798, is shown by the record of births, marriages and deaths, in the town of Randolph, which reads "Justin Morgan died March 22, 1798;" and the same is inscribed upon his tombstone in the burying-ground at Eandolph Centre, Yt. In the me- moirs of Mrs. Emily Edgerton, (a daughter of Justin Morgan,) edited by Rufus Nutting, and published in 1832, is the following statement: "Among the early settlers of this town (Randolph) was Justin Morgan, Esq., the father of the subject of this biographical sketch. Emily was the second of his five children, and was born Feb. 16, 1784. In her seventh year, she was called to one of the most severe afflictions, the loss of a kind and faithful mother. ***** Her affection- ate father survived her mother about seven years." If this was correct, it might be said that Justin Morgan died in 1797 ; but there is evidently a mistake in say- ing her mother died when Emily was "in her seventh year," for her sister Polly was born March 10, 1791, or nearly one month after Emily was seven years old, 108 THE MORGAN HORSE. and, as we have before stated, her mother aied March 20, 1791. (See town record.) Such an error may easily be accounted for by considering, that in the me- moirs referred to, the exact date of her mother's death was not considered important, as is manifest from the general way in which it is stated, and the author evi- dently intended to convey no other idea than that when about seven years old, her mother died. A clear understanding of these facts is necessary, and its im- portance will appear from a consideration of what we shall say in regard to the foregoing extracts relating to the origin of Morgan horses. The account of the origin of the Morgan horse, em- bodied in the affidavit of John Stevens, has been pretty widely circulated, and is undoubtedly believed by many to this day. The first objection that a thorough horseman would urge to this statement would be, that if descended from a Canadian sire, both he and his stock should bear a strong resemblance to that breed of horses ; whereas nothing can be more clear than that in most of their leading features they are altogether unlike. Mr. George Barnard, of Sherbrook, Canada East, who has devoted years to the breeding of horses, and who has owned, and we believe still owns, some very fine racing stock, is an intelligent gentleman, and all who know him must confess him to be reliable au- thority upon such a subject. In a letter to "The Al- bany Cultivator," under date of October, 25, 1841, he thus compares the Morgan with the Canadian horse : "In my communication on this subject, published in the late October number, I have expressed too confi- ITS OEIGIN. 109 dent an opinion in saying I believe the original horse (Morgan) was of French Canadian origin. I have recently had some acquaintance with a Morgan horse endowed with all the peculiarities of the breed, suffi- cient to make me forbear any decided opinion on the point in question, until very clear evidence is adduced. The affidavit which I furnished is only probable, and not conclusive testimony that the original horse was of Norman-French, descent, and procured in Montreal. The horse which has been with me of late is one of those called, from being in-bred, a full blooded Morgan — an absurd term, for it is impossible that a descend- ant can inherit full blood from a single progenitor. The term full-blood or thorough-bred can only be used with propriety where the distinctive appellation is derived from a race or sort which furnished both parents; thus we may say a thorough - bred or full- blood English race-horse, a full-blood or thorough- bred Alderney cow, if both sire and dam were of the breed or sort designated. The term thorough-bred, however, has heretofore almost exclusively been ap- plied to race-horses, because for centuries before the present, the racing breed of horses has been the only breed of animals highly cultivated, and of which the pedigrees could be proved by written or printed docu- ments. "All the accounts, being not less than half a dozen, which I have heard of the origin of the first Morgan horse, agree in this, that one Justin Morgan, of Ean- dolph, Yt., from whom the name was derived, owned the animal while he was yet a colt. Doubtless there live persons who can testify to his origin, whether or 110 THE MORGAN HOESE. not it be such as represented in the late affidavit. The public would be not only gratified, but greatly bene- fited by such evidence. There has probably never been another stallion whose stock for thirty or forty years have produced so much net profit to the growers. " I will now endeavor to point out what appears to be the chief points of distinction between the Morgan breed and the horses of Norman-French descent, pro- duced in Canada. Let me premise that a great variety of races exists in the Canadian breed, yet all clearly impressed with a certain general character. The broad, courageous - looking head, with ears far apart, thick neck, with general stoutness of frame, full breast and strong shoulder, with a round or fleshy croup ; the low-set muscles and large sinews, with those tough feet that know not disease, are distinguishing marks of the French Canadian horse. " The shagginess or abundance of hair in the mane and tail and on the legs are much owing to the severity of the climate, with the manner of rearing the animals, and may be expected in a great measure to disappear under good cultivation, long before the innate excel- lencies and peculiarities will perceptibly change. " The Morgan horse does not partake of all these marks in common with the Canadian. The clear, and deep-toned bay color, too, which prevails in the Morgan, is rare among Canadian horses. It occurs in individ- uals ; but unless characteristic of the race for a long period of time, it could hardly be supposed that this color would so generally occur as it does in the Morgan horses of the present day. Peculiarities produced by a ITS ORIGIN. Ill single cross are apt to wear away in a few generations, unless maintained by careful selection on the part of the breeder. If, then (supposing the Morgan horse to have come from Canada), his color was an accidental variety, it would not have so generally marked his numerous offspring, unless great pains were taken to preserve it by selection, which has not been the case. It appears evident from the prevalence of this color through several successive generations, as well as the similar descent of various qualities, which are authen- ticated as having belonged to the first known sire, that the Morgan horse, whatever may have been its origin, was of one pure stock ; that is, that he was not cross- bred, or produced by the union of two different breeds ; for in that case, there must have been a greater variety in his progeny ; some running to one family, and some to the other, whereas a remarkable similarity is known to prevail in all of this race. And here we may notice that the breeder is apt to find an essential difference in the two races : the Morgan, crossed or mixed with the various common breeds, inclines to retain its peculiar characteristics and its small size in the offspring for many generations, while all the French Canadian races, though not larger for the most part than the Morgan, when used as a cross, increase the size of the progeny, and frequently assimilate so that the blood can only be recognized by a practiced observer, in the greater development and robustness of form, and the courage, spirit, and aptness to thrive, which are com- monly reckoned as constitutional health. " The Morgans differ essentially from the Canadian horses in their action or mode of travelling. A Mor- 112 THE MORGAN HORSE. gan horse glides over the ground eight or nine miles an hour, with such easy movements of his legs, that one would think they only felt relieved when so em- ployed ; the Canadian, if he has speed, seems to go by main strength, every stride arising plainly from a pur- posed exertion of his powerful muscles. " Another principal dissimilarity is in the endurance of the feet ; and here the Canadian horse has all the advantage. The Morgan appears to be subject, as much as equally strong-constitutioned horses of any breed, to founder, and other diseases of the feet, while with the Canadian such ailments are less known, per- haps, than with any other breed in the world. There are numbers of horses in Canada that, under a mass of shaggy hair, possess dry, sinewy legs, on which the severest service, never raises a wind-gall. The legs of the Morgan, though destitute of long hair, have this excellent conformation in a very high degree. "The Morgan is a great traveller; an untiring, all- day horse, but seldom a very fast-trotter or galloper, and less frequently a perfect saddle horse. The Cana- dian, if he has the power of rapid locomotion, inclines for the most part to put forth his energies only for a short time, and then to take a leisurely gait, as if a slight sense of fatigue overbalanced the alacrity of his nervous system. There are, however, splendid excep- tions to this description ; horses that with no light load behind them will travel eighty and even ninety miles in a day. Some of the light-footed Canadian horses, too, are very pleasant under the saddle, though in general the weight of the neck and uprightness of the shoulder disqualify them for this use. The head of VERMONT s 'j' B A N G E E ITS ORIGIN. 113 the Morgan, though not less energetic, is somewhat dissimilar to that of the Canadian. The ears of one are upright ; of the other, more apart. The head of the Canadian horse is broader at the upper part than that of the other. Each has a great space between the eyes, which is considered a sure indication of energy in an animal. The Morgan has the best open nostril for wind and bottom, more like that of the race-horse ; and the whole of the muzzle, as well as the eye and ear, indicate more breeding, or a longer cultivation than those of the Canadian. There is a difference of shape observable throughout the whole figure. The Morgan is long in the side, but always short on the back, and strong and beautiful in the loins. His fins shoulder, too, differs from that of the Canadian horse. It is deep, well-sloped, comparatively thin at the top, and heavy at the bottom, serving, conjointly with a wide chest, and the fore-legs set far apart, to give the horse an appearance of strength and. endurance scarcely to be looked for in one of his spirit and fleetness. The high-crested neck, and thick wavy tail of the Morgan, show much of the character of some races of the Canadian. " Whether the Morgan be a scion of the Canadian stock, or be derived from the Dutch, or some other breed which has disappeared in the United States, ap- pears to be a question of some importance to those who would make good selections in order to improve the breed of horses, and whoever can throw any light on the subject will gratify a large portion of your readers by making known his information through ' The Culti- tivator.' If the French Canadian did not supply the 114 THE MORGAN HORSE. Morgan, I, for one, should be glad to learn what other breed has ever been known upon this continent that could boast such excellent qualities for common serv- ice as are universally admitted to distinguish both of these breeds." The great difference in form, temper, and general character that exists between French Canadian and Morgan horses, as pointed out in the above letter, should cause us to receive with great caution any ac- counts ascribing his origin to the Canadian horse. Had Mr. Barnard been, at the time he penned the foregoing, better acquainted with Morgan horses, he might have added to his list of important particulars in which the two breeds differ materially. The Mor- gan horse is remarkable for the projection of his ribs from the spine, giving him a wide back and a round barrel ; while the Canadian horse is inclined to be flat- sided. They differ much in their style of travelling. The Morgan raises his fore-feet but little, while the Ca- nadian horse has a high and labored action of the fore- feet. The Canadian horse is certainly very remark- able for the excellence of his feet, but, however the specimen Mr. Barnard had may have failed in this respect, poor feet are of very rare occurrence among Morgan horses. These remarks apply of course equally well to all accounts that ascribe to the Morgan a French Canadian origin. As far as the affidavit of Mr. Stearns is con- cerned, they are not indispensable, for it can easily be shown to be erroneous. Mr. Stearns fixes the date of the Justin Morgan's first appearance in St. Johnsbury in June of 180-4, which is perhaps correct. He says : ITS ORIGIN. 115 u Uncle John said he was a Canadian horse that he had got from Justin Morgan, of Bandolph, who had lately brought him from Montreal" — that is to say, within a few weeks, that spring, or, perhaps, the pre- vious winter. Now, Justin Morgan died March 22d, 1798, or six years previous to this time, as we have shown. With regard to the statement of Mr. Cottrel, as rendered by Mr. Weissenger, it will be observed that Mr. Cottrel by no means undertakes to vouch for its truth ; he does nothing of the sort, he merely gives it as the most probable account, the most plausible story in relation to it that he has heard. If there was no direct proof to contradict it, this story would be entitled to very little credit. It lacks any definite points — it is stated in the loosest and most general way. Mr. C. does not give Mr. Morgan's christian name, and our only reason for inferring that the Morgan here spoken of and Mr. Justin Morgan, are one and the same individuals, is the statement that he owned the founder of the Morgan breed of horses, and the identitv of their vocation — each being a singing teacher «/ CD CD CD and living in the same vicinity ; for although Mr. C. does not tell us where Mr. Morgan lived, we are left to sup- pose that he lived somewhere in the neighborhood of Mr. C, at least in that section of the country. We are not told at what time this Mr. Smith sold this colt to Morgan, or how old the colt was when sold; he does not explain how it was that a man owning a fine imported mare, which we are allowed to infer must have been nearly if not quite thorough-bred (for we are imme- diately told that the colt became celebrated for running 116 THE MORGAN HORSE. short races), should set no value upon her offspring, which from almost any kind of sire must have been valuable at a time when racing stock was in such de- mand and was so rare. But we will not pursue this subject further, as the letter of Justin Morgan, the younger, seems to us perfectly clear and conclusive on this point ; and it is, moreover, confirmed by a great many persons who were neighbors of Mr. Morgan's at the time he brought the colt from Massachusetts. Mr. David Goss, a man of high standing and charac- ter, who owned the original Justin Morgan seven years, says there is no doubt that the horse came from Spring- field, Mass. Mr. Goss further says, that he had no written pedigree of the horse, but that he bought him believing him to be partly thorough-bred, and that no question was ever made of it, so far as he knew, during the lifetime of the horse. The letters of Justin and John Morgan comprise all the important facts that can now be obtained in relation to the place where the horse originated ; and we can see no reason to doubt that he was sired by True Briton, as is clearly and dis- tinctly stated by Mr. J. Morgan. No account of the pedigree of the horse was reduced to writing during the lifetime of Mr. Justin Morgan, and the accounts he gave verbally have been remembered somewhat differ- ently by different individuals. All accounts (as before remarked) agree that he had racing blood in his veins ; some insist that it came from the sire, some that it came from the dam, and still others that it came from both. Even if we had no evidence, except what is derived from the descriptions given of him and from his stock, we should know that he was not a stranger to blood. ITS ORIGIN. 117 His clean, lean head — his broad forehead — bold, full and prominent eyes — delicate ears, and flat, long legs, give unmistakable evidence of a large infusion of racing or Arabian blood. Youatt says : "Few things indicate more clearly the blood of the horse than the form of •the frontal bones. Who has not remarked the broad, angular forehead of the blood-horse, giving him a beau- tiful expression of intelligence and fire, and the face gradually tapering from the forehead to the muzzle, contrasted with the large face of the cart or dray-horse, and the forehead scarcely wider than the face. It is equally true, that his exceedingly compact form, short and upright pasterns, his short stride, and the small space between the hip-bones and ribs, assure us of a different origin in part. With regard to his sire, we think there can be no reasonable doubt that he was sired by True Briton, as John Morgan positively states. The fact that Mr. Mor- gan kept True Briton two years, adds great weight to his testimony, for it not only shows that he had the best means of knowing the facts he states, but his in- terest in the horse would fully account for his remem- bering them distinctly so long a time. But with regard to the blood of True Briton, Mr. Morgan does not state positively— though he is not in doubt as to the fact of the horse having been purchased by Mr. Joseph Ward, of Hartford, Conn., for three hundred dollars, of some person who was said to have stolen him from Gen. De Lancey. The letter of John Morgan seems to us conclusive evidence with regard to the sire of the Justin Morgan. John Morgan was a man of high character for candor, 118 THE MORGAN HORSE. truthfulness and intelligence. He lived at Springfield at the time the Morgan horse was sired, and at the time Justin Morgan removed to Vermont. He kept True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, two years, and he states that Justin Morgan kept him one year. Living on the ground, and being interested in the sire of the Morgan horse, he had every means of knowledge. His letter contains within itself evidence of the care and caution of John Morgan. "When he speaks of facts known to himself, he states them positively : as, that he was sired by True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, owned by Selah Norton, of Hartford, Conn. ; that he was kept at Spring- field one season by Justin Morgan, and two years after- wards was kept two seasons by himself. When he comes to speak of the origin of True Briton, he does not say that he was raised by Gen. De Lancey, though he no doubt believed so, but with commendable caution he says, he (True Briton) "was said to be raised by Gen. De Lancey, commander of the refugee troops on Long Island, and rode by him in the Be volution. It ivas said that one Smith stole the horse from the General, at King's Bridge, while the General was in the tavern, ran him across the bridge and took him to the Ameri- can army, near White Plains, and sold him to Joseph Ward, of Hartford, Conn. It was also said at that time, that he was sired by the noted imported horse called the Traveller, said to be kept in New Jersey." Again : when he comes to speak of Ward, he says positively that Ward was a merchant, and kept the horse three or four years for a saddle and carriage horse, and traded him off to Norton, &c, for these facts were within his own knowledge and he was certain. Again, when he ITS ORIGIN. 119 comes to speak of what became of the colt, we observe the same caution. He says: u I have always understood that Morgan kept the colt for a stud at Eandolph, and was very celebrated for his stock." The considerate reader of this letter will not fail to see that it contains the strongest evidence of the honesty and sincerity of John Morgan, and that it shows (what is nearly as valuable in such a matter) that John Morgan thought- fully and carefully distinguished between what he had a personal knowledge of and what he believed on the statements of others. If all inquirers on this subject had used the same care, much error would have been avoided. Mr. Morgan is not, however, the only authority in relation to the blood of True Briton. In " The Connec- ticut Courant" for April 26th, 1791, appeared an adver- tisement of Seiah Norton's, from which the following extracts are made : "Beautiful Bay will cover (for the benefit of the public) for 155. the season, cash or grain, next fall. * * * * His sire was the imported horse Traveller, owned in New Jersey. His dam, De Lanoey's imported racer. Ten pounds was offered for one of his colts when ten days old, at Lanesborough. * * He is in his prime, in fine order, bright bay, fifteen hands high, trots and canters very light. * * "SELAH NOETOK" In the above advertisement, it is stated that he had been kept at Springfield, which corroborates the state- ment of John Morgan. The fact that True Briton was stolen from General 120 THE MORGAN HORSE. De Lancey, at King's Bridge, seems to admit of little doubt, for the story is confirmed by many persons living in Connecticut, who well recollect the occurrence, and we have never heard but one version of the story in all its main features, though told by many different individuals. The striking harmony that may be noticed between these accounts of the manner in which True Briton was brought into Connecticut, is very strong evidence of their correctness ; and the harmony is itself accounted for, by the singular manner in which he was obtained. Such a fact, as the stealing of a valuable horse from a British officer, and escaping with him, was no every- day occurrence. It would be known to all the sur- rounding country in a very short time, and the man who stole him, instead of being shunned as a thief, would be respected as the hero of a successful foray into the enemy's country. The fact that the horse was a valuable one, and was, after a time, kept for a stock horse, in that section of the country, would tend to keep alive in the minds of those who knew him, the singular circumstances of his coming into the country. Although Mr. John Morgan does not assert that True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, was sired by Traveller, yet it is plain that he believed him to be : and Mr. Norton, in the advertisement just quoted, distinctly states it. To this statement it may be objected, that Norton might have been in error, for admitting that the horse was stolen from De Lan- cey, it is not likely that Norton could have obtained a written voucher of his pedigree from his previous owners ; for horse thieves, though they often manifest ITS ORIGIN. 121 excellent judgment in the choice of animals, yet they rarely take much pains to secure their pedigree. But it must be remembered, that though the owner? of True Briton may have had no written certificate of his pedigree from his breeder, yet there were many ways in which it could be established. De Lancey was a man of fortune and notoriety, and had many servants who would know as much of the pedigree of his favor- ite horse, as he did. Selah Norton was, in early life, a man of property, and an enthusiastic admirer of fine horses. His inter- est in the horse would have prompted him to make every exertion to discover his pedigree, and that he did so seems evident, from the direct manner in which it is stated in the advertisement before mentioned, and also from the additional consideration, that such was generally believed to be the fact at that time, and so far as we can learn, was entirely undisputed. With regard to the clam of True Briton : Mr. Nor- ton asserts that she was "Mr. De Lancey 's imported racer." We believe there is no record of any impor- tation of such an animal by De Lancey, except the celebrated Cub mare, which he brought from England with Wild-air. But had True Briton been sired by Traveller, and foaled by the Cub mare, he could hardly have escaped being noticed by " The American Farmer," or " Turf Register," especially as the produce of the Cub maro was published in the Register, though not until many years after. While it may be doubted if the Cub mare were the dam of True Briton, or even whether his dam was imported, it seems to us altogether probable that she 6 122 THE MORGAN HORSE. was a high-bred animal, for an officer of De Lancey'a rank, wealth, and taste for horses, would not only have been "well mounted," but he would not have been likely to use for the saddle a horse not highly-bred, especially as his father's stables gave ample scope for the selection of a fine animal of this description ; nor, on the other hand, is it probable that he rode a stallion whose pedigree could be traced, on the side of both sire and dam, through the best families of the English race-horse without a flaw, (as it could have been, had he been sired by Traveller, and his dam the Cub mare,) for such a horse, had he been a good riding animal, would have been very valuable, and highly prized by breeders of race horses, and would have been kept ex- clusively for stock. General De Lancey (we think he was a Colonel), from whom True Briton was stolen, was not (as has been sometimes supposed) the importer of Wild-air, Lath, the Cub mare, &c. ; these horses were imported by his father, James De Lancey, a son of Lieutenant-Governor James De Lancey, a wealthy and prominent man, and for many years a member of the General Assembly of the State of New-York ; he was an extensive breeder of race-horses, and owned many celebrated, animals in addition to those we have men- tioned. He visited England in 1775, and the war soon after breaking out, he never returned. L. G. Morris, Esq., of Fordham, N. Y.,in his "Sixth Catalogue of Domestic Animals," page 79, gives another account of the origin of True Briton. After giving an extract from John Morgan's letter, he says : " The other account I got in person, from Mr. Andrew Corsa, a near neighbor of nunc, and ninety years old. Mr, ITS ORIGIN. 123 Corsa resided within the lines and near King's Bridge, during the Revolution ; he knew General De Lancey well, and also his horse which Smith stole from him at King's Bridge. "Upon direct inquiry of Mr. Corsa, upon whom I called with Mr. Howard of ' The Boston Cultivator,' ex- pressly to inquire as to the above horse, he stated he was blood bay of fine size and strength, and he had repeat- edly seen Gren. De Lancey jump him back and forth over a five-rail fence, for the amusement of bystanders, and that he understood him to have been a horse sent over from England." The only respect in which this account differs from the one we have given is, that Mr. Corsa says : "he understood him to be a horse sent over from England." It seems Mr. Corsa was ninety years old at the time he gave this information, and in estimating the value of his testimony, much allowance must be made for the infirmities of age, and the long time that had elapsed since the events of which he speaks transpired. So the nature of the different facts he states must be considered ; for while the fact that a fine looking bay horse should be made to jump a five-rail fence, in the presence of a collection of people, would be likely, from its novelty and interest, to make a lasting impression on all who saw it ; yet few of the spectators, if informed of the pedigree of the horse at the time, would long remember it. So that even had Mr. Corsa stated that True Briton was an imported horse, it could hardly be allowed to weigh against the published statement of Mr. Norton, who was the owner of True Briton, and published his pedigree while the horse was in his prime, and when 124 THE MORGAN HORSE. we cannot doubt that the fact of his having been im- ported could have been easily ascertained had it been the cas3. Nor can we for a moment suppose that Mr. Norton would fail to publish the fact, were it true, for he had abundant means of ascertaining, and the value of the animal as a stock horse would have been much enhanced could he have established it. But Mr. Corsa does not say that True Briton was an imported horse; he simply says he " understood him to have been a horse sent over from England," and certainly such a loose, general, and indefinite assertion made by a man of Mr. Corsa's age, concerning a matter some seventy years old, and a matter in which he had no direct interest, can be entitled to but little weight. Immediately after the passage we have already quoted from the catalogue of Mr. Morris, is the following sen- tence : " The ' Black Hawk,' and ' Morgan ' of the present day seem to differ in appearance from the original stock, as they are rather on the pony order, and very seldom more than fifteen hands high." Mr. Morris is evidentlv mistaken as to the size of True Briton, for he manifestly believes him to have been a fine horse, while, according to the standard he sets up, lie was simply a pony^ as it will be seen that Mr. Norton does not claim he was a fraction over fifteen hands high. Finally we repeat, that though the owners of True Briton in Connecticut may have had no written evi- dence of his pedigree from his breeder, yet they may have been able to satisfy themselves and the public that he was sired by Traveller, and from a highly- bred, if not an imported mare ; and it is very certain ITS ORIGIN. 125 that such was generally believed to have been his origin. That he was a very valuable animal is evident from the price Ward paid for him, three hundred dollars being as extravagant a price for a carriage or saddle horse at that day as one thousand dollars would be now. With regard to the pedigree of the dam of the Justin Morgan, the only statement we remember to have seen is that published by F. A. Weir, as we have already given it. If this pedigree is correct, the dam must have been at least three-eighths thorough-bred. But there is a grave mistake in the very first sentence of the account published by Mr. Wier, that very materi- ally diminishes the credit that might, perhaps, otherwise attach to the rest of the history. lie says, " The dam of the Justin Morgan horse at the time he was sired, was owned by Justin Morgan himself, at Springfield, Mass., where he then lived ;" and he says (as was no doubt true), that he was foaled in 1793, conse- quently he was sired in 1792 ; but Mr. Morgan, as we have already shown, removed from Springfield to Ran- dolph, Vt. ; with his family, in 1788, and remained con- stantly at Randolph until 1793 ; and as he was a poor man, and owned no real estate in Springfield, it is not likely that he owned and left any horses there. Mr. Weir sa}^s Mr. John Morgan describes the darn of the Justin Morgan as of the Wild-air breed, and this may have been so; but some degree of doubt must necessarily attach to any statements made by persons of an advanced age, concerning the pedigree of animals possessing no remarkable qualities that 126 THE MORGAN HORSE. did not belong to them, and that lived and died many years before. If this statement of Mr. Morgan was correct, it does not assert that the dam was thorough- bred, it means simply that she had some of Wild-air's blood in her veins, just as we now say a mare is of the 11 Messenger breed," who may not have one- twentieth of Old Messenger's blood in her. If we may be allowed to judge of the correctness of this pedigree from the appearance of the descend- ants of the Justin Morgan, we should say there could be no reason to doubt his near relation to the thorough- bred or Arabian ; for even those who think least of the Morgan breed of horses, agree that they must have sprung from " rich high blood," as even the " distin- guished judge of horses from Vermont" admits it. It is thought by some that the dam of the Justin Morgan was a descendant of Lindsey's Arabian, which was imported into Connecticut in 1766, being then four years old. This idea seems to have been founded principally upon the resemblance of the Justin Morgan to the stock of that celebrated horse, and indeed we are not aware that there is any other ground for this opinion; still it is entitled to some respect, for a close and striking resemblance between different animals in most of their leading characteristics, is certainly strong evidence of their relationship. There can be little question that there was a strong resemblance be- tween them. The descendants of the Lindsey Arabian were celebrated for their compactness, speed. and en- durance, and for an exceedingly playful and tractable temper ; they were highly esteemed throughout Con- necticut and Massachusetts, and were most numerous FLYING M0B6AN, THE GEAHITE STATE MORGAN ITS ORIGIN. 127 along the valley of Connecticut River. Many of the cavalry engaged in the siege of Boston, in 1775 and 1776, were mounted on these horses, and their extraor- dinary qualities attracted the notice of General Wash- ington. Acting upon his advice. Mr. Lindsey found and purchased the horse that has since borne his name, and took him to Virginia. Previous to this time he had been called Eanger. Xot only had the stock of this horse become well and favorably known in the locali- ties we have mentioned, but at that time a great deal of interest was manifested throughout the country in Arabian or thorough-bred stock, and it is evident that Eanger was, then, the sire of a very numerous progeny, or they would not have been in the army in sufficient numbers to attract the attention of the Commander-in- chief. It cannot, therefore, fairly be objected to this hypothesis, that the descendants of the Lindsey Arabian were too uncommon to render it probable. A strong resemblance to the Arabian^ True Briton would derive through his sire, as few horses have been imported from England so nearly related to Arabians as was Morton's Traveller. He was foaled in 1743, and was imported to Virginia when about rive years old. He was got bv Croft's Partner. Partner was by Jrgg, a son of the Byerly Turk, and his dam was by Curwen's Bay Barb, his g. dam was by Sport, and his g. g. dam bv the chestnut, white leo-ofed, Lowther Barb. The dam of Morton's Traveller was by Bloody Buttocks, an Ara- bian. It has been often stated that Morton's Traveller s by O'Kelly's Eclipse, his dam by King Herod, grand dam by Blank, great grand dam by Cade, and Cade by the Grodolphin Arabian, &c This, however, is 128 THE MOEGAN HORSE. a mistake, the latter pedigree being that of another " Traveller" imported in 1797. This pedigree was pub- lished as the pedigree of Morton's Traveller in the third volume of the "American Turf Eegister," but was corrected in the seventh volume, and is also cor- rectly stated in the fourth volume, page 43. It may be said, by some, that it is surprising nothing should be found among the papers of Justin Morgan relating in some way to this horse, and that we should expect the different owners of the horse would have made -every effort to ascertain his pedigree, and that some of them would have succeeded, as at that time many persons must have been living in Massachusetts that at least knew his dam and her sire. The answer to the first objection is, that none of Justin Morgan's papers or books have been preserved in the family, not even a letter or a family bible. As before stated, his family was broken up in 1793 or 1794, and from that time until his death in 1798, he may be said to have had no home, but lived first in one neighbor- hood while he could find employment as a teacher, and then removing to some new field. At the time of his death, his children had not attained their major- ity, and there being no one to look after them, his papers (if he had any) were lost. Nor was it likely that he gave an}^ written statement of his pedigree to some third person, for it must be remembered that he was not a farmer, or a breeder of horses, and he had not brought his horse to Vermont to improve the breed of horses there; but he kept him to ride from school to school. Thus situated, it could not be expected that he would ITS ORIGIN. 129 make any effort to bring him into favor with his farm- ing neighbors by explaining his pedigree, and enlarg- ing upon the noble and extraordinary qualities of his ancestors. Still, as he had owned the horse since he was two years old, he would know something of his pedigree, and would be apt occasionally to mention it to such persons as saw and admired his spirited colt. Finally, it must be remembered that Morgan died be- fore his horse had arrived at full maturity. The reason why no effort was earlier made to ascer- tain his pedigree by his owners, or others, was that for a long time he was not fully appreciated. After Mr. Morgan's death he passed into the hands of persons w r ho had but a poor opinion of him, and instead of keeping him expressly for stock, put him to the sever- est kinds of labor, and. it was not until several years had elapsed, and his colts began to be highly esteemed, that any inquiry was made as to his pedigree. So much time had then elapsed since he came into the country, that it was then attended with much difficulty ; and any one who has tried it, must bear witness, that tracing genealogies is one of the slowest and most per- plexing kinds of business. This, together with the want of any easy and rapid communication between dif- ferent parts of the country to facilitate inquiry, seems to have prevented any persistent search for the facts. We have devoted more time and space to this sub- iect than may be thought advisable by some of our readers, as no pedigree, however perfectly it might be established, or how far back it might be traced, through any breed of horses, could enhance the value of the race at the present time ; for, as an intelligent writer 130 THE MORGAN HORSE. lias observed : " Before animals have produced pro- geny, the best evidence of what their progen}^ will be, is what their ancestors have been, because there is a tendency to breed back. Animals of the same blood, however, are not equally valuable as breeders ; hence, the surest evidence of the value of a breeding animal, is the character of the stock it produces. Thus the value of pedigree consists in affording, in advance, an indication of the value of an animal as a breeder, but the character of the offspring and descendants may be regarded as exhibiting the degree of value it possesses; the one may be regarded as prima facia evidence, the other as demonstrative." Pedigree is, however, valu- able in another respect, and cannot be too carefully preserved by breeders. By preserving the pedigrees of animals, we are enabled to see the result of the various crossings of different breeds and families ; can shun the errors of former generations, and take advan- tage of their success. CHAPTEK VI. MEMOIR, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE JUSTIN MORGAN. The original, or Justin Morgan, was about fourteen hands high, and weighed about nine hundred and fifty pounds. His color was dark -bay with black legs, mane and tail. He had no white hairs on him. His mane and tail were coarse and heavy, but not so mas- sive as has been sometimes described ; the hair of both was straight, and not inclined to curl. His head was good, not extremely small, but lean and bony, the face straight, forehead broad, ears small and very fine, but set rather wide apart. His eyes were medium size, very dark and prominent, with a spirited but pleasant expression, and showed no white round the edge of the lid. His nostrils were very large, the muzzle small, and the lips close and firm. His back and legs were perhaps his most noticeable points. The former was very short ; the shoulder-blades and hip bones being very long and oblique, and the loins ex- ceedingly broad and muscular. His body was rather long, round and deep, close ribbed up ; chest deep and wide, with the breast-bone projecting a good deal in front. His legs were short, close jointed, thin, but very wide, hard and free from meat, with muscles that w^ere remarkably large for a horse of his size, and this superabundance of muscle exhibited itself at every (181) 132 THE MORGAN HORSE.' Etcp. His hair was short, and at almost all seasons soft and glossy. He had a little long hair about the fetlocks, and for two or three inches above the fetlock on the back-side of the legs ; the rest of the limbs were entirely free from it. His feet were small but well shaped, and he was in every respect perfectly sound and free from any sort of blemish. He was a very fast walker. In trotting his gait was low and smooth, and his step short and nervous ; he was not what in these days would be called fast, and we think it doubt- ful whether he could trot a mile much if any within four minutes, though it is claimed by many that he could trot it in three. Although he raised his feet but little, he never stum- bled. His proud, bold and fearless style of movement, and his vigorous, untiring action, have, perhaps, never been surpassed. When a rider was on him, he was obedient to the slightest motion of the rein, would walk backwards rapidly under a gentle pressure of the bit, and moved side-ways almost as willingly as he moved forward ; in short, was perfectly trained to all the paces and evolutions of a parade horse ; and when ridden at military reviews (as was frequently the case), his bold, imposing style, and spirited, nervous action, attracted universal attention and admiration. He was perfectly gentle and kind to handle, and loved to be groomed and caressed, but he disliked to have children about him, and had an inveterate hatred for dogs, if loose always chasing them out of sight the in- stant he saw them. When taken out with halter or bridle he was in con- stant motion, and very playful. THE JUSTIN MORGAN. 133 He was a fleet runner at short distances. Running horses short distances for small stakes was very com- mon in Vermont fifty years ago. Eighty rods was very generally the length of the course, which usually commenced at a tavern or grocery, and extended the distance agreed upon, up or down the public road. In these races the horses were started from a "scratch," that is, a mark was drawn across the road in the dirt, and the horses, ranged in a row upon it, went off at "the drop of a hat" or some other signal. It will be observed that the form of the Justin Morgan was not such as in our days is thought best calculated to give the greatest speed for a short distance. Those who believe in long-legged racers will think his legs, body and stride, were all too short, and to them it may per- haps seem surprising that he should be successful, as he invariably was, in such contests. But we think his great muscular development and nervous energy, com- bined with his small size, gave him a decided advantage in the first start over taller and heavier horses ; just as any ordinary horse can distance the finest locomotive in a ten rod race. At all events, the history of racing in this country and in England, proves conclusively, that small horses may have great speed. In such a race a horse of great spirit and nervous energy derives a decided advantage from these qualities, especially after being a little accustomed to such struggles. When brought up to the line, his eyes flash and his ears quiver with intense excitement, he grinds the bit with, his teeth, his hind legs are drawn under him, every muscle of his frame trembles, and swells almost to bursting, and at the given signal he goes off like the springing of a- steeltrap. His un- 134 THE MORGAN HORSE. varying success in these short races may perhaps be partly accounted for in this way, though he was undoubtedly possessed of more than ordinary speed, and was a sharp runner. Among the many races of this description that he ran, were two in 1796, at Brookfleld, Vt, one with a horse called Sweepstakes from Long Island, and the other with a horse called Silver Tail from St. Law- rence Co., New York, both of these he beat with ease. Mr. Morgan (who then owned him) offered to give the owner of Silver Tail two more chances to win the stake, which was fifty dollars, by walking or trotting the horses for it, which was declined. There are many accounts of other races which he ran and won, but these accounts not fully agreeing as to the details, we have not mentioned them. In harness the Justin Morgan was quiet but full of spirit, an eager and nimble traveller, but patient in bad spots ; and although for a long time steadily engaged in the heavy work of a new farm, his owner at that time informs us that he never knew him refuse to draw as often as he was required to, but he pithily adds : "I didn't very often have to ask him but once, fur whatever he was hitched to generally had to come the first time trying." This uniform kindness at a pull, was one of the striking characteristics of the horse, and the same trait may be observed in the greater part of his descendants. " Pulling matches " and " pulling bees," were as common in those days as short races, and the *' little horse," as he was often called, became quite celebrated for his unvarying willingness to do his best, and for his great power at what is called a " dead lift." THE JUSTIN MORGAN". 135 The following letter from Solomon Steele, Esq., of Derby, Yt., a gentleman who has devoted a great deal of time and money to the improvement of horses in his vicinity, and who, notwithstanding the apathy of some, and the opposition of others, now enjoys the pleasure of seeing his precepts adopted, and his exam- ple followed by his neighbors, to their great advantage, and the equal improvement of their stock, will be read with interest : "Derby Line, Yt., March 12th, 1856. " D. C. Linsley, Esq. "Dear Sir: — I am in receipt of yours of the 1st inst., renewing your request that I should favor you with such information as I may possess, in relation to the early history of the founder of that breed of horses, which have, at length, become so distinguished as to be called the 'best in the world,' and known as Mor- gans. "I have not the vanity to presume that I can dis- close any material facts relative to this subject, but, at your request, I will mention some incidents connected with the early history of this horse, which if not of great importance, may not be void of interest. It has bsen my privilege, in early life, to often see the original Morgan horse, called by this name from the fact that Justin Morgan brought him to Randolph, Yt., from Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1795. Mr. Morgan intended to apply him to the payment of a note held against him, but not being able to obtain what he con- sidered a reasonable price for him, and having no keeping for him, he let him to a man by the name of 136 THE MORGAN HORSE. Robert Evans, for one year, for the sum of fifteen dol- lars. Immediately after this, Evans undertook the job of clearing fifteen acres of heavy -timbered land for a Mr. Fisk, and before the first of June following, had completed the job, with no other team but this colt, though not regarded as a ' salable horse. 1 " While Evans was engaged in piling this timber, the remarkable powers of this horse, it would seem, were in a measure developed, as he was then found able to out-draw, out- walk, out-trot, or out run every horse that was matched against him. An instance w r as related to me by Mr. Nathan Nye, who was an eye- witness, and whose testimony w r as never questioned. I noted it at the time, and will relate it in his own words : " 'At the time Evans had this horse, a small tavern, a grist-mill, and saw-mill were in operation on the branch of White River, in Randolph, and at this place the strength of men and horses in that settlement, were generally tested. On one occasion' (says Nye), 'I went to these mills, where I spent most of a day, and during the time, many trials Avere had, for a small wager, to draw a certain pine log, which lay some ten rods from the saw-mill. " 'Some horses were hitched to it that would weigh twelve hundred pounds, but not one of them could move it its length. About dusk, Evans came clown from his logging field, which was near by, and I told him the particulars of the drawing match. Evans re- quested me to show him the log, which I did ; he then ran back to the tavern and challenged the company to hex a gallon of rum, that he could not draw the log THE JUSTIN MORGAN. 137 fairly on to the logway, at three pulls with his colt. The challenge was promptly accepted, and each having "taken a glass," the whole company went down to the spot. "'Arrived on the ground, Evans saj^s: "I am ashamed to hitch my horse to a little log like that, but if three of you will get on and ride, if I don't draw it, I will forfeit the rum." Accordingly, three of those least able to stand were placed upon the log. I was present with a lantern, and cautioned those on the log to look out for their legs, as I had seen the horse draw before, and knew something had got to come. At the word of command the horse started, log and men, and went more than half of the distance before stopping. At the next pull, he landed his load at the spot agreed upon, to the astonishment of all present. " ' Not many days after this, the beaten party pro- posed to Evans to run a certain horse against his, eighty rods for another gallon. Evans accepted, went from his work, and matched his horse against four different horses the same evening, and beat them all with ease.' "Thus early in the history of the Morgan horse it was an admitted fact, that however small, he could not be beaten, where strength, speed, and endurance were the test. When we see this same animal driven in harness, or ridden by the aged and infirm with perfect safety and confidence, and next see him at a military review, mounted by the commander-in-chief, and dis- playing all the fire and pride imaginable ; and after the lapse of nearly fifty years, witnessing the same re- markable traits in many of his descendants, we are 138 THE MORGAN HORSE. constrained to admit, that blood is, indeed, of no small importance in the business of horse-breeding. It should be well understood, that throughout the long life of the Justin Morgan (as well as that of his immediate offspring), want of size was the universal objection. No man of ordinary judgment could fail to discover his peculiar points of excellence, his oblique shoulders, high crest, fine ear, prominent and sagacious eye, per- fect head, large and expanded nostrils, strong loins, long hip, deep and well-spread chest, high withers, short pasterns, strong and sinewy limbs, with all the important muscles far surpassing in size those of any other horse of his weight ever seen in America. The fact that this horse has contributed more than any other animal ever did, to the wealth of the United States, no honest man will deny, but strange to say, in the face of all this, the cry is still heard, too small, too small. This reminds us of the man who sold his hen, because she was too small, although she daily laid eggs of gold. We rejoice, however, that we live in a day when intelligent men cannot so easily be made the dupes of interested parties. The farming community are thinking and acting with more care and attention than formerly, they are disposed to profit by past ex- perience, they are more close observers of cause and effect, and it is our firm conviction, that the man who is doing most to foster and encourage this principle,, is the world's greatest benefactor." Through life the Justin Morgan was steadily em- ployed in the heavy work incident to the cultivation of a new and mountain country, and was often engaged in similar matches to those just mentioned. Even at THE JUSTIN MORGAN". 139 the age of fifteen we find him entered at a drawing match, that took place at Gen. Butler's tavern, in St. Johnsbirry. Some of his opponents are described by persons present as large, heavy horses, yet they were all beaten by the Justin. We mention these facts to show the great muscular development of the horse, and his kind and tractable temper, rather than as an evi- dence of his value for purposes of heavy draught ; for, although the power of an animal in starting a given weight depends more upon his form and muscular de- velopment than upon mere size, yet size is indispens- able to enable a horse to move off easily upon the road with a heavy load. The quietness and exceedingly 23leasant temper of the Justin Morgan, is strikingly evidenced by the fact that he was often ridden and driven by ladies. A lady of St. Johnsbury once told us she remembered his appearance perfectly, and had repeatedly ridden him, when a girl, to balls and other parties, and spoke with much enthusiasm of his noble appearance, his high spirit, and perfect docility. It is exceedingly difficult to obtain accurate informa- tion respecting the changes in owners that occurred to the horse at different times. To account for this uncer- tainty, we must consider that his fame has been almost entirely posthumous, that although the champion of his neighborhood, he was little valued, on account of his small size ; and it was not until after his death, and his descendants were exhibiting the powers of their sire, in speed, strength, and endurance, in almost every village of Eastern Yermont, that people began to realize they had not properly appreciated him. For 140 THE MORGAN HORSE. this reason, little notice was taken, at that time, of any change of owners, and many persons who very well recollect the horse, recollect nothing of these changes ; and those who claim to recollect them, disagree much as to the dates at which his several owners purchased him. We have made every exertion to collect the most reliable information in relation to this subject, but from the difficulties just mentioned, we fear our chronology may not prove perfectly accurate, but believe it to be in the main correct, and sufficiently so for all practical purposes, as the subject derives its chief importance from the curiosity felt in relation to it, hy those inter- ested in his descendants. As we have before stated, Mr. Morgan used him almost exclusively as a riding horse, though he broke him to harness and occasionally used him in that way. After Mr. Morgan's death, he was sold by the estate to William Eice, of Woodstock, Yt. Mr. Eice used him in the ordinary work of his farm for about two years, or until 1800 or 1801, when Eobt. Evans (who had been constantly on the watch for an opportunity to purchase, since he hired him of Mr. Morgan) bought him. Mr. Evans was a poor man, with a large family, and was what is called a great worker. In addition to the work upon his own place, he was constantly under- taking jobs for his neighbors — clearing land, hauling logs, building fence, &c, &e. The "little horse" was Mr. Evans' only team, and of course his labor was very severe. Mr. Evans kept him three or four years, or until 1804, when he was sued for debt ; Col. John Goss became his bail, took the horse for security, and finally THE JUSTIN MORGAN. 141 paid the debt and kept him. Mr. John Goss v v r as not much of a horseman, and therefore took the horse to his brother, David Goss, of St. Johnsbury, who was quite a horseman, and made arrangements with him to keep him for a stock horse. After David had kept him a year, he was so much pleased with him that he exchanged a fine mare with his brother for him, adding cash or other property. The horse in this trade was valued at one hundred dollars. Mr. David Goss kept him seven years, or until 1811, and it was while owned by him that the Hawkins, Fenton, and Sherman horses were sired. Mr. Goss kept him almost con- stantly at work on his farm, with the exception of about two months in the spring of each year. While his property, although put to hard work, the horse was not overworked or abused, but was properly treated and cared for. David Goss sold him to his son Phillip, and some of his colts about Randolph having grown up and proved valuable, there was some inquiry for the horse in that vicinity, and he was accordingly taken back to that town. This was in 1811. He was now nineteen years old, and those who owned him at different times after this, generally seemed eager to get rid of him, for fear he should die on their hands. Immediately after his return to Randolph, he seems to have been taken care of by Robt. Evans, his former owner, for it was during this year that Bullrush was sired, and he was at that time in the possession of Mr. Evans. Soon after this, or in the autumn of 1811, Phillip Goss sold him to Jacob Sanderson ; Sanderson sold him to a Mr. Langmade, who used the old horse hard, considering his age. He worked him some time in a six-horse 142 THE MORGAN HORSE. team, hauling freight from Windsor to Chelsea. Under this treatment he became thin and poor, and was pur- chased for a trifle by Mr. Chelsea, and shortly after sold by him to Joel Goss, of Claremont, N. H. Mr. Goss kept him one year, and sold him to Mr. Samuel Stone, of Kandolph. Mr. Stone kept him two or three years, or until 1819, when he sold him, and he soon after became the property of Levi Bean, who owned him until his death, which happened in the winter of 1821, at the farm of Clifford Bean, situated about three miles south of the village of Chelsea, Yt. At twenty-nine years of age, no cause need be as- signed for his death but the ravages of time and the usual infirmities of years ; but old age was not the im- mediate cause of his death. He was not stabled, but was running loose in an open yard with other horses, and received a kick from one of them in the flank ; ex- posed without shelter to the inclemency of a northern winter, inflammation set in and he died. Before re- ceiving the hurt which caused his death, he was per- fectly sound, and entirely free from any description of blemish. His limbs were perfectly smooth, clean, free from any swelling, and perfectly limber and supple. Those persons who saw him in 1819 and 1820, describe his appearance as remarkably fresh and youth- ful. Age had not quenched his spirit, nor damped the ardor of his temper ; years of severest labor had not sapped his vigor, nor broken his constitution ; his eye was still bright, and his step firm and elastic. However various may be the opinions different per- sons may entertain respecting the merits of the Justin Morgan, we doubt whether any horse can be instanced, THE JUSTIN MOKGAN. 143 in this or any other country, that has so strikingly im- pressed npon his descendants, to the fifth and sixth generations, his own striking and valnable character- istics ; and it may be safely asserted that the stock of no horse ever bred in this conntry has proved so gener- ally and largely profitable to the breeders of it. The raising of it has made the fortunes of hundreds of indi- viduals, and added hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, to the wealth of Yermont and New Hampshire. CHAPTEK VII. HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE STALLIONS SIRED BY THE JUSTIN MORGAN. It lias frequently been asserted that but four stal- lions were kept for stock that were sired by the Justin Morgan — namely, Bulrush, Sherman, Woodbury, and Revenge. The first we remember to have seen of this statement in print was in a published letter from F. A. "Weir, of Walpole, New Hampshire, that appeared in the "Albany Cultivator," vol. hi., page 19 ; but it may have been published before, and Mr. "Weir may have only copied it. Since that time itehas been printed in many different papers, and by some has been printed in a way that in effect endorses it, and has thus given such currency to it, that it is credited by a great many persons who have a pretty good knowledge of the history of Morgan horses, but do not happen to know of any other stallions kept from the Justin Morgan, except those above mentioned. Thus they are readily led to believe the assertion, as it exactly coincides with their own knowledge on the subject; it does not stop short of what they know, and it goes no farther; but however generally this may have been believed, it is very certain that it is a mis- take. Nothing can be more natural than such an error, as, if it were true, it would be nearly if not quite impossi- (144) o O ► feJ SONS OF THE JUSTIN. 145 ble to prove it ; for to do this, it is necessary to show what was the character, and history until they were grown, of all and each, of the colts sired by the Justin Morgan, through a period of twenty-five years, during which time he was owned by many different individ- uals, and kept at many different places. This we be- lieve cannot be shown. It will at once be seen that the task of substantiating the pedigree of any given number of his colts, is an easy one, compared with that of demonstrating that there were no more. Therefore, while we shall describe the horses mentioned by Mr. "Weir, and also two others, we shall not venture the assertion that but six stallions were kept from the Justin Morgan ; indeed, we do not believe that sucli was the fact ; on the contrary, we have no doubt there were others, and we can only say, that we have been able to obtain no authentic account of more than six. Between all the stallions left bv him there was a very close and striking resemblance, in size, form, and general character, and they also bore equal resemblance to their sire ; indeed, the power of transmitting to bis progeny his own form, constitution and temperament, was a very distinguishing trait of the Justin Morgan, and we believe no horse ever lived that possessed in a higher degree the power of stamping upon his offspring his own great leading characteristics. Although it is not true that only four stallions were kept from the old horse, yet it is true that but four of them became celebrated, and of these four, one (Re- venge) derives his chief celebrity from the association of his name with those of Sherman, Woodbury, and 7 146 THE MORGAN HORSE. Bulrush. Xot that he nor the others we shall mention were necessarily less valuable than the three just named, but accidents of location and ownership will often prevent the most valuable animals from becom- ing well and favorablv known. The important features that characterized the Justin Morgan, his compactness of form, his high and gener- ous spirit, combined with the most perfect gentleness and tractability : his bony, sinewy limbs, his lofty style, and easy but vigorous action, were stronsrlv and strik- inglv im] i sssed upon his offspring. Xot only did his viable qualities descend unimpaired to the next gem r fron, but apparently with little diminution to the second and third : and thus it is that where pains have been taken to select both sires and dams, p ring most of his blood and characteristics y ung: colts may now be found that closely re-emble him in ail import- ant respects, except size, in which there has been a decided increase. We have stated our belief that there were more than six horses kept as stallions, but we think it doubtful whether any stock can be traced to the Fenton horse, and but very little is descended from Eevenge or the Hawkins horse. The Hawkins horse was foaled in 1806, or 1807, the property of Mr. Melvin. of St. Johnsbury, Tt. He a sired by the Justin Morgan, his dam was a bay about fifteen hands night, of fine form and excellent action. She was sired by a black horse brought from Connecticut, and said to have been an imported thorough-bred racer, but it is not probable that he was, as we can find no record of any such importation near HAWKIX5 HOES I. 147 that time, or sufficiently near to render it probable that his dam could have been sired by such a horse. When three years old. Mr. Alelvin sold him to Olney Hawkins, a near neighbor. Hawkins was Captain of a troop, and he bought the colt to use as a parade horse. After keeping him five or six years, he sold him to his brother Stephen. Stephen kept him two years at St. Johnsbury, and then took him to Stanstead. C East. Here the horse remained a few rears, and left some stock. From Stanstead he was taken to Uj st Canada, but after this we are unable to trace him, and do not know where he was kept or when he died. He was a jet black, about fifteen hands high, not quite so compact as his sire, a little taller, and a very little heavier. His shoulders, back and loins. we re excellent. He carried his head high, had a bold, resolute, and vigorous style of action, and was undoubtedly the fastest horse of the six: he was a smart trotter, and a good runner. His eye was a little fierce in its expres- sion, ancf he was inclined to be cross, and not b Tract- able as the rest. He was me of the best acting and finest-looking horses under the saddle ever in the State, The Fenton horse was foaled in 1808, the property of Richard Fenton, of St. Johnsburv. Yt. He was :1 bv the Justin Morgan : dam. a bay of unknown blood, nor can we learn any particulars of any import- ance respecting her form and style, except that she was well known in the neighborhood as an excellent ani- mal. He was a beautiful blood bay, with black les^, mane, and tail ; and about fourteen and a half hands high. He verv closelv resembled his sire, was verv 148 THE MORGAN HORSE. compact and muscular, had the same nervous and vig- orous action, the same lofty and fearless style, and we are inclined to think was one of the best, if not the best, of the Justin's colts. There were but few colts left by him, as when six years old he bit his owner quite severely, and he had him castrated. We cannot learn that any of his colts were kept as stallions. Eevenge was foaled in 1815, the property of Cyrus Moore, of Claremont, N. H. Sired by Justin Morgan. Dam, a light brown with a white stripe in the face, and white hind feet ; she was a smart driver, but did not carry her head high ; nor did she have a good gait, as she sometimes paced. Her sire is not known ; her dam was bay with white in the face, and was owned by Mr. Ball, of Unity, N. II. She paced a good deal, but was very smart. jSTothing is known of her sire or clam, but she was called at that time a " Narra^ansett pacer." Mr. Moore sold Eevenge the autumn after he was two years old to Nehemiah Kice. Mr. Eice kept him two or three years, and sold him to a Mr. Tyler, and he kept him in the vicinity of Claremont until nine years old, when Mr. Moses Wheeler, of Claremont, pur- chased a half interest in him, and the next season pur- chased the other half. After keeping him one year, Mr. Wheeler sold him, and he passed through many different hands. He was kept near Connecticut river at Claremont, Cnyydon, Cornish, AVethersfleld, and intermediate points. In 1885 or 1836, he became the property of Edwin Billings, of Claremont, who kept him until he died. In April, 1837, Mr. Billings drove REVENGE. 149 him to Chester, Vt., intending to go to the western part of the State, but here the horse was taken sick and died suddenly. Eevenge was a dark bay, or light brown. In the spring after shedding his coat he might almost be called a black, but in the winter he was often called a bay ; he was about fourteen and a half hands high, and weighed fully one thousand pounds ; he had less action than either Woodbur}^ or Sherman ; but he had a very close- knit form, with excellent back, loins, hips, and limbs ; * his chest and shoulders were not so fine as some of the others, nor did he have a very smooth, easy gait, but he never paced nor hitched. He had plenty of life, great endurance, and, as one of his owners said to us, " he was an ugly customer to get away from on the road." His stock were dark bay or brown, and occa- sionally chesnut. They had good size, were strong, hardy, and enduring ; generally free drivers, but had not as easy action nor as good style as the stock from the others ; and some of them would both pace and trot. When a colt, Eevenge was frightened by the breaking of some portion of his harness or carriage, and ran away. From the effects of this fright he never fully recovered, and if driven single would pull hard when a little excited, but we have not heard of his ever run- ning, except on the occasion just mentioned. He was perfectly sound. Of his colts, we have been able to learn of but one that was kept a stallion. It was a very dark chestnut, about fifteen hands high, and weighed about ten hundred and fifty pounds. In 1853 he was owned by Mr. John Clark, at Dunham, Canada East, and we think w 150 THE MORGAN HORSE. raised by him at Windsor, Vt., where he formerly lived. This horse had an excellent, open gait, fine style, and was called the fastest horse in his neighborhood. As it has been stated that the dam of Revenge was white, we have taken much pains to obtain the most reliable information upon this point, and have visited several persons who knew her well for years, and knew the colt "Revenge" from the time he was foaled until he died, and without a single exception they describe her color as we have stated it. Sherman was foaled in 1803 or 1809, the property of James Sherman, of I/ynclon, Vt. It has been said, that Sherman was foaled in 1810, and it has also been said that he was foaled in 1811. It is not at all surpris- ing that his age should be understated by a year or two, as the horse who lives to be more than ten years old, loses nothing so easily as one or two years of his age. Our reasons for stating his age as we have, are these : Mr. George Sherman, son of James Sherman, informs us that he has now been married forty-five years, and that in the summer after he was married, his father let him take the horse, then a colt, to keep and use. Mr. Sherman's wife also well recollects the above facts, but neither of them can say positively whether the colt was two or three years old, though both of them think he was three ; and from the fact that Mr. Sherman used him a good deal that summer, it seems most probable that such was his age. Sherman was sired by the Justin. With regard to the blood of his dam, much has been said and a good deal written, but we think little is actually known. SHERMAN. 151 Mr. George Sherman says, his father brought the mare from Cranston, Ehocle Island, to Lyndon, Vermont; that she was a chestnut, of good size, high spirited, and an "elegant" animal; "we called her of Spanish breed." 'The late Hon. Epaphras Seymour, of Brattleboro', Vi, a gentleman of fortune and high standing, and passionately fond of horses, spent much time in endeav- oring to ascertain the pedigree and early history of the Justin Morgan and his descendants. Among the memorandums left by him, now in possession of the Hon. F. Holbrook, which the latter gentleman has kindly permitted us to examine, we find the following : " Matthew Allen, of Guildhall, now seventy years old or over, informs me that James Sherman and himself came from Rhode Island to St. Johnsbmy, in 1799 ; before they left, Mr. John Brown, of Providence, gave Mr. Sherman an imported English mare, of great beauty, a fine saddle-mare, and so used by his daugh- ters (she was then spavined) ; she was a mahogany brown, 15 1-2 hands high, delicate make." Mr. Allen goes on to state, that this mare was the dam of the Sherman. Mr. S. C. Gibbs, of Littleton, New Hampshire, who purchased the horse of Mr. James Sherman, gives the following account of the dam : " She was bought at the South (I think in Virginia), by Mr. John Sherman, of Providence, Rhode Island, who had friends in that State. He purchased her for her beauty and speed. Soon after he returned with her, she unfortunately slipped her hip. He then gave her to his brother James, of Lyndon." 152 THE MORGAN HOESE. It has also been said that the dam was long owned by Nicholas Brown, of Providence, Rhode Island, one of the well-known firm of Brown k Ives, formerly a large importing honse. Mr. George Sherman says, his father bought the mare of Doctor Fiske, of Cranston, Rhode Island. It is of little consequence which of these accounts is correct, as none of them un- dertake to give her pedigree. If either had made an attempt to do this, the question would have possessed more interest and some importance. It certainly con- cerns us little to know, in what manner, or from whom, Mr. Sherman obtained her, if we cannot go beyond that and learn something of her pedigree. We are inclined to think the statement of Mr. Sherman entitled to the most credit, because we think his means of knowing the facts of which he speaks were much superior to the others. His father used the horse several years, valued him highly, and was often interrogated as to the dam. George must have often heard his father describe the circumstances under which he obtained her ; they must have been well known in the family, and the constantly increasing fame of the horse would keep alive in its members the recollection of them, as related by James Sherman. Mr. George Sherman is a man, whose character for the most unwavering honesty has been long and thoroughly established, where he is known. Whoever may have bred the mare, and whether of Spanish or English descent, it is certain she was a fine animal. She was chestnut, with three white feet, and a white stripe in the face. Her head was good, ears small, neck light and rather long ; not very compactly formed and never " carried much flesh." She carried SHERMAN. 153 her head high, w r as a spirited traveller, and an excellent saddle beast. She was very pleasant tempered, and worked kindly in all places. " Sherman" was a bright chestnut, about thirteen and three-quarters hands high, and weighed nine hundred and twenty-five pounds. His 'off hind-leg Avas white from the foot halfway to the hock, and he had a small white stripe in the face ; his head was lean and well shaped, ears small and fine, eyes inclined to be small, but full, prominent and lively ; his legs had some long hairs upon the back-side, but were broad, flat and sinewy. He had a capital chest, with the breast-bone very prominent; the shoulders were large and well placed, the neck excellent, the mane and tail full, but not remarkably heavy. His hips were long and deep ? the loins broad and muscular, but he w r as a little hollow or " sw ay-backed ;" still, no suspicion of a weak back could attach to him, or he would have broken down under the rough treatment he received in early life. When four years old, Mr. Sherman put him to hard work, and though for about two months in the spring of each year he worked but little, yet the remainder of the year his labor was very severe. Mr. Sherman w^as a hard working man, and animals under his charge had few opportunities to rest. Most of the year the horse was kept constantly at work on the farm ; much of which he helped to "clear up." In the winter, Mr. Sherman usually ran a team steadily from Lyndon, Vermont, to Portland, Maine. For several years, this team consisted of this horse, and a half brother, sired by the Justin Morgan, a year older and a little larger than Sherman. Mr. Sherman was not a man to be outdone at drawing r# 154 THE MORGAN HORSE. or driving, and Tie was always ready to match, his team against any he met, either to draw or run, for a triflinsr waffer. His "little team "became famous at every inn from Lyndon to Portland, and after a time the teamsters that knew them were afraid to match horses of any size against them. In the spring, when the sleighing became poor, the men who had been com- panions through the winter in the severe labor of team- ing across the country, would often congregate at the village taverns, to spin yarns of their simple but rough adventures, engage in wrestling, running foot and horse races, drawing matches, and many games invented to test the speed or strength of either men or horses. In addition to these attractions, the prospect of a social glass of " Old Santa Cruz," may have had some influ- ence in drawing together the people collected on these occasions, for it was at that time considered a pleasant beverage, and it was not generally known to be a subtle poison. Certain it is that these games were well at- tended, and were conducted with much spirit. Drawing- matches were at that time very common. At Lyndon, the usual way of drawing was to attach a horse to a sled, fill it with men, and draw the load up a steep hill just north of the tavern. "When each his utmost strength had shown" Sherman would add a small boy to the largest load and commence the ascent, well satis- fied if he could gain two or three feet at a pull, for nothing discouraged his horse, and it was difficult to load him so that he could not move a little. These facts are perfectly well known to many persons now living at Lyndon, and we mention them, not from any intrinsic interest they may possess, but having SHERMAN. 155 said that Sherman was slightly hollow-backed, we thought it necessary to show, that if so, his back was by no means weak. Such was the kind of service to which Mr. Sher- man put his horse from the time he was four years old until he was about ten, when he sold him to Stephen C. Gibbs, of Littleton, New Hampshire, in 1819. Mr. Gibbs kept him one year, and sold him to John Buckminster, of Danville, Vermont, but Mr. Gibbs had charge of him two years longer. After this, he was kept at Danville and vicinity until 1829, when he was purchased of Mr. Buckminster by Mr. John Bellows, of Lancaster, N. H. r ftie summer of 1829 he was kept at Littleton, N. H., in charge of Stephen C. Gibbs ; in 1830 he was kept at Dover and vicinity ; in 1831 he was at Col. Jaques' Ten Hills Farm, Charlestown, Mass. ; in 1832 he was at Dover, and Durham, X. H. ; in 1833 he was kept at Lancaster, N. H. ; and in 1834, at Dover and vicinity. He died at Mr. Bellows' stable, in Lancaster, the 9th of January, 1835. The cause of his death is unknown. He was left at ten o'clock in the morning apparently perfectly well, and at one o'clock in the afternoon was found dead. With the exception of some slight indications of age, he was apparently as free from every species of blemish or infirmity, the morning of the day he died, as when he was foaled. His skin has been preserved and stuffed, and may still be seen at the stable of Mr. George Bel- lows, at Lancaster, K. H. Sherman had not so bold and resolute a style of action, and was not so nervous and high tempered as Woodbury ; nor was he, in the language of the stable, 156 THE MORGAN HOUSE. so well "finished up;" but lie was more tractable, was exceedingly spirited, and a keen, rapid driver — possessed great powers of endurance, a free and noble spirit that needed neither whip nor spur, and courage that never flagged. Woodlury, sometimes called the Burbank horse, and known in Windsor county as the Walker horse, was foaled the latter part of May, 1816, the property of Lyman Wight, of Tunbriclge, Vt. It has been said, that he was raised by a " Mr. White," but this is a mistake that would easily occur ; the pronunciation of the two names^s almost the same, and the latter being much more commonly used, the name has been misun- derstood. Woodbury was sired by the Justin Morgan. Of the blood of his dam, we are unable to learn any- thing. At the time the colt was foaled, Mr. Lyman Wight was a young man, about eighteen years old, and the dam belonged to his father, William Wight, who had loaned her to his son for the purpose of raising a colt. She was five years old when the colt was born. Mr. Wight purchased her the year before, of a Maj. John Moulton, of Bethel, Vt., who brought her into that town. She was large, being over fifteen hands high, and weighed about eleven hundred pounds ; she was of a deep bay color, with black legs, mane and tail, a small white spot in the forehead, and no other marks. She was not very compactly made, and was rather flat- ribbed ; but she had an excellent chest, fine shoulders and hips, and excellent limbs. Her head was very fine, ears good, and mane and tail beautiful. She carried her head high, was a very free, spirited driver, and was WODPBURT. 157 called fast at that time. She both paced and trotted, generally starting in the former gait, and after going a short distance changing it for a trot. When trotting:, she made a fine appearance, and going fast attracted much attention. She was a very fast walker. The autumn after the colt was foaled, about the usual time of weaning, Mr. Wight sold him to David Woodbury, of Bethel, Vt., for fifty dollars. Mr. Woodbury kept him until grown, and sold him to his brother John. John had a taste for good horses, and in his hands the horse began to be a little known. He kept him at Bethel and the neighboring towns a few years, and sold him to Ebenezer Parkhurst, who kept him in the same neighborhood until March, 1826, when he sold him to Simon Smith and Wm. Walker, of Hartland, Vt., for five hundred dollars. Soon after this, Messrs. Smith and Walker dissolved partnership, Mr. Walker keeping Woodbury. Mr. Walker had a passion for horses ; he saw and appreciated the remarkable features of the Justin Morgan and his stock, and took much pains to bring them into notice ; but like many a pioneer in a new business, he could not make it pay, and being a man of small means, he was compelled to "sacrifice his horse," as he terms it, "for the insignifi- cant sum of four hundred dollars," and sold him to Peter Burbank, Esq., of Newbury, Vt. Mr. Burbank was a lawyer, and not a farmer or breeder, but he was fond of horses and had a discriminating eye for their good points, and having seen the Woodbury at Keene, 1ST. H., he (in his own words) "fell in love with him at first sight." Fearing to trust to his own judgment alone, he consulted Jesse Johnson, of Bradford, Vt., a 158 THE MORGAN HORSE. gentleman who not only possesses excellent taste as to the proper style and general figure of a fine horse, but has also that close, critical eye, that seems almost at a glance to take in all the minute defects of form that a more careless observer might fail to discover. Mr. Johnson did not foil to perceive the extraordinary merits of the horse, and advised Mr. Burbank to pur- chase him, which he did the 20th of May, 1830. From this time until 1836, he was taken charge of by Jesse Johnson and Brothers, and kept at their place in Brad- ford, Vt., during the winter and latter part of the sum- mer and autumn of each year, and one or two years during all the seasons. During the years 1830 and 1831, he remained at their stable at Bradford. The season of 1832, he was kept at Keene, N. EL; the season of 1833, he was kept at Burlington, Yt., and the seasons of 1835 and 1836, he was kept at Bradford and vicinity. In September, 1836, Mr. Burbank having died, the ad- ministrators of his estate sold him to Norman Baglee, of Alabama, who took him to Gainesville, in that State, where he died in 1838, being twenty-two years old. "Woodbury was fourteen and three-quarters hands high, and weighed from nine hundred and eighty-eight pounds to ten hundred and forty pounds; he was weighed several times, and these two statements of his weight, at different times, are the extremes. Many persons who have frequently seen him weighed, say they never knew him weigh more than ten hundred and thirty, nor less than ten hundred and fifteen pounds. lie was a dark, rich chestnut; his off hind-leg was white from the foot half wav to the hock, and he had a white stripe in his face, beginning at the edge of the WOODBURY. 159 apper-lip, filling the space between the nostrils, and extending more than half way to his eyes. His mane was not very thick, or long, and was lighter than either of the others, still it was full. His tail was cut off when a colt, and left about ten inches long : the hair ' CD 1 was very full, and curly ; both mane and tail were about the same color as his body. The hair on the body was fine, short and soft. He was close and compactly built, with heavy quarters and deep flanks ; his chest was good and the shoulders finely shaped ; he had a short back, and broad, sinewy loins. His legs had some long hairs on the back-side, but were well shaped, somewhat larger than Sherman's and not so large as Bulrush's. His head was small and lean, with a fine, firm muzzle, the nostrils very large and full, face straight, very wide between the eyes, which were dark hazel, very large and prominent, and showed no white around the edge of the lid. His ears were small and fine, but rather short, and set somewhat wider apart than many would consider consistent with perfect beauty. His style of action was bold and resolute, and his temperament was so nervous, that when taken out with a bridle it was almost impossible to keep him still. He was a good driver and appeared well in harness, but he appeared to the best advantage under the saddle. Militia Colonels and Generals were eager to ride him, and no "musters" or reviews could pass without his being seen; in his case, to be seen was to be admired. His disposition was pleasant and playful. As has been said, he was taken to Gainesville, Ala., in the autumn of 1836, being then twenty years old. He was shipped from Boston, on board a small sailing 160 THE MORGAN HORSE. vessel ; lie suffered much from the long and stormy passage, and never fully recovered from the effects of it. It is altogether likely that the climate and food did not agree with him, for neither was such as he had been accustomed to ; however this may be, it is certain he continued to fail until he died in 1838. Woodbury was the largest of these horses, and possessed in a greater degree the bold, fearless and showy style of their sire ; he was more nervous, and less tractable than Sherman, better under the saddle, not so pleasant in harness, and we are inclined to think hardly as good a roadster. His form was more symmetrical than either of the others ; his breast was not so full and prominent as Sherman's ; he was deeper in the flanks and better quartered. No horse ever had less fear. Martial music only roused him, the firing of guns in no way disturbed him, waving flags and gay uni- forms seemed hardly able to attract from him a single glance, and he moved about as if he was himself the principal object of attraction and the cause of all the attending excitement and display. Bulrush was foaled in 1812 or 1813. Of this we think there can be no reasonable doubt, although it has been stated that he was foaled in 1816. We have con- sulted persons who owned both Bulrush and Woodbury, and they all agree that Bulrush was the oldest of the two. Now, there is no question but that Woodbury was foaled in 1816, and if Bulrush was older, it is altogether probable that he was more than one year older, for the Justin Morgan was taken to Claremont early in the spring of 1814, and remained there one year, and the 3 o w a CD BULRUSH. 161 dam of Bulrush was owned in Eandolph, Yt., the year he was sired, so that in the absence of any other tes- timony, we might very reasonably conclude that he was not foaled later than 1814; but the testimony of Chester Belknap is clear and direct, that he was foaled in 1812. Mr. Belknap was married in 1819 ; his father, who raised the horse, owned him at that time, and soon after sold him to Abel Densmore, of Chelsea, Yt. ; he was then seven years old. This statement of Mr. Belknap's, in relation to the age of Bulrush, is confirmed by many persons who knew him well, and there can hardly be a doubt that it is correct. The blood of the dam of Bulrush is unknown. She was a dark bay, with black legs, and heavy black mane and. tail ; she was low and compact, had heavy limbs, with large joints, neck rather long, a good head, but did not carry it up very well ; she was a sharp trotter, but was not a very spirited driver ; she was said to be, and had the appearance of being, part French. She was owned by Mr. Moses Belknap, of Eandolph, Yt., at the time Bulrush was sired. Mr. Belknap obtained her of a Mr. Boutwell, a teamster from Montpelier, Yt., who worked her in a six-horse team, hauling merchandise and produce between Mont- pelier and Boston. She was a very rugged, hardy, en- during animal, but Mr. Boutwell thought her too small for his business, and he exchanged her with Mr. Belk- nap for a larger horse. She weighed about ten hundred pounds. Mr. Belknap sold her late in the winter, when in foal by Justin Morgan, to Ziba Gilford, Esq., of Tun- bridge, Yt., Mr. GifYord to keep the colt until four months old and return it to Mr. Belknap, or pay thir- 162 THE MORGAN HORSE. teen dollars more and keep it. Mr. Gifford preferred to return the colt and did so. Mr. Belknap kept Bulrush in Tunbridge and vicin- ity, until 1819, when he sold him to Abel Densmore, of Chelsea, Vt. Mr. Densmore sold him to Darius Sprague, of Randolph, Vt., who sold him March 8th, 1826, to Messrs. Simon Smith and William Walker, of Hartland, Vt., for three hundred and fifty dollars. They kept him at Hartland. and vicinity, until they dissolved partnership in 1829, when Mr. Smith took Bulrush to Maidstone, Vt. He kept him one year at Chelsea and two years in the State of Maine, and in 1833 sold him to Jesse Johnson and Brothers, of Bradford, Vt. The season of 1833 he was kept at Bradford, Vt., and Bath, N. H. ; the season of 1834 at Keene, N". H. ; the season of 1835, at Lyme, N. EL, and "Bradford, Vt. ; and the season of 1836, at Burlington, Vt. During the winter of 1836 and 1837, the Messrs. Johnson sold him to Messrs. Blake and Foss, of Chelsea, Vt., who kept him in that town until 1812, when they sold him to Lewis Jenkins, of Fairlee, Vt., who kept him at Fairlee until he sold him to F. A. Weir, of Walpole N. II., who kept him until he died in 1848. Bulrush was a dark bay, with a few white hairs in his forehead, and no other marks ; his legs, mane and tail were black, and his. mane and tail were very heavy — the former came down nearly to Lis knees, and his foretop came down to his nose ; his tail was cut off when voung and left about nine or ten inches long: his legs were large and had some long hair, were close- jointed, broad, flat, and exhibited a more striking de- BULRUSH. 163 velopment of muscle than either Woodbury's or Sher- man's ; his back was not so short as either of the others', but it was very broad, and he was freer from any im- putation of sway-back than any of his brothers, though towards the close of his life he indeed fell away in his loins, as is always the case in old stallions. His hips were very good, but not so long as Sherman's, and he was not so well quartered as Woodbury, but he was dee|3er in the chest than either of them ; his shoulders were thicker and not so well placed, and his head and neck were not so well set up. He was not so proud, bold and lofty in his carriage as Woodbury, and he had not Sherman's short, nervous step, and tractable but high-spirited temper ; but he was a sharp, quick driver, and a faster trotter than either of them. He was a little inclined to be cross, but was not fierce, or in any respect unmanageable ; on the contrary, he was very kind in harness, always working pleasantly wherever put. His most remarkable characteristic was his power of endurance. For this, we think it is generally ad- mitted, he had no rival ; and his extraordinary lasting- ness has become proverbial where he was known. His stock bear a strong resemblance to him, and are very numerous-; are mostly dark bay without marks, never sorrel or light chestnut ; occasionally a dark gray, from a white mare, may be found. Bulrush was about four- teen hands high, and weighed about one thousand pounds. Bulrush, Sherman, and Woodbury, were treated very much alike. Until after ten years old, each of them was employed most of the time at the ordinary team-work of a farm, and at no period of their lives did 164 THE MORGAN HORSE. they have any more care than the common horses of the country ; and never had much knowledge of thick blankets and warm stables, but were early inured to the labor and hardship, fatigue and exposure, incident to a new and mountainous country and a cold climate. It is not improbable that the cold, dry atmosphere, and pure water of our mountains, has contributed as much as the rich pastures of our valleys to the stoutness, courage and lastingness of our horses. "We have thus slightly sketched the more obvious distinctions and general characteristics of these cele- brated sons of the original or Justin Morgan. While they differed in the particulars we have herein set forth (which, difference was rather in the degree, than the nature of their qualities,) they all possessed the great and striking features of their distinguished sire. The same compactness of form, great muscular development, hardy, rugged constitution, docility and tractableness, short, easy, rapid step, eager ambition and lofty courage, so remarkable in him, were found in each of them in a high degree. Through these noble channels, the blood of the Justin Morgan has been poured profusely into the hitherto hardy stock of Vermont, conveying not only the very form of the great original, but all his unrivalled vigor, grace, and ease of motion, combined with his docility and matchless courage. CHAPTER VIII. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT FAMILIES AND THEIR DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS. Any disinterested reader of the articles that have at various times appeared in the sporting and agricultural magazines of the country, written by persons interested in the different families of thorough-breds, cannot fail to have noticed that a great diversity of opinion exists among them, as to the relative value of the stock of these different families. They may agree perfectly as to the unrivalled excellence of some common ancestor, but differ widely as to the relative merits of the differ- ent families descended from him. They will unite in an effort to make it appear that Diomed was the finest horse ever imported to this country ; but, guided by different tastes or diverse interests, will make a corre- sponding effort to advance the claims of particular fam- ilies descended from him. • One asserts that Sir Archy was far the most worthy of his sons, and points exult- ingly to the unrivalled speed and beauty of Sir Henry ; while another with equal confidence sustains the claims of Duroc to this distinction, and triumphantly refers to the unequalled power and endurance of Eclipse. Again, another interested, perhaps, in other strains of blood says : Sir Henry was too small, and believes Eclipse derived his lasting endurance from Messenger or Ginr crack. (166) 166 THE MORGAN HORSE. So it is with persons interested in different families descended from the Justin Morgan. They find no difficulty in agreeing as to his merit, but do not at all asnree as to the merit of his celebrated sods. Some, while they manifest a decided preference to one branch do not deny that the others possess some valuable qualities. While others, less candid, or more strongly influenced by interest, deny that any other family save that to which their own animals belong is deserving of any notice. We do not pretend that* this is by any means universal — on the contrary, we are well aware that there are many candid, thoughtful, and intelligent breeders, who, although breeding from but one family, yet freely admit that while they have a preference for one branch, they cannot deny that either of the others may possess qualities equally valuable. It is not to be supposed that these families were exactly alike. We have in a former chapter endeavored to point out the points in which the heads of these families differed from one another, so is there a noticeable difference in their descendants. It does not necessarily follow that because there is a noticeable difference between two animals, there must be a corresponding difference in value; for we cannot lay down abstract rules so that the business for which the horse is wanted being given, we may determine his value, by any application of avoirdupois measure or Gunter's rule. Two horses may be so nearly equal in vnlue that the very best horsemen may honestly differ in choosing between them ; and yet they may be so dissimilar that a child can mark the difference. Besides, there are many points connected with what DIFFERENT FAMILIES. 167 fanciers call the "finish." of a horse, that are as ex- clusive matters of taste as the style of a lady's dress — such as the expression of the eye, the color, the relative proportion of bone and muscle, the temperament, style of movement, &c. Should any one succeed in defining clearly what he considered superlative excellence in these particulars — he would only have succeeded in publishing his own taste in the matter, instead of establishing any general rule by which others would be guided. For these reasons, we cannot be too cautious in deciding upon the relative value of different animals closely resembling each other in all their most striking and leading charac- teristics. Therefore, we shall not attempt to decide which of these families possesses the most valuable qualities, but shall content ourselves with endeavoring to show the principal points in which they differ. There can be said to be but three distinct families of Morgan horses, namely, the Bulrush, Sherman and Woodbury. For although the Hawkins horse left some stock about Derby and Stanstead, and Eevenge some in the vicinity of Claremont, K. H., yet there are not now a sufficient number of animals living descended from these stallions to entitle them to be classed as dis- tinct families. The Bulrush family are most numerous iri that portion of the States of Vermont and New Hampshire lying on Connecticut river, between Wind- sor and Newbury. They are almost invariably deep bays or browns, with black legs, manes and tails ; in this respect they differ from the other families, and also in their general (we might almost say universal) free- dom from any marks, such as white feet or white spots 168 THE MORGAN HORSE. in the face. They have large limbs, wide, flat and muscular, sometimes inclined to be a little coarse, but the joints are good, and the whole limb very large in proportion to the size of the animal. We do not recol- lect ever seeing a spavin or a ringbone on a Bulrush horse. They exhibit great development of muscle, and in point of size are fully equal to the average of Morgans. They have not so bright, lively and intelligent eyes as the other families, though the eye is by no means dull or stupid. They do not carry their heads as high, nor have they as bold and eager an expression as the Wood- burys, and they have not as graceful and easy motion as the Shermans, but for lastingness and power of en- durance, we believe they have no rivals in this, or any other country, among Morgan's or any other breed. There is really some ground for the assertion a jockey acquaintance once made to us, that " a smart active boy would wear out a wrought-iron rocking-pony, sooner than a grown up man could break down the constitution of a Bulrush horse." In addition to this power of en- durance, they are generally sharp, keen drivers, and many of them are fast. They are not excitable, never fret upon the road ; but are busy, industrious workers. Some of this family have considerable long hair upon the legs, and others are entirely free from it ; most of them have very heavy manes and tails. The Woodbury family are found most numerous in the central part of the State of "Vermont. There are also many along the Connecticut Kiver, between Brat- tleboro' and Newbury. The founders of this and of the Bulrush families were bred close together and re- mained near each other most of their lives ; hence their DIFFERENT FAMILIES. 169 descendants are found in the same vicinity. The aver- age size of the Woodburys, we believe to be greater than either of the other families. They are deeper in the flanks, with heavier quarters, but not so heavy in the chest. Some are inclined to be hollow-backed, and in this respect differ from the Bulrushes. They have an exceedingly bold, lofty and resolute style of action, and are overflowing with spirit and nervous energy. They are generally very tractable, but eager and rest- less; are full of ambition and cat-like activity, that makes them favorite horses for parade. Their prevail- ing color is chestnut or bay, often with a white stripe or star in the face, and white on one or both of the hind- feet. Only a few of this family have any long hair on the legs above the fetlocks, and they do not generally have as heavy manes and tails as the other families. They have a shorter gait than the Bulrushes, and are spirited, pleasant drivers. The limbs, with the excep- tion that they are freer from long hairs, closely resemble the limbs of the Shermans, being not so large as the limbs of the Bulrushes. They have generally a softer coat than either of the other families. The "Woodburys have the largest, most prominent and brightest eyes of any of the Morgans. The fore- head is also very broad and the muzzle good, but in some of them the jowls are not so well shaped as the others. The Shermans are most numerous in that part of the State between Newbury and the Canada line, and the neighboring parts of New Hampshire, about Brow- nington, Derby, and Stanstead, and in Addison county. "We think the Shermans are generally smaller than the 8 170 THE MORGAN HOESE. Woodburys. They are more inclined to be hollow- backed — but their backs are very short, with wide, full and exceedingly muscular loins, so that although some of them may be called hollow-backed, yet we venture to say that none of them were ever known to have weak backs. They are deeper in the chest, with a more prominent breast bone, and lighter quarters than the Woodburys. Their limbs are superlatively good ; and although they oftener have more long hair upon them than the Woodburys, yet underneath this hair will invariably be found a hard, sinewy limb, free from windgalls or any other unsoundness. They have a shorter gait than the Bulrushes, and do not raise their feet as high in travelling. They have not so bold, eager, and commanding a style of action as the Woodburys ; but we think they have a better temper for driving, and full as much spirit; and nothing can exceed their courage on the road. They have a more rapid walk than either of the other fami- lies, and an exceedingly short, nervous step that creeps up the longest hills at a rate that would surprise a person unacquainted Avith them. They are easily broken to harness, and, though spirited, are very gentle and tractable, and may be easily taught to stand with- out fastening wherever left. A little circumstance that came under our own observation will illustrate this. Sitting one evening in the hotel at St. Johnsbury, Vt, and talking with a conductor of the Passumpsic Kail- road, we said to him that we understood he had a very smart little mare of the Sherman family. He said he had, that she was out in the street before a cutter, and as the night was not very dark, proposed that we should DIFFERENT FAMILIES. 171 go out and look at her. "We went out upon the steps, but did not notice any animal about the premises. However, our friend commenced calling "Nelly! Nelly ! here Nelly !" and sure enough the mare, who was standing on the opposite side of the street, and some six or seven rods from us, pricked up her ears, and immediately came over to the place where we were standing. We jumped into the sleigh and took a turn down the street, the mare proving herself as spirited as she was gentle. The Shermans, like the Woodburys, are generally chestnut or bay, chestnut being the prevailing color, light chestnut being more common in this than the other families. A white stripe or star in the face, and white hind feet, are very common. We think the Shermans have the best action in harness, and the Woodbury s the best action under the saddle, or moving without saddle or harness at the end of a bridle rein. Persons unaccustomed to use horses except under the saddle may not understand in what this difference consists, and we will endeavor to explain. To appear well upon a parade or fair ground, under the saddle, or led, the horse must have a good figure, with abundance of muscle, the head must be carried high, and he must be overflowing with life and nervous energy, that keeps him constantly in graceful and active motion. His movements are comparatively unrestrained. If he champs his bit, and tosses his mane with excitement, it will not injure his appearance, provided he exhibits a pleasant temper, and yields cheerfully and readily to the authority of his master. To appear well in harness, the horse must have a 172 THE MORGAN HORSE. figure equally good, the same museular development, and exhibit a high spirit, but he must have less eager- ness, he must have submitted himself perfectly to the control of his driver. He must carry his head high, but must keep it constantly and easily in that position ; he must move directly forward without any prancing or sidelong motion, and' must move invariably in a walk or trot ; in short, he must be a perfect and beau- tiful machine, guided by a touch, and controlled by a word. If touched with the whip, he mast not bound with fright or ill temper, nor if possessed of the right temper will he fail to notice it — on the contrary, he will not soon forget it, and the driver who ventures to administer the blow will find ample evidence, in the increased and steady pull upon the reins, that it did not pass unnoticed. While thus moving like some beautiful machine, and submitting wholly to control, every movement must appear perfectly easy and natu- ral, and there should be no appearance of restraint, just as all the attitudes and gestures of the finished actor appear spontaneous and natural, when in fact they are all studied and artificial. Black Hawk and Green Mountain (in the list of pedigrees he is called Green Mountain second, to dis- tinguish him from an older horse of the same name) will illustrate our meaning : they are both fine speci- mens of the race, and are both widely and favorably known. Aside from his speed, the reputation of Black Hawk as an elegant driving horse is too thoroughly established to be in any way increased or diminished, by what we might say of him, and we refer to him only to illustrate our meaning. He comes nearer to DIFFERENT FAMILIES. 173 our beau ideal of a perfect driving horse than any other animal we have ever seen. Possessed of abun- dance of spirit and life, there is also manifest a quiet- ness and evenness of temper that makes him under all circumstances perfectly controllable ; his step is nervous and elastic, but no unnecessary steps are taken. His style of movement is bold and fearless, while every motion is instinct with grace. But he has not that ex- uberant, overflowing, and irrepressible spirit of action that prevents him from being a moment at rest. Green Mountain is rarely if ever exhibited in harness, and properly enough, for although we have no doubt he is a fine driving horse, yet it is not in that capacity he appears to the best advantage. While under the sad- dle, or led by a bridle rein, in style of movement — in muscular development — in spirit and action — he need not fear comparison with any horse living. There is a boldness in his style, a fire in his eye, and an unceas- ing play to every muscle, that once seen by a person having any taste for a horse will never be forgotten. In boldness and gracefulness of style he resembles Grey Eagle of Kentucky, but has more fire in his eye, and is more unceasing in his action. In drawing a comparison between the different fam- ilies, and in endeavoring to point out those qualities which as families they possess in different degrees, it will be readily seen that we can lay down no general rules of this kind that will not have many exceptions ; for in many respects these distinctions are so slight that they are often unnoticed, and the fact that the different families are now being crossed with each 174 THE MORGAN HORSE. other, is gradually effacing these distinctions. This crossing of the different families, if properly conducted, will, we believe, be of great benefit, and tend much to the improvement of the race, and should be fostered and encouraged by our agricultural societies. There has in some instances been manifested a disposition among persons owning stock of one of these families, to endeavor to establish the reputation of their own animals by denying the good qualities of their neigh- bors. This is a weakness that is not confined to Ver- mont, but we suppose must be found everywhere so long as human nature is frail : still, however common it may be, it is none the less a weakness. We say "weak- ness," for, although slandering a neighbor's stock is a gross wrong, yet is it pre-eminently a weakness, and no really shrewd and intelligent man will ever be guilty of it, for it is always sure to re-act with twofold force upon him who resorts to it. The breeder whose stock has so little merit of its own that it must be bolstered up by detracting some- thing from his neighbors, we earnestly exhort to sell out at once, and purchase some that can rely solely upon its own merits for distinction ; for, if it is wanting in merit, no art can bring it into repute, and keep it long in favor ; and, if it is superior, be satisfied with exhibit- ing it to the public, and rest assured that there will not be wanting men with sagacity enough to see and appreciate it. , : ■ /f-f/r/v'"/',//^ < — o [('TiW (W®1« CHAPTER IX. PRESENT CONDITION OF THIS STOCK IN VERMONT. To understand well the present condition of this breed of horses, it will be necessary to glance at the original horse and his immediate descendants, and contrast them with stallions of repute of that blood of the present day. For although such a comparison in no way assists us to determine the height, weight, or any other qualities of the breed as they now exist, yet it is indispensably necessary to enable us to ascer- tain whether any change has taken place in their gen- eral character, and if so, what that change is. From a careful consideration of all the most reliable accounts of the Justin Morgan, he was about fourteen hands high, and his weight, in good condition, not far from nine hundred and fifty pounds. His weight is only obtained by estimate, as there is no account of his having been weighed; and, as weigh- ing live animals was by no means common at that day, it is highly probable that it was never accurately ascer- tained. His height we undoubtedly have more nearly exact, for horsemen who knew him are much better agreed as to that, and they would judge much more accurately of his height from the fact that height was the usual measure of size at that time. In a previous chapter we have described the most celebrated animals sired by him, and those from which (175) 176 THE MORGAN HORSE. our present stock is entirely derived. From a com- parison of the height and weight of these animals, namely, the Sherman, Bulrush, and Woodbury, with the sire, we shall see that they were both taller and heavier. Between these three horses there was a very strik- ing resemblance in all their leading characteristics, as we have already seen ; and each exhibited in a high degree those qualities that have given such celebrity to their sire. All had the compact form, the wide bony legs, great nervous energy, vigorous health and iron constitution, that enabled them to endure for years the severest labor upon scanty feed, and with little care, not only without breaking down, but without receiving the slightest injury. At the age of twenty we see them exhibiting constitutions as unimpaired, limbs as free from any sort of blemish, and almost as supple and as sinewy as when first broken to harness, and at even a later date showing upon all occasions the same high courage and invincible spirit that was so marked a characteristic of the Justin Morgan, never failing to attract and fasten the attention of the most disinterested observer. In these great qualities little room was left for improvement, and perhaps the most that can be expected is to maintain their reputation in these respects. In these traits of spirit and temper, as well as in their size and general form, we believe they approach much nearer the Arabian or the English thorough-bred of a century since, than does the race- horse of the present day. This we think will appear evident from a comparison of the best specimens of the Morgans with the likenesses of the most celebrated HIS PRESENT CONDITION. 177 thorough-breds of the last century, and with the de- scriptions given by all travellers of the Arabian, as he exists in his native deserts, and also with the portraits of the most fashionable thorongh-breds of the present day in this country. To show his resemblance to the En°-lish thorough- bred of a hundred years ago, we have placed at the head of this chapter a portrait of the celebrated horse Gimcrack, copied from an engraving of him published in the second volume of the "American Turf Eegister and Sporting Magazine." We have selected this horse, not because the Morgan horse more nearly resembles him than others of his time, but because he was one of the most noted horses of that day in England, and both he and his descendants have been justly celebrated for their speed and endurance. Accompanying the portrait of Gimcrack, in the "American Turf Eegister," is a short Memoir of him, from which we extract the following : "Gimcrack, the sire of Medley, was one of the most remarkable horses of his day in England. He was a gray, and called the ' little gray horse Gimcrack,' foaled in 1760 ; got by Cripple, a son of the Godolphin Arabian ; dam, Miss Elliott, by Griswood's Partner ; grand dam, Celia, by Partner ; Bloody Buttocks, Grey- hound, Blockesby, Betty. Gimcrack was one of the severest running and hardest bottomed horses that ever ran in England; although small, yet his ability to carry weight was very great, for he frequently gave the odds as high as twenty-eight pounds, and he con- tinued on the turf until eleven years of age, thereby showing his uncommon hardiness of constitution and 178 THE MORGAN HORSE. firmness of limbs. * * * * * Gimcrack had acquired such fame and celebrity that his last proprie- tor left him a length of time at Tattersall's for the inspection of the public." A careful comparison of this portrait with the cuts in this volume, and vv r ith those of the fashionable thorough- breds of the present day, will show that the Morgans bear the closest resemblance to the Arabian or thorough-bred of a hundred years since. Little or no change seems to have taken place in color in the progress of the race, bays and chestnuts being the prevailing color of the Morgans, as it is of the race- horse. It will be remembered that of the three stallions — the Woodbury, Bulrush, and Sherman — two were chestnut and the other bay, and these are now the only colors often met with. In speaking of the breed as they now exist, it will be understood by the intelligent reader that no notice will be taken of animals having only a slight tinge of Morgan blood, but only of those bred from Morgan stallions of repute where they are known. The only important exception we have known to this general rule of color is in the case of Black Hawk, who is jet black, and takes his color from the dam. Yery many of his colts take their color from him, but some of them do not ; and when not black they are almost invariably bays or chestnuts. It is a curious fact that most of his colts, which take their general color from him, have the white stripe in the face, and the white hind feet that belonged to their grand sire, the Sherman.. It is probable that the short fare and hard service to HIS PRESENT CONDITION. 179 which the original Morgans were put, somewhat checked their growth, so that they had less size than they would have had under better fare and less severe labor. It is certain that the true Morgans of the present day are decidedly larger than the original stock. First let us compare some of the most noted of the grandsons of the Justin Morgan with him, and we shall see that they are, or were, larger. Black Hawk, height 14 hands, weight 1000 pounds ; Royal Morgan or Crane horse, height 13 £ hands, weight 1020 pounds; Gilford, height 14| hands, weight 1000 pounds ; Barker horse, height 15 hands, weight 1075 pounds; Morgan Emperor, height 15 hands, weight 1025 pounds; Morgan Trotter, height 14| hands, weight 1050 pounds. These are taken equally from the Bulrush, Sher- man, and Woodbury branches, and were all of them noted stallions. By an examination of any consider- able number of stallions of this breed as now kept, any good judge will be satisfied that the race has de- cidedly increased in size. To show that the above opinion, formed at first by the eye after examining a great number of these horses, is correct, we have resorted to the United States Agricultural Society's published report of their exhibition at Boston, in Octo- ber, 1855. The number of stallions exhibited was one hundred and thirty ; and of these, seventy were of Morgan blood. The weight of twenty -five of these is given, but three of them are four years old and under. Excepting these, because not fully grown, the average weight of the remaining twenty-two is 1040 pounds. This we think may be considered a very fair 180 THE MORGAN HORSE. statement of the average weight of these horses, as among them were horses of every size that can be found of this breed in our State. It is certain that the size has been increased. As to their compactness, strength of constitution, and power of endurance, we can see no reason for believing that there has been any deterioration. That they have retained their compactness, is so evident and so well known, as to admit of no question ; and the eagerness with which they are purchased by the stage, omnibus, hack, and livery stable owners throughout the country, seems to us the highest evidence that the Morgan's constitution is yet sound, and his powers of endurance still equal to the most laborious service. There is no breed of horses among which there cannot be found unsound individuals ; and too severe work and brutal treatment will sometimes bring founder, ringbone or spavin, broken wind, debility and disease, upon the finest limbs and the hardiest constitution; but we believe no breed of horses can be pointed to in this country more generally free from every descrip- tion of unsoundness than the Morgan. Little or no change seems to have taken place in the head and neck. The same light, lean head, small, pointed, and sensitive ears ; the same brilliant, promi- nent, restless eye, seems as strongly developed now as in the first of the race ; while the neck, rather short, is carried in the same proud and lofty manner that at- tracted the attention of all who ever saw the Justin Morgan. The general structure of the body is un- changed. In his short, bony legs, compact body, deep, HIS PRESENT CONDITION. 181 roomy chest, oblique shoulders, short back, and mus- cular quarters, he still exhibits the marked features of his illustrious ancestors. The present Morgans have not so much of the long hair of the Justin Morgan on their legs. This is an improvement, as the long hair on the legs is unsightly, inconvenient, and in no sense useful. His gait or natural pace seems to have undergone little change. It may be that his stride is a trifle longer, and it is our belief that it is ; but of this it is difficult to judge correctly, and it is certainly very doubtful. The greatest change in the going of the Morgans consists in this, that the present animals of the breed are faster trotters than their ancestors. In the time of the Justin Morgan, trotting was not much practiced. Fast trotting dates from the introduction of the light buggy. Since that time the horses in Vermont have been trained to that gait to the exclusion of almost all other paces. The art of training the horse to this pace, and developing his utmost powers in it, was not then understood. But we do not think the most consum- mate skill in training of the Justin Morgan would have enabled him to compete successfully with many of his descendants. This increased speed in the trot we think is mainly attributable to their constant train- ing to this pace through several generations. That the training and using animals for a particu- lar service begets in them a capacity for that service, and enables them to excel therein, is a truth that we think is generally asserted by the best writers, and ad- mitted by the most intelligent breeders. A remarka- 182 THE MORGAN HOESE. ble illustration of it may be seen in the pointer, which was originally bred from the hound ; yet how widely different have their very instincts become by being long used and trained to entirely different kinds of hunting. Take the young hound for the first time alone into the field, and watch his unchecked, and un- guided movements ; he ranges about, trotting heedlessly over the partridge, the woodcock, or the prairie chicken ; even the whirr of the rising quail fails to attract his attention ; but let him come upon the fresh track of a fox, and instantly his deep startling bay makes every echo ring, and wild with, excitement he dashes off in eager pursuit of an animal he has never seen. Not so the high bred young pointer. He crosses the path of the fox indifferent to the steaming scent, but let a breath of air bring to him the odor of the unseen partridge, and he is instantly as motionless as if cut from marble ; true, he has not yet learned the full extent of his duty, but how strikingly does this action exhibit the effect of training and using for a particular service for many generations. If this were not a general law, how should we ever succeed in domesticating animals ? the colt foaled to-day would be as wild and untractable as his untamed ancestors a thousand years ago. It can hardly be questioned that a general improve- ment has been steadily going on in the character of our horses. This we believe to be in a great measure due to the peculiar fitness of our soil and climate for this branch of agriculture, but our breeders have of late years been incited to endeavor to produce the best animals by the profit they offered. In addition to the HIS PRESENT CONDITION. 183 stimulus given to breeders to produce the best stock by the constantly increasing demand for it, there has arisen within the last few years a new influence, to aid in improving the character of our horses. We allude to the agricultural societies that have been formed in almost every county throughout the country. At the exhibitions of these societies, the finest animals are brought together, and farmers and breeders are thus enabled to compare the different animals, not only with one another, but also with that ideal standard of excel- lence that each breeder has, or ought to have set up, of the kind of animal he is endeavoring to produce. At these fairs the young and inexperienced breeder meets many who have devoted years of close attention to the business in which he is just engaging ; and by conferring with them, he may be able to shun their errors and take advantage of their success. From able speakers he hears many important truths that will prove of inestimable advantage to him, pro- vided he cherishes them as he ought. The old adage that "competition is the life of trade," is as applicable to farming as to any other kind of business ; and the healthy competition that these fairs or exhibitions excite among breeders is of great advantage to them, by stimulating them to make exertions to produce the best animals, and instructing them in the great prin- ciples by which they must be guided, if they would deserve success. The beneficial influence of these exhibitions can hardly be over-estimated ; and, as they have hitherto been, so will they continue to be, powerful engines of good, so long as they are wisely and skilfully conducted. 184 THE MORGAN HORSE. These are some of the principal influences that are constantly stimulating Vermont breeders to keep up and improve the well-earned reputation of her horses. The materials are now abundant; and if by association or otherwise they can be retained in the State, and properly bred, there can be little question that Vermont can for years to come furnish her sister States and the great markets, with the best business horse raised in any country in the world. CHAPTEE X. PERFORMANCES OF MORGAN HORSES — THE DEMAND FOR THEM AND THEIR PRESENT YALUE AS INDICATED- BY SALES. The question has been sometimes asked, " What have Morgan horses ever done to entitle them to dis- tinction?" Coming as it almost invariably does from persons interested in some other breed, the question implies a disbelief in the ability of Morgan horses to perform any feats of speed or endurance worthy of notice ; and, as such individuals doubtless deem it for their interest to continue in their present faith, we shall make no effort to convince them of their error, being satisfied that we should have little chance of success, opposing as we should both their interests and their prejudices. But there are others who make the inquiry from a simple desire for information, in relation to a breed of horses with which they are unacquainted, and we trust that to such the facts we shall state in this chapter will prove a satisfactory answer. Let us first consider what are the qualities for which it is claimed they are distinguished, as it is manifest the performance should be of such a nature as will call into exercise these qualities. The Morgan claims to be chiefly valuable as a driv- ing-horse with moderate weight, or in other words, as a business horse. In a previous chapter, we have stated (185) 186 THE MORGAN HORSE. the principal qualities which the business horse should possess. The degree in which a horse possesses these qualities cannot always be tested; as, for instance, we may test his speed or his endurance, but we judge of his form, his style of movement, his spirit, or his tem- per. Speed and endurance are indispensable ; a suit- able form, a lively spirit, and a tractable temper, are qualities scarcely less important. Possessed of the former, he has the power to perform great feats upon the road ; possessed also of the latter, that power be- comes available, and can be applied to some useful purpose. The speed and endurance of the horse can, of course, be tested by driving him on the road, or the race-course; the former can be determined by driv- ing a short distance ; the latter, by driving a long time. We know it is very commonly said, that a horse has a great deal of bottom or endurance which can keep up a high rate of speed for from five to ten minutes ; but this is not the kind of endurance we are speaking of. The endurance wanted in the driving-horse must be such as will enable him to last throughout the day, and from day to day, or from week to week. Many horses drive well and with much spirit for a short time, but are unable to endure a single day's drive; and many that can perform a very creditable clay's journey are unable to last through a week of hard work. It is to such horses that the old stable-saying refers, "some horses will go so far in a day that they can't get ba.ck in a week." Youatt clearly asserts this fact: he says, " Many horses with narrow chests, and a great deal of daylight under them, have plenty of spirit and Avilling- ness for work. They show themselves well off, and STYLE OF TRAVELLING. 187 exhibit the address and gratify the vanity of their riders on the parade or in the park, bnt they have not the appetite nor the endnrance that will carry thern through three successive hard days' work." The Morgan horse may not exhibit the greatest speed for a short distance ; indeed, we do not think his form is such as is best suited to such extraordinary speed ; but he has such an amount of speed as " entitles him to the appellation of a fast traveller." "We do not think that great speed and great endurance are usually found combined in the same animal ; to support this opinion, we again refer to Youatt, who says: "Some of our saddle horses and cobs have barrels round enough, and we value them on account of it, for they are always in condition, and they rarely tire. But when we look at them more carefully, there is just that departure from the circular form — of which mention has just been made — that happy medium between the circle and the ellipse, which retains the capacity of the one and the expansibility of the other. Such a horse is invaluable for common purposes, but he is seldom a horse of speed. If he is permitted to go his own pace, and that not a slow one, he will work on forever ; but if too much hurried he is soon distressed." And again he says: "The question then is, what service is re- quired from the horse ? If he has to carry a heavy weight, and has much work to do, he should be ribbed home — the last rib and the hip-bone should not be far from each other. There is more capacity of chest and of belly — there is less distance between the points of support — and greater strength and endurance. A 188 THE MORGAN HORSE. hackney (and we would almost say a hunter) can scarcely be too well ribbed home. " If speed, however, is required, there must be room for the full action of the hinder limbs; and this can only exist where there is sufficient space between the last rib and the hip-bone. The owner of the horse must make up his mind as to what he wants from him, and be satisfied if he obtains that ; for let him be as- sured, that he cannot have everything, for this would require those differences of conformation that cannot possibly exist in the same animal." To the practical horseman, the simple fact that an animal has trotted a mile in 2m. 80s,, or two miles in 5m. 10s., will afford little evidence of its power of en- durance in the livery stable, before a hack, or a Broad- way omnibus. Occasionally a long race is trotted that serves to test the endurance of the horse, but these are of so rare occurrence that almost the only recorded testimony of the lastingness of the Morgan horse is found in general statements of the fact, rather than in recorded instances of its exhibition by individuals of the breed. The quotations we have already made in a previous chapter, from writers of unquestioned au- thority, will, we think, fully establish their claim to more than ordinary powers of endurance. We have said that we do not think the form of the Morgan horse is such as is best adapted for the greatest speed at short distances ; still, among any breed of horses sufficiently fast to be called rapid travellers, individu- als will occasionally be found that will be fast for short distances, and such is the case with the Morgans. FAST TIME. 189 That such is the fact, we think the well-authenticated performances we shall mention will abundantly es- tablish. Before speaking of these performances, a few remarks seem necessary, in order that the relative importance of these performances may be understood. Quite a diversity of opinion exists among sporting men as to what rate of speed for a mile entitles a horse to be ranked as a sporting horse ; this must necessarily be the case, since no abstract rule can be laid down. It seems to us that a horse must be admitted to be a fast, or sporting horse, that can make his mile in less time than a majority of those he will be obliged to contend with on the race-course. To enable us to form some idea of the ordinary or average speed of the trot- ting horses of the country, we have made a summary of all the time, at mile heats, reported in the "New York Spirit of the Times," for the year 1852 ; and the average time made by winning horses at mile heats during that year was 2m. 50s. and a small fractioo. Our only reason for selecting that year was, that the volume of the "Spirit of the Times" published that year was the only complete one which we had at hand. From this it is plain that a horse which could trot a mile within 2m. 50s. would have been able to defeat a large majority of the trotting horses of the country. We are aware that many persons affect to believe that a trotter is no sporting horse if he cannot " go low down in the thirties," but it is plain this is a mistake. The horse which can trot a mile in 2m. 40s. in good style, we feel confident will prove too fast for three- quarters of the trotting horses of the country. 190 THE MORGAN HORSE. One of the most remarkable trotting horses ever known, and without any question the fastest horse of her time at long distances, was "Fanny Jenks," the property of Gen. A. T. Dunham, of Troy, 1ST. Y. We are unable to give her pedigree, but she w-as raised in Vermont, and was always called a Morgan ; and her form and style of movement exhibited in a high degree the characteristics of the breed. She was four- teen and three-quarters hands high, and in medium condition weighed nine hundred and thirty -five pounds. From Vermont, she was taken to Watertown, Jefferson county, N. Y., and became the property of Gen. Pratt. In the year 1839 or 1840, the General took her to Troy and sold her to Willard Jenks, of West Troy, and of him she was purchased by Gen. A. T. Dunham. Her first important performance was at Centreville, L. L, in October, 1844, when she trotted ten miles before a sulky, carrying 145 lbs., in 29m. and 59s., beating Neptune and Misfortune. On the 5th of May, 1845, in a match against time for $500, to trot one hundred miles in ten hours, over the Bull's Head Course, near Albany, N. Y., she performed the entire distance in 9 hours. 42 minutes and 57 seconds. Ex- clusive of the time in stopping for refreshment (18m. 27s.), she performed the distance in 9h. 24m. 30s. Of this performance an article in the " Spirit of the Times," headed "Fanny Jenks against the World," says: "Immediately on the completion of the match, and without stopping, she was trotted once round the course, and accomplished her 101st mile in 4m. 23s. # # -* # # # # " The mare showed no symptoms of distress at any PERFORMANCES. 191 period of the performance, and her indomitable game was full j evinced by her speed in part of her last time, and the ravenous manner in which she attacked hei hay as soon as led to the stable. "On the following day she was driven twelve miles (to Albany and Troy), exhibiting no soreness, stiffness, nor any other evidence that she had performed her wonderful feat so recently." In 1842, Black Hawk won a match of $1,000 by trotting five miles over the Cambridge Park Course in sixteen minutes. In 1843, October 3d, he won a race of two mile heats, best two in three, beating Jim and Dying Sergeant with ease in 5m. 43s. — 5m. 48s. — 5m. 47s. Single miles he made at different times in 2m. 42 seconds. At Boston, Nov. 3d, 1853, Black Hawk Maid beat Blue Morgan, two mile heats, best two in three. Time, 5m. 23s. — 5m. 22s. Black Hawk Maid was sired by Black Hawk. The 20th of September, 1847, over the Union Course, L. L, Lady Sutton beat Sal and Grey Eagle, two mile heats, best two in three, in harness. Time, 5m. 17s. — 5m. 21s., and again Sept. 27th, of same year, she beat the same horses same distance. Time, 5m. 22s. — 5m. 28 seconds. The 19th of May, 1848, a trot came off over the Union Course, L. I., that created a good deal of excite- ment, and is well remembered by sportsmen on account of the celebrity of the horses, and the severity of the contest. The race was between Lady Sutton, Lady Suffolk, and Lady Moscow, mile heats in harness, and was won by Lady Sutton after a long and close struggle. 192 THE MORGAN HORSE. Time, 2m. 33s.— 2m. 33s.— 2m. 35s.— 2m. 37s.— 2m. 38s.— 2m. 36s. Lady Sutton was raised in Barre, Yermont. She was sired by Morgan Eagle, a grandson of the Justin Morgan. The dam of Lady Sutton was called a Mor- gan mare, but we do not know her pedigree. Lad}?" S. is not over fourteen hands high, has a fine figure, and a nervous, spirited style of action, with plenty of speed and endurance. She is too nervous and high- tempered to make a sure and safe trotting horse, and endure quietly and patiently all the accidents and mis- haps of the race-course. On the 26th of June, 1843, a fast and well-contested race came off over the Beacon Course, New Jersey, between Beppo and Independence, mile heats, best three in five, and was won by Beppo. Time, 2m. 32^-s. — 2m. 31^s. — 2m. 33s. — 2m. 38s. — 2m. 35s. Beppo was sired by Giiford. On the 29th of September, 1843, a race came off over the Cambridge Park Course between Pizarro, Forest Maid, and Lady Swan, mile heats, best three in five, and was won by Pizarro in three straight heats. Time, 2m. 35s. — 2m. 39^s. — 2m. 37^-s. Pizarro was sired by Morgan Csesar. On the 2d of May, 1853, a race took place on the Hunting Park Course, Philadelphia, between Yermont Boy and Soto, three mile heats, to wagons, best two in three, won by Yermont Boy. Time 8m. 32s. — 8m. 47s. On the 10th of May, 1853, a match took place on Long Island between Ethan Allen, three years and ten months old, and Eose of Washington, several months older for one thousand dollars a side, mile m ^ 'J < ■J PERFORMANCES. 193 heats, best three in five. This match attracted much attention. Many who knew the mare thought she was sure to win, as she was deemed the fastest horse of her age in the country ; but the event proved they were mistaken, as the horse beat her in three straight heats. Time, 2m. 42s.— 2m. 39s.— 2m. 36s. We believe this is the fastest time on record by a horse of his age. "We think his only other public trot was at Boston, Oct. 27th, 1855, at the Fair of the United States Agricultural Society, where he received the first premium for speed, beating Columbus, Sherman Black Hawk, and Stockbridge Chief. Time, 2m. 34 |s. — 2m. 87s. Ethan Allen was sired by Black Hawk, and is doubtless the fastest trotting stallion that has ever appeared on the turf. November 24th, 1853, Blue Morgan won a race over the Cambridge Park Course, beating Black Hawk Maid, mile heats in harness, best two in three. Time 2m. 38|s.— 2m. 33is. August 20th, 1852, Black Ealph won a race at Sara- toga, beating Murdoch, mile heats under the saddle, best three in five, winning the 1st, 3d and 5th heats. Time 2m. 32s.— 2m. 30s.— 2m. 31s.— 2m. 38s.— 2m. 34s. October 6th, 1852, in a race between Murdoch and Black Ralph, two mile heats under the saddle, Ealph won the first heat in 5m, 13|s., though beaten by Murdoch in the race. Black Balph was sired by Black Hawk. October 14th, 1854, Know-Nothing won a race over the Cambridge Park Course, beating Black Hawk Maid, two mile heats in harness. Time 5m. 26s. Mare drawn after the first heat. 9 194 THE MORGAN HORSE. In a match between Know-Nothing and Chicago Jack over the Cambridge Park Conrse, May 11th, 1855, mile heats under the saddle, best three in five, Know-Nothing won the first heat 2m. 274s., but was beaten in the race by Chicago Jack, who made the third heat in 2m. 27|s. Know -Nothing was sired by Black Hawk, and was only five years old ; his dam is said to have been sired by a grandson of Lee Boo. Chicago Jack was raised in Illinois, and we think was sired by Morgan Emperor, formerly owned by L. But- ler, of Chicago, Illinois. The 29th of July, 1856, a race took place over the Fashion Course, Long Island, being a match between Know-Nothing and Flora Temple, mile heats, best three in &ve, Know-Nothing under the saddle — Flora Temple in harness. Though matched against the fastest trotting horse in harness ever known, the friends of Know-Nothing felt such confidence in his powers that they backed him freely, offering odds that were quickly taken. The race was won by Know-Nothing, in three straight heats. Time 2m. 29s. — 2m. 29s. — 2m. 30s. September 25th, 1855, Belle of Saratoga w r on a match of $500, mile heats, best three in five, over the Centre- ville Covirse, beating Murdoch in three straight heats. Time, 2m. 29 is.— 2m. 34is.— 2m. 38s. Belle of Sara- toga was sired by Black Hawk. A race on the ice near Plattsburg, February 27th, 1852, mile heats in harness, best three in five, was won by Sherman Black Hawk, in three straight heats, beating Flying Morgan and a gray gelding from Can- ton, N. Y. Time 2m. 47s.— 2m. 44s.~ 2m. 42s. PEEFOEMANCES. 195 In March, 1850, a race on the ice, mile heats, best two in three, was won by Flying Morgan, in two straight heats, beating Tramp. Time 2m. 51s. — 2m. 43s. Flying Morgan was sired by the Hackett Horse. In a race over Cambridge Park Course, October 2d, 1851, mile heats, best three in five, between Flying Morgan and Cleopatra, the former was victorious in three straight heats. Time 2m. 51s. — 2m. 51 Js. — 2m. 57s. In this race Flying Morgan was called Burling- ton, There are many others well known as Morgan trotters of celebrity, which we have not space to notice, such as Henry Clay, sired by GifTord ; Grey Hawk, of Chicago, sired by Morgan Tally Oh ; Whalebone, sired by Whalebone or the Clarke Horse ; Lady Sherman, sired by Black Hawk, &c, &c. ; there are also others about whose pedigree there is some dispute, but which are claimed as of Morgan descent, such as Mac, Lady Fulton, &c. Mac was raised in Maine, and his dam was probably a descendant of Messenger, but there is little doubt that he was sired by Morgan Caesar, one of the best grandsons of the Justin Morgan. We think the above performances fully establish the truth of our proposition, that although it is not claimed their form and gait is such as is best adapted to make the quickest time for a mile, yet the Morgans being as a class fast travellers, some individuals exhibit great speed. There is no doubt that if our farmers and breeders would take pains to develop the utmost power of their horses in the trot, very many would exhibit a good deal of speed. But no such effort is generally made ; our 196 THE MORGAN HORSE. people are not a sporting people. There is not a race course, properly speaking, in the State. True, some of the Agricultural Societies have graded temporary half- mile tracks, not only to give opportunity to test the speed of horses, but to exhibit their paces, training, and style of movement. They are not simply race- courses, and we hope that while the property of these societies they may never become such. We have no objections to trotting matches, and are willing that those who choose should engage in them. They certainly tend to develop one of the valuable qualities of the horse, and we cannot object if the patrons of the turf offer premiums for excellence in that one quality which is almost the only one by them esteemed. But it seems to us eminently improper for Agricultural Societies to offer such premiums for a single good trait in an animal, without considering the many others equally important. A good form, temper, action, and style of movement, suitable size, speed, and endurance, are each valuable qualities in the busi- ness horse ; but superlative excellence in any one of them alone, ought not to entitle a horse to rank above rivals superior to him in all other respects. Should any Agricultural Society deem it advisable for farmers to aim to produce horses whose excellence should con- sist solely in their speed, they might consistently offer such premiums. • It is a trite saying that an article " is worth what it will bring in market." Estimating the value of Morgan horses by this standard, we shall find that they are unequalled by any horses in this country. "We- have already en- HIGH PRICES OF. 197 deavored to show that they possessed great merit, but great merit is not always properly appreciated; hence the inquiry, " will they command such prices as will remunerate the breeder ?" That they do command not only remunerating, but very high prices, can be abundantly shown ; indeed, those least friendly to the Morgans admit that they are in great demand, and that they sell for high prices. Instances might be given in which individuals of the breed have been disposed of at very great prices, and indeed they might be multiplied to almost any extent, but should not and would not establish the general rule, for there is no breed of horses of any note, indi- viduals of which are not sometimes sold for high prices. In Mr. Burnet's " remarks on breeding horses," to which we have before referred, although he does not admire the Morgans, yet he admits that "they sell readily at high prices." The editor of the " Country Gentleman," in an article giving an account of the National Exhibition of horses at Springfield, in 1853, says, in reference to the Morgan horses of Vermont, " It was seen by the originator of the movement, and by those who sympa- thized with him, that New England and the country generally were indebted to a single State for the most of their desirable and valuable horses. " It was seen that single breeding animals had been the source of almost millions of revenue to the breed- ers of their respective localities, and that in a majority of the States of the Union it was almost impossible to find a horse bred at home that was of high value." The " Maine Farmer," in an article before quoted, 198 THE MOKGAN HORSE. says, "For a seller of horses, it is only necessary for him to establish the fact that his horses are of the Mor- gan blood, and he meets with a ready sale at good prices, and the purchasers are more than satisfied." Mr. H. S. Randall, in his account of the breeds of horses in the United States, says, " That they have sold for high prices, not only for the saddle and buggy, but as stallions to extend the breed, is certain. They have many warm admirers, and find ready purchasers." Almost any number of similar extracts might be added, but the foregoing seem sufficient, especially as we have never seen it denied that they sell readily at prices amply remunerating. It is evident that this must be the case, when we consider that they are not bred in any numbers save in a small district of coun- try, and that the demand for them comes from every State in the Union ; many being yearly taken to all parts of New England, and to the West and South. The prices at which they have been sold have been constantly increasing since the death of the Justin Morgan. One of the colts of the Justin Morgan (Woodbury) was sold when about ten years old to Mr. William Walker, of Hartland, Yt. ; for five hundred dollars, which was at that time considered a most ex- travagant price ; but if the same horse was now living, he would command more than ten times that sum. Ordinary stallions could be purchased at that time for from one to two hundred dollars. The more widely and thoroughly they are known, the greater has been the demand for them. Fifteen years ago the best stallions could be procured for from five to fifteen hundred dollars, the best geldings for HIGH PRICES OF. 199 from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars, and the best mares at from one to two hundred. Now the best stallions cannot be procured for less than from one to three thousand dollars ; the best geldings sell readily at from two to four hundred dollars, and the best mares at from three to six hundred. Horses pos- sessing extra value on account of their speed, are not included in the foregoing statement, as for such very much larger prices are often paid. We know that some will say our prices are too low, and point us to very many sales at much higher prices, of animals having no reputation for great speed, but we think that although there may be many such instances, they are the exceptions to the general rule, rather than the rule itself. Again we may be told that our minimum prices are too high, and instances adduced of animals of good blood and form that have been purchased for less. We know that under favorable circumstances such animals may occasionally be purchased by per- sons well acquainted throughout the State, and con- stantly on the watch for favorable opportunities, at prices somewhat less than those we have named. Yet, as a general thing, when the price is much below what we have stated, we should be suspicious that the blood or form was not of the first quality, CHAPTEK XL HINTS AS TO THE BEST METHODS FOR IMPROVING AND PERPETU- ATING THE BREED. The proposition- that "like will beget like" is gene- rally received as an axiom "by intelligent breeders of domestic animals. Although as a general proposition this is doubtless true, yet we should make a great mis- take to expect that a male and female unlike each other would produce offspring like either. Before the proposition will hold true, the sire and the dam must be like each other. Even this is not sufficient ; the progenitors of each must have been alike for some generations. The most careless breeder can hardly fail to observe qualities appearing in his stock, that belonged neither to their sire nor dam, but which belonged to some of their ancestors farther back ; such, for instance, as a vicious temper, .some striking peculiarity of form or color, or some peculiar mark, such as a white face, white feet, &c. The chances that "the good, and the danger that the bad qualities of an ancestor, will be inherited by any animal, will depend upon the number of degrees he is removed from that ancestor, unless his ancestors of the opposite sex have exhibited the same qualities, and have exhibited them in each generation. (.200) IMPBOVING THE BKEED. 201 When the ancestors upon both sides for some gene- rations have been alike in all their important features, then "like will beget like." Not that the animals bred will be alike even then ; they will only be alike in the prominent characteristics of the race. There will still be every degree of excellence. Some will be less perfect in form than others, arid some with forms nearly faultless, will yet lack some essential requisite to give them the highest value. This is strikingly exemplified in the breeding of the race-horse. Immense fortunes have been expended, and time and talents freely given for the improvement of those qualities that render him valuable for the service to which he is put, yet comparatively very few of them prove ex- cellent in the very points to which the attention of the breeder was particularly directed. Now, if we were to breed from the poorest instead of the best specimens of the race-horse, it is evident that he would very rapidly deteriorate in all those qualities that now ren- der him valuable, and the extraordinary speed he has attained would soon be lost. The manner in which they have attained their unrivalled speed is by breed- ing those stallions exhibiting in the highest perfection the qualities sought, to mares possessing in a high degree the same characteristics. This points out not only the best method for per- petuating the qualities of a breed of animals whose characteristics have become fixed, but it also points out the proper method of improving them. The Mor- gan horse has not yet fully attained to this point ; that is, his characteristics have not yet been fully and firmly established. If the breed is perpetuated, it is evi- 9* 202 THE MORGAN HOBSB. dent it can never be bv the use of Morgan s:allions ilone. Mares of Morgan get must be selected, and the more crosses F M xrgan blood in the dam the better; and those should be chosen which are fully up to the ave: _ size of the race, and :: bit in a high degree the peculiar characteristics of the breed to which they belong. It will, however, be no objection to the mare if she be not quite a w ;11 " rlt :d up" as the sire, and she rnav be a little longer bodied : rnaiiv breeders would prefer that she should differ from the sire in se res : 3ts : but it should not be forsrotten that ex- treme length of body, combined (as it usually is) with flat sides and narrow loins, is a far from desirable figure. Youatt says. " It may perhaps be justly affirmed that there is more difficulty in selecting a good mare to breed from than a srood horse, because- Bhe should possess somewhat opposite qualiti:--. Her carcase should belong, in order to give r >m for the errowth of the foetus : and vet with this there should be com- :ness of form and shortness of leg.'' The Mor- gan mare should have a clean, light head, spirit . but rnild, pleasant eyes, set wide apart ; but above all other qualities she should pos - :und, hearty and iron constitution, with abundance of nervous ener jv. The stallion should be selected partly with reference to the form and characteristics of the mare, and he should )ssess in a high degree those good qualities in which the mare is most deficient. In all cases he should be compact and pose sssed of a vigorous constitution, have a bold, resoiut- style of i ., high spirit, and a great C () M K T PRINCE ALBERT. IMPROVING THE BREED. 203 deal of that nervous or vital energy, which gives life, vigor, and endurance to the whole. There are two errors very commonly committed by persons selecting animals from which to breed. Some pay too much attention to pedigree and too little to form ; while others err in the opposite direction. The one will select the animal with the longest pedigree, whatever be his form, while the other says, " I don't care about your pedigree, but show me your horse." The latter is of the two, the least objectionable, for the stock will be far more likely to inherit the qualities of an immediate, than those of a remote ancestor. Hence it is that persons having fine animals, possessed of ex- tremely short pedigrees, are fond of displaying in glaring capitals that trite old saying, " Hood is blood, but form is superiority." The meaning of this, although a little obscure, we think is, that blood is a very excellent thing ; but that when the form and general characteristics are of the highest order, they are more important than any pedi- gree. Many persons, however, seem to understand this very differently, and think it asserts that though blood is a very good thing, yet when an animal can be found of almost faultless form and possessing qual- ities of the highest order, it is of no consequence what is his blood. The truth is, that though form and character are of primary importance, the blood should never be neglected. This is true when the breeder intends his stock for the great markets of the country ; but when he intends to breed a stock for his farm for the purpose of again breeding from them, the blood 204 THE MORGAN HORSE. of the animal becomes vastly more important ; and he who breeds from animals whose immediate ances- tors were of unknown descent, will be pretty sure to repent of his error. Another common error is, to search eagerly for animals to breed from, that have become noted for their speed. Many persons can be found who w T ill pick up some long-legged, rangy, broken-down trotting mare, which perhaps could trot a mile in 2.30, and think by breed- ing her to a Morgan stallion, something very fine may be expected. Nothing can be more ill-judged than such a course ; and in a large majority of cases it is sure to end in disappointment and loss. Occasionally, (and it must be remembered it is only occasionally,) the progeny of such an animal may exhibit great speed ; but the great proportion of them will be found to have inherited her form but not her speed, and hence are of small value. The only course to pursue to keep up the Morgan breed, is for breeders to retain their best mares for the purpose of breeding. This matter cannot be too strongly impressed upon farmers, and all who are in- terested in the subject. There is another danger that breeders must guard well against. The high prices that Southern and Western buyers are offering for the best stallions, is draining the home region rapidly. If the best are sold, and only the indifferent retained, it is easy to see that some other part of the country, with enterprise enough to buy your best animals, will raise better Morgan horses than } r ou can, as they will have better stock. No country can long retain a superior race of animals, who sell all the best of the growth and IMPROVING THE BREED. 205 increase. This is so obvious that no argument or dis- cussion is required to show its truth. Some breeders are already aware of this danger, and will no doubt use their influence to prevent it. We know of some choice animals that have been held, notwithstanding the most tempting offers from abroad. As the most spirited breeders are now making great profit by breeding from first-rate animals, their ex- ample will produce more effect than anything which can be written on the subject. We know of some Morgan mares which have been put to breeding that are valued at a thousand dollars. The English have paid more attention to breeding, and with more success, than almost any other people Their abundant capital, paid freely for choice animals to breed from, shows us the means which they have used. As many of the landholders in England are persons of great wealth, they have not been deterred by high prices from obtaining the finest animals. Their example is worthy our most careful consideration ; for they have had great experience, and the best talent of the country has been called to their aid. There are some breeders of Morgan horses who, although they will not breed from animals decidedly inferior in form, merely because they may happen to be fast, are yet inclined to lay too much stress upon great speed — a good quality, but one which we think is often pur- chased at the expense of qualities even more valu- able. If animals are selected for breeding which can make the best time for a mile, we think the tendency will be to depreciate the value of the breed. Bred for that one 206 THE MORGAN HOUSE. purpose, they will lose some of their compactness, be- come more leggy and "rangy," and lack the stamina of the true Morgan. The general business qualities of the Morgan are what give him his great value. His admirable travelling gait, and his stoutness, courage, and endurance, are what is wanted for the road. It is not wise, therefore, to attempt to make him the fastest horse in the world, for in doing this we shall be very likely to lose sight of qualities far more important than the ability to trot a mile in 2m. 30s. Let those breeders who manifest so much anxiety to produce a horse that can trot his mile "in the thirties" consider for a moment what would be the result, could they realize their utmost expectations ; (and, if their ex- pectations are not to be realized, it is foolish to entertain them.) The horse that can now trot his mile in 2m. 80s., does he command a great price because that speed is available for any practical and ordinary business purpose? By no means. It is because he can out-foot nine -tenths of the sporting horses of the country. It is because his speed is relatively great, that his value is great, and just in the proportion that breeders could produce such animals would their value be decreased. This alone should cause the prudent breeder to look first for those qualities that will render the horse val- uable for all ordinary business purposes. No person who has given the subject any attention, but must be fully convinced that too little pains and care have been taken in breeding these horses. The value of Morgan horses was not at first justly appreci- ated by our own people. Travellers through the State had observed their fine points, and had noticed their IMPROVING THE BREED. 207 great power of carrying weight in the stage-coaches, and their extreme hardiness of constitution in a great variety of situations. A few of the shrewdest horse- men saw that they were destined to be in great de- mand whenever they became fully known ; and these few took pains to secure some good stock for the pur- pose of breeding. In that part of the State where they were first bred they became quite numerous before much demand for them sprung up. The farmers did not dream that the supply was exhaustible, and little attention was at that time paid to breeding horses, as they were very low, and farmers generally considered it unprofitable. In this State, when the dealer m horses, or a stranger, offered the farmer at first §100 or $126, and at a later period $150 and $200 for a fine mare, he could not resist the temptation to sell her ; and he would supply her place with an ani- mal of far less size, and worth perhaps less than half the money he had received for the one he sold. The legitimate fruit of such a course was the decrease in size and value of the animals raised; and had this ruinous system been generally pursued and continued, the valuable qualities of the breed would have soon been lost. These remarks, however, are chiefly appli- cable to that portion of the States of Vermont and New Hampshire lying between Newbury and Lan- caster on Connecticut river. The reason for this must be found in the fact that here the horses were first bred, and from their greater number were here most easily obtained : consequently, buyers from abroad rarely vis- ited any other part of the State, and thus farmers of the other sections were not so often tempted by liberal 208 THE MORGAN HORSE. offers to part with their best mares. Though these remarks are particularly applicable to that part of the country referred to, yet to a certain extent they might well apply to every town. As an illustration of the effect of this carelessness on the part of breeders in relation to the quality of their mares, we would point to the very evident difference in the size of the stock descended from the Sherman raised in the vicinity of Sutton, Burke, Danville, Lyndon, St. Johnsbury, &c, and that descended from him, but raised in the north part of the State, and in Canada, about Derby and Stan- stead, the former coming directly from the Billy Boot, and the latter from the Royal Morgan. These horses possessed exactly the same amount of the blood of the Justin Morgan, the dams of both being sired by the Justin Morgan, and themselves both sons of the Sherman. Their dams also were nearly of equal size. These horses bore a close resemblance to one another in many important points, were nearly of the same size and height, amount of bone, general form, and both possessed extraordinary courage and action. They have both, also, attained great and nearly equal celebrity. Under such circumstances, from the same description of dams, we should expect stock of a very similar character, and equal in most respects. In life, spirit, and action, there is perhaps but little if any difference, the descendants of both being widely and justly celebrated for these qualities, but in size there is a very perceptible difference. The stock descended from the Royal Morgan, and raised about Derby and Stanstead, averaging decidedly larger than that raised in the other towns mentioned, and descended from the IMPROVING THE BREED. 209 Root horse. Derby and Stanstead are much farther removed from the markets where Morgan horses have been sought, and the mares from which the farmers have bred have been much larger. Though breeders were generally unmindful of the qualities of their breeding mares, yet there were many scattered throughout the State who foresaw that these horses would be sought for, and early turned their attention to keeping up the qualities for which they were so remarkable, if not improv- ing them by judicious crossing with the best mares the country could produce. Some commenced pay- ing attention to this matter during the lifetime of the Justin Morgan, and bred directly from him. A constantly-growing attention to this subject has been manifest from the death of the Justin Morgan to the present time, though the great mass of the farmers of the State are yet most culpably negligent in regard to the blood of the stock they breed from. It is to these comparatively few persons, who early gave their attention to this subject, that much of the reputation and present excellence of the race must be attributed. With regard to the proper means to be adopted to improve these horses, little has been said by those who have written upon it that we think will be of great service to the breeder. The subject is a difficult one ; and, although it is very easy to exhort farmers to take more pains in selecting their breeding animals, and endeavor to " improve 1 '' the general char- acter of their stock, yet it is very far from an easy task to indicate the precise points in which any im- provement is needed, and the manner in which it is to 210 THE MORGAN HORSE. be accomplished ; and it is far better to continue breed- ing entirely within themselves, a stock of horses that have proved themselves valuable, than to crass them with animals of a different character with the hope of improving them, without any definite idea as to the nature of the improvement we propose to make. Although we never saw a horse that came up fully in every particular to our ideal standard of perfection, yet we have seen many Morgan horses that approached it so nearly that we should have little thought of attempt- ing to improve them. Therefore, let the first efforts of breeders be directed to the preservation of the good qualities already obtained, by taking great pains to breed from animals, both sires and dams, possessing as fully as possible the prominent characteristics that have distinguished the race, and whose pedigrees trace back through the best animals of the Morgan breed. Pur- suing such a course, the breeder can rely upon reaping an ample reward for his efforts in the ready sale his stock will meet with at remunerating prices; and he will not subject himself to the mortification of discov- ering, when too late, that crossing his animals with strange breeds, with the view to improvement, has resulted in a progeny decidedly inferior to either branch of the parent stock. Let it not be supposed that we are averse to, or dis- posed to discourage, any attempts at improvement ; on the contrary, we would stop at nothing short of perfec- tion — but, as we approach that ideal standard, the diffi- culty of advancing is increased ; and the greater pains should be taken to secure the progress already made. The improvement of animals that closely approach per- IMPROVING THE BREED. 211 fection, should be attempted with the greatest care, and by persons possessed of a thorough knowledge of the physical laws that will control the result ; and such alteration must be undertaken for the correction of a fault, or increased excellence in some definite and clearly -understood point; otherwise such experiments will resemble a lottery, in which, though there are splendid prizes, yet there is also a most discouraging array of blanks. Vermont breeders have been so often advised by persons from abroad to make every exertion to increase the size of their horses, that, contrary to their own judg- ment, they have been led to make some efforts to pro- duce such a change ; but, so far as we have had oppor- tunity to observe, much increase in size has almost invariably been obtained by a large admixture of other blood, and at the expense of qualities we deem of the utmost importance, namely, compactness, action, and spirit. The word "size," as applied to horses, has a very different meaning at the South and in New Eng- land. At the South the most valuable horses are from racing or thorough - bred stock. As races are now generally for short distances, height and length are of great importance, as enabling the animal to take a long stride. Consequently, height has there come to be the measure of size. Thus you ask a person how large is his horse, and you are told "he is a large horse, as much as seventeen hands high," or, " he is a small horse, not more than fourteen hands high.' Few horse- men at the South take any pains to ascertain the weight of their horses, that being considered of little import- ance. Inquire of a Yermonter how large is his horse, 212 THE MORGAN HORSE. and he replies, "he is a large horse — he will weigh. 1200 lbs.," or, "he is a small horse, and won't weigh more than 900 lbs." This should not be forgotten, as many persons who have advised an effort to increase the size, intend the word to apply only to the height. AVe think a slight increase in height would be ad- visable; but there is great clanger of running into the opposite extreme, and certainly for service and endurance, too much height is a serious objection. Youatt says the breeding mare should have "compact- ness of form, and shortness of leg." That shortness of limb with compactness of form are indispensable to great endurance, is too well known and too generally admitted hy horsemen to need any argument. It may be true that height is necessary to give the greatest speed, but of what practical advantage will be such speed without corresponding powers cf endurance. All experience shows that the horse of medium size is far the most capable of performing great feats upon either the turf or road in carrying weight at long dis- tances. The Arabian, universally admitted to possess astonishing powers of endurance under light weight at high speed, is rarely fifteen hands high. Of those horses that have distinguished themselves as trotters, a very large majority of them have been under 15£ hands, some of the most remarkable of them being under 15. "Fanny Jenks," who trotted one hundred miles in nine hours forty-two minutes, was only 14 £ hands high, and weighed only 935 pounds. Tom Thumb, who performed one hundred miles upon Sun- bury common, England, in ien hours seven minutes, in February, 1829, was only 14.]- hands high, and his IMPROVING THE BREED. 213 driver and sulky weighed 250 lbs.; and we think more instances can be adduced of great feats- at long distances, performed by horses under fifteen than over sixteen hands hi^h. We believe it is a fixed and unyielding law of ani- mal life, that in medium size we shall find the greatest activhVy, the best constitutions, the greatest power of endurance, and the most courage and vital energy. In the human race, how strikingly is this law illustrated ! It is the men of close, compact figures, and medium height, that possess the best constitutions, and are most active and enduring. The athletae of the amphi- theatre are men of medium size, with close, compact, muscular figures. Mark the men who live to the age of ninety or one hundred years : they, too, are of me- dium stature, with swelling chests and close-knit, vigor- ous forms. Large cattle are slow in their movements, and the heavy Durham or Herefordshire cannot compete with, the low, compact and hardy Devon in action, speed, and endurance. The largest varieties of the dog are quickly conquered by the small, but active and vigo- rous terrier. And the tall, heavy Chinese fowls are speedily overpowered by the smaller, but nimble and high-tempered game bird. The horse is not an exception to this general law; and the breeder who fancies he can produce a class of tall, heavy horses, possessed of the activity, the en- durance and nervous energy that belongs to animals of a smaller size, will find upon trial that he has under- rated the difficulties of the undertaking. The Morgan horse has obtained his present celebrity as the best 214 THE MORGAN HORSE. business horse of the country, notwithstanding the cry "too small, too small," and we earnestly exhort oreeders to beware, lest, in endeavoring to increase the size, they lose the very qualities that have earned for him his high reputation. JSTor is it wise to breed from horses below the medium size. Yery small horses are unable to carry the weight or perform the service re- quired, and will prove dull of sale. But, aiming to produce animals neither overgrown or dwarfish, by breeding from such as are of medium size, the breeder can safely rely upon a quick market and remunerating sales. It may be said that the breeder must labor to pro- duce such horses as the market demands. This is very true. But if it is true that a horse of a certain form is best adapted for the uses to which horses sold in market are put, although he may differ from the horse then in general use, he will not fail to be properly ap- preciated when fully known. In a former chapter we stated that we considered fourteen and a half to fifteen and a half hands about the proper height of the busi- ness horse, and the Morgan horses of the best blood will fall a little below that standard. We would, there- fore, recommend that pains be taken to bring him up to this standard, but not at the expense of any of his valuable qualities. The proper method of attempting this improvement is to select larger mares. They should not be of dis- proportionate size, but such as are fully up to, and if possible a little above the present average height ; the sire should not be larger than the dam. The most intelligent breeders are agreed it is an important rule IMPROVING THE BREED. 215 in breeding, that the dam should be fully equal to the sire in size. Yet certainly there is no rule more frequently disregarded. Upon this point almost all writers are fully agreed. Some advise breeding mares of large size to sires of small size ; this we should very much prefer to the opposite course ; but our own opinion is, that there should be an approximate equal- ity between the sire and dam, taking care that the sire be not the largest, and that he possess such qual- ities as we have before described. But some will say recourse must be had to racing blood to improve the present Morgans. If the char- acteristic qualities of the Morgan horse are really val- uable, we are at a loss to see how his excellence in these respects is to be increased by crossing him with the race-horse. Where breeding mares of Morgan blood cannot be obtained, we should prefer mares possessing a strain of racing-blood, but not thorough-bred ; for though the thorough-bred may occasionally be found with considerable compactness of form, yet it can hardly be denied that a close-built, compact racer with plenty of bone and muscle, is at this day a rare animal. Still, he retains in a high degree the fire and courage that his ancestors brought with, them from the deserts of Arabia. It is to the thorough-bred that the Morgan owes, in a great measure, his indomitable courage and never- flagging spirit. This courage and spirit every good breeder will take great pains to foster and preserve. Comparatively few breeds of horses possess in a high degree this distinguishing trait of the Arabian; and it 216 THE MORGAN HORSE. is chiefly for this reason that we would resort, when Morgan mares cannot be obtained, to those that have a strain of racing or Arabian blood, say one-eighth to one-quarter. In the breeding of all domestic animals except the horse, competition for the purchase of the best stock is mainly confined to farmers and breeders. But the best specimens of the horse are daily sought for, and tempting prices offered, by persons not engaged in their production, residing in the great cities, who are proud to own the finest drivers and goers in the country. With the view of improving- the horses of France, the French government maintain a stud of the best stallions and mares for breeding, and no expense is spared by them to command the best in that country. In some parts of the Uuitecl States associations of farm- ers and breeders have been formed for the same gene- ral purpose. It is to an association of this kind formed some years ago, that Kentucky is indebted for her fine stock of high-bred cattle, which are acknowledged by those who have had the best opportunities of judging, to be superior to those of any other State in the Union. The Kentucky asssociations have usually imported their animals, and from time to time sold to their own citizens, who would retain the stock in the State. The stock sold has usually paid for the original cost, and all expenses, so that the improvement has been made at a cheap rate, and the stock is constantly improving. Some liberal gentlemen of fortune, who are neither farmers nor breeders, would no doubt aid in forming and keeping up such associations for the improvement of horses. If such an association were formed in every IMPROVING THE BUEED. 217 county, they could easily retain the best stallions and mares for breeding. They would prove useful in awakening more attention to the importance and neces- sity of retaining the very best animals, and the example of the association would not be lost on individuals. The following suggestions by an intelligent writer in the "Albany Cultivator," over the signature of 11 Equus," seem to us worthy of attention : " The form- ation of clubs in different neighborhoods for the im- provement of the breed of horses, might be productive of great advantage. It should be an object with such clubs to secure the best mares, which should be bred to the most valuable horses. The rules of the clubs should be as few and as simple as possible. The mares may be owned separately, by individuals composing the clubs ; but they should be such as the club, or a committee appointed by it, should approve. The stal- lions should be owned by the club. They should be selected by individuals appointed by the club. The club should have the sole direction in regard to their use; they should be kept at joint expense ; and the proceeds arising from their services should be divided in an equitable ratio among the members. This busi- ness, if properly conducted, may undoubtedly be made profitable, The clubs, if properly conducted, would soon establish a favorable reputation. They should offer none but the very lest stock, and such would be certain to meet with a ready sale at remunerating prices." In some parts of the country such societies or clubs have been formed — but few if any in our State. In reading the foregoing remarks in relation to the prop- 10 218 THE MORGAN" HORSE. er method of preserving and perpetuating the Morgan breed of horses, it must be borne in mind that we believe it is the true interest of breeders to foster and preserve those qualities that render them so valuable as business horses, and to make no effort to adapt them to those kinds of service for which fashion or utility demand a different kind of animal. They have not height enough to suit fashionable people in the large cities who want horses to roll their princely equipages through the streets. They have not the natural paces that persons generally think best suited for the saddle ;. and if we were to attempt breeding horses to supply that demand, we should prefer a different breed. In concluding this chapter, we cannot forbear ex- pressing the hope that some of our breeders possessing the requisite knowledge of, and taste for the subject, will favor the public with a full and complete essay upon it, as it is one far too little understood by the great mass of our farmers. The man who causes two blades of grass, or two grains of wheat, to grow where only one grew before, is admitted to be a public benefactor. But he who will improve, or show us how to improve, our domestic ani- mals, will do us an equal, perhaps a greater service. CHAPTER XII. HINTS IN RELATION TO BREAKING AND DRIVING. However horsemen may differ in relation to the manner of inculcating the later lessons, all seem to be well agreed that perfect kindness and gentleness should characterize our first efforts to bring the young colt under that perfect subjection, without which the finest form, the greatest speed, or the most lasting endurance, will fail to make him superlatively valuable. But though all horsemen profess themselves agreed as to the importance of thus treating the young colt, many allow their practice to differ widely from their profes- sions. Of all the vicious habits which are found in horses, we believe nine-tenths are owing to unkind treatment, harsh usage and improper management when first put to work, or, in other words, while being broken. The ancients well understood the importance of kind treatment in training colts. Nearly twenty-three hundred years ago Xenophon wrote the following directions for the management of the young horse : " Care must be taken, that when the breaker receives the foal, he be gentle, tractable, and fond of men. For he is generally rendered so at home by the groom, if the foal is made to understand that hunger, thirst, and irritation are procured by solitude ; and that meat, drink and freedom from irritation are procured by men. (219) 220 THE MORGAN HORSE. "When these things take place, foals not only love but long for men. It is necessary also to touch those parts which, when touched, give greatest pleasure to the horse ; and these are the hairiest, and those parts in which, when he feels any pain, he cannot relieve him- self. " The groom should be enjoined to lead him through a crowd, and cause him to approach all kinds of sights and sounds. Whichever of these the foal may dread, it is necessary to teach him, not by harshness, but gentleness, that they are not dangerous." Regarding this subject as one of vital importance and too little understood, we shall devote some space to it, at the risk of its being thought foreign to our general subject. The breaking and training of the horse to the kinds of service for which, when matured, he will be used, should commence at an early age. The reasons for this are many and obvious. As the colt advances towards maturity, he becomes more fixed in his habits, more resolute in temper, less capable of being taught, and is able to offer greater resistance. With regard to his being "less capable of being taught," many persons may not think this correct, and, as an illustration, point us to the horses used in the Circus, these horses being rarely trained to their paces, tricks and evolutions, until they are fully grown ; but we do not think this in any respect militates against the soundness of our proposition ; it merely shows us how much may be accomplished after the horse has attained his full growth. As a general thing, we think it will be found that those horses whose performances BREAKING AND DRIVING. 221 are the most remarkable, as exhibiting a high and rare degree of intelligence, were early trained to obedience. It is a well-known fact that animals which have been trained for years, and taught to perform a great variety of tricks, until they seem almost endowed with the intelligence of human beings, are not only perfect in the various difficult feats they have been taught, but they also acquire the power of learning any other tricks or performances with ease and rapidity ; just as the child who from his infancy has been taught to exercise his faculties daily until arrived at manhood, acquires knowledge much more easily and readily than he whose mind has been allowed to run entirely to waste and receive no sort of cultivation. The mere habit of implicit obedience from his earliest years, would in itself account, in a great measure, for the greater ease with which the horse accustomed to such obedience is taught. Few will deny that animals may, and that the horse does, possess intelligence ; and we can scarcely conceive of an intelligence that is not capable of cultivation and improvement. When the horse is very young he is capable of offer- ing but a feeble resistance to his master, and there is much less danger of his injuring himself or his trainer by his efforts to free himself from necessary restraint. Two objections are sometimes urged against the early training of colts : 1st, that using them at a very early age retards their growth, and is apt to render them unsound ; and 2d, that early handling injures and sours their temper. To the first we reply that such injuries result from injudicious and harsh treatment, and such 222 THE MORGAN HOUSE. treatment will result in injuries to the animal, no matter what his age. We have heard this objection made by persons who would allow their colts to run wild until the third winter, never even accustoming them to allow of the least handling, and then an effort is made to break them, and the whole process is em- phatically a breaking one. A file of men surround him in the field, drive him to a corner, and with great trouble a halter is got upon him. He is made fast to a strong post and allowed to wear himself out in his prodigious efforts to escape ; efforts that far more imperil his limbs and his life than years of careful and judicious use. Unless great pains are taken that all the fastenings are secure, he will be apt to free himself; and, let him once break away, all after attempts to subdue him will be attended with tenfold difficulty. After being so far subdued that he will yield to the halter and allow himself to be led, a harness is put on him, he is put with another animal before a common sled, the tongue or pole of which runs so low that the traces are dangling about his legs, and he can at any time step over them with- out the slightest difficulty. He has been put in by main force, and he stands sulky and ill-tempered, his legs spread out and his ears motionless. When told to start, and the horse with him moves off, he is drag- ged ahead, and in all probability his first movement will be a prodigious rush forward that threatens to snap every strap and fastening about him ; should a trace or a whifiietree break, or any other important thing give way, he will often get loose, and from the effects of such a fright and escape, the high-spirited I BREAKING AND DRIVING. 223 colt rarely recovers ; he may, by good management and care, be driven, and even become apparently quiet and manageable ; but let some part of his harness break, or a trace unhitch, and he is instantly wild with fright, and will use every possible exertion to escape, which exertion will, in many cases, prove successful. But if, instead of making any effort to free himself from re- straint when he is first bid to go, he proves sullen and exhibits a disposition to resist all endeavors to move him, his driver at once declares it an exhibition of ill- temper and natural ugliness that must be broken down at the very commencement of his training, or it will grow worse by going unchecked; accordingly he begins with a slight touch of the whip, slight, because he is somewhat afraid of the immediate consequences : startled by the blow, the colt perhaps makes an effort to move forward, but is checked by the bit, the driver having taken him well in hand before touching him with the whip : another touch of the whip with a slackened rein and possibly he is got off without accident. But suppose the first touch of the whip does not startle him, it is repeated until he feels some pain from it, and he returns the blow with a kick, just as he kicks at the fly that annoys him in the pasture ; instead, how- ever, of meeting nothing but thin air, his foot or leg comes in contact with the whifiletree, the pole, or the traces — he is both hurt and frightened — he repeats the blow, and in a few moments has freed himself from the carriage, his driver, and all restraint, and has taken his first lesson in one of the worst vices to which the horse can be addicted. It is true that under such management the colt will 4 224 THE MORGAN HORSE. often turn out well and become perfectly kind and tractable, but it by no means follows that because such management often succeeds it is the best mode of treat- ing the young colt. Such treatment often results in the utter ruin of the animal, by straining him or in- flicting some other bodily injury, or by fixing upon him some vice that renders him wholly unsalable. Of the animals that suffer permanent injury from such management, nine- tenths of them are horses that would, under different treatment, have made very su- perior and valuable servants — for it is the horse of high courage and spirit that offers the most serious resistance, and requires the greatest exercise of patience, kindness, and gentle treatment; while the dull, sluggish and stupid animal, though easily broken, is unfortunately worth but a trifle after it is done. Som? may think it impossible that such a course of brutal treatment can be often pursued towards the horse in view of all that has been written upon the sub- ject; but we have so often seen instances of it, that it is quite plain enough has not yet been said or written against it. In training the young horse, too much pains cannot be taken to have every description of harness or fastening put upon him perfectly sound and sufficiently strong. Accidents arising from defects in the harness or carriage are not only dangerous to the driver, but often ruinous to the horse. The first lessons in obedience should be given while the colt is following the dam ; and, to accomplish this the more readily, the mare should be often used at some light work, in order that the colt may be easily BREAKING AND DRIVING. 225 handled and made perfectly familiar with the various objects with which, when grown, he will be connected. He should be handled every day gently and quietly, taking care to touch him only in those places that are agreeable to him : these places will be those that he cannot easily rub, or touch with his mouth or feet — ■ such as the back, the top of the hips, the jowls, the under side of the neck and the head, taking care to avoid the ears, for few horses like to have their ears touched, no matter how carefully. The greatest care should be taken to avoid touching them on the flanks, or the inside of the stifle, the under side of the breast, or in any place where it seems to annoy him. Every one has observed that some persons are more easily tickled than others, some being so sensitive in this respect that the mere pointing of a finger towards them puts them in perfect misery ; while others hardly ever experience any such sensation, no matter how much effort is made to produce it. The horse is equally sensitive in this respect, and many a fine animal has been utterly ruined by a total disregard to this natural sensation, over which the horse has no control. How often do we see the horse tied up to be groomed twisting and turning in every direction to avoid the sharp teeth of the curry-comb with which the brutal groom is harrowing up the skin, and chafing him in those places where even the slightest touch puts him in agony : should the poor brute venture to return such usage by a kick, a most unmerciful beating is pretty sure to follow, and he is at once pronounced an ugly and vicious animaL When the colt is about two months old, a halter 10* 226 THE MORGAN HORSE. should be put on him : a rope one will do, though a leather one is better, as the harsh rope chafes and annoys him. Of whatever material the halter is made, it should be abundantly strong, so that his most violent struggles cannot break it ; put a harness on the mare, and either put her before a wagon, or hitch her in such a way that the colt will not be liable to hurt himself in plunging, as he will be pretty sure to for a few minutes. If he has been accustomed to being handled, no difficulty will be found in putting on the halter. It should be fastened to the collar of the mare's har- ness, and the breaker, taking hold of the bit of the mother with one hand, keep constant hold of the halter of the colt with the other ; for it is important that he should not only surrender, but he should be made to associate all ideas of obedience with his master. After a few pulls at the halter and a jump or two, he submits, and may soon be led anywhere with perfect safety. In these, as in all other lessons, care should be taken to reward every act of obedience by a gentle pat and a kind word. After the colt will suffer himself to be led, little more need be clone towards breaking him until he is two years old, except that he should be handled daily and often led ; and in doing this care should be taken not to endeavor to walk faster than the colt is naturally disposed to. It is a great mistake to suppose that incessant lugging at the halter will teach the colt to walk fast : it will only teach him to hang back upon the halter, and this habit, once con- firmed, can never be fully broken. At two years old the breaking to harness and saddle should commence. BREAKING AND DRIVING. 227 If the colt has never been accustomed to the confine- ment of the stall, he should be put in for a few hours every day for a few days, hitched short so that there may be no possibility of his getting his feet over the halter ; he should be turned out nights till he gets per- fectly well accustomed to his stable. During this time he should be bitted every day ; at first he may be turn- ed loose with a headstall or bridle on, without the reins; this should be continued till he becomes per- fectly accustomed to the bit. The ordinary bitting bridle may then be put on, and the bearing and side reins taken up just so as to move the head a very little from its natural position, and it should not be kept on more than two hours. Nothing can be more pernicious than the practice of straining the head into an exceedingly unnatural position, and keeping it so for hours, to the excruciating torture of the animal, and the utter ruin of his mouth. Much of this ill-treatment in bitting is to be attribut- ed to a mistaken notion that the manner in which the horse carries his head will depend principally, or in a great measure, upon the position into which it is drawn by the bitting bridle. The position in which the horse carries his head in harness will depend almost entirely upon his form and his temper, which govern its natural position when left free from any sort of restraint. No art can ever give the horse with a low, perpendicular shoulder and short neck, a fine style of carrying his head and neck, even if he possesses good courage and spirit. The bitting bridle may be of some service in giving the head a proper position ; but the great object of using it is, to accustom the horse to submit to the press* 228 TNE MORGAN HORSE. ure of the bit, and teacli him to obey the motions of the reins. When the head is strained up into an unnatural and uncomfortable position, and kept there a long time, the colt relieves the pain he feels by resting the entire weight of his head on the bit; and in this case, instead of deriving any benefit from it, his mouth is injured by his acquiring the habit of hanging on the bit, and often this will be accompanied by the habit of leaning his head on one side of his bit ; these habits will fol- low him through life, and very materially injure him. Youatt says, " The bit should be large and smooth, and the reins buckled to a ring in the side of the pad. There are many curious and expensive machines for this purpose, but the simple rein will be quite sufficient. It should at first be slack, and then be gradually tighten- ed. This will prepare for the more perfect manner in which the head will afterwards be got into its proper position, when the colt is accustomed to the saddle. Occasionally the breaker should stand in front of the colt and take hold of each rein near the mouth, and press upon it, and thus begin to teacli him to stop and to back on the pressure of the rein, rewarding every act of docility, and not being too eager to punish occasional carelessness or waywardness." After having become well accustomed to the bit, portions of the harness should be put on slowly and carefully, and he should be led about for a time until he becomes perfectly accustomed to it. Then the reins may be used, and when he has become obedient to them, a third person should take hold of the traces, one in each hand, taking care that they are long enough so BREAKING AND DRIVING. 229 that lie can retain his hold if the colt should kick, and by occasionally pulling on them teach the colt to keep steadily along, whether he feels any draught on his shoulders or not. After the colt has been thoroughly practiced in all these exercises until he has become perfectly familiar with them, and quiet in them, he can be put into a cart or sulky. This should be light, with high wheels, so that the shafts (which should be very strong) may come up fully as high as the stifle. The best place for doing this is an open, smooth field. To put the horse before the cart or sulky, three persons are required — one to hold the colt while the others, each taking hold of one of the thills, draw up the carriage behind him, and, shov- ing forward and raising the thills, hitch up the traces as carefully but quickly as possible. This being done, the driver should get upon the seat, and taking the reins, allow the person holding the colt to lead him a few rods until he takes no notice of the carriage. He should then carefully relax his hold and give him up to the sole management of the driver, who should make little effort to rein or guide him, but simply hold him snug enough to keep in a walk — for he should not at first be allowed to trot ; this exercise should be short, but should be repeated every day. Many will prefer to put the colt beside another horse, but we much pre- fer this method for several reasons, first — although he may be taught to go quietly with another horse, still he will not drive well alone without a new course of instruction. In almost all double carriages the pole runs so low that the colt can easily kick over the traces; and, should he happen to get over them, he is frighten- 230 THE MORGAN HORSE. ed, and it is often very difficult to get him quiet, or prevent his breaking away. In double harness the colt can at any time free himself from the restraint of the bit by stopping and allowing the strain of the reins to come upon his mate. If a little vexed, he can twist about, throw his head over his mate's neck, and do many annoying things that he cannot do in the sulky or cart. Nothing now remains to complete his education but to teach him his paces ; and this, although rarely much attended to, is of the greatest consequence, as on his perfection in these depends much of his useful- ness and value. No pace is of so much importance to the roadster or business horse as the walk, and the young horse should be thoroughly drilled in this before any attempt is made to push him in the trot. The greatest care should be taken to keep each pace clear and distinct from the other; when walking, he should never be allowed to trot a few steps and then commence his walk again. In the ordinary training of horses very little attention is paid to this, and the result is, it is a very rare thing that a horse will bear the least urging, while walking, without breaking at once into a trot. When trotting, as in walking, care must be taken that he keeps steadily at his pace and not slacking into a walk for a step or two ; and be not over-anxious to have your colt acquire a reputation for a fast trotter, before he has learned to move well in a walk or a moderate trot. However, he must occasion- ally be pushed to his extreme speed in the trot, but he should be kept up to it only a few moments at a time . and whenever he has done well, take care to let him BREAKING AND DRIVING. 231 walk a short time, and reward him with a kind and soothing word. In driving, always keep the reins snug, no matter how gentle the horse, or how slow his pace ; the gentlest horse may sometimes be frightened, and the slowest will sometimes stumble. To drive with the reins dangling about your horse is a careless habit, and your horse at all times needs a gentle pressure on the bit. When pushed to the top of his speed he should be kept well in hand, and the reins kept up snug, that he may learn to bear well upon them, as it is by means of the reins chiefly that the horse, when going at a high speed, is kept steady in his pace. While it is important that he should take a good snug rein, he should not be taught to pull with all his might, for then he is not only difficult to manage, but the tremen- dous pull is apt to draw in his nose, and by thus bend- ing the neck too much 3 prevent his breathing readily and freely. The art of driving well, however, can no more be taught by any written instructions than the art o£ writing : we only intend to state a few plain and simple truths that every one who is attempting to break a young colt should know and understand. Comparatively few persons besides the professed jockeys, fully understand the art of developing the greatest speed of the horse in a trot, and it would be utterly impossible to describe how the driver may dis- cover the first evidence of a break, which may gene- rally be noticed several steps before the break occurs : still more difficult would it be to describe the manner in which the finished driver, by a word and a strain upon the reins, fairly lifts his horse over the trouble- \ 232 THE MORGAN HORSE. some point, without the least apparent check to his speed. Yet almost any man who has any taste for a horse can do much towards improving him in this re- spect. A great deal will depend upon the temper and life of the horse. The horse of dull and sluggish tem- per will bear to be crowded with the whip, and when he breaks, may be more severely punished than the horse of high spirit; the latter rarely needs any urging to send him at once to his best speed, but that very ardor renders him much more likely to overstep his gait. He must not be punished severely for every breaking from his gait, for, if he is invariably beaten for it, when he finds he is beginning to get "tangled" he is frightened, and immediately breaks, and having once broken, it is very difficult to get him down to his work again. Though particularly true of the young horse, that he should be kept at the top of his speed but a short time, it is also true of the older animal. He should be driven daily at a moderate pace, two or three times a week, giving him a sharp drive of two or three miles, not all the way at the top of his speed, but at a good smart gait, occasionally crowding him to the utmost stretch of his powers, but in no case should it be kept up till he begins to flag and fall off in his pace. It will also be found advantageous to drive him over the same ground frequently, until he becomes well ac- quainted with it, and rouse him to exertion at the same points ; by doing this, he will, if possessed of any spirit, soon acquire a keen relish for these "bursts." Care must be taken that while endeavoring to develop the greatest power of the horse in the trot, his other BREAKING AND DRIVING. 233 paces are not neglected ; particularly should great pains be taken to accustom him to a good driving or road gait, and to teach him to stand quietly and patiently whenever and wherever stopped, until bidden to go. The latter is often a difficult lesson, and requires the greatest patience on the part of the trainer, and even with his utmost skill and perseverance he will find some horses whose temperaments are so nervous that it will never be safe to leave them unfastened. During all this course of early training, it must be constantly borne in mind that the colt, although old enough to learn how to move well in harness, and perhaps to drive as quietly and pleasantly as an older horse, is not old enough to perform the work of an animal fully matured. Two or three miles a day be- fore a sulky or very light buggy at a walk, is ample work for him when two years or thirty months old. This exercise should be gradually increased as he grows older, until at four or five years he can be put to ordi- nary work ; but he will not often be able to endure severe and constant labor until six or seven ; and we believe it is the general opinion of sporting men that the trotter, if properly treated, will continue to improve until ten or twelve years old, if not prematurely put to severe work. In this connection, a few remarks as to the proper manner of preparing horses for, and exhibiting them at Agricultural Fairs, or upon other public occasions, may not be amiss, especially when we consider that the entire neglect which many really fine animals so often meet with at these exhibitions, is frequently due entirely 234 THE MORGAN HORSE. to the ignorance, gross carelessness or neglect of their owners. A farmer has a fine, powerful three-years-old colt, that is descended from excellent stock, and is in fact a fine animal, and he concludes to exhibit him at a neighboring Fair ; he has been partially broken to lead, but, with this exception, is entirely untrained ; he has been left in the pasture entirely to himself; he is in high condition, but his flesh is soft from green feed and want of exercise ; his mane and tail are matted and rusty, and his coat looks faded and dry from long exposure to sun and rain. But his owner says the judges should look at the horse and not at his training, or grooming, and appears to forget that the capacity of the horse to receive instruction is one of his valuable qualities, and this capacity cannot be shown save by training. And how shall we know whether his harsh, sunburnt hair can ever look soft and glossy, even with the most careful grooming ? Even if these things could be determined, such a horse would never compare favorably with one which, though by nature in no respect superior, is yet equally well formed, and has been properly groomed and trained. We should no more expect a man of taste voulcl fancy such an animal, than we should expect Um to be fascinated with a beautiful woman, of awk- vard manners and untidily dressed. All horses intended for exhibitions, at which they \rill require to be exercised, either in harness or under the saddle, should have at least two weeks' preparation, in order that they may appear to the best advantage ; BREAKING AND DRIVING. 235 supposing them to be in good flesh, and healthy at the time this preparation commences. If it is intended to test the speed or endurance of the animal, he should be treated in the same manner as the race-horse is pre- pared for the course, and the preparation should com- mence much earlier. If, on the contrary, it is contem- plated only to exhibit his form and paces, and give him moderate exercise throughout the day, much less pains need be taken. The horse should have a cool, airy, and roomy stall, and should be kept covered, if in summer, with a light, and if in winter, with a heavy blanket. If he is very fat, his flesh should be reduced by decreasing his feed and increasing his exercise ; for no good horseman will be pleased with an animal whose muscles are entirely concealed by huge masses of fat ; and it is a great mis- take to endeavor to exhibit horses and hogs in equal condition. If your horse is in suitable flesh,' and is fully ma- tured, he should travel not less than six or eight miles per day, be thoroughly cleaned morning and night, have a liberal allowance of good sweet hay, and just grain enough to keep him in the right condition. If his exercise is six miles per day at a moderate rate, from four to six quarts of oats will usually be sufficient ; should he make flesh under this treatment, his feed should be decreased, and his exercise increased, enough to coun- teract this tendency to take on flesh. The horse may be put to any light work if it is convenient ; but if his exercise is continued through most of the day, he will require much more liberal feed. If the owner has no work for him, or is anxious to have his horse make 236 THE MORGAN HORSE. a fine appearance, lie will do well to have him take his daily exercise in the manner he will be exhibited, whether in the wagon, sulky, or under the saddle, in order that he may appear easy and well accustomed to it. Sufficient exercise is not often given, but it is of great importance. Without it, the horse is nervous and excited, from being brought into a crowd after long confinement to the stable ; his flesh is soft, he frets, per- spires freely, the dust sticks to him, he soon looks like a coach-horse at the end of a long, hard stage, and, before the day is passed, is quite exhausted by his un- accustomed exercise. In exhibiting your horse, do not attempt to assume the character of a jockey, for in the great majority of cases the attempt will prove a failure ; and should you succeed, we think you will not find the character more creditable to you than that of a sound practical farmer or breeder. Not that we believe there is any moral or religious principle — any rule of social duty — or any reasonable consideration that forbids a joerson owning the finest horses, and exhibiting upon suitable occasions, and in a proper manner, their form and paces to the best advantage, displaying skilful horsemanship in the management of them ; but, in our judgment, it is not in good taste for any one, either in public or private, to attempt to assume a character not his own. How often do we see youth, aspiring to the distinc- tion of being: called "fast," driving round the rings at our Agricultural Fairs, pulling, like John Gilpin, upon a horse who perchance needs most diligent persuading to trot a mile in four minutes, and wounding all sensi- tive ears with yells and shrieks that would shame a BREAKING AND DRIVING-. 237 Bedlamite ; as if the art of driving consisted in pulling with might and main upon the bit, and screaming at the utmost pitch of their voices. How would such men as Woodruff, Wheelan, Pea- body, or Pfifer swell with indignation, were they to be present on these occasions, and see their art thus grossly caricatured. CHAPTEE XIII. THE PROPER MANNER OF FEEDING AND DRIVING UPON THE ROAD. In the preceding chapter, we have offered some sug- gestions as to the proper method of teaching the young horse to submit cheerfully and fully to the authority and direction of his master, and also as to the best manner of driving. These last had particular reference to the proper manner of driving, to render the manage- ment of him easy, and to exhibit his form and paces to the best advantage. What we say upon the subject of driving, in this chapter, has special reference to the manner of regulating his speed over the unequal sur- face of the ordinary roads of the country, supposing him to be thus driven daily, as upon a journey or in the stage coach. With regard to the kind of food that should be given the horse when used upon the road, there is much difference of opinion, some preferring corn, some oats, and some meal, the latter to be fed with the hay after the hay has been cut fine and moistened with water, and is called "cut feed." The meal used is generally a mixture of corn and oats, corn and rye, and sometimes of corn, oats and rye. When of corn and oats, it is usually of about equal parts of each, but the rye, when used, is generally mixed with about double its quantity of the other grains. Without stop- ping to discuss the chemical analysis of these grains, (233 SCOTT HORSE fi H E R M A N FEEDING AND DRIVING. 239 and deducing therefrom their relative value as articles of food, we shall content ourselves with stating which, in our opinion, will be found, under ordinary circum- stances, the most profitable. Leaving it to the chemist to decide which will produce the most fat, and which the most muscle, we would suggest that this should not alone determine our choice — for when put to rapid work, the horse must not only have nutritious food, but it must be such as will digest readily, in order that digestion may be performed as much as possible dur- ing the hours of rest. Driving the horse rapidly when his stomach is filled with undigested food, is not only injurious, but dangerous. Again, sudden and entire changes in diet are decidedly injurious ; and if a person, when travelling, endeavors to use a kind of food that is not easily and readily obtained at the various places where he stops to feed, he will fre- quently be compelled to give his horse a kind of grain to which he is altogether unaccustomed. In those parts of the country where barley is raised, we should use it, preferring it to any other food, provided the horse is not driven very rapidly ; but as in most sec- tions of the country barley cannot readily be procured, we should recommend oats, as they are not only excel- lent food, but can be almost everywhere obtained with- out difficulty. As to the quantity that should be fed, no definite rule can be given, as the quantity must be varied to suit the wants of different animals. From eight to sixteen quarts, and usually from ten to twelve quarts per day, will be found sufficient. Where ground oats (oatmeal) can be had they are 240 THE MORGAN HORSE. always to be preferred, as they are sooner digested. The feed, whether oats or oatmeal, should be moistened with water, as this makes it more grateful to the ani- mal, facilitates digestion, and it is thus more easily and thoroughly masticated. This should be given regular, and not more than three feeds in twenty-four hours. The largest should be given at night, and the lightest at noon, unless the horse is allowed from two to three hours rest, in which case the noon feed may be in- creased. In no case should either water or food be given when the animal is very warm from exercise. The first and most important duty that the traveller should in no case neglect, is to look personally to the care of his horse, to see that he is properly fed and watered, that he is put in a comfortable stall, that he is well groomed and well littered. The man who con- siders the care of the horse he is driving unworthy his attention, or who from carelessness neglects it, ought never to leave home unattended by some person whose dignity will not suffer from attention to the comforts of his faithful servant, and who is sufficiently thought- ful to recollect them. This care of the horse is not only demanded by every principle of humanity, but also by regard for our own interest, since no horse, however sound and enduring, can last long under severe labor without constant and judicious care. It is hardly necessary for us to say that the fact that the animal is a hired one, in no way lessens the duty, but rather seems to increase it. The man who fails to take suitable care of a hired horse is not only wanting in humanity, but he cannot properly set up any great claim to thorough honesty, for he is neglecting an ani- FEEDING AND DKIVING. 241 mal that is endeavoring to serve him, and wrongino- his owner out of part of the consideration for its services. Again, we say to all those who have occasion to travel on horseback, or in private carriages, put not your faith in grooms and ostlers, for they are fallible, but attend personally to the care of your horse, and be sure you will not repent it, but will find yourself doubly repaid for the little trouble by finding him come out bright, fresh, and vigorous in the morning, his energies renewed, and fully able and willing to serve you. When stopping for the night, endeavor to secure a good, roomy, and quiet stall, not too close and con- fined, nor yet so situated that a current of air will blow into it ; see that there are no holes in the manger through which he may waste a portion of his food ; see that the floor and sides are strong and sound, and the latter so constructed tha.t he will not be annoyed by animals in the neighboring stalls. Take off the har- ness and have him thoroughly rubbed. If wet with sweat, whether in summer or winter, do not leave him until perfectly dry. If the weather is warm and the roads dusty, have the lips, nostrils, and eyes wiped out with a damp sponge ; nothing is more grateful to him, and anything that promotes his comfort and rest is of positive service to him. If the horse has not been accustomed to the harness regularly, or if the harness is one in which he has not been used, examine the various places where it will be likely to chafe him, particularly the shoulders. If the skin is anv where broken during the first day's ty O «/' 11 242 THE MORGAN HORSE. drive, be sure there is something wrong about the har- ness that must be at once attended to. If the skin has not been broken, you may judge whether the shoulders have been chafed or "scalded" by watching the drying of the hair. If there are any spots that remain wet after the surrounding parts are dry, it is chafed, and the shoulders should be washed in cool (but not cold) water and castile soap, the soap assisting in cleansing the skin, thus opening the pores and promoting a healthy action. Some horsemen wash the shoulders every night, but we do no think it generally necessary. Before putting him in his stall, have any old hay that may be in the rack or manger taken out, and the manger or box in which he is to have his food cleaned. If you have driven him hard, or if he is warm, do not feed him for half an hour. If he is very dry, give him three or four swallows of water, not very cold. In half an hour, give him six or eight quarts of water, and a little bright, clean hay, free from mould or clust. In the course of an hour offer him more water, and give him his allowance of grain and more hay. See that he has a good, dry, deep bed, for the horse enjoys a good soft bed, after a hard day's work, as well as his master. Having thus seen him properly cared for, leave him to rest. The following morning do not feed him, or any way disturb him until sunrise, or at least until after day- light. The horse, unless very tired, rarely lies down until after midnight, and does not require more than from three to five hours sleep, and this he will usually take during the latter part of the night. The first thing in the morning should be to see if FEEDING AND DRIVING. 243 he has eaU:i up all the feed given him the night before. If not, he should be fed sparingly, taking care to re- move all the hay and grain that he has left of his last night's feed. Before feeding, offer him a little water. If he drinks freely, and eats with apparent relish his morning's allowance, you may safely conclude that he is well, and that his previous day's drive has not in- jured him. If he has been properly groomed over- night he will want nothing more than a light brushing, and in an hour after he has eaten his feed he may be harnessed and commence his day's work. With regard to the proper method of driving, no rules can be laid down that will enable an inexperi- enced person to drive well, practice being as necessary to enable one to drive well as to write well. Still, some general rules can be given that will be of service to the new beginner. "With regard to the rate at which the horse should be driven, little can be said, as this should depend on a variety of circumstances, the speed of the animal, his powers of endurance, the distance to be travelled, and the urgency of haste in the business for which the journey is performed. Supposing that there is no extraordinary necessity of haste, and that the journey is to be continued for several successive days, care should be taken not to push the horse the first two or three days, but let him get seasoned and accustomed to his work. If worked too hard the first two days, he refuses his food, be- comes dull and stupid, loses flesh rapidly, and in a short time, if he is not dangerously sick, he is entirely unable to work. 244 THE MORGAN HORSE. Whatever distance you intend to drive in the course of the day, drive moderately for the first hour ; many a fine horse is ruined by being driven fast on a full stomach. After the first hour, consider the distance yon have to go, and the time you have to accomplisn it in, and endeavor to drive at an equal rate. 'Not that you are to drive at the same rate up hill and down, or drive each mile at exactly the same speed, but sup- posing the general character of the road to be the same through the entire distance, endeavor to drive an equal number of miles per hour. Thus suppose you have sixty miles to travel, and have nine hours to perforin it in, drive thirty or thirty- five miles at the rate of eight miles per hour, then stop for an hour, or an hour and a half, to give him food and rest. Take off the harness and have him rubbed with straw until he is dry, or at least until the dust and sweat are removed, then give him a little water and his grain. We are aware that most travel- lers do not remove the harness at noon, but it should always be done, especially in hot weather. Too much time must not be spent in rubbing and cleaning, and as soon as sufficiently cool, the horse should have his feed, for this and rest he needs more than grooming. Before starting in the afternoon, offer him a little water. Drive as in the morning, except that there is less need of caution for the first hour, and you may drive at the usual speed for the entire remain- ing distance. We are aware that it has been sometimes recom- mended to pursue an entirely different conrse, namely, to drive at a high speed for a few hours, and then give FEEDING AND DRIVING. 245 the horse a long rest, and again drive at the same high speed for the balance of the distance. Thus, in per- forming a distance of sixty miles in nine honrs, they would drive thirty miles in three hours, stop three hours, and drive the remaining thirty miles in the remaining three hours. This advice would seem to be founded on the belief that it is the number of hours that a horse is worked that fatigues him, without reference to the speed ; indeed, we remember to have seen this principle broadly and distinctly stated, that "it is the all- day work that knock up horses, and not the rate at which they are driven." This seems to us a great and pal- pable error. Let us consider for a moment what is the average rate of speed of the race-horse during the entire time occupied in a repeating race of four miles. Take, for instance, the race over the Union Course, Long Island, for the Jockey Club purse of $600, October 13, 1832. In this race twenty miles were run in 41m. 40s. actual running time, but allowing thirty minutes between each heat, which is the shortest time allowed for cool- ing and resting the horses, and the total time occupied in running the twenty miles was 2h. 41m. 40s., or a little less than eight miles per hour. A good hack or livery horse would do this, and show few signs of having been driven. It may be said that this is an extreme case ; very true, but having shown that our theory is correct in this case, may we not properly claim that something more than simple assertion is necessary to establish its unsoundness, in cases where the speed is indeed less, but the distance greater. But 246 THE MORGAN HORSE. we need not rest the question here, there are striking illustrations of the soundness of our theory ; that the distance and time in which it must be accomplished being given, every portion of the distance should be accomplished in a corresponding proportion of the time, nights and the necessary time for giving one feed at noon being of course excepted. The truck horses in the cities are worked all day and every day, in rain or sunshine, yet how much better their condition, and how much longer they last, than the city livery horses. The latter are driven but a small portion of their time, but are driven at a high speed. The stage-driver who rushes his team over one half the road, and walks them over the remainder, will never make "good time," for his team cannot make up by high speed the time he has idled away on the road, or at his stopping places, and the appearance of his horses will bear ample evidence that the attempt to do so has been injurious. The great art of driving horses long distances at good speed without injury, consists in keeping them steady at a given pace without fretting or worrying them, restraining them when inclined to go too fast, urging them when necessary, and doing either without annoying them. Other things being equal, the horse who does his work in a quiet steady way, will last much longer than the one which frets and is restless. If your horse is high tempered, and inclined to travel faster than you think best for him, you cannot take too much pains in starting him easily and quietly. If he takes hold of the bit and is inclined to push off at too high speed, keep a firm but steady pull on the FEEDING AND DRIVING. 247 bit, but you must rely principally upon the voice to quiet him. Speak to him in a calm, gentle and sooth- ing tone, and you will be surprised at the effect it will have upon him There are but few horses which in a short time will not settle quietly into a walk in the course of half an hour, under mild and soothing treat- ment. If your horse is a little dull, and needs urging, drive him with a constant, though gentle pressure upon the bit. When he needs urging, speak to him in a tone that he will not fail to hear, and enforce instant and prompt obedience with the whip. Be careful not to urge him by speaking to him when you do not intend to insist upon his paying attention to you. Never use the whip for any other purpose than to punish the horse for not minding you. Nothing will sooner perfect a horse in dulness and stupidity than constant tapping with the whip, and constant urging with the voice ; he soon gets so accustomed to both that he cares nothing for either, and the most vigorous twitching of the reins — the most authoritative com- mands, and the most industrious though mild applica- tions of the whip, result in nothing but a slight frisk of the tail or a gentle toss of the head. Although the greatest art in driving upon the road consists in driv- ing at the required speed without fretting the horse, the knowledge of the proper time to urge or to restrain him is almost equally indispensable. This, of course, vail depend upon the smoothness of the road, the ascent or descent of the ground, and the weight car- ried ; much will depend upon the animal. Owing to difference in form and gait, some horses that climb hills with difficult v can descend them rap- 248 THE MORGAN HORSE. idly and easily, and again others prefer to walk where- ever the ground descends rapidly, but will trot up ordinary hills to the very crest with little apparent effort. This difference in the form and gait of the horse should be constantly borne in mind, and he should be allowed to go slowly where it is evidently difficult for him to move fast. As a general rule, the horse should be made to walk wherever the ground ascends or descends rapidly. If driven rapidly up steep hills, he is almost exhausted when he reaches the top ; and if driven rapidly down, then, it is dan- gerous to the passengers, because his footing is insecure, and he is liable to fall ; and if the practice be continued, it will break up the stoutest fore limbs, by the force with which the feet come upon the ground. Where the surface of the road is smooth, and the ground slightly descending, the horse should be driven at a tolerably rapid rate, especially if he has a heavy load, for upon this ground the load, whether great or small, will move easily, and when the load is heavy the horse will be compelled to walk up most of the rising ground. When the load is light, and the speed eight miles per hour or more, the horse should be kept at a moderate trot on ascending ground, except up steep hills, for it will distress him less to trot over ground slightly ascending than to walk over such ground, and make up the time by increased speed on the level and descend ins - . o When the road is rough and uneven, endeavor to shun rough spots. To do this well, keep constant and careful watch of the track, and avoid the bad spots by turning a little before you get up to them, instead of FEEDING AND DRIVING. 249 waiting until you are close upon them, and then pull your horse out of the road with a sudden jerk, that irritates and frets him, and injures his mouth. It is better to take the jolt, unless it is dangerous, than to do this. After your horse has once become accustomed to turning out for the bad spots, it will be very little trouble to do it, and it will be much easier both for the horse and the passengers. Did our space permit, we should like to say much more upon this subject, as it is one in which we take much interest ; but must content ourselves with the imperfect directions above given, repeating the remark we made at the commencement of this chapter, that however full and correct the directions, no one can learn to drive without practice, any more than he can learn to write simply by reading an able treatise on penmanship. 11* CHAPTER XIV. HINTS TO PURCHASERS OF MORGAN OR OTHER HORSES. It is not to be supposed that any descriptions can be written, or any rules laid down, that will give the keen, discriminating eye, the fine perceptions with regard to form and motion, the rapid, searching glance at defects, that the true and practiced horseman seems to realize at the first view, enabling him to form a tolerably correct judgment of the value of an animal almost as soon as he sees it ; some suggestions, however, can be made which will aid ordinary purchasers. Before a man attempts to purchase a horse, he should first determine for himself what kind of horse he re- quires, both as to size and general qualities, since the value of the horse to his owner depends very much on his adaptation to the kind of business required of him. As to size, we think all experience shows that medium size is the best for ordinary use ; such horses we shall find possessed of the most compact forms, the most rugged constitutions, the most nimble, easy, and graceful motions. Though it is very true that a good horse may have a bad color, yet as a bad color is to some, perhaps most buyers, a serious objection, such should be avoided. White, light gray, light sorrel, cream-colored, and spotted, are the most objectionable, (25M p* o W I HINTS TO PURCHASERS. 251 and should be avoided. Bay, chestnut, black, and dark brown, are almost universally esteemed the best, and horses of these colors are worth more in every market than horses of the colors before named. When the purchaser is unaccustomed to horses, we would advise him, after having determined what kind of a horse he wants, to engasre some one to assist him who has had more experience, especially if he is about to purchase of a stranger, for in the latter case he will not only be liable to misjudge as to the justness of the animal's proportions, but also as to his soundness and vices, for a vast many faults and defects may by artful jockeys be concealed from the inexperienced eye, and sometimes even from the closest and most intelligent examination. If, however, the purchaser can avail himself of no such assistance, or chooses to trust to his own judgment, he cannot be too cautious or circumspect. When you enter the stable, observe carefully the way the owner approaches his horse ; if, as soon as he comes within hearing, he speaks to him in a loud, sharp voice, that makes the horse spring up in his stall as if frightened, look out for some defect in his limbs. If much lame, it will be seen when he is moved, but if it is very slight, you may not then notice it. If he comes up to the horse very carefully, and seems a little cautious about going into the stall where he is, you may justly suspect he is not perfectly kind and pleasant-tempered. If he approaches the horse in an easy, careless, but quiet way, you may reasonably expect that the horse has no such vices to hide, and you will not suspect him of lameness, though it should not prevent your watch- 252 THE MORGAN HORSE. ing carefully every motion of his limbs to see if you can detect it. Mark how the hor^e stands, how he is hitched, and what kind of a halter he has on. If he stands with one of his fore-feet far in advance of the other, look out for founder. If he is fastened with more than ordinary care, see if you can observe any signs of his having attempted to untie his halter with his teeth. If the halter is fastened very tight round the throat, he may have a trick of slipping it off, or he may be a cribber. A large strap, buckled close round the throat, will often prevent cribbing. Youatt considers crib-biting unsoundness ; and it is, at all events, a very bad habit, that materially injures the sale of a horse. If the manger shows signs of being bitten by the horse, do not purchase the animal until you have seen him eat. The teeth of an old "cribber" almost invariably show signs of this habit, being much worn on the outer edge, but in young horses it will not always be noticed. When the horse is turned out of his stall and faces the light, observe whether he shuns it, and partially closes his eyes; if so, his eyes are weak ; if, on the contrary, he looks boldly about, with a bright and lively expression, his eyes are not only good, but you may infer that he is both spirited and tractable. Examine the head carefully. If it is thoroughly good, light, lean, and graceful, with tapering, sharp-pointed ears, ever moving and restless, the eyes animated and prominent, the forehead broad, the muzzle firm, the nostrils large, and the whole well set upon the neck, you may be pretty sure that it be- longs to a good horse. If the eye is not bright and lively, it should be HINTS TO PURCHASERS. 253 carefully examined, especially if the animal is from the Western or Southern States, where diseases of the eyes are more common than at the North and East. Some- times the eye will look very natural, and the horse appear bright and well, yet be perfectly blind. If the horse is entirely blind you may easily detect it, for though some horses move about very easily and hand- ily when perfectly blind, you will soon notice the defect, if you watch him and suffer him to move about freely. If you are suspicious that, although not en- tirely blind, his sight is defective, you may determine it by passing some small object like a stalk of hay rapidly before the eye, and at a short distance from it, taking care that the substance be not large enough to create any perceptible motion of the atmosphere, for a blind horse will wink at the least unnatural current of air. The general appearance of the head is a pretty sure index of the age of the animal, and the inexperienced buyer will do well to rely as much upon this general appearance, as upon the appearance of the teeth ; for with a saw and a firing iron, old teeth may be made to resemble so closely those of a young horse, as to deceive even pretty good judges. In the old horse the eyes are usually a little sunken, and the hollows- over the eyes are deepened, the lips are less firm and close, nd the mouth shows the long use of the bit. If the head is satisfactory, next examine the legs, ee that they are not too long, are wide, flat, bony, and free from flesh below the knees and hocks. When the muscles are well developed, and stand well out from the bone, and are free from any fat or meat, they 254 THE MORGAN HORSE. can be distinctly traced by the eye through the skin. See that the horse stands squarely and equally upon them, that they are neither stretched too far apart nor gathered too much under him. Examine closely whether there be any unnatural enlargements or bunches on either leg. If none can be detected by the eye, then pass the half-closed hand carefully down each one, pressing the leg moderately, to determine whether there are any bunches or scars concealed by the hair. Look carefully at the hocks for spavins, curbs or thorough pin, for although the latter do not constitute unsoundness, yet they are objectionable. Pass the hand carefully down the back sinews to detect any unevenness in the muscle. If any little bunches are found, or the cord is anywhere enlarged, examine care- fully for any scar that may indicate the injury was an external one. If there are no signs of any such injury, and especially if the muscle at this point feels sore, reject the animal. The back sinews have been strained, if not ruptured, and there is little chance that he will ever be able to endure hard service. Search for bunches on the inside of the fetlocks ; if you find them, or scars, you will attribute them to the horse's cutting. If the scars are old, and the horse being in very high flesh, yet travels very close, it will be wise to reject him, for in ordinary flesh he will be likely to cut, and this is one of the most unpleasant defects in the horse, and one that it is very difficult to remedy. Press the hand closely and carefully around the pastern, for ring- bone, or clingfasts, that are just commencing to form, will be detected more easily by the hand than the eye ; HINTS TO PURCHASERS. 255 this is the more important, as ringbone is one of the worst kinds of unsoundness, and the horse may not at all times, and in all instances, be sufficiently lame to enable the buyer to detect it. The knees are often too carelessly examined. It is not enough that there is no trembling of the joint, that it shuts back well, and is well shaped. If there are any bunches, hard or soft, or any scars in front, it is a pretty sure sign that the horse is a stumbler, and is unsafe. Just below the knees and upon the inside of the leg look for splints ; if small and removed from the joint, they may in no way affect the usefulness of the animal, but they are unsightly and objectionable. The feet require the closest scrutiny. Eeject horses that have split or flat hoofs, as they will be fit only for slow work. Where the feet are high and narrow at the heels, it is a serious objection, as such feet are very liable to founder and other diseases. The legs and feet proving satisfactory thus far, take a look at the body. If the ribs are round, the back short, and his wind good, little more need be required. To determine the soundness of the wind is some- times difficult, especially if the horse is in high condi- tion and has been dieted and medicated with the view of concealing some defect in it. The best way to de- termine this is to make him trot briskly about one hundred rods, and as soon as he has done this let him stand perfectly still and watch closely his breathing. If he breathes easily, and without any apparent effort, and especially if as soon as he stops, he draws one or two long breaths that fill the lungs to their utmost capacity without any appearance of distress, his wind 256 THE MORGAN HORSE. may be pronounced good ; but if there is the least evidence of painful respiration, or catching for breath, something is wrong, and the animal should be rejected. Heaves, or broken-wind, is a common disease at the East, but at the West it is comparatively very rare ; hence the purchaser will be more on his guard to detect the disease in a horse raised at the East than in one raised at the West. While the horse is moving, notice carefully his ac- tion, and to do this take such a position that he can move by you on level ground, and at a sufficient dis- tance from you to give a good view of him. Notice particularly the action of the forelegs, see that the joint at the shoulder plays freely, that the feet are not raised too high, that he reaches out boldly in his step with his forelegs, and throws his weight freely upon them. If he does this, you may be pretty sure the feet are sound and good, and the shoulders unhurt. On the contrary, if the horse does not carry his feet well for- ward, but takes a short, mincing step, and puts down his feet cautiously, they are unsound ; and if the legs seem stiff, and tied up at the shoulders, he is chest- foundered. These things should be carefully observed when the horse is first moved, for if he is but a little stiff in his shoulders, the stiffness generally disappears entirely after a little exercise. After having carefully noticed these things, and also his general style and appearance, take such a position that you can watch the movement of his feet as he comes directly towards you and goes directly from you ; see that he carries forward his feet in a straight line, and that he does not travel too close or too wide, HINTS TO PURCHASERS. 257 for if very close lie will be apt to cut or interfere, and if too wide, his gait will be labored and awkward. While the horse is moving, see if he hesitates to turn short and quick ; if he does, and appears in the least stiff in the back, you may conclude that he has been strained there, and a horse that has been once severely strained in his back, rarely, if ever, fully recovers, and is unfit for any kind of business ; but if the back is such as we have described, there will be little danger of this complaint. These defects, at which we have glanced, by no means comprise all the diseases or defects of the horse, nor are the methods we have pointed out in all cases the only ones. We have aimed only to glance at the most serious and ordinary defects, and point out the simplest means of detecting them. Some quite com- mon defects we have not noticed, as, for instance, string-halt. This is not considered unsoundness in ordinary circumstances, and where it is so bad as to become seriously objectionable, it cannot fail to be noticed hj the most careless observer. To some, this kind of examination may seem tedious and laborious, and to the inexperienced horseman it may be so ; but the horseman of taste, with a practiced eye, will deter- mine the freedom of an animal from the objections we have referred to, in a small fraction of the time it has taken us to describe them. We have said nothing upon those subjects that are merely matters of taste, as to enter into a 'discussion of them would occupy more space than we could devote to it. One wishes a horse that shall have a bold, resolute style of action, and a high temper, that prompts him 258 THE MORGAN HORSE. to keep up a constant and heavy pull upon the reins. Another wishes a horse of less spirit, with a quiet, pleasant temper, and a mouth that only feels the bit, that is never restless, never pulls, and so gentle that his wife and children can manage him. Yet he does not want a dull, stupid animal ; on the contrary, one that is bright and lively, and that when gently urged will move off at a lively pace. One wants a horse that is round and smooth, with soft hair, a beautiful color, and a proud, showy style, that will attract the admiration of his neighbors, but cares little about its speed upon the road, or its powers of endurance. While his next door neighbor cares far less for the showy style and the beautiful color, and values his horse solely on account of his useful quali- ties. In short, no rules can be laid down that will determine the excellence of the animal in these respects, as so much depends upon the precise service which is demanded of him, and the taste of the purchaser. Although our people differ much in their opinion as to the color, style of movement, &c, of their buggy horses, yet the anxiety to own a free, nimble driver, is nearly universal, and might almost be styled a national characteristic. But the passion for horses is co-extensive with man's acquaintance with them, and is confined to no nation, no portion of the human family ; indeed, there are com- paratively few persons who take no interest in his his- tory, no pleasure in training or using him. Other animals may be as useful to man, but they do not so lay hold of human affections and sympathies. He is at once his companion and servant in his long HINTS TO PURCHASERS. 259 and weary journeys. With the same patience and unflinching courage, he carries his rider safely over the scorching sands of the desert, or treads with care- ful step the icy footpaths of the mountains. He waits with silent patience his master's pleasure, and moves only at his bidding. Heat and cold do not shake his courage, hunger and thirst do not drive him to rebel- lion. The soothing sound of nis master's voice stills his restlessness when he wishes him to be quiet, and the cheering, encouraging tones of the same voice rouse him to the noblest efforts to do his will. CHAPTEB XV. The following pedigrees and description of stallions, it is hardly necessary to say, comprise only a small portion of the total number that have been and are now bred from. But though thus incomplete, we be- lieve the list comprises all the grandsons of the Justin Morgan, of any note. Of some of these we have been able to learn but little, though we have spared no pains to obtain as full and reliable a history and de- scription of them as possible. The difficulty of col- lecting such facts, scattered over a wide extent of country, rarely published, and often unchronicled, save in the memories of individuals, can never be fully un- derstood, unless by those who have been engaged in some similar undertaking. Although we have made every exertion to render these pedigrees and descrip- tions reliable, and believe they will prove in the main correct, yet there are so many ways in which errors may creep in, and so many causes of confusion, that we dare not assert that they are perfectly accurate. The two most fruitful causes of error and confusion are, the use of some common name to designate differ- ent animals; and second, the frequent changes that have been made in the name of the same animal. (260) o w © o w PEDIGREES. 261 Thus there seems to be no end to the young Black Hawks, young Bulrushes, and other similar names. There seems to be a perfect mania for names that have been distinguished, as if it in some way enhanced the value of the animal. Again, some animals seem to have changed names as often as they changed owners, and even some that were always owned by one person are yet known by several different names. The Royal Morgan is known in Maine as Morgan Rattler ; in some parts of Vermont, as the Crane horse ; and in others, as the Steele horse ; and by some as the Cham- berlain colt; many persons who know him under one of these names never heard of either of the others. Where we have described more than one animal of the same name, we have numbered them in the order in which they were foaled. Thus we have "Green Mountain," and " Green Mountain second." The form- er sired by "Sherman," and the latter by "Gifford." Many persons who know the latter, never heard of the former ; and hence the necessity of distinguishing them as we have done. The height and weight is not always the result of actual measurement, and consequently will not be in all cases perfectly correct. Where two estimates have been given us of the height or weight of the same ani- mal, we have invariably adopted the lowest, deeming it better to err in this direction than to overstate the size. We shall feel obliged to any one who will inform us of any mistakes they may discover, and should a second edition be called for, we shall be most happy to correct them. 262 THE MORGAN HORSE. ASHUELOT MORGAN Was foaled in June, 1845, the property of Ezekiel Flint, of "Win- chester, N. H. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam formerly owned in Superior, C. E., and sired by Eagle. Ashuelot Morgan is a chestnut, with silver-colored mane and tail, both hind feet white up to the fetlock. He is 16 hands high, and weighs 1,315 lbs. Although very large, he is compact, moves in good style, has excellent action for a horse of his size, and is a favorite parade horse. In 1855 he received the first premium of the New Hamp- shire State Agricultural Society. He is now owned by Uberto Bowen, Esq., of Richmond, N. H. ALLEN HORSE Was bred by Pliny Allen, of Lyme, N. H. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Color, blood bay, 15 hands high, weight, 1,000 lbs. His reputation as a stock horse is good. He is now owned by Jonathan Currier, of Hanover, N. H. ALBAN HORSE Was foaled in September, 1839, the property of Colonel John Hackett, of Hancock, Vt. Sired by Hackett horse, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a gray, sired by Bliss horse. His color is gray, spotted with chestnut and bay, is 14i hands high, and weighs 950 lbs. He is a good horse ; his stock come to maturity at an early age, and sell well. When four months old, Col. Hackett sold him to Wm. Alban, of Ran- dolph, Vt. Mr. Alban kept him till he was seven years old, and sold him to Mr. Skinner, of Royalton, Vt. Mr. Skinner sold him to Lewis Gilman, of Bradford, Vt., and he to Leonard Kibbel, of the same place, who now ownes him. ANDREWS HORSE Was foaled in 1849, the property of William R. Andrews, of Derby, Vt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a bay, 14 hands high, sired by Woodbury. Andrews horse is a dark bay, 14J hands high, weighs 1,000 lbs., PEDIGREES. 263 and is a good moving horse. He is still owned by Mr. Andrews, at Derby, Yt. AMERICAN EAGLE Was foaled May 16th, 1852, the property of Joshua Saunderson, of Petersham, Mass. Sired by Black Morgan, g sire, Morgan Em- pire, g g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g g sire, Gifford, g g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Jet black, 15| hands high, weighs 1,070 lbs. Good style and action, spirited and grace- ful. Now owned by Joshua Saunderson, Pittsfield, Mass. Dam said to be an English mare, from a horse imported into Greenfield, Mass. ANDREW JACKSON Was foaled June 18th, 1852. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sher- man, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Lady Jenkins, who took the first premium at the State Fair, R. I., in 1855. Andrew Jackson is jet black, and weighs 1,050 lbs. He is a well-shaped and fine mov- ing horse. He received a premium at the United States Fair in Boston, 1855, also at the Rhode Island State Fair, and Worcester Co. Fair, Mass. This horse is now owned by Harrison Bacon, of Barre, Mass. ADDISON Was foaled in 1851, the property of John Jackson, of Brandon, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, celebrated Hamilton mare, Ruby, purchased by Mr. Jackson when four years old for $150. Addison is 16 hands high, weighs 1,175 lbs., is jet black, with heavy mane and tail, high, bold style and good movement for a horse of his size. Now owned by Z. Nearing, of Orwell, Yt. He received the first premium in his class at the Fair of the Yermont State Agri- cultural Society in 1855. ARABIAN MORGAN Was foaled in 1852, the property of Epaphro Seymour, of Brat- tleborough. Yt. Sired by Billy Root, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Old Jenny, sired by Sherman, g dam, by Arab, a thorough-bred Arabian horse, owned by Col. Jonas Blake, of Brat- 264 THE MORGAN HORSE. tleborough, Vt. This colt is chestnut, and exhibits in a high degree the valuable qualities of the Morgan and Arabian. He is now owned by Horatio Seymour, Jr., and Dr. M. M. Seymour in Buffalo, Erie County, N. Y. BULRUSH Was foaled in 1812 or 1813, the property of Moses Belknap, sired by Justin Morgan. See Chapter VII. BULRUSH MORGAN Was foaled in 1845, the property of Alvin Hovey, of Brookfield, Yt. Sired by Clarke horse, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam, sired by Morgan Eagle. Color dark bay, is 15 hands high, and weighs 1,060 lbs. He is a close-knit and well-formed horse, with good limbs and feet. His style of movement is good, and his temper excellent. At the Vermont State Fair in 1855, he received the second premium in his class. BLACK HAWK Was foaled in 1833, the property of Wingate Twombly, of Greenland (formerly of Durham), N. H. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. His dam was raised in New Brunswick, and is described as a half-blood English mare, a very fine animal, black, and a fast trotter. When four years old, Black Hawk was purchased by Benj. Thurston, of Lowell, Mass., for a family horse, and kept for that purpose until 1844, when he was purchased by David Hill, Esq., of Bridport, Vermont, by whom he is now owned. Celebrated horses, like great men, must have their enemies, and this horse has had his. A few years since a rumor was circulated that he was not sired by Sherman, but by a French horse called Paddy. The only foundation for such a report seems to have been the resemblance between the two horses in color, both being black. Mr. Hill might well have taken no notice of this rumor, as he had produced the affidavit of the owner of Sherman, in 1832, testifying that Sherman was coupled with the dam of Black Hawk that sea- son, and that the following season he received payment for the same. The testimony of Mr. Bellows being unimpeached, the rumor might seem amply refuted and silenced, but Mr. Hill did not choose to rely solely on this affidavit. He obtained affidavits or PEDIGREES. 265 letters from the breeder and others who had every opportunity of knowing the facts, fully and amply sustaining the affidavit of Mr. Bellows. These papers were published, and have pretty effectually settled the question. The parties who first circulated the above rumor could have had little or no acquaintance with him or his stock, for with the exception of color, he bears a strong resemblance in most particulars to the family of which he is a member. In size, compactness, style of action, great muscular development, temperament, and endurance, he exhibits their distinguishing traits in a high degree. His stock, though generally larger, being from larger dams, exhibit much the same characteristics, and their color when not black, is almost without exception bay or chestnut, the latter color being quite common. Many of his colts have the same marks in the face and upon the feet that belong to Sherman and his dam. We never saw a gray, a white, or a cream-colored horse from him. Black Hawk is a little under fifteen hands high, and weighs about ten hundred pounds. His compact, symmetrical, and muscular form, and nervous, elastic style of action, give unmistakable evidence of the speed and endurance he has shown upou the turf and road ; and although now twenty-three years old, his eye has lost none of its brightness, his health is still excellent, and his movements still graceful and energetic. One of the chief excellencies of Black Hawk, and one which he possesses in a remarkable degree, is the uniformity with which he stamps upon his offspring his own distin- guishing characteristics. For notice of his performances, see Chap- ter X. Few colts were sired by him previous to 1844, when he became the property of David Hill, and since that time he has been constantly kept at that gentleman's stable, in Bridport, Yt. BAY MORGAN Was foaled in 1849, in East Berkshire, Yt. Sired by Nimrod. Dam, sired by Dubois Horse. His color is dark bay, without marks. He is owned by Joseph Smith, of East Berkshire. BAILEY HORSE Was foaled in 1835, the property of Abner Bailey, of Newbury, Yt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, thickset 12 266 THE MOKGAN HORSE. Dutch mare. The Bailey horse was a chestnut, 15 hands high, weighed 1,100 lbs, and had one white hind foot. BARKER HORSE Was foaled in 1833, the property of Mr. Cobb, of Nelson, N. IT. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a bay, sired by Dioniede, he by Imported Diomede. The Barker Horse was 15| hands high, and weighed 1,100 lbs , color chestnut, with white stripe in the face like his sire, whom he closely resembled His style and action were unsurpassed, and lie was a very fine roadster. He was kept most of the time in Merrimac County, N H., and vicinity Mr. Barker kept him near home until 1853, after which Jesse John- son and Brothers kept him at Bradford, Vt., and Concord, N. EL, and vicinity, until he died, July, 1855, still the property of Mr. Barker. BARTHOLOMEW HORSE Was foaled in 1826, the property of Moses Bartholomew, of Vershire, Vt., who raised and kept him till he died. Weight, 1,050 lbs., 15 hands high, color dapple bay. He had abundance of both speed and action, and was a fast trotter. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. k o' BONAPARTE Was foaled in 1836, the property of Johnson and Brothers, of Brad- ford, Vt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Napoleon Bonaparte. Was 14| hands high, and weighed 950 lbs., very compact, close built, a fast driver and strong goer. He re- sembled his sire very much. P. A. Weir, of Walpole, N. II., pur- chased him in 1845, and took him to that place. BLACK HAWK CHIEF Was foaled in 1849, the property of D. Edgar Hill, of Bridport, Vt., by whom he is still owned. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sher- man, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Young Hamiltonian, formerly owned by Allen Smith, of Addison, Vt., Young Hamil- tonian by Bishop's Hamiltonian, and he by Imported Messenger. Dam of Young Hamiltonian by Leonidas, g dam by Bellfounder. PEDIGREES. 267 Grand dam of Black Hawk Chief, sired by Imported Matchem, owned by J. S. Larrabee, of Shoreliam, Yt, height 15J hands, weight 1,034, color raven black. This horse received the first premium at the New York State Fair in 1853, and also the first at the Adclison County, Yt., Fair, in 1855. He is full brother to Sherman Black Hawk. He is spirited, but exceedingly gentle and tractable. Whole figure good. Head and neck beautiful. Style and action fine. Time, 2.48. BLACK HAWK ECLIPSE Was foaled in 1853, the property of Jesse Johnson and Brothers, Bradford, Yt. Sired by Morgan Eclipse, g sire, Morgan Csesar, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a Black Hawk. He is 14 hands high, weighs 975 lbs. ; color black, with a white stripe in the face. Sold and gone to South Carolina. An excellent moving horse, very clean, light head, general style and action good. BLACK HAWK MORGAN Was foaled in 1852, the property of J. Johnson and Brothers, of Bradford, Yt. Sired by Morgan Eclipse, g sire, Morgan Cassar, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Black Hawk. He is 15 hands high, weighs 950 lbs. ; color, chestnut. BURBA NK HORSE SEE BARKER HOZiSE. BLISS HORSE. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, sired by Justin Morgan, and known as the Charles Cutter mare, of Royalton, Yt. BUCHANAN HORSE Was foaled in 1836, the property of Jeremiah Boyington, of New- bury, Yt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Bulrush. Buchanan was bay color, weighed 1,000 lbs. When eight years old he was sold and taken to New Brunswick. 268 THE MORGAN HORSE. BOSTON TIGER Was foaled in 1825 or '26, the property of H. H. Kimball, of Whitefield, N. H. Sired by Cock of the Rock, g sire, Sher- man, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a gray, owned by H. H. Kimball. Tiger was 15 hands high, weighed 1,050 lbs. ; roan color, fine form and good action. When five years old he was purchased by Joseph Sumner, Esq., of Charlestown, N. H. Mr. Sumner kept him several years, but becoming cross, he disposed of him, and he was put into a team in Boston or Medford, where, in 1845, he was found and purchased by David Batchelder, of Haverhill, N. H., who kept him three years and sold him to Gen. Dolif, of East Wentworth> N. H., whose property he continued till his death in 1848. BIRD HORSE Was foaled in 1851. Sired by the Bird horse, formerly owned by Joel Huntington and William Gay, and kept in Rochester and Hancock, Vt., g sire, Wolcott Morgan, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Gifford. Height; 14s hands, weight, 985 lbs. ; color, dapple bay, black mane, tail and legs, with very fine action. Now owned by A. Seymour, of West Randolph, Vt. BUSSORAH Was foaled in 1849, the property of Keyes Coburn, of Springport, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Sired by Gen. Gifford, g sire Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam. Lady Howland, by imported Arabian Bussorah, g dam, by imported Messenger. 15^ hands high; weight, 1,075 lbs. ; color, bright bay. Now owned by B. J. Bidwell, of Tecumseh, Mich., and is a good horse. BACHELDER HORSE Was foaled the property of Joseph Bachelder, of Danville, Vt., sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a fast trotting gray mare, half French. This horse was of dapple gray color, and 14J hands high. Though not as stylish as some of Sherman's colts, lie was a spirited and fast traveller. Left some excellent stock. PEDIGEEE3. 269 BLANCHARD HORSE Was foaled the property of Joseph Tilton, of Danville, Vermont. His dam was a light bay, sired by Justin Morgan. Blanchard was sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Was of chestnut color, and weighed 1,000 lbs. He was a close-made, thick-set horse, but his stock were not as noted for action as most of Sherman's colts. When young he was taken to New Hampshire, and afterwards to Maine. At an advanced age he was brought back to St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he died. BROCK HORSE Was foaled in 1836, the property of Capt. William Brock, of New- bury, Yt. Sired by Parks horse, g sire, Green Mountain 1st, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Shark. He was sold by Mr. Brock to Peter Johns, of Nashua, N. H. He weighed 900, was blood bay color, had a fine figure and excellent action, and was an uncommonly showy horse. Not fast. BLACK HAWK NAPOLEON Was foaled the 13th of May, 1852, the property of A. O. Palmer, of Charlotte, Vermont. Sired by Black Hawk Prophet, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, of Messenger stock. This horse is 16 hands high, weighs about 1,100 lbs., and is of jet black color. He received the highest premium in his class at the Vermont State Fair. 1855. A well-shaped, good-moving horse, Still owned by Mr. Palmer. BAXTER HORSE Was foaled in June, 1852, the property of Portus Baxter, of Derby, Yt. Sired by colt of Black Hawk, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Royal Morgan. He is 15J hands high, weighs 1.050 lbs., with a very dark brown color, and white stripe in the face. Has a beautiful ear fine shoulders and withers, with good hips and back. His limbs are excellent. Promises to be fast. Now owned by Portus Baxter, of Strafford, Vt, 270 IE MORGAN HORSE. BLACK HAWK PRINCE Was foaled in 1851, the property of Mr. McKiuney, of Bridport, Vt. Shed by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam by Young Sir Walter, sire of Moscow, and he by Sir Walter. Prince is jet black, with small, white star in the face, 16 bands high, and weighs 1,150 lbs. McKiuney sold him to Messrs. Gale & Wright, in April, 1854. Col. Abram Foot, of Cornwall, Vt., afterwards purchased and now owns him. He is a very fine horse, with abundance of spirit, excel- lent action, and a hardy constitution. BROWN MORGAN Was foaled June 11, 1850. Sired by Morgan Sultan, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Sher- man King, g dam by Justin Morgan. BLACK MORGAN Was foaled 28th July, 1845, the property of Sylvanus H. Gates, of Petersham, Mass. Sired by Gates Horse, g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam raised in Middlebury, Yt. Sired by Green Mountain 2d. When three years old, Black Morgan was purchased by Francis Twichell, of Petersham, Mass., who kept him till he died, May, 1854. He received the fourth premium at the National Fair in Springfield, 1853. BAT STATE MORGAN 1st Was foaled May 9, 1849, the property of Joshua Saunderson, of Pittsfield, Mass. Sired by Young Green Mountain, g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Color, bright bay, 15 hands high ; weight, 1.060 lbs., and is a good horse. Now owned by Mr. Saunderson at Pitts- field. BAY STATE MORGAN 2d Was foaled the property of S. B. Aiken, Hardwicke, Mass. Sired by Young Green Mountain, g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. PEDIGEEES. 271 Dark bay, 16| hands high, and weighs 1,150 lbs. He is now owned by Forrester B. Aiken, of Hardwicke, Mass. Good withers, good neck, good figure, and a good horse. BLACK LION" Was foaled the property of Chester Pratt, Cornwall, Vt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Bain, sired by Liberty. BILLY ROOT, OR COMET, Was foaled in 1829, the property of Hezekiah Morton, of St. Johns- bury, Vt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a half French mare, sired by Justin Morgan. A fine driver, and weighed 1,000 lbs. Billy Root weighed 942 lbs ; color, dark chestnut, with a few white hairs in the forehead, and a little white on the off hind foot. The hair on his body was rather long, but soft and silky, had but few long hairs on his legs and excellent feet. Eldad Root purchased him in 1832 or '33. Mr. Root kept him in the State of New York, we believe at Genesee Flats ; and he also kept him at Lyndon, Vt., several years. When about ten years old he took him to Highgate, Vt., where he remained four years. Mr. Root sold him to Mr. Stevens, of St. Johnsburv, Vt. Mr. Stevens used him hard one year, and sold him to Mr. Filer, of Burke, Vt., who kept him a short time, and traded him to Eleazer Smith, of Haverhill, N. H. Mr. Smith after a few months, traded him in the spring, back to Mr. Filer, who took him to Springfield, Mass., in the summer or fall of 1845, and disposed of him to a person who took him to Warehouse Point. The same autumn he was ao:ain traded to a man in Sharon, Conn. In the spring of 1847, (April 18th,) Messrs. Bemis & Hoyt brought him back to Lyndon, where he was kept in 1847-'48-'49, at Royt's stable. In 1850, he was kept at Highgate, and in 1851, at Lyndon, Vt. He died very suddenly April 25th, 1852. His death was supposed to be caused by the rupture of a blood-vessel. He was a horse of extraordinary life, energy and action. His stock are small, but have become widely and justly celebrated for spirit, action, endurance, and docility. 272 THE MORGAN HORSE. BENTON HORSE. SEE COOS MORGAN. BARDWELL HORSE. SEE DEERFIELD MORGAN. BLACK JACK Was foaled June 5, 1849, the property of Charles Linsley, of Middlebmy, Yt. Sired by Hacket Horse, g sire, Gifford, g g sire. Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Bay Flirt, bred near Lancaster, Ohio, and sired by Medley, he by Little Medley, and he by imported Medley, g dam, by Shepard's Consul, and he by Bond's First Consul for further pedigree of Medley and Bond's First Consul see American Stud Book. Black Jack is 15 hands high and weighs 1,0 TO lbs. ; color, black chestnut, without marks ; is a com- pact, enduring horse, a good traveller, and is perfectly sound. He is now owned by G. L. Linsley, of Kankakee City, Illinois. BLACK HAWK, Jr., 1st, Was foaled in 1847, the property of Abraham F. Aburnethy, of Cornwall, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Howard mare, sired by a colt of Hamilton- ian. He is 15 hands high, and weighs 1,000 lbs. Mr. Aburnethy kept him till three years old, and sold him to Col. Abraham Foot, of Cornwall, Yt., who kept him till August 1852, when he sold him to Farnham & Foot, of Lockport, N. Y., for $1,500. He is still owned in Lockport by Col. E. H. Foot. With a very fine figure he possesses an excellent temper, is a pleasant driver and goes in good style. BLACK HAWK, Jr., 2d, Was foaled June 20, 1849, the property of James S. Phelps, of Middlebury, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, sired by a son of Giffords, g dam, by Young Hamiitonian. He is jet black color, 16 hands high, and weighs 1050 lbs. His limbs are light but sinewy, free from long hairs, and any sort of blemish. He has a bold, resolute style of action, and is now the property of Mr. Phelps, at Burlington, Iowa. PEDIGEEES. 273 CLARKE HORSE "Was foaled in 1840 or '41, the property of Hall Cabot, of Chelsea, Vt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by For- tune, Fortune by Quicksilver, g dam by Justin Morgan. Height, 13| hands ; weight, 875 lbs. ; color, bright bay. One of the best acting sons of Bulrush. A fine, spirited auimal. Went to Ohio. COCK OF THE ROCK "Was foaled the property of Oliver Bowers, of Danville, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Barnum, Cock of the Rock. He was a very light chestnut, with white face below the eyes, 15 hands high, and weighed 1,100 lbs. His eye, ear and head not so good, but general form, Morgan. He attracted soing notice in New Hampshire and New Tork, in which States he was kept. Mr. Bellows, of Lancaster, N. H., purchased him ol Mr. Bowers, and sold him to Horatio Sargeant, of Springfield, Mass., at a high price. Was a bold, proud-looking and active horse, and a fine animal. Was a fast trotter, and left some good stock. COLBY HORSE Was foaled the property of Mr. Colby, of Warner, N. H. Sired by Barker horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan ; is 15 hands high, weighs 1,050, chestnut color, and a capital horse, with fine action and good figure. CHARLES SMITH HORSE Was foaled the property of C. C. Smith, of Corinth, Yt., and now owned by Leonard Avery, of same place. Sired by Young Bul- rush, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Small size, weight 900, dark chestnut color, and good action. CRANE HORSE, OR STEELE HORSE. See Royal Morgan. CHILDS HORSE Was foaled the property of Col. Levi Childs, of Derby, Yt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a chestnut, 15 hands high, weighed 1,000, and sired by American 12* 274 THE MORGAN HOESE. Eagle. Cliilds horse is a dark bay, 14J hands high, weighs about 975. Style and action very good. Now owned in Northampton, Mass. CHAMBERLAIN HORSE Was foaled in 1843, the property of Lathrop Chamberlain, of Brownington, Vt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a bay, 15 hands high, weighed 950 lbs., and was sired by Olive Branch. Chamberlain horse was a bay 14| hands high, and weighed about 900 lbs. His movement was excellent, and he was full of life and spirit. He is now dead. CARPENTER'S GRAY Was foaled the property of Francis Drew, of Danville, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, large gray, sired by Black Prince. He was 14J hands high, weighed 1,050 lbs., and had plenty of bone, muscle, spirit, and action. He took his name from Danford Carpenter, of Danville, who owned him some time, and sold him to go to Massachusetts. CLIFTON Was foaled in 1852, the property of Win. Bellows, Esq., of Walpole, N. H. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gilford, g g sire, Wood- bury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a chestnut, sired by Gifford, g dam by Sherman. Clifton is 14i hands high, and weighs 960 pounds. His color is a bright chestnut. At three months old Mr. Bellows sold him to Silas Hale, -of South Royalston, Mass. At eighteen months old, Mr. Hale sold him to S. H. Edgerly, Esq., of Manchester, N. H., who shortly after sold him to F. H. Leyford^ Esq., whose property he still remains. Clifton is a bold-looking, active and muscular horse, and in many respects resembles his celebrated sire. CLEMENTS HORSE Was foaled in 1826, the property of Mr. Clements, of Goshen, Yt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam was cele- brated as a roadster, and descended from Imported Killdeer. PEDIGEEE3. 275 Clements kept him till 1831, and then sold him to go to St. Law- rence County, New York. He was kept several years in Malone and vicinity, and was finally taken to Canada. His style and action were very fine. CHAMPLAIN Was foaled in 1851, the property of Robins Battell, of Norfolk, Conn. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Full brother to Yermonter. Champlain is now owned by Battell & Phelps, in Fon Du Lac County, Wisconsin, and is a very fine horse. CHAMPION BLACK HAWK Was foaled in 1849, the property of C. W. Fletcher, of Orwell, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam, by Cock of the Rock, g dam said to be out of a BuL rush Morgan mare, by a Messenger Horse. Champion Black Hawk is a dark red chestnut, 15J hands high, and weighs 1,100 lbs., is compact and muscular, with beautiful ear and head. He has taken the first prize at five State, and several County fairs. Spirit, style and action excellent. In the fall of 1855 he trotted two miles in 5 min. 45 sec. He is now owned by P. & L. Melendy, Mount Healthy, Hamilton Co., Ohio. He was purchased by his present owners in August, 1855, of W. H. & J. Ladd, Jefferson County, Ohio. COOS MORGAN Was foaled in 1848, the property of Charles Benton, of New- bury, Yt. Sired by Young Moscow. Dam was sired by Morgan Robbin, g dam by Billy Root, g g dam by Justin Morgan. He is a black chestnut, 15£ hands high, and weighs 1,045 lbs. He is very gentle, and perfectly kind in any service. % Exceedingly well- built, forward, and bold in style, though less nervous than some of his kin. He is a favorite stock horse in the vicinity of Newbury. He has been exhibited for a premium but once, when he received one, at the Yermont State Fair, in 1853. CHARLEY Was foaled May 23, 1851, the property of Calvin Blodget, of Waterbury, Yt. Sired by Gifibrd, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Jus- 276 THE MORGAN HORSE. tin Morgan. Dam by Green Mountain 2d, g dam by Messenger. Charley is a dark, dapple bay, 14-i bands bigb, and weighs a little less than 1,000 lbs. He has no white hairs, on him ; mane and tail lull and heavy, very compact, with good limbs and good action. He is an excellent roadster. CARLETON HORSE. See Peters Morgan. COMET. See Billy Root. COMET Was foaled in 1846, the property of Jonas Flint, of St. Johns, bury, Yt. Sired by Billy Root, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, dark chestnut, known as Crane mare. Sired by Royal Morgan, g dam by Hubbard horse, g g dam, known as the Pierce mare. Comet is a chestnut, and weighs 1,050 lbs. He has taken several premiums. One at the National Fair at Boston, 1855, and one at the New Hampshire State Fair ; also one in his own county. He is now the property of Mr. Woods, of Hancock N. H., and is an excellent horse, with plenty of life, and a spirited, nervous style of action. CHALLENGE Was foaled June 3d, 1854, the property of Charles Linsley, Esq., of Middlebury, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by "White Mountain Morgan, g dam by Woodbury ; weight, 882 lbs. ; 151 hands high, black chestnut color, with stripe in the face, and three white feet. He is now owned by George L. Linsley, Kankakee, 111. CLARKE HORSE. See Whalebone. DON JUAN Was foaled in 1852, the property of C. M. Fletcher, of Orwell, Yt. Sired by Champion Black Hawk, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire. Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Lady Henry, sired by PEDIGREES. 277 Birney Henry, g dam was of Messenger blood ; 16 hands high, and weighs 1,210 lbs. ; color, very dark dapple bay, heavy, wavy black mane and tail. When two years old he was entered for a purse, at Burlington, Vt., which he won, trotting mile heats in 3 min. 10 sec. When three years old he trotted a half mile in 1 min. 22 sec. A fine horse, and still owned by Mr. Fletcher. DAVIS HORSE Was a Vermont horse, sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Mor- gan ; height, 14J hands ; weight, 925 lbs. ; color, chestnut. Few white hairs in face, and one white hind-foot. Action and style good. DUBOIS HORSE Was foaled in 1818. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan, color bay ; moved in good style, and was fast ; weight, 940 pounds. He was owned at one time in Burlington, "Vt. DAVIS HORSE Was foaled in 1852. Was sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. He was 15h hands high, and weighed 1,200 ; color, mahogany bay; action and speed not remarkable, but enduring and hardy DEERFIELD MORGAN Was bred in Shelburne, Mass., and was sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gilford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire Justin Morgan. He is a good acting, sharp-going horse. EMPEROR Was foaled in 1837, the property of Rufus H. Hyde, of Chelsea, Vt., who kept him three or four years and sold him. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan ; weight, 1,000 lbs. ; bright bay ; good figure, but not remarkably good gait. ETHAN ALLEN. Was foaled in June, 1849, the property of J. W. Holcomb, of Ticon- deroga, N. V. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a medium size white mare of Messenger 273 THE MORGAN HORSE. blood ; 15 hands high, and weighs about 1,000 lbs. ; is a beautiful bay, with black mane and tail ; is perfectly sound and kind, very tractable, and has an excellent temper and gait, either for the road or the turf. It is claimed by his friends that he is the fastest trot- ting stallion living, and the claim seems to be well founded. For further notice of his performances, see Chapter X. He is now owned by 0. S. Roe & Co., of Shoreham, Vt. It has been reported that Ethan Allen was sired by Flying Mor- gan, an excellent horse, and one which he, in some respects, resem- bles. "We have made careful inquiry into all the circumstances of the case, and we can see no reasonable ground to doubt his having been sired by Black Hawk. Mr. Holcomb had bred two celebrated animals, Black Hawk Maid and Red Legs, from the dam of Ethan Allen by Black Hawk, and there can be no question that the mare was coupled with Black Hawk in 1848. Flying Morgan was not kept for stock that year, but for a driving horse, and we believe was kept by chance one night at Ticonderoga. We believe that this, with the resemblance in color and shape of the head, furnish the chief grounds for the report. ETHAN ALLEN 2d Was foaled in 1850, the property of E. & T. Sprague, of East Ran- dolph, Vt. Sired by Putnam horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Bam, a chestnut mare known as the Partridge mare. Sired by Woodbury. He is 15 hands high, and weighs 1,000 lbs. Color, chestnut, with white stripe in his face. Great muscular power, with good style and action. Now owned by B. F. Parkhurst, of Randolph. His colts principally chestnut. ENFIELD HORSE Was foaled in 1824, in Enfield, Conn. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam was raised in Connecticut, and was of the celebrated Janus stock. Enfield remained in Connecticut until the winter of 1831, when his owner drove him to Addison County, Vt., with a load of fresh cod- fish. While on the road, he met with an accident that made him lame for some time, and he was sold to Joshua Scott, of Middle- PEDIGKEES. 279 bury. Mr. Scott kept him one year, and sold him to Austin John- son. Mr. Johnson kept him two or three years, and sold him to go to the State of Maine. Since that time we have been unable to trace him. Pie was a chestnut, 14| hands high, and weighed 975 lbs. He was an excellent horse ; a fast driver, and full of courage and life. ESTT HOESB Was sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Romeo, owned by B. Pike. Height, 15| hands ; weight, 1,000 lbs. ; color, black roan. Good style and fast ; but never was trained. Was burned in a stable when five years old. He was sire of the noted trotting mare, Lady Franklin. FENTON HOESE Was foaled in 1808, the property of Richard W. Fenton, of St. Johnsbury, Yt. Sired by Justin Morgan. He was of a blood bay color ; excellent in style and action, and a very fine horse. See Chap. VII. FLYING CLOUD 1st Was foaled the property of Mr. Robinson, of New Bedford, Mass. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Andrew Jackson, of trotting celebrity ; was a black mare, and weighed about 1,000 lbs. Flying Cloud weighs about 1,000 lbs., and his color is black. He is now on Long Island. FLYING CLOUD 2d. This Flying Cloud is now in Ohio ; was foaled the property of Gustavus Wickes,of Ticonderoga, N.Y. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Magnum Bonum. This horse is black, and weighs 1, 050 pounds. FLYING MORGAN. Was foaled in 1843, the property of R. M. Adams, of Burlington, Vt. Sired by Hackett horse, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, ggg sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Woodbury. Flying Forganis 14 280 THE MORGAN HORSE. hands high, and weighs 900 lbs ; color, blood bay, with white hind feet. When five years old he was sold to Dr. Win. Russell, of Mid- dlebury, Vt., but Mr. Adams repurchased him the following year, and has owned him ever since. He is a horse of a great deal ot bottom and power ; trots perfectly square and fair ; goes smart ; is perfectly sure for all he can do, and generally makes his best time the last heat. From heating and over-work, his eyes have been in- jured, and he can see but little. For performances, see Chap. 1 0. FLYING MORGAN SPROUT Was foaled in 1852, the property of R. M. Adams, of Burlington, Vt. Sired by Flying Morgan, g sire, Hackett horse, g g sire, Gilford, ggg sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan, out of Messenger dam, of middling size. He is 15 hands high, and of a dark chestnut color. Took the second premium at the National Fair at Springfield, Mass., when he had nine competitors. Has an excellent temper, a free, open gait, and promises to be fast. Under Mr. Adams' care he has become one of the best trained and most thoroughly broken horses in the State, and we do not know of a horse equal to him in these respects. He is still owned by Mr. Adams, at Burlington, Vt. FOX Was foaled in 1813, the property of Col. Phinney, of Shrewsbury, Vt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam unknown ; 14 hands high ; weight, 975 lbs. ; color, dapple bay ; a very few white hairs on his forehead, and very few long hairs on his legs ; mane and tail thick and bushy. In 1825 he was purchased by Mr. Oliver Brown, of Pittsford, Vt. Mr. Brown kept him about one year, and sold him to Harvey Yale, of Middlebury, Vt., for $210. Mr. Yale kept him five years ; during this time he was kept at Huntington and Middlebury. In 1831, Mr. Yale sold him to Dr. Smith, oi Huntington, for $150. Dr. Smith kept him one year. From Hunt- ington he went to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; from whence he was taken to Upper Canada, where he died. He was a horse of great spirit and action, and was a favorite parade horse. F A R R A R HORSE SEE YOVSQ BURBAXK. PEDIGREES. 281 FLINT HORSE Was foaled in 1823, the property of Oliver Bowers, of Danville, Yt. . Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. He was owned by Mr. Bowers, Mr. Flint, Mr. Woods, and Mr. Bellows. He died in St. Johnsbnry. He is said to have been a fine horse, but we have been able to learn no further particulars concerning him. FLYING MORGAN, OF PETERSHAM. SEE NORTH STAE. FALCON Was foaled May 31st, 1846, the property of Bobbins Battell, of Nor- folk, Conn. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by the Yale horse ; Yale horse by Barnum's Cock of the Rock ; g dam by GifTord. Falcon died at three years old. FALCON 2d Was foaled in 1849, the property of Bobbins Battell, of Norfolk, Conn. Sired by Falcon, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a high-blooded Yirginia mare FARMERS' BEAUTY Was foaled in 1842, the property of Dr. Thatcher, of Wells River, Yt. Sired by Gilford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a bay, said to sired by W^oodbury. Farmers' Beauty is about 15 hands high ; weighs 1.075 lbs., and is of dappled chestnut color. Stock excellent and uniform. He is a good traveller ; has trotted in 2.53. He is now owned by D. M. Tag- gart, Goffstown, N. H. FOX MORGAN Was foaled in 1852, the property of Miller & Fox, of New Ipswich, N. H. Sired by Comet, g sire. Billy Root, g g sire, Sher- man, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. The Fox Morgan is coal black, with a few gray hairs about his flanks ; 141 hands high, and weighs 950 lbs. Action spirited and stylish. 282 THE MORGAN HORSE. GOODALE HORSE Was foaled in 1836, the property of Luther Goodale, of Lyme, N.H. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Height, 15* hands ; weight, 1,100 lbs. Heavy bone and muscle ; courage and bot- tom excellent ; action not the finest, but a good driver. He left some excellent stock. Mr. Goodale sold him in 1845 or '46 to B. F. Tillitson, of Orford, N. H., who sold him in 1849 or '50, to a man in Danvers, Mass. Disposition not pleasant. GATES HORSE. (see morgan empire.) GREEN MOUNTAIN 1st Was foaled the property of Mr. Bachupp, of Rygate, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. He was 151 hands high ; weighed 1,125 lbs., and was of a dusty brown color. He was taken to Green- field, Mass., and sold for $1,000. GREEN MOUNTAIN 2d Was foaled in 1834, the property of George Bundy. Sired by Gif- ford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Woodbury, a dark bay mare of great beauty and action. This horse is 144 hands high, and weighs 1,100 lbs. ; color, deep bay. Mr. Bundy sold him, when four months old, to Daniel Gay, of Stock- bridge, Yt., who kept him till he was four years old, and sold him to Hiram Twitchell, of Bethel, Yt., and he sold him the same year to John Woodbury, of Bethel, Yt. Mr. Woodbury sold him to Silas Hale, of South Royalston, Mass., who kept him till 1855 (Vhen he sold him to a stock company in Williamstown, Yt., where ie is now owned. Mr. Hale took him West in 1853, and he re- ceived first premiums at the several State Fairs of Kentucky, Ohio, ^nd Michigan, and in 1854 he received the first premium at the Yer- mont State Fair, at Brattleboro'. He lias a]so taken several other premiums. He is a horse of great muscular development, and remarkably nervous, spirited action. PEDIGREES. 283 GOODALE HORSE Was foaled the property of Jolin Dennick, of Lynn, N. H. Sired by Young Burbank, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. He is of a bay color, and weighs 1,025 lbs. Left one stallion, the Bold Rusher, a fine horse, now dead. GREEN MOUNTAIN, Jr., Was foaled in July, 1851. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gif- ford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam known as the Harton Trotting Mare. In 1851 owned by George W. Brad- street, of Royalton, Yt., and purchased of him by Reuben H. Lamb, of Boston. Sired by Gifford. Green Mountain, Jr., is 15 hands high, and weighs 1,035 lbs. His color is dark chestnut, or brown. He has the style and action of his sire and dam, and trots a mile in 3 minutes. Now owned by A. Lyman, of West Randolph, Yt. He is a very fast walker, and a very pleasant and stylish driver. GEN. GIFFORD 1st Was foaled in 1839, the property of Edward Eldridge, of War- ren, Yt. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Gen. Gifford is a chestnut, 15 J hands high, weighs 1,1040 lbs. He is a long-bodied, but compact horse, with good style and action ; a pleasant temper, and abundance of life. Mr. Eldridge sold him to Calvin Blodget, of Waterbury, Yt. Mr. Blodget kept him about two years and sold him to George A. Mason, of Jordan, N. Y. GEN. GIFFORD 2d Was foaled in 1849, in Walpole, N. H. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam weighed 1,000 lbs. ; was foaled in 1831, in Woodstock, Yt. ; sired by Woodbury. Gen. 2d is a bay, and weighs L000 lbs. A well-formed horse, of good action. GENERAL COOK HORSE. (SEE SHERMAN MORGAN.) 284 THE MORGAN HORSE. GENERAL TAYLOR Was foaled in Chelsea, in 1849, the property of Joseph Hatch. Sired by Black Prince. Dam, sired by Bulrush, g dam by Quicksil- ver, 15 hands high, blood-bay color, and weighs 1,000 lbs. Not re- markably bold and active, but symmetrical, hardy, and enduring, and an excellent horse. Received the first premium at the Orange County, Vt., Fair, in 1851, and also the first in the class of Bul- rush Morgans, at the State Fair in 1854. Now owned by Elihu Norton, Chelsea, Yt. GLINES HORSE Was foaled in 1846, the property of James Glines, Haverhill, N. H. Sired by One Eye, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, an English mare. His color is chestnut, and weighs about 1,100 lbs. He has gone West. GROSYNER COLT. (SEE PLATO.) GIFFORD Was foaled June 23, 1824, the property of Ziba Gifford, of Tun- bridge, Yt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam foaled June 21st, 1819, and sired by Henry Dundas, g dam by True Briton, g g dam by Be Lancey's Imported Wild Air. Weighed 1,000 lbs., and was 14 1 hands high. Style and motion much ad- mired, and was a favorite parade horse. Has left some excellent stock. March 17th, 1840, Mr. Gifford sold him to Russel Topliff, of Barnard, Yt. In 1844, Mr. Topliff sold him to Lyman Stewart. Mr. Stewart sold him to go to the State of New York. In 1846 Mr. F. A. Weir, of Walpole, N. H., purchased him, and sold him to a stock company for $2,000. He died Oct. 30th, 1850, at Wal- pole, N. H. GENERAL GIFFORD 3d Was foaled 20th Sept., 1851, the property of Mr. Woodard, cf South Royalton, Yt. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, PEDIGREES. 285 Justin Morgan. Dam sired by General Gilford. He is 14 bands high, and weighs 945 lbs. Color chestnut, white face, and three white feet. Speed good for a colt that has not been trained. GIFFORD MORGAN, Jr., Was foaled May 23d, 1850, the property of Elijah Judson, of Woodbury, Con. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Ribbon Back, by Young Black Hawk ; g dam was taken from Vermont to Con., in 1825, and was said to have been sired by the Justin Morgan. Gifford Morgan, Jr., is a jet black color, a little under 15 hands high, and weighs about 1,100 lbs. Is a free, pleasant traveller, and moves in good, bold style. Is very pleasant in his temper, perfectly tractable, and is a fine horse. He is now owned by Mr. H. B. Munson, and is kept at Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa. GREEN MOUNTAIN 3d Was foaled September 3d, 1853, the property of H. B. Munson, of Seymour, Con. Sired by a son of Green Mountain 2d., g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g sire, Gifford, ggg sire, Woodbury, g g g g eire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Moscow, g dam, by Woodbury. His color is dark chestnut, with silver colored mane and tail. Is 15 hands high, and is a promising colt. GRANITE STATE MORGAN Was foaled June 21st, 1847, the property of Parker W. Home, of Farmington, N. H. Sired by Napoleon Morgan, g sire, Flint horse, g g sire, Sherman, ggg sire, Justin Morgan. Dam of Messenger descent. Grauite State Morgan is a chestnut roan, with one white hind foot and a white stripe in the face, 155 hands high, and weighs about 1,000 lbs. Is a good traveller, perfectly sound and kind, a pleasant, tractable temper, and can be driven by a child. He is now owned by C. C. Whitehouse, of Farmington, N. H. GENERAL GIFFORD, Jr., Was foaled in 1851, the property of Charles W. Ingersoll, of Lodi, Seneca Co., N. Y , who at that time owned the General Gifford 1st. Sired by General Gifford 1st., g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury.. 2S6 THE MORGAN HORSE. g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, the celebrated Medick's trotting mare. Her dam by Bucyrus, and he by American Eclipse. This Junior General is 16 hands high, and weighs 1,100 lbs. He re- ceived the first premium at New York State Fair, at Utica, Sept., 1852, first premium and medal at Michigan State Fair, holden at Detroit, 1854 ; also, the first premium at Seneca County Fair, Oct. 1854. Action easy and graceful. He is a good horse. Now owned by B. J. Bidwell, Tecumseh, Mich. GRANITE STATE Was foaled in 1851, the property of Josiah Cram, of Hancock, N. H. Sired by Comet, g sire, Billy Root, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam was sired by a horse called Tom Morgan. Tom Morgan was sired by a horse called Briton. The pedigree of the last two named we do not know. Granite State is light chestnut, and weighs 1,050 lbs. His style and action are good. When three years old, Mr. Cram refused $800 for him, and still owns him. GOLDEN EAGLE Was foaled June 21st, 1851, the property of Jacob Blake, of Sut- ton, Vt. Sired by Morgan General, g sire, Billy Root, g g sire, Sher- man, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. When four years old, he was pur chased by Wm. Hill, of Sutton, Vt., and taken to Maine. Dark chestnut color. Weight about 1,150 lbs. Moves in good style, has good figure, good constitution, and excellent limbs. Mr. Hill has lately taken him to Illinois. HALL HORSE Was foaled in Northumberland, Vt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Weight, 1,100 lbs. Low, heavy built, and dark bay color. He was owned and kept several years by Mr. Hall, of Northumberland, Vt. HUBBARD HORSE Was foaled in Stratford, Vt., the property of Mr. Hubbard. Sired by Bailey horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan Chestnut color. Weight 1,000 lbs. PEDIGREES. 287 HAELOW HORSE Was foaled the property of Mr. Harlow, of Hartland, Vt. Sired by Walker horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Weight 1,200 lbs. Dapple gray color. Action fine, and a sharp goer. HEBARD HORSE Was foaled in 1827, the property of Aria! Hall, of North Royal- ton, Vt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Height 14| hands. Weight, 1,050 lbs. Color bay, black mane and tail. Died in Williamstown, Vt., in 1854, the property of Mr. Hall. He was a very valuable horse, hardy, enduring, with fine style and action, and a good roadster. Left a great deal of excellent stock. HACKETT HORSE Was foaled in 1832, the property of Ool. John Hackett, of Han- cock, Yt. Sired by Gilford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam sired by Woodbury. Height, 14^ hands. Weight, 1,070 lbs. Color chestnut, thick set, compact horse, but style not so fine as some. Action good, and a horse of great endurance. He was a good roadster, and left excellent stock. Died Feb., 1850, the prop- erty of Mr. Hackett. HAMPDEN Was foaled in 1848, the property of Dr. J. Holland, of Westfield, Mass. Sired by Gilford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam Polly, a sharp-going dark chestnut mare, of Messenger descent, formerly owned by Messrs. Morgan & Stevens, of Palmer, Mass. Hampden is a dapple chestr.ut a trifle over 15 hands high weighs 1,025 lbs., has a very compact form, excellent constitution, pleasant disposition, and is a good driver. He is now owned by N. B. Washburn, Springfield, Mass. HUCKINS HORSE Was foaled in 1844, the property of Henry Wooly, of Derby, Yt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Huckins horse is a bay, 15 hands high, and weighs a little over 1,000 lbs. He is full of courage and life. Is now owned in Topsham, Yt 288 THE MORGAN HORSE. HUBBARD HORSE 2d Was foaled in 1851, the property of Dr. Frederick Jones, of New Ipswich, N. H. Sired by Flint horse, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a superior animal, noted for fleetness and endurance. This horse is now owned by George B. Hubbard, of Ashby, Mass., is 14 hands high, weighs 900 lbs., is of a rich, dark- brown color, compact and finely-proportioned, of elegant action, and possesses the requisite points of a fleet horse. IYES HORSE Was foaled in 1839, the property of Julius Ive3, of Stanstead, 0. E. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a gray about 15 hands high. Ives horse is a bay, about 15 hands high, and weighs nearly 1,100 lbs. Style and action very good. He is now owned in Oswego, N. Y. JEMIE Was foaled in 1848, the property of Calvin Blodget, of Water- bury, Vt. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Madam Lowe. Sired by Woodbury. Jemie is a chestnut, 14| hands high, and weighs 950 lbs. ; has no white hairs on him ; is close built ; stands high forward ; has good style and action, and is a good driver. He is now owned by John G. Sher- burn, and we think is in Richmond, McHenry Co., Illinois. JERRY Was foaled the 18th of June, 1849, the property of Calvin Blodget, of Waterbury, Yt. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Hebard horse, g dam by Bul- rush. Jerry is chestnut, with a little white on one hind foot ; 14| hands high, and weighs 1,000 lbs. ; heavy mane and tail ; form close and compact ; good action, and a free, pleasant driver. KNIGHT'S HORSE. (SEE VERMONT MORGAN CHAMPION.) PEDIGBEES. 289 KARBT HORSE Was bred in Bath, N. H. Sired by Bailey horse, g sire, Wood- bury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Chestnut color, and weighs 1,125 lbs. KENT'S MORGAN Was foaled in 1844, the property of Adrial Kent, of Lancaster, N.H. Sired by Bailey horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam by Sherman. This horse weighs 1,050 lbs. ; is 15 hands high ; a deep bay color ; star in the face and white hind feet ; style and action good. Stock has proved excellent. Is now owned by A.. J. Congdon, of Lancaster, N. H. KITE Was foaled in June, 1854, the property of S. Langdon, New Haven, Yt. Sired by Rising Sun, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan ; dam sired by Beaman horse, he by Black Hawk, g dam by Black Hawk. Kite is dark chest- nut, 151 hands high, and weighs 880 lbs. He is now owned by Geo. L. Linsley, Kankakee City, Illinois. KENT COLT Was foaled in June, 1851, the property of G. W. Kent, of New- bury, Vt. Sired by Carleton horse, or Petus Morgan, g sire, Morgan Chief, g g sire, Bulrush, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Sherman. Kent Colt is a blood bay, 14^ hands high, weighs 975 lbs, with head, eye, and neck very fine; general figure and limbs good. Is still owned by Mr. Kent. LATHAM HORSE, or MORGAN CHIEF, Was foaled at Wells River, Yt., the property of Peter Burbank, in 1832. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam known as Empress, sired by Justin Morgan : 151 hands high, weight, 1,000 lbs., and chestnut color. When one year old, Mr. Burbank sold him to B. Latham, Esq. of Lyme, N. H., for 8150. In 1841, Mr. Latham sold him to Col R. C. Sawyer, of Newbury, Yt., who kept him till May, 1847, when 13 290 THE MORGAN HORSE. he sold him to Calvin Blodget, of Waterbury, Vt. In June, 1848, he was sold to Messrs. Wight & Eldridge, of Warren, Vt., who in June, 1852, sold him to Messrs. Prescott & Wilson, of Newbury, Vt. In the spring of 1854, he was taken to New Jersey. He was not remarkable for style and action, but his stock proved good. LONE STAR Was foaled the 5th June, 1848, the property of Benj. B. Tuttle, of Newmarket, N. H. Sired by Estis horse, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a chestnut 14^ hands high, sired by Cock of the Bock. Lone Star is a blood bay, with small white star in forehead ; 15| hands high, and weighs 1,065 lbs., and is half-brother to the well-known trotting mare, Lady Franklin. He has never been trained, but he has a gait that indi- cates ability to trot. He is a fine horse, and is now owned by Syl- vanus Tuttle, of Newmarket, N. H. LAWTON HOBSE Was foaled in June, 1841, the property of Mr. Buckman, of Bethel, Vt., and is now owned by Messrs. Woodward & Flint, South Royalston, Vt. Sired by Green Mountain, 2d, g sire, Gififord, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Bam sired by Morgan Eagle. This horse is 15 hands high ; weighs 1,100 lbs., and his color is dapple bay. Style and action excellent, possessing both bot- tom and speed. LEMON FAIR Was foaled in 1851, the property of Robbins Battell of Norfolk, Conn. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Gen. Whitney's Arabian. He by Dey of Algiers, g dam by Duroc. MORGAN LION Was foaled May 31st, 1852, the property of J. C. Tibbits, Esq., of Sutton, Vt. Sired by Morgan Gen., g sire, Billy Boot, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Height, 15^ hands, grey PEDIGKEE3. 291 color, and weight 1,150 lbs. ; very compact, close-built, high-head- ed, good acting horse. MORGAN TROTTER Was foaled in 1819 or '20, the property of iabel Whitney, near Chelsea, Yt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a large coarse common mare, light bay ; weight, 1,150 lbs. Morgan Trotter was 15 hands high, and weighed 1,000 lbs. ; color, dark bay ; remarkably strong, cordy limbs ; a very hard driver and fast trotter. Charles Johnson bought him about 1823 or '24, and owned him four or five years, then sold him to go to Maine. MORGAN KING. (SEE SHERMAN KING.) MORGAN RAT Was foaled in 1822, the property of Judge Baldwin, of Strafford, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. When young he was taken to Maine, and kept in the vicinity of Norway, Stanwich and Gray. His stock was small, but invariably good roadsters, with fine action. He was brownish chestnut color ; 13 h hands high, and weighed 850 lbs. ; with a symmetrical figure, he had a long body, which gave him his name. He was very gentle and very spirited. MAY-FLY Was foaled in 1848. Sired by Farmer's Beauty, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Wild Hawk of the Prairie, said to be a thorough-bred English horse, owned by Josiah Chase, Princeton, Mass. May-Fly weighs 900 lbs., and is of bay color. He' is now owned by Chas. Perley, Boxford, Mass. Is a good-tempered, fine-acting horse. MOODY HORSE, (SEE ENFIELD HOESE.) MORGAN TIGER. (see TIGER.) 292 THE MORGAN HORSE. MORGAN CAESAR Was foaled in 1828, the property of Simon Smith, of Hartland, Vt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Quick Silver, g dam bre£ by John G. Bond, Keene, N. H., and by Morton's Traveller. (Not the Morton's Traveller of the Stud Book.) This horse was 15£ hands high, weight, 1,150 lbs. He was free from loDg hairs, had a fine head, ears and neck ; mane and tail not as thick as is common. He was a fast driver, could go a mile in three minutes, and in March, 1844, was driven from Piermont to Wentworth, N. H., a distance of 12 miles, with two men in a sleigh, in 44 minutes. In 1833 or '34 he was taken to Maine by Spaulding Smith, of Wilton, Maine, and sold by him to Gen. John M. Eustis, of that State, for a parade horse. He remained there till 1842, and sired some excellent stock, of which was the celebrated trotting horse Mac, also the noted trotter, Pizarro, and a mare known as the Robert's Mare, very fast, and reputed to trot a mile in 2.35. The administrators of Gen Eustis' estate sold him to Manly Herriman, of Bradford, Vt. He afterwards passed through several hands, until in March, 1846, he was purchased by Jesse Johnson & Brothers, who kept him till he died, June 1848. His stock sold high ; many geldings brought from $300 to $1,000 each. This horse was known in Maine by the name of Morgan Post Boy. MATCHLESS Was foaled in 1851, the property of William M. Parker, of Con- cord, N. H. Sired by Prince Albert, g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g sire, Gilford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Blood bay color, with black legs ; 14s hands high, and weighs 900 lbs. Fine style and action. He is a fine, symmetrical animal, with small, finely-shaped head and ear. Promises to be fast. Dam of Match- less was formerly owned by Hiram Woodruff. She was a cele- brated roadster, and was half-sister to the great Trustee. She was black, about 14J hands high. MODEL MORGAN Was foaled in 1850, the property of Dr. Lemuel Richmond, of Derby ,Vt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire,Sherman, g g sire, Justin PEDIGREES. 293 Morgan. Dam by White Mountain Morgan, g dam by Eoyal Morgan. Model is 14 hands high, and weighs 950 lbs. ; his color is dark mahogany bay, with very bushy, beautifully black mane and tail. He was exhibited at the Vermont State Fair in 1853, and the Committee in their Report to the Society say, " that he possesses as many, or more, of the traits of the old Sherman, than any other horse on the grounds." MORGAN STAR Was foaled in 1851, in the town of Shelburn, Mass. Sired by DeerSeld Morgan, g sire, Green Mountain 2d, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Cock of the Rock, g dam by Magnum Bonum. Morgan Star is 15 hands high ; weighs 1,050 lbs. ; his color is a dark dapple bay. With a symmetrical figure, lie has fine style and action. Is now owned in Atwater, Ohio. MORGAN CHAMPION. (SEE VERMONT MORGAN CHAMPION.) MORGAN NAPOLEON Was foaled in 1852, the property of A. C. Palmer, of Charlotte, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk Prophet, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Napoleon is 16 hands high, and weighs 1,050 lbs. ; his color is jet black, good mane and tail. He has a fine open gait, but has never been trained to trot. Re- ceived the first premium in the class three years old, at the last Yermont State Fair. He is a fine horse. MELYIN HORSE Was foaled in 1838, the property of Mr. Melvin, of Charlestown, Yt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam was a light gray, 15 hands high ; weight, 900 lbs. Melvin horse is a light gray ; 15i hands high, and weighs over 1,100 lbs. Style and action excellent. He is now owned in Kalamazoo, Michigan. MORGAN COMET. (SEE IVES HORSE.) 294 THE MORGAN HORSE. MORGAN CHIEF. (see lath an HORSE ) MERRIMAN HORSE Was foaled in 1851, the property of L. Merriman, of Stanstead, C. E. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam, a chestnut, weighs about 900 lbs, sired by Sir Richard. Merriman horse is a bay, 14 hands high, weighs 975 lbs., good style, and a good traveller. He is now owned by Robert Trumbull, of Belle Centre, Ohio. MORGAN FIGURE Was foaled in 1850, the property of Solomou Steele, of Beebe Plains, C. E. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a black, sired by Piermont Morgan, g dam sired by Hawkins' horse. Morgan Figure is a jet black, 14 hands high ; weighs 950 lbs. He is an excellent horse, compact, with plenty of bone, clean, sinewy legs, with fine style and pleasant tem- per ; he is a good roadster. He is still the property of Mr. Steele. MORGAN POST BOY. (see morgan c^esar.) MORGAN DEFIANCE. (see brock horse.) MORGAN DRAGON Was foaled in July, 1853, the property of Gen. Silas M. Bur- roughs, Medina, N. Y. Sired by young Black Hawk, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, gg g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Im- ported Emigrant. MORGAN DEFIANCE Was foaled June 14th, 1844, the property of Harvey Nobles, of Hartford, Yt. Sired by the Dennison horse or Gold Finder. Dam, celebrated stock and road mare, Old Lady Morgan ; sired by Sher- man. Morgan Defiance is a jet black, 15 hands high, and weighs PEDIGREES. 295 1,030 lbs., compact, well-formed figure, and high carriage. He ia now owned by an Association in Northfield, Yt. MORGAN EAGLE "Was foaled in 1827, the property of Daniel Morgan, of Royalton, Yt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, blood bay, of 1,000 pounds weight ; an excellent roadster, but blood unknown. Eagle was 14J hands high, and weighed about 1,100 lbs. ; dapple bay, high style, fine action, and free, pleasant driver. Morgan sold him to Mr. Sprague, of Randolph, Yt. In 1832 Mr. Sprague sold him to Philip Farnham, of Turnbridge, Yt. Mr. Farnham kept him till 1839, and sold him to A. M. Foster, of Barre, Yt., and he kept him till he died, in 1840. The stock of Morgan Eagle were compact, rugged horses, and fine drivers. Morgan Eagle was the sire of Lady Sutton. MORGAN EMPEROR Was foaled the property of Mr. Hough, of Lebanon, N.H. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Imported Prince William, formerly kept at Hartford, Conn. Emperor was 15| hands high, and weig'hed 1,025. lbs., color blood bay. Jesse Johnson and Brothers kept him one year in Burlington, Yt., in 1835, and while there he trotted a mile in 2 min. 55 sec. Afterwards they kept him in Bradford two years, when he was sold to Messrs. Hamet and But- ler, of Burlington, Yt. In 1837 he went to Chicago. Sired Chi- cago Jack, gelding, and North Star, who took the second premium at the National Fair in Springfield, Mass. ; also the Tillitson horse, who trotted a mile in 2 min. 40 sec, on Cambridge Park Course, in September, 1843. From Chicago he returned to Bur- lington, and went from there to Petersham, Mass., where he died in the autumn of 1853. He was close and compact, with good figure ; had a very heavy mane and tail, went with mouth wide open, and more from the whip than from spirit. MORGAN ECLIPSE Was foaled in 1848, the property of J. & R. C. Johnson, of Brad- ford, Yt. Sired by Morgan Caesar, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin 296 THE MORGAN HORSE. Morgan. Eclipse was own brother to Morgan Traveller, 15 Lands high, and weighed 991 lbs. ; color, beautiful chestnut. Was sold in 1834 to an Agricultural Society in New-Brunswick, for over $2,000. His stock have taken several premiums at State Fairs in Vermont. At the Fair at Brattleboro three of his colts took premiums, be- sides two mares with foals by their side from him. He was a very fine horse. Pedigree of dam, see Traveller. MORGAN EMPIRE "Was foaled in 1845, the property of Charles Gates, of Petersham, Mass. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gilford, g g sire, Wood- bury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Morgan Empire is 15| Lands high, and weighs a little under 1,100 lbs. ; is a horse of good action, and very muscular. He is now owned by G. W. Chamberlain, of Walt- ham, Mass. ; is a good horse, and has a good reputation for stock. MORGAN EMPEROR 2d Was foaled in June, 1849, the property of Josiah White, of Petersham, Mass. Sired by Morgan Emperor, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam said to be by Sherman. Morgan Emperor is a deep bay, 15 hands high, and weighs 1,075 lbs. He is a strong, well-formed, fine moving horse. In 1855 he took two premiums, one at United States Fair in Boston, and one at Worcester, Mass. He is now owne<^ by Harrison Bacon, of Barre, Mass. MORGAN HUNTER Was foaled in 1844, the property of Mr. Exwell, of Springfield, Vt. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Gifford. Hunter is 14| hands high, and of chestnut color. Messrs. Ackley & Gilbert, of East Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., purchased him in May, 1849, but he is now owned by Messrs. Farriss and Ccok, of Charlottesville, Va. Is a horse of beautiful figure and fine action. *D' MORGAN CHIEF Was foaled June 18th, 1847. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Green Mountain 2d, g dam •» PEDIGREES. 297 by Messenger. Height 14| hands, weight 960 lbs., color light brown, with small star in his forehead. Owned by H. R. Ackley, of East Hamilton, Madison Co., N. T. Morgan Chief lost one eye by an accident. MORGAN ROBBIN Was foaled in 1827, the property of Mr. Chamberlain, of Danville, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Jus- tin Morgan. This horse was 14| hands high, weighed 1,000 lbs., color bright bay, black mane and tail, with all his legs white half up to his knees. Remarkably fine style, great deal of bone and muscle, perfectly gentle, good roadster, and fine horse. Mr. Allen kept him till 1853, when he sold him to L. D. Ide, of Lyndon, Yt., who kept him till he died, the next autumn. He was kept at Keene, Lynn, and Walpole, N. H., and at St. Johnsbury, Yt. He was sold when young, and owned by Mather Allen, of Guildhall, Yt., for many years. MORGAN RATTLER. (see royal morgan.) MORGAN RECRUIT "Was foaled in July, 1851, the property of Ebenezer Bridges, of Pomfret, Yt. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan, g dam by Woodbury. Re- cruit is dark chestnut, 14 hands high, weighs 1,020 lbs., thick set, with good limbs, short head, open nostrils, face dishing, wide be- tween eyes, and very heavy mane and tail. Now owned by E. Bridges, of Pomfret, Vt MORGAN TIGER 1st Was foaled in 1827, in Whitefield, N. H. Sired by Cock of the Rock, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by the noted Bellfounder. Tiger was a gray roan, 15| hands high, and weighed 1,025 lbs. He was a very hardy, enduring horse, full of courage, and good action. At four years old he was sold to Judge Sumner, of Charlestown, N. H. Judge Sumner kept him a num- ber of years, and then sold him to some one in Boston for a parade 13* 29 S THE MORGAN HORSE. horse. He remained in Boston several years, until, bis stock proving excellent, he was hunted up and brought back to Corinth, Yt., by Daniel Batchelder, of that place. He remained in Orange Co., Vt., and Grafton Co., N. H., until his death in 1850. He left good stock. MORGAN BUCEPHALUS Was foaled in 1853, the property of Geo. W. Cook, of Fairlee, Yt. Sired by Morgan Eclipse, g sire, Morgan Cassar, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Woodbury. Color chestnut, 14 hands high, weighs 900 lbs., has a white stripe on the nose. MORGAN GENERAL Was foaled in 1845, the property of Lowell Spencer, of Concord, Yt. Sired by Billy Boot, g sire, Sherman, g g sire. Justin Mor- gan. Dam, a very large mare, fast for her size, sired by Black Prince, dam still living, 26 years old. General weighs 1,200 lbs., is 15 1 hands high, and chestnut color. He is a very bold look- ing horse, fine style, and good action for a horse of his size ; very compact, limbs excellent, but have some long hair on them. Is a good horse. He is now owned by Wm. Hill, Oregon City, 111. MORGAN RATTLER Was foaled June 1st, 1850, the property of Jonathan Brewster, of Worthington, Mass. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, GifFord, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a fast-trot- ting dark bay, sired by Rattler. This horse is a dark bay, 154 hands high, and is now owned by A. W. Kellogg, of Chicago, Illinois. At the Housatonic Fair, held at Great Barrington, Mass., in 1854, and at Rutland, Yt., County Fair, the same year, he received the first premium. MAJOR Was foaled in 1852, the property of Robbins Battell, of Norfolk/ Conn. Sired by Raven, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a Narragansett pacer. We have no further description of this horse, but we believe he is a good one. PEDIGEEES. 299 MORGAN SULTAN Was foaled 22d May, 1846. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, sired by Gifford. Sultan wag a dapple chestnut. MORGAN TRUSTEE Was foaled May 16th, 1848. Sired by Gifford, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Bulrush, g dam by Morgan Fortune, g g dam by Justin Morgan. Trustee was a dark bay, black mane, legs and tail, and a fine horse. MAJOR GIFFORD Was foaled in 1843, the property of Mr. Ellis, of Springfield, Yt. Sired by Gen. Gifford, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Spectator, and he by one of Mes- senger's sons. At three years old Mr. Ellis sold him to Calvin Blodget, of Wat- erbury, Yt. In 1847, '48, and '49, he was kept at Chelsea, Yt., and in the fall of 1849, at the New York State Fair at Syracuse, Mr. Blodget sold a half interest in him to A. Mason, of Jordan, New York, and in 1856 sold the remaining interest to the same gentleman. MOUNTAIN EAGLE Was foaled the property of Mr. Buckminster, of Danville, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Lady Empress, an English mare. Eagle is a dark chestnut, 15 J hands high, and weighs 1,050 lbs. Amos Kendall took him to Jefferson County, New York. When we last heard from him he was owned by Mar- tin Hungerford, Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Yery showy, and active horse. MORGAN CHIEFTAIN Was foaled in September, 1853, the property of W. P. Balch, of Boston, Mass. Sired by Comet, g sire, Billy Root, g g sire, Sher- man, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam raised in Bradford ; sired b7 Woodbury ; could trot a mile in three minutes, and was a fast 300 THE MORGAN H( traveller. Chieftain is a dark dapple chestnut. He is a stout, thick-built horse, and when 26 months old weighed 930 lbs. He carries a high head, and has a small ear. He is a promising horse. He is now owned by Mr. Balch, and is kept in Hancock, N. H., by- Hiram Fuller. MORGAN BLACK HAWK Was foaled in 1849, the property of G. Eamsdale, New Ipswich, N. H. Sired by Anglo Saxon, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sher- man, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a noted mare, of Sherman Morgan blood. Morgan Black Hav^k is 15 \ hands high ; weighs 1,030 lbs. His color is dark, dappled bay. A fine, compact-looking horse, and a good traveller. MESSER HORSE. (see sherman morgan.) MORGAN TRAVELER Was foaled in 1847, the property of J. & R. C. Johnson, of Brad- ford, Yt. Sired by Morgan Ccesar, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Jus- tin Morgan. Dam, known as Lady Clifton, sired by Americas Eclipse. Morgan Traveller is a beautiful dark chestnut, 15 hands high, weighs 1,000 lbs., and is a horse of very fine form and excel- lent action. MORGAN TRAVELER 2d Was foaled in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1850. Sired by Mountain Eagle, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. He is dark chestnut, 10 hands high, and well proportioned. Took the first premium at St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Fair, in 1852. MYRICK HORSE. (SEE SHERMAN BLACK HAWK.) MORGAN TALLY HO. (SEE WALKER HORSE.) PEDIGREES. 301 MORGAN COMET Was foaled in 1849, in St. Johnsbury, Yt. Sired by Billy Root, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a half-blood English mare. He is well-proportioned, a good traveller, moves in beautiful style, thoroughly broken, can be driven by anybody. His stock is good, and he is a fine horse. He is chestnut, about 15 hands high, and weighs about 1,000 lbs". He is now owned by A. H. Wilcox, St. Johnsbury, Yt. MORRILL HORSE Was sired by Jennison horse, g sire, Young Bulrush, g g sire, Bul- rush, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Farrington horse, he by Yance horse, and Yance horse by Imported Messenger. Morrill horse is thirteen years old, a jet black color, and weighs 1,225 lbs. He is a powerful and fast-trotting horse. MORGAN TIGER 2d Was foaled in 1827, the property of Major Ford, of Braintree, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. About 1831 he was sent to Charlestown, Mass., and was kept at Col. Jaques, where he remained ten years. In 1843 he was bought by Mr. Howe, of Bridport, Yt. ; and brought into Bridport, Addison county, where he was kept two seasons. He was a superior horse ; and when four years old, was valued at $1,000. His color was dark bay, with two or three white feet, star in the forehead, and heavy curly black mane and tail ; was 14| hands high ; weight, 975 lbs. His action was good ; he was not fast, but hardy and enduring ; he was old, when we first saw him, and was foundered. MORGAN FUSION Was Be : [ay 7th, 1856, the property of H. B. Munson, of Seymour, Conn. Sired by Raven, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, Dolly Hale, was sired by Green Mountain 2d, g dam by Young American Eclipse, g g dam, Imported Silk Stockings. Dolly Hale was half brother to the celebrated trotting horse Ripton. 302 THE MORGAN HORSE. MOUNTAINEER Was foaled July 15th, 1854, the property of Ira Gifford, of New Haven, Yt. Sired by Rising Sun, g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Wheeler horse, g dam by Hebard horse. Mountaineer is dapple chestnut, without marks. Above medium size, with excellent limbs, good style of action, and is a promising colt. NEWTON HORSE Was foaled in Haverhill, N. H. Sired by Bailey horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Weight, 1,100 lbs. Color, chestnut. NORTH HORSE. (SEE SHERMAN BLACK HAWK.) NEWEL'S GRAY Was foaled the property of Mr. Stiles, of Waterbury, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam of brown color, large and heavy. Sired by Yance horse (Yance horse was gray) ; he by old Phoenix. Newel's Gray was gray ; 15£ hands high ; fine figure with a great deal of fire and spirit, but wanted bone. He, took his name from T. Newel, who owned him for a long time. He was burned in the stable of Mr. Sparhawk, of Walpole, N. H., in 1838 or '39. Mr. Sparhawk purchased him of John Bellows. NORTH STAR Was foaled the property of David Lincoln, of Greenwich, Mass. Sired by Morgan Emperor, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a bay. He took the second premium at the National Fair at Springfield, Mass., 1854. He is a bright bay ; weighs l,0601bs. ; black and curly mane and tail. He is a very symmetrical, well-shaped horse, with fine bold style and excellent action ; and is now owned by Henry Olmstead, East Hartford, Conn. NEARING HORSE. (SEE ADDISON.) PEDIGREES. 303 NILES HOESE Was foaled in 1846, the property of Daniel Niles, of Canada East. Sired by Eoyal Morgan, g. sire, Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, brown ; 15 hands high; weight about 1,000 lbs. Sired by Black Snake. He by Prince Lee Boo. Niles horse is a black, 15j| hands high ; weighs about 1,100 lbs., with good style and action. He is now owned by Daniel Niles. NICHOLAS Was foaled in 1853, in Norfolk, Conn. Sired by " Raven," g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Owned by Harman Hamlin, Canton, N. T. NIMEOD Was foaled in 1824. Sired by True American, and he by Quicksilver. Dam a bay, sired by Justin Morgan, g dam an English mare. He was jet black ; 15| hands high, and weighed 1,150 lbs. Was a ho^se of good style and action, and left some excellent stock. He died at East Berkshire in May, 1854, where he had been kept for seventeen years, by Mr. Joseph Smith. ONE-EYE Was foaled May 20th, 1834, the property, of Moses Chamberlain of Bradford, Yt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by " Postboy." This horse is 14J hands high, weighs 975 lbs., and is of mahogany bay color. A very fine horse, good style and ac- tion. Stepped light, but was not fast ; was kept as a stock horse in New Jersey. Lost one eye when two years old, the consequence of a boy throwing a stone at him. In 1846 Geo. W. Kilburn, now living at Papermill Yillage, N. H., bought him of Rufus Calhoun, and kept him till 1852, when he sold him to Joseph Peters of Brad- ford, Yt., and from Peters he went to New Jersey. OELEANS FLYING MORGAN Was foaled in 1849, the property of Dr. Samuel Eichmond, of Derby, Yt. Sired by Eoyal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a dark bay, sired by Gifford. He is 14£ 304 THE MORGAN HORSE. hands high, and weighs 975 lbs. ; color, bright bay ; white hind feet, and a little white in the face A very lively, active horse, of fine style. His stock excellent, and sell well. OLD MORRELL HORSE Was foaled about 1830, the property of Mr. Morell. Sired by Woodburv. PIKE HORSE Was foaled the property of Philander Robbins, of Chelsea, Vt. Sired by Clarke horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. PUTNAM HORSE Was foaled in 1825, the property of Putnam & Hitchcock, of Bethel, Yt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, an English blood mare, bred by Col. Ray, of Fort Ann, N. Y., and called Nancy, sired by the celebrated horse Chanticleer, g dam by Imported Messenger. He was kept in Bethel and neighboring- towns most of his life, and died in June, 1855, the property of David W. Cowdry, of Tunbridge, Yt. Weight 1,000 lbs. ; dark chestnut color, with a few white hairs in his face between the eves. A fine horse, and left excellent stock. Style, action and appearance much like Woodbury. Was regarded as one of the best of his sons. PAUL CLIFFORD Was foaled in 1843. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Young Hamiltonian. He by Bishop's Hamiltonian, and he by Imported Messenger. Grand dam by Leonidas, an imported horse. Color, mahogany bay, 15J hands high. Now owned by Messrs. Hunsden & Wilcox, of Oswego, Tioga Co., N. Y. He is a very fine horse, and received the first premium at the National Fair, Springfield, Mass, in 1854. PRINCE ALBERT Was foaled in June, 1846, the property of Joel Hay ward, of Ashby, Mass. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Wood- bury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Messenger ; 14J hands high ; weight, 1,000 lbs. ; color, bay. Prince Albert is dark chest- PEDIGREES. 305 not, 14J bauds high, weighs 1,010 lbs. His style and action are very spirited. He is pleasant-tempered and very playful. His stock is good and sell well. He was kept in Malone, N. Y., in the season of 1854 and '55, and is there at this time, but is owned by S. F. Wright, Nashua, N. H. 'PEACOCK MORGAN Was foaled in 1851, the property of Hon. Milo Bennett, of Burlington, Yt. Sired by Royal Morgan. Bam, a high-blood Woodbury Morgan mare. Peacock is 14| hands high, weighs 925 lbs. ; color, very dark chestnut. He is lively, pleasant, full of ac- tion and easily controlled ; is a compact, hardy horse, with excel- lent limbs, fine style, and a pleasant driver. Still owned by Mr. Bennett, Burlington, Yt. PLATO Was foaled in 1851, the property of Messrs. Grosvenor, of Shoreham, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam, a large bay mare by Sir Charles, g dam by Post-boy. Sir Charles was by Duroe. Plato is 16 hands high ; a jet black, and weighs 1,100 lbs. Trotted repeatedly when three years old a half mile in 1.25. Now owned by D. A. Bennett & Co., of Brid- port, Yt, and is a fine horse. Post-boy was by imported Diomede. Dam of Sir Charles, by Plato, a son of Imported Messenger. POPE HORSE Was foaled the property of Joseph Pope, of Danville, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, old Poppet, sired by Justin Morgan. Dark chestnut color, small star in forehead, stifle thin, quarters light, back rather long ; eye, ear, head and neck exceedingly beautiful ; high, sharp withers, roomy chest, fore legs good, hind legs crooked, hocks wide apart and feet close ; very high carriage and very spirited. At five years old, sold to a British officer in Canada for a riding horse. PUTNAM HORSE 2d Was foaled in 1845, the property of Benj. G-. Putnam, of North Orange, Yt. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gilford, g g sire, 306 THE MORGAN HORSE. Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a gray ; said to be of Messenger stock. Putnam is fifteen hands high, weighs 1,150 lbs. ; color, dapple gray. Perfectly gentle and well broken ; good driver and good under the saddle. Still owned by Mr. Putnam. PLEASANT GALE Was foaled in 1852, the property of Bobbins Battell, of Norfolk, Conn. Sired by Black Hawk, Jr., g sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Long's Eclipse. PETEES MORGAN Was sired by Morgan Chief, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Dam by Gold Finder. PRESIDENT Was foaled in 1848, the property of H. Crane, now of Albion, Mich. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam was a large light gray, of Messenger descent, 16 hands high. President is 16 hands high, weighs 1,050 lbs., is jet black, and a horse of firm action and good style. Was sold when six years old, and taken to Napierville, 111. When seven years old, he was purchased by H. Benson, of Hinesburgh, Vt. He was awarded the first pre- mium in the class of three years' old stallions, by the Michigan State Agricultural Society ; and also the first premium as the best stal- lion at the Washtenaw Co. Fair, Mich. PARKS HORSE Was sired by Green Mountain 1st, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Color, chestnut ; not fast, but in style and action not easily surpassed. "Weight, 925 lbs. RANDOLPH MORGAN Was foaled in 1819 or '20, in Randolph, Vt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan ; 13J hands high, weight 925 lbs., color bay ; stock fine. Was kept in Randolph, Northfield, and neighboring towns. PEDIGREES. k 307 EIP YAN WINKLE Was foaled in 1852 ; the property of Smith & Thurber, of Rouse's Point, N. Y. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Color black, with stripe in face, and some white on feet. " Size, large, will make a horse of 1,100 lbs. When 18 months old, he trotted a fourth mile on the ice in 50 s., and when three years old, he trotted one-half mile in 1 m. 22 s. He is now owned by E. A. North, of Champlain, N. Y." HOLLAND HOESE Was foaled in 1846 ; the property of Ezekiel White, of Tospham, Yt. Sired by the Bailey horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Carson horse. Height 14^ hands, weight 975 lbs., color chestnut, white fore feet, and white stripe in face. Now owned by T. & D. Holland, of Corinth, Yt. He took the second premium in his class, at the last Yt. State Fair. He is a smart trotter, spirited and stylish. EOBIN Was foaled in 1846, sired by Flying Morgan, g sire* Hackett horse, g g sire, GhTord, g g g sire Woodbury, g g g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Cock of the Eock. 15 hands high, and sorrel chestnut color. Time on Cambridge Course, 2 ms. 45 s. Sold, in 1854, in Boston, for $2000. Now owned by Mr. Snow. EOUNDS COLT Was foaled in 1848. Sired by Flying Morgan, g sire, Hackett horse, g g sire , Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Harris horse. Color black ; 15 h hands high. This horse was sold in New York city for $1,500. A quarter crack was discovered after sale, and he was taken back. EAMSEY HOESE Was foaled in 1839 ; the property of Eobert Eamsey, of Derby Yt. Sired by Eoyal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a chestnut ; weight about 900 lbs. Eamsey 308 THE MOKGAN HOESE. horse is a chestnut, 15J hands high, weighs 1,100 lbs., with fair style and action. Is now owned West. ROMEO 1st Was foaled April 30th, 1848 ; the property of Silas Hale, of South Royalston, Mass. Sired by Green Mt. 2d, g sire, Gilford, g g sire Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Sherman, g dam a Messenger mare. Mr. Hale kept Romeo until September 2d, 1852, when he sold him to S. H. Edgerly, Esq., of Manchester, N. H., for $G00. Mr. Edgerly kept him until March 22d, 1854, when he sold him to Edward G. Davis, of Dubuque, Iowa, for $1,500, and he is now owned by Mr. Davis. In 1853, Romeo re- ceived premiums at the Hillsboro County Fair, N. H , and at the N. H. State Fair, at Manchester. In the Fall of 1854, he re- ceived the first premium at Dubuque County Fair, in Iowa. Is a fine horse, and much resembles his sire. ' ROMEO 2d Was foaled in 1851. Sired by Esty horse. Grand sire, Black Hawk, g g sire, Sherman, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam of Esty horse, sired by Old Romeo. Dam of Romeo, a Messenger mare ; purchased in Maine. Romeo is 154 hands high, weight 9 05 lbs., color dark roan. Good-proportioned, and very fast. He received the first premium of $200 at the United States' Fair at Boston, in 1855, as the fastest trotting stallion of his class. Of easy and graceful action, and a very fine horse. Now owned by Benjamin Thurston, of Lowell, Mass., the former own'er of Black Hawk. REVENGE Was foaled in Claremont, N. H. Sired by Justin Morgan. For further particulars, see Chapter Y1I. RAYEN Was foaled May 31st, 1848 ; the property of Robbins Battell, of Norfolk, Conn. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Took the first premium in his class, at the State Fair in Conn., in the fall of 1855. He is a very fine horse. PEDIGREES. 309 RISING SUN "Was foaled in 1850 ; the property of G-. Y. Cook, of New Haven, Yt. Is a dark chestnut, with a small white spot in the forehead, and one white hind foot. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, said to have both Morgan and Messenger blood. He is 15| hands high, and weighs a little less than 1,100 lbs. Limbs are large, muscular and well shaped, and the whole animal well pro- portioned, possessing abundance of life and vital energy. He is a fine horse. He received the first premium at the Addison County Fair, in 1854. In the autumn of 1855, Mr. Cook took him to Winchester, Scott County, Illinois ROWEL HORSE Was foaled in 1844 ; the property of Moses G-. Rowel, of Tun- bridge, Yt. Sired by Hebard horse. Dam by Old Morrill, g dam by Woodbury. Bright chestnut, and weighs about 1100 lbs. Is a good horse. ROYAL MORGAN Was foaled in 1821 ; the property of Mr. Aldrich, of St. Johns- bury, Yt. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam. known as Aldrich mare, and sired by Justin Morgan. She was a dark bay of remarkably compact form, with great powers of endurance. She produced and nursed a colt the summer after she was 29 years old. He is 13| hands high, and when in his prime, and in high con- dition, weighed l,0001bs. It is said that in July, 1844, he weighed l,020lbs. He is a dark bay, with black legs, mane and tail, and a small star in the forehead. It has been said that he was not sired by Sherman, but by the Batehelder horse. We have taken some pains to satisfy ourselves on this point, and have stated his pedi- gree according to o^jponvictions. The facts seem to be that the dam of Royal Morgan was coupled with the Batchelder horse, early in the spring of 1820 ; but the following July, the mare not proving in foal, Mr. Aldrich sent her to Sherman, and the following year paid for the services of the latter horse. Mr. Aldrich sold him, wh3n % colt, and he was taken to Maine, where he was known as Morgan Rattler. In 1829, he was taken 310 THE MORGAN HORSE. to Derby, Vt. A few years after this, he became the property of Mr. Crane, who owngd him several years, and became much attached to the horse. A short time previous to his death, Mr. Crane directed that the horse should be carved on his tomb-stone, which we believe has been done. Throughout the southern part of Vermont, the horse is known as the Crane horse ; about Derby, as the Steele horse, and in some places as the Chamberlain Colt. The administrators of Crane's estate sold the horse to Solomon Steele, Esq., of Derby Line, Vt. In 1847, Mr. Steele, having a good offer for him, was about selling him, when Portus Baxter and Doctor L. Eichmond. of Derby, organized a stock company, of which Mr. Steele was President, and the horse was kept by him. Three or four years since he was purchased by William Baxter, Esq., of Barton, Vt. f by whom he is now owned. We saw him in February last ; he was turned loose into a yard with several young colts, and although 35 years old, he seemed to trot as readily and easily as any of them, exhibiting much of that elasticity and nervousness of step which characterized him when in his prime. His head is not very fine ; ears only medium ; eyes beautiful ; neck, crest, withers, shoulders and chest, excellent ; back, loins and hips, good, and limbs unsurpassed ; mane and tail thick and long, and a little long hair about the limbs. His stock average larger than himself, and are very numerous in all the northern portion of the State. They are hardy, enduring ; almost invariably good tempered ; and free, pleasant drivers. SHERMAN MORGAN 1st Was foaled in 1835, the property of Moses Cook, of Campton, N. H. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. The pedigree of the dam not fully established, but concede^to have been a very fine animal, and said to be from the Justin Morgan. Sherman Morgan is 15 hands high, weighs about 1,050 lbs., is dark chestnut, and very much resembles his sire Sherman, but heavier, stockier, and not as much action. A fine horse, and is now kept in the stable at Lancaster, N. H., where the Sherman died. He is owned by A. J. Congdon. PEDIGREES. 311 SHERMAN KING Was sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan, color dark bay, with a small star in his forehead, very compact, breast-bone very promi- nent, head high, and very fine ; full of spirit and courage, and excel- lent action. STOCKBRIDGE CHIEF "Was foaled m 1843. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Sir Charles. 16 hands high, weight 1,200 lbs, color chestnut. At the State Fair at Providence, E. I., he trotted a mile in 2.44. Is a well proportioned, strong, going horse. Is now owned by P. W. Bishop, Chatham Four- Corners N. T. SHERMAN BLACK HAWK Was foaled in 1845, the property of B. J. Myrick, of Bridport, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Toung Hamiltonian, owned by Allen Smith, Esq., of Addison, Yt., and bred by Judge Larabee, of Shoreham, Yt. Dam of Young Hamiltonian, by Leonidas, g dam by Bellfounder, g dam of Sherman Black Hawk by Imported Matchem. 15J hands high, weig'bs 1,080 lbs., color jet black, with small star in his forehead. He has trotted a mile in less than 2.40. Is a compact, well-made, excellent tempered horse, and moves in fine style. Is very spirited, but perfectly tractable. SHERMAN MORGAN DEFIANCE Was foaled in 1849, the property of James Morse, of Haverhill, N. H. Sired by Boston Tiger, g sire, Cock of the Rock, g g sire, Sherman, gg g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Woodbury. This horse is 16 hands high, weight 1,150 lbs., color black chestnut, fine action and style. When one year old, he was purchased by C. C. Smith, Esq., of Corinth, Yt,, who now owns him. SIR CHARLES Was foaled June 29th, 1852, the property of H. W. Bailey, of Newbury, Yt. Sired by Coos Morgan. Dam by Morrill Mor- 312 THE MORGAN HORSE. gan, g dam by Morgan Eagle. Height 15 bands, weight 975 lbs., color blood-bay, easy gaited, with fine style and action, heavy set of limbs, pleasant temper, and good horse. SHERMAN MORGAN 2d Was foaled in 1845. Sired by Sherman Morgan 1st., g sire, Sher- man, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Flint horse. 14| hands high, weight 950 lbs., color dark chestnut. Has a fine figure, easy action, gentle and spirited. Now owned by D. E. Lucy, of Waterbury, Vt., and kept by him for a driving horse. SCOTT HORSE Was foaled in 1840; the property of J. L. Scott, of Newport, Vt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Scott horse is a dark" bay, 16 hands high, weight little less than 1,200 lbs., a compact well-made horse. He is now owned by Col. Thomas Kent, of Orford, N. H. SHIRTLIFF HORSE Was foaled in 1847, the property of Moses Copp, of Stanstead, C. E. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam a bay about 16 hands high, and weighed about 1,000 lbs. Shirtliff horse is a dark bay, 15 hands high, and weighs 1,000 lbs. Has good style, is active and lively. He is now owned in Kalamazoo, Mich. STRANGER Was foaled in 1851, the property of Mr. E. Slater, of Essex, Vt. Sired by Flying Morgan, g sire, Hackett horse, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam a large fine animal, said to be a Morgan, was a bay 15J hands high, and weighed 1,100 lbs. Stranger is a dark chestnut, 14£ hands high, weight 900 lbs. He is compact and muscular, very playful and active. In February, 1855, he trotted at Hillsborough, N. Y., with several horse?, for a purse, making time in 2.58, and beating all horses of his age, though beaten by a six years' old. Stranger PEDIGREES. 313 is a fine horse, and gives promise of being fast. Sold, in Febru- ary, 1855, to Dr. H. Renson, of Hinesburgh, who now owns him. STEVENS HORSE "Was bred in Piermont, N. H, by Moses Larned. Sired by One Eye, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Bay color, weight 975 lbs. Was taken to Rhode Island. A fast horse. He was advertised as raised by Jesse Johnson & Brothers, but he was not. SELIM Was foaled June 2, 1844, the property of J. Gibson, West Cam- bridge, Mass. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Romeo. Selim is 15 J hands high, and weighs a little under 1,100 lbs. His body is dark roan, with black legs, mane, and tail. He is a good horse, and his stock prove good. He is now owned by Jeremiah Gibson, at West Cambridge, Mass. SMITH MORGAN Was foaled in June, 1850, the property of John Robinson, of An- trim, N. H. Sired by Flint horse, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam a fine mare, owned by John Robinson, of Antrim, N. H, known as the Robinson mare. This horse is light chestnut- color, 16 J bauds high, form good, limbs heavy, and weighs 1,310 lbs. He is a showy, handsome traveller. His stock prove good. SAWYER HORSE. (see young burbank ;) (or morgan traveller.) SEARCHER Was foaled in 1847, the property of Samuel Moore, of Shoreham, Yt. Was sired by Barney Henry. Dam sired by Gifford, and noted for her speed and endurance. Searcher is a dark bay, with black legs, mane, and tail, and no white hairs ; is nearly 17 hands high and weighs over 1,200. When four years old, he received the first premium, in his class, at the Addison County Agricultural Fair. He has a beautiful coat, a bold, fearless style of movement, and ex- 14 314 THE MORGAN HORSE. cellent action for a horse of bis size. In the autumn of 1851, he trotted a mile, at Middlebury, in less than three minutes, although untrained. He is a very fine horse, and is now owned by Minor Andrews, Esq., of Franklin Mills, Portags county, Ohio, where he is acquiring an excellent reputation. TWIN MORGAN Was foaled in 1840 or '41 ; the property of Dix Whitney, of Brook- field, Yt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, a large coarse brown mare, deficient in constitution. Twin Morgan weighs 950 lbs. ; head a little low, color brown ; a very fair horse. Went to N. H. TAYLOR HORSE Was foaled the property of James Taylor, of Bolton, C. E. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, a bay, about 16 hands high ; weighed about. 1,100 lbs; de- scended from Le Boo. Taylor is a blood bay, 14 hands high, and weighs about 1,000 lbs. ; style and action good. When two years old, Mr. Taylor sold him to R. Bowker, Esq., of Mansonviile, C. E., who now owns him. TECUMSEH Was foaled 25th May, 1851 ; the property of II. F. Griffith, of Tunbridge, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam by Young Bulrush 1st, g dam by Morgan Eagle, g g dam by Ainsworth horse, g g g dam by Justin Morgan. Tecumseh is a dark mahogany bay, 14i- hands high, and weighs 975 lbs. Received the first premium in the class of " Morgan Crosses," when entered as three year's old at Yt. State Fair, at Montpelier. He is now owned by H. F. Griffith, of Tunbridge, Yt., and is a horse of very fine action and style. TURNER'S BLACK HAWK Was foaled June 2 2d, 1848 ; the property of S. T. Turner, o* Lewis, Essex Co., N. Y. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam was a beautiful bay, weighed about 1,050 lbs., and was bred PEDIGREES. 815 by Payne Turner, Esq., of Essex Co., N. Y. Turner's Black Hawk is a mahogany bay, 15J bands high ; weighs 1,100 lbs. ; has good action and fine style. He is now in Ypsilanti, Michigan. YERMONT MORGAN CHAMPION Was foaled about 1826 ; the property of Mr. Woodruff, of Jeffer- son, N. H. Sired by Sherman, g sire Justin Morgan. He was 15 hands high, and weighed 1 ,150 lbs. ; color, black ; a horse of great action, and a capital roadster. Could trot a mile in 3 minutes. High carriage and smooth light movement. He was afterwards owned by Judwine & Houghton, of Hardwick, Yt., and sold by them to Mr. Lansing, of Lansingburgh, N. Y. Was purchased and taken to Danville, Yt., in 1845, where he was kept till he died in 1846. He had a fine head, and slightly Roman nose. His stock command a high price, and many are fast. YEEMONT Was sired by Gilford, g sire Woodbury, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, sired by Green Mountain 2d, g dam Phebe ; owned by J. L. Woods. She was sired by a horse known in Mass. as Tom Mor- gan, and noted for his speed and bottom. Tom Morgan was by True Briton. Yermont received the first premium in his class at the State Fair in Brattleboro, in 1854. He is dark chestnut, 14 hands high, weighs 950 lbs. A very close, compact made horse. Now owned by Joseph Peters, of Bradford, Yt. YERMONT 2d Was foaled the property of Thomas Randall, of Danville, Yt. Sired by Morgan Comet, g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan« Dam by Sherman, g dam by Justin Morgan, known as the Wood- man mare. Yermont 2d weighs 925 lbs., is 14| hands high, and of dark chestnut color. Head, eye and ear beautiful ; throat and jowls very fine. Close, compact horse ; spirited and active ; style not so high as some. Now owned by Danford Carpenter, of Wil- loughby, Lake County, Ohio, and is a valuable animal. YERMONT CHAMPION Was foaled June 26th, 1844. Sired by Yermont Morgan Champion, 316 THE MORGAN HORSE. g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, a thick-set Dutch mare ; weighed about 1,100 lbs. Vermont Champion is black, 15 hands high, and weighs 975 lbs. He is a fine traveler, can trot a mile in 3 minutes, and is a very fast walker. Limbs good size, flat, bony, and muscular. Neck long and thick ; ears short and lively ; he has a Roman nose. He is now kept in Marshfield, Vt., and is owned by George M. and Benjamin Town. VERMONTER Was foaled in 1849 ; the property of Robbins Battell, of Norfolk; Conn. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Mor- gan. Dam, an English mare. Sold to William Starr, Esq., of Burlington, Iowa. He is a very line horse, and we understand was sold by Mr. Starr, in the spring of 1856, for $1,800. VERMONT MORGAN. (SEE WILEY COLT.) VERMONT CHIEF Was foaled June 24th, 1848 ; the property of Smith F. Kelley, of Pittsford, Vt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire Sherman, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam, sired by a Messenger horse called Majesty, g dam by Magnum Bonum, g g dam by imported Yellow Bird. Vermont Chief is a dark chestnut, 154 hands high, and weighs 1,075 lbs. He has a good figure and a good style of movement. He received the first premium in his class when three years old, at the Rutland County Agricultural Fair, and the second premium at the Vermont State Fair, in 1855. He is now owned by Elisha S. Kelley, Danby, Du Page county, Illinois. WOODBURY 2d Was foaled June 21st, 1847, the property of Luke Havens, Esq., of New Haven, Vt. Sired by the Wheeler horse, g sire, Hackett horse, g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a grey of medium size, sired by Hackett horse, g dam by Woodbury. Woodbury 2d is a beautifully dappled gray, 14J hands high, and has weighed 1,020 lbs., but his fair average PEDIGKEES. 317 weight is 950 lbs. His neck is rather longer than is usual in the breed. His style is excellent, and he is a light, easy-stepping horse, full of vigor and action. He is now owned by Joshua Scott, Esq. Yergennes, Yt. . WHEELER HORSE "Was foaled in 1844, the property of Mr. Mead, of Cornwall, Yt. Sired by Hackett horse, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Gifford. When a suckling colt he was sold to Col. Nash, of New Haven, Yt., who soon after sold him to Freeman Wheeler, of New Haven. Wheeler horse is about 14 hands high, of a dark chestuut color, and weighs about 950 lbs. He is an exceedingly active, hardy, and vigorous horse. In 1854 Mr. Wheeler took him to Wisconsin. WHITE MOUNTAIN Was foaled in 1852, the property of S. H. Edgerly, of Manchester, N. H. Sired by Green Mountain 2d, g sire, Gifford, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Brooks horse, g dam by Cock of the Rock. Height, 15 hands ; weight, 975 lbs. ; color, dark chestnut. Time, 2 min. 50 sec. A very pleasant-tem- pered horse, of good style, and a good driver. Still owned by Mr. Edgerly. WILEY COLT Was foaled in 1848, the property of Mr. Hutton, of Canton, St Lawrence Co., N. Y. Sired by Mountain Eagle, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Barnum's Cock of the Rock. Wiley Colt is a fine bay, black mane, tail, and legs, 15 J hands high, and weighs 1,050 lbs. When a suckling colt Hutton sold him to Mr. Wiley, of Canton, N. Y. In August, 1853, Mr. Wiley sold him to Hon. Milo Bennett, Burlington, Yt., w r ho sent him to Yir- ginia, and kept him in Augusta County till the autumn of 1855, when he sold him to a company at Greensburgh, Penn. He was a prime horse, and his stock is good. WELLINGTON HORSE Was foaled in June, 1853, the property of Nathan Stone, of New Ipswich, N. H. Sired by Comet, g sire, Billy Root, g g sire, Slier- 318 the Morgan horse. man, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. This horse is 14 hands high, and weighs 900 lbs. ; color, light chestnut, with light mane and tail. His form and action very like his sire, Comet. He is now owned by Mr. Oliver Wellington, Phillipstown, Mass. WHITE MOUNTAIN MORGAN Was foaled in 1834, the property of John A. Willard, of Lancaster, N. H. Sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Ham, an English blood mare, weighing 1,150 l'bs. White Mountain Morgan is 15 1 hands high, and weighs 1,100 lbs. ; color, dark chestnut. He has been kept most of his life at St. Johnsbury and vicinity. He is a very compact, well-shaped horse, excellent head and neck, fine style of movement, and a good traveler, but not so much spirit a3 some. A very hardy and enduring horse. His stock are not de- ficient in spirit, and many of them have a great deal of life, and are generally excellent animals. He is now owned in Townsend, Yt. WILD-AIR Was foaled in 1850, the property of Lyman Pease, of Bridport, Yt. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan. Ham, a large, powerful mare, sired by Harris' Hamiltonian; 15| hands high ; weight, 1,100 lbs. ; black color, with three white feet, and a star in his face. Went to Ohio in the spring of 1856. He is a fine horse. WINDSOR MORGAN Was foaled the property of Charles W. Barker, of Henniker, N. H. Sired by Burbank horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Mor- gan ; 15 hands high; weight, 1,095 lbs.; color, dark bay. Went to Wisconsin when very old. WAY HORSE Was foaled in 1849, the property of Joseph Way, of Derby, Yt. Sired by Royal Morgan, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, sired by Woodbury. Way horse is a blood bay, 144 hands high, and weighs 975 lbs. His mane and foretop arc very heavy, the former nearly three, and the latter nearly two feet long. Style and action good. PEDIGREES. 319 WOODBURY "Was foaled in 1816. Sired by Justin Morgan. For further par- ticulars, see Chapter Seven. WALKER HORSE Was foaled in 1835, the property of Wm. Walker, of Hartland, Vt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Tally Ho. Walker horse is 16 hands high, and weighs about 1,300 lbs. ; blood bay, with black mane and tail ; strong, compact, and muscular horse. Style and action good for one of his size. Still owned by Mr. Walker. WHALEBONE, Formerly known as the Clark horse, was foaled about the year 1827, the property of Mr. Bradley, of Fryeburg, Maine. Was sired by Sherman, g sire, Justin Morgan. Chestnut color, 15 hands high, and weighs 975 lbs. He was the sire of Whalebone, who, in double harness, with Lantern, trotted a match on Long Island, in June, 1855, against Stella and Alice Gray, mile heats, beating them, in 2 min. 42 sec. He has the reputation of being a fine horse ; but we are unable to give any more particulars concerning him. He is nOw owned in Turner, Maine. YOUNG BURBANK 1st Was foaled in 1835, the property of David Tucker, of Newbury. "Vt. Sired by Woodbury, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Post-boy. Sold, when sucking, to Joseph Sawyer, of Newbury, who kept him till he was six or seven years old, and sold him to Mr, Farrar, of Bucksfield, Maine, who, we think, has him now. Height 14A- hands ; weight, nearly 1,100 lbs. ; color, chestnut. Good style and action, and a good stock horse. YOUNG BULRUSH 2d Was foaled in 1835, the property of Ellis Bliss, of Bradford, Vt. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam a good mare and fast trotter, brought from Maine. Young Bulrush 2d was 16 hands high, and weighed 1,200 lbs. 820 THE MOEGAN HOKSE. Color, bright bay. Style not so good and built not so compact aj. some, but high-spirited and a good roadster. He was a fast trotter, and one of the strongest-going horses. Went South, when young. YOUNG BULRUSH 3d Was foaled in 1843, the property of Evan Collis, who kept him during his life. After his death the administrators of his estate sold him to Edwin Collis, in 1855. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Imported Napoleon. Height, 14£ hands; weight, 975 lbs. ; color, dapple gray. Yery good horse. YOUNG BULRUSH 4th Was foaled in 1843, the property of Thomas Worthin, of Thetford, V.t. Sired by Bulrush, g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Cincin- nati Morgan. Now owned in Roxbury, Mass., by Mr. Martin ; 14| hands high ; weight, 950 lbs. ; color, dapple gray. YOUNG AMERICA Was foaled in June, 1851. Sired by Farmers' Beauty, g sire, Gif- ford, g g sire, Woodbury, gg g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam, a black, by Sherman. Young America is 15 hands high ; weighs 1,000 lbs., and is a jet black. Good style and action. Is now owned by John S. Carr, of Goffstown, N. H. Time, 3.5. YOUNG AMERICA 2d Was foaled June 17th, 1852, the property of J. Ide, of St. Johns- bury, Yt. Sired by Billy Root, g sire, Sherman, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Green Mountain 1st, g dam by Bailey horse. Height, 15 hands ; weight, 950 lbs. ; color, dapple chestnut. The first premium on Sherman Morgans of this class, was awarded to him at the State Fair, at Montpelier, 1853. Sym- metrical figure, and very good action. YOUNG MORGAN EMPIRE Was foaled July, 1852, the property of Jonas Cutter, of Jeffrey, N. H. Sired by Morgan Empire, g sire, Green Mountain 2d : g g sire, Gifford, g g g sire, Woodbury, g g g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Flying Morgan. PEDIGREES. 321 YOUNG MORGAN ECLIPSE Was foaled in 1853, the property of Jesse Johnson & Brothers, of Bradford, Yt. Sired by Morgan Eclipse, g sire, Morgan Caesar, g g sire, Woodbury, g g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Young Morgan Emperor, g dam by Bulrush. Took the first premium in his class at the Vermont State Fair, in 1855. YOUNG BURBANK 2d Was foaled in 1851, the property of Charles W. Barker, of Hills- borough Bridge, N. H. Sired by the Barker horse, g sire, Wood- bury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by a son of Sherman. Dark chestnut color ; weighs 975 lbs. Still owned by Mr. Barker. YANKEE BOY Was foaled 3d of June, 1852, the property of Harvey Yale, of Middlebury, Yt. Sired by Morgan Henry, g sire Barney Henry. Dam by Hackett horse ; 15 hands high ; weight, 975 lbs. ; color, bay. A very pleasant-tempered and good-moving horse. In 1855 Mr. Yale took him to Franklin Grove, Lee Co., Illinois, where he now is. YOUNG BLACK HAWK Was foaled in 1843, the property of James Smith, of Sharon, N. H. Sired by Black Hawk, g sire, Sherman, g g Justin Morgan. Dam, a deep bay, raised in Pennsylvania, and sired by the trotting horse Andrew Jackson. Young Black Hawk is a coal black, 15 J hands high, and weighs 975 lbs. He has a good figure and excellent spirit and action. Time 2.50. Is now owned by J. E. Maynard, Lowell, Mass. YOUNG MORGAN EMPEROR Was foaled the property of Mr. Woods, of Haverhill, N. H. Sired by Emperor, g sire, Bulrush, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by North Star. He is a blood bay, 14J hands high, weighs 1,025 pounds. Is a compact, good moving and excellent horse. He is now owned by Jonas Cutter, of Jeffrey, N. H YOUNG CAESAR Was foaled the property of Jesse Johnson & Brothers, of Brad l r Q* 322 THE MOEGAN HORSE. ford, Yt. Sired by Morgan Csssar, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Morgan Emperor. He was 15£ hands high, weighed 1,075 lbs. and his color a dull black. He was a good horse. He died at Guildhall, Yt., in 1853, the property of F. W. Smith. YOUNG FLYING MORGAN "Was foaled in 1851. Sired by North Star, g sire, Morgan Em- peror, g g sire, Bulrush, ggg sire, Justin Morgan. Dam a Mor- gan mare, sired by Flying Morgan. Weight, 960 lbs. ; color, bright bay. Now owned by Benj. M. Glines, of Byfield, Mass. Time, 2.45. YOUNG HUBBARD Was sired by Latham Horse, g sire, Woodbury, g g sire Justin Morgan. Dam by Gifford. Weight, 1,025 lbs. ; color, chestnut. Mr. Hubbard bought him of Judge Blodgett, of Chelsea, Yt. YOUNG LATHAM Was foaled the property of Beyer Latham, of Lyme, N. H. Sired by Latham horse, g sire Woodbury, g g sire, Justin Morgan. Dam by Post-boy : 15J hands high ; weight, 1,150 lbs. ; color, chestnut ; good action, and a fine stock horse. YOUNG MORRILL Was foaled in 1848, the property of Mr. Smith, of Cabot, Yt. Sired by Morrill horse, g sire, Jennison Horse, g g sire One Eye, ggg sire, Bulrush, g ggg sire, Justin Morgan. Dam sired by Sher- man ; 18 hands high ; weight, 1,160 lbs. ; color, dark brown. Mr. Smith sold him, when three years old, to Mr. Morrill, and Morrill to Messrs. Town & Trowe, Barre, Yt. He received the first premium at Yermont State Fair, at Montpelier, 1853 ; also the first premium among Bulrush Morgans, at Rutland, 1855. Was then taken to the National Exhibition at Boston, Oct., 1855, and entered in class for general use, where he received the first premium of $200. Time, 2.38. A heavy, close, compact and enduring horse. YOUNG BULRUSH. (see one eye, also, allen horse ) APPENDIX. The following pedigrees of stallions of some note, although, not Morgans, are given because they have been mentioned in the preceding chapter, or have left a good deal of valuable stock, and their blood been more or less mingled with that of some horses called Morgan. COCK OF THE BOOK Was foaled in 1814, and bred by Nathaniel Coles, of Long Island. He was sired by Duroc, g sire, Imported Diomed. His dam, Romp, was full sister to Miller's Damsel, the dam of American Eclipse, and was sired by Messenger ; his g dam, the imported PotSos, mare, bred by Lord Grosvener, sired by PotSos, and Pot8os by the great Eclipse ; his g dam, by Gimcrack, his g g dam, by Cripple, and Cripple by the Godolphin Arabian. Cock of the Rock ran several successful four mile races against good horses, but was beaten by Betsey Richards, on Long Island, and by Sir Walter at Montreal. About 1820, he was purchased by Gen. Bar- num, of Vergennes, Yt., who took him to that place and kept him until 1828 or '29, when he sold him, and he was taken to Tennessee, where he died. SIR WALTER Was sired by Hickory, g sire, imported Whip, g g sire, Saltram, g g g sire, English Eclipse, dam, Nettletop, by Diomed. He was not kept in this State, but in Canada near the line. He was an excel- lent four mile racer. QUICKSILVER. The Quicksilver referred to in the foregoing pages is not the Quick- silver of the Stud Book, first called Snap and sired by Medley, but (323) 324 APPENDIX. is another horse of the same name, bred by Gorhain Parsons, of Walpole, New Hampshire, and sired by Dey of Algiers, an Arabian. .CARSON HORSE. This horse acquired some celebrity in the eastern part of the State, on account of his stock. We know little of him, except that he was sired by Quicksilver. HENRY "Was, we believe, a thorough-bred horse, but we are unable to give his pedigree. He was a fine animal, and received several premiums in New York and elsewhere. He was kept near Lake Champlain until about 1850. He left some good stock. He was a beautiful bay, of good size and fine action. YOUNG HAMILTONIAN Was bred by Judge Larabee, of Shoreham, Yt., sired by Bishop's Hamiltonian, and he by imported Messenger. Dam, by Leonidas, g dam, by Bellfounder. Young Hamiltonian was long owned by Allen Smith, Esq., of Addison, Yt. He was a blood bay, about 15 J hands high, and left some good stock. We are unable to give the blood of the dam of Bishop's Hamiltonian. BARNEY HENRY, Or the Hatch Hill Henry, as he is sometimes called, has long been owned by George Barney, of Whitehall, N. Y., and is now over twenty years old. He has acquired well merited fame on account of the excellence of his stock, which usually have plenty of bone and muscle, are hardy, spirited travellers but are not always kind and gentle. In his advertisement, Mr. Barney states that he was " sired by Signal, out of a Messenger mare." But what was the blood of Signal we do not know. It has often been said that Signal was a thorough- bred horse, raised by L. G. Morris, Esq., of Fordham, N. Y., but Mr. Morris informs us that he never raised or owned such a horse. APPENDIX. 325 Whatever be his pedigree, he has proved himself a very fine horse, as his appearance indicates. He is a dapple bay, 16 hands high and weighs about 1150 lbs. He is now owned in Hubbarton, Yt. POST BOY, BY GABRIEL, Was foaled in 1800, the property of Mordecai Hall. Sired by Gabriel ; an imported horse bred by the Earl of Ossory, and sired by Doriinont, his dam by Highflyer, g dam, by Snap. Gabriel was brought to Maryland in 1779, and lived but one year. Post Boy was purchased by Gen. Ridgley, who trained and ran him with much success, beating many of the best horses of his day. among them Hamlintonian, Miller's Damsel, First Consul, Maria, and Lavinia. In Oct. 1809, in a race at Washington, with Hick- ory, he fell, broke his leg, and soon after died. He was never kept for stock, and we believe, left no descendants ; and we give his pedi- gree and this description of him because he has been confounded with Post Boy, the distinguished son of Henry, and his pedigree sometimes ffiven when the latter horse is meant. & j POST BOY, BY HENRY, Was foaled in 1831, sired by Henry, dam, Garland, by Duroc, was a chestnut horse, of much note and a successful racer. He was never kept in this State, but some of his descendants have been. The few horses we have seen of this stock were light limbed, and light bodied, with fine heads, and light, graceful action ; but not re- markable for hardiness or endurance. SIR CHARLES Was foaled about 1815, the property of James Cock, of Oyster Bay, Long Island. Sired by Buroc, g sire, Diomed, g g sire, Flori- zel, g g g sire, King Herod ; dam, by Plato, and he by Messenger, g dam, part thorough-bred, but her pedigree is not known. When six years old he was purchased by David Hill, Esq., of Bridport, Yt., and kept by him many years. 826 APPENDIX. When very old, Mr. Hill's son took him to Madison County, N. Y., where he died. lie was a blood bay, with black legs, mane and tail, and 15 k hands high ; was a bold-looking, fine-moving horse, and left some good stock. Some of the descendants of the celebrated rivals, Henry and Eclipse, being scattered throughout all the Northern States, their pedigree may be found convenient as a matter of reference, though we do not know of any immediate descendants of these horses that have been owned in this State. ECLIPSE Was foaled at Dosoris, Queens County, Long Island, on the 25th of May, 1814, the property of Gen. Nathaniel Coles. Sired by Duroc, g sire, Diomed, g g sire, Florizel, g g g sire, King Herod ; dam, the celebrated Miller's Damsel, by imported Messenger, g dam, the English Pot8os mare, sired by English Eclipse, g g dam, by Gimcrack. When five years old he was purchased by Mr. Yan Ranst, who was his entire or principal owner, during the whole of his racing career. He was chestnut, with a star in his forehead, and near hind foot white. Was 15 J hands high and a compact heavy limbed horse. As a racer he was one of the most successful that ever appeared on the turf in this country, beating in the eight races which he ran some of the most celebrated horses of his time ; Sea Gull, Little John, Fearnought, Lady Lightfoot, Flag of Truce, Sir Walter, Sir Charles and Henry. HENRY Was foaled the 17th of June, 1819, the property of Lemuel Long, near Halifax, North Carolina. Sired by Sir Archy, g sire, Dio- med, g g sire, Florizel, g g g sire, King Herod ; dam by Diomed, g dam, by Bell-air, g g dam, by Pilgrim, gg g dam, Yaliant, g g g g dam by Janus, g g g g g dam, by Jolly Roger, who was imported into Virginia. Jolly Roger was sired by Roundhead, a son of Fly- ing Childers. Henry was a chestnut, with small star in the forehead and one hind foot white, his mane and tail was about two shades lighter PEDIGREES. 327 than his body ; fourteen hands three and a half inches high — was symmetrical, compact, pony-built horse, and left some good stock, of which the most noted was Post Boy. ' Though not as much esteemed as a racer or breeder as some of the sons of Sir Archy, he was yet a very fine horse, and gained a lasting reputation by his contest with Eclipse, in which, although beaten, he made the first heat of four miles in 7m. 37s., which was then and for many years after, the quickest time on record. WILD AIR Was foaled in 1753, and was imported by Mr. DeLancey, in 1763 or 1764. He was sired by Cade the best son of the Godolphin Arabian ; his dam was by Steady, a fleet son of Flying Childers, his g dam was by Partner ; Partner by Jigg and Jigg by the Byerley Turk. Wildair was a horse of high bleod and great "performance ; but he was beat by Mr. Warren's Sportsman, before he left England. In this country he was sire to Col. Sims' Wildair Sultana and other noted racers. He was taken back to England about the year 1772. His stock proved excellent and were long in high re- pute. LIST OF MORGAN HORSES. PAGE PA3E Alban Horse 262 Baxter Horse 269 Arabian Morgan 263 Bardwell Horse 272 Ashuelot Morgan, 262 Benton Horse 272 Allen Horse 262 Billy Root 271 Andrews Horse 262 Bird Horse 268 American Eagle 263 Bliss Horse • 267 Andrew Jackson 263 Blue Morgan 191,193 Addison 263 Bonaparte 266 Bay Morgan 265- Boston Tiger 268 Bay State Morgan 1st 270 Brock Horse 269 Bay State Morgan 2d 270 Brown Morgan 270 Bailey Horse 265 Belle of Saratoga 194 Barker Horse 179, 266 Bulrush 144, 160, 163, 167,264 Bartholomew Horse 266 Bulrush Morgan 264 Baclielder Horse 263 Buchanan Horse 267 Blanchard Horse 269 Burhank Horse 267 Black Morgan 270 Bussorah 268 Black Lion 271 Clarke Horse 273 Black Jack 272 Clarke Horse 276 Black Ralph 193 Charles Smith Horse 273 Black Hawk, 172, 178, 179, 191 Crane Horse 179, 273 193, 264 Chamberlain Horse 274 Black Hawk Chief 266 Carpenter's Gray 274 Black Hawk Eclipse 267 Champlain 275 Black Hawk Morgan 267 Champion Black Hawk 86,87 Black Hawk Napoleon 259 275 Black Hawk Prince 270 Charley 275 Black Hawk. Jr., 1st; 272 Chicago Jack 194 Black Hawk, Jr., 2d 272 Carleton Horse 276 Black Hawk Maid 191,193 Challenge 276 [329] 330 LIST OF MORGAN HORSES. Childs Horse Clements Horse Clifton Cock of the Rock Colby Horse Coos Morgan Comet Davis Horse Deerfield Morgan Don Juan Dubois Horse Ethan Allen Ethan Allen 2d Emperor Enfield Horse Esty Horse Falcon "Falcon 2d Farmer's Beauty Farrav Horse Fen ton Horse Flint Horse Fox Fox Morgan Flying Cloud 1st Flying Cloud 2d PAGE 273 274 274 273 273 275, 311 276 277 277 276 277 192, 193, 277 278 277 278 279 281 281 281 280 146, 147, 279 281 '280 281 279 279 194,195,279 Flying Morgan Flying Morgan Sprout 280 Flying Morgan of Petersham 281 Gates Horse 282 Granite State Morgan 285 Granite State 286 Green Mountain 1st 86, 87, 172 282 Green Mountain 2d 282 Green Mountain 3d 285 Green Mountain, Jr 283 General Gifford 1st 72, 283 General Gifford 2d 283 General Gifford 3d 285 General Gifford, Jr General -Taylor General Cook Horse Gliises Horse Gifford Gifford Morgan Gifford Morgan, Jr Goodale Horse Goodale Horse Golden Eagle Gray Hawk Hawkins Horse Hall Horse Harlow Horse Hackett Horse Hampden Hebard Horse Henry Clay Hubbard Horse Hubbard Horse 2d Huckins Horse Ives Horse Justin Morgan 25, Jemie Jerry Karby Horse Kent's Morgan Kent Colt Know Nothing Kite Knight's Horse Lady Sherman Lady Sutton, Latham Horse Lawton Horse Lemon Fair Lone Star May Fly Matchless Major PAGE 285 284 283 284 179, 284 73 285 282 283 286 195 146 286 287 195, 287 287 287 195 286 288 287 288 26, 92, 175 288 288 289 289 289 194 289 288 195 191, 192 289 290 290 290 291 292 298 LIST OF MORGAN HORSES. 331 PAGE PAGE Major Gifford 299 Morgan Fusion 301 Melvin Horse 293 Model Morgan 292 Merriman Horse 294 Mountaineer 302 Messer Horse 300 Moody Horse 291 Morgan Lion 290 Mountain Eagle 299 Morgan Trotter 179,291 Morrill Horse 301 Morgan King 291 Myrick Horse 300 Morgan Rat 291 Nearing Horse 302 Morgan Tigei 291 Newton Horse 302 Morgan Csesai 195 , 292 Newell's Gray 302 Morgan Star 293 Nicholas 303 Morgan Champion 293 Nimrod 303 Morgan Napoleon 293 Niles Horse 303 Morgan Comet 293 : , 301 North Horse 302 Morgan Chief 294 North Star 302 Morgan Figure 294 Old Morrell Horse 304 Morgan Postboy 294 One Eye 303 Morgan Defiance 294 Orleans Flying Morgan 303 Morgan Dragon 294 Paul Clifford 304 Morgan Eagle 192 ; , 295 Peacock Morgan 305 Morgan Emperor 179. 194 , 295 Peters' Morgan 306 Morgan Emperor 2d 296 Parks Horse 306 Morgan Eclipse 295 Pike Horse 304 Morgan Empire 296 Pizarro 192 Morgan Hunter 296 Pleasant Gale 306 Morgan Chief 296 Plato 305 Morgan Robbin 297 Pope Horse 305 Morgan Rattler 297, , 298 President 306 Morgan Recruit 297 Prince Albert 304 Morgan Tiger 1st 297 Putnam Horse 304 Morgan Bucephalus 293 Putnam Horse 2d 305 Morgan General 298 Randolph Morgan 306 Morgan Sultan 299 Ramsey Horse 307 Morgan Trustee 299 Raven 308 Morgan Chieftain 299 Revenge 308 Morgan Black Hawk 300 Rip Van Winkle 307 Morgan Traveller 300 Rising Sun 309 Morgan Traveller 2d 300 Robin 307 Morgan Tally Ho 195. , 300 Rolland Horse 307 Morgan Tiger 2d 301 Romeo 1st 308 332 LIST OF MORGAN HORSES. Romeo 2d Rounds Colt Rowel Horse Royal Morgan Sawyer Horse Scott Horse Searcher Selim PAGE 308 307 309 179, 309 313 312 313 313 Sherman 144, 150, 155, 163, 169 176, 178, 179 Sherman Morgan 1st 310 Vermont Morgan Champion Vermont Chief Way Horse Walker Horse Wellington Horse Wheeler Horse White Mountain White Mountain Morgan Whalebone Wiley Colt Wild Air Sherman Morgan 2d 312 Windsor Morgan Sherman King 311 Woodbury Sherman Morgan Defiance 311 Woodbury 2d Sherman Black Hawk 193, 194 Yankee Boy 311 Young America Shirtliff Horse 312 Young America 2d Sir Charles 311 Young Bulrush Smith Morgan 313 Young Bulrush 2d Stevens Horse 313 Young Bulrush 3d Stockbridge Chief 193. ,311 Young Bulrush 4th Stranger 312 Young Burbank 1st Taylor Horse - 314 Young Burbank 2d Tecumseh 314 Young Black Hawk Turner's Black Hawk 314 Young Caesar Twin Morgan 314 Young Flying Morgan Vermont 315 Young Hubbard Vermont 2d 315 Young Latham Vermonter 316 Young Morrill Vermont Boy 192 Young Morgan Emperor Vermont Champion 315 Young Morgan Eclipse Vermont Morgan 316 Young Morgan Empire PAGB 315 316 318 319 317 317 317 318 319 317 318 318 319 316 321 320 320 322 319 320 320 319 321 321 321 322 322 322 322 321 321 320 LIST OF HORSES (not morgans) MENTIONED IN THIS WORK, PAGE , PAGE Apollo 22 Engineer 24 Barney Henry 324 Fanny Jenks 190 Betty 177 Flora Temple 194 Beppo 392 Fag Down 81 Bloodv Buttocks 177 Forest Maid 192 Blank 22 Florizel 22 Byerly Turk 22, 127 Gabriel 325 Blockesby 177 Girncrack 177, 178, 165 Celia 177 Gray Eagle 173, 191 Childers 22 Godolphin Arabian 19, 177 Cock of the Rock 25, 323 Greswood's Partner 177 Carson Horse 324 Greyhound 177 Croft's Partner 22, 127 Hamiltonian 22, 25, 81 Cripple 177 Hambletonian 22,23 Columbus 193 Henry 25, 324, 326 Curwen's Bay Barb 127 Jigg 22, 127 Dey of Algiers 25 King Herod 22 Diomed 22, 165 Lady Miller 81 Duroc 25, 165 Lady Moscow 191 Dying Sergeant 191 Lee Boo 194 Eclipse 25, 165, 356 Lady Suffolk 191, 194 [333] 334 LIST OF HORSES NOT MORGANS. PAGE P.AGE Lady Swan 192 Shark 22 Leonides 324 Sir Walter 25, 323 Lindsey's Arabian 126 Sir Charles 25, 325 Messenger 23, 24, 25, 81, 165 Soto 192 Miller's Damsel 24 Sal 191 Miss Elliott 177 Sir Archy 22, 165 Mambrinc 23,81 Sigual 324 Murdoch 193, 194 Tartar 22 Postboy 25, 325 Tippoo Saib 81 Quicksilver 323 Tramp 195 Regulus 24 True Briton 101, 103, 116, 127 Revenge 144, 146, 148 Turf 24 Rose of Washington 192 Whalebone 195 Sampson 24 Wild Air 104, 327 Sport 127 Young Hamiltonian 324 Spectator 22 INDEX. PAGE Agricultural Fairs, training for exhibition at - 233 " " trotting matches at 196 Arabian Horses, origin and Classification - - - 12 Arabian Horse, first importation of into England" - - 18 Affidavit of John Steams concerning Justin Morgan - - 97 America, breeds of horses in - - - - . 21 Andalusian horses - - - . . 15, 22 Associations for improving the breed of horses - - 216 Barb, characteristics of the - - - - 12, 15 Breaking horses ----._ 219 Breed of horses, best methods of improving ... 200 Breeding of horses, medium size, best for - - - 213 Breeding animals, selection of - - - - . 205 Business horse, character and traits required for - - 55 Bulrush, history of - - - - . . 160 Canadian horses --.... 21 Certificate of Committee of Vermont State Ag. Soc. awarding first premium to D. C. Linsley for Essay on Morgan Horses 8 Certificate of David Goss to Portrait of Justin Morgan - 9 " Solo. Steele " " " - 9 " Dan'l Baldwin " " " - 9 Cleveland Bays ------ 20 Characteristics of the Morgan Horse - 72-91 Chinese horses ------ 14 Criticisms on Morgan Horses - 72-91 [335] 336 INDEX. P.AGS Coach horse, English ------ 20 Conestoga horse - ----- 21 Color of a good horse ----- 62 Correspondence relative to Origin of Morgan Horse - - 98 Dams, Arabs, trace the pedigrees of horses through the - 13 Draft horse, English varieties - - - - 20 Dam of Justin Morgan - - - 125 Darley, Arabian, imported into England - - - - 19 Diomed ....... 22 Driving upon the Eoad ..... 239, 243 Dongola horses ------ 13 Dutch horses 14 Eclipse, description of ----- 60 English Race Horse, deterioration of - - • 36, 38 English Horses ------ 17 Egypt, the horse is traced to - - - - - 12 F'nland Horses - - - - - - 16 Flanders, importation of horses from, into England - - 18 Feeding and driving on the Road .... 238 Fenton Horse, history of ..... 147 Flemish horses 14 French horses ... - - 15, 22 German Horses - - - - - - -16 German "running horses" imported into England - - 17 General GifFord, the representative of the race - - 72, 73 Gifford Morgan 73 Gimcrack, Memoir of- - - - -177 Godolphin Arabian, imported into England - - 19 Hawkins horse, history of ..... 146 Hackney, English ------ 19 Hamiltonian horse, pedigree of 22 Hack horses, kind most sought for ... 47 Harness, qualities of a horse to appear well in - - - 61 Helmsley Turk, imported into England 18 History of Hawkins horse ..... 146 History of Fenton horse ..... 147 INDEX. 337 PAGE History of the Horse ..... 9 History and descriptions of Stallions sired by Justin Morgan 144 History of Justin Morgan .... . 131-143 History of Revenge - 148 Hunter, the English - _ 19,40 History of Woodbury ..... - 156 " Bulrush ..... _ 160 Horses (not Morgan), List of - - 333 Horse, the companion and servant of man - 30 Horses, Arabian - _ 12 " Dongola ----.. - 13 Toorky ... - 14 Chinese - - 14 Persian - _ 14 " Flemish ---._. - 14 " Dutch . 14 " Italian ---___ - 15 " Neapolitan - _ 16 " Andalusian - - 15 " German - _ 16 " Hungarian - - 16 Swedish - _ 16 Russian ----._ - 17 " English --'-__ 17 " Conestoga - - 21 " Canadian r - _ _ _ . 21 " Kind most sought for - - 44 India, horses of m 14 Italian horses ...... - 15 Indiana, character of horses in . 26 Iceland, horses of - - 16 Importation of horses from the Levant into England - 19 " German horses into England - 17 " Arabian horses " - - - 18 " horses from Flanders into England - 18 " Darley Arabian " - 19 Justin Morgan, Memoir and description of L31-143 " Owners of - - 140 Death of - - 142 338 INDEX. PAGE Justin Morgan, Dam of 103, 125 Eeported Sire of - - 101, 103, 116 Justin Morgan 2d, Letter from - - - - 99 Kentucky, character of the horses of - - - 26 Letter from Justin Morgan 2d - - - - 99, 104 George Barnard ----- 97 M. O. Walker, 89 Mr. Weissinger ----- 102 Frederic A. Weir ----- 102 Milo June ----- 88 List of Morgan horses mentioned .... 328 " horses (not Morgan) mentioned - 333 Morgan Stallions, pedigrees and description of - - - 260 Messenger, pedigree of -----, **» Morgan horses, performances of - - - - 185-199 " present value of 196 " origin of - - - - ■ - 92 " list of 328 " a distinct breed - 1 " hardiness and endurance of - - 1 " peculiar adaptation to the Eoad and General use 63 " instance of their endurance 65 description of - - - - 66 differ from the Canadian, - - - HO " different families of, characteristics - - 165 " but three distinct families of - - 167 stock in Vermont - 175 High Prices of 197 Narragansett Pacer - - - - - - 22 Neapolitan horses ------ 16 New England character, horses of - - - - 25 New York character, horses of - - - - 25 Norman horses - "» - - - - 15 Omnibus horses, kind of horses most sought for - - 47 Origin of the Morgan Horse - - - - - 92 Ohio, character of horses of - 26 INDEX. 339 PAGE Pennsylvania, character of horses of 26 Persian horses ---.._ 14 Performances of Morgan horses - 185-199 Preparation for exhibition - - 233 Pedigree of Hamiltonian horse - - - - - 22 " of Messenger - 23 " of Morgan stallions .... 260-322 " of Hawkins horse ----- 146 " of Fenton horse ----- 147 " of Revenge ----- 148 " of Sherman - - - - - - 150 " of Woodbury - - - - - 156 " of Bulrush 160 Purchasing horses ---_.- 250 Paces established at Hyde Park - - - 18 Paces closed by Cromwell ----- 19 Revenge, history of ... - - 148 Riding manly and healthful exercise 45 Roadsters ... ... 50 Russian horses -,----- 17 Selection of breeding animals ... - 205 Services, change in kind of, required - - - - 30, 34 Services rendered by the horse - 29 SirArchy - 22 Sherman, history of ----- - 150 Southern States, character of horses of 27 Spanish horses ------ 12, 15, 18 Sporting horses, demand for - 49 Stallions sired by Justin Morgan - 144 Swedish horses ------ 16 Size, medium, best for breeding - 213 Size best adapted for service - 88 Tartar horses -------17 Toorkomans, horses of 14 Toorky breed of horses ------ 14 Toorkistan, horses of 14 Trotter preferred to the racer - - - - - 80 340 INDEX. PAGE Trotting matches at Agricultural Fairs - - 196 Truck horses ...... 48 True Briton, reputed sire of Justin Morgan - - 101, 116 Trotting matches, the first in America . - 80 Unsoundness ------ 252 White Turk, purchase of ----- 18 Wild horses, where found ----- 20 Woodbury, history of - 156 Weight of Morgan stallions - 179 All the Boolcs on this Catalogue sent oy mail, to any part of the Union, postage paid BOOKS FOR THE COUNTRY, PUBLISHED BY C. M. SAXTON & CO., 140 FULTON STREET, Is'EW YORK, SUITABLE FOE SCHOOL, TOWN, AGRICULTURAL, AND PRIVATE LIBRARIES. Downing's (A. J.) Landscape Gardening. A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening. Adapted to North America, with a view to the Improvement of Country Residences, comprising His- torical Notices and General Principles of the Art. Directions for Laying out Grounds and Arranging Plantations, the Description and Cultivation of Hardy Trees, Decora- tion Accompaniments to the House and Ground, the Formation of Pieces of Artificial Water, Flower Gardens, etc., with Remarks on Rural Architecture. Elegantly illus- trated, with a Portrait of the Author. By A. J. Downing. Price $3 50. Downing's (A. J.) Rural Essays. On Horticulture, Landscape Gardening, Rural Architecture, Trees, Agriculture, Fruit, with his Letters from England. Edited, with a Memoir of the Author, by George Wm. Curtis, and a letter to his friends by Frederika Bremer; fend an elegant steel Portrait of the Author. Price $3. The Practical Fruit, Flower, and Kitchen Gardener's Com- panion, with a Calendar. By Patrick Neill, LL. D., F. R. S. E., Secretary to the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. Adapted to the United States, from the fourth edition, revised and improved by the author. Edited by G. Emerson, M. D., Editor of "Johnson's Farmer's Encyclopedia." With Notes and Additions by R. G. Pardee author of "Manual of the Strawberry Culture." With illustrations. Price $1. Munn's (B.) Practical Land Drainer ; Being a Treatise on Draining Land, in which the most approved systems of Drainaga are explained, and their differences and comparative merits discussed; with fui? Directions J$r the Cutting and Making of Drains, with Remarks upon the var'ous Materials of which they may be composed. With many illustrations. By B, Mann, Landscape Gardener. Price 50 cts. Elliot's (F. R.) American Fruit-Grower's Guide in Orchard and Garden: being a Compend of the History, Modes of Propagation, Culture, &c, of Frui^ ^rees, and Shrubs, with descriptions of nearly all the varieties of Fruits col« tivat^d **, ^his country; and Notes of their adaptation to localities, soils, and a com- plete ':»' -f Fruits worthy of cultivation. By F. E. Elliot, Pomologist. Price $1 25- 1 2 Books Published by C. M. Sax ton & Co. i - ,, ■ *■--■- i ■■■a Pardee (K. G.) on Strawberry Culture. A Complete Manual for the Cultivation of the Strawberry; with a description of tb* best varieties. Also, Notices of the Easpberry, Blackberry, Currant, Gooseberry, an J. Grape; with directions for their cultivation, and the selection of the best varieties. " Every pro- cess here recommended has been proved, the plans of others tried, and the result i» here given." With a valuable Appendix, containing the observations and experione* of some of tb e most successful cultivators of these fruits in our country. Price 60 ctruU. Dana's Muck Manual for the use of Farmers. A Treatise on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils, the Chemistry of Manures ; including also the subjects of composts, artificial manures and irrigation, A new edition, with a chapter on Bones and Superphosphates. $1. The Stable Book. A Treatise on the Management of Horses, in relation to Stabling, Grooming, Feed- ing, Watering, and Working, Construction of Stables, Ventilation, Appendages oi Stables, Management of the Feet, and Management of Diseased and Defective Horses. By John Stewart, Veterinary Surgeon. With notes and additions adapting it to American Food and Climate. By A. B. Allen, editor of the American Agricul turist. $1. Choiiton's Grape Grower's Guide. Intended especially for the American Climate. Being a Practical Treatise on tho Cultivation of the Grape Vine in each department of Hot House, Cold Grapery, Retarding House, and Out-door Culture. With plans for the construction of the requisite building.?, and giving the best methods of heating the same. Every depart- ment being fully illustrated. By William Chorlton, author of " The Cold Grapery/' cv;c. Price 60 cts. White's (W. N.) Gardening for the South; Or, the Kitchen and Fruit Garden, with the best methods for their Cultivation ; together with hints upon Landscape and Flower Gardening ; containing modes of culture and descriptions of the species and varieties of the Culinary Vegetables, IVuit Trees and Fruits, and a select list of Ornamental Trees and Plants, found by trial adapted to the States of the Union south of Pennsylvania, with Gardening Calendars for the same. By Wm. N. White, cf Athens, Georgia. Price $1 25. Eastwood's (B.) Manual for the Cuiivation of the Cranberry. With a description of the best varieties. By B. Eastwood, " Septimus" of the New York Tribune. Price 50 cts. Johnson's (Geo. W.) Dictionary of Modern Gardening. With One Hundred and Eighty Wood Cuts. Ecited, with numerous additions, by David Landreth, of Philadelphia. Price $1 50. Persos' ( s of the Vine. A ISlew Process for the Culture of the Vine, by Persoz, Professor to the Faculty of Sciences of Strasbourg ; directing Professor of the School of Pharmacy of the same city. Translated by J. O. C. Barclay, Surgeoii. U. S. N. Price, paper, 25 cents cloth. 50 cents. Books Published by C. M. Saxton & Co. 3 Johnston's (James F. W.) Catechism of Agricultural Chemis- try and Geology. By James F. W. Johnston, M. A., F. E. SS. L. and E., Honorary Member of the Eoyal Agricultural Society of England, and author of " Lectures on Agrfcsliszal Chemistry and Geology." With an Introduction by John Pitkin Nor- ton, M. A., late Professor of Scientific Agriculture in Yale College. "With Notes and Additions by the Author, prepared expressly for this edition, and an Appendix com- piled by the Superintendent of Education in Nova Scotia. Adapted to the use of Schools. Price 25 cts. Johnston's (James F. W.) Agricultural Chemistry. Lectures on the Application of Chemistry and Geology to Agriculture. New edKion, with an Api endix containing the Author's Experiments in Practical Agriculture. $1.25* Smith's (C. II. J.) Landscape Gardening, Parks and Pleasure Grounds, With Practical Notes on Country Eesidences, Villas, Public Parks, and Gardens. By Charles £L. J. Smith, Landscape Gardener and Garden Architect, &c. With Notes and Additions by Lewis F. Allen, author of "Sural Architecture," &c. The author, while engaged in his profession for the last eighteen years, has oi'tea been requested to recommend a book which might enable persons to acquire some general knowledge of the principles of Landscape Gardening. The object of the present work is to preserve a plain and direct method of statement^ to be intelligible to a'l who have had an ordinary education, and to give directions which, it is hoped, will be found to be practical by those who have an adequate knowledge of country affairs. Price $1 25. Norton's (John Pj Elements of Scientific Agriculture; Or, the Connexion between Science and the Art of Practical Farming. (Prize Essay of the New York State Agricultural Society.) By John P. Norton, M. A., Professor of Scientific Agriculture in Yale College. Adapted to the use of Schools. Price 60 cents. Nash's (J. A.) Progressive Farmer. A Scientific Treatise on Agricultural Chemistry, the Geology of Agriculture, op Plants and Animals, Manures and Soils applied to Practical Agriculture; with a Catechism of Scientific and Practical Agriculture. By J. A Nash. Price 60 cents. Chorlton's (Wm.) Cold Grapery. From direct American Practice: being a concise and detailed Treatise on the Cultiva- tion of the Exotic Grape Vine, under Glass without artificial heat. By Wm. Chorl- ton, Gardener to J. C. Green, Esq., Staten Island, N. Y. Price 50 cents. Allen (J. Fisk) on the Culture of the Grape. A Practical Treatise on the Culture and Treatment of the Grape Vine, embracing ita history, with directions for its treatment in the United States of America, in the open ai. and under glass structures, with and without artificial heat By J. Fisk Allen. Price $1. Hoare (Clement) on the Grape Vine. A Practical Treatise on the Cultivation of the Grape Vine on Open Walls, with a Descriptive Account of an improved method of Planting and Managing the Roots cf ©rape Vines. By Clement Hoare. With an Appendix on the Cultivation of th« sanw to the Un'ted States. 50 cent*. Books Published by C. M. Saxton & Co. Mysteries of Bee-keeping Explained ; Being a Complete Analysis of the whole subject, consisting of the Natural History of Bees; Directions for Obtaining the greatest amount of Pure Surplus Honey with the least possible expense; Remedies for Losses given, and the Science of Luck, fully illustrated; the result of more than twenty years' experience in extensive Apiaile* By M. Quinby. Price $1. American Bee-keeper's Manual; Being a Practical Treatise on the History and Domestic Economy of the Honey 6m j embracing a full illustration of the whole subject, with the most approved methods of managing this Insect, through every branch of its Culture; the result of many years' experience, Illustrated with many engravings. By T. B. Miner. Cloth, $1. The Cottage and Farm Bee-keeper; A Practical Work, by a Country Curate, 50 cents. Weeks (John H.) on Bees.— A Manual; Or, an Easy Method of Managing Bees in the most profitable manner to their owner; with infallible rules to prevent their destruction by the Motb. With an Appendix b? Wooster A. Flanders. Price 50 cts. The Eose; Being a Practical Treatise on the Propagation, Cultivation, and Management of th« Eose in all Seasons; with a List of Choice and Approved Varieties, adapted to tha Climate of the United States; to which is added Full Directions for the Treatment ol the Dahlia. Illustrated by engravings. Cloth, 50 cts. Buist's (RoDert) American Flower-Garden Directory; Containing Practical Directions for the Culture of Plants, in the Flower-Garden, Hot- House, Green-House, Rooms, or Parlor Windows, for every Month in the Year; with a description of the Plants most desirable in each, the Nature of the Soil and Situation best adapted to their Growth, the Proper Season for Transplanting, &c. ; with Instruc- tions for erecting a Hot-House, Green-House, and Laying out a Flower-Garden ; the whole adapted to either large or small Gardens ; with Instructions for Preparing the Soil, Propagating, Planting, Pruning, Training, and Fruiting the Grape Vine. Prica $1 25. Ernsts' (Robert) Family Kitchen Gardener; Containing Plain and Accurate Descriptions of all the different Species and Varieties of Culinary Vegetables, with their Botanical, English, French, and German names, alphabetically arranged, and the best mode of cultivating them in the garden or under glass ; al*>, Descriptions and Character of the most Select Fruits, their Management, Propagation, &c. By Robert Buist, author of the " American Flower-Garden Dlre©< tory," Ac Cloth, 75 cts. ; paper 50 cts. The American Florist's Guide ; Comprising the An 'rican Rose Ottltnrist and Every Lady her own Flower Gar&Mf Half cloth. T5cts. Books Published by 0. M. Saxton & Co. Every Lady Her own Flower Gardener; Addressed to the Industrious and Economical only ; containing Simplo and Practical Directi >ns for Cultivating Plants and Flowers; also, Hints for the Management oi Flowers in Rooms, with brief Botanical Descriptions of Plants and Flowers, Tha whole in plain and simple language. By Louisa Johnson. Cloth, ^ -oe 50 eta. The American Agriculturist; Being a Collection of Original Articles on the Various Subjects connected with ths Farm, in ten vols. 8vo., containing nearly four thousand pages. $10. The Complete Farmer and American Gardener, Rural Economist, and New American Gardener, containing a Compendious Epitome of the most Important Branches of Agricultural and Rural Economy; with Practical Di- rections on the Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables; including Landscape and Orna- mental Gardening. By Thomas G-. Fessenden. 2 vols, in one. $1 25. Fessenden's (T. G.) American Kitchen Gardener; Containing Directions for the Cultivation of Vegetables and Garden Fruits. Cloth, price 50 cts. Dadd's (Geo. H.) American Cattle Doctor; Containing the necessary information for preserving the health and curing the diseases of Oxen, Cows, Sheep, and Swine, with a great variety of original receipts, and valu- able information in refeftnee to Farm and Dairy management, whereby every man can be his own Cattle Doctor. The principles taught in this work are, that all medi- cation shall be subservient to nature— that all medicines must be sanative in their operation, and administered with a view of aiding the vital powers, instead of depres- g sing, as heretofore, with the lancet or by poison. By G. H. Dadd, M. D., Veterinary Practitioner. Price $1. Browne's (D. Jay) Field Book of Manures: Or, American Muck Book; treating of the Nature, Properties, Sources, History., and Operations of all the Principal Fertilizers and Manures in Common Use, with Specifia Directions for their Preservation, and Application to the Soil and to Crops; drawn from Authentic Sources, Actual Expsrience, and Personal Observation, as com- bined with the leading Principles of Practical and Scientific Agriculture. By D. J*y Browne. $1 25. Randall's (H. S.) Sheep Husbandry; "With an account of the different breeds, and general directions in regard to Summer and "Winter management, breeding, and the treatment of diseases, with portraits and other engravings. By Henry S. Randall. Price $1 25. Blake's (Eev. John L.) Farmer at Home. A Family Test Book for the Country; being a Cyclopaedia of Agricultural Impls* ments and Productions, and of the mora Important Topics in Domestic Economy, Science and Literature; adapted to Rural Life, By Rev. John L. Blake, D. X*s tf 25. 6 Boohs Published by C. M. Saxton & Co. Youatt and Martin on Cattle ; Being a Treatise on their Breeds, Management and Disease?, comprising a fall History of the Various Eaces; their Origin, Breeding, and Merits; their capacity for Beef and Mill* iJy W. Youatt and W. C. L. Martin. The whole forming a complete Guida for the Farmer, the Amateur, and the Veterinary Surgeon, wuh 100 illustrations. Edited by Ambrose Stevens. $1 25. v ouatt on the Horse. Youatt on the Structure and Diseases ofthe Horse, with their Eemedies. Also, Prac- tical Eules for Bayers, Breeders, Smiths, &c. Edited by W. C. Spooner, M. E, C.V. ft. With an account of the Breeds in the United States, by Henry S. Eandall. $1 25. Youatt and Martin on the Hog. A Treatise on the Breeds, Management and Medical Treatment of Swine, with dire©, tions for Salting Pork and Curing Bacon and Ham3, By Wm. Youatt, E. S. and W- C. L. Martin. Edited by Ambrose Stevens. Illustrated with engravings drawn from life. T5 cts. Youatt on Sheep; Their Breed, Management, and Diseases, with illustrative engravings; to which are added Eemarks on the Breeds and Management of Sheep in the United States, and on the Culture of Fine "Wool in Silesia. By William Youatt. 75 cts. American Architect. The American Architect, comprising Original Designs of cheap Country and Village Eesidences, with Details, Specifications, Pians, and Directions, and an estimate of tha Cost of each Design. By John W. Bitch, Architect. First and Second Series, quarto bound in 1 vol., half roan, $6 • Domestic Medicine. Gunn's Domestic Medicine, or Poor Man's Friend, in the Hours of Affliction, Pain, and Sickness, Raymond's new revised edition, improved and enlarged by John C. Gunn, 8vo. Sheep, $3. Pcdder's (James) Farmer's Land Measurer; Or, Pocket Companion ; showing atone view, the Contents of any Piece of Land from Dimensions taken in Yards. With a set of Useful Agricultural Tables. Price 50 cts. Chemical Field Lectures for Agriculturists; Or, Chemistry without a Master. By Dr. Julius Adolphus Stockhardt, Professor in the Royal Academy of Agriculture at Tliarant. Translated from the German. Edited, with notes, by James E. Teschemacher. Price $1. Thaer's (Albert D.) Agriculture. The Principles of Agriculture, by Albert D. Thayer ; translated by William Shaw and Cuthbert W. Johnson, Esq., F.R.S. Willi a Memoir of the Author. 1 vol. Svo, «trong cloth. Price $2. This work is regarded by those who are competent to judge, as one of the mos! beautiful works that has ever appeared on the subject of agriculture. At the same time that it is eminently practical, it is philosophical, and, even to the general reader, remarkably entertaining. Von Thaer was educated for a physician ; and, after reaching the summit of his pro- fusion, he retired into the country, where his garden soon became the admiration o/ Books Published by C. M. Saxton & Co. the citizens; and when he began to lay nit plantations and orchards, to cultivate herb* age and vegetables, the whole country was *>stonished at his science in the art of culti vation. He soon entered upon a large farm, and opened a school for the study of Agri- culture, where his fame became known from one end of Europe to the other. This great work of Von Thaeris has passed through four editions in the United States, but it is still comparatively unknown. The attention of owners of landed; ©states in cities and towns, as well ss those persona engaged in the practical pursuits (A agriculture, is earnestly requested to this volume. Gnenon on Milch Cows; A Treatise on Milch Cows, whereby the Quality and Quantity of Milk which any Cow will give may be accurately determined by observing Natural Marks or External In- dications alone ; the length of time she will continue to give Milk, &c, &c. By M. Francis Guenon, of Libourne, France. Translated by Nicholas P. Trist, Esq. ; with Introduc- tory Remarks and Observations on the Cow and the Dairy, by John S. Skinner. Illus- trated with numerous Engiavings. Price, neatly done up in paper covers, 87£ cts. bound in cloth, 62} cts. American Poultry Yard. The American Poultry Yard ; comprising the Origin, History, and Description of the different Breeds of Domestic Poultry, with complete directions for their Breeding, Crossing, Rearing, Fattening, and Preparation for Market; including specific directions for Caponizing Fowls, and for the Treatment of the Principal Diseases to which they are subject, drawn from authentic sources and personal observation. Illustrated with numerous engravings. By D. J. Browne. Cloth, $1. The Shepherd's Own Book ; "With an Account of the different Breeds and Management and Diseases of Sheep ; and General Directions in regard to Summer and Winter Management, Breeding, and the Treatment of Diseases ; with illustrative engravings, by Youatt «fe Randall, em- bracing Skinner's Notes on the Breed and Management of Sheep in the TJnited State*, <«od on the Culture of Fine Wool Price 82. Allen's (L. F.) Rural Architecture; Being a complete description of Farm Houses, Cottages, and Out Buildings, comprising "Wood-houses, Workshops, Tool-houses, Carriage and Wagon houses, Stables, Smoke and Ash houses, Ice houses, Apiaries or Bee houses, Poultry houses, Babbitry, Dove- cote, Piggery, Barns, and Sheds for Cattle, &c, &c. ; together with Lawns, Pleasure Grounds, and Parks ; the Flower, Fruit, and Vegetable Garden ; also, Useful and Or* naaaental Domestic Animals for the Country Resident, &c, &c. Also, the best method of conducting water into Cattle Yards and Houses. Beautifully illustrated. Price $1 25. Allen's (R. L.) American Farm Book. The American Farm Book ; or, a Compend of American Agriculture, being a Prac- tical Treatise on Soils, Manures, Draining, Irrigation, Grasses, Grain, Roots, Fruite, Cotton, Tobacco, Sugar Cane, Rice, and every Staple Product of the TJni:ed States; with the best methods of planti ig, cultivating, and preparation for market. Illustrated by mora than 10 gomtstit dfcffKMj. .4# arranged and adapted to Vie Use of American Farmers. Price 25 Cents each* Hogs; Their Origin and Varieties ; Management, with a View to Profit, and Treatment unflcf Disease; also, Plain Directions relative to the most approved modes of preserving theii Flesh. By H. D. Richardson, author of "The Hive and the Honey Bee," &c., &e With illustrations— 12mo. The Hive and the Honey Bee; "With plaiu directions for obtaining a considerable Annual Inacme from tins branch of Eural Economy; also an Account of the Di-eases of Bees, and their Remedies, and Eemarks as to their Enemies, and the best mo le of protecting the Hives from their at- tacks. By H. D. Eichardson. With illustrations. Domestic Fowls; Their Natural History, Breeding, Rearing, and General Management. By H. D. Eichardson, author of " The Natural History of the Fossil Deer," &c. With Illus- trations. The Horse; Their Origin and Varieties; with Plain Directions as to the Breeding, Bearing, and General Management, with Instructions as to the Treatment of Disease. Handsomely Illustrated— 12mo. By H. D. Eichardson. The Eose ; The American Rose Culturist; being a Practical Treatise on the Propagation, Cultiva- tion, and Management in all Seasons, &c. With full directions for the Treatment oi the Dahlia. The Pests of the Farm ; With Instructions for their Extirpation; being a Manual of Plain Directions for the certain Destruction of every description of Vermin. With numerous illustrations on Wood. An Essay on Manures; Submitted to the Trustees of the Massacfiusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture for their Premium. By Samuel H. Dana. The American Bird Fancier; Considered with reference to the Breeding, Reaping, Feeding, Management, and Pe- culiarities of Cage and House Birds. Illustrated with Engravings. By D. Jay Browne. Chemistry Made Easy. For the Use of Farmers. By J. Topham. Elements of Agriculture. Translated from the French, and Adapted to the use of American Farmers. By F. G. Skinner. The American Kitchen Gardener; Containing Directions for the Cultivation of Vegetables and Garden Fruits. Bjr T. G Fessenden. 10 Boohs Published by (7. M. Saxton & Co. 11 The Bee. Keeper's Chart ; Being a brief practical Treatise on the Instinct, Habit 1 ?, and Management of the Honey Bee, in all its various Branches, the result of many years' practical experience, whereby the aufior has been enabled to divest the subject of much that has been considered mysterious and difficult to overcome, and render it more sure, profitable, and Interest- ing to every one than it has heretofore been. By E. W. Phelps. Every Lady Her Own Flower Gardener ; Addressed to the Industrious and Economical only; containing Simple and Practical Directions fur Cultivating Plants and Flowers: also, Hints for the Management of Flowers in Rooms, with brief Botanical Descriptions of Plants and Flowers. The whole in plain and simple language. By Louisa Johnson. The Cow: Dairy Husbandry and Cattle Breeding. By M. M. Milburn, and revised by H. D. Richardson and Ambrose Stevens. With Il- lustrations. Wilson on the Culture of Flax ; Its Treatment, Agricultural and Technical; delivered before the New York State Agri. cultural Society, at the Annual Fair, held at Saratoga, ia September last, by John Wil- son, late President of the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, England. Weeks on Bees.— A Manual ; Or, an Easy Method of Managing Bees in the most profitable manner to their owner , with infallible rules to prevent their destruction by the Moth ; with an appendix by Wooster A. Flanders. Beemelin's (Chas.) Vine-dresser's Manual. Containing full instructions as to location and soil ; preparation of ground ; selection and propagation of vines ; the treatment of a young Vineyard ; trimming and train- ing the vines ; manures and the making of wine. Every department illustrated. Bement's (C. N.) Babbit Fancier. A Treatise on the Breeding, Rearing, Feeding and General Management of Rabbits, with remarks upon their diseases and remedies ; to which are added full directions for the construction of Hutches, Rabbitries., &c, together with recipes for cooking and dressing for the table. The Horse's Foot, and how to keep it Sound. With cuts illustrating the anatomy of the Foot, and containing valuable hints on shoeing and stable management both in health and disease. By William Miles. The Skilful Housewife, Or, Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort and Economy, embracing 659 receipts pertaining to Household Duties, the care of Health, Gardening, Birds, Education of Children, etc., etc By Mrs. L. G. AbelL C. M. Saxton & Co., Publishers, 140 Fulton Street, New York. AMERICA ! CATT LE DOCTOR. Eleven Thousand Copies Sold ! Price One Dollar. Badd's Great Work on the DISEASES OF CATTLE; CONTAINING The necessary information for preserving the health and curing the diseases of Oxen, Cows, Sheep, and Swine ; with a great variety of original re- ceipts and valuable information in reference to FARM AND DAIRY MANAGEMENT, WHEREBY Every Man can be His Own Cattle Doctor. BY GEORGE H. DADD. Veterinary Surgeon, of Boston. " We have carefully examined the Book, and can fully recommend it to all who own Cat- tle, as a safe and reliable guide. The author is an experienced Farrier, and as such his prescriptions and general instructions may be relied upon."— Phil. News. Every Farmer, Milkman, Drover & Butcher should own this Book. °RICE ONE DOLLAR. YOUATT & MARTIN ON CATTLE. A Treatise on Breeding and General Management of Cattle; Comprising a Full History of the various Races ; their Origin, Breeding and Merits ; their capacity for Beep and Milk ; the Nature aud Treatment of their Diseases ; the whole forming a Complete Guide for the Farmer, tho Amateur, and the Veterinary Surgeon. With One Hundred Illustrations. A New Edition, edited by Hon. Ambrose Stevens. Price SI 25 GUENON ON MILCH COWS : A Treatise on Milch Cows, whereby the Quality and Quantity of Milk which any Cow will give may be accurately determined by observing Natural Marks or External Indications alone ; the length of time she will continue to give Milk, &c, &c. By M. Francis Guenon, of Libourne, France. Translated by Nicholas P. Trist, Esq. : with Introductory Remarks and Observations on the Cow and the Dairy, by JOHN S. SKINNER. With Numerous Illustrations, Price, neatly done up in Paper Covers, 37£ cts. Cloth, 62£ ter, the Roadster, the Farm and the Dray Horse. A. B. Allen." — American Editor. The Horse's Foot, and How to keep it Sound. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. BY WILLIAM MILES. Price : Paper, Twenty -live Cents. Cloth, Fifty Cents. ite 9St ftfttfa*. 4hrw ■•:, ad 0* G'- From JEKROLD NEDWICK Antiquarian Bookseller 2013 Prairie Chicago. 16. 111.