Page:Cynegetica.djvu/110

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The Horse.

THE Horſe I take to be very neceſſary furniture towards the pleaſure of Hunting; for though I have heard of wonderful performances among boaſting Footmen, I could never yet ſee any creature on two legs keep in with the Dogs. But as every Groom, and moſt Gentlemen, are well acquainted with the uſe, properties, excellencies, and management of this noble beaſt, I ſhall offer very little on this beaten ſubje(ct; only let it be obſerved, that not every good and fleet Horſe is always a good Hunter: for he may have ſtrength and vigour for a long journey, and yet not be able to bear the ſhocks and trainings of a chace; another may be ſwift enough to win a plate on a ſmooth turf, which yet will be crippled or heart-broken by one Hare in February. The right Hunter ought to have ſtrength without weight, courage without fire, ſpeedwithout