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84 be an exceptional case; but if of an irritable family, she would be worse than even a roarer or a blind one." Sulkiness and savageness, and even the liability to start and shy violently, are likewise to some degree hereditary; but as these are capable of being modified and affected in the highest degree, if not absolutely cured, by judicious and humane treatment in young animals, they are not so essential to be guarded against.

GENERAL RULES. First. Size, symmetry and soundness are mostly to be regarded in the mare;—blood from the sire, beauty from the dam, is the Golden Rule. Second. She should have a roomy frame, hips somewhat sloping, a little more than the average length, wide-chested, deep in the girth, quarters strong and well let down, hocks wide apart, wide and deep in the pelvis.

Third. In temper she should be gentle, courageous, free from all irritability and viciousness. Fourth. Previous to putting her to the horse she should be brought into the most perfect state of health, not overfed, or loaded with fat, or in a pampered state, but by judicious exercise and an abundance of nutritious food and proper grooming she should be in the very best condition.

Fifth. During gestation she should have generous and nourishing, but not heating diet. For the first three or four months she may be worked moderately, and even to within a few weeks of her foaling she may do light work with advantage to her system.