as in the dog. It is said that the horse no longer exists in a wild state, except where it has regained its freedom after being domesticated. This is the case in Tartary, in America, and in some parts of Africa, where they live in immense herds, being always preceded by a leader, who directs their motions. It is very dangerous for a traveller to encounter a wild herd of this description; the trampling sound of their hoofs is like the noise of thunder, and their approach is so rapid and impetuous that it seems to threaten instant destruction. Suddenly, however, they stop short, utter a loud piercing neigh, and wheeling round in an opposite course, often disappear altogether. On such occasions it requires all the traveller's care to prevent his own horses from breaking loose and joining the wild herd.

The life of the horse rarely extends beyond thirty years at three years old their training commences; at four they are fit for riding. The horse has an empty space in the jaw corresponding with the angle of the mouth, in this the bit of the bridle is placed.

The

EXTRAORDINARY LEAP.

horse possesses many feelings in common with his rider; among others it is said he often exhibits great curiosity. A lady once rode a horse, which was in the habit whenever she passed an open window within her reach, of looking in and examining what was passing inside, then she would give a slight neigh, and amble away as if pleased at having gratified her curiosity.

A gentleman on horseback was one evening returning home from a journey: his way lay across a range of hills, the road over which was so completely blocked up with snow, that not a trace of it was visible. Uncertain how to proceed, he resolved that he would trust his horse, so throwing the reins loose on his neck, he allowed him to choose his own course. The animal stepped carefully along, and for a while they proceeded safely, till coming to a cleft in the hills both horse and rider sank into a snow-wreath several fathoms deep. The gentleman was stunned by the fall, and laid for some time in a state of insensibility. On recovering he found himself nearly three yards from the

dangerous spot, with his faithful horse standing over him licking the snow from his face. He could only account for his extrication by supposing that the bridle must have been in some way attached to his person; but perhaps he owed his life quite as much to the kind act of the horse in licking the snow from his face, as to his having pulled him out of the ravine.

Horses are very susceptible of generosity. M. Frederic Cuvier had one which for some temporary malady was allowed no other food than straw; his companions feeding at the same manger, pushed some of their hay towards him, whenever they had a fresh supply; and the same horse was one day seen pulling hay out of a rack in order to feed a goat which was in the stable with him. He was very fond of sugar, and when his master was pleased with him, he would give him some: often did the cunning animal perform over and over again some tricks which had been taught him, standing still between each repetition, and looking round to see if the accustomed reward were coming.