4. In several parts of the world there are to be found large herds of wild
horses. In South America the immense plains are inhabited by them, and it
is said that ten thousand are sometimes found in a single herd. These
herds are always preceded by a leader, who directs their motions; and such
is the regularity with which they perform their movements, that it seems
as if they could hardly be surpassed by the best trained cavalry.
5. It is extremely dangerous for travelers to meet a herd of this
description. When they are unaccustomed to the sight of such a mass of
creatures, they can not help feeling greatly alarmed at their rapid and
apparently irresistible approach. The trampling of the animals sounds like
distant thunder; and such is the rapidity and impetuosity of their
advance, that it seems to threaten instant destruction.
6. Sometimes, however, they suddenly stop short, utter a loud and piercing
neigh, and, with a rapid wheel, take an opposite course, and altogether
disappear. On such occasions it requires great care in the traveler to
prevent his horses from breaking loose and escaping with the wild herd.
7. In those countries where wild horses are so plentiful, the inhabitants
do not take the trouble to raise others, but whenever they want one they
mount upon an animal accustomed to the sport, and gallop over the plain
toward a herd, which is readily found at no great distance.
8. The rider gradually approaches some stragglers from the main body, and,
having selected the one he wishes, he dexterously throws the lasso (which
is a long rope with a running noose, and is firmly fixed to his saddle)
either over the wild horse's head or in such a manner as to entangle his
hind legs; and by the sudden checking of his own horse, he throws the
captured animal over on its side.
9. In an instant he jumps off his horse, wraps his cloak round the head of
the captive, forces a bit into his mouth, and straps a saddle on his back.
He then removes the cloak, and the animal starts to his feet. With equal
quickness the hunter leaps into his saddle; and, in spite of the kicking
of the captive, keeps his seat, till, being wearied out with his efforts,
the horse submits to the guidance of his new master, and is reduced to
complete obedience.
10. Frank. But, Uncle Thomas, are all horses originally wild? I have heard
that Arabia is famous for raising horses.
11. Uncle Thomas. Arabia has, for a long time, been noted for the beauty
and speed of its horses. It is not strange, however, that the Arabian
horse should be the most excellent, when we consider the care and kindness
with which it is treated. One of the best stories which I have ever heard
of the love of an Arabian for his steed, is that related of an Arab, from
whom an English officer wished to purchase his horse.
12. The animal was a bright bay mare, of fine form and great beauty; and
the owner, proud of her appearance and qualities, paraded her before the
Englishman's tent until she attracted his attention. On being asked if he
would sell her, "What will you give me?" was the reply. "That depends upon
her age. I suppose she is past five?" "Guess again," said he. "Four?"
"Look at her mouth," said the Arab, with a smile. On examination she was
found to be about three. This, from her size and symmetry, greatly
increased her value.
13. The gentleman said, "I will give you eighty tomans," (nearly two
hundred and fifty dollars). "A little more, if you please," said the
fellow, somewhat entertained. "Ninety--a hundred." He shook his head and
smiled. The officer at last came to three hundred tomans, (nearly one
thousand dollars). "Well," said the Arab, "you need not tempt me further.
You are a rich nobleman, and, I am told, have loads of silver and gold.
Now," added he, "you want my mare, but you shall not have her for all you
have got." He put spurs to his horse, and was soon out of the reach of
temptation.
14. The horse can swim, when necessary, as well as most other animals,
although he is not very fond of the water. Some years ago a vessel was
driven upon the rocks, on the coast of the Cape of Good Hope, and most of
the crew fell an immediate sacrifice to the waves. Those who were left
were seen from the shore, clinging to the different pieces of the wreck.
The sea ran so high that no boat could venture off to their assistance.
15. Meanwhile, a planter had come from his farm to be a spectator of the
shipwreck. His heart was melted at the sight of the unhappy seamen, and,
knowing the bold spirit of his horse and his excellence as a swimmer, he
determined to make a desperate effort for their deliverance. Having blown
a little Brandy into his horse's nostrils, he pushed into the midst of the
breakers. At first both horse and rider disappeared, but it was not long
before they floated to the surface, and swam up to the wreck; when, taking
two men with him, each of whom held on by one of his boots, the planter
brought them safe to shore.
16. This was repeated no less than seven times, and he saved fourteen
lives; but on his return the eighth time, being much fatigued, and meeting
a tremendous wave, he lost his balance and sank in a moment. His horse
swam safely to land, but its gallant rider sank, to rise no more.
DEFINITIONS.--4. Im-mense', very large. In-hab'it-ed, occupied as a home.
Cav'al-ry, a body of military troops on horses. 5. Im--pet-u-os'i-ty,
fury, violence. 8. Dex'ter-ous-ly, skillfully. 9. Re--duced', brought
into. 10. O-rig'i-nal-ly, at first. 12. Pa-rad'ed, showed off.
8. Sym'me-try, a proper proportion of the several parts. 13. To-man', a
Persian coin valued at about three dollars. 15. Des'per-ate, without care
of safety. De-liv'er-ance, release from danger. 16. Gal'lant, brave,
heroic.
EXERCISES.--Where are wild horses found? How are they taken? For what
purpose are they taken? In what country are the finest horses raised? Why
are the horses so excellent there? Are not animals always made better by
kind treatment? Why would not the Arab sell his horse? Relate the anecdote
of the planter and the shipwrecked seamen.