This is a variety of the horse--its small stature being the result of
the climate in which it is bred. The most remarkable kinds are produced
in Wales, the Highlands of Scotland, and the Shetland Isles.
_Miscellaneous Anecdotes._--One afternoon in September, a gentleman in
England, mounted on a favorite old shooting pony, had beaten for game
all day without meeting with any success, when, on a sudden, to his
great astonishment, his pony stopped short, and he could not persuade
him to move, either by whip or spur. He desired his keeper to go
forward. He did. A covey of fifteen partridges rose. They were, of
course, killed by the astonished sportsman. The pony had been
accustomed to carry his master for many years on shooting expeditions,
and had, no doubt, acquired a knowledge of the scent of birds.
A little girl, the daughter of a gentleman in Warwickshire, England,
playing one day on the banks of a canal which ran through the grounds,
had the misfortune to fall in, and in all probability would have been
drowned, had not a little pony, which was grazing near, and which had
been kept by the family many years, plunged into the stream, and,
taking the child up by her clothes, brought her safely to shore without
the slightest injury.
A gentleman was some time since presented with a Shetland pony, which
was only seven hands in height, and very docile and beautiful. He was
anxious to convey his present home as soon as possible, but, being at a
considerable distance, he was at a loss how to do so easily. The friend
who presented it to him said, "Can you not convey him home in your
chaise?" He accordingly made the experiment. The pony was lifted into
the bottom of the gig, and covered up with the boot--some bits of bread
being given him, to keep him quiet. He lay quite peaceably till his
master had reached his place of destination; thus exhibiting the novel
spectacle of a horse riding in a gig.
A pony mare belonging to Mr. Evans, of Montgomeryshire, England, had a
colt, and they both grazed in a field adjoining the River Severn. One
day, the pony made her appearance in front of the house, making a
clattering with her feet, and other noises, to attract attention.
Observing this, a person went out, and the pony immediately galloped
off. Mr. Evans desired he should be followed. On reaching the field,
the pony was found looking into the river, where the colt was drowned.