and symmetry of parts in different Horses, whose extraction is
foreign, this principle will be clearly proved, and the word HIGH-
BRED is of no use, but to puzzle and lead us astray: and every
man's daily observation would teach him, if he was not lost in
this imaginary error, particular blood, that, generally speaking,
such Horses who have the finest texture, elegance of shape, and
the most proportion, are the best racers, let their blood be of
what kind it will, always supposing it to be totally foreign. If I
was asked what beauty was, I should say proportion: if I was asked
what strength was, I should say proportion also: but I would not
be understood to mean, that this strength and beauty alone will
constitute a racer, for we shall find a proper length also will be
wanted for the sake of velocity; and that moreover the very
constituent parts of foreign Horses differ as much from all
others, as their performances. But this, however, will be found a
truth; that in all Horses of every kind, whether designed to draw
or ride, this principle of proportion will determine the principle
of goodness; at least to that part of it which we call bottom. On
the other hand, our daily observation will shew us, that no weak,
loose, disproportioned Horse, let his blood be what it will, ever
yet was a prime racer. If it be objected, that many a plain ugly
Horse has been a good racer; I answer that all goodness is
comparative; and that such Horses who have been winners of plates
about the country, may be improperly called good racers, when
compared to some others: but I can even allow a very plain Horse
to be a prime racer, without giving up the least part of this
system: for instance if we suppose a Horse (with a large head and
long ears, like the Godolphin Arabian) a low mean forehand, slat
sided, and goose rumped, this, I guess, will be allowed a plain
ugly Horse; but yet if such a Horse be strong, and justly made in