STALLION
—is the appellation given to a perfect horse, not mutilated by the operation of castration, but preserved in a state of nature, for the purpose of propagation. Stallions should be of great strength, according to the distinct breed they are intended to promote, of correct shape, uniform make, and corresponding symmetry; free from every kind of hereditary taint; good eyes, long forehand, short back, round barrel, wide chest, straight legs, free from splents before, and spavins behind. Although it is a difficult task to obtain perfection, some little circumspection may be necessary, in coming as near to it as circumstances and situation will permit. Experimental observation has produced demonstration, that stallions really blind, or with eyes defective, have produced colts of similar description; such defects not appearing in their first two or three years, nor, indeed, till they have been worked, and the powers brought into action. Instances are never wanting of the great number annually disposed to breed, who as annually repent for want of these prudent precautions. Not only the above points, but the temper and disposition of a stallion should be also attended to: vicious and restive horses should be equally avoided; those imperfections are very frequently transmitted from sire to son, and continued to posterity.
Stallions of the racing kind were never known to have covered at so high a price as in the memory of the present generation. Marsk, after the appearance of that prodigy Eclipse, covered a certain number of mares at 100 guineas each; and none now of the first celebrity, cover at less than ten, fifteen, or twenty. Those in the highest sporting estimation, and announced for the present season, 1803, are Alexander, at 10 guineas; Ambrosio, 10 guineas; Beningbrough, 10 guineas; Buzzard, 10 guineas; Coriander, 10 guineas; Dungannon, 10 guineas; and Sir Harry, at five. Hambletonian, 10 guineas; and Patriot, at five. Volunteer, at 10 guineas; and Shuttle, at five. Pegasus, Precipitate, and Sir Solomon, at 10 guineas each. Stamford, Idris, Meteor, and Mr. Teazle, at five. Sir Peter Teazle, 15 guineas; Young Eclipse, 20 guineas; Whisky, Worthy, and Waxy, at 10 guineas; Trumpator, eight guineas; Oscar, at six. Grouse, Gouty, Fidget, Totteridge, Don Quixote, and Old Tat, at five guineas; and Petworth, Stickler, Warter, Gamenut, Moorcock, (brother to Grouse,) and Zachariah, at three.
The following famous stallions died at or about the dates annexed to their names. Old Fox, in 1738, aged 23 years. Old Partner, 1747, aged 29. The Godolphin Arabian, 1753, 29. Old Cade, 1756. The Bolton Starling, 1757. Snip, the same year. Young Cade, 1764. Old Marsk, July 1779. King Herod, May 12, 1780. Matchem, February 21, 1781. Imperator, 1786. Morwick Ball, January 4, 1787, aged 25 years. Eclipse, February 26, 1789, in his 26th year. Goldfinder, in 1789. Fortitude, the same year. Conductor, in 1790. Phlegon, the same year. Faggergill, 1791; and Florizel, the same year. Fortunio, Jupiter, and Soldier, all died in 1802.