CRITICAL NOTICES.
ATHENÆUM, Feb. 20, 1864.—"Mr. Mayhew thoroughly comprehends the matter, and all masters of studs—we may say, every owner of a single pony or ass—will derive much profit and an equal amount of pleasure by perusing this volume; for the book is not only distinguished by common sense, but by its power of amusing. We never met with a volume which more honestly and efficiently carried out the promise made on its title-page. A large amount of English life, ways, manners, morals, dodges and doings is described by Mr. Mayhew, as well as more serious matter connected with the question which he so ably handles."
STANDARD, Jan. 27, 1864.—"It is, perhaps, the most perfect work yet published upon the management of horses. Everywhere Mr. Mayhew writes ably and readably, and with neither fear nor favour; his observations always commend themselves to one's understanding, and he hits fairly many blots in our present system of management. The engravings are exceedingly well executed, and they illustrate the text actually as well as nominally."
OBSERVER, Jan. 10, 1864.—"Mr. Mayhew is already favourably known to a large number of persons interested in the management of horses by a former work, with the title of the 'Illustrated Horse Doctor,' and the volume under notice will certainly add considerably to his reputation for extensive knowledge and thorough acquaintance with the subject with which he professes to deal. Mr. Mayhew also has some very useful remarks on the situation, nature and value of the various points to be looked for by the purchaser of a horse, and this useful information is supplemented by some very excellent and truthful remarks upon grooms, dealers, breeders, breakers and trainers, the whole forming a most valuable work for guidance and reference, and displaying in every page an earnest desire to improve the condition and treatment of one of the noblest and most serviceable animals provided for the use of man."
SPECTATOR, Feb. 6, 1864.—"No horseman who can afford to buy it will regret the purchase of Mr. Mayhew's 'Illustrated Horse Management.'"
BELL'S MESSENGER.—"There can be no question that Mr. Mayhew is the most competent man of the day for the task which he has undertaken, and we must add most satisfactorily accomplished. 'The Illustrated Horse Management' may be fitly termed an encyclopædia of all that relates to the horse, and the several uses to which it can be applied. We, therefore, earnestly recommend this handsome volume to our readers, with the conviction that every one who cares for his horse can profitably and pleasurably consult its well-stored pages."
SUN, Jan. 19, 1864.—"We have read Mr. Mayhew's book with all the attention which it so eminently merits, and we have no hesitation in asserting that it is the most comprehensive and instructive work on the subject of horse management which we have ever had the luck to meet with. The 'Illustrated Horse Management' is a work which should find a place in the library of every country gentleman, for the most experienced may derive benefit from its perusal."
NONCONFORMIST, March 9, 1864.—"Grooms hate their masters to be too knowing, but whoever shall quietly study this book, and make it his guide for a few weeks in the observation and control of his own stable, will not afterwards feel himself to be dependent on his servants. Mr. Mayhew writes clearly, forcibly, and delightfully, and we earnestly recommend his book to every one who is the owner of even a pony for his children's use, while those who have extensive stables should read and read again every paragraph of its closely packed contents."
GLOBE, Feb. 22, 1864.—"Mr. Mayhew writes on a subject of which he is master; and his new book is a work of care, experience and general enlightenment, as concerns the management of horses."