THE WELSH PONY. 123

all, for being remarkably sure-footed on the
most difficult roads, which renders them ex-
tremely valuable in the mountainous tracts to
which they originally belong. In pomt of size
and hardiness, they bear a close resemblance to
the best of the native breed of the Highlands
of Scotland, and other hilly countries in the
north of Europe. These animals are almost
unequalled in their endurance of fatigue, and
prefer a hard pavement to a soft road. For
the singular property of keeping their footing
on the rocks, the Welsh ponies are hardly less
distinguished than the goat: and be the ascent
or descent ever so steep and rugged, if the
rider can maintain his seat, the pony is sure to
keep its footing. Indeed, im respect to firm-
ness of hoof, and skill in planting it, it is little,
if at all, inferior to the mules used in the
Andes.

* An amusing little anecdote, connected with
this power of moving with safety and expedi-
tion among its native rocks, is told of a Welsh