VICE.—The imperfections so called in a horse, are the distinguishing traits of an innate bad temper, or a habit mischievously inclined: these are very different from the little airs of skittishness, and proofs of playful spirit, which are displayed by many horses, when brought from confinement to enjoy the comforts and healthy advantages of _air_ and _exercise_; or others who afford the same indications of pleasure during the ceremony of dressing in the stable. Horses naturally vicious and untractable, seldom keep that propensity long concealed; it generally begins to appear early, and in most cases, with colts, even before they are taken in hand to break. This tendency in some is soon obliterated by gentle treatment, and frequent attentions of tenderness; but with others it continues invincible, and occasionally shews itself during the whole period of their existence. Some are constantly disposed to _kick_ or _bite_ in the stable, who have no one imperfection without; on the contrary, others, who are most incorrigibly restive and unruly without, shall be incredibly calm and quiet within. Opinions opposite to each other have always prevailed upon the treatment necessary and _proper_ with horses of this description. That authority must be enforced, fortitude exerted, patience persevered in, and submission obtained, are all positions too firmly admitted, and acquiesced in, to admit of contrariety; but experience has fully demonstrated, that great points are sometimes effected by the salutary interposition of equanimity and moderation, that never could be accomplished by the frequently destructive gusts of inconsiderate passion and unmanly violence. If a horse, disposed to be restive, is addicted to running backwards, the best and only remedy is to continue backing him (if there is room for the experiment) till he becomes completely averse to his own undertaking; or procuring a person to come suddenly upon him behind, during his retrograde motion, with a complete _flagellation_ from a cart or hunting _whip_, which seldom or ever fails to set such a one running from the _effect of fear_, and to produce a complete eradication.