It was a different matter with the invasions of the Scandinavian peoples in the ninth and succeeding centuries, for they formed permanent colonies and amalgamated with the native races in a way which the Romans never did.

One result of this close contact is apparent in the influence the Norse peoples exercised upon the Scottish breed of ponies through their own characteristic horses.

The Norse horses (Equus caballus typicus] were greater in stature than the Scottish native race, they were heavier in build, were of a yellow-dun colour and were noted for their intelligence and tractability.

Their heads were short and broad with promi- nent eyes, their neck and shoulders heavy, their quarters rounded, their tails low-set, their limbs short, sturdy and large- jointed, and their hoofs broad.

"In neck and shoulders, trunk and limbs," says Professor Ewart, "the Norse variety may be said to be intermediate between a true pony and a small cart-horse of the Suffolk type.