ON THE STABLE. 137 



try consideration, to perform double labour, with 

 the loss of half of his original ability, until at 

 length nature, overcome by continued injuries, 

 sinks under the burthen, and he is converted 

 into food for his late associates the dogs. 



This termination of misery is accelerated as 

 much by improper management, as it is by ex 

 ccssive fatigue. But custom, the tyrant of or- 

 dinary minds, has sanctioned numerous rules in 

 the oeconomy of the stable, which a moment's 

 reflection vi^ould be sufficient to explode. Great 

 obstacles to a thorough reformation in this re- 

 spect, will always arise from the obstinacy and 

 ignorance of those to whose care the animal is 

 entrusted. It therefore behoves the proprietor 

 to exert his authority, by enforcing obedience 

 to such maxims as his own better judgment 

 must naturally dictate, and this will be the best 

 effected by visiting the stable at uncertain pe- 

 riods, whereby improper practices will be more 

 liable to detection. 



In 



