168 ON THE STABLE, 



cold water immediately after having gone a 

 stage. Tliat they survive it, is no proof of its 

 utility, but only serves to show the power which 

 nature has of resisting the effects of any treatr 

 ment which is hostile to her oeconomy. If the 

 animal was put into motion immediately after this 

 operation, it might be less prejudicial; but when 

 he is tied up in a stable in that state for two or 

 three hours, and left to dry by evaporation 

 only, it cannot be difficult to perceive the im- 

 propriety and danger of such a practice. The 

 legs of horses of all descriptions should never be 

 washed without being afterwards rubbed dry. 

 The feet should be picked very clean after ex- 

 ercise, and, if hard and dry, should be stopped 

 with clay, or any other substance which will 

 retain moisture. During the day time, if the 

 horse does not work hard, the litter should be 

 removed entirely from under him, so that he 

 may stand on the bare pavement, which method 

 is very beneficial to his legs and feet. It is 

 common to lay a little straw in the stall, undei^ 

 3 the 



