Cloa thing. 2\7 



as applied to delicate Horses, 1 must observe that daring cold weather 

 it will be prudent to discontinue the practice «Tadually, and if the 

 weather be very severe, rather let the animal be cloathcd when he 

 goes out, than be stripped of his Cloalhing previously to leaving the 

 stable. In such sort of cases, too, it will frequently be found that 

 two or three doses of very mild, warm aloetic physic, together wit!i 

 the intermediate use of the Tonic Balls in the intervals between 

 each dose, will materially contribute to improve the appetite and 

 general constitution of the Horse. But, it must not be inferred 

 from these remarks, that good grooming may be dispensed with, when 

 the use of Cloathing is laid aside, on account of any apprehension 

 that the pores of the skin may be too much opened. For, the 

 friction which is given to the skin, from the diligent use of the curry- 

 comb and brush, cannot but be salutary to the general constitution 

 of the animal, though certainly not so necessary to his health, as 

 when he is cloathcd ; as there can be no question that relinquishing 

 this part of the artificial system of stable management, will materially 

 contribute to the general hardihood of the animal's frame. Now, how 

 far the custom of cloathing Horses, may contribute to increase or 

 diminish that singular excretion of the skin, called Dandril, which 

 consists chiefly (as has already been observed) of Phosphate of Lime, 

 is a point 1 am not prepared to spe-uk to, but which certainly de- 

 serves io be enquired into by the scientific Yetcrinarian. Before I 

 finish my remarks on the effects of Cloathing, it may be right that 

 I should endeavour to meet some popular plausible objections, 

 which, on a superficial viev/, appear to militate somewhat, against 

 the opinions which 1 have advanced on this subject. For, by way 



of rebutting or invalidating the arguments I have adduced, J hav« 



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