Wateri MB 



of the simpHcity of its materials, the f^reatcr quantity of actual 

 nutriment contained in it, and, also, from its being free from that kind 

 of tmniitural stimulus, \vhich the stomach of a brute animal/ can 

 never have occasion for^ but in the most extreme cases. Now^ as to 

 the quantity of water, which it would be proper to allow Horses that 

 perform reg^ular work, I think it must be impossible to fix any stand 

 ard. The size of the animal, the nature of his employment, the 

 quality of his food, and his particular constitution, must all be taken 

 into acount. We siee, from the high condition, and amazing per- 

 formances of Hunters, and Racers, how much less quantity of water;» 

 than that which they would naturally be inclined to drink, is sufficient 

 for the purpose of producing vast exertions and of supporting^ 

 great fatigue. But, I glance at this fact, rather with the view 

 of shewing how far custom may pervert some of the operations and 

 instincts of nature, than of holding up the system of racing stables, 

 as a model for general imitation. For, without pretending to a re- 

 g-ular imitation, in the mysteries of the divan at Newmarket, I will 

 venture to assert from many circumstances, that are too palpable to 

 escape the observation of any man, of common sense, that notwith- 

 standing the prodigious improvements introduced into it, within these 

 few years, there yet remains blended with the body of their system, a 

 great mass of prejudice and error. And this, indeed, is pretty much 

 the case, with the system of hunting stables also, insomuch that some 

 of the best sportsmen, and practical judges of Horses, which I have 

 ever met with, have frequently assured me, that were it not for the 

 supposed advantages accruing to their feet and limbs, they would 

 never think of turning out their hunters, from experience of the 

 prodigious trouble and difficulty, attendant on the process of recaver- 



3Q 



