268 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



the change ; but we would prefer allowing nature to 

 pursue its own course, as there can be little doubt but 

 these stimulants induce a higher degree of fever at the 

 time, and may bring on a regular febrile attack. 

 Gentle friction will be beneficial ; but care should be 

 taken not to abuse this. The currycomb should not 

 be used at this time ; the brush only should be had 

 recourse to, and that applied with caution. Moderate 

 exercise and warmer clothing ought to be adopted 

 during the biannual moult. 



The slightest attention to the subject will easily 

 convince any one of the altered state of an animal 

 during shedding the hair. It will be found that at 

 this time there is always an increased pulse, redness of 

 the nose, and heat of the mouth, unusual in the 

 healthy condition. Hence it is evident that every- 

 thing exciting should be avoided. Many grooms are 

 in the habit of giving the animal cordials and stimu- 

 lants, mistaking febrile excitement for debility. The 

 following alterative will be found beneficial : 



Digitalis i drachm, 



Nitre ..... 2^ drachms, 



Emetic tartar i drachm, 



Aloes ij drachm. 



The stable-clothing should be warmer, the usual 

 quantity of food should be diminished, and bran- 

 mashes given instead of hard food. 



CLIPPING. 



It is an utter absurdity to denude the animal of its 

 natural quantity of clothing. It has been a practice 

 to clip hunters, so that the coat of the animal may 

 sooner dry after a long run ; but there is less danger 

 to be apprehended from the longer coat, although it 



