200 THE ADVENTURES OF A GENTLEMAN 



sioned by rapid action. If a man stamps on the 

 pavement with an iron-heeled boot, a considerable 

 jar will be felt, producing an unpleasant sensation in 

 the whole limb ; and this too, notwithstanding the 

 thick layers of leather of which the heels of our 

 boots are composed : if, however, he places a piece 

 of leather on the pavement, he may stamp with all 

 his power, and no such sensation will be perceived. 

 To a certain extent the same relief is given, by in- 

 terposing a thick plate of leather between the hoof 

 and the shoe of the horse. How far this illustration 

 may be found satisfactory, I know not ; but the fact 

 is undoubtedly true, so far as my experience has 

 gone, that my horses have never become "groggy" 

 when shod with leather, though I have never been 

 particularly sparing of work. 



The diet of horses is generally so regular and uni- 

 form, that all comment upon it seems superfluous. 

 So many feeds of oats, a given quantity of water, 

 and a rack of hay morning and evening, are the 

 stated allowance in every stable. It is not, however, 

 quite a matter of course to be left to the discretion 

 of the groom. I very much fear that no rules which 

 can be given, will effectually preclude the waste and 



