204 THE ADVENTURES OF A GENTLEMAN 



rack above once in four-and-twentj hours ; twelve 

 pounds of hay per diem is a fair allowance. A gen- 

 tleman, distinguished for his practical knowledge of 

 farming in all its branches, but who will not allow 

 me to mention his name, has recommended me to 

 give my horses daily, half a peck of the first year's 

 shoots of French furze, well bruised ; he commends 

 it as highly improving to the coat, and generally 

 favorable to the condition of the animal. I have 

 never tried it, but I have such implicit confidence in 

 the judgment of my friend, that I have no hesitation 

 in advising a trial. If I were at liberty to mention 

 his name, it would carry far greater weight than my 

 opinion. 



A horse is usually stinted in his water, except at 

 night ; on what principle I cannot discover. Imme- 

 diately before violent exercise, much water is inju- 

 rious : but a horse will only drink to excess, when 

 he has been long deprived of water ; if he is allowed 

 to take it frequently, he will not indulge himself in 

 large quantities : grooms and ostlers always seem to 

 forget that his sobriety far exceeds their own. It is 

 best to choose water that has not been recently 

 drawn from the well, for in summer time its temper- 



