196 COLDS. 



tigator of the operations of nature would 

 conclude any explanation upon this subject 

 entirely superfluous. But as there doubtless 

 are many juvenile sportsmen, who, in the 

 very zenith of sublunary enjoyment and con- 

 stant pursuit of pleasure, never afforded the 

 subject a moment's consideration, I shall 

 point out such CAUSES as are most likely 

 to produce the variety of effects we shall 

 afterwards proceed to explain. 



When a horse, after being rode hard, 

 and in a high state of perspiration, is suf- 

 fered to stand still, (particularly in the 

 winter season, or in bad weather) to drink 

 cold water in this state ; placed in an open 

 stable in such situation ; left after a wet and 

 dirty journey to dry in that condition; or 

 his clothing left off at an improper season ; 

 it is very natural to conclude the groom is a 

 KNAVE, the ostler a FOOL, or the master 

 a MADMAN. And although these cir- 

 cumstances seem little likely to occur by 

 the frailty of one, or the folly of the other, 

 yet the experienced sportsman and traveller, 

 who seldom move without the eye of obser- 

 vation, will convince you they (among a va- 



