404 HISTORY OF THE 



the art of racing, he is to take special cognizance 

 of these subsequent rules and orders. 



*' First, he is to consider what is the most con- 

 venient time to take his horse up from grass, which 

 is about Bartholomew tide, the day being dry, 

 fair and pleasant. As soon as he is taken up, let 

 him stand all that night in some convenient dry 

 place to empty his body ; the next day put him 

 into a stable, and feed him with wheat straw, but 

 no longer ; for though the rule be good in taking 

 up horses' bellies after this manner, yet if you 

 exceed your time in so doing, this straw will 

 straighten his guts, heat his liver, and hurt his 

 blood. Therefore what you want in straw, let it 

 be supplied by riding him to water, morning and 

 evening airings, and other moderate exercise. And 

 for his food, let it be good old sweet hay, and 

 clothe him according to the weather and the temper 

 of his body ; for as the year grows colder, and 

 thereby you find his hair rise and stare about his 

 neck, flanks, or other parts, then add a woollen 

 cloth, or more if need require, till his hair fall 

 smooth. Here note, that a rough coat shews 

 want of cloth, and a smooth coat, cloth enough. 



** A race-horse ought to be drest in his resting 

 days twice a-day, before his morning and evening 

 waterings ; and must be done after this manner. 

 Curry him from the tips of his ears to the setting 

 on of his tail, all his body entirely over with an 

 iron comb, his legs under the knees and gambuls 



