268 THOUGHTS ON HUNTING 



grass-physic will admit of ; which I think more proper 

 to prevent humours than to remove them. The only 

 use I know in physicking a horse that does not appear 

 to want it, is to prevent, if possible, his requiring it at 

 a time when you cannot so well spare him ; I mean 

 the hunting season. Should an accident of this kind 

 happen, Stibium's balls, of which I send you the re- 

 ceipt, will be found of use : — 



A ball (of one ounce weight) is to be given for three 

 mornings successively. The horse must be kept fast- 

 ing for two hours after he has taken it ; he then may 

 have a feed of corn, and soon after that, moderate 

 exercise : the same should be repeated four days after- 

 wards. These balls purify the blood, and operate on 

 the body by insensible perspiration. 



I frequently give nitre to such of my hunters as 

 are not turned out to grass : it cools their bodies, and 

 is of service to them : it may be given either in their 

 water or in their corn : I sometimes give an ounce in 

 each. 



To such of my horses as are thick-winded, and 

 such as carry but little flesh, I give carrots. In many 

 stables they are given at the time of feeding, in the 

 corn : I prefer giving them at any other time ; for it 

 is a food which horses are so fond of, that if by any 





