270 THOUGHTS ON HUNTING 



the country in which I hunt does not require them. 

 In the book that I have just quoted, you will find the 

 shoeing of horses treated of very much at large. I 

 beg leave, therefore, if you want further information 

 on that head, to refer you to it. 



Having declared my disapprobation of summer 

 hunting, on account of the horses, I must add, that I 

 am not less an enemy to it on account of the hounds 

 also : they, I think, should have some time allowed 

 them to recover the strains and bruises of many a 

 painful chase ; and their diet, in which the adding to 

 their strength has been, perhaps, too much considered, 

 should now be altered. No more flesh should they 

 now eat ; but in its stead should have their bodies 

 cooled with whey, greens, and thin meat. Without 

 this precaution, the mange most probably would be 

 the immediate consequence of hot weather ; perhaps 

 madness — Direful malady ! 



As a country life has been recommended in all 

 ages (not less for the contentment of the mind than 

 the health of the body), it is no wonder that hunting 

 should be considered by so many as a necessary part 

 of it, since nothing conduces more to both. A great 

 genius has told us, that it is 



Better to hunt in fields for health unbought, 

 Than fee the doctor for a nauseous draught. 



With regard to its peaceful state, according to a 

 modern poet, 



No fierce unruly senate threatens here, "1 

 No axe or scaffold to the view appear, - 

 No envy, disappointment, and despair. J 



