CHAP. XXXIX. 



ON FEEDING AND EXERCISE. 



OF ail the diiferent diets that have been 

 tried for horses, nothing is better than good 

 old hay, that has been cut properly ripe, and 

 well got in ; and old oats •, and nothing is more 

 congenial to their nature and constitutions, or 

 contributes more to their health, strength, and 

 vigour ; for though other sorts may be used, 

 either from necessity, or by way of medicinal 

 food, yet they never ought to be resorted to 

 but for such purposes. Split beans and peas 

 are also good food, but they are best suited for 

 carriage and hard labouring horses, having a 

 tendency to produce fatness, and thicken the 

 wind, and therefore should be given only in 

 moderate quantities. They are also good for 

 horses in low condition, in order to get them 

 fast into flesh. Bran, occasionally, is good, 

 r.nd may serve instead of physic. When a 



