POSTSCRIPT. 233 



no sooner in cover than they were out of it, " running 

 breast high," five minutes after I had changed from my 

 seat in a dog-cart to the saddle. We had thirty-five 

 minutes' sharp run, without a check, and for the latter 

 part of the run I was perfectly beaten, almost black in 

 the face, and scarcely able to hold my horse together. I 

 did not recover from this too sudden exertion for many 

 days. Those who are out of condition will do well to 

 ride, instead of driving to cover. 



In changing from town to country life, between the 

 different hours of rising and hearty meals the result 

 of fresh air and exercise the stomach and bowels are 

 very likely to get out of order. It is as well, therefore, 

 to be provided with some mild digestive pills : violent 

 purges are as injurious to men as to horses, and more 

 inconvenient. 



The enema is a valuable instrument, which a hunting 

 man should not be without, as its use, when you are in 

 strong exercise, is often more advisable than medicine. 



But one of the most valuable aids to the health and 

 spirits of a hard-riding man is the Sitz Bath, which, 

 taken morning and evening, cold or tepid, according to 

 individual taste, has even more advantageous effects on 

 the system than a complete bath. It braces the muscles, 

 strengthens the nerves, and tends to keep the bowels 

 open. Sitz baths are made in zinc, and are tolerably 

 portable ; but in a country place you may make shift 

 with a tub half-filled with water. In taking this kind of 

 bath, it is essential that the parts not in the water should 

 be warm and comfortable. For this end, in cold weather, 

 case your feet and legs in warm stockings, and cover 

 your person and tub with a poncho, through the hole of 

 which you can thrust your head. In default of a 

 poncho, a plaid or blanket will do, and in warm weather 



