56 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



be gradual ; and for the first month should consist of 

 long protracted exercise, rather than what is called 

 " good work." He should be kept out of his stable 

 for three or four hours in the course of the day ; and 

 if ridden gently across a country, and now and then 

 with a pack of harriers (weather permitting), it will 

 greatly promote his condition, by hardening his flesh, 

 increasing his strength, and improving his wind. At 

 this time the use of alteratives is indispensable. By 

 their mild and gradual impression a healthy action of 

 the bowels is obtained, and thereby what, in stable 

 language, is called " fog " (but which might more 

 properly be termed debility, or depression of strength), 

 is got rid of, and the general appearance and condition 

 of the animal much improved. Indeed, without the 

 use of alterative medicines ^ — exclusively of physic 

 — no hunter can be got into blooming condition ; that 

 is to say, to look well in his skin, to dry immediately 

 after a sweat, and to be in full vigour of body. Of 

 these medicines there are several sorts in use ; but 

 the diuretic and diaphoretic are in my opinion the 

 best. It is almost needless to observe that the latter 

 act upon the skin : but as sensible perspiration in the 

 horse is not to be obtained by medicine without 

 difficulty, and having recourse to larger doses than 

 may be safe or convenient for him to take when at 

 work, and it is insensible perspiration that we wish to 

 obtain, these alteratives should be combined ; for 

 it is from their gradual and almost imperceptible 



^ The use of alterative and diuretic drugs requires discrimination, 

 and the Editor does not recommend their use in general. 



