72 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



the work he has to perform as a hunter in the stable of 

 a hard-riding man. He is not that gross animal which 

 he might otherwise be if a hard feeder, and kept in 

 a state more nearly approaching to a state of nature. 

 This we may attribute to the increase of insensible 

 perspiration, occasioned by increased circulation, 

 whereby the grosser particles of the body fly off and 

 are got rid of. In this state he would bear some 

 comparison with a well-fed English farmer, when put 

 to perform feats of activity with a man of more re- 

 fined habits of life, where nineteen times out of twenty 

 he would be defeated. From the athletes of Ancient 

 Greece and Rome to the present day, the first process 

 of training has consisted in purifying the body, and 

 preparing the way for increase of vigour and activity. 

 This was not only done by physic, but by sweating, 

 which more effectually removes the superfluities of 

 flesh and fat ; and, when added to exercise, promotes 

 absorption and secretion, and invigorates all parts of 

 the body. I do not mean to say that I would keep a 

 horse in a state of perspiration ; but I would keep him 

 in a state of warmth sufficient to increase his circulation 

 and keep his coat down close to his skin, which is a 

 certain criterion of his being warm and comfortable. 



As there is an analogy between a man and a horse 

 in work, let us carry it a little further and ask whether 

 after a hard day's exercise in the winter, a man would 

 recover sooner if he passed his evening in a warm room, 

 or if he passed it in a bivouac, or in a room that was 

 cold and damp ? This I think would decide the 

 question between a warm and cold stable for a hunter 



