154 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



If it is necessary that a horse should be put out of 

 work during the hot and dry weather, I prefer a large 

 box or shed, and soiling with green food ; by which 

 means two objects are gained — viz. all the injurious 

 effects of a drying wind or a meridian sun on the hoofs 

 are avoided, which creates such an excessive evapora- 

 tion of the natural moisture absorbed into the horn 

 from within, that it not only becomes dry, hard, and 

 brittle, but the whole homy box tightens on the 

 sensible parts, and frequently produces great mischief. 

 But in a loose place moisture may be applied in any 

 desirable way. The other advantage of a shed or 

 box is, that horses are sheltered from the terrifying 

 effects of flies and heat. Horses at grass are much 

 inclined to thrushes ; and whether they have shoes 

 or tips, or are without either, it is necessary frequently 

 to inspect their feet, and to remove all superfluous 

 horn, otherwise the foot will grow out of all form." 



I think I have now said enough of the evils attending 

 summering hunters in the field ; and I think the 

 foregoing observations of Mr Goodwin will be an 

 answer to all those who say " it is absolutely necessary 

 for their feet." That they can exist sound and well 

 for fifteen years without it, my own experience has 

 assured me ; but the following well-authenticated 

 account out-herods Herod. The circumstance is thus 

 related in the 8th vol. of the Sporting Magazine, p. i6o : 

 — " Lately died, at Barnstaple, in Devonshire, a 

 chesnut horse, in his 39th year. He was well known 

 in many hunts thirty years ago. The gentleman in 

 whose possession he died, bought him at two years 



