206 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



answer. This must denote increased vigour of 

 body. 



I seldom hunt in October, for more reasons than 

 one. First, the flies have not done stinging the horses ; 

 secondly, the country is not fit to ride over ; and 

 thirdly, I have always been of opinion that the month 

 of October should be solely devoted to the master of 

 the hounds and his servants. Mr Chute's hounds, 

 however, being within easy reach of me, on the 22nd 

 October 1824 I went out with them ; and on the 

 road to covert I overtook the pack. " How all the 

 horses sweat this morning ! " said the huntsman : 

 " see how it runs off them ! " " My horse does not 

 sweat," said I, "I am certain." On my servant 

 coming up with him he was as dry as when he went 

 out of the stable. What is this a proof of ? I have 

 now, however, done with proofs. 



In my twelfth letter on this subject I spoke of tonic 

 medicines being essential to the condition of some 

 horses at this season of the year ; and have been 

 called upon to state what I consider the best mineral 

 tonic used for this purpose. The following ball, given 

 two or three times a week till effect be produced, will 

 be found to answer the desired end : — 



Sulphate of iron, ^ ounce. 



Ginger i drachm. 



To be made into a ball in the usual way. 



