CONDITION OF HUNTERS RESUMED 281 



character than to bodily exertion. This is in part 

 true ; for we are all aware how many first-rate horses, 

 of all descriptions, are crib-biters. In my own stable 

 I am not able to state that I have seen any ill effects 

 from the habit, but I have never had a horse very much 

 given to it, or one which could not be in great measure 

 prevented by a strap. However, although I last year 

 gave one hundred guineas for a crib-biter, I have 

 generally taken the advice which an old sportsman 

 and excellent judge of a horse whispered in my ear 

 many years back — " Never buy a crib-biter," said 

 he : "he is always getting worse." ^ 



CATARRH OR COLD 



It is not necessary to say anything beyond a few 

 words, in a work of this description, relative to 

 catarrh. Any veterinary surgeon examining a hunter 

 (in fact any horse) in soundness wiU either defer his 

 examination until the animal is better of its cold, or 

 suspend the certificate until satisfied as to the benign 

 nature of the catarrh. This is a wise and expedient 

 attitude to adopt, and the only safe one in the interests 

 of his clients and himself. 



COAT AND CLIPPING 



In one of my former letters I have noticed the 

 changes that take place in the coats of horses ; the 

 effect the moulting season has on the constitution ; 

 and I have also given my opinion on clipping, and 



^ Crib-biting is frequently the outcome of idleness. It is often 

 associated with wind sucking. — Editor. 



