294 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



pricking the limb with a pin — and the presence of a 

 scar in the regions named, are worthy of attention 

 when selecting. 



A horse that has been unnerved has no market 

 value, though it may be marketable; in fact such 

 animals are frequently disposed of. 



PHYSIC 



In my second letter on " Condition of Hunters," 

 I touched a little upon this head, but promised to 

 return to it at a future time, it being one of the 

 greatest importance to all owners of horses. I am 

 happy, however, to have it in my power to state that, 

 in consequence of the late general diffusion of veterin- 

 ary science, the modus operandi is now so much better 

 understood, that fewer accidents arise from the im- 

 provident use of immoderate cathartic medicines than 

 when I first started in life, or when I commenced 

 writing these letters. When I look back, indeed, and 

 reflect upon the copious doses of aloes, good or bad, 

 which we were in the habit of administering, I cannot 

 persuade myself that the intestines of our horses were 

 not better lined than they are at present. 



The method of administering physic to the horse, 

 and his treatment in its operation, being now pretty 

 generally understood, and, I have reason to believe, 

 practised, under the guidance of moderation and 

 reason, I shall not dwell on it long ; but the point on 

 which it is most difficult to decide is, at what periods 

 it is most advantageous to give it to horses in high 

 condition. In cases of internal inflammation — to 



