rilEPAKING FOR TUllGING. 21 



After violent exercise, horses are liable to lose 

 their appetite, and to have their stoinacli loaded 

 with crudities and indigested matter ; the non- 

 removal of which, by the use of proper physic, is 

 the chief cause why so many die daily. Previously 

 to administering a purge, the body should be pre- 

 pared ; otherwise the consequences may be fatal, 

 from the powerful irritation, excessive griping, and 

 cold sweats, which may probably chafe away the 

 mucus, or lining of the intestines, and end in a 

 mortification and death. 



The proper method of preparing a horse for 

 physic is, to give him two or three mashes of 

 scalded bran and oats, and warm water, for three 

 or four days together. Tiiis will soften the faeces, 

 and promote the operation of the medicine. But 

 if a strong purge be given to a horse of a costive 

 habit, without preparation, it will probably occa- 

 sion a violent inflammation. This may be attri- 

 buted to the large tract of intestines (upwards of 

 thirty yards) through which it has to pass ; and 

 the time that physic takes in passing through the 

 bowels is seldom less than twenty-four hours. If 

 the above directions for preparing the horse for 

 physic be strictly observed, there will seldom any 

 danger ensue. 



