THE TROTTING-HORSE OF AMERICA. 71 



is equally incapable of forming an estimate of his colt's 

 stamina without repeating him. During the whole course 

 of the work, the colt is to have a full supply of water every 

 day ; hut he is to have it at different times, and not to be 

 allowed to distend himself with a great quantity of water 

 at one time. The night before the race, the muzzle is to be 

 put on, if he is a gross feeder, and is likely to eat the straw 

 of his bedding. Before this, the usual quantity of oats and 

 about a pound and a half of hay may be given. If the 

 colt has been in the habit of drinking a large allowance of 

 water, he may have two-thirds of a pailful before he is 

 muzzled for the night ; but, if he has usually only consumed 

 a small quantity, do not give him quite so much. This 

 water will all have been absorbed and thrown out of the 

 system again before he is called upon to act. Next morn- 

 ing early, before he goes out to walk, let him have two 

 quarts of oats, and about the same quantity of water. 

 Usually, he need only take walking exercise on this morn- 

 ing ; but if he happens to be a strong, hearty fellow, and 

 given to be riotous in disposition, he ought to be jogged 

 four or five miles. At about eleven o'clock feed him from 

 a quart to three pints of oats, and from half a pound to a 

 pound and a half of hay. Less than half a pound is not 

 sufficient to stay the stomach ; more than a pound and a 

 half is likely to be mischievous, and to interfere with the 

 wind. 



Between those quantities, the trainer must judge accord- 

 ing to the disposition and constitution of the colt. He is 

 not to be drawn fine and reduced like an old horse ; but, at 

 the same time, he must not be called upon to perform the 

 unusual feat before him with any thing like a full stomach. 

 If he is distressed after the heat, and seems weak, give him 

 a little gruel, or a small quantity of wine and water ; or you 

 may even administer a little good brandy. It is astonish- 

 ing what a dose of brandy will sometimes do for a horse 

 when he is badly off, and it looks as if he was going to b? 



