THE TURF 73 



reposes in the same chamber as himself. 

 This is on a principle of prudence rather 

 than of economy : horses in high condition 

 are given to roll in the night, and get cast 

 in their stalls, and here assistance is at 

 hand; as, by the means of stirrup-leathers 

 buckled together, they are extricated from 

 their awkward situation by the joint efforts 

 of the boys. We have been told that an 

 interesting scene takes place on the waken- 

 ing of the boys in the morning. The event 

 is anxiously looked for by the horses, who, 

 when they hear them awaken each other, 

 neigh and denote their eagerness to be fed, 

 which is the first step taken. The second 

 is a proper arrangement of their beds, and 

 then dressing and exercise. When they 

 return home the horses are well dressed 

 again ; the boys break their fast ; and Hoi- 

 croft spoke from experience when he said, 

 * Nothing can exceed the enjoyment of a stable- 

 boy's breakfast.' 



Considering the prodigious number of 

 race-horses in training, and that each horse 

 has its lad, it is astonishing that rnore 

 accidents do not occur. As we have before 

 observed, almost all race-horses are playful 



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