THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 207 



air, and not in the stable. When the animals are 

 regularly looked to, the curry-comb need not be so 

 immoderately used as some will constantly do. A 

 brush will be much more effective. 



Hand-rubbing at times, especially the legs of a tired 

 horse, is very beneficial, and will often prevent di- 

 sease. 



Neatness is always requisite in stables, and in that 

 case the appearance is more healthy and comfortable. 

 Every article should be hung or laid in its proper 

 place, and no pails should be left standing about the 

 stalls. 



Water should never stand in the stables before the 

 horse drinks it ; if the chill is to be taken off, the 

 addition of a little hot water is preferable, and quite as 

 easily done. 



THE VARIOUS COLOURS OF HORSES. 



Mr. Gibson, as well as many horsemen of the present 

 day, entertained an opinion that not only was much 

 of the beauty of the animal linked with his being of a 

 good colour and well marked, but that certain colours 

 or marks denoted his good or bad qualities. An old 

 adage asserts that " a good horse cannot be of a bad 

 colour," and a little reflection will soon convince us 

 of this, for daily observation will prove that frequently 

 the most handsome and sightly horses are affected with 

 vices, while such as are badly marked, or have no 

 particular colour, have qualities which make the owner 

 unwilling to dispose of him. Mr. Gibson's opinion on 

 this subject is as follows : — 



