WATERING. 25 



if attacked by such the constitution succumbs more 

 readily. 



Moreover, the superfluous weight of the cumbrous 

 flesh and fat tends to increase the wear and tear of the 

 legs ; and if the latter be at all light from the knee to 

 the pastern, they are more likely to suffer. 



On the other hand, it may be well to observe, by way 

 of caution, that it is by no means good management to 

 let a horse become at any time reduced to actual lean- 

 ness through overwork or deficient feeding. It is far 

 easier to pull down than to put up flesh. 



These hints on feeding may be closed with a remark, 

 that in all large towns contractors are to be found ready 

 and willing to enter into contract for feeding gentle- 

 men's horses by the month or year. This is a very 

 desirable arrangement for masters, but one frequently 

 objected to by servants, who, however, in such cases 

 can easily be replaced by application to the dealer, he 

 having necessarily excellent opportunities of meeting 

 with others as efficient. 



Contractors should not be allowed to supply more 

 than two or three days' forage at a time. 



WATERING. 



Horses are greater epicures in water than is generally 

 supposed, and will make a rush for some favourite 

 spring or rivulet where water may have once proved 

 acceptable to their palate, when that of other drinking- 

 places has been rejected or scarcely touched. 



The groom's common maxim is to water twice a-day, 

 but there is little doubt that horses should Lave access 



