THE HUNTER IN HOSPITAL 



nothing better than pure cold water, but milk 

 and soda-water, linseed gruel, oatmeal gruel, 

 and either rice or barley water are necessary 

 under certain circumstances. If the animal is 

 having green food, the amount of water allowed 

 will necessarily be smaller than when it is 

 receiving dry food. No matter whatever nature 

 the food supplied, it is of primary importance 

 never to leave food before a sick animal, as 

 this does, most assuredly, only tend to satiate it. 

 The secret is to supply the food often and 

 in small quantities, varying it as much as 

 possible, there being, in variability, an appetising 

 influence. A sick hunter, like any other horse 

 when in hospital, commonly refuses all food 

 placed before it ; if so, it must be artificially fed, 

 and this necessitates tact, patience, and perse- 

 verance — features, unfortunately, not possessed 

 by every groom. Nevertheless the exceptions 

 are very numerous, some studsmen being all 

 that one could desire in this respect. Scalded 

 bran, crushed oats, and linseed make an ex- 

 cellent mash, but not more than a quart should 

 be placed before the animal, twice or thrice 

 daily, and the portion remaining unconsumed 



113 ^H 



