188 A HUNTING CATECHISM 



corn and hay to juicy grass, combined with con- 

 tinuous fresh air, acts as a most invigorating restor- 

 ative to the legs and constitution, that have become 

 jaded through overwork in the hunting-field. 

 Turning out to grass must, however, be done with 

 discretion. Rich, luscious herbage, that would 

 speedily convert a trek-ox into beef, is not the 

 sort most suitable for horses, that are soon to do 

 fast work again. Nor is a tiny paddock a proper 

 place, without any change for the whole summer, 

 though if there are two or three such pastures, 

 where constant change can be given from one 

 to another, they may answer very well. Horses 

 are most benefited by having a considerable 

 range, where they are not continually confronted 

 with the same blades of grass ; and the herbage 

 should be comparatively scanty, so that a horse 

 cannot fill himself full in a short time, but must, 

 on the contrary, work hard for his dinner, and 

 take a long time in obtaining it. There should 

 be a plentiful supply of good water from a pond, 

 or stream, easily accessible. The land preferably 

 should be undulating, and in a bracing locality, 

 for horses, like human beings, are very sensitive 

 to a relaxing climate, or the reverse. 



Where there is an extensive range, horses will 

 be observed to be feeding the greater part of 

 each twenty-four hours ; and if undisturbed will 

 wander round in ordered routine, so that at any 

 given hour they will be found feeding at the 

 same identical place, day after day, unless the 

 weather is such that shelter is needed from 

 the elements. The more change there is in the 

 character of the soil, and consequently in the 

 herbage, the more they will appreciate it, and 

 thrive upon it. 



