THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 87 



foot itself, which you will ascertain by the feel of the 

 hoof in your hand, by opening a vein just above the 

 coronet, and immersing the foot immediately in warm 

 water, you may effect a local abstraction of blood, which 

 will afford material relief. Many farriers urge, as an 

 objection to bleeding in the foot, that you can rarely 

 obtain the removal of blood enough to be of any service ; 

 but, when the operation is skilftilly performed, it is fol- 

 lowed by the flow of blood in no inconsiderable quantity. 

 Whenever a lameness is such as to demand rest beyond 

 a horse's proper turn for coming out again, you will do 

 well to give a gentle dose of physic. It is always useful, 

 if only as a precautionary measure, upon the slightest 

 ailing of an animal in a high and forced state of con- 

 dition. You will gain instead of losing time : by cooling 

 his body you greatly accelerate the recovery from any 

 local affection, and one ball of three, four, five, or six 

 drachms, according to the constitution of the horse, 

 cannot in any degree impair his stamina. There can 

 be no greater mistake than the anxiety which is felt 

 by ignorant grooms as to the appetite of a hunter, after 

 a hard day. It may be an indisputable proof of hardi- 

 ness that a horse is able to feed well, on his return ; but 

 I much question whether any man is better for a beef- 

 steak and bottle of port, if able to discuss them, after 

 severe exercise. A feed of oats, mixed in a good warm 

 bran-marsh, is the best diet for a horse after hunting ; to 



