THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 97 



sponged over with tobacco-water — an infusion of tobacco 

 made about the strength of that which makes a good 

 wash to kill fleas in dogs. This used, as soon as the 

 clipping is finished, will cause the coat to he smooth, if 

 it have no other effect ; but, I am inclined to think, it is 

 a preservative, also, from cold. Having had from ten to 

 twenty horses chpped, annually, according to this mode 

 of treatment, without one instance of mischief ensuing, 

 I can confidently recommend the custom, especially to 

 those with short studs ; as the chpped horse, having less 

 taken out of him, either in work or subsequent protracted 

 dressing, will come out at least a day sooner in his turn 

 than the rough-coated one. Singeing, with spirits of wine 

 lighted on tow, has the same effect, and has a very neat 

 appearance, when well done ; but I do not know that it 

 is to be preferred to the use of the scissors. In neither 

 case should the hair be removed below the knee, which 

 forms a natural protection from thorns and cuts. 



FORE-LEGS. 



The mention of legs, reminds me that I must not 

 altogether omit a word or two with regard to the best 

 means of preserving these delicate parts of the ma- 

 chinery, upon which all the rest depend. With the best 

 frame, the best constitution, and the best feet, a horse 



