THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 101 



sive properties will cause an unsightly appearance for 

 some time after the linen has been removed ; but this 

 will all disappear with his change of coat. I have seen 

 battered legs become as fine as those of a colt by this 

 process. 



I have already dwelt, longer than I originally intended, 

 upon condition. Upon the management of the animals, 

 which are of equal consequence, either to the man who 

 holds them only as vehicles to the contemplation of the 

 noble science, or to him who regards them as its sole 

 enjoyment, I will only add the caution to take especial 

 care that the stables are properly ventilated. The 

 health of all animals depends greatly upon the kind of 

 air which they are constantly inhaling as their breath of 

 life. The different qualities of atmospheric gas have 

 each their respective effect upon the animal system. The 

 human blood is purified by the proportions of oxygen 

 contained in the fresh breeze as it is received into the 

 lungs; elevation of spirit, and increase of vigour, are 

 the consequences of its healthful influence. In a close, 

 hot stable, a horse is living on impurity, added to which, 

 the ammonia, arising to a degree of pungency, of which 

 we are ourselves sensible upon entering such a stable 

 from the open air, has a most injurious effect upon the 

 eyes. It is far better that they should stand in too much 

 clothing, than that the temperature of the stable should 

 be too high. The thermometer must be the guide of 



