TFIE NOBLE SCIENCE. 83 



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

 ness that a horse is ahle 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-mash, is the best diet for a horse after hunting ; to 

 which, should circumstances require it, a little nitre, as 

 a febrifuge and mild diuretic, will be a good addition. 

 If he finish this, and his coat be dry, his ears warm, and 

 if he show no signs of uneasiness, you may leave him 

 to rest, and remain, yourself, well satisfied, though he 

 should have rejected the quartern of dry oats and double 

 handful of beans, to which he will return with redoubled 

 relish on the morrow. This habit of mashing will pre- 

 pare him for physic, should it be subsequently required. 

 I would not be understood to hold too lightly the neces- 

 sity of the best food, and plenty of it, being well aware 

 that the strength goes in at the mouth ; but you must 

 remember the state of the system, and be wary of 

 adding fuel to fire. 



While on the subject of food, I would remind you 

 that the tirrie when horses are shedding their summer 

 coats is their period of depression and debility, and that 

 the time, when good old beans are of the greatest con- 

 sequence, is at the end of autumn, just at the com- 

 mencement of the hunting season. Beans, though, per- 

 haps, necessary throughout the season, are less needed 

 in spring, when the juices of the whole animal and vege- 

 table world are on the ascendant, than at the fall of 



