ON THE CECONOMY OF THE STABLE. 57 



mere machine, Avhich is deftined to undergo 

 all kinds of inflidions, and thinking it an aft 

 of bravery, and a kind of point of honour, to 

 exa61; abfolute fubmiffion, poflible or not, by 

 the moft prompt and rigorous punifliment. But 

 thefe are either perfons intirely ignorant of 

 horfes, or ordinary liable fellows ; a good 

 groom acquires patience and circumfpeftion 

 from their necellity, which experience has 

 taught him ; he handles his liable tools with a 

 tendernefs, dexterity, and adroitnefs, which no- 

 thing but the beft leflbns and much practice 

 will teach ; his horfes are perfedly clean in 

 every part, fed with regularity and cleanlinefs ; 

 he knows to exercife them with temperance 

 and fafety, and has a (kilful hand to preferve 

 them from a fall. A raw lad, or half-groora, 

 will make your horfe's back (hine, and fuffer 

 the dirt to remain in all the hidden parts ; will 

 either gorge him with meat, or repeatedly neg- 

 left him ; and whenever he takes him out to 

 exercife, will be fure to do him more harm by 

 worrying him about (v/hich he probably thinks 

 a gallant thing) than a day's joUrney would 

 do; and, if poflible, break his knees before he 

 returns. A gentleman, himfelf inexperienced 

 in horfes, but wilhing to keep them in good 

 flyle, muft have a groom who has ferved in fta- 

 bles of repute, or if he defire to make a groom, 

 • , ' ■ ' he 



