22 Centaur ; 



flourish, particularly in towns and crowded thoroughfares, 

 with restive auimals, the general risks would be greatly 

 if not altogether diminished, and less work would be found 

 for the police and members of the Societ}^ for the Preven- 

 tion of Cruelty to Animals. Experience frequently tells us 

 that the Horse is systematically illtreated, illcared for, and 

 abu?ed by some, when kindness, moderate attention, and 

 thoughtful consideration would cost less trouble and bring 

 about quicker and more satisfactory results. The whip is intro- 

 duced where a kind word or gentle pat on the neck would be 

 effective in producing prompt obedience; a curse is used 

 where the simple mention of the horse's name would be 

 sufficient ; filth and dirt are allowed to accumulate where 

 cleanliness is absolutely necessary ; ventilation is grossly 

 neglected ; bad grooming, irregular feeding, impure water, 

 and many other things from which the Horse is a sensitive 

 sufferer are the result of carelessness and want of thought 

 as a rule, but in some instances they are the wilful offspring 

 of idleness and deceit. The harness and vehicles, like the 

 horse, can be easily neglected, and allowed to suffer and rot 

 from dirt, want of oil, and regular washing and cleaning, thus 

 entailing expense, great risk and dissatisfaction, which might 

 be avoided without much labour or inconvenient effort. 



In this work the writer does not purpose giving an 

 elaborate display of high-flown terms, but will simply adhere 

 to plain language not directly intended for owners of large 

 establishments, — although its contents may be perused by 

 all to advantage. Neither would he encroach upon the 

 sphere of the " vet.," the farrier, or horse-breaker, knowing 

 at the same time that they will understand and appreciate 

 the purport and meaning of his good intentions, in putting 

 before those immediately concerned, in plain English book 

 form, without effort at embellishment, a few condensed 

 articles shewing the simple system that should be laid down 

 by all owners, large and small, and whether they set up a 

 temporary or permanent turn out. The Author's experiences 

 being those of a life time, at home and in foreign countries 

 ■ — under ground and upon the surface — justifies him in 

 feeling fully confident that the following suggestions and 

 lines for the g:eneral good, will be looked upon in the usual 

 appreciative light, and every indulgence extended for over- 

 sights or technical errors that may arise, whether it be on 

 the part of the Author, or otherwise. 



