76 Centaur; 



horse, in the course of an experiment or two, as a luxury and 

 pleasurable relief. Indeed, he will quietly reciprocate any 

 good feeling shown towards him, particularly when his help 

 is asked. 



Rubbing the ears with the hands for a few moments is 

 always appreciated by the horse, after taking the harness 

 off, and is calculated to promote early and permanent 

 friendship. 



After the steed is cleared of its harness, the necessary 

 cleaning, such as washing, whisping, feeding, watering, &c., 

 follows, which should be done with as little fuss and blowing 

 on the part of the groom as possible. The hissing of some 

 men during their stable business can only be compared to a 

 small steam engine, and the inhaling the dust on the part of 

 the man (it is at times tolerably plentiful) cannot be looked 

 upon as in any degree a healthy habit. 



After the horse is made comfortable, the harness should 

 be cleaned and put in its place ; the lining of the collar 

 and the crupper dock should be immediately sponged over 

 with clean water ; and the pannel of the saddle brushed ; 

 the reins wiped straight down with a clean dry cloth, after 

 damping ; the bit and curb taken from the bridle, washed, 

 dried, and then thrown into a box of slacked lime, which 

 should be kept for the purpose ; the traces, back-band, 

 breech-band, &c., straightened out and shined up with the 

 compo brush ; the furniture rubbed over, and the flaps of 

 the saddle, side pieces of the collar, housing, and other 

 patent leather parts, wiped lightly over with an oil rag, and 

 polished off afterwards. 



A clean and respectable "Turn Out" always conveys the 

 impression at sight that it is in good hands, and in the care 

 of what is known as a " Thorough Groom," whose study is 

 not altogether to cultivate the outward show and that which 

 is most attractive to the eye, but to look after the inward 

 corners as well, such as the coach-house and harness room, 

 which have their regular share of attention. All these facts 

 are indicated in the permanently smart "Turn Out." Regular 

 attention to the surroundings of the stable, harness room, 

 coach-house, and yard, actuall}^ reduces labour and makes 

 the daily routine a pleasure. 



The harness in regular use should have systematic atten- 

 tion, and, if possible, it should be taken to pieces and hung 



