140 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 



by clipping ; and if delayed till the growth of the thick 

 coat had subsided, the horse remained throughout the 

 winter naked like an elephant. 



In order therefore to shorten the coat exactly in propor- 

 tion to its uncertain growth, it was determined gradually 

 and repeatedly to burn it by fire to the minimum length 

 prescribed, that is, leaving only sufficient to conceal the 

 bare skin. 



When the animal has thus been denuded of his coat, 

 so long as he remains in his hot stable it is restored to 

 him with compound interest, by two, and occasionally by 

 three suits of warm clothing, which he might expect 

 would, like that worn by his lord and master, be in- 

 creased as soon as he should be led from his covered 

 domicile into the open air. But the contrary operation 

 takes place; for while his owner is swathing himself in 

 his extra flannel hunting clothing, the singed quadruped 

 at the same moment, in order to be taken to the 

 meet, at one haul is denuded of the whole of his indoor 

 clothing, a bridle is put into his mouth, a saddle on his 

 bare back, and in this state, literally, without metaphor, 

 more naked than he was born, he is suddenly led or 

 ridden ten or fifteen miles through perhaps wind, rain, 

 sleet, or snow, to be exposed throughout the whole day 

 to sudden sweats and sudden chills, in temperatures and 

 at elevations of the most trying description. 



