SINGEING. 141 



Now, of course, in tlieoiy, nothing can be more un- 

 natural, and it might be added more barbarous, than this 

 treatment; and yet, strange to say, by acclamation it 

 would be declared by every horse-owner who has] tried 

 it that, in practice, it produces to the animal not only 

 beneficial, but unexpected, results. 



The lungs appear to become stouter. 



Hot swelled legs suddenly get cool and fine. 



The appetite grows stronger. 



The flesh increases. 



The muscles thicken. 



In consequence of greatly diminished perspiration 

 the amount of food necessary to recruit the body may be 

 reduced, at least, one feed per day. 



After hunting, the skin, instead of breaking out from 

 internal debility and exhaustion, remains dry. 



Lastly, as mud and dirt cannot take hold of a singed 

 coat, and consequently as little or no grooming is re- 

 quired, the animal, on reaching his stable, soon enjoys 

 rest, instead of being for an hour or two teased, excited, 

 and irritated, by being tied up, hissed at, and cleaned. 



But, against all these advantages, it is only fair to 

 weigh the amount of suffering which it is supposed by 

 us a horse endures by being stripped of his coat and 

 clothing, and in that naked state being suddenly plunged, 

 during winter, into the external air. 



