208 



EVILS OF MODERN STABLES. 



authority ; and to do this, regardless of the peril incurred, is positively 

 contemplative dishonesty, which merited the heaviest possible visitation I 



A HORSE WITH THE FORELEGS IN THE MANQEK. 



The altitude assumed, certainly, was not altogether safe. Mangers 

 are built to merely uphold grain and chaff. Carpenters, in their col- 

 lective capacity, are a knowing set, and are notorious for manufacturing 

 articles of a strength merely proportioned to their uses. A heavy weight 

 resting on fragile boards might have broken or have displaced some of 

 them. In such a case, the animal having fallen through the opening, 

 probably would, in its fright, have fractured a limb. The inside of its 

 manger, assuredly, did not offer a secure foundation for a steed to stand 

 upon ; but, when tracing causes, we are bound to inquire, who or what 

 provoked the act? The chastisement, it is true, has, according to this 

 world's custom, been inflicted upon the weaker and the more simple; 

 but consummation of such an act cannot establish the justice of the 

 usage. 



The circumstances of the case presuppose something condemnatory on 

 the part of the horse, the contemplation of whose conduct could excite 

 such indignation in the groom. This fact is further supported by that 

 surprise which mingled with the anger of the man. Even his habitual 

 lassitude was conquered, through the energy aroused by the spectacle of 

 such enormity 1 His bile boiled ; his voice grew indistinct ^ith passion ; 

 would excitement have permitted clearness of speech, oaths might have 



