2^2 EVILS OF MODERN STABLES. 



usual result. Inquire the cause of mishap, and the groom will petu- 

 lantly inform you "it were occasioned by the pranks of that fidgety 

 beast, which is always up to some mischief." Perhaps you object to 

 this explanation, replying, '"Mischief is not a fitting term, since it sup- 

 poses intentional annoyance to another; whereas the horse has injured 

 no one but itself" The man stares with surprise, and rejoins, "Ar'nt it, 

 though ! But it has injured me 1 When shall I ever hear the last of it?" 

 Truly, the stable mind must quit the scene of its present labors, before 

 it will submit to be enlightened. It is now so protected by a wall of 

 selfishness, ignorance, and prejudice, that it is open to no assault. 



This misfortune is, however, gravely reckoned one of the "vices" of 

 the stable. It is seldom repeated ; but a single instance is sufficient to 

 confer the "vicious" character. Poor animal 1 When even mishaps are 

 regarded as the planned results of its deliberate wickedness. Having so 

 many virtues, yet not credited with a single good quality I Wholly and 

 entirely misunderstood ! Else, who in this accident would not perceive 

 intelligence striving to invent some solitary pastime, which might while 

 away the flagging hours ? Else, who would not recognize that this 

 evil arose out of the foolish custom of tying up an active creature to a 

 manger ? Else, who could fail to discern that a loose box would have 

 rendered such an injury a positive impossibility ? 



The author is aware that were horses fitly housed and properly 

 treated, the expense of maintaining these creatures must be increased. 

 But against all additional cost there are benefits to be balanced. The 

 animal would live more than thrice as long ; it would, for so much 

 greater period, be fit for its master's service. The accidents occasioned 

 by modern stables would be abolished; the sickness and the disease, 

 produced by inappropriate food, by rigid confinement and impure air, 

 would cease to exist. With change of building, there should also be a 

 thorough change in the stable attendant. The present race of know- 

 ing deformities are too full of tricks to be worthy a gentleman's trust. 

 The groom should be forbidden ever to mount an animal, save in obedi- 

 ence to his superior's special command. Now the men ride at their" 

 pleasure ; as a consequence, they very rarely walk. The quadruped is 

 supposed to be only one person's property ; but- the poor drudge has to 

 serve "two masters." 



Under the present system, the horse is relinquished to the pleasure of 

 the servant. The man's report constitutes the all of a proprietor's knowl- 

 edge. The mansion, therefore, reflects the ignorance and the prejudice of 

 the stable. The persons occupying the buildings should change places. 

 Most masters ride slowly, merely exercising the nags. Most grooms love 

 speed, and in reality wear out the lives which credulity thinks sacreu to 



