336 



GROOMS. 



An instant's reflection will, however, convince the least credulous 

 reader of the feasibility of the above assertion. Stable-men usually 

 pass their evenings at an adjacent public house. After a night's en- 

 deavor to sleep in a foul atmosphere, their duties oblige them to be early 

 risers. They enter the stable, having their stomach upset; with their 

 temper consequently unhinged, and in no mood to attend upon the wants 

 of an unsympathetic animal. At such moments the iron tools must be 

 employed, and the lightest of these things can inflict the most terrible 

 injuries. The stable fork is commonly spoken of as a dangerous weapon. 

 The man may be removing the bed with this implement, when he mut- 

 ters, "kim ovare." The horse does not hear or does not understand the 

 command. The order is shouted out in the topmost key of an angry 

 voice. Fear incapacitates the quadruped for obedience. The arm is 

 raised before the creature has recovered ; and a blow from a pitchfork will 

 leave a fearful mark behind. 



"KIM OTAM." 



To avoid such "accidents," banish the use of metal from within the 

 Stable. All requisite implements can be made of horn or of hard wood 



