340 GROOMS. 



the bedding out to dry, if requisite ; washes the pavement ; sluices the 

 drains ; cleans the manger ; allows a full stream of water to flow through 

 the troughs; getting the building sweet and ready by the expiration of 

 the hour. 



This morning exercise is, in London, often neglected ; but it should 

 always be strictly insisted on. Perhaps it were better, were the animals 

 at once conducted from the place in which they slept and led through 

 the air upon the iirst opening of the doors : after which they could return 

 to sweetened apartments, with bodies refreshed and appetites stimulated 

 by the morning breeze. Moreover, it is better to divide the exercise and 

 the work by as long a period as possible ; and the food must be more 

 nutritive and wholesome when eaten in a clean apartment, than when 

 devoured in a chamber reeking with the fumes of twelve hours' imprison- 

 ment. No fear need be felt concerning the delay, as the exercise is no 

 more to the horse than is the early walk before breakfast, in which so 

 many gentlemen indulge with advantage to their constitutions. During 

 winter, however, the morning exercise is often delayed ; and then is sel- 

 dom given. The only legitimate excuse for the absence of such a neces- 

 sity to health, is the presence of a severe frost. Otherwise, winter and 

 summer, the early walk should never be neglected. 



Eight o^clock. — The horse is brought in, and, being stripped, the 

 grooming commences before the body cools. This is performed outside 

 in very warm weather, but within the stable when the day is either 

 cold or wet. Hair cloth, dandy and water-brush; hay wisp, sponge 

 and comb, are only employed in this operation. The hair cloth is used, 

 save in cases of absolute necessity, instead of a curry-comb : the other 

 things are employed after the manner in which grooms are accustomed 

 to use them. 



The groom should always cleanse the body in the line of the hair. 

 To ruffle this, causes annoyance to the animal, and interferes with the 

 beauty of its appearance. The daily renovation ought to commence 

 with the head. On this part more time and patience should be lavished 

 than is usually bestowed. The groom is not perfect in his duty until 

 his office affords pleasure to the creature on which he operates. The 

 ears are smoothed and made glossy with the hand. Then the fore quar- 

 ters are dressed; afterward the animal is turned round, and the other 

 parts are attended to : but one agent is always fully used before the next 

 is introduced. The openings having been sponged and the long hair 

 combed, the toilet is then finished. This being done, the groom sees 

 about his harness, etc., till nine o'clock. 



To ascertain whether an animal has been properly groomed, inspect 

 the roots of the mane. Should scurf appear, set the servant to remove 



