GROOMS. 



351 



a heavy uatiire. The stomach sympathizes with tne general exhaustion 

 of the body; the digestion is too much weakened to appropriate its 

 ordinary nutriment. For a steed whose feeding capabihties are not 

 hearty, a little bread and salt, offered from the hand of its human 

 favorite, will frequently be eaten. Half of a half quartern loaf, lightly 

 seasoned, commonly will be gratefully accepted, if given in the manner 

 directed. Often, however, the craving is limited to liquids, all solid 

 provender being refused. 



The animal should not be annoyed by any well-intentioned coaxing 

 to eat, when nature commands it to abstain. The inclination of the 

 quadruped should, at this time, always be respected; for a tired steed 

 stands upon the borders of inflammation, and in proportion to the value 

 of the quadruped invariably is the danger of an attack. Hard-worked 

 horses often want the stamina which enables nature to resist the effects 

 of exhaustion. The bread, if not accepted, should be immediately with- 

 drawn, and a pail of well and smoothly made gruel, with which the meal 

 was to have concluded, be alone presented. All other food should be 

 removed, and the animal left, supperless, to its repose. 



If the gruel is rejected, take it away ; place it in a cool situation, and 

 it may be swallowed with avidity on the following morning. If allowed 



