GROOMS. 



353 



vigorous friction, using straw wisps, to cause a reaction in the circula- 

 tion. Only, where the author's last recommendation is adopted, the 

 friction must not cease until the skin glows, which it usually will in a 

 remarkably short period. 



THE GROOM, ON HIS KNEES, TAKING OFF THE BANDAGES AND RCBBINO THE DIRT OUT OF THE HORSE'S LE08 



All grooms are much disposed to treat the foot of the horse as a 

 mysterious organ, which none but a person reared in a stable possibly 

 can comprehend. This is the result of impudence and ignorance, work- 

 ing for the exaltation of selfishness. The foot is not generally under- 

 stood, because people, in their folly, will insist on regarding a very 

 simple member as an uncommon and a complicated structure. The 

 horn being porous, insensible perspiration should escape through its 

 minute openings. To prove this, let the gentleman accompany his nag 

 to the farrier's, the next time the animal is shod. When the sole is 

 pared, let a wineglass be held over the part, and the surface of the vessel 

 will speedily be bedewed with the exuding moisture. 



Now, grooms understand nothing, and care less about the perspiratory 

 property of the horn. They cannot understand how the stoppage of 

 perspiration may induce serious sickness. Therefore, most of the secret 

 nostrums employed to embellish and to keep healthy the horn of the 



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