116 UNASKED ADVICE. 



enlargement are sufficient^ and this moderation saves 

 appearance^ as well as pain to a noble animalj whose 

 sensations are but too little considered. 



String-halt is ugly^ but incurable. 



Sore backs ought never to be seen in a hunting stable, 

 but they sometimes do appear there. At this time of 

 year they will cure themselves_, time only being required. 

 Of course the clothing must be taken off, and an astringent 

 lotion will have the best effect, if not too strong. Salt 

 and water is as good as anything, and more attainable 

 than lotions which come from the chemist. A ^' sitfast '^ 

 will probably require more decided treatment than the 

 great majority of grooms can be trusted to attempt. 



Thorns which have lain hid all the season will work their 

 way out of the skin during a summer's rest, or when the 

 horse comes into work again. When their presence is 

 suspected, poultices should not be spared, and when very 

 deeply seated the use of the knife may be needed. 



Thorough-pins and windgalls so seldom lame a horse 

 that they need not be considered. They are not pretty, 

 they come to please themselves, and occasionally depart 

 without apparent reason. 



I have now considered most of the accidents commonest 

 among hunters from a stableman's point of view. A 

 groom should only deal in mild and simple remedies, and 

 should never forget that nature is at least as clever as 

 he is. 



Concerning general management during the summer, 

 little is to be said. For horses which are to hunt in fast 

 countries I should consider any green meat undesirable ; 

 their interior economy can be sufficiently well regulated 

 with bran mashes. I prefer sawdust for the bed, or saw- 

 dust mixed with tan; but the sawdust must not be 



