RAIN-WATER IN TANKS THE BEST. 27 



produced by rain, when it lies on a clean or clay bottom, 

 and is fresh, answers very well for cattle of all kinds ; but 

 in hot warm weather it is apt to corrupt and ferment, 

 which renders it unwholesome and the most disagreeable 

 of any." 



As he makes no mention of tank-water, I suppose it was 

 not known, or but little used in his day, or he would not 

 only have named it, but most likely have recommended its 

 use above all others. For in substance he says pond-water 

 (which is rain-water), when fresh, answers well : but does 

 not say so much for any other. And when the rain-water 

 is collected from the roofs of houses and preserved in tanks 

 or reservoirs in large quantities, it keeps better than when 

 exposed to the fermentative influence of the sun. More- 

 over it is unmixed with the many impure particles that 

 help to contaminate pond-water, and consequently is better ; 

 and indeed to be recommended above any other sort. I 

 myself have used it for thirty years with satisfaction, and 

 I know it is used in other large establishments with the 

 same result. I could, were it necessary, quote the opinions 

 of many experienced men to this effect. 



So much said concerning the food and drink of the race- 

 horse, my remarks on the internal economy of the train- 

 ing stable may fitly conclude with a reference to one very 

 important matter — the frequent examination of the feet 

 and legs, and the use of bandages. 



Too much care cannot be taken in this respect. The 

 legs in particular should be constantly inspected ; for un- 

 less these be constantly looked to, a horse, to all appearance 

 the soundest of animals, may have received an accidental 

 injury. The injury may be of itself trivial, and if timely 

 attended to may easily be set to rights ; whereas, should it 



