PREPARATIONS FOR THE SWEAT. 295 



comfortable bed to lie on, and when standing, it gives a 

 uniform support to the sole and frog. It never becomes 

 heated, and whatever portion of it adheres to the skin is 

 easily removed by the wisp or brush. There is nothing 

 so good for making a "wallowing bed;" and when we see 

 how much pleasure a horse takes in tumbling about in 

 it, we must conclude that it is not an uncomfortable 

 couch for him to repose on. By the way, we will soon 

 have to make a place for the horses to roll, as I hold it is 

 of great service at all times, and we are repaid for the trou- 

 ble, if only for the satisfaction of seeing them enjoy a good 

 wallow. Have the boy throw a kersey and hood on Never 

 Mind, and walk him in hand for an hour. In the mean- 

 time, you can drive Falcon; jog him five miles, and drive 

 one moderately fast, allowing him to go a three-minute 

 gait on the stretches. 



PUPIL. I have complied with your instructions, but 

 was disappointed in not seeing you on the track to tell 

 me how well I did it. 



PKECEPTOE. I wanted to watch Never Mind while he 

 was walking, to see that he emptied himself as he ought, 

 and to note the appearance of the evacuations, before any 

 change of color took place from exposure to the air. The 

 excrements are just right, a bright yellow color, without 

 any hard exterior coating, and of the right consistency. 

 The mash has performed its functions so far admirably. 

 While the appearance of the foeces is as I desire to see 

 them at present, it would not do for them to be of this 

 character if the horse was expected to go in a race. But 

 we must now prepare him further, and have no time at 

 present for the consideration of anything diverse from the 

 business in hand. Have him brought into the stable, 

 lightly wisped over his whole body, and the hair smoothed, 

 when we will clothe him. There, that will do. Now take 

 hold of this long, soft blanket, bring the corners together, 



