PROPER LEANNESS NECESSARY. 47 



If any roughness of the teeth (which may be ascer- 

 tained by sores on the tongue, &c.) should be apparent, 

 they should be filed level, or if inflammation of the 

 gums be detected, means should at once be used to 

 allay it, by using weak astringent lotions. Also when 

 the teeth are loose they should be pulled out, as they 

 frequently cause great uneasiness when feeding. At 

 such times some chopped carrots or green food should, 

 if possible, be given, on account of their being more 

 easy of mastication, and also because there is always 

 a slight feverishness flying about the constitution at 

 these times. 



As to the general appearance of a two-year-old 

 when fit to run, my opinion is that it should not be 

 nearly so light as that of an older and more matured 

 horse. In the latter case the ribs should most cer- 

 tainly be apparent ; but in the case with which we are 

 dealing, the colt would be overdone and jaded, as well 

 as his constitution materially injured, by being drawn 

 so fine. Of course his frame should give evidence of 

 sufficient leanness and the muscles should be ' out] to 

 use a common expression ; but to rob the constitution 

 at this age' of so much of its vital powers that he should 

 present a spare rib would be most injudicious. In short, 

 if the wind be clear, the sweat clean, and the muscles 

 firm and hard ; as much will be arrived at as will be 

 prudent at this age. 



At the same time I am quite sure that in all matured 

 animals great development of muscle, with a lean rib, 

 must be the sine qua non of fine condition. For I am 



