106 EXERCISE VERSUS PHYSIC. 



all astringency of the bowels, and a return to that 

 morbid condition of the digestive organs which is so 

 much to be feared. The use of this ball need rarely 

 ever be extended beyond a month, if the horse have 

 regular and sufficient work. 



If the horse's appetite fail, and his muscles fall away, 

 the best mixture as a powder undoubtedly is Peruvian 

 bark and aniseed, of each two drachms, and emetic 

 tartar one drachm, put into the last feed on alternate 

 nights. No alteratives or tonics should be continued 

 for more than one week without intermission, or the 

 constitution will be unable to perform its proper func- 

 tions without their aid. The best plan is to give 

 them on alternate weeks, until the desired result is 

 attained. 



Very little physic is required by horses which are 

 regularly exercised, and are allowed a bran and linseed 

 mash every Wednesday and Saturday night. I am 

 very much opposed to the use of sulphur and nitre as 

 alteratives, since they cause great debility of the system 

 generally without in any way stimulating the digestive 

 organs to increased action. 



Where horses are kept in the stables day after day 

 and week after week, they may require a gentle dose 

 of physic once a fortnight, but it is to be hoped there are 

 few (save dealers') stables, where horses are thus treated. 

 I must here caution my readers against the ignorant 

 and mischievous practice of physicking a horse because 

 his legs Jill. Physicking in this state can only add to 

 the evil by causing greater debility, and thus lessening 



