116 A SUFFICIENCY OF WATER NECESSARY. 



than five quarterns, half oats and half beans, with a 

 bran and linseed mash every Wednesday and Saturday 

 night, should be allowed ; and if the horse will not eat 

 this quantity his work should be still increased ; and if 

 after this he refuse it, he should be discarded from 

 the hunting stable, and take his place with the hacks 

 or harness horses. 



A horse that cannot eat cannot work without losing 

 muscle, and becoming weak and washy, or utterly use- 

 less as a hunter. 



With regard to water, there should be no limit as to 

 quantity. There is no better sign of health than a 

 regular and large consumer of water. Since water is the 

 only cooling as well as diluent material that enters into 

 the form of diet given to the hunter, it is absolutely 

 necessary that a sufficient quantity be allowed, and if 

 he have water always by him, so much the better. 



On this account, then, it is almost needless to add 

 that great care should be taken to avoid disgusting the 

 horse by putting messes, such as nitre, &c., with his 

 water, as also by chilling it too much, and thereby 

 causing great nausea. 



I know from experience that both these filthy and 

 careless habits will invariably make shy drinkers, and 

 consequently shy feeders, of otherwise very hearty and 

 strong horses. 



There is very frequently adopted in hunting stables 

 the cruel practice of stinting horses in their water, which 

 happen to be afflicted with roaring, a chronic cough, or 

 any other affection of the respiratory organs. This 



