THE LIFE OF A HUNTER 69 



that, putting aside the question of appear- 

 ance (on which there can be no general 

 divergence of opinion), leaving the hair on 

 tends to the collection of dirt, and to the 

 hiding of thorns and abrasions ; I have 

 seen just as much mud-fever, if not more, 

 when hair has been left on them, as when 

 legs have been clipped. However, I think 

 this is not an important question one way 

 or the other. I believe myself, mud-fever 

 is a sort of chill, perhaps infectious, as 

 it often goes through a stable, and fre- 

 quently is absent from a stud for several 

 consecutive seasons. There is no harm in 

 leaving the hair on under the saddle, as it 

 is some slight protection to the skin from 

 friction. However, I was never troubled 

 with a sore back, as my saddle always fitted 



