CHAPTER Y. 



THE VICES AND DISAGREEABLE OR DANGEROUS HABITS 



OF THE HORSE.* 



The horse has many excellent qualities, but he has, like- 

 wise, defects, and these often amount to vices. Some are 

 attributable to natural disposition, but the majority are 

 attributable to bad education and wi'ong management. 



BITIXG. 



This is either the consequence of natural ferocity, or a 

 habit acquired from the foolish and teasing play of grooms 

 and stable-boys. Prevention, however, is in the power 

 of every proprietor of horses. While he insists on gentle 

 and humane treatment of cattle, he should systematically 

 forbid this horse- play. 



It is seldom that anything can be done in the way of 

 cure. Kindness will aggravate the evil, and no degree 

 of severity will correct it. " I have seen," says Professor 

 Stewart, "biters punished until they tremble in every 

 joint, and were ready to drop, but have never in any 

 case known them cured by this treatment, or by any other. 



* "We would refer the reader to the third chapter of this book, as exceptions are 

 taken to some of the statements in this chapter connected with the vicious habits 

 of horses. 



