110 AMERICAN STABLE GUIDE. 



that his attendance at a regular hour in the morning at 

 the stable be not interfered with — " no man can serve two 

 masters." On going into the stable in the morning, a per- 

 sonal inspection of each horse should be made to ascertain 

 if the foot is over the halter, or the eyes have suffered an 

 injury, or whether there be a shoe loose, &c. Next, see 

 that the means for ventilation are open and free from 

 obstruction, and thus the mercury will be reduced from 

 5° to 10°; and if possible keep it steady. The covers, 

 sheets or blankets should at this time be straightened on 

 the body of the horse, always taking care, especially in 

 cold weather, to throw them well toward the withers, so 

 that they can be pulled toward the hind quarters or the 

 way the hair or coat lies, so that it can be kept smooth and 

 unbroken. 



The Water-brush should now be brought, with a little 

 tepid water and soap to brush and cleanse the quarters or 

 hips and thighs of each horse, that have been roughed and 

 stained during the night when lying. This is especially 

 required with white and gray horses to keep them clean, 

 always brushing and drying the parts downwards with the 

 hair. Dirty or roughened quarters on the carriage, saddle, 

 or driving horse are utterly inexcusable on the part of the 

 groom, and should never be allowed in summer time ; but 

 in cold weather and when the horse is out early, the parts 

 may not be yet dry — less can be said when the parts are not 

 altogether pleasing. The same rules may be exacted when 

 a fine horse has a white hind foot and part of the leg, with 



