DRESSING OR GROOMING. 115 



This brush is perhaps the most useful and indispensable 

 of grooming implements, but, like the iron comb, is liable 

 to abuse, by using it against the lay of the bair on well- 

 bred animals in cold weather. It should be used as little 

 as possible in winter. For the body in cold weather, the 

 hay (meadow or natural) wisp, which is soft, should alone 

 be used, and is made as follows : make a thick but soft 

 hay rope, cast it into a knot, and flatten against a smooth 

 wall or post, after which the flattened face of it should be 

 slightly moistened with water to soften the wisp still more. 

 There is no cloth or other wisp equal to this for the fine- 

 skinned animal. It not only removes dust, but soothes the 

 skin, smooths the hair, and gives the coat a healthy 

 appearance. It is more satisfactory to the horse, and 

 should be almost exclusively used for summer grooming 

 of all horses, especially for the thorough -bred animal. 

 Where the curry-comb and brush are used, the wisp should 

 be employed to complete the task before putting on the 

 blanket. 



In winter, horses of fine breed should be groomed in a 

 place not colder than the temperature of the stable, and if 

 no such place be convenient, do it in the stable, and after 

 the grooming clean with a brush or feather duster, all the 

 fixtures and furniture. 



The dandruff-brush (called " dandy-brush"), made of 

 stifi^, yellow, woody fibre, can now be used to dress the 

 forelock, mane, and tail. This is considered not so liable 

 to tear the hair out, like the old bone comb, which many 



