8 PREFACE. 



Although placing special stress upon the advantage 

 of modifying the prevailing diet as to the number of 

 meals, the author is far from asserting that this is 

 imperatively necessary, providing that the total quan- 

 tity is not excessive, and the feeding is so timed (or, 

 upon occasion, omitted altogether, for a meal), that 

 the horse is never fed when tired, nor put to work 

 soon after eating. It is manifestly true that the oft- 

 ener he is fed the more difficult it is to guard against 

 the above evil. Having taken pains, as the reader 

 will observe further on, to put himself in communi- 

 cation with a large number of horsemen, for the pur- 

 pose of eliciting their views, and being desirous of 

 still further acquaintance among the craft, the author 

 ventures to request such readers as may feel so dis- 

 posed to address him, giving — for or against — the re- 

 sult of their experience after a trial of the system 

 recommended. 



As stated in the opening paragraph, the chief aim in 

 the author's mind is to prevent disease ; hence such 

 suggestions as occur relating to curative measures, 

 are merely hints en passa7tt, no pretence being made 

 of classifying " diseases " or of prescribing specifics 

 for their " cure." One thing, however, is certain, viz. : 

 That principle of treatment which is best calculated 

 to maintain health, is also best adapted to restore it. 



Charles E. Page. 

 753 Broadway, New York, Aug. 15, 1883. 



