GEOOMS. 55 



The metliodical man will in all probability proceed as follows. 

 He first presents water to bis horses, and immediately after- 

 wards gives them corn. He then removes the straw, and 

 separates the wet portion from the dry. The wet is carried 

 away along with the manure. The dung is next picked out of 

 the hind feet. The stable is swept in a somewhat hasty 

 manner, and a small portion of straw is then spread under 

 the feet of the horses. He next carefully cleans the quarters 

 of the horses with a wet water brush. One of the horses 

 is then tinmed round in the stall; the collar, as well as 

 the nostrils, is sponged ; and the head, neck, shoulders, breast, 

 and fore limbs are by the agency of comb, wisp, brushes, and 

 dusters, thoroughly dressed in every part. The horse is then 

 turned back in the stall ; the body rug is removed, and the body 

 and hind parts are dressed as thoroughly, and in the same 

 regular manner as the parts already described. The limbs are 

 next hand-rubbed. The mane and tail are brushed and 

 combed, and the horse is considered dressed. The next duty is 

 to shake the clothiQg, re-adjust it to the body, and fix it securely 

 by means of the surcingle. The second horse undergoes a 

 a course precisely similar to the one described. The straw is 

 straightened, and the stable made orderly and fit to meet the 

 scrutiny of a connoisseur. He then gives each animal a portion 

 of hay, when the duties of the morning may be considered as 

 satisfactorily performed, and the worthy individual justly 

 entitled to his breakfast. 



The duties at night may vary to a greater extent. Let the 

 reader suppose the work of the day to have been heavy, the 

 weather severe, and the horses to arrive at home drenched with 

 rain, and hungry for food. They are housed as quickly as 

 possible, and the work commences in earnest. They are firs^ 

 stripped of all the harness, except the collars ; or if they have 



