rOEECOINa MODES. 71 



to the central sources in question. The muscles, in consequence 

 of their tremendous and long continued exertion ; — the heart, in 

 consequence of the extra labour it has been called upon to 

 perform in supplying the muscles and nervous centres with 

 pure blood ; — the limgs, in consequence of having to receive 

 and so rapidly to expose the blood currents to the atmosphere, 

 are alike enfeebled, both from their exertions individually, and 

 from the loss of central power also ; while the digestive organs 

 are enfeebled, more from the withdrawal of power to supply 

 other parts, than as the result of over activity within them- 

 selves. In addition, we may remark, that not only does this 

 state of general debility exist, but at the time the animal enters 

 the stable, the vital power which remains is greatly disturbed. 

 This is evident from the excited state of the pulse, the increased 

 action of the lungs, and perhaps the undue amount of perspira- 

 tion which may be going on from the general surface of the skin. 

 The time, however, which will necessarily elapse during the 

 processes of washing, clothing, and bandaging the animal, will 

 generally prove sufficient to allow the system to fully 

 return into a quieter state. In consequence of the general 

 debility existing throughout the nervous and muscular systems, 

 the less the horse is troubled, and the sooner he can be left 

 alone, the better; hence, washing the animal under the 

 circumstances named, is a practice to be highl3^ commended, and 

 one far preferable to grooming him in the ordinary way. No one, 

 however hard he may work, can in a reasonable period wisp the 

 skin dry if it be perspiring excessively. In addition to which, it is 

 a source of irritation to every horse of quality; indeed its 

 practice is a positive injury if performed upon a beast already 

 half dead from over exertion. Wisping does not cleanse the skin 

 so eifectually, nor place the animal in a position to obtain rest, 

 with anything like the rapidity which washing does. Warm 



