80 THE HORSE. 



much real and permanent utility from these stable mea- 

 sures, and I should apprehend from them, if long con- 

 tinued, mischiefs of an opposite nature. In one case 

 the hoof might be injuriously relaxed and softened; 

 and when a horse, accustomed to standing upon warm 

 litter, has his feet and legs suddenly immersed in 

 cold water or cold clay, so to continue for hours 

 together, the consequence may be chill and rheuma- 

 tism to those parts: thus these supposed remedies 

 may be the precursors of new diseases. I do not, 

 however, presume to dogmatize upon the subject, 

 leaving the rationale of it to be adjusted by proprie- 

 tors and their professional advisers. 



But I shall hold forth with all my former derision 

 in contempt of that wretched, scalt — miserable prac- 

 tice, at a certain period recommended on authority, 

 compelling the horse to stand in the stable, shifting 

 and easing his benumbed and aching limbs upon the 

 cold stones, with the view of hardening his hoofs, 

 God wot ! A rare device truly, to deaden and palsy 

 both hoofs and joints. The lower livery stables of 

 the metropolis, which I never enter but with unplea- 

 sant feelings, exhibit a very apt example, where the 

 animals, standing upon a flimsy covering of dung 

 and straw, the apology for litter, make a truly pitiable 

 appearance. As to stopping hoofs, the old writers 

 recommend both horse and cow dung, beyond a 

 doubt, improper or hurtful articles ; but their use of 

 warm water, in the case of dried and hardened hoofs, 

 when occasional, not long continued, well deserves 

 to be followed ; and, where such care can be be- 



