528 HISTORY OF THE 



modern system of racing, they are obliged to be 

 put " into work " before they are two years old. 



It being our intention to avoid any such detail 

 and explanations in this work as might have the 

 effect of rendering it unfit for general perusal, we 

 shall not dwell upon certain points, which may be 

 found in a variety of cheap and useful publica- 

 tions ; a selection of which should always be kept 

 for reference in every breeding establishment. 



The careful stud- groom will make it a point to 

 pay the utmost personal attention to the comfort 

 and safety of the sires and dams under his charge, 

 leaving no important duty to the mercy of under- 

 lings. 



According to the necessity enacted by the con- 

 ditions of most important racing-stakes now annu- 

 ally the subject of competition, thorough -bred 

 stock must be considered in training from the 

 moment they first see the light. Too much care 

 cannot be taken in sheltering the foals from the 

 rain and weather, in warm sheds, constructed with 

 rollers on the sides of the entrances, so as to 

 prevent injury to the timid little animals as they 

 rush in and out by the sides of their dams. 

 These entrances, as well as the walls or hedges 

 of the paddocks, should be free from any projec- 

 tion against which they might hurt themselves in 

 their quick and giddy movements. 



As they are required to display at the " starting- 

 post" at two years old, in a form, and with powers, 



