HORSES AND HOUNDS. 39 



to address his master in such language either when out of con- 

 dition, or with a full stomach. 



When a horse returns to the stable, either after hunting or a 

 journey, the first thing to be done to him is to take off the 

 bridle, but to let the saddle remain on for some time at least, 

 merely loosening the girths. The head and ears are first to be 

 rubbed dry, cither with a wisp of hay or a cloth, and then by 

 the hand until the ears are warm and comfortable ; this will 

 occupy only a few minutes, and the horse can then have his bit 

 of hay or feed of corn, having previously, if returned from 

 hunting or from a long journey, despatched his bucket of thick 

 gruel : the process of washing his legs may now be going on, 

 whilst he is discussing his feed of corn in peace ; as each leg is 

 washed, it should be wrapped round with a flannel or serge 

 bandage, and by the time the four legs are done with, the horse 

 will have finished his feed of corn. A little hay may then be 

 given, which vAW occupy his attention while the rubbing his 

 body is proceeded with. I am a great advocate for plenty of dry 

 clean wheat straw for this purpose ; and a good groom, with a 

 large wisp in each hand, will in a very short space of time, 

 make a clean sweep of all outward dirt and wet. It cannot, 

 however, be properly done without a great deal of elbow grea&e 

 as well, of which the present generation are inclined to be very 

 chary. When the body of the horse is drj'-, a large loose rug 

 should be thrown over him, and the legs then attended to, and 

 rubbed thoroughly dry by the hand ; I know the usual practice 

 with idle and knowing grooms is to let the l)andages remain 

 on until the legs become dry of themselves, but I also know 

 that there cannot be a worse practice ; for horses' legs, after 

 hunting, the large knee-bucket should be used, with plenty of 

 warm water, which will soothe the sinews after such violent 

 exertion, and allay any irritation proceeding from cuts and 

 thorns. The system of bandaging horses' legs, and letting them 

 remain in this state for hours, must tend to relax the sinews ; 

 such practices have never gained favour with me, but I have 

 heard salt and water and vinegar highly extolled by some, with 

 which the bandages are to be kept constantly wet, as tending to 

 strengthen the sinews and keep them cool ; if, however, used 

 too long or allov/ed to become dry, I conceive more injury 

 likely to result from their use than benefit. It is generally 

 known that those who have recourse -to belts for support in 

 riding, cannot do well without them afterwards, and although 

 often advised to try these extra aids, I never availed myself of 

 them ; cold water is the best strengthener either to man or 

 horse, and a thorough good dry rubbing afterwards. After 



