AIR AND EXERCISE VERSUS TURTLE. 61 



country squires it was not held as ^' gauche rie'' to 

 indulge in a laugli^ or considered indispensable to 

 ton not to evince tlie slightest excitement on any 

 occurrence in society ; so the athletic pursuits of 

 the squire causing him to be in the height of 

 health and consequent spirits^ a little elated him_, 

 and he indulged in a ringing laugh on the occa- 

 sion. The cit glories over his turtle, and the 

 next day takes some specific to stimulate the 

 organs of digestion, that, from want of air and 

 exercise, would otherwise be incompetent to their 

 duty ; the muscular country hunter and the 

 livery-kept cob are prototypes of the above. 



Another very great mistake is made by many 

 persons, in considering that old horses should be 

 indulged by an extra allowance of rest compared 

 to that which is permitted the young ones of their 

 stud. The incentive to such practice is an ami- 

 able, but it is at the same time a mistaken one. 

 Old horses cannot bear entire rest ; they may be 

 favoured as to the frequency of calling forth great 

 exertion from them, but a couple of days of entire 

 rest brings on all their old aches and pains arisino- 

 from work, blows, and falls. Exercise is life to 

 them ; it keeps the vital functions going, and 

 limbs, that regular and daily exercise keep pliant, 

 become stiff and rigid by continued absence of 

 motion ; any exertion, under such circumstances, 

 is attended with pain : and if an old horse is still 



