SUMMERING THE HUNTER. 171 



ill any kind of reform. First, the purging by 

 spring grass is insisted upon. Secondly, a relaxa- 

 tion of the muscles, and what is called a lettino- 

 down of the whole system to its natural state. 

 Thirdly, the benefit the feet receive from the dews 

 of the evening, and coming in contact with the 

 cool earth. Fourthly, the saving of expense. 

 Fifthly, a kind feeling towards the animal, who, 

 they say, is entitled to his liberty for a certain 

 period of the year, and to the free enjoyment of 

 his natural state. And, lastly, the absolute neces- 

 sity of rest to the limbs, after the labours of the 

 preceding season. We will now make our own 

 comment on each of these presumed facts. 



And, first, we admit there is a laxative, and 

 therefore a cooling, property in early spring grass ; 

 but as a purgative it is insufiicient, which is ad- 

 mitted by the fact of its having been generally con- 

 sidered necessary to give two dozes of physic to 

 hunters previously to their being turned abroad for 

 the summer (thus administering the antidote, as it 

 were, before the poison,) and to physic them im- 

 mediately when taken up. Here, then, is at once 

 an answer to the first objection to the improved 

 system of in-door treatment in the summer ; even 

 supposing that spring grass could not be given to 

 a horse in a loose box, whereas it is evident that 

 it can. 



Secondly, the entire letting down of the system, 

 by a sudden change of food from that which is 

 highly invigorating to that which is only succulent 

 and relaxing, is neither called for, nor can it be 



