J 96 GENERAL TREATMENT OF HORSES. 



ing powers ; and, therefore, in this case useful. 

 Looking at it, however, in another light, we find 

 many objections to it ; amongst the greatest of 

 which is the deprivation of the protection of the 

 coat or hair, to an animal so much in want of it as 

 the hunter is, and therefore an outrage on nature. 

 In fact, it is, to a certain degree, a substitute for 

 good grooming, and proper treatment in the sum- 

 mer months ; and as such will continue to be in 

 favour with many grooms, as also with such of their 

 masters as submit to be dictated to by them, or 

 who may pay too much regard to appearances. 



Having alluded to grooms, a remark or two may 

 not be ill placed. Such of them as have the care 

 of large studs cannot be expected to work, but to 

 overlook those who are under them ; and their re- 

 sponsibility is considerable. There is much in the 

 choice of helpers ; for none but persons who have 

 narrowly watched it, are aware of the effects of a 

 good dressing to a hunter, not merely in having 

 his skin cleared from impurity, and in improving 

 its elasticity, as well as the tone and colour of the 

 hair, which may be termed the complexion of a 

 horse, but it greatly promotes general health by its 

 effect on the circulation of the blood, as well as all 

 other secretions, and in bad weather is a substitute 

 for exercise. 



Good stables are indispensable to the well-doing 

 of hunters, equally so w^th a comfortable house and 

 a warm bed to those who ride them. Even the 

 veterinary professors have at length acknowledged 

 the benefit of the genial warmth of a stable to 



