SUMMER HUNTING. 323 



see them loaded with saws, hatchets, &c. I 

 am glad that the country in which I hunt 

 does not require them. In the book I have 

 just quoted, you will find the shoeing of hor- 

 ses treated of very much at large. I beg 

 leave, therefore, if you want further infor- 

 mation on that head, to refer you to it. 



Having declared my disapprobation of 

 summer hunting, on account of the horses, 

 I must add, that I am not less an enemy to 

 it on account of the hounds also : they^ I 

 think, should have some time allowed them 

 to recovef* the strains and bruises of many a 

 painful chase ; and their diet, in which the 

 adding to their strength has been, perhaps, 

 too much considered, should now be altered. 

 No more flesh should they now eat; but in 

 its stead, should have their bodies cooled with 



necessary to preserve the proper shape of the hoof, and 

 bring the foot to a stroke and bearing the most natu- 

 ral and advantageous. Neither the horny sole or frog, 

 (meant by nature for the guard of the foot and safety 

 of the horse,) are upon any account to be pared, or cut 

 away. The small, loose, ragged parts that at times 

 appear, should be cut off with a pen-knife ; but that 

 destructive instrument called the butleris, which, in the 

 hands of stubborn ignorance, has done more injury to 

 the feet of horses than all the chases of the world, 

 should be banished for ever. 



