106 PUTTING INTO CONDITION. 



ten weeks' regular soiling throughout the year, and 

 that at two different periods. As training usually 

 commences in October, the month of April, or early 

 part of May, and that of June, or early part of July, 

 will be judiciously chosen as the most proper season, 

 during which time the grain should be decreased 

 nearly one half, and the exercise never exceed a trot. 

 The hunter can have his in Auugst, September, and 

 October, when the grass is long and rich, and the boar 

 allowed to rest ; very little being given during the 

 months he is hunted. Green grass at coming in, dur- 

 ing the first fall of the rains, is very weak and washy ; 

 but lucern, kept half buried in water, is equally good 

 throughout the year. 



To retain a horse, then, in hunting or hardworking 

 condition, he must be kept chiefly on hard food : he 

 should have a three-mile gentle canter every other day, 

 and always be exercised, mounted, every morning and 

 evening. If wanted after breakfast, allow but little 

 water after finishing his morning's grain, and less 

 grass, so that he may go out with both stomach and 

 bowels tolerably empty. Feed and water in modera- 

 tion (a gallon of water and a seer of ground grain, with 

 a mouthful of grass, will be moderation,) if you halt to 

 take your own tiffin ; give first a small cordial drink, 

 if the least fatigue is apparent ; and, even whilst hunting, 

 always allow two or three go-downs of water at any 

 river or tank, if he thirsts for it ; this little will not 

 hinder his galloping, but will prevent faintness. In- 

 variably walk the last mile to cantonment, that he 

 may return home cool, but never feed until he has 

 te3n in an tour, and well cleaned above : then see 

 that he has a cordial drink, masallah ball, or some 

 gram flour gruel ; likewise that boiled food according 



