124 BIPEDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 



would no doubt be followed by a snatch at the bit, 

 that would produce comparative torture, for merely 

 an unavoidable occurrence. In fact, a bad-tempered, 

 passionate man, ought not to be trusted with a horse, 

 any animal, or anything but a halter, which, if he 

 consulted the good of society, he would know where 

 to apply. 



Clipping, I have heard the advocates for " nature's 

 clothing " consider an improper deprivation to the 

 horse. As many horses are used that have undergone 

 this operation, I quite concur with such in opinion, 

 though, under certain circumstances, and when used 

 for certain purposes, it is one of the greatest comforts 

 to the horse that has ever come into use as applied 

 to him ; but like bearing reins, sharp bits, and in- 

 deed every thing, if indiscriminately applied, must in 

 some cases prove highly prejudicial ; and here let me 

 caution owners of horses not to trust too much to 

 the suggestions of those employed in the care of them; 

 these will all, to a man, recommend having horses 

 clipped, and their recommendation of its being done 

 arises solely from its saving them trouble. An owner 



