64 HtrifTING COKDITION. 



Prior to entering, however, upon a description of the several 

 matters essential to the present section, it is proper to give the 

 reader a statement of what I intend more particularly to treat 

 upon. Krst, I propose to define the meaning of the common 

 phrase " Hunting Condition." Secondly, to descrihe the com- 

 mon practices by which condition of the hunter is obtained. 

 Thirdly, the treatment of the hunter after the severity of the 

 chase, and also shew the rationale of the practices adopted. 

 Fourthly, delicate feeders and their management. Fifthly, 

 upon those diseases and accidents common to the hunter. 

 Sixthly, upon the preparation of the animal for purgative 

 medicine, the proper drug to use, and the after-treatment neces- 

 sary to pursue. And lastly, I shall conclude with a few remarks 

 upon the liability of the hunter to soreness of the back, and 

 the mode of its prevention ; together with sach observations of 

 a general character as may be necessary. 



HuNTiNa CoifiiiTioir. — By " Simtmg Condition" is meant 

 the existence of that state of the organism, in which, the physical 

 powers of the animal are ready for the exertion and reasonable 

 maintenance of their highest capabilities of activity. 



Condition is not health: it is something super-added. A 

 horse may be in excellent health, and yet, in the sense defined, 

 totally out of condition ; but he cannot long retain condition 

 and at the same time remain out of health. Condition and 

 health, although different, are nevertheless inseparable. The 

 existence of the latter is absolutely necessary to enable the 

 best of trainers to procure the former. To fully discuss this 

 question, however, would lead us far beyond the scope of the 

 present section. I shall, therefore, strictly confine myself to 

 the task of giving an exposition of the practices adopted to 

 obtain condition in those animals comprising the studs of 

 our best hunting establishments. 



