FOBEGOING MODES. 71 



of those organs, whose vital or functional activity is subordinate 

 to the central sources in question. The muscles, ia consequence 

 of their tremendous and long-continued exertion ; — the heart, ia 

 consequence of the extra labour it has been called upon to 

 perform in supplying the muscles and nervous centres vvith pure 

 blood ; — the lungs, in consequence of having to receive and so 

 rapidly to expose the blood currents to the atmosphere, are alike 

 enfeebled, both from their exertions individually, and from the 

 loss of central power also; while the digestive organs are 

 enfeebled, more from the withdrawal of power to supply other 

 parts, than as the result of over activity within themselves. In 

 addition, we may remark, that not only does this state of 

 general debility exist, but at the time the animal enters the 

 stable, the vital power which remains is greatly disturbed. 

 This is evident from the exited state of the pulse, the increased 

 action of the lungs, and perhaps the undue amount of perspira- 

 tion which may be going on from the general surface of the skin. 

 The time, however, which wiU necessarily elapse during the 

 processes of washing, clothing, and bandaging the animal, will 

 generally prove sufficient to allow the system to fully return 

 into a quieter state. In consequence of the general debility 

 existing throughout the nervous and muscular systems, the less 

 the horse is troubled, and the sooner he can be left alone, the 

 better; hence, washing the animal under the circumstances 

 named, is a practice to be highly commended, and one far 

 preferable to grooming him. in the ordinary way. No one, 

 however hard he may work, can in a reasonable period wisp the 

 skin dry if it be perspiring excessively. In addition to which, it 

 is a source of irritation to every horse of quality ; indeed its 

 practice is a positive injury if performed upon a beast abeady 

 half dead from over exertion. Wisping does not cleanse the skin 

 so effectually, nor place the animal in a position to obtain rest, 



