226 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
pores kept open by grooming, but the vessels and pores as well are stimu- 
lated to increased action, und thus the oil at the roots of the hair passes 
through the skin, giving a fine glossy appearance to the animal. The 
horse should be groomed in the open air, unless the weather is bad. Even 
the apparent injury from cold air is more than balanced by the 
increased warmth secured by the friction. The curry-comb should ke 
used sparingly, and a stiff, hard brush be briskly applied. Rubbing the 
legs downward with the hand is very beneficial, Horses that are not 
housed and those which are turned out just after work should merely have 
the mud, dust, dried sweat and the like removed when they are turned out 
or taken up, the skin to be left undisturbed. The use of a soft brush, or 
of a dry cloth passed lightly over the hair, will generally suffice. 
WasHING AFTER WorkK.—If properly done, this is to be highly 
recommended. We all know from experience how refreshed we feel after 
a warm bath, and it is but reasonable to suppose that it will have a like 
effect upon the horse, and render him less lable to inflammation and con- 
gestion of any internal organ, as well as give him the quiet which he 
needs, The proper mode of washing is to apply quite warm water and 
soap quickly and freely to the whole surface and scrape it as dry as pos- 
sible, then rub with wash-leathers for ten minutes, not longer. The usual 
clothing should then be put on and be covered with an extra blanket, the 
legs being bandaged with flannels. The animal should now have some 
grain-gruel and afterward some bran-mashes. After two hours in this con- 
dition the body becomes warm, and the outside blanket, which will be wet, 
should be removed and the horse be well bedded. 
Dry bandages should be used for drying the legs or warming them. 
Wet, warm bandages tone up the vessels and relieve them by removing 
heat. Wet, cold bandages produce sweating and carry off some of the 
contents of the vessels; but if the cold bandage be not kept cool in some 
way, it will soon act as if it were originally warm. Wet bandages are de- 
sirable in cases of sprains, blows, and long exertion on hard roads, but 
should not be continued longer than is actually necessary, or they may have 
an effect the opposite of the one desired, which is to excite evaporation 
and to remove deposits from the interstices of the flesh. If applied too 
long, they inflame the skin, and cause the hair to fall. 
CLoTHinG.—Horses doing slow work and having their natural coat 
are better without any clothing. But clothing is far preferable to a hot 
stable, and as a glossy coat is very desirable, the horse should be warmly 
clothed, and the stable be kept cool and well ventilated. 
Exercise.—This is absolutely necessary to promote digestion and 
otherwise preserve health. Quick work is injurious directly after feeding, 
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