62 
OBSERVATIONS ON NIMROD’S 
flammatory disease of these parts; and from this circumstance it 
is, that horses turned to grass supposed to he sound, and appa¬ 
rently free from any predisposition of the kind, come up roarers. 
If the observer had not been deluded by this, the seeds of roaring 
might probably have been traced to other causes than the effect of 
summering. When we consider what the hunter has at times to 
undergo, in a long distressing day and severe run, perhaps ridden 
almost or quite to a stand still, and observe the violent excite¬ 
ment and action which the respiratory organs are then called upon 
to sustain, we might easily imagine that some derangement of parts 
will occasionally ensue, of sufficient consequence to form the basis 
of this complaint, and which, by turning-out, will be more fully 
developed. 
I do not mean to deny that roaring would not take place under 
the ordinary circumstances, if the animal was not turned out, be¬ 
cause I am aware that it does so in many instances; but the run 
at grass seems principally conducive to its full establishment. Why 
it should be so, I will not presume to determine. It may be, that 
the position of feeding has something to do with it. The stomach, 
bowels, and general habit also may become too much filled and 
oppressed, which, at all times, renders the slightest defect of the 
kind more marked. 
Diet and regular feeding has much to do with general health, as 
well as with wind and condition, and this with reference to the 
quantity as well as the quality of food; all of which cannot be 
so well regulated as under Nimrod’s soiling system. A cool and 
roomy box, or shed—the former would be preferable—with occa¬ 
sional walking exercise, or a few hours’ run in a paddock, would 
be more conducive to the general health, soundness, and condition 
of hunters than an exclusive run at grass. 
On the subject of diet Nimrod expresses a wish to try wheaten 
straw in the place of hay, having observed its very fattening and 
strengthening properties among horses in France. I have heard the 
same thing remarked by other gentlemen,—that French horses, al¬ 
though eating nothing but wheaten straw, are yet fat and in prime 
condition. That the quality of the straw of that country should be so 
different from what is found in our island is to me very remarkable. 
It is a rule or a prejudice among us, that if any mode of feeding 
and keeping horses is to be avoided more than another, it is a straw 
yard, unless some other provender is added to the straw. I can 
only reconcile the difference in this way, that straw in France may 
be very badly threshed, and, consequently, contains a considerable 
portion of grain. 
Wheat is very fattening, and horses will thrive quickly when a 
small quantity is mixed with other food. It produces a firm con- 
