PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA, 395 
tlie matter of clmfes_, galls, and other slight wounds, for it is of 
the greatest importance that these lesions or abrasions be care¬ 
fully dressed and protected from the air, dirt, flies, &c., as soon 
as possible after occurrence, to prevent them from assuming an 
unhealthy character, and running into troublesome sores. 
Tartar .—There is a cause of discomfort to the horse that 
frequently arises, and is as often overlooked. I mean an accu¬ 
mulation or collection of tartar deposited from the saliva on the 
tushes; this should be watched for, and removed at once. 
Clipping .—The operation of clipping is one that has, since 
its introduction, found almost universal favour amongst horse 
owners, as by this process the long heavy coat of the winter 
months is removed, from which horses in fast or severe work are 
found to benefit largely, for while that covering remains on the 
horse he is weak or foggy, as it is termed, and sweats so pro¬ 
fusely under exertion that it is impossible to dry him without an 
immense expenditure of time and labour, and when dried he is 
liable to break out a second time into a state of profuse perspira¬ 
tion. To obviate this clipping was introduced, and has proved 
of great service, for horses improve in condition and pluck, work 
with more life, and are known (if well clothed and protected 
when at rest) to be less liable to take cold, as the term goes, than 
when wearing the coat provided by nature for his comfort when 
under however diametrically opposite conditions of life. 
Horses should be clipped entirely, but not till the coat is thick 
and long, and they should be carefully clad afterwards. Singeing 
supersedes clipping with some, and is of equal benefit (in fact I 
prefer it), while others singe after clipping. 
Shoes .—The condition of the shoes should be carefully watched, 
and if any of them be lost or loose, or a single clinch started, 
it should be reported and rectified at once, and any stone or 
mould removed from the feet as often as circumstances may 
demand. 
Saddlery .—The saddlery and harness with their appendages, 
the bits and stirrup irons, &c., should be clean and bright. Bar 
soap has been found by many to be the best application for 
cleaning and preserving the integrity and softness of the leather, 
and the burnisher to be most useful in polishing the steel and 
brass accessories; in addition to these, we may supply wash- 
leathers, sponges, dusters, and Bath brick. 
Syces .—The native atendants on the horse, the syce and grass- 
cutter, both of private and public stables, should be regularly 
paid, treated with due consideration, and encouraged to work at 
their respective callings with regularity and promptitude, but 
should be exempt, as a rule, from all other labour. 
Conclusion .—In conclusion. I would ask one and all to bear in 
