There still exists much difference of opinion on this point, but when we consider that the great object to be attained is rest, it must be evident to all who have seen horses at grass in the summer, that the old plan of turning the hunter to grass is about the very least likely way to obtain it. The ground is then very hard, the sun hot and oppressive, and even in the shade under the trees, the horse is constantly tormented by flies. He is never still, walking backwards and forwards, kicking and stamping to knock them off, till, unable any longer to bear them, he takes a mad gallop round the field. This state of things cannot be rest, but more destructive to the legs and feet than any ordinary amount of work. In addition to which, the horse gets big and lusty on soft green food, all which has to be taken off at the expense of his legs and feet, before he is fit to go, and is another very unsuitable preparation for the work required of him in the winter. The modern plan, the advantages of which are every year becoming more and more apparent, is, at the end of the hunting season to cool the hunter, by giving him a dose of physic and then gradually taking off his clothing.

At the end of a month he may be turned into a large cool box or shed, have from two to three quarterns of corn a day, according to his constitution, with green meat in sufficient quantities to act as a natural alterative and tonic to his system and get him fresh, but not fat and out of shape, as is too often the case. His hind shoes may be taken off, and light shoes or tips put on the fore feet, and removed about once a month. These will prevent his feet getting broken away and preserve them in shape. If he require blistering, or has any lumps or bumps on his legs, from blows or thorns, to be sweated down, it should at once be done. For this the biniodide of mercury will be found the best. At the beginning of August at the latest, the hunter may be taken up, his legs and feet will be found to be clean and cool, he should have a dose of physic, and begin steady exercise; after which, if the groom do his duty, he will be free from the different complaints that usually attack a horse summered in the field, and when the hunting season arrives he will carry his master safely and pleasantly through runs that will soon stop the other for want of real condition.