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THE 

GROOM'S 

GUIDE 


HIS  DUTIES 
AND  HOW  TO 
PEkFORM  THtiM 


FRANK  T,  BARTON, 


iVI.R,av,5. 


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I  * 


TUFTS   UNIVERSITY   LIBRARIES 


3  9090  014  547  810 


Seaverns 

SF 

285.7 

B37 

1901Z 


Edited  by 
FRANK  TOWNEND  BARTON,  M.R.C.V.S. 


THE  GROOM'S  GUIDE 


I-.\ 


Some  Points  of  the  Horse, 

I,  The  Nose  ;  2,  Face  ;  3,  Mouth  ;  4,  The  Poll ;  5,  Crest  ;  6,  Whithers  : 
7,  Loins;  8,  Sheath  ;  9,  Brisket  ;  10,  Shoulder;  11,  Elbow;  12,  Fore-Arm  ; 
13,  Knee  ;  14,  Fetlock  ;  15,  Pastern  ;  16,  Coronet  ;  17,  Hock  ;  17A,  Point  of 
Hock  ;  18,  Canon  ;  19,  Thigh  ;  20,  Ribs. 


THE  GROOM'S  GUIDE 

an^  J^ovo  to  (petrform  ^gem 


BY 


FRANK  TOWNEND  BARTON 

Member  of  the  Royal  College  of  Vetermary  Stirgeons 

Author  of 

* 77/(5  Veterinary  Manual,''  '  Unsound  Horses,  and  How  to  Know 

Them,''  '  Every  Day  Ailments,  and  Accidents  of  Cattle,'' 

*  The  Horse  doner's  Companion,^  '  Diseases  and 

Accidents  of  the  Dog,''  '  Diseases  of  Poultry,' 

'  Ottr  Friend  the  Horse,  ^  '  The  Age  of  the 

Horse  and  How  to  Tell  It,"^  '  The 

Dog  Ownej-'s  Companion,^ 

etc.,  etc. 


R.  A.   EVERETT  &  CO., 
42   Essex  Street,  Strand. 

[All  Rights  Reserved.] 


Dedication 


To  All 

entrusted  with  the  care 

of  Horses. 


Preface 


The  Grooms  Gtiide  has  been  chiefly 
written  for  the  benefit  of  those  following-, 
or  intending  to  follow  the  occupation  of  a 
oTOom,  or  a  groom-coachman,  but  it  has  a 
further  object,  viz  : — that  of  supplying 
those  who  may  have  to  look  after  their  own 
pony  as  owner,  groom,  and  coachman  com- 
bined. 

It  must  be  admitted,  within  the  last  few 
years,  that  the  motor  car,  cycle,  etc.,  have 
been    detrimental    to    the    latter    class    in 


vl  '  Preface 

particular,  but  few  will  dispute  that,  given 
a  handsome  pony,  either  for  saddle  or 
harness  purposes,  provided  the  animal  be 
well  groomed,  thai  the  inanimate  objects 
referred  to,  stand,  and  will  ever  stand,  a 
long  way  in  the  rear. 

The  Author  has  known  those  who  pos- 
sessed motor  car  and  cycle,  yet  he  has 
heard  such  express  themselves  in  language 
thus  \^Ah !  ifs  nothing  you  know  like 
driving  a  high- stepping,  well-mamiered 
pony. 

Frank  Town  end  Barton. 


CONTENTS 


FRONTISPIECE,    SHOWING    POINTS    OF    HORSE        ..^ce 

CHAPTER  I 

GROOMING,     ------         9 

Washing  —  Shampooing — Brushes  and  Brushing — Head-Stalls  and 
Halters — Clipping  and  Singeing — Bandages 

CHAPTER  H 

FOODS   AND    FEEDING      -  -  -  -21 

Nitrogenous  Foods — Hydrocarbous  Foods — Carbo-Hydrates— Oats — 
Barley — Wheat  —  Maize  —  Beans  —  Peas —  Linseed  — Xinseed- 
Cake  —  Bran  —  Chaff  —  Hay  —  Straw  —  Artificial  Grasses  — 
Swedes — Carrots — Feeding — Watering 

CHAPTER  III 

VENTILATION,   DISINFECTANTS,   ETC..       -      43 

Air  and  Ventilation — Temperature  of  the  Stable — How  to  give  a  Ball 
or  Bolus — How  to  give  a  Draught — Physic — Disinfectants 

CHAPTER  IV 

CLEANING   STABLE,   FITTINGS,   ETC.  -      55 

Cleaning  Stable,  Fittings,  and  Appliances — Cleaning  and  Preserving 
Harness — Cleaning  Rusty-bits,  Stirrups,  etc. — Cleaning  Harness 
Mountings  ;  Plated  Stirrups,  Spurs,  Bits  and  Fittings — Lamps — 
Measuring  for  Harness — -Clippers — Summer  Clothing — Winte"- 
Clothing — Knee-Caps — How  to  Measure  for  a  Horse-Rug — 
Cleaning  Saddles  and  Riding  Bridles — Care  of  Clothing — 
Cleaning  and  Preserving  Boot-Tops  —  Groom's  Clothing  — 
Saddle  Clothes  or  Numnahs — Stable  Requisites 

CHAPTER    V 

BITS,   MARTINGALES,  REARING,  SETTING, 

ETC.  ------      76 

Different  Varieties  of  Bits — The  SnafBeor  Bridoon-Bit— Ring  Snaffle — 
Pelham  Bit — Weymouth  and  Driving  Bits — Bearing  Rein  and 
its  Uses — Martingale — Nose-Band — Kicking  in  Harness — Rear- 
ing —  Setting  —  Stumbling  — Shying — Weaving  —  Crib-Biting — 
Wind-Sucking 


vii  CONTEXTS 

CHAPTER    VI 

ELEMENTS    OF    RIDINCi    AND    DRIMXC      -      8^ 
Ridiiig — Driving— Exercising 

CHAPTER    VII 

CARE  OF  THE  FEET,  SHOEING  IN  WINTER, 

THRUSH,   CORNS,   ETC.       -  -  -    102 

Care  of  the  Feet  and  Removal  of  Shoes — Shoeing  in  Winter — Forging — 
Brushing  or  Cutting — False  Quarter — Sandcrack — Puncture  of 
the  Foot — Founder  of  the  Feet — Bruises  to  the  Coronet — Thrush 
of  the  Feet — Corns 

CHAPTER    VIII 

TREATMENT  OF  HORSES  ON  BOARD  SHIP, 

BLISTERING,   ETC.     -  -  -  -    114 

Treatment  of  Horses  on  Board  Sliip — Blistering — Special  Feeding  of 
Sick  Horses — Cleaning  and  Preserving  Carriages 

CHAPTER  IX 

SOME    DISEASES        -----    123 

Influenza — Cold  in  the  Head — Glanders  and  Farcy — Megrims — 
Cramp — Kicks 

CHAPTER  X 

INJURIES    OF   THE   SKIN,    ETC.    -  -  -    129 

Collar,  Saddle  and  Girth  Galls — Speedy-Cutting — Mange — Ring- 
worm— Mud-Rash — Wounds — Sprains — Bruises 

CHAPTER  XI 

SOME   TROPICAL   DISEASES        -  -  -    137 

Surra — Dourine — Cape  Horse  Sickness — Anthrax 

CHAPTER  XII 

DISEASES  AND   INJURIES  OF  BONES,  ETC.    142 

Splint — Spavin — Ringbone — Curl) — Sore  Shins — Side-Bone  —  Capped 
Hock — Capped  iLlbow 

(sub-section) 
Care   of  the   Teeth 

CHAPTER  XIII 

RECIPES,  ------    150 

Boot  Top  Liquid — Same  for  White  and  Brown  Tops — Harness  Dye — 
Harness  Blacking— Harness  Paste — Liquid  Blacking  for  Shoes 
and  Boots — Axle  (irease — Waterproofing  for  Boots— P'rench 
Plate  Powder— Brilliantine  for  the  Hair— Glycerine  and  Lime 
Cream  for  the  Hair — Shaving  Cream— Razor  Paste — To  Remove 
Grease  Stains — To  Remove  Paint  Stains — Paste  for  Cleaning 
Brass  Fittings 


The  Grooms  Guide. 


CHAPTER  I. 
GROOMING. 

Washing. 

Soiled  portions  of  the  body  or  limbs  of 
light  coloured  horses  should  be  sponged 
with  a  little  water  and  soft  soap,  then 
vigorously  shampooed  until  thorougly  dry. 

If  the  bedding-  be  kept  as  It  should  be, 
there  will  not  be  much  necessity  for  doing 
this. 

Some    owners    insist    on    their    grooms 


lo  The  Grooms  Guide 

sponging  their  horses  all  over  the  body 
after  coming  in  from  work,  even  in  winter 
in  some  instances,  but  the  after  drying 
must  be  'thorough.'  Washing  the  feet 
in  cold  water  as  soon  as  the  animal  comes 
In  should  always  be  done,  but  If  the  legs 
are  also  washed,  the  groom  must  not  be 
satisfied  with  half  drying  them,  otherwise 
there  will  very  likely  soon  be  more  trouble 
in  store.  After  the  legs  have  been  washed, 
and  the  last  traces  of  moisture  removed, 
they  can  be  bandaged — using  flannel  ones 
in  preference. 

Driving  a  horse  into  a  pond  or  stream 
daily  is  not  a  good  practice,  unless  his 
legs  are  well  rubbed  after  coming  home. 
Cracked  heels  are  very  liable  to  result 
through  this  cause. 

Shampooing. 

To  give  a  horse    a   vigorous   shampoo 


Gi'ooining  1 1 

requires  a  fairly  ^ood  display  of  both 
energy  and  strength,  combined  with  re- 
spect for  '  method,'  without  which  no  groom 
can  ever  hope  to  attain  the  highest  rungs 
of  his  occupation. 

If  the  horse  Is  very  hot  when  it  returns, 
it  Is  a  good  plan  to  give  it  a  little  exercise 
before  taking  off  the  collar,  saddle,  or 
harness  pad,  as  the  case  may  be.  Failing 
this,  cover  with  an  old  woollen  ruo-  for  a 
short  time  ;  then  take  off  the  rug  and 
remove  the  collar,  saddle,  etc.  In  summer 
all  this  can  be  easily  done  outside  the 
stable.  The  feet  havino-  been  cleaned, 
wisp  the  animal  with  straw,  starting  at  the 
head  and  face,  on  the  left  side,  ending  at 
the  near  hind  foot.  Repeat  this  operation 
on  the  right  side. 

As  soon  as  the  hair  is  dry — but  not 
until — the  dandy  brush  should  be  well 
laid  on,  the  curry-comb  being  held  in  the 


12  The  Grooni s  Guide 

left  hand  so  that  the  brush  can  be  run 
over  it  for  removing  hair,  dust,  etc.,  from 
the  former.  Some  grooms  take  off  all  the 
loose  mud,  etc.,  with  the  curry-comb,  but 
it  is  not  made  for  this  purpose.  Lastly, 
go  over  the  body  and  legs  with  a  damp 
(slightly  so)  chamois  leather  so  as  to  bring 
the  coat  well  Into  its  place,  finishing  off 
with  a  very  dry  chamois.  Brush  the 
mane,  forelock,  tail,  etc.  Sponge  around 
the  eyes,  under  the  tail,  and  the  sheath. 
The  last  named  should  be  cleaned  out 
with  carbolic  soft  soap,  and  warm  water 
once  every  two  or  three  weeks.  Now 
fasten  on  the  rug,  and  if  a  roller  be  used 
it  Is  better  not  to  buckle  tightly  because 
the  rug  keeps  better  in  its  place  if  some- 
what loose. 

Self  adjusting  rugs,  of  course,  need  no 
surcingle.  No  matter  whether  the  animal 
has     been     at     work    or    not,    it     requires. 


Grooining  13 

brushing,  leathering-,  etc.,  night  and  morn- 
ing. When  a  groom  has  nothing  better 
on  hand  he  may  do  worse  than  by  utilising 
his  time  with  the  chamois  upon  his  charge. 
Brushes  and  Brushing. 

A  small  sized  dandy  brush,  body  brush, 
water  brush,  cushion  brush,  clothes  brush, 
spoke  brush,  and  a  set  of  blacking  and 
compo  brushes  are  indispensable  in  the 
stable.  The  best  quality  being  the  most 
lasting  and  cheapest  in  the  end. 

The  water  and  dry  brushes  should  be 
kept  quite  separate,  and  when  the  former 
has  been  used,  they  should  be  dried  in  the 
open  air,  if  possible,  before  being  put 
away.  Nothing  spoils  the  bristles  sooner 
than  putting  a  brush  away  before  being 
properly  dried. 

A  couple  of  small  boxes  may  be  re- 
tained for  keeping  brushes  in,  so  that  they 
will    always    be    at    hand    when    required. 


14  The  Groonis  Gztide 

The  body  brush  should  be  used  after  the 
dandy  brush,  but  it  need  not  supersede 
the  use  of  the  chamois  leather. 

When  cleaning  the  spokes  of  a  wheel — 
unless  the  brush  has  a  rubber  back — care 
must  be  taken  to  avoid  striking  the  var- 
nish with  the  hard  back  of  the  brush. 

Head-Stall  and  Halters. 

The  best  head-stalls  are  made  of  stout, 
pliant  leather,  made  more  ornamental  by 
having  an  enamelled  fore-head  strap. 

Patent  ties  are  now  in  use  in  the  best 
stables.  They  prevent  the  animal  from 
getting  into  mischief.  The  best  of  these 
are  noiseless  ;  fixed  to  the  wall  ;  have  the 
chains  only  exposed,  together  with  free 
runnino-  of  the  weio'hted  end. 

The  cheapest  —  though  not  the  most 
satisfactory — halters  are  those  composed  of 
'jute.'     White,  broad,  and  webbed  hempen 


Grooming  1 5 

halters  are  the  best,  lasting  for  a  reason- 
able time.  These  halters  can  be  cleaned, 
and  then  rubbed  up  with  pipe-clay.  They 
are  sold  in  sizes  suitable  for  ponies,  har- 
ness, and  heavy  horses.  The  free  end  is 
usually  fastened  by  means  of  a  'log,'  which 
should  touch  the  ground  when  the  animal 
is  feeding.  If  left  too  long  a  horse  may 
get  its  leg  entangled,  struggle,  and  damage 
itself.  Some  horses  are,  however,  very 
'  canny  'when  they  get  a  leg  over  the  rope 
or  chain,  remaining  uninjured  in  this  posi- 
tion for  perhaps  hours.  However  it  is  very 
risky,  therefore  a  careful  groom  will  always 
pay  special  attention  to  its  fastening,  especi- 
ally when  '  suppering  up  '  for  the  night. 

Clipping  and  Singeing. 

When    horses    are    regularly    groomed,, 
clothed   and    kept   in   a   stable   where   the 


1 6  The  Grooms  Guide 

temperature  is  equable,  they  require  no 
clipping,  a  fine  summer-like  coat  being 
retained  at  all  seasons  of  the  year. 

Some  horses  are  remarkable  in  respect 
to  having  a  short  and  shiny  coat,  usually 
associated  with  a  thin  skin. 

In  certain  parts  it  is  the  custom  to  clip 
the  limbs  and  only  half  the  body,  whereas 
others  leave  the  legs  untouched  and  clip 
the  upper  part  of  the  animal — diametrically 
opposite  customs. 

In  other  instances  a  portion  of  the  hair 
under  the  saddle  is  left  on. 

When  the  weather  is  cold  and  the  whole 
of  the  body  and  legs  have  to  be  clipped, 
the  animal  should  be  very  warmly  clad  for 
the  next  ten  days  or  a  fortnight.  The 
writer  thinks  this  to  be  the  most  satis- 
factory plan.  Some  horses  are  very 
restless  and  even  troublesome  to  clip, 
therefore  the  twitch  should  be  applied. 


Grooming  1 7 

Before  beginning  the  operation  brush 
all  the  scurf,  etc.,  off  the  skin,  otherwise 
the  free  use  of  the  clipping-  machine  is  im- 
peded, for  the  oiling  of  which  sperm  or 
paraffin  oils  can  be  used. 

After  having  gone  over  the  body  twice, 
the  '  fine '  clippers  (such  as  used  by  hair- 
dressers) may  be  used  to  finish  up  any  odd 
parts  where  the  hair  is  short  and  fine,  such 
as  that  upon  the  ears,  nose,  face,  etc., 
whereas  the  long  hairs  under  the  jaw,  chin, 
and  thigh  can  be  '  singed '  off  with  advan- 
tage. 

Many  grooms  go  over  the  whole  body 
with  the  'singer,'  whilst  others  object  to 
using  it  at  all. 

The  hair  upon  the  mane  and  tail  should 
first  of  all  be  well  combed,  and  then 
trimmed  with  the  trimming  comb  and 
scissors. 

Both  for  the  clipping  of  horses  and  the 


1 8  The  Groo7?is  Guide 

shearing  of  sheep,  the  Barton-Gillette 
chain  clippers  are  largely  employed,  and 
they  are  said  to  give  a  much  better  '  finish/ 
whilst  the  time  occupied  to  clip  a  horse 
is  only  about  one  quarter  that  taken  when 
hand  clippers  are  used. 

Bandages. 

There  should  be  at  least  two  or  three 
sets  of  bandages  in  every  stable. 

The  ordinary  home  bandage  is  made  of 
linen  or  flannel,  five  inches  wide  and  seven 
and  a  half  feet  in  lenoth.  Excellent 
bandages  can  be  got  at  3s.  6d.  per  set  of 
four.  In  summer,  linen  bandages  should 
be  used,  flannel  in  winter. 

Grey  or  fawn  ones  are  preferable  to 
white,  being  less  liable  to  show  stains, 
etc. 

It  is  chiefly  the  lighter  breeds  of  horses 
in   which    the    custom   of   bandaging    pre- 


G^^ooniing  1 9 

vails,  and  It  is  one  which  is  well  worth  any 
extra  trouble  it  may  cause. 

The  fore,  hind,  or  all  the  lower  parts  of 
the  limbs  may  be  bandaged,  but  not  before 
the  leo's  have  been  thoroughly  cleaned  and 
dried. 

Some  practice  is  necessary  to  bandage  the 
legs  neatly  and  firmly,  therefore  beginners 
should  practice  during  any  spare  time. 

To  make  a  neat  job  it  is  essential  to  roll 
the  bandage  up  very  tightly  and  evenly. 
This  can  be  done  by  laying  it  on  one's 
thigh  whilst  rolling  it  up,  starting,  of 
course,  with  the  tape-end  and  on  the  side 
to  which  the  last  named  is  attached. 

Adjustable  bandage  winders  are  also 
sold  for  this  purpose,  but  do  not  form  a 
needful  part  of  any  stable  equipment. 

When  the  bandage  has  been  properly 
applied,  the  tapes  should  be  tied  off  just 
below  the  knee  or  hock  accordingly. 


20  I  he  Grooms  Gidde 

Some  grooms  remove  the  bandages  in 
the  daytime,  even  when  the  animal  is 
standing  in  the  stable,  but  we  think  that, 
provided  the  horse  is  not  needed  for  work, 
it  is  better  to  take  them  off  and  re-apply. 

The  lower  portions  of  the  legs  are  then 
kept  '  fine  '  and  free  from  swelling. 

Slight  sprains  of  the  tendons  are  easily 
cured  by  wetting  the  bandage — a  linen 
one,  with  cold  water — and  then  covering 
this  with  a  tightly  adjusted  flannel  band- 
age. 

After  washing  bandages  they  should  be 
well  dried,  pressed,  and  then  rolled  tightly. 
This  keeps  them  in  good  shape  for  ap- 
plication. 


CHAPTER  II. 
FOODS  AND  FEEDING. 

In  order  to  feed  a  horse  properly  it  is  ad- 
vantageous to  have  an  elementary  know- 
ledge, at  least,  of  the  nature  and  feeding 
value  of  certain  vegetable  food  stuffs, 
therefore  we  shall  now  mention  some  of 
the  more  important  facts  in  connection 
therewith. 

Nitrogenous  foods,  as  the  name  implies, 
are  substances  containino-  nitrooen  in 
addition  to  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen, 
rhe  juices  of  many  plants  are  of  this 
nature.  (Vegetable  albumen.)  This  class 
of  food  stuffs  help  to  repair  body-waste» 
form  fat,  and  create  energy. 


2  2  The  Groonis  Guide 

Hydro-carbons  are  represented  by  fats, 
such  as  those  contained  in  linseed,  rape, 
oats  and  maize,  etc.,  are  fat-forming  and 
heat-giving  substances,  likewise  assist  in 
the  manufacture  of  bile,  etc. 

Carbo-hydrates. — These  are  of  a  starchy 
nature,  and  are  typically  represented  by 
sugar  and  starch. 

Their  use  is  that  of  heat  orivino-  flesh- 
forming,  and  the  production  of  various 
organic  acids  within  the  economy. 

The  chief  foods  for  the  horse  are  as 
follows  : — 

Oats. 

These  are  given  whole  or  bruised,  either 
alone  or  mixed  with  one  or  more  other 
food  stuffs. 

They  should  be  given  '  whole '  to  young- 
horses  and  those  havinof  a  oood  set  of 
'grinders,'  but  in  the  case  of  aged  horses, 


Foods  and  Feeding  23 

or  those  having  weak  digestive  organs- — 
indicated  by  symptoms  of  indigestion — it 
is  preferable  to  use  them  'bruised.'  Many 
farmers  feed  the  whole  of  their  horses  on 
bruised  oats  and  straw,  but  this  is  not  the 
most  economical  or  '  ideal '  manner  of  feed- 
ing the  horse  ;  a  mixed  forage  being  pre- 
ferable. Good  oats  should  weigh  about 
42  lbs.  to  the  bushel,  be  one  year  old,  hard, 
dry,  glossy,  and  free  from  any  musty  smell, 
oats  of  the  latter  class  being  exceedingly 
injurious,  frequently  causing  excessive 
staling,  (Diabetes.) 

Kiln-drying  is  a  process  often  employed 
to  destroy  the  musty  odour  attached  to 
damaged  oats,  and  of  course  grain  thus 
treated  is  distinctly  inferior.  The  same 
process  has  also  another  aim,  viz.  : — that 
of  convertino-  '  new '  oats  into  the  same 
appearance  as  '  old '  ones.  Sometimes 
damaged,     also    black    oats,    are    treated 


24  The  Grooms  Guide 

with   sulphur   gas   so   as   to   bleach   them. 

This  is  easily  detected  by  rubbing  in  the 

palms  of  the  hands. 

If  oats  alone  are  used,  the  amount  for 

horses  at  work  ranges  from  6  to  1 5  pounds 

per  day. 

For  a  cart  horse  a  good  mixed  fodder, 

with  oats  as  the  principal   constituent,  is 

as  follows  : — 

Bruised  Oats,    -  -  20  lbs. 

Bruised  Beans,  -         -  4    ,, 

Crushed  Maize,  -  4    ,, 

Bran,         -  .  _  5    ,, 

Chaff,        -         -  -  40    ,, 

Well  mixed    together    and    given  slightly 

moistened    with    water    at    each     feeding 

time. 

The  maize  can  be  replaced  with*  linseed 

either    altogether    or    in    part,    whilst    the 

same  may  be   said   of  the  substitution  of 

split  peas  for  the  beans. 


Foods  and  Feeding  25 

Barley, 

Some  farmers  use  a  great  deal  of  boiled 
or  steeped  barley  for  feeding  their  horses, 
but  all  things  considered  It  Is  not  as  useful  as 
oats  for  this  purpose.  The  grain  contains 
less  fat  and  more  starchy  materials  than  the 
cereal  last  named.      The  husk  Is  Irritating. 

After  removing  the  coverings  of  the 
grain,  and  polishing  the  seeds,  It  is  known 
as  'pearl  barley,"  and  the  latter  when 
ground  constituting  barley  meal. 

Given  to  horses  barley  makes  their  dung 
rather  offensive.  Barley  mashes  are  made 
by  pouring  hot  (not  boiling)  water  over  the 
grain  about  one  hour  or  so  before  using. 
Barley  is  a  good  deal  used  In  India,  being 
first  parched  and  then  twice  crushed,  until 
about  as  fine  as  flour. 

Wheat. 

This  cereal  is  but  seldom  given  to  horses, 
so  many  having  been  injured  through  using 


26  The  Groonis  Gtiide 

it.  If  giv^en  in  small  quantities — three  lbs. 
or  so  per  day — it  should  not  do  any  harm, 
but  rather  the  reverse.  Many  horses  have 
become  foundered  through  partaking  of  it 
in  its  green  state. 

Maize. 

For  horses  '  out  of  condition  '  this  is  a 
most  excellent  fodder  when  mixed  with 
chaff,  or  with  other  grains  and  bran.  In 
some  parts  of  Scotland,  maize  and  chaff 
constitute  the  staple  food  for  working  horses. 

We  do  not  recommend  it  to  be  used 
as  a  substitute  for  oats,  because  it  is  too 
fattenino-  and  it  makes  the  animal  rather 
*  soft '  in  flesh,  sweating  easily  under  severe 
exertion.  It  should  only  be  used  in  its 
bruised  state.  It  may  be  given  dry,  or 
after  steeping  in  water.  About  6  lbs.  of 
crushed  oats,  2  lbs.  of  crushed  maize,  and 
2  lbs.  of  bran,  mixed  with  chaff,  makes  an 


Foods  and  Feeding  27 

excellent  foraoe  for  a   nieht  and  morning 


"fe^  "^'    "■   '"&,' 


meal,  along  with  hay.      This  quantity  for  a 
medium  sized  horse  in  active  work. 

Beans. 

These  should  always  be  given  bruised — 


not  merely  split.  For  putting  horses  into 
good  hard  running  condition,  this  food, 
added  to  others,  cannot  be  surpassed. 
Two  or  three  pounds  per  day  will  be 
about  the  right  quantity  to  give. 

There  is  more  nitrogenous,  but  less 
starchy,  material  in  beans  than  peas. 

Beans  are  particularly  valuable  for  horses 
liable  to  scour  after  undergoing  exertion, 
owing  to  the  '  binding '  nature  of  them. 
Sometimes  beans  are  given  '  boiled  '  along 
with  barley,  but  preferably  mixed  with 
oats,  bran  and  chaff. 

Peas. 

Crushed  and  mixed   with   other  fodder. 


2  8  Tkc  G 7^001) IS  Guide 

form    a    valuable    adjunct    to    the    dally 
rations. 

Linseed. 

The  addition  of,  say  from  \  to  i  lb.  of 
linseed  to  the  other  food  daily,  can  be 
oflven  with  advantao-e. 

It  can  be  given  whole,  crushed,  or  as 
meal,  either  in  the  dry  state  or  as  linseed- 
tea,  i.e.,  an  infusion  made  by  steeping- 
linseed  in  water  and  allowing"  it  to  simmer 
by  the  side  of  the  fire. 

Animals  receiving  a  daily  allowance  of 
linseed  generally  show  an  improvement  of 
coat,  skin,  etc.  Mixed  with  scalded  bran, 
oats,  beans  and  chaff,  a  most  valuable 
fodder  results. 

Linseed  Cake. 

Although  not  much  used  in  stables — un- 


Foods  and  Feeding  29 

less    upon    farms — linseed    cake    is    most 
excellent  for  horses. 

A  piece— about  the  size  of  one's  hand- 
given  once  a  day,  will  be  found  beneficial. 

Bran. 

No  stable  should  be  without  Bran,  and 
that  of  the  very  best  quality  obtainable. 

This  substance  is  rich  in  both  nitrogen- 
ous and  starchy  materials,  but  quite  un- 
suitable for  feeding  horses  upon  alone.  It 
is  generally  mixed  with  either  oats  and 
chaff,  beans,  peas,  maize,  etc.,  preferably 
slightly  moistened  with  water.  Bran 
mashes  are  made  by  using-  either  boilino- 
or  cold  water,  also  in  the  same  manner 
for  making  poultices. 

Whenever  the  bowels  are  at  all  consti- 
pated, wet  bran,  treacle  and  linseed  meal 
mashes  should  be  given  until  a  soft  con- 
dition of  the  dung  is  brouo-ht  about.     Good 


30  The  Groo7ns  Gtiide 

bran  should  have  a  pleasant  odour  and 
leave  a  mealy  mark  when  rolled  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand.  When  dark  coloured 
and  the  flakes  shrunken  the  bran  is  old, 
and  of  little  use  unless  for  poultices. 

Chaff. 

For  cutting  into  chaff  equal  parts  of  hay, 
and  oat,  barley,  or  wheaten  straw  should 
be  used  and  cut  into  pieces  about  half  an 
inch  in  length,  and  then  mixed  with  corn 
in  the  proportion  of  40  pounds  of  chaff  to 
20  pounds  of  oats  or  other  grain. 

It  is  not  a  very  good  plan  to  use  whole 
grain  with  chaff  because  much  of  the 
former  may  be  wasted.  It  is  advisable 
to  slightly  sprinkle  the  chaff  with  water 
each  time  the  horses  are  fed. 

Hay. 

As   this   is   one   of  the   most   important 


Foods  and  Feeding  3  \ 

articles  of  forage,  it  follows  that  the  horse- 
keeper  should  have  a  knowledge  of  what 
constitutes  good,   bad  or    indifferent    hay, 
and  thus  be  able  to  pick  out  some  of  the 
best  feeding  grasses  from  any  sample  placed 
before  him.      F'or  this  purpose  the  reader 
cannot   do  better  than  consult   '  Elements 
of  Agriculture  '  by  Dr.    Fream.      Much   of 
the  hay  grown  is  distincdy  inferior,  so  far 
as    real    feeding    value     is    concerned    to 
the    best    straw.       The    soil    upon    which 
the  grain  has  been  grown  has  an  import- 
ant    influence     over     its     value.       Before 
using    hay    it    should    be     one    year    old, 
being  considered  as  new  up  to  the  end  of 
September. 

Well  saved  hay  should  be  of  a  pale- 
green  colour,  have  a  fresh,  sweet  aro- 
matic odour — absolutely  free  from  dust, 
blackness,  and  mildew,  and  when  iudoino- 
it,  samples  should  be  taken  from  different 


32  The  Groovis  Guide 

parts  of  the  stack  so  as  to  know  whether 
it  is  of  an  iiniforni  (]iiality. 

Hay  wliicli  has  been  too  much  wetted 
during  liarvestini;-  is  pale  in  colour,  de- 
fective in  odour,  unless  it  be  musty.  Much 
of  the  Scotch  hay  is  exceedinoly  poor ; 
bad  in  composition,  and  badly  harvested. 

Dusty,  mcnildy,  mow  burned,  washed, 
and  hay  containint^ 'much  Yorkshire  fog 
(llolcus)  orass,  is  practically  useless  and 
even  deleterious  to  horses.  It  is  as 
econc^mical  to  feed  a  horse  on  bracken 
ferns,  as  i^ive  it  such  trash  as  that  just 
named.  Rye  orass  though  excellent  alone 
— is  distinctly  improved  for  hay  when 
yrown  aloni^-  with  other  orasses  of  reptited 
feedino-  value. 

The  amount  of  hav  to  be  oiven  to  a 
horse  per  day  should  be  from  lo  to  12 
lbs.,  in  addition  to  its  allowance  of  corn, 
provided  that  the  animal  has  a  fair  amotmt 


Foods  and  Feeding  2)1 

of  work  each  day.  About  half  this  (iiian- 
tity  Is  given  to  '  racers '  and  '  trotters  ; 
whereas  many  cart  horses  have  as  much 
as  32  lbs.  of  hay,  daily.  Horses  havnig 
fast  work  to  perfonn  should  never  be  over- 
burdened In  the  stomach  throuoh  the  use 
of  too  much  bulky  food,  like  hay  and 
straw. 

Straw. 

In  certain  parts  of  Scotland,  straw — 
especially  oat-straw — is  largely  used  for 
feeding  horses,  and  with  very  satisfactory 
results. 

There  can  be  no  question  that  the  best 
oat-straw  is  decidedly  superior  to  bad  or 
indifferent  hay.  All  straw  Is  deficient  in 
nitroo-enous  material,  its  chief  value  beln<>- 
in  carbo-hydrates,  hence  its  feeding  value 
when  given  along  with  a  sufficiency  of 
corn. 


o 


4  The  Gj^ooms  Guide 


Oat  is  preferable  to  barley  and  wheat 
straw,  being  less  bulky,  consequently 
digestive  disturbances  are  not  so  liable  to 
result  from  its  use. 

It  can  be  oiven  either  whole,  or 
chopped. 

Good  oat  straw  should  '  be  fine  in  the 
straw,'  and  unbroken.  Mouldy,  and 
'washed'  straw  is  useless  for  feeding  pur- 
poses. When  removing  straw  from  the 
'  rick  '  a  dry  day  should  be  selected,  so  as  to 
o-et  it  under  cover  without  sfettino  it  wetted. 
Pea  and  bean  straw,  though  not  very  rich 
in  nitrogenous  substances,  are  not  in 
general  use  as  fodder  for  horses. 

Furze  (Gorse). 

Horses  are,  as  a  rule,  very  fond  of  this, 
and  were  it  not  so  much  trouble  to  pre- 
pare,   it    might    come    into    more    general 


Foods  and  Feeding  35 

use,      being      very      abundant      in      some 
localities. 

After  about  three  years'  growth  the  bush 
is  cut  down,  and  its  young  shoots,  when 
ready,  are  then  crushed  in  what  is  called  a 
'  Gorse-Mill,'  the  cylinders  of  which  are 
so  arranged  that  the  prickles  are  bound  to 
be  crushed.  About  twenty  pounds  can  be 
given  daily,  either  alone  or  mixed  with 
other  foods. 

Artificial  Grasses. 

Although  spoken  of  as  'grasses,'  most 
of  these  plants  belong  to  a  family  widely 
different  from  grasses.  The  clover,  tre- 
foils, Lucernes,  etc.,  are  usually  classed 
under  this  headino-.  # 

Most  of  these  'artificial  grasses'  form 
valuable  articles  of  horse  feeding,  either  in 
the  dry  or  green  condition. 

Every  horsekeeper  knows  how  much  his 


;6  The  Grooni  s  Guide 

'  charge  '  appreciates  a  '  bundle  of  green 
meat ' — especially  when  the  animal  has 
never  a  chance  of  beincr  turned  out  to  bite 
the  succulent  herbacre  that  nature  has 
provided  for  its  use. 

Sainfoin — of  which  there  is  two  sorts, 
viz  :  the  common  and  the  o-iant — is  better 
than  either  Lucernes,  or  tares. 

The  chief  clovers  are  :  white  or  Dutch, 
red,  crimson,  alsike.  A  good  mixture  for 
a  temporary  purpose  is  :  Lucernes,  sainfoin, 
red  clover,  alsike  clover,  along  with 
timothy,  rye,  and  cocksfoot  grasses. 

Swedes. 

A  whole  swede,  given  morning  and 
night,  is  an  excellent  thing,  more  especially 
if  the  animal  is  chiefly  having  dry  food. 
Boiled  swedes  or  turnips — preferably  the 
former — are    largely    employed     by    some 


Foods  and  Feeding  2)7 

farmers    for    feedino-   their   horses.       It   is 
given  mixed  with  their  corn,  etc. 

It  is  not  every  horse  that  will  eat  swedes 
at  first,  but  after  a  time  they  become  im- 
mensly  fond  of  them,  thriving  better,  and 
require  less  water. 

Carrots. 

Most  horses  are  very  fond  of  carrots, 
and  there  is  no  doubt  they  form  a  very 
valuable  addition  to  the  food. 

A  sick  horse  will  often  eat  a  few  carrots 
when  it  will  look  at  no  other  food,  hence 
the  groom  should  always  try  and  obtain  a 
few  bushels  in  case  of  emergency.  Many 
farmers  oive  each  horse  a  bushel  of  carrots 

o 

per  day,  mixed  with  chaff 

They  can  be  given  either  whole,  or  cut 
up  fine.  If  cut  into  pieces  of  moderate 
size  there  is  a  risk  of  '  choking.' 


^S  The  Groouis  Guide 

White  Belgian  carrots  are  a  most  pro- 
ductive sort  for  feeding  purposes. 

Feeding. 

The  horse,  in  relation  to  his  size,  has  a 
remarkably  small  stomach,  but  a  corres- 
pondingly large  surface  of  bowel. 

Owing  to  the  small  size  of  the  stomach 
it  follows  that  the  animal  requires  frequent 
meals,  given  in  small  quantities  and  at 
regular  intervals,  whenever  possible. 

The  groom  will  do  well  to  learn  the 
following  : 

RULES  TO  BEAR  IN  MIND  IN 
FEEDING  THE  HORSE. 

A.  To  accustom  the  animal  to  drink 
its  water  before  food. 

B.  Feed  early  in  morning  and  last 
thino^  at  nio^ht. 


Rules  for  Feeding  39 

C  Regulate  the  corn  supply  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  work  the  horse  has  to 
perform. 

D.  Always  feed  an  hour  or  two  before 
the  animal  is  required  for  work. 

E.  Never  drive  fast  immediately  after 
feeding,  if  such  has  to  be  done ;  and 
avoid  the  use  of  hay  or  straw  under  these 
circumstances. 

F.  Do  not  give  '  extra '  food  im- 
mediately after  the  animal  has  gone  past 
its  usual  feeding  time.  This  is  liable  to 
brings  on  disorder  known  as  '  o-oro^ed 
stomach.' 

G.  When  going  on  a  long  journey  and 
the  horse  is  likely  to  be  out  of  touch  with 
any  '  baiting '  establishment,  take  a  small 
supply  of  corn  with  you. 

H.  Feed  four  or  five  times  each  day, 
but  do  not  necessarily  increase  the 
amount   of   food    beyond    that  which    you 


40  The  Grooms  Guide 

would  give  if  the  animal  were  fed  only 
three  times. 

/.  During  the  warm  weather — unless 
the  heat  be  excessive — allow  the  horse  to 
be  out  at  pasture  as  much  as  possible, 
but  not  before  the  dew  has  been  dried  off 
by  the  sun. 

J.  Remember  that  during  the  winter 
the  animal  requires  more  oats,  beans,  bran, 
etc.,  than  in  the  summer. 

K.  Lastly,  do  not  fail  to  bear  in  mind 
that  some  horses  requires  their  fodder  dry, 
others  wxt,  whole,  chopped,  or  bruised,  in 
accordance  with  the  age  and  constitution 
of  the  animal,  and  it  is  just  this  class  of 
horse  that  tests  the  groom's  abilities,  if  his 
stud  has  to  be  kept  as  a  credit  to  master 
and  himself. 

Watering. 

Some  stables  are  fitted  with  a  self-supply- 


Watering  .       41 

ing  water-basin  alongside  the  manger,  so 
that  a  plentiful  supply  of  fresh  water  is 
always  within  the  animal's  reach. 

Commonly  '  watering  '  is  carried  out  by 
pails,  or  the  animal  is  taken  to  a  trough 
close  by.  If  the  latter  method  be  adopted, 
the  groom  should  take  particular  care  to 
clean  the  trough  out  regularly,  otherwise  it 
is  almost  sure  to  become  '  slimy  '  and  the 
water  stagnant.  This  is  particularly  liable 
to  happen  during  hot  weather,  when  the 
water  should  be  changed  frequently,  especi- 
ally if  exposed  to  the  sun.  Few  horses 
relish  tepid  water  to  drink. 

Water  three  times  a  day,  before  feeding, 
if  the  animal  will  drink  at  this  time.  Habit 
has  much  to  do  with  it. 

Water  about  farm-yards  sometimes  be- 
comes contaminated  with  '  nitrates  '  arising 
through  pollution  proceeding  from  a  dung- 
pit.      Such  water  is  exceedingly   injurious 


42  The  Gr 007ns  Gnide 

to  animals,  and  we  have  known  them^refuse 
to  drink  of  this  water.  Water  is  also 
liable  to  become  injurious  when^^standing 
in  a  leaden  cistern. 


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CHAPTER  III. 

AIR  AND  VENTILATION. 

Pure  air  is  essential  for  the  maintenance 
of  health,  and  in  order  that  animals  may 
receive  a  pure  supply  of  this,  it  is  necessary 
that  proper  attention  be  paid  to  the  ventila- 
tion of  a  stable. 

The  atmosphere  in  a  stable  soon  becomes 
impure  when  the  doors,  windows,  etc.,  are 
closed,  partly  through  the  carbon  and  oxide 
gas  given  off  from  the  lungs,  and  partly 
through  gases  arising  through  the  decay 
of  animal  and  vegetable  waste  materials. 

Pure  air  is  composed  of  two  colourless 
gases,    oxygen    and    nitrogen,    mixed    to- 


Air  and   Ventilation  45 

gether  in  the  proportion  of  2 1  parts  of  the 
former  to  79  parts  of  the  latter,  together 
with  traces  of  carbon  dioxide,  ammonia, 
watery  vapour,  ozone,  etc. 

The  moisture  varies  with  the  tempera- 
ture. 

The  oxygen  gas  is  for  the  purpose  of 
respiration,  and  the  nitrogen  to  dilute  or 
weaken  its  stimulating  properties.  Im- 
mediately after  a  horse  comes  into  the 
stable  from  work  the  amount  of  carbon 
dioxide  o-iven  off  from  the  lunt^s  is  much 
greater  than  when  it  is  standing  at  rest, 
hence  the  special  need  for  seeing  that  the 
windows,  etc.,  are  properly  adjusted  at  this 
time. 

Many  stables  have  little  or  no  ventilating 
appliances,  It  having  been  thought,  ap- 
parently, that  animals  could  live  well 
enough  In  any  sort  of  atmosphere.  Even 
'■    in  the  present  day  one  is  often  struck  with 


46  The  G^^oovis  Gitide 

the  neo-llo'ent  manner  in  which  the  ventilat- 
ing  arranoements  are  planned  and  carried 
out. 

A  good  ventilating  system  is  that  of 
admitting  air  by  adjustable  valve  windows, 
and  having  the  outlet,  for  the  impure  air,  in 
the  roof. 


Temperature  of  the  Stable. 

Many  horse  dealers  make  it  a  practice  to 
keep  the  air  in  the  stable  as  warm  as  they 
can,  because  a  hot  atmosphere  favours 
fattening  and  makes  the  animal  have  a 
glossy  coat.  Many  a  groom  must  have 
noticed  the  '  loss  of  bloom '  upon  his 
master's  purchase  from  this  source,  after 
coming  under  his  charge,  simply  because 
the  mount  is  no  longer  kept  under  such 
artificial  and  artful,  we  may  as  well  add — 
conditions.      The  average  temperature  for 


Air  and  Ventilation  47 

a  stable  should  be  from  45  to  50  degrees 
Fahrenheit. 

How  to  give  a  Ball  or  Bolus. 

To  give  a  horse  a  ball  in  a  dexterous 
manner  requires  some  practice,  but  every 
groom  should  be  able  to  give  medicine  in 
this  manner,  because  veterinary  surgeons 
find  this  a  convenient  form  in  which  to 
administer  certain  drugs  they  wish  to 
prescribe. 

There  is  no  need,  as  a  rule,  to  use  either 
the  ballino^  iron  or  o-un. 

Slacken  the  halter  or  head  collar,  so  as 
to  allow  the  mouth  to  open  as  much  as 
possible,  and  then  *  back '  the  horse  into  its 
stall,  or  against  a  wall,  withdrawing  the 
tongue  with  the  '  left '  hand,  standing  at  the 
same  side  of  the  head.  The  ball  is  now 
taken  between  the  tips  of  the  three  first 
fingers  of  the   *  right '  hand  and  placed  as 


48  The  Grooms  Guide 

far  back  on  the  tongue  as  possible,  taking 
care  to  do  this  quickly  whilst  the  left  hand 
still  keeps  hold  of  the  organ. 

One  assistant  may  help  to  keep  the 
animal's  head  '  low '  whilst  delivering  the 
ball. 

With  a  little  practice  many  horse  at- 
tendants soon  become  experts  at  the  art. 

How  to  give  a  Draught. 

To  administer  a  draught  to  a  horse 
without  spilling  any  of  it  requires  consider- 
able skill,  but  everyone  having  the  charge 
of  horses  should  know  how  to  do  It 
properly.  Some  horses  will  hold  medicine 
in  their  mouths  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes 
before  swallowing,  so  that  patience  must 
be  exercised  when  dealing  with  an  animal 
of  this  class. 

Under  these  circumstances  we  have  seen 
the    horse-keeper     '  pinch  '    or    press    the 


Hoiv  to  give  a  Draught  49 

animal's  throat,  a  dangerous  and  useless 
practice,  and  one  deserving  severe  con- 
demnation. 

For  giving  the  medicine  a  pint  tin  bottle 
is  preferable  to  one  of  glass  or  stone,  but 
the  latter  are  commonly  employed,  and  do 
well  enough  if  care  be  exercised  to  prevent 
the  bottle  neck  being  bitten  and  broken. 

Having  got  the  draught  ready  for  use, 
back  the  horse  into  the  stall  and  put  on 
the  twitch,  the  long  handle  of  which  is 
grasped  by  an  assistant  so  as  to  push  the 
animal's  head  'well  up,'  whilst  the  groom 
giving  the  draught  stands  on  the  left  (now 
near)  side,  inserting  the  point  of  the  bottle 
neck  within  the  cheek  and  into  the  space 
of  the  mouth  lying  between  the  molar  and 
nipping  teeth. 

Allow  the  liquid  to  flow  slowly  out  of 
the  bottle,  supporting  the  lower  lip  during 
the  act  of  swallowing. 


50  The  Groo7ns  Gtiide 

The  pouch  formed  by  the  lower  lip  often 
lodges  a  great  portion  of  the  draught, 
therefore  before  letting  the  head  down  see 
that  all  the  medicine  has  been  swallowed, 
otherwise  about  one  half  will  be  wasted  in 
this  manner. 

In  place  of  the  'twitch'  a  cord  can  be 
placed  in  the  mouth  and  around  the  upper 
jaw,  to  pass  under  the  nose  strap  of  the 
head  collar,  and  then  the  free  end  of  the 
rope  thrown  over  a  beam,  so  as  to  pull 
the  head  up.  Instead  of  the  latter  being 
pulled  up,  it  is  a  general  practice  to  pass 
the  prong  of  a  stable  fork  through  the 
noose,  and  so  push  the  head  up. 

We  do  not  recommend  this  plan,  as  an 
injury  to  the  eye  may  easily  happen  if  the 
if  the  animal  be  at  all  restive. 

Special  appliances  are  also  manufactured 
for  giving  medicine,  the  chief  of  which 
consists   of  a   perforated   bit,    with   funnel 


Physic  5 1 

and  bridle  attached.      The  prices  of  which 
range  from  5/-  to  30/- 

Physic. 

Purgative  medicine  is  commonly  given  to 
the  horse  in  the  form  of  a  ball,  the  usual 
chief  component  of  which  is  Barbadoes 
aloes,  though  of  course,  in  the  treatment 
of  disease,  the  Veterinarian  often  finds  it 
necessary  to  excite  the  bowels  to  speedy 
action  through  the  use  of  various  other 
medicaments. 

From  four  to  eight  drachms  of  Barbadoes 
aloes  are  obtainable  in  the  balls  as  sold 
ready  prepared.  When  the  aloes  are  in 
solution — dissolved  in  spirits  of  wine  and 
water  or  sal  volatile  and  the  latter — very 
much(saydouble)larger  doses  are  necessary. 

The  amount  of  aloes  to  be  given  to  any 
horse  must  be  regulated  by  {a)  the  size  of 
the  animal ;    (b)  the  effect   it  is   desirable 


52  The  Groovis  Guide 

to  produce  ;  (r)  the  condition  of  the  bowels 
at  the  time  of  administration  ;  {d)  the  con- 
dition of  the  animal.  Some  horses — 
especially  If  living*  upon  coarse  straw  and 
other  dry  foods — are  very  difficult  to  purge, 
even  though  they  be  given  double  the 
maximum  doses  of  aloes. 

As  a  rule,  before  giving  physic,  the 
groom  should  prepare  the  animal  for  it,  by 
feeding  upon  wet  bran,  to  which  a  little 
linseed  has  been  added,  unless  such  be 
countermanded  by  the  veterinary  surgeon 
in  attenciance. 

Before  turning  out  to  grass,  the  groom 
may  give  a  dose  of  physic,  obtainable  from 
any  veterinary  surgeon,  who  will  regulate 
the  dose  In  accordance  with  the  size  of  the 
horse,  etc. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances  it  takes 
about  twenty-four  hours  before  the  ball 
beo'ins   its    action,    therefore   it   is  a  good 


Disinfectants  53 

plan — unless  contra-indicated— to  exercise 
freely  during"  this  time. 

When  the  physic  has  began  its  work,  the 
animal  should  not  be  driven,  but  kept  in- 
doors, until  such  time  as  all  danorer  of  over- 
purging  has  passed,  when  it  may  be  turned 
out  to  grass,  or  driven  as  the  case  may  be. 

Excessive  purgation  produces  colic  and 
sometimes— which  is  still  more  serious — 
founder  in  the  feet. 

Disinfectants. 

There  are  agents  for  destroying  pesti- 
lential odours  in  stables,  etc.,  and  are 
extensively  employed  not  only  for  this 
purpose,  but  also  with  a  view  to  limiting  or 
controlling  the  spreading  of  contagious 
diseases  such  as,  influenza,  glanders,  etc. 

The  disinfectant  in  most  general  use  is 
carbolic  acid,  preferably  in  the  liquid  form. 
If  the  common  brown  acid  be  purchased, 


54  The  Groonis  Guide 

it  has  an  advantage  over  many  other  dis- 
infectants, in  as  much  as  it  is  exceedingly 
cheap. 

Powdered  disinfectants  cannot  ever  be 
as  effectual  as  solutions,  so  that  we  always 
recommend  the  last  named. 

Chloride  of  lime;  J  eyes'  fluid;  sanitas  ; 
zotal  ;  chinosol  ;  climax  disinfectants  ;  Mc- 
Dougall's  sheep-dipping  are  chief  amongst 
the  disinfectants  and  can  be  had  from 
most  chemists.  Amono-st  the  soluble  ones, 
'  zotal '  is  the  most  powerful. 

It  should  be  mixed  with  water  in  the 
proportion  of  four  tablespoon fuls  to  two 
quarts  of  water. 

In  the  event  of  an  outbreak  of  any  con- 
tagious disease  in  a  stable,  the  groom 
should  scrub  all  fittings  with  a  stronger 
solution,  using  hot  water.  Proportion :  four 
tablespoonfuls  to  every  quart.  Carbolic 
acid  can  be  used    of   the    same    strength. 


Disinfectants  5  5 

Stall  posts,  mangers,  hay-racks,  head- 
collars,  pails,  chains,  and  all  adjustable  and 
non  adjustable  fittings  should  be  thoroughly 
washed  with  the  strono-er  solution  after 
horses  recover  from  any  communicable 
disease.  Wash  down  surface  drains  and 
floors  with  the  weaker  disinfectant  water. 

When  washing  out  the  stable  on  ordinary 
occasions,  it  is  a  very  good  plan  to  add 
a  small  quantity  of  disinfectant  to  the  water, 
at  the  same  time  flush  the  drains  with  a 
strong  solution. 

Chlorine  and  sulphurous  acid  gases  are 
sometimes  used  for  disinfectant  purposes. 

Sulphur  candles,  or  squares,  are  sold  for 
making  the  last  named  gas,  but  throwing 
some  flower  of  sulphur  on  red  hot  coals 
produces  the  same  effect. 

Formalin  and  carbolic  vapours  are 
frequently  employed,  but  require  a  little 
more  careful  manipulation. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

CLEANING  STABLE    FITTINGS 
AND  STABLE  APPLIANCES. 

When  the  weather  Is  favourable,  the  floors 
of  the  stalls,  loose  boxes,  and  other  acces- 
sible portions,  of  tiled  or  cement  work 
should  be  brushed  and  washed  over  with 
water  dally,  the  doors  and  windows  being 
thrown  wide  open  so  as  to  allow  the  air  to 
dry  the  floor  as  speedy  as  possible. 

If  It  Is  not  good  drying  weather  It  Is 
better  to  avoid  the  use  of  much  water  on 
the  floor,  etc.,  taking  care  however  to  clean 
the  latter  with  a  good  brushing.      Under 


Saddle-Airer. 


Telescope  Bracket  for  Fixing  Harness  to  whilst  Cleaning. 


58  The  Grooms  Guide 

these  circumstances  twice  a  week  should 
suffice. 

Cobble-stone  flooring  is  very  difficult  to 
clean  and  liable  to  become  very  damp 
through  urine,  etc.,  settling  down  between 
the  cobbles,  beino-  rendered  still  worse 
through  too  frequent  washing. 

Always  make  a  point  of  cleaning  the 
floor  first  thing  in  the  morning,  all  soiled 
straw  being  removed  spreading  the  rest 
out  as  much  as  possible  to  dry. 

During  the  day-time  a  considerable 
saving  of  straw  is  affected  by  leaving  the 
animal  without  any  bedding  but  it  is 
not  every  master  that  will  tolerate 
such  economy,  preferring  a  neat  and 
comfortable  appearance  for  his  animals, 
at  all  times.  The  droppings  should 
be  frequently  taken  up  throughout  the 
day,  and  soiled  particles  of  straw  carried 
away.        The     same     holds     good     when 


Clemiing  Harness  59 

peat  moss  litter,   or  sawdust,   are  used  as 
bedding  materials. 

As  both  of  these  absorb  large  quantities 
of  urine,  frequent  turning,  or  raking,  are 
necessary. 

In  the  writer's  opinion,  they  are  distinctly 
inferior  to  straw,  whilst  sawdust  manure  is 
practically  valueless,  and  even  damaging 
when  applied  to  dry  soils. 

It  requires  about  half  a  bale  of  moss 
litter — well  broken  up — to  make  a  decent 
stall-bed. 

Mangers  should  be  washed  out  daily, 
the  water-basin,  or  trough,  receiving  its 
share  of  cleaning  at  the  same  time. 

Racks,  name-plates,  stall-posts,  etc., 
ought  to  be  wiped  over  every  day  with  a 
damp  chamois  lather. 

Stable-pails,  brushes,  combs,  forks,  etc., 
should  always  be  kept  in  the  same  place 
for    convenience,    and    cleaned    regularly. 


6o  The  Groo7ns  Guide 

An  Idle  or  indifferent  orroom  will  leave 
these  and  other  articles  here,  there,  or 
anywhere,  having-  to  hunt  them  up  when 
required  for  use. 

Cleaning  and  Preserving  Harness. 

Where  there  Is  a  good  harness  room^ 
the  preservation  of  harness  becomes  a 
comparatively  easy  matter,  and  there  can 
be  no  excuse  for  slovenly  work. 

When  harness  has  to  be  kept  where 
the  horses  are,  it  Is  liable  to  suffer  damage 
through  the  decomposition  of  chemical 
excreta.  Ammonia  being  one  of  the 
most  injurious  compounds  thus  formed. 

Before  starting  to  clean,  remove  all 
furnishings  which  can  be  taken  asunder, 
all  the  fastenings  of  the  bridle  ;  harness  ; 
back-strap  and  breeching  being  undone, 
so   as  to  facilitate  the   proper  cleaning   of 


Cleamng-  Harness  6i 


^> 


both  leather  and  buckles.  During  this 
process  cracking  or  wearing  of  straps, 
traces,  etc.,  should  all  be  noticed,  and  if 
there  is  the  sliohtest  sio^n  of  weakness, 
have  the  part  repaired  at  once.  Be  sure 
and  pay  particular  attention  to  the  shaft- 
band,  etc.,  otherwise  a  serious  accident 
may  occur.  We  have  known  the  last 
named  break  after  a  few  months'  wear, 
owino-  to  inferior  leather  havino-  been  used 

o  o 

in  its  manufacture. 

If  mud-stained,  wash  off  with  a  sponge 
and  yellow  soap,  but  do  not  over- wet  the 
harness. 

To  use  an  unlimited  supply  of  water  for 
washing  the  collar,  saddle,  etc.,  tends  to 
rot  the  leather,  thus  shortening  their 
utility. 

If  the  sponge  and  soap  fail  to  remove 
the  dust  and  grease,  use  a  damp  brush. 
During  cleaning,  the  parts  can  be  fixed  in 


62  The  Grooni s  Guide 

a  convenient  position  through  the  use  of 
a  telescopic  bracket  as  shown  in  the 
accompanying"  woodcut.  It  is  an  appliance 
that  should  be  in  use  in  every  well- 
regulated  stable.      The  cost  is  lo  -. 

After  wiping  thoroughly  dry  with  a 
Hannel,  the  saddle,  bridle  and  collar,  if  of 
patent  leather,  may  be  rubbed  over  with  a 
little  fresh  milk.  All  reins  can  be  treated 
in  this  fashion,  whilst  brown  leather 
harness  may  be  cleaned  entirely  in  this 
manner.  Lemon  juice  will  remove  any 
spots  from  it. 

Saddle  soap,  palm  oil,  soft  soap,  and 
brown  harness  composition  are  commonly 
used  for  the  same  purposes. 

When  brown  harness  becomes  shabby, 
it  can  be  dressed  with  blacking,  as  used 
for  the  plain  black  leather  parts,  which 
should  also  be  occasionally  dressed  with 
harness  oil. 


Cleaning  Rusty  Bits,  Stirrups^  etc,    63 


Cleaning  Rusty  Bits,  Stirrups,  etc. 

Burnished  steel  bits,  stirrups,  spurs,  etc., 
when  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  air, 
especially  If  the  stable  be  at  all  damp,  are 
very  liable  to  become  rusty. 

In  many  establishments  there  is  a  glass 
fronted  cupboard  provided  for  keeping 
these  articles  in.  Under  these  circum- 
stances there  can  be  no  excuse  for 
allowing  bits,  etc.,  to  rust.  When  pur- 
chasing any  of  these  articles,  we  should 
recommend  the  groom  or  coachman  to 
obtain  nickle-plated  ones,  which  are  much 
less  trouble  to  keep  In  A.  i.  order.  When 
rusty  soak  in  paraffin  oil  for  a  few  hours, 
and  then  scour  well  with  coarse  sand, 
subsequently  with  fine  sand,  followed  by  a 
good  smart  rubbing  with  a  burnisher. 

Vaseline    and    fine    sand   are    excellent 


64  The  Groovi  s  Guide 

for  removing  rust,  afterwards  using  emery 
paper. 

On  the  principle  of  ''prevention  being 
better  than  cure,"  it  is  advisable  to  smear 
all  articles  liable  to  rust,  with  vaselin,  and 
keep  in  as  dry  a  place  as  possible. 

Cleaning  Harness  Mountings,  Plated 
Stirrups,  Spurs,  Bits,  and  Fittings. 

The  turrets,  harness,  etc.,  should  be 
washed  with  soap  and  water,  dried  and 
polished  up  with  plate  powder,  or  any 
of  the  pastes  sold  for  such  purposes. 

Tarnished  brass  harness  fittings  may 
first  of  all  be  rubbed  up  with  a  solution  of 
oxalic  acid,  then  finished  off  with  plate- 
powder  or  paste. 

A  Selvyt  cloth  is  excellent  for  putting 
on  the  finishing  touches. 

Before  beginning  to  polish  up  buckles- — 


Cleaning  Harness  Mountings        65 

both  large  and  small — be  sure  and  un- 
fasten all  leather  attachments  possible. 
Never  rub  up  buckles  with  straps  in 
keeper.  This  is  a  slovenly  practice,  and 
indicative  of  an  idle  oroom. 

Always  make  a  point  of  polishing  the 
under  side  of  the  buckles  just  as  much  as 
the  outer  side.  Reference  to  these  parts 
will  show  the  master  the  harness  has 
been  cleaned,  or  only  half  cleaned. 

Brass  mountings  soon  become  dull, 
though  highly  polished,  during  damp 
weather,  therefore  as  soon  as  cleaned, 
they  should  be  covered  up  as  speedily  as 
convenient. 

Head-collar  buckles  (if  polishable) 
should  not  be  forgotten.  Never  use  the 
same  cloths  for  the  final  polishing,  as  those 
used  for  applying  the  paste. 

The  former  should  be  washed  regularly 
and  kept  very  free  from  damp,  otherwise 


66  The  G 7^0 077 IS  Guide 

a  high  poHsh  cannot  be  put  on  the  mount- 
ings. 

Lamps. 

During  the  season  that  these  are 
required,  both  carriage  and  stable  lamps 
should  receive  a  share  of  attention  each 
day,  constituting  a  portion  of  the  routine 
work. 

See  that  there  are  candles  in  the  'bolts,' 
and  that  the  latter  are  in  proper  working 
order,  or  when  paraffin  oil  is  used,  that 
there  be  plenty  of  wick  and  oil  in  the 
reservoir. 

When  acetylene  lamps  are  used  see  that 
they  are  properly  charged  with  calcium 
carbide. 

Both  glasses  and  reflectors  can  be 
cleaned  with  whitning,  made  into  a  paste 
with  water,  subsequently  used  in  its  dry 
state.        After    lighting    lamps,    allow    the 


Measuring  for  Hai^ness  67 

doors  of  them  to  remain  open  for  a  few 
minutes,  otherwise  the  glass  will  be 
"  steamed." 

Sperm  Carriage  Moons'  are  sold  In  the 
following  sizes  :  4's,  6's,  and  8's,  the  last 
named  beino-  those  In  most  oreneral  use. 

High  class  candles  are  manufactured  by 
such  firms  as  :  Messrs.  Field,  Price, 
Young,  Kynoch,  etc.,  and  the  average 
price  Is  about  2s.  per  31b.  box,  whereas 
"  Special "  wax  moons  are  sold  at  about 
28.  per  lb. 

The  former  are  quite  good  enough  for 
all  ordinary  purposes. 

Measuring  for  Harness. 

When  It  Is  necessary  for  a  groom  to 
take  the  measurements  for  harness,  atten- 
tion should  be  olven  to  the  followlnof 
Instructions : — 


68  The  Groo7ns  Guide 

For  Saddle. — Give  girth. 

For  Collar. — Measure  round  the  collar- 
bed,  then  deduct  from  this  9  inches,  and 
divide  by  2. 

Supposing  that  a  horse  measures  45 
inches,  less  9  =  36,  which  divided  by  2  =  18 
and  this  is  the  depth  of  the  collar  at  its 
inner  side. 

For  Breeching. — Length  around  the 
quarters. 

For  Bridle. — Measure  from  the  centre 
of  the  head  to  top  of  bit. 

For  Traces. — State  whether  brougham, 
dog-cart,  etc.,  and  give  the  length  from 
point  to  trace  fastening  on  machine. 

For  Reins. — Say  whether  for  a  pony, 
cob,  hackney,  tandem  pair,  or  four-in-hand. 

Lastly,  it  is  an  advantage  to  mention 
the  height,  etc.,  when  ordering  harness 
away  from  home.  Buckles  are  not  to  be 
included  when  measurinof  from  an  old  set. 


Clippers  69 

Clippers. 

Various  patterns  of  horse  clipping 
machines  are  upon  the  market,  many- 
being  cheap  and  worthless.  When  select- 
ing a  pair,  the  groom  should  endeavour  to 
obtain  those  manufactured  by  a  firm  of 
repute,  though  the  price  may  be  a  little 
higher,  yet  such  are  cheaper  in  the  long 
run. 

The  most  expensive  clippers  are  usually 
provided  with  what  is  known  as  Grass- 
hopper springs,  but  the  writer  has  not 
found  such  do  their  work  any  better  than 
those  having  simpler  construction. 

Adjustment  is  usually  by  either  a 
thumb-screw,  or  turn-key. 

Prices  range  from  2/6  to  15/-  or  there- 
abouts, per  pair. 

Most  clippers  are  now  made  to  cut  over 
three  teeth. 


70  The  Gr 007ns  Guide 

The  Barton-Gillette  clippers  are  driven 
by  a  wheel  and  chain,  saving  an  immense 
deal  of  labour,  and  it  is  said  that  a  much 
better  finish  is  given  by  this  method  of 
clipping.  These  machines  are  invaluable 
where  a  number  of  horses  are  kept. 

Summer  Clothing. 

F^or  summer  wear,  the  clothing  should 
be  light,  composed  of  tw^ll,  etc. 

Complete  summer  suits  can  be  had  from 
17/6  upwards.  If  the  colour  is  'fast,' 
the  clothing  can  be  washed  at  frequent 
intervals,  taking  care  to  have  it  properly 
dried  before  using  again. 

Winter  Clothing. 

During  the  colder  months  of  the  year 
every  horse  should  have  a  suitable  rug  or 
suit. 

Cheap  rugs,  yet  remarkably  warm,  can 


Knee-  Caps  7 1 

be  formed  out  of  army  blankets,  such  as 
have  been  bought  up  by  Government 
contractors. 

Munster  clothing — either  complete  suit 
or  rug — is  specially  suitable  for  winter  use. 

Fine  wool  (self-adjustable)  rugs,  etc.,  are 
now  a  orood  deal  used. 

In  some  establishments  both  day  and 
night  rugs  are  used,  the  latter  being  less 
attractive  as  a  rule. 

Knee  Caps. 

These  should  be  worn  when  exercising, 
or  even  when  driving  on  slippery  roads, 
or  in  the  stable.  Those  havino-  rubber 
springs  are  the  best  form.  '  Fetlock ' 
boots,  '  Speedy-cut '  boots,  and  '  Hock  ' 
boots,  are  corresponding  articles  fre- 
quently worn  by  horses  which  'brush,' 
*  Speedy-cut,'      or      bruise     their      hocks, 


72  The  Grooms  Gttide 

respectively,   being  fastened  on  by   straps 
or  laces. 

How  to  Measure  for  a   Horse-Rug. 

1.  Take  the  lenoth  of  the  animal's  back 
(withers  to  set  on  of  tail). 

2.  Around  the  girthing  place. 

3.  Girth  of  root  of  neck. 

Cleaning  Saddles  and  Riding-Bridles. 

After  removing  girths,  stirrups,  etc.,  off 
the  saddle,  the  padded  surface  should  be 
brushed  and  the  hair  and  sweat  adhering 
to  it  removed  by  a  sponge,  only  slightly 
damp,  and  then  placed  on  the  saddle  airer 
to  dry  the  panels. 

Use  the  damp  sponge  to  clean  the 
leather,  stirrups,  straps,  etc.  Subsequently 
smear  with  saddle  soap,  polishing  up 
with  a  clean  dry  cloth.  A  little  vaseline 
will  keep  the  stirrup  straps  pliant.  Stains 
can  be  removed  with  lemon  juice. 


Winter  Clothing  "jt^ 

To  facilitate  the  cleaninof  of  saddle  and 
harness,  many  harness  rooms  are  fitted 
with  a  table  and  saddle  horse,  or  what  is 
more  convenient,  a  combination  of  these, 
along  with  a  cupboard  or  drawer  beneath. 

The  girths  should  be  sponged  and  dried. 

Buckles  to  be  taken  from  other  and 
cleaned  in  the  same  way  as  those  belong- 
ing to  harness  (see  Cleaning  of  Harness). 
After  cleaning  saddle,  cover  up  with  a  dry 
sheet. 

Care  of  Clothing. 

The  better  quality  of  horse-rugs  and 
suitings  being  somewhat  expensive  articles, 
the  groom  should  take  all  the  care  he 
possible  can  of  these. 

When  not  in  use  they  ought  to  be  kept 
covered  up  in  a  dry  place  and  where  moths 
cannot  do  any  damage  to  them.  If  this 
happens,  dust  freely  with  moth  destroyer, 

5 


74  T^he  Groom  s  Guide 

placincr  a  few  pieces  of  camphor  between 
the  folds. 

Any  sHght  tears  must  be  repaired  at 
once,  otherwise  the  value  of  the  rug  may 
be  spoiled. 

Whenever  clothing  has  no  longer  to  be 
worn,  brush  It  and  put  It  away  at  once. 

To  see  articles  of  this  kind  thrown 
carelessly  to  one  side  indicates  a  slovenly 
groom,  and  one  that  can  never  expect  to 
rise  In  the  esteem  of  his  master  or  mistress. 

Cleaning  and  Preserving  Boot-Tops. 

The  tops  of  hunting  grooms'  and  coach- 
mens'  boots  vary  In  their  colour,  but  salmon- 
pink  and  reddish-brown  are  those  In  general 
use.  Any  stains  can  be  removed  with  a  little 
lemon  juice.  This,  however.  Is  more  the 
work  of  the  valet,  if  such  a  luxury  be  kept. 

If  the  tops  are  wet  and  muddy,  they 
should    be    lightly    sponged   with    a   clean 


Gi'oom  s  Clothing  75 

flannel,  and  then  cleaned  with  any  of  the 
special  compositions  sold  for  such  purposes. 
For  preserving  patent  leather  jack  boots, 
a  little  cream  is  excellent.  This  will 
answer  equally  w^ell  for  brown  leather,  no 
matter  whether  it  be  in  the  form  of  boots, 
tops  or  harness.  For  preserving  the  shape 
of  top-boots  they  should  be  kept  on  '  Boot 
Trees.'     (See  Recipes,  Chap,  xiii.) 

Groom's  Clothing. 

A  groom's  clothing  is  practically  akin  to 
that  worn  by  the  coachman,  but  coats  are 
frequently  without  any  side-flaps. 

The  waistcoat  may  be  striped,  red,  etc., 
with  breeches  and  top-boots.  A  belt  is  fre- 
quently worn. 

If  a  oToom — or  o-room -coachman — has  to 
be  kept  to  be  '  ornamental '  as  well  as  use- 
ful   (a    frequent    enough    combination),    a 


76  The  G 7^0 07} IS  Guide 

couple  of  suits  are  desirable  each  year,  but 
much  depends  upon  the  wearer  of  the 
clothes.  A  careless  groom  and  an  over- 
liberal  master  (which,  unfortunately,  the 
writer  has  never  had  the  pleasure  of 
knowing)  will  soon  help  the  tailor  to  get 
fat,  especially  when  liveries  are  made  to 
order. 

Much  can  be  done  if  the  groom  takes  a 
pride  in  his  livery,  brushing  it  regularly, 
avoiding  dirty  work  whilst  dressed  in  his 
best  clothes,  and  using  a  waterproof  coat 
when  showery  or  wet  weather  prevails. 

When  livery  is  no  longer  required  for 
the  day,  brush  It,  fold  It,  and  box  it  up. 

What  can  look  worse  than  to  see  a 
groom,  coachman,  or  one  filling  a  combina- 
tion of  these  occupations,  wearing  an 
outfit,  on  which  the  legacy  of  adverse 
weather  exists  in  the  form  of  greenish - 
yellow  hue  suggestive  of  shabby-gentility. 


Grooms  Clothing  yy 


Saddle-Cloths  or  Numnahs. 

Felt  cloths  are  sold  to  fit  both  ladies'  or 
gent.'s  saddles,  varying  in  their  thickness. 

Saddle  cloths  should  be  kept  very  dry 
and  clean,  otherwise  they  are  liable  to  be- 
come hard  and  so  gall  the  back  or  withers, 
neither  should  a  numnah  be  worn  if  the 
back  has  been  galled,  i,e,,  the  skin  chafed. 

When  the  hair  on  the  saddle  bed  has 
not  been  clipped  off  it  takes  the  place,  to 
some  extent  at  least,  of  the  numnah. 


CHAPTER  V. 

BITS,  MARTINGALES, 
REARING,  Etc. 

Different  Varieties  of  Bits. 

Great  are  the  differences  in  the  form  of 
*  Bits,'  and  the  oroom  should  become  ac- 
quainted  with  the  names  and  particular 
uses  of  such  as  are  in  general  use,  the 
chief  of  them  being  : — 

The  Snaffle  or  Bridoon  Bit. 

This  is  shown  In  figure  i.  The  rings 
are  attached  to  the  bit  at  the  middle  of  the 
cheeks.  It  is  not  a  very  good  bit  for 
saddle    use.     The    bit    is    pointed    in    the 


Fig-  3. 


*i  i? 


Fig.  I. 


Fig.  2. 
Snaffle  Bits. 


Fig.  4. 


Fig.  5.  Fig.  6. 

Pelham  Bits. 


M^^ 


Fig.  7. 


Fig.  8.  Fig.  9. 

Weymouth  Bits. 


Fig.  10.  Fig.  II.  Fig.  12. 

Three  Different  Forms  of  Driving-Bits. 


8o  .  The  Groom  s  Guide 

middle,  but  sometimes  straight,  unpointed, 
or  twisted  as  in  figure  2. 

Ring  Snaffle. 

The  *  double '  ring  snaffle-bit  (fig.  3)  is 
very  usefijl  for  harness  purposes  and  gives 
the  driver  good  control  over  the  animal, 
owing  to  the  free  play  of  the  loose  rings 
on  the  bit.  It  is  usual  to  ^y^  the  reins  on 
to  the  rings  piercing  the  bit. 

A  single  ring  snaffle  is  in  common  use 
for  driving  purposes  (fig.  4.) 

Pelham  Bits. 

These  are  used  for  both  saddle  and  har- 
ness purposes,  and  are  sold  with  or  with- 
out curb  chains  attached,  as  shown  in 
figures  5  and  6.  In  the  Hanoverian  Pel- 
ham  the  mouthpiece  has  several  points. 

The  curb  chain  presses  on  the  lower 
jaw  when  the  rein  is  pulled. 


Bits  81 

The  mouthpiece  Is  frequently  bent  in 
the  middle,  forming  what  is  called  the 
'  Port,'  so  as  to  give  room  for  the  tongue 
to  play.  This  form  of  bit  will  be  seen 
on  reference  to  figures  7,  8,  9  (Wey- 
mouth bits).  Some  other  patterns  of 
driving  bits  are  shown  in  figures  10,  11 
and  12. 

When  fitting  a  bit  the  groom  should 
take  particular  care  to  see  that  the  mouth- 
piece is  ot  the  proper  width,  and  if  a  curb 
be  used,  the  latter  should  lie  quite  flat  on 
the  chin  groove,  otherwise  no  matter  how- 
ever perfect  the  rest  of  the  bit  be,  it  will 
not  act  properly  if  the  curb  is  not  carefully 
adjusted.  If  the  last  named  be  too  tight 
it  causes  the  animal  pain,  probably  in 
course  of  time  galling  the  part  when  the 
reins  are  pulled.  About  half  an  inch 
should  be  left  between  the  curb  chain 
and  the  'chin  Qfroove.' 


82  The  Groo77zs  Guide 

Bearing  Rein:  its  Uses  and  Abuses. 

If  a  Pelham  bit  be  used  the  bearing 
rein  should  be  fastened  to  the  cheek,  then 
through  the  '  ear-rings '  of  the  head  stall, 
fastening  on  to  the  hook  of  the  pad. 

Bearing  reins  are  used  more  for  show 
than  for  any  other  purpose,  causing 
the  animal  to  have  a  more  erect  carriao-e 
of  the  head  and  neck,  restraining  him, 
also  bringing  the  hind  quarters  more 
under  the  body. 

If  carefully  adjusted  a  bearing  rein 
does  not  cause  the  animal  a  o-reat 
degree  of  discomfiture.  When  a  horse 
is  trotting"  the  bearinor  rein  should  be 
'slack,'  and  never  cause  the  bit  to  press 
on  the  angles  of  the  mouth.  To  allow 
the  bearing  reins  to  do  the  latter,  is  most 
certainly  to  abuse  what  is  sometimes, 
otherwise,  a  very  useful  appliance. 


Bits  ^2> 


Martingale. 

This  is  a  leather  band  having  a  buckle 
at  one  end,  and  the  opposite  end  being 
divided  into  a  pair  of  short  reins,  each 
bearing  ivory  or  metal  rings,  for  attachment 
to  the  snaffle  or  curb  reins. 

A  martingale  gives  one  much  more 
control  over  a  saddle  horse,  preventing 
the  animal  from  tossing  up  its  head,  and 
excessive  rearing.  Leather  stops  are 
used  to  prevent  the  rings  of  the  martingale 
from  passing  over  the  reins  of  the  bit. 

Nose-Band. 

Nose-bands  are  used  for  attaching  the 
cavesson  standing  martingale,  also  for  orna- 
ment. This  appliance  is  likewise  of  service 
when  a  horse  keeps  his  mouth  too  much 
open  whilst  being  ridden  with  a  snaffle. 


84  The  Grooms  Guide 


Kicking  in  Harness. 

This  is  one  of  the  worst  forms  of  vice 
that  a  horse  can  have,  and  it  is  frequently 
associated  with  the  '  Runaway.'  Some 
kickers  in  harness  become  expert  gig- 
smashers  seemingly  taking  a  delight  in 
rapping  away  at  the  machine  until  it  is 
practically  a  wreck,  then  after  the  destruc- 
tion, probably  the  animal  *  bolts.'  We 
have  known  and  driven  horses  of  this 
type,  but  trust  that  we  may  never  have  a 
repetition  of  such  unpleasurable  excite- 
ment. 

Any  horse  having  acquired  tricks  of 
this  nature  is  absolutely  unsafe,  because 
one  can  never  tell  the  moment  when  it 
may  break  out  again. 

Provocation  does  not  appear  needful  to 
remind  an  inveterate  kicker  in  harness  of 


Rearing  85 

Its  vicious  propensities,  although  It  may 
be  months  or  even  years  before  the  old 
vice  returns. 

A  horse  of  this  class  Is  only  fit  to  work 
In  some  way  where  no  danger  can  be 
done  either  to  person  or  property. 

Mares  are,  we  believe,  more  frequently 
given  to  the  vice  than  Geldings.  Rigs 
are  also  often  vicious. 

Rearing. 

Although    bad    enough   in   Its^^way,    we' 
prefer  a  '  Rearer '  to  one  having  the  form 
of  vice  previously  alluded  to. 

Some  horses,  especially  when  highly 
fed  and  little  worked,  are  very  much  given 
to  '  rearing  ' — of  which  there  are  varying 
degrees,  exhibited  either  whilst  being 
ridden,  driven,  or  perhaps  In  leading. 
Sometimes  a  '  Rearer '  will  overbalance 
itself  and   fall   backwards — the   danger  of 


86  The  G r 007)1  s  Guide 

which  is  apparent  to  anyone.  We  have 
seen  this  occur  both  in  and  out  of  harness, 
yet  marvellous  to  relate,  no  damage  done. 
The  author  had  a  pony  which  carried 
on  capers  of  this  sort  whilst  being  broken 
to  harness.  The  pony  referred  to  was 
half  Arab,  and  had  been  given  up  as 
unbreakable,  until  six  years  old.  However, 
it  subsequently  turned  out  to  be  an  ideal 
worker,  quiet,  and  practically  without  a 
single  form  of  vice. 

In  drivino-  a  horse  that  inclines  '  to  rear,' 

o 

take  care  to  avoid  pulling  the  reins,  in 
fact,  slacken  them,  but  do  not  use  the 
whip.  Again,  if  'riding,'  grip  the  hairs  of 
the  main  tightly  around  the  finger,  and 
pull  on  the  snaffle  rein  alone. 

Setting. 

A  '  setter  '  generally  refuses   '  to  move  ' 
at  a  time,  or  place,  most  inopportune. 


Setting  87 

When  one  wants  to  catch  a  train,  or  go 
to  some  urgent  case,  and  your  pony  'sets,' 
surely  there  is  a  good  excuse  for  using 
profane  language. 

Commonly  a  '  setter '  '  sets  '  on  the 
'outward  '  journey,  but  when  the  vice  has 
become  thoroughly  established,  there  is  a 
liability  for  it  to  happen  under  a  variety 
of  conditions. 

Althoucrh  troublesome,  there  is  no  doubt 
that  a  confirmed  setter  can  be  cured. 
Regular  work  and  plenty  of  it  are  the  best 
means  to  this  end. 

The  judicious  use  of  the  '  persuader ' 
will  help  matters  toward  a  favourable 
issue. 

Stumbling. 

This  is  a  very  dangerous  habit,  slovenly 
movers  being  predisposed  to  it. 


88  The  Grooms  Guide 

Of  course,  the  best  of  horses  are  liable 
to  stumble  when  o;oinor  over  uneven 
ground,  or  through  stepping  on  a  sharp 
stone,  etc. 

Allowing  the  feet  to  get  too  long  ;  leg 
weariness  ;  speedy-cutting  ;  diseases  of 
the  feet,  etc.,  are  all  causes  operative  In  the 
production  of  '  stumbling  '  and  falling. 

To  remedy,  try  and  remove  the  cause. 

Shying. 

Defective  sight  and  nervousness  are  the 
chief  causes  of  this.  Some  horses  are 
very  given  to  shying  at  certain  objects 
met  with  on  the  road,  but  when  constantly 
driven  by  the  same  person,  the  driver 
knows  when  to  be  on  the  alert.  A  horse 
that  '  shies  '  without  any  apparent  reason — 
at  Imaginary  objects — should  have  his 
eyes  examined  by  an  expert  Veterinarian. 


Weaving  89 


Weaving. 

This  objectionable  habit  is  denoted  by 
the  animal  constantly  moving  its  head  and 
neck  from  side  to  side,  producing  a  rocking 
sort  of  motion  of  the  fore-hand. 

Horses  thus  troubled  do  not  as  a  rule 
thrive  as  well  as  they  ought  to  do.  It 
would  appear  to  be  the  outcome  of  nerve- 
irritability,  as  we  have  observed  that 
animals  thus  affected  are  worse  when 
disturbed  by  a  stranger,  etc. 

Crib-Biting. 

This  is  a  very  nasty  vice,  and  an  ex- 
tremely common  one.  Idleness  is  favour- 
able to  its  production.  Horses  standing* 
in  the  stall  with  no  hay,  straw,  etc.,  to 
chew    at,   especially  if   the  fittings  are  all 

6 


90  The  Groonis  Guide 

wooden,  are  very  liable  to  take  on  this 
habit. 

We  have  known  many  crib-biters  started 
in  this  way,  but  when  given  an  unlimited 
supply  of  straw  and  hay,  never  think  of 
touchinof  their  fittinors. 

Iron  fittings,  or  wooden  ones  covered 
with  zinc  sheeting  or  Iron  bands,  do  to 
some  extent,  prevent  this  ;  or  at  least  tend 
to  discourage  this  vice,  so  often  associated 
with  wind-sucking — a  still  more  pernicious 
practice. 

Evidence  of  crib-biting  can  often — 
though  not  always — be  seen  on  looking  at 
the  edges  of  the  nipping  teeth. 

Sliding  cribs,  and  anti  crib-biting 
muzzles — the  latter  so  made  that  the 
animal  can  eat  oats,  etc.  through  It — are 
the  usual  preventative  appliances. 


Wind  Sucking  91 


Wind  Sucking. 

Wind  sucking  is  a  very  pernicious 
practice,  and  horses  doing  this  never  thrive 
well. 

They  are  predisposed  to  attacks  of  the 
belly-ache  and  stomach  disorders. 

A  strap  around  the  upper  part  of  the 
throat  is  commonly  in  use  to  modify  the 
habit. 

Wind  sucking  horses  should  have  a 
piece  of  rock  salt  in  their  mangers,  and  be 
fed  with  great  regularity  on  chopped  and 
soft  food. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ELEMENTS  OF  RIDING. 

In  the  present  work  it  is  not  the  writer's 
intention  to  enter  into  the  details  of  horse- 
manship, but  it  is  the  duty  of  every  groom 
to  try  and  acquire  all  the  knowledge  he 
can  in  the  art  of  equestrianism. 

A  groom  may  be  a  first  class  man  for 
stable  work  and  the  handling  of  horses, 
yet  a  very  indifferent  or  even  bad  rider. 

Practice  of  training  under  a  competent 
instructor  are  essential  to  success. 

Some  recommend  that  the  best  means 
of  acquiring  a  firm  seat  is  to  ride  bare 
back,  first  at  the  walk  and  trot,  then  at  the 
canter  and  gallop. 


Elements  of  Riding  93 

There  can  be  no  doubt  about  this  being 
^'ood  advice,  but  it  does  not  teach  the 
beofinner  the  correct  attitude  in  the  saddle. 

Given  the  use  of  a  saddle,  the  next 
question  is  "should  or  should  not"  stirrups 
be  used  during  the  earliest  lessons.  Both 
these  plans  have  their  advocates.  The 
writer  is  inclined  to  the  opinion  that  it  is 
better  to  do  without  stirrups,  say,  for  the 
first  two  lessons  or  so.  The  stirrups  may 
then  be  used,  and  the  first  step  towards 
this  must  be  to  have  the  stirrup-leathers 
properly  adjusted,  otherwise  little  real 
progress  can  be  made.  Graduate  their 
length  in  accordance  with  that  of  the  legs 
and  thighs,  taking  care  to  have  both 
precisely  the  same  length. "^ 

Sit  well  down  on  the  saddle,  put  the  feet 
in  the  stirrup-irons,  and  press  on  the  ball 
of  the  foot  through  the  '  natural '  weight  of 
the  legs  only. 

*  Many  stirrup  leathers  have  now  the  holes  numbered. 


94  The  Gi'oorn  s  Guide 

If  the  feet  press  on  the  stirrups — as 
happens  when  the  stirrup-leathers  are  not 
the  right  length — the  rider  Is  forced  up 
from  his  seat. 

A  very  good  plan  for  getting  the  stirrups 
of  the  rieht  lenoth  Is  as  follows  :  Take 
your  seat  In  the  saddle,  and  allow  the 
stirrup  to  hang  empty.  An  assistant  now 
raises  the  toe  until  It  comes  to  be  on  a 
straight  line  with  the  heel,  the  stirrup 
leather  being  fixed  by  the  keeper  as  soon 
as  the  stirrup  comes  Immediately  under 
the  ankle. 

When  hunting  It  Is  usual  to  put  the  foot 
as  far  Into  the  stirrup-iron  as  it  will  go,  but 
not  In  ordinary  riding.  In  fact  It  Is  evidence 
of  faulty  horsemanship. 

In  riding,  the  lower  portion  of  the  leg — 
but  not  below  the  ankle — -cannot  be  brought 
too  close  to  the  side  of  the  horse's  body. 
It  is  one  of  the   commonest  faults  to  see 


Elements  of  Riding  95 

the  legs  and  toes  sticking  out  at  right 
angles  from  the  horse,  giving  the  rider 
a  bad  appearance. 

To  recapitulate,  the  reader  will  have 
learned,  as  far  as  we  have  gone,  certain 
essentials  of  the  art  of  equitation,  viz  : 

1.  A  firm  seat. 

2.  Proper  adjustment  of  stirrups. 

3.  Close  application  of  legs  to  side. 

4.  The  ball  of  the  foot  to  rest  on  the 
stirrup-iron. 

The  next  step  to  learn  Is  that  of  mount- 
ing, or  'when  to  mount,'  and  'how  to 
mount.' 

The  groom  should  endeavour  to  teach 
his  horses  to  stand  still  for  mountinsf, 
especially  so  for  those  learning  to  ride. 

Careful  schooling  in  this  direction  will 
do  much  towards  this  end. 

Many  grooms  and  riders  spoil  their 
horses  in  this  essential,  through  impatience. 


96  The  Groovis  Guide 

During  mounting,  the  groom  should 
take  hold  of  the  horse  by  the  cheek  of  the 
bridle,  leaving  the  reins  in  the  hands  of 
the  rider. 

When  accompanying  his  master,  mistress, 
or  other  members  of  the  family,  the  groom 
should  always  ride  to  the  rear,  but  within 
speaking  distance  of  his  superior. 

Never  allow  the  animal  to  start  off  in  a 
hurry,  otherwise  it  will  soon  acquire  this 
nasty  habit. 

The  same  statement  is  equally  applicable 
to  harness  horses.  They  want  to  be  on 
the  road  almost  before  you  have  time  to 
get  into  your  machine. 

They  can  be  cured  of  this  trick,  and 
when  cured  they  should  be  kept  constantly 
up  to  the  mark,  because  the  slightest 
laxity  probably  means  a  repetition  of  the 
old  vice. 

The    rider  must  now  stand  on   the  left 


Elements  of  Riding  97 

side,  a  trifle  in  front  of  the  animal's 
shoulder,  and  place  the  reins  in  his  left 
hand — with  his  back  looking  in  the 
direction  of  the  horse's  head — now  taking  a 
grip  of  the  mane  with  the  reins  and  fingers 
of  the  same  hand,  at  the  same  time  placing 
the  left  foot  in  the  stirrup-iron.  This  is 
called  the 

First  position  in  niounting,  and  it  should 
pass  imperceptibly  into  the 

Second  position,  or  that  in  which  the 
rider  has  his  face  overlooking  the  saddle, 
but  with  the  rioht  hand  beino-  on  the  back 

o  o 

portion  of  the  saddle  in  order  to  rise  into  the 
Third  position,  in  which  the  right  foot  is 
now  on  a  level  with  the  one  resting  on  the 
stirrup,  the  former  being  speedily  thrown 
over  the  croup  so  as  to  bring  the  rider  on 
to  the  seat  of  the  saddle,  and  immediately 
place  the  right  foot  into  the  stirrup,  con- 
stituting   the   Fo2irth    (mounted)   position. 


98  The  Groom  s  Guide 

During-  this  act  there  must  be  no  bending 
of  the  body  over  the  saddle. 

Briefly,  In  black  and  white,  we  have 
endeavoured  to  show  the  learner  how  to 
mount  a  horse,  but  the  rest  needs  practical 
demonstration. 

Beginners  may  use  single  reins,  and  the 
proper  position  for  the  hand  Is  over  the 
pommel  of  the  saddle.  It  is  better  to  take 
the  rein  In  both  hands.  With  a  '  puller ' 
it  is  advisable  to  take  the  reins  with  one 
hand  a  little  In  front  of  the  other,  the 
double  grasp  giving  the  greatest  control 
over  the  animal. 

The  rein  should  not  be  held  tightly, 
merely  so  as  to  allow  the  horse  to  feel  his 
his  mouth.  As  soon  as  the  rider  has  made 
progress  at  the  walk,  he  should  follow  this 
up  with  the  trot,  canter,  or  gallop. 

When  trotting,  it  is  equably  needful  to 
keep  the  legs  still,  but  rise  In  the  stirrup 


Driving  ~        99 

and  drop  alternately  with  the  motion  of 
the  horse,  using  the  snaffle  rein.  There 
must  be  no  '  bumpino- ' — or  movement  un- 
pleasant to  both  horse  and  horseman. 
Both  In  cantering  and  galloping,  the  rider 
must  sit  tightly  down  on  the  saddle,  taking 
the  reins  in  both  hands. 

When  it  is  necessary  for  a  groom  to 
give  instruction  to  children  in  riding,  he 
should  learn  them  to  beoin  without  takino- 
hold  of  the  bridle,  but  allow  them  to  take 
hold  of  the  pony's  mane  or  pommel  of  the 
saddle.  In  a  few  lessons  of  this  sort  a 
good  balance  Is  acquired,  and  then  the 
child  may  have  the  use  of  a  pair  of  single 
reins.  The  Instruction  should  be  carried 
out  with  regularity,  and  the  elementary 
lessons  of  short  duration. 

Driving. 

It  Is  with  some  feeling  of  reluctance  that 


lOO  The  Grooms  Guide 

we  mention  'driving'  in  a  work  of  this 
class,  because  it  is  a  subject  too  vast  to  be 
treated  of  herein,  and  one  which  can  only 
be  acquired  by  careful  tuition  and  practical 
experience. 

We  may,  however,  note  one  or  two 
essentials  of  the  art. 

Before  starting-  the  driver,  or  his  groom, 
should  scan  the  harness  all  over  to  see  that 
it  has  been  properly  adjusted,  and  that 
the  horse  or  horses  appear  at  ease  in  the 
shafts. 

The  driving  seat  should  be  made  to  fit 
the  driver,  i.e.,  of  a  height  necessary  to 
give  leverage  from  the  feet  and  back  when 
sitting  In  an  erect  posture. 

As  a  class  of  men  havino-  more  or  less 
daily  work  amongst  horses,  farmers,  on  the 
average,  are  probably  the  most  slovenly 
coachmen. 

It  is  positively  painful  to  see  a  man  or 


Drivinor  loi 


v> 


woman  jerking  and  tugging  at  the  reins  to 
persuade  the  animal  onwards. 

It  is  really  remarkable  to  see  a  man  who 
may  spend  the  best  part  of  his  life  in  his 
gig  driving  in  the  aforementioned  fashion. 

No  surer  means  exists  of  makine  a  horse 
become  a  sluo^o-ard  in  harness. 

There  should  be  no  pulling,  neither 
must  the  reins  be  held  too  tightly  nor  yet 
too  slack.  The  first  fault,  in  driving 
prevents  the  animal  from  having  full  con- 
trol over  the  fore-hand,  whereas  the  latter 
one  will  probably  be  the  means  of  allowing 
the  horse  to  come  to  the  ground,  if  it 
stumbles.  When  shoi^tening  the  reins  to 
'pull  up  J  pass  the  right  hand  over  and  i7i 
front  of  the  left  one. 

It  indicates  bad  driving  when  the  hands 
have  to  be  pulled  up  to  the  face,  and  the 
head  thrown  suddenly  back  in  order  to 
shorten    the    reins    suddenly.       The    reins 


I02  The  Grooms  Guide 

should  be  taken  out  of  the  turrets — if 
folded  loosely  through  here  when  the  horse 
was  harnessed — on  the  (off)  right  side  and 
placed  in  the  left  hand,  or  one  rein  in  each 
hand  after  being  seated,  and  kept  up  to 
the  bit  until  the  owner  and  party  are 
settled  in  the  machine,  and  then  start 
slowly.  On  roads  free  from  stones  lying 
about,  and  level,  the  pace  should  be  eight 
miles  for  horses  at  least,  increased  down 
braes  not  too  steep  and  decreased — walked 
— up  hill. 

The  whip  can  be  held  in  the  right  hand, 
the  handle  of  which  should  incline  over  the 
left  forearm,  so  that  it  is  ready  for  use  if 
required,  and  does  not  in  any  way  detract 
from  the  free  use  of  the  right  hand  being- 
placed  a  few  inches  in  front  of  the  left  one 
when  desirous  of  shortening  the  "  ribbons." 

When  driving  a  pair,  particular  attention 
should  be  paid  to  the  'coupling  reins,'  so 


Exercising  1 03 

as  to  keep  the  horses  quite  free  from  the 
pole.      This  is  most  important. 

Exercising. 

Harness  and  saddle  horses  when  not  in 
use,  should  have  a  couple  of  hours'  exercise 
every  day  at  the  rate  of,  say  six  miles  per 
hour. 

Early  morning  in  both  town  and  country 
is  the  most  suitable  time  for  the  groom  to 
do  this. 

Horses  brought  back  from  '  summerino- ' 

o 

require  to  be  gradually  brought  into  work- 
ing form  again.  The  grass  may  have  put 
on  any  amount  of  beef,  but  this  has  not 
come  to  stay  when  the  animal  gets  into  its 
full  work,  the  difference  being  that  between 
'  fat '  and  'muscle.' 

Before  exercising  in  the  morning,  give  a 
small  feed  of  corn,  and  of  course  water. 
Hay,    and    the    remainder    of    the    oats. 


I04  The  Groo7)is  Guide 

etc.,     when     the     animal      returns     from 
exercise. 

The  same  plan  can  be  followed  when  it 
Is  needful  to  '  drive  '  before  the  usual  feed- 
time. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

CARE  OF  THE  FEET;  SHOEING 

IN  WINTER;  THRUSH; 

CORNS,  Etc. 

Care  of  the  Feet  and  Removal  of 

Shoes. 

Too  much  attention  cannot  be  given  to 
the  care  of  the  feet,  otherwise  the  animal 
may  become  prematurely  damaoecl. 

Some  horsekeepers  hardly  ever  think  of 
cleaning-  out,  or  washing  the  feet,  conse- 
quently it  is  not  surprising  that  thrush,  and 
even  severe  forms  of  lameness  arise. 

Pick  all  accumulations  out  of  the  feet 
twice  a  day  at  least,  in  the  hind  feet. 

When  horses  are  turned  to  ofrass  for  a 


io6  The  Grooms  Guide 

few  weeks  the  hind  shoes  should  be  re- 
moved, and  unless  the  feet  are  brittle,  it  is 
an  advantage  to  take  the  fore  shoes  off 
likewise. 

When  at  work  frequent  removal  of  shoes 
is  necessary,  about  once  every  three  weeks 
being  sufficient.  Some  horses  may  be  left 
for  a  month  or  so  before  taking  to  the  forge 
for  removal.  This  is  particularly  necessary 
when  a  horse  is  doing  but  little  more  than 
standing  in  the  stable,  consequently  by  the 
time  that  the  animal  should  be  re-shod, 
the  shoes  are  practically  unworn,  but  the 
feet  probably  as  long  as  a  bugler's  horn. 

Feet-stopping,  and  other  compositions 
for  such  purposes  are  of  very  little  use  for 
improving  the  hoof 

For  ordinary  roadster  work  on  coun- 
try roads,  we  prefer  a  shoe  having  both 
'  foot '  and  '  ground  '  surface  perfectly 
level. 


Shoeing  in    Winter  107 

When  a  horse  Is  observed  to  be  lame, 
the  horsekeeper  should  go  to  the  forge 
and  have  the  shoe  removed  so  as  to  make 
certain  of  the  presence,  or  absence,  of 
disease  In  this  part. 

Shoeing  in  Winter. 

Very  little  need  be  said  herein  regardlng 
winter  shoeing.      For  light  horses  the  most 
general  plan  now  In  use  Is  that  of  having 
cog-holes  punched  In  the  shoe  when   the 
horse  Is    shod    durlno-  the    Intervals    from 
November  until  the  end  of  March,  In  the 
country.      The  groom  or  coachman  should 
alwavs  have  a  few  sets — also  a  few  In  his 
pocket    during    a  journey — -of   patent    self 
fastening     steel     cogs,     so     that     he    can 
make   his   horse    suitable    for   travel   on   a 
slippery   road,  at   a   few    moments'  notice. 
The  cogs  ought  to  be  taken  out  when  the 
horse  Is  standing  In  the  stable  for  the  night. 


io8  The  Grooni s  Guide 

For  this  purpose  an  '  extractor '  Is  made, 
and  should  be  obtainable  through  any 
shoeing-smith,  the  cost  of  which  ought 
not  to  exceed  eighteenpence.  These  cogs 
are  equally  suitable  for  any  class  of 
horses  and  are  sold  in  the  followino-  sizes  : 

o 

\  inch        -         •         -         for  small  ponies. 

5 
16        "  "  ~  "  "  " 

■|      „    ■       -         -         -  „    hacks,  roadsters  (light) 

and  cab  horses. 

^^    „  -         -         -  ,,    vanners,  omnibus  and 

brougham  horses. 

^     ,,  -         -         -  „    cart    and    other   heavy 

horses. 

Steel  frost  '  screw '  cogs,  though  less 
liable  to  drop  out,  are  more  trouble  to  ad- 
just, but  are  preferred  by  many. 

'  Frost '  or  '  ice '  nails  are  very  simj^le, 
but  do  not  last  very  long.  A  couple  of 
nails  are  generally  taken  out  of  each  side  of 
the  shoe  and  chisel  headed  nails  Inserted  into 
the  holes.  The  toe  and  heel  calks  (outer)  are 
sometimes  sharpened  to  prevent  slipping. 


Forging  1 09 

Various  forms  of  pads — also  shoes — are 
sold  as  preventatives  of  '  slipping,'  or  '  slip- 
ping '  and  'balling,'  some  of  which  are  of 
little  use  to  prevent  the  former. 

Urquhart's  and  Sheather's  pads  are  those 
most  generally  used  for  such  purposes. 

Forging  (over-reach). 

This  is  clue  to  the  horse  striking  the 
inner  edge  of  the  shoe  with  the  toe  of  the 
hind  foot,  denoted  by  a  clacking  sound 
whilst  the  animal  is  in  motion.  It  is  very 
annoying. 

Some  horses  will  do  it  after  coming  up 
from  grass,  the  noise  ceasing  after  being 
at  work,  in  many  instances.  It  is,  how- 
ever, sometimes  rather  troublesome  to 
rectify,  especially  if  high  behind  and  low 
in  the  fore-hand.  In  shoeing  have  the 
inner  edge  of  the  fore  shoe  rounded    off, 


iio  The  Grooms  Guide 

and  the  foot  striking  kept  as  short  as  pos- 
sible at  the  toe. 

Brushing  or  Cutting. 

Many  horses  have  this  objectionable 
practice,  and,  when  allowed  to  go  on,  per- 
manently damages  the  parts  around  the 
injury.  It  is  most  certainly  cruelty  to 
work  a  horse  havino-  crashes  about  its  fet- 
locks  especially  if  nothing  has  been  done  to 
try  and  remedy  it. 

Horses  which  are  '  narrow  '  below  are 
predisposed  to  inflict  this  injury  upon  their 
hind  fetlocks,  it  being  due  to  the  shoe  of 
the  opposite  foot  brushing  or  striking  the 
part  during  movement.  Toes  turned 
either  '  in  '  or  '  outwards  '  are  also  very 
liable  to  cause  brushing.  (Defective  con- 
formation.) 

From  this  it  will  be  readily  understood 
that  it  is  not  easy  to  do  away  with  it. 


False  Quarter  1 1 1 

The  foot  or  shoe  that  '  strikes  '  should 
be  kept  very  closely  clasped,  have  a  flat 
surface,  and  a  nail  driven  in  at  the  toe 
only.  Feather  edged,  and  three-quarter 
shoes  are  commonly  used  for  preventing 
cuttincr. 

In  cases,  otherwise  incurable,  a  fetlock 
boot  can  be  constantly  worn. 

False-Quarter. 

This  is  denoted  by  an  indentation  in 
the  hoof  at  the  quarter,  brought  on  by 
impairment  of  horny  secretion. 

Sandcrack. 

The  wall  of  the  hoof  is  occasionally 
found  to  have  a  crack  in  it,  to  which  the 
above  term  is  applied.  It  is  commonest 
in  the  fore-feet  and  at  the  inner  quarter,  be- 
ing usually  situated  at  the  toe  when  in  hind 
feet.  If  it  extends  through  wall  of  hoof  it 
may  produce  pain,  consequently  lameness. 


112  The  Grooin  s  Guide 


Puncture  of  the  Foot. 

Stepping  on  any  sharp  object,  such  as  a 
nail,  etc.,  is  liable  to  penetrate  into  the 
sensitive  structures  within  the  hoof,  and 
unless  speedily  extracted  and  treated  in  a 
proper  manner,  it  is  liable  to  be  followed 
by  the  most  serious  consequences. 

Lockjaw  frequently  follows  injuries  of 
this  kind,  so  that  in  the  event  of  such  an 
accident  happening-,  the  attendant  should 
loose  no  time  in  seeking  the  advice  of  a 
veterinarian.  Owing  to  the  great  risk, 
we  strongly  recommend  the  groom  or 
coachman  to  follow  our  advice  regarding 
injuries  of  this  class. 

Founder  of  the  Feet. 

This,  commonly  called  'fever  of  the  feet,' 
'inflammation  of  the  feet,'  etc.,  is  of  pretty 


Foitnder  of  the  Feet  1 1 3 

frequent  occurrence  in  the  horse,  and  when 
acute,  the  pain  is  of  a  most  severe 
character.  One,  both  fore,  both  hind,  or 
all  the  feet  may  be  the  seat  of  the  disease 
at  the  same  or  different  times. 

Difficulty  of  moving  ;  increased  heat  of 
the  feet  ;  and  a  throbbing  of  the  artery  in 
the  hollow  of  the  fetlock,  are  commonly 
the  chief  signs  of  the  malady,  but  swelling 
of  the  eyelids,  fever,  etc.,  are  frequently 
present. 

Send  for  professional  aid  at  once.  The 
longer  the  delay,  the  less  the  chances  of 
recovery.  Also  have  the  farrier  ready  to 
take  the  shoes  off  in  case  the  veterinarian 
gives  instructions  to  have  this  done. 

Bruises  to  the  Coronet. 

Horses  which  turn  their  toes  '  inwards  ' 
are  predisposed  to  inflict  this  nasty  injury 
upon  themselves.     Pain,  redness,  and  lame- 


114  ^-^^  Gi'oom  s  Gidde 

ness  are  the  result,  whilst  in  the  absence 
of  proper  treatment  permanently  damage 
may  result.  Professional  assistance  is 
advisable,  whenever  such  can  be  had. 

Thrush  of  the  Feet. 

This  disease  starts  in  the  cleft  of  the 
frog",  and  though  common  enough  in  the 
fore  feet,  it  is  far  more  frequent  in  the  hind 
ones,  owing  to  these  being  more  liable  to 
become  fouled  by  the  excretions. 

Horses  predisposed  to  eczema  are  more 
liable  to  become  affected,  though  this  is 
chiefly  a  disease  arising  from  neglect. 

Every    groom    should    provide    himself 
with  a  pocket  folding  horse  pick  hammer, 
and  clean  the  feet  out  twice  a  day  at  least 
while  the  horse  is  standing  in  the  stable. 

Decomposing  urine  and  dung  gathering 
on  the  sole  and  in  the  cleft  of  the  foot  are 
the  chief  causes  of  thrush.      Any  tendency 


Corns  1 1 5 

towards  this  disease  should  be  corrected 
by  washing-  the  feet,  twice  dally,  with  water 
and  zotal,  or  some  other  disinfectant  solu- 
tion, then  drying  thoroughly.  Once  the 
disease  has  become  established  what  should 
the  orroom  do  ? 

Dress  the  part  with  the  following  night 
and  morning  : — 

Calomel,  2  drachms. 

Powdered  Boracic  Acid,     4  drachms. 

Iodoform,  \  drachm. 

First,  dust  Into  cleft,  and  then  fill  up 
with  tow.  Also,  wash  occasionally  with 
Disinfectant,  and  continue  to  dress  regu- 
larly until  cured.  A  Diuretic  Ball  will 
also  assist  the  cure. 

Corns. 

A  corn  Is  brouo-ht  on  throuo-h  a  bruise 

o  o 

to  the  sensitive  sole,  showing  Itself — as  a 
rule — at  the  Inner  quarter  of  the  fore  feet. 


1 1 6  The  Grooni  s   Guide 

Though  occasionally  seen,  it  is  uncommon 
to  find  such  on  the  hind  feet.  A  '  recent ' 
corn  is  indicated  by  a  reddish  patch  show- 
ing through  the  horny  sole,  whereas  an 
'  old  '  corn  is  blackish  or  greenish  yellow. 
Corns  are  an  exceedingly  common  cause  of 
lameness,  more  especially  when  beginning 
to  fester,  therefore,  should  the  groom  find 
that  his  horse  is  lame — unless  he  knows 
the  lameness  to  be  otherwise  caused — no 
time  ought  to  be  lost  in  taking  the  horse  to 
the  forge,  having  the  shoe  removed  and 
the  sole  pared  thoroughly  wxll  out,  especi- 
ally at  the  inner  heels  of  fore  feet. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

TREATMENT     OF     HORSES 

ON     BOARD    SHIP, 

BLISTERING,  Etc. 

When  horses  have  to  travel  by  sea  it  is 
advisable  to  keep  them  ori  soft  damp  food 
a  few  days  previous  to  embarkation,  which 
is  carried  out  either  by  slings,  or  in  a  box 
lowered  on  to  the  deck  by  a  steam  crane. 

For  the  first  few  days  on  board  the 
average  daily  ration  of  oats  should  be 
diminished  somewhat.  Frequent  watering 
— especially  in  hot  parts  of  the  voyage — 
is  most  essential,  and  if  exercise  is  possible, 
do  not  neglect  this  important  matter. 

Pay     special     attention     to     grooming. 


1 1 8  The  Groovis  Giiide 

cleaning  of  stalls,  and  to  the  ventilation. 
To  neglect  the  latter  precaution  may  lead 
to  an  attack  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs. 

Founder,  constipation,  and  ship-staggers, 
and  sunstroke  are  diseases  specially  liable 
to  come  on  whilst  horses  are  at  sea,  and  as 
there  will  probably  be  no  veterinary 
attendant  on  the  same  vessel,  the  groom 
will  have  to  do  his  own  doctoring. 

In  case  of  an  attack  of  founder  of  the 
feet,  the  latter  should  be  placed  in  cold 
bran  poultices,  kept  constantly  wetted  with 
ice-cold  water. 

As  soon  as  this  has  been  done,  a  full 
dose  of  purgative  medicine  may  be  given, 
and  for  this  purpose  there  is  nothing  better 
than  a  ball  composed  of  Barbadoes  Aloes, 
from  4  to  8  drachms  according  to  the  size 
of  the  horse.  To  the  drinkino-  water  half 
an  ounce  of  nitre  should  be  added  every 
evening. 


Horses  on  Board  Ship  119 

As  to  food,  this  ought  to  consist  of  bran 
and  Hnseed  mashes,  to  which  some  scalded 
oats  have  been  added.  The  hay  to  be 
given  sparingly,  so  as  to  regulate  the 
bowels.  Continue  this  treatment  until 
better,  but  do  not  repeat  the  physic  unless 
really  needful. 

Constipation. — To  overcome  this  give 
sloppy  foods,  and  if  needful,  add  two  or 
three  tablespoonfuls  of  Epsom  Salts  to 
drinking  water,  twice  a  day. 

Ship-staggers  and  heat  apoplexy  both 
require  that  the  animal  be  '  purged  '  with  a 
'  physic  ball,'  and  iced  water  applied  to  the 
top  of  the  head,  continually. 

Blistering. 

Before  the  application  of  a  '  Blister ' 
wash  the  part  with  soap  and  warm  water, 
then  rub  it  thoroughly  dry. 

All    parts    which    have   much   long   hair 


I20  The  Gi'ooms  Guide 

upon  them  require  close  clipping  before 
startlncr  to  rub  In  the  blisterlno-  aoent, 
which  should  be  applied  with  smart 
friction  for  fullv  twenty  minutes.  In  order 
to  prevent  the  animal  biting  at  the  irri- 
tated part — probably  blistering-  Its  nose, 
lips,  etc. — It  Is  necessary  to  '  tie  up  short ' 
for  48  hours,  or  in  place  of  this,  put  on  a 
cradle — a  very  useful  appliance  when  a 
horse  has  to  be  turned  out  to  graze  after 
blistering  or  firing.  After  the  blisters 
have  burst,  and  the  surface  Is  beginning 
to  dry  and  harden,  smear  it  with  vaseline, 
linseed-oil  or  some  other  soothing,  and 
softening  application. 

Fly,  and  red  mercurial  blistering  oint- 
ments are  those  mostly  in  use,  the  latter 
being  more  productive  of  skin  Inflamma- 
tion than  that  of  the  true  blisterlno-  aoent 

o       o 

first  named. 

The   application   of  such   substances  as 


Feeding  of  Sick  Ho7^ses  1 2 1 

mustard,  turpentine,  ammonia,  croton  lini- 
ment, etc.,  are  frequently  employed  for 
similar  purposes. 


Special  Feeding  of  Sick  Horses. 

In  many  ailments  affecting  the  horse, 
his  appetite  is  either  diminished  or  al- 
together awanting.  When  sick  a  good 
deal  of  *  coaxing '  may  be  needful  ere  the 
animal  can  be  persuaded  to  take  a  few 
mouthfuls  of  food,  either  in  the  liquid, 
semi-liquid,  or  solid  form.  It  is  much 
better  to  try  and  get  the  patient  to  take 
a  little  food  of  itself,  than  having  to  ad- 
minister such  by  force,  though  of  course 
this  latter  plan  has  commonly  to  be  done. 
When  feeding  sick  animals,  the  groom 
should  make  it  a  point  to  never  leave 
food  standing  before  them,  because  If  it 
is  not  eaten  at  the  time  it  is- placed  before 

8 


12  2  The  GroojHs  Gzdde 

them    they    become    satiated    through    its 
presence  before  them. 

Whatever  kind  of  food  be  *  tried '  it 
should  be  small  in  amount,  but  oft  re- 
peated. Some  horses  will  eat  a  little 
natural  grass,  i.e.  gathered  from  the  road- 
side, when  all  other  varieties  of  food  have 
been  refused.  When  in  season,  green 
foods,  such  as  vetches,  etc.,  ought  to  be 
tried  so  as  to  induce  the  animal  to  eat. 
Scalded  oats,  hay,  etc., — to  which,  unless 
contra-indicated — a  little  molasses  or  treacle 
has  been  added  may  also  be  tried. 

Cleaning  and  Preserving  Carriages. 

The  mud  should  be  washed  off  as  soon 
as  possible,  because  the  lustre  of  the 
varnish  is  not  improved  by  allowing  it  to 
dry  on. 

Of  course  circumstances  may  render  this 


Cleaning  Carriages  123 

impossible,  especially  when  a  machine  is 
required  for  use  several  times  a  day,  or 
does  not  reach  home  until  it  is  too  late  to 
beoin  washingf. 

After  removing  cushions,  lamps,  etc., 
the  hose  may  be  allowed  to  play  lightly 
over  the  different  parts,  taking  care  not 
to  let  water  lodge  inside,  or  in  the  bottom 
of  the  orio-.  When  water  is  allowed  to  re- 
main  for  long  in  the  well  of  a  gig,  it  does, 
in  course  of  time  make  the  wood  soft  and 
rotten. 

If  the  machine  is  simply  dusty,  it  is 
preferable  to  go  over  it  with  a  sponge  and 
leather. 

Any  particles  of  sand  or  grit  can  be  re- 
moved by  squeezing  water  out  of  the 
sponge  so  that  the  water  will  trickle  over 
the  part,  and  carry  away  the  gritty 
material.  See  that  both  sponge  and 
leather     are     free     from     any     '  scratchy  ' 


124  The  Groovis  Gmde 

particles.  Too  much  care  cannot  be  paid 
to  this  matter,  because  the  tiniest  particle 
of  grit  will  do  a  lot  of  damage  to  the 
varnish. 

Attend  to  the  followino-  rules  : — 


{a)  After  washing  always  wipe  thoroughly 

dry  with  a  chamois  leather. 
{b)   Never  use  soap  or  warm  water. 

[c)  If  a  hot  day,  wash  in  the  shade,  other- 

wise the  machine  may  be  blistered. 

[d)  When  not  in  use,  wash  occasionally  in 

order   to   prevent  the    different   parts 
(wheels,  etc.),  from  shrinking. 

[e)  If  the  tires  are  loose  get  them  repaired 

at  once. 
(/)  See  to  the  axles.  American  ones  re- 
quire greasing  much  more  frequently 
that  Collin's  patent  axles.  When 
putting  on  grease  do  not  allow  any 
grit  to  get  on  the  axle-arm  ;  if  this 
happens  wipe  it  off  at  once.      See  to 


Cleaning  Carriages  125 

the  washers  and   wipe  out   the  axle- 
box. 

{g)  After  drying  the  carriage,  run  it  into 
the  coach  house,  leaving  the  doors  of 
the  latter  open  for  a  time,  otherwise 
the  varnish  is  liable  to  become  dull. 
Allow  plenty  of  air — weather  permitting 
of  course — to  circulate  about  the  o-io- 
house,  so  as  to  assist  in  drying  up 
moisture. 

{h)   Finally,    clean    the  bright   parts,    then 
cover  over  with  a  sheet. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

SOME  DISEASES. 

Influenza. 

This  complaint — also  frequently  spoken  of 
as  horse-distemper — and  in  a  modified 
form  as  Newmarket  fever ;  Is  one  with 
which  most  grooms  are  familiar.  It  differs 
from  an  ordinary  cold,  inasmuch  as  It  Is 
readily  communicated  from  one  horse  to 
another,  and  Is  attended  by  extreme  weak- 
ness, with  a  marked  tendency  to  settle  in 
vital  parts,  such  as  the  lungs  and  bowels  ; 
also  to  attack  certain  joint  structures. 

Horses    having    the   disease    should    be 
kept  apart  from  healthy  ones  as  much  as 


Influenza  1 2  7 

possible,  and  it  is  not  advisable  for  a  horse- 
keeper  to  attend  to  healthy  and  sick  horses 
at  the  same  time.  Influenza  is  a  disease 
which  we  believe  Is  readily  carried  by  the 
clothing,  stable  pails,  etc. 

When  animals  are  suffering  from  this 
disease,  they  require  exceptionally  good 
nursing,  and  absolute  regard  for  stable 
cleanliness,  the  medicinal  treatment  being- 
left  to  the  charge  of  a  qualified  veterinary 
surgeon. 

Cold  in  the  Head  (Catarrh). 

Many  horses  are  affected  with  a  cold  In 
the  head,  during  autumn,  winter,  and 
spring  In  particular. 

There  is  a  discharge  from  the  nose  ; 
perhaps  a  cough,  and  a  want  of  usual 
vigour. 

A  few  days'  rest,  warm  clothing  to  body, 
and  some  nice  warm   food^ — such   as  bran, 


128  The  Gr 00111  s  Gitide 

linseed,  and  crushed  oats  made  into  a 
mash — will  usually  suffice  to  bring  the 
animal  back  to  health. 


Glanders  and  Farcy. 

Both  Glanders  and  Farcy  are  practically 
one  and  the  same  disease,  only  the  last 
named  is  developed  in  connection  with  the 
skin.  It  is  quite  common  to  find  the 
lesions  of  both  present  in  the  same  animal 
at  one  time.  In  Glanders  there  is  a 
gummy  discharge  from  the  nose — com- 
monly the  left  opening  ;  sores  or  ulcers  up 
the  passage  of  the  nose,  and  swelling  at 
the  side  of  the  jaw.  In  Farcy  'buds'  or 
*  buttons  '  form  on  the  skin  and  ulcerate. 
In  either  form  the  disease  is  readily  trans- 
ferred  to  man,  and  in  him  commonly  fatal. 
Immediate  notification  to  the  Local 
Authority  is  necessary. 


Glanders  129 


Megrims.    (Vertigo.) 

This  is  a  complaint  that  renders  a  horse 
affected  by  it  unsafe  for  saddle  and  harness 
purposes,  because  there  is  no  knowing  when 
and  where  an  attack  may  come  on,  the 
malady  having,  practically  speaking,  no 
warninor  sig-n. 

It  is  due  to  some  disturbance  of  the 
balance  of  the  blood  circulation,  and  one 
attack  is  very  liable  to  be  followed  by 
others,  at  irregular  intervals. 

This  condition  is  denoted  by  shaking 
the  head,  staggering,  then  probably  fall- 
ing to  the  ground. 

There  is  a  disease  affectino-  the  ears 
very  closely  allied  to  this  derangement 
which  is  no  doubt  aggravated  by  driving 
on  a  distended  stomach,  havino-  a  badlv 
fitting  collar,  or  too  tight  reining. 


I  ^o  The  Grooms  Guide 


o 


Once  a  horse  has  had  an  attack  of  this 
nature  he  should  be  sold  expressly  for 
work  of  a  slow  character,  and  where  he 
cannot  be  the  cause  of  personal  or  other 
injuries. 

Cramp. 

This  is  not  a  common  complaint  in  the 
horse.  It  comes  on  without  any  warning. 
We  have  seen  it  whilst  the  animal  was 
standing  in  the  shafts.  The  animal  Is,  as 
It  were,  suddenly  doubled  up  through  a 
painful  spasm,  the  legs  being  all  flexed 
and  perhaps  comes  to  the  ground.  As 
a  rule  it  speedily  passes  off. 

Kicks. 

Horses  turned  on  to  grass,  sometimes 
Injure  one  another  by  kicking.  Such  in- 
juries frequently  prove  fatal,  or  render  the 
horse     unfit     for    further    service.       Many 


Kicks  131 

accidents  of  this  class  come  under  the 
notice  of  the  country  veterinary  practitioner, 
particularly  during  the  summer  months. 

The  size  of  the  skin  wound  does  not 
necessarily  indicate  the  gravity  of  the 
injury.  A  very  slight  wound  is  sometimes 
accompanied  by  hopeless  injury  to  bone, 
etc.,  whereas  extensive  wounds  may  be 
unattended  with  any  special  danger.  Of 
course  all  wounds — no  matter  however 
trifling — are  liable  to  be  followed  by  such 
diseases  as  lockjaw,  the  broken  skin  form- 
ing the  portal  for  the  entrance  of  the  germs 
of  this  disease. 

Kicks  in  the  regions  of  the  belly,  etc., 
are  frequently  succeeded  by  inflammation 
(Peritonitis),  yet  there  will  probably  be  no 
wound. 

All  Injuries  of  this  nature  call  for  pro- 
fessional service,  the  animal  being  kept  as 
quiet  as  possible,  until  such  aid  arrives. 


CHAPTER  X. 

INJURIES. 
Collar,  Saddle  and  Girth  Galls. 

Injuries  beneath  the  collar,  saddle  and 
girth,  etc.,  are  of  frequent  occurrence,  and 
unless  the  cause  be  removed,  and  the  sore 
properly  treated,  the  animal  is  caused  great 
pain,  and  permanent  damage  may  be  the 
result. 

Horses  in  low  condition,  and  of  faulty 
conformation,  are  predisposed  to  these 
injuries,  more  especially  when  the  collar, 
saddle,  etc.,  are  badly  fitting,  or  their 
surfaces  bearing  upon  the  skin,  out  of 
repair. 


Saddle  and  Girth   Galh  133 

Horses  liable  to  suffer  from  collar  and 
saddle  galLs,  should  be  allowed  to  keep 
these  parts  of  the  harness  on  for  half-an- 
hour  or  so  after  coming  in  from  work,  thus 
preventing  the  too  rapid  cooling  of  the 
skin  lying  beneath  them. 

The  girths  are  very  liable  to  cause  skin 
abrasions  at  the  side  and  behind  the  elbow, 
if  the  saddle  is  not  properly  adjusted.  The 
groom  should  always  see  that  the  girths 
are  kept  soft,  and  tightened  properly. 

'  Sitfasts  '  are  dead  pieces  of  skin  upon 
the  back,  often  very  difficult  to  deal  with, 
and  calling  for  the  services  of  the  veterin- 
ary surgeon. 

A  badly  fitting  '  Crupper  '  •  sometimes 
causes  chafing  of  the  skin  at  parts  in  con- 
tact with  it. 

Pneumatic  pads  are  now^  sold  for  fixing 
on  to  the  collar  so  as  to  take  the  pressure 
off  the  *  galled  '  part. 


134  ^^^^  Groonis  Guide 

However,  when  possible,  it  is  much 
better  to  give  the  horse  a  rest,  and  get  the 
sore  or  bruise  thoroughly  well  before 
working  again,  taking  care  to  try  and 
prevent  a  repetition  of  the  injury. 

Speedy  Cutting. 

This  consists  of  an  injury  at  the  lower 
and  inner  side  of  the  knee,  the  part  being- 
struck  with  the  inner  edge  of  the  shoe 
of  the  opposite  foot. 

It  is  a  dangerous  practice,  predisposing 
the  horse  to  fall  through  pain  inflicted 
when  the  sore  part  is  again  struck. 

Defective  conformation,  and  high  action 
predispose  to  speedy-cut.  Keep  the  shoe 
very  narrow  on  Its  inner  side,  and  leave 
out  all  nails  excepting  one  at  the  toe  on 
this  edge. 

A  oaiter  can  also  be  worn. 


Mange  i  ^ 


oo 


Mange. 

Certain  forms  of  this  skin  complaint  are 
of  a  contagious  nature,  therefore  where  a 
number  of  horses  are  kept  the  groom 
should  have  professional  advice  as  soon  as 
possible,  so  that  the  spreading  of  the 
malady — if  of  an  infective  class — may  be 
controlled. 

Different  parts  of  the  body  and  limbs 
are  affected — depending  upon  parasitic 
preferability — but  in  the  commonest  form 
of  mange  the  disease  extends  pretty 
rapidly,  rendering  the  parts  hairless, 
sore,  and  itchy. 

Ringworm. 

This  disease  is  due  to  fungus  penetrat- 
ing into  the  hairs  and  their  roots, 
commonly  giving  rise  to  a  circular   patch 


136  The   Groovi  s  Guide 

of   stubbly    hair,    or    ending    in     complete 
destruction  of  the  hairs. 

A  horse  may  convey  it  from  one  part  of 
its  body  to  another,  or  it  can  be  transferred 
to  other  animals  and  the  converse.  Paint 
with  Tincture  of  Iodine. 

Mud-Rash. 

If  the  body  and  legs  are  not  thoroughly 
cleansed,  especially  when  the  roads  are 
wet  and  muddy,  the  particles  of  sand,  etc., 
adhering  to  the  skin  produce  eruption, 
which  if  extensive  causes  irritation  and  a 
slioht  deoree  of  fever,  hence  the  term 
"mud-fever"  is  frequently  applied. 

It  is  unquestionably  the  outcome  of 
neglect,  and  its  appearance  upon  any 
horse  denotes  idleness  on  the  part  of  the 
oToom. 

Vigorous  shampooing  with  straw  wisps 
and  the  brush  are  the  best  preventatives 


Wotinds  137 

and  means  of  cure,  the  latter  being  assisted 
with  a  dose  of  physic,  and  due  attention 
paid  to  general  cleanliness. 

Wounds. 

Slight  wounds  may  be  treated  by  the 
groom  or  coachman,  but  if  at  all  severe,  or 
in  situations  where  important  organs, 
joints,  etc.,  are  located,  the  services  of  a 
duly  qualified  veterinary  practitioner 
should  be  souoht. 

o 

When  the  skin  is  slightly  chafed,  it  may 
be  smeared  with  a  little  oxide  of  zinc 
powder. 

Injuries  produced  by  a  thorn,  etc.,  can  be 
painted  with  Friar's  Balsam  once  or  twice 
a  day  until  healed. 

Slight  festering  sores  should  be  kept 
very  clean  by  washing  them  night  and 
morning  with  carbolic  acid  lotion  (2  tea- 
spoonfuls    of   pure    carbolic    acid    to     20 


138  The  Grooms  Guide 

ounces  of  water)  subsequently  dressing  with 
carbolic  glycerine. 

Sprains. 

The  back  tendons  are  frequently  the 
seat  of  sprains  in  the  horse,  requiring  that 
the  animal  be  kept  off  work  for  a  time, 
depending  of  course  upon  the  severity  of 
the  sprain. 

In  the  early  stages  cold  water  bandages, 
tightly  and  evenly  applied,  will  do  much  to 
facilitate  recovery. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  blister,  but  to 
avoid  permanent  thickening,  etc.,  if  con- 
venient, the  services  of  a  veterinarian 
should  be  obtained. 

Bruises. 

Commonly  these  are  the  result  of 
collision  and  may  or  may  not  be  accom- 
panied   by     a    skin    wound,     being    quite 


Bruises  1 39 

possible  to  have  the  fleshy  fibres  beneath 
the  last  named  torn  without  any  obvious 
Injury  to  the  skin. 

Very  frequently,  however,  a  collision, 
kick,  etc.,  produce  both  bruising  and 
tearing  of  skin,  flesh,  blood-vessels,  etc. 

Treatment  must  be  In  accordance  with 
the  nature  of  the  Injury,  to  be  determined 
by  the  veterinary  surgeon. 


CHAPTER  XL 

SOME  TROPICAL  DISEASES. 

Surra. 

This  malady  occurs  in  India,  attacking^ 
horses,  mules,  donkeys,  goats,  camels,  etc. 
It  is  said  to  be  due  to  a  minute  parasite 
circulating  in  the  blood. 

Food  and  water  are  capable  of  convey- 
ing the  disease,  the  average  duration  of 
which  is  about  50  days. 

The  symptoms  are  those  of  fever,  a 
nettle-rash  like  surfeit  on  the  body,  and  a 
rapid  loss  of  condition.  Preventatives  : 
comprise    those    of  having   a    pure   water 


Doitrine  1 4 1 

supply ;  keeping  the  forage  from  con- 
tamination with  the  ejecta  of  rats,  etc.,  and 
the  administration  of  one  ounce  doses  of 
Fowler's  Solution  of  Arsenic  every  day 
mixed  with  the  food. 

Dourine. 

This  disease  is  also  known  as  Maladie 
de  Coit,  or  covering  disease,  because  it  is 
chiefly  spread  by  stallions.  It  is  quite 
unknown  in  England,  but  prevalent  in 
France,  Russia,  etc.  The  malady  is 
denoted  by  swelling  and  ulceration  of  the 
penis,  the  swelling  subsequently  extending 
to  the  sheath,  scrotum,  etc.,  causing  the 
animal  to  have  difficulty  in  passing  its 
water.  In  mares  similar  changes  can  be 
seen  about  the  generative  passage. 

In  course  of  time — sometimes  months 
elapse — paralysis  of  the  hind  quarters 
comes  on,  and  the  animal  is  no  longer  able 


142  The  Grooms  Guide 

to  rise.     The  percentage  of  deaths  through 
this  complaint  is  high. 

Cape  Horse  Sickness. 

This  maladv  is  common  amonost  the 
horses  in  South  Africa,  the  recent  Boer 
war  having  been  specially  favourable  to- 
wards the  increase,  though  the  disease 
is  bad  enough  during  time  of  peace  especi- 
ally at  certain  seasons  of  the  year. 

Heat  and  moisture  are  particularly  con- 
ducive towards  the  production  of  this 
complaint,  which  is  closelyallied  to  Anthrax. 
F'rosty  weather  has  the  opposite  effect. 

In  one  form  the  lungs  are  the  chief  seat 
of  the  disease  ;  in  the  other,  the  head  and 
tongue  are  greatly  swollen.  The  per- 
centage of  deaths  is  very  high,  especially  in 
imported  horses. 

In  mild  attacks  the  animals  may  recover, 
being  then  spoken  of  as  'salted.' 


Cape  Horse  Sickness  143 

From  the  time  of  infection,  it  takes  about 
a  week  before  the  disease  begins  to  show 
itself,  death  usually  taking  place  within 
three  or  four  days  of  the  outset. 

The  animal  shows  signs  of  fever,  more 
particularly  towards  evening,  the  breathing 
very  much  quicker,  and  soon  a  discharge 
issues  from  the  nose,  followed  by  various 
other  symptoms,  not  necessary  to  describe 
in  a  book  of  this  description.  In  the  other 
form  the  head,  tongue,  and  lips  become 
swollen  and  blue. 

During  the  season  when  Cape  horse 
sickness  is  about,  the  animals  should  be 
kept  off  the  grass  until  the  dew  has  been 
dried  away. 

Anthrax. 

This  malady  is  prevalent  in  most  coun- 
tries, attacking  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  pigs, 
etc.,    and  capable  of  being  transferred  to 


144  ^^^  Grooms  Guide 

man  through  the  medium  of  a  wound  from 
any  of  the  aforementioned  animals. 

In  the  last  named  it  is  spoken  of  as 
'  woolsorters'  disease,'  because  it  is  fre- 
quently contracted  through  handling  hides, 
etc. 

The  writer  quite  recently  knew  of  a  case 
where  the  farm  grieve  got  inoculated 
through  handling  a  carcase,  the  blood  hav- 
ing got  into  a  slight  scratch  on  the  fingers. 
Owing  to  the  immediate  application  of 
zotal  disinfectant,  the  anthrax  germs  seem  to 
have  been  spent  at  the  seat  of  infection.  A 
typical  ulcer  formed  but  the  man  recovered. 
It  is  nearly  always  fatal  in  animals. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

DISEASES  AND  INJURIES  OF 
BONES,  Etc. 

Splint. 

This  consists  of  a  deposit  of  bone-like 
material  usually  at  the  back  of  and  a  little 
above  the  middle  of  the  canon-bone,  more 
rarely  at  the  side  or  front  of  the  latter. 

Lameness  Is  very  common  during  the 
time  that  a  splint  Is  being  formed,  and 
should  the  groom  detect  any  extra  In 
this  region,  no  time  should  be  lost  In  telling 
the  owner,  so  that  he  may  consult  his 
veterinary  adviser. 


146  The  Groo7?zs  Guide 

Many  good  horses  are  spoiled  throuoh 
the  want  of  skilful  attendance  in  this  and 
other  diseases. 

Spavin. 

A  bone-spavin  is  an  enlargement  upon 
the  inner  and  lower  portion  of  the  hock- 
joint,  resulting  from  inflammation  of  the 
bone  and  bone-skin,  etc.,  in  this  region. 
The  deposit  may  be  small  or  large,  but  the 
size  of  such  is  no  criterion  as  to  the  deo'ree 
of  lameness  which  may  exist,  in  fact  some 
horses  having  a  big  spavin  never  show  any 
sions  of  lameness. 

On  the  other  hand,  a  horse  may  have 
a  very  trifling  spavin,  yet  be  always  more 
or  less  lame  throuo^h  it. 

Like  'splint'  lameness,  it  Is  constantly 
present  during  the  time  when  the  spavin 
is  forming,  hence  the  necessity  of  timely 
professional  assistance. 


spavin  147 

Aged  and  worn  out  horses  are  frequent 
sufferers  from  incurable  spavin  lameness. 

Althouoh  constitutino-  unsoundness  in 
any  class  of  horse  it  is  more  detrimental  in 
the  case  of  harness  and  other  horses  required 
for  fast  work. 

There  is  a  form  of  '  spavin  '  known  as 
'  latent '  (hidden)  in  which  there  is  no  ap- 
preciable evidence  of  such,  the  disease 
being  confined  to  the  interspaces  and 
structures  between  the  smaller  bones  form- 
ing the  hock  joint. 

In  'bog'  spavin,  the  hock  is  enlarged 
and  'puffy,'  whilst  a  '  blood  '  spavin  is  a 
varicose  condition  of  a  vein  (vena-saphena) 
as  it  passes  around  the  inner  side  of  the 
hock. 

Ringbone. 

This  is  a  disease  affectino-  the  coronet 
joint  or  joints,  or  the  pastern  bone  above 


148  The  Groovi  s  Guide 

this,  either  in  the  fore  or  hind  limbs,  and 
upon  the  front,  sides,  or  back  in  the  afore- 
said situation. 

Cart  and  van  horses  are  very  commonly 
affected,  though  it  is  not  a  disease  confined 
to  any  special  variety  of  horse,  all  being- 
alike  liable  to  develop  ringbone. 

It  is  a  frequent  cause  of  lameness,  many 
otherwise  good  horses,  being  rendered 
practically  useless. 

It  must  be  understood,  however,  that 
some  horses  have  remarkably  large  ring- 
bone, yet  go  perfectly  sound.  Although, 
termed  ringbone,  it  is  not  always  that  the 
deposit  of  bony  material  assumes  this  shape. 
Lameness  nearly  always  results  when  the 
joint  is  affected. 

Curb. 

When  Curb  is  present  it  can  be  seen  as  j 

a  swelling  a  few  inches  below  the  joint  of 


Czirb  149 

the  hock  and  lying-  in  a  Hne  with  the  last 
named. 

Over-bent  and  hocks  narrow  below  are 
specially  liable  to  favour  the  appearance  of 
curb.  Both  light  and  heavy  horses  are 
frequently  'curby.' 

It  Is  chiefly  during  the  time  when  the 
*  curb '  is  developing  that  lameness  is 
present,  but  some  horses  are  often  idle 
owing  to  the  presence  of  curb  lameness. 

Sore-Shins. 

The  canon  bones  are  very  liable  to 
injury.  A  blow  in  this  region  Is  frequently 
followed  by  inflammation  of  the  bone-skin 
and  bone,  causing  the  part  to  swell,  become 
hot  and  painful,  calling  for  professional 
treatment  if  at  all  severe. 

Side-bone. 

The  cartilaginous  or  gristle  plates  at  the 
top   and   back    part    of   the    hoof   become 


150  The  Grooms  G 7 tide 

hardened  in  this  disease.  It  is  very  com- 
mon in  shire  and  other  heavy  horses, 
though  it  is  occasionally  present  in  road- 
sters, etc.,  and  a  frequent  cause  of  lameness. 
The  plates  loose  their  elasticity,  thus  pre- 
vent expansion  of  the  soft  structures  at  the 
back  of  the  foot. 

Capped  Hock. 

The  point  or  points  of  the  hock  or  hocks 
are,  from  their  position,  very  liable  to  be 
bruised  and  if  this  is  repeated,  marked 
capping  results,  in  which  case  the  injured 
part  is  not  usually  the  seat  of  much  heat 
or  pain,  but  a  capped  hock  resulting  from 
a  single  and  severe  tap  upon  it,  is  often 
acutely  inflamed,  denoted  by  increased 
heat,  swellino-,  and  tenderness  when  mani- 
pulated. 

Kicking  in  harness,  on  board  ship,  in  the 
stable,  and  during  lying  and  rising,  are  the 


Capped- Elbow  1 5 1 

usual  factors  operative  in  the  production  of 
this  abnormal  condition.  If  brouQ-ht  on 
through  kicking-  in  stable,  the  stall  posts 
should  be  guarded  with  a  branch  of  whin 
or  gorse,  or  a  strap  fixed  round  the  leg. 

Hock  caps  are  applied  for  the  same 
purposes.  Kickers  in  harness  are,  in  the 
author's  estimation,  better  out  of  existence 
beino-  unsaleable  and  dano-erous. 

o  o 

Capped-Elbow. 

This  disease  corresponds  to  that  of 
Capped  Hock,  starting  as  it  does,  through 
repeated  bruising  to  the  structures  at  the 
point  of  the  elbow.  In  most  instance  it  is 
due  to  the  inner  heel  of  the  shoe  brushing 
against  the  part  when  lying  down. 

A  tumour  of  varying  size  is  as  a  rule  the 
ultimate  result,  the  skin  over  which  may 
in  due  course,  break,  and  a  festering  sore 
be  seen. 


152  The   Grooni  s  Guide 

The  shoe  should  be  shortened  at  the 
inner  heel,  or  a  pad  can  be  applied  to  the 
elbow. 

If  the  groom  should  see  capped-elbow 
coming  on,  he  should  acquaint  his  master 
with  the  fact,  so  that  the  latter  may 
consult  his  veterinary  adviser  as  soon  as 
convenient,  or  take  whatever  measures  he 
may  think  fit  to  stay  the  onward  march  of 
the  disease. 


Care  of  the  Teeth. 

Both  old  and  young  horses  should  have 
their  teeth  examined  occasionally,  more 
especially  if  they  are  not  feeding  as  vigor- 
ously as  they  should  be.  The  *  Molars* 
need  very  careful  inspection,  especially  the 
back  ones.  Sometimes  the  '  Temporary  ' 
and  '  permanent '  incisors,  or  molars,  get 
entangled,  demanding  professional  aid. 


RECIPES 


lO 


CHAPTER  XIIL 

RECIPES. 
Boot-Top  Liquid. 


Sour  Milk,     - 

3 

pints. 

Alum,    -         -  .       - 

1 

ounce 

Cream  of  Tartar,    - 

I 

M 

Oxalic  Acid,  - 

I 

>  > 

Mix  and  apply. 

For  White  Tops. 

Magnesia, 

I 

ounce 

Alum,    - 

I 

4< 

Oxalic  Acid,  - 

I 

t( 

Cream  of  Tartar,    - 

I 

>> 

Salt  of  Sorrel, 

i 

>» 

Sugar  of  Lead, 

i 

»► 

156 


The  Grooms  Guide 


Water,  - 

I   quart. 

Apply  with  a  sponge. 

For  Brown  Tops. 

Annatto, 

I   ounce. 

Isinglass, 

1 

2            " 

Sugar  of  lead, 

2            '» 

Oxalic  Acid,  - 

I 

Alum,    - 

I 

Salt  of  Sorrel, 

1 

4           >» 

Boil    together   for  fifteen 

minutes   in    a 

quart  of  water.     Apply  as  above. 

• 

Harness  Dye 

■ 

Sulphate  of  Iron,    - 

3  ounces 

Nut-Gail,       - 

0            " 

Indigo,  - 

I 

Logwood  Chips, 

2      lbs. 

Ink  Powder,  - 

I   ounce. 

Water,     -       -          - 

2  quarts. 

Boil  together  for  half-an-hour. 


Recipes  1 5  7 

Harness  Blacking. 

Soft  Soap,      -  -  8  ounces. 

Yellow  Wax,  -         8  ounces. 

Ivory  Black,  -  -  ^ 


Indigo  Blue,  - 

Isinolass,        -         -         ^ 


2        " 

\ 

2        " 

First  melt  the  wax,  and  then  heat  all 
together  until  mixed. 

ANOTHER  OF  THE  SAME. 

Lamp  black,  one  ounce  ;  olive  oil,  sugar 
candy,  isinglass,  gum,  tragacanth — of  each 
one  ounce.  Treacle  half  a  pound,  and 
an  ox  gall  ;  also  a  spoonful  of  yeast, 
stale  beer  one  quart.  Mix  and  keep  on 
the  hob  for  one  hour. 

Harness  Paste 

Prussian  Blue,         -         \  an  ounce. 


•58 


The  Grooms  Guide 


Turpentine,    - 

3 

ounces 

Ivory  Black,  - 

2 

»> 

Bees  wax, 

I. 

n 

ix  and  melt  with  heat. 

Liquid     Blacking    for    Shoes     and 

Boots. 


8  ounces. 

8       „ 
I 


2 


» > 


>  J 


Bone-Black,  - 

Treacle, 

Sweet  Oil, 

Oil  of  Vitriol, 

Malt  Vinegar,  -  2  quarts. 

Mix  the  oil  and  treacle  together,  next 
add  the  vinegar  and  oil  of  vitriol,  and  then 
the  bone-black. 


Axle  Qrease. 

Dissolve  half  a  pound  of  soda  in  one 
gallon  of  water,  and  then  add  to  one  pound 
palm  oil,  one  pound  of  tallow,  and  three 
pounds  of  soft  paraffin. 


Recipes 


159 


Heat  too-ether  until  well  mixed,  and  stir 


whilst  cooling. 


Waterproofing  for  Boots. 


Suet, 

- 

8  ounces. 

Yellow  Wax, 

- 

6 

Linseed  Oil,  - 

- 

8       „ 

Neatsfoot  Oil, 

- 

ri     . 

Litharge, 

- 

1 

2     " 

Lamp  Black, 

- 

I 

Melt  together  and  stir  until  cold.      Brusl 

the   boots   before  the 

ire 

with   this   com 

position. 

French    Plate   Powder 
(For  brightening  horses  fittings). 

Jewellers'  Rouge,    -  i   part. 

Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  1 2  parts. 
Mix,     apply,     and     polish     with     a     plate 
brush. 


>) 


>» 


i6o  The  Groo7}i  s  Guide 

Brilliantine  for  the  Hair. 

Rectified  Spirit  of  Wine,     2\  ounces. 
Olive  Oil,       -         -  I 

Glycerine,       -  -  H 

Attar  of  Roses,        -  4  drops. 

Mix  together  the  oil  and  glycerine,  then 
add  the  spirits  and  attar  of  roses. 

Glycerine  and  Lime  Cream  for  the 

Hair. 

Glycerine,  oil  of  sweet  almonds,  and 
lime  water,  of  each  eight  ounces.  Tincture 
of  Cantharides  one  ounce,  Essons  of  Lemon 
sixty  drops.      Mix. 

Shaving;  Cream. 

Curd  soap,  16  ounces;  water,  28  ounces. 
Heat  these  together  until  the  soap  has 
dissolved.      Spermacetti,    i   ounce ;  oil    of 


Recipes  161 

almonds,  4  ounces  ;  melt  together,  and 
then  add  2  ounces  of  pure  glycerine, 
and  60  drops  of  concentrated  essence  of 
lavender.      Beat  all  together   In   a  mortar 


or  strong  bowl. 


Razor  Paste. 


_  ewellers'  Rouge, 

1  ounce 

Black  Lead,     - 

1 

2     ' ' 

Fine  Suet, 

i 

2         n 

Mix  well  together. 

To     Remove    Grease     Stains    from 

Clothes. 

Wet   the  greasy  part,   and   then   rub   it 
with  stone  ammonia  and  water. 

To  Remove  Paint  from  same. 

Soak  the  part  with  oil  of  turpentine,  and 

then  rub  vigorously  until  it  is  all  away. 

u 


1 62  The  G 7^007118  Guide 

Paste   for  Cleaning    Brass  Fittings. 

Powdered  Rottenstone,        -  \  lb. 
Oxalic  Acid,       -  -  -    i  ounce. 

Mix  into  a  stiff  paste  with  water,  and 
then  place  in  a  cool  oven  until  dry  ;  subse- 
quently powder  it  up. 

Take  a  little  of  the  powder,  moisten  it 
w^ith  a  little  oil,  and  smear  on,  then  rub  ; 
finally  polish  up  with  a  bit  of  dry  chamois 
leather  or  flannel. 

List  of  Stable  Requisites. 

(Where  one  horse  has  to  be  kept.) 
Bass  Broom 
Duno-  Fork. 

2-prong  blunt-pointed  Fork. 
Shovel. 
Dune  Basket. 


^^5 


Inside  Carriage  Brush, 


Recipes  163 

Plate   Brush- 
Dandy     ,, 
Body 

Spoke      ,,      (rubber  back). 
Compo    ,, 

Brush  for  washing  feet. 
Curry  Comb. 
Scraper. 

Two  large  (fine  pored)  Sponges. 
Chain  Burnisher. 
Plate  Powder. 

Saddle  Soap  and   Harness  Oil 
Blacking. 

2  Oak  Wood  Pails. 

3  lb.  box  of  Carriage  Moons. 
Bottle  of  Disinfectant. 

Set  of  Shoe  Brushes. 

Soft  and  Hard  Soap. 

A  Selvyt  Cloth. 

I  Pair  of  Knee  Caps. 

I  Suit  of  Munster  Day  Clothing. 


164  The  Groo7iis  Guide 

1  Nloht  Ruo-  and  Roller,  or  a  Chase's 

Patent  Adjustable  Ruo^. 

2  sets  of  Flannel  Bandacres. 

2  ,,        Cotton  or  Linen  Bandaoes. 

I  pair  of  Tail-trimming"  Scissors  (ser- 
rated blades). 

1  Pair  of  Clippers. 
Mane  Comb 
Trimming  Comb, 

,,  Scissors. 

Singeing  Lamp  (Oil  or  Gas). 
Corn  Measure. 
,,      Sieve. 

3  Chamois  Leathers. 
Head-collar,  Reins  and  Logs. 
Pillar  Reins. 

6  Dusters — 3  tiannel,  3  cotton. 
Carriage  Jack. 
Stable  Lantern. 
Waterproof  Driving  Apron. 

2  Rack  Chains. 


Recipes  165 

Box  of  Vaseline,  Axle  Grease,  etc. 

A  Saddle  Cloth. 
The  whole  of  the  foregoing  articles,  of 
fair  quality,  can  be  obtained  for  about  £j, 
or  at  one  half  second-hand.  The  cost  of  a 
chaff-cutter,  and  one  or  more  iron  corn  chests 
may  need  to  be  added.  The  purchase  of 
harness,  saddle,  whip,  mat,  etc.,  being 
usually  left  to  the  master,  as  may  also,  in 
many  Instances,  that  of  the  other  articles. 


The   End 


A. 

Air,  44. 
Anthrax,  143. 
Axle  Grease,  156. 

B. 

Barley,  25. 

Ball,  How  to  give,  47. 
Bandages,  18. 
Beans,  27. 
Bearing  Rein,  82. 
Bits,  78. 
Blistering,  119. 
Boot  Blacking,  156. 

,,     Top  Liquid,  153. 
Bran,  29. 

Brilliantine  for  Hair,  158. 
Brushes  and  Brushing,  13. 
Bruises,  13B. 
Brushing  (Cutting),  no. 

C. 

Cape  Horse  Sickness,  142. 
Capped  Hock,  150. 

,,        Elbow,  151. 
Catarrh,  127. 
Carriage  Cleaning,  122. 
Carrots,  37. 
Chafif,  30. 

Cleaning  Top  Boots,  74. 
Clothing,  Care  of,  73. 
Clippers,  69. 
Clipping,  15. 
Corns,  115. 
Crib  Biting,  89. 
Cramp,  130. 
Curb,  148. 

D. 

Draught,  How  to  give,  48. 
Disinfectants,  53. 
Driving,  99. 
Dourine,  141. 

E. 
Exercising,  103. 

F. 

False-Quarter,  in. 
Farcy,  128. 
Feeding,  21-38. 
Feeding  Sick  Horses,  121. 
Feet,  Thrush  of  the,  114. 

,,     Founder  of  the,  112. 

,,     Care  of,  105. 
Foot,  Puncture  of  the,   112. 
Foods,  21, 
Forging,  109. 
Furze,  34. 

G. 

Glanders,  128. 
Grasses,  Artificial,  35. 
Groom's,  Clothing,  75. 

H. 

Halters,  14. 

Harness,  Cleaning  of,  60. 

,,         Mounting  Cleaning  of,  65. 

,,         Measuring  for,  67. 

,,         Dye,  154. 
,        Blacking,  155- 

„         Paste,  155. 
Hay,  31. 
Head-Stalls,  14. 
Horse-Rug,  Measuring  for,  72. 


1  N  D  K  X. 

Influenza,  125. 


I. 


K. 

Kicks,  130. 

Kicking  in  Harness,  84. 

Knee  Cap,  71. 

L. 
Lamp,  66. 
Lime-Cream,  158. 
Linseed,  28. 
Linseed  Cake,  29. 

M. 

Mange,  135. 
Maize,  26. 
Martingale,  83. 
Megrims,  129. 
Mud  Rash,  136. 

N. 

Nose-band,  83. 

O. 

Oats,  22. 

P. 
Paste  for  Brass,  160. 
Peas,  27. 
Physic,  51. 
Plate-Powders,  157. 

R. 

Razor-paste,  159. 
Rearing,  85 

Riding,  Elements  of,  92. 
Ringworm,  135. 
Ringbone,  147. 
Rusty-bits,  Cleaning  of,  63. 

8 

Saddle  Cleaning,  72. 

,,        Cloths,  77. 

,,        Galls,  130. 
Sandcrack,  in. 
Shampooing,  10. 
Shaving  Cream,  158. 
Shoeing  in  Winter,  107. 
Shying,  88. 
Side  Bone,  149. 
Singing.  15. 
Sitting,  86. 
Spavin,  146. 
Speedy  Cutting,  134. 
Splint,  145. 
Sprains,  138. 
Stable  Cleaning,  58. 
Straw,  33. 
Stumbling  87.  _ 
Summer  Clothing,  70. 
Surra,  140. 
Swedes,  36. 

T. 
Teeth,  Care  of,  152. 
Treatment  of  Horses  on  Board  Ship,  117. 

V. 

Ventilation,  44. 

W. 

Washing,  9. 

Watering,  40 

Waterproofing  for  Boots,  iS7' 

Weaving,  89. 

Wheat,  25. 

Wind  Sucking,  91. 

Winter  Clothing,  70. 

Wounds,  137. 


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A  Roumanian  Vendetta.    By  "  CARMEN  SYLVA  "  (Queen 

of  Roumania). 

A  Son  of  Mars :  A  new  and  powerful  Military  Novel.  By 
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"  A  brisk  military  tale  of  Herbert  Larkins's  life  as  a  private  soldier,  officer,  and  at 
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The  Gentlemen  from  Goodwood :  A  new  Sporting  Novel. 

By   EDWARD    H.    COOBER,    author    of    "Mr.    Blake   of 
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A   Sportswoman's   Love   Letters.    Fourth  Edition.    By 

FOX    RUSSELL,  author  of  "Colonel  Botcherby,  M.F.H.," 
"  Outridden,"  etc. 

The  Strang-e  Adventures  of  a  Magistrate.    By  T.  R. 

THRELFALL,  J. P.,  auihor  of  "  The  Sword  of  Allah,"  etc. 

Tne  Extraordinary  Islanders.    By  ASTON  FOREST. 

A  Frontier  Oflacer  :  Tale  of  the  Punjab.  By  PL  CALDWELL 
LIPSET  r,  author  of  "  Lord  Curzon  in  India,"  etc. 

The  Ghost.     By  Mrs.  CAMPBELL  PRAED. 

My  Japanese   Wife.     By  CLIVE    HOLLAND.     A  new  and 

Revised  Edition,  with  Coloured  Illustrations. 

A  Sporting  Adventurer.     By  FOX  RUSSELL,  author  o  f 

"  Outridden,"  etc. 

In  Royal  Colours :  A  Story  of  the  Coronation  Derby.  By 
NAT  GOULD. 

The  King''s  Yard  :  A  Story  of  Portsmouth  Dockyard.  By 
WALTER  JEFFERY,  author  of  "A  Century  of  Our  Sea 
Story,"  etc. 

The  Man  Who  Died.    By  G.  B.  BURGIN. 

Dacobra ;   or,  The  White   Priests   of  Ahriman.    By 

HARRIS  BURL  AND. 

The  Story  of  Stories  for  Children.    Translated  from  the 

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be  eagerly  read  by  the  children.  The  wonderful  doings  of  the  little  people  of  fairy- 
land are  rehearsed  in  an  entrancing  manner,  both  amusing  and  instructive  to  the 
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of  "The  Inimitable  Mrs.  Massingbam,"  etc.,  with  Full-page 
Illustrations  by  A.  H.  Fullwood, 

Barcali,  The  Mutineer :  A  Tale  of  the  Great  l^'acific.  By  C. 
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Richard  Brice  :  Adventurer.    A  thrilling  and  original  Novel 

of    Adventure    in    out-of-the-way   parts    of    the    world.      By 
CHARLES  JUNOR,  author  of  "  Dead  Men's  Tales,"  etc. 

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"  The  Village  Blacksmith,"  etc. 

"They  were  the  Rector's  daughters,  Jemima,  Kezia,  and  Kerenhappuch,  all 
beautiful,  and  all  bent  on  going  out  into  the  world.  Their  respective  careers  as  a 
lady  journalist,  a  secretary,  and  a  cook  resolve  themselves,  needless  to  say,  into  love 
stories  readable  enough." — Times. 

The  Viking  Strain  :    A  Realistic  Novel.      By  A.  G.  HALES, 

War  Correspondent,  author  of  "Campaign  Pictures,"  "Camp 

Fire  Sketches,"  etc.     Illustrated  by  Stanley  L.  Wood. 

"We  should  like  best  to  see  Mr.  Hales  make  use  of  his  experiences  of  hard  and 
active  life  in  the.  new  countries  of  the  world,  and,  if  he  pleases,  of  the  healthy  open- 
air  sports  of  the  Old  Country.  But  even  as  it  is,  there  is  so  much  breezy  good 
humour  in  '  The  Viking  Strain  '  and  the  story,  in  spite  of  much  that  is  disagreeable, 
is  so  well  constructed,  that  there  is  a  good  deal  of  pleasure  to  be  derived  from  its 
perusal." — Daily  News. 

Thomas  Assheton  Smith  ;  or,  The  Reminiscences  of  a  Famous 

Fox  Hunter.      By  Sir  J.   E.   EARDLEY-WILMOT,   Bart. 

A  New  Edition  with  an  introduction  by  Sir  Herbert  IMaxwell, 

M.P.     Illustrated  with  Numerous  Engravings. 

"Sent  out  by  Messrs.  Everett  &  Co.,  London,  with  a  portrait  and  a  charmingly 
written  introduction  from  the  pen  of  Sir  Herbert  Maxwell,  the  book  should  secure  a 
new  lease  of  popularity  among  lovers  of  sports  and  sportsmen." — ScotsJiieii, 

Sporting  Sketches.  By  NAT  GOULD.  Recollections  and 
Reflections  on  a  variety  of  subjects  connected  with  Sport, 
Horses,  and  Horsemen  never  before  published.  Large  Crown 
8vo,  handsomely  bound,  cloth  gilt.  Illustrated  by  Harington 
Bird. 

"We  are  inclined  to  regard  this  work  the  best  he,  Mr.  Gould,  has  yet  done."— 
The  Field. 

Boxers  and  their  Battles  :  Anecdotal  Sketches  and  Personal 
Recollections  of  Famous  Pugilists.  By  "THORMANBY," 
author  of  "Kings  of  the  Hunting  Field,"  "Kings  of  the 
Turf,"  etc.,  etc.     Illustrated  from  scarce  Portraits. 

"Lovers  of  The  Noble  Art'  will  derive  considerable  pleasure  from  a  perusal  of 
this  work." — Daily  Telegraph. 

5 


**  NAT  GOULD  is  the  Hawley  Smart  of  Australia."—  Vidt  Press. 


porting    Novels 

By  the  MOST  POPULAR  AUTHORS. 


In  Boards,  Illustrated  by  J.  STURGESS,  2s.  ;  also  in  Cloth,  2s.  6d. 


SPORTING  SKETCHES. 

A  RACE-COURSE  TRAGEDY. 

WARNED  OFF. 

LIFE'S  WEB. 

SETTLING   DAY. 

KING  OF  THE  RANGES. 

IN  ROYAL  COLOURS. 

A  RACING  SINNER. 

BROKEN   DOWN. 

THE  SILKEN  REIN. 

THE  THREE  WAGERS. 

RAYMOND'S  RIDE. 

THE  VIKING  STRAIN. 

OUTRIDDEN. 

A  JUDAS  OF  TO-DAY. 

TRICKED. 

By  FOX  RUSSELL. 

SNOOKER'S  RACING  ADVENTURES. 

By  "G.G."  (H.  G.  Harper). 

"ON  THE  GRASS." 

By  "G.G."  (H.  G.  Harper). 

ROMANCES  OF  THE   ROAD. 

By  "THORMANBY." 


By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  NAT  GOULD. 

By  A.  G.  HALES. 

By  FOX  RUSSELL. 

By  FOX  RUSSELL. 


Bverett*s  SHILLING  Library  of  Popular  Authors. 


Well  Printed  and  Bound  in  Attractive  Covers,  Is-, 
and  in  Cloth,  Is.  6d. 


Camp  Fire  Sketches.  By  A.  G.  HALES,  War  Correspondent, 
author  of  "  Campaign  Pictures,"  etc. 

"  'Camp  Fire  Sketches'  consists  of  a  number  of  stirring  little  stories  of  dangef 
and  courage  in  South  Africa.  Mr.  Hales's  experience  as  war  correspondent  has 
supplied  him  with  material  for  these  sketches,  and  he  has  made  good  use  of  it."^- 
Literary  Worlds 

On  the  Promenade  Deck.    By  TORIN  BLAIR,  author  of 

"Belinda,"  "  Epaulettes,"  etc. 
"  Just  the  thing  to  while  away  the  tedium  of  a  railway  journey." — To-Day, 

"  W^hy  I  Don't:"  A  Series  of  Humorous  Sketches.  By 
WELLESLEY  PAIN  (brother  of  Barry  Pain). 

Two  Fools.      By  G.  B.  BURGIN. 

The  New  Comic  Encyclopsedia.  Written  and  Illustrated 
by  ARCHIBALD  CIIASEMORE. 

'Varsity  Types.     By  FRANK  RUTTER.     Illustrated. 

A  Girl  in  London:  A  New  and  Original  Novel.  By  JOHN 
STRANGE  WINTER 

The  Malefactors  :  A  Novel  of  Prison  Life  and  Intrigue.  By 
CHAS.  R.  BLAIR,  author  of  "The  Adventures  on  the 
Houseboat." 

The  Twillford  Mystery.    By  G.  FIRTH  SCOTT,  author  of 

"  The  Last  Lemurian,"  etc. 

Free  Pardon.     By  REGINALD  BARNETT. 

O  Duchess  !  A  Trivial  Narrative.  By  w.  R.  pi. 
TROWBRIDGE,  author  of  "The  Grandmother's  Advice 
to  Elizabeth,"  etc. 

Round  the  World  with  a  Millionaire  By  BASIL 
TOZER. 

7 


Everett's  SIXPENNY  Novels,  1903. 

Medium  8vo  (9^  x  6)  with  Special  New  Cover  Designs  in  Colours. 


Tom  Ossington's  Ghost.    By  RICHARD  MARSH. 

The  Woman  with  One  Hand.    By  RICHARD  MARSH: 

A  "Woman's  Story.    By  FLORENCE  WARDEN. 

The  House  by  the  Lock.    By  Mrs.  C.  N.  WILLIAMSON. 

Kate  Coventry.    By  G.  J.  WHYTE-MELVILLE. 

Dig-by  Grand.     By  G.  J.  WHYTE-MELVILLE. 

General  Bounce.     By  G.  J.  WHYTE-MELVILLE. 

The  Interpreter.    By  G.  J.  WHYTE-MELVILLE. 

Sporting  Sketches.    By  NAT  GOULD. 

A  Stable  Mystery  ;  His  Last  Chance  ;  and  Chased  by 
Fire.     By  NAT  GOULD.     3  Complete  Stones  in  i  Volume. 

A  Kace-course  Tragedy.    By  NAT  GOULD. 

The  Story  of  Phil  Enderby.    By  ADELINE  SERGEANT. 

The  Noble  Art ;   or,  Boxers  and  their  Battles.    By 
"THORMANBY." 

"This  is  a  book  that  will  give  a  great  deal  of  pleasure  to  patrons  and  lovers  of 
'  the  noble  art,'  and  is  exceptionally  well  written  in  a  peculiarly  fascinating  style." — 
Sporting  Times. 

The  West  End.     By  PERCY  WIIYTE,  author  of  "The  Grip 
of  the  Bookmaker,"  etc. 

Mr.  Blake  of  Newmarket.    By  E.  H.  COOPER. 

Snooker's  Racing  Adventures.   By  "G.G."  (H.  G.  Harper). 

The  Adventures  of  Captain  Mounsell.    By  W.  WIL- 
MOTT  DIXON. 

The  Second  Series  of  the  Adventures  of  Captain 
MounselL     By  W.  WILMOTT  DIXON. 

By    Order    of  the    Cross.     Powerful   and   Original   Detective 
Stories.     By  JOHN  DUOS. 

Outridden.    By  FOX  RUSSELL. 

The    Fate    of   Captain    Petton.      By   "  WEATHERBY 

CHESNEY,"  author  of  «'John  Topp,  Pirate,"  etc. 

A    Good    Thing" :    A  New  and   Original   Sporting   Novel.     By 

••  LARRY  LYNX"  (Sporting  Editor  of  The  People), 
Racing.     By  W.  C.  A.  BLEW,  M.Ai 


A71  entirely  new  and  novel  work  on  Billiards,  for  Beginners 

and  Moderate  Players. 

Fcap.  8vo,  134  pp.     6d.  net. 

Cue  Tips  :  Hints  on  Billiards  or  100  Up-pers  and  Owners  of  Bijou 
Tables.  By  WM.  MITCHELL  (B.A.  Champion,  1892-7). 
Edited  by  F.  M.  IIOTINE.     Illustrated  with  61  Diagrams. 


n^isccllaneous  Books. 


Lightning'  Tours  ;  Flights  by  Day  and  Night  by  Boat  and  Rail, 
each  mostly  within  24  hours.  By  PERCY  FITZGERALD, 
M,A.,  F.S.A.,  author  of  "The  Recreations  of  a  Literary 
Man,"  etc.  Cloth,  2s.  6d. 

Age  and  Old  Age.  A  Handbook  on  Health  and  Disease.  By 
DAVID  WALSH,  M.D.,  author  of  "The  Rontgen  Rays  in 
Medical  Work,"  "  Diseases  of  the  Hair,"  etc.         Cloth,  2s.  6d. 

"Practical  as  well  as  interesting." — Aberdeen  Free  Press. 

Henry  Warren^ s     eiv  Book  on  the  Methods  of  Banking. 

A  Bee  among  the  Bankers  ;  or.  How  to  increase  your  Deposit 
Rate  and  reduce  your  Banker's  Charges.  By  HENRY 
WARREN,  author  of  "  How  to  Deal  with  your  Bankers,"  etc. 

Cloth,  3s.  6d. 

"Should  prove  profitable  reading  to  persons  who  have  money  to  invest." — 
Scois}}ia7t, 

Lord   Curzon  in   India,    1898-1903.     By  CALDWELL 

LIPSETT,  author  of  "  Where  the  Atlantic  meets  the  Sea,"  etc. 
With  Portraits  and  llhistrations.  Cloth,  2s.  6d. 

"Mr.  Lipsett  has  contrived  to  pack  a  great  deal  of  information  into  a  very  few 
pages." — Daily  Chronicle. 

Sharpshooting    for    Sport    and    War.     By    w.    W. 

GREENER,    author   of   "  The    Gun   and    its    Development." 

Sewed,  is.  ;  Cloth,  is.  6d.  net. 

Second  Edition.  Completing  20th  Thousand. 

200  pp.',  100  Illustrations. 

"In  so  far  as  the  art  of  shooting  with  the  rifle  can  be  taught  by  words,  Mr. 
Greener  has  essayed  to  make  all  who  read  his  treatise  proficient  sharpshooters,  and 
his  remarks,  both  on  sporting  and  military  weapons,  are  eminently  practical." — 
The  Field. 

9 


Shots  from  a  Lawyer's  Gun. 


CHARACTERS  INTRODUCED. 


! 


Barristers 


Mr.  SlX-AND-ElGHT 

Mr.  Legalling 

Mr.  Spouter 

Mr.  Buster 

Mr.  Newcald 

Mr.  Softsap 

Mr.  Gimblett 

Mr.  Erudite 

P.  C.  Irongrip 

Squire  Broadacres,  J. P. 

Mr.  Sharpscght 

Peter  Hawk         ) 

William  Falcon  I" 


A  Sporting  Lawyer 
Articled  Clerk  to  Mr.  Six-and-Eight 
A  leading  Junior 
A  rising  Junior 
A  j'oung  Junior 
A  very  young  Junior 
A  Solicitor  (ex-Lawyer's  Clerk) 
The  Solicitor  to  whom  Mr.  Six-and-Eight  was  articled 

Of  Deepdale  Village 

Of  Deepdale  Manor 

..    Head  Keeper  to  Squire  Broadacres 

Game  Watchers  under  Mr.  Sharpsight 


Jack  Funnybone              Nephew  to  Squire  Broadacres,  a  Medical  Student  of  Barts 
Sir  John  Rocketter.  Bart.,  J.P Of  Sedgemere  Hall 


Patrick  O'Leary 
Lord  Seaview 
Mr.  Spider     .. 
Mr.  Upperton,  J.P 
Mr.  Carrots 
Mr.  Stingiman 
Mr.  Skinflint 
Mr.  Cunningman 


Mr.  Stubbles 

Toi\i  Stubbles 

Charlie  Stubbles 

Mr.  Strawless 

Mr.  Cross     .. 

Mr.  Fieldman 

Mr.  Steelum 

Mr.  Closephist 

Mr.  Prowler 

Joseph  Cockley 

Samuel  Spottem 

Bob  Pickemup 

Mrs.  Pickemup 

Mrs.  Sarah  Ann  Mullings 

Mike  Kelly 

Wandering  Will  » 

James  Green         J 

Mr.  Hardup 

Joe  Swishem 

Timothy  Tattler 

"Shooting  Joe"   .. 


Sir  John  Rocketter's  Irish  Gamekeeper 

Lord  of  the  Manor  of  Saltwold 

Lord  Seaview  s  Watcher 

. .    An  egotistical  "  Know  All  " 

A  retired  Greengrocer  and  Landowner 

Tenant  Farmer  under  Mr.  Carrots 

Of  the  Priory  ;  Proprietor  of  the  Home  and  Church  Farms 

Lessee  of  Mr.  Skinflint's  Farms,  and  a  believer  in  "  Every 

[man  his  own  Lawyer" 
A  Tenant  Farmer 
Eldest  Son  of  Mr.  Stubbles 
Youngest  Son  of  Mr.  Stubbles 
An  unfortunate  Agriculturist 
A  cantankerous  Agriculturist 
An  experimental  Agriculturist 
A  Poaching  Farmer 
. .  An  economical  Farmer 
A  Town  Sportsman  and  a  Pot-hunter 
Of  Firthorpe,  a  Pheasant  Farm  Proprietor 
An  Inland  Revenue  Officer 
. .    A  Poacher  of  Deadem  Green 
Wife  of  Robert  Pickemup 
Mr,  Pickemup's  Mother-in-Law 
. .    An  Irish  Loafer  of  Deepdal^ 


.    Poachers  and  Ne'er-do-weels 

A  Sporting  Publican 

.Ostler  of  the  "  Dog  and  Gun  " 

Ratcatcher  and  Poacher 

. .    An  Owner  of  Lurchers 


10 


Shots  from  a  Lawyer^s  Gun. 


PRESS    OPINIONS. 

"  We  have  read  this  book  from  end  to  end  with  great  pleasure. 
Mr.  Everitt's  style  is  well  calculated  to  lure  any  sportsman  into 
reading  his  lectures  to  the  end.  Even  the  professional  poacher 
may  be  grateful  to  the  writer.  The  pages  are  full  of  chatty  and 
amusing  anecdotes.  We  may  disinterestedly  commend  Mr. 
Everitt's  book,  from  which  readers  will  obtain  both  sound 
instruction  and  more  amusement  than  they  would  find  in  the 
averagfe  sensation  novel.'' — Tlic  Field. 


•is' 


"  This  book  is  a  veritable  triumph.  Every  point  of  law  in 
connection  with  game  preservation  is  most  ably  dealt  with,  and 
the  interest  never  flags  throughout.  This  work  on  the  Game 
Laws  is  peculiarly  one  for  gamekeepers,  and,  indeed,  we  feel 
convinced  that  the  author  had  their  requirements  in  view  when 
penning  it.  With  the  aid  of  a  collection  of  characters,  more  or 
less  fictitious,  but  wonderfully  human,  every  contingency  likely 
to  occur  as  regards  poaching  is  reviewed  as  if  on  the  stage,  and 
the  whole  thing  is  enlivened  by  the  most  amusing  and  original 
anecdotes.  We  strongly  advise  our  readers  to  get  this  book.'' — 
The  Gamekeeper. 

"  An  instructive  and,  at  the  same  time,  an  amusing  litde 
manual  on  this  interesting  subject,  a  good  deal  of  it  being  given 
dramatically  in  the  form  of  dialogue  between  solicitor  and 
client." — The  Staiidard. 

"  *  Shots  from  a  Lawyer's  Gun  '  will  prove  a  welcome  surprise 
to  those  who  imagine  that  the  study  of  the  law  must  necessarily 
be  a  dry  and  laborious  pursuit.  Besides  being  bright  and 
entertaining,  the  book  is  of  real  and  lasting  value  as  a  hand- 
book of  the  law  particularly  appertaining  to  the  sportsman  and 

his  servants.''— Z^^  Globe, 

n 


PRESS  OPimOUS—^anfimied. 


"  The  book  is  the  work  of  a  lawyer  who  hesitates  not  to  com- 
bine his  capacity  for  entertaining  with  amusing  tales  lucid 
exposition  of  laws  to  anyone  interested  in  the  points  with  which 
he  deals,  whether  he  be  the  Scjuire  of  the  Hall,  the  gamekeeper, 
or  the  poacher." — T/ie  Scotsman. 

"A  comprehensive  survey  of  all  matters  likely  to  interest 
sportsmen.  It  is  interesting  and  amusing  to  note  the  number 
of  popular  fallacies  which  Mr.  Everitt  explodes.  Here  hunting 
men  will  find  that  fox-hunting  is  a  trespass  in  spite  of  a  contrary 
popular  belief ;  landow^ners  will  discern  that  the  popular  four- 
feet  rule  in  connection  with  ditches  is  fallacious  ;  shooting 
lawyers  will  find  how  easily  they  may  be  '  cornered'  by  difficult 
questions  of  game  ownership.  The  author's  easy,  familiar,  and 
yet  instructive  style  will  be  recognised.  The  book  is  really  an 
amusing  dissertation  in  the  form  of  articles  and  interviews  on  a 
subject  of  interest  to  all  who  live  in  the  country.  We  can  pro- 
mise all  buyers  their  full  money's  worth  in  both  instruction  and 
amusement." — Law  Notes. 

"  Mr.  Nicholas  Everitt's  new  book,  with  its  striking  title 
and  somewhat  impressive  'get  up,'  should  certainly  win  him 
a  large  measure  of  appreciation.  To  sportsmen  and  lawyers 
it  will  be  the  very  marrow  of  useful  and  interesting  ma- 
terial, and  if  poachers  were  given  to  studying  legal  litera- 
ture, they  would  find  here  a  rich  storehouse  of  facts  and 
opinions  calculated  to  help  them  at  a  pinch.  Mr.  Everitt's 
twenty-two  chapters  brim  over  with  legal  learning  and  exceed- 
ingly useful  '  tips.'  The  book  is  of  sterling  value,  and  will  have 
a  wide  appeal." — Eastern  Daily  Press. 

"  We  commend  Mr.  Everitt's  book  to  all  who  have  to  do  with 
dog  or  gun.  The  book  is  nicely  printed  and  bound,  the  droll 
design  on  the  cover  thereof  being  highly  appropriate  to  the 
contents." — Norfolk  Daily  Standarji. 

12 


AN  IMPORTANT  NEW  WORK  ON  THE  CONGO. 


THIRD  IMPRESSION. 


The  Curse  of  Central  Africa; 

Or,  THE  BELGIAN  ADMINISTRATION  OP 
THE  CONGO  •'  FREE  "  STATE, 

By  CAPTAIN  GUY  BURROWS, 

Late  District  Commissioner  for  the  Aruwimi  District  of  the  Congo  ; 
Chevalier  de  I'Ordre  du  Lion  ;  and  author  of  "  The  Land  of  the 
Pigmies,"  etc.  Royal  Svo,  2 is.  net.  Illustrated  with  about  200 
full-page  and  smaller  Illustrations  from  Photographs  taken  by 
the  Author  and  others. 

"  'The  Curse  of  Central  Africa'  is  a  vehement,  uncompromising  indictment  of  the 
whole  system  of  administration  by  which  the  Congo  Free  State  is  governed.  It 
confirms,  with  a  definite  array  of  facts,  names,  and  dates,  the  rumours  which  have 
continually  come  to  England  during  the  last  few  years,  but  which  have  not 
unnaturally  been  regarded  as  extravagant  and  incredible." — Daily  News. 

[^See  next  page. 


The  success  of  the  First  Edition  of  this  book  has  led  the  Author 
to  prepare  a  new  Edition^  Illustrated,  with  Tables  of 
Statutes^  Cases  stated^  revised^  and  brought  up  to  date. 

Shots  from  a  Lawyer's  Gun.    By  NICHOLAS  EVERITT, 
author  of  "  Broadland  Sport,"  etc.  \^See pp.  lo-ii. 

"  Mr.  Everitt  has  made  many  a  good  shot  in  this  book,  which  mixes  the  useful 
with  the  agreeable.  Mr.  Everitt  is  a  safe  guide.  He  knows  his  subject  uncommonly 
well." — The  Ai/iencEum. 


Dedicated  to  The  Right  Hon.  Richard  Seddon, 
Premier  of  New  Zealand. 

Pull  Cry.  By  FRED  COTTON.  With  a  frontispiece  in  colours 
and  other  full-page  Illustrations  by  Harington  Biid.  4to. 
Half-leather,  gilt  top  (limited  to  350  copies),  £1  is.  net. 

"  A  splendid  hunting  novel." — Daily  News. 

"'Full  Crv '  gives  an  insight  into  the  sporting  proclivities  of  our  Colonial 
brethren,  and  is  very  handsomely  got  up." — Pall  Mall  Gazette. 

"  A  manly  and  cheery  spirit  pervades  the  book,  and  young  people  and  old  do  their 
best  to  enamour  the  reader  with  New  Zealand  and  the  New  Zealand^rs.  The 
volume  contains  a  number  of  admirable  illustrations  by  Harington  Bird." — Seotsiiian. 

13 


Press  Opinions  on 

The  Curse  of  Central  Africa. 


"  It  would  be  affectation  to  deny  that  the  appearance  of  the 
present  volume  has  not  been  awaited  with  considerable  interest 
and  curiosity  by  the  increasing  numbers  of  people  in  this 
country  who  have  become  painfully  sensitive  on  the  subject  of 
our  national  responsibility  for  the  existence,  and  consequently 
for  the  actions  of  the  Congo  Free  State.  For  some  years  past, 
charges  more  or  less  definite  have  been  made  against  the 
officials  of  the  local  administration  in  Africa,  involving  not 
merely  an  utter  disregard  of  the  rights  of  property  of  the 
natives,  but  the  most  callous  and  inhuman  contempt  for  life. 
The  higher  officials,  both  on  the  Congo  and  in  Brussels,  have 
been  charged  with  complicity  in  the  crimes  of  their  subordinates, 
partly  by  reason  of  their  neglect  to  detect  and  punish  the 
atrocities  committed  by  their  agents,  and  partly  because  these 
crimes  are,  it  is  alleged,  the  direct  and  necessary  result  of  the 
policy  adopted  and  sanctioned  by  the  State  for  the  exploitation 
of  the  natural  products  of  the  country.  To  these  charges  the 
official  answer  has  been  a  general  denial  of  their  accuracy, 
with  a  plea  that  it  is  impossible  altogether  to  avoid  misconduct 
on  the  part  of  agents  serving  under  peculiarly  trying  conditions, 
remote  from  the  central  authority,  and  therefore  difficult  to 
control ;  but  that  wherever  specific  acts  of  misconduct  have 
been  brought  home  to  any  particular  officer,  steps  have  at  once 
been  taken  to  bring  him  to  trial,  and  that  when  he  has  been 
found  guilty  he  has  been  punished  with  the  utmost  severity. 
It  has  further  been  the  custom  of  the  Free  State  and  its 
apologists  to  weaken  the  effect  of  the  charges  brought  against 
it  by  suggesting  that  when  made  by  former  officials  they  are 
advanced  for  interested  motives.  The  volume  published  to-day 
is  the  joint  work  of  a  former  officer  in  the  British  Army  who 
was,  for  two  periods  of  three  years  each,  in  the  service 
of  the  Free  State,  and  of  an  American  citizen  who  was 
also  at  one  time  in  the  service  of  the  State,  and  subse- 
quently revisited  the  Congo  as  an  agent  of  one  of  the  com- 
mercial companies  in  which  the  State  authorities  hold  half  the 
share  capital.  We  gather,  however,  from  a  long  introduction 
signed  by  Mr.  J.  G.  Leigh,  that  the  writer  of  the  introduction 
has  had  a  considerable  share  in  the  production  of  the  volume, 
which,  unfortunately,  bears  signs  of  its  composite  authorship. 
On  a  cursory  examination,  at  least,  we  have  not  found  it 
always  easy  to  distinguish  whether  it  is  Captain  Burrows  or 
Mr.  Canisius  who  is  the  narrator,  due,  probably,  to  defective 

14 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa "—r^?;//^. 

arrangement  of  the  material.  It  is  also  much  to  be  regretted 
that  the  photographs  should  have  been  so  very  badly  repro- 
duced that  they  are  in  several  instances  quite  useless  for  the 
purpose  which  they  are  avowedly  intended  to  serve.  But  these 
matters,  though  by  no  means  unimportant  in  what  is  intended 
as  a  formal  indictment  of  the  methods  employed  by  the  Congo 
State  Administration,  are  defects  of  form  rather  than  of  sub- 
stance, and  it  is  in  the  material  parts  of  the  indictment  that 
the  real  interest  of  the  volume  will  be  found.  It  has  been 
suggested  that  the  statements  made  in  the  book  may  probably 
form  the  subject  of  investigation  before  a  court  of  law.  We  do 
not  know  how  far  this  suggestion  is  likely  to  be  realised,  but  in 
any  case,  we  do  not  propose  to  anticipate  the  result  of  such  an 
inquiry,  should  it  be  held,  by  discussing  in  detail  the  evidence 
which  is  adduced  by  the  authors  in  this  volume.  Without 
committing  ourselves  to  the  opinion  that  an  English  court  of 
law,  with  its  very  rigid  rules  of  evidence,  is  the  best  tribunal 
for  conducting  an  inquiry  which  must  necessarily,  if  it  is  to  be 
at  all  exhaustive,  cover  a  very  wide  field,  we  may  point  out  that 
we  have  always  strongly  urged  the  imperative  necessity  that  an 
inquiry  should  be  held  into  the  appalling  chaaiges  made  against 
the  Congo  Administration.  That  view  has  been  further 
strengthened  by  an  examination  of  the  volume  now  under 
review.  Some  of  the  charges  here  made,  with  a  particularity 
of  names  and  dates  which  enables  their  accuracy  to  be  put  to 
the  test,  are  of  so  atrocious  and  appalling  a  character  that  the 
mind  instinctively  revolts  at  the  idea  that  a  civilised  country 
can  have  produced  monsters  capable  of  the  deeds  alleged  to 
have  been  comm.itted.  It  is  simply  impossible  that  these 
charges  can  remain  without  investigation.  The  Sovereign  of 
the  Congo  Free  State  cannot  ignore  them  ;  nor  can  the 
Governments  responsible  for  the  creation  of  the  Congo  Free 
State  decline  to  recognise  their  responsibility  in  this  matter. 
Moreover,  it  is  not  sufficient  to  attempt  to  discredit  the  authors 
because  they  both  appear  to  have  been  willing  to  re-enter  the 
service  of  the  State  for  a  further  term.  In  the  introduction 
Mr.  Leigh  quotes  some  correspondence  which  passed  between 
Captain  Burrows  and  the  Congo  Administration,  and  between 
Mr.  Canisius  and  the  Administration.  We  frankly  confess 
that  we  do  not  like  the  idea  that,  with  the  knowledge  they  had 
of  its  methods,  Captain  Burrows  and  Mr.  Canisius  should  have 
been  willing  to  re-engage  themselves  in  the  service  of  the  Free  • 
State  ;  but,  as  we  have  said,  that  circumstance  in  no  way 
detracts  from  the  necessity  for  a  full,  public,  and  impartial 
inquiry  into  the  charges  now  publicly  made  against  the  Congo 
Administration,  for   if  those   charges   are   well-founded,    they 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa.'*— con fd, 

constitute  not  merely  an  outrage  on  the  conscience  of  the 
civilised  world,  but  a  menace  to  the  future  work  of  every 
European  Power  which  has  taken  on  itself  the  responsibility 
for  the  good  government  of  any  portion  of  Equatorial  Africa." 
'-^Morning  Post. 

"  Messrs.  R.  A.  Everett  &  Co.  publish  *  The  Curse  of  Central 
Africa,'  by  Capt.  Guy  Burrows,  with  which  is  incorporated  'A 
Campaign  amongst  Cannibals,'  by  Edgar  Canisius,  the  volume 
being  marked  *  Second  Impression,'  for  reasons  which  are  not 
completely  explained  in  the  introduction  from  the  pen  of  Mr. 
John  George  Leigh.  It  it  stated  in  the  introduction  that  legal 
proceedings  have  been  threatened  on  behalf  of  the  Congo  State 
by  Sir  Hugh  Gilzean  Reid,  whose  name  is  twdce  misspelt.  We 
may  say  at  once  that  the  introduction  and  also  the  portion  of 
the  book  w-hich  is  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Canisius,  an  American, 
contain  detailed  statements  with  regard  to  a  well-known 
Belgian  officer,  Major  Lothaire,  which  might  be  made  the  basis 
of  legal  proceedings  in  our  courts.  Many  of  the  Belgian  officers 
who  are  named  in  the  volume  are  beyond  all  doubt  men  whose 
shameful  and  shocking  proceedings  could  not  possibly  be 
defended  before  an  English  jury.  But  the  case  of  Major 
Lothaire  is  different.  He  is  not  without  friends  and  admirers, 
even  in  this  country,  and  although  he  became  unpopular  here 
after  he  shot  Stokes,  yet  Stokes  was  not  above  reproach,  and 
there  is  a  Belgian  side  to  that  transaction.  If  it  is  to  be  estab- 
lished that  the  statements  in  the  volume  before  us  are  in  any 
degree  exaggerations,  it  is  by  Major  Lothaire,  we  think,  that 
such  proof  can  possibly  be  offered.  The  true  case  against  the 
Congo  State  is  made  by  Mr.  Fox-Bourne  in  an  admirable  book 
which  we  recently  reviewed,  and  it  is  doubtful  how  far  it  is 
strengthened  by  the  more  detailed  and  much  more  sensational 
statements  put  forward  in  the  present  volume  upon  evidence 
which  may  or  may  not  be  sufficient.  The  book  is  an  odd  one 
in  its  construction.  Capt.  Guy  Burrows  begins,  as  it  were,  in 
the  middle  of  his  story,  for  he  merely  states  in  his  first  para- 
graph that  '  at  the  expiration  of  a  year's  leave  ...  I  left 
Antwerp  on  the  6th  of  June,  1898,  to  resume  my  duties  as 
Commissioner.'  His  contribution  to  the  volume  is  followed  by 
that  of  Mr.  Canisius,  but  it  is  not  clear  at  what  point  this 
second  section  ends,  nor  who  is  the  author  of  the  last  part — 
which  is  political,  and  follows  Mr.  Fox- Bourne,  Mr.  E.  D. 
Morel,  and  the  Belgian  writers  who  have  published  accounts  of 
the  Congolese  administration.  The  book  may  be  lightened  for 
rhe  general  public,  and  especially  for  those  of  them  who  are 
fond   of  horrors,   by  the   photographs,    some   of  which   have 

16 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa" — contd. 

already  appeared  elsewhere,  though  all  are  not  of  a  nature  to 
create  confidence.  The  first  photographs,  after  the  portraits  of 
Capt.  Burrows  and  the  Sovereign  of  the  Congo  State,  are  two 
which  face  each  other,  but  one  is  merely  an  enlargement  of 
the  other,  apparently  inserted  for  some  purpose  of  verification 
which  is  not  clear.  This  photograph  bears  signs  of  having 
been  touched,  and  therefore  strikes  a  note  which  is  unfortunate. 
It  is  also  an  unhappy  fact  that  the  authors  will  set  against  them 
a  good  deal  of  opinion  which  ought  to  have  been  on  their  side, 
on  account  of  the  statement,  in  the  Burrows  part  of  the  book, 
that  many  of  the  missionaries  are  men  who  have  resorted  to  the 
Congo  State  '  with  a  desire  to  escape  unpleasant  consequences 
resulting  from  some  form  of  indiscretion  or  other.'  Many  of 
the  missionaries  in  the  Congo  State  are  men  of  the  highest 
repute  in  their  religious  bodies.  To  some  of  them  we  owe  the 
most  complete  and  the  most  trustworthy  exposure  of  the 
horrors  of  Congolese  administration  which  has  been  made.  It 
is  the  case  that  much  has  been  said  against  the  missionaries 
for  having  given  countenance  to  the  proceedings  of  the  King 
of  the  Belgians.  Those  who,  like  Mr.  Thomas  Bayley,  M.P.,  in 
a  recent  speech  to  a  Baptist  gathering  at  Nottingham,  have  felt 
it  their  plain  duty  to  censure  the  conduct  of  missionaries  of 
their  own  denomination,  will  find  their  hands  weakened  by  the 
unjust  and  unfair  charge  here  made  by  Capt.  Burrows.  What 
can  be  truly  said  is  bad  enough.  In  reply  to  Mr.  Bayley,  a 
gentleman  was  sent  down,  apparently  from  the  headquarters  of 
the  Baptist  missions  in  London,  to  state  that  the  Baptists  could 
not  but  be  grateful  to  the  King  of  the  Belgians,  who  had  reduced 
by  fifty  per  cent,  the  taxation  upon  their  missionary  property, 
and  that  the  recent  deputation  to  Brussels  to  express  confidence 
in  the  humanity  of  the  King  was  justified  by  this  reduction.  A 
more  terrible  admission  we  have  never  known.  The  contribu- 
tion of  Mr.  Canisius  to  the  volume  is  thoroughly  deserving  of 
attention,  and,  as  he  is  evidently  a  serious  observer,  we  note 
the  inaccuracy  of  his  statement  that  '  the  African,  as  a  general 
rule,  is  not  suitable  material  for  the  making  of  a  good  soldier.' 
This  is  supported  by  a  reference  to  '  the  scandalous  conduct  of 
some  of  the  negro  regiments  of  the  United  States.'  The  last 
allusion  is  to  circumstances  unknown  to  us.  We  had  always 
heard  and  believed  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
had  had  reason  to  congratulate  itself  upon  its  black  troops, 
both  in  the  Civil  War  and  in  the  recent  war  with  Spain.  Un- 
doubtedly, however,  African  regiments,  recruited  with  care, 
have  produced  admirable  results,  and  the  French  Senegalese 
levies  are  among  the  best  troops  in  the  world,  as  are  the 
Egyptian   Soudanese.     The  index  is  feeble,  and  we  note  the 

17 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa" — cojttd. 

misprint   of  Wa;zters    for   the   well-known    Belgian   name    of 
Walters. — A  thencewn. 

"  Following  Mr.  Fox-Bourne's  '  Civilisation  in  Congoland,' 
which  we  noticed  on  its  appearance,  this  volume  should  serve, 
if  anything  will,  to  make  English  readers  realise  the  appalling 
state  of  things  that  prevails  in  Central  Africa.  Captain  Burrows 
was  formerly  in  the  service  of  the  Congo  State,  as  was  Mr. 
Edgar  Canisius,  whose  experiences  among  the  cannibals  are 
incorporated  with  the  Captain's  narrative.  In  addition  to  the 
verbal  record,  the  imagination  of  the  reader  is  assisted  by 
reproductions  of  photographs  of  barbarities  that  have  taken 
place.  The  result  is  a  compilation  of  descriptive  and  pictorial 
horrors  that  no  healthy-minded  person  would  turn  to  except 
from  a  sense  of  duty.  But  for  all  who  can  do  anything  to 
influence  public  opinion  that  duty  exists,  for  the  driving  home 
of  the  facts  must  precede  any  hope  of  effective  action.  With 
the  main  heads  of  the  indictment  against  the  Congo  Free  State 
those  who  take  any  interest  in  the  question  are  already  familiar. 
Its  agents  are  paid  by  commission  on  the  rubber  and  ivory 
produced  from  their  several  districts,  and  no  inconvenient 
questions  are  asked  or  effective  restrictions  laid  down  as  to  the 
treatment  by  which  the  natives  are  made  to  serve  the  most 
lucrative  purpose.  Agents  guilty  of  misdemeanours  in  the 
Congo  are,  as  Captain  Burrows  puts  it,  'liable  to  be  prosecuted 
only  by  a  Government  which  indirectly  employs  them,  and  is 
likely  to  benefit  by  their  offences' — the  result  of  which  ingenious 
provision  for  'justice'  can  be  easily  imagined.  As  a  matter  of 
fact  the  natives  are  exploited  with  an  unscrupulous  barbarity 
happily  without  known  parallel.  The  callousness  with  which 
white  people  regard  their  black  fellow-creatures  belongs  more 
or  less  to  every  nation,  but  Captain  Burrows  has  come  to  the 
conclusion  that  '  not  the  worst  can  be  accused  of  such  systematic, 
comprehensive  and  cold-blooded  misdeeds  as  those  which 
during  the  past  fifteen  years  have  made  of  the  Congo  State  a 
veritable  charnel-house.' 

"  Of  the  Belgian  officers  who  have  so  active  and  responsible 
a  share  in  these  cruelties.  Captain  Burrows  speaks  in  quite  un- 
flattering terms,  apart  from  their  treatment  of  the  blacks. 
'  Arrogant,'  '  ill-bred,'  '  cowardly '  are  some  of  the  epithets 
which  he  applies  to  the  type  ;  and  they  are  represented  as 
taking  delight  in  the  infliction  of  pain  and  humiliation  on  any 
one  in  their  power,  including  their  own  countrymen.  If  this 
be  so,  it  makes  it  necessary  to  take  with  qualification  Captain 
Burrows's  frequent  suggestion  that  it  is  the  system  rather  than 
the  men  that  must  be  held  responsible  for  the  Congo  atrocities ; 

i8 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa "—^w//^. 

whereas  his  picture  of  the  men  would  seem  to  show  that,  what- 
ever the  system  under  which  they  worked,  they  would  turn  it  to 
barbarous  use.  This  tendency  to  make  the  system  share  the 
blame  appears  even  in  what  is  said  of  the  notorious  Major 
Lothaire  : — '  The  system  of  butchery  which  has  been  inaugur- 
ated in  the  Mongalla  concession  is  directly  traceable  to  him, 
although  he  has  always  been  sufficiently  wily  not  to  place  any 
written  proof  of  this  where  it  could  be  brought  against  him.  .  .  . 
His  hasty  and  despotic  treatment  of  the  blacks,  as  shown  in  the 
massacre  at  Bau,  had  due  effect  upon  his  subordinates,  by 
whom  he  has  been  regarded  as  a  hero  since  the  day  he  lynched 
a  British  subject,  Stokes,  a  white  man.  ...  It  is,  however, 
mere  justice  to  add  that  Major  Lothaire  is  a  brave,  usually 
even-tempered,  and,  I  firmly  believe,  not  naturally  hard-hearted 
man.  For  many  of  his  faults  and  much  of  the  ill  that  he  has 
done,  the  system  of  the  Congo  must  be  held  primarily 
responsible.' 

"  One  of  the  first  and  most  natural  questions  to  be  asked  is, 
How  far  does  the  influence  of  missionaries  avail  to  lessen  those 
awful  evils  ?  And  the  answer,  at  least  as  given  by  Captain 
Burrows,  is  disappointing.  We  need  not  quote  at  length  his 
personal  opinion  of  the  missionaries  he  has  met  in  the  Congo. 
Of  some  he  evidently  thought  highly  ;  others  he  writes  down 
as  weak-chinned  and  the  wrong  men  for  the  work '  ;  others, 
again,  he  does  not  hesitate  to  describe  as  '  rank.'  But,  taking 
the  men  as  they  are,  what  have  they  done  for  the  protection  of 
the  natives  ?  According  to  what  we  are  here  told,  practically 
nothing.  Incidentally,  they  may  do  something  to  ameliorate 
the  condition  of  those  around  them,  but  on  such  vital  matters 
as  the  collection  of  rubber  and  ivory  and  forced  recruiting,  they 
are  powerless.  '  They  are  fairly  in  the  toils  of  a  most  immoral 
corporation,  and  they  are  obliged  to  frame  their  actions  accord- 
ing to  its  dictates.  They  have  no  option  in  this  matter.  If 
they  became  in  the  least  degree  troublesome  ;  if  they  de- 
nounced a  single  one  of  the  crying  evils  that  surround  their 
daily  lives  ;  if  they  taught  the  native  the  iniquity  of  the  con- 
ditions under  which  he  is  made  to  live  and  groan,  they  would 
soon  cease  to  be  missionaries  in  the  Congo  State.' 

"  It  is  possible  that  this  picture  of  missionary  impotence  is 
overdrawn,  but  it  is  best  that  Captain  Burrows's  view  of  the 
case  should  be  widely  known  amongst  the  friends  of  missions. 
Many  would  be  ready  to  say  that  acquiescence  in  nameless 
cruelties  is  too  great  a  price  for  religious  teachers  under  any 
circumstances  to  pay  ;  but  one  effect  of  the  publication  of  this 
book  will  probably  be  authorised  statements  from  the  mis- 
sionaries' point  of  view,  such  as  that  by  the  Baptist  Missionary 

19 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa" — contd. 


Society,  which  we  give  elsewhere.  As  to  whether  anything  can 
be  done  to  improve  matters,  Captain  Burrows  indicates  his  own 
opinion  with  sufficient  clearness.  Belgium  ought  to  be  deprived 
of  the  government,  and  the  Congo  partitioned  amongst  the 
three  principal  Powers  possessing  adjoining  territory,  viz., 
England,  France,  and  Germany.  This,  of  course,  is  easier 
to  put  on  paper  than  to  perform  in  practice  ;  but  the  Powers 
which  sanctioned  the  creation  of  the  Congo  State  at  the  Berlin 
Conference  of  1885  cannot  shake  off  their  responsibility  for 
what  has  happened.  Failing  action  on  their  part,  civilisation, 
to  say  nothing  of  Christianity,  will  continue  to  see  Central  Africa 
made  a  shamble  in  order  that  the  Belgians  may  'gather'  rubber 
at  a  fabulous  profit.  As  a  parting  gleam  of  light,  and  as  show- 
ing that  something  can  be  done  by  a  humane  official,  we  may 
mention  that,  when  commissioner  at  Basoko,  Captain  Burrows 
succeeded  in  suppressing  the  flogging  of  women.  He  declares 
that  he  has  evidence  to  prove  that  before  his  arrival  half-a-dozen 
women  were  flogged  every  day." — Christian  World. 

"As  the  first  edition  is  marked  'Second  Impression,'  it  may 
be  presumed  that  this  much-talked-of  volume  has  been  toned 
down  since  the  publisher  was  threatened  with  libel  actions,  and 
that  some  of  the  passages  included  for  the  '  first  impression  ' 
have  been  prudently  cancelled.  The  volume,  as  we  have  it,  at 
any  rate,  makes  fewer  attacks  on  individuals  than  we  were  led 
to  expect.  It  does  not  for  that  reason  lose  any  of  its  value  as 
an  impeachment  of  the  methods  of  Congo  State  administration. 
In  some  other  respects,  however,  it  is  disappointing.  -Though 
Capt.  Burrows's  name  appears  as  its  principal  author,  about 
half  the  volume  consists  of  'A  Campaign  amongst  Cannibals,' 
contributed  by  Mr.  Edgar  Canisius,  and  with  both  writers'  com- 
positions Mr.  J.  G.  Leigh,  the  editor,  admits  that  he  has  taken 
great  liberties.  He  has  'ventured  to  modify'  Capt.  Burrows's 
work  'as  originally  planned  and  completed,'  and  he  leads  us  to 
suppose  that  he  has  practically  written,  or  re-written,  all  Mr. 
Canisius's  chapters,  besides  supplying  the  lengthy  introduction 
which  he  signs.  Even  if  in  this  way  the  literary  quality  of  the 
book  is  improved,  its  authority  is  weakened  as  a  record  of  first- 
hand information.  It  is  unfortunate,  moreover,  that  both  writers 
should  have  to  admit  that,  after  several  years'  service  under  the 
Congo  Government,  and  experience  of  the  abominations  in 
which,  as  servants  of  the  State,  they  had  to  take  part,  they 
were  willing  to  renew  their  occupations,  and  have  only  made 
their  disclosures  now  that  their  offers  have  been  rejected. 
Whatever  defects  may  be  found  in  the  book,  however,  it 
affords  very  valuable  confirmation   of  charges  that  have   re- 

20 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa "—^^«/<^. 

peatedly,  and  within  the  past  few  months  with  special  emphasis, 
been  brought  against  King  Leopold  and  his  agents.  Capt. 
Burrows  spent  six  years  in  various  parts  of  the  Congo,  princi- 
pally in  the  regions  near  Stanley  Falls,  where,  according  to 
Mr.  Leigh,  'he  fulfilled  the  very  repugnant  duties  imposed 
upon  him  by  his  official  positions  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of 
the  authorities,'  and  it  must  be  set  down  to  his  credit  that  he 
appears  to  have  done  whatever  little  he  could  in  lessening  the 
evils  that  he  could  not  prevent.  The  Balubas,  '  a  docile  and 
interesting  people,'  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  while  he  was 
in  charge  of  the  Riba-Riba  or  Lokandu  station,  far  beyond 
Stanley  Falls,  seem  to  have  been  especially  befriended  by  him. 
'  About  this  time,'  he  tells  us,  '  large  numbers  of  Baluba  slaves 
commenced  to  arrive  at  my  post,  frequently  300  in  a  batch. 
These  people  had  been  captured  by  the  commandant,  and 
carried  off  to  work  as  slaves  in  the  stations  and  on  the  planta- 
tions of  the  State.  Many  died  of  hunger  and  exposure,  and 
quite  a  number,  too  sick  to  proceed,  remained  at  the  post. 
Those  whom  I  succeeded  in  curing  continued  at  Lokandu 
during  the,  rest  of  my  stay,  and  were  employed  on  the 
plantations  and  other  work.  By  treating  them  kindly  I  gained 
their  confidence,  and  on  moonlight  nights  they  would  sing  for 
me  their  native  songs  and  dance  the  Baluba  dances.' 

"  His  labours  as  a  State  slave-driver  must  certainly  have 
been  irksome.  He  says  :  '  Nearly  all  the  disputes  among 
the  natives  and  the  followers  of  the  Arabs  are  caused  by 
mutual  slave-stealing.  Much  of  the  time  of  the  post  com- 
manders is  devoted  to  these  disputes,  for  no  sooner  does  a 
slave  run  away  than  his  master  sets  off  at  top-speed  from  the 
station  to  inform  the  white  man.  "  Master,  my  slave  has  been 
stolen  !  "  he  cries.  "  Send  quick  your  soldiers  to  bring  him 
back  !"  Half  an  hour  is  required  for  the  interrogation  of  the 
excited  slave-owner,  generally  with  the  result  that  he  admits 
that  the  slave  had  run  away,  but  that  So-and-So  is  harbouring 
the  fugitive  in  his  village.  To  the  latter,  therefore,  a  soldier  is 
sent,  with  instructions  to  bring  to  the  post  both  the  slave  and 
his  protector.  A  court  is  then  held,  and  if  the  claimant  is 
proved  to  be  the  runaway's  owner,  the  man  is  forthwith  handed 
over.  By  an  unwritten  law,  and  under  pretext  of  respecting 
mceiirs  iiidighics,  the  slave  system  is  rigorously  upheld  by 
the  officials  of  Bula  Matari.'  -Against  two  of  his  Belgian 
associates  Capt.  Burrows  brings  charges  that  are  especially 
grave,  and  in  the  case  of  one  they  are  supported  by  translation 
from  \kit.  proces  verbal  of  the  inquiry  which  he  conducted  early 
in  1901.  The  allegations  are  that,  in  one  instance,  the  culprit 
handed   over   a   native   who   was   obnoxious  to  him  to  other 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa "—<r^«/^. 

natives,  telling  them  to  eat  him  ;  that,  in  another  instance,  he 
caused  one  of  his  '  boys '  to  be  '  beaten  with  blows  of  a 
bludgeon  by  the  work-people  till  death  ensued ' ;  that,  in  other 
instances,  he  caused  the  chief  of  a  village  and  a  dozen  prisoners 
taken  from  another  village  to  be  killed,  and  gave  the  corpses 
to  a  rival  chief  as  luxuries  for  one  of  his  feasts.  In  other  cases, 
again,  this  official  handed  over  to  two  neighbouring  chiefs 
several  prisoners  from  various  villages  '  as  payment.'  '  He 
gave  me,'  according  to  the  testimony  of  one  chief,  '  six  men 
and  two  women  in  payment  for  rubber  which  I  brought  into 
the  station,  telling  me  I  could  eat  them,  or  kill  them,  or  use 
them  as  slaves — as  I  liked.'  This  Belgian,  however,  had  gone 
to  Europe  before  the  investigation  took  place,  and  we  hear 
nothing  of  any  punishment  being  accorded  either  to  him  or 
to  any  of  the  other  offenders  of  whom  Capt.  Burrow's  had  to 
complain. 

"  Mr.  Canisius's  '  Campaign  amongst  Cannibals '  is  a  painful 
story  in  seven  chapters,  dealing  as  it  does  with  some  of  his 
experiences  under  Major  Lothaire  during  the  Budja  revolt  of 
some  two  years  ago.  The  cruelties  and  atrocities  here  recorded 
are,  of  course,  none  the  less  terrible  because  Mr.  Canisius  took 
them  all  in  his  day's  work.  But  somehow  it  is  difficult  to  attach 
all  the  importance  that  perhaps  it  deserves  to  the  testimony  of 
so  callous  an  authority.  '  The  cruel  flogging  of  so  many  men 
and  boys  would  probably  have  had  a  peculiar  effect  upon  a  new- 
comer, but  I  was  in  a  measure  case-hardened,'  we  read  on  one 
page  ;  and  on  another,  '  To  be  quite  candid,  I  was,  on  the 
whole,  by  no  means  disinclined  to  accompany  the  column,  for 
I  much  desired  to  witness  the  operations  which  were  to  be  con- 
ducted with  a  view  of  compelling  the  Budjas  to  accept  the 
benefit  of  our  rubber  regime.'  A  great  many  more  Congo 
atrocities  than  the  body  of  the  book  reports  are  catalogued 
by  Mr.  Leigh  in  seven  pages  of  his  introduction,  but  this 
summary  is  too  bald  and  unauthenticated  to  be  of  much 
weight.  Mr.  Leigh  is  probably  responsible  for  the  chapters 
in  which  some  account  is  given  of  the  history  and  general 
arrangements  of  the  Congo  State,  but  in  w^hich  nothing  new 
is  told,  and  there  are  numerous  grave  inaccuracies.  On  one 
page  we  are  told  that  the  Congo  State  has  an  area  of  1,000,000 
square  miles,  and  a  population  of  40,000,000  ;  and  in  another 
that  the  whole  Congo  Basin,  of  which  the  Congo  State 
occupies  only  about  two-thirds,  '  comprises  some  800,000 
square  miles  and  a  population  variously  estimated  at  from 
8,000,000  to  27,000,000.'  Of  the  Abir  Company,  again,  we 
read  in  one  place  that  '  it  is  .only  fair  to  say  that,  so  far  as 
the  present  writer  is  aware,  no  allegations  of  ill-treatment  of 

2'> 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa "—r^«/cZ. 

the  natives  have  ever  emanated  from  the  districts  where  the 
Societd  Abir  conducts  its  operations,'  and  in  another  that  '  the 
now  notorious  Abir  has  had  a  record  scarcely  less  scandalous 
than  that  of  the  Mongalla  Company,'  better  known  as  the 
Society  Anversoise.  It  is  extraordinary  that  such  self-contra- 
dictions could  escape  the  authors,  to  say  nothing  of  the  pub- 
lishers' readers.  They  enormously  detract  from  the  importance 
of  the  book.  It  undoubtedly  contains  some  materials  of  value. 
But  these  are  greatly  impaired  by  the  failure  clearly  to  under- 
stand that  in  a  work  of  this  character,  in  which  credibility  is 
everything,  strict  accuracy  in  regard  to  detail  is  the  first, 
second,  and  third  essential." — Morning  Leader. 


(( ( 


I  pray,'  said  Prince  Bismarck,  in  1885,  speaking  of  the 
new  Congo  Free  State,  '  I  pray  for  its  prosperous  development 
and  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  noble  aspirations  of  its  illustrious 
founder.'  It  was  with  a  burst  of  missionary  enthusiasm  that 
the  Powers  represented  at  the  Berlin  Conference  in  1885 
handed  over  a  million  square  miles  to  the  care  of  Leopold, 
King  of  the  Belgians.  The  ostensible  object  of  the  new  Belgian 
administration  was  to  carry  the  light  of  civilisation  into  the 
dark  places  of  Central  Africa,  and  to  suppress  the  slave  trade  ; 
it  undertook  to  '  assure  to  all  nations  the  advantages  of  free 
navigation,'  and  to  further  'the  moral  and  material  well-being 
of  the  native  populations.'  Europe  has  been  too  busy  with  its 
own  affairs  to  put  the  question  :  '  How  has  this  trust  been 
carried  out  ? '  But  the  question  is  answered  with  alarming 
clearness  in  a  book  w4iich  appears  to-day,  chiefly  from  the  pen 
of  Captain  Guy  Burrows,  with  a  chapter  by  Mr.  Edgar  Canisius. 
'  The  Curse  of  Central  Africa '  is  a  vehement,  uncompromising 
indictment  of  the  whole  system  of  administration  by  which  the 
Congo  Free  State  is  governed.  It  confirms,  with  a  definite 
array  of  facts,  names,  and  dates,  the  rumours  which  have 
continually  come  to  England  during  the  last  few  years,  but 
which  have  not  unnaturally  been  regarded  as  extravagant  and 
incredible, 

"  Captain  Guy  Burrows  has  served  for  six  years  in  important 
positions  under  the  Congo  Free  State.  His  book,  which  Mr. 
R.  A.  Everett  is  now  publishing,  is  a  plain,  vigorous  piece  of 
writing,  purporting  to  set  down  his  own  experiences  in  the 
Congo,  and  what  he  actually  saw  of  the  methods  of  govern- 
ment, the  treatment  of  natives,  and  the  '  opening-up '  of  the 
country.  At  a  dinner  given  recently  to  Captain  Burrows,  his 
statements  were  confirmed  by  Mr.  Edgar  Canisius  and  Sous- 
Intendant  Hoffmann,  who  have  both  lived  for  many  years  in 
the  Free  State,  and  by  Mr.  John  G.  Leigh,  who  has  also  had 

23 


Press  Opinions  on  the  '''Curse  of  Central  Africa" — contd. 

some  acquaintance  with  the  country.      When    we   recall   the 
stories  that  have  so  often  reached  England  before,   and  the 
scandals   that    have  from  time  to  time  made  a  stir  even  in 
Belgium,  this  additional  and  more  definite  information  leaves 
no   room   for   doubt.     The    Free    State   Government,  directly 
responsible  to   King   Leopold  alone,   must  be  regarded  as   a 
stupendous    trading    company,    owning    what    is    virtually    a 
monopoly,  and  armed  with  the  power  of  life  and  death  over 
its  employees.     The  government  is  carried  on  by  means  of  a 
military   force — La    Force    Publique — an    army    recruited    by 
compulsion,  and  serving  a  long  term  of  years.     This  army  is 
mainly  fed  by  supplies  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  surrounding 
neighbourhood  are  compelled  to  bring  in.     The  staple  products 
of  the  country  are  india-rubber  and  ivory  ;  and  it  is  the  duty  of 
the  Government  officials  to  extort  from  the  natives  the  largest 
supplies  that  can  be  obtained.     A  native  chief  is  informed  that 
he  must  send  in  a  certain  quantity  of  rubber  within  a  given 
time  (there  may  or  may  not  be  a  nominal  payment)  ;  if  the 
rubber  does  not  arrive  a  punitive  expedition  is  undertaken,  and 
a  village  may  be  burnt,  the  men  killed,  and  the  women  taken 
away  to  do  the  work  of  slaves.     '  In  the  days  of  Tippoo  Tib 
and  the  Arab  dominion,'  says  Cnptain  Burrows,  '  thousands  of 
natives  were  killed  or  carried  off  into  slavery  ;  but  I  venture  to 
say  that  no  Arab  chief  ever  managed  the  business  on  so  vast  a 
scale  as  some  of  the  officials  of  the  Free  State.'     The  employ- 
ment of  forced  labour,  slavery  in  all  but  name,  and  that  under 
the  most  degrading  circumstances,  is  part  of  the  system  of  the 
country.       Captain    Burrows's   book    reproduces    photographs 
showing  native  chiefs  in  the  act  of  being  tortured,  and  Belgian 
officers  looking  on  approvingly.     A  certain  proportion  ot  the 
rubber  and  ivory  exacted  from  the  natives  is  part  of  a  District 
Commissioner's  income.     '  Considering  that  the  very  duties  of 
the  men  involve  the  perpetration  of  acts  of  cruelty,  and  that 
they  are  daily  familiarised  with  deeds  which  are  unspeakable 
and  indescribable,  it  will  be  agreed  that  it  is  not  the  man  but 
the  system  which   is  deserving  of  censure.'     The  State  is  one 
'  whose  very  conditions  of  service   include   the   incitation   to 
commit  what   must   be   morally    called   a   crime.'     Notorious 
offences  against  life  and  property  are  winked  at  by  officials, 
and    disregarded    at    headquarters.      The   whole    State,    the 
Executive  at   Boma,  the   Government  in   Brussels,  cannot  be 
acquitted  of  participation  in  a  system  which  is  rapidly  organis- 
ing corruption  and  degrading  the  natives,  and  has  long  since 
stultified   the    magnificent    promises   of    King    Leopold    and 
Bismark. 

"  This  is  the  account  which  Captain  Burrows  gives  from  his 

24 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Kinca.^^ —contd. 

own  personal  experience  of  the   Congo.     And   we  must  con- 
gratulate him  on  cominc^  forward  to  say  what  others — including, 
we  fear,  the   Baptist   Missionary   Society — have   shrunk   from 
saying.     Captain  Burrows  is  entirely  free  from  the  accusation 
of  sensation-mongering.     His  book  is  a  cold,  clear  exposition 
of  hard  facts.     It  reveals  a  terrible  state  of  affairs  ;  and  it  does 
so  without  any  appeal  to  emotion.     We  see  a  system  of  govern- 
ment which  would  have  been  a  scandal  in  the  worst  days  of 
Republican  Rome.     We  see  the  Government  of  a  neighbouring 
civilised  Power,  to  which  the  Congo  was  given  in  trust  by  the 
combined  action  of  the  Powers,  directly  responsible  for  that 
scandal.     If  nothing  else  can  be  done  immediately,  the  facts 
shouM  be  made  known  ;  the  Belgians  must  be  made  to  under- 
stand  what   is   going   on   in   the   name   of    their    Sovereign  ; 
Englishmen  must  be  enlightened,  because  they,  with  the  other 
Powers,  agreed  to  hand  over  the  Congo  to  King  Leopold.     As 
it  is,  everything  has  been  done  to  conceal   the   facts.      The 
Belgian  Press  has  been  gagged,  and,  through  the  medium  of 
English  Courts,  attempts  have  been  made  to  secure  an  injunc- 
tion against  the  publication  of  Captain  Burrows's  book.     It  is 
surely  curious  that,  whilst  we  are  at  liberty  to  criticise  the  direct 
representatives  of  the  King  in  England,  a  foreign  Government, 
to  hide  its  own  shame,  should  be  able  to  threaten  the  freedom 
of  the  English  Press.     Yet  we  must  not  only  insist — it  is  an 
important  point — on  the  right  to  ventilate  such  questions  as 
this,  but  also  point  out  that,  as  long  as  the  present  Government 
remains  in  power,  it  is  the  only  way  of  securing  reform  in  the 
Congo.     After  all,  it  is  the  Belgians  who  are,  in  the  first  place, 
responsible   for    enormities    which    are    being    committed   by 
Belgian    citizens.     We    do    not    believe   the    moral   sense   of 
Belgium  is  at  such  a  low  ebb  that,  if  it  were  fully  aware  of  the 
horrors  of  the  Congo,  it  would  really  tolerate  their  continuance. 
But  meantime  the  responsibility  of  England  remains  ;  she  was 
a  member  of  the  Conference  of  Berlin  ;  her  trading  interests  in 
West  Africa  are  at  stake  ;  and  the  condition  of  free  rights  of 
trade  to  all  countries  has  not  been  kept.     The  atrocities  com- 
mitted in  the  name  of  civilisation  are  even  worse  than  those  in 
Macedonia  ;  whilst  the  responsibility  of  England  is  greater. 
And  though  the  victims  in  one  case  are  barbarians,  and  in  the 
other  case  are  Christians  and  Europeans,  the  facts  make  no 
difference  to  a  question,  not  of  faith,  but  of  humanity.     But  to 
influence  public  opinion  in   Belgium  should  not  be  the  only 
remedy.     Our  own  Government  should  formulate  questions  on 
the  subject.     Captain  Burrows  suggests  another  Conference  of 
Berlin,   which  should  divide  up  the  Congo   country  between 
Germany,   France,  and  England.     vVe  scarcely  think  this  is 

.         -  25 


Press  Opinions  on  the  "Curse  of  Central  Africa."— contd. 

practical  politics.  We  have  not  much  reason  to  expect  great 
results  from  a  Concert  of  Europe,  and  though  it  was  easy  for 
the  Berlin  Conference  to  vote  away  the  Congo  country,  it  would 
prove  much  harder  to  get  it  back  again.  But  the  reign  of 
slavery  and  horror  revealed  by  Captain  Burrows  cannot  be 
accepted  as  a  permanent  shame  to  European  civilisation.  It 
is  perhaps  idle  to  hope  for  actio  from  the  present  Ministry — a 
Ministry  whose  interest  in  labour,  black  or  white,  is  sufficiently 
indicated  by  their  attitude  in  regard  to  the  Bethesda  scandal — 
but  Captain  Burrows's  record  cannot  fail  to  effect  reform  through 
some  channel." — Dai'/j^  Ne-cus. 


?6 


The  most  Complete  and  Exhaustive  Work  on  General  Sport 

yet  Published. 


Third  Edition  (Cloth  Gilt  extra),   12s.  6d.  net. 

BROADLAND  SPORT. 

Written  and  Illustrated  by  NICHOLAS  EVERITT. 

Author  of  "  Shots  from  a  Lawyer's  Gun,"  etc. 
Also  an  Edition  de  Luxe,  bound  in  Half-Vellum,  with  numerous 
Photogravure  Plates,  beautifully  printed  on  special  art  paper,  and 
limited  to  loo  copies,  handsomely  bound  in  Half-Vellum,  Gilt  Top 
and  Silk  Marker,  each  numbered  and  signed  by  the  Author,  price 
£2  2s.  net ;  only  a  few  copies  left  for  sale. 

Leading  Contents.— ^e^s  and  Eel  BohUiuj— Decoys,  and  How  to 
Use  Them —  Wild  Folding  at  Sea — Piint  Gunning — Cnrres  and 
Short-ivinged  Fowl — Wildfowling  Costume— Shore  Shooting — 
Flighting — HicUing  District — Horsey  District — The  Waveney 
Valley— The  Tare  Valley — Yachts  and  Yachting  from  ISSO 
to  1900,  etc. 

PRE5S    OPINIONS. 

"  In  acquaintance  with  the  details  of  all  the  forms  of  sport 
presented  by  the  district  of  the  Broads  the  author  of  'Shots 
from  a  Lawyer's  Gun'  can  hardly  be  rivalled,  and,  with  the 
knowledge  he  possesses,  a  succinct  guide  to  the  locality  might 
easily  have  been  produced.  As  it  is,  he  has  given  us  a  number 
of  articles  which  have  appeared  from  time  to  time  in  various 
periodicals,  and  although  the  volume  in  which  these  have  been 
collected  is  well  worth  reading,  especially  by  visitors  to  Norfolk 
and  Suffolk,  we  think  that  it  might  have  been  materially  improved 
by  a  little  more  pains.  For  those  who  enjoy  angling  for  '  coarse ' 
fish  the  information  given  will  undoubtedly  prove  useful, 
especially  the  appendix  on  the  origin  and  application  of  the 
fishery  laws,  the  by-laws  for  the  control  of  pleasure  and  other 
boats,  tables  of  tides,  distances,  etc,  An  interesting  chapter  is 
devoted  to  the  management  of  '  decoys,'  by  which  is  meant  the 
exhibition  of  either  living  or  imitation  ducks  to  attract  wild  birds 
within  reach  of  the  sportsman's  ambush  ;  also  on  approaching 
birds  by  the  aid  of  a  canvas  body  representing  a  horse  or  an 
ass,  the  illustrations  of  this  being  very  amusing.  In  fact,  all 
the  productions  of  Mr.  Everitt's  pencil  show  considerable 
power,  and  some  of  the  vignettes  are  beautiful.  On  the  whole, 
the  book  is  pleasantly  written,  and  the  account  of  yachting  on 
the  Broads,  with  illustrations  of  the  competitors  in  the  regattas, 
IS  admirable.  The  index  also  leaves  nothing  to  be  desireci." — 
Athencctiin. 

27 


Press  Opinions  on  "  Broadland  Sport" — contd. 

"We  know  of  no  work,  old  or  new,  which  fulfils  its  own 
purpose  so  thoroughly.  It  is  a  book  which  appeals  primarily 
to  the  sportsman,  but  no  one  who  loves  the  Broads  merely  from 
an  artistic  point  of  view  can  fail  to  find  interest  on  every  page. 
A  volume  crammed  with  accurate  information  and  delightful 
anecdote. " —  Times. 

"  Mr.  Everitt's  book  contains  a  great  deal  of  information  on 
the  sport  to  be  got  among  the  waterways  and  lagoons  of  the 
Eastern  Counties,  which  are  generally  spoken  of  as  the  Norfolk 
Broads.  In  this  very  attractive  part  of  East  Anglia  about  two 
hundred  miles  of  waterway  and  four  thousand  acres  of  lagoons 
or  inland  waters  are  open  to  the  yachtsman.  Wherries,  with 
comfortable,  and  racing  yachts,  with  uncomfortable,  accommo- 
dation may  be  hired  at  Norwich,  Wroxham,  and  other  places, 
at  the  most  reasonable  charges.  The  shooting  and  the  fishing 
on  the  Broads  are  for  the  most  part  open  to  everyone.  If  the 
wildfowling  is  not  what  it  was,  great  catches  of  perch,  bream, 
and,  in  the  winter,  pike  may  still  be  made.  Portions  of  Mr. 
Everitt's  book  have  already  appeared  in  the /vV/^/ and  similar 
newspapers,  and  now  that  they  are  put  together,  want  of  order 
and  some  repetition  rather  spoil  the  book  as  a  whole.  In  some 
five-and-tvventy  chapters  he  discourses  on  pike  and  eel  fishing  ; 
yachts  and  yacht  racing  from  1800  to  1900  ;  shore  shooting  and 
punt  gunning  ;  the  use  of  decoys  and  duck  shooting.  Other 
chapters  deal  with  various  districts  of  the  Broads,  or  describe 
particular  expeditions.  There  is  a  great  deal  in  the  book  that 
is  useful  and  interesting  to  anyone  who  is  planing  an  excursion, 
and  on  the  coarse  fishing  and  wildfowling  the  author  writes 
with  knowledge  gained  by  experience.  But  the  reader  must 
not  expect  a  book  of  any  literary  merit.  The  style  is  inclined 
to  alternate  between  the  high-flown  and  the  facetious  of  the 
local  guide-book.  If  scientific  names  are  used,  they  should  be 
used  correctly,  and  we  may  point  out  that  the  bearded  tit  is  not 
now  called  by  naturalists  CalauiopJiilus  bicij^jfiiais^  nor  is  the 
Latin  name  of  the  dabchick  Mcrgus  viinor.  Some  persons  may 
also  think  that  there  are  too  many  references  to  frequent  and 
liberal  potations  from*  the  beer-jar  and  the  whisky  bottle." — The 
Spectator. 

"  '  Broadland  Sport '  is  a  very  readable  and  interesting  book, 
but  not  more  so  than  a  score  of  others  which  we  have  had  the 
pleasure  of  receiving  duiing  the  last  twelve  months.  Good 
shooting  of  all  kinds  is  still  to  be  had  in  Broadland  ;  and  where- 
ever  the  game  is  preserved  and  .the  shooting  is  to  be  hired,  no 
one  on  the  lookout  for  some  good   mixed   ground   could  do 

?8 


Press  Opinions  on  *' Broadland  Sport*'— con fd. 

better  than  make  inquiries  on  the  East  Coast  between  Yarmouth 
and  Southwold.     The  Broads  themselves  and   the  reed  beds 
will  supply  any  number  of  wild  fowl,  besides  first-rate  pike  and 
perch-fishing  ;  the  woods  and  the  osier  beds  will  hold  plenty  of 
pheasants,  hares,  and  woodcock,  while  on  the  adjoining  stubbles, 
turnips,  and  heather,  some  of  the  best  partridge  shooting  in 
England,  of  the  old-fashioned  kind,  is  to  be  had.     The  marshes 
should  yield  abundance  of  snipe,  and  the  gorse-covered  sand- 
banks  ought   to    be   peopled  with  rabbits.      Such  a  sporting 
Paradise  may  sti'l  be  picked  up  in  Broadland,  if  you  like  to  pay 
the  price.     But  as  game  and  wild  towl  are  not  nearly  so  plentiful 
as  they  used  to  be,  while  the  demand  for  them  is  much  greater, 
a  really  good  shoot  in  this  highly-favoured    region  has  now 
become  an  expensive  luxury.     There  is  still,  however,  a  con- 
siderable extent  of  fairly  good  open  shooting  to  be  got,  though 
many  places  once  famous  for  it  have  now  sadly  deteriorated. 
The  fate  of  Oulton  PUoad  may  stand  for  several  more  : — '  In 
days  gone  by  there  were  several  inhabitants  in  the  quaint  little 
waterway  village  who   gained  their  sole   means   of  livelihood 
from  fish  and  fowl.     That  was  before  the  railway  came  and  before 
steam  drainage  mills  were  heard  of,  and  a  Cockney  would  have 
been  considered  daft  had  he  then  thought  fit  to  appear  in  the 
regions  of  Broadland  in  the  costume  and  general  rig-out  which 
is  now  no  longer  strange  to  the  quiet  dwellers  in  this  out-of-the- 
way  corner   of  Old  England.     Drainage  was  the  first    great 
blow  to  sport,  steam  and  railways  the  next,  then  the  breech- 
loader, and  finally  the  invading  host  of  would-be  sportsmen,  all 
eager  to  kill  something.     Year  by  year  the  water-birds  have 
diminished  in  number,  and  by  degrees  they  desert  the  more 
frequented  rivers,   streams,  and  broads  until  on  many  of  the 
more  public  waterways  there  is  hardly  an  edible  wild  water-bird 
per  hundred  acres.     Oulton  has  suffered  most  in  this  respect. 
We  do  not  suppose  there  is  a  public  shooting  water  in  Norfolk 
or  Suffolk  which  has  been  so  harassed.     Often  are  seen  pictures 
in    the    London   illustrated   papers  entitled,   "  Wildfowling  on 
Oulton  Broad,"  wherein  the  artist  depicts  a  shooter  sitting  on 
the  bottom  of  a  punt,  in  the  reeds,  with  his  waterman  holding 
an  anxious-looking  retriever  by  the  collar.     Overhead  are  flying 
streams  of  mallard  and  wild-duck,  and  the  envious  looker-on 
anticipates  that  at  least  a  score  will  grace  the  bag  before  the 
shooter  returns  to  breakfast.     What  a  myth  !     What  a  snare 
and  delusion  !     Years  gone  by  such  a  picture  would  not  have 
been  an  exaggeration,  but  now  things  are  sadly  altered,  and 
if  the  shooter  killed  one  couple  of  mallard  during  the  month 
of  August  on  Oulton  Broad,  he  would  be  considered  fortunate.' 
Horning  Ferry,  on  the  river  Bure,  must  be  one  of  the  most 

29 


Press  Opinions  on  "  Broadland  Sport" — contd. 

charming  spots  in  Broadland,  whether  we  are  in  love  with  the 
perch  or  the  picturesque.  The  shooting  is  very  strictly  pre- 
served, though  duck  may  be  got  from  a  boat.  An  idea  seems 
at  one  time  to  have  prevailed  that  anyone  being  on  the  river 
might  shoot  anything  crossing  it,  a  delusion  which  is  still 
cherished  in  many  parts  of  England.  The  river  Bure,  from 
Horning  to  Wroxham  Broad,  runs  through  the  heart  of  a 
highly-preserved  game  district,  and  keepers  are  always  in 
hiding  among  the  reeds  or  alders  on  the  bank.  Woe  to  the 
unlucky  wight  who  knocks  over  a  pheasant  within  sight  of  one 
of  these  sentinels  !  The  raparian  owner  claims  the  soil  of  the 
river,  and  the  'poacher'  wmU  meet  with  no  mercy  from  the 
Bench  of  Magistrates  ;  nor  is  there  any  reason  why  he  should. 
Pheasants  are  reared  at  a  great  expense,  and  are  practically  as 
much  private  property  as  chickens.  The  chapters  on  yachting 
and  on  otter  hunting  will  be  full  of  interest  for  the  lovers  of 
such  amusements.  But  as  they  are  not  peculiar  to  Broadland, 
we  need  not  include  them  in  our  notice." — The  Standard. 

"  We  have  already  reviewed  Mr.  Nicholas  Everitt's  work  on 
'  Broadland  Sport,'  but  the  two  chapters  on  yachting  '  During 
the  Past'  and  'During  the  Present'  form  such  a  special 
feature  that  we  are  glad  to  notice  them  apart.  These  chapters, 
occupying  about  70  pages,  really  contain  a  history  of  yachting 
in  the  Broadland  district  during  the  last  hundred  years.  As 
Mr.  Everitt  says,  yachting  '  is  a  sport  in  which  all  can  indulge, 
from  the  millionaire  in  his  luxurious  steam  yacht  to  the  gutter- 
snipe in  a  wash-tub  ;  there  is  plenty  of  room  for  everybody 
without  being  obliged  to  rub  shoulders  with  everybody.'  Room 
there  must  be  for  many  a  long  day,  seeing  that  in  Broadland 
proper  there  are  200  miles  of  waterway,  comprising  over  4,000 
acres  of  open  water.  Our  author  points  out  that  the  old 
'water  frolics'  were  to  be  remembered  more  as  jollifications 
than  by  reason  of  the  sailing  capabilities  of  the  boats.  The 
patriarch  of  all  Broadland  boats  was  the  Augusta^  built  about 
1755,  and  she  is  said  to  have  retained  all  her  old  material  up  to 
1867,  while  as  late  as  1885  she  made  the  home  of  an  artist  near 
Buckenham  Ferry,  who  was  wintering  in  the  old  craft.  Oar 
summary  of  Mr.  Everitt's  history  must  needs  be  brief.  From 
1800  to  1850  there  was  little  development  in  Broadland  pleasure 
craft,  but  from  i8$o  to  1870  marked  improvements  took  place 
in  speed,  appearance,  and  comfort.  But  the  Maria^  built  of 
heart  of  oak  in  1834,  had  a  notable  record  as  a  successful  racer. 
Bought  by  Sir  Jacob  Preston  in  1837,  it  is  rumoured  that  at  his 
death  in  1894  he  left  by  will  a  provision  sufficient  to  preserve 
this  veteran  in  good  order  and  up-keep  for  all  time. 

30 


Press  Opinions  on  "  Broadland  Sport" — contd. 

"  The  lateeners  were  long  the  fastest  racing  craft  of  Broad- 
land,  one  of  the  most  successful  being  the  Waterwitch.  '  Ter 
Worieriuitch^  said  an  old  shipwright,  '  wor  lornched  the  daay 
Pointer  fought  the  Black  on  Mussel  'Eath,'  whereby  the  date 
was  fixed  as  1818.  There  is  a  slight  error  here.  The  fight, 
1 2th  May,  18 18,  was  between  Cox,  blacksmith,  and  Camplin, 
a  weaver,  and  Ned  Pointer  seconded  Camplin.  Cutters  became 
more  fashionable  in  the  fifties,  but  from  1840  to  1869  the  ideal 
model  of  a  racing  boat  is  described  as  '  a  cod's  head  bow  with 
a  mackerel  tail.'  Mr.  Everitt  gives  a  vast  amount  of  detail 
concerning  many  notable  craft,  for  in  his  index  the  names  of  no 
less  than  171  yachts  are  given,  from  the  Ada  to  the  Zingara^ 
but  we  miss  any  allusion  to  Mr.  Suckling's  Mannion^  built  upon 
his  estate  at  Woodton  in  1828,  and  considered  a  very  beautiful 
yacht  in  her  time.  Perhaps,  however,  she  was  not  kept  upon 
the  local  waterways.  The  Norfolk  and  Suffolk  Yacht  Club, 
founded  in  April,  1859,  obtained  Royal  patronage  and  the 
prefix  Royal  i6th  February,  1867.  With  the  establishment  of 
this  club,  yacht  racing,  not  feasting,  became  the  main  object  of 
the  various  regattas,  and  the  term,  '  water  frolic,'  rapidly  died 
into  disuse.  The  first  ocean  yacht  race  of  the  club  came  off 
29th  June,  1867,  from  Harwich  to  Lowestoft ;  but,  we  are  told 
that  for  several  reasons  the  East  Anglian  coast  is  not  a  good 
one  for  yachting.  The  Yare  Sailing  Club,  formed  in  1876,  has 
had  a  very  prosperous  career,  and  pleasure  wherries  came  into 
vogue  about  1880.  In  the  chapter  on  'Yachts  and  Yachting 
during  the  Present — 1880  to  1900,'  Mr.  Everitt  brings  his 
subject  virtually  up  to  date,  and  here  we  learn  that  the  '  Great 
Yarmouth  Yacht  Club'  was  founded  in  1883,  the  'Broads 
Dinghy  Club'  in  1895,  and  the  'Waveney  Sailing  Club'  in 
the  same  year.  In  this  last  the  chief  prize-winner  is  the  Unit^ 
designed  and  built  by  Mr.  W.  S.  Parker,  of  Oulton,  long  a 
dredger  in  Lowestoft  Harbour,  working  twelve  hours  a  day,  yet 
making  time,  on  week-days  alone,  to  construct  this  craft,  which 
is  still  '  Cock  of  the  Walk '  at  Oulton  Broad.  These  yachting 
chapters  are  embellished  with  very  numerous  illustrations,  and 
a  list  of  the  more  important  annual  fixtures  will  be  found  very 
useful.  '  The  motor  craze,'  regretfully  remarks  the  author,  '  has 
now  found  its  way  even  to  these  peaceful  and  secluded  haunts, 
and  launches  of  all  shape,  size,  build,  and  method  of  propulsion 
are  to  be  daily  met  with.'  We  are  inclined  to  suggest  that  this 
yachting  section  might  well  be  issued  in  a  separate  form. 
Meantime  we  note  that  the  first  edition  of  Mr.  Everitt's  book 
is  exhausted,  and  a  portion  of  the  second  impression  has  already 
been  sold." — Eastern  Day  Press. 

"  In  the  preface  to  '  Broadland  Sport,'  Mr.  Nicholas  Everitt 

31 


Press  Opinions  on  "  Broadland  Sport" — contd. 

modestly  disclaims  the  title  of  artist-author  :  the  value  of  his 
book,  though  it  certainly  smacks  more  of  actuality  than  of  art, 
is  increased  rather  than  diminished  by  the  occasional  amateur- 
ishness of  its  author,  for  this  very  amateurishness  stamps  it  far 
more  as  a  true  record  than  any  polishin.q-  or  elaborate  phrase- 
making  could  have  done.  Something  of  the  guide-book,  some- 
thing of  the  sportsman's  diary,  something  of  the  would-be 
sportsman's  handbook,  it  forms  a  complete,  lucid,  and  welcome 
exponent  of  the  sports  and  pastimes  practised  on  or  around 
the  lagoons,  waterways,  and  marshes  of  East  Anglia,  and  at  the 
same  time  is  replete  with  hints  that  will  serve  the  sportsman  in 
all  lands.  The  two  chapters  devoted  to  yachting  are  quite 
a  feature  of  the  production,  tracing  as  they  do  its  origin  and 
gradual  development,  and  giving  details  of  every  boat  of  im- 
portance launched  during  the  last  hundred  years,  the  history 
of  every  yacht  club,  the  supporters  of  yacht-racing,  and  much 
matter  concerning  the  owners  of  racing-yachts.  Mr.  Everitt  is 
evidently  as  keen  about  the  sport  of  Broadland  as  Mrs.  Battle 
was  upon  her  particular  pastime,  but  his  enthusiasm  is  kept 
well  within  bounds,  and  he  is  never  too  assertive.  He  might 
with  safety,  had  he  been  so  minded,  have  parodied  Van  Troll's 
famous  six-word  chapter  on  Snakes  in  Iceland — '  There  are  no 
snakes  in  Iceland' — with  a  page  headed  'Concerning  Broad- 
land Sports  Undealt  with  in  this  Book ' — '  There  are  no 
Broadland  sports  undealt  with  in  this  book.'" 


BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR. 
TO     BE    PUBLISHED    SHORTLY. 

SPORT  WITHOUT  WORDS 

A  series  of  Comic  and  Caricature  Sketches,  depicting  various  branches 
of  Sport,  conducted  in  a  manner  perhaps  too  curious  for  Letterpress 
description. 


32 


i 


.  L'    i~,-.  rr.-Ti*j::h:^;