The department of the FEEDER is of more magnitude than may at first sight be believed. It is his particular business to keep THE KENNEL _sweet_ and _clean_, and to execute this part of his trust at stated and invariable periods. To _boil_, _prepare_, and _mix_ the different kinds of provision for the HOUNDS, according to the regulations of the establishment to which he belongs. When disengaged from the concerns of the kennel, he is expected to assist in _the stables_; as well as to _exercise_ and _dress_ the spare horses of the HUNTSMAN and WHIPPER-IN, on hunting days when they are absent. In extensive concerns, and large packs, two are required to FEED, in which case the HUNTSMAN (as is most proper) always renders assistance.
FEET.—The FEET of HORSES being the very basis of support upon which the safety and expedition of the frame entirely depend, they are entitled to every possible degree of CARE and ATTENTION; more particularly in the WINTER SEASON, when, from _neglect_, so many ills and inconveniencies are known to arise. The injuries, accidents, and diseases, to which the FEET are constantly liable, consist of CRACKS in the _heels_, SCRATCHES or _lacerations_, STUBS and _bruises_ of the _outer sole_, or upon the _verge_ of the _coronet_, between _hair_ and _hoof_, CORNS, SANDCRACKS, THRUSHES, CANKER, QUITTOR, RINGBONE, and FOOT-FOUNDER; exclusive of the frequent injuries sustained in SHOEING, by the _ignorance_, _indolence_, or _obstinacy_ of those SMITHS who, having no professional reputation to support, are too innately confident in their _own ability_ to bear instruction.
As the DEFECTS thus enumerated will be found individually enlarged upon under distinct and separate heads, it becomes only necessary here to lay down such general rules for the regular management of the FEET, as may (properly attended to) prove the means of prudent prevention; not more in respect to the _trouble_ and _expence_ of DISEASE, than of the most mortifying and repentant anxiety. These defects and disquietudes are seldom found but in the stables where the MASTER rarely or ever condescends to _obtrude_ his PERSON and commands upon the _tenacious dignity_ of a self-important groom; the persevering industry of whose careful endeavours, and the pliability and elasticity of whose joints, if properly exerted, would prove the truest and most _infallible preventives_ to SWELLED LEGS and CRACKED HEELS, in preference to all the _nostrums_ ever yet brought into private practice or public use. And those who unfortunately encounter _these ills_, may generally, and with justice, attribute them much more to the _constitutional_ tardiness of the _professed groom_ (or occasional strapper) than any defect in the constitution of the horse.