State of Nature - Gregariousness - Composition of the Animal Body - Composition of Plants Consumed by Horses - Circulation of Blood and Respiration - Bodily Supply and Removal - Reciprocal Action of the Organs of Excretion - Energy in Plants and Animals - The Animal Body as a Machine - Duties of the Skin - Causes which affect Epidermal Growth - Maintenance and Regulation of Bodily Temperature - Reaction and Chill - Absorption of Fluids by Solids - Absorption of Gases by Solids - Radiation of Heat - Protection against Heat by Colour - Conduction of Heat - Protection by the Coat against Cold and Chill - Ability of Horses to bear Extremes of Temperature - Influence of Damp on Horses in the Open - Influence of Sunlight on Horses - Influence of Altitude on Horses - Acclimatisation - Stable Impurities - Soap.

The explanation in this Chapter of some of the principles which should guide us in the stable management of horses, will, I trust, save much repetition when discussing later on, the "why and the wherefore" of various practical details.