The question of grooming working horses that are kept in the open, is one of atmospheric conditions, clothing, food and state of the coat. We need here consider only animals which are picketted outside, like many troopers on foreign service; because horses that are turned out during their intervals between work would require no grooming, except for appearance sake. The protection given by clothing is self-evident. Also, nutritious food fortifies the system against inclement weather. From a wide experience in India with Army horses picketted in the open, I can say that ordinary unclipped animals which are well fed and have a warm rug, are all the better for being groomed, even when the temperature falls to, say, 270 F. In such cases it is well to know, as we shall presently see, that wisping is not only more conducive to health than brushing, but it also diminishes to a less extent the protective power of the coat. High wind and rain will greatly augment the effects of cold.