It is amusing to observe how well-bred English dogs despise and turn up their noses at their native attendant, permitting the latter to lead them about and wash them when necessary without a growl of disapproval, but at the same time clearly showing by their outward bearing that no familiarities will be permitted. Next we come to the _syce_ or native groom; and in a stable where a valuable Arab horse has to be cared for, he is a most important personage. A really good, trustworthy _syce_ is nowadays seldom to be met with. There are Mohammedan _syces_ throughout Northern India; but the great majority are Hindus of low caste. The duties of the _syce_ are, to groom and feed the horse he is put in charge of—a separate _syce_ is necessary for each one of the horses comprising a stable—to be ready to accompany his master to the parade-ground, the band-stand, or for wherever he may be bound; and to keep the latter in sight and follow him any distance, no matter at what pace the sahib may choose to ride. It is astonishing what powers of endurance these native grooms display in this respect; for however far the distance or quick the gallop, he is seldom left far behind, and nearly always makes his appearance soon after his master draws rein. A Bengal _syce_ worthy of the name can hardly in any country in the world be surpassed at his work. He is a most excellent groom; and by means of hand-rubbing—which he often practises for hours together—he brings out the muscles and sinews of a horse till they are as tough and hard as iron. It is a good custom to inspect daily the allowance of corn or grain provided by the _syce_ for his charge, as not unfrequently dishonest grooms steal a portion of it and grind it for their own food. The ‘grass-cutter,’ the last in our list, is a humble individual, who, as his title tells us, supplies grass for the horse to which he is attached. Hay is seldom seen in India; but horses thrive well on a particular kind of soft green grass, which the grass-cutter cuts, or rather digs up with a small iron instrument called a _koorpah_. It is well, every now and again, to examine the quality and quantity of the grass supplied for each horse, or else lazy individuals will likely enough bring in coarse hard stuff quite unfit for the purpose. In large stations, a grass-cutter who performs his work properly has often to walk many miles before reaching a spot where soft tender grass is procurable. The grass-cutter is under the immediate orders of the _syce_, and usually receives four rupees a month as pay for his services.