PRICE ONE SHILLING.

THE HORSEOWNEH

AND

STABLEMAN'S COMPANION:

OR,

HINTS ON THE SELECTION. PURCHASE, AND GENERAL
MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE.

BV

GEORGE AMATAGE, M.MIY.S,

ESSOi;,0F VETERINARY MEDICIN "i,
P*'tHE UOESE* how to feed KIM," ETC.

LONDON:
FREDERICK WARNE & CO.,

BEDFORD STREET, COYEFr GARDEN.
NEW YORK : SCRIBNER, WELFORD, & CO.

n w

w.

Und

FREDERICK WARNE & Co./ J

PUBLISHERS.

I.

2.

6.

7-
8.

9-

lo.

i8.

19.
20.
21.

22.

23-
24.

25-

26.

\RY.

are

GIFT OF FAIRMAN ROGERS.

ERIES
a clear

NG-

EM-
By

via."

nded

i ^*

i 2/.

ches.-

2J-.

27. , -^.N.

28. Ihe iNluni rU5biukiiK:5, (5CC. (^Australian ^Tales.)

29. WALTER GORING. By Annie Thomas, zs.

30. ON GUARD. By Annie Thomas, zs.

31. DOCTOR WELD; or, TJie Web of Life. By

M. M. Bell. 2s.

32. SIR HARRY AND THE WIDOWS. By R. St.

J. Corbet.

Bedford Street .^ Covent Garden.

Frederick JVarne & Co.^ Publishers.

NEW READY REFERENCE BOOKS.

/« crown 8vo, price 3^. dd., cloth extra, 344 /i>.,

OUR CONSTITUTION,

AN EPITOME
OF OUR CHIEF LAWS AND SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

WITH AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.

V>y ALEX. CHARLES EWALD, F.S.A.,

Of Her Majesty's Record Office.

In crown Zvo, price 2s. 6d., cloth, Postage 2d.,

THE CIVIL SERVICE GUIDE,

BY HENRY WHITE, B.A.

Widi Directions for Candidates, Examination Papers, Standards of Quali-
fication, Amount of Salaries, and all necessary Information for those
seeking Government Employment. The Eighth Edition, revised from
the latest authorities, by Alexander C. Ewald, Esq., of Her Majesty's
Record Office, Author of "Our Constitution," "Reference Book
OF English History."

I?i crown Zvo, price 31. 6d., cloth, Postage ^d.,
A

REFERENCE BOOK OF ENGLISH HISTORY,

Containing Tables of Chronology and Genealogy, a Dictionary of Battles,
Lines of Biography, and a Digest of the English Constitution, from the
Invasion of Julius Cssar to 1866. ■

By ALEXANDER C. EWALD, Esq.,

Of Her Majesty's Record Office, and Editor of " The Civil

Service Guide."

Bedford Street^ Covent Garden.

Frederick Warne ^ Co.^ Publishers.
In large crown Svo, price i6j., cloth, gilt top, iioo PAGES,

TOWNSEND'S MANUAL OF DATES,

A DICTIONARY OF REFERENCE

TO ALL THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY
OF MANKIND.

In this completely New Edition, which is intended to be the Standard
Work on the subject, the number of original articles has been increased
from 7,383 to 11,045, the whole Work completely remodelled,
every date verified, and every subject re-examined from the original
authorities.

In crown Svo, price ioj. 6d. cloth, new style,

DOMESTIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY,

BY J. H. WALSH, F.R.C.S.,

ILLUSTRATED WITH FORTY-FOUR PAGE ENGRAVINGS, SIXTEEN PRINTED
IN COLOURS, BY EVANS.

General Heads of the Contents :

Laws which Regulate Health and Disease.

The Elementary Forms of Disease — Their Causes and Symptoms.

The Methods Employed in the Removal of Disease.

Therapeutics.

The Practical Application of the Principles of the Healing Art.

The Management of Children in Health and Disease,

Domestic Practice of Medicine and Surgery in the Adult.

Glossary and Index.

Bedford Street^ Covent Garden.

THE

HOESEOWNER AND STABLEIAl^'S

COMPANION :

HINTS ON THE SELECTION, PURCHASE, AND GENERAL
MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE.

BY

GEORGE ARMATAGE, M.R.C.Y.Sr;,^^

PBOFESSOE OP VETEEINAEX MEDICIKB, - ""'•'J^"

Al^THOB OP "the HORSE: HOW TO FEED HIM,

LONDON :
FREDEHICK WAENE AND CO.

BEDPOED STREET, COYEXT GAEDEN.
NEW YORK : SCRIBNEE, WELFORD AND CO.

1869.

LONDON:

FAVU.r, TnWAPDS AND CO., PRINXEES, CHAND03 STKEPT,

COVENT GAEDEN.

PREFACE.

That wMcli we may denominate success in the
proper maintenance of our working liorses^ is
derived from careful management. This applies
with equal force to all our domestic animals.

To preserve their health and vigour through-
out long years of usefulness^ a knowledge of
their habits_, capabilities^ and peculiarities,, &c.^ is
required. He who possesses this is well armed^
but he would be more perfect in having the
ability and disposition to apply it directly towards
the mitigation of evil consequences which, alas^
swell up the mortality lists to a fearful degree.
It should, in all cases, be the end and object
of the attention bestowed upon them.

Great misconception prevails upon this point.
Disease and death continually occur among our
valuable animals, and owners have almost ac-
cepted the results as inevitable, from which
there is no escape. " The steed is stolen,^''
and fruitless attempts are made to rectify mis-

4^ r-^ C c C

iv Preface.

takes by the application of remedies which may
not only prove useless^ but even very aggra-
vating.

An old axiom has advised " Every man to his
trade/'' It should be inscribed in legible cha-
racters upon the walls of every building in which
our domestic animals are kept. Prevention of
disease and mortality frequently consists in a
respectful observance of the hint^ and dangerous
consequences are thereby commonly arrested or
mitigated.

Since the issue of a small work"^'" uniform
with the present volume^ designed to draw
especial attention to the benefit and essentials
of good management in one department only
among horses, it is gratifying to learn that the
object of the writer has not been overlooked by
the numerous readers. While the question is
one purely of scientific interest, and recognised
as such; the desire has become intensified
that further information should at once be placed
in the hands of those who carry out the practical
details. For this purpose the present treatise
has been asked for. Proprietors wish to have re-

* " The Horse : how to feed him, avoid disease, and save
money." London : F. Warne and Co., Bedford Street, Co-
vent Garden.

'Preface, v

duced to plain language the formulce of scientific
deduction, that " he who runs may read/'' and
thus extend a principle which is being daily
more and more acknowledged as pre-eminently
useful and beneficial.

We, however, incur great risk in becoming
dogmatical. It is more easy and pleasurable to
establish opinions on the foundation fortified
by repeated accessions of scientific memoranda
illustrating cause and eftect ; but we cannot
wait to follow the intricacies of the path, results
only must be described, and the mechanism by
which they are arri^'cd at carefully shrouded from
the view.

AVhether such a conclusion is justifiable, the
keen sense of the public will rapidly demon-
strate.

The useful being constantly aimed at by the
author, he can only hope his efforts may be
accepted as heretofore by his numerous readers
and the press generally, whose comments have
been of the most flattering character.

Leighton Buzzakd,

September \\t\ 1866

Digitized by. tine Internet Arcl^ve

in 2009 witin funding from

Lyrasis IVIembers and Sloan Foundation

http://www.archive.org/details/horseownerstableOOarma

CONTENTS.

PAGE

Selection and Purchase of Hoeses:
Tricks and Frauds of Dealers — Bribery — Warranty — •
Certificates of Soundness — Recommending Horses —
Precautions to be observed 1

Stable Management:
Early Operations in the Stable — Watering — Purity of
Water — Cleanliness — Disinfectants — Lighting of
Stables — Ventilation — Various Plans — Heat or
Temperature of the Stable — Grooming or Dressing
— Stable Tools — Washing the Legs — Bandages--
Clothing — Bedding — Disposal of Manure — Clippmg
and Singeing 18

Feeding :
Oats — Beans— Barley — Tares or Lentils — Hay — Straw
— Bran — Linseed — Linseed or Oil-cake — Maize or
Lidian Corn — Locust or Carob Bean — Condiments
— Vegetable Food — Turning to Grass — Regularity
of Feeding — Feeding after Work 46

exeecise 71

Condition ....„,. 75

The Turkish or Boman Bath, and Washing Horses
after Hunting ... 79

viii Contents,

PAGE

General Arrangement oe Stables :

Ordinary Arrangement Defective — Improvement on
the Plan — Paving of Stable Floors — Drains — De-
clivity of Stable Floors- Wooden Floors — Their
Economy — ^Loose Boxes 84

The Causes of Disease anp its Prevention :

Prevention Better than Cnre 93

Simple Rules for Shoeing and Management of

Horses' Feet:

The Hoof— Wall— Sole and Fjog— Nails— Shoes—
Their Shape — Bar Shoes — Leather Soles — Stopping
for Feet — Foot Ointments — Cutting and Brushing
— Groggy Feet — Sidebones — Pumiced Feet — Pricks
aiid Binds — Shoeing in Coal ]\Iines 98

PouLTicrs ANi> Fomentations 112

Sending for the Veterinary Surgeon . . . .114

THE HOESEOWNER

AND

STABLEMAN'S COMPANION.

THE SELECTION AND PURCHASE
OF HOESES.

The arduous nature of the various conditions
"which attend the selection and purchase of
horses^ is generally understood and acknowledged
even by those of little experience. There is no
subject upon which buyers so often feel the
greatest need of assistance and advice^ and^ at
the same time^ where greater difficulty exists
in rendering these profitable and acceptable.
Circumstances may arise,, phases previously
hidden may appear^ or gratuitous interference
disturb the aspect of afi'airs^ and thus begin all
the troubles and vexations which too commonly
supplement the efforts of those in search of a
horse.

The tricks of low and disreputable dealers
render the process at once tedious, harassing,
and difiicult ; while the subsequent ordeal may be
fairly represented as being irremediable as well

2 Tke Selection and

as inevitable. Purcliasers at fairs are greatly
exposed to tlie practices of such rascals^ t?1io
never fail to secure both animal and money in
tlie end_, and thus provide the means of con-
stantly possessing a trap wherein unsuspecting
persons easily fall.

Some years ago a hard-working honest man,
well known to the writer,, attended a fair in
Yorkshire for the purchase of a cart-horse. He
was by no means a bad judge of the physical
characters required in the animal sought, and
soon his eyes fell upon one in which was con-
centrated, to all appearance, the qualities so
essential for the purposes. Price being asked,
and the animal shown through various evolutions,
no objection was found. Accordingly a purchase
was made and the horse led away.

The new owner had not proceeded far before
a stranger, to him at least, stepped up and
offered a small sum for the horse, adding,
'^ You^ll not like to take him into your stable as
he's ^ blaundered ^ ^'' [i.e. glandered). And thus
he continued to pester the poor fellow, while
others privy to the game joined at various
stages on the road, and kept up the spirit which
was to secure again their prize.

Upon examination the animal was found to be
a most confirmed roarer — in the language of the
dealers, said ^' to have the bellans ^' — and had
been drugged in order to cause the defect to pass
unobserved.

Purchase of Horses. 3

Upon anotlier occasion a merchant purchased
a very eligible-looking animal for his cart,
giving rather a high sum to a person who repre-
sented himself as a well-to-do farmer in the
neighbourhood. A warranty of soundness was
drawn up by the vendor^ signed and transferred
at the same time^ and a groom removed the
horse to his master^s stables. For days several
men — of course members of the gang — lingered
about the premises of the merchant^ offering
various small sums^ declaring the animal to be
affected with glanders. The merchant took no
notice for some time_, but at length said he was
very glad he had obtained such an animal^ as a
friend of his wished to have him_, in order to
catch the dupes at fairs. This spurred up the
gangj who,, rather than lose their profitable horse^
actually purchased him back again at a sum very
little below the original price. This animal was
found to be affected with a chronic discharge
from one of the nostrils, which had been arrested
during the purchase by a piece of tow pressed up
the passage for the purpose.

These tricks are very commonly practised, and
suffer modification in order to render the end
more easy of accomplishment. A horse but
slightly lame in a forefoot is " beaned.''''

This consists in paring thin the sole of the
opposite forefoot near the toe, and replacing the
shoe, having first put a small pebble beneath it.
It has the effect of rendering the action of both

B 2

4 The Selection and

fore legs nearer alike^ and if properly done suc-
ceeds in causing animals to change hands fre-
quently.

Another species of fraud consists in filing-
down the wearing surface of the front or incisor
teeth of old horses^ and graAdng hollows to re-
semble those of young teeth. This is called
"bishoping/^ but by those who study the form
and angularity of the teeth_, as well as the varied
changes which they undergo throughout advanc-
ing age^ the trick is easily detected. Young
horses are also practised upon^ in order to palm
them oif at a higher price as being four or five
years old.

Many breeders who aim at respectability are
foolishly tempted to carry out this fraud, which
consists in extracting the corner, and sometimes
the middle incisor teeth. At best it is but a very
clumsy and barbarous plan, and signally fails to
produce the appearances desired. The custom is
so prevalent in Ireland and other parts among
dealers, that it cannot loug fail to attract the at-
tention of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, and, we hope, meet with total abolition.

The signs of age are otherwise dealt with, in
order if possible to obliterate them. The
measures, however, seldom succeed before a
practised eye. In animals of great age, large
depressions or hollow^s are found above the eyes^
and horse-copers prick through the skin and blow
in air, as butchers inflate the carcass. For a

Purchase of Horses. "5

time the hollows disappear^ but are seen again
when the air is absorbed or has escaj^ed.

White places^ such as a star^ stripe,, or blaze
in the face, white heels or fetlocks, and patches
of white hair which are found on the knees and
other parts indicating previous damage to the
skin, are painted or dyed with coloured solutions.
This is called " gy]3ping/^ and is recognised by
the different shades employed and dissimilarity of
colour to that of the hair over the rest of the
body. Besides, it is usually found to wash off or
gradually disappear with subsequent growth of
hair.

Animals affected with broken wind are dosed
with shot and fat, under the false belief that the
former by actual weight causes the stomach to
" hang away from the lungs,"'' and the latter
" lubricates the air-passages."'' Neither, however,
succeed with the practised veterinarian. The
dupes w^ho suffer from these frauds are usually
men who rely upon the so-called judgment of
one representing himself as a friend, and who
contrives to come upon the scene at the moment
when his opinion has greatest weight. Under these
circumstances, if the purchaser misses an animal
which is either " broken- winded,"" '' bishoped,"''
" gypped,"" ^' puffed,"" '^ blaundered,"" or has the
'' bellans,"" he may have secured a more worthless
prize in the shape of a dangerous brute that will
shy at everything on the road, kick and bite, plunge
and rear or run away, after the passions are

6 The Selection and

relieved of the powerful drugs Avhicli have been
used. Otherwise he obtains one lame in the
baek^ called by the rogues ^' a kidney dropper/''
or another having a nervous affection and known
by the term " shiverer/''

These, however, by no means complete the
category of defects which hang to the horse.
There are others which form admirable qualities
for the low horse-coper whereby to catch the
unwary purchaser, but even these are sometimes
met with in animals coming from other sources ;
and while I am desirous of letting all have the
benefit of a doubt, if such there be upon the
question at issue, it is, I think, too much to believe
that such screws are always produced in ignorance.

Being in want of several heavy draught horses
upon one occasion, I presented myself at the
stables of a certain dealer and made known my
wants, but did not discover my profession to him.
" All right, sir,^^ said he, ^'' I have just your sort /'
and addressing his satellite, " I say. Bill, bring
out them ^ere cart ■'osses in the little stable.
Look there, sir,^^ he began, as the creature was
being led out of the doorway, " you never put a
collar on sech a piece o^ stuff in all your born
days. Talk o^ pullin, sir, why I never had sech
a ^oss to pull. I have been a dealer off an' on
for the last forty year, an"* I don't know as I've
had such a bit o' mettle. Put him alongside the
wall. Bill ! woho, now ! There ! look at his legs,
sir ! sech pints for a cart 'oss ! why, he's like

IP ur chase of Horses. 7

waxwork itself! talk about simmerteiy^ did you
ever see secli as that ? Tm blessed if I ever seed
secb a splendid carcass on sech strapping lims,
an^, lor bless you, tbe money^s notliink. See bim
trot^ sir ? wby_, be moves like a pony. Now^ Bill_,
Avbere^s your ginger ? look alive^ my boy ; don''t
keep tbe gentleman waiting/^

^'^ Excuse me_, sir/"* I remarked,, '^''you will
have tbe goodness to spare tbe animal tbe torture
about to be inflicted ; it affords me no gratifica-
tion^ it will not enhance him one atom in my
estimation^ and let him return to tbe stalls as his
qualities are not suitable for my purpose/^

Rather crestfallen, the dealer said, " All right,
sir, I^m sorry, but we''ll show another/''

A second and a third were brought out, and
successively rejected, when the dealer remarked^
" You seem rayther queer to please, sir/'' '^ Not
at all, I assure you,^^ was my reply. " Then why
can^tyou take these ^osses?^" and he was about to
go off express again in cantiDg description of
their virtues and other qualifications, when I cut
him short by saying, '' Upon all occasions when
purchasing horses, I endeavour to obtain sound
animals, as they suit our purpose much better.
I prefer them without spavins, ringbones, and
other prejudicial bony deposits in the neighbour-
hood of important joints, as the work they are
put to usually is sufiBcient to cause them to
appear soon enough.^''

He flew into a wild and violent passion, and

8 The Selection and

declared I wished to take away the character of
his horses^ and what was more^ called me a muff,
and a fool^ as his horses were perfectly sonnd^
and I could not know whether they had spavins
or anything else^ as I had not put a hand upon
them. He was_, however^ brought to a little^ by
my telling him the statement was much the
worse for him if the defects were so plain that
they needed no manipulation to confirm the ap-
pearances already present. He protested^, how-
ever, his ignorance of anything wrong, and I
advised him to take them to a respectable veteri-
nary surgeon for examination, and show me the
report. I here handed him my card, when he
became perfectly silent, and got out of my sight
as quickly as possible.

Later in the day several friends, at my request,
called upon the dealer and inquired for animals
of the kind. All that I had seen were brought
out, and upon each occasion declared as before
sound and immaculate.

To say there are no honest horse- dealers would
be a gross calumny, but I must express my sus-
picion that many are so accustomed to chant
the praises of sound animals — that is, sound to the
best of their knowledge and belief — that one may
ascribe such a mistake as just related to a lapsus
linguce. We must therefore look over it accor-
dingly, and of course at the same time the
animals upon which such vile praise has been
bestowed.

Purchase of Horses. 9

Amongst the defects wliich are found to
lessen the value of horses as well as their useful-
ness_, are diseases of the . eyes. An ordinary
observer may regard these organs as perfectly
sounds and their appearances justifying purchase^
but alas ! finds the animal either suffering from
impaired vision^ or_, may be^ totally blind. In such
cases the ears will be observed to be carried for-
ward, and their movements are exceedingly
rapid, and the eyes staring, the central opening
or pupil being wider than in health, and colour of
the organ probably being blue or yellow. Other
conditions are present, which however are only to
be detected by those conversant with the different
structures of the organs.

Chronic cough, disease of the lungs and
heart, stomach, liver, &c. now and then is found
to be present. Malformations, the result of
accident or vicious propensity, may be detected ;
or the beast may be a crib-biter, or wind-sucker,
washy, and a bad doer, no matter what he gets
to eat. Whatever may be his qualities at work,
in the stable he may be a perfect demon, or he
may unite the kicker at work, with the "jibber/"'
or one that will not draw.

Another may be as gentle and docile as a
lamb in the stable, quiet in harness or under the
saddle, and capable of doing the highest rate of
speed with action and grace unparalleled, but the
pleasure of sitting behind such a creature is
marred by the fact that on reaching the stable

10 Tlte Selection and

the appetite is gone. The animal is overdone ;
and be careful as you will_, the scene recurs after
each journey^, and is sometimes supplemented by
irritation of the bowels, colic^ &c.

Several days are passed before the animal is
pronounced safe for work_, or still further cause
for dissatisfaction appears in a variety of ways ;
and no other conclusion is justifiable^ than that
the animal has been sold on account of these
faults. He is sold again quickly if death does
not prevent the opportunity.

In the multitude of conditions which render
horseflesh (in a state of animation,, not as cheva-
line a la mode) such a ticklish commodity, one
cannot but be surprised at the few oj)portunities
there are to avoid the disagreeable consequences.
Many purchasers, relying upon their judgment
alone, make fearful work. They know nothing
of the nature, form, or habits of the animal they
seek, and consequently become very lucrative
victims. To purchase horses in a profitable
manner requires much tact and judgment, and a
knowledge of their structural anatomy is indis-
pensable towards detecting blemishes of different
kinds. IMuch practice is also required, but this
alone will not do, as w^e have often known horse-
dealers of forty and fifty years^ experience quite
as easily taken in as other people.

Bribery in horse-dealing . — Like horse-racing,
horse-dealing practice is carried on more for the
emolument derived, than for any desire always to

IP ur chase of Horses. 1 1

distribute a good and serviceable breed of horses.
Many patronize the turf under a mistaken idea
that present systems improve our breeds of
horses,, but by far the majority have personal in-
terest only to serve. Horse-dealing often assumes
the latter in the blaekest dye. Upon the turf,
races, horses, riders, and owners are sold, and in
the trial gronnd of many dealers the like also
occurs.

" What do you want for that pair of carriage
horses T' said a veterinary surgeon to a large
dealer not long ago. " Well, look here/'' replied
the owner; " all that will depend upon what you
require as premium. I can afford to make it
worth your w^hile, only state what you wish.-"
'^ Well, suppose you wanted one hundred and
fifty pounds for the pair, what premium could
you afford V " Twenty pounds/^ said the dealer ;
'' but if you w ill get your client to stand two
hundred pounds, I can then give you fifty.^''

This statement is nearly verbatim as received
from a great friend wdio w^as employed to select
a pair of horses for a gentleman, who being in
attendance as previously requested, was thus
informed how^ he might have been sold if he fell
among thieves.

Bribery is one of the greatest banes which
waits almost upon every transaction in reference
to horses. They cannot be shod, physicked, sold,
nor exchanged, but a host of parasites hover
round, " for wheresoever the carcass is, there will

12 The Selection and

the eagles be gathered together/' If there were
no receivers of bribes, there would be no one
found to offer them. Under the system the
security of property is sacrificed, and its sub-
stance eaten out as by the canker-worm to the
very core.

A dealer in horses called upon a veterinary
surgeon in one of the largest towns in Yorkshire,,
and promised to send for examination all the
horses he had for sale, providing they were passed
as sound, backed by a certificate to that effect, and
the fee did not exceed five shillings. In addition,
the considerate rascal offered to dispose of any
screw which the other might have on his hands.

Upon making inquiries, it turned out that an
unfortunate individual who had lost all sense of
honour and decency^ had fallen into this great
error. From intemperate habits he w as not always
available when required even to write a certificate
without examination, and his patron was desirous
of finding some one to supplant him, but in his
application barely escajDcd being kicked out of
doors.

Warranty. — By some there is entertained a
great but fancied security in a warranty. Half
that are given are but as waste paper. Many
cases are on record which prove this : one will
suffice. A warranty of soundness had been given
with a horse having spavins and side-bones^ and
there were not wanting witnesses who would
swear no such morbid conditions existed. A law

Purchase of Horses. 13

case followed^ but as iisual^ he who won_, actually
lost. The defendant,, although guilty and con-
victed^ was not worth the paper upon which the
summons was printed^ and a poor widow was
doubly a loser in consequence.

Under such circumstances a warranty is of no
service whatever^ and even in others where there
is no actual fraud existing in the transaction,
the opinions of many upon the existence or non-
existence of defects, and the constitution of un-
soundness, being at variance, much trouble and
vexation occurs. Nor is there any likelihood of
help from the law to be expected in future, at
least as far as can be seen at present. As science
advances and receives its share of encouragement
from the government and public, definite condi-
tions relative to certain diseases may be insisted
upon, but under present circumstances a warranty
affords but very slender protection, and is an in-
strument of little power where the parties con-
cerned are determined to be fraudulent.

Certificates of Soundness. — A very common
mistake occurs with many when purchasing horses;
that is, to seek a veterinary surgeon^s opinion
after the contract is completed. This does not
always occur only with low-priced animals, but
frequently with those of high value. They are
examined and found defective, but there is no
help in many cases, and the affair amounts to so
much money absolutely thrown away. Purchasers
who desire a professional opinion upon the sound-

14 The Selection and

ness of liorses^ should always obtain it before the
animal becomes tlieir property. The proceeding
is advantageous in many "ways^ and much trouble
and petty annoyance is avoided.

In Ireland^ in nearly all transactions in which
horses are concerned^ the purchase is effected on
the result of an examination by a qualified ve-
terinary surgeon. The principle is more in favour
in England than formerly,, and if properly con-
ducted, many legal quibbles are undoubtedly
avoided, as well as the loss of time, money, and
reputation, and hard swearing on both sides. In
practice, -the proceeding also proves more pro-
fitable than even a written warranty. If the
animal is sound, he is at once removed and
the money paid; if the reverse, no transaction
occurs.

The certificate given by the professional man
proves as powerful as a warranty; because in
the event of unsoundness, the dealer cannot sell
his horse. In case the animal is sound, the
purchaser receives an assurance to the effect, and
nothing further is needed, as the whole thing
hinges upon the question.

Recommending Horses. — No greater mistake, in
the author's opiaion, can be made by a profes-
sional or other person, than that of recommend-
ing horses. Many horse proprietors are totally
ignorant of the nature, habits, capabilities, and
resources of a horse, and in eager search for a
desirable animal, meet with a friend who sin-

Purchase of Horses. 15

cerely and lionestly recommends one wliiclij ivere
he to drive, feed, and house, there can be no
donbt AYOuld prove all that is desired. But^
alas ! as soon as the new pnrchase is made^ the
elated proprietor^ well ]DOsted in all the good
qualities of the creature, takes him to his own
stable. No attention is paid to the different
characters which exist in contradistinction to the
one just left ; and_, it may be^ a case of cold^
influenza, or something worse^ soon appears.
The feeding may be different,, and produce
colic^. and even death. If^ however^ he escape all
these^ the owner rides or drives out^ in order that
his good lady may give her opinion.

Afterwards a friend in the next street is ap-
pealed to^ with probably fifty others^ and at last
a friend in the country. All are particularly
knowings or at least appear to be so. One sees
a spavin, another a splint, a third thinks he is
lame ; a fourth thinks he hears a slight noise, as
from roaring or whistling. And thus the game
goes on, the owner fishing for compliments upon
his judgment and selection, while none of the
persons consulted are disposed to pay any, but
feel, if they had been purchasers, the animal
would not have been selected by them.

In order to detect the lameness or the fancied
sounds so offensive to the ear, it is suggested that
the animal shall be galloped. The owner tries
his best, but fails ; the friend who suggested the
defect also mounts or takes the reins, and pell

16 The Selection and

mell the animal goes again. He may not be
found a roarer, but probably he is found lame.
Then comes the tug of war. All agree to swear
to the lameness ; w hich is of course believed to
occur from conditions present at or prior to pur-
chase. Recriminations pass_, the vendor is de-
clared not to be honest,, and he who recommended
the animal jn'onounced as being actuated by
selfish motives. Money is wasted in useless law
squabbles, no one but the lawyer reaps j)rofit,
while vexation crowns him who wins as well as him
who loses.

Precautions to be observed. — When it is desi-
rable that a horse should be purchased, recourse
should be had if possible to the farmer or breeder
usuallypossessing the character of animal required.
If this cannot be done, there are to be found
dealers Avho know it is to their interest to give
purchasers every advantage in scrutiny. When
a suitable animal is found, seek the opinion of a
qualified veterinary surgeon, who for a guinea
will give the results of a careful examination,
and if he cannot advise as to purchase or put
into your hands a genuine horse, he will at least
be able to save you from a worthless screw.

Remember also there are circumstances re-
garding the future treatment and work to which
the animal is subjected. These should form a
subject upon which your veterinary medical ad-
viser is to be consulted afterwards. Let him
advise as to these, and depend upon it another

Purchase of Horses. 1 7

source of vexation is tlms avoided. It is far
better to pay for advice suited to each particular
case,, than to receive a course of drugs in after
time^ and pay dearly for a horse in hospital
labouring under disease which for one-tenth part
of the expenses might have been avoided most
certainly.

18

STABLE MANAGEMENT.

The secrets of success in profitable stable man-
agement are punctuality and regularity. These
contribute towards the system which is so parti-
cularly required. Without them_, it is an utter
impossibility for proper attention to be directed
to all the details which call for notice^ w^hile
nothing will operate as prejudicially upon the
health of animals.

Stable management will receive a due share of
consideration under several heads throughout the
present work.

Early operations in the Stable consist in first
making a general examination of each animal,
particularly those which have been tied up by
halters or chains in stalls.

This is useful in order to detect injuries from
being cast or loss of shoes during the night, and
to detect signs of disorder or illness, which if
present are best reported early, on the principle
that '' a stitch in time saves nine.''''

A careful inspection having been made, the
animals are watered and fed, and while they are
consuming their food the bedding should be turned
up, and stalls and other parts carefully sw^ejot
out. Any time remaining may be devoted to
the examination of harness, in order to secure the
cleanliness of pads, &c., observe defects, and have

Stable Management. 1 9

them remedied if possible. As soon as the food
is consumed^ the operation of cleaning is to be car-
ried on in good earnest,, which done^ harness and
prepare for daily work.

In large establishments it is most profitable to
employ a horsekeeper^ who, having charge of the
provender and stables, enters at a certain hour,
say five a.m., and feeds the whole. Each driver
as he arrives, then turns np the bedding, exa-
mines the harness and cleans his horse. By this
plan animals are better cared for in the feeding,
and much waste is avoided.

The duties of the horsekeeper are, during the
day, to see that the stables are cleaned thoroughly,
receive all horses coming to hait^ and see to the
feeding of the whole at night.

Each horse as he comes from work is carefully
examined by him, also the harness, and if nothing
calls for other treatment, the animal is led to his
stall, watered and fed, dressed down by the driver,
bedded and left for the night. The horsekeeper
has also to see to their being safely tied up, all
gaslights turned securely off, and report any ir-
regularities, lameness, disease, &c., which he may
observe.

In hunting and racing stables modifications
exist, and, to the credit of those at head quarters,
we are able to establish the principles by which
punctuality and regularity may be caused to work
so much good. !Many ailments of the farm or
cart horse are unknown in hunting or racing

c 2

20 Stable Management.

stables. And why ? Simply from the fact
that animals there are fed^ worked^ or exercised
with the clock. If these principles pervaded
the minds of those who keep and work, or drive
carriage, cart, and cab horses, there would be
less of those serious consequences which so often
arise and mar the prospects. A youDg man in the
racing or hunting stable, goes through a kind of
apprenticeship, by which he becomes au fait at
his duties, and habits of regularity are enforced.
If coachmen and grooms in general had such
training always, v,c should find that stable man-
agement in our towns and villages would be
a question upon which there would be but lit-
tle to condemn. In no other horse establish-
ments is there such wanton waste and careless-
ness, or where the results are more inconvenient
and harassing.

In hunting and racing stables the morning
hour is from five to six o^clock. The horses are
to be fed and watered, bedding turned up, and
stables swept. Those animals going to work arc
next thoroughly dressed, and afterwards receive
a small feed of corn if their work is likely to be
hard and time will permit. Others merely
going for exercise arc wiped over and taken out
for the prescribed time, and on their return
receive a little hay, are clothed, have their feet
examined and washed, and by this time is the
hour for breakfast.

The grooms on their return to the stable dress

stable Management, 21

over tlieir horses thorougTily^ clothe^ put tlie
stable neat after svreeping out all manure,,
throw dou^n a light clean layer of straw^ rack up^
and leave for outside duties. k!i noon^ corn^ hay,
and water are given to resting horses^ and the
stable again locked up. Other animals coming
from work are fed and dressed on arrival.

At four o^clock it is the custom in some stables
to feed again with corn ; the plan in the main is
very good. At seven or eight o^clock each horse
has his clothing removed^ is carefully wiped down^
and reclothed. Clean or dry stravf is thrown
down for bedding, the stable utensils carefully put
away, and water, corn, and hay supplied. Collar
chains, head collars, and halters should be care-
fully examined, in order to test their security for
horses tied up with them.

See that in loose boxes there are no gas brackets
at which the horse can get. It has been known
that playful animals have turned on the gas and
caused tlicir ovrn death from its inhalation during
the night. Boys should be cautioned against
leading pails in stalls or boxes, unless specially
ordered and required.

Among cart horses, cab horses, &c., which re-
main an uncertain length of time from the
stable, the nose-bag is of great service. It has,
however, defects, one of the most important
being detrimental to respiration. The material
of which it is usually made is strong and of too
close texture ; a coarser and pervious material

22 Btahle Management.

would be an advantage^ and avoid the necessity of
breathing over and over again the same air^ by
admitting a current through the meshes.

Watering. — Much variety of opinion exists in
reference to the quantity of water which shoukl
be allowed the horse. This must depend upon
circumstances. To define a special rule for all
animals would be as absurd as its carrying out
would be impossible. Animals sometimes drink
ravenously, and the cause will be found to arise
from the stupidity of grooms in not allowing suf-
ficient at proper intervals. In Switzerland, horses
are allowed water in a separate tank, in their
stalls, usually supplied from a running stream,
and the results are said to be useful.

The writer has given the plan a fair trial
years ago, and has found that where a given quan-
tity is regularly placed before a horse, if no mor-
bid thirst be present, the actual daily quantity
consumed is much less. But when stated inter-
vals are not observed, or irregularity in watering
occurs, the quantity is often enormously increased.

It is from this circumstance that inconvenience
and even danger arises, particularly when the
animal is allowed to satiate his thirst before
severe work, when over-heated, or the stomach
is previously overloaded with food, particularly
when water is very cold.

The practice of depriving hunters of water be-
fore going to cover is objectionable. If the rules
of feeding and watering are observed with due

Stable Management. 23

regard to time_, excessive thirst will not usually
occur.

Harness horses and hacks used on long jour-
neys are greatly relieved by small quantities of
water in which oatmeal or barley meal is sus-
pendedj given when rest is allowed ; about two
quarts of water with a handful of the latter being
sufficient.

Horses at rest should be watered at least three
or four times daily.

The practice of putting nitre or other saline
materials in the water^ is not to be carried on
indiscriminately. The advice of a veterinary
surgeon should guide upon that question.

The 'purity of water is a question which should
always be established where animals are to be
kept, and particularly where new sources are
opened out. There is frequently greater reason
to attribute disease amongst stock, and even
human beings, to the water with which they are
supplied, than is generally known.

In sinking wells never select any place near
to drains or ditches, privies, and manure heaps ;
avoid also gardens or fields. The danger which
occurs is traced to the entrance by percolation of
the compoiiQds which are formed as the result of
putrefaction of manure and animal and vegetable
matter in general. Not long ago a whole
family was continually suffering from attacks of
fever, which, as usual, was for some time attributed
to the atmosphere. Subsequently it struck the

24 Stable Management.

owner that the water might be at fault, and ac-
cordingly sent some to an eminent chemist, Dr.
PennVj, of Glasgow. Upon examination, that
gentleman detected a great proportion of sub-
stances, the result of putrefactive changes in
animal matter, which were proved to have been
conveyed by the manure to flower beds in the
garden upon the sides of the well from which the
water had been used.

Such water has a brackish or saltish taste,
and is sufficiently conspicuous to be easily
detected and lead to its being avoided.

Water may also contain mineral poisons.
These, however, occasion serious symptoms of dis-
turbance, for which a veterinary surgeon will be
needed to give the necessary instructions at the
time.

Cleanliness. — Too much cannot be written or
urged upon this point. Many disorders and ail-
ments can be traced to a neglect of it. Holes
and corners which cannot be got at regularly
should not be permitted in a stable.

It must be borne in mind that the food, dung,
urine, straw, &c., used in stables are all capable
of generating unwholesome gases, by their prone-
ness to putrefaction when lying about.

These materially interfere with the circulation
of pure air, and in consequence the health of
horses and men suffers. In order to have them
removed, the bedding should always be taken
from the stall, and in fine weather spread outside

stable Management. 25

if possible. The dirty portions are to be separ-
ated, the whole of the floor and drains thoroughly
swept ont^ and every portion of refuse carefully
removed to a manure heap at a distance from the
stable.

IMangers should always be well cleansed —
especially w^ooden ones — after the use of mashes
or soft food of any kind. "Woodwork of all kinds,
and even harness and clothing, require cleansing
after the existence of contagious skin or other
diseases. For this purpose a solution of black
or pearl ashes may be used^ the strength however
being varied for the several purposes.

For harnesSj clothing, and 'painted woodwork,
two or three ounces to a pail of hot water will
be sufficient. But to hare woodwork the strength
may be quadrupled.

Besides this it is sometimes necessary to use
disinfectants of a special character.

For the floors, crude carbolic acid in solution
may be sprinkled OA^er the surface, and the whole
afterwards well scrubbed with hot water having
black ashes in solution.

A solution of crude carbolic acid is also
eminently serviceable for the mangers when con-
tagion is feared. The proportions are about one
pound to a gallon of water in which soft soap
has been dissolved, with the use of large quanti-
ties of pure water afterwards. A grand agent in
the purification of the atmosphere of stables is
M'DougalFs disinfecting powder^ which should

26 Stable Management.

be tliinly spread over tlie stall floors and other
parts wherever dung or urine has been deposited.

The prices to be paid for these articles are,
for black ashes about 2Jd. per lb. ; M'DougalFs
disinfecting powder, 10s. per cwt. ; and crude car-
bolic acid, 2s. 6d. per gallon.

When contagious diseases are known to arise
in a stable, remove the diseased animal at once.
Carry with him all harness, clothing, stable
utensils, &c., which have been used for his pur-
poses ; do not use anything belonging to him for
another ; and those in attendance upon him should
not go into the stable where healthy animals are
confined.

Lastly, carry out all injunctions which may be
given by the veterinary surgeon in attendance.
He has many strong reasons for enforcing regu-
lations wliich may not be understood by others.
Upon these his success depends. Grooms should
therefore strictly act in concert with him, and
faithfully carry out his desires.

Lighting of Stables. — One of the greatest
causes of a want of cleanliness is the absence of
light in stables. It also gives rise to other in-
conveniences.

When stables are badly lighted, or have no
wdndows, dirt accumulates, foul gases are formed,
and the animaFs health sufiers in consequence.
In dark stables the men cannot see to clean the
floors properly, the air becomes impui'e, and
ventilation interfered with. During the night,

stable Management. 27

"when the doors are closed, the animals are nearly-
stifled, they become too hot and easily take cold.
They also suffer from diseases of the eyes and
lungs, and in the end not uncommonly die, or
require to be destroyed on account of glanders.
In the morning, when the doors are opened for
carrying on the operations of the stable, the air
is penetrating and suffocating, and while these go
on, draughts of cold air in winter produce bane-
ful effects.

Wherever such stables exist they should be
altered, large windows and ventilators put in to
admit nature^s great purifiers, light and air ; they
are relics of a barbarous age, and ought to be
razed to the ground in numerous instances.

Ventilation of Stables. — Upon this question
also there is every conceivable and contrary
opinion. It is a subject which urgently calls for
scientific memoranda, in order to apply the prin-
ciples directly and practically.

An acquaintance with the laws of gaseous
diffusion, draught, heat and cold, &c., at once
shows that one principle of ventilation will not
admit of being applied to all buildings. This is
particularly the case with stables in large towns.
The close proximity of other buildings, together
with their irregularity of form and arrangement^
greatly interfere with plans. It is therefore a
matter of concern, and one not to be hastily or
inefficiently adopted.

Buildings closely surrounded by others or

28 Biahle Management,

lying at low levels,, those also having liay lofts,
always call for a more extended arrangement
than isolated ones. In the latter also there is
great danger to be feared from reverse currents
Tvhen the wind sets in any particular quarter.

The object of ventilation is to afford a plentiful
supply of pure air to every animal in the building,
to maintain an uniform temperature^ and prevent
the occurrence of cold draughts, or currents.
To effect these, various plans are carried out : —

1st. Holes are made in the wall over each
horse^s head, opening to the outside, being about
the size of a brick. These are either occupied by
wood or cast iron frames and gratings, or are
faced with wire gauze or perforated zinc.

2nd. Holes are also made opposite, but near
the ground, and similarly protected.

3rd. Louvre boards are placed in windows at
the side, or in raised portions of the roof, which
also act as a skylight.

4th. Swing windows and skylights are also
used to open at pleasure.

5th. Ridge tiles are raised at intervals, so that
a space is formed under each, communicating
with the external as well as internal air.

6th. Hollow stones or pillars are in some cases
placed in the outer walls, having an opening to
the external air at the bottom on the outside, and
another at the toj) on the inside.

7th. Shafts or tubes of wood or zinc, &c., are
used to discharge the foul air from the roof.

stable Management. 29

However good these may appear in tlieoiy^ it
is found that in some buildings the greatest diffi-
culty exists in procuring ventilation. Let the
arrangement and device he what it will^ wc shall
find that sometimes the air will refuse to come
in or go out through these scientific labyrinths^
and at others it ruthlessly traverses them in fit-
ful gustS; and deeply offends by going in an oppo-
site direction to that intended.

The atmosphere is as insensible to human or-
ders,, as the sea was to Canute and his flatterers.
Any number of shafts may be placed in a build-
ing, and all the arrangements named carried out,
but mortification will come at the end. And not
only mortification from an inability to carry out
practically details which are taught in theory,
but feeling of a more intense character, it may
be as disease continues to devastate the stock or
prolong the weakness arising from it.

The writer has succeeded in efficiently ventila-
ting stables in the following manner. Where
disease and mortality had extensively occurred pre-
viously, it is gratifying to state immense improve-
ment took place. Coughs and colds, diseases of
the organs of vision and respiration, were reduced
to a minimum by the plan.

In stables where ventilation is eff'ected by
hollow bricks, ko,., over the animals head, where
shafts are carried through a hayloft to the roof,
and other appliances exist, cold currents are apt to
go in the opposite direction, and thus produce

30 Stable Management.

not only defects in ventilation, but serious disease
in the animals.

The small amount of pure air thus obtained,
frequently proves as injurious in another way as
the foul air within, thus establishing the dogma of
the couplet —

"If cold winds reach you through a hole,
Go make j'our will, and mind your soul."

The plan, then, which has succeeded, was to
arrest the back current and ensure a constant
discharge in one direction only, while a fresh
supply is received in an opposite part of the
building.

Where ventilating bricks occur, a piece of thin
leather was nailed to the top of the frame, on the
outside, so as to form a kind of valve, the lower end
hanging loose and floating. In long ventilating
shafts which were formerly oj)en at the bottom,
a short tube of three-fourths size is made, about
a foot long, the top being closed, and the sides
perforated by holes bored with an inch and half
centre-bit.

The holes are protected on the outside by means
of a flaj) of thin leather nailed at the top edge to
form a hinge, and the whole is then fitted inside
the original shaft, but in such a manner as to
be moveable at will. All cold currents are pre-
vented from entering downwards, as they imme-
diately close the leather valves, which are very
light and sensitive.

Stable Management. 31

One great objection to shafts is, that when the
stables have been empty some time they become
cold, and refuse to convey warm air after the ani-
mals return. To obviate this great drawback,
the gas-lights should be placed beneath each
shaft, the heat from which raises the tube and
contained air to a higher temperature, and thus
conveys away the foul air. This may be only
required for the space of ten minutes, or while
the attendants are doing np their horses, after
which the light may be turned down low, or off
altogether, and ventilation will be found to go on
very well in most instances.

Where gas-lights are not to be had, the oil or
paraffin lamps, &c. should be suspended beneath,
which will be found to answer nearly the same
purpose.

Heat or Temperature of the Stable. — This is of
great importance to the horse proprietor. Heated
stables usually indicate deficient ventilation, but
the two must not be confounded.

Stable temperature, it has been stated by dif-
ferent writers, should not exceed 50° or 60° of
Fahrenheit's thermometer.* This is purely a
mistake : for how can it be, when the same instru-
ment registers 70° in the shade, that a stable may

* This principle was extensively taught some time ago, and
advocated by the writer on the authority of a teacher from
whom it was received. He has now, however, grave reasons
for questioning its accuracy.

32 Stable Management.

be kept ten degrees lowei% without inciirring great
currents sufficient to turn a -windmill?

Temperature of the atmosphere inside a build-
ing will^ under ordinary circumstances^ be regu-
lated by the temperature of that on the outer;
and the principle involved is to preserve as much
as possible an equal condition^ by increasing the
discharge of air rarified by respiration^ &c. But
in this there may be some difficulty, as under all
circumstances in summer^ when the heat is great
and air still, that which replaces the discharged
portions received from the outside must be quite
as hot. To state that a stable is always to be
kept at 50° or 60° is simply absurd. Such may
answer very well for winter, but cannot be main-
tained in summer.

The temperature of a stable will materially
affect all new comers. Horses that have been
out at grass, should never be brought into stables
where others are confined. The only safe prac-
tice is to put them first into a shed or hovel, and
gradually introduce them to work and the stable
at the same time. It has been truly observed,
that under neglect of these precautions the
animal is likely to suffer far more than by beiiig
exposed to the contrary changes.

In all cases regulate the temperature of the
stable by allowing foul air to escape effectually^
wdthout establishing currents over the animals.
In summer the temperature may be considerably
elevated above G0°, but nevertheless the atmo^

Stahle Management. 33

sphere may be rendered quite as pure as can be
expected^ and to reduce that temperature would,
be impossible.

The object of maintaining a cool state of the
temperature in buildings is to promote healthy-
respiration, purification of the blood, and. -venti-
lation.

Grooming or Dressing. — I must refer my readers
to page 104? of the treatise on ^''The Horse/''
already named, for certain facts in connexion
■with this subject.

With regard to implements for the purpose
but little need be said. They are well known to
most persons. It is to their proper use that our
remarks will apply in greatest force.

The curry-comb is intended for use when the
coat is clapped to the skin and glued, as it were,
by the products of perspiration. It may be used
also to the dirty legs of cart-horses when dry,
or to the bodies when the old coat is to be gra-
dually removed. But grooms should be warned
against using it with too much roughness, as the
animal is irritated, and temper not uncommonly
spoiled, while injuries are sometimes inflicted.

The main use of the curry-comb is to clean the
brush; which, used by the right or left hand,
according to circumstances, is to be plied with
vigour.

The body brush is oval in outline and pro^dded
with a strap across the middle, through which
the working hand is put. A great fault in many

34 Stable Management.

of these brushes consists in the bristles being too
weak and too close. They thus fail to reach the
skin.

The dandy, or ivhalebone brush, is a most use-
ful agent in removiDg loose and rough dirt from
the body and legs,, mane and tail^ and should
deservedly find a place in more stables than it
does.

The wisp is made of straw and also soft hay —
the former is to be used for rough purposes,
while the later is damped and used at a later
stage.

The rubber consists of linen or flannel,
usually the former, made up like a towel, having
a loop that it may be hung up when done with.
Many grooms use also two chamois skins, or wash
leathers — the one for wet, the other for diy
purposes.

The mane comb should not, in my opinion, be
used to the same extent as is frequently done.
The dandy brush will perform the major part of
the work of the mane comb, and the hair of tail
and mane suffer much less. In fact, there are
stables where owners do not permit the use of a
comb, and the appearance of those graceful appen-
dages to the horse may defy all comparison.

The constant use of a comb reduces the hair
too much, and proves profitable at the time when
the " rag man''' or " general pick up'' comes
round, hence its common use. If the mane or
tail becomes too luxuriant under the use only of

Stable Management, 35

a brushy it can be thinned in a legitimate manner ;
but this is not frequently required.

Foot inckers are required to remove imprisoned
stones or other objects from the feet after jour-
neys^ and water brushes for washing them.

After this enumeration of stable tools^ and the
groom is provided vith a requisite number^ the
rest depends upon himself. The appearance of a
horse always reflects the character of the groom ;
no better test need be resorted to.

A certain gentleman_, well known for his
superior stable management^ when asked by the
writer how many grooms he kept^ replied^ " Three
helpers and one groom ; that groom is myself. I
look on and have the things done in proper order.
That is the reason you are able to admire the
clean and tidy state of the place and animals.''^

On another occasion a smart young fellow
stepped up, gave the usual salutation, and said,
" I hear, captain, you require a young man in
your stable, I have come after the place,^"* and
went on to say a great deal about last place,
character, &c. The captain having heard him
out, said, " Well, my man, I do not douDt
one word of what you have said ; but let me see
the horses you have been looking after, and I
will at once inform you whether I can take you
or not.''

Good grooming removes dirt and the products
of perspiration from the skin, which if allowed to
remain obstructs natural and healthy functions

D 2

36 Stable Management,

and endangers health. The proof that horses are
well groomed^ is shown by the clean, shining skin
and absence of dirt on the finger when it is
passed over the hair. The operation not only-
removes dirt_, bnt causes a qnickened circulation
of blood in the skin. This helps to remove by
perspiration useless parts from the body, and gives
further nutrition to the skin and hair, hence the
improved appearance, better health, and con-
sumption of a less amount of food than in other
horses.

Dressing is usually carried on in successive
stages.

First, the curry-comb is carefully used to all
parts when the hair is matted and glued down,
the direction being in that of the hair itself.

Second, usually the straw wisp or dandy brush
to the whole of the body."^

Third, the body brush in one hand and the
curry-comb held in the opposite, to remove dirt
from the bristles. The brush also goes over the
whole of the animal in a thorough manner.

Fourth, the damp hay-wisp also, applied with
a will.

Fifth, the dandy brush to mane and tail, and

Lastly, the rubber, to use the whole of which
occupies fully one hour.

The operation of dressing horses should always
be set about as soon as possible after entering

* In hunting stables, this is the Jii'st operation. The
curry-comb is not used to the skin.

stable Management. 37

the stable in the mornings excepting of course
while horses are eating their provender and when
required to go out to exercise.

A good daily grooming is absolutely necessary
independent of that which is required after com-
ing from work. Those animals which have not
been out of the stable since exercise need only
their clothing removed^ dressed with the cloth rub-
ber, and reclothed.

The operation should if possible be always
conducted in an outhouse or shed for the pur-
pose. Grooming in stables is prejudicial, and
should be avoided on the score of health.

Washing the Legs. — The use of water in vrash-
ing horses^ legs is often very much abused.
Without care nothing produces more inconve-
nience.

In many places the blessings of pure water
have been extolled and received as a cure almost
for everything, and, acting upon the belief, the
converts imagine that they " cannot have too
much of a good thing.'''' Results are, however,
against the supposition. The evil consequences
are, cracked heels, swelled legs, grease, &c., all of
which may be avoided in ninety-five cases out of
a hundred.

In many stables visited by the writer, the
horses when returning from work, cold, tired, and
hungry, are compelled to stand some minutes
while each leg, almost to the middle of the body
in very dirty weather, is drenched with water from

38 Stable Manacjement,

a hose. From tliis cause a man is almost con-
stantly kept to dress the legs^ which are un-
usually affected. In one establishment^ from out
of nearly one hundred and twenty horses^ one-third
had to l)e thrown off work in consequence of
internal disease arising. Carriage horses and
hacks suffer much from cracked heels^ while their
breed defends them frequently from grease. All
this comes from the treatment to which they are
subjected afterwards.

To the mere washing of horses^ legs^ if con-
ducted properly,, none can offer objection. In
wet dirty weather^ when the hair is matted Avith
mud^ no animal can rest comfortably with such
an accumulation about them. If allowed to
remain J the sand and grit is moved during exercise
to tlie wrinkles of the skin about the joints and the
parts are chafed^ soon becoming raAV^ and pre-
senting obstinate sores. By all means let the
filth be removed as quickly as possible, using in
summer cold, and in winter warm water. A
good brush with a small quantity of soap will
also be required.

Next press out the superfluous water and
briskly rub with coarse towels kept for the pur-
pose, and put loosely a bandage upon each leg as
high as the parts that have been washed, which
should scarcely ever be above the knees or hocks.
This process will very certainly limit the number
of cases of cracked heels, grease, &c., all of which
occur from the amount of cooling to which these

stable Managenient. 39

parts are exposed when wet. If any person
wishes to test the truth of this statement^ let him
go out of doors with his head and hair fresh from
beneath a stream of water. The experiment may-
be repeated from day to day_, but like the horse^s
it will be found he will never become so hard as
to be able to defy the consequences.

We frequently hear in stables the directions
given to ^'^ be sure and rub the legs dry.^'' Who-
ever gives such instructions, cannot be aware of
the impossibility almost which they require,
unless men and horses are entirely deprived of
rest. The easiest and most economical method
is decidedly the use of flannel or linen bandages.
For cart-horses a coarse kind of material is ob-
tained, low in price and exceedingly strong, com-
monly used to make wrappers for linen goods,
called ^^ pack sheet.''''

Bandages are usually required about four
yards long and three to five inches wide. At
one end the corners are tm-ned in and stitched
down, and upon the narrow part is also stitched
a piece of tape doubled, so as to allow the use of
the free ends for tying.

The usual plan is to take a piece of flannel or
other material of the requisite length, and tear it
up into ribbons of the proper width. For large
cart-horses they will be required at least five
yards long and five or six inches wide. By their
use the legs diy rapidly through the means of
natural heat, and in this way the groom will

40 Stable Management,

generally be eDabled to remove tliem^ and rub
down the legs before leaving for tlie night.

Clothing. — The object of clothing horses is to
compensate for the loss of temperature from the
body which naturally takes place in cold weather.
Por this purpose woollen rugs are employed, which
are kept on the body by means of a roller.
Hoods and breast clothes are also used with ad-
ditional clothing as the weather demands, but in
this sometimes error occurs. Too much clothing
renders the animal sensitive, by keeping up great
action in the skin, while health is prejudiced
thereby. In most instances, proper exercise, pure
air, and moderate clothing will be found most
conducive to health.

Bedding. — The material used for bedding
horses varies according to the locality. That
most generally used is the straw of wheat,
selected principally on account of its brittleness,
which prevents the animal getting his feet entan-
gled and injury occurring.

Oat straw is usually considered objectionable
on account of its toughness. Barley straw is too
dusty, and causes great irritation of the skin.

In wheat straw there is an advantage in the
fact that beds made of it are cleanly and com-
fortable, but on the other hand, it is expensive in
towns. For this reason tan and sawdust are
used extensively in some establishments.

In farm stables ferns and dried leaves of various
kinds, when obtained in abundance, are emj)loyed.

Stable Management. 41

Pea and bean straw is also used;, and flags from
the rivers are mown and dried for the purpose.

The service and economy in each of these sub-
stances vary in accordance with the condition in
which they are used_, as well as supply. That
none^ however,, are equal to a straw bed few will
deny. AYhen^ however^ the manufacture of ma-
nure is estimated^ some of these articles may be
more profitable.

In some districts farmers are prevented by
their covenant from selling straw from their
farmS; and this causes the small quantity which
finds its way there to fetch still higher prices.
Under such conditions some agriculturists have
no objection to allow straw for manure in return,
with the payment of a small sum annually, to
defray the cost of transit.

It is important to allow horses good beds.
They are prevented from doing damage to their
limbs or skin, and besides, rest much better, and
thus is preserved greatly their usefulness.

Disposal of Manure. — -As already referred to,
stable manure is greatly deprived of its obnoxious
qualities if it is treated before removal vrith that
useful agent, M^DougalFs disinfecting powder.
This remark applies with no less force to manure
after removal to the tank or proper receptacle.
Its proneness to decomposition is very largely
diminished. The compounds which give rise to
the formation of foetid and hurtful gases are at
once seized, locked up — companionized with other

42 Stable Management.

agents in the powder — and the whole remains al-
most a passive heap.

This is profitable in more ways than one.
While the stable atmos23here is rendered pure by
the nse of such an agent^ the air on the out-
side of the building is prevented from receiving
contaminations it would otherwise gain from de-
composing manure.

The farmer also Avho gets it after beiug so
treated^ receives much benefit in the greater
amount of serviceable matter which is furnished to
his crops.

Manure heaps should be removed as far as
possible from buildings^ as the putrefaction which
usually goes on^ resulting in hurtful emanations
or disagreeable smells, contaminates the air of all
places where animal life exists^ and renders it un-
fit to support it for any length of time in a
healthy manner.

When tanks or places for manure are made_,
care is to be observed that they are not located
near wells from Avhicli water is drawn for drinking.
If space will not admit of this being carried out,
the receptacle should be lined with bricks and
cement, to prevent the fluid portions from perco-
lating the soil, running along drains, and then
finding their way to drinking water.

cupping and Singeing. — These are to be viewed
as necessary evils attendant upon the keeping of
horses. There are arguments to be adduced,
strong in their tendency towards truth, and bid

Stable Management. 43

fair to destroy the validity of tlie grounds on
Avhich the practices are based. There are, how-
ever, others which are equally strong in their
justification and continuance.

Both these operations bring about the same
result — viz., reducing the length of the coat or
hairs over the whole body.

Clipping is performed by scissors and a comb,
and recently by a newly-invented machine which
bids fair to answer well the purpose.

Singeing consists of burning oflP the hair by
means of a lamp charged with naphtha, spirits
of wine, or, what is better, coal gas.

The merits of each operation are considered to
be widely different. While by the use of the
new clipping machine a horse can be deprived
of his coat in a most incredibly short space of
time, simple division of the hair is thought to
favour exudation or evaporation of the fluid nu-
tritive portions which occupy the interior. The
advocates of singeing claim an advantage by their
process in which the end of each hair tube is
sealed up by the insoluble portion left upon the
end.

Both these opinions are worthy of being re-
membered ; but nevertheless it may be safely
argued the disadvantages resulting from the
operation of clipping are certainly not covered
by that of singeing.

It must be evident to all who give considera-
tion to the subject, that singeing has much greater

44 Stable Manaf/ement.

disadvantages tlian even clipping under the more
protracted mode by scissors and comb. We need
only mention that the flame alone is sufficient to
render many horses very tedious and troublesome.
Some will not permit it to approach them^ while
others stand trembling, and a sudden fit of per-
spiration at once proclaims this impossible.

In singeing also, the skin is not unfrequently
burned, eyes are damaged, mane and tail dis-
figured. And lastly, it is a dirty and tedious
operation. It answers well for taking off the
thin hairs which continual^ shoot up during the
winter; but for eflPectually and expeditiously re-
moving the coat, the machine, when in proper
order and efficiently worked, is decidedly to be
preferred.

The policy of removing the coat of horses in
winter has, as already stated, been vehemently
called in question. While great respect is en-
tertained for the opinions and the writer who sent
them forth to the world, we cannot admit the
constant baneful effects which are said to be
attached to the practice.

Lengthened experience has taught that our
horses are kept in an artificial condition, and the
thick rough coat endowed by nature each win-
ter unfits them for that condition. This we
gather from the fact that in all cases of cab, hack,
omnibus, and job horses, also hunters, and even
some cart-horses with thick long coats, where
they are worked during the murky November

stable Management. 45

month,, without being clipped^ coughs and colds
are most common. Frequently serious disease
befals these animals^ but if they recover sufficiently
to be able to have the coat removed, nothing can
be more remarkable for their good. We have
seen a horse, owned by a gentleman who held these
operations in aversion, after being brought off a
journey in a lather, stand with the wet coat,
literally starving through the night, and his even-
ing meal untouched next morning in consequence.
To stand shivering in the stable is usually con-
sidered indicative of the first stage of disease ; in
fact, there is but a hair^s breadth between them ;
and we must confess it is not plain that a cold
wet coat, always inevitable upon work at these
seasons, which by scarcely all the rubbing a man
can bestow will not dry, can be a greater luxury
than a dry and short one suitable to an artificial
condition supplemented by a thick warm woollen
rug.

No doubt a horse soon takes cold when his
coat is off and he is placed in adverse conditions.
Nevertheless, a thick wet coat must be equally
productive of colds, obstructed perspiration, and
far more mortality ; therefore it has very wisely
become the practice to remove the coat of working
horses.

46

FEEDING.

This is one of the most eompreliensive subjects
connected with the keeping and management of
horses.

Before going into details_, we must again refer
the reader to the volume on '' The Horse^ how to
feed him/^ &c., for the intricacies to be under-
stood. The dogmatism to which a writer on
popular subjects is compelled to descend^ forbids
the indulgence of going into cause and effect.
The little work therefore will prove a serviceable
guide to those desirous of pursuing the theory of
that which we now take up in description.

The provender used for horses consists of oats,
beans, peas, barley, lentils, or tares, hay, straw,
and bran. Besides, fashion, and a view to
economy, has led the way towards introducing
additional substances, as Indian corn or maize,
the locust or Carob bean, linseed oil -cake, con-
diments or spicy foods, and with the season, grass,
clover, rye-grass, tares, potatoes, turnips, and
carrots, usually called vegetable food.

Oats form the principal article of diet for
horses in almost all parts. Of these there are
many varieties, the most economical being pro-
bably the potato and Scotch white oat. In
contradistinction to these, the most common are
the English black and the white Tartary oats ;

Feeding. 47

but in all respects tliey arc an inferior article of
food. While tlie potato and Scotch oats are
shorty plump, heavy in the hand_, possessing thin
husks, weighing from 40 to 46 pounds per bushel,
and possessing a high percentage of nutritious
matter, the black and Tartary oats are long, light,
and slender, their husks are thick and bearded
(or tailed), the proportion of meal, and conse-
quently the nutrition, is much less, they seldom
weigh more than 36 pounds to the bushel, and
prove very inadequate for working horses.

Good oats yield about 14 per cent, of nutrition.
They are as a rule very digestible, and when
clean, dry, sweet and sound, answer very well
for all horses doing light work.

The proportion required for different animals
varies in accordance with the work; but size
of animal also calls for modification in the
daily allowance. Horses from 15 to 16 hands
in light work or exercise only, will do very well
■upon 8 or 10 pounds per day, which may be
increased to 12 pounds under greater work.
Cart-horses will require 12 to 16 or 18 pounds,
and wagon-horses of large build as much as 20
to 25 pounds.

A small quantity of cut straw, or hay and
bran, is advantageously given with the oats in
the manger or nose-bag. Mastication is much
more perfect and digestion facilitated thereby.
This equally applies to all kinds of corn.

It is not necessary always to bruise oats. If

48 Feeding.

the horse is endowed T^'ith his proper masticatory
powers^ no human invention or appliance will
supersede them. It is more natural for the
horse to masticate his food than to receive it in
a partially cooked or digested state.

Among beans, the Lincolnshire tic is the
favourite for feeding horses. This variety is small,
having a thin bright husk and a highly nutritious
kernel, weighing heavy in the hand, and proves
a very profitable feed during excessive work.

The nutritious matter of beans amounts to as
much as 31 per cent., and they are very advanta-
geously mixed with oats and chaff to the extent of
one-quarter or one-half by weight of the former.
The weight of beans ranges from 60 to 66 pounds
per bushel.

As a separate feed they are positively injurious.
Under all circumstances they should be combined
with other varieties of food, and carefully with-
held from idle horses. Their immediate effects
are the production of constipation and disorder
of the digestive organs, the end of which is fre-
quently fatal.

In the animal body, when properly administered,
beans form a very useful agent in the manufac-
ture of flesh (muscle), hence their superiority in
producing a great amount of hardihood. The
weight of the body is greatly increased by their
use in proper form and qualities, and the general
health steadily maintained under greatest vicissi-
tudes.

Feeding. 49

I^eas contain even more nutrition than beans,
whicli they greatly resemble in general properties.
They are^ however, less liable to produce dis-
order of the digestive organs, being much more
digestible. White or Canadian peas are usually
preferred, which weigh from 60 to Q^ pounds per
bushel in a dry state, when they prove a very
substantial and economical feed given as directed
for beans. The maple or brown pea is also very
good feeding.

Barletj usually weighs when good about 56
pounds per bushel, contains 10 per cent, of nutrition,
and 68 of fatty matter. It forms a most useful
agent with other kinds of food, is highly diges-
tible, and* promotes their digestibility and assimi-
lation. For sick and convalescent animals, a
small quantity of barley which has been boiled
sufficiently to swell and bm'st each grain, and de-
prived of its water, proves acceptable when the
digestive powers are weakened and prostrate.

Tares or Lentils are not so commonly used as
the preceding. Their principal use appears to
be for producing a summer green crop, and
horse feeders with few exceptions know little of
them in other respects. They weigh from 65 to
70 pounds per bushel, contain as much as 33 per
cent, of nutrition, are very digestible, and prove
admirable agents for increasing the amount of
muscle-producing principle of a mixture of corn.

They are, however, unpalatable, being bitter;
and on this account are not relished when given

50 Feeding .

alone. To use tliem -with advantage oatSj peas,
barley, bran, and chaff should be given with
them, A^hich forms a most nutritious and easily
assimilable mass for hard-working animals.

Hay and straiv with bran, are articles used
entirely for the purpose of giving bulk to the
forms of food which occur in grain, &c., and also
on account of their mechanical action on the coats
of the digestive organs. By their use the food is
more perfectly masticated and digested, and
healthy action maintained with greater per-
sistence and regularity.

Hay very frequently proves no better or more
economical than oat straw ; much depends upon
the mode in which it is gathered. If allow^ed to
stand until the seeds are ripe, greater part is
shed upon the ground; and as they then contain all
the nutrition, that which remains is not worth the
money usually paid for it. Nutrition exists in
good upland hay to the extent of 12 or 13 per
cent., but in other varieties not more than 6 or 8
per cent, is to be found.

The quantity allowed to each horse is from 12
to 24 pounds. Greater economy is to be main-
tained by cutting up the hay and mixing with it
one-fourth or one-half cut oat straw. When
given in the long or uncut state, much waste
occurs by the animal drawing it beneath the
feet and trampliog upon it. In the cut state it
is very closely consumed.

Straw forms an indispensable article of diet^

Feeding. 51

particularly among cart-horses and those used iu
cahsj omnihuses^ &c. Oat straw is always to be
preferred^ which in times when hay is very dear
or scarce,, may very properly take its place.
It is possessed of nutrition to the extent of 6 per
cent.^ but this principle is not looked at primarily.
Straw should always be given cut into chaff. The
practice of giving unthrashed straw to working
horses is a most uncertain method, and greatly
prejudicial to their working qualities. The
quantity of grain they receive is doubtful, and no
method can be more destructive to the owner's
interest when work is required. In farm stables
a great amount of inconvenience takes place from
the practice ; it forms one of the causes of disease
in the category, which is a lengthened one.

Bran contains as much nutrition as barley.
It is, however, very indigestible, and in conse-
quence furnishes none of its beneficial ingredients
to the system. Bran finds favour as a laxative.
For this purpose it is given with other kinds of
food in order to correct any tendency towards
constipation or accumulation within the intestines.
Bran contains much siliceous or sandy matter,
and to this is due the mechanical irritation which
proves so very useful when given with the food
daily. The quantity used is from 10 to 14
pounds per week.

Among horses doing heavy work and receiving
a great quantity of hard corn, bran is a most use-
ful article, being given as a mash once a week—

L 2

52 Feeding,

viz.^ Saturday evening. For this purpose two or
three pounds of bran are saturated with boiling
water _, scarcely half a feed of oats is also added^
together with a little linseed prepared according
to details which follow. The whole is then allowed
to cool, and when at the temperature of new milk
given to the animal. In many well regulated town
stables this forms a constant practice.

In some places the laxative qualities of bran
are believed to be useful in removing calculi or
stones from the intestine s, and on this account it is
used very extensively. Having specially investi-
gated this subject, we do not think it improbable
that the bran itself has much to do with their
formation. Where it is so largely used, containing
a quantity of dust also from the floor of the mill,
these effects are common.

During a recent conversation in London with
Mr. William Ernes, M.R.C.V.S., Dockhead, Ber-
mondsey, that gentleman stated a miller of his
acquaintance once fed largely upon bran. The
result w^as constant colic and irritation from cal-
culi. He was advised by Mr. Ernes to discon-
tinue the bran, or give a pure variety free from
dust, &c. ; the consequence was that since the
time, now some years ago, there have been no
further cases. Buyers of bran should insist upon
it being free from sweepings from the floor, &c.
Bran mashes are used for animals suffering under
acute fever to replace corn, which would aggravate
the complaint. They produce a softened state

Feeding, 53

of tlie excrementj and tliiis relieve liigli vascular
action. Prior to tlie administration of PMjsic
tliey are also judicionsly administered^ whereby
much pain and irritation as well as loss of time
is avoided — a less powerful dose being required.

Bran mashes are not nutritive, and therefore
should not be given too frequently to animals
laboui'ing under weakening ailments. In such
cases they prove positively injurious,, by prolonging
the disease and prostrating the powers of the
animal body. . After their use mangers should be
well washed out with a brush and hot water having
soda dissolved in it, to remove the sour smell left
by the fermenting portions ; otherwise any food
which is given afterwards will be refused by the
animal and occasion waste.

Linseed contains about 24 per cent, of nutritious
matter, with upwards of 60 per cent, of fatty or
heat-producing material. It is never used alone
as an article of diet, but proves eminently ser-
viceable given in a state of solution with other
food.

Linseed is laxative and nourishing. While its
daily administration promotes a regular state of
the digestive organs, it also proves highly assimi-
lative, and hastens the assimilation of other
articles of food. Horses which receive linseed
usually look fresh and bright in the skin, in
consequence of the special influence it has upon
the bloodvessels and secreting organs of that
part.

54 Feeding.

Horse-dealers and grooms who desire to put on
a fine coat rapidly, and improve the general
condition of animals coming up from the pasture
in a lean and poor state,, are well aware of this
joroperty, and therefore use linseed. The laxa-
tive qualities are due to the presence of an oil^
known as ^'^ linseed oil/'' obtained by expression
from the seeds. As a constantly soft condition
of the dung of horses is not a natural, but very pre-
judicial state, care must be exercised in order not to
use linseed too much. By some the oil itself is
used, one or two tablespoonfuls being mixed each
night with the bran, chaff, and corn. Horses
soon take to it, and improve visibly under
its influence, but the reader must be informed
that strength is not produced directly by its use ;
on the other hand, ;fat is laid down, and this gives
the altered appearance. Indirectly, when good
foodie used at the same time, the digestion and ap-
propriation of the nutritive portions are carried on
with greater vigour, and thus the muscular system
is regenerated from time to time. The form in
which linseed is given to horses is that of solution,
or as tea. It is sometimes termed '^ cree^l linseed."
In some districts it is placed in water and boiled
until the capsule of each seed bursts from imbi-
bition, and the whole becomes a thick mucila-
ginous fluid. All the trouble, however, may be
saved, as linseed will assume this form quite as
W'ell and as rapidly in cold water as by boiling.

The proportions are about a pound of linseed

Feeding. 55

to one gallon of water. The whole is placed in
a glazed earthenware vessel^ covered over and
allowed to stand nntil ready, about twelve hours
being sufficient, during which it may be stirred
once or twice. Half a pint of this is given to
each horse with the evening feed.

Two vessels having covers should be used.
When one is charged the other is to be well
steeped and cleansed and again charged, in order
to come into use at the proper time. The quan-
tity made should not last over two or three days,
as there is a great tendency towards fermentation,
by which the whole becomes very offensive, and
consequently useless.

Among horses receiving a great quantity of
hard, dry corn each day, linseed thus treated will
be found very beneficial, and promote health.

Linseed or oil-cake, is somewhat richer in flesh-
forming constituents than linseed, but does not
prove serviceable as a regular article of diet for
horses. The objects of its use may be clearly
defined to be for the purpose of assisting, like
linseed, in the assimilation of other kinds of food,
the production of fat, and, when broken into
small pieces, is given to young horses for the
pui'pose of hastening their growth and develop-
ment.

Many animals refuse it altogether; but when
they do not, the quantity allowed should never
exceed a pound per day, as it then takes the
place of more serviceable materials and adds con-

56 Feeding.

siderably to tlie weekly cost_, without affording
proper return for the outlay.

Sheep and cattle partake of it readily; but
farmers make a great mistake frequently in not
using it with other kinds of nutritive food at a
much earlier period^ by which many diseases in-
cidental to their stock would be avoided.

Maize or Indian corn has not proved very
useful as an article of diet for horses. On the
contrary^ great derangement and disease have been
produced in many stables^ principally from the
presence of a great quantity of water^ as well as
having irritative properties.

Maize contains 11 or 12 per cent, only of
nutrition,, and forms a very suitable article of diet
with many others for pigs, cows^ oxen^ sheep, &c.
When used for horses the quantity should be
small, mixed with an abundance of beans, peas,
or lentils, to reduce their stimulative and other
properties, and always rejected if not dry and
good.

The locust or carob bean, imported from the
East, forms one of the principal ingredients of
condimental foods. As an article of diet it is not
rich in nutritious or flesh-forming constituents,
from 7 to 9 per cent, only being present. The
chief ingredients are mucilage and sugar, upon
which its fattening properties depend. Nor does
it prove digestible. Like beans, peas, Indian
corn, and lentils, all of which are enclosed in a
strong shell which greatly resists the action of the

Feeding, 57

fluids of digestion — they should always be split;
that the internal portion or kernel may be acted
upon, and never given alone or in large quantities.-
They are apt to accumulate in the intestines,
where they set up disorder and remain almost
unacted upon for a considerable time, until
severe and intractable diarrhoea comes on, and
from which death may result.

A large firm not long ago, desirous of saving
money, began the wrong way, by purchasing
locust beans and lentils mixed with all kinds of
unknown rubbish. These were given indiscrimi-
nately to all the animals while doing the hardest
work. The digestive organs failed to extract
the nutritious portions, disorder fell among them,
and several, after only 24 hours'* illness, died,
indicating all the signs of a blood poison. In
former times, when little or no attention was
paid to the feeding of horses, such an occurrence
would have been looked upon as an epidemic, and
met by bleeding and physicking the whole of the
healthy animals, by which the mortality would
doubtless be increased. In this case the sagacity
of the gentleman who was consulted immediately
caused a detection of the error, and thus put a
stop to the destructive disorder.

Condiments. — Many of these compounds, all
said to possess wonderful properties, are at present
appearing in the market. Their principal com-
position appears to be oil-cake, ground locust
beans, fenugreek, sulphur^ common salt, &c.

58 Feeding.

Consumers of condiments are not usually aware
that when they pay the high price charged for
them a considerable portion goes to provide the
attractive bills and woodcuts which are so exten-
sively circulated^ and also that the compound does
not possess the nutritive qualities v/hich half the
money would procure in the shape of sound dry
corn. They are also not aware that when
animals improve their condition h^ the use of
condiments, the change is brought about by the
consumption of an increased quantity of food.
Nutrition is demanded to support life. It is not
contained in condiments to the extent required,
and as it must be obtained in order to keep up
life, the only source is ordinary food. If any one
doubts the truth of this remark, let him take any
one of these batches of condimental nonsense
and keep a working animal upon nothing else,
excepting hay or straw chaff, and he will soon
have to pay for the result.

Condiments being usually sold as secret com-
pounds, appear to inspire purchasers with a great
amount of veneration. A fine wrapper and
flaming placards exhibiting a monstrous animal
rendered ugly and almost unrecognisable, work
wonders among the unthinking portion of the
community, who usually pay double for the lights
so commonly dazzled before them.

The time, however, is fast approaching when
the son of the agriculturist will combine philo-
sophical studies with the consideration of the

Feeding. 59

practical details of tlie farm. He will be con-
versant witli practical as well as physiological
chemistry. The profits of husbandry will be de-
rived from the proper application of science^ and
in his own hands will be held the key to his
success.

Vegetable food consists of two kinds. One^,
supplied in summer^ is called the green crop^ and
consists of varieties of grass, as well as tares or
vetches^ sometimes called also lints, and clover.
The other kind of vegetable food consists of roots
or tubers, and comprises carrots^ turnips^ and
potatoes.

Great mischief occurs among all working
horses by the indiscriminate use of vegetable food.
Containing much water they cause the animals
to perspire very freely, they also urinate pro-
fusely, the food is hurried through the body, and
being weakened thereby, they are liable to take cold
easily. They are thrown out of condition, wdiicb
hard corn and proper exercise only make, and
the profits and peace of mind of the owner often
considerably endangered thereby.

Hoots should always be given very sparingly^
every bit of dirt carefully washed off; and in the
case of turnips and potatoes the peel or rind
pared away, as this portion proves very indiges-
tible.

Mangold-wurtzel and Kohl Rabi are also used
occasionally, but our previous remarks apply to
them also. Among sick animals, particularly

60 Feeding,

when suffering from low debilitating diseases^ as
influenza;, strangles^ fee, and during convalescence,
tlie roots prove very useful. They are cooling
and laxative, and furnish to the blood those
materials which disease has taken from that fluid,
but they require to be given in small quantities
and at regular intervals.

Grass, clover, and vetches produce greater
harm than many suppose. During their use in
summer violent colic, sore throats, coughs, colds,
influenza, laminitis, swelled legs, &c. &c., occur
most commonly among our cab, omnibus, and
cart-horses. When animals are in good con-
dition, healthy, and doing their work well, it is
a great mistake to change the diet to green food.
In most instances the voracity of the animals
appetite causes it to replace natural corn, and the
whole of that which months have been required
to produce, is spoiled and sacrificed in two or
three days.

If horses are unfit for work by reason of lame-
ness, or operations and other causes, &c., which
call for rest in the summer season, the most
economical method of keeping them is to allow
grass or clover, &c., with oats under certain cir-
cumstances. To expect them to work upon such
food is to look for an impossibility, and is entirely
foreign to the horse in an artificial condition.
Green food and roots contain in every hundred
parts from 70 to 90 parts of water, and little over
5 per cent, of nutrition. During their consump-

Feeding. 61

tion therefore^ animals cannot be expected to gain
much support, and it "oill be seen at once why
we claim for tlie horse entire rest while subsisting
upon them.

Turning to grass. — The more we become
acquainted with the nature, habits, and require-
ments of the horse, the less favourable does the
practice of turning to grass become. In addition
to the inconveniences already enumerated as
arising from the adoption of green food, there
are others which prove more embarrassing and
destructive to profits. The changes of tempera-
ture, that of the outer air being much cooler than
the air of the stable, are sufficient after sudden
exposure to work great and mischievous results.
In addition to the comparatively innutritions
nature of grass, as set against dry food, the
animal is less able to withstand the cold air of
nights, of rains, and winds. He therefore suffers
more or less, and not uncommonly comes up a
" rank roarer. ''■' If greater fortune has been upon
his side, the bulky nature of the food may pro-
bably let him off with '^ broken wind.''-' Besides,
he has accidents to encounter from mischievous
boys, a malicious companion, or a furious bull,
an opposing fence or hidden ditch. At one time
he stands shivering with his tail to the wind and
pelting rain, or is exposed to the rays of a scorch-
ing sun, tormented and harassed by stinging flies,
from which he finds no escape till nightfall. When
he should be quietly lying down to rest, and to allow

62 Feeding.

of proper digestion going on, lie has not filled his
stomach, and is therefore compelled by the pangs
of hunger to roam abont in order to obtain his
food.

Besides doing damage to the pasture and to
his hoofs; which a hundred sheep or cattle would
scarcely effect, he has sustained irreparable
blemishes from which his value is considerably
diminished. Taking these and many other results
into consideration,, it naturally occurs that there
is seldom any gain in giving a horse a run at
grass after being worked for months on hard corn
and accustomed to the heated atmosphere of the
stable, to which in a measure he is now accli-
matized. When he deserves or requires cessation
from work, rest, absolute rest, is the object
sought. It may be the lungs require exemption
from accelerated respiration in consequence of
their tone and povrers being deficient by reason
of disease. The legs also demand that they be
relieved of strain and all possible pressure in
consequence of tendons suffering from laceration,
joints from acute pain and inflammation, and
muscles from damage done to their substance from
various causes.

Such being the case, and probably in addition
the system suffering from the effects of weaken-
ing medicines, blisters, and even the firing iron,
one cannot but pause on the folly and injustice
inflicted when we turn out that most useful ani-
mal and subject him to the very opposite treat-

Feeding. 63

ment Avhicli his case and value demands. If the
reader should possess an old animal t» hose services
are no longer required^ and upon their account
or pleasuralile associations it is desirable that he
should be allowed to spend his days in freedom,
after the usual preparation there can be no di-
rect harm in his doing so. In a short time he
will become as comfortable and satisfied with the
cool air of hcLven as he previously was with that
of the stable. Nature v.ill soon provide a coat
suitable for all Aveathers_, and in his paddock, with
only a bare shed, visit him w^hen you will, he
comes with a freshness and grace which contrasts
strangely with the states we have been consider-
ing. He has taken a fresh lease of life, and ap-
pears all youth and buoyancy. The poor stiff and
decrepit favourite now gambols like a foal, and
has thrown aside the accumulations of age, and
in such a condition, which resembles the natural
one most closely, he may live for years.

AYith the working horse matters are different.
The changes are too severe upon his constitution.
He no sooner has become inured to the change
of climate and other vicissitudes, than he is called
upon to make another sacrifice of his constitu-
tion, and subject himself again to the oppressive
atmosphere of his town stable. ^^^ — ^^.

In all fairness such an animal should not' be '^'^"4j|
turned loose upon pasture land. A large loose"-
box and yard is best, in which for the sake of his
health, present and future, his feat and legs, lungs ■ - ,

64 Feeding.

and digestive organs^ he can exercise himself pro-
portionately with the food he gets^, rest and be
thankful^ preserved from cold winds_, rain^ or
the burning sun. Here his green food is to be
brought along with water and a feed of corn in
most instances^ and with a dry bed beneath him,
a few weeks may be spent. He thus requires
less time to be got again into condition, maintains
it better afterwards, and gives greater satisfaction
in the end.

With some proprietors, turning a horse to grass
is tantamount to avoiding expense under a false
belief in the efficacy of the plan. Horses that
are lame or ill and recovering slowly, are usually
trotted off, along with others not required for a
week or two, to the pasture. Such men can have
no idea what harm they bring ujdou themselves ;
they can have no idea what condition is, and the
cost required to establish it in the horse^s body,
or they would not so lightly sacrifice it. Under
such treatment we no longer feel sui'prised at the
cases of swelled legs, grease, cracked heels, can-
ker, inflammation of the lungs, pleurisy, fatal
colic, surfeit, &c., which crowd the stables with
victims under some kinds of management. Our
experience too plainly shows the truth of all this,
and we feel we should be unfaithful to our trust if
silence was maintained upon the point. It is mis-
taken economy. Such management — it scarcely
deserves the name — is always productive of more
loss and inconvenience than profit, as is demon-

Feeding, 65

strablc too frequently in very plain and unmis-
takeable ways.

Regularity in Feeding. — In all horse establish-
ments the system of feedings to be successful,
should be regulated by definite rules having special
reference to the kind and quantity of work to be
performed.

The hours also of feeding should be strictly
adhered to. The latter is highly necessary on
account of the small size of the horse^s stomach
and rapidity of digestion. Upon this account
horses should not as a rule be fed fewer than four
times a day. With hunters and other horses
when out during unexpected times,, this cannot
always be accomplished ; but with town, farm^
cabj and omnibus horses^ it may be greatly over-
come by the use of the nose-bag.

When work is light and calls for little exertion
of muscular power^, horses may be fed economically
upon oats^ with Indian corn, chaff, and bran.
Every 12 pounds of oats being mixed with 4
pounds of maize, 2 pounds of bran, and 14 or 16
pounds of hay, or hay and straw chaff. These
quantities, which are allowed each day, will do for
a horse of 15 or 16 hands, but larger horses will
require a few j)ounds more.

When work begins to be excessive, it must be
the care of horse-keepers and those in charge to
furnish a food containing greater nutrition. For
this purpose, beans, peas, and lentils may be
taken, and mixed with barley in different propor-

F

66 Feeding,

tions, all being bruised separately. Chaff and
bran also will be required to give bulk to the
■whole.

If prices of grain fluctuate much or rise con-
siderably, by substituting the more nutritious
kinds of corn, horses may be fed for much less
money. The details which furnish information
on this matter will be found at pages 89
and 93 of '' The Horse ; how to feed him/' to
which the reader is referred for full information.

There is scarcely any department of horse
management wherein there exists greater scope
for the exercise of economy as compared with
present modes. Nor is there another where by
the exercise of that economy a greater saving is
to be made, by not only avoiding useless expen-
diture but also disorder, disease, and death, which
now stalks with ghastly grin and fearful strides
through many parts of our land.

There is one other question which is frequently
neglected by horse proprietors. This is the
quality of provender. A short time ago, we were
standing in conversation with an extensive owner
when a grain merchant stepped up and offered
oats, beans, wheat, maize, and lentils for sale.
Upon examination these articles w^ere found to be
very inferior, mixed with all kinds of dirt, and
also soft as they could be. The prices were asked
and given, and our opinion was requested. We
remarked. '' The samples were very inferior, da-
maged, and very wet, and certainly not fit for

Feeding. G7

-working horses/'' The owner remarked, " But
■\ve boil these^ and their being wet and damaged
kinds can make no difference^ as boiling makes
them more nutritions/^

For the first time then we learned that to cook
food rendered it more valuable in its strengthen-
ing properties. The operation appears to our
mind as an attempt to smuggle into the horse''s
stomach such a mixture of rubbish that he would
not swalloAY in any other condition. It is a cloak
for the purpose of buying inferior coru^ and in it
may be looked for all the causes of the mischief
which is known among horses to which such
trash is given.

AYithout good food^ no horse can maintain an
aptitude for work. If he is deprived of it and
inferior kinds are substituted^ the body suflPerSj his
organic functions give way, and he becomes a
sufferer from disease. There is more damage
done to studs from this cause alone than from any
other, and what is most surprising, owners are
not slow to believe in this '' penny wise and pound
foolish'''' system.

To arrange diet for horses is not a difficult
matter, nor is it a thing impossible. Hunters
and race horses execute a laborious kind of work,
which differs from that of the cart, cab, or omni-
bus horse but very little. All require the same
amount of stamina in order to execute their work.

None grudge the former their share of the very
best^ but for the poor hard-working dray horse,

¥ 2

68 Feeding.

with liis equally unfortunate companions in exile^
the cab and cart-horse^ anything will^ it is thought,,
do for them. Nothing is more false than such
an argument. As we grow older^ however^ and
with repeated opportunities^ the absurdity of the
system may be shown up^ and thus gradually com-
pelled to disappear from' its strongholds.

Feeding after ivork, when the exertion has been
very severe and prolonged^ is a matter requiring
great care. Among hunters and racehorses
nothing can be more marked than the attention
paid to them when they return to the stable.

It must be apparent to all who give the subject
any consideration^ that after a severe run with
hounds^ sharp race^ or the drawing of heavy loads^
much wear and tear of the whole system takes
place. It is not merely the muscles which move
the limbsj but the muscles also which regulate
circulation of the blood and digestion of the food.
In a word, all are tired and need rest. When
the hunter or racer arrives at his stable^ so
Avell are those in charge aware practically of this
fact^ that they avoid torturing the stomach by
causing it to perform unnecessary labour. The
mouth is washed out, the face, nostrils, and eyes
carefully sponged with cold water, which refreshes
the creature almost beyond estimate, and when
that is done he receives a quantity of ivaim oat-
meal gruel whicli has been prepared during the
afternoon. After taking off the rough dirt^
washing the legs, &c., he is left for a time. On

Feeding. 69

the return of the groom^ he is cleaned hi right
earnest and supplied ^vith corn and hay.

What is the rule in cart-horse and other
sta'bles ? In many the horse is first allowed to
satiate an excessive thirst with cold water at a
trough in all seasons^ his feet and legs washed very
roughly^ and half his body wetted at the same
time. He next is allowed to go to his stall_, and
during the time he starves with the washing he
is allowed to fill his tired stomach with a large
quantity of food_, while a man teases him under
the pretence of cleaning. Surely these animals,,
which are directly concerned in the building up
of our colossal fortunes^ are worthy of a little
more consideration. If the labour in which
they are daily engaged is not productive of
amusement, it is certainly a source of profit with-
out which amusement could not be afforded. We
appeal therefore for a little more consideration
for our four-footed friend the cart-horse and his
allies^ wdio in their spheres are equally as useful
as any other animal^ certainly an indispensable
agent in our social economy.

Instead of cold water supplied in hurtful
quantities^ let us suggest hay tea, or a little tepid
water with oat or barley meal thrown in. These
would be far more agreeable to a thirsty horse,
and refresh and cheer instead of paralysing the
stomach. Hay tea is made by pouring boiling
water upon a handful of good hay placed at the
bottom of a pail; and covered with a cloth or sack.

70 Feeding.

After a time cold water is added to fill tlie pail^
wlien it is given to the animal at the temperature
of new milk.

In place of the heavy food, snch as beans_, peas_,
&c., vfe recommend for a tired horse a few oats or
a little barley which has been steeped in hot water
for a few honrs. This is mixed with a handful
of bran, and given on arrival in the stable after
the hay tea, or meal and water. The cleaning
operations over, and beds put down, the rest of the
food may be given and stable closed for the night.
33y this method the animals are recruited and food
proves useful, but in the unnatural systems so
often carried out, it causes their destruction in
not a few instances.

71

EXERCISE.

Ox\E of the greatest sources of health among
horses is to be found in exercise. By that term
we understand exertion or use of organs of loco-
motion, as the legs, &c., and other parts of the
body more or less, not strictly called work.
Exercise, or the use of the body, is intended to be
engaged in at those times when the animal capa-
bilities are not required for work. It is a duty
which relieves from the close and monotonous con-
finement of the stable. Horses kept for a length
of time without action suffer in a variety of
ways. The circulation of blood is languid,
digestion of food retarded, fluids which in health
are formed in various organs of the body for the
purpose of changing substances and rendering
them fit for the system, are not poured out
during continued rest with sufficient activity.
Muscles become soft and flabby, and such an
animal is thoroughly unfit for work or exertion
of any kind ; he is soon tired and knocked up.
The skin looks dull and rough, the bowels are
constipated, and he becomes a prey to disease of
various kinds.

Exercise must not be confounded with actual
work. The two are totally different. What
work takes out of the system, exercise is intended
to build up and strengthen. Exercise stimulates

72 Exercise.

all the energies of the body and promotes strength
aad vigour. It causes all the tissues of the body-
to receive their support by reason of the tone
given to the circulation of the blood, and diges-
tion and appropriation of food. Work, on the
other hand, goes farther than this, and lowers the
body — causes it to waste or wear out. On this
account therefore exercise must be a duty which
promotes health by stimulating all the animal
functions, but stops short of producing weariness
or exhaustion. It renovates the body, and makes
it ready to encounter excessive and prolonged
exertion, which we call work.

Exercise should be taken regularly. All
horses not intended to go to w^ork ought to
receive an amount of exercise daily. It is not
necessary that the time spent should always be
the same, nor is it proper that it be prolonged too
far, as it then ceases to be useful and beneficial.

Hunters are usually exercised two hours^
and this always immediately after the first
morning feed, each animal having been quartered
and wdped over. The night clothing is to be re-
moved, and exercising rugs substituted.

Usually walking exercise only is taken, and in
most instances is found to answer all j)urposes.
If, however, a trot is indulged in, horses should
never be hurried, or during a canter put so fast
as to '^ blow^^ them, nor should the distance gone
over amount to more than one-quarter that used
for walking.

Exercise. 73

Many gentlemen prefer to liave tlieir animals
exercised within call^ and for this purpose
a long covered ride is arranged. The stables of
many noblemen are built in a square^ the inner
sides of which form a ride_, the upper stories
being brought over and supported on pillars. In
each case sawdust_, tan^ or short litter is spread,,
which prevents slipping^ and the whole being
covered^ exercise is taken in all kinds of weather.
The arrangement avoids the necessity of going
from homC;, and the chance of meeting with acci-
dents which attend the leading of fresh animals
along streets or roads^ and actions of grooms in
concert when beyond the eye of watchfulness.

Cart-horseS;, those used for cabs^ omnibuses^
spring vans^ and sometimes even carriage horses^ do
not receive exercise as frequently as they should.
Many of these animals suffer immediately when
confined to the stable but even a single day. It
is a common thing to find cases of weed or thick
leg occurring with unerring regularity on Monday
mornings not unfrequently also colic, and even
founder or inflammation of the feet. Why should
these complaints have special predilection for
that day ? Simply because Sunday was a day of
rest. During the week each of these animals
has been working hard, their bodies have been
wasting, and the food taken has been appropriated
to the repair of that waste. But when Sunday
comes, with its cessation from all labour, the food
which is taken, being of the same quality and in

74 Exercise.

similar quantity as during tlie ^'eek_, cannot be
appropriated. The same waste of system is not
going on. Tlie food is not required. It is,
liOT7ever_, taken into tlie stomach, and afterwards
goes to the blood, which becomes overcharged
with nutritious material, and as there is not time
to get rid of it by natural outlets the constant
occurrence by unnatural means is inevitable,
those means being a diseased state.

Such horses, although coming to tlie stable
tired at the week end, would be certainly bene-
fited by a walk of three or four miles on Sunday
morning. The time occupied would admit of the
stables being thoroughly cleaned, the animals
would obtain fresh air instead of breathing
noisome odours during the operation, and in
many cases ward off the attacks mentioned, par-
ticularly if the precautions referred to under
'' mashes " were carried out, as directed at pages
51 and 53.

When horses come up from grass, straw-yards,
or rest on green food, &c., the amount of exercise
at commencement should be very limited, and
gradually increased until the full amount is taken.
Our further remarks in connexion with exercise
will lead us to a consideration of what is under-
stood by

75

CONDITION.

The object of exercise is the preservation and
maintenance of that healthy state or general
capacity for Avork T^hich is known in stable
technics as condition. To acqnire it_, good foccl_,
pnre water^ well ventilated bnildings^ scrnpnlons
care and regularity in all stable routine^, and
exercise in the open air, are indispensable.

Early morning is usually chosen among racing
and hunting grooms,, in order to avoid the heat
of day^ rabble of boys^ or annoyance from any
other quarter. Sometimes the exercise is ap-
portionedj one part to the morning another to
the afternoon. This is done frequently in winter
when hunting is stopped by hard frosts, the
stable yard being well covered with short litter.
It also admits of other work being carried out^
which would not be done if all the exercise were
taken in the morning.

The usual process of getting a horse into con-
dition, consists in the use of certain doses of
physic. Some grooms go so far as to assert,
^'^No horse can be got into condition without
physic.^'' Not long ago a certain gentleman
lent his name to the statement that the Turkish
bath was the only means whereby condition could
be obtained. Practical experience, however; com-

76 Condition.

bined with philosophical examination^ has proved
the fallacy of such reasoning.

Some time ago the writer was thrown into
conversation with a gentleman holding these
tenets with extreme force. No argument could
shake the view he held of the necessity for two or
three doses of physic. '' It had always been
the practice, and would always remain so/"* he
contended. It liappened that an old vicious animal
belonged to the stud, to which no man dare give
a ball, nor could he be induced to take any medi-
cament in his food, and the circumstance rushing
to the mind, prompted the following queries in a
way which looked at first like yielding up the
point and turning the conversation.

" By-the-by, how many horses have you ?^^

*' The old number, eight ."^

^' Oh ! is the old gray alive yet V

" Alive ! of course — when will he die ? He's
too tough, I assure you.'''

" How long have you hunted the old fellow ?
— if I remember rightly, some years.""

'' Yes, nine this season. He has carried me
without a stumble, and cost me not a fraction
for illness. I am never carried so well as when
upon old Sergeant's back. No matter what
country, he goes pell-mell, and I am sure to be in
first."

" You say he never cost you a fraction through
illness ; do you mean me to infer that he has
never been ill ?"

Condition, 77

" Quite so/'

" But if lie were ill;, physic would be of no
use to him ; he refuses to be balled if I remember
rightly/'

" Why_, the old un himself couldn't do it.
Such a vagary he^ll kick up if you only hold out
a ball to him. Oh ! he's a cunning old dog."

^' Then allow me to inquire farther ;, if you
please^, How did you succeed in getting him into
condition for hunting ?"

The reader will understand our friend was
fairly caught in his own trap^ and afterwards
always maintained a perfect silence in reference
to the necessity of physicking a horse's inside out
for the purpose of gaining condition.

The Turkish bath is also by some used under
the idea that there is something always to be got
rid of which militates against condition^, and the
poor creatures are parboiled and sweated un-
mercifully.

The art of getting a horse into condition lies
totally apart from either of these processes.
Hundreds of horses are brought forward every
year without them^, and on the score of what can
be done, and is done every day of our lives^ we
appeal for our noble servant^, and beg he may be
spared this useless and aggravating treatment^
except when illness demands it.

Condition is that state of the muscular system
in which the body is strongs, healthy, and capable
of endurance under prolonged action. Muscle

78 Conditioru

has to be built up and tlioroughly developed.
Every one knows the blacksmith^s arm or the legs
of the danseuse become thicker by the exercise.
Their action stimulates their growth, and when
after a time they are so developed_, they may be
said to be in perfect condition.

The muscles of the horse also admit of this
gradual development. It is caused by their
being regularly exercised, and drawing to them
the nutrition from the blood which has first been
put into that fluid from the food. Kegular
exercise causes the body to rid itself of all hurtful
substances. Good food produces good muscle ;
and unless there are special circumstances to
consider, nothing else is required to produce
condition, excepting I'egularity of system.

The effect of physic is to weaken the system
and retard the development of muscle and forma-
tion of good blood. They are similar to bleeding,
but a little less intense. Professor Dick was wont
to state in his lectures, that " physicking horses
in order to get them into condition is carried on
to an absurd degree, as many as three doses of
physick being given to one animal prior to the
season in the space of a few w'ceks. The first
ball,''^ remarked the Professor, " w^as said to stir
up the humours, the second to set them moving,
and the third to carry them of!'; and,'"^ he naively
adds, " which it frequently did by carrying otf
the horse as well,^^

79

THE TURKISH BATH, AND YfASHING
HORSES AFTER HUNTING.

There is notliing wliicli militates so strongly
against the success of any newly-introduced
measure or plan as its immediate indiscriminate
adoption. Regardless of all conditions and modi-
fications which render the application difficult,
partial, or unsuited, we frequently find people
rushing to embrace and hastily adopt anything
new. At the same time unsuccessful use and
application become evident day after day. Such
occurs in almost all departments of daily life.
A new toy is soon in the hands of nearly every
boy in the nation, and often caused to execute
very foreign and absurd purposes. In medicine
a new pill or lotion, well advertised and garnished
with a dazzling label, proves attractive. A simple
headache or a still simpler sore is cured, hundreds
rush to write their testimony on such occur-
rences, and swear to a great deal more, and a
world wide popularity is obtained. Believers
are also found who never entertain the idea of
failure, and go on fully convinced if these great
preparations do not cure everything, it is not the
fault of the composition, and are content to live
in mystery and martyrdom.

The Turkish bath and practice of washing

80 The Turkish Bath, and

horses have enjoyed such popularity — they have
also endured degradation at the hands of their
promoters. In a few accidentally well selected
cases the results of the former were astounding,
but when news of men dying in wet sheets,
others barely escaping, and similar results among
animals came to be talked over, men looked
aghast, shook their heads, and said gravely,
^' Ah ! this will not do/'' As much as they had
been applauded, as much have they been con-
demned.

In some districts the Turkish bath has been
used for horses, and found to answer very well
w^hen not pushed too far.

In strict language it should be called the
Roman bath, the principles of that in common
use having been carried out in Rome in the first
instance.

When hunters return after a severe day, tired,
dirty, and hungry, the great secret of restoration
is to get them clean and comfortable in the least
time possible. The bath and washing with warm
water enable grooms to accomplish this very
readily when all hands are at the post. It is
when the assistance is small that time is lost,
the animal starves, and probably at once takes
severe cold.

Whenever the bath or washing is had recourse
to, plenty of warm water and sufficient men should
always be at hand. While water is being thrown
on, the dirt should be well worked out of the

Washincj Horses after Hunting, 81

skill and hair. A good scraping follows imme-
diately^ and all hands ^^ fall to'"* in order to dry
the animal at once.

Experience in these matters points out that a
modification of the Pv^oman bath and washing
house would be highly useful. It is not ab-
solutely necessary that a horse should be again
placed in a state of perspiration after the day's
hunt. The washing may be used^ but with the
addition that the house in which the operation
is conducted should be raised to a temperature
of 100° or thereabouts J in order to assist in
drying the animaFs coat^ which accomplished^
part of the clothes are put on, and the horse is re-
moved to his stall,, when the remainder are placed.
By these means, the operation is more quickly
eflected, there is less wear of the system than
by the sweating of the bath, and animals are
not so liable to take cold as the coat is rapidly
dried.

The danger which is believed to occur when
horses are washed after hunting and other hard
w^ork is not so great as some suppose. When
all necessary precautions are taken, it may be
almost said to be absent. All that which
is to be feared results from after-treatment.
Grooms sometimes ignorantly pursue a system
with a small stud, few appliances, and deficient
help, as if all these were absolutely present, and
from such a want of forethought the greatest
inconvenience arises.

82 The TurUsli Bath, and

Not long ago a professional friend related a
circnmstance whicli nearly cost him the sport
of the season. He had engaged a groom in
whom it was said was concentrated e very-
essential of good management^ having had good
places and seen much experience among different
kinds of horses. The groom was a staunch ad-
vocate for the Avashing of horses^ and constantly-
advocated the principle under all circumstances.
One evening after a hard day our friend re-
turned^ he and his horse well bespattered with
dirt, but by gentle riding homewards the animal
was quite dry on arrival. Notwithstanding this
the groom, single handed, stripped the horse,
obtained warm water, and was on the point of
making a commencement, when the proprietor
luckily entered and put a stop to the proceedings.
Had he been allowed to go on, the chances are
that with no other assistance the horse would
have remained a long time wet, and consequently
suffered from cold to such an extent as to lay him
off work altogether.

In such cases as the one referred to, much more
reliance is to be placed upon the use of a straw
wisp or dandy brush, followed by the tools
already named at page 33. There will certainly
be no danger to be apprehended as by the adop-
tion of a protracted washing.

It is impossible to lay down a code of rules
which are to the letter suitable for all stables.
What we have gone over already will be found

Wasldng Horses after Hunting. 83

principally applicable as general regulations
whereby the preservation of the health and use-
fulness of horses may be effected, which is the
end and object of all the attention paid them.
The principles that are carried out in one estab-
lishment must not be taken for granted as
applicable to all others. This is a too common
error ; and from which mischief may unex-
pectedly occur some time or other. With slight
modifications_, certain regulations of an establish-
ment may be adopted in others vrith success, all
these depending entirely upon the nature of
duties and the influences which are extended to
them. Without taking these into proper con-
sideration inevitable confusion will be the conse-
quence.

84

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF STABLES.

Very little variation exists in the plan of arrange-
ment in stables. Out of many hundreds of such
buildings^ as well as cowhouses,, that I have visited,
not more than a few attempts are made to
depart from the one common principle of tying
up to the wall, or manger which projects from it.
The prevalence of the system surely indicates a
very slow march in the way of improvement, and
points out how few must be the resources where
it is adopted without change.

The hjing vp of animals in numbers beneath
one roof, separated by boarded partitions running
at right angles to the Avail, is a very defective
system, and obstructive to the circulation of air
in a proper manner, to say nothing of the great
hardship which is inflicted upon the animal in
being compelled to look at a blank wall conti-
nually when in the house.

In addition we usually find holes are either
made or recommended to be placed over his head.
Unfortunately, by making merely a hole we do not
compel the foul air to go out there as we might
be led to believe. Sometimes it may do so, when
it cannot fail to rise upwards from the floor and
carry with it the hurtful emanations of dung and
urine. These pass beneath the very nose of the
horse or cow, and are breathed to their detri-

General Ar rang ement of 8tahles. 85

ment. On the other band^ we may expect cold
air to find its way tlirougli_, and falling upon the
head, produce a chilly stratum which gives rise to
sore throats and other aiFections. The writer is
aware of such a stable producing great damage
at times. One gentleman returned three horses
in succession to a dealer for ophthalmia^ which
always appeared in a day or two after each new
animal entered the building. Proper arrangement
of the stalls and efficient ventilation prevented the
malady again appearing. Another stable,, where
thirty farm horses were kept, was always productive
of tedious complaints. The cause was pointed
out but disregarded,, and the result was total
blindness of every animal.

A third stable^ which is owned by a gentleman
who revels in a propensity for horse dealing in
addition to other professions, during the short
space of two years produced more sore throats,
chronic coughs, and absolute whistlers, than
many meet with in the course of a lifetime.

Imperfect arrangement induces all kinds of
unsystematic and unscientific principles of clean-
liTiess and ventilation. When cold air reverses
the order of currents, straw is at once stuffed into
the channel and another extreme brought about.
Thus one evil stalks in the train of another, and
we fail to recognise them frequently until too
late. But not uncommonly the results of such
imperfection tell upon the pockets of strangers^
and a greater hardship is perpetrated.

86 General Arrange nient of Stables.

In order to overcome the many disadvantages
■which occur from the present system of tying up
horses and cattle to the wall^ a plan has been
adopted, in several instances with success^ by
Avhich neatness of arrangement and appearance
are in perfect keeping with other points. The
stalls are placed in one or two rows_, as in the old
system, according to the size of the building,
\Ahich should be wider than they are usually
made.

Each animal has allotted to him a space
equivalent to 1500 cubic feet, in w^hich he can
breathe freely. This would require a stall 6 feet
wide, 9 feet long, wdth height above to the extent
of 14 feet, 3 feet in front of manger, and 6 feet
behind the stalls. The mangers are accordingly
brought 3 feet clear from the wall and placed
between the stall partitions. This plan thus
leaves a foot-path between the wall and manger,
which is used for the purpose of feeding the
animals.

Behind each stall the space allowed answers for
passage in and out and proper cleaning opera-
tions, while animals enjoy a purer atmosphere, and
the w hole admits of a better principle of lighting
and ventilation to be carried on.

The paving of stable floors should be of the
very best kind. "VYlien holes or other irregu-
larities are present, dung and urine accumulate
in fermenting masses and interfere with the
health of the inmates. One of the best materials

Ge7ieral Arrangement of Stables. 87

is stone laid in large squares,, or other forms^ ac-
curately jointed. Dutch tiles are very service-
able and cleanly. There are also square thick
tiles used in some districts. These are made
from fire-clay and burned. AVhen laid down they
present a very good and even surface. Asphalt^
or coal tar, and common brick floors are used in
some stables^ but soon wear into holes. In cart-
horse stables this is a great objection^ their shoes
doing great damage.

Cement floors are probably the best when
properly laid dow^n. The materials are composed
of what is termed by builders " hydraulic lime.^^
The compound has the property of immediately
hardening when placed in contact with water,
becoming quite solid and resisting external agen-
cies in a most remarkable manner.

Stable drains are a great nuisance in many
instances. They are either too deep and narrow,
or are fitted with some peculiar arrangement or
apparatus which is principally designed to exhibit
the resources of a cast-iron foundry. The less
these things are fettered by details the better.
Complications are not always understood by
grooms, and in consequence such an arrangement
is likely to get out of order by neglect and even
tampering. We were at one time great advocates
for all drains in a stable being covered, their
entrance only being seen, and that guarded by a
trap. Further experience, however, has con-
vinced us that plan is not the most correct

88 General Arrangement of StaUes,

either in scientific tlieory or practice. Drain
traps are likely to prove a greater nuisance
than that which they were intended originally to
set aside. On account of the drain becoming
plugged up below by breaking, damage, or
stoppage of solid matters, all the gases which
result midway find their outlet back through the
trap.

To remedy this, we now recommend all stench
traps to be placed outside the building. The
drains inside are to be made very wide and shallow,
having a moderate fall to carry off the water.
By this arrangement there is less danger from
horses slipping, and no possibility of getting feet
or shoes fast in them.

The declivity of the stable floor is frequently
very injurious to horses' legs. For the purpose
of carrying off the urine, or water during wash-
ing, the stall floor falls considerably from head to
heel, as much as one inch to the foot being no
uncommon estimate. This causes the animals
to suffer great pain in the back tendons, and lays
the foundation of lameness in that region.
They are also found to stand back from the
stall as far as the chain or halter will allow,
and mischievous grooms strike with the first
weapon they lay hold of, and are apt to cause
injuries to the shoulder by the force with which
the horse strikes the manger in rushing forward
to avoid the blow. Sometimes he stands across
the stall, and thus also irritates his attendants by

General Arrangement of S tables. 89

ruffling the bedding. The remedy is a level
floor. But all to whom we make the assertion
at once rejoin^ "How are you to drain a level
stall? Look at the cost of straw when the water
cannot get off; and besides,, you can never keep
your horse dry/"* The matter has been arranged
by the author, in many instances with success^ as
follows : —

The first object is to lay down a stout perma-
nent flooring of thick paving stones well jointed,
or other hard material^ perfectly level, and behind
the stall an open drain ten inches wide, and
about two inches deep in the centre. This is
either made of strong baked fire-clay, or cut out
of thick stones. To drain the stalls there are
cut by means of a chisel, three or four grooves
running down the stall to the cross drain behind.
Each groove commences at a part a little in
front of the middle, very shallow at first, but as
the drain is approached they become a little
wider and deeper until the outlet is upon a level
with the bottom of the drain. After this arrange-
ment has been carried out the horses are not
found to stand away back, or seldom across the
stall, while perfect drainage is effected.

Wooden floors are used very extensively in
coal mines to save bedding, and there can be
no reason wdiy the arrangement may not be
introduced to the stables of large owners of cart
and other horses above ground, where scarcity of
bedding occurs.

90 General Arrangement of Stables,

As usually put clown^ however^ they are a great
nuisance^, as they confine beneath them great
quantities of dung and urine^ and render the
stench sometimes unbearable. To overcome this,
and render the wooden floors both efficient and
economical^ the author had several stables fitted
according to plans furnished, and which were
found to answer admirably.

The first part of the plan consisted in pulling
up the old floor between the roof supports, and
laying bare the rock beneath. By means of a
pick the surface was cut away behind, in order
to cause water to run backwards, a fall of five or
six inches being given to it.

Next three joists were laid longitudinally from
manger to heel posts — one upon each side, and
a third in the middle. The end at the manger
is previously thinned down in order to cause each
joist to lie upon the slanting rock in such a
manner that their upper surfaces are perfectly
flat and level. Upon the top of these, cross-
wise, are nailed strong planks one and a half
inch thick. At the part near the manger they
are close together, but from the middle to the
bottom of the stall they are kept three-eighths of
an inch apart, to admit of the urine passing
below.

Another feature consisted in making the
whole of this to fit the stall and admit of being
raised at the heel, so as to enable the groom to
sweep all the accumulations from beneath. The

General Arran(/emeat of Stables. 91

lloor beliind the stalls consisted also of a similar
arrangement^ and -fllien each part Avas in its place^
no drains were to be seen. AVater thrown down
found its way readily and carried the filth effec-
tually_, by which the stables were rendered sweet
and wholesome, while little trouble was required
to keep them so. If the spaces between the
2)lanks become blocked up_, a piece of hoop iron,
or an old knife,, is used to clear them.

Loose boxes are invaluable where horses are
kept. No stable where there are more than one
horse should be without them. They are far
preferable to stalls under most circumstances,
but are not always admissible, on account of
deficiency of room.

A loose box is a great advantage to a sick
horse. For that purpose it should be situate at
a distance from the usual stable, as a guard
against infectious or contagious diseases. It
should be well lighted and ventilated by the wall
below or door, and above by the roof, as already
described at page 30. The dimensions should be
not less than twelve feet square, with twelve feet
space in a perpendicular direction also. The
floor composed of hard impervious material,
slightly falling to the centre, so as to cause
urine, &c., to flow ofi* by means of a very shalloAV
and wide open drain to the outside.

The doors should slide along the wall on the
outdde if possible; an arrangement which is
more approved than their being hung upon

92 Geiieral Arrangement of Stables.

hinges. When doors are hung upon the outside^
horses have been known to draw the door
towards the wall by their head_, and thus nearly
hang themselves. To allow of fresh air, a rail
or bar door is useful. It should fit the doorway
from top to bottom. Half doors are objec-
tionable.

93

THE CAUSES OF DISEASE, AND ITS
PEEVENTION.

This is a subject upon which volumes might be
written. At present the information has little
weight in many quarters, either from a lingering
prejudice in favour of old customs, or incapability
of accepting the full nature of the truths con-
tained in the premises.

In a majority of instances disease arises from
mismanagement and a want of the proper
principles which insure health. Imperfect stable
management is a prolific source. Much of this
has already been detailed. If we need incontro-
vertible proof, we have but to turn to the racing,
hunting, and other stables, where all is order and
perfection. There disease seldom appears. If
it does, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred it is
of the most intractable character, and traced to
be dependent upon causes beyond control.

Among many of our farm and town studs,
feeding upon inferior provender, and the use of
so called ^' alterative^'' medicine, works great mis-
chief. The common principle is to allow mis-
management to proceed for some time, and
constantly drug the animals with medicines of
which the groom can know but very little. The

94 The Causes of Disease,

use of nitre (saltpetre) is frequently attended
with baneful results. The lowering and cooling
properties of this salt are such that when it is
supposed that one disease is driven out_, the animal
is not unlikely to be affected with sore throats,
coughs, and colds.

When horses are treated properly, then exists
a state which we call health. That word means
more than is usually ascribed to it, and signifies
that condition which admits of no improvement.
Of what use then are the medicines so commonly
and constantly used to nauseate and interfere
with the animal functions ? Such things cannot
be administered without producing a disturbance
in the system. That disturbance is not unlike
disease, and is used by the medical man to over-
come, as it were, any unhealthy condition which
he may be called upon to eradicate.

Into no greater mistake can owners and stable-
men fall than to suppose it is consistent with
reason to drug an animal in health, or that medi-
cines given regularly prevent disease. The
reverse is frequently the result. But tell such
people that disease is ahvays, or nearly always,
the result of mismanagement, neglect, or want of
forethought and knowledge, they would laugh in
derision. " We do know how to manage,^"* say
they ; " give us information how to cure/' Such
was the statement of an individual a short time
ago. He had boasted how he managed, of his
profits, and how he kept his animals in health.

and its F rev en tion . 9 5

but nevertheless lost greater part of his stock by
7?2i5-management

// is far better to prevent than to cure. — The
laws of the former are better understood than the
laws of the latter,, and should comprise greatly the
foundation of every man^s ordinary education. But
how expensively and roundabout do many choose
to go to work. Actually allow disease, the
thief, to enter a stock — the stable, and even
favour its entrance by taking off the bolts and
bars, i.e., lowering and devitalizing the constitution
by medicines when the animal is in health.
After the steed is stolen, lamentation occurs,
and a lock — the veterinary surgeon — is sent for,
and expected to restore that which is lost.

And what interest, we may ask, can there be
in a professional man urging attendance to the
correct princij^les of routine and effective ma-
nagement ? Can he be convicted of selfishness ?
Does he sell his physic by the advice ? Neither,
hut in execution of the trust committed to his
charge, labouring under the full conviction that,
after his years of study, nature is not to be
trifled with, even though it be against his pecu-
niary interest, he knows it is his duty to expose
the fallacy and insecurity of the support on which
rests the idea that health can be maintained
under such imperfect regulations and treatment.
It amounts to a species of cruelty to animals, and
owners and stablemen would profit much more by
the study of duty and management, than that of

96 The Causes of Disease,

the actions and uses of medicines which is an
affair of a lifetime. Let them become perfect
in stable management^ it vrill gain them far more
lasting emolument than they can hope for in a
scientific path which their feet are not designed
by nature to tread.

An instance of the absurdity of these daily
mistakes may not be out of place. A groom
recently consulted the author and desired to have
medicine^ naming the constituents,, and stated he
had been with a medical man and knew all the
properties of drugs.

It transpired the animal for which the medi-
cines were required had been dosed for months,
under the supposition that she was suffering from
worms. ^^ But/'' said he^, " it^s all to no purpose, she
gets no better, and I thought I would give you a
trial.^'' Searching inquiries were instituted, and
no doubt being raised as to the proper nature of
the ailment, and its entire dependence upon causes
hidden from the applicant, he was sent home with
instructions '^ to give good food at regular inter-
vals, exercise daily for two hours when not at
work, and either put a muzzle upon the animal
after feeding, or allow her only tan or sawdust
for bedding. ^^

The advice was, however, thrown away. Ashe
could not obtain medicine which was known to
be not required, and even dangerous, another
was applied to ; the man physicked, and the mare
died suddenly, her carcass blocking the entrance

and its Treatment, 97

to the stable Tvlien tlie morning visit was
made.

This animal was a raA^enous or greedy feeder,
a condition which exists as a result of some
morbid state of the digestive organ s, brought
about originally by neglect and mismanagement.
Such subjects often look rough and out of con-
dition^ and medicine aggravates the case if pre-
scribed wantonly. The extent to which a groom
should go is to carry out the advice already
given, and if medicines are needed let them be
prescribed by one who has studied them in a
way he cannot.

9S

SIMPLE RULES EOR SHOEING, AND
MANAGEMENT OF THE EEET OE
HORSES.

LafossEj a celebrated French veterinariau^ saicl^
'^ Pas depied, pas de cheval,'' whicli British writers
interpret, '^'^No foot, no horse/^ and thereby
indicate the amount of importance which is at-
tached to the member, as forming an integral
part of the animal body. Many have enlarged
npon the theme in various ways, with not unsuc-
cessful eloquence ; others have sown broadcast a
mass of error, their observations being superficial
through their want of preliminary training.

To preserve the foot is to maintain the capa-
bilities of the animal in a remarkable manner.
Its anatomical structure is of the most wonderful
character, and suggests the advisability of greater
respect than is usually paid to that important
part.

The hoof is a fibrous box or case, in which is
accurately fitted the softer and sensitive parts.
Its growth is secured from above at the coronet
dowmoards, where a special arrangement exists
for its formation. The sole and frog are also
developed and formed by structures of counter-
part shape on the inner side.

The hoof is capable of a limited amount of

Simple Bides for Shoeing. 99

elasticity^ and it resists shocks in a remarkable
manner. It conducts heat badly^, and on these
accounts proves highly ser\dceable for protection,
while its constant growth, thickness, and insen-
sibility, admirably adapts it as a substance to
which an unyielding defence, the shoe, can be
applied. In shoeing horses^ feet it is a mistake
to cut, burn, and rasp them so much as is usually
done. It must be remembered that scraping or
biting our finger nails renders them sore and
useless as a defence or means of prehension.
How much more then do we render the hoof of
a horse by these reducing measures, unable to
act as a means of defence and resistance, to bear
the weight, and hold the nails by which the
shoe is attached ? The better the foot, the better
must be the protection. The animal will perform
his Avork more readily and with greater safety,
and last the longer. Many forget the horse
has to carry weight beside that of his own body,
or compelled to draw loads and suflPer concussion
on the stones at a high speed. Then why cut
away from the foot that which the animal re-
quires so much ? Some say it is to prevent the
foot growing out of shape, but that is a mistake.
There is more mischief occurring (and nothing
causes a faulty shape as soon) from the practice
of reducing the hoof, that from any other plan
adopted.

Each part of the hoof is possessed of different
properties. The outer part, the wall or crust,

H 2

100 Simple Rules for Bhoeing, and

grows downwards,, aud the ends of the fibres of
■which it is composed are presented to the ground.
On this account it is more resisting to the Avear-
ing forces, and does not fall off in flakes or
scales. The ends of these fibres, or, in other
words, the ground surface of the wall or crust
only, should be absolutely cut away, and that
principally towards the toe, where the greatest
growth usually takes place in health.

The sole and frog are capable of what is termed
exfoliating, or, in other words, detaching their waste
parts in flakes or scales. None but loose por-
tions should be cut away. These parts are quite
capable of their own reduction, and need no in-
terference. When shoes are being fitted, do not
apply them too hot, particularly to thin shelly
feet. If the feet are good, and no cutting is
earned on, as just directed, a hot shoe wall do little
harm.

Use luell-draivn nails. Thick'-necked nails
^' bind" in the holes of the shoe, and frequently
press upon the sensitive structures of the foot,
causing severe lameness. Besides, they act as
perfect w^edges to the hoof, splitting ofi' portions
to its detriment.

Let the nails be pointed loiih a long lead, and
nail holes in shoes be coarse, i.e., not too near
the outer web or edge. In this there is less
danger of laming horses than by the fine seam
and snub pointed nail. The former nail is driven
straight down, always having a tendency to go

Management of the Feet of Horses. 101

away from the sensitive structures, but the lat-
ter has to be driven inwards, by which it is al-
most certain to lame by a " prick"*^ or " bind"'' as
it approaches too near.

Shoes should always be made to possess a per-
fectly level surface for the foot to rest upon.
That part of the foot which comes upon the shoe
is to be the ground sm-face of the wall. No part
of the frog or sole need touch the shoe.

The shajje of shoes is an affaii' of little moment.
There is no call for beauty or grand work. The
secret of shoeing is to afford a protection which
the hoof alone cannot give^ and that is the point
to study.

Bar shoes consist of the ordinary shoe^ the
heels being turned round to meet^ and afterwards
welded ; or a bar is placed across in front of the
heels. Their use is adopted in order to throw a
portion of the bearing upon the frog^ to relieve
other parts which may be injured or diseased.
If the frog is too small to reach the bar_, punch a
hole in it^ and rivet a piece of leather on^ to
press upon the frog, and thus gain the desired
bearing. Bar shoes are very useful for curing
running thrushes^ if the w^eight can be borne.

Leather soles are useful agents to protect feet
w^hich have been cut away in operations^ and
prevent the access of dirt. As a means of pre-
venting concussion the writer has reason to
doubt their efficacy. Shoeing as at present
carried on is to be likened to breaking a man^s

102 Simple Bides for SJioeing, and

lieadj and the leather sole to the plaster. It is
a too common practice to pare the feet almost
like paper^ and then put on leather soles. If
healthy feet are treated judiciously they possess
a natural protection, and need no leather soles.

Stopping for feet is quite unnecessary. Grooms
and smiths call loudly for stopping in order to
pare the foot easily, and forget that as they
pare the horn dries more rapidly, and therefore
is the harder. Let them try the method al-
ready laid down, and they will find the foot is
soft beneath the scales which fall off as soon as
the shoe is removed, showing that nature uses
her own stopping, which is far better than clay
or cow dung. The same remarks apply to wet
swabs and other allied treatment.

Horses' feet should ahvays be kept as dry as
possible lohen healthy. Their natural con-
dition of usefulness as a protection consists in
being hard and bulky. If disease overtakes
them, poultices and fomentations are then needed,
as prescribed by Ihe veterinarian. No greater
mischief occurs to horses'* feet than that which
arises from the effects of wet straw yards and
pastures. The salts that are in the fluids found in
those places reduce and dissolve the boof, and ren-
der it unfit as a protection. Such places are best
avoided unless well drained.

Foot ointments when properly made are very
useful. Equal parts of Stockholm or Archangel
tar and mutton suet are to be melted together,

Mcmagemenf of the Feet of Horses. 108

and a small portion bruslied round the hoof each
day. This Trill be found the best and cheapest
preparation. Grooms^ however^ are often very
fond of some high sounding and unintelligible
name for a horse preparation^ and would rather
pay five shillings for mutton suet or bacon fat
and the refuse of kitchens coloured with cop-
peras, if it has only a long name such as,

"' CuiTOMOUTONETTAROPODOSUNGUENTON,"

or such like mummery, than be content to use
a better remedy which may be obtained for one-
tenth the price.

Foot ointments find their basis in the Archan-
gel tar very j^roperly. That agent prevents
evaporation, and promotes the necessary elas-
ticity of the hoof. Grease and fats with other
admixtures are very prone to render the hoof
brittle. As for curative effects being pro-
duced on the sensitive part by dressing the hoof
outside, there is no evidence to show beyond
what quackery swears on false premises.

Cutting, brushing^ &c. — These are terms by
which is understood that damage of greater or
less extent is inflicted, generally at the fetlock of
one leg, by the opposite foot during action.

In the former case the skin is usually cut or
very much bruised, and great lameness occurs,
while in the latter the hair is slightly removed
from the surface by attrition, and the skin suffers
in a less degree. Horses, however, may ^^ brush^^

104 Simple Mules for Shoeing, and

for some time_, and suddenly become desperate
cutters in consequence of repeated injury being
done to the parts.

Cutting sometimes takes place in animals
witb high action,, when the toes are naturally
turned inwards^ and the foot is carried towards the
opposite leg. In this case the seat of injury is
below the knee, and great lameness occurs, some-
times attended with permanent swelling of the
bone, called a '^^ splint.''''

The causes aie generally traceable to pre-
ventible circumstances. Animals are either out
of condition — weak — or they are driven too fast
and worked too hard in a variety of ways. The
Tictims are usually the horses of butchers,
bakers, and other fast drivers, omnibus and cab
horses especially — in fact, cart and other horses
will be guilty of the practice if badly kept and
harassed about. When work is prolonged too
much and animals are heavily shod, they become
'•' leg tired^^ in stable phraseology, and the action
becomes slovenly and false.

The remedies are careful feeding and work
at all times, but especially when the latter is
unavoidably prolonged. In the matter of shoe-
ing much may be done. It is the fancy to
place upon the feet the most fantastic, and
even the most clumsy shoes, and there are scores
of smiths who may be found ready to accept a
wager ''^to take any horse off the cut.''^ There
is no need for these, or even to mutilate the hoof.

Management of the Feet of Horses. 105

as is too commonly done. If great lameness arises,,
let the injured parts receive immediate attentiou^
and keep the animal at rest. Next^ place on the
feet very light shoes^ and when pnt to work let
common humanity prevail. Horses are not
machines or steam-engines^ that they can go in-
cessantly ; if their periods of labour are not pro-
perly regulated^ and the amount be too exacting^
the animal constitution must give way. To
those who are willing to recognise early signs
of degeneracy, we beg to name cutting and
brushing; if they are not attended to, further
aggravation is succeeded by serious complications,
as broken knees, fractures, &c., to the animal,
besides others of an extraneous character.

Groggy feet, or those understood to be affected
with disease of the coffin joint, require special
treatment, in order to limit as much as possible
the suffering of the animal. There is little of
service to be done in a medical point of view
except by dividing the nerves going to the part,
thus to cut off sensory communication. After
such operations great care is required in driving
the nails, for if the sensitive parts are wounded,
no evidence of pain being felt, inflammation and
suppuration follow, and in some cases sloughing
of the entire hoof. The smith should always be
informed when he has such feet to deal with.

Groggy feet do not require shoes of great
weight; They should be rounded off or turned
up at the toe to diminish leverage in the first

106 Simple Rules for Shoeing, and

act of progression. In the variety of horse
most subject to this disease, five nails, or even
fewer, may be sufficient to hokl on the shoe, as
the foot is always very firm, and the animal cannot
endure severe exertion. A light hammer should
be used, and the blows sharp and in rapid succes-
sion, to avoid shaking, which always occurs with
heavy tools used without caution.

The feet are to be prepared according to rules
already given at page 100.

Sidebones among cart-horses are very com-
mon. When the natural elasticity of the cartilages
which surmount the wings of the coffin bone is
lost, the parts are found to have been involved
in the process of inflammation and subsequent
conversion into bone (ossification.) The motion
of the joint is more or less interfered with, con-
cussion causes pain, and the tendency is towards
an increase of size.

If the feet are properly preserved and pre-
pared for the shoe, all that is required is to
keep the heels and toes low and stiff", and be-
neath the sidebone ; the heel of the shoe is best
made to pass straight backivards from the quarter,
in order to extend the surface of bearing. The
foot should be hammered as lightly as possible.

For ring bones the toes and heels of shoes
should also be kept low, in order to avoid con-
cussion

In all cases, however, where these affections
are of long standing, and medical treatment pro-

Management of the Feet of Horses. 107

duces little or no good, lameness being per-
sistent_, the animal will be of scarcely any
service for town work. It is best to place them
upon soft land in the farmer^s hands, where many
kinds of light work may be performed without
any sacrifice of feeling or increase of suffering
to the animal.

Under certain aggravated conditions of the three
forms of disease we have been considering, the
advice of a veterinary surgeon should be sought
as to the policy of such animals being retained
whose life can only be one of protracted misery.
Pumiced feet, so called, are of frequent occur-
rence among cart-horses, but others also are
liable when mismanagement occurs. The
appearances which give rise to the term are
convexity of the sole and concavity of the wall,
with great tendency to elongation towards the
toe. They are the outward manifestations of an
inward diseased state of the sensitive and secret-
ing structures — hence the deformed shape and
growth.

Shoeing may greatly palliate the case, but
nothing is known that will cure it. Put on a
strong shoe having a great amount of cover to
protect the sole. Seat or hollow out the upper
surface, that no part but the wall shall receive
weight. Let the heels and toe be low and stiff;
keep the toe of the hoof moderately short ; avoid
paring the sole, or otherwise reducing the foot ;
use well-drawn nails, put well up ; keep on the

lOS Sinqjle Bides for Shoeing , and

shoe always as long as it is secure and serviceable^
so as to avoid breaking tbe foot by too frequent
removes. Use daily dressings of hoof ointment,
inside and out, after the foot is cleaned, by which
means many animals will be enabled to perform a
great amount of work with ease and cheerfulness.

Pricks and binds are the natural consequences
of the system of shoeing with nails. Some per-
sons ignorantly suppose they can only occur from
carelessness. They must, however, be informed
that workmen of the best class, well known for
their superior skill and care, are liable to cause
lameness by a prick or bind with the nail in
shoeing. There are many causes for it, most of
which are beyond his control. Great mischief
ensues frequently after such an occurrence, and
the difficulty commences in attaching the blame
to the proper person. In ninety-nine cases out
of a hundred such ought not to occur, yet it
does, and how ? As soon as a horse is lame he
is usually walked oflP to the smith, who receives
the information that he has pricked the horse.
Knowing the estimate placed by owners generally
upon such a case, the smith naturally endeavours
to prove the contrary, and in many cases suc-
ceeds by ignorance of the proper symptoms and
mode of manipulation, in having the horse sent
home with the qualifying announcement, that
the lameness is in the shoulder or other place,
^' but not in the foot.''''

At this stage, simple matters would set the

Management of the Feet of Horses. 109

animal sound in a few homs^ but alas ! too fre-
quently delay occurs^ or some quack treatment is
pursued, and at length matter issues from tlie
coronet, and tlie foot is diseased and disfigured
for life.

In all cases of lameness, the shoe should he
removed, and foot properly examined by percus-
sion with the hammer, and pressure by the pin-
cers. The situation of nail holes in the hoof
will determine if some are too near, and evidences
of pain will usually point to the part under trial.

If the lameness is not great, mere removal of
the shoe and nails will mostly be sufficient ; or a
warm poultice of bran or sawdust may be applied
for twelve hours. If, on the other hand, the pain
and lameness be excessive, having gradually in-
creased in severity, matter may be suspected to
be present within the hoof. Exploration with the
knife should follow percussion and pressure, by
which the precise spot will be detected, and exit
thus given to the imprisoned pus will aflPord al-
most instant relief. Poultices preceded by hot
fomentations will be required, besides other treat-
ment, to allay febrile excitement and expedite the
case, for which a qualified veterinarian is best to
dictate, according to existing circumstances.

It is advisable in all cases of lameness to apply
at once to a veterinary surgeon ; much tedious-
ness and disappointment as well as expense may
be avoided. As in many other cases, "■ the first
cost is the least in the end.^-'

110 Simple 'Rules for Shoeing , and

The shoeing of lame horses requires special
measures^ and could not be treated any further
in a work of this kind Avithout extending it
beyond ordinary limits. The instructions already
given will in greater part be found applicable.
By their observance much harm may be avoided,
and the usefulness of our valuable servants
greatly extended. Brittle feet, so called, may be
wonderfully restored in a short time, the falling
off or losing of shoes greatly avoided ; and re-
member that the greater evil exists in doing too
much, rather than knowing what should not be
done.

Horseshoeing in coal-mines fully exemplifies
this statement. Here, where the smiths have
many horses and ponies to shoe after w^orking
hours in the pit have ceased, the benefits of not
doing too much are to be observed. There is
seldom to be seen a bad foot. Except where the
roadways are saturated or overflowing with water
having mineral salts in solution, such may be
said scarcely to occur. Animals are also very
seldom lamed in shoeing. When they run upon
dry ground the feet grow thick and strong. At
each shoeing the smith merely cuts down the foot
to produce a level surface, " lets in the clip ''■' to
the required distance at the toe backwards, nails
on the shoe, clenches and roughly rasps off over-
hanging portions. By these means the shoes
are seldom lost, and the best of feet are found.

It is a pity the system cannot be exhumed in

Management of the Feet of Horses. Ill

greater part from the coal-mines, and transferred
for the benefit of our town and other horses in
parts where proper care is not exercised. Any-
thing likely to prove beneficial, even if brought
from a coal-mine, would be acceptable, and the
value of our horses demands this consideration.

112

POULTICES AND FOMENTATIONS.

There is frequently great need of these agents
as auxiliaries to tlie treatment of disease ^vliicli
arises among horses. In conti-adistinction to
the great amount of good which they may he
caused to effect^ much harm may ensue hy igno-
rance or misunderstanding.

A poultice is employed for two purposes — to
apply heat and moisture conjointly to a part^ or
cold and moisture. We have therefore warm
and cold poultices. Fomentations, on the other
hand, are always hot. They consist usually of
water alone,, or infusions of some plant whose
active princij^le has some medicinal eftect.

The object in either case is to perpetuate in a
j)art by external means, either a degree of heat
or cold which cannot be effected otherwise, in
order to promote some desirable curative action.
To render these means effective, their use must
be long continued, and the desired temperature
maintained as near as possible. A poultice
loosely applied, or a fomentation imperfectly
maintained, produces absolute harm by the
CA^aporation and cooling which ensues, and its
effects upon the internal structures. When
parts have been fomented or poulticed, they
should either be dried or protected by covering
from the atmosphere.

Poultices and Iomenfatio7is, 113

In the treatment of wounds or abscesses^ neg-
lect of these precautions produces serious
obstructions to the successful recoA'cry of a
case^ and the medical attendant too frequently
incurs undeserved censure.

114

SENDING FOR THE VETERINARY
SURGEON.

In the hurry and excitement consequent upon
sudden accident or illness among animals^ mes-
sengers are frequently despatched with imperfect
reports,, and therefrom much error and incon-
venience results. These facts may be sufficient
excuse for appending a few plain rules to be
observed in order to avoid the occurrence of un-
toward events^ and rather expedite matters to-
wards a favourable if not successful issue.

First. — As far as possible always send a writ-
ten message. Never trust verbal messages to boys
or illiterate persons ; and let the name and ad-
dress be legibly inscribed.

Second. — Send early, that the practitioner may
see the case before it is aggravated by serious
and irrecoverable complications. '^ A stitch in
time saves nine/^ and the first cost may avoid
the necessity of incurring greater ones.

Thirdly. — Afford as much information as
possible as to what has been observed of the
symptoms manifested by the animal. The prac-
titioner may be greatly assisted in preparation
of remedies to take with him. Never send such
a message as " You are to come directly,, we have
a horse (or cow) badly ."'■' This is a very useless
and perplexing statement.

Betiding for the Veteririary Burgeon. 115

Fourthly. — Aa^oIcI absolute doctoring tlie animal
for which, yon desire a professional opinion.
Attend implicitly to the instructions received,,
and success will be more certain.

Fifthly. — Never withhold information upon
matters which are calculated to throw light upon
the causes, nature, symptoms, &c., of the ailment.
Absence of such paralyses the hands of skill,
and prevents the adoption of proper measures.

These may admit of some variation under
certain circumstances, but in the majority of
cases, if carried out properly, they will effect more
good than is to be expected at the present day
in many places, from the utter disregard of sys-
tem which prevails^ particularly in agricultural
districts.

INDEX.

Advantages of clipping and singeing, 44
„ loose boxes, 91

„ sliding doors, 91

Animals, tying up of, 84
Arrangement of stables, 84
Bad arrangement of stables, ill effects of, 85
Bandages, use of, 39
Barley, 49
Bar shoes, 101
Beans, 48

,, require to be bruised, 65
Beaning horses, 3
Bedding, 40
Bellans or roaring, 2
Bishoping, 4

Black ashes as a detergent, 25
Blaunders or glanders, 2
Body brush, 33
Bran, 51

,, mashes, 52
Bribery in horse-dealing, 10
Broken wind, how disposed of, 5
Bruising oats, not always necessary, 47

„ peas, beans, &c., necessity for, 65
Brushes, 33
Brushing, 103

Carbolic acid as a disinfectant, 25
Carob bean, 56
Causes of cutting and brushing, 103

„ disease and its prevention, 93
Certificates of soundness, 13
Cleanliness, 24

Index, 117

Clipping and singeing, 42
Clothing, 40

Coal mines, shoeing in, 110
Condition, 75

,, physic not always required for, 76
Condiments, 57
Cree'd linseed, 54

Cubic space required by each animal, 8(3
Curry comb, 33
Cut straw, 51
Cutting and brushing, 103
Dandy brush, 34
Danger of gas brackets in stables, 21

,, the indiscriminate use of drugs, 9
Dealers, tricks of, 1
Declivity of stable floors, 88
Defects of horses, 9

Disease induced by the use of impure bran, 52
,, its cause and prevention, 93
,, the effect of badly arranged stables, 85
Disinfectants, 25
Disposal of manure, 41
Drain or stench traps, 88
Drains in stables, 87
Dressing or grooming, 33
Dyeing, 5

Early operations in the stable, 18
Economy of feeding, 66
Effects of badly arranged stables, ^^
Efficiency of gas lights in ventilation, 31

Ernes, Wm. Esq., M.RC.V.S., his experience on the too ex-
clusive use of bran, 52
Exercise, 71

,, importance of, for hard-working horses, 73
Extracting temporary teeth, custom of, in Ireland, 4
Eyes, disease of, 9
Feeding, 46

,, after work, ^%

„ economy of, 'o^

,, regularity of, 61
Feet of horses, their shoeing and management, 98

,, stopping for, 102

Floors, wooden, 89
Foot ointments, 102

,, pickers, 35
Frog, the, 100

Gas- Brackets in stables, danger of, 21
,, lights, their efficacy in ventilation, 31

118 Index.

General arrangement of stables, 84
Glanders or blaunders, 2
Grass, turning horses to, 61
Green food, 59
Groggy feet, 105
Grooming or dressing, 33
Gruel after work, 69

Hay and straw, 50

., tea after work, 69
Health, what is it, 94
Heat or temperature of stable, 31
Horse-dealing, bribery in, 10

,, shoeing in coal mines, 110
Horses, defects in, 9

,, recommending, 14
„ feet should be dry, 102
,, their selection and purchase, 1
Hoof, the, 98

How to pi-event cutting and brushing, 104
Importance of exercise for hard-working horses, 73
Impi;re bran the cause of disease, 52
Incisor teeth, practice of extracting, 4
Indian corn, 56

Inflating the skin or " puf&ng the glym," 4
Ireland, mode of selling horses in, 14
Jibber, the, 9
KiDNEY-dropper, 6
Kohl Rabi, 59

Lameness, foot, should always be examined into, 109
Lameness in horses, how disguised, 3
Leather soles, 101

, , valves used in ventilation, 30
Legs, washing the, 37
Leguminous seeds require bruising, ^^
Lentils, 49

Level floors, necessity for, 89
Lighting of stables, 26
Linseed, 53

,, or oil-cake, 55

,, ,, value of for young stock, 56

,, oil as an improver of condition, 54

„ tea, 54
Locust or carob-bean, 56
Loose-boxes, 91

M'Dougall's disinfecting powder, 25—41
Management of horses' feet, 98
Maize or Indian corn, 56

Index. 119

Mane comb, 34
Mangold-wurtzel, 59
Manure, disposal of, 41

,, heaps, situation of, 42
Mashes of bran, 52
Materials for stable-floors, 87
Medicines, danger of their indiscriminate use, 96
Moisture, injurious effects of, to horses' feet, 102
Nails in shoeing, 100
Nose-bag, 21
Oats, 46

,, do not always require bruising, 47

,, quantity to be used, 47
Oil-ca,ke, q^

,, value of, for young stock, M^
Ointment for feet, 102
Paving of stable floors, 86
Peas, 49

,, Beans &c., should be bruised, Go
Precautions to be observed in purchase of horses, 16
Prevention better than cure, 95
Pricks and binds in shoeing, 108
PuSing the glym, 4
Pumiced feet, 107
Purchase and selection of horses, 1

., „ „ precautions to be observed in, 16

Purity of water, 23

Putrefaction, its effects upon drinking water, 23
Eecommending horse-;, 14
Regularity of feeding, ^z>
Ring-bones, 106
Roaring or bellans, 2
Roots, 59
Rubber, the, 35
Rules, simple, for shoeing, 98
Selection and purchase of horses, 1
Sending for the veterinary surgeon, 114
Shiverer, 6

Shoe, necessity for its removal in all cases of lameness, 109
Shoes, their shape, 101
Shoein:i', prichs and binds in, 108
Side-bones, 106
Singeing, 42

Sliding doors, advantage of, 19
Sole and frog, the, 100
Sole^;, leather, 101
Soundness, certificates of, 13
Stable management, 18

120 Index.

Stable, early operations in, 18

., drains, 87

,, floors, materials for, 87

„ ,, declivity of, 88

,, „ paving of, 86

„ „ should be level, 89

„ tools, 33

„ „ use of, 36
Stables, arrangement of, 84

,, lighting of, 26

,, various modes of ventilating, 27
Stench-traps, 88
Stopping for feet, 102
Straw as provender, 50
Tares or lentils, 49

Teeth, extraction of, to accomplish fraud, 4
Temperature of stables, 31

,, ,, its eiFects upon all new comers, 31

Tricks of dealers, 1
Turkish-bath as an aid to condition, 77

,, the, and washing horses, 79

Turning to grass, 61
Tying up of animals, 84
Use of stable tools, 36
Vegetable food, 59
Ventilation of stables, 27

,, by the use of leather valves, 30

,, vaVious modes of, 28

Veterinary surgeon, sending for the, 114
Wall, the, 99
Warranty, 12
Washing horses, 79

,, the legs, 37
Water brushes, 35,

,, purity of, 23
Watering, 22
Wisp, the, 34
Wooden floors, 89
Work, feeding after, G8

Frederick Warne & Co., Publishers.

NEW POPULAR SERIES OF BOOKS.

In /cap. S-r/o, price ONE SHILLING eac/i, 2$^ fP-t

PENNY READINGS,

IN PROSE AND VERSE,

TEN DISTINCT VOLUMES.

For the use of Members of Literary and Scientifc Institutio/is, Recreation
Societies, Mutual Improvement ^Associations, Mechanics'' Institutes, Young
Mens Societies, Working Mens Clubs, and all kindred Societies, and for
the General Reader.

Compiled and Edited by J. E. CARPENTER,

Twelve Years Public reader, Lecturer, and Entertainer at the
Principal Literary institutions in Great Britain.

A STANDARD WORK OF CHOICE READING.

In f cap. Zvo, cloth boards, price ONE SHILLING each, z^^ pp-
Two Volumes (each sold separately).

Sunday Readings ^ in Prose and Verse ^

Edited and arranged by J. E. CARPENTER.

Devoted in the main to Sacred Literature, but blended with Moral
and Instructive Pieces of a Secular Character, all by Eminent Authors.

In Five Volumes crown Svo, cloth extra, each 550//., frice 20s.

POPULAR READINGS,

In Prose and Verse, by J. E. CARPENTER.

Elegantly printed, paged throughout. Each volume indexed. With
complete index of the series in Volume 5. With Steel Portrait of
the Editor in Vol. I.

Either Volume [complete in itself) sold separately.

Bedford Street^ Covent Garden.

Frederick Warne dff Co.^ Publishers,
In limp cloth, i8mo, price 6d.

WARNE'S READY RECKONER.

Showing the value of any number of articles, &c., with numerous
Commercial Tables, Wages Table, Rates of Postage, &c.

*' "Worth its weight in Gold. Excellent."— 77^^ Press.
In cloth, IJ-. ; leather, \s. 6d. ; 288 pp.

THE MODEL READY RECKONER.

Com; winces at i-i6th and extends to 30,000 Number.
This Ready Reckoner contains the greatest quantity of calculations
ever given in a book of its size and price. A complete census of all
Towns and Cities in England, Ireland, or Scotland (above 3,000) ;
Interest, Commission, and Wages Tables, Commercial Forms, and tlie
Bank of England rate of Discount for Thirty Years.

A Compendium of English Literature.

In 4 vols, crown 8vo, price 21 j. cloth, new style, beautifully printed
by Ballantyne & Co., with New Steel Illustrations.

HALF-HOURS WITH THE BEST AUTHORS.

A LIBRARY EDITION.

Remodelled throughout by its original Editor, CHARLES Knight,
\vith selections from authors added, whose works have placed them
amongst the "Best Authors" since the publication of the First
Edition.

In 2 vols, demy 8vo, price xos. cloth; \2.s. with gilt edges; or half-
calf extra, i6j.

THE PEOPLE'S EDITION OF

HALF-HOURS WITH THE BEST AUTHORS.

Selected and Edited by CHARLES KNIGHT.

With Sixteen Steel Portraits.

\\\ this Edition, the Biographies are revised to 1866, the Pagination of the Volumes
completed, and the Serial Nature of the Original Work entirely done away with j it now
forms a Handsome Library Book.

In I vol. demy 8vo, cloth 5^. ; or half-calf extra, Zs.

HALF-HOURS OF ENGLISH HISTORY.

Selected and arranged by CHARLES KNIGHT.

Forming a Compaiiion Volume to the " Hal/-Ho7/rs with the Best
Authors."

Bedford Street.^ Covent Garden.

/ rzr c-^ n. n^.LK.L^^,

m^

n^^.QL

g^r-rv^^v-^t^

3

ajr6

1«ur^a»o to oars

foods and processes employed in

iijuiiLii, ui rcierence to 30 or 40
stations in England, Scotland, and
Ireland.

Bedford Street^ Covent Garden.

UNIFORM WITH "THE HORSEOWNER,''

Price One Shilling.

THE HOB3E:

HOW TO FEED HIM, AVOID DISEAbrJ, AND
SAVE MONEY.

BY

GEORGE ARMATAGE, M.R.O.Y.S