502 Home Nature-Study Course. 



the grass while standing. Bring out the fact that the Httle colt, whose 

 head and neck have not yet reached proper proportions, is obliged to 

 graze with his front legs far apart in order that his mouth may reach 

 the ground. If it is practical, a little study of the horse's teeth should be 

 made; there are six, sharp, broad teeth on each front jaw for cutting 

 herbage; back of these on each side is a long, sharp tooth; behind these 

 is a bare space, then the grinding teeth. Develop the idea that man has 

 taken advantage of this bare space, or bar as it is called, to introduce the 

 bit and thus control this fiery animal. If the lesson is given in the 

 higher grades the pupils should off* taught to tell the horse's age by the 

 appearance of the teeth-.' See The Horse, pp. 246, 266. Observations 

 should be made upon the mane and tail of the horse and the use of these 

 attractive features in keeping off flies. For excellent detailed lesson on 

 the horse see "Special Science Methods," McMurray, p. 118. 



LESSON LXIII. 



HOW A HORSE SHOULD BE TREATED. 



Purpose. — To induce the pupils to become interested in the proper 

 care and kind treatment of horses. 



When a man is continually whipping or calling out angrily to his 

 horses, we may be very sure he is the poorest kind of horseman ; the 

 good horseman uses the whip rarely and then only in time of need. In 

 breaking the horse he thoroughly masters it, and after that depends 

 largely upon his voice for controlling it. Be kind but firm is the rule 

 in dealing with these nervous animals. The bit and the harness should 

 be comfortable. Make the pupils understand how cruel and how unneces- 

 sary are collar-galls ; if the horse is well-fed and the collar fits this trouble 

 will never occur. The horse requires much care in the stable, the -more 

 it is groomed the better it looks. The pupils should become interested 

 in the proper food for the horse ; timothy hay, or hay mixed with clover 

 for the bulky food and oats or corn for the concentrated foods form a 

 good mixture. Oats are best adapted to driving horses, but corn may 

 be given to those which are working hard. They should be fed with 

 extreme regularity, and should not be used for a short time after having 

 eaten. Horses kept in cold stables require more food than those in warm 

 quarters ; in cold weather it is well to warm the water given to the 

 horses. Induce the pupils to become specially interested in brakes, which 

 help relieve the horse in going down hill, and also in the proper blocking 

 of the wheel to give the horse rest when pulling burdens up hill. The 

 proper bits and the right use of the check reins should be discussed. In 

 connection with this lesson " Black Beauty " should be read. 



