MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 51 



The horses are assigned to stalls and placed on the picket line by- 

 sections, as nearly as practicable according- to usual place in the battery. 

 The name and hoof number of the horse are posted over his place 

 in the stall. Over the middle of each double stall occupied by a 

 driver's pair are displayed the number of the section, the carriage, 

 and the position of the pair in the team, as FIRST, PIECE, WHEEL, 

 or FIFTH. Second Caisson. Swing. 



If practicable, all woodwork within reach of the horses should be 

 protected with sheet metal or painted with a thin coat of gas tar; 

 other woodwork and brick should be painted a. light shade and then 

 kept clean and free from dust. 



BEDDING 



A comfortable bed is important for all animals, but especially so 

 for those whose energy must be conserved such as animals in work, 

 sick or weak, and young growing ones. It is possible for them to 

 get a considerable amount of rest standing but the natural way is 

 while lying down. Animals should be encouraged to lie down as it 

 saves their legs and thereby prolongs their usefulness. 



A good bed not only induces them to lie but it protects their elbows, 

 hocks, and other exposed portions of the limbs from injury. 



A good bed should be level, dry, warm, and elastic and have a clean 

 surface for the animal to lie upon. 



There is no one article which is more suitable than good, bright, 

 clean, coarse straw, either wheat, oats or rye. It should not be used 

 if full of chafif or dust, or too fine, wet. or mouldy. 



Hay of poor quality is occasionally used and makes a good bed, 

 but care must be taken not to use it when mouldy or very musty for 

 the animals will eat it. Numerous other articles are used for bedding, 

 namely leaves, shavings, sawdust, tanbark and even sand. They 

 make good beds, though when using sand the animals must be watched 

 as sand colic may develop. The bedding is taken up, carefully shaken 

 out and assorted. All parts of the bedding which can be used again 

 are taking to the bedding racks and spread thereon for a thorough 

 drying; parts which can not be used again are sent to the manure 

 heap. Special attention is necessary in this matter, as the allowance 

 of straw. 3 1/3 pounds per day per animal, is insufficient under most 

 favorable conditions. In the evening the dried bedding, mixed with 

 such fresh bedding as may be necessary, is laid down. The bed must 

 be soft and even with the thickest part toward the manger. 



It is best to lay the layers of bedding crossways to each other, form- 

 ing a more elastic and durable bed. It should not be spread up to the 

 mangers as many horses would be apt to eat it, and the presence of 

 partially soiled bedding directly beneath the horse's head might prove 

 injurious. 



