MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 207 



necessary when chop is fed ; permits spreadin£2^ out of the feed to break 

 up greedy feeding"; catches any hay falling from hay nets or racks 

 above; can be used for long hay if desired; economy, saving feed; 

 and favors thorough cleaning of stall floors. 



Various types of metal feed boxes are issued, which are sanitary and 

 serve to feed grain. Their capacity is too small however to hold a 

 proper chop feed, and they are not as desirable as the manger. For 

 feeding cooked feeds there should be a shallow bucket, which is set 

 down in the manger. 



If hay nets are used, and they should be, no hay rack is necessary. 

 If not in use there should be hay racks against the wall above the man- 

 ger. These may be made of twisted baling wire, or wooden or iron 

 slats. 



PICKET LINES AND STANDINGS 



Picket Lines are used in stable corrals and to a large extent in the 

 field. They are either elevated lines or ground lines, the former being 

 much preferable. They are made of one and one half inch rope or small 

 wire cable. In emergencies a picket line of lariats can be used. They 

 should be long enough to provide four feet of space for each animal, 

 Picket lines must be kept drawn taut at all times. The elevated line 

 is supported by heavy posts, about five and one half feet above the 

 ground. This "height is sufficient to hang hay nets from and to keep 

 animals from eating their bedding, at the same time allowing them to 

 lie down, and have access to their hay if laid on the ground. There is 

 no chance for them to become tangled in it or to be rope burned. 



A second line below the first, breast-high is excellent for keeoing 

 the animals all on one side, which is much the best plan whenever there 

 is space and rope enough. It will prevent fighting across the line, the 

 tangling up of animals, and permits laying the hay just across the line 

 where it can be reached but will not be trampled upon. 



Ground Lines are picket lines stretched on the ground and secured 

 at intervals and at the ends by pins. It is the simplest form of line, but 

 should never be used when it is possible to elevate the line. Animals 

 are continually becoming tangled with it and their halter shanks, and 

 many rope burns result. It is also far less secure, requiring much 

 closer attention. 



The Standing of picket lines require the same general features as 

 stall floorings. Except in very dry or sandy soils it is not safe to use 

 unimproved standings for more than a few days, and in poorly drained 

 and muddy soils it is imperative that some sort of well drained dry 

 surface be improvised without delay or the animals will suffer. Few 

 conditions detract from the health and condition more quickly than 

 standing in mud. It is always a cause for much debility and a large 

 sick reoort. The lines should be placed on firm, sloping ground. If 

 there is insufficient slope it must be constructed, preferably sloping 

 from line to heels and drained by a ditch running parallel to the line 



