462 THE TRANSIT OF HORSES 



this position he has sometimes to remain the whole of the voyage. In cokl 

 and foul weather a tarpaulin is thrown over the box as it stands on the 

 open deck. Horses bound for the East suffer more from the heat in the 

 Eed Sea than from the inclement weather so often experienced in the 

 Channel and the Bay of Biscay. It is therefore necessary, in exporting horses 

 to India and other hot climates, to make special arrangements with regard 

 to clothing. In this journey a change from warm to light cool rugs will 

 be required on reaching Port Said, and if practicable the horses should be 

 removed to the cool and sheltered side of the ship, which in this case will 

 be the port bow. AVhen weather permits advantage should be taken of 

 every available opportunity to give exercise on deck, so that any undue 

 filling of the legs may be obviated, and relief afforded from the cramp and 

 fatigue of long standing. It will be well, too, to bear in mind that much 

 relief from the discomfort arising out of these causes may be aftbrded by 

 the repeated application of friction to the surface of the body and vigorous 

 hand-rubbing of the legs. Except when the animal is at exercise bandages 

 should be worn and applied with a fair amount of tightness, so as to 

 support the joints and sinews and prevent swelling. 



The vessels which bring so many horses from America carry them 

 between decks. A number of stalls about the same width as the box 

 previously described are arranged on both sides of the ship, the animals 

 facing inwards. They are not slung, but the length of the stall is not 

 sufficient to include the head and neck, which protrudes over the gang- 

 way, and it is therefore impossible for an animal to get down. Each 

 animal is fastened with the usual halter or head-stall, which is long enough 

 to permit him to feed from the level of the deck or floor of the gangway, 

 where the nutritious alfalfa hay is strewn. 



The stout planking that runs breast-high in front of the stalls is 

 screwed up with bolts, and, in case of a sick animal having to be removed, 

 it must needs be cut away for a space. The planks which divide the stalls 

 are made to drop into iron receptacles, and have only to be lifted out when 

 the horses arrive at their destination. To prevent slipping there are bars 

 across the floor of the stalls, but no bedding is provided, as being 

 unnecessary and likely to hinder drainage. A gutter is provided in 

 those vessels specially constructed for the transatlantic horse trade, and 

 that it effectually carries away the urine may be presumed from the 

 comparatively pure air and freedom from ammonia which prevails on 

 these ships on arrival with a cargo of live stock. 



The arrangements for disembarkation leave a good deal to be desired, 

 the movable gangways being too long, and most of the animals strike their 

 polls and at first refuse to mount the ladder. Another shoot or portable 



