350 STABLES 



whereby the albuminoid ratio of foods deficient in nitrogenous matter 

 is raised. 



Pease are frequently used instead of beans. They possess a some- 

 what similar composition, but in using them great care should be observed 

 to see they are thoroughly dry, otherwise they are liable to produce 

 flatulent colic. When sound, hard, and dry, either English, Canadian, 

 or Australian may be used with every confidence. 



Indian pease are frequently mixed with the Indian vetch, or Lathyrus 

 sativa, which possesses marked poisonous properties, and should never 

 be incorporated with food. 



Many deaths have been caused by its use, and many horses that do 

 not succumb to its eftects are rendered permanently useless by becoming 

 very bad roarers. 



Bran. — Bran is not now regarded as a food material in the same light 

 as it used to be. This is partly in consequence of recent feeding experi- 

 ments, and partly owing to the improved flour-mill machinery. In the 

 first place it has been shown tliat a considerable portion of the nitro- 

 a;enous constituents of bran is indio-estible, and in the next that the im- 

 proved machines, by more efl"ectually separating the more nutritive 

 constituents from bran, have actually lessened its value. 



Many sick horses with fickle appetites will eat bran while refusing 

 all other food, and for this purpose it is most valuable. A very useful 

 custom for working horses is to give a bran-and-linseed mash each week, 

 and a good one may be formed with 3 lbs. bran and 1 lb. boiled linseed. 



Bran should be clean, and have a sweet smell. It should not be kept 

 in bulk, as it is liable to heat, especially when it is made from new grain. 

 Heated wetted bran soon becomes sour and unfit for use. 



Linseed. — Linseed makes a valuable addition to ma.shes. It may 

 also be given in the dry, uncrushed state, mixed with the corn. It is 

 not given as a regular article of food, but is a beneficial addition for 

 many hide-bound, unthrifty horses. Linseed cake is frequently used 

 for the same purpose with much benefit. In the form of gruel, or tea, 

 linseed is also useful in some respiratory and urinary affections. 



Linseed .should be clean and sweet, and free from the extraneous 

 seeds of which many samples contain a large percentage. 



Mangolds and Turnips. — These roots are given to horses during 

 the winter and spring months. In the early spring, when horses are 

 working hard, they relish either of these roots, and many fickle feeders 

 are benefited by their addition to the food rations. 



Where cooked food is employed the addition of a few well-boiled 

 swede turnips sweetens the whole, and many over-worked farm-horses 



