354 STABLES 



only to see the quantity of dust extracted from the best samples of hay 

 to be thoroughly and permanently convinced of the benefits of dust- 

 extraction. 



Straw is sometimes used instead of hay, and wheat-straw is more 

 frec^uently used in a chaffed condition tlian any other; but oat-straw is 

 a ftir more nutritive fodder. The Scotch farmer knows his horses will do 

 much better on oat-straw than wheat-straw, and the intelligent horse- 

 owner ought to know that chaff from oat-straw is much more valuable 

 than chaff from wheat-straw. Whenever hay is of a soft character, or is 

 dear in price, an admixture with good bright oat-straw will be of benefit. 

 The addition of one-quarter part oat-straw will improve the quality of the 

 hay without appreciably lessening its nutritive value, and it will usually 

 materially cheapen its cost. 



A very good and not too expensive chaff will be secured by a mixture 

 of two parts best meadow-hay, one part rye-grass and clover, and one part 

 oat- straw. 



Of late years a large quantity of hay has been imported, and much of 

 the best imported hay is in practice found equal to home-grown produce. 



BEDDING 



The substances used for litter or bedding ^^urposes are of considerable 

 variety, their selection depending primarily upon the views of the horse- 

 owner, the class of horse, the purpose for which the horse is kept, and the 

 relative cost and supply of the various suitable materials. AVherever the 

 health and comfort of the horse and the appearance of the stables are the 

 primary considerations, and cost is of secondary account, straw is the sub- 

 stance invariably used. Horse-owners universally contend, and justly so, 

 that clean, sweet, dry straw makes a better litter than any other material, 

 as it entices a tired horse to lie down and rest, and it is generally more 

 conducive to good health. Anyone possessing a real affection for his 

 horses, and having any pride in them, will feel amply rewarded for the 

 extra expense he incurs, by using straw for bedding, when he remembers 

 that he is adding to the comfort and well-being of his equine friends. 



Wheat-straw makes a better litter tlian the other straws, such as oat, 

 barley, rye, bean, pea. It makes a good bed, is brighter-looking, tougher, 

 and more durable, the durability being balanced when the trusses are 

 cut in two, so that soiled ends can be removed without sacrificing the 

 unsoiled. 



Oat-straw is generally cheaper than wheat-straw, and makes a very 

 fair bed, but it is not so bright or so durable. It possesses a disadvantage 



