HORSES AXD MULES. 271 



colts will not be worth any more. Two inferior colts are no 

 better than one first class. Again, don't try to get colts from 

 a poor old, worn out mare, that after years of hard labor, has 

 earned the right to rest. It is a cruelty to her, and the foal 

 will be nothing but an abortion and a disgrace. 



The Mare intended for Breeding, should be subjected 

 only to light labor, and this should be continued through the 

 first months of gestation, taking care that she be not subjected 

 to any strains, or great fatigue. When not required to work, 

 if the weather is good, permit her to run in the pasture. When 

 the weather is inclement, she should have shelter. Her food 

 should be liberal and nutritious. Clover, lucerne, green corn, 

 ruta bagas, and carrots, a few old and thoroughly dried oats, 

 and steamed bran mashes, are the best food during gestation 

 and suckling. She has two lives to support, and her food should 

 be moist, easily digested, and nutritious. 



She should be carefully groomed, and most kindly treated, 

 all through the period of gestation, if you expect from her a 

 good dispositioned foal. During the last six or eight weeks 

 she should be subjected to no labor, removed from all other ani- 

 mals, allowed to roam at will, or taken out and gently exercised. 

 As she comes nearer the time of foaling, keep her where she 

 can be watched, and assistance rendered if any should be needed. 

 When the period arrives, the time occupied by the mare in foal- 

 ing is short, and her pain severe. We cannot approve of foal- 

 ing in the field. Lead her in on to the barn floor, or under a 

 shed well littered. Let all your actions and words be gentle 

 and kind — a harsh tone is unnecessary, and may be injurious. 

 Even the voice of a stranger, or of one of whom she is afraid, 

 adds to the sufferings of the mare at this time. The hour of 

 labor being near at hand, fasten a pair of light hobbles to the 

 fetlocks of both hind legs, and ropes from them run between 



