FEEDLYG. 211 



predicted for Lathynis that, at no distant date, it will prove 

 the sheet-anchor of the horse-breeder and horse-owner. 



Having hurriedly glanced at the various foods at our 

 disposal, we would now call attention to water and watermg. 

 In a state of nature, when water is within reach, horses 

 never want such an immoderate quantity as to unfit them 

 for active work at any moment. Epicures as to their food, 

 they are doubly so on the question of water. An Arab 

 horse of the highest caste — a Seglawiah Jedran, Manhagy 

 Hudree, or other patrician of Nejd or Mesopotamia — 

 always, it is said, troubles the water with his forefeet before 

 slaking his burning thirst. The mobs of Australia have 

 their favourite water-holes. Here in our more favoured 

 pastures our fenced-in horses have their favourite spring 

 or rivulet, the effect of which on their condition is dis- 

 tinctly noticeable, and which they will drink copiously 

 or almost reject. The cold chalky water of Epsom has 

 militated against the prowess of many an aspirant for Derby 

 honours, has robbed many a sterling good racer of "the 

 blue riband of the turf." The groom's common practice 

 is to water twice a day — at each time a copious draught. 

 When being fed on dry corn and dry hay, the horse, un- 

 doubtedly, should have clean, and, if possible, soft or river 

 water always within his reach. Like ourselves, he is liable 

 to derangements of the stomach, and seeks a remedy in 

 copious draughts of water; the means to slake his thirst 

 should therefore be permanently at hand. If an arrange- 

 ment for continual access to water be inconvenient, then 

 offer it to the horse three or four times a day. The 

 quantity cannot be stated, it is best to let him drink what 

 he fancies, giving it an hour before feeding, commencing 

 early in the morning. 

 ■ The following rules should be observed : — 



