142 



CANADIAN FARM YEAR BOOK. 



or twelve hours. Corn Is better 

 given ground and fed in quantities of 

 from one to two quarts at a meal, 

 mixed with crushed oats or wheat 

 bran. Be very particular in giving 

 corn to a horse that is not accustomed 

 to its use. Tt must be commenced in 

 small quantities and very gradually 

 increased. I know of no grain more 

 likely to produce what is called acute 

 indigestion than corn, if these direc- 

 tions are not observed. 



Linseed. — Ground linseed is occa- 

 sionally fed with other foods to keep 

 the bowels open and to improve the 

 condition of the skin. It is of par- 

 ticular service during convalescence, 

 when the bowels are sluggish in their 

 action. Linseed tea is very often 

 given in irritable or inflamed condi- 

 tions of the digestive organs. 



Potatoes. — These are fed as an ar- 

 ticle of food for the hurse in many 

 sections. They possess, in common 

 with other roots, slight laxative pro- 

 perties. 



Carrots. — These make a most ex- 

 cellent food, particularly during sick- 

 ness. They improve the appetite and 

 slightly increase the action of the 

 bowels and kidneys. They possess 

 also certain alterative properties. The 

 coat becomes smooth and glossy when 

 carrots are fed. Some veterinary 

 writers claim that chronic cough is 

 cured by giving carrots for some 

 time. The roots may be considered, 

 then, as an adjunct to the regular 

 regimen, and if fed in small quanti- 

 ties, are highly beneficial. 



Grasses. — Grass is the natural food 

 for horses. It is composed of a great 

 variety of plants, differing widely as 

 to the amount at nourishment con- 

 tained, some being almost entirely 

 without value as foods and only eaten 

 when there is nothing else obtainable, 

 while others are positively injurious 

 or even poisonous. None of the 

 grasses are sufficient to keep the 

 horse in condition for work. Horses 

 thus fed are "soft," sweat easily, 

 purge, and soon tire on the road or 

 when at hard work. To growing 

 stock, grass is indispensable, and 

 there is little or no doubt but that it 

 acts as an alterative when given to 

 horses accustomed to hay and grain. 

 It must be given to such horses in 

 small quantities at first. The stom- 

 ach and intestines undergo rest, and 

 recuperate if the horse is turned to 

 grass for a time each year. It is also 

 certain that during febrile diseases 

 grass acts almost as a medicine, less- 

 ening fever and favoring recovery. 

 Wounds heal more rapidly than when 

 the horse is on grain, and some 

 chronic disorders (chronic cough, 

 for instance) disappear entirely when 

 at grass. In my experience, grass 

 does more good when the horse crops 

 it himself. This may be due to the 

 sense of freedom he enjoys at pas- 

 ture, to the rest to his feet and limbs, 

 and for many other similar reasons. 

 When cut for him it should be fed 

 fresh, or when but slightly wilted. 



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