FORAGE. 61 



98/. Clover hay. 



Clover hay is much relished by horses. It is very useful in putting on 

 llesh, but militates against very hard condition and good wind, and is 

 therefore not recommended for horses doing fast work. The most valu- 

 able hay is that made from clover only; but the crop is often indeed 

 usually, sown with rye-grass, and hence there is frequently, especially in 

 the first cutting, a large admixture of the latter in it. 



The produce of the first cutting is the best, that of the second is much 

 coarser. The third growth is not often made into hay. It consists 

 chiefly of leaves, as the stalks do not grow a third time. It is generally 

 fed down. 



The most common defect in clover hay is mouldiness or a tendency to 

 it, indicated by loss of colour in the flowers and general blackness. It 

 is, in fact, a difficult crop to save well on account of the great amount of 

 juice in its fibres and leaves, especially in the first cutting of the year. 



98$. Green forage. 



Green forage is laxative and cooling, and therefore well suited for sick 

 or young horses, especially when first taken up from grass. The quantity 

 given to the latter should be gradually diminished, as the system becomes 

 accustomed to more stimulating diet and the warmth of stables. 



Green forage, if given to horses in fast work, is very liable to cause 

 bowel complaints. From its bulk and laxative action it militates against 

 the hard condition necessary for fast or full work. It is not, however, 

 so objectionable for cart horses, whose work is slow ; yet it causes even 

 these to sweat much and easily, and not unfrequently, especially in early 

 spring, brings on bowel complaints. 



Green forage of whatever sort should be young and fresh. Grass, rye- 

 grass, lucerne, and sainfoin are to be preferred when they can be 

 obtained. Vetches and clover are also used. Green forage, when old, 

 loses much of its succulence, and vetches in particular become heating. 

 If stale it is apt, from rapid decomposition, to produce colic and intes- 

 tinal disease. 



Clover, vetches, and other plants of the Trifolium variety contain an 

 acrid principle, which is apt to affect the kidneys. Grass, rye-grass, 

 lucerne, and sainfoin are free from this objectionable property, and are 

 therefore more suitable for sick horses than the varieties of Trifolium. 



Green forage should always at first be given rather sparingly. Many 

 horses die every spring from neglect of this precaution. 



9Sh. Carrots. 



Carrots are often very acceptable to sick horses, and are especially 

 valuable at those seasons of the year when fresh grass cannot be procured. 

 New carrots are the best. None but sound roots should be selected. 

 They should be sliced longways. If cut transversely they are apt to 

 cause choking. They may be given by themselves or mixed with oats or 



