Management and Feeding of Heavy Horses 135 



quantity of chaff as required. The corn coffers would also he 

 better kept in the chaff-room than behind the horses as is frequently 

 done. 



The stable should be well swept out twice a day and washed 

 out once a week, a spare man being appointed to do the washing 

 when the wagoners have the horses out at work. 



The above description is that of an ordinary farm stable, as 

 well fitted as can be expected consistent with economy. On some 

 model farms now we have stables lighted by electricity, and fitted 

 up with every convenience imaginary. That style cannot be 

 attained, however, by ordinary farm horses. 



When horses are working on the land flat shoes are the most 

 suitable; caulkers are quite unnecessary, and are undesirable for 

 farm horses. Of course, in slippery frosty weather the caulkers 

 have to be used, and sharpened if necessary. Shoes do not wear 

 out so quickly on the land as on the road ; but it is necessary that 

 they be removed occasionally and not allowed to remain on too 

 long; the hoof will require to be pared and trimmed into shape. 

 In frosty weather some of the horses may have to be sharpened 

 but no more of them should be done than is absolutely necessary. 



The great essential in the management of farm horses is to have 

 capable, intelligent, conscientious wagoners, teamsmen, or plough- 

 men, by whatever term they are known — men who take an interest 

 in their horses, take a pride in their work, and can be trusted to 

 attend to them if the master is not in sight. Unfortunately that 

 class of wagoner seems now to be very scarce. Farmers generally 

 complain that, even with advanced education and the higher rate 

 of wages, the wagoners of the present generation are very much 

 behind their predecessors in capability, reliability, and adaptability ; 

 that they do not find their pleasure in their horses, but rather in 

 leaving them and getting away on a bicycle. The local ploughing 

 match, which used to be such a potent influence in creating 

 enthusiasm in country districts, seems to be losing its power to 

 infuse a spirit of healthy rivalry among country youths; and in 

 many districts farmers are hard put to find the men for the work. 

 Dare it be said that very often the employers show a bad example? 



THE STREET HORSE 



After leaving the farm, the happy scene of his colthood and his 

 apprenticeship, the life of the heavy horse is one monotonous round 

 of drudgery on the roads and streets. He has to bid farewell to 

 pastures green, to joyous scenes, to old acquaintance, and to happy 



