330 NAVIN ON THE HOKSE. 



ther discussion of this subject, consult the various agricultural 

 journals. Bruised or crushed grain is given with a view of its 

 being more easily and perfectly digested. It is also preferred 

 by the horse. Boiling and steaming are for the same purpose, 

 generally. The properties of some roots are changed by boil- 

 ing, making them agree better with the horse ; as turnips, 

 potatoes, artichokes, etc. 



Hay tea^ made by steeping hay in hot w^ater, and closely cov- 

 ered until cool, is an excellent, nutritious drink for sick horses. 

 It would doubtless be of advantage to horses of quick action 

 wdien tired and hungry. 



Seasoning. — The only article of this class necessary is salt. 

 The horse should have salt once a day. It is a very good plan . 

 to give it in his soft feed, or even in meal. Some prefer the 

 rock-salt, but I apprehend it has no superiority over the com- 

 mon salt. 



Niter (saltpeter) is often given the horse, but it is not only 

 useless, but even injurious. In some countries, pepper, ginger, 

 or other stimulants, are often given the horse. They may be 

 valuable in very warm climates, but are not necessary in ours. 



Time of Feeding. — Most persons have their times for feeding 

 arranged to suit the business they follow. The farmer feeds 

 three times a day, and this is the least number of feeds the 

 horse will do well on. Others feed oftener, but the quantity 

 of provender used is about the same per day if the horse is 

 fed three or six times. 



Water. — Many lengthy discussions have been indulged in on 

 the subject of watering. Many confiictiiag oj^inions have been 

 advanced. Men of observation do not seem to conclude alike 

 in all cases. Undoubtedly the watering should depend, to 

 some extent, on the use for which the horse is intended. If for 

 quick action, his watering should be so arranged that he may 

 never be put to his work with his secum full of water, for his 

 wind may be injured by it. But that he should have water as 

 often as he becomes thirsty seems but the deduction of com- 



