PATELLA — PEAT MOSS 



in texture, do well upon it, and their growth of hair is 

 increased. For the accommodation of young horses level 

 land is not so suitable as that which undulates, as the ups 

 and downs assist in bringing all their muscles into play, 

 which is a matter for consideration in the case of race-horses 

 and other animals which are required for fast work upon all 

 sorts of tracks and roads. Attention to the grass is always 

 necessary, especially if the land is carrying many horses, as 

 the keep is likely to become poor and lose its nutritious 

 qualities if neglected. A periodical rest, if possible, will 

 improve the keep immensely, but if this is not possible for 

 a long enough period to give the grass a chance, a good 

 rolling in the early part of the year will do good. It should 

 be remembered, too, if the land is to have a top dressing, 

 that care should be exercised in the selection of the same, 

 as some dressings are not as applicable as others for the 

 purpose where horses are concerned. (See Breeding Studs, 

 Horse-sick, Paddocks, Summering, Turning Out.) 



Patella. — The bone which is placed in front of, and acts 

 as a cap for, the stifle joint. 



Paving Stables. — See Floors, Stables. 



Peacock. — A horse is described as peacocky if he is 

 narrow and " flash-looking " ; in fact, the sort of animal whose 

 appearance attracts the unwary, but will not bear criticism 

 and picking to pieces. 



Peas are a very nutritious form of food for horses in hard 

 work, provided that they are sound and at least a year old. 

 Shrivelled-up peas, or those perforated by insects, are not 

 merely non-nutritious, but they are injurious to health. The 

 allowance of peas, moreover, should always be limited, and, as 

 a rule, should not exceed one-fifth of the weight of the other 

 grain composing the feed. (See Beans, Feeding.) 



Peat Moss is a very useful, though not particularly 



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