STRAW — STRAW YARD 



in one stable in a district other studs are pretty certain to 



have cases also. 



Treatment. — Apply hot 

 fomentations and linseed 

 or bran poultices at fre- 

 quent intervals, in order 

 to induce the glands to 

 form matter, and make the 

 horse inhale the steam of 

 boiling water. Lance when 

 the abscess is sufficiently 

 ripe, keeping the wound 

 open with tow, so as to 

 let it drain. Keep the 

 patient in a warm stable, 



and give Hay Tea, Gruel, and Mashes, which see, also Inhaling. 



Poultice for Strangles. 



Straw, though not a good food for light horses, is often 

 given in the form of chaff and mixed with hay to heavy 

 ones, by which it is consumed without injurious effects, though 

 it is not by any means nutritious, being extremely indiges- 

 tible. As a bedding, provided that the animals do not eat it, 

 straw is unapproachable, for it looks nice, and is an admirable 

 substance for horses to lie upon. The best of all for the 

 purpose is wheat straw, as it looks and lasts better. A truss 

 of straw should weigh 36 lbs., and a load 11 cwt., 2 qrs., 8 lbs. 

 (See Bedding^ 



Straw Yard. — A straw yard — that is, a yard covered with 

 straw and having a shed attached to it — is a great advantage 

 to all horse owners, and an absolute essential to breeders, 

 as sick or young horses, and brood mares with their foals, 

 can be placed in these for purposes of observation, or during 

 bad weather, when it might be unwise to leave them lying 

 out. Many owners, however, are careless as regards the 

 draining and cleanliness of their straw yards ; indeed in some 

 places the stables drain directly into them, the result being 



328 



