672 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



The Horse-blanket. The horse-blanket is a thing of 

 comfort that, wisely used, will pay to keep. Every horse needs 

 one at times, as surely as the owner at times needs an extra 

 coat. The farm team used for slow work does not in general 

 need to be blanketed when standing, but when driven from home, 

 and having to stand in a cold wind, prudence and kindness demand 

 that, while standing, they be blanketed. The road horse, that is 

 warmed up by a few miles drive, is in condition to take severe 

 cold, unless promptly blanketed as soon as he comes to rest. 

 There should be especial care in the spring time, when the winds 

 are chilly and damp, and the horses are shedding their coats. 

 The system is not then in condition to resist such a shock as 

 comes with cooling suddenly in a cold wind. A blanket is a 

 necessity for every horse that is driven off of a walk, or has to 

 stand after severe labor, in a cold wind. It is cruelty and 

 wanton carelessness to drive a horse until heated, and then 

 hitch him to a post to shiver in the cold. The old theory, that 

 exposure makes animals hardy, is merely an apology for care- 

 lessness, cruelty, and meanness. 



