36 FEEDING AND GROOMING 



themselves so long as the pan underneath is kept 

 well supplied with water. The cost of horseflesh 

 varies a good deal, according to the locality. On 

 the outskirts of London you will probably have to 

 pay about 8s. per % cwt., while in the country it 

 may be bought for considerably less. Some people 

 arrange to take the surplus bread from the tables 

 of hotels and restaurants ; this may be had in large 

 quantities, for it will keep good a week or two if 

 dried first of all in an oven. The supply, how- 

 ever, is limited. Liver is of very little dietetic value, 

 although dogs are extremely fond of it, and, given 

 occasionally, it is useful as a laxative. I have very 

 little sympathy with the pampered pets who refuse 

 everything but the daintiest of morsels. Young 

 chickens, rabbits, and such-like luxuries are a wicked 

 waste. Occasionally, however, one may get a valu- 

 able show animal that is a bad doer, and it may 

 be necessary to stimulate his appetite in order to 

 get him into condition. Raw eggs are very useful 

 for this purpose, and cod-liver oil will also do much 

 good. Fish is chiefly valuable as a change, its feed- 

 ing properties not being very high, and a much 

 greater quantity is needed than of meat. Fowls' 

 heads, which may be obtained from the poultryman, 

 make a very rich soup. Rice mixed with gravy is 

 to be recommended at times, while oatmeal, although 

 much esteemed by many, is apt to be heating. This 

 should always be well seasoned. Dogs kept in the 

 country are often fed on barley-meal mixed with milk, 

 but this is not so easily digestible as wheat meal. 

 Vegetables, although not nutritious, help to keep the 

 blood in good order, but require using with discre- 

 tion. Salt is not desirable. 



