STABLE MANAGEMENT. 77 



a bale may be of any size, but usually they are not less than two trusses 

 in weight. 



As a bedding, straw is doubtless the most attractive material on 

 account of its bright, cleanly appearance, and the comfortable elastic bed 

 it provides when new, and well arranged ; but unless a sufficient amount 

 can be supplied to admit of its being frequently changed, and thoroughly 

 dried, it becomes a dirty, damp, urine-soaked mass, particularly in wet 

 weather, which is neither comfortable nor sanitary. 



Management of straw bedding. — Old bedding, when removed from Manage- 

 the stalls, should be well-shaken up, and only the dung and short refuse ment of 

 taken to the dung-heap. In fine weather it should be spread in the open f^^^^'^Y 

 till thoroughly aerated and dried, then placed in wind-rows till required, redding. 

 In hot climates it may become too dry and brittle if exposed to the sun 

 for long periods, and should, when sufficiently dry, be stacked in large 

 heaps. In wet weather, it should be spread out under cover, outside the 

 stable if possible, to get well-aired and as dry as can be. The fresh straw 

 should be well-mixed with old before bedding down, and kept towards 

 the rear of the stall, where it cannot be reached and eaten by the animal. 

 Under no circumstances should the bedding be stacked in the front of 

 the stall, under the manger, where a greedy horse can eat it, and where 

 he is compelled to breathe the ammonia which rises from it. 



In making a bed, the litter should be tossed so that it lies evenly over 

 the stall, the straws cris-crossed, and not all one way. This will ensure 

 it being elastic, and not easily disarranged. The rear of the bed should 

 have the loose ends of the straw neatly turned in, which is done by 

 placing the handle of a fork near the edge, pressing one foot on it to 

 steady it, and twisting the straggling ends beneath it. As horses usually 

 lie well back, at the extent of their rack chain, the bed should not be 

 made right up to the front of the stall. 



Wheat straw is the best, it is long, stout, and sufficiently tough, is not Wheat 

 so .sweet as oat straw, and, therefore, not so readily eaten. It should be ^traw. 

 of a bright but pale yellow colour, and if it has been much weathered, 

 becomes discoloured and greyish. 



Oat straw is not so hard and tough, is more easily crushed, and does Oat straw, 

 not wear so long ; but as it is more digestible, and sweeter to the taste, 

 it makes excellent ctiaff either alone or when mixed with hay. In colour 

 it should be a bright golden. 



Barley straw is not suitable for bedding ; the awns on the ears are so Barley 

 prickly that they may cause an irritation of the skin, and if eaten, colic, straw. 



Rye straw is the toughest of all, and wears longest, but it is scarce Rye 

 and dear, there being another market for the limited supply as a stuffing straw. 



