THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. '^1 



their artificial life appears best maintained by con- 

 densed nutriment, as grain. In some posting and 

 fast-coach stables hardly any hay is allowed, as use- 

 lessly distending the stomach. These are the extreme 

 cases : but the inference to be drawn is, that the uses 

 to which we apply the horse will best dictate the quan- 

 tities of either provender; bearing it in mind, that 

 horses, like ourselves, vary constitutionally, some being 

 more readily and more simply nourished than others." 



Add to these several kinds of grasses I have already 

 named: in various portions of the world different 

 other green and dry herbage is used ^ according to the 

 peculiar products of the country. Thus, on the con- 

 tinent vine and lime leaves are occasionally used : 

 furze and other things are used in sterile parts wiiere 

 grass is not abundant. 



2. Grain of different kinds is given to horses, as 

 oats, barley, wheat, and each of these differ in the 

 quantity of nutriment they furnish. Oats have the 

 most extensive use in this country ; these when kept 

 for some time will be much more wholesome than when 

 new. The old oats being sweet and dry, are conse- 

 quently more easily digested than the new, which con- 

 tain much watery matter. When oats have been 

 damaged they ought to be kiln-dried before they are 

 given to the horse, to destroy the musty smell they 

 usually acquire, and to kill the fungus which grows 

 on the seed ; they may, however, be burnt when 

 undergoing this process, and are as noxious as when 

 musty. Kiln-burnt oats being of a heating nature, 

 cause mange, and other affections of the skin ; while 

 the musty oa^5 will produce inflammation of the bowels 

 and kidney, and derange the system generally ; these 

 likewise affect the urinary organs, which may also be 

 occasioned bv kiln-burnt oats. 



