206 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



It is equally the same with the eye of aa animal, for 

 that organ is alike tender ; and in the horse's we may 

 trace other evils arising from this carelessness or ne- 

 glect ; they have frequently become shy, and not un- 

 frequently starters, from the effect of mistaking objects 

 and their distance, during the period of this imperfect 

 vision. 



On the other hand, when much light is admitted 

 into stables, the walls should not be bright ; white- 

 wash is too glaring. A dead, dull colour, is preferable. 



Some paint all the wood-work of the building, and 

 wash it carefully once in the course of three weeks : 

 this is very judicious, and gives to the stable an ap- 

 pearance of cleanliness as well as neatness 



We will close this subject with a few general re- 

 marks. At all times it is better to remove the Utter 

 before it has become tainted, than allow it to be used 

 too long to the prejudice of health and comfort. No- 

 thing is lost by taking away any portion that has be- 

 come bad and unwholesome, and adding a small 

 quantity of fresh straw. Dung should likewise be 

 swept away as soon as dropped, and the stables should 

 be carefully washed at least once a-day ; this is better 

 done when the horses are at exercise. The custom ox 

 having a goat in the stables is not exploded. It is better 

 not to admit any animals or fowls. 



The farmer's horse requires hut little grooming, nor 

 such as are turned out to grass. The brush and curry- 

 comb are highly necessary for horses kept in stables 

 and worked only occasionally. Good rubbings pro- 

 motes circulation of the blood, opens the pores of the 

 skin, creates a healthy perspiration, and serves instead 

 of exercise ; further, without well grooming, no horse 

 can be expected to have a fine coat. 



In fair weather the horse should be cleaned m the 



