THE HORSE. 29 



One description, or make of horse, would almost 

 fatten where another would starve. A small horse 

 does not require so much food as a larger one, though 

 it is often a subject of surprise that one horse is not 

 so fat as another, when both have the same allow- 

 ance of corn. Much also depends upon manage- 

 ment in this respect, as when beans should be com- 

 menced and when left off. To lay down rules, how- 

 ever, upon a subject of this nature, from which there 

 should be no deviation, is utterly impossible; but as 

 general ones, an observance of the following will be 

 found of c;reat advantaofe. Disreo^ard the time of 

 year, whenever you go a few miles further on your 

 day's journey than usual, as in that case a few beans 

 would be very acceptable and of great service to 

 your horse. These are to be added to his full allow- 

 ance of corn, and not a single grain be allowed to be 

 subtracted therefrom to make way for the beans. 

 Should he have been exposed to more cold than 

 usual from standing about in a bleak, sharp wind, 

 or been out in the wet, he will be grateful for some 

 beans, although this should happen in the midst of 

 summer. Beans should never be omitted while 

 changing his coat during spring and autumn, or 

 should he have to stand in a colder stable than usual 

 during the night. Indeed, all through the winter, as 

 may be gathered from the above, beans are useful ; 

 but in the winter, when a horse has been exposed to 

 extra cold wind or rain, the usual allowance should 

 be doubled. 



OATS. 



A WORKING horse should never have less than four 

 quarterns, or one peck of oats, a day, but more ac- 

 cording to size and circumstances. Some horses, if 

 in poor condition, will eat a peck and half of oats 

 and half a peck of beans per day, with benefit to 

 them. In feeding them well, (giving them plenty of 



