FOOD. 



14T 



flour, boiled in water, to the thickness of starch, is given with 

 good effect in over-purging, especially if combined with chalk 

 and opium. 



Bran, or the ground husk of the wheat, used to be frequently 

 given to sick horses, on account of the supposed advantage 

 derived from its relaxing the bowels. There is no doubt that 

 it does operate gently on the intestinal canal, and assists in 

 quickening the passage of its contents, when occasionally given ; 

 but it must not be a constant, or even frequent food. Bran or 

 pollard often accumulates in the intestines, when given injudi- 

 ciously, seriously impairing the digestive powers. Bran may, 

 however, be useful as an occasional aperient in the form of a 

 mash, but never should become a regular article of food. 



Beans afford a striking illustration of the principle, that the 

 nourishing or strengthening effects of the different articles of 

 __j^3^^^i_ food depend more upon some peculiar pro- 

 '^'-~- '^"^^^g" perty which they possess, or upon some 

 combination which they form, than 

 upon the actual 

 g-^ quantity of nutri- 

 tive matter. Beans 

 iiyinini contain but from 

 five hundred and 

 twenty to six hun- 

 dred parts of nu- 

 tritive matter; yet 

 they add materially to the vigor of the horse. There are many 

 horses that will not stand hard work without beans being 

 mingled with their food ; and there are horses, whose ten- 

 dency to purge it may be necessary to restrain by the astrin- 



THE AMERICAN RACER, BLACK MARIA 



