FOOD. 151 



it over the different layers as it is put away, or as the stack is 

 formed. From its attraction to water, it would combine with 

 that excess of moisture which in wet seasons, is the cause of too 

 rapid and violent fermentation, and of the hay becoming mois- 

 tened, Of of the stack catching fire, and it would become more 

 incorporated with the hay. The only objection to its being thus 

 used is, that the color of the hay is not so bright ; but this will 

 be of little consequence for home consumption. 



Clover is useful for soiling the horse ; and clover hay is 

 preferable to meadow hay for chaff. It will sometimes tempt 

 the sick horse, and may be given with advantage to those of 

 slow and heavy work ; but custom seems properly to have for- 

 bidden it to the roadster or those used for quick work. 



The Swedish Turnip is an article of food, the value of 

 which, particularly for agricultural horses, has not been suf- 

 ficiently appreciated. Although it is far from containing the 

 amount of nutritive matter which many have supposed, that 

 which it has seems to be capable of complete and easy diges- 

 tion. It should be sliced with chopped straw, and without hay. 

 It quickly fattens the horse, and produces a smooth glossy coat 

 and a loose skin. It is a good plan to give it once a day, and 

 that at night when the work is done. 



The virtues of Carrots are not sufficiently known, both as 

 contributing to the strength and endurance of the sound horse, 

 and to the rapid recovery of the sick one. To the healthy 

 horse they should be given sliced in his chaff. Half a bushel 

 will be a fair daily allowance. There is little provender, of 

 which the horse is more fond. There is none better, nor, per- 

 haps, so good. When first given, it is slightly diuretic and 

 laxative, but as the horse becomes accustomed to it, these effects 



