— so- 

 Then cover with sufficient hay to make the mess for the desired 

 number of horses, weighing both hay and meal. Let it stand 

 until feeding time, when the whole should be worked over and 

 over until thoroughly mixed. If salt is given with the mess, put 

 in the required quantity for each horse, from one-quarter to half 

 an ounce per horse each feed. Many stablemen mix the mess half 

 a day in advance, but this we do not like. Horses, like men, like 

 their food fresh. An iron box is best for mixing, and it should be 

 thoroughly cleaned after each meal. 



VII. How to Make Mashes, Gruel and Hay-tea. 



The ordinary sweet mash, as usually made, is to take four 

 quarts of good bran, moisten it gradually with hot water, and 

 then mix with what boiling water will bring it up to the proper 

 consistency for eating, covering it with a cloth and feeding either 

 warm or cold as the animal will eat it. What salt will lie on a 

 quarter dollar may or may not be mixed with it. 



A better mash, especially for dry fed horses, is to boil two 

 quarts of oats and a pint of linseed, for each horse, for about 

 three hours, and then mix with it sufficient bran to bring it to a 

 proper consistency. Cover with a cloth and feed cold. Such a 

 mash given once a week, if the horses are on average feed, will 

 keep their bowels in condition. If off their feed, add a little salt, 

 and a half pint of molasses. 



Gruel is one of the best possible things for a beaten out horse. 

 Stir gradually in a gallon of water, a pint or a quart of oat- meal, 

 or half flour and half corn-meal, according as the horse likes it 

 thick or thin, and fill up the pail with cold water. If the horse 

 hesitates about drinking it, give him first a mouthful of water. 

 If he be very tired a quart of sound ale will do him good, but 

 under no circumstances, when exhausted, should he be given a feed 

 either of grain or hay. If the horse will take nothing else, turn 

 down a bottle of sound ale, rub him until dry and refreshed, and 

 then feed. 



Hay tea is also a good stimulant. To make it — fill a bucket 

 three-quarters full of bright, clean hay, pour over it enough boil- 



