96 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 



WAsniNa Roots. A little dirt may do no injury, 

 sspecially in winter. Some think it is benefid al. Sheep 

 are doubiless benefited by a little. The dirt has a laxa- 

 tive efl'cct ; and the roots, and salt used on them, have 

 the same effect. This may be sufficient without dirt. 

 The dirt may wear the teeth too fast, and sometimes 

 horses loathe it. It is but a little trouble to M'ash them 

 in a machine, or by putting them into a basket, and 

 shaking them in a tub of water. 



VARIOUS OTHER FOOD. 



Beans are seldom used in this country. In England, 

 they are much used. Old beans are preferred, as new 

 are more flatulent and harder to digest, producing colic 

 and founder. Sometimes they are mouldy, and insects 

 may eat out the flour and vital part. Beans are very 

 nutritious, heating and constipating. Therefore, use 

 them sparingly. Grind them, and strew the meal on 

 fodder. The meal is good for diabetes. 



Peas are much the same as beans, only rather harder 

 to digest. The meal is still better for diabetes. 



Flax-seed, in small quantities, either Avhole or ground, 

 raw or boiled, is sometimes given to sick horses. It is 

 too nutritious for a fever, or any condition that requires 

 light food. But it is excellent for a cough ; it makes 

 the skin loose, and the coat smooth and shining. Half 

 a pint may be mixed with the food every night. For a 

 cough, it should be boiled, and given in a bran mash, 

 and the compound will be improved in its medical qual- 

 ities by adding a little coarse sugar, honey, or molasses. 



Oil Cake, ground, which is called oil meal, is very 

 good in boiled food, which is not very rich ; or it may 

 be prepared by turning on water, and let it stand awhile. 

 In this state, it may be sprinkled on to cut feed, or any 

 fodder. Two pounds a day is the usual allowance ; it 

 makes the hair glossy, and the skin soft and pliant. 



Hemp-seed is supposed to be invigorating and good for 

 the wind. It is given to stallions in the travelling sea- 

 son The allo^^ance is four or five ounces every night. 



Egos and New Milk are given to stallions in the sea- 

 ma they are much used, but the former is a very expeii 



