436 



BREEDING. 



lecting Ihe jobs to be executed, these need not require greater exertion 

 than would bb necessitated by healthful exercise. Thus a suggestion, 

 which to many minds may appear a heartless exaction, being explained, 

 becomes no more than a conservative recreation. Something of the kind 

 is needed, because gestation and lactation naturally dispose to sloth, and 

 half the danger of parturition springs from the debility which idleness 

 engenders. 



THE MANNER IN 'WHICH A MARB MAY EABN ITS KEEP, DCRINQ THE PERIOD OP LACTATION. 



To render this subject more easily understood, let the reader ask the 

 family medical attendant who is blest with the strongest child — the 

 wealthy lady, who can afford to repose throughout the day upon a sofa, 

 or the tradesman's wife, who is necessitated to bustle about, and to assist 

 in the lighter portions of the household duties ? Or, if a more direct 

 illustration be needed, it is afforded by the contrast presented between 

 {he swarming cabin of an Irish laborer and the often heirless mansion 

 of the English aristocrat. 



Were such a custom only prevalent as has been indicated, those 

 "stud farms," where mares are taken in and confined in the straw yard, 

 with newly-born foals by their sides, would be thrown out of use. The 

 animal, being daily harnessed, would be constantly inspected. There is 

 always plenty of light employment for one horse, if a farm be kept in 

 order. These odd jobs are now either neglected altogether, or are suf- 



