Cleaning of Horses ' 21 



cient method if the stall is built of proper size; and it 

 keeps the animal from being soiled by the droppings. 

 Another economical and satisfactory method is to use 

 a neck -strap to which a ring is fastened; through this 

 ring a chain is passed from one side of the manger to 

 the other, crosswise of the stall, and held in place by a 

 slipping bolt; by means of a rope attached to this bolt 

 and fastened to a lever, all the animals in a row can 

 be released at once. 



The drainage from stables, especially from cow sta- 

 bles, should be kept on the surface, as underground 

 drains clog easily with the coarse material that is used 

 for feed and bedding. Preferably, there should be no 

 drainage of urine, for it should be absorbed in bedding 

 for use as a fertilizer. 



THE GROOMING OF HORSES 



In most respects the skin of animals resembles 

 that of man, except that it is more densely covered 

 with hair for protection. This affords a place for 

 the lodgment of dust and dirt, w^iich is frequently 

 retained by coming in contact wdth the perspiration. 

 Dirt frequently collects upon the skin and coat of 

 animals from lying down, either in the stable or out 

 of doors. In order to improve the appearance of 

 an animal, and to contribute to its general health, the 

 skin should be cleaned frequently. This is best done 

 by means of a good bristle brush. In addition to 

 this tool, a metal comb is required for the purpose 

 of loosening such hard material as cannot be removed 



