22 The Care of Animals 



with a brMsh. Combs, however, should be used lightly 

 and only for the purpose of removing dirt. The es- 

 sential part of grooming is to apply the bristle brush 

 vigorously. This removes the accumulated dirt and 

 dried perspiration, gives the coat a glossj' appearance, 

 and prevents various parasitic diseases of the skin. 

 If possible, grooming should be performed after ani- 

 mals have had exercise, as the perspiration produced 

 by the exercise is then removed instead of being allowed 

 to dry on the skin. This is especially important when 

 the skin and coat are soiled with mud or water. After 

 the coarse dirt is loosened by means of a curry-comb, 

 it should be completely removed with the brush; and, 

 after brushing, the loose dust can be removed from 

 the outside of the coat by wiping with a slightly 

 dampened cloth. 



The manes and tails of horses can be cleaned by 

 using a very coarse comb and then thoroughly brush- 

 ing with a mane brush, working on a small part of 

 the mane or tail at a time. Curry-combs and finer 

 combs should not be used upon the mane or tail, 

 as they pull out and break off too many hairs. The 

 mane and tail should be washed once in two weeks, 

 care being taken to clean the skin thoroughly by 

 using warm soft water and some mild soap ; after 

 washing the hair, brushing it out straight and dry- 

 ing it, a little bland oil or vaseline should be worked 

 into the skin to keep it soft. 



In warm weather, when horses are brought in wet 

 with perspiration, it is often a good plan to rinse 

 them off thoroughly with water from which the chill 



