56 THE CARE OF HORSES 



fully to your wheels and see that they are properly 

 greased and moving without unnecessary friction. 

 Here, again, the cyclist learns sympathy. He knows 

 the difference in the exertion when his wheels work 

 stiffly and when they are properly oiled. Half an 

 hour in the former condition is more exertion than 

 one hour in the latter, and it is the same with the 

 horse and cart. By wheels that work stiffly you may 

 add half a ton to the load. 



In Cold Weather, or when the horse is much 

 heated, it is a mistake to let him stand uncovered. 

 Always have a rug or sack with you to throw over 

 him, especially over his loins, if he is likely to be 

 kept standing. 



In Hot Weather, when you can, choose a shady 

 place for him to stand in. That he feels the heat 

 unpleasantly is shown by the fact that in a field he 

 will himself choose a shady spot. Sun-hats are now 

 often used, and if they fit properly are to be recom- 

 mended. 



To Keep off Flies, which are very tormenting in 

 summer-time, the following simple and harmless 

 mixture may be used : I ounce of oil of penny- 

 royal added to i pint of olive or rape oil, well shaken 

 and applied lightly. When putting it on the face — 

 with brush or sponge — care should be taken not to 

 let it run into the eyes. 



The Donkey. 



You should never be hard on poor relations, so 

 I will not forget our horse's cousin. In Fig. 30 we 

 have an ideal workaday donkey ready loaded for 

 his morning round. Being a resident in a very hilly 

 district, his task is no light one ; but he is always 

 kindly treated, and does his work willingly and cheer- 



