i6 THE HORSE 



to watering them. The comparatively small size of a 

 horse's stomach, and the short time that food remains 

 within it, clearly indicate that this animal requires to be 

 fed at fairly short intervals, but it should not be fed 

 whilst it is at work. The nose-bag system of feeding is a 

 most pernicious one as practised by the uninitiated. To 

 fix on the nose-bag every time a horse stops is one of the 

 most idiotic ideas ever estabhshed. If a horse is worked, 

 fed from the nose-bag, and then allowed an hour or two's 

 rest the matter is quite all right, so far as feeding is 

 concerned. Horses should not be fed on journeys when 

 the body is overheated, but they can always be safely 

 watered, provided that they are not allowed too much 

 water. Anything from half to one gallon will be sufficient 

 under these circumstances. Another fallacious notion in 

 the watering of sick horses is that of supplying them with 

 chilled water, which they hardly ever appreciate. For 

 the reduction of temperature, as in certain fevers, cold 

 water is an invaluable medium, and ought always to be 

 allowed. Another matter which should never be lost 

 sight of by attendants on horses is that of refraining from 

 giving an excessive amount of forage after a prolonged 

 fast. This is a waste of food, as the extra grub will not 

 compensate for the additional loss of muscular energy 

 through prolonged abstinence. The best forage is the 

 most economical, and it is far better to pay more money 

 for a good article than to waste it on inferior or damaged 

 food. A good horse-master will keep a watchful eye on 

 everything appertaining to the general welfare of his 

 charges ; in fact, it is the horse-keeper's eye which makes 

 the animals thrive. Whenever horses are troubled with colic 

 and various other ailments it is a sure sign that the stable 

 management is at fault, and the matter should be looked 

 into accordingly. Every class of the community has its 

 unscrupulous persons, and such unscrupulousness may 

 be at the expense of the animals, although they are un- 

 able to record it in black and white. It is impossible to 



