150 THE FAMILY TTOftSE. 



and barley straw is irritating to tlu; skin. Straw bedding will not 

 absorb all tbc liquids nor prevent strong aniinoniacal vapors from 

 arising, and tberefore absorbents of some sort sbould l>c kept 

 on band. Dry eartli is best ; plastc^r is good ; sifted coal asb(\s and, 

 <lry sawdust may be employed. A shovelful of either will al)sorb 

 the liquids, which are of high manurinl value, and preserve them 

 in a much safer, more compact and portable form than can be done 

 in a filthy cistern. By the use of dry earth or any other good 

 absorlxait the stable can be kept perfectly clean and sweet at all 

 times, and a shovelful can be scattenjd over the floor as quickly as a 

 forkful of straw. A dry stall and dry bedding are essential to the 

 comfort and health of the horse. 



Connected with the stable should be a well-drained yard for the 

 horse to exercise in whenever it is not in use. A gate arranged so 

 that it can be slid forward to inclose the stable door within the yard 

 is a good contrivance. With a sliding door for ihc stall, the horse 

 can be turned loose :ind given the run of botii yard and stall. For 

 brood mares this is an excellent arrangement — mucii better than a 

 box stall or shedded yard. If the yard can be eidarged to a small 

 pasture so nuich the better. Sow it with Kentucky blue grass, or- 

 chard grass and timothy, equal quantities of each, by weight, at 

 the rate of two bush<'ls per acre. Use no clover, because its second 

 growth causes salivation. The horse should have some exercise 

 every day if possible. Continued enforced idleness is very injurious. 

 The muscles become soft, the flesh flabby, the system clogged, and 

 he is soon rendered unfit for even light work. A moderate amount 

 of t^xercise will prevent this, and keep the animal in good condition 

 for bard work and long drives. 



GROOMING. 



Thorougli grooming is as essential to the health, comfort and 

 appearance of the horse as proper food and shelter. Curry and 

 brush it from bead to foot at least once every day. Use the comb 

 lightly and the brusli vigorously. Aim to make the opi^-ation agree- 

 able to the horse. When it comes in wet and nuiddy, wash its legs 

 and feet clean with warm water and rub dry with a cloth ; it will 

 prevent scratches and other like ailments. In warm weather 

 sponge off the shoulders, and other parts sweated by the harness, 

 with cool, salty water, then wipe dry. If the horse; should acciden- 

 tally become galled, use the following ointment : Clean lard, two 

 ounces, acetate of copper one-quarter ounce, Venice turpentine one- 

 half ounce, spirits turpentine one-lialf ounce. Melt slowly and mix, 



