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form of irritation cannot possibly be absolutely pre- 

 vented, it can be ameliorated to a great extent by 

 applying a little oil to the more tender parts, the 

 ears, nose, flanks, inside of the legs, the sheath, and 

 the hips under the tail. The oil should be lightly 

 rubbed on with a piece of cloth, but not so thickly 

 as to clog the hair and cause dust to adhere to it. 

 In some districts nets are worn upon horses, but 

 whilst they are pretty effectual in keeping off flies 

 they tend to heat horses, and look rather clumsy. 

 Net "ear-caps" may be worn with advantage, as 

 well as " sun-bonnets " under a broiling sun. Care 

 must be taken with these latter pieces of headgear, 

 however, in order to see that they fit properly, other- 

 wise the prevention may be worse than the disease. 

 In very hot weather the polls of horse may occa- 

 sionally be cooled by the application of a damp 

 sponge, which has a wonderfully refreshing influ- 

 ence. 



LEAVING HORSES UNTETHERED. 



The nature of the work of many horses, such as 

 vanners, etc., necessitates their occasionally being left 

 alone when delivering goods. In all such cases the 

 pressure should be removed from the shoulders by 

 turning them across inclines if practicable, or other- 

 wise braking the wheels. During rough blasts of 

 rain and snow the hind quarters of horses should 

 always, if possible, be turned towards them, as that 

 is the position horses assume under natural conditions. 



