The Stable- Yard and its Occupants. 39 



The handle should be kept clean, and the prongs bright. 

 Price 2S. 



The shovel removes the smaller particles, and the scrap- 

 ings of the stable-yard. Price 2 s. 6d. 



The besom, or broom, is used to sweep out the stable 

 after the damp soiled litter has been removed, and to keep 

 the yard neat and clean. Those made of birch are the 

 best, and are bought at about 9^. a dozen, according to 

 the quality and locality. 



A manure basket to take up the droppings. This should 

 be done before trodden about, to keep the straw clean, 

 and the stable sweet. Price 2s. 



The stable pail should be made of strong oak, bound 

 with iron, and neatly painted. Cost, from 5^. to 6s. each. 



A sieve, to cleanse the oats and chaff of all dust and 

 small stones. Price 2s. 6d. 



A quartern and a half-quartern measure, to measure out 

 the oats, beans, chaff, &c., for each horse's feed. About 

 is. 6d. each. 



The currycomb. Horses of the present day are so much 

 better bred than formerly, consequently their coats and 

 skin are so much finer, there is now much less use for the 

 currycomb, except to remove the dust from the body- 

 brush. On very rough-coated horses it may occasionally 

 be used, but no other should ever be touched with it. In 

 summer it is absolutely unnecessary, and in these days of 

 clipping and singeing, in the winter it is almost equally so. 

 It must always be used lightly, or it will severely punish 

 the horse, and on no account should the teeth be sharp, 

 or more than \ in. in length. Price is. 6d. 



The body-brush, or horse-brush as it is sometimes called, 

 is, in the hands of a good groom, the most useful imple- 

 ment used in dressing the horse, as it thoroughly removes 

 all dust and dirt, stimulates the skin, and imparts a gloss 

 to the coat. Cost, about 5^. 



The water-brush is to wash all dirt and mud from the 

 feet and legs of the horse, and stains from his quarters, 

 &c. Price 4J. 



The mane-comb, as the name implies, is to comb the 

 mane and tail. It should be made of horn, have large 



