Objections to the Use of Dry Food. 59 



wasted by the horses throwing out the corn when 

 searching for better portions. 



In addition, I entered the stables on one occa- 

 sion when the premises were supposed to be 

 deserted^ and observed a number of those young 

 urchins who are always a kind of sine qua non 

 about lorries and stables, carrying on a mimic 

 warfare, the missiles in the case being oats, ob- 

 tained from the open corn-bin or granary. It 

 was afterwards ascertained this had been a 

 common practice. The successful remedy soon 

 followed in the shape of deep and wide mangers, 

 with iron cross-bars, padlocks to the corn-bin 

 and granary door, and institution of a proper 

 room for mixing the corn and cut food. 



That the half-famished Indians picked some- 

 thing out of the excrements of the horses I have 

 no doubt, and they most probably resembled oats 

 in appearance. Birds, especially sparrows and 

 common fowls, are also captivated to make such 

 a selection for their crop. But only in outward 

 appearance would these abstracted matters re- 

 semble the grain of oats. Few have trusted them- 

 selves and their judgment in troubling in this 

 matter farther than making the broad assertion 

 on the strength of appearances. A superficial 

 mode, and very delusive proposition to be circu- 

 lated. I have tested the matter and found it to 

 be an error. 



If the stomach and digestive organs generally 

 are in a state of health and order, very few 



