76 Cut Food in Promoting Insalwation. 



secretions,, it must be obvious that iu giving food 

 in its naturally dry state, it serves more impor- 

 tant uses in the animal economy. And as the 

 quantity of saliva plays also an equally impor- 

 tant part, the use of cut food is here unmis- 

 takably shown to be a very desirable proceeding. 

 At the Helton Colliery, Mr. Luke Scott, 

 M.R.C.V.S. has followed out most useful prin- 

 ciples. His attention had been arrested in 1851 

 by the inefficiency of the existing system of 

 feeding, and proneness to mortality which was 

 constant among the horses and ponies employed. 

 The quantities allowed per pay * to each 

 animal employed in connection with the estate 

 were as follows : 



Oats in Cost. Hay in Cost. Total. 



Bushels. s. d. stones. s. s. d. 



Waggon Horse .8 160 28 14 200 



Farm Horse . . 6 19 6 20 10 196 



Pit Horse . . 6 19 6 24 12 1 11 6 



Pit Pony . . 3 9 9 12 6 15 9 



It is necessary to state, the whole of the hay 

 here allowed was not consumed. Much is constantly 

 wasted in collieries by being carelessly sent down 

 the pits, or conveyed to the stables in large trusses, 

 which come in contact with water, dirt, and 

 grease. The animals consequently refuse it, and 

 generally place it beneath them, sufficient being 



* Colliery accounts in the county of Durham are made up 

 once a fortnight, when wages are paid ; hence the term " pay." 



