Feeding. 171 



tion therefore, animals cannot be expected to gain 

 much support, and it will be seen at once why 

 we claim for the horse entire rest while subsisting 

 upon them. 



Turning to grass. The more we become 

 acquainted with the nature, habits, and require- 

 ments of the horse, the less favourable does the 

 practice of turning to grass become. In addition 

 to the inconveniences already enumerated as 

 arising from the adoption of green food, there 

 are others which prove more embarrassing and 

 destructive to profits. The changes of tempera- 

 ture, that of the outer air being much cooler than 

 the air of the stable, are sufficient after sudden 

 exposure to work great and mischievous results. 

 In addition to the comparatively innutritious 

 nature of grass, as set against dry food, the 

 animal is less able to withstand the cold air of 

 nights, of rains, and winds. He therefore suffers 

 more or less, and not uncommonly comes up a 

 ee rank roarer." If greater fortune has been upon 

 his side, the bulky nature of the food may pro- 

 bably let him off with " broken wind." Besides, 

 he has accidents to encounter from mischievous 

 boys, a malicious companion, or a furious bull, 

 an opposing fence or hidden ditch. At one time 

 he stands shivering with his tail to the wind and 

 pelting rain, or is exposed to the rays of a scorch- 

 ing sun, tormented and harassed by stinging flies, 

 from which he finds no escape till nightfall. When 

 he should be quietly lying down to rest, and to allow 



