372 HORSE PORTRAITURE. 



defends the stomach from the corrosion of foreign matter, 

 and thus neutralizes its effects. Water is benefited by 

 being exposed to the sun and air, and when using from 

 close wells or covered cisterns, I alway allow it to stand 

 long enough to change, and approach nearer the tempe- 

 rature of the atmosphere. The temperature of the water 

 is also of importance, and while at times that of the blood is 

 the proper heat, there are others when it will not do to be 

 the least tepid, but must be regulated to what will benefit 

 the horse to drink. The acidulating of water by the use of 

 the best tartaric acid, I have found beneficial, as in the 

 case of sweating to guard against fever; and some horses 

 acquiring a fondness for the taste of it, will drink when 

 they otherwise would not touch a drop. This is an advan- 

 tage in the case of light feeders, as they are generally 

 horses that drink but very little, and if we can coax them 

 to imbibe more fluid, their appetite will be increased in a 

 proportinate ratio, and better condition result. 



The amount that each horse can be restricted to can 

 only be told by careful experiment, and the mean between 

 an inordinate drinker, and one whose thirst seems easily 

 satisfied, would be a proper mark to guide us. I have 

 ound in both cases that frequent watering is the best plan. 

 With those that would drink too much, I only put into 

 the bucket the amount they are to have, and not being 

 allowed to distend themselves, they soon become accus- 

 tomed to the restriction. The others will, perhaps, not drink 

 at all, unless the bucket is full, and some will not touch 

 it unless it is set down, and they can take it unobserved. 

 The same caution must be practiced not to have too much 

 water in a horse's stomach before his fast work is given, as 

 not to fill it with grain and hay. A pailful of water, given 

 a little while before a race, will effectually stop a horse 

 from winning, if his competitors are anywhere near him 

 in speed. This shows that exertion is impeded, and the 



