36 VALUE OF CONDITION. 



and be ready for a feed, both morning and evening, of 

 some finely-crushed beans, bran, and hay chaff, in some 

 home paddocks, on which there should be a good bite 

 of grass. 



If the colts can be conveniently separated from the 

 fillies at this period, the condition of both will be ma- 

 terially improved thereby. 



Colts intended for geldings should be castrated in 

 April or the end of May, after which operation they 

 should have one hour's walking exercise per day to 

 prevent swelling and inflammation, and great care 

 should be taken that no heating food be given at this 

 period. Bran mashes and a little hay will be the most 

 proper food for the week following the operation, after 

 which, if the operation have been properly performed, 

 the colt may be put to grass again. 



The making up process will now begin in real ear- 

 nest, for buyers like to see a big sleek-looking yearling 

 inasmuch as it gives evidence of his having suffered 

 from no serious illness up to this time ; and very fre- 

 quently are yearlings left unsold or absolutely begged, 

 which give evidence, by the poverty of their condi- 

 tion, of having been afflicted with mange, worms, in- 

 fluenza, &c. 



Therefore no means should be neglected to furnish 

 their frames. Corn, linseed, beans, peas, Indian corn, 

 or all mixed up together, and as much of them as they 

 will eat, should be allowed ; in addition to which they 

 should be well dressed over, morning and evening, 

 which will not only make them put on flesh the faster, 



