100 The Horse Farrier. 



Carrots. — The virtues of this root are not sufficient- 

 ly known, whether as contributing to the strength and 

 endurance of the sound horse, or the rapid recovery of 

 the sick one. To the healthy horse, they should be 

 given sliced in his feed. Half a bushel will be a fair 

 daily allowance. There is little provender of which 

 the horse is fonder. The following account of the val- 

 ue of the carrot is not exaggerated. " This root is held 

 in much esteem. There is none better, nor perhaps so 

 good. When first given, it is slightly diuretic and 

 laxative ; but as the horse becomes accustomed to it, 

 these effects cease to be produced. They also improve 

 the state of the skin. They form a good substitute for 

 grass, and an excellent alterative for horses out of con- 

 dition. To sick and idle horses, they render grain un- 

 necessary. They are beneficial in all chronic diseases 

 connected with breathing, and have a marked influence 

 upon chronic cough and broken wind. They are ser-' 

 viceable in diseases of the skin, and in combination with 

 oats they restore a worn horse much sooner than oats 

 alone. 



Potatoes have been given, and with advantage, in 

 their raw state, sliced with the chaff; but, where it 

 has been convenient to boil or steam them, the benefit 

 has been far more evident. Purging has then rarely 

 ensued. Some have given boiled potatoes, alone, and 

 horses, instead of rejecting them, have soon preferred 

 them even to oats ; but it is better to mix them with 

 the usual manger-feed, in the proportion of one pound 

 of potatoes to two and a half pounds of the other in- 

 gredients. The jjse of the potatoe must depend on its 

 cheapness, and the facility for boiling it. Half a dozen 

 horses would soon repay the expense of a steaming- 



