4. 



THE horse-keeper's GUIDE. 28'> 



The hay-loft, the granary, or corn-bin, and the manger, 

 fill demand notice ; but in the present work, where S})ace 

 is limited, a general notice will be sufficient. The hay, 

 whether kept in a loft over the stable, or over the coach- 

 house (which latter is preferable), should be free from taint 

 or smell, and be often turned, so as to keep it sweet and 

 f^esh. The granary, or corn-bin, should be kept free from 

 dust, which is apt to accumulate, if not occasionally cleaned 

 out. The manofer, or trouijh, which contains the corn in- 

 tended for the horse's food, is usually made of wood ; we, 

 however, prefer those constructed of iron,' something of a 

 stove-grate form, and fixed to one of the upper ends of the 

 stall. The manger should be kept clean ; unless it is so, 

 it contracts a fetid sour smell, or becomes musty ; and in 

 either case a horse, particularly if of a delicate stomach, 

 may be prevented from feeding. Care and cleanliness will 

 prevent this. Mangers, if made of wood, are often as long 

 as the stable : this is unnecessary ; thirty inches length is 

 amply sufficient ; but in depth they are rarely enough , 

 they should be at least twelve inches deep, and of about 

 the same breadth. It should not be flat at bottom, either 

 within or without ; a flat-bottomed manger injures the horse 

 about the head when risincr and about the leos or knees 

 when pawing : from these reasons, it is best if concave 

 within, and convex without. 



Previously to bringing a horse to your stable, you should 

 enquire how he has been generally treated ; for too great 

 a change, either in his food or treatment, may operate in- 

 juriously. Horses purchased from a dealer have most 

 probably been kept in a warm stable, and been fully cloth- 

 ed, highly fed, and rarely exercised : — they may have fine 

 coats, be in high spirits, and look lusty and well-; but they 

 are often totally unfit for work, are easily heated by exer- 

 tion, and subject to take cold upon the slightest change of 

 temperature. To prevent this, make yourself acquainted 

 with the pajticulars necessary, and act accordingly, sub- 

 jecting him hy degrees to your peculiar mode of treat 

 ment. 



