FEEDING. 67 



united is found perfect nourishment. The health of ani- 

 mal life depends on the proportion of the different kinds 

 of food, both in quantity and quality. These proportions 

 differing greatly in each animal, must be determined by 

 the general state of health, and the nature and amount of 

 daily work to be done. 



It is a practicable problem for every one to solve, by 

 careful observation, what quality and quantity is especially 

 wanted or suited to each animal, in proportion to its condi- 

 tion and daily labor, for lengthening its life and promoting 

 its powers. The daily work of each animal bears a rela- 

 tion to its muscular power, and this again depends on the 

 nutrition it receives from the quality and quantity of food 

 allowed, consumed, and assimilated. 



The feed given to animals or beasts of burden should be 

 in accordance with the labor performed. In order that the 

 working power shall be kept up, the food must contain 

 sufficient albumen to supply what is lost in the body. In 

 some horses the amount of food required to be given at a 

 time must be in proportion to the rapidity with which it 

 can be assimilated. It therefore follows, that for hard 

 work, horses should not be fed with bran-mashes and soft 

 grass, which are too easily and rapidly assimilated, but 

 with corn, oats, &c., which require a longer time to digest. 

 But when horses are not hard worked or their strength 

 not severely taxed, less corn or oats will be required. 



Horses during a season of idleness can maintain perfect 

 health with far less concentrated food, as corn, &c., than is 



