THEIR FEED AND THEIR FEET. 53 



and the last portions eaten will force the first ones 

 into the intestines before they are thoroughly im- 

 pregnated with gastric juice. Thus, two pounds of 

 hay and four pounds of oats are about as much as 

 should be fed at once when mixed, and if more oats 

 are given the hay should be decreased ; for instance, 

 five pounds of oats and one and a half pounds of 

 hay." From the foregoing remarks we may obtain a 

 better understanding of the effect of water on diges- 

 tion. If after a full meal of hay followed by oats we 

 allow the horse to drink profusely, a portion of the 

 oats will be carried away into the intestines prema- 

 turely, with a corresponding loss of benefit from the 

 grain, besides the important consideration that such 

 portions of the grain do harm by exciting more 

 or less irritation by reason of their indigestion. In 

 default of digestion there will be more or less fer- 

 mentation, as indicated by flatulency of the bowels, 

 and the absorption of fermented food into the circu- 

 lation is promotive of disease. The effect of such a 

 drink after hay alone is less serious, because hay re- 

 quires less time in the stomach. Still, it is believed 

 that the free drinking should be between meals, 

 rather than immediately before or soon after. A 

 quart or two of water following the meal will pass 

 the food in the stomach or be absorbed by that or- 

 gan without interfering materially with the food. If 

 after a meal the stomach receives its fill and more of 

 cold water, it is chilled somewhat, and the secretion 

 of gastric juice is suspended until the water ha? 

 passed off or is warmed to the normal temperature 



