44 WATEE. 



otherwise serious consequences might very probably be the result. 

 Indeed horses entering the stable in a state of excessive 

 perspiration, or exhausted from severe labour of any kind, 

 should not for some time be allowed the quantity of cold water 

 they would naturally drink. It is better to let them wait a 

 short time, or otherwise, to give them chilled water. Cold water 

 is highly refreshing, and a mere mouthful or two will frequently 

 prove beneficial. As a general rule, horses must not be allowed 

 large quantities of water in a morning, or duriog the actual 

 time of work; but when the day's work is over, and the 

 organism cool and free from excitement, they may then be 

 allowed to drink what water they please. Horses when allowed 

 to have their fill at night, seldom or never require much in a 

 morning, so that in such cases small quantities may be frequently 

 given during the day ^dth advantage. It is only when 

 horses have been kept for a long time without water, and 

 have been worked hard in the hot siin, or when perspiring 

 excessively, or immediately after feeding, that to allow them to 

 drink large quantities of cold water would be objectionable. 



Having thus briefly noticed the principal articles of diet in 

 connection with the feeding of healthy horses, I may conclude 

 the present section by concisely detailing to the reader such 

 rules regarding their every-day treatment as he may find of 

 practical value in maintaining that health, without which, com- 

 paritively speaking, the animal is valueless to his owner. 



I. — Allow your horse as much water as he will drink, or 



the quantity he is intended to have, prior to being fed with 



com. 



The reason why an obedience to this rule in the generality of 



instances will prove beneficial, especially with horses of delicate 



constitution, is obvious. The food when masticated, is passed 



