68 Horses and Horsemastership. 



with perfect ventilation, for fresh air is a most important 

 consideration, though the exclusion of draughts must 

 not be overlooked. General cleanliness, and the liberal 

 use of disinfectants, becomes more important than ever. 

 Grooming must be reduced to a minimum; indeed, 

 while the illness is at its height it should be restricted 

 to sponging the eyes, nose, and dock with tepid water, 

 to which a small quantity of some suitable disinfectant 

 has been added, morning and evening, while 

 sponging the forehead with vinegar and water is- 

 refreshing. If the illness is likely to be pro- 

 longed the shoes may be removed, and every- 

 thing calculated to improve the general comfort of the 

 patient should be done. Diet will, of course, have to be 

 regulated according to the disease, but it is always 

 advisable to stop the corn at the outset, its place being 

 taken by nourishing food of a laxative nature, such as- 

 bran or linseed mashes. Green meat, of which good 

 grass or lucerne is most appreciated, carrots, parsnips, 

 boiled potatoes, liberally sprinkled with salt, are among 

 the things which will tempt the invalid to eat. Boiled 

 crushed corn is frequently prescribed. It should be 

 cooked to the consistency of porridge, and with enough 

 salt to make it palatable. Milk sweetened with sugar 

 is often acceptable, and in debilitating fevers a couple 

 of beaten-up eggs three or four times a day are excellent 



