10 



SUBSTITUTES FOR STRAW. 



Moss Litter : 



In many cases moss litter is an excellent 

 substitute for straw, in some circumstances, 

 for instance, on rough cobbles, or where there 

 is no drainage, it is preferable to straw. It 

 may either be used by itself, or, better still, 

 under a thin layer of straw. By absorbing 

 moisture and acting as a disinfectant, it 

 keeps the stable sweet and free from smells, 

 and at the same time forms a clean and com- 

 fortable bed. It is better to use a thin layer 

 and remove daily all the wet patches. With 

 a thin layer of straw over the moss a warm 

 bed is formed even in winter. For horses 

 inclined to thrush moss litter is often invalu- 

 able. It is also useful for restless horses 

 which are in the habit of pawing away their 

 bedding. Good moss litter is full of soft 

 fibre and free from dust and hard lumps. 



Sawdust : 



Sawdust possesses many of the advantages 

 of moss litter, and in some cases is preferable, 

 as it is cheap and not liable to be eaten. It 

 has the advantage of keeping the horses clean 



