THE HORSE 111 



Dust in hay is generally clue to the hay having 

 got slightly over dry. The so-called dust is in 

 reality the outer layers or coats of the stems and 

 leaves in a state of dessication. Dust may also be 

 caused by blight having fallen on the grass when 

 standing. In any case, to whatever due, dust in 

 hay is an indication that the hay is not in the finest 

 condition. Hay which is actually mouldy is ob- 

 viously unfit for food, and its use v\all lead to a 

 form of indigestion which will be likely to result 

 in broken wind. 



New hay, i. e., hay made in the same year, 

 should ne^^er be used before Christmas, as it is apt 

 to cause scouring. Well-saved hay is at its best 

 at from one to two years. When older than this 

 it will have lost much of its feeding qualities. 



Good clover hay is fattening, and is much liked 

 by horses. It is not so suitable as meadow hay for 

 animals which do fast work, as it militates against 

 hard condition and good wind. 



Straw 

 Straw has more feeding value than is usually 

 supposed, although, compared to hay, these prop- 

 erties are, of course, not high. The whole secret 

 of its value, as food or the reverse lies in the time 



