10 HOESE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 



keeping the stables moderately dark, in order to induce 

 the occupants to lie down, and, during hot weather, to 

 keep the abode cool, by preventing the admission of 

 rays of light, which are always accompanied by rays of 

 heat. I here take for granted that the free circulation 

 of air is not interfered with. 



In the cold weather, if horses be not worked to an 

 extent that would render it desirable for them to 

 repose during the day, and, especially, if they be not 

 kept for a considerable time in the open air, their 

 stables should not be darkened ; for the rays of the 

 sun-, when not too powerful, have a beneficial effect on 

 the general health of animals, by improving the quality 

 of their blood. 



On all occasions when the stables are empty, they 

 should be thrown open for the admittance of sunlight, 

 which is a powerful disinfectant. 



Picketing Horses. Head and heel-ropes are ad- 

 missible only with animals like those in the Artillery 

 and Cavalry that may be called upon to camp out at 

 any time. In such cases, if there be any probability of 

 rain, great care should be taken to render the pegs 

 secure ; for, if a shower falls, it will make the horses 

 fidgety, and will loosen the hold the pegs have in the 

 ground. 



Natives, when they use head and heel-ropes, are very 

 prone to tie up the horses far too tightly. 



Horses should not be picketed by a fore-leg ; for, 

 then they will be very apt to " screw " themselves by 

 straining at the rope, in the event of being startled ; 

 or when jumping about in play. 



During the hot weather, in the plains, the horse may, 



