DKESSING THE MANE AND TAIL. 91 



appear to greater advantage, than if the lines were 

 broken by the mane. 



The off-horse of a carriage pair may have his mane 

 groomed to the near side. 



Wetting the hair of the mane and tail will tend to 

 make it grow fast. 



If the mane does not hang properly down, it may 

 be daily wetted, and plaited, while small weights may 

 be attached to its ends. A thick paste of flour and 

 water plastered over the mane and tied down with a 

 cloth, will make the hair, in a few days, lie flat. The 

 paste should be allowed to remain on during the day, if 

 the animal's services are not required. 



If a horse be inclined to rub his tail against the walls 

 of the stable, a light leather sheath, to lace on, may, 

 with advantage, be used to protect the part. In such a 

 case, the cause should be removed by appropriate medi- 

 cinal treatment, for which see Veterinary Notes for 

 Horse Owners. 



Some syces have a habit of washing horses' tails by 

 means of a wet towel, which they rub with and against 

 the grain of tha hair. This practice should not be 

 allowed, as it breaks the hair, and disarranges its set, 

 thereby disfiguring the animal. 



After the mane and tail have been adjusted, the syce 

 should wipe out the horse's eyes, nostrils, sheath, and 

 dock with a damp towel or sponge ; and then smooth 

 down the coat with a dry wash-leather or cotton rubber. 

 After this, the clothing is put on, care being taken to 

 throw the quarter-piece a little way in front of the 

 withers, and then to draw it back, so that the coat may 

 not be ruffled. 



