CHAP. iv. HORSE CALENDAR. 1055 



DECEMBER. 



Little needs to be added to the instructions under last month. If 

 the weather is in its usual condition, the work of the horses may be 

 said to be reduced to a minimum, field work being almost wholly at a 

 stand-still, save that of carting manure to the various fields to which 

 it is to be applied, and market carting. Although the heavy feeding 

 required when the animals are in full work is not necessary now, and 

 would be injurious if permitted, their proper condition must be main- 

 tained by judicious supplies of nutritious food ; the period is rapidly 

 approaching in which they will be called upon to do full duty. Much 

 damage, however, is done by allowing horses to feed too freely when 

 they are idle ; this is true at all times, but is particularly applicable 

 to Sundays, for mild colic so often results that in some districts it is 

 not uncommon to hear the term " Monday morning " used to denote 

 the little upsetting of the digestive organs which so frequently occurs 

 after an idle day : if the mild attack is not attended to it may become 

 serious. Give changes or variety in food, and see to the thorough 

 cleanliness of the stable and all its belongings. Although not always 

 wet, groom carefully and regularly, as this has a most beneficial action 

 on the skin and its secretions. If ' the weather is very severe give the 

 horses freshly-pumped water, rather than that which has been allowed 

 to get frozen. 



JANUARY. 



This is the coldest month of the year, and severe frosts may be 

 expected which will bind the land too firmly for the plough to face ; 

 when this is the case carting is the only work which can be done, so it 

 is usually looked upon as an easy time for horses. The horse food 

 should therefore be regulated accordingly, but as the heavy season of 

 spring work will soon be coming on, it is a mistake to let them fall 

 away in condition ; in fact, the endeavour should be to improve them, 

 for the coming four or five months are the hardest in the horses' year. 

 The general rules mentioned in the foregoing months are applicable 

 to this. 



FEBRUARY. 



As'the weather becomes more " open," the amount of field work is 

 increased in proportion, and in proportion likewise the food supply 

 is increased also ; this being chiefly in the form of larger allowances of 

 corn. The hay supplied should be of the best quality. Carrots 

 should form part of the daily ration, care being taken to have 

 enough of these grown to last the whole season.. Parsnips are as 

 good as carrots for horses, and are as well liked by them, while they 

 possess the great advantage of being so hardy that they may be left in 

 the ground if need be all the winter, and taken up as wanted ; whilst 

 they keep so well that there is no difficulty in having a supply " all 

 the year round." It is a most valuable root, and both it and carrots 

 keep the horse in capital condition. Mangel is also very useful, and 

 is now acquiring condition suitable for feeding. The recommenda- 



