CHAP. iv. HORSE CALENDAR. 1059 



of food ; and there is still considerable work to be done in the way of 

 odd jobs, so that they must not be let down. See preceding months 

 of April, May, and June as to details of general care, management, 

 and modes of feeding. But if the work is light a portion of the corn 

 may be taken off, though, at the present (1908) low prices of feeding- 

 stuffs, the economy is perhaps doubtful. The heavy work of the 

 previous months has generally been so severe that the horses have got 

 low in condition, and this affords a good opportunity of getting them 

 up again. If flies are troublesome a little paraffin sprayed into the 

 ears, and sprinkled above the muzzle, will afford protection for two or 

 three days. Those animals not in full work may be pastured, care 

 however being taken to keep them from the torment of the " plague of 

 flies," of which some farmers think very little, but which others, wiser 

 in their day and generation, know have a most prejudicial influence 

 upon the health and condition. Such evils can be prevented by the 

 provision of " shelter sheds," as to which we cannot write too often, 

 or urge upon the attention of stock-keepers too strongly. Taking 

 everything into consideration, the advantages arising from the system 

 of stabling or yard-feeding and sheltering of horses immensely outweigh 

 those from open-field pasturing, even with the addition of shelter 

 sheds. 



AUGUST. 



The work for this month, including as it does reaping of the cereals, 

 &c., is severe upon the horses, as anyone may see who watches even 

 for an hour or two their work in the field on a hot day with a heavy 

 crop. The ploughing also of lands which have been occupied by the 

 wheat crops just reaped, adds to their labour; so that altogether the 

 horses have their fair share of work to do, and require correspondingly 

 good supplies of food. As the working days are long the horse-keeper 

 should be in the stable extra early to commence the morning baiting. 

 A great many foals are weaned at this season ; give them good food at 

 first so that they do not get low in condition. For remarks on the 

 general care, feeding, and management, see preceding months. 



SEPTEMBER. 



Autumn cultivation is now practised so much that it is necessary to 

 keep up the condition of the horses by liberal feeding. Special pre- 

 cautions should be taken with regard to the health of the animals, as 

 this is a period of the year at which they are more than usually liable 

 to attacks of various diseases. Attention to the condition of the 

 bowels is found to ward off many an attack which might otherwise 

 prove difficult to deal with, if not in some instances turn out fatal. 

 Exposing the animals to night air must now be absolutely given up as 

 a practice wholly wrong. Continue to give green food as long as the 

 lover and vetches last, after which cabbage should be supplied. 



3 Y 2 



