FOOD IN RELATION TO WORK. 117 



alone ; probably because their husk is not so resistant as that 

 of oats. 



The breaking or grinding of grain should be strictly 

 limited to that which is sufficient to nullify the protective 

 action of the husk ; for the smaller the particles of the broken 

 corn, the less will horses relish it, and probably the less saliva 

 will be secreted. 



With respect to the cutting up of hay and straw used for 

 food, we know that chop mixed with corn increases the whole- 

 somene-s of the grain, and is economical in checking waste. 

 When hay is given in a quantity that cannot be usually eaten 

 " at one go," it appears best to give it in the form of long hay, 

 which a horse will not contaminate to nearly the same extent 

 by breathing and slavering on it, as he would do with cut hay. 

 Besides, the nature of long hay will make him take more time 

 in mastication, than he would be forced to spend with chopped 

 hay. We cannot, however, say that long hay is a natural food 

 for horses ; because hay is an artificial preparation of grass, 

 and horses in a state of nature would rarely get grass as long 

 as ordinary hay. 



From practical experience in the feeding of horses on straw 

 chop, cut in the ordinary way, and on straw, broken and 

 bruised in the Eastern fashion (p. 154), I feel certain that a 

 machine which would be capable of breaking and bruising 

 straw in a manner similar to the latter method, would be a 

 very useful addition to our stable appliances ; for its employ- 

 ment would greatly enhance the value of the resulting chop, 

 as a vehicle for the corn. I trust that some capable manu- 

 facturer of stable machinery will take this hint. 



FOOD IN RELATION TO WORK. 



In order to obtain an adequate supply of material for fur- 

 nishing energy and for repairing bodily waste, the food must 

 be sufficient in quantity and composition. 



