HUNGER AND THIRST. 127 



they are of course less able to endure privation of food and 

 water. The advantage of age naturally decreases as the 

 animal's health becomes enfeebled with the weight of years. 

 Colin states that when horses are deprived of all food except 

 water, thin ones will live on an average only from five to ten 

 days ; and fat ones, from three to five weeks. Twelve or 

 thirteen days appear to be the maximum length of time 

 which a horse can live, when he is deprived of both food and 

 water. 



We have seen (p. 94) that sugar dissolved in water is the 

 best means for resuscitating a horse which is dying from 

 hunger. In making this attempt, or in trying to save a horse 

 which is dying from thirst, the food or drink should be given 

 in small quantities at a time, and at intervals appropriate to 

 the enfeebled condition of the animal's digestive organs. The 

 same principles, including the use of sugar, should be carried 

 out with human beings placed in similar circumstances. 



