PEAT MOSS. 



269 



many inferior specimens of peat, the chief part of the 

 contained woody fibre appears to be made up of cotton- 

 grass. 



The value of the highly absorbent properties as regards 

 gases as well as liquids of peat moss is shown not only by 

 the comparative absence of ammonia and moisture from the 



Fig. 31. Good Moss Litter. 



stable in which it is used, but also by the horses bedded on 

 it being far more free from coughs, colds, and epizootic 

 diseases (influenza for instance) than animals on straw, other 

 conditions being equal. The ready absorption of ammonia, 

 instead of being always an advantage as it ought to be, is 

 often, unfortunately, an objection to the employment of peat 

 moss ; for careless grooms, failing to notice the hint given to 



