278 BEDDING. 



and while standing on the handle to twist-in the ends under- 

 neath. A more elaborate way is to twist-in the upper layer of 

 straw and afterwards the lower layer in the manner shown in 

 Fig. 35. Here the feet keep the straw in place while the ends 

 are being twisted-in by the fingers, and the twisted-in edge 

 can be finished off with a fringe of ears of straw. 



From I to I y 2 cwt. of moss litter will be required for a 

 stall in the first instance ; and about double that quantity for 

 an ordinary sized box. The peat moss should be laid down 

 in an even layer free from lumps. A daily allowance of 5 or 

 6 Ib. for stalls and 6 or 7 Ib. for boxes would be ample. The 

 daily cost of such a bedding would vary from id. to ij^d. 



With sawdust, a horse may be bedded down in the same 

 manner as with moss litter. A bedding four inches deep of 

 sawdust, or a foot deep of shavings would probably be 

 sufficient for health and comfort. As tan and sand are 

 heavier, and of a more compact nature than moss litter and 

 sawdust, a bedding of either of the former materials need not 

 be as thick as one of either of the latter. The cost of sand, 

 ferns, and fir needles will generally be only that of the loading 

 and cartage. The price of sawdust and shavings at their 

 place of production is usually very low. 



MUCKING-OUT. 



Whenever a groom sees dung, urine or contaminated litter 

 on the floor of box or stall, he should at once remove it 

 outside ; because its retention in the stable will be injurious 

 to the animal's health, by the emanations given off; and to 

 the soundness of his feet, if he happens to stand in such filth. 

 Besides, for economic purposes, the dung and urine should 

 be taken to the midden without delay, and disposed in a 

 manner that will curtail the loss of ammonia as far as 

 practicable. When litter becomes saturated with the horse's 

 droppings, its presence in the stable is not only useless for 



