264 CONFESSIONS OF A HOBSE DEALER. 



CHAPTER XYIL 



FOOD OF HOBSES, 



FARMERS very much deteriorate the value of their horse 

 stock by the absurd and cruel practice of turning them 

 out, after a hard day's labour, to satisfy the cravings 

 of an empty stomach on a scanty supply of soft grass. 

 How can they expect their horses to be in condition, 01 

 to perform their work with ease, after grazing half the 

 night in the often cold, wet meadow, before they fill 

 their stomachs ? 



Horses that are in regular work ought to have their 

 natural rest, but this they cannot have until their 

 stomachs are satisfied. Where it is inconvenient to 

 stable them, they should have a liberal supply of corn 

 before they are turned out, and another feed when taken 

 up in the morning. Grass is very useful as an altera- 

 tive, or given instead of hay, it cools and purifies the 

 blood ; but working horses that are fed solely upon it 

 (however slow), without any corn, soon lose condition 

 and strength. I am aware that in giving advice to 

 farmers I may be thought presumptuous, but I have 

 had some experience myself in the line, and trust to be 

 excused ; I am also aware that farmers, as a class, are 

 slow to adopt improvements, even though they may be 

 convinced that they are recommended with a good intent. 



