FOOD OF HOUSES. 269 



find I think it better policy to boil than to give them 

 raw, to either horses, cattle, or pigs. 



There is no food, however, that I have so much con- 

 fidence in as good sound oats (bruised), bright, well-got 

 hay, and occasional bran mashes, according to the con- 

 stitution of the horse. Sodden barley is given in some 

 countries as a substitute for oats, and in that state is 

 very nutritive. Beans are more nutritious than either 

 oats or barley, but when given to excess they predispose 

 the horse to inflammatory disorders (in fact, fever of 

 the whole system), which ultimately fall into the legs 

 and feet, the most prevalent of which, I may say, is 

 greasy heels. On the first appearance of grease I would 

 recommend the horsekeeper to discontinue the use of 

 beans or oats, and give bran mashes or green food, when 

 in season, and apply a poultice composed of fresh-burnt 

 charcoal and linseed-meal, in the proportion of four 

 ounces of the former (pounded) to twelve ounces of the 

 latter, mixed together, and attached to the horse's 

 heels, letting him rest. There are many other causes 

 besides high-feeding that bring on greasy heels. 



