CARE OF THE HORSE 



401 



Wagon horses need weight, action, and strong powers of 

 endurance. 



297. Mules are hybrids, or crosses between mares and 

 jacks. For many years they have been popular in our 

 country. According to the last census there were 

 4,209,769 mules in the United States. A mule, if well- 

 trained, is a hard and a faithful worker. In the mines, on 

 the railroads, in the lumber camps, in the army, or in 

 doing the plain work of 



the farm, the mule shows 

 remarkable strength and 

 endurance, resistance to 

 disease, and ability to 

 work well even at an 

 advanced age. 



298. Care of the Horse. 

 (a) Ventilation. It 

 has been estimated by 

 Professor F. H. King 

 that it is necessary to 

 supply 4296 cubic feet 

 of fresh air per hour 

 to each horse weighing 

 1000 pounds, if the air 



is to remain wholesome. This means that some method 

 for the taking in of pure air and for the escape of foul air 

 should be provided in the stable. Especially in winter is 

 the problem of ventilation a difficult one. 



The King system of barn ventilation draws the fresh 

 air in near the ceiling at places which will not cause 

 drafts, and removes the heavy foul air through openings 

 near the floor. These openings are connected with long 

 shafts or chimneys extending from above the roof to within 

 a few feet of the stable floor. Some of the warm air is 



BELGIAN STALLION. 



