OVEKLOADING. 257 



" ADVICE TO TEAMSTERS. 



" The 'Friends of the Horse ' in Boston have issued a circular in re- 

 gard to the treatment of that animal, which is indorsed by many of the most 

 prominent veterinary surgeons of New York and Boston. The following 

 hints should be heeded by drivers everywhere : 



" First, a man should see that good care is taken of his horse in the stable 

 by being well fed with wholesome food, of cracked corn and oats, with plenty 

 of good hay. Potatoes or carrots may be given once or twice a week to good 

 advantage. See that he is kept clean, warm, and comfortable, with plenty 

 of bedding. A piece of rock salt should always be left in the manger. 



"Second, he should see that his harness is kept soft and clean, particu- 

 larly the inside of the collar, which ought always to be smooth, as the per- 

 spiration, when dry, causes irritation, and is liable to produce galls on the 

 shoulder. The collar should fit closely, with space enough at the bottom to 

 admit a man's hand. If too large, it has the bad effect of drawing the shoul- 

 ders together. On no consideration should a team, or any work-horse, be 

 compelled to wear a martingale, as it draws the head down, and prevents him 

 from getting into an easy and natural position. The check rein may be used, 

 but only tight enough to keep the head in a natural position, and it should 

 never be wound around the hames. See that the hames are buckled tight 

 enough at the top to bring the draught irons near the center of the collar. 

 If too low, it not only interferes with the action of the shoulder, but gives the 

 collar an urfeven bearing. Caution should be taken that the girth is not 

 buckled too tight, particularly on string teams, for when the traces are 

 straightening it has the tendency to draw the girth against the belly and dis- 

 tress the horse. 



"Third, see that the horse is well shod with a good stiff shoe, always 

 calked at toe and heel on the hind feet, as it is there where all the propell- 

 ing power comes from when heavily loaded. Keep the feet good and strong 

 by not allowing them to be cut away too much by the blacksmith. 



" Fourth, the best of judgment should be used in loading, taking into 

 consideration the condition of the street and the distance to be traveled. 

 Never overload, for by so doing you only distress, strain, and discourage 

 your horse, and do him more injury than you can possibly gain by carrying 

 the extra load. When your load is hard to pull, stop often and give your 

 horses a chance to breathe. No good driver will ever resort to the cruel 

 practice of whipping or beating his horse. A light whip may be carried, but 

 there is seldom use for it. Much more can be accomplished by kind treat- 

 ment and good judgment. Remember the horse is a very intelligent, proud, 

 sensitive, noble animal, the most useful known to men, and is deserving of 

 the greatest kindness. As many horses have suffered from bad example and 

 inexperienced drivers, the above advice is offered. " 



This method of treatment makes the breaking of double 

 balkers a very simple and easy thing to do. It gives 

 power to force the horse into obedience without danger or 

 cruelty. I will refer to a few cases, showing the ease with 

 which horses of this character can be broken by the treat- 

 ment given. 17 



