CAUSES OF INDIGESTION 117 



any difference. The most reasonable explanation 

 appears to be that it acts as a laxative by virtue 

 of its indigestibility. It apparently acts in the 

 way that oil does. Small quantities, as a couple 

 of ounces, of linseed oil, given three times a day 

 to a horse, are digested and cause the animal to 

 accumulate fat ; but if a pint or a pint and a half 

 is given, it will not be digested, but passes on into 

 the bowels and stimulates them, causing laxative 

 action. It will be noticed that it is the undigested 

 portion of the oil that causes the purging. So 

 it is with boiled feed and mash. It is on account 

 of a considerable quantity not being digested, 

 that passes into the bowels and stimulates their 

 action. This is beneficial up to a certain point, 

 but if the bowels are overstimulated, irritation is 

 apt to result and the system is robbed of some nu- 

 trition. Horses that are not worked or worked 

 very little, can stand, and, in fact, require more 

 laxative food than those more exerted. Active 

 exertion of itself has a naturally stimulating ef- 

 fect upon the bowels. 



The lesson we learn from all this, is that moist 

 food for horses should be given with care and 

 judgment. Given too frequently or in too large 

 quantities at a time, it is apt to cause indigestion 

 and undue relaxation of the bowels. Most horses 

 that are doing little work, such as those in 

 moderate exercise, are benefited by a little boiled 



