304 FEEDING WITH SUGAR BEETS, SUGAR, ETC. 



larize and increase the demand for sugar; new theories have 

 been introduced showing that sugar means strength, which is 

 in direct contradiction to the views entertained not many years 

 since by most of the medical authorities. 



Early arguments for feeding sugar were, that one shilling's 

 worth of sugar will save two shillings' worth of hay, and that dis- 

 solved sugar added to either h&y or straw will increase the value 

 and quality of the hay or straw. In 1809 it was declared in 

 England that "if the use of sugar once becomes general, the 

 price of butchers' meat must certainly be lower, for this plain 

 reason, a much greater quantity of young stock could be raised 

 in many parts of the kingdom, where they now cannot do it, 



* * * butchers' meat would come within reach of multitudes. 

 Another good effect arising from the use of sugar would be, 

 keeping at home a considerable sum of money which is sent 

 out every year to the ports of our enemies for butter and 

 cheese." It is interesting to note the important role sugar 

 was to play in the navy, such as in the East India Com- 

 pany's service. For "every vessel going on a long voyage 



* * * one-half the quantity of hay at present consumed on 

 board ship will be sufficient, with the addition of a little mo- 

 lasses or sugar, which occupies so much less room and comes 

 so much cheaper; so that it will have this good effect. * * * 

 Straw, which may be had in most places, or any coarse matter 



* * * may, by the addition of a little sugar or molasses, be 

 converted into a most nutritive and wholesome food, much 

 superior to hay in point of quality." It was suggested that 

 experiments be made in feeding horses with sugar; it was even, 

 one hundred years ago, pointed out that a horse fed on sugar 

 will show signs of improved condition and have a glossy shining 

 coat, etc. It was then argued that there were certain dangers 

 of over-feeding with sugar, as the animal would become "soft;" 

 with molasses given in small quantities the same difficulties 

 were not to be dreaded. It was recommended that molasses be 

 given either in their drink in the stable bucket, mixed with 

 water, or properly diluted and sprinkled among their chaff, in 

 which case the quantity of hay may be reduced until by degrees 

 none need be given. The great advantages of sugar for stall-fed 



