INDIAN CORN 29 



maize and about 5 lbs. of chaff, with an occasional feed 

 of grass on the vddt. 



From my own observations made in South Africa, I 

 have come to the conclusion that the quietness and want 

 of spirit shown by the generality of horses in that country 

 are, to a certain extent, due to the fact that Indian corn 

 forms a large proportion of their food. 



Maize may be given either whole, bruised, or soaked. 

 To horses not accustomed to this grain, it is safest to give 

 it bruised and mixed with either chaff or bran. In this 

 state, it might be slightly sprinkled with water, in order 

 to keep down the dust which might arise from the finely 

 divided particles, although I do not see any material 

 benefit from this provision. If gradually brought on to 

 its use, the grain may be given whole. Eating it in this 

 state sometimes makes the animal's mouth sore, in which 

 case bruised maize should be substituted. I have heard 

 of maize in cobb (or husk) being given after having been 

 passed through a particular kind of machine, that cut up 

 the head of the corn as well as the grain which it enclosed, 

 and that this combination of grain and husk formed an 

 excellent and easily digested food : it would be certainly 

 an economical one. In South Africa, although the best 

 judges prefer to give the grain dry than damp, still, it is 

 frequently used after having been soaked overnight in a 

 minimum of water, and then mixed with chaff. I do not 

 see much objection to this practice ; for the chaff takes up 

 so much of the remaining moisture, that there is but little 

 danger of the horse swallowing the grain without first 

 chewing it. The danger to be feared from the improper 

 use of maize is that it might produce colic. 



