STOWAGE OF GRAIN 43 



Bamboo Leaves. — In some parts of Eastern Bengal, 

 these leaves are used as a substitute for grass; wMch 

 purpose they answer fairly well; although, sometimes, 

 they have too laxative an effect. 



Lucern. — Lucern forms the best green crop for use 

 during the hot weather. The seeds are readily procurable, 

 and the plant, as a rule, grows well in India, provided 

 it gets a sufficiency of water. When out of work, 8 or 

 9 lbs. of it will be a good allowance for each horse : half 

 to be given after the morning feed, the rest during the 

 afternoon. It is advisable to dry it, for half an hour or so 

 in the sun, before the horse eats it. 



Milk. — For sick or delicate horses, milk is often most 

 valuable, and they will seldom refuse it. Sweet skim- 

 milk is preferable to new milk, which, from being too 

 rich, is very apt to purge the horse. A couple of gallons 

 may be given daily. To correct any tendency it might 

 have to produce diarrhoea, the milk might be boiled in 

 a clean vessel, care being taken that it be not smoked 

 during the process. Sugar or salt may be added. 



Stowage of Grain. — Grain may be kept sweet, and 

 free from the attacks of rats and mice, in large earthen 

 jars (Hind. Mutka). They will hold about 600 lbs., are 

 very cheap, and can be easily procured. 



Bags, capable of holding about a ton, may be employed. 

 Each bag will cost about 7 or 8 rupees, and should be 

 placed on a wooden stand. There is generally some diffi- 

 culty about protecting them from the attacks of vermin. 



Native grain-sellers generally use receptacles (Hind. 

 Kothee) made of thin bamboo wicker-work plastered 

 over with clay, or with clay and cow-dung. 



