log ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



No matter how well born a colt may be he can never amount to 

 anything if raised a starvelhig. If the dam is what she should be, he 

 will have been furnished with abundant sustenance from the time of 

 conception to that of delivery, which is one of the secrets of full-formed, 

 finely-proportioned, vigorous foals. From foal-time to weaning he will 

 have been kept vigorous and growing by the quantity and character of 

 the milk fuiTiished him, together with such little food as he has early 

 learned to partake of at the manger and in the pasture of the dam . And 

 now, upon being weaned, it is of the utmost importance that he have 

 liberal food and suflGicient protection from the inclemencies of the 

 weather. This must be carefully attended to during the whole period of 

 growth if he is expected to make any adequate return to the owner. 

 Bruised oats and bran have been recommended as the very best food to 

 be given for a considerable time after weaning. In any event let his 

 food be supplied with regularity ; and it must be nutritious, yet of such 

 kind and so disposed as to be easily partaken. 



He should not be stabled too much, nor in any otner way too closely 

 confined — being allowed all that range and exposure to out-door weather 

 common to older stock in the more clement seasons ; but he should never 

 be left out in cool rains nor in the storms and biting cold of Winter. If 

 & place is provided in which he may always shelter himself when the 

 condition of the weather inclines him to seek cover, it will save trouble 

 and yet insure a natural growth and that hardihood which comes of 

 sufficient contact with cold and heat. For this purpose a straw rick is 

 sometimes recommended — so constructed as to furnish shelter on the 

 leeward side. This will give at the same time both bedding and a light 

 species of food. 



Provision must of course be made for his obtaining readily, and at 

 such times as the wants of nature ma}^ dictate, plenty of pure water — 

 the purer the bette/. 



Thus much as to food, drink, and shelter. Another point of impor- 

 tance must not be omitted in his raising, that is, familiarizing him with 

 his master or with whomsoever has charge of him. He should be 

 handled sufficiently and in such a way as thoroughly to overcome all 

 shyness, and to lead him to feel that man is his frietid. This confidence 

 once established, his training — when the proper time comes for that — will 

 be easily and successfully accomplished ; his subsequent relations Avith his 

 master will be always pleasant, and his value thereby much enhanced. 



And this, indeed, touches a fundamental principle in the care of all dumb 

 beasts. Lead them to recognize that man is their friend ; that they can depend 

 on him to advance their comforts, and to secure their welfare. 



