FEEDING HOESES. 361 



CHAPTER X. 



HORSES. 



WE will now give our attention to another grept class 

 of farm stock, that which furnishes the motive power upon 

 the farm and in the cities horses. 



We must here also first discuss the wants of the young 

 animal, as the proper management of the young is the first 

 requisite to success. It is not within our province to 

 discuss the question of breeding, but must take the 

 animals as we find them and make the most of their capa- 

 bilities. Much improvement of the constitution and vital 

 forces of animals may be made by breeding; but as the 

 finest pattern of boiler and engine are useless without fuel 

 to make steam, so the finest animal forms are quite 

 unprofitable without skillful feeding to develop and round 

 out all their proportions. 



The horse is kept for his muscle, and his food must 

 be such as to develop the frame and muscular system. The 

 feeder must have a clear idea of the purpose for which an 

 animal is reared, and a comprehension of the office per- 

 formed by the food. The food should present the precise 

 elements in the proper proportion required for the uses of 

 the animal. Animals kept for the production of flesh as 

 food, can use a larger proportion of carbonaceous elements 

 than those valuable only for muscle. Indian corn is the great 

 crop of the West, and is the best type of fattening food, 

 and has abundant use in the production of beef, mutton 

 and pork. It may also properly form a part of the food 

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