370 FEEDING ANIMALS. 



This makes a pound live weight put on a oolt during the 

 second six months cost 6K cents. If we can raise good 

 colts at this price for food, then horse-raising must be prof- 

 itable. It is not claimed that this experiment establishes 

 this cost accurately, but, in connection with the French 

 experiments, it may be considered an approximation. It is 

 quite reasonable to suppose, from present indications, that 

 the farmers of the United States are to find as profitable a 

 market for horses in Europe as for cattle ; and thus this 

 subject becomes one of great importance. 



The foal will be affected favorably or unfavorably by the 

 liberal or illiberal treatment of the dam before parturition, 

 as well as the treatment of the dam and foal after the birth 

 of the latter. The summer pasture furnished mares and 

 foals should contain shelter against sun and rain. Open 

 sheds are best, although trees with thick foliage will answer 

 every purpose. But care must be taken that these wood 

 pastures are not covered with logs upon which the foals 

 may be injured. An open wood, by its cool shade, is favor- 

 able as a pasture, but it should be so cleaned up as to 

 obviate all danger of injury to foals. The young foal is 

 easily injured and an unsoundness inflicted. A prudent 

 foresight should guard at least against probable dangers. 

 When the dam and foal are kept in stable it should not 

 only be warm and comfortable, but well lighted. Light is 

 most important to young animals, and, in fact, to all ani- 

 mals. If the dam be fed generously during pregnancy and 

 whilst nursing the foal, and the foal be fed as we have 

 directed, it will be, in development and weight, equal to an 

 ordinary three-year-old at twenty-four months. 



EXERCISE FOR COLTS. 



These young things are inclined to be playful and exer- 

 cise their muscles liberally, and this, under proper precau- 

 tions, should be encouraged. Muscles become developed, 



