WATERING. 117 



good deal with intestinal calculi, i. e., stone in the bladder. 

 Hence soft water should be given, if convenient; and if 

 well water, especially while warm, it should either have the 

 chill taken, off or be given very sparingly. 



The best time to water is about half an hour before feed- 

 ing. While driving, the rule should be little and often. 

 None, or only a swallow or two, should be given at the 

 close of a drive, until cool. If very warm, the horse should 

 be walked moderately where there is not a current of air to 

 strike him, from ten to thirty minutes, as may be found 

 necessary. If, then, any danger is apprehended, the chill 

 should be taken off the water if very cold and given sparingly 

 a few swallows at a time. The common custom is to give 

 about a half bucket of water. The safest course would be 

 to give less and repeat. The rule should be, for ordinary 

 use, to give small quantities often during the day, and the 

 animal to pursue his journey or labor immediately after. If 

 allowed to stand, the system may be chilled. The absor- 

 bents are closed, which is the common cause of Laminitis 

 or Founder, although this disease may not develop itself 

 until twelve or twenty-four hours afterwards, and any cause 

 which will chill the system either cold winds or cold 

 water while the animal is warm, will be almost sure to 

 produce the above disease. 



