24 THS HORSR. 



recognize disease it is obviously necessary to know the animal wlien 

 well. If nothing is known regarding the natural pulse, how can one 

 expect to know whether the heart beats regularly and natural or not. 

 Study the condition of the animal in health as to pulse, number of res- 

 pirations, color and quantity of the excretions, and remember if these 

 change there has come a time to be specially observant of the actions of 

 the animal, so as to determine the cause. Should these changes be the 

 result of disease, determine its nature and be governed accordingly. A 

 quick recognition of an ailment and promptness in treatment will the 

 sooner restore health and less will be the liability of death and loss. 



First Requisites. Provide the animal with p !enty of pure, fresh 

 air, always avoiding draughts. Make the stall as comfortable as possible; 

 cool in summer and warm in winter. Keep the temperature as nearly 

 55° to 60° as possible. See that the drainage is good, and the place dry. 



Box Stall. A box stall not less than ten feet square is best, and 

 should be provided with a low half-door over which the animal may droop 

 his head if so inclined. Windows in the stall should be darkened when 

 animals have nervous diseases or eye troubles. 



Good Bed. Provide plenty of fresh, clean straw or saw-dust. Some 

 practical men prefer to have a bed made of old straw, which has been 

 carefully collected and dried. The reason for this is, that it makes a 

 softer and yet a more compact bed, and there are no stiff ends of new 

 straw to annoy and irritate the sick animal. 



Clotiling'. Woolen blankets in winter and linen sheets in summer 

 should always be used. Have them loosely fastened on, if a surcingle 

 is used, do not have it tight. Air the clothing everyday, but cover the 

 animal with some other clothing during the airing. '' 



Remove Shoes. If a horse is liable to be sick for any length of 

 time, or is seriously ill remove all the shoes as it will be much more com- 

 fortable for the auimal. 



Food. Care and skill are needed in preparing the food, regulating 

 the diet, and tempting the appetite of the sick. The food should be 

 simple, nutritious, and easy of digestion. Change food often and give 

 it in small quantities frequently. Food is rendered more easily digest- 

 ible by being cooked. Give some green food whenever it can be pro- 

 cured. Scald all grains such as com, oats, barley, bran and middlino-s, 

 by pouring on boiling water. Then cover and allow to steam till cold, 

 then feed. It is always best to have the grain ground, it being more 

 easily digested. 



