40 THE HORSE. 



Com. This grain is not suitable as an exclusive food for young 

 horses, as it is deficient in salts. It is fed whole or ground. Corn on 

 the cob is commonly used as the food for horses affected with "lampas." 

 If the corn is old and is to be fed in this manner it should be soaked in 

 pure, clean water, for ten or twelve hours. Corn is better given ground, 

 and fed in quantities of from one to two quarts at a meal mixed w'th 

 crushed oats or wheat bran. We must be very particular in giving com 

 to a horse that is not accustomed to its use. It must be commenced in 

 small quantities and very gradually increased. There is no grain more 

 likely to produce acute indigestion than corn if these directions are not 

 observed. 



I<inseed. Ground linseed is occasionally fed with other foods to 

 keep the bowels open and to improve the condition of the skin. It is of 

 particular service during convalescence, when the bowels are sluggish in 

 their action. l,inseed tea is very often given in irritable or inflamed 

 conditions of the digestive organs. 



Potatoes. These are used as an article of food for the horse in 

 many sections. If fed raw and in large quantities they often produce 

 indigestion. Their digestibility is favored by steaming or boiling. They 

 possess, in common with other roots, slight laxative properties. 



Beets. These are not much used as food for horses. 



Carrots. These make a most excellent food, particularly during 

 sickness. They improve the appetite and slightly increase the action of 

 the bowels and kidneys. They possess also certain alterative properties. 

 The coat becomes smooth and glossy when carrots are fed. Some vet- 

 erinary writers claim that chronic cough can be cured by feeding carrots. 

 Carrots may be considered as very beneficial if fed regularly in small 

 quantities. 



Grasses. The natural food of the horse is grass. There are many 

 varieties and they vary much in value. Some are almost without value 

 as food and are only eaten when there is nothing else obtainable, while 

 others are positively injurious or even poisonous. None of the grasses 

 are sufficient to keep the horse in condition for work. Horses thus fed 

 are "soft," sweat easily, purge, and soon tire on the road or when at 

 hard work. To growing stock grass is of great value, and there is no 

 doubt that it acts as an alterative when given to horses that have 

 been fed on hay and grain. To such it should be given in small quanti- 

 ties at first. If the horse is turned to grass for a time each year it gives 

 the stomach and intestines a chance to undergo rest and recuperate. 



