OF THE FOAL. 195 



oats, chopped carrots, linseed mashes, etc. ; 

 and animals intended for either racing or 

 showing are thereafter usually fed three times 

 a day. Pirst one, then two quarterns of oats 

 are allowed, and so on, with the result that 

 thoroughbred foals dropped early in the year 

 are sent up for the autumn sales as big and 

 furnished as yearlings were under the old 

 treatment. Half-breds, and cart horses also, 

 are no doubt sooner saleable for good feeding' 

 from the first ; but, apart from market con- 

 siderations, we should perhaps do as well to 

 let Nature alone, and content ourselves with 

 doing the mare well, and leaving her to do 

 the foal. The more naturally a young animal 

 is treated the better chance there would seem 

 to be of its developing a sound constitution, 

 and thus retaining its vigour to a late period 

 of life. Mindful of the many game and 

 capable old horses I knew in my youth, 

 when they were more often than not left 

 unbroken till four years old, and seldom 



