VI THE MARE 79 
and safe, and should have only the simplest 
assistance, the mare being allowed to foal as 
quietly as possible, though the foal may at times 
require attention during the first moments of its 
existence. If it is not a strong foal a couple of 
fresh eggs are easily given, and little trouble is 
required to teach it to find its mother’s milk. The 
Arabs induce their foals to suck by giving the foal 
a dried fig or date soaked and dripping with milk to 
suck first ; he soon takes to this, and when brought 
to his dam’s side immediately learns to suck. After 
the mare has foaled, she and her foal should be kept 
perfectly quiet for a few days. For a day or two 
one man only should attend to their wants, and for 
the first three days they should not be subjected to 
constant interruption or to the visits of curious 
neighbours desirous of interviewing the new-comer. 
Visitors always disturb the mare and foal, and 
perhaps their owner, with their attentions, examina- 
tion, advice, and criticism. After foaling, a mare 
may have warm bran or linseed mashes, and if 
chilly she should be covered for a day or two with 
a horse-rug, and her water should be made lukewarm. 
As soon as the foal is well on his legs, and the 
weather is sunny and warm, they should be got out 
of doors, for an hour or two at first; afterwards as 
much as possible, or as much as the mare’s duties 
on the farm permit. When the mare comes ‘in hot 
from work, a little of her milk should be taken from 
her before the foal goes to her—and of course in 
the summer the foal should run with the mother all 
night. 
Some mares are generous milkers, and such 
