THE FAMILY HORSE IN THE PEAIEIE STATES. 143 



or tired, nor exposed to cold rains. Good oats, bran and hay form 

 the best feed for her, and she should have sufficient of these to 

 supply all demands on her system. Hsr condition is the feeder's 

 best guide, keep her in good flesh — not fat. Give her at least two 

 weeks' liberty and rest after foaling. Carrots and green feed will 

 increase the flow of milk. It is not necessaiy that the colt run with 

 her all the time. Two or thi-ee-hour drives can be made without 

 injury to either. After it has learned to eat and drink, separation 

 for half a day at a time is rather beneficial than otherwise. 



TREATMENT. 



Treat the horse kindly at all times. Teach it to stand stiU until 

 told to go. When you wish it to stop short say " whoa ! " and never 

 at any other time. If going too fast, say "steady." Speak plainly 

 and act sensibly, and it will understand what is wanted and be 

 prompt to obey. 



STABLE. 



In buUding a stable it is much the best plan to make a good one. 

 It need not be made of expensive materials, but should be well put 

 together. The foundation should be of stone or brick, solidly laid. 

 The frame should be of sound timbers. Cover the frame with com- 

 mon rough boards, these with tarred or plain building paper care- 

 fully joined to close all chinks, and over all good bai'n siding, weU 

 nailed on and battened. The rafters should be closely covered with 

 common boards, then tarred paper, and finished with the best 

 shingles, and the whole building painted with two coats of mineral 

 paint. Such a building will be warmer in winter and cooler in 

 summer than one made of brick, and with occasional repainting 

 wiU stand for generations. It should contain a good wide stall, 

 harness room, two bins for feed, besides loft room for at least two 

 tons of hay. The harness room and bins should be mouse-proof and 

 be lighted by windows. The stall should be well lighted by a 

 window placed either above the manger, or at one side, near ' the 

 horse's head. All the windows should be fitted with screens to 

 exclude flies, mice, etc. , and arranged to be readily opened, much or 

 little as desired, for ventilation. The floor of the stall may be of 

 clay tamped soUd, or of plank. Each has its advantages. A good 

 clay floor is cooler than one of plank, and is said to be easier on the 

 feet of a horse that is driven much on stony ground or paved streets. 

 I prefer the clay floor because of its coolness. Have it about two 

 inches lower at the rear. 



For bedding, good wheat straw is best. Oat straw is too tough, 



