150 THE FAMILY HORSE. 



and barley straw is irritating to the skin. Straw bedding will not 

 absorb all the liquids nor prevent strong ammoniacal vapors from 

 arising, and therefore absorbents of some sort should be kept 

 on hand. Diy earth is best ; plaster is good ; sifted coal ashes and 

 dry sawdust may be employed. A shovelful of either will absorb 

 the Uquids, which are of high manurial value, and preserve them 

 in a much safer, more compact and portable form than can be done 

 in a filthy cistern. By the use of dry earth or any other good 

 absorbent the stable can be kept perfectly clean and sweet at all 

 times, and a shovelful can be scattered over the floor as quickly as a 

 forkful of straw. A dry staU and dry bedding are essential to the 

 comfort and health of the horse. 



Connected with the stable should be a weU-drained yard for the 

 horse to exercise in whenever it is not in use. A gate arranged so 

 that it can be sHd forward to inclose the stable door within the yard 

 is a good contrivance. With a sliding door for the stall, the horse 

 can be turned loose and given the run of both yard and stall. For 

 brood mares this is an excellent arrangement — ^much better than a 

 box stall or shedded yard. If the yai-d can be enlarged to a smaU 

 pasture so much the better. Sow it with Kentucky blue gi-ass, or- 

 chard grass and timothy, equal quantities of each, by weight, at 

 the rate of two bushels per acre. Use no clover, because its second 

 growth causes salivation. The horse should have some exercise 

 every day if possible. Continued enforced idleness is vei-y injurious. 

 The muscles become soft, the flesh flabby, the system clogged, and 

 he is soon rendered unfit for even hght work. A moderate amount 

 of exercise will prevent this, and keep the animal in good condition 

 for hard work and long drives. 



GROOMING. 



Thorough grooming is as essential to the health, comfort and 

 appearance of the horse as proper food and shelter. Ourry and 

 brush it from head to foot at least once every day. Use the comb 

 lightly and the brush vigorously. Aim to make the operation agree- 

 able to the horse. "When it comes in wet and muddy, wash its legs 

 and feet clean with warm water and rub dry with a cloth ; it will 

 prevent scratches and other like ailments. In warm weather 

 sponge off the shoulders, and other parts sweated by the harness, 

 with cool, salty water, then wipe dry. If the horse should acciden- 

 tally become galled, use the following ointment : Clean lard, two 

 ounces, acetate of copper one-quarter ounce, Venice turpentine one- 

 half ounce, spirits turpentine one-half ounce. Melt slowly and mix, 



