148 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



adjusted that the saddle is in the proper place on the back and 

 the crupper fits snugly under the tail; then there will be no 

 trouble from sore back or sore tail. 



Fly-nets. — The use of fly-nets often brings much comfort 

 to working animals. Such horses should be provided with 

 throat-latch cloths when the bot-flies are present, as these pests 

 are very annoying, and the animals in fighting them will often 

 become excited, with a consequent lessening of their usefulness. 

 Whether to use fly-nets or fly-blankets may depend on con- 

 ditions. The use of the fly-blanket is not advised by many per- 

 sons, but there are conditions in which it proves very desirable, 

 particularly on horses whose color is such as to fade on being 

 exposed to the direct rays of the sun. The fly-blanket, while 

 very efficient in retaining the color and keeping out the flies, is 

 not so presentable and is much warmer than the open net. 

 Leather fly-nets are the most presentable and the most desired by 

 horsemen. But fly-nets and fly-blankets are rather annoying to 

 the teamster and are more or less expensive, for which reasons 

 they are often discarded entirely. 



To do away with the use of fly-nets a number of "fly-killer" 

 preparations have been compounded. These materials are ap- 

 plied with a small sprayer, and to be effective must be used often. 

 It is said that they "do not soil or injure the hair and, all things 

 considered, are cheaper and more satisfactory outdoor fly pro- 

 tectors than are blankets." 



Caring for harness. — The proper care of the harness should 

 receive much consideration, as care will increase the length of its 

 usefulness and lessen the liability of its injuring the animal. It 

 is very important that the bearing parts be kept scrupulously 

 clean at all times. This applies particularly to the parts in con- 

 stant contact with the animal, as the collar, saddle, and crupper. 

 It is not possible to prevent sore shoulders, sore back, and sore 

 tail if these parts are permitted to become dirty, which they 

 will, because of the sweat and dandruff. They must be carefully 



