264 Western Live-stock Management 
upper layer called the cuticle, whichis hard and insensitive, 
and the inner or under layer called the cutus or true skin, 
which is sensitive and vascular. The cutus or true skin 
is thick and full of blood vessels and nerves and from it 
grows the layer which forms the cuticle or outer skin. 
Each cell is originally filled with moisture and as the 
moisture evaporates, the cells become flattened and are 
laid in series, one over the other, forming the cuticle or 
outer skin. The cells of the outer skin are constantly 
being worn off and are replaced from below by new cells 
formed by the cutus or true skin. The sweat glands in 
the skin secrete perspiration which is exuded through a 
pore terminating in the surface of the skin. Each 
gland is minute in itself, but collectively they form one 
of the largest secreting organs in. the body. The oil 
glands open partly on the surface, but mostly into the 
tubes of the hair. Each hair tube is furnished with one 
or more of these glands. Wherever there is much fric- 
tion or motion in the skin, the old glands are very numer- 
ous. The healthy or unhealthy condition of the skin is 
very readily shown by the appearance of the hair. If the 
skin is unhealthy, the coat is harsh and dry. If the skin 
is not properly cleaned, the dirt remains, not merely on 
the coat, as many think, but in the system, due to the 
clogging up of this very important set of drains. The 
general health of the animal must in consequence suffer. 
In order that grooming should produce the desired effects 
of removing the scurf and worn-out cells as well as clean- 
ing the horse, it is necessary that the skin be cleaned 
thoroughly by a good bristle brush well laid on. The other 
necessary instruments are a curry comb, mane comb, and 
fiber brush. By fiber brush is meant one which is made of 
stiff vegetable fiber and not of hair bristles. The curry comb 
