PEEPAKATION.OP FOODS. 41 



know of no grain more likely to produce what is called acute indiges- 

 tion than corn if these directions are not observed. 



Linseed. — Ground linseed is occasionally fed with other foods to 

 keep the bowels open and to improve the condition of the skin. It is 

 of particular service during convalescence, when the bowels are slug- 

 gish in their action. Linseed tea is very often given in irritable or 

 inflamed conditions of the digestive organs. 



Potatoes. — These are used as an article of food for the horse in 

 many sections. If fed raw and in large quantities they often produce 

 indigestion. Their digestibility is favored by steaming or boiling. 

 They possess, in common with other roots, slight laxative properties. 



Beets. — These are not much used as food for horses. 



Carrots. — These make a most excellent food, particularly during 

 sickness. They improve the appetite and slightly increase the action 

 of the bowels and kidneys. They possess also certain alterative prop- 

 erties. The coat becomes smooth and glossy when carrots are fed. 

 Some veterinary writers claim that chronic cough is cured by giving 

 carrots for some time. The roots may be considered, then, as an 

 adjunct to the regular regimen, and if fed in small quantities are 

 highly beneficial. 



Grasses. — Grass is the natural food of horses. It is composed of 

 a great variety of plants, differing widely as to the amount of nour- 

 ishment contained, some being almost entirely without value as foods 

 and only eaten when there is nothing else obtainable, while others are 

 positively injurious, or even poisonous. None of the grasses are suf- 

 ficient to keep the horse in condition for work. Horses thus fed 

 are " soft," sweat easily, purge, and soon tire on the road or when at 

 hard work. To growing stock grass is indispensable, and there is 

 little or no doubt but that it acts as an alterative when given to 

 horses accustomed to grain and hay. It must be given to such horses 

 in small quantities at first. The stomach and intestines undergo rest, 

 and recuperate if the horse is turned to grass for a time each year. 

 It is also certain that during febrile diseases grass acts almost as a 

 medicine, lessening the fever and favoring recovery. Wounds heal 

 more rapidly than when the horse is on grain, and some chronic dis- 

 orders (chronic cough, for instance) disappear entirely when at grass. 

 In my experience, grass does more good when the horse crops it him- 

 self. This may be due to the sense of freedom he enjoys at pasture, 

 to the rest to his feet and limbs, and for many other similar reasons. 

 When cut for him it should be fed fresh or when but slightly wilted. 



preparation op foods. 



Foods are prepared for feeding for any of the following reasons : 

 To render the food more easily eaten ; to make it more digestible ; to 

 economize in amount; to give it some new property; and to pre- 



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