CAEE AND MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 741 



better for this method, but it is especially desirable in 

 stables with bails, so as to keep each animal as far as 

 possible on his own ground, and prevent him encroaching, 

 especially when lying down, on that of his neighbour. 



Various methods of fastening are dealt with at p. 303, 

 the point to which we here draw particular attention is the 

 absolute necessity for a counterpoise at the end of the rope, 

 either in the form of a metal or wooden block, so that the 

 head rope is never slack. The weight of the counterpoise 

 should equal the weight of the rope or chain, otherwise it 

 will not act at all positions of the fastening, and espe- 

 cially at that position which is full of danger, viz., when 

 the animal has been standing at the full length of the 

 fastening and advances to the manger. If the counter- 

 poise is not sufficiently heavy, the slack of the fastening is 

 left as a loop into which he can easily introduce a hind foot, 

 as in the act of scratching an ear, with the most disastrous 

 consequences. 



Where boxes are available, no fastening is required 

 excepting during the time the animal is being dressed and 

 the box cleaned out. 



Bedding. — A good bed for a hard working horse is prob- 

 ably equal to an extra feed. It is a matter of the utmost 

 importance that horses should be induced to lie down, not 

 only in order to rest their tired muscles, but to get the 

 weight of the body off their feet. No bed equals that of 

 straw for warmth and comfort, but economical considera- 

 tions have largely brought ' peat moss ' into use as a bed- 

 ding, while as an additional advantage it is found to be 

 very absorbent, so that stable drains need not exist. 



Where straw is used that of wheat is preferred to all 

 other ; oat straw is frequently used but is more liable to be 

 eaten. Neither barley nor rye straw are liked in the stable, 

 they do not make as good a bed ; barley straw is soft and 

 wanting in durability, while rye is very hard and wiry ; rye 

 straw has another market outside the stable, being largely 

 used in brick making, packing bottles, thatching, and 

 stuffing collars. 



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