748 VETEEINAEY HYGIENE 



noon, afternoon and night feed are desirable for all horses, 

 though they frequently only receive three. 



With regard to watering, the rule is to water before 

 feeding and to water four times a day if possible. At early 

 morning, especially in the winter, little or no water is 

 drunk, the mid-day and evening water are the chief sources 

 of supply, while the late watering ensures the animal will 

 suffer no discomfort during the night, especially during 

 the summer. 



A lazy groom will fight against the night watering and 

 feeding, but it should be insisted upon in all establishments 

 where sufficient labour is provided. 



The principles of feeding have already been fully dealt 

 with (p. 139). There is, however, one question connected 

 with the management of horses which may here be suitably 

 considered. 



When numbers of horses are in bad condition in spite of 

 a liberal allowance of food, and the work not being exces- 

 sive, it is safe to say there is something wrong with the 

 management. If the food is found to be good and whole- 

 some, then it may generally be accepted as true that pecu- 

 lation is occurring, and that the horses are poor because 

 they are being robbed. 



In examining into the question, the whole system of stable 

 management should be dissected ; nothing must be taken 

 for granted ; everything must be seen. Even, if necessary, 

 the weights must be verified. It is quite unnecessary to 

 see or deal with more than the one or more responsible 

 persons. No questions should be asked of the subordinate 

 staff. The man or men responsible for the receipt and 

 issue of the forage and the feeding should know everything, 

 and if they do not, or are unable to give a perfectly clear 

 and intelligent account of the system pursued, then there 

 is something which needs explanation. 



These inquiries are of a delicate nature, and must be 

 conducted tactfully. If theft is going on, there is more than 

 one person concerned. The examiner should express no 

 opinion at such a time ; silence is especially golden, and he 



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