74 The Diseases of Animals 
dition is resumed. Horses are sometimes very hungry 
when unloaded and are likely to overeat and so bring 
on indigestion, which is aggravated by the tired, nerv- 
ous condition, change of food and surroundings. Small 
doses of saltpeter, a teaspoonful twice daily, are use- 
ful to stimulate the kidneys, and to remove dropsical 
swellings. Bran mashes should be given until the 
bowels become normal. 
“GREEN ” HORSES 
By the term “green horses” is meant horses that 
are rather fat and not accustomed to the work, sur- 
roundings, and climatic conditions to which they are 
subjected. The term is usually applied to horses that 
are shipped into a locality from a distance. After a 
horse is broken in, becomes accustomed to his work 
and is acclimated, he is said to be “seasoned.” 
Green horses should be handled with great care and 
good judgment for the first season, as they are very 
likely to be injured by overwork. They are usually fat 
and out of condition as a result of being fitted for the 
market, and, while in good spirits and ambitious, should 
not be given hard work, either in driving or pulling. 
Light work for green horses the first season will repay 
in longer service and greater efficiency. Most horses 
are overworked, their ambition destroyed, and their 
life shortened by too severe labor before they are seven 
years old. Because a horse is young, active and ambi- 
tious there is a tendency among many to allow him to 
use his strength lavishly, and a debilitated, “played- 
