MOLASSES AS A FOOD FOR ARMY HORSES. 
899 
the result of the experiment has been put on paper, it may be 
of some interest to veterinarians. We do not claim originality 
for this ration, it having been in constant use on the island of 
Porto Rico from time immemorial. 
Conclusions .—Army horses in the West Indies when the 
regular ration is not obtainable can be subsisted without loss 
of flesh or vitality on grass and molasses, both of which are 
cheap and easily obtainable. The average price per day for the 
grass and molasses ration was fifteen cents, that of the regular 
ration about twenty-seven cents ; the price of molasses depends 
upon the season, it being cheapest when the cane is being ground. 
Thirty-five pounds of grass and from thirteen to fifteen 
pounds of molasses as a daily allowance is sufficient to maintain 
a horse of one thousand pounds weight in good working condi¬ 
tion in a climate similar to that of Porto Rico. 
On this ration animals appear to do more work, condition 
and coat improve ; there is less tendency to perspiration, wind 
decidedly improved, urine increased but slightly, bowels have a 
tendency to constipation, which is easily corrected by the feed¬ 
ing of a few pounds of bran at stated intervals. 
Sudden change from dry to this ration is not at all injurious and 
does not derange the digestive apparatus. On changingtoadry ra¬ 
tion it should be done gradually or serious consequences may arise. 
Molasses attracts insects, notably flies and ants ; it sticks to 
the animal’s coat, smears his face and breast, halter and halter 
strap, soils the clothing and equipment of the men and causes 
some trouble and delay in mixing it with the grass, which must 
be cut fine. It is believed that molasses in small quantities in 
the United States could be used to good advantage in the treat¬ 
ment of sick horses recovering from some debilitating disease, 
also in cases of animals suffering from dyspepsia, where the coat 
is rough and skin harsh and tight, as well as in horses with 
chronic indigestion that will not respond to the usual tonics. 
If molasses as a feed or partial feed be used by any of your 
readers with a therapeutical object in view it is hoped he will 
place the result of his observations at the disposal of the Review. 
