The care of animals

Preface

The proper care of animals is more than supplying their physical needs and comforts. Animals are subject to ills and accidents. It is the part of every farmer to know how to care for the simpler difficulties, and when to call for advice from the veterinarian. The animal industry is rapidly increasing in extent and importance. The day of the skilled veterinarian is coming ; but his profession must rest on a quickened public knowledge of the diseases and accidents to which animals are subject. The greater the knowledge of these subjects on the part of the man w^ho raises animals, the keener is his interest in these and all related matters, and the more frequent will be his demands on the veterinarian. The day of the "horse-doctor book" is passing. Prevention, sanitation, careful handling are more important than mere medication. We are coming to a rational treatment of disease in animals, as we are of disease in man. Now that the farmer is giving so much attention to feeding and breeding, he should also give additional thought to the extra difficulties and ailments that overtake his flocks.

vi Preface

This little volume is based on an experience of some twelve years in Michigan, Connecticut and Kansas, as a practitioner, as a teacher of veterinary science to students in agricultural colleges, and as a lecturer before farmers' institutes. It has been the aim to give concise, practical directions that can be used by those who have to do with the care of animals. Special attention has been given to the use of domestic and simple remedies. Complicated medicinal treatment has been omitted, as not being practicable in ordinary hands. For the same reason, rare and unusual diseases are omitted because of the danger of confusion.

The writer will be glad to receive suggestions from those into whose hands this book may fall, as to measures that will make it more useful and practical.

NELSON S. MAYO.

Manhattan, Kansas October 1, 1903

CHAPTER I General Advice 1-16

Feeding and Watering 3

Exercise 11

Protecting the Animals 12

Give the Animal Your Personal Attention . 13

CHAPTER II The Care of Animals in Stables and Yards 17-29

Horse Stalls 18

Cow Stables 19

The Grooming of Horses 21

The Clipping of Horses 23

The Care of the Feet 24

Bedding 25

Care of Swine , 26

Yards and Corrals 28

Quarantine 28

CHAPTER III The Care of Pets 30-49

Dogs 31

The Breaking of Dogs for Farm Purposes 35

Rabbits and Hares 43

Cavies, or Guinea Pigs 46

Pet Poultry . 46

(vii)

viii Contents

CHAPTER IV The Horse— Judging and Handling 51-87

Age 51

The Teeth of the Horse 52

Contrasts with Cattle 57

Color of Horses , 58

Style 59

Points in Horses 59

Unsoundness in Horses 62

Warranty 63

Examination of Horses in Stable 64

Examining Out of Doors 65

Fitting Horses for Market 71

Shipping Horses , 72

"Green" Horses 74

Training and Hitching Up Horses 75

Breaking Colts 78

Wild or Vicious Horses 82

Balky Horses 83

Rearing, or "Raring" • . 85

Halter-pulling 85

Pulling on the Bit 86

Runaway Horses 86

CHAPTER V The Horse— Lameness and Shoeing 88-107

Diagnosing Lameness 89

Sweeney, Shoulder Lameness 91

Laminitis, or Founder 93

Coffin-joint Lameness 95

Co'-ns 97

Contents ix

The Horse — Lameness and Shoeing— Continued pages

Quittor 99

Punctured Wounds of the Foot 100

Thrush 100

Cracked Hoofs 101

Shoeing 103

Fitting the Shoe 105

CHAPTER VI Indications of Disease in Animals 108-120

Pulse 110

Temperature 112

Respiration 113

The Mucous Membrane 114

Excretions 114

General Appearance 115

Post-mortem Examination 117

CHAPTER VII Treating Sick Animals 121-155

Box Stalls for Sick Animals 122

Blankets, Bandages, Slings 124

Food for Sick Animals 127

Giving Medicine 128

Enemas 136

Counter Irritants 138

Fomentations 142

The Soaking Tub 144

Confining or Restraining Animals 144

X Oon tents

Treating Sick Animals — Continued pagks

Anesthetics 149

Disinfection 150

Antiseptics 151

CHAPTER VIII Surgical Cases " 156-191

Inflammation 156

Wounds .158

Treatment of Wounds ' . . . 159

Diseases and Abnormal Growths 165

Abscesses 166

Fistulge 168

Poll - evil 168

Fistulous Withers 170

Cancer , 171

Tumo-rs 171

Shoe-boil — Capped Elbow 172

Capped Hock 174

Synovial Capped Hock 174

Open Joint 174

Capped Knees 176

Wry Tail 176

Switching the Tail 177

Hernia 177

Scrotal Hernia 179

Customary Surgical Practices 179

Dehorning . . 179

Docking Horses 181

Docking Lambs 181

Castrating 181

Caponizing 187

Spaying 188

Contents x'l

CHAPTER IX Breeding, and Veterinary Obstetrics 192-216

Signs of Pregnancy 198

Signs of Parturition, or Approaching Birth 200

Dystokia 202

Removing the Placenta 206

Eversion of the Uterus 207

Altered Milk Secretions 209

Mammitis 210

Milk Fever 212

Caring for the Young, and Weaning 215

Pyemia, or Blood-poisoning, in Colts 216

CHAPTER X Diseases and Injuries of the Bones, Limbs and Joints . 217-243

Fractures 217

Fractuie of Hip Bone 223

Ulceration of Bone 223

"Side-bones" 224

Softening of Bones 224

Brittle Bones 225

Cartilage Turning to Bone 225

Osteoporosis 226

Bony Enlargements 226

Bone Spavin 227

Ring-bone 231

Big-knee and Other Enlargements 233

Splint 233

Dislocation of Bones 234

Knuckling 235

Stifle 235

• Dislocation of the Neck , 237 xii Contents

Diseases and Injuries of the Bones, Limbs and Joints Continued

Sprains ^ 238

Bog-spavin - 238

Wind-puffs 239

Thorough-pin 240

Curb , 241

Knee-sprung 242

Breaking-dowu 242

Ruptured Tendons 243

CHAPTER XI Diseases of the Alimentary Tract and of the Digestive

Function 244-277

Sore Mouth ... , 246

Infectious Sore Mouth of Cattle 246

Diseased and Abnormal Teeth 248

Wolf-teeth 251

Cribbing 251

Parotiditis 252

Salivary Calculus , 253

Salivation, or Slobbering 253

Soro Throat , . . 254

Stomach Staggers 258

Impaction of the Rumen . . , , 259

Hoven, or Bloating in Cattle 260

Gorging with Grain 263

Indigestion in Horses . 264

Colic in Horses 266

Obstruction of the Bowels in Horses 269

Concretions, Calculi, Hair-balls, etc. 270

Intussesception, or Invagination of the Bowel 271

Contents xiii

Diseases of the Alimentary Tract and of the Digestive

Function — Continued pages

Volvulus, Twisting of the Bowel, "Gut-tie" 271

Inflammation of the Bowels, or Enteritis 271

Diarrhea, SeouriLg 273

Constipation 275

White Scour 276

Crop-bound Fowls 276

CHAPTEK XII

Diseases Affecting the Respiratory System 278-289

Acute Catarrh 278

Chronic Catarrh 279

Bronchitis 280

Congestion of the Lungs 282

Pneumonia, Inflammation of the Lungs, Lung Fever . . 283

Infectious Pneumonia 286

Contagious Pleuro -pneumonia 286

Pulmonary Emphysema, Heaves, or Broken-wind .... 287 Roaring, or Whistling 288

CHAPTER XIII Diseases Affecting the Brain and Nervous System . 290-298

Hydrocephalus 290

Dummies 291

Tetanus, or Lock-jaw 291

Stringhalt, Chorea 294

Fits, Epilepsy 296

Sunstroke, Heat Exhaustion 297

Apoplexy 297

Paralysis 298 xiv Contents

CHAPTER XIV Diseases Affecting the Skin and Eye 299-311

Hidebound 299

Eczema, Inflammation of the Skin 300

Mud Fever . . 301

Scratches, Grease-heel 301

Fouls in Cattle 303

Tumors of the Skin 304

Melanotic Tumors 305

Rubbing the Mane 306

Rubbing the Tail 306

Diseases of the Eye 307

Ectropium 308

Simple Ophthalmia 308

Periodic Ophthalmia, Moon Blindness 309

Catarrhal Conjunctivitis, Pink-eye 310

Worm in the Eye > 311

CHAPTER XV Parasites 312-353

Ringworm 313

Lice 314

Fleas 318

Scab of Sheep and Cattle 318

Flies 327

Maggots 328

Screw-fly 329

Horn-fly 330

Bots in Horses 3*31

Contents xv

Parasites — Continued pages

Bots in Cattle 333

Sheep Bot-fly, Grub in the Head 334

Ticks 336

Gid, or Staggers in Sheep 340

Stomach Worm of Sheep 346

Lung Worm 348

Gapes in Fowls 350

Measles in Meat 351

. TrichinsB in Meat 352

CHAPTER XVI Contagious and Infectious Diseases 354-399

Glanders and Farcy 356

Anthrax, Charbon 360

Blackleg 362

Directions for Using Blackleg Virus 364

Rabies, Hydrophobia 367

Texas, or Southern Cattle Fever 370

Contagious Abortion 374

Foot and Mouth Disease 376

The Tuberculin Test 382

Cowpox 385

Dog Distemper 386

Hog Cholera and Swine Plague 388

Fowl Cholera '. 395

Blackhead 397

Roup 397 xvi Contents

CHAPTER XVII Miscellaneous Diseases 399-427

Azoturia 399

Eetention of Urine 401

Stone in the Bladder 402

Foul Sheath 403

Paralysis of the Penis 404

Frequent Urinating in Mares 404

Dropsy 405

"Big- leg," Lymphangitis 406

Loco Disease 407

Cornstalk Disease 410

Big-jaw, or Actinomycosis of Cattle 412

Rheumatism 415

"Thumps" in Pigs .416

Poisoning of Animals 417

Poisonous Foods 421

Moldy Corn 422

Moldy Silage . . , 424

Moldy Oats, Hay and Forage 425

Injury from Cotton-seed Meal 425

Dirty Hay .426

Lead Poisoning in Cattle 426

Other Poisons 427-448

CHAPTER XVIII Recipes and Brief Advice 428-440

Common Prescriptions 437

Brief Advice on the Commoner Diseases 440

Index 449

THE CAEE OF ANIMALS

Chapter I General Advice

Domestic animals are kept under conditions that are more or less artificial, — conditions created by man and largely under his control. These conditions may be conducive to the good health and utility of animals, or if neglected or improperly attended to they may prove injurious; and they are fi'equently the active agents in the production of disease.

Wherever animals are gathered in large numbers there is an increased tendency toward contagious and infectious diseases, and extra pi-ecautions must be taken. It has been stated b}' some writers that the function or economj' of disease -producing germs is to prevent an undue population of the earth. The fact that contagious diseases are most prevalent where numbers of animals are gathered, where hygienic and sanitarj^ rules are not enforced, and where ignorance prevails, tends, at least, to enforce this conclusion, and to show that, in the main, ''the fittest survive."

In the care of domestic animals, the old adage that "a stitch in time saves nine" is applicable, for it is much easier and moi^e economical to prevent diseases than to cure them. A man who understands the wants and needs of domestic animals, and who uses good judgment and care in dealiug with them, is amply repaid in the profits and satisfaction returned.

One of the first essentials to the successful care and handling of stock is suitable quarters. The quai--

Fig. 2. The old-time barn and yard, in which shelter is inadequate and much of the manure is wasted

ters should protect from the inclemencies of weather, both in winter and summer. They should be light, dry and well ventilated. Dark, damp and poorly ventilated stables are hotbeds of disease. Light and an abundance of fresh air are essential to the maintenance of health; and these can be so cheaply supplied that no excuse can be offered for the lack of them^

The Stadles 3

Cleanliness is another veiy important factor, for the excrements of the animal body are not onl}^ injurious themselves, but they afford a breeding -place for bacteria, and in the processes of decomposition give off noxious gases. The common practice of stabling animals over manure -pits is not beneficial to the health of animals, however convenient it may be. Modern veterinary hygiene, both in theory and practice, follows human hygiene ver}^ closely. In cases of doubt as regards hygienic or sanitary conditions, it is a good plan to put yourself in the animal's place. Fig. 2, while interesting as a picture, shows some of the conditions to avoid.

The temperature of stables and barns is an important matter. Many modern stables are too w^arm; the old-time ones are likely to be too cold. Too high temperature produces lassitude, reduces appetite and tends to breed germs. Too low temperature prevents the animal from making strong and continuous growth; the food energy that would otherwise go to the building up of the body is consumed in merely keeping warm. As a rule, a temperature of 45° to 50° is best for most animals in winter.

FEEDING AND WATERING

More animals are injured by overfeeding than by underfeeding. It is mistaken kindness to feed animals merely because they will eat. Under ordinary conditions, animals should be given only sufficient food to keep them in fairly good flesh. Animals

4 The Care of Aninials

that are fat are susceptible to disease, do not breed readily, do not endure well in parturition, nor perform ordinary labor easily. It is a somewhat common practice, when severe exertion is required of a horse, either at draft or on the road, to give him an extra heavy feed. Such practice is injurious to the animal, as he cannot do his best work when the digestive system is overloaded with food and thus taxed to its utmost capacity. Animals of which hard work is expected should be fed sparingly. Of course, horses or other animals that are continuously at hard labor should be given food enough to keep them in good physical condition.

When warm, and especially when tired, an animal should be allowed to rest before receiving its usual food. The overtaxing of organs already tired tends to bring on diseases of the digestive system. It is usually a good plan to water the animal sparingly at first and give a light feed of hay; then, when it is cool and rested, to give what water is desired and the customary feed of grain. Rubbing an animal with a brush, cloth, or wisp of straw is an excellent method of resting and soothing it when it is tired and nervous.

When animals are fed out of doors or in pens it is best to have them divided into small groups, or to have individual places for feeding each animal. The food should be so distributed that each animal has opportunity to get its fair share. When this is not done the strong and aggressive animals are likely to keep the weaker ones from getting their share of

How to Feed 5

the food, while they themselves may eat more than is good for them. The same general principles hold in watering auimals ; every opportunity should be given for the weaker ones to get sufficient water ; otherwise the "bosses," after obtaining what water they wish, will often keep other animals away. Experience has demonstrated that, in feeding calves or similar animals, they do much better when each is kept in a stall or stanchion by itself, at least during the feeding period. Calves herding together frequently suck one another's ears or other parts of the body to such an extent that it interferes with their growth.

In feeding j'oung animals, cleanliness is of the greatest importance, especially for those that are fed milk or similar foods, which soon decompose. Not only should the food be sweet and pure, but the pails, troughs and other utensils should be kept scrupulously clean. All food that the animal does not consume should be removed, and not allowed to decompose. The food for young animals is often fed in a too concentrated form. Much better results can be secured by diluting the food and feeding more frequently.

For horses at ordinary work, oats and bright timothy hay constitute an excellent diet. When horses are at hai'd labor, an addition of cornmeal is excellent to make up for the increased waste. For such horses, and for old animals whose teeth are not in good condition, better results are secured if the corn and oats are ground together.

Animals should be fed regularly, and then watered before receiving grain. Bulky food, or that containing a large amount of indigestible substauce, should be fed to horses sparingly. Cattle and sheep are not so easily injured by it, since they have greater digestive capacity. Musty or du^ty hay -fed to horses is likely to produce indigestion or heaves ; and it is often a source of much trouble to other animals. Moldy and wormy food is often the cause of a serious brain disease among horses and mules ; and moldy ensilage sometimes poisons cattle.

Grasses or grain often contain ergot, a parasitic fungus, which shows itself among the healthy grains as long black kernels. This fungus most frequently attacks rye and related wild grains. The feeding of this "spurred rye" to animals is likely to produce in them a disease called ergotism. In this disease the blood-vessels of the extremities contract to such an extent that the feet of the afflicted animals frequently slough off, and sometimes, also, the tails. Corn -smut, so far as known, does not cause disease. If fed in large quantities, however, it is likely to produce indigestion.

Underfeeding is a result of insufficient food, or of food that is not sufficiently nutritious and digestible. As a result of underfeeding, animals fall away in flesh, become "hidebound," and the coat takes on a harsh and lusterless appearance, which is caused by the absorption of fat from beneath the skin. A similar appearance may also be produced by disease. In bringing underfed animals back into condition, care must be taken not to overfeed. It is best to increase

Violent Changes in Food

Fig. 3. Salting the sheep

the rations very gradually, so that the digestive system may adapt itself to the change.

Sudden and violent changes of food are always to be avoided if possible. When it is necessary to change the food, this shonld be done gradually, and the new food shonld not be taken on an empty stomach. If a horse is to be turned out to pasture, it is better that he have a feed of hay and grain before being let out,

8 The Care of J.)ii)H(iIs

as then he is less likely to gor^^e himself on the new diet. Fresh grass usually acts very beneficially on an animal, improving the tone of the whole system. A variety of foods generally gives the best results. Animals at severe work rarely keep up in flesh if fed chiefl}^ on green succulent food. Palatability of food, — that is, agreeable taste, — is also ver}^ important.

Common salt is essential to practically all domestic animals, and it should be given to them frequently. If animals are allowed free access to salt they eat only what nature requires ; but to animals not accustomed to it, salt must be supplied very gradually, or they will eat too much at first and are likely to be overtaken by indigestion or even death. Sheep are sometimes poisoned by eating too much salt when they are not accustomed to it. Fine or rock salt may be used. Every good farmer knows that he must salt his sheep often (Fig. ^).

"Bolting" the food, or gulping it rapidly and without sufficient mastication, is always injurious to animals. Some horses acquire this as a habit, and it is hard to overcome. One of the best methods of preventing it is to spread the grain over a large area, as on the bottom of a manger, so that the horse cannot easily obtain large mouthfuls. There are iron feed-boxes, divided into small compartments, that accomplish tlie same results. Smooth round stones, the size of a man's fist, can be placed in the ordinary feed -box, so that the horse is required to nose them over in order to get the grain. Animals that bolt their food should be given ground feed.

Value of Exercise

EXERCISE

Exercise is important in maintaining the general health and vigor of animals. The practice of keeping milch cows closely confined the year round, while conducive to an increased milk - flow, also

Fig. 6. A good Yorkshire pig

tends to weaken the animals' constitutions, and predispose them to disease, especially to tuberculosis. Exercise is necessarj- to keep the muscles, digestive system, skin and other organs of the bod}^ in a healthy condition. But animals that are being fattened for the market should have very little exercise, as exertion consumes some of the food that should go

Fig. 7. Young Galloway bulls

toward the making of fat. Cow barns should be provided witli ample j^ards, placed in such position that they are well protected from winds (Fig. 4). In severe weather, cows should be exercised under cover, as in a covered barnyard.

PROTECTING THE ANIMALS

Animals that have to be exposed to severe weather should be protected by means of blankets, especially when allowed to stand while sweating after severe exertion. This is especially true of horses during cold weather. The best and most economical horse -blankets are the large, square, all-wool kinds. They should always be securely fastened on by means of straps or lai'ge blanket pins. During the summer, horses that are subjected to severe exertion, which causes them to sweat freely, can be protected from drafts and from

The Care-tal-er danger of taking cold by light thin blankets, commonly known as "steaming blankets."

In localities where flies and mosquitoes abound, it is economy to protect working animals against them bj^ the use of fly-nets; as the irritation of the animal, — to say nothing of the driver, — in fighting the pests, will be a serious loss of energy and nerve force.

GIVE THE ANIMAL YOUR PERSONAL ATTENTION

A sleek, well-fed, contented-looking animal is not often the result of accident. It is the product of good care. The successful stockman is the one who likes his animals. He will sacrifice his own comfort rather than theirs. He will not stop with a half hour's

Fig. 8. Good Gralloway cattle at pasture

Fif. 30. -lerseys iu good uiilli condition

Titi. 11. ;iieriuob m goud stuck condition grooming of his horse if the animal needs an hour's. "What do you give your horse to make him look so fine ? " the traveler asked of the English farm lad. "Lot's o' rubbin', sir," was the reply.

The best of food, the fanciest stables, the most expensive implements and equipments, will not make up for the lack of good loving care. These are more than medicine or breed. Do not wait until your animal runs down before you inquire what ails him. It is better not to let him run down.

Many persons do not know what a good animal is, even though they raise animals all their lives. Sleek, plump, close-haired, clean, docile, contented, — these are some of the words that we apply to animals that are well cared for. Scrawny, rough, restless, wild, dirty, — these are attributes of those that are poorly cared for. The accompanying pictures (Figs. 3-11) show good farm animals. Poor farm animals are so common that pictures of them are not needed.

Chapter II The Cabe Of Animals In Stables And Yards

Aside from the necessity of stabling animals to protect them against inclement weather, it is often desirable to confine them for other reasons. Stabled animals are usually more gentle to handle, and their coats are improved in texture and appearance. The following brief remarks on stabling, however, are made from the veterinarian's point of view.

In the construction of stables, strength, simplicity and plainness should be emphasized. Under these conditions, the stables may be easily cleaned and disinfected.

The animals should stand, if possible, with their heads toward the center of the building. This arrangement of stalls provides better ventilation and also better lighting, as the light should be admitted, whenever possible, from behind the animals. In man and beast, sight is impaired by having to face a glare of light. With the larger animals, such as horses and cattle, it is best to confine them in separate stalls, where they can not get their heads together. There should be a sufficientlj^ strong partition between to keep them from turning crosswise and interfering with their neighbors. Animals that are not properly separated often fall into the habit of fighting each other. The feed-boxes should be so arranged that each animal is fed separately, and is prevented from consuming another's food. Such an arrangement insures each animal a given amount of food, and it tends to prevent the spread of dangerous undetected diseases, as tuberculosis among cattle and glanders among horses. The front of the stalls should be built no higher than is necessary to keep the animal properly confined and to place the food within reach. When the animal is standing the expired air will pass out over the front of his stall.

HORSE STALLS

The size of stalls for horses must depend somewhat on the size of the animal to be confined. For ordinary horses the stalls should be at least five feet wide; five and a half to six feet is better. They should be nine and a half feet long. For flooring, hard wood two-inch planks, well matched, are excellent. Some hard woods are too slippery, however, and hemlock may be used. The floor of the stall should have a very gentle slope to the rear, the plank running lengthwise of the stall. It is more convenient to have the flooring of the passageway behind the animals at right angles to that of the stall, as it is easier to clean. The partition separating the stalls should be strongly made, well set and smoothly ceiled on each side. The rear of the partition should be well rounded. The feed -box and manger may be of iron or hard wood; if of the latter, the edges should be protected with strips of iron securely screwed down to prevent the animals from gnawing the wood.

Horse Stalls and Cow Stalls 19

Horses are best confined in stalls by means of stout leather halters, which can be tied to the railing or to any suitable place on the manger or side of partition. The tie should be secure and short enough to prevent the possibility of a horse getting a foot over the halter stale. An excellent method is to pass the halter stale through a rope or ring or over a pulley, and attach a light weight to the other end; this always keeps the rope taut enough to prevent accidents of this nature. In some cases, where animals do not stand well when tied by the head, they can be confined in the stall by a chain fastened across behind the animal ; this is also a good method of preventing the animal from backing and lying down in the manure.

When room can be afforded, box stalls are desirable. These may be as much as twelve feet square, although ten by ten is a good size. In all horse stalls, provide high walls or partitions for kicking animals, — three and a half to four feet high.

cow STABLES

The general arrangement of a cow stable, from a veterinarian's point of view, should be similar to that of a horse stable, except that cement can be used more satisfactorily for feed-troughs, passageways and gutter behind the cows. Cement passageways for horse stables do not stand well on account of the danger of being cut up by sharp calks on the shoes. They are also likely to be slippery at times.

The length of stalls for cattle must depend on the size of the animals. For small cows of the dairy type the length of stall from the manger to edge of gutter should be from fifty -six to sixty -two inches; and for the larger beef breeds seventy -two inches. The flooring of the stalls should be planks, well matched, running lengthwise of the stall and having a slight incline to the rear. The gutter behind the stall should be from four to five inches deep and about fifteen inches wide. The edge of the gutter next to the stall should be vertical; otherwise animals are liable to slip when stepping on it.

The width of the stall should vary, according to the size of the animal, from thirty-eight to forty-five inches. There should be a partition extending far enough back to keep the animals from fighting each other and from turning crosswise of the stall so as to interfere with the neighboring animal or to soil the adjoining stall. In the narrower stalls for milch cows, it is an excellent plan to have the partition hinged near the cow's shoulder, so that the rear portion can be unhooked and swung aside or raised to give more room for the milker.

The manger should be as low as convenient, and should be so divided that the food of each animal is kept in a separate compartment. In the stabling of cows, each animal should have her own stall assigned to her, and she should not be shifted from place to place.

Cows are fastened in stalls in various ways. Some of the swinging or chain stanchions give good satisfaction. An excellent method is merely to stretch a chain across the rear of the stall Thi^ is a cheap and effi-

Cleaning of Horses 21

cient method if the stall is built of proper size; and it keeps the animal from being soiled by the droppings. Another economical and satisfactory method is to use a neck -strap to which a ring is fastened; through this ring a chain is passed from one side of the manger to the other, crosswise of the stall, and held in place by a slipping bolt; by means of a rope attached to this bolt and fastened to a lever, all the animals in a row can be released at once.

The drainage from stables, especially from cow stables, should be kept on the surface, as underground drains clog easily with the coarse material that is used for feed and bedding. Preferably, there should be no drainage of urine, for it should be absorbed in bedding for use as a fertilizer.

THE G BOOMING OF HORSES

In most respects the skin of animals resembles that of man, except that it is more densely covered with hair for protection. This affords a place for the lodgment of dust and dirt, which is frequently retained by coming in contact with the perspiration. Dirt frequently collects upon the skin and coat of animals from lying down, either in the stable or out of doors. In order to improve the appearance of an animal, and to contribute to its general health, the skin should be cleaned frequently. This is best done by means of a good bristle brush. In addition to this tool, a metal comb is required for the purpose of loosening such hard material as cannot be removed with a briash. Combs, however, should be used lightly and only for the purpose of removing dirt. The essential part of grooming is to apply the bristle brush vigorously. This removes the accumulated dirt and dried perspiration, gives the coat a glossy appearance, and prevents various parasitic diseases of the skin. If possible, grooming should be performed after animals have had exercise, as the perspiration produced by the exercise is then removed instead of being allowed to dry on the skin. This is especially important when the skin and coat are soiled with mud or water. After the coarse dirt is loosened by means of a curry-comb, it should be completely removed with the brush; and, after brushing, the loose dust can be removed from the outside of the coat by wiping with a slightly dampened cloth.