Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1861-05-03

Grooming q Horse.

"Nhnt do YOU give your horses TO keer
them in such fine condition asked young
farmer OF his neghbor, whose team at b y
were the pride of the owner, and the admi'
ration OF the village. "Oa's, carrots, and
plenty OF 6rusA," was the reply, There Is
htle need Of insisting on the necessity OF
good food, and plenty Of i, to have q horse
rem in vigorous, Every one knows HAT
bone. AMI siaew, and muscle are manuiac-
tnred from hay, oats, corn, and that The raw
material must be supplied TO produce the
strong limb. elastic step and noble spirit
which makes a fine horse the universal IA
vorle he is. But the important part which
the skin bears in the animal economy, and
the necessity of properly cleansing aud
keeping it in healthy condition, are not fully
appreciated. Rongh staring conts, " grease
or " scratches" infamation@, and whole
catalogue OF diseases, fud ther origin in
neglect Of proper grooming.
The skin Of the horse, like that OF other
animals, not only affords protection to the
parts within, but by the pores affords an
outlet to large part Of the waste Of the
body. In outdoor life, the natural tate OF
The horse. this membrane becomes tmcken-
cd and tough, capable Of resisting changes
of temperature and by continual exercise,
the pores are KEEP; open, giving free exit TO
all the exhnlations. but this alone viii not
give the smooth glossy coat which adds so
greatly TO the animals beauty. Combining
the horse to the stable, as is generally done
for at least part of the year, renders his
skin tender, especially when he is kept
warmly banketed Expose him now 10
great change of temperature take him out
and drive him until heated, return him to
The stable, and let him stand uncared for
over night, even for an hour, the sensitive
skin is rapidly chilled by the evaporation of
the sweat, the pores are Suddenly closed,
and often cold, rheumatic stiffness, or
other disorder, results. Proper grooming
prevents this, by toughening the skin, keep
ing it in healthy action, equa'izins tie cir
cuaiion, removing obstruction from the
pores, and what is of great importance, by
rousing the action Of the muscles at the sur
face, in some measure, compensates tor The
wait of exercise consequent: upon stable
life.
Currying and brushing should not be done
in the stable the dust and scurf will be
scattered in the manager TO mix with the
horse feed, besides keeping the stable un-
cleanly. Take the animal into the open air
tie him securely, and handle him SO gently
that he will enjoy, rather than dread. the
application Of the comb and brush. A sharp
curry-comb, roughly scrared over the ten
der skin, is anything hut pleasant as the
shrinking. resisting animal will soon show.
Apply this instrument lightly, and depend
mainly Oh The free use Of the brush. Begin
at the head, and pass the comb lightly up
ard down, until the dandruff Is all loosened,
and remove il with the brush. Be parlcu,
lar around the edges OF the forelop, and
name. 1t is good plan to sponge off the
head and ears using but little water smooth
ing the hair down 10 its natural position
In going over he back, quarters, Ions &c.,
use the comb in one hand and he brush in
the other, working lightly and quickly
Take pains where The skin lies in folds, as
at the union OF the legs With the body--let
evey part be made thoroughly free from
dust and dandruf. Finish 10y rubbing down
vigoi ously with wisps of straw, until The
hair "shines like bottle" an extra smooth
ing touch may be put on with WOODEN cloth.
Do not fear all this troubles ii will be more
than repaid in the extra looks and spirit of
the horse.-dmerican Agrfcat~rid