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Watering of Horses After Feeding.

The National Live Stock Journal, in giving direction for the care of horses, says:

Another common fault in the alimentation of horses is the leading to water just after a full feed of grain. The first effect of this is to largely distend the stomach; and the result may be as serious as if the material were masticated grain and saliva. But, should this danger be avoided, matters are not necessarily left in a better state. The sudden and excessive influx of water is likely to wash much of the contents of the stomach into the intestines before the nitrogenous principles have been digested, and fermentation, extrication of gasses, over distensions, colics and inflammations result. Even this is not all. The application of an excess of cold water on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines causes vascular congestion and violent muscular contractions, so that all tend to digestive disorder of a dangerous nature. Copious draughts of ice water are hurtful alike to man and beast. If it must be taken it should be in small quantities only, and frequently. But a drink of water of moderate temperature, just after a feed of grain, is full of peril to the stolied. Thirst should be allayed before the feed is given; and if any is allowed after, it should be merely a mouthful, until the lapse of one or two hours' time has been had for gastric digestion. After a feed of hay there is comparatively little danger. From the excessive salivary addition to the hay, and the comparatively small amount of its albuminoids, these are rapidly dissolved out and digested, and the further addition of water is often rather favorable than otherwise in hastening its progress into the bowels, where the digestion of its starch, sugar, fat and other respiratory elements may be completed.