When grass is given in the stable, the horse is said to be soiled. From what the word is' derived, or what was its original meaning, I have not been able to learn. At present the term is. used as if it denoted purification, or unsoiling. Grass is often given in the stable, under a vague impression that it removes impurities, or foulness, produced by the continued use of a strong, stimulating diet. By some, soiling is regarded as an incomplete substitute : by others, as an equivalent to pasturing; while a few hold that it is the best mode of giving green food.

When the horse has to continue at work, or when his allowance of food must not be such as to produce fatness, or when its bulk must not impede the breathing, soiling is to be preferred to grazing. The allowance can be regulated in the stable, but not in the field.

All horses do not require soiling. It is not true that green food is absolutely necessary for any horse in health. In many studs, an allowance of grass is given to each horse every year, not because it is a cheaper or more wholesome diet, nor because the horses are in bad condition, but because it is supposed to be necessary for preventing disease. In all large studs there are generally a few horses that require a change of diet; they may be out of work, or in bad health; reduced, perhaps, by sickless, lameness, bad food, or hard work. For such, soiling may be highly beneficial. But it does not follow that all should be soiled. They may, without injury but it has never been proved that it is absolutely necessary they should. When grass is abundant, and hay scarce the former may wholly or partly supply the place of the latter. Without other fodder it is too laxative for fast-working horses.

Cart-horses usually receive cut grass so long as it is in season.. It is generally cheaper than hay; when dearer it may be dispensed with. I know not how much a draughthorse will consume in twenty-four hours. Professor Low, I think, states it at 200 pounds, which seems to be a very large quantity, and perhaps excludes grain. In the " British Husbandry," the daily consumption, with a little grain, is supposed to vary from 84 to 112 pounds.

In soiling horses upon a small quantity of grass, it is given alone, or mixed with hay. Given by itself, it is apt to make the horses refuse their hay. It is better that the two should be mixed, especially when the hay is not very good. It is usual to do so, but the grass and the hay are seldom well mingled. They are so carelessly thrown together, that the horse is able to pick out the grass, and throw the hay among his feet. To mix them properly, they should be placed in a heap, layer upon layer, pressed together, and allowed to stand for two or three hours, so that the grass may communicate a part of its succulence and flavor to the hay. Afterward they may be incorporated by tossing the heap over two or three times.

When only one or two horses are to be soiled, they should be placed apart, or get the grass when the other horses are out, otherwise they will refuse their food, and be much annoyed to see their neighbors enjoying a luxury of which they can not partake. They neither rest nor feed.