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LETTER VIII.
Grafs, and with New England Oats : As for our Mill Horses, Mules, and Affes, they feed ordinarily in Pastures, but during Crop-time they live on Sugar-Cane tops, and the skimming of our Sugar-Coppers, which last, must be given them sparingly at first, for fear of griping, and perhaps killing them. The bottom part of the SugarCane top, is about the thicknefs of one’s singe, and as it contains a good deal of the natural sweetnefs, we usually cut it into pieces of an inch and a half long, to give our Saddle Horses ; it is wondrous heartning Food, and fattens them a-pace. Our Saddle Horses are very subject to have Ticks (like Sheep-Ticks) breed in their Ears, which if not frequently pulled out, will strangely emaciate, or render them lean. I think it particular enough, That New England has but one fort of Horses, viz. Riding-Horses. I am, Sir, Tour most obedient Servant,
W
m.
Smith.
LET-