HORSES IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3461, 4 January 1901, Page 3

HORSES IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Veterinary-Surgeon A. R. Young, who left with the Fifth Contingent in the Gymeric, writes from Zeerust, under date October 24th, as follows:—"I am here with the Fourth and Fifth New Zealand Regiments with about 600 horses and mules to report on—X ! can't say to 'vet.,' for the farriers of the Fourth and Fifth are a willing lot of men and relieve me of most of the work. The New Zealand horses have stood up very well indeed, and their selection reflects great credit on the gentlemen and committees engaged at that work.' Veterinary examination cannot be too severe, as very slight ringbone, sidebone, or spavin, very'soon shows at this The| besti age is from six to nine years. Very young horses soon get low-

spirited, while older ones go_stif£->afteir aay extra h&ad marching. .. Glaaders - has attained a. good -footing in' South- I am afraidt for our horses, as there; are. always stray ones..- coming abosfc; the- linos, so have recommended the tubeeeulin test to be applied on the first opportunity. • We have lost a. good many' .valuable c animals through hersoisickness; • In Angust alone the Fourth, and Fifth lost frorifehorse" sickness thirtjpsiine, killed in . asfci&n:-eightW i died of wounds three, other -injijries and [ causes eight. But for September we-have only lost - eighteen, most of •wJiidhv hav«' been killed in" action. I- have seen a

disease exactly similar to ./tßete Whiten disease, and; had twelve cases*, most of which recovased. It would be*a-kindness to some of the-men out here of tKearppople: would withhold their letters fronr«publica»tion. I don't blame the men, most extraordinary-yarns are -always-on tKe % move in camgv : At present': the STSw Zealand horses liere are very-fit, altSf&ughisthte Fourth have-® pull upon-the FHf-Miri Having secured 100 sets of new -shear, whichi were, hidden*.-from the Boers in Zeerusfc.'"" ] Veterinary-Siirgeon Young intendd'd to/ go j to .England Before returning toN&w-Zea*- j land, where lie expects to arrive-ab&utJthfr; : New Year. . i