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 A limit  view  of the  lutein.il  or Sensible  Foot._:i:i  t/ir
■r.uUH.'itt ttoiu:t. ht/ie t.mumttftt .tttO.thuiaf ■ <-' tht I'uroiuiy Bui,/.
f'r,  Il/:.:',.-  /■'•.;.■■■>■•■» /'"{/< <!i'<i lyRP'iltfr-tKii -< JLtutiMir/i :':tf.t'h;i/y/i
.# 
                COMPLETE BVSTEM OF            «*  \

   fa  m  m  a  m  si  w»

                       AND

VETERINARY  MEDICINE.
        CONTAINIFG A COMPENDIUM OF  THE

           VETERINARY ART,
      OR, AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF TH1

  DISEASES  OF  HORSES,

  AND THEIR MODE OF  TREATMENT; THE ANATOMY
           AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT,
               AJTD THE  FIUSTCIPLES A5TD
           Practice  of* Shoeing.
With obserrations on stable management, feeding, exercise, andjeon-
  dition. By JAMES WHITE, late Veterinary Surgeon to the First
  or Royal Dragoons. Newly arranged by the publishers, in which
  are introduced the late and important Treatises upon the Glanders,
  Farcy, Staggers, Inflammation of the Lungs and Bowels, the pre-
  vention and treatment of Lameness, and precautions to be observ-
  ed in purchasing Horses.—By the same  author. Illustrated by
  eighteen elegant plates.


                JAMES WHITE,
 »JLTB  TBT1BIJUBY SVEGEON  TO THE EIRST, OB &OTA£ BKACOOfeS.
SBGONS AMERICAN EDITION. NEWLY ARRANGED  FROM TBK
               TENTH LONDON EDITION.
               PITTSBURGH:

Published by Henry Holdship fy Son,
        Corner of Third and Wood streets,
J. B. Butleb—print.       ; ,
1032.            * 
rrjS3TMJUf DISTRICT  OF PEXXBYLVJUflA, to wit:
Be it rbmembered, That on the sixteenth day of January, in the fifty
  Jooorxxflfi sixth year ofthe Independence of the United States of
  >c:o-cx:x.::<iJ® America, A. D.  1«3:2, HENRY HOLDSHIP k
     i    gB   A :"j SON of the said District, have deposited in this of-
     Jfo  8?9 {) ;'! fice the title of Book, the right whereof they clam
     ...%. ..„.._......iA as proprietors, in the words following, to wit:
  "A complete system of Farriery, and Veterinary Medicine.   Contain-
ing a compendium of the Veterinary Art, or an accurate description of the
diseases of Horses, and their Mo.'e of Treatment; the Anatomy and Phy-
siology of the  foot, and the principles and  practice  of shoeing.  With ob-
lervations on stable  management, feeding, exercise and  condition.   By
JAMES WHITE, late  Veterinary Surgeon to the First, or Royal Dra-
goons.   Newly arranged by the publishers, in which are introduced the late
and important Treatises upon the Glanders, Farcy, Staggers, Inflammation
•f the Lu»gs>and Bowels, the prevention and treatment of Lameness, and
precautions to be observed in purchasing horses.—By the same author.  Il-
lustrated bj 18 Elegant Plate6."

   In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled,
 •An  Act for the encouragement  of Learning, by securing the copies of
Maps, Charts, and Books,  to the authors and proprietors of such  copies,
During the  times therein mentioned."—And also to the  act, entitled, "An
Act supplementary  to An 'Vet, entitled, "An Act for the encouragement
of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the a«-
tuors and proprietors of such copies during the times  therein mentioned"
an>.i extending the benefits theieof to the the arte of designing, engraving,
uitl etebing historical and  other prints."

                            E.  J. ROBERTS, CPk.
                        Of Uu WtsUrn Dkkittof Fumtyhimiti,
   Tn\%s.zun, J.vNBAKr  16, 1832. 
P1BFACB TO THE EIGTH EDITION.
   The author's most sanguine expectations must have been gratifien
 by the sale of seven large impressions within a short time; and his
 gratitude to the public, who had so kindly patronised him, claimed
 from has hands whatever more mature reflection  and additional ex
 perience had dictated. Though anxious to perform this task, ill health
 and professional engagements have prevented him until the present
 edition was called for.  Some of the additions have been  incorpora-
 ted into the work,- but it was found necessary to give the greater part
 as an Appendix, which rendered some repetitions unavoidable; he
 trusts, however these will be pardoned, when the importance of a
 more minute detail of symptoms and of a more varied plan  of cure is
 considered.  The only addition to tta* grticle of shoeing U an improv
 ed method of shoeing flat and convex feet. Tor thrs the author is in-
 debted to the Honorable Newton Fellowes of Eggsford, whose rep
 utation as a  sportsman is equalled by his accuru'e knowledge of the
 general management of the horse.   The liberal support which the
author has experienced from this gentleman, during his residence in
Devonshire, claims his warmest acknowledgements.  The patronage
with which  the  public have honored  him will ever be remembered
with gratitude, and stimulate him to continue his exertions in contri-
buting to improve the condition of the most usefwl of animals,
  Vtttrinary Establishment,   5
     &xt J*kind, J&etttr.      $ 
*' 
A
           COMPENDIUM OF THE
VETERINARY   ART, &G.
                       CHAPTER 1.

                     Introduction.

   THERE is scarcely a disease to which the  Horse l^liabi*-.
 that will not appear, upon a strict  examination, either to con-
 sist in, or to be aconsequence of inflammation, which, when it
 attacks any of the internal organs, gives rise to his most dangci
 ous diseases: thus an inflammation of the lungs, bowels, or any
 of the internal parts, will produce that kind of derangement i,,
 (he system which is termed a fever, the violence of which wiii
 be proportioned to  the degree and extent of the inflammation.
 ;md the importance of the inflamed organ in the animal econo-
 my.  It appears necessary therefore,  as an introduction to tin*
 work, to give a sketch of the anatomy of those internal organs,
 and to point out the various functions they perform; after which
 it will be proper to give a general description of inflammation.
 with  its different modes of termination.
   We sometimes, however, meet with diseases  which seem to
 originate in debility: but many of these will be found, if care-
 fully attended to at the commencement, to begin with some de-
 gree of increased action of  the system; and though  bleedin>j
 may be improper a mild purgative will  generally prove very ben
 eficial.
   In  the former editions of this work, scarcely any  notice v;i~
 taken of these diseases: we shall  in the present, therefore, d
scribe particularly, under the head Fever, their symptoms, cai;< ■>■
 and most effectual mode of treatment.



 Structure  and Functions   of  the   Interim!
                       Organs.

   Tne hollow part  of the body is divided into two-cavities by n
-•ticng muscular partition termed the diaphragm,  or  midriH 
L6  i
tiite anterior part is named the thorax or cheat; and the posteri-
or the abdomen or belly.   The thorax contains the lungs and
heart; the abdomen the utomach, intestines, liver, spleen or milt,
pancreas or sweetbread, kidneys and bladder.
                    Of the Lungs.

  In describing the lungs, it is necessary to  begin with the
trachea or windpipe, which  is a cylindrical cartilaginous tube,
extending from the throat to the  chest.   The trachea is not
made up of one entire cartilage, but of several cartilaginous,
rings, which are united by strong  membranes; and such is the
elasticity of these  cartilages,  that the tube is enabled to pre-
serve its cylindrical form, even when it receives considerable
pressure, and thereby  affords free ingress and egress to the air
in respiration.   The  membranes  also are elastic, so  that the
windpipe may be either elongated, shortened, or bent,  in some
degree.  The upper part of the trachea is composed of stron-
ger cartilages than the other parts of thetube,and is termed la-
rynx: to this is connected a curious kind of valve, called epig-
lottis, which is always open, except in the aet of swallowing: it
is then foxed down upon the larynx, so as to prevent  food, or
any thing which may be passing over the throat, from falling in-
to the windpipe.  Where the trachea joins the chest, it divides
into  numerous branches, which gradually becoming smaller, at
length  terminate in  minute cells: the lungs, indeed, are made
jp of the ramifications of the trachea and blood vessels; the
interstices being filled with a cellular membrane, which serves
not only to unite them, but likewise to give a uniform and hom-
ogeneous appearance to the whole mass.  The lungs are cover-
ed with a fine delicate membrane called the pleura, which also
covers  the internal surface of the ribs and diaphragm, and, by
stretching across the chest fiom the spine  to the breast-bone,
divides the thorax into two  cavities; this part of the pleura is
therefore named mediastinum.   On every part of the pleura,
fluid is secreted for the purpose of preventing a cohesion of the
parts; ;md when .this is produced tuo abundantly, it constitutes
the disease termed hydrolhorax, or droj sy of the chest.   The
pleura, though so fine a membrane, is imperyious to air; which
may bo proved on the dead animal, by rupturing one or more of
the small brandies of the windpipe, and then blowing  into the
lun^s.   The air which is forced will then es<:;ipe through the
tuptured parfs, and  be diffused  in the cellular membrane,* so

  * The cstlttbr membrane is that which connects the variou3 parts of ths 
r*]
as to make the lungs appear much larger than they werebeibtc.
•-When the air is at length forced to the surface of the lungs,
it will be prevented  from escaping  by  the pleura, which will be
blown up, and appear like an inflated bladder on  the surface of
the lungs.   If this be punctured, the air will soon escape, and
the lungs will return to their original size.    This circumstance
is noticed, as it is supposed to happen  sometimes in the living
animal, and to be the cause of broken wind.—(See Broken Wind
and Chronic Cough)   The lungs are divided  into two parts,
or lobes, one of which is situate in each cavity of the t borax: this
division seems  to  have been provided  in case ot accidents, it
having been proved, that when one  lobe is incapable of perform-
ing its function  in consequence of injury or disease, the othei
has been found adequate to the  support of life.
   The lungs are the organs of respiration or breathing; but they
do  not appear to be actively concerned in the performance of
this office: when the diaphragm and the muscles of the belly
and ribs contract, the cavity  of the thorax is considerably di-
minished, and the lungs so compressed, that all the air contained
in them is forced out through the windpipe: when his has been
effected, the  muscles relax, and the thorax returns to its origi-
nal size.   There would now be  a  vacuum between the internal
surface  of the ribs, and the external surface of the lungs, did
not the air rush in  through the windpipe, and  so distend its
branches and cells as to make the lungs completely fill the cav
ity.  Thus are the lungs constantly employed in inspiration and
expiration; and this process, which we call breathing, is carried
on by the combined action of the diaphragm, and the muscles of
the ribs and abdomen..  It  is  supposed  that the elasticity  of
the lungs, or rather of the branches of the windpipe, materially
contributes to this  important action, in the same manner as a

body with each other; it not only unites the skin to the flesh, and the large-
muscles to each other, but is employed also to connect the minute fiLrw
which compose the skin, muscle*, &c. and therefore it is inferred, that the
cellular membrane exists in every part of the body, however minute; and is
in some parts So fine, as to be  invisible; while in others, as between the
shouldeibhde and the ribs, it is very conspicuous.  The cellular membmne
is  composed of cells of various sizes,  which communicate freely with each
othet, so that if a blowpipe be put into one of the cells, and air forced through
it, all the neighboring parts will he blown up to a considerable tiae.  A
familiar example of this is the practice  among butchers of blowing up the
cellular membrane of a shoulder of veal.  It sometimes happens in the
case of a fractured rib, that one end of the bone is forced into the lungs, so
as to uouni the 1 ranches of the windpipe and the pleura; the air which is
inspired will then escape; and, as the  wound communicates with the cellu-
lar membrane between the muscles of the ribs, the air gradually diffuses it-
self through all the contiguous parts;  and we have sometimes seen the
wh(-!e body, and even the cellular membrane about the eye, inflated f.orr
fhto cause. 
18]
bottle of elastic gum, or Indian-rubber, fills itself either with
air or water, from its great elasticity.
   If a small pipe or quill be tied to the mouth of one of th£ae
bottles, and the air pressed out* by the hand; as soon as the pres-
sure is  removed, the bottle will resume its original form, and
consequently be filled with air again.   If  the mouth of the
bottle or the  pipe be put into water after the air has been pressed
out, on removing the pressure, the bottle will be filled with
water.*
                     Of  the Heart.

   The heart is placed nearly in the middle of the thorax:  it is
rather conical in its form, the apex inclining towards the  left
side; its base attached to the bones of the back  and ribs:  it is
loosely  invested with a membrane or sac, termed pericardium,
vulgarly heart-bag.   This sac always contains a small quantity
of fluid, which serves to lubricate its internal surface, as well as^
the surface of the heart, to prevent their cohesion, and suffer
them to move freely upon  each other.   Sometimes this fluid
accumulates, from a diseased action of the vessels which form
it, to a considerable degree.—This kind of dropsy generally
accompanies that of the chest.   The heart is divided into two
cavities, termed ventricles, each of them having a small hollow
appendage, which from a slight resemblance it bears to a dog's
ear,  is named auricle.   The blood-vessels proceed from these
cavities, the arteries from the  ventricles, the  veins  from  the
auricles; the former serving to carry the blood from the heart to
every part of the body, for the purposes of nourishment, secre-
tion  of the various juices, and stimulating the system to action,
as well as for furnishing the various parts with the vital princi-
ple;  the latter conveying back the  blood,  thus  deprived of its
essential parts, to the heart, that it may  be renovated by circu-
lating through the lungs, as we shall now describe more particu-
larly.   When the left ventricle is full of blood, it contracts so
powerfully as to force its contents into the aorta or grand artery,
by which the blood is distributed  all over  the body: it is then
iaken up by  the  veins,  and conveyed by  them  into the right

  *It hag been supposed, that if an opening were made in the side so as ta
admit the air into the chest, the lungs would collapse: I was induced there-
fore to make thefollowing experiment.
  I made an opening on both sides of a horse, so that I could introduce my
fio^er into the chest.   A tube was then put into the openings, so as to give
free admission to the air.   The horse was kept in this state uearly half au
bour  without appearing to'suffex any inconvenience from it. 
3i9]
auricle, whence it  flows into the right ventricle; this also, when
it is sufficiently distended, contracts upon its contents, and pro-
pels the blood into the pulmonary artery, by which  it is con-
veyed  to every part of the lungs.   The pulmonary veins then
receive it, and convey it to the left auricle, whence it is propel-
led into the left ventricle, that it may again be distributed  by
the aorta, to every part of the body.
   The blood is thus continually circulating through the body;
and this process may be considered as one of the most important
actions that is performed in the animal machine.  If it be stop-
ped for a few  seconds, all motion  is suspended; and if it be
prevented a longer  time  from going  on,  vitality is destroyed.
The function of the lungs is of equal importance in the animal
economy, and cannot be stopped even for a short time, -without
suspending, or totally destroying animation.   Ancient phisiolo-
gists had a very imperfect idea of the manner in which these or-
gans so essentially  contributed to the support of life:  the mod-
erns, however, have been more successful in  their researches;
they have discovered that the blood derives from the air, which
is taken into the lungs, the most important properties, without
which  it would  be  a useless vapid  mass totally inadequate to
the purposes for which it was designed.   If we examine the
blood in the left ventricle of the heart, and in the arteries it will
be found of a bright scarlet color, and replete with  those prop-
erties which render it capable of nourishing the body, and stim-
ulating the whole system  to action: in the veins it becomes of a
much darker color; and when it arrives at the right.ventricle is
nearly  black,  and destitute of those enlivening qualities which
it possessed in the left ventricle.  Had  not the Deity then pro-
vided  some means  for its renovation, it would have been quite
unfit for a second circulation, and the duration of life must have
been short indeed; but from the right  ventricle it is conveyed
by the pulmonary  artery of the  lungs, at the moment they are
distended with air:  here the blood undergoes a wonderful alter-
ation, it resumes its bright scarlet color, and is returned by the
pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart, with all its original
and essential qualities  restored  to it.   It is proper to observe,
that there are valves placed in such situations, as effectually pre-
vent the blood from taking a retrograde course.   Were it not
for this contrivance, the blood would as readily be forced into
the left auricle as into  the great  artery,  when the left ventricle,
which lies between them, contracts, or shrinks up; and so of the
other parts.
   Hence we may learn how important are the functions of respi-
ration  and the circulation of blood, how essential to the life ©f
animals, and how independent they are on each other. 
[10]
              Viscera of the Abdomen.

   Having finished onr  description of the thoracic viscera, we
proceed to those of the abdomen, or belly; the first and moit im-
portant of w hich is the stomaeh.  Whatever this organ receive!
is conveyed to it  by  a long muscular tube, named eesophagtu,
or gullet.   The  oesophagus originates in the throat, where it's
size is considerable, but it suddenly diminishes into a small tube,
and is continued of the same size to the stomach: the upper part
has been thought to resemble a funnel in its form, and is distin-
guished by the term pharynx.
   The pharynx  is situate  immediately  behind the larynx, or
beginning of the windpipe; but is not, like it composed of strong
cartilage or gristle: it is formed of membrane with a muscular
covering, which by contracting forces the masticated food down
the gullet, or oesophagus.   A9 it  is absolutely necessary to
breathing that the larynx should be always open, it is therefore
composed  of strong cartilage, which cannot easily, or by mode-
rate pressure, be squeezed together and shut up: but this struc-
ture is not requisite in the pharynx, as it  only  requires to be o-
pened occasionally; and then the muscles of the tongue are a-
ble to force food  or water into it, while its own muscles contin-
ue to force the food or water downward, through the gullet in-
to the stomach.  We have  before observed, that, while the  food
or water is passing over the tongue in the pharynx, it cannot
fall into the windpipe, on account of its being  covered  by the
valve  epiglotlie, which is forced down upon the windpipe by
the food, as it passes into the pharynx, so as to shut  it complete-
ly. If at this instant the animal happen to cough, that is, throw
out air with considerable force from the lungs, the valve is for
a moment  opened by  it, and a little of the food or water is liable
to get into the windpipe, whence it is soon expelled by violent
coughing.
   The oesophagus,  having  passed along the throat end  back
part of the chest, penetrates through the diaphragm, and term-
inates in the stomach.
   The oesophagus of a horse has on its internal surface, an in-
sensible membrane, which stretches into the stomach.) and  lines
nearly  one-half of its surface:  this peculiarly enables us to
account in some measure  for  the inactivity of many  v.dent
poisons when given to the horse.   In the human oesophagus,
this membrane does not exist, the whole ei' its internal surface.
a* well as  that of 'he stomach, being exquisitely sensible.
   If two grains of emetic  tarter be swallowed by a. mam they
soon occasion violent vomiting; whereas two hundred time*
/kit quantity would produce no sensible effect upon the horse. 
[11  ]
At Che cardiac orifice, or that part where the oesophagus enters
the stomach, its internal  coat is so loose ss to te thrown into
folds, appearing as if it were desigr.eu as a valve to prevent the
regurgitation of the contents of the siomach.   From this cause,
as well as f.om the insensibility  of the membrane, with which
great part of the stomach is lined, a horse very rarely vomits;
but the opinion that he is totally incapable of that action, is
eertainly not true,  as I have once seen a horse vomit consider-
ably. This vomiting came on spontaneously and soon ceased.
There is no medicine we are acquainted with,  capable of pro-
ducing this action  in the horse's sU-mach; and its occurrence is
very rare, this being the only case i ever saw: but I have been
informed of two similar cases.
   When we examine the throat, another valvular structure may
be observed, (which is peculiarly large in the horse)  formed by
the epiglottis or valve of the windpipe, and a membranous sub-
stance that hangs from the back  part of the roof of the mouth:
this  is termed velum pendulum palati.   These bodies form a
very complete valve, which opens downward only, thereby pre-
venting the return  of any  thing through the mouth, either from
the lungs or siomach:  ihus we find  that a horse breathes only
through his nose, except in coughing, by which the  valve is so
deranged as to allow the air, 60 thrown out from the lungs, to
pass through the mouth.
   In the case of vomitting,I have just mentioned, the contents
of the stomach, were at first observed to pass through the nose;
at length, by a violent  cough, the valve was  deranged,  and a
considerable quantity of fluid, mixed with masticated hay and
oats, was evacuated by the mouth.
   That part of the stomach where the oesophagus terminates, \z
called the cardiac orifice; and that where the intestines begin, is
termed pylorus,
   The intestines or bowels, consist of one very long tube, which
terminates at the anus.
   In the horse the intestines mensure nearly thirty yards; but
being convoluted in older to adapt them to the cavity in which
they are placed, they have the appearance of several distinct
parts.
   The internal serface of a horse's intestines are not lined with
that  insensible membrane which is found in the oesophagus and
upper part of the stomach; on the contrary, it  is endued with a
high c'cgree of sensibility, and appears to be more susceptible
cf in :ti..Lii then that of most other animals.   From this irrita-
bili'y of the intestines, it is, that many horses have been des
Ux>yed by the  administration of strong purgatives, and hence
arises the necessity of using these medicines with skill ace!
caution. 
[ 12]
   The intestinal tube ig not, throughout its whole extent, of a   *
uniform size: that part next the stomach is rather small, and con*
tinues for about twenty yards nearly of the same diameter: it
then becomes very large, but again diminishes before its termi-
nation at the anus.
   Anatomists, in describing the intestinal canal, divide it into
two parts, viz: the small and the large intestines: these  are sub-
divided,  the  former into duodenum, jejunum,  and ileum; the
latter into cacum, colon and rectum.
   All the internal surface of the intestinal tube is covered with
a mucous substance, for the purpose of defending it from the
action of acrimonious bodies.   The various convolutions of the
intestines are held together by a  membrane called  mesentery,
which not only serves this  purpose, but affords also a bed for
the lacteals, or those small vessels by which the nutritious parts
of  the food  are conveyed  to the heart, to be converted into
blood.  Before we proceed to a particular description of these
vessels, it will be necessary to explain the process of nutrition.
   When food is taken into the mouth, it is broken down by the
teeth, and so mixed with saliva, as to be  in a proper state for
entering  the stomach: it is then, by the united action of the
tongue and muscles of the  throat, forced into the oesophagus,
whence it passes into the stomach.  In this organ it undergoes
a considerable alteration; for here Nature has provided a curious
liquid called gastric juice, which has the property of dissolving
every thing that is taken into the stomach, and of converting
it into a soft pulpy mass, of a uniform  and homogeneous  ap-
pearance.   When the food  has been thus altered, the mas3 is
forced by a contraction of the  stomach into the duodenum, or
first part of the intestinal canal.    This  mass, however, does
not consist wholly of nutritive parts, or such as are fit for the
formation of blood; and another operation is necessary, in order
to separate them from such as are  useless: this seems to be
effected by the bile and pancreatic juice.*
  There is a peculiarity, however, in the stomach and intestines
of the horse,  which it is proper here to describe.   The stomach
of the horse is small in proportion to his general bulk, and  has
nearly half of its inner surface covered with a strong insensible
membrane of a white color.   This is the part to which botts are
generally attached, which  explains why these worms so often
exist in the stomach without doing any mischief.   This insen-
sible membrane, is supposed also to enable the stomach to press
upon the solid food it may contain, and  assist the gastric juice

  * This opinion has been proved by the experiments of Mr. Astley Coopor,
lMturer an anatomy and surgery, and  assistant surgeon of St.  Thorna1*
hospital. 
                         [ 13  ]

in reducing it to a soft mass:  but digestion is far from being
perfect in the stomach of the horse, and appears to be comple-
ted  in the large intestines, cacum and colon.  This contrivance
seems absolutely necessary in the horse,  when we consider the
wonderful  speed and exertion  of which  he is capable, and for
which nature appears to have designed him.  The ox, the sheep,
an" other ruminant animals, have four large stomachs, the small-
est of which, even in the sheep, is as large as that of the horse.
These animals take in a large quantity of food at once, and di-
gest it at their leisure, from which they feel no inconvenience:
but the horse, even in a state of nature, is differently employed.
Rapidity of motion and strength are necessary to his preserva-
tion ; and in his domesticated  state  it is more particularly re-
quired.   Hence, he is  formed with a small  stomach, which
requires frequent supplies, and  is no impediment to his exertions.
From this will appear the absurdity  of keeping a horse a consi-
derable time without food or water, and then  suffering him to
take in a large quantity:  incurable and even fatal diseases have
arisen from this management.  In the ox and sheep, digestion is
completed  in the fourth stomach.
  The three first stomachs are connected with  each other, and
with a groove-like continuation of the oesophagus. The groove
is then continued to, and terminates in the fourth stomach: the
thick prominent lips which  form  the edges of this groove ad-
mit of being drawn together so as to form a complete canal.
  The two first stomachs are connected with each other, and with
a groove-like continuation of the cesophagus. This groove termi-
nates  in the third  stomach:  the thick  prominent lips which
form the margin of  this groove, admit of being drawn together,
so as  to form a complete  canal, which then constitues a direct
continuation of the cesophagus into the third  stomach.__The
grass or food after a slight  mastication, is taken into the first
stomach, or  paunch, from whence it passes in small portions
into the second stomach,  to undergo a further maceration: it i3
then returned  through the cesophagus  into  the mouth to be
ruminated.   When the ruminated food is swallowed, the groove
is shut, so that it passes directly into the third  stomach, where
it is further prepared  for digestion, and  then passes into the
fourth stomach, in which the process of  digestion is completed.
  The horse, in a state of nature, is almost constantly feeding;
and the food which he takes in, is retained but a short time in
the stomach; digestion seems to be going on nearly through the
whole of the intestines, and appears to be chiefly effected in the
eajcura, or blind gut, which in the  horse, is remarkably large
and capacious.  From these curious contrivances, the "horse's
stomach is never so loaded with food as  to hinder the action of
                             B 
[14]
 the lungs, and impede  his velocity.   It must be  confessed,
 however that this does sometimes happen; not from  the  natur-
 al inclination of the animal, but from the  folly, negligence, or
 cruelty, of his keeper.  I have been the more particular in de-
 scribing the stomach, as the subject is connected with, and will
 tend to elucidate, some important diseases.
   The bile is formed by the liver, a large glandular body, divi-
 ded into several lobes, and situate immediately behind the dia-
 phragm, to which it is firmly attached.   The form of the liver
 is too well known to require a  particular description; we have
 only to observe, therefore, that the bile, which it secretes, is con-
 veyed by the hepatic duct into the duodenum, within three or
 four inches of its origin.  In man, and the greater part of quad-
 upeds, all the  bile does not  flow immediately into the intes-
 ine, there being a small vessel connected with the hepatic duct,
 which conveys a certain  portion  into a sac that is attached to
 he  liver, and called  the gall-bladder, whence il is occasional-
 ly expelled: but this does not exist in the horse.
   From what we have just said of the peculiarity in the  diges-
 tive organs of the horse, the reason of his having no gall-blad-
 der will readily appear*   In man, and many animals, the food
 is retained a  considerable  time in the stomach; during which
 the  billious fluid, or gall is not wanted; therefore nature  baa
 provided a reservoir, Jthe gall-bladder;  for as the  bile is con-
 stantly  forming by the liver,  so  would  it be as constantly
 flowing  into  the  first intestine, were it not for the  gall-blad
 ler, which would, have  occasioned a great waste of this use-
 ul fluid.  During the time of digestion, the food is shut up in
 he stomach, the. pylorus being closed,  and the first intestine
 ;mpty.   The orifice of the duct  which conveys the bile into
 .his intestine being without its usual stimulus, the digested food
 becomes torpid; and as the action of the whole duct depends
 upon ils orifice being stimulated, the bile, instead of passing
through it, flows into the gall-bladder,  where it remains until
the digestive  process  is so far completed, that the flood begins
to flow from the stomach into the intestine.   The biliary duct is
then stimulated to action; the gall bladder  partakes of the irri-
tation; and then assisted by the pressure of the distended intes-
tine, contracts upon its contents,  and forces the bile through
the duct, into the intestine, where it mingles with the digested
food, and causes a separation of the chyle, or nutritious parts.
   It must  be obvious, that, as the horse is almost constantly
feeding, and as digestion is continually going on in his stomach
and  intestines,  that a constant  flow of bile is necessary, and
therefore that a gall-bladder would be useless, perhaps injurious.
   The pancreas is also a glandular body, and secretes a fluid 
[15  ]
    somewhat resembling saliva which is conveyed by the pancre-
    atic duct into the duodenum, at the same place where the hep-
    atic  duct enters.   When  these fluids (the bile and pancreatic
    juice) are poured  into the intestine, they mingle with the mass
    of digested food which  has been  expelled from the stomoch,
    and separate from it all those essential  parts which are fit to be
    converted into blood: this process is termed chylificatmn.  We
    have before  obseived, when describing the mesentery, or  that
    membrane by which the intestines  are held together,  that an
    immense  number of small delicate vessels  are spread  over its
    surface, named lacteals, from  their containing a fund which in
    its appearance resembles  milk.   This fluid consists in fact ot
    the essential parts of the food proceeding to the heart, in order
    to be converted  into blood.  All the lacteals open into the
    intestines, and cover the whole of their internal surface, where
    they are always disposed to absorb the nutritious parts of the  food
    in its passage through the intestinal canal.   Some physiologists
    suppose,  that the mouths of the lacteals have the power of se-
    lecting such parts of the food as are fit  to be converted  into
    blood, that  no previous separation  takes place, and that the
    bile serves only as a natural purgative, constantly stimulating
    the intestines, thereby keeping up a  small degree of motion in
    them, and promoting the expulsion of the feculent parts of the

       It will probably be asked, how it is that the mass of food pas-
    ses through the intestines, since they are  so convoluted that it
     cannot possibly be  effected by the power  of gravity? but if we
     examine their structure, this  phenomenon may be readily ex-
     plained.   The  intestines are composed,  in great measure,  of
     muscular fibres? some of which run in a circular, and others  in
    & longitudinal direction: when the circular fibres contract, the
     diameter of the canal is diminished; and when the longitudinal
     fibres are in action, it becomes shorter; and by  the combined ac-
 *    lion of-these fibres, the  food is gradually propelled through the
V^whole length of the intestinal canal.   The motion thus excited
    may be distinctly seen in an animal recently killed and in some it
     continues a considerable time after death.   The intestine,  how-
     ever, is not entirely composed of muscular fibres; its internal sur-
     face is lined with a fine nervous and vascular membrane, which
     is endued with exquisite  sensibility, and has the power of form-
     ing on its surface a mucous substance, which serves to protect
     it from the action of acrimonious bodies.  Beside the muscular
     and nervous coat, there is another which enters into the compo-
     sition of the intestine: this is  a thin membrane called pcritona-
     um.   The peritonaeum not only forms the third and  external
     coat, it likewise  envelops all the organs contained in the abdc- 
[ 16]
men, forming their external c6at, and is closely connected with
them, and is then so reflected as to form a kind of sac, in which
they are all enclosed.—Thus are the intestines composed of
three coats, which are closely in contact with each other; the
peritonaea], the muscular, and the nervous coat.
  We have yet to describe the course of the lacteals, or those
vessels which take up the chyle or nutritious parts  of the food.
We have before observed that they are spread upon the mesen-
tery, whence they pass on toward the spine, becoming larger
and less numerous in their progress; at length they terminate in
a large tube, which runs along the spine, and is named the tho-
racic duct: this pours its contents into a  large  vein near the
heart, to which part it is immediately after conveyed, and  con-
verted into blood.
  The  kidneys  are two glandular bodies, situate within the
loins; their office is to separate urine from the blood.   The u-
rine, thus separated, is conveyed  by two tubes of considerable
length, termed ureters, into the bladder, which is composed of
three coats, like those of the intestine; and when it has received
a sufficient quantity of urine to stimulate its muscular fibres in-
to action, it contracts upon the urine, and forces it out through
the urethra,  or urinary canal.   We have now fiuished our sketch
of the abdominal and thoracic viscera;  which has been given
with a view to render the description we are about to give of in-
ternal diseases more intelligible to those readers who are unac-
quainted with anatomy, than it would otherwise have been.
                      CHAPTER II.

                    Inflammation.     •

  It was supposed by the celebrated Boerhaave, and other phy-
siologists of his time, that inflammation depended on a viscidi-
ty of the blood, which rendered it unfit for circulating in the fin-
er vessels'; and that hence arose obstructions, and those appear-
ances by which the  disease is  characterised.   This  opinion,
however, has obtained very little credit with modern physiolo-
gists, and is now  universally rejected; it having  been proved,
that blood drawn  from an animal laboring under inflammation
is more jluid, and  remains jluid longer, than that which is taken
from the same animal when  in health.
  The most prevailing opinion at present respecting inflamma-
tion is, I believe,  that it  consists in an increased action of the
heart and arteries, when general;  whereby the blood circulates
with unusual velocity, throwing the whole system into derange-
ment; and when local, or existing in a particular part,* the in-

  '  In local inanimation, though the  larger arteries of the part have their 
[17  ]
  creased action is in like  manner confined to the vessels of that
  part.
     When  a part is  inflamed, there  arises in it an unusual  de-
  gree of heat, generally attended  with considerable tension and
  swelling; the sensibility and  irritability  are always increased,
  and produced by it in  parts where  it did not before exist.   In
  bones and tendons, for example, scarcely any sensibility can be
  perceived when they are in a state of health; but when inflam-
  ed, it is roused to an alarming degree, and the most dangerous
  consequences may ensue from it.
    Inflammation has four  modes of termination: the first is term-
  ed resolution: that is, when the disease,  after going a certain
  length, gradually disappears again: the second, suppuration;
  that is, when matter  is formed,  or an abscess produced:  the
  third is  named effusion,  which implies an extravasation either
  of blood, coagulable lymph, or serum: and the fourth, gangrene
  or mortification, by which is meant the death  of the inflamed
  part.
    Infhmmation of the external parts is generally occasioned by
 some  mechanical  injury, such as wounds, bruises, &c. some-
 times, however, it arises from internal inflammation, or sympto-
 matic fever, and  is then to be considered as an effort of nature
  to cure the internal  disease.  Thus we sometimes find fn fev-
 ers abscesses  taking place on the surface of the body, whereby
 the fever is  considerably  diminished, and, in general, termi-
 nates favorably.
    Inflammation is often  produced by  plethora, or redundancy
 of blood in the body; in  which case it is sometimes general, the
 whole arterial system having its action increased:  this also may
 be considered as an  effort of nature to get rid of the superflu-
 ous blood,  and in such cases she must be  assisted by copious
 bleeding.   It more commonly  happens,  however, that the re-

 action increased, it is probable that their small branches, which from tieir
 minute size are termad capillary arteries, are in a state of debility,  and dis-
 tended  with blood, which" they are incapable of getting  rid of;  the larger
 arteries, acting with unusual strength and quickness, will of course force a
 greater quantity of blood than usu:-.l  into these delicate vessels, so as to
 stretch  them beyond their tone, and render mem  incapable of contrating
 upon their  contents.  This accounts for swelling, heat,  and redness of an
 inflamed part, and shows the utility of bleeding by leeches on such occasion";
 as these worms attack only the  capillary arteries, drawing off the supi-iflu-
 ous blood, and ennabling them to recover their strength, and contract as be-
 fore.  This doctrine points out also the^mcacy  of general bleeding, and
 purging, in local inflammation, which tend to moderate the action of the lar-
 ger arteries, and cause them to pour no more blood into their minute branches
 than they are capable  of forcing into their terminations—the veins.  We
thought it proper to say thus much of the theory of inflammation,  aa it may
lead to a better practice than is commonly adopted in treating the inflam-
 matory complaints of horse's. 
[18 1
dundant blood is determined to  some particular part, occasion*
ing local inflammation; very frequently falling upon some of
the internal organs, and the lungs are peculiarly liable to suffer:
from  this source, indeed, their most dangerous  fevers arise.
The eyes  also are very apt to suffer when  a horse becomes ple-
thoric, to which cause, I believe, almost all the diseases of that
delicate organ may be attributed.
   In the treatment of external inflammation, we should endea-
vor to  bring it to the most  favorable termination, that is reso-
lution; unleas when it arises from an effort of nature to cure
some internal disease;—it is then desirable*to bring it speedily
to suppuration.—The remedies to be employed for resolving in-
flammation are, local or general bleeding, (see Index, Bleeding)
purgatives, fomentations, poultices, or the saturnine lotion; oth-
er cold applications  have been  used with success, such as sal
ammoniac dissolved  in vinegar, goulard, &c.
   When inflammation takes place in tendinous parts or joints,
the saturnine poultice has been found an useful remedy, and in
the latter case I have often  found blisters extremely efficacious.
As in these cases the inflammation generally proves more  trou-
blesome, and as the pain which it occasions is often so consid-
erable as to produce symptomatic fever, it becomes necessary
to employ, without loss of time, the most prompt and efficacious
means for its reduction.*   With this view we excite  artificial
inflammation in the contiguous skin and cellular membrane,
which are parts of far less importance in the animal economy
than joints of tendons,  and capable of bearing a  considerable
degree of inflammation without much inconvenience to the ani-
mal;  this is done by means of rowels, and  blisters,  and the in-
flammation thus  excited, will tend  in a considerable degree to
diminish  thatj which is going on in the more important  part.
Should we fail in our endeavors to resolve  inflammation, it will
probably terminate in suppuration,-and when it appears that the
disease does not abate by the use of the remedies we have re-
commended, an assiduous application of fomentations and poul-
cices  will expedite the suppurative process, and afford  great re-
lief to the animal.—When the inflammation or rather the swel-
:  2 which it occasions, arrives  at this state, it is termed an ab-
i  ™s, in which when the suppuration is complete, and it con-
tains  matter, a fluctuation may be  felt, upon its being pressed
by two fingers alternately.  This point being ascertained, an
opening is to be made with a  lancet or knife, in such a way
 that the matter may be completely  evacuated, and a future ac-
cumulation prevented: it is then to be dressed with digestive
* See Wound* of Joints, Appendix. 
[19]
liniment or ointment.   Should  the  wound appear indisposed
to heal when this treatment has been pursued for a short time,
discharging a thin  offensive matter, and wanting  that red ap-
pearance by which the  healing process is indicated,  the deter-
gent lotion will soon remove these unfavorable appearances; the
discharge will become whiter and thicker, and red granulations
of new flesh will  sprout up.  Should these granulations, how-
ever, become luxuriant, constituting what is commonly termed
proud flesh, they are to be kept down by means of the caustic
powder.   It sometimes happens, that when a part is inflamed
and swoln, instead of going  on to suppuration, it degenerates
into a hard and almost insensible tumour: this depends on the
inflammation having terminated in effusion ofcoagulable lymph,"
and is to be removed by stimulating embrocations or blisters.
   When inflammation runs very high, as is sometimes the case
in violent bruises, or deep and extensive wounds of the lacera-
ted kind, it may terminate in gangrene ox mortification, which
is generally attended with danger: in  this case, the matter dis-
charged, instead of being white and thick, consists of a dark co-
lored fluid, qfa peluliar offensive smell; the constitution is gen-
erally affected, the pulse becoming quick, weak, and sometimes
irregular; the appetite  goes cii; and  there is  a great degree of
debility."*
   When any of the internal parts are inflamed, a. fever is gen-
erally produced, the violence of which will depend upon the im-
portance of the inflamed organ, as well as upon the extent and
degree of  the inflammation; some of the internal parts being
more essential to life than others, and, when inflamed, occasion-
ing of course greater  derangement  in the system.  The only
favorable  termination, to which internal inflammation can be
brought, is resolution;  and the most vigorous measures should
be adopted in order to  effect it.   The most, important remedy
in these cases is copious bleeding, and the earlier it is employ-
ed the more effectual will it prove;  the next remedy is external
inflammation, artificially  excited by means of rowels and blis-
ters.   The fever powder, and occasional clysters, are of consid-
erable service.
                    CHAPTER III.

                      Fever.

THE fevers of horses bear very little analogy to those of the

     * See Lacerated and Contused Wounds, Appendix. 
[20 1
  human body, and  require a  different treatment.   Writers on
  farriery have described a great variety of fevers, but their ob-
  servations appear to have been drawn from the works of medical
  authors, and their reasoning seems entirely analogical.  I can
  distinguish  only  two kinds of fever, the one, an idiopathic or
  original disease, and therefore properly termed simple; the oth-
  er dependent on internal inflammation, and very justly denomi-
  nated symptomatic fever.  For example, if the lungs, bowels or
  stomach were inflamed, the whole system would be thrown in-
  to disorder, and a symtomatic fever  produced; but if a collapse
  of the perspiring vessels happen to take place, the blood will ac-
  cumulate in the interior parts  of the body; and though inflam-
  mation is  not produced by it, the unequal distribution of the
  blood alone will occasion that derangement in the system which
  constitutes the simple fever.*   The simple fever does not cc-
  cur so frequeutly as the symptomatic, nor is it by any means so
  formidable  in its appearance; yet it is necessary to give it the
 earliest attention, for unless  nature  receives timely assistance,
 she will be sometimes unable to get rid of the load which op-
 presses her; and the blood  wilt accumulate in the interior  part
 of the body, until inflammation in some of the visera is produc-
 ed and a  dangerous disease established.  The following  are
 symptoms of simple fever:—shivering, succeeded by loss of ap-
 petite, dejected appearance, quick pulse, hot mouth, and some
 degree of debility;  the horse is generally costive, and voids  his
 urine with difficulty.   The disease is often accompanied  with
 quickness of breathing, and in a few cases with pain  in the bow-
 els, or symptoms of cholic.
   As soon  as a horse is attacked by this disease, let him be bled
 freely; and  if costiveness be  one of the symptoms, give a pint
 of castor oil, or the oil of olives; and let a clyster of warm  wa-
 ter-gruel be  injecteded.j  After the operation of the laxative,
 the fevef powder is to be given once in twelve hours, and con-'
 tinued until  its diuretic effect becomes considerable.   Warm
 water and mashes are to be frequently offered in small  quanti-

  * Fever  is often preceded,  or rather commences with shivering, from
which circumstance it seems reasonable to infer, that an interruption of the
functions of the skin is either a cause offerer, or materially connected  with
it.
  t I have lately found  the following drink a very useful laxative on theea
occasions:—
  Take of Barbadoos aloes powdered, ....... ...3 draing.
  Prepared kali,.....................l dram ;nd ,
  Castor oil, -......................4 oz. to 6 02.
  Simple mint water and pure water, of each,.  -.....4 oz.
                     ■IX FOR ONK D08B. 
[21 J
ties; warm clothing, frequent hand-rubbing, and a liberal allow-
ance of litter are also necessary; and when the fever runs high,
it is adviseable to insert rowels about the  chest and belly, in
order to prevent internal inflammation from taking place. When
the disease appears to be going off, the horse looking more live-
ly, and the appetite returning, let him be  led out for  a short
time in some warm situation, and  give*  now and  then a malt
mash for the purpose of recovering his strength.
                   FEVER-POWDER.
                         No. 1.
Powdered nitre,............1 oz.
Camphor and tartised antimony, of each.....2 dr.
                    MIX FOK OJfB DOSB.
                         No. 2.
Powdered nitre,............lor.
Unwashed calx of antimony,   -  -  -......2 dr.
                    MIX POE  ONE DOSE.
                         No. 3.
Antimonial  powder,...........3 dr.
Camphor,  --------     .....1 dr.
                   MIX TOit OMl DOSE.
   The additions made by the author to this subject may be
found in  the Appendix.
                Symptomatic Fever.

  The symptomatic fever is generally occasioned by high feed-
ing, close stables, and a want  of proper exercise: sometimes,
however, a sudden transition from a cold to a hot temperature
is evidently the couse of it.   In this respect it  is different from
the simple fever, which, as before  observed, sometimes arises
from exposing a horse suddenly  to cold air, when he has been
accustomed to a warm stable.  Horses that are taken from camp
or grass, and put suddenly into warm stables, are extremely lia-
ble to those internal inflammations on which symptomatic fever
depends, and many thousands have fallen victims to this kind
of treatment.
  When a fever  is symptomatic, it is not perceived by shiver-
ing, nor  is it so sudden in its attack as the simple fever :*  but
when it is not subdued by an early application of remedies, the

  * Ferer that commences with shivering, hag often terminated in a fetal
inflaminetion on the lun^s, when neglected or improperly treated, 
[ 22]
symptoms gradually increase in violence, until they present a
very formidable appearance.  When the disease however, is oc-
casioned by  great  and long continued exertion, it generally
comes on suddenly; and the complaint has a very  dangerous
appearance in its earliest stage.
   The symptomatic fever has many symptoms in common with
the simple fever, which are  loss  of appetite, quick pulse, dejec-
ted appearance, hot mouth, and debility; and if to these be join-
ed difficulty of breathing, and quick working of the flanks, with
coldneess of the legs and ears, we may conclude that an inflam-
mation of the lungs is the cause of the fever.  If thehorse hang
down his head in the manger, or lean back upon his collar with
a strong  appearance of being drowsy, the eyes appearing watery
and inflamed, it is probable that the fever depends upon an ac-
cumulation of blood in the vessels of the brain, and that tho stag-
gers are approaching: in this case, however, the pulcc is not al-
ways quickened; sometimes, indeed, I have found it unusually
slow.*
   When the symptoms of fever are joined with a yellowness of
theeyesand mouth, an inflammation of the liver i3  indicated.
Should an inflammation of the bowels be the cause; the horse, is
violently griped.—An inflammation of the kidneys will also pro-
duce fever, and is distinguished by a suppression of urine  and  f
sn inability to hear pressure upon the loins.—When  inflamma-
tion of the bladder is the cause, the horse is frequently staling,
voiding only very small quantities of urine, and that with con-
siderable pain.   Extensive  wounds, and particularly those of
joints, will also produce symptomatic fever.   Sometimes sever-
al of the internal parts are inflamed at the same instant;  and
indeed when inflammation hasexistsd for a considerable length
of time, it is seldom confined to the organ in which  it  origina-
ted; the disease spreads to  other visera; and when  more than
one organ is inflamed the symptom will generally be complica-
ted: still, however the essential  remedies are the  same, that is
to say, copious and early bleeding, with  rowels, &.c.
   Having now given a general description of symptomatic  fev-
•r, I shall proceed to treat of those cases separately to which a-
bove I have briefly alluded.

  * Nearly the same symptoms are produced, when the stomach  is oppres-
»ed or loaded, and incapable of digesting its contents.   See Staggers and
JLHuates of the Stomach, Appendix. 
[23]
                       CHAPTER IV.

        On Inflammation of the  Lungs

  THIS is a disease, which requires the most prompt and effi-
cacious treatment; for, so rapid is its progress in the horse, that,
unless checked at an early period, it generally proves fatal.  In-
flammation  of the lungs is  sometimes preceeded by shivering:
Boon after, the horse appears  dull, and refuses  his food.  He
breathes quickly, which is  seen by the motion  of the flanks.
The pulse is unusually quick, beating from sixty to eighty in a
minute;  whereas, in health, it is  only about forty.   On lift-
ing up the eyelid, the membrane underneath will generally be
found very red.  If proper  remedies be not employed, the dis-
ease  rapidly increases; the breathing  becomes quicker and
more laborious, the pulse increases in frequency, arfd is more
difficult to be felt in the arteries; but, by applying the hand  to
the left side, near the elbow, the pulsation of^e heart will be
distinctly felt; the legs and ears become cold; and  in  two or
three days, the animal dies.   The treatment commonly pursued
by farriers often protracts  the disorder, so that the horse lives
several days, or a week.   They generally take off a  moderate
quantity of blood, which affords some relief, and give some
stimulating or inert medicine, in the form of what they  term a
comfortable drink.   The bleeding is often repeated, in small
quantity, the second day, and sometimes the third: this prevents
the disease from proceeding  so rapidly as  it otherwise would;
and, when the horse dies, we generally find a large quantity of
yellowish fluid in the chest.
   The only remedy to be  depended upon in this disease is co-
pious bleeding which must  be repeated in six. hours, if the symp-
torhs do not abate.  Blistering the sides, rowelling the chest,
and giving the following  ball,  may be useful auxiliaries; but
bleeding is the essential remedy.  As to the quantity of blood
necessary to be drawn, we are to be guided by the effect  it pro-
duces ; that is, the bleeding, should it be found necessary,  is to be
governed by the same rule; but it is probable, that faintness will
then be produced by a smaller evacuation.
   After blistering the  sides, give the following ball, which is to
be repeated every morning and  evening, until the horse's stal-
ing is considerably increased.—One ball daily will then  be suf-
 ficient.   Clysters are to be injected morning and evening, con-
sisting of one  gallon of warm water, half a pound of salt, and
 four ounces of olive oil.   A cool stable, properly ventilated, is
 essentially necessary.  In  summer, hordes have  been  turned
 out apparently  with good effect.  When the horse begins to 
[24]
feed, grass or bran mashes will be most  proper for him.   He
must be brought to his usual diet very gradually.
  There is a disease, which is generally considered as inflam-
mation of the lungs, and prevails most commonly in the spring
of the year, particularly among young horses.  It differs, how-
ever, in some respects, from'' that disease;  and, if improperly
treated, often terminates  fatally.  On opening the bodies of
such horses, the lungs will be found to have suffered much
from inflammation, and there will be a large quantity of  yellow
fluid in the chest.  It may be inferred from these appearances,
that the same copious bleeding we have just described, would
be necessary in these cases also.   Experience,* however, has
taught me, that, though bleeding is highly necessary at the com-
mencement of the disorder;  yet when it is repeated with free-
dom, after considerable debility  has taken place, and this very
soon happens,death is commonly the  consequence.
  I would distinguish this disease by the name of catarrhal
inflammation of^he lungs; for, though these organs are always
found highly diseased in horses, that die of this disorder, it is.
probable, that the parts principally affected,  are the membrane
line, the windpipe and throat: this is often relieved by a copious
discharge of mucus, resembling matter, which is discharged
through the nostrils; but by improper treatment, and, in some
cases, under the  best management, the inflammation gradually
spreads to the lungs and proves fatal.
  This catarrhal inflammation of the lungs, differs from that
we have before described, in  being accompanied with a weak
cough, and a tendency to discharge from  the nose.   The pulse,
at the commencement of the disease, is  not very quick; some-
times not more frequent than in health; but it is generally weak,
and not readily felt.   The eyes often appear dull; and in some
cases the throat is sore, so  as to cause difficulty in  swollowing.
Bleeding is generally proper at the commencement of this dis-
order; but if, after the operation, the pulse is found to be quicker
and more feeble; and particularly if,  when the horse is taken
out of the stable, he appears very weak, which is easily perceiv-
ed by  his manner of walking, appearing to ramble  in his hind
parts,  and moving his legs slowly and languidly:  under such
circumstances, it is probable, that the bleeding was improper,
and that, by repeating it, the disease would terminate fatally.
  That epidemic disease, which has at times  raged among
horses, and is commonly called the distemper, very nearly re-
sembles that which we are now describing,  and was generally
cured by the treatment I am about to recommend for this disor-
der.   The only criterion by which we determine whether bleed-
ing is  necessary or not, and to what extent it may be carried 
[25]
with safety, is the state of pulse, and the appearance of the horse .,*'
when  taken from the stable: when considerable debility is indi-
cated  by his manner of walking, a corresponding weakness will
generally  be found in the pulse:  under these circumstances,
bleeding would certainly do mischief.   But, when the horse is
tolerably firm in his walk; the pulse quick, and though small,
yet hard, that is, when the finger placed on the artery is struck
r&ther sharply; and the under surface of the eyelid appears red;
copious bleeding is undoubtedly proper.  When  the  disease
does not abate in consequence of bleeding, the propriety of re-
peating the operation  must be determined by the state  of the
pulse  and the animal's strength.    The ball, that is recommen-
ded in the former complaint, may be given in this also,  twice a
day, so as to keep up  considerable staling; but if the horse ap-
pears  weak, and pulse is not very frequent, two drams of pow-
dered cascarilla should be added to each ball.   If there should
be any difficulty of swallowing, the throat should be blistered.
the sides also should be extensively blistered; a discharge nom
the nose should be encouraged, by steaming the head, that is
by putting the bran  mashes into the manger.  In summer, grass
may be given; and in fine weather he may be turned out during
the day, particularly when he appears to be recovering.   When
there  is considerable weakness, good gruel should be given sev-
eral times a  day.  Under this treatment the horse generally re
covers.
                      THE BALL.
   Powdered nitre,..........6 dr.
   Camphor,............ldi
        Sirup and linseed meal enough to form a ball.
                      CHAPTER V.

          Inflammation of the  Bowels.

  THE horse's bowels are very susceptible  of inflammation,
and, when inflamed, unless speedy relief be afforded, the disease
generally  terminates in  death.  Inflammation ef the bowels
may arise from various causes.  The following, I believe, are
those by which it is generally produced:  1.   Drinking freely
of cold water, when heated by violent exercise, particularly
when such exercise has been continued sometime:   2.  Ex-
posure to cold or rain, under  the same  circumstances:   3.
Spasm of the bowels, or flatulent cholic:  4.   Improper dosea
of purgative medicine. 
[ 26]
   To the two first causes post and stage-coach horses are most
exposed: they are not only likely to suffer from standing at the
door of a  public house, in cold  stormy weather; for, if they e-
scapefrom this, they are plunged immediately after their return,
into the nearest river or pond.   Many horses, it is true, suffer
this without injury; but that it sometimes causes inflammation
of the bowels, and other  diseases, cannot I  believe, be dispu-
ted.  When inflammation of the bowels is thus produced, itts
often preceded by shivering; the horse then becomes dull, and
refuses his food; the pulse is  considerably more frequent than
in hdalth; the breathing also is disturbed, the flanks moving more
quickly than  usual; the under surface  of the eyelid is red; and
the animal appears very  uneasy,  often looking  round to  his
flanks, as if he were pointing out the seat of his pain; the urine
is high colored,  and in  small quantity; the dung also is of a
dark color, and unusually hard.   These symptoms rapidly in-
crease;  he lies down, and  rolls about the stall; after a short
time, he rises suddenly, but soon lies down again, and rolls as
before; the breathing becomes more laborious; the pulse quick
and small, that it cannot be distinctly felt; violent sweats break
out upon  the body;  but  the legs and ears are cold;  and some-
times he becomes delirious.  These symptoms are soon follow-
ed by death.  In some cases, the animal appears to be relieved,
and is more quiet, a short time before he dies, which probably
depends on  mortification having taken  place in  the bowels.
This disease is very rapid  in its progress, and, unless checked at
its  first appearance, or soon after, generally  proves fatal.  Co-
pious bleed ing is the grand remedy, and should be carried to the •*
same extent, as in inflammation of the lungs.   The sides should
be blistered, and the mustard embrocation rubbed upon the sur-
face of the belly.  The legs and ears should be kept warm, by
rubbing them frequently,  and, in the  interval, wrapping them
in woolen cloth.
  The only medicine to  be given, internally, is castor oil, the
dose a pint, which is to be repeated in six hours, unless the cos-
tivenessis previously removed: clysters,composed of warm wa-
ter and a little olive oil, are to be given, every  second or third
hour, until the dung  becomes soft.  Inflammation of the bow-
els  is sometimes a consequence of flatulent cholic, or gripes.
The spasm of the bowels, by which this complaint is  caused, is
sometimes so obstinate, as to resist the most powerful remedies.
The confined air, at length, so stretches the bowels, as  to bring
on inflammation, which sood destroys the animal.   Persona un-
acquainted with veterinary medicine  are seldom capable of dia-
guishing between the flatulent cholic and inflammation of the
bowel9. it i»  of importance, however, that .those, who are con- 
[27  3
cersed with horses, and who are so situate, that they cannot pro-
cure immediate assistance from a veterinary practitioner, should'
make themselves familiar with the symptoms, by  which th~v
diseases may be distinguished; because they require very dif-
ferent treatment.   In'the flatulent cholic, the pulse is the same
as in health; in inflammation of the bowels, the pulse is always
very quick: the latter disease is generally gradual in its attack;
the former comes on rather suddenly.   The  pain, in flatulent
cholic, appears to  be violent,  the horse rolls about  the stall,
groans, and  looks round to his flanks; in this respect, it resem-
bles inflammation of the-bowels; but the natural state of the
pulse is a criterion by which  it may always  be  distinguished.
The flatulent cholic is in general easily cured by any warm, stim-
ulating medicine; such as gin, peppermint water, Daffy's elixir,
which is nothing more than proof spirit, in which senna, carra-
way seeds, and other aroftiatics, have been  steeped.   Warm
beer, «vith powdered  ginger,  is also a very common remedy;
but I have found the following mixture most efficacious.
    MIXTURE  FOR THE  FLATULENT CHOLIC.
Oil of turpentine   --.........3 pz.
Spirit of nutritious ether.........2 oz.
Water......-.......I pint.
                    MIX  FOR  ONE DOSE.
   As soon as this has been given, it should  be washed down
with a hornfull of water.  Clysters of warm water and salt should
be given, and the belly should be well wisped.  If no relief be
obtained in half or three quarters of an hour, let the above mix-
ture be.repeated.  If the horse be in good condition, and par-
ticularly  if the under surface of the eyelid appear red, and the
pulse become a little quicker than natural, he should be copi-
ously bled.   It sometimes happens, that this disease causes in-
flammation of the bowels, even under the most proper treatment;
but more commonly from improper management or neglect.  Jr
is easy to ascertain when inflammation is coming on,  by the al-
tered  state of the  pulse, which becomes considerably quicker
and smaller: when the pulse rises to a hundred in a minute, and
is not readily distinguished, there is but little chance of recov-
ery: when it amounts to 120, or even to 110, death, I believe,
is inevitable.
   And here I beg leave to suggest the propriety of providing
every waggoner with a bottle of gripe mixture, a drenching hotr,
and fleams.   Waggon horses are often attacked with this com-
plaint in a situation, where no remedies can be procured; and I
have reason to believe, that many horses have died of it, through
the want of a timely  remedy. 
[28 J
.  Inflammation of the bowels is sometimes caused by giving too
strong  a dose of purgative medicine,  or by improper manage-
ment during its operation.  When a  purgative operates with
unexpected violence, and  it is  thought necessary to put a stop
to it, the only safe plan that can be adopted is to give frequent-
ly some mucilaginous fluid: the best of which, according  to my
experience,  is the preparation called arrow root, which  seems
to be a. pure starch.  Eight ounces of the powder may be mix-
ed with a little cold water: this is  to be added to a gallon of
boiling water; the whole to be well stirred; and, after boiling a
minute or two, removed from  the  fire.  About a quart  of the
mixture is to be given every hour, until the purging appears to
be checked.  I have seldom known it fail of stopping excessive
purging; whereas, in many instances, where astringents or opi-
ates have been given, though the purging has been stopped, in-
flammation of the bowels  has been the consequence.
   When a horse is suffered to take cold water after physic or is
exposed to cold, instead of operating in the usual time, it often
causes sickness and gripes, which, if not releived, may terminate
in inflammation of the bowels.  On this occasion, clysters should
be injected, and warm water given frequently:  if he refuse to
drink, it should be given  with a horn.   This, with walking ex-
ercise, soon brings on purging, by  which the horse is relivved.

                       A TABLE,
Showing the difference between Flatulent  Cho-
     lie, or Gripes, and Inflammation of the
                       Bowels*
Symptoms of Inflammation of
         the Bowels.
1.  Pulse very quick and small.

2.  Lies down and suddenly ri-
  ses again, seldom rolling up-
  on his back.
3.  Legs & ears generally cold.
4.  In general,  attacks gradual-
   ly, is commonly preceded,
   and always accompanied by
   symptoms of fever.
5.  No intermissions can be ob-
   served.
Symptoms of Flatulent Cholic.

1. Pulse natural, though some-
  times a little quickened.
2. Lies down and rolls upon
  his back.

3. Legs & ears generally warm.
4. Attacks suddenly, is never
  preceded, and seldom accom-
  panied by  any symptoms of
  fever.
5. There are  frequently short
  .intermissions.
  * The additions to this subject will be found in the Appendix, under the
head Diseases of the Bowels, which includes both the inflammatory and flat-
ulent cholic, and some other disorders. 
L29 1
            Inflammation of the Stomach.

  - The stomach, like the intestines, may  be inflamed either on
 its external or internal surface.  When the external coat is the
 seat of the disease, the symptoms are nearly the same as those
 by which peri ton seal inflammation of the intestines is indicated,
 and the same treatment is required; the only difference observa-
 ble in the symptoms is, that in this case  the pain seems to  be
 more acute an distressing than in the other: the same diflerence
 may be  observed between the large  and small intestines, the
 latter being possessed of more sensibility than the former.
    When inflammation attacks the pcritonseal coat of the sto-
 mach, it very soon  diffuses itself to the  small intestines and
 neighboring visera; or if the small intestines be its original seat,
 it frequently spreads to the stomach, and sometimes to the large
 intestines also.  In examining horses,  therefore, that have died
 of these diseases, we seldom find the inflammation confined to
 one particular organ; it more commonly happens, indeed, that
 the whole of the abdominal viscera will exhibit morbid appear-
 ances, but in different degrees; those most contiguous to the part
 first  diseased having  suffered considerably, while such as" are
 more  remote from it are perhaps scarcely altered; for we can
 generally distinguish the original seat of the inflammation.
    An inflammation of the internal or villous coat of the stomach
 is  not a very common disease, and is  generally occasioned eith-
 er by poisons or strong medicines  that have been swollowed,
 or by that species  of worms termed  bots.   When  poisons, or
 strong medicines  incautiously  given,  are the cause, it will of
 course come on suddenly: the pulse  will be extremely quick,
 and so weak that it can scarcely be felt; the extreraeties will be-
 come cold, and there will be a peculiar dejected appearance in
 the animal's countenance; respiration will be disturbed; some-
 times there will be a cough,  and always a high degree of debil-
 ity.  The treatment of this disease  consists  in giving oily or
 mucilaginous liquids freely,  such as decoction or linseed, gum
 arabic dissolved in water, &c. and at the same time medicines
 that are capable of decomposing  or destroying  the poison; for
 which purpose 1 believe the  sulphurated kali is useful in doses
 of half an  ounce, provided the poison be either mercurial or ar-
senical.   Clysters are  to be injected; and if the disease be ac-
companied with purging,  they should  be composed  of strong
linseed decoction or water-gruel.  I saw five cases of inflamed
stomach at one time,  all occasioned by poison.    The above
treatment  was pursued, and four ou' of the five perfectly recov-
ered.                             . 
[30]
  That inflammation which bots produce in the stomach is in-
dicated by symptoms somewhat different from those just de-
scribed : indeed, it may more properly be considered as  ulcera-
tion of the stomach than inflammation, since, upon examining
horses that have died of this complaint, I have always found ul-
cers of considerable  size.  This disease generally comes  on
gradually:  the horse becomes hide-bound, has a rough unheal-
thy coat, gradually loses flesh and strength, though he continues
to feed well, and has a frequent and troublesome cough.  The
disease perhaps will continue in this state for some time, and
no serious  consequences are apprehended; its cause arid seat
are seldom suspected; medicines are given to remove the cough,
with common alteratives for the purpose of improving his con-
dition.
   In some instances these insects are spontaneously detached,
and expelled through theintestines: in such cases, if the stomach
have  not been much hurt  by them,  it  will gradually recover,
and the horse be restored to his original strength and condition.
When this does not occur, these worms produce so much mis-
chief in the stomach, as to throw the whole system into disorder.
The lungs are particularly liable to sympathise with  the sto-
mach in this  case, and frequently become inflamed in  conse-
quence.   The inflammation thus produced in the lungs is ex-
tremely obstinate; and though it  may be checked in  some de-
gree by bleeding, and the other remedies we have recommended
for that disease, yet as the cause cannot often be  removed, it
generally, I believe, terminates fatally.  This symptomatic in-
flammation of the lungs may be distinguished from the idiopa-
thic or original, by the following criterion:—It is generally pre-
ceded  by an unhealthy appearance in the coat, and a trouble-
some cougli; the animal seldom bears bleeding well, the loss of
any considerable quantity causing a rapid diminution of strength
—whereas, in the indiopathic inflation of the lungs, the strength
of  the pulse, as well as the whole system,  is often increased
by bleeding.   (See Worms,  Bots,  and Diseases of the Sto-
mach.)
          Inflammation of the Kidneys.

  This disease does not occur very frequently, and is general-
ly occasioned, I believe, by an immoderate use of strong  diu-
retic medicines.  At the first attack ot this co.nplaint the horse
constantly stands as if he  vanted to stale, sometimes voisfcing
a small quantity of high coltted and bloody urine.   When the 
[31  ]
inflammation becomes more  considerable,  a suppression of u-
rine and fever generally take place: if the loins be pressed upon,
the animal shrinks from the touch, and appears to feel great pain.
In the first place bleed freely, then give a pint or twenty ounces
of castor oil, throw up clysters of warm  water, and cover the
loins with sheep-skins, having previously rubbed upon them the
mustard embrocation.  Should these  remedies fail  of procur-
ing relief, repeat the bleeding; and should not the oil have op-
erated sufficiently, let  another dose be given.  All diuretic
medicines are to be carefully avoided.  (See Bloody  Urine,
Suppression of Urine, Appendix.)
          Inflammation of the Bladder.

  When the bladder is much inflamed, its irritability is so in-
creased, that it becomes incapable of containing any urine, con-
tracting upon every drop almost that passes into it from the kid-
neys.   In this complaint, then, the horse is attemping almost
constantly to stale, but voids  only a few drops of urine, and
that with considerable pain: it is generally attended with quick
pulse, and other symptoms of fever.   Nothing is more benefi-
cial in this disease than causing the horse to drink largely of
linseed decoction, or any other mucilaginous liquid, and throw-
ing np frequently clysters of the same: bleeding and a dose of
castor oil, are likewise  highly necessary.   After the operation
of the oil,  let  the following ball be given every sixth hour.
Should no relief be obtained by these means, the horse contin-
uing to void his urine frequently, in small quantities, and with
pain,  give one dram of opium  twice a day, and omit the ball.
Costiveness  tends very much to aggravate this complaint; and
whenever it  occurs, let a clyster be injected, and a dose of oil
given.
                      THE BALL.
Powdered nitre...........-  I oz.
Camphor..............ldr.
Liquorice powder...........3 dr.
         Honey sufficient to form a ball for one dose.
   (See Diabetes, Bloody Urine, Stoppage of Urine, Stone.)
           Inflammation of the Liver.

  This disease is indicated by a yellowness of the eyes and
mouth, red  or dark-colored urine, great weakness and fever, 
[32 ]
generally accompanied with diarrhoea or purging, and sometimes
with costiveness; the horse has a very  languid appearance, and
is'almost constantly lying down.   Sometimes the progress of
this complaint is very rapid,  speedily  terminating in death: at
others it proceeds more slowly, the animal lingering for a consi-
derable time.   In this case  it not  unfrequently  terminates in
dropsey, or inflammation of the bowels.  A case I recently met
with terminated in this way.   It is often complicated with other
internal diseases, causing some variety in the symstoms.
  Bleeding can be imployed with safety only at the commence-
ment of this disease:  afterward  it generally does harm,by in-
ducing a dangerous degree of debility.  The sides should be
blistered; and if there be no purging, the ball No 1, given, once
in twelve hours, until it occasion moderate purging; but if the
bowels be  already in  a lax state, the  ball No. 2 or 3, will be
better adapted to tije complaint, and is to be given in the same
way.        ;     ,

                      THE BALL.

                         No.  1.

Calomel,.............
Barbadoes aloes,    ..........
Castile soap,............
Rhubarb,.............
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose

                         No. 2.

Opium,.........     -   -  £ dr. to 1 dr.
Calomel,    -  -  -   -.........     Idr.
Castile soap,      ---■---.-...    g dr.
         Sirup enough to form a ball  for one dose.

                         No. 3.

Opium and calomel, of each      -   *-     -  -  -  -  1 dr.
Emetic tartar,     ............2
Liquorice powder,...........3
         Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

  It is necesary to promote the horse's strength, by a diet that
is nutritious and easy of  digestion,  such as  malt, arrow-root,
carrots, eye. indulging him in any kind of green food which he
shows a particular inclination for; taking care however, not to
give him too much at once.  Beside the above medicines, those
of a tonic kind should be kiven, such as bark, steel, &c.  (See
Tonics in the Veterinary liateria Medica.)
I dr.
1 d».
2 dr.
£ oz. 
[33]
                      Strangles.

  This  disease generally  attacks  young horses between the
third and fifth years of their age, and censists in an inflamma-
tion of the membrane of the  throat and nose, and swelling ot
the "lands under the  throat, accompanied with cough, and a
discharge of white thick matter  from the nostrils;  someUmes
there are likewise a  soreness of the throat, and difficulty m
swallowing.  The inflamed glands commonly suppurate m a
short time, and burst, discharging a large quantity of matter.
When this has taken place, the cough and other symptoms gen-
erally go off, the sore gradually heals, and the horse speedily
recovers.   In some cases the stragles assume a more ioimida-
ble appearance, are attended with a considerable degree ot le-
ver, and the throat is  sometimes so much  inflamed, that_ tne
 horse is incapable of swallowing either food or water; but how-
ever violent the attack may be, I  have always found that, by
adopting a proper  mode of treatment,  every unpleasant symp-
tom may be easily removed, and a speedy recovery effected.  It
 is not a very uncommon circumstance for the strangles to at-
 tack young horses while at grass; and  then they are frequently
 not perceived  until nature has nearly effected a cure.
   The approach of strangles may  be  known by a dullness  ot
 countenance, watery  eyes, cough, and a slight degree of swel-
 ling in the glands under the jaw.   As soon as they discovered,
 let  the hair be carefully clipped off from the  inflamed glands
 and contiguous parts of the throat;  let a large poultice be then
 applied to the throat, in doing which it is necessary to take care
 that it is so secured as to  be  constantly in contact with the
 throat; for unless this is attended to, the poultice will be but of
 little service.   I have generally found, that by rubbing a small
 quantity of some stimulating ointment on the inflamed glands,
 previous  to the application of each poultice, suppuration has
 been  considerably promoted: for  this purpose the following
 formula will be found useful:
 Camphor,     ...........2  <jr.
 Oil of origanum,     .........\
 Spermaceti ointment,    ------

    When matter is completely formed in the glands, which may
 be known by the tumor becoming larger, and by the skin feeling
 tense and somewhat elastic, an opening should be made with a
 lancet,and its contents evacuated: this plan is certainly prefer-
 able to that of waiting until it bursts spontaneously, astheanm-
 mal is instantly  relieved by it, and the cure  more speedily ef-
  fected  To evacuate the matter perfectly, it is necessary to use
-  2 oz.  mix. 
[34]
 moedrate pressure with  the fingers; and  when  this has beei
 done, let a piece of lint, dipped in digestive liniment, be insert-
 ed for the  purpose  of keeping the  lips of the  wound  open,
 and allowing the  matter to escape freely: the poultice is  to be
 continued until the swelling is perfectly reduced.  Wrhen strang-
 les attack the internal parts of the throat, so as to  render the
 horse incapable of swallowing, and particularly if the external
 swelling be  not considerable, it will be advisable to apply a blis-
 ter and keep the bowels open with clysters.  It is very necessa-
 ry, in every  case of strangles, to steam the head well; that is to
 put hot bran mashes  into the  manger frequently, so that the
 horse may inhale its vapors.
   It is of consequence to distinguish cases of incipient strang-
 les from common colds.  In the latter bleeding is a useful rem-
 edy; but in the former I believe it does much harm,by interrupt-
 ing a process of  nature.    1 cannot, by any  argument,  show
 why bleeding should be improper in the strangles; indeed,if our
 practice were guided by theory only, we  should be led to consi-
 der it as  a case of common inflammation, and  consequently
 adopt that mode  of treatment  which would tend to remove it
 most expeditiously, and prevent suppuration; and  with thi3 view
 we should have recourse to bleeding and purgatives: experience.
 however, certainly sanctions a  different  treatment,  and has, I
 think, fully proved the propriety of using every means for en-
 couraging suppuration.   I  have seen several hundred cases in
 which this plan has been pursued, and not one of them termi-
 nated unfavorably.  Should the inflammation, however, spread
 to the lungs, occasioning great difficulty of breathing and fever,
 and particularly if the horse be past the age of five, bleeding
 must not  be omitted; and if a laxative  drink can be given, it
 will be found of great service.   A rowel in the ehest will also
 do good.
   Should a cough or any  unpleasant symptom remain after the
 strangles are healed, let the following alternative  ball be given
every  morning, until  moderate purging is  produced; and if it
 be found necessary, let it be repeated after an interval of four
or five days.   It is almost superfluous  to add, that great atten-
 tion must be paid  by the groom;  the head, neck and chest, as
 well as the body, should be clothed; warm water should be given
frequently in small quantities; a large quantity of litter should
allowed; and band-rubbing to the legs should never be omitted.

                ALTERNATIVE  BALL.

Barbadoes aloes,.......----II dr.
 Emetie tartar and castile soap, of each,  ....   2    dr.
            To be made into a ball for one dose. 
[35  ]
                 Catarrh or  Cold.

  It would be superfluous to give a particular description of this
compaint, since it is so well known, and its appearances so
generally understood, that scarcely any one can be at a loss to
distingush it from other diseases.   It consists in an inflamma-
tion in the mucous membrame, which lines the internal pait of
the nose, throat, &c. sometimes  attended with a slight degree
of fever: hence arise the cough and discarge from the nostrils,
which are the principal symptoms of  catarrh.   On the first at-
tack of this complaint, bleeding will generally be found an
effectual remedy: but if it be neglected  until a considerable
discharge has taken place from  the nostrils, it seldom proves
ben^Scial.   The following laxative,  however, will  be found a
very useful remedy, and may be repeated after an interval of a
few days, should it appear necessary: it will generally  prevenj
those obstinate and even incurable coughs which so often remain
after a cold, and  which not unfrequently terminate in  broken
wind.

                  LAXATIVE BALL.

Barbadoes aloes,.........3  dr. to | oz,
Emetic tartar,        -.........l^dr.
Castile soap,............2 dr.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

   A dose of fever powder  is to  be given every morning and
evening, until the symptoms abate; or a considerable diuretic
effect is produced, and then every second or third day only.
   Semetimes a swelling takes place in the parotid glands, which
are situate immediately beneath the  ear.  Should no unusual
heat or tenderness be  observed  in these  swellings, apply the
stimulating ointment recommended for strangles; but  if they
feel hot, be painful, and appear to be in a state of active inflam-
mation, ajxmltice is the best remedy.   If the eyes be inflamed
and watery, a rowel should be inserted under the jaw; and if
the inflammation  in the throat be so considerable as to render
swallowing painful and difficult, a blister will afford great relief.
Hot bran mashes should be given frequently, which will not
only serve to keep the bowels open, but will act as a fomenta-
tion to the inflamed membranes, since the horse will  be con-
stantly inhaling the vapor which escapes from them.   Should
be be costive (which is not  likely to happen while he is taking
bran mashes,) let  clysters be injected  occasionally.  The head
and chest as well as the body, should be well clothed, the legs
frequently hand-rubbed, and a large quantity of litter allowed, 
[36]
 by these means he will soon be restored to health.   Should a
 cold be attended with a considerable degree of fever, or should
 the appetite go off, and the flanks  work quicker than usual, it is
 necessary to make some alteration in the treatment.  (See Fe-
 ver and Inflammation of the Lungs.)   It is necessary to ob-
 serve, before I conclude this subject, that the strangles on their
 first attack, are sometimes mistaken for a cold.   This may be
 productive  of mischief, since bleeding is generally improper
 in that complaint: if, therefore, a cold be  accompanied  with a
 swelling of the glands  under the jaw—if they feel hot and be
 painful, and particularly if the horse be young—we may con-
 clade that  the  strangles  are approaching, and treat it  accord-
 ingly.
   Should the cough remain after the other symptoms ara»one
 off, give the laxative  again; and if necessary, repeat it after a '
 short interval.   If the cough continue after this, let the follow-
 ing ball be given every morning for a weak.

                      THE  BALL.

 Powdered squills,......ldr
Gum ammoniac,   ----..       3 dr.
 Opium,.......» dr.
                Sirup enough to form a ball.
                 Chronic  Cough*

   We have already noticed this complaint as one of the symp-
toms of a cold, but did not at that time, give any particular di-
rection for its treatment, because it generally ceases  as  soon as
its cause (the cold) is removed.  It sometimes happens, however,
that the cough continues, although every other symptom is
gone off.  This complaint, which, from its long continuance, is
distinguished by the term chronic, may be readily accounted for,
when it  is recollected that what is called a cold, consists in an
inflammation of the membrane, which lines the nose and throat ;
and that this membrane, also, forms the internal surface of the
windpipe and its branches.  When the cold, therefore, has been
violent  and  improperly treated, the inflammation is liable to
extend to the windpipe, or even to its branches, causing an ef-
fusion of coagulable lymph from the membrane, which" proves
a constant source of irritation.  It is  probable  also that the
inflammation may sometimes render the membrane so very irri-
table, or so alter its secretion, as to keep up a constant irritation
* See Cough in the Appendix. 
[37  ]
 and cough, without any effusion having taken place.   When a
 considerable quantity of coagulable lymph has been effused, it
 obstructs the passage of the air in respiration in some degree,
 causing that sonorious kind of breathing which is termed thick-
 ness of wind, or roaring.   A blister to the throat has some-
 times been found useful in the chronic cough.    One of the
 following  alterative balls is to be given every morning  until
 moderate  purging is produced; and this, if assisted by proper
 attention to exercise, diet*, and grooming, has often  effected a
 cure.
    The chronic cough is frequently occasioned by worms in the
 bowels or stomach,  and is then to be treated accordingly.  (See
 worms.)

                          BALLS.
                           No. 1.

 Succotrine aloes,.....1  dr. to  2  dr.
 Castife soap,   -    -.....2  dr.
 Tartarised antimony,......2  dr.
           Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.
 Should the disease not submit to this remedy, try the following:

                          No. 2.

. Gum ammoniacum,......3  dr.
 Powdered squill and opium, of each,        -     -     1  dr.
  Camphor,                                           1  dr.
           Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

    This is to be given every morning, and  continued five or six
 days.  A stable, properly ventilated, should be chosen, and the
 vapours of (foul litter carefully avoided.

                              i.             «*

             Inflammation of the Eye* ,

    When the eye is inflamed, it looses in part its beautiful trans-
 parency, sometimesappearing as if covered with a film; the lids
 are partially closed, the haws  become more visible, and there is
 commonly a discharge of tears, or the  eye appears  watery.
 Should the inflammation have been brought on by some exter-
 nal injury, and particularly if it be not very considerable, the
 eye-lotion will be sufficient  to remove it; but in more violent
 cases, it will be necessary also to bleed moderately and give a

               * See Appendix, Diseases of the Eyes.
                             D 
[38]
     laxative ball.   By these means inflammation arising from ex-
     ternal injury, may generally be cured in a short time.   The
     eyes often become inflamed in consequence of cold and fevers,
     in which cases the causes is to be chiefly attended to: when this
     is removed, the inflammation usually ceases.
       The most common cause of  this complaint is high feeding,
     without a due proportion of exercise.  These cases require great
     care and attention, for unless proper remedies are employed on
■4   the first attack, the disease, though it appears to go off, will be
     frequently returning, and in all  probability, eventually produce
     blindness.  The first remedy to be employed on this occasion,
     is bleeding; and the quantity of blood that is drawn, should be
     proportionate to -the violence of the inflammation, and the con-
     ditioned the  animal.  Should the vessels on the white part of
     the eye and inner part of theeye-lids appear to be distented with
     blood, great advantage will be derived from scarifying the lat-
     ter with a lancet.  A laxative ball is to be given, and the bowels
     afterward kept in a lax state by  means of bran mashes.  ... I have
     found a seton, placed  immediately un'der the eye, a very useful
     remedy; but unless the operation is  nicely performed,«4t fre-
     quently leaves an unpleasant mark behind, which would lead a
     person experienced  in horses, to suspect that the eye had been
     diseased, and might therefore diminish  the value of the horse.
       A shade, so adapted as to preserve the eye from the irritation
     of dust and light, will be found useful.  This kind of inflam-
     mation generally comes on rather suddenly, sometimes attacking
     only one eye, at others, both are affected.    As  there is no ap-
     parent cause for this sudden attack of inflammation, the groom
     very commonly attributes it to seeds or dust having fallen from
     the rack  into the  eye, and  very little attention is paid to it.—
     Notwithstanding this neglect, the disease frequently goes off,
    and in some cases, its disappearance is nearly as sudden as its
    attack: in ashGrt time, however, it again appears as unexpect-
    edly as at first, and again perhaps goes off.  In this uncertain
    way it may continue a considerable time, the eyes sometimes
    appearing transparent, and  free  from inflammation; at others,
    watery, inflamed, and opaque on  the surface.: at length the inter-
    nal parts of the eye are affected, and a cafaract produced.
      It has been supposed, that the diseases  of a horse's eye are
    frequently hereditary, or dependent on some natural defect in
    the structure.   I do not know how far this opinion may be true,
    but never having seen a case which seemed to corroborate it, I
    am not inclined to give it much credit.  It is not very improba-
    ble, however, that the eyes  of some horses may be naturally
    weak, and more liable to become inflamed when exposed to the
    exciting causes of inflammation,  than  such as are originally en- 
[39]
 dued with a proper degree of strength:  but it appears to mr
 that where this weakness or aptitude to disease exists, it is more
 frequently the effect of some injury which this tender and deli-
 cate organ has sustained, than a defect of nature.   When the
 eye becomes inflamed, it is necessary to inquire into the caure
 of the inflammation:  if it arrises from any mechanical injury,
 and be not very considerable, there is a brobability of its being
 speedily removed, by means of the rernidies I have pointed out;
 but if the inflammation have arisen without any apparent cause,
 depending perhaps upon the  plethora, or  redundancy of blood
 in the system, there will oe some chance of a radical cure, pro-
 vided the proper rernidies are employed sufficiently  early.   If
 these be neglected at the commencement of the disease, though
 the inflammation after some time appears to go.j8ff, and the eye,
 to a superficial observer, seems  to have recovered,  yet the dis-
 ease  frequently returns,  and ultimately occasions  blindness.
 Should the disease have occurred before, and particularly if the
 former attack were violent, there is still less chance of its being
 removed, and all our remedies will probably prove  ineffectual.
 In this case the alterative No.  3,  (see index,) may be tried.  It
 frequently happens,  that  when both eyes are inflamed, and a
 complete cataract forms in one of them, the ot'-er becomes per-
 fectly sound and strong.   It must be observed, that  when a
 horse has suffered more than  once from  this disease, and is  in
 low condition, evacuations must  not be made too freely: there
 are few cases, however, where moderate bleeding and a laxative
 are not required.   With respect to topical applications, or those
 remedies which are applied  immediately to the eye,  I must
 confess that I have not seen much benefit derived  from them,
 except when the  inflammation  has abated considerably,vnd
 there remains an opacity or film on the surface; and  then com-
 mon salt, finely powdered, has often proved useful.   But if the
 eye have been  in this state for some time, and the opacity is
 very considerable, white glass, finely powdeiedand mixed vvi.li
 honey, is a more effectual remedy.   Whenever the eyes are
 weak, or in a  state of inflammation,  the vapours which arise
 from foul litter, should be carefully guarded against; indeed, it
 is by no means an improbable conjecture, that when the eyes
are weak, these irritating vapours may  often prove the exciting
cause of inflammation.
  There is a cartilaginous body connected with the eyes  of
horses commonly termed the haw.  Whenever the eye is drawn
into the socket (which the horse has the power of doing by
means of a muscle that does  not exist in the human subject.)
the haw is forced over the eye, so  that when dust happens to ad-
here to the surface of the eye, be is enabled, by means of this 
[40]
cartilage, to  wipe it off; and as light is painful to the animal
when the eye is in a state of inflammation, we generally find this
organ, on such occasions, drawn more than usual into the soc-
ket, and consequent)} the haw becomes conspicuous on its sur-
face.  Farriers in this case consider the haw as  an unnatural
excrescence, and the cause of the disease: they frequently there
fore cut it off.
                     Locked Jaw.

  This disease, very fortunately,  occurs but seldom, as it gen-
erally terminates fatally.   It begins with a difficulty in masti-
cation; at length the jaws become so completely and immova-
bly closed, that neither medicines nor food can be got into the
stomach.   The muscles of the neck are generally in astateof
rigid contraction, and the animal appears to suffer  great pain.
It is often brought on by trifling causes, such as wounds of the
foot, inflammation of the tail from docking or nicking, &e. and
sometimes it attacks without any apparent cause.  Various
remedies have been tried  in this complaint,  but I do not think
any effectual mode of treatment has yet been discovered.  Im-
mersion in cold water, or even snd\v, is said to produce a tem-
porary relaxation of those muscles by which the jaws are closed.
Opium and camphor have been strongly recommended.   I have
lately been informed of a  case in which a combination of these
medicines completely succeeded.   In  America and the West-
India islands, where the disease is much more frequent than it
is in this climate, strong stimulants have been found effectual;
it would be advisable therefore to try the same plan on horse?,
should opium and camphor fail.   The best stimulants for this
purpose are spirit of hartshorn, ether,  opium, and  brandy.   I
have been  informed that a blister, applied to the spine or back,
throughout its whole length, from the witliers to the  basis of
ttlo tail, has proved successful in several cases. " I have had on-
ly one opportunity of trying it, in which it did no good: but the
disease had existed lor some time, and  had become very violent
before any remedy was employed.   See Appendix.
                       Lampas.

  When the bars or roof of the horse's mouth, near the front
teeth, become level with, or higher than the teeth,  he is said to
have the limpas, and  this is supposed to prevent his feedin".
                     i 
[41  ]
Farriers burn down this swoln part with a  red-hot iron made
for the purpose.  I believe this  operation is performed much
more frequently than is necessary, but I have never seen any bad
consequence arise from it.
                       Roaring.

  This disease takes its name from a peculiar sound in respira-
tion, particularly when the horse is put into a brisk trot or gallop.
It seems to arise from lymph that has been effused in the wind-
pipe or its branches, which, becoming solid, obstructs, in a grea*
ter or less degree,  the passage of air.   As a remedy  for  this
complaint, blistering the whole length of the windpipe has been
recommended; I believe, however, that it is always incurable,
unless proper remedies are employed as  soon as it is observed
to be coming on.   It generally begins like a severe cold, with
difficulty  in breathing,  accompanied with a peculiar kind of
wheezing: sometimes there is also considerable fever, and sore-
ness of the throat.  In some cases it attacks suddenly, and with
great violence; in others it comes on gradually, and is then more
dangerous, as it is seldom attended to,  and generally allowed to
establish itself before proper remedies are  employed.  It is  ad-
visable whenever a horse is attacked with the above symptoms,
to have recourse immediately to bleeding, purging and blis-
tering the throat.   (See Cough,  Appendix.)
                    Broken Wind.

   It seems to be universally allowed that this complaint is in-
curable, though  it will admit of considerable alleviation; and
if its approach be perceived sufficiently early, may probably bo
prevented.  Horses that appear to be most  subject to it are
those with veracious appetites,  that eat even their  litter,  and
keep themselves in good condition upon a moderate allowance
of corn: also such as are fed highly, and at the same time not
properly exercised.   It has been observed by a modern author*,
■•that the most common  appearances  of the lungs in broken-
winded horses is a  general thickening of their substance, by
which their elasticity is in a great measure  destroyed, and •heir

  * "An enquiry into the structure end animal economy of the horse, iry
Richard Lawrence,  Veterinary Surgeon, Birmingham, 4to." a work ofint'Ob
g«a»ral merit. 
[42  ]
weight specifically increased, at the same time that their capacity
for air is diminished.   During life the lungs entirely fill the cav-
ity of the chest, so as to leave no space between their outward
surface and the inward  surface of the ribs.   (See structure of
the lungs.)  Thus they dilate and contract, following by their
own elasticity the action of the ribs and diaphragm.   If the chest
be punctured in the dead subject, the air rushes in, and the lungs
collapse: but if the horse were broken winded, the lungs do not
collapse.   This state of the lungs sufficiently accounts for the
difficulty of respiration; for as their faculty of dilation is de-
stroyed, the ribs cannot expand without forming a vacuum in
Hie chest, which the pressure of the external air prevents, which
may be readily perceived in the case of broken wind; for then
the intercostal  muscles are so strongly retracted, as to form a
deep furrow between every rib,  as well as a depression in the
flanks.  On this account the  air is received into the  lungs with
great difficulty; but its expulsion is not so difficult, as the return
of the ribs and diaphragm naturally force it outby their pressure.
Thus in broken-winded  horses inspiration is very slow, but ex-
piration is sudden  and rapid, as may be seen by the flanks re-
turning with a jerk."
   It appears to me that the  observations of Mr. Lawrence on
this subject are not correct.  Thelungs of broken winded horses
that I have examined have generally been unusually large, with
numerous air bladders on the surface.   This must have arisen
from a rupture of some  of the  air cells;  for in this case some
part of the air which is inspired will necessarily get into the cel-
lular membrane of the lungs, and diffuse itself until it arrives at
the surface, when  it will raise the pleura so as to form the air-
bladders we observe.  This is the  reason that the lungs of bro-
ken-winded horses do not collapse when the chest is punctured;
and this will serve to explain the peculiar motion of the flanks in
broken-winded horses, which does not consist, as Mr. Lawrence
asserts; in a quick expiration  and a very  slow inspiration, but
quite the reverse;  air is received  into  the lungs very readily,
which is manifested by a  sudden falling of the  flanks, but it is
expelled slowly, and with great difficulty, as  may be perceived
by the long continued exertion of the abdominal muscles*
  * A short time since, a horse  completely broken-winded, was given to
roe for the pirpose of making experiments relative to the glanders, a disease
which *as for many years occupied my attention.  On destroying the animal,
auJ examining the lungs with great care, very little disease could be observ-
ed.   So far from their being thickened, and in  the state Mr. Lawrence des-
cribes, they were specifically lighter than natural; and though no air-blad-
ders were perceived on the surface, there was evidently a  great deal  of air
diffuse! in the cellular membrane of the lungs,  whi.b must have been occa- 
[43]
   When the membrane  which lines the windpipe and all its
branches has been affected with inflammation, it becomes thick-
ened in consequence, and  the capacity of  the  lungs will of
course be diminished: this will cause a quickness in respiration,
but not that irregular or unequal kind of breathing by  which
broken  wind  is characterised.   The complaint  which is thus
produced, is commonly termed thick wind; and the horse so af-
fected, if made  to move rapidly, wheeszes like an asthmatic per-
son, and is unfit for any  violent exercise.   It not unfrequently
happens, I believe, that this complaint proves a cause of broken
wind; for when the membrane is much thickened, many of the
finer branches  of the windpipe  are probably  obstructed in a
greater or less degree: the violent coughing which usually ac-
companies this  disease, will, under such circumstances, be very
liable to rupture some of the air-cells.  The same effect may be
produced by violent exercise when  the stomach  is distended
with food or water.    I believe, however, that a plethora or ful-
ness of habit, is most commonly the  remote cause of broken
wind.  In that  case there is generally  an undue determination
of blood to the lungs, whereby the secretion within the air-ves-
sels is increased,  and perhaps rendered somewhat acrimonious
and viscid, exciting a violent and troublesome cough.*
   Whenever a horse appears to be imperfect in the wind, if he
cough  violently, particularly  when exercised, with  unusual
working of  the  flanks, and if at the  same time he appear to be
in good health and spirits, feeding heartily, and eager for water,
sioncd by a rupture of one or more of the air-cells, or minute branches of
the windpipe; there being no othersource from which it could have been pro-
duced.   Now this was a case of simple broken wind, which may be easily
distinguished, not by an unusually quick motion of the flanks,  but by an
unequal motion.   The flanks of a broken-wuided horse are a long time in
drawing up or contracting, which shows the difficulty he feels in expellin*
the air from his lungs, or in expiring; but  when that is effected,  the flanks
drop suddenly, which shows that the air enters the lungs, or that the animal
inspires with much greater ease than he expires. It often happens, however,
that broken wind is complicated with thickness of wind, and, as  I have bo-
fore observed, is sometimes occasioned by it, which probably gave rise to the
opinion we have endeavored to refute.   (See Cough, Asthma, and Thick-
ness of Wind, Appendix.)
  *It is not very improbable  that air is sometimes secreted or formed in the
cellular membrane of  the lung;;, in which case a hor.sc  would  be broken
winded without any  rupture of the air-cells.   I have seen a horte become
broken winded rather suddenly, and when a violent cough had not preceded.
1 have also seen  the symptoms of broken  win J removed by turning a horse
out, but they returned when he was taken into the stable again; and I recol-
lect a horse that would sometimes breathe very well, and at other times ap-
pear completely broken winded.  From these circumstances, it does not
apper improbable that the cause of broken wind, is sometimes a morbid for-
mation of air, in  the cellular  membrane of the lungs. 
[44]
 let him be bled moderately, and take a laxative ball; by these
 means, assisted by a bran diet and regular exercise, the lungs
 will soon be relieved, and the cough, if not completely remov-
 ed, will be considerably diminished.  Afterward give  the fol-
 lowing ball every morning for a week, and take care that a reg-
 ular exercise is  never omitted:  it will be advisable also,  to
 prevent the horse from filling himself too much with hay or water.
 The latter should be given  five or six times a day, in small
 quantities; for the common method of stinting a horse in water,
 when his wind is supposed to be bad; is certainly prejudicial.
 Corn should be given sparringly, as high feeding tends very
 much to aggravate the complaint.    Bran is a useful diet, if
 mixed with corn; and if carrots or any other succulent  vegeta-
 ble can be procured, they will be  found of considerable service.
 The vapours which arise from foul litter, and the air of a close
 stable, are extremely  pernicious.   I have seen very good effects
 from turning the horse into a paddock during the day, when the
 weather is favorable.  When the cough and other symptoms have
 been removed, these means must still be persevered in, or the
 disease will probably return: regular and long continued exercise
 tends more than any thing to keep it off; but violent exercise is
 extremely improper.   Whenever costiveness occurs, it,  should
 be removed by means of a clyster and bran mashes; and  should
 the horse be disposed to eat his litter, it is  to be prevented by
 means of a muzzle.

                      THE BALL.

Powdered squills,......1 dr.
Gum ammoniac,   -     -     -     -     .-.    -  i oz.
Powdered aniseed?,    -     -     - '   -     -     -    8  dr.
       To be made into a ball with sirup, for one dose.
               Jaundice, or Yellows.

   This disease ia indicated by a yellowness of the eyes and
mouth, dullness and  lassitude; the appetite is j-enerally dimin-
ished,  the urine of a reddish or dark color.   Sometimes the
complaint is attended with  costiveness, but more commonly
with a purging.  This disease does not often arise from an ob-
struction in the biliary ducts, as in the human subject, but gen-
erally from increased action of the liver, whereby an unusual
quantity of bile is secreted.   Inflammation of the liver is some-
times mistaken for jaundice, but may be distinguished from it
by the  fever and debility with which it is always accompanied. 
[45]
  When costiveness is one of the symptoms of jaundice, give
the ball No. 1, every mprning, until moderate purging is produ-
ced ; but if the bowels be already open, or in a state of purging,
give the ball No.  2, every morning.   The horse's strength
should be supported by infusion of malt or water-gruel.

                      THE BALL.

                         No. 1.

Calomel,.......| dr.
Barbadoes aloes,......l^dr.
Castile soap,.......2 dr.
Rhubarb,.......5 dr.
       To be made into a ball with sirup, for one dose.

                         No. 2.

Calomel and opium, of each,     -     -     -     -     1 dr.
Columbo root, powdered,.....3 dr.
Powdered ginger,......£ dr.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

   There is a species of staggers, of  which I have seen a great
number of cases since I left the army, where yellowness of the
eyes and mouth is invariably one of the symptoms; which has
often led farriers to consider it as a jaundice, or  yellowness, as
they term it; and their remedies have generally consisted of saf-
fron, turmeric, or other inert medicines of a yellow color, which
they  seem to consider as an  indispensible quality in all medi-
cines employed for the yellows.   On the same  principle (hey
give  dragon's blood, a red resinous substance, and  other red
medicines, in all cases of internal hemorrhage or  bleeding, such
as bloody water, fyc. (See Staggers and Diseases of the Sto-
mach.)
       Flatulent  Cholic,  Gripes or Fret.

  This disease generally attacks rather suddenly, and is brought
on by various causes: sometimes it is occasioned by  drinking
a large quantity of cold water, when the body has been heated,
and the motion of «the blood accelerated  by violent exercise.
In horses of delicate constitutions, that have been accustomed
to hot stables and warm clothing, it may be brought on merely
by drinking water that is very cold, though they have not been
previously exercised.   Bad hay appears to be another cause of
the complaint; but it frequently occurs without  apparent cause, 
[48]
and then probably depends upon a spasmodic action of the sto-
mach or bowels, occasioning a constriction of the intestine, and
a confinement of air,    It has not been ascertained,  whether
this air be produced by a fermentation of the contents of the
bowels, or formed by the arteries of the internal coat: which
ever of these is the source of the air, there is no doubt that the
immediate cause of its formation and confinement is weakness,
or a loss of vital energy.  On this account, medicines of a stimu-
lating quality, are the most effectual  remedies; therefore tlie
common flatulent cholic, is easily cured by grooms and farriers,
who seldom give any other kind of medicines.   The greatest
caution, however, is necessary  on  this occasion; and I  have
known many valuable horses destroyed by adopting hastily this
mode of treatment.   There is a  species of flatulent cholic,
which, if treated in the common way, is sure to terminate fatally,
though it is not at first of an inflammatory nature.   This dis-
ease will be described in the Appendix, under the head Disease*
of the Bowels; and its remote cause will be more particularly
shown under the head Humors, Appendix.*
   The pain and uneasiness which this complaint occasions am
so considerable as  to alarm  those who are not accustomed to
see it, and lead them to be  apprehensive of  dangerous conse-
quences; but if proberly treated, it may be easily and expedi-
tiously removed.   It begins with an appearance of uneasiness
in the horse, he  frequently pawing his litter; he voids a small
quantity of excrement, and  makes fruitless attempts to stale;
the pain soon becomes more violent;  he endeavors to kick hid
belly, and looks around  to his flanks, expressing by groans the
pain he labors under: at length he lies down, rolls about the stall,
and falls into a profuse perspiration.  After a short time he gen-
erally gets up, and  appears for  a minute or two to be getting
better, but the pain soon  returns, and the succeeding paroxyisin
is generally more violent than the former; the pulse is seldom
much accelerated, nor are there  any symptoms of fever.   The
disease will sometimes go off spontaneously: it more commonly
happens, however, when  proper remedies are  not  employed,
that the air continues to accumulate, and  so distends the intes-
tines, as to produce inflammation of its coats: the distention has
  *The author intended to write a chapter on humors, in order to show tb«s
pernicious tendency of the humoral pathology, as it is termed, which sup-
pose! almost all diseases to depend on some noxious  humor in the blood.
It is sufficient, however, to observe, that the strong purgatives which are
given with a view to expel such humors, sometimes render the bowels so ir-
ritable, that very slight causes will, bring on the flatulent cholic; and if n
ttrongstimulant be given in such cases, it frequently causes inflammation
of the intestine. 
[47]
sometimes  been so considerable as to rupture the intestine,—
whereby, the horse is speedily destroyed.
  As soon as this disease is observed, let one of the following
draughts be given, and a clyster injected, composed of six quarts
of water-gruel or warm water, and 8 oz. common salt.  If the
disease have existed for several hours, and the pain appear to be
very considerable, particularly if the pulse have become quick,
it will be advisable to bleed to three quarts, with a view to pre-
vent inflammation and remove the spasmodic contraction of the
intestine.  If the disease, however, be perceived on its first at-
tack, the draught and clyster will generally be sufficient to cure
it: but should no  relief be obtained by these means in an hoUT
or two,let the draught be repeated, and let the belly be rubbed
for a considerable time with the mustard embrocation.   Should
the disease  be so obstinate as to  resist even  these remedies,
which will scarcely ever happen, give a pint of caster oil, with
1£  oz. of tincture of opium; as soon as the horse gets up,  let
him be rubbed perfectly dry by two'persons, one on each side; and
afterwards let him be well clothed.  It is necessary in this com-
plaint to provide a large quantity of litter, for the purpose of pre-
venting the horse from injuring himself during the violence of
the  paroxyism.
                    THE DRAUGHT.
                          No. 1.
Balsam of capivi,......1 oz.
Oil of juniper,......       2 dr.
Spirit of nutritious ether,.....1 oa.
Simple mint water,.....        1 pint.
                    XIX  FOR ONB DOSE.
                           No. 2.
Veniec turpentine,......lw,
        Mix with the yolk of an egg, and add gradually
Peppermint water,.....        1 pmt.
Spirit of nitrous ether,    ...     -          \ oz.
                    KXX  FOR OHE DOSB.
                           No.  3.
Cmmpher,.......*&■
Oil of turpentine,.....I ot.
Mint water,        ......* P«>t-
                    MIX  FOJK 05E POSE.
   As this complaint is liable  to occur during a journey, in sit-
uations  where the above remedies cannot be readily procured,
1 have annexed a formula for a ball for the convenience of those 
[ 48 ]
who are in the habit of travelling.   If this ball be wrapped up
closely in a piece of bladder, it may be kept a considerable time
without losing its virtues.
                      THE  BALL.
Castile soap,     -     -    -     -     -     -    ~    3 dr
Camphor,          •     -     -    -    -     ~       2 _dr-
Ginger,         -     -    -     -   ■  -     -    -   lj dr.
Venice turpentine,.....'.    6 dr.
To be made into a ball for one dose, with liquorice powder ov
                         flower.
                       CHAPTER  VI.

                  On the Staggers.

  The staggers are usually divided, by writers on farriery, into
two kinds, which they denominate the sleepy and the mad stag-
gers.   The former are supposed to depend on too much blood
flowing to the brain, and the latter on inflammation of that or-
gan ; and it has been observed, that, unless the sleepy  staggers
be removed, by copius bleeding and purging, inflammation of
the brain, or mad staggers, is the consequence: thus have these
diseases been generally considered as nearly of the  same kind,
differing only in degree.
  It has been  clearly ascertained, however, that they are by no
means similar in their nature;  and, it  has been incon,testibly
proved, by examining the bodies of horses that have died of
these diseases, that they  arise from very different causes.
  Some writers have imagined, that staggers resemble the epi-
lepsy, or falling sickness, a disease to which the human body is
liable.  Something of this  kind,  though not exactly similar,
happens, occasionally, to horses, and is  termed megrims; but in
no respect does it resemble either the sleepy or the mad staggers.
  The mad staggers generally attack horses that are highly fed,
and moderately worked: they do not occur frequently; may be
easily distinguished from sleepy staggers; and are less difficult
of cure, if attended to at an early period.
  The  sleepy staggers are a disease of far greater importance,
and, next to glanders, perhaps, more destructive than any other.
I have thought proper to call it the siomach staggers,  because
this  important organ has been almost invariably found, after
death, to have been the seat of the disease. 
                         [4» J

               On the Mad Staggers.

  This is not  a very common  disease, and may  generally be
cured, ifattended  to at an early period.   In the mad staggers,
the horse becomes highly delirious, and so violent, that it is of-
ten dangerous to  come near him.  Sometimes he falls down,
and appears to be  quite exhausted; but,  after a short time, he
suddenly rises,  and becomes as furious as at first.   The only
remedy for this disease is copious bleeding; but it is generally
difficult to keep the horse sufficiently quiet to perform this ope-
ration: it is better to wait until a short intermission takes place,
when he  becomes exhausted by the violence of  his exertions;
both temporal  arteries should  then be opened, and  suffered to
bleed until the horse becomes faint, and is perfectly  composed.
After this, a strong dose of purgative medicine should be given,
a rowel placed under  the jaw, and a blister applied to the head:
the horse's diet should be low: and, if any symptoms of the dis-
ease again make  their apperance, the bleeding  should be re-
peated, until they go off.
   The bleeding  from the temporal artery may be stopped by
means of a pin and tow, as in  the neck.   It is necessary, how-
ever, to make use of a longer pin, and to take care that  the lig-
ature is tied very  firmly.
   When no person present is capable of opening  the temporal
artery, he should be bled in the neck, on both sides;  a chord
should then be tied round the neck, below the opening in the
reins, so as to keep up a constant flow of blood.   The  only cri-
terion, by which we can judge of the quantity of blood neces-
sary to be drawn, is the cessation of  the delirium,   which sel-
dom happens until  a  considerable quantity has been taken off.
This  will be seen from the cases subjoined to this chapter.
   It is proper  to  observe, that the  operation of the purgative
may be hastened by injecting clysters, composed of about a gal-
lon of water, in which half a  pound of salt has been dissolved;
and, if it does not operate in the usual time, that  is, from twen-
ty-four to thirty hours, another dose should be given.
                        CASE  1.

   A troop horse was attacked  with mad staggers, and was bled
freely from the jugular vein; the horse became  more quiet, but
not perfectly composed.   The next day, he was highly delirious,
and plunged about the stable so violently, that no  one could
come near him: sometimes a  short intermission occurred, thatis,
he would lie quiet a  short time, then, rising suddenly, he be-
came us furious as at first.  On the evening of the second day,
I saw him for  the first time, he was lying perfectly quiet, and
                             E 
I  50]
was supposed, by the persons present, to be dying: I immedi-
ately opened both temporal arteries;  and, after losing a consid-
erable quantity of blood, he got up, was perfectly composed, and
had no return of his complaint.
                        CASE H.

  A young, healthy, carriage horse, that had been highly fedi
and done but little work, was attacked with mad staggers: the
delirium ran  so high, that he leaped through a small window,
nearly  five feet from the ground.  This horse was copiously
bled, took a strong purgative, and had a rowel under the jaw.
He perfectly recovered, and had no return of the complaint.
                       CASE  III.
  A troop horse was attacked with mad staggers, and, though
relieved by copious bleeding, and the other remedies above men-
tioned,  after a few days the disease terminated in death.  On
examining the brain, a bony substance was found in its ventricle,
or cavity.
                      CHAPTEX  VII.

    On the Stomach,  or Sleepy Staggers*

  In  the sleepy  staggers the horse appears drowsy, hangs his
head in the manger, and refuses his  food.  The tongue  and
mouth are of a yellowish color; the membrane, which lines the
inner  surface of the eyelid, is more deeply tinged with yellow,
approaching to a deep orange color; there is a slight convulsive
motion, or twitching of the muscles of the breast; the fore  legs
appear suddenly to give way, at times, as if the horse would  falls
but this very rarely happens, and he very seldom lies down, un-
less the disease is going off, or death is approaching.   The pulse
is never affected in the early stages of this complaint.  It is al-
ways attended by costiveness; and, when the dung is drawn off,
by introducing the hand into the gut,  it is  found  to be hard,
and of a dark color,  often covered with mucus, or white, slimy
matter. Sometimes there is suppression of urine,  which ap-
pears  to arise from a paralytic state of the bladder: this, how-
ever, is seldom the  case, in the early stages of the complaint.
The temperature of the  body is generally the same as in health;
but, in violent cases, and in  the later stages of the complaint,
there is often profuse perspiration, and" coldness of the legs and
ears: in some instances, one half the body has become cold and
palsied. 
[51]
    I have often observed, at the commencement of this disease,
 and some time after, that the horse appears to be  roused, and
 neighs, on opening the stable door.  In the latter  stages of the
 disorder, the jaws  often become locked, and sometimes the
 muscles of the eye  are convulsed.  When a horse is attacked
 at grass,  he is generally  found forcing his  head  against the
 hedge; and, if removed from this situation, he  moves forward,
 rambling, as if in constant  danger of falling, until he  meets
 with some obstacle, against which he forces his head,  so as to
 cause considerable  swelling in the prominent parts above  the
 eye and in the nose.  When in the stable, the horse will, some-
 times, even force his nose between the rack staves, and gener-
 ally bruises himself considerably about the head, which often
 causes a discharge  of matter from  the nostrils.   In short,  he
 appears totally insensible; but there is never that furious deliri-
 um, by which the mad staggers are characterised, nor is it dif-
 ficult to  bleed, or perform any operation  upon him, that may
 be required.  When the disease terminates fatally, it is gener-
 ally on the second  or third day: a short time before death,
 there is often considerable convulsion,  and the animal appears
 to be in great  pain; probably from inflammation having taken
 place in the stomach or bowels.
    A disease, very nearly resembling the  stomach staggers  we
 have here described, has, at times, proved highly  destructive,
 particularly in the neighborhood of Swansea, where a great
 number of horses are employed in the mines: it appears, how-
 ever, to be a more violent form of the disease, and is  probably
 contagious.  The  following is  the copy of a letter I received
 from a gentleman, who had many  opportunities of seeing this
 violent form of the disorder; and it will appear, from the letter,
 that he has taken great pains in investigating the nature of the
 disease; and that he has observed all the circumstances con-
 nected with it with  attention and  accuracy.

    "Sir,

      "Permit me, though a stranger, to address some observa-
 tions to you respecting the disease, which, in the Appendix to
, the first  volume  of your Veterinary Medicine, is  called Stom-
 ach Staggers.   I have never seen any mention of it in any oth-
 er treatise, nor have I known any  particular name given to  the
 disorder before, though I have seen it rage, with the mo3t des-
 tructive violence, in the neighborhood of Swansea, in Glamor-
 ganshire, where it is called the distemper.  For a long series
 of years, it has been the object of inquiry; but it has never beeu
 investigated, on the spot, by any one having a scientific knowl- 
[ 52  ]
edge of the diseases of horses, except Mr. Rickward, of Brigh-
ton, who was sent down, some years ago, when the disease rag-
ed most violently, by a gentleman, who owned a  very  large
number of horses; but he was not successful.   Permit me now
to say, that I do not think you have seen the disorder raging
with the violence, or to the extent it has frequently  raged near
Swansea; its commencement  is dreaded  like the plague.  I
will endeavor to give you as succinct an account of it as I
can; and, when I return into the country, where all my memo-
randums on the subject are, I will, with pleasure, if you wish
it, send you every particular  I have; though I can sufficiently
depend on my memory to say, that I can now send you the sub-
stance.
   "The symptoms you mention are exactly such as occur, and
the distinction you point  out, between the brain  staggers and
the stomach staggers, is distinctly  correct; for, though the yel-
lowness of the eyes and mouth has generally escaped observa-
tion, I have a memorandum, particularly noticing, that a  man,
in giving a ball to a horse, in this  disorder, had his hand ting-
ed quite yellow; and, I  have no doubt, itgenerally occurs.  But,
besides the symptoms you mention, the animal is subjected to
a general  convulsive affection; frequently attempts to  stale,
and discharges a little urine at a time, by shoots, as if convuls-
ed ; and, most commonly, the animal's jaw is locked, some time
previous to his death.   Having now stated the immediate symp-
toms, I will give a succinct history of the disorder as it has rag-
ed near Swansea.
   "The earliest account I have of any particulars begins  about
the year 1782; but, I know, it has, at times, visited the neigh-
borhood, ever since the year  1760.   It generally begins to
rage between July and the end of September.   The cold wea-
ther, in winter, has generally stopped it; but, the last  visit it
made us, it continued two entire years    In one year, a neigh-
bor of ours lost more than a hundred horses by it; and, the next
year, we lost about  thirty.   It  attacks both sexes and  every
age, indiscriminately; but animals at grass, in  high condition,
and at easy, or no work, appear to be most subject to it, and to
have it with most violence.  Till the last time it visited us, ani-
mals kept in a stable were considered  as protected from it; hor-
ses kept in the mines, under ground, had never  had it.   I  mada
a stable in  one of our  underground works, to remove all our
horses; but, before I carried this plan into effect, the disease be-
gan to decline.   At the height of the disorder, horses seldom
or never recover.   When an animal does recover, it is consid-
ered as a favor ible prognostic, and we look for  a delivery from
this plague.  The animals at grass  are most liable  to it; but 
[ 53  3
such as are kept in a stable, and under the best management,
are also subject to  the disorder.   In the  year  1801, or 1802,
when it last raged with us, I lost a valuable horse, that was per-
fectly well groomed; but I shall have to make some  observa-
tions on his case, when I mention the  dissections, and the ap-
prehensions I have of the disorder being contagious;  which  I
shall now proceed to do.
   "The appearance and state of the stomach are generally  such
as you have described; but, in the valuable  horse before men-
tioned, and a few others, which died of this disorder, it was not
the CHS6.
   "I beg here to observe, that 11..id been very strict in my sta-
ble regimen, and particularly in the quantity, quality, and  time
of giving  food and water; and I attribute the emptiness of the
stomach to this cause:  though I did not prevent the disease by
this precaution, it made all the symptoms milder.   I am not  a
surgeon, or a scientific'man; but, in examining the bodies of
horses, after  death, I have been assisted by a surgeon; and  have
generally found, with the exception of the loaded stomach,
and a  slight  inflammation, for a small length below the pylo-
rus, (the lower orifice of the stomach, from which the digested
food passes into the intestines.) and sometimes, a little reple-
tion in the vessels of the brain, every part free from disease.
   "I could not, for a  long  time,  believe that the disease  was
contagious:  I now fear it is most highly so; but do not think,
 that this  circumstance has been proved.  When the disorder
 last began, a neighbor, who had lost a great many horses by it,
 sent a parcel of their  skins, to a neighboring town, to be sold,
 the  horses, that drew  the waggon, in which they were convey-
ed  were the next, and that in a short space of time, that fell
 victims to the disorder.   Horses, that had been in  the  stables
 where the disorder raged, were  sent  to  work under ground;
 there also, the disorder soon after made its appearance, for the
first time.  Our neighbors firmly believe it is contagious:  they
took every precaution to prevent contagion, and the disease left
them.   I was incredulous, and, at this time, we had not suffer-
ed :  a  horse from their neighborhood  came to graze in some
fields  through which some of our horses passed; he died of this
disorder, and was left unburied.   From this moment,  the  dis-
temper began with us; but,  not  knowing the circumstance of
 the horse remaining unburied,  I  took no  precaution to prevent
conta"ion.   The valuable  horse before  mentioned was taken
 ill the3next day,  and  soon died. He had been at a neighboring
 fair and was left under the care of a man, to hold, while I  did
 my'business: I do not  know that he had any communication
 with other horses, but suppose he must.  The common farmers'
                           E* 
[ 54]
horses, in this neighborhood, are all badly managed; yet I have
known those, who take proper care of their horses, who do not
overwork them,'and even those, who keep  ihem at grass, lose
all their horses, when their less careful neighbors lost none.   I
have  known a man lose  his whole stock twice in one  year.
When 1 began to fear contagion, every horse, that died of the
distemper, was buried without being skinned.   We have had
no return these five years.

             "Causes of the  Disorder.

  "In the mild form, in which, it appears to me, you have seen
the disease, I think the causes you assign sufficient; but, (except
as to  some poisonous quality in the food.) I cannot think Ihem
to be  the cause with us.   I strongly suspect it arises from some
poisonous plants, in our pastures, which,  perhaps, flourish only,
to a poisonous extent, at some particular times, and which have
not hitherto  been detected.  1 have mentioned our horses hav-
ing been attacked the year following our neighbors great loss,
and when they were free from it: most  of our horses were pur-
posely kept in the stable; and I have some idea, that they were
fed upon hay of the same year, that our neighbor's horses were
fed upon the preceding year: could this  fact be  ascertained, it
migntlead to a discovery of the  real cause of the disorder.  1
suspect the poison acts by paralyzing the stomach, that its ful-
ness is a consequence, not a cause, of  the disease.   Mr. Cole-
man v.as consulted, by .our neighbors, at an early stage, durirg
the last attack we had, and I have a copy of a lelter from him
upon  the subject.   I have also a copy of Mr. Bond's  opinion
upon  a statement made  to him; but neither of them ever saw
the progress of the disorder with us, and ihey do not appear 1o
me to have thrown any light upon the subject.
   "I  shall be much flattered, if my communication affords you
any information  you may think vvoilh notice.   If you wish an
explanation  of any thing I have stated, 1 shall be happy in en-
deavoring to give if.   I am," &.c:
                                      March  7,  1811.
  "Sir,

     "Since I wrote to you, in London, I have reviewed my pa-
pers, and I do not see reason to alter any thing I have said in the
lottc-r you refer to my having written about  two years*ago, and
of which I have kept a  copy;  but as you have made seme in-
quiries respecting the disorder of my  own valuable horse,  and 
[ 55]
his treatment, I send  you the fullest account I have of it, and
some observations made by Mr. Collins, an intelligent surgeon,
at Swansea, to whom I communicated the particulars  of the
case at the time.   They are as follows:
  "March 2, 1802.—My own riding horse, in high condition,
and capitally groomed, lost his appetite: having a cough, it was
supposed to be from  cold.
  "March 3.—He was blooded.  His blood  was considered
as in a bad state; (note, I did not see the blood, nor do I know
in what respect it was considered as bad.)   When led out,  he
seemed stiff: and, when taken in again, he ran first against the
stall, then against the rack, as if he did  not see.   He then had
rather a strong dose of aloes, and a pint of olive oil: he then be-
came violent.   At four o'clock I came in:  he was extremely
II!, but did not seem to me to have any appearance peculiar to
 the distemper: he had just staled freely.  Between nine and
ten, he fell, or lay down; between twelve and one, he  died.
Early in the afternoon, the groom  observed, that  the near ear
was quite cold;  the  other, temperate.  Our farrier said, the
whole of the near side was cold two hours before he died.  His
jaw became locked about the same period.   I did not see him
after four o'clock.
   "Upon opening the  body, the appearances were altogether _
healthy: no inflammation of any part; no  distension of the sto-
 mach; the food quite moist; the brain uninjured.

     (i Extract of a  letter from  Mr. Collins.

    "I am very sorry to find you have lost your favorite  horse,
 and I am much inclined to think, with the farrier, that it was
 apoplexy, or palsy.   Was the state of the brain examined?—I
 do not think it was the distemper.   Palsy frequently succeeds
 apoplexy, from the pressure of extravasated  blood in one hem-
 isphere of the brain.   He certainly died paralytic, as appears
 from the coldness of one ear, and failure of circulation on that
 side.
   "From a letter 1 wrote to Mr. Rickward, some time afterward,
 detailing our losses,  and of which I have a copy, I find I consid-
 ered the case as anomalous; but, upon the whole, I am dispos-
 ed to  think it was a  pecu'kir form  of the same disease, which
 we have, in this country, denominated  the distemper.  I have
 suspected, that the distension  of the stomach with food has
 arisen from a paralysis of the stomach, so that  food conveyed
 there  remained immoveable..  If it arise from a poisonous qual-
 ity in the food, this  may be the way it acts.—TVe have not had
 any retain of the distemper since 1803. 
[ 56]
  «To enable you to judge, and form an opinion from facts, I
shall send you, by the mail from Swansea, in a parcel, a state-
ment of a variety of cases, by Mr. Collins, whom I have named
above: and I also send you some memoranda of cases and ob-
servations made by myself at the time they are dated.  I shall
be very happy if they tend to throw any light on the subject.
  " As I have not any  copies of these papers, and I have not
time to have them copied, I have to request, that you will re-
turn them to me in a parcel, directed  to this place as soon as
you shall have done  with them.  If they should suggest any
thing, which may lead you to make any farther inquiries, I shall
be happy in endeavoring to procure you  any  farther  informa-
tion you may desire.
                                      "I am, sir," &c.
  The following is a copy of some observations made by an in-
telligent surgeon, who had  many opportunities of seeing the
disease, and carefully examined the bodies that died of it, in
the year 1800, at which time the disorder was prevalent:
  "In 1786, the distemper appeared in  June, and continued
during July, August and September.
  "In  1787, it began in July, and continued during August,
September, and great part of October.
  "In 1786, the summer was wet.   In 1787, the spring was
wet, but the summer warm, and a very luxuriant crop of latter
grass.  In 1800, the summer was unusually dry and hot: great
crops of hay, but no after grass.   Horses of all ages,  and of
both sexes, were equally liable to the distemper.  More horses
were attacked at grass than in stable.  Idle and working hor-
ses were affected; but more of the former, particularly when in
high condition: in these the  disorder was more violent, and ve-
ry few recovered.

                       " Causes

  "Not known.   In 1787, the disease  was attributed to the
luxuriance of the after grass; but this year, there is none.  The
water of the river was supposed to have some bad quality; but,
upon being analysed, nothing of the sort was discovered. '

                      " Authors.

  "None  treat  of it accurately;  but a disease described in
Wood's Farriery, published in 1762, nearly resembles it. 
[57]
                     " Symptoms.

  "Heaviness, stupor, laziness at work, swinging the head from
side to side, or pushing it forwarder resting it in the manger,
but never turning it round, or drawing it backward; often stand-
ing for hours  motionless; then  slight  twitches of the limbs,
and other parts of the body.   They seem weak,  and afraid ot
falling.   Heaving of the  flanks.   Ears cold.   Eyes glassy.
Some grow immediately stiff, and the jaw is frequently locked.
Some beat their heads about,  and kick out at every thing;  but
are never observed to kick their bellies,  as in gripes.

                      14 Progress.

   "The first symptoms  increase; beating the head against the
ground or manger; often forcing the nose through  the bars of
the hay racks.  The jaw  becomes closely locked.   They fall.
The twiching increases.   Violent perspiration breaks out in
some:  in others, the skin is dry and tight, the eyes open and sta-
ring, yet  the horse appears to be blind.  He makes water fre-
quently,  which is forced out as if by a general spasm.

                 "Fatal  Symptoms;

   "The  coldness and stiffness of the whole  body  increase.
 The loins extremely pinched in.  The eyes very glassy.   1 he
 jaw closely locked.  Dung very dark and dry.

              14 Symptoms of recovery.

   "Very few recovered: in these, coldness of the ears and bo-
 dy lessened; the jaw became relaxed; convulsions abated;  the
 eye  appeared more lively; staling less frequent, and without ap-
 pearance of spasm; they attempted to eat and to drink;  the
 dung became moister, and of a light color.  Out of fourscore,
 only four were supposed to have recovered.  One of these, be-
 ing  turned out, ran round the field several times, then fell and
 died.  Another seemed to have been relieved by profuse bleed-
 ing.                                    .  ,      j
   "The disease is not dicovered till the case is become desper-
 ate, and usually kills in twenty or thirty hours.   Almost every
 remedy has been tried  without effect; viz: bleeding, hot baths,
 calomel, purging medicine, salts, opium, camphor, James  pow-
 der, and asafoetida.  None of them appeared to be of service.
   Six horses, that died of the distemper, were examined by this
 gentleman.  In four of them, the stomach was loaded with food, 
[58 1
and  much distended; in one, the stomach was nearly empty,
but the large bowels were loaded; in  another, there was not
much distension of the stomach, but the large intestines were
loaded,and the rectum, or last bowel, full of hard  dung.  In
all of them, the lower part of the stomach was more or less in-
flamed; and in some, the intestines also, as  well  as the mem-
brane which covers them, and by which  they  are connected
together.  From the observations of  those  gentlemen, it ap-
pears, that the  disease,  which has, at times,  proved so des-
tructive, in the neighborhood of Swansea, bears a striking re-
semblance to that I have called Stomach Staggers, and is prob-
ably the same   disease in a  more violent degree.  That the
principal seat of the disease  is the stomach, has been  clearly
proved, by examining the bodies of  horses that died  of it: in
every instance that has come under my observation, the stom-
ach  was excessively distended;  but  the brain was  perfectly
free  from disease.  The stomach and intestines were, general-
ly, more or less inflamed; but it was evidently  in consequence
of the excessive distension of the former.  With respect to its
being caused by some poisonous plant, an opinion suggested in
the foregoing letter, and in the Treatise on  Veterinary Medi-
cine to which that gentleman alludes; though it has, at first, an
appearance of probability, it  certainly does not sufficiently ex-
plain the disease.  I have known a  horse at grass violently at-
tacked with the staggers, of which he died: other horses were
immediately afterwards  put  into the same field, without con-
tracting the disease.  In several instances, the disorder has oc-
curred to a horse, that has been kept with many others, all feed-
ing from the same hay, without affecting any  of the rest. Some
years ago, in a large village and its neighborhood,  near Bath,
the disease was very prevalent, and destroyed a great number
of horses.   It was usual, in this place, to give a considerable
quantity of chaff, or cut straw, to the horses.   After some time,
it was conjectured, that the disease might have  been caused by
the horses feeding greedily on chaff.   This mode of feeding
was discontinued; and, since that time, they have had  no re-
turn  of the complaint.
  According to my experience, the staggers more  frequently
attack old horses, that have been worked hard, than such as are
young  and  fresh.   They have  more  frequently occurred to
horses  employed by little farmers, where they are coarsely fed,
and often worked hard, than  to such as are properly  managed.
In a  large waggon concern, where 1 have for many years attend-
ed the  horses,  I have never  seen  a single  case of  stomach
staggers: in two other concerns, of  the same kind, several ca-
ses have occurred.  In the former concern, I had an opportu- 
[59]
    nity of observing, that the horses were, in every respect, ex-
    tremely well managed, and not overlooked; but I had no oppor-
    tunity of seeing how the Others were treated.
      I had the honor of serving, as veterinary surgeon, in the roy-
    al dragoons, seven years, during which time  there did not oc-
    cur a single case of stomach staggers, nor have I ever heard of
    a case in any other  regiment.  In short, it appears that this
    disease depends on the stomach  becoming torpid, or losing its
    energy, in consequence of a horse's feeding greedily, and partic-
    ularly when his food is of a bad quality, and difficult of diges-
    tion.  Such is  the connexion between  the  stomach and the
    brain, that, when the  former is thus loaded  with food, and in-
    capable of digesting it, the latter is necessarily affected, and the
    symptoms produced are such, as would  lead a person, unac-
    quainted with the subject, to imagine, that the brain was the
    original  seat of the disease.   With  respect  to that acute  form
    which the staggers assumed in the neighborhood of Swansea,  I
    can readily conceive,  tliat the stomach may become torpid, or
    bave itsnalural energy so diminished, by  various causes, as  to
    produce all  the symptoms by which the disease is characterised.
    I do not think it probable, that it is caused by any  poisonous
    vegetables among the  hay or grass, from the circumstances be-
    fore stated: but this matter should  be carefully investigated,
    when the disease again occurs in that neighborhood; for, if any
    such plant couldbe discovered,  it would lead, perhaps, to an
    effectual mode of prevention.  As to the  cure of staggers, I
    believe there is little chance of it, unless the disorder is attend-
    ed to at an early period.  The stupor and heaviness of the  head
    naturally lead us to expect relief from copious bleeding.   Dis-
    section,  however, has  proved, that the brain is not inflamed, or
t   overloaded  with blood; and,  in numerous  instances, the most
    copious bleeding has  been found ineffectual.   In every case,
    except one, where purging has been brought on, the horse has
    recovered.  (See case  3.)   When the disease had  continued
    three or four days, and  the treatment here recommended  had
    been adopted, I have,  in three casses, observed, that the stom-
    ach had discharged its contents in some measure, and that the
    large intestines  were  excessively loaded:  it appeared, indeed,
    that purging would have taken place in another day, had the
    horses lived so long.

       On the treatment of  Stomach Staggers.

      As soon as  this disease is observed, let the purging ball be
    given, and washed down with a little warm water; let the baud 
[60]
be introduced into the  gut, and all bard dung, that  may be
found, removed.  The following clyster is then to be injected:

                       CLYSTER.

Hot water,.......I  gal.
Common salt.    -     -     -    ■*    -     -   -   £  lb.
Olive oil,.......4 oz.
                           MIX.

  Give the horse, every hour, a pint of warm water, with  half
an ounce of compound spirit of ammonia, and  let  the clyster
be repeated three or four limes  Twice a day, add to the warm
water and spirit of ammonia, two drams of finely powdered cas-
carilla.  These remedies (except  the purging  ball) must be
persevered in till purging comes on.   lam not convinced, that
bleeding is necessary, except when the horse is violent; yet I
have  always had  recourse to it; but never with any apparent
advantage.  In two cases,  the horses were  bled  profusely,
without causing an  abatement of the symptoms.   When we
are so fortunate as to bring on a purging, it is probable the horse
will recover; and, when  the purging has become considerable,
and the horse appears to be relieved, looking more lively,  and
showing an inclination for food, he should take frequently a
small quantity of good gruel; but no hay or corn should be al-
lowed for two davs, or until the stomach and bowels are per-
fectly unloaded.  By a proper perseverance in this treatment,
I have, in several instances, succeeded; but  it  is necessary to
attack the disease at its earliest period; for when the stomach
is distended to a certain degree, its power is irrecoverably lost.

                        CASE I.

  A waggon horse was attacked with stomach staggers. When
I saw him, he was quite insensible, and had all the usual symp-
toms; the pulse exactly  the same as in health: he took the
purging ball, and, immediately after, a pint of warm water, to
which were added four ounces of tincture of asafatida.  Clys-
ters were injected several times a day, and the warm water,
with the spirit of ammonia, was given frequently: the  follow-
ing day, he was worse; the purging ball  and clysters were re-
peated; but he continued to get worse, and, during the night,
died.   The purgatives and clysters had not removed the cos-
tiveness.  The horse had been bled, also, from the temporal ar-
teries, and from the jugular vein, to a considerable extent, with-
out appearing to be, in the least degree, relieved by it.
  The stomach was distended to an immense size,  and full of 
[61 ]
undigested food, consisting chiefly of oats and beans, great part
of which had been swallowed  unbroken.   There was some
appearance of inflammation about the stomach and first intes-
tine; but this evidently proceeded  from the excessive disten-
sion of the stomach.   The brain was, in every respect, perfect-
ly healthy.

                         CASE II.

   A horse, employed in a brewery, and fed  upon oats and hay,
was attacked with symptoms of stomach staggers: in this case,
however, the horse was violent at times, so  that it was difficult
to give him medicine or clysters.  He  was  bled freely, from
the temporal artery, and was treated as in the former case,  ex-
cept that no asafcetida was given.  On  the second day, he  ap-
peared rather better; and, in the afternoon,  he  began  to dung
freely; towards evening, a purging took place.   The next day,
he was quite well, and has had no return of the disease.

                        CASE III.

   A waggon horse had the stomach staggers: he was bled from
 the temporal artery, took  the purging ball,  and was clystered
 three or four times a day:  in short,  he was treated in the man-
 ner before described.  The following day, the horse being still
 costive, one half of the purging ball was given, and he was a-
 gain bled freely; in  the afternoon, he began to purge, and  ap-
 peared rather better; but, the  next morning,  he grew much
 worse, though he still continued to void soft dung.  This  cir-
 cumstance  led  me to suppose, that inflammation of the brain
 was coming on, particularly as the horse was unusually restless,
and appeared, in some degree, delirious:  he  was, therefore,
bled largely, from the temporal artery, and a rowel placed under
the jaw,  and the head was blistered: at night he  died.  On o-
pening the body, I was astonished to find  the  stomach loaded
with hard, undigested food, as  the horse, during the  last day,
had dunged freely.   It appeared, from  this, that the purgative
had passed into the bowels,  without causing  the  stomach to
discharge its contents, where it acted in the usual manner: this
 is the only way in which I can account  for the purging.

                         CASE IV.

   A waggon horse had the stomach staggers,  and  was treated
in the usual manner.  On the morning of the second  day,  the
purgative was repeated, and the other remedies persevered  in;
during the night, he appeared to be griped; but at length he be-
 gan to dung freely, and appeared much relieved; he continued 
[62  ]
 to discharge large quantities of dung, which appeared to consist
 in a great measure, of undigested oats  and beans, and had a
 very offensive smell: he was  considerably relieved, and seem-
 ed to have an inclination for food; but he was allowed to take
 gruel only.  The horse had so  bruised his head and nose, by
 forcing it against the  wall and  manger, that there was much
 swelling above the eyes  and about the nose;  there  was also a
 discharge of matter  from the nostrils.  The horse perfectly re-
 covered, and had no return  of the disease.  It is of importance
 to remark, that, in this horse, as  well  as in that of case 2, the
 disease was noticed  at an early period; and I have reason to be-
 lieve, that they were more strictly attended to by the servants,
 to whose care  they  were entrusted, than horses, in  this  com-
 plaint, usually are.
                    PURGING  BALL.

 Barbadoes aloes, powdered,     -    -    -     -    l oz.
 Calomel,........£ oz.
 Cascarilla, finely  powdered,     -    -     -     -    3 dr.
         Sirup enough  to form a ball for one dose.

  Some years  ago, I gave two drams of thecarbonat of ammo-
 nia, with the above ball, and employed a smaller dose  of calo-
 mel.   The formula I have here  given, however, appears to me
 to be the best.   The ball should be given  without paper,  and  ~
 washed down with two or three  hornfuls of warm water.  The
 mode of treatment I have recommended is, I believe, the mo? ,
 effectual that can be employed: there is but little chance Oi
success, however, unless it is resorted to at the commencement
of the disease.   It is probable, I think, that the same treatment
would be found useful in that acute  form which the disorder
occasionally assumes, as  described in the firstjetter,  and the
observations which  follow it.  It is there stated, that purging
medicines and  calomel were given without  effect, that is, were
given separately,  and the latter, probably, in a small dose;  but
it does not appear, that the medicine was assisted by the means
I have recommended,  that is,  by clysters,  and  by giving  fre-
quently, warm  water, joined with a powerful stimulant, to soft-
en the undigested food, and excite the stomach to action. With .
respect to the valuable horse mentioned in the letter, in which,
after death, the stomach  and bowels  were  found in a  natural
state, it appears to me, that he died of some other disease, the
symptoms there described being unlike those which occur in
staggers.  My experience leads me to bel ieve, that the staggers
are not contagious;  but  the circumstances, stated in the fore-
going letter, seem to confirm the opinion, that they were high-
ly contagious in the  neighborhood of Swansea. 
[63]
                     CHAPTER VII.


             Diarrhaa, or Purging.

  This is not a very common disease in the horse, and seldom
difficult of cure.  It  may  be occasioned by a suppression of
perspiration, or by an increased secretion of bile.  From what-
ever cause it may proceed, give in the first place the following
laxative ball; and if the disease do not cease in two or three
days, let the astringent ball be given.   Warm clothing is par-
ticularly required in this complaint, and exercise should not be
neglected; his water should be moderately warm, and given
frequently in  small quantities.   When a purging is accompa-
nied with griping pains and fever, it is to be considered as a
case of inflammation in the bowels, and treated accordingly,

                  LAXATIVE BALL.

Barbadoes aloes,.....-     2 dr.
Powdered rhubarb,     -    -    -     -     -     -   3 dr,
Cascarilla bark powdered,   -     -     -     -     -   2^ dr.
Castile soap,.......2 dr.

         Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

                 ASTRINGENT BALL.

Powdered opium,
Prepared chalk,
Powdered cinnamon, or cassia,
Tartarised antimony,

To  be formed into a ball with sirup, or mixed into a drink  with
                 mint water for one dose.
         Diabetes, or excessive Staling.

  This disease often proves extremely obstinate, and not un-
frequently incurable: I am inclined to believe, however, that if
attended to at its commencement, a cure may be effected with-
out much difficulty.  The complaint at first consists merely in
an increased secretion of urine, the horse staling frequently,
and in considerable quantity; the urine is generally transpar-
ent and colourless  like  water; at length he becomes feverish,
the mouth feels dry, and  he seems to suffer much from thirst;
1	dr.
6	dr.
H	dr.
2	dr.
 
[64]
the appetite is diminished, and the pulse becomes quick; he is
generally hidebound, and  gradually loses flesh  and strength.
Lime water has been much recommended as a remedy  for this
disease; I have seen it given, however,  in two cases,  without
any good eflect.  Others  recommend  diaphoretic medicines,
from a supposition that it depends in great measure upon a sup-
pression of perspiration.   Bark and other tonics have also been
considered as  useful remedies.   I  had  four cases of diabetes
under my care, nearly about the same time, and they were all
speedily cured by means of the following ball.

Opium,     -.......1 dr.
Powdered ginger,......2 dr.
Yellow Peruvian bark,   -     -     -    -     -    -  £ oz.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

   But these were all recent cases, and not attended with fever,
nor had the horse lost much strength, or become hidebound in
any considerable degree; yet the disease was well marked,  and
would, I doubt not, have produced all these symptoms, had it
not been opposed as soon almost as it made its appearance.   In
all these cases the quantity of urine discharged was very con-
siderable; the  mouth was dry; and there appeared to be a con-
stant thirst.  It seems, therefore, highly necessary to attend to
this disease at its commencement, since,  if neglected, it  becomes
extremely obstinate, and  sometimes incurable.  Should the
above  remedy fail, try one of the following formulae.

                BALLS  FOR DIABETES.

                          No. 1.
Emetic tartar,.......2dr.
Opium,   --------     ldr.
            To be made  into a bail for one dose.

                          No. 2.
Salt of hartshorn,......2dr.
Opium,         .......^ dr.
Powdered ginger,......ldr.
Liquorice powder,......3dr.
            To be made into a ball for one dose.
                          No. 3.
 Salt of Steel,      ---...
 Myrrh,   -----..
 Ginger,    ..--..
             To be made into a ball for one dose.
? oz-
2 dr.
1 dr. 
                         [  65 J

                         No. 4.

Powdered columbo root,.....3 dr.
Cascarilla,.......2 dr.
Salt of steel,.......2J dr.
Prepared Kali,.......H ^r'
Tincture of opium,     -    -    -  ■   -     -     -  i oz.

To be mixed with strong beer, or porter, and  given as a drink
                         aton^e.

   Remark.—The horse's diet should be nutritious,  and eas^
of digestion; and he should be allowed to drink small quanti-
ties of weak lime  water; or,  if he refuse this, common water
frequently.
              Suppression  of Urine.

  Horses are often attacked with a difficulty in staling or mak-
ing water, sometimes amounting to a total suppression of that
excretion.  This most  commonly arises  from spasm in the
neck of the bladder, or from hardend excremenf in the rectum
or latter part of the intestines.
  In the first place let the hard excrement be carefully remov-
ed  by the hand,  and a common clyster; and if the horse hap-
pen to be costive, give the following laxative:

Barbadoes aloes, in powder,.....2 dr.
Prepared kali,       ......* dr.
Water,........6 oz-
Castor Oil,.......4 oz.

                  To be given as a drink.

   Should the disease continue, give  the following ball;  or  if
the horse  be not costive, let it be given at first.

Nitre,........l °,z-
Camphor,.......2 dr.
Linseed powder and sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

    Should there  be any appearance of fever, or should the horse
appear to feel pain when the loins are pressed upon, it is proba-
ble that the kidneys are  inflamed.  In such cases the ball would
be improper.  (See Inflammation of the Kidneys.) 
[66]
                        Worms.

  There are  three kinds of worms found  in horses.   The
most common and mischievous reside in the stomach, and are
named bots.  They are of a reddish color, and seldom exceed
three quarters of an inch  in length.  At one  extremity Ihey
have two small  hooks, by which  they attach themselves, and
the belly seems to be covered with very small feet: They are
most  frequently found adhering to the  insensible coat of the
stomach, and then they do n%t appear to cause  any considera-
ble uneasiness or inconvenience.   Sometimes, however, they
attach themselves to  the sensible part,  and do  great injury to
this important organ, keepingup aconstant irritation,and there-
by occasioning  emaciation, a rough staring coat, hidebound,
and a cough.   I have met with several instances of their djfe-
troying the horse, by  ulcerating the stomach in a considerable
degree; and cases  are recorded  where  they  have penetrated
quite through the stomach.   It is astonishing with what  force
these worm?adhere,  and how tenacious  they are of life: they
have been found to resist the strongest poisons, nor have we
yet discovered any medicine capable of destroying them,  or of
detaching them from  their  situation.  It seems probable that
this worm, like the catterpillar, undergoes several changes.  It
is said to be originally a fly, which, depositing  its eggs in the
horse's coat, causes an itching that induces him to bite the part.
In this way he is supposed to swallow some of the eggs, which,
by  the heat of the stomach, are brought  to  maturity, and pro-
duce bots.   When the bots  are fit to assume the chrysalis state,
they are spontaneously detached, and gradually pass  on with
the faces.  This is the most rational account we have of their
production.
   It h-is been asserted, that the  fly from which bots are pro-
duced crawls into  the anus of horses, and deposits  its eggs
there; that the worms when  hatched soon find their way further
up  the intestines, and often penetrate into the stomach.   This
account is literally copied by a late writer on Veterinary Pathol-
ogy;*  but it appears  to me rather strange, that any one who
has considered the structure of the horse's intestines should for
a moment give  credit to it.  It seems  impossible indeed  for
these worms to crawl  from the anus to the stomach; and, as far
as my observation goes, they are  never found  residing in the
intestines.  Sometimes we iind two or three, but they are evi-
dently proceeding towards the anus to be expelled.  I have be-
fore observed, that I am not acquainted with any medicine that

  *Ryding1s Veterinary  Pathology. 
[67]
is capable of detaching or destroying these worms, though  I
have often tried the strongest mercurial preparations, and many
powerful medicines.
  I have used the yellow emetic mercury, or the vitriolated
quicksilver, as recommended by the writer just quoted, as well
as every otner mercurial preparation, but never saw a single hot
expelled by them.   (See Bots and Worms, Appendix.)
  The next worm we have to describe is very slender,of a black-
ish color, and seldom exceeds two inches in length.  It is nev-
er found in  the stomach, and  very rarely in the small intestines,
the largest part of the canal being generally the place of its res-
idence.  Here it proves a constant source of irritation,  occa-
sioning loss of condition, a rough, unhealthy looking coat, and
frequently a troublesome cough.  A variety of alterative  medi-
cines have been proposed for the destruction of worms of this
kind, and some of them are supposed to be infallible: I believe,
however, that none of them are possessed of much efficacy, and
we ought not therefore to depend upon them.
   The following are the alteratives to which I allude:—savin,
rue, box, a3thiops mineral, antimony, sulphur,  emetic tartar,
calomel, and vitriolated quicksilver; the last two, if given with
aloes, so as to purge briskly,  and particularly  the calomel, are
excellent remedies; but given merely as alteratives they  do no
good.
   I have generally found the following ball very effectual, giv-
ing the preceding night from  half a dram to a dram of calomel,
I have often mixed the calomel with the ball, and found it equal-
ly efficacious:  the former method, however, is generally  pre-
ferred.

                       THE BALL.

Barbadoes aloes,......6 dr.
Powdered ginger,  -     -     -    -     -     -     1] dr,
Oil of wormwood,......20 drops.
Prepared natron,......2dr.
          Sirup enough  to form a ball for one dose.

   It is often necessary to repeat this medicine, but there should
 always be an interval often days between each dose.
   The third kind of worm is of a whitish color, frequently sev-
 en or eight inches in length,  and generally found in the  lower
 part of the small intestines.   Worms of this kind are not so
 common as the others, but appear to consume a considerable
 quantity of chyle, or the nutritious parts of the food.   They
 may 1>* got rid of by the same means that we have  recommen-
 ded for the small blackish worm. 
[68]
  We may always be satisfied of the existence of worms in the
intestines, when a whitish or light straw colored powder is ob-
served immediately beneath the anus.   1 have  sometimes suc-
ceeded in destroying worms,  by giving one dram and a half of
aloes every morning until purging was produced.
                     Hidebound.

  This term implies a tightness of the skin, which feels as if it
were glued to the ribs, the coat having at the same time a rough
unhealthy appearance.   This complaint is generally occasion-
ed by worms or want  of attention in the  groom:  it occurs
sometimes, however, without any manifest cause.   In such ca-
ses give the alterative ball No. 1 every morning, until moderate
purging is produced; and if this do not succeed, try the altera-
tive No. 2, which is to be given every morning for eight  or ten
days, taking care to assist its operation by warm clothing, good
grooming, and regular exercise.   The  exercise should not be
confined to walking, but may be carried so far as to excite a
moderate perspiration.   Great care must  afterward  be  taken
that the horse does not get cold.  Let  him be  put into the sta-
ble while warm, and immediately clothed: when the legs and
head have been well cleaned,  remove the  cloth, and continue
to rub the body with large wisps of clean straw, until it is quite
dry.
   I cannot forbear mentioning here a remedy that is employed
in some parts of Staffordshire for this  complaint, as it clearly
evinces how necessary it is to rescue this valuable animal from
the barbarous and absurd treatment of illiterate  blacksmiths.
An account of this operation was sent me by a gentlemen who
saw it practised a few months ago.   "The head and legs of the
horse being secured, two men, (one  on each side) pull the hide
from the ribs in about fifty places with pincers."  The propri-
etor of this unfortunate animal must surely have been destitute
of common sense or humanity, to allow an ignorant unfeeling
farrier to perform so  cruel and fruitless an operation.

                 ALTERATIVE BALL.
                         No.  1.

Barbadoes aloes,  -     -.....i  oz<
Castile soap,.......9 dr,
Powdered ginger,......6 dr.

  Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into four doses. 
                         [69]

                         No. 8.
Tartarised antimony,   -       -       -        -     24 oe.
Powdered ginger,          -       -       -         ly ok.
Opium,        -      -        -       -              £ oz.
 Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into eight balls.
                        Surfeit.

   This absurd term is given by farriers to a disease of the skin,
consisting in small tumors or knobs which appear suddenly in
various parts of the body, sometimes in consequence of drink-
ing largely of cold water, when the body is unusually warm;
but it appears frequently without any manifest cause.  It may
be easily cured by  bleeding moderately, or giving a laxative
ball:  sometimes,  indeed, it goes off without any medical as-
sistance.   There  is another disease of the skin, of the same
name, which is generally more obstinate, and attacks horses
that are hidebound and out of condition.   In this a great num-
ber of very small scabs may  be left  in various parts of the bo-
dy; the horse is frequently rubbing himself; and  sometimes the
hair falls off from those parts which he rubs.  This complaint
approaches to the nature of mange, and requires the same treat-
ment, assisted by a generous diet, good grooming, and regular
exercise.   (See Condition and Humors, Appendix.)
                        Mange.

  This disease is seldom  met with except in stables  where
scarcely any attention is paid to  the horses, and where their
food is of the worst quality; it is certainly very contagious, and
may in this way attack horses that are in good condition.   It
is known to exist by the horse constantly rubbing or biting him-
self, so as to remove the hair, and sometimes produce ulcera-
tion ; the hair of the main and tail frequently falls off, and small
scabs are observable about the roots of that which  remains.
The mange is, I believe, a local disease, and requires  only the
following ointment or lotion for its removal: in obstinate cases,
however, it may be advisable to try the effect of the following
alterative. 
                        [70]

                MANGE -OINTMENT.

                        No.  1.

Sulphur vivum, finely powdered,       -      -        4  oz.
Oil of turpentine,      -       -      -       -      3  oz.
Hog's Lard,       -      -       -       -       -   6  oz.
                          MIX.

                         No. 2.

Oil of turpentine,       -         -       -           4  oz.
Strong vitriolic acid,          -       -       -      ^  oz.
Mix cautiously, putting in the acid by a little at a  time, and add
Train oil,        ....             6  02>
Sulphur vivum,      -       -       -       -        4  oz.

                          MIX.

                   MANGE LOTION.

White hellebore, powdered,       .       .           4  oz.
Boil in 3 pints of water to 1 quart, then add Muriate of
  quicksilver,       .       .       .                2  dr.
That has been previously dissolved in three drams of muriatic
                           acid.

             ALTERATIVE FOR  MANGE.

Muriate of quicksilver,       .       .       .         J  oz.
T#artarised antimony,     .       .      .            3  oz.
Powdered aniseeds, .       .       .       .         6  oz.
Powdered ginger,       .        .       .             2  oz.

Sirup enough to form a mass, to  be divided  into sixteen balls,
         one of which is to be given every morning.
  Should this appear to diminish or to take off the appetite, or
create a purging, they must be discontinued two or three days.
                        Grease.

   This disease consists in an inflammation, swelling, and con-
sequent discharge from the heels, the matter having a peculiar,
offensive smell, and the heels being sometimes in a state of ul-
ceration ; the  swelling frequently  extends above  the  fetlock
joint, sometimes as high as the knee or hock.   When  the in-
flammation and  swelling  are considerable, apply a large poul- 
[71  ]
tice to the heels, (See Poultice,) taking care to keep it constant-
ly moist, by adding to  it occasionally, a little warm water: at
the same time let a dose of physic be given.  After  three or
four days, the inflammation and swelling will have abated con-
siderably, the poultice  may then be discontinued, and the as-
tringent lotion  applied five or six times a day.   Should the
heels be ulcerated, apply the astringent ointment to the ulcers;
and if they be deep and do not  heal readily, wash  them with
the detergentjotion previous to each dressing.  Regular exer-
cise is of the highest importance, but it is necessary to  choose
a clean and dTy situation for the purpose.
  In  slight cases of grease,  the astringent  lotion and a few
diuretic balls will generally be found sufficient to effect a cure;
but when  the disease is of long standing, and particularly if
the horse have suffered from it before, there will be more dif-
ficulty in its removal.    In such cases the following alterative
powder may be given in the corn every day, until it produces a
considerable diuretic  effect:  in very obstinate cases, rowels in
the thigh have been found useful.   Digitalis, or fox-glove, has
been  recommended in  those swellings of the legs,  which are
the consequence, of grease:   I have not yet tried its effect
in this way, at least not sufficiently to give an opinion on the
subject.   It is a violent medicine in the horse, very apt to take
off the appetite and injure the stomach, and  must  therefore  be
given with caution: the dose is from half a dram to one dram.
   Though the grease is most commonly occasioned either  by
high  feeding and want of exercise, or by neglect in the groom,
there are cases which  seem to depend on general debility.   I
do not believe that this is ever the exciting cause of the disease,
but am unconvinced that a horse is rendered more susceptible
of it  by  being  in a state of weakness, and  that the complaint
sometimes owes its continuance to this cause.  When a horse
has suffered much from this disease, and particularly if he ap-
pear to be weak and out of  condition, a liberal allowance of
corn  will  tend to recover him, if assisted  by the astringent
lotion and  careful grooming.   In cases of this kind,  exercise
is essentially necessary.  It must be obvious that  when  this
disease depends upon debility, a dose of physic would not be
an eligible  remedy,  yet  considerable benefit has sometimes
been obtained  by giving the following alterative every  morning
until  the bowels are moderately opened.
                  ALTERATIVE BALL.
Succotrine aloes,        .               .        ,      1  oe.
Castile soap,       .        .       .                  l\  oz.
Powdewed ginger and myrrh, of each        .        .  |  ox.
   Sirup enough to form a mass,to bo divided into six halls. 
[ 72]
   This medicine, though of an opening quality, will improve
the horse's strength, and at the same time promote absorption.

               ALTERATIVE POWDER.

Powdered rosin and nitre, of each       .        .      4 oz.

           MIX AND DIVIDE INTO EIGHT DOSES.

   Nothing tends so much to prevent grease and swelling of
the legs, as frequent hand-rubbing, and cleaning the heels care-
fully, as soon as a horse comes in from exercise.  In inveterate
cases of grease, where the disease appears to have become ha-
bitual in some degree, a run at grass is  the only remedy.   If a
dry paddock can be procured, where a horse can be sheltered
in bad weather, and fed with hay and corn, it will be found ex-
tremely convenient, as in such circumstances he may perform his
usual labor, and at the same time be kept free from the com-
plaint.  In a few obstinate cases I have seen mercuiial  altera-
tive of service, giving one ball every morning until the bowels
are opened.
               ASTRINGENT LOTION.

                         .No. 1.

Alum powdered,       .        .       .               1 oz.
Vitriolic acid,      .              .       .           1  dr.
Water,         .....      1 p't.

                          MIX.

                         No. 2.

Alum powdered,       .       .        .       .       4 oz.
Vitriolated copper,         .       .               .   J oz.
Water,        .      ,       .        .             1| p't.

                         No. 3.

Sugar of lead,       .               .        .         4 oz.
Vinegar,         .        .       .        .            6 oz.
Water,       .       .        .      .       .       lJp't.

                          MIX.

   The strength of these  lotions often requires to be altered.
Where the inflammation and  irritability of the part are consid-
erable, they must  be diluted  with an equal quantity of water;
but if the  inflammation be subdued, and a swelling and  ulce-
ration remain, the alum solution cannot be made too strong. 
                       [73]

             ASTRINGENT OINTMENT.

                        No. 1.

Hog's lard,.......4 oz.
Oil of Turpentine,......2 dr.
Water of acetated litharge,      .    .    .     .    \ oz.
                        Mix.

                        No. 2.

Venice turpentine,......1 oz.
Hog's lard,.......4 oz.
Alum,  finely powdered,.....1 oz.

            MERCURIAL ALTERATIVE.

Calomel,......-   | dr.
Aloes,      .......1 dr.
Castile soap,.......1 dr.
Oil ofjuniper,......30 drops.

       To be made into a ball with sirup for one dose.

              ASTRINGENT POWDER.

                        No. 1.

 Powdered alum,.......4 oz.
Bole,          .......1 oz.
                         Mix.

                        No. .2.

 Vitriolated zinc, powdered Jbole, of each,              2 oz.

                        No.  3.

Acetated ceruse,      ......2 oz.
Bole,     ........1 oz.
                         Mix.

 (See Grapes, Swelling of the Legs, and Humors, Appendix.)
           Malanders and Salanders.

  When a scurfy eruption appears on the posterior part of the
knee joint, it is termed malanders; and when the same kind of
disease happens on the anterior of the hock joint, it is named
salanders.  Should these complaints occasion lameness,  it
                         G 
[ 74]
will be proper to give in the first place a dose of physic.   Let
the hair be carefully clipped off from the diseased part; and let
all the scurf be washed offwijh soap and  warm water; a cure
may then be soon effected by applying  the following ointment
twice a day:

                   THE OINTMENT.

                         No. 1.

Ointment of wax or spermeceti,     .     .     .    .   2 oz,
Olive oil,          .      .....     1 oz.
Camphor and oil of rosemary, of each,     .     .    .   1 dr.
Water of acetated litharge,       .    .     .     .     2 dr.

                          Mix.

                         No. 2.

Ointment of nitrated quicksilver, olive oil, of each,    .   1 oz.

                          Mix.

                         No. 3.

Oil of turpentine,       .       .        .             | oz.
Vitriolic acid,         .       .      .        .       1 dr.

  Mix cautiously, putting the acid by a little at a time, and
                         add of

Oil of bay,       .        .       .                    3 oz.

                          Mix.

         The following lotion has often succeeded.

Blue vitriol,          .       .       .           2  oz.
Alum,     .       .      .       .       .       3  oz.
VVater,         .       .       .       .       .1 quart.
Nitrus acid,        .       .       .       .       1  dr.

Mix, and apply to the diseased  part daily, after it has been well
                        cleansed.

(See Humors,  Appendix; and for the mode of prevention, see
                   Grooming, Appendix.) 
[ 75  ]
                     CHAPTER IX.

         A description of the Glanders.

  The nature and consequences of this malignant disease can-
not be too seriously considered by all those who have the man-
agement of horses.   It is the interest of proprietors, no less
than the duty of servants, to acquire a knowledge of its earliest
symptoms; and to attend carefully to the instructions, that are
offered  with a  view to prevent the spreading of a complaint,
which,  in  its  nature, is  highly contagious,  and has hitherto
proved incurable.
   The  first symptoms of glanders are, a discharge  of matter
from one or both nostrils, and a swelling of the glands, or ker-
nels, as they are commonly termed, between the branches of
the  lower jaw-bone.  When the discharge of matter is from
one  nostril only, the swelling is generally confined to  that side
of the jaw-bone: this is a very common case in the early stage
of the complaint.
   In the mild kind of glanders, the matter is small in quantity,
and  of a thin, glutinous appearance, adhering to the exterior
part  of the nostrils, or upper lip; the general  health is seldom
affected, the horse appearing perfectly well in  every other res-
pect.  On examining the interior, or red part of the nostril,  in
this  stage of the complaint, ulcers are rarely observable, and the
matter is free from odour; this, indeed, is often  the case after
the disease has existed several months: yet it  has been thought
that an offensive smell constituted one distinguishing mark of
glanders.
   The disease, sometimes, continues in this mild stage several
months; and, in a few instances, even for  years; when this hap-
pens, it is generally found that the horse is of  a hardy constitu-
tion, is in good condition when attacked by it, and afterwards
is treated with  proper care.   But when  the  disorder attacks
horses,  that are worked hard and inadequately fed, or such as
arc of delicate constitutions; its progress is usually more rapid,
and  the second stage soon commences.
   This is distinguished by a more copious discharge, often  at-
tended with ulceration in the interior parts of the nostrils.
When the discharge is at all tinged with red, or  mixed with
streaks of blood, it is a certain proof of the existence  of ulcera-
tion; though perhaps not low enough to be discovered; and, if
the matter smell offensively, it is probable, that not only the red
membrane, but also the cartilage  and bones are diseased..  In
this  stage, the matter often proceeds from both nostrils, and the
ylands under the jaw are considerably enlarged.  When the 
[76]
glanders arrive at the second stage,  the strength of the horse
undergoes a more or less rapid decline: the accumulation of
matter, together with the thickened and ulcerated state of the
parts within the nostril,  in some degree obstructs respiration,
and causes a snuffling noise in breathing, which may  be often
heard at the distance of several yards.  On the occurrence of
these symptoms, the lungs are always affected with  tubercles,
or abscesses; and the animal soon falls a victim to the disease.
   The glanders, sometimes,  attacks  with  great violence; be-
ginning  with a copious discharge of matter from the  nostrils,
and ulceration of the membrane within them.  In such cases,
the horse soon becomes weak and emaciated, and in a short
time sinks under the complaint.
   I have met with many instances, in which glanders were pre-
ceded  by  general indisposition.  The horse appeared weak
and languid, and fed badly; proceeding at times in this way for
two or three weeks, with a gradual loss of strength  and flesh.
At length, the symptoms which are supposed to constitute glan-
ders made their appearance;  that  is  to say,  there  was a dis-
charge of matter from the nostrils, and the glands under the
jaw became enlarged.
   In cases of this nature, it is commonly thought, that the glan-
ders are generated; or that the disease is a consequence of the
general debility, under which the animal labors: but I think  it
far more probable, that it is the effect of contagion.
   A swelling of the gland under the jaw is sometimes  observ-
ed, without any discharge from the nostrils.   In such instan-
ces, we generally find, that at some former period the horse has
had the farcy, or has been kept with  glandered horses; and, on
a careful inspection, a slight degree of moisture is  usually  per-
ceived in the nostril, which is on the  same  side as the swelling;
or an appearance, as  though  the more fluid parts of  the dis-
charge had evaporated, leaving a dirty colored coating upon
the parts.  But if this symptom be not visible, we  may learn
from the person who has attended or worked the horse, that
such an appearance  has at  times been observed, or  that the
horse has occasionally thrown  out matter in  snorting.  This
circumstance, therefore, is sufficient to excite suspicion, how-
ever triffling  the swelling  and  discharge may be; especially
when it is kown, that the horse has had the farcy at any former
period, or has  ever been exposed to infection.
   It is astonishing in how  slight degree  the glanders some-
times exist in horses of strong constitutions, that  are  fed  well
and moderately worked.  Such instances  often occur among
our cavalry; where, upon the slightest cause for suspicion, the
 horse is (generally) separated  from the rest, and not employed 
[77]
in any duty; though the allowance of forage issued for him  is
the same as though he were regularly worked.
  It sometimes happens, that  the discharge from the nostril
ceases for a time; but the swelling of the glands under the jaw
generally remains, the dischargesooner or later returns, and the
disease ultimately proves fatal.
  The following case, sent to me by a gentleman, who keeps a
great number of horses, will serve as an example of this: "Up-
on examining our horses, I found one with a suspicious run-
ning: I had him immediately separated: in the course of a few
days the running ceased; and, as  the horse appeared perfectly
well, he was returned  to the working stable.   In about a fort-
night, I found a large swelling, where it usually is in glanders,
but no running at the nose; the swelling was frequently bathed
with salt water without eflect: but the horse continued without
any  running at  the nose for months.   A decisive glanderous
running then came on suddenly, and the horse was destroyed."
                     CHAPTER X.

             A description of Farcy.

  It has been clearly ascertained, as will  be shown hereafter,
that the glanders and fircy will  mutually  produce each other,
and are therefore nearly  allied;  yet there are circumstances,
which make it appear necessary  to give them a separate consid-
eration.
  The farcy, generally, appears in the form  of small tumors,
called buds by farriers; or small ulcers, about the legs; some-
times on the lips, face, neck, or other parts of the  body. These
tumors are, in some cases, so small, so  few in number, and cre-
ate  so little inconvenience to the animal,  that, for a time,  they
escape observation; at other times, they are larger,  more numer-
ous, painful  to the touch, and spread more rapidly; and, in
these instances, a  general  swelling of the  limb often  takes
place, particularly when the hind legs  are attacked, and some
degree of lameness ensues.
  The tumors, or buds, are at first hard, but soon  become soft,
and burst; degenerating into foul ulcers, of a  peculiar appear-
ance.
  It is worthy of remark, that this disease always proceeds up-
wards, if in the limbs; if in the neck,  it advances towards the
chest; if in the lips or  nose, it spreads towards the  glands under
the jaw; in short, its invariable direction is. towards the heart:
often in  its course affecting the superficial glands, and causing
                            c* 
[78]
them to swell,  in like manner as the venereal poison from  a
chancre, affects the glands of the groin, and causes buboes.
  The lines of communication between the buds, or ulcers, are
generally very observable; particularly when they occur on the
inside of the limbs, where the superficial veins  are large; as in
the  thigh:  they consist of what the farriers call  corded veins,
but, in reality, are  inflamed and  enlarged lymphatic, or  absor-
bent vessels: which vessels very closely accompany  the  super-
ficial veins, and are in bulk proportioned to the size of the vein.
  When the farcy  bud has suppujated and burst, it  sometimes
spreads under the  skin, forming  what are termed  sinuses, or
pipes;  and  when this happens on the hock joint, or on the flex-
or tendens  of  the  legs, it generally  causes considerable lame-
ness, and is difficult of cure.   When  no remedies are applied
to a farcy ulcer, it commonly spreads  more or less rapidly; but,
by  the free application of caustics, assisted by internal reme-
dies, and by laying open the sinuses when they exist, the sores
gradually heal, and the horse is apparently  cured.   In slight
cases,  this  apparent cure is effected  by caustics alone, and oc-
casional blisters.   It is, however, generally found, that this dis-
ease, though it seems to have been perfectly  removed, is fol-
lowed  by the glanders; the interval  being sometimes consider-
able, varying from two or three weeks to several months.
  When the farcy attacks  extensively, it is usually  accompa-
nied or very quickly followed by glanders.
  The commencement of farcy is sometimes more violent than
has yet been described.   The limbs swell to an enormous size;
foul ulcers appear in various parts; the nose  swells, and dis-
charges foetid matter; and the horse  breathes with  difficulty,
from the swelling  and ulceration of the nostrils.   This malig-
nant kind of farcy  is not very common, and occurs to post and
stage-coach horses, more frequently than.to such as are worked
moderately.  When it does happen, however, it speedily des-
troys the animal.
  When a farcy bud has burst, and become  an ulcer, there  is
something  peculiar and characteristic in  its appearance.   The
edges of the skin that surround the  ulcer, terminate abruptly,
and the surface of the sore has a pale glossy appearance.  If a
caustic be freely applied, so as to  destroy the diseased  parts,
the sore loses this  peculiar appearance as soon as the slough
separates:  the skin, instead of terminating abruptly, is  gradu-
ally lost in the sore;  which looks red and  healthy, and very
soon heals, though no remedies are  applied.
  The farcy sometimes attacks horses that are in good condi-
tion, and without  any previous illness;  most commonly, how-
ever, it is preceded by various symptoms of constitutional do- 
[79]
rangement.  In some cases, the horse gradually loses flesh and
strength; the coat becomes dry; the skin tight;  and the hind
legs swell: in other instances, the horse has been suddenly at-
tacked with lameness, without any visible cause, when, after a
few days,  the appearance of farcy budshas pointed out the na-
ture of the disease.
                     CHAPTER XI.

A description of those diseases, which may he mistaken for
   Glanders; and the  method of distinguishing them.

   The symptoms of glanders have been frequently confounded
with those of some other complaints, nearly resembling  them;
but which, in fact, are essentially different in their origin and
nature.   The diseases liable to be mistaken for glanders, are
the strangles; catarrh, or cold; inflammation of the throat,
with discharge from the nostrils,  commonly termed quinsy, or
sore throat; chronic inflammation of the membrane within the
nostril, causing a slight discharge, and a trifling enlargement of
the glands under the jaw; a discharge of stinking matter, in
consequence of a fracture of the bones of the nose; and epi-
demic catarrh, commonly called the distemper.
   The strangles are a disease, which usually occurs to young
 horses, and in some respects resembles the glanders; that is,
 there is generally a discharge of matter from the nostrils, and
 the glands under the jaw are swollen.   There is no difficulty,
 however, in distinguishing this disease, as  it is commonly at-
 tended by cough,  and some degree of fever; the  eyes  appear
 dull, or inflamed and watery; the appetite is affected, and there
 is often difficulty in swallowing; the tumor under the jaw be-
 comes tender,  gradually increases, and at length  bursts,  dis-
 charging a considerable quantity of white matter.  After this,
 the horse becomes lively, feeds  well, and all the symptoms, un-
 der proper management, gradually disappear.  With this des-
 cription of strangles, it is unnecessary to show, in a more partic-
 ular manner, how it is to be known from glanders.   It is prop-
 er, however, to observe, that, in few instances, the discharge of
 matter from the nostrils has been known to continue after the
 other symptoms had ceased: this, perhaps, has given rise to an
 opinion, that sometimes, through neglect, or bad management,
 the strangles have degenerated into  glanders.   I have never
 seen an instance of this; and, whenever the discharge from the
 strangles has continued after the other  symptoms have been re-
 moved, I have already observed, that it ceases in time, and tha 
                          [80]

 horse perfectly recovers.  In treating of the nature and cause
 of glanders, this subject will be more particularly considered.
   A copious discharge of matter, sometimes, takes place from
 the  nose of a horse, in consequence of inflammation of  the
 throat and higher parts of the nostrils.  This complaint is term-
 ed quinsy, or  sore  throat, and by some, the inward strangles;
 here there is pain and  difficulty in  swallowing,  which symp-
 tom generally precedes the discharge a  short time; an unusual
 quantity of saliva is often formed; and sometimes the disorder
^s attended by fever; but the glands  under the jaw are seldom
 affected.  In this case, there can be<io difficulty in distinguish-
 ing the disorder from glanders.
   The next disease to be described has  often puzzled the most
 experienced practitioners; it consists in slow or chronic inflam-
 mation of the membrane within the nostrils, accompanied by a
 discharge of matter, and a trivial enlargement of the glands un-
 der the jaw.
   It is necessary  here to remark, that, over the whole surface
 of the delicate  membrane, which lines the interior of the nos-
 trils, a mucous fluid is constantly forming  by vessels destined
 for this purpose, in order to lubricate it, and preserve  it in a
 state of moisture.    These vessels may be effected  by  various
 causes, so as to form more  of this fluid than usual, and of a
 different quality and appearance:  it will then be seen flowing
 from the. nostrils.   The causes which produce this state of the
 membrane are various.   If,  for example, a stimulating fluid of
 sufficient strength were injected into the nostrils,' it  would ex-
 cite inflammation,  and produce a discharge.  The same effect
 is brought  on  by what is termed catching cold;  it also happens
 in strangles, as has been described;  in glanders, likewise, the
 most conspicuous  symptom is a discharge from the nostrils,
 occasioned by a peculiar kind of poison having got into  the cir-
 culation.  But the discharge now under consideration  cannot
 be ascertained; it so nearly resembles that which occurs in the
 mild kind of glanders, that, by merely examining the parts, it is
 extremely difficult, if not impossible,  to  fix the  distinction be-
 tween them.  I can point out only one method,  by  which this
 appearance may be known with certainty from  the mild glan-
 ders; and this will be explained in some future chapter.
   In describing the glanders,  it  was observed, that the pro-
gress of the disease was more rapid in horses, that were weak
 and in low condition, than in such as were healthy  and  strong.
 In these doubtful cases, it may be vvc.th while to try the eflect
of copious bleeding and low diet, in order to reduce the strength
of the animal:  if  the  disease were  really  the  glanders, this
would, perhaps, so increase ft, as to remove  all doubt respect- 
[81]
ing its nature; whereas, if it arose from any other cause, by such
means it probably would be removed.
   When a discharge takes  place  from  the nostrils in conse-
quence of catching cold, there is seldom any  swelling of the
glands under the jaw; and, when this symptom does occur, the
swelling is generally tender, and either suppurates, or gradually
subsides.   There is also  a cough, and the eyes are frequently
affected; the discharge proceeds from both nostrils; the matter
is commonly thicker than in cases of glanders, and of a whitisb
color, like that from a common abscess.
   In the epidemic catarrh, or distemper, which raged with great
violence in  the summer  of 1798, many instances occurred,
which were supposed to degenerate into glanders: in some  ot
these, ulceration took place within the nostrils; and several hor-
ses were destroyed  under a conviction of their being glandered.
I am inclined to believe, that such cases were not glanderous;
though, it is probable, that in some of them, the lungs were in-
curably diseased.   Those that  came  under  my observation
differed materially  from  glanders: when the discharge came
from the lungs, as well as the nostrils, it was known by a weak
rattling cough: There was seldom any  swelling under the jaw,
and the horse was extremely weak and emaciated.  When these
symptoms occurred, the horse soon died.  If the distemper was
followed by a discharge from the nostrils, unattended by cough,
 the matter was generally very abundant, and flowed equally
 from both nostrils;  the glonds under  the jaw  were seldom en-
 larged.  But the most material difference between this disease
 and glanders, consisted in its  not being infectious; that is, so
 far as my experience enables me to judge.   This subject will
 be more particularly discussed in some subsequent chapter.
    A discharge of foetid matter, sometimes, takes place from the
 nostrils, in consequence of a blow, by which the bone has been
 fractured; and  is generally accompanied by a swelling of the
 gland under the jaw.  I have seen two instances of this kind,
 in which the symptoms had existed a  considerable  time; and
 so nearly resembled glanders, that many experienced persons
 were deceived.   But the disease was clearly proved  to be of a
 different nature, from the circumstance of the horse's being con-
 stantly kept with others, without producing any infection.


                     CHAPTER  XII.

 A description  of those diseases, which resemble Farcy, and
            hoio they may be distinguished from it.

    In regard  to the  symptoms of farcy, a liability to  error in 
[ 82]
judgment prevails, as in the ease of glanders just described:
but the difference between  farcy, and the diseases that  may
sometimes be mistaken for it, is readily distinguished.
   Horses are often  attacked with diffused swellings of the
limbs, belly, or sheath: and particularly of the hind legs. These
swellings are sometimes considerable, and  occasion lameness.
If the finger be strongly pressed on the swollen part,  the im-
pression  will be found to remain some time.  Ulcers,also, will
occasionally break out about the limbs; but a greater or less de-
gree of fever and loss of appetite generally accompanies the
first attack.   In some cases, the swelling is preceded  by  shiv-
ering, and other symtoms of fever.  These symptoms are, by
farriers, termed farcy.
   This  disease however, differs from farcy in many respects.
When ulcers appear on the swollen parts, which is by no means
a frequent occurrence, they do not spread  like those of farcy;
nor is there between them that line of communication  we  have
described; that is, there are no enlarged lymphatics, or corded
veins, as they are termed by farriers.  The swelling and lame-
ness are more cpnsiderable than in farcy; except in those violent
cases, which are accompanied,  or soon followed,  by glanders.
In fact, this spurious kind of farcy is nothing more than  com-
mon watery swelling, arising from some temporary derangement
of the constitution; often following a smart attack of the fever,
and causing an abatement of the febrile symptoms.  This dis-
ease is easily cured by bleeding, with cooling and diuretic  med-
 icines.
   Another complaint, which appears on the skin, has sometimes
been mistaken for farcy: in this case, small tumors arise in va-
rious parts of the body; bearing some resemblance to  those of
farcy, but differing from them  in being smaller, not painful,
and seldom  suppurating or forming matter; nor do we ever ob-
serve, in this case, any enlarged lymphatics.
                    CHAPTER XIII.

           On the Nature and cause of Glanders.

  The glanders appear to be a constitutional disease, caused by
a peculiar kind of poison, with which  the whole mass of blood
is impregnated.
  Under such circumstances, that certain parts only should be
infected, may appear extraordinary to those that are not of the
medical profession; but when it is considered, that, in small-
pox, the blood is contaminated with the variolous poison, and 
[83]
that the skin only is affected; and again, that many parts of the
body are never attacked by the venerial virus; I conceive, that
there can be no difficulty in assenting to my position.
  That thebleod is impregnated with the poison  of glanders,
seems to have been proved by an  experiment made  by Mr.
Coleman.   He introduced the blood of"a glandered horse into
the jugular vein of a healthy ass: in a short time  the  ass be-
came completely glandered.
  The  following experiment will serve also to illustrate this;
and may also afford a proof of what has been asserted; that is,
that the glanders, when they attack the nostrils, are not a local
disease, but a symptom of constitutional affection.

                     'EXPERIMENT  I.

   Let the hair be cut from any part of the body, fhe neck,  for
example, about an inch square, and a lancet passed under the
cuticle, or  scarf skin, so  that  it may be slightly  tinged with
blood, without causing any to flow from the part: when this
happens, the bleeding should be stopped by pressing on the
wound previous to  proceeding in the experiment: under the cu-
ticle, which has been thus raised, let a small quantity of matter
from the nose of a glandered horse be introduced,  by means  of
a small bit of wood or ivory.  The  following day, the part will
appear a little swollen and tender;  and, on the second or third
day, matter may be seen oozing from it:  soon after, the absor-
 bent or lymphatic vessels going from the part will swell, appear-
 ing like corded veins, as  they  are termed, as in cases of farcy.
On rubbing off the crust  on the  surface of the sore, there will
be found an ulcer, or chancre, of a peculiar appearance; the edg-
es  will look smooth and regular,  terminating abrubtly, and the
surface smooth and glossy, free from that red, granulating  ap-
pearance, observable in a common sore.  In the course of the
corded lymphatics, other tumors will be  seen, soon  bursting,
and assuming the appearance of the  original sore; which con-
tinues to  spread sometimes rapidly.  At length,  a discharge
takes place from one or both nostrils, and the giands under the
jaw become enlarged; in a word, the horse will be completely
glandered.   It may be proper to  add, that the same effect has
been produced by matter taken from a farcy bud.
   The degree and progress of the glanders, thus artificially pro-
duced, appear to be chiefly regulated by the following circum-
stances:—the state or condition  of the animal; the quantity  of
glanderous matter used  in the inoculation; and the extent  ot
depth of the wound or orifice in which it has been  placed.
   If, for example, the experiment  be performed in the way 1 
[84]
have described, and the horse be in good condition, and kept
well afterwards, perhaps several weeks may elapse before  the
nose -is affected; but, if the animal be weak and emaciated, and
afterwards badly fed, the disease will be more rapid in its pro-
gress.   If the orifice be large, and a considerable quantity of
matter be introduced, the horse would not only have the glan-
ders in a short time, but it  is probable, that the hind legs, or
other parts of the body, would be affected  also with farcy.  I
have seen two horses speedily  destroyed in this  way; one of
them was extremely thin and feeble, and the quantity of mat-
ter not very great; but the orifice in the latter was large, like
that made for a rowel, and in it a piece of tow, soaked in glan-
derous matter, was placed.  It does not appear, that the  de-
gree of the disease, produced by inoculation, is at all influenc-
ed by  the state  of the matter employed; for that of the mild
kind of glanders has been found to have precisely the same of-
fect as matter from the most virulent.
   It will be urged, perhaps, in opposition to the opinion here
given of the glanders being a constitutional complaint; that, as
the disease often attacks only one  nostril, and is produced  by
standing near a glandered horse, it seems rather to be caused
by the immediate application of glanderous matter to the nos-
tril, and is, consequently, in the first  instance, a local com-
plaint.   This opinion is certainly very plausible;  but the fol-
lowing experiments, I think, will convince every one that it is
erroneous.

                      EXPERIMENT II.

   A considerable quantity of matter was taken from a horse
decidedly glandered.  This was applied, by means of a long
probe and a piece of lint, to the nostril of a sound horse, and
kept in contact with the membrane a few minutes.  Glander-
ous matter was next injected into the nostril; and, though this
was repeated for three successive days, not the slightest effect
could be perceived.  About a fortnight after  this  experiment,
the horse was inoculated with some of the same matter, with a
view to prove, that it was really glanderous, and that the subject
of the experiment was susceptible of the disease.   It produced
a chancre, as  in experiment 1, which was soon followed by glan-
ders.   This was thought necessary, to render the experiment
decisive, because it has been found, in a few instances, that
horses have been  so hardy as to resist the contagion, having
been worked  and fed with glandered horses without catching
disease.
   The experiment was tried on four other horses, and with the
same result, except in one case,  in  which the matter was inju- 
[85]
diciously applied  by means of rough brown paper,  and the
membrane accidently wounded.
  In this case, a small reddish pustule arose within the nostril
which became a  chancre; in  short, the sore was exactly like
those produced by inoculation in other parts of the body, and
the disease did not, in any respect, resemble glanders.  Had it
been convenient to keep his horse a sufficient time, I have no
doubt, the usual symptoms of glanders would  have appeared;
but at this period he was destroyed.
  Since then, it seems, that the disease is not produced by ap-
plying glanderous matter to the' nostrils, it may be supposed,
that it is caused by some vapor, which arises from the matter,
and consequently, that even the air of a  stable, in which glan-
dered horses are  kept, is infectious.   It has been proved, how-
ever, by experiment, that this opinion is erroneous.

                     EXPERIMENT III.

   A slight division was made in a stable: in one part, two glan-
dered horses were kept; the other was used for horses that hap-
pened to be lame, or sick, or from any other cause unfit for work.
There was a free communication for the air, the partition being
constructed  with thin  planks, and some space  left  between
 each: it was carried only so high as to prevent the horses from
 touching each other.   No instance  ever  occurred  here of a
 horse catching the glanders, though many  horses were  so ex-
 posed, and different glandered horses were kept in the other part
 of the stable, some of which had the disease in a very high de-
 gree.
   It appears  to  me, that glanders are communicated  by the
matter being taken into  the  mouth,  or stomach, either with
 the food or water, or by licking it from the  rack or manger.
This opinion, however, has not been clearly  proved by experi-
 ment.  It has been suggested, that the matter being taken into
 the mouth, may  be partially absorbed, so as to affect the consti-
 tution ; or that it may affect the back part of the throat, and
 thence spread to the nostril.   In one case, where glanderous
 matter was given to a horse for three  days, a tumor soon after
 appeared in the hock, resembling farcy, and the nose was slight-
 ly affected: but the horse was destroyed as soon as these symp-
 toms appeared, being incurably lame, and having no convenient
 place for keeping him.  Yet I feel convinced that  the horse
 was really glandered.
   In another instance, glanderous matter was given to a young
 ass, in daily doses, of about two or three  drams, for more than
 a week; soon after, the animal-died without any appearance of 
[ 86]
glanders or farcy.   In a third experiment, two doses were
given; and, in a fourth, one dose without any effect.
  Though glanders have been thus produced in one instance
only, and then not in a degree sufficiently decisive to preclude
all doubt as to the nature of the disease, yet the indirect proofs
in favor of his opinion, are certainly very strong; and it is far-
ther corroborated, by the well known fact, that horses have fre-
quently been infected, by standing in a stable where glandered
horses had  been previously  kept, though the diseased  horse
had been removed several days; and  consequently, the  infec-
tious matter he had left, must have become  dry, and been ad-
hering to the manger, rack, or to any hay, corn, or straw, that
may happen to be in the stable.   In this state, it is difficult  to
conceive how  it could be applied to the interior parts of the
nostril; but we can readily immagine, that the infectious matter
may, under such circumstances, be taken into the stomach.   It
is well known, also, that horses have been infected by  drinking
out of a pail, or  trough,  that had previously  been  used for
glandered horses.
  The following circumstance affords an example of this:—A
team of glandered horses stopped occasionally on a gentleman's
premises, to  take up goods: during the time  of loading, they
were fed with hay, which was thrown upon the ground.   More
or less of this hay was generally left; and, as the place commu-
nicated with a paddock, in which a horse and two colts were
kept, the hay that remained was generally eaten by them.  The
horse, after some time, became so  decidedly glanderous, that it
was thought necessary to kill him.   The two colts,a short time
after, appeared to  have the disease: but in  so light a degree,
that it was thought doubtful: they have now been in  the same
state about two months, from the time I saw them; and though
the  disease has not increased, and the discharge  scarcely per-
ceptible, 1 have no doubt,  that it will ultimately prove to be the
glanders.    The continuance of the symptoms,  for so long a
time, is a circumstance that adds considerable strength to this
opinion.
  A general opinion prevails, 1 believe, among veterinary sur-
geons, as well as others concerned with horses, that the glan-
ders are most commonly generated in the system,  by other cau-
ses  than contagion.  That the disease is sometimes so produc-
ed,  cannot, perhaps, be disputed; yet, from the observations I
have made, it appears to me probable, that it more frequently
arises from contagion.
  It should be recollected, that there are circumstances  which
seem to prove, that the glanderous poison may  remain in the
system  for  some  time, without producing the characteristic 
[87]
symptoms of the disease.   In what other manner can we ac-
count for the farcy being so frequently followed by glanders, as
experience proves to be the case, after that disease has been
apparently cured for several weeks, or even months? though
the horse, in the interval, appears perfectly free from every symp-
tom of glanders.  When, therefore, a  horse becomes glandered
we ought not to conclude that the disease has been generated
independently of contagion, because he has not, within a short
period, been exposed to infection.
  ,1 have had  an opportunity of seeing sound horses worked
and kept with glandered horses, and have uniformly found,
that they have not been immediately infected: it has  sometimes
been one, two or three months before the glanders have appear-
ed ; and, in a few instances, they have escaped it  altogether.
In an experiment related by Sainbel, sixty  days elapsed before
a horse was infected, though he was constantly fed,and watered
with one that was glandered.   If, in a regiment of  cavalry, a
horse becomes  glandered,  and  the disorder is not at first ob-
served, so that he is suffered to remain in the stable  a few days
with others, the mischief he does is not immediately  perceived.
It has often happened, that the horses infected by him have not
shown the disease, till several weeks after he has been separa-
ted from them; and, suppose three horses to have been inflect-
ed, the disease will  generally appear in  each at different  peri-
ods; sometimes with considerable variation in respect of time.
Similar instances have come under my observation among wag-
gon horses.
   In  such cases, where the persons concerned think  little of
the contagious  nature  of the disease, supposing it  to proceed
from other causes, it has often continued among their  horses a
great  length  of time; seldom, however, attacking in a violent
form, and often  remaining in a  mild  stage for a considerable
period.   Occasionally, it exists in so slight  a degree,  that the
proprietor does not think it necessary to separate the  horse;  so
that he is kept in the same stable, and fed and watered  with the
others.   It is by such proceeding, that the glanders are fre-
quently kept up among cavalry and waggon horses: the disor-
der is, sometimes, propagated so slowly, that all sight of conta-
gion is lost, and the complaint is attributed to  other causes.
What I have said, is not a matter of conjecture, it is  the result
of careful observation.
  In a troop of cavalry, at the Honiton barracks in Devonshire,
a horse was found to have the glanders: in  the course of about
two months, two or three others  of the same troop, that had
been kept in the same stable, became glandered,  but at differ-
ent times.  Though the first horse was separated as soon as the 
[88  ]
disorder was perceived, it is probable, that there had been some
running from the nose several days or weeks before it  was ob-
served ; but the horses were afterwards more carefully examin-
ed, and the disease, perhaps, discovered at its commencement.
   It is of the highest moment, that  the proprietors of horses
should be aware of this circumstance, that they may be convinc-
ed of the necessity of separating a glandered horse from others,
in however mild a degree the disease may make its appearance.
   When the disease is propagated  thus slowly, among cavalry,
or waggon horses, it appears to depend upon two circumstan-
ces; in the first place, the horses on such occasions are, in gen-
eral, healthy, and in  good condition;  consequently  less  sus-
ceptible of the disease; and, when attacked by it, contract only
a slight infection: secondly, the  quantity of poisonous  matter
produced is, under such circumstances, usually inconsiderable,
because the disease exists in its mildest  form; and, when the
quantity is at all considerable, the  infected horse is immediate-
ly removed from the healthy stable.   But,  when the  glanders
are introduced among post or stage-coach horses, it spreads rap-
idly; generally appears in the most virulent form; is often ac-
companied by farcy, and proves extremely destructive.
   Nothing is so favorable to the progress of the disease, as that
debility, or state of the constitution, which is brought on by ex-
cessive exertion, bad provender, or an insufficient quantity  of
good food,and hot, close stables; particularly when  horses are
put into such stables after long exposure to moisture and cold.
These are circumstances no less deserving the attention  of the
proprietors of horses, than those before mentioned; for, if it  be
true, that the glanders often take place independently of conta-
gion, these are, undoubtedly, the causes, by which it  is genera-
ted.
   It seems to be  generally believed, that the strangles or a vio-
lent cold, when neglected, will sometimes degenerate into glan-
ders.   I have never seen an instance of this, and am  persuaded
the opinion is erroneous.   1 have often seen cases, both of ca-
tarrh, or cold, and strangles, where the discharge has continued
an unusual length of time, and the horse has been thought glan-
dered; but I have uniformly found, that such horses have eith-
er perfectly recovered, or died from the disease having extend-
ed to the lungs.
   A discharge of stinking matter, from one or  both nostrils, is
 sometimes caused by a blow, by  which  the bone is fractured:
 this, being generally attended by a swelling of the glands, and
 often continuing a considerable time, has been supposed to  de-
 generate into glanders.   This circumstance, indeed, was  no-
 ticed by Lafosse, the author of a book on Glanders;  who also 
[89]
observed, that the discharge may be produced by injecting any
stimulating fluid into  the nostrils.   It appears,  in  short, that
every disease, which continued an unusual length of time, has
been considered glanderous: hence we may account for the sup-
posed cures that have been effected, as well as some of those,
that have been said to take place spontaneously;  and, from the
same error, a great number of horses have, no doubt, been un-
necessarily destroyed.
  In the next chapter,  the nature and causes of farcy will  be
considered: after which will be described the only certain crite-
rion,by which glanders may be distinguished from  other diseases.
                    CHAPTER XIV.

      On the Nature and  Causes of Farcy.

   Having shown, that the matter of glanders will produce both
farcy and glanders, and that the matter from a farcy bud has the
same power; it may appear unnecessary to treat of these diseas-
es separately: there is, however, a difference between them.
   The glanders, in whatever degree they may exist, I consider
to be a constitutional disease;  but the farcy is, in some cases,
merely local:  the experiment  first described may  serve as an
example of this.   The innoculated part  was in the first in-
stance, a local complaint, and may be considered as the most
simple stage of farcy.
   It has been proved, by experiment,  that, if a red hot iron be
freely applied in such cases, within t!'reeor four days after the
experiment,its poisonous nature will be completely destroyed;
and, after  the slough, occasioned  by the burning, has separated,
nature will gradually complete the cure: but, if the hot iron  be
not applied until corded lymphatics are seen  going from the
sore, it is likely the constitution will be ultimately affected with
glanders.   It is not improbable, I think, that the farcy may,
sometimes, be thus accidentally produced; for, if the slightest
scratch be made in any part, and  glanderous  matter conveyed
to it by any means, it would certainly  amount to inoculation,
and the same effects would follow.  It may also be conjectur-
ed, that a  common sore is thus,  occasionally, converted into
farcy. ' It is certain, however, that farcy is often, at its fiist ap-
pearance, a constitutional disease; either arising from commu-
nication with a glandered horse, or depending upon some oth-
er cause, of which we have no precise knowledge.
   To illustrate this, let us suppose a sound horse, to be kept in
the same stable with one  that is glandered, eating out of the 
[90]
same manger, and drinking out of the same pail; little doubt
exists of his soon becoming infected.  The disease may not
appear at first in the form of glanders, though this is most com-
monly the case; it may, in the first instance, assume that ap-
pearance, which is named farcy.  A horse, however, may be
attacked with farcy, when he has not been known to have had
any communication with  a glandered horse;  and  farcy thus
produced, has been followed by glanders.
  If it were proved,  in such cases, that the horse had not been
exposed to any source of contagion, for a considerable time pre-
vious  to the appearance of the disease; no doubt could be en-
tertained of the farcy being sometimes produced by other caus-
es than contagion.   I have seen several instances,  where this
appeared to be the case:  and  though this opinion has not, I be-
lieve,  been absolutely proved, yet it is generally believed, and is
certainly probable; but what the causes are, by which farcy is so
produced, has not been correctly ascertained.   I am of opinion,
they are the same as those,  by  which  glanders appear to be
sometimes generated; namely, exertion, bad,  or insufficient
quantity of good provender, and hot, close stables.  This spon-
taneous kind of farcy is  often preceded  by general  indisposi-
tion;  the horse becomes  weak, loses flesh, and feeds badly.
These symptoms gradually increase, and at length, farcy buds
and sores make their appearance, which are soon followed by
glanders.
                    CHAPTER XV.

Description of a  Test for distinguishing the
 Glanders with certainty from other Diseases.

   When we  consider the contagious nature of glanders, and
that they frequently occur in so slight a degree, that the most
experienced practitioners  are unable to give a decisive opinion
upou the nature of the complaint; the test  I  am about to des-
sciibe will, I trust, appear of suHicient importance  to  be made
public.   Cases of this doubtful kind are very  common: I have
often known horses kept several months, before the symptoms
have become  sufficiently conspicuous, to enable the practition-
er to decide upon the nature of the disease.  The mischief a-
rising from this is more considerable, than the public are aware
of; and  I am  inclined to believe, that it is a principle means of
the extensive propagation of the disease.   When a horse is at-
tacked with glanders in a violent degree, he  is  immediately sep-
arated or destroyed, and no others are infected; but, when  the 
[91  J
symptoms are so inconsiderable as to escape notice, many hor-
ses may be infected, before it is  thought necessary to separate
him from others.
   The following case may serve to illustrate this.  A valuable
horse was attacked with the mild  kind of glanders; and, as no
suspicion was  entertained of his being unsound, he was sold
for a large sum.  A few months, however, after this the  dis-
charge became  so considerable as to excite alarm; and on appli-
cation being made to me, I did not  hesitate to pronounce the
horse to  have been glandered at the time he was purchased. In
consequence of this, the money was returned, and the horse des-
troyed.  This opinion was soon after confirmed by the disease
appearing in two colts, that had communication with  this horse
before he was sold.
   All these doubtful cases may be distinguished with  certainty,
by inocculating a sound horse, i. e. one free from glanders and
farcy, with'matter taken from the nose of that which  is suppo-
sed to be glandered.  If it be the glanders, the effect  described
in experiment  1, will be produced.   If it be any other disease,
no inflammation or swelling will follow; unless the experiment
be clumsily performed, and the part much irritated: in this case,
some inflammation and swelling may be produced, which, how-
ever, will go off in two or three days.   If, in making the inci-
sion, the part should bleed, it is necessary to wait until it has
ceased;  or the blood would so dilute the matter, as to render it
 inactive.
    It is  necessary, also, to observe, that, when there is only a
 very  trifling discharge of matter, it may be diluted with  fluid
that proceeds from the lachrymal duct; which would lessen, if
not entirely destroy, the activity of the glanderous poison. The
following experiment will illustrate this opinion.  Glanderous
poison was mixed with twelve times its weight of distilled water,
and with this mixture, a sound horse was inoculated; a slight
degree of inflammation and swelling was produced, and a small
ulcer, which, in a few days, healded spontaneously.
    In this case, though the diluted matter did not produce any
permanent effect, yet it was different from the matter of stran-
gles, or  of any othev matter; which as I have before  observed;
would  not  have  caused any inflammation or swelling.     It
appears, also,  from  some experiments, that glanders are not.
readily produced by applying glanderous matter to a common
sore or ulcer; this may depend  on the dilution the glanderous
poison undergoes,  from the matter on the surface of the sore,
or from a  want of absorbing power in  the part.
    Many persons object to this mode of distinguishing the glan-
ders, either  on account of the expense of procuring a sound 
[92]
horse for the purpose; or the apparent cruelty of infecting him
with an incurable disease.  But when the suspected horse is of
considerable value, and a horse can be procured that would
otherwise be killed  for the  hounds; I cannot see any reason-
able objection to making the experiment.   To waggon masters
and others, who keep a great number of horses, it must surely
be of importance, to ascertain the nature of these doubtful ca-
ses, as speedily as possible; and in regiments of cavalry, where
we often see suspected horses kept several  months, it will  be
found highly useful.
   By  means of this test a  very important  question  may be
determined; that is, whether other diseases degenerated into
glanders or not.  We have before observed, that obstinate colds,
and strangles, are supposed  to  be occasionally converted,  by
improper treatment, into glanders; that any discharge from the
nostrils,'which continues an  unusual length of time, and is ac-
companied with a swelling of the glands under the jaw, is gen-
erally considered as glanders: and a horse, under such circum-
stances, is frequently destroyed.   That such symptoms are gen-
erally the effects of glanders, is extremely probable: but I am
of opinion; that  the  only certain proof of a horse being  glan-
dered is, his being capable of infecting others.    If this be ad-
mitted, it will surely be allowed, that the most expeditious and
ready way of ascertaining the real nature  of such cases is the
test here proposed.
   It may be proper to observe, that, when the discharge  fro/n
the nose is so inconsiderable, that it is difficult  to collect mat-
ter for  inoculation, it may generally be increased by exercise:
and, in such cases, it is advisable to collect the  matter  for two
or three days as it does not lose its  poisonous quality by being
kept a short time; for though a small quantity of matter is  capa-
ble of  producing the effect, it is better to use more than is suf-
ficient, as the infection will then take place more speedily, and
in a greater degree.
   The lachrymal fluid which was before  mentioned, proceeds
from a small round  orifice, that may be perceived at the lower
part of the nostril:  from this we may often see a few drops of
a liquid fluid, like water, flowing, particularly in cold weather.
In collecting matter for the purpose of inoculation, it is neces-
sary to take care, that it is not mixed with this fluid.   For, in
the doubtful cases, where this test is most useful, there is  often
so little  matter  discharged, that it is difficult to procure  more
than is barely sufficient; and if  this happen to be diluted, the
effect may be such as to render the experiment indecisive.
   It has been  found by experiment, that matter taken from a
farcy bud, before any caustic has been applied, will produce 
[93]
precisely the same effect as matter taken from the nose of a
glandered horse.
                    CHAPTER XVI.

On the  attempts that have been  made to cure
                    the Glanders.

   It would be a useless undertaking, to enter into a minute des-
cription of the various means, that have been suggested for the
cure of glanders;or to give a detailed  account of the nume-
rous experiments that have  been made for  this  purpose.   It
may be sufficient in this place to recite in a few words, the
more material  attempts that  have been made, for discovering
a remedy.
   Those  who consider the glanders as a local disease, have
employed  every kind of injection, without effect.   The nostrils
have been syringed with emollient, astringent and even caustic
preparations, without success.    It is probable, that the dis-
charge, in some instances, has been suppressed for a time, and
even ulcers within the nostrils  healed, by such  means; but I
believe these applications have never  been known to cure the
disease.   All the mercurial preparations have been resorted to,
without success.  It has appeared, at times, that mercury, when
administered to a considerable extent, possesses some power as
an antidote  to the glanderous poison:  yet such is the debility,
which this medicine produces, when  used  in large  quantity,
that the progress of the disease is generally accelerated by it.
I have been  frequently induced to give mercury a fair trial.  In
one of my experiments, it was given so as  to excite a violent
salivation; and in this case, the disease was apparently cured,
that is, an ulcer, within the nostrils was perfectly healed, and
the discharge had ceased.  It was not convenient,  however, to
keep this horse a sufficient length of time, to enable me, to as-
certain the ultimate effect of my mode of treatment: about a
fortnight  after his apparent  cure, he was destroyed, when on
examining the  lungs, tubercles,  or small hard  tumors, were
found on them, but no traces  of the disease could be perceived
within the nostrils.  In several  other cases, the same  medicine
not only proved  ineffectual,  but in many cf them, aggravated
the disease.  It is worthy of  remark, that in some cases of far-
cy, mercury  appeared to possess considerable  power  over tht
disease. 
[94]
  When tubercles form on the lungs, I believe they generally, if
not always, degenerate sooner or later, into abcesses, and ulti-
mately destroy the animal.   I have examined a great  number
of glandered horses, after death, and have almost uniformly
found those appearances on the lungs.   In some instances, the
tubercles have been so minute, as to be discovered only by pas-
sing the fingers over the surface of the lungs; when they have
been perceived like small gravel, or shot,  under the pleura, or
fine  membrane, by which the lungs are covered.    But in the
more advanced stages of  the complaint, I have almost invaria-
bly found them of considerable size and  full of matter.   The
bronchial glands also are very commonly  diseased.
  From a knowledge of this circumstance,  I am inclined to
believe,  that we  shall never discover a remedy for the glan-
ders,  unless  it be applied in the earliest, or first stage of the
disease: for, when tubercles have been generated on the lungs,
though their progress  may be sometimes retarded,  yet, I con-
ceive, there is but little chance of their yielding to medicine.
   The nitrous and muriatic acids have been given in glanders,
and at times, have appeared to be of some service;  but have
never succeeded in curing the disease.   Arsenic has been also
recommended, and in several instances, I have been informed,
has apparently cured the complaint; but it  should be under-
stood, that the nostrils were, at the same time syringed with a
strong solution of potash, which perhaps, caused a temporary
cessation of the discharge.   I have seen arsenic tried very fair-
ly and extensively; but the result was not satisfactory.
   It may here be proper  to observe, that though the discharge
may have been suppressed by astringent injections,  or other
means, or if it cease spontaneously, still if the swelling of the
glands remain, the discharge will sooner or later return. This
cessation of the discharge, indeed sometimes happens;  but I
have never heard  of more than two cases of glanders that were
spontaneously and permanently cured.
  Verdigris was at one time, strongly recommended, both in
glanders and farcy; but when fairly tried,  was found ineffectu-
al.   Blue  vitriol, or sulphat of copper,  has  likewise been em-
ployed:  this, like other tonic or strengthening medicines, it
appears at times to retard the progress of the disease, I believe
has never been known to  subdue it.  In short, after having, for
the last twelve years paid considerable attention to this subject,
and made numerous experiments  upon it,  I have formed  an
opinion, that the glanders will always  be found  incurable,  un-
less attended to at an  early period;  and  though in a few cases
they may have ceased spontaneously, or during  the use of me-
dicine, I think we .may justly affirm that they are to be consid- 
[95  ]
orcd as an incurable disease.   Many ignorant farriers, may no
doubt be found, who would confidently undertake to cure the
glanders, or any other  disease, that  has hitherto resisted the
efforts of the regular practitioner;  but,  after reading the facts
here stated, it is hoped  the  public  will be sufficiently on their
guard, and will not become the dupes of any illiterate pretend-
er,  who may promise to cure a disease,  which,  after much la-
bor and perseverence, has been by the most experienced practi-
tioners, pronounced to be incurable.   It will be seen by the
experiments that have been made on this subject, that the medi-
cines most likely to succeed are mercurials, aided by a judi-
cious system of management, so as to prevent, as much as pos-
sible, the debilitating effects of the mercury.
                    CHAPTER  XVII.

           On  the  treatment  of  Farcy.

   When the  farcy exists as a local disease, it may generally be
cured, by an early application of proper remedies;  but, when it
is constitutional,  that is, when it arises  from the blood being
contaminated with the glanderous poison, I believe, it will ge-
nerally be found incurable.   It is true, we may often appear to
succeed in our  attempts to  cure this  disease;  caustics alone
will frequently  remove all  the symptoms, for a time,  and in
some instances, the  horse has continued apparently free from
the disorder for several months;  but, according to my  experi-
ence, il is most commonly succeeded, sooner or later, by glan-
ders.
   It is difficult, in many cases, to distingush between local and
constitutional farcy;  therefore,  it is always adviseable to at-
tempt a cure, unless the horse,  at the same time be decidedly
glandered:  even in such cases, the external symptoms may of-
ten be removed by caustics.   When the small  tumours,  or
buds, contain matter, which may  be known by their  feeling
soft  and yielding a  little to the pressure of the  finger, they
should be opened, and after pressing out the matter, lunar caus-
tic, or the following solution, should be freely applied, and may
be repeated several times,  allowing the  slough,  which these
caustics occasion, first to separate.

     Muriat of quicksilver,        -       -       2 dr.
     Muriatic acid,          -       -           1 oz.
  This solution may be applied, at first, undiluted; but, after
the first or  second slough has separated,  an  equal quantity, of 
[96]
water should be added.  When the sores look red and healthy,
the edges smooth, and are gradually approaching each other,
no  farther application will be required.   If the lymphatics
swell, or become corded, as it is termed, or if the buds conti-
nue hard, the whole surface should be blistered.
  Thus far we have  described the local treatment of the dis-
ease; it is however,  of the utmost importance to give the fol-
lowing medicine, as soon as the disorder is perceived; for, if it
happen to be a local complaint only, the  constitution will pro-
bably, by its means, be preserved from infection, and the horse
radically cured.   But it is necessary to continue the use of the
medicine, for a short  time after the disease has been removed.
The horse should be exercised twice a day, and fed with a mix-
ture of bran and oats, with the usual allowance of hay: green
food  has been recommended; but I have several times during
the summer  months, turned a farcied horse into a good  piece
of grass  without advantage.   In one  instance,  only, I have
known it prove an effectual remedy.  A horse appeared to be de-
cidedly farcied, and being of little value, the owner turned him
into an  orchard; at the end of three or four  months, he was
taken up, perfectly cured.  I have been informed, that the com-
plaint never returned, either in the  form of glanders or farcy.
This induced me to make a farther trial  of it; but, in no one
instance  did it appear to be of any service.
   Exercise, I am convinced, is a useful  auxiliary to the reme-
dies here recommended; and  every means should be employed
to keep up the strength of the horse.   It is not unlikely, that
green food, such as tares, carrots or young grass, may be given
in the stable, with advantage; but I have never  seen it  tried.
A well ventilated stable should be chosen, and the water given
at the summer temperature.

                     FARCY BALL.

                          No.  1

Take of  white arsenic and muriate of quicksilver, each  8 gr.
Linseed powder,......\ oz.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

                         No. 2.

Sulphat of copper, (blue vitrol,)     ...       i  dr.
Muriat of quicksilver,.....8 gr.
Linseed  powder,.......|  oz.
          Sirup enough to form  a ball  for one dose. 
                         [ 97]

                          No. 3.
Sulphat of Copper,......1 dr.
White arsenic, and muriate of quicksilver, of each  -    8 gr.
Linseed powder,       -     -     -     -   * -     -   ^ oz.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

   The quantity of muriate of quicksilver and arsenic may be
gradually increased to fifteen, or even twenty grains; but, when
it appears to diminish the  appetite, or cause sickness or uneas-
iness in the bowels, the dose should be lessened, or the medi-
cine discontinued, until these efl'ects cease.  It will be seen
from the experiments related in a foregoing chapter, that both
arsenic and muriate of quicksilver have been often given in
doses of two drams, (120  grains) twice a day, without produc-
ing any violent effect; and have, in some instances, been given
in such doses, every morning and evening, for many days, with-
out destroying the horse.  It will be seen,  however,  that it
proved fatal, in one case, in a smaller dose, (see experiment 7;)
and, as it does not appear  that any advantage is obtained by
giving it so largely, I think it should never be attempted.
   One of the balls of either prescription, is to be given every
morning and  evening; I believe they are nearly  equal in point
of efficacy, but am inclined to think that No. 3 deserves a pref-
erence.  Should the medicine at any time produce sickness of
the bowels, it will be advisable to  give the horse some mucila-
ginous fluid;  such as infusion of linseed; with about a dram of
carbonat of potash, (salt of tartar,) three times a day.  As the
powdered arsenic of the shops is frequently adulterated, it is re-
commended, in order to insure its purity, to purchase it in  lump;
but then great care must be taken, to powder it very finely.
   If during the progress of farcy, the glands under the jaw be-
come enlarged,  and particularly  if a little moisture appear a-
bout the nostril, it may be  considered as a constitutional  affec-
tion, which will soon assume the form of glanders.  It has been
observed in a  former part  of '.he work, that if a farcy sore, that
has been artificially produced, by inoculation  with  glanderous
matter, be freely cauterised at its commencement, it   would
gradually heal as a common sore, and the constitution  would
probably escape the infection.  It is difficult, however,  to as-
certain whether the disease, when first observed,  be local or
constitutional.  If it be local,-the  medicine we have recom-
mended will probably secure the constitution: if it be consti-
tutional, I believe, it is more likely than any other medicine to
cure the disease.
   It will be seen, from some experiments which have been re-
lated, that, when mercury was given to a horse, that had farcy 
                        [»8 ]

sores on his body, they soon changed their appearance, became
of a red, healthy color, and were gradually healed.   From this
it may be inferred, that it is the best mode of treatment; as, by
the early application of caustics absorption of the poison may
be promoted.  I am,  however, of opinion, that the caustics
should be applied immediately after the farcy tumors, or buds,
have been opened: and to farcy ulcers, or sores, as soon as they
are observed.  But external applications alone ought never to
be depended  upon: the medicine should always be given at
the commencement of the disease.
                  CHAPTER XVIII.

           Miscellaneous Experiments.

                     EXPERIMENT I.

  A young horse was attacked with a discharge of matter from
the left nostril only, and a considerable swelling of the glands,
under the jaw.  On examining the nostrils, a large ulcer was  -
observed.   An incision was made in the swollen gland; into
which a caustic was introduced, and  the following  ball given
every morning and evening:
Muriate of quicksilver, commonly called corrosive )    j ^
       sublimate,                               )
Flour,........a oz.
               Sirup enough  to form a ball.

  This produced no  sensible effect, except that of making the
horse stale more than usual.  On the third day, the quantity of
sublimate in each ball was increased to two drams, and given
twice a day as before; this was continued for three days with-
out producing any other effect, than that  of a strong  diuretic.
On the seventh day, a violent salivation took place, the tongue
was much swollen, and the horse  was  incapable of feeding;
but the discharge from the nostrils had ceased, and the ulcers
were completely  healed: the medicine was discontinued,  and
the mouth syringed with a solution of alum.   On  the ninth
day, the horse could eat soft food; but there was still a consid-
erable  discharge  of salava from the mouth.  On the tenth day,
there was a very  slight appearance  of moisture about the left
nostril and the salivation had considerably diminished: on the
following day, the nose was  quite dry.  Two days  after, the
nose became" rather moist  again, but no ulcers could be seen;
the horse was extremely weak, but  capable of feeding, the sali- 
[99]
vation having ceased.  He continued in this slate about a week
and was then destroyed.  On examining the nostrils and cavi-
ties of the head, there was no appearance of disease, but tuber-
cles of considerable size were found on the lungs.   The stom-
ach and bowels did not appear to  have sustained any injury
from the sublimate.

                     EXPERIMENT II.

  A horse decidedly glandered, took half a dram of sublimate,
twice a day, without any sensible effect; after  two days, the
dose was increased to one dram, twice a day: this acted as a
strong diuretic, but produced no other effect.  Two days after,
it was augmented to two drams twice a day, which took off the
appetite, and was, therefore, discontinued for three days, when
he again took the same dose, with half a dram of opium  added
to each;  it soon had the same effect: he continued to take it,
but the discharge became more copious and very fceted.  The
ulcers within the nostrils, spread rapidly; and after  a few days
the horse  died, apparently  from excessive  debility.  In  this
case, also, tubercles  were observed  in the  lungs;  the absorb-
menls of the liver were considerably enlarged.

                    EXPERIMENT HI.

  Ahorse, decidedly glandered, tcok daily one dram of calo-
mel ; after  three days, the same dose was given twice a day, and
persisted in for twelve days:  the only effect it produced,  was
that of a strong diuretic; and, as the disease had gradually  in-
creased, the horse was destroyed.  In this case, likewise, there
were tubercles on the lungs,  but so small, that they could only
be perceived by  passing the fingers over the surface.

                    EXPERIMENT IV.

  A horse, decidedly glandered, took one dram of the red ox-
ide of quicksilver, twice a day; and once a day, the horse  was
exposed to the fumes of mercury.  The preparation employed
for the fumigation was calomel, that had been washed in a so-
lution of ammonia;  by  which it is changed to a  dark color.
Half an ounce of this was placed on a red hot iron, and the
horse was shut up with it, in a small, well closed stable.   Af-
ter a few days, the mouth was considerably affected,  and the
breath had an offensive smell; the horse became   excessively
weak, and the desease  had  gradually increased.   The horse,
at length,  was so debilitated, that it was thought proper to des-
troy him.   In many other cases, mercury was fairly tried, in
various forms, and uniformly with the same result. 
[ 100  ]
                     EXPERIMENT V.

  A horse, decidedly glandered, took one dram of arsenic,
formed into a ball, with flout and sirup, twice a day.  It was
continued three days, without  producing any sensible effect;
the dose was then increased to two drams, twice a day, and
continued for a week, without causing much inconvenience  to
the animal.  As the disease had increased, rather than abated,
he was then destroyed.   Arsenic was given to a similar extent,
in many  cases of glanders, without any  satisfactory  result:
most commonly, it produced scarcely any effect; sometimes, it
produced a fatal inflammation of the stomach  and bowels, par-
ticularly  when the dose of two drams was  persisted in  a con-
siderable time.
                      EXPERIMENT  VI.

   A veterinary surgeon, in the army, had been trying the effect
of arsenic upon a glandered horse; and after giving it without
effect in doses of two drams, he increasd the dose to half  an
ounce: finding this produced no sensible effect,  he  suspected,
that the powdered aisenichehad been using was adulterated,
and therefore, had some powdered under his own inspection.
Upon giving this to the same horse, the first dose (£ oz.) bro't
on a fatal inflammation of the stomach and bowels.

                     EXPERIMENT vn.

    A horse attacked with farcy, took the following ball twice a
 day:
 White arsenic and sublimate, of each   -     -     -   10 grs.
            Flour and  sirup enough  to form a ball.

    The tumors, or buds, were opened, and the solution of subli-
 mate was freely applied to them.  After a few days, the dose
 of the medicine was increased to fifteen grains.  A few days
 after this, a slight purging took place, and the horse refused his
 food.  There being  no medical person present, the groom  fan-
 cied these symptoms arose from the  farcy; and, instead of dis-
 continuing the medicine, he gave  it three times a day:  this
 soon brought on an inflammation of the stomach, of which the
 horse died.
                     EXPERIMENT VIIT.

    Four glandered horses were put under  a course of arsenic:
  the dose ten grains, twice a day, which was gradually increas- 
[ 101  ]
ed to thirty.  The nostrils were syringed with a solution  of
arsenic and potash.  In every horse, this  treatment  was pro-
ductive of manifest advantage; in one, every symptom was re-
moved, but the discharge returned, though  in a much less de-
gree; in  another, glanderous ulcers, within the nostrils, were
perfectly healed.   These  good  effects  were not permanent;
and, after continuing the treatment for several weeks,  it was
thought necessary to shoot each of the horses.

                     EXPERIMENT IX.

   April 9, 1801.—A horse was  attacked with farcy in the off
fore leg.  The tumors had burst, and  were discharging thin
glairy matter.  One dram  of sublimate was given every day,
and the  dose gradually increased to two drams, and given twice
a day.   This treatment was continued  three weeks; and, tho'
nothing was applied to the sores or buds they were all apparent-
ly cured. The medicine was discontinued; but a tumor of con-
siderable size appeared, two or three days after, on the outside
of the off thigh: the sublimate was agtun given, in the dose  of
one dram, and a blister applied  to the tumor.  A farcy bud
then appeared, a little above  the tumor, which was succeeded
by several more on the inside of the thigh.   Two or three days
after this, a discharge from the nostrils, and a swelling  of the
glands under the jaw, took place, ulcers also appeared within
the nostrils.   Under these circumstances,  it was thought pro-
 per to destroy the horse.   On examining the body, after death,
 the stomach appeared perfectly  healthy, notwithstanding the
 large quantity of sublimate, that had been given.  The kidneys
 were unusually large,  and there  were small tubercles  on the
 lungs.   It is necessary here to observe, that sublimate, to large
doses, uniformly acts as a powerful diuretic on the horse.

                      EXPERIMENT  X.

   A farcied horse took half a dram of calomel twice a day;
 and, by  continuing to give it for ten days, the disorder was ap-
 parently cured, though no topical  remedy  was employed:  it
 was then discontinued, and about four days after the disease re-
 turned.   Calomel was again given, and the farcy appeared to
 be going off; but at this time the horse became decidedly glan-
 dered, and was therefore destroyed.

                      EXPERIMENT  XI.

   A horse had the farcy in the hind'leg; he took the prescrip-
 tion No. hand caustic was applied to the sores.  In  three
                             i* 
[ 102  ]
weeks he was perfectly cured.  The medicine was continued
a week longer: this horse has never had a  return of the com-
plaint; nor has he had any symptoms of glanders, though near-
ly two years had elapsed since his  recovery.  In  many other
instances, the farcy, by the same kind of treatment,  has been
radically cured, and not succeeded by glanders.

                    EXPERIMENT xn.

  A farcied horse took half an ounce of white hellebore, pow-
dered,  and formed into a ball, twice a day; after taking a few
doses,  it produced  considerable nausea,  and frothing at  the
mouth.  It was discontinued three days, and then given, in the
same doses, for about  ten days; during which time,  the farcy
gradually disappeared.   The only external  application made
use of was a strong  blister.   About five months after, the horse
became glauderqd.   In a great many instances,  the farcy after
having been appavently cured, has been succeeded by  glanders,
the interval between the two diseases varying considerably.
Sometimes, the glanders Take place  during the continuance of
farcy; they occur, more commonly, however,  from one week to
a month after the farcy lias disappeared: this is  generally  the
case when the disease comes on in a slight degree only.  The
more virulent kind of farcy is almost always  accompanied,  or
immediately succeeded  by glanders.   The longest interval J
have observed is in  the case just mentioned.

                    EXPERIMENT XIII.

   A horse was inoculated in the neck, with  matter taken from
the nose of a horse, (hat had the glanders in a slight degree;
the next day, the part was a little swollen and tender; in a few
days, it became an ulcer, of that peculiar appearance, by which
the farcy  sore is  characterised: the lymphatics  going  from it
were swollen, or corded.  About  a  fortnight after  this, a con-
siderable discharge took place from the nostrils, and the glands
under the jaw were  enlarged: the hind legs began  to swell;
and, soon  after, several farcy buds appeared, about the inside
of the hind legs and thighs: large ulcers appeared  within the
nostrils; and the disease increased so rapidly, that it  was tho't
proper to destroy the horse.   It appears, from a great number
of experiments, similar to this, that the glanderous matter in-
variably produces the effect here described.  In some instan-
ces, however, the progress of the disease is very  slow, and  the
first appearance of glandtfre so slight, as to escape the notice
of a common observer.   ThTs variety seems to  depend, in a
great measure, on the state of the  animal  upon which the ex- 
[ 103  ]
periment is performed, and the quantity of matter used in the
inoculation.
EXPERIMENT XIV.
  Some glanderous matter was taken from the nose by means
of lint   The  lint was put into a small box, which was kept
from the 24th of March  to  the 13th  of June.   Two horses
were then inoculated with a little of this dry matter, that had
been mixed with a few drops of water: in both horses, the part
was  inflamed  and  swollen  the following day;  and, in a few
days, became  an  ulcer.  These ulcers, however, spread; but,
after remaining stationary a few days, they gradually healed.
EXPERIMENT  XV
  A horse was inoculated with the matter taken from the nose
of a horse that had the strangles; no effect was produced by it.
The matter from the foot of a cankered horse was applied, in
another instance, in the same way, and with a similar result.
EXPERIMENT XVI.
  Some glanderous matter was applied  to a small,  healthy
looking sore: two other sores were near it, of the same appear-
ance, to which glanderous matter was not applied:  the  latter
soon'healed, though nothing was done to them; but the  other
remained in the same  state about a fortnight, and then gradu-
ally healed spontaneously.  From these experiments it appears
that,  by diluting the glanderous matter, either with blood, wa-
ter, 'or the fluid on the surface of a sore, it is so changed, that,
though it produces more or less of local effect, it does not af-
fect the constitution.
EXPEKIMENT XVII.
  Inoculation was performed with glanderous matter, that had
been a short time exposed  to the vapor, which is produced by
pouring oil of vitriol on a mixture of salt and manganese.   No
effect was produced.   Matter, that had been  exposed to  the
fumes of nitrou3 acid, caused an ulcer, which, after a short
time, gradually healed.
EXPERIMENT XVIII.
  A horse was inoculated with matter taken from a farcy bud,
that  had  been recently opened.   It produced  precisely the
same effects as glanderous matter. 
[ 104 ]
                     EXPERIMENT XIX.

   A horse was inoculated with matter taken from the nose of a
 horse, that had the glanders in so light a degree, that he was
 considered, by most of those that examined him, to be free from
 the disease.   It produced, however, the local effeot,in a con-
 siderable measure; and, at the end of twelve days, the horse
 was universally farcied; and, in a few  days after, decidedly
 glandered.
   After the foregoing observations and  experiments, it is un-
 necessary to say more on the subject of prevention.  It may be
 sufficiently obvious, that the only effectual mode of preventing
 the destructive ravages of glanders and farcy consists in sepa-
 rating diseased horses and others, as soon as the symptoms are
 observed, however trifling they  may appear; in removing, or
 carefully cleaning every thing, on which the glanderous matter
 may have fallen;  and covering'the rack, manger,  and every
 part to which any of the matter could have adhered, with white-
 wash or paint.
   Waggon masters, and others, who keep a considerable num-
 ber of horses, should convince their servants, that both glanders
 and farcy are highly contagious; and should point out to them
 the manner in which it appears to be communicated.   I  believe
 it is the opinion of many  veterinary practitioners,  and of al-
 most all persons concerned much with horses, that  these  fatal
 diseases are frequently generated by other causes than infec-
 tion.   My experience, however, inclines me to a different opin-
 ion.   But, if glanders or farcy be so produced, they may be
 probably prevented, by not working or  feeding horses improp-
 erly, and by keeping them in stables, that are properly ventilat-
 ed.   A very judicious precaution was adopted, some years ago,
 in the army, by order  of his royal highness, the commander in
 chief, and would, no doubt, be found equally advantageous to
 all those, who keep many horses.  This  regulation consists in
 having every horse examined daily, by a competent judge of
 the disorder,  and  immediately separating such as have any
 symptoms of the complaint.
   Having, for many  years, witnessed  the extensive ravages
 caused  by glanders, I cannot but regret, that the  legislature
 does not so far interfere  in  this matter,  as to prevent persons
 from working horses that are decidedly glandered; particularly,
 from keeping teams of glandered  horses constantly  travelling
on the most public roads.  This, I believe, is the case in may
parts of the kingdom.  It is by this misconduct,  that the dis-
ease is so widely propagated, and so highly destructive. 
[105]
                    CHAPTER XIX.

                       Wounds.

  The first necessary operation  in wouncls is to remove care-
fully all dirt or other extraneous matter; and  if the wound  be
made with  a clean  cutting instrument, and  not complicated
with bruising or laceration, the  divided parts are to  be neatly
sewed together.  Where it can  be  done, a  roller kept  con-
stantly moist with the saturnine lotion, diluted with  an equal
quantity of water, is to be applied,  in  order to assist in retaint-
ing the parts in their situation.   This roller is not to  be remo-
ved for several days, that the divided parts may have time to u-
nite, and  that the  wound  may heal by the first intention,  aa
surgeons term it, unless considerable swelling and inflamma--
tion come on:  it then becomes necessary to remove the roller^
and apply fomentations.  This  kind  of union, however, can
seldom be accomplished in horses, from  the difficulty of keep*
ing the wounded parts sufficiently at rest,and from their wounds
being generally accompanied with contusion or  laceration;
yet it should be always attempted  where it appears at all prac-
ticable.   Fomentations and warm  digestives  then become ne»
cessary, in order to promote the formation  of matter in  the
wound.   Should considerable swelling and inflammation arise,
moderate bleeding near the affected part, and a laxative medi-
cine, or  even a dose of physic, are to be strongly recommended;
and a poultice, if the situation of the part be such as  to admit
of its application, will be found  of great use.  As soon as the
swelling and inflammation shallhavebeen removed, the fomen-
tations and poultice are no longer  necessary, and the  digestive
ointment only  is to be applied: should the wound appear not
disposed to heal, discharging a thin offensive  matter,  apply the
detergent  lotion previous to the digestive ointment.  When
the granulations become too luxuriant,  that  is, when what is
commonly termed proud flesh makes  its appearance, the caus-
tic powder is to be  sprinkled on the wound.
   Slight wounds generally heal with very little trouble, and
sometimes without the interference of art; and it  is from this
circumstance  that many nostrums have acquired unmerited
reputation.  In wounds of this kind,  tincture  of myrrh, or
compound tincture of benzoin may be used.
   Whenever a considerable blood vessel is wounded, and  the
hemorrhage is likely to prove troublesome, our first object is to
stop the bleeding;  which  if the wound be in a situation that
will admit  of the  application of a roller or bandage, may  be
easily effected; for pressure properly applied is generally  the
best remedy on these occasions, and far more  effectual than the 
[ 106]
most celebrated styptics.   In some cases it becomes necessary
to tie up the  bleeding vessels: this is rather a difficult opera-
tion, and not often necessary.
   Punctured Wounds, or such as are made with sharp-pointed
instruments,  are  generally productive of more inflammation
than those that have at first  a  more formidable appearance;
and if such wounds happen to penetrate  into a joint, or the
cavity of the chest or belly, the worst consequences are  to be
apprehended, unless they be skilfully treated.
   When a joint has been wounded, the  synovia or joint oil
may be observed  to flow from the wound.  The first thing to
be done in these cases  is, to close the  opening that has  been
made into the joint; for as long as it remains open the inflam-
mation will go on increasing, and the pain will be so violent as
to produce asymptomatic fever, which often proves fatal. The
most effectual method of closing the wound is by applying the
actual cautery: this will appear probably  a very strange reme-
dy to those who have not seen its effects, yet it is certainly the
most efficacious  that can be employed, although only applica-
ble where the wound is of the punctured kind, and small;  for
when  a large wound is made  into the cavity of a joint, and
particularly  if it be of the lacerated kind, it is impossible to
close it effectually, and death is frequently the consequence.
As soon as the opening has been closed, it is  of importance to
guard against the inflammation that may  be expected to arise,
or to remove it if already present.  For this, bleeding and  purg-
ing are the most effectual remedies.  A rowel in any conveni-
ent part near the affected joint will be found useful also.  Should
the joint be much swollen, the blister no 2 will  prove very ef-
ficacious, and far superior to fomentations or poultices.
   Wounds about the foot, from stubs, over-reaching, &c. often
prove troublesome when neglected.  As soon as they are per-
ceived, care should be taken that no dirt gets into them: the
detergent lotion and digestive ointment are the most useful ap-
plications on  these occasions.   (See Pharmacopeia.)   When
the foot is wounded  in shoeing, the  nails being driven into
the sensible parts, the compound tincture of benzoin is to be ap-
plied.   When their tendons or membranes are wounded, con-
siderable inflammation  is likely  to  take place, which is to be
removed by fomentation and the saturnine poultice:  purging
is also of great use in these cases; and when the  wound is
large, and inflammation runs high, bleeding likewise may be
necessary.
   In extensive lacerated, or  contused  wounds, the inflamma-
tion sometimes terminates in mortification.   (See Inflamma-
tion.)   In such cases fomentations are to be applied  frequent- 
[107]
ly, and the horses strength  supported by means of malt, and
the cordial ball for mortification.  (For the method of treating
the different kinds of wounds, see the Appendix.)

                        Bruises.

  In recent bruises, fomentations are the most essential reme-
dies.   When they  are violent, a considerable degree of inflam-
mation may be expected to supervene: it will then be  proper
to give a  laxative ball, and to bleed moderately near the af-
fected part.
   If abcesses form  in consequence of a bruise, discharging
large quantities of matter, particularly if the matter be of a bad
color and an  offensive smell, the wound  also appearing dark
colored and rotten, indicating  approaching mortification; the
horse's  strength  must be  supported by allowing  him a large
quantity of corn: and if he can be made to eat malt, it will be
found still more effectual.   If the appetite go off, he must  be
drenched with  good water gruel,and strong infusion of malt: it
will be necessary also to give the cordial ball for mortification,
once or  twice a day.   Stimulating applications to  the part,
such as equal parts of camphorated spirit and oil of turpentine
 are of great use.
    Should a hard callous swelling remain in consequence of a
 bruise, the following embrocation is to be well rubbed into the
 part twice a day; and if it do not succeed in  removing it,  re-
 course must be had to a blister.

                EMBROCATION FOR BRUISES.

                           No.  1.
Tincture of cantharides,
Oil of origannm,
Camphorated spirit,
                          Mix.
Mix.
£ oz.
1 oz,
u
oz.
Camphro,
Oil of turpentine,
Soap linament,
Muriate of ammonia,
Distilled vinegar,
Spirit of wine,
No. 2.
No. 3.
   1 oz.
-  8 oz.
   6 oz.
Mix, 
[ 108  ]
                   Broken  Knees.

  The method of treating this accident is described generally
under the article Wounds, being nothing more than a confused
and lacerated wound; but as it occurs frequently,  and if not
skilfully  treated,  greatly lessens  the  value of a horse, it may
not be amiss to be more particular on the subject.   The first
thing to be done is to cleanse the wound perfectly; and if it be
at all deep or extensive, or much bruised, a goulard poultice
is to be applied, by means of the leg  of a worsted stocking,
taking care to renew it twice a  day, that it may be constantly
soft and moist. This, in two or  three days, will give the wound
a healing appearance, and cause a white healthy matter to flow:
it then may be discontinued, and the digestive ointment ap-
plied.  Should the matter assume a bad appearance, losing its
white color, becoming thin, and smelling rather  offensively,
something stronger will be requisite, such  as  the detergent lo-
tion made hot; and if, after this, the new flesh grow too luxu-
riant, rising above the skin, apply the  caustic powder, and a
considerable degree of pressure, by means of a linen roller or
bandage, and a bolster  of lint.  By this treatment the  wound
will soon heal.  But  we must  not stop here; for  unless the
swelling is completely removed, and the hair regenerated of its
original color and smoothness, the horse would be  considered
of very little value.  As soon, therefore, as the wound is com-
pletely healed, if any swelling be discernable, apply the follow-
ing linament, so as to  excite a  moderate degree of vesication,
or blistering, and repeat it after this effect has perfectly subsi-
ded.  Should the swelling feel hard  and  callous,  and  be of
considerable size, the strong blister No.  1 or No. 2, will be
preferable.  (See Index, Blisters.)
                      THE  LINAMENT.
Powdered cantharides,     -    -     -     -    -     2 dr.
Camphor,........£*oz.
Spirit of wine,.......4 oz.

  Mix them in a bottle, and let it stand in a warm place about
a week or ten days, shaking the bottle frequently;  then strain
through blotting paper, and it is fit for use.
  It often happens, after the wound is perfectly healed, that a
small scar or mark will be observable; and though the part may
be free from any  hardness or swelling, the value of the horse
will be greatly lessened by this  appearance.   A variety of oint-
ments have been  recommended for promoting the growth of
hair on the part, and thereby removing the blemish; the follow-
ing I have found more effectual than any of them. 
[ 109]
             OINTMENT FOR  BROKEN KNEES.

Ointment of wax,......2 oz.
Camphor,      -    -     -     -    -     -     -     2 dr.
Oil of rosemary,  -     -    -     -     -     -     -ldr.
                           Mix.

   The color of this ointment should be suited to that of the
contiguous hair, which will so  conceal the blemish, that it will
not be observed, unless the part  is strictly examined; and at
the same time the ointment will cause  the  hair  to grow up
gradually,  until the mark is completely removed.   If the horse
be of a bay color, the legs and knees are generally blackish, in
this case mix a little ivory black with the ointment; if aches-
nut color, Armenian bole may be mixed with it.

               Fistida in the Withers.

   This disease generally  originates in a bruise from the sad-
dle, and is at first simply an abscess, which  by early attention
and proper treatment may be easily cured; but when neglected
it degenerates  into a fistulous sore, proves extremely difficult
of cure, and cannot be removed without very severe treatment.
    As soon as the injury is discovered, fomentations should be
 applied in order to promote suppuration; and when matter is
 formed, let the tumor be opened, so that its contents may  be
 completely evacuated, and a  future accumulation prevented.
 The sore may  then be  healed  by dressing it daily with  diges-
 tive liniment or ointment; but should these prove ineffectual,
 apply the detergent lotion until the sore assumes a red healthy
 appearance, and the matter becomes whiter and of a thicker
 consistence.   When the disease has been neglected in its first
 stage, and  the matter suffered to penetrate among the muscles
 affecting the ligaments or bones of the  withers, it becomes ne-
 cessary to adopt a more severe treatment.
    The sinuses or pipes are to be laid open with a knife; and if
 it be practicable, a depending opening is to  be made, that the
 matter may run oft'freely: the sore is then  to be dressed with
 the following  ointment, which is to  be melted and poured  into
 the cavity while very hot.
    The sore is not to be dressed  until  the'sloughs  which this
 ointment occasions, have separated from the living parts; which
 generally happens two or three days after the operation.  If the
 surface of the sore look red and healthy, and the matter appears
 to be whiter and of a better  consistence, a repetition  of this
  painful operation will not be required, the  digestive linament 
[ 110]
or ointment being sufficient to complete the cure; but should
the sore still retain an unhealthy appearance,  and the matter
continue thin and of a bad color, the hot dressing must again
be applied.
                     THE OINTMEMT.

                          No. 1.

Ointment of nitrated quicksilver,
Oil of turbentine,
                           Mix.

                          No. 2.

Verdigris,      -
Oil of turpentine,
Ointment of yellow resin,   -
                           Mix.

                          No. 3.

Oil of turpentine,      -     -                     -   2 oz.
Vitriolic acid,......          1 oz.

Mix cautiously in an earthen vessel, placed in a current of air,
   that the suffocating vapour which arises may be carried off.
   When they are perfectly incorporated, add

Common turpentine and hog's lard, of each,      -     1 oz.
Bees wax,    -  -......1 oz.
               To be melted over a gentle fire.

This ointment may be made either stronger or weaker,  by in-
   creasing or diminishing the proportion or vitriol and turpen-
   tine.
                       Poll Evil

  This disease also generally originates in a bruise,  and re-
quires the same treatment as the fistula.  Irfconsists at first in
an abscess in the poll, which/by early attention might be easily
cured; but if the matter be suffered  to  penetrate  to the liga-
ments and bones, it  frequently proves more difficult  of cure
than the fistula in the withers, and cannot be subdued  without
those strong remedies  we have recommended in that disease.
  Since writing the above, I have discovered that the  imflam-
■a'ion which produces poll evil  does not begin, as is  usually
-* Ulr,

I OT
2 U£.
1 oz,
4 m 
[  111 ]
the case in other parts, on  the surface, or  in the cellular mem-
brane under the skin, but between  the ligament of the neck
and the bones.   When we consider the weight and position of
the horses's  head, with the great length of the  neck, it will
readily appear that the muscles alone  are not  capable  of sup-
porting and moving so great a  weight, under such mechanical
disadvantages.   Nature has therefore provided a strong liga-
ment, which is firmly fixed to the back part of the head, whence
it passes down over the bones of the neck.  It is not attached
to the first bone, but is firmly fastened to the three next: it
then passes over the three other bones of the neck in nearly a
straight line to the withers, where it is securely fixed, giving off
a thin slip of ligament in its  passage, which is united to  the
last three bones.  It is continued from the withers to the back.
This ligament, being elastic, allows of sufficient motion in the
neck, and so  effectually assists the muscles in supporting  the
head, that they never become fatigued.
   When  a horse  receives a  violent blow on that part of the
poll which covers the first bone of the neck, which, as we have
just observed, is not attached to the ligament, the injury will
be sustained  chiefly  by the sensible parts placed between  the
bone and the under surface of the ligament.   The skin may
also be hurt, and a  slight degree of superficial inflammation
may take place.  But when inflammation has been thus pro-
duced between the bone and the ligament, it is more likely to
 proceed to suppuration, or to  the formation of matter; which
 being so deeply seated, cannot find vent at the surface, by burst-
 ing the skin  like a common abscess; therefore it spreads under
 the ligament, and is  so long in arriving at the  surface, that both
 the bones and  ligament are highly diseased before any exter-
 nal  swelling is observed.   This  is the cause of the particular
 obstinacy of the poll evil,  and  the great length of time general-
ly required to cure it.  From  this we may learn, also how  lit-
 tle is to be expected from such applications as are intended to
 disperse the swelling, and how necessary it is to adopt a bold
 and powerful mode of treatment.  I am convinced, from what
 I have seen, that it is almost impossible to disperse the genuine
 poll evil; that by attempting it we lose time and suffer the mat-
 ter to continue its ravages upon the  ligament and bones;  and
 that the only effectual practice consists in opening the abscess
 freely, so that  the matter  may readily escape, and the diseased
 bones be examined.   When this has  been done, and  bleeding
 has perfectly ceased, apply the ointment, No.  3, described in
 the preceding chapter; and let the first  dressing remain until
the  dead parts are ready to separate merely by washing.   It is
 sometimes necessary to repeat this application several times; 
[ 112 ]
and should it appear not sufficiently active, the proportion of
vitriol and  turpentine may be increased; but in irritable blood
horses, it will sometimes prove too  strong.  A second opera-
tion often becomes necessary, particularly if the first have not
been boldly performed; and whenever the matter appears  to be
pent up,or confined in sinuses, the knife and strong dressings
are the only remedies.   When the wound has been brought to
a healthy state,  the common digestive is the best dressing.
   Mr. Taplin, in his Stable Directory, very pompously declaims
against this method of treating inveterate cases of fistula and
poll evil.   It is certainly, however, the only effectual one that.
is known; and had this verbose author but seen the effect of
this remedy, as  well as of that which  he recommends himself,
before his book  was written, it is probable he never would have
favored the public with the declamation above alluded to.  It
is surely more consistent with humanity to rescue an  animal
from a painful and gradual increasing'disease,  by  means of a
severe operation, than to suffer him to linger out a life of pain
and misery, by adopting a mild but ineffectual mode of  treat-
ment.

             Saddle Galls, or Warbles.

   These consist of inflamed tumors, and are  produced by the
unequal pressure of the saddle.  If neglected, they become
troublesome sores, and are often  a considerable time in heal-
ing.  As soon as a swelling of this kind is observed, let  sever-
al folds of linen be moistened with one of the following embro-
cations, and kept constantly applied to the tumor until it is re-
duced;  but if matter have been allowed to form, let it be open-
ed with a lancet, and afterward dressed with a digestive lina-
mentor ointment.  Should it appear not to heal readily  under
this treatment,  apply the detergent  lotion made  hot.   When
swellings of this kind are large and much inflamed, it will be
advisable to bring them  to suppuration as  expeditiously as
possible, by means  of fomentations  or  poultices.  Should a
hard swellingtemain after the inflammation is in great measure
removed, try the embrocation for strains;  and if this do not
succeed, recourse must be had to a blistei.

                    THE  EMBROCATION.

                           No.  1.
Water of acetated litharge,      -     -    -     -     2 dr.
Distilled  vinegar,       -.....3 oz.
Spirit of wine,       -----           4 oz.
                           Mix. 
                         No. 2.
                 *                                   * OZ
Muriate of ammonia,          -       -               |   '
Muriatic acid,            -       -       "      .'  ,„   '
Water,       -              -       "     from 8 to 12 oz.
                           Mix.

                     '    No. 3.
Soap linament, and water of acetated ammonia, of each  2 oz.
                           Mix.
                        Sitfasls.

  Are occasioned by repeated bruises from the saddle, which,
instead  of inflaming the skin, as most commonly  happens,
cause it to become callous, and give it  somewhat the appear-
ance of leather.  The following ointment is to be applied un-
til the callous part appears disposed to separate: it is then to be
removed, which generally  requires some force,  and the sore
which remains may be healed with digestive linament or oint-
ment.  The sore may be washed now and then with weak de-
tergent lotion, if it appear disposed*to heal.

                OINTMENT  FOU SITFASTS.

Ointment of althea,       -       -       -           2 cb
Camphor,     -       -   .                   '   -   \ dr.
Oil of origanum,
Mix.
Strains.
  This h a subject with which every  sportsman ought  to be
well acquainted, since his horses are particularly liable to such
accidents.  Strains may .effect  either muscles, ligaments, or
tendons.   Muscular strains consist in an inflammation ot the
muscles or flesh, occasioned by  violent and sudden  exertion.
When ligaments are the seat of this disease, there is generally
some part of them ruptured, whereby  very obstinate and some-
times permanent  lameness is  produced; in this case also in-
flammation is the symptom which requires our attention.  But
tendons are the parts most frequently affected, particulaily the
flexors of the fore leg, or back sinews, as they are commonly
termed.   Tendinous strains are commonly supposed to consist
in a relaxation  or preternatural  extension  of the tendon; and 
[  114]
the remedies  that have  been recommended are supposed to
brace them up again.  However plausible this opinion may be,
it certainly is very erroneous; indeed it has been proved by ex-
periment, that tendons are neither elastic  nor capable of ex-
tension; and from investigating their structure  and economy,
we learn, that were they possessed of  these qualities, they
would not answer the purpose for which  they were designed.
From an idea that a strain in the back sinews depends on a re-
laxation of the tendons, many practitioners have been apprehen-
sive of danger from the  use of emolient or relaxing  applica-
tions, than which nothing can be more useful at the beginning
of the disease.
   Tendinous strains consist in an inflammation of the mem-
branes in which tendons are enveloped; and the swelling which
takes place in these cases depends on an effusion of coagulable
lymph by the vessels of the inflamed  part.  Inflammation be-
ing the essence of a strain, we are to employ such remedies as
are best calculated to subdue it; and should any swelling re-
main, it is to be removed by stimulating the absorbent vessels
to increased action.
              Strain of the Shoulder.

  This disease is by no means so frequent as it is supposed to
be, lameness in the feet being often mistaken for  it: the differ-
ence, however, is so well marked, that a judicious observer will
never be at a loss to distinguish one from the other.
  A shoulder strain is an inflammation of some of the muscles
of the shoulder, most commonly, I believe, those by which the
limb is connected with the body.  The lameness which  this
accident occasions comes on rather suddenly, and it is gener-
ally considerable.  When  the horse attempts to walk, the toe
of the affected side is generally drawn along the ground, from
the pain which an extension of the limb occasions: in  violent
cases he appears  to be incapable of extending it.
  When lamesness arises from a disease of the foot, it is gen-
erally gradual in  its attack, unless occasioned by  an accidental
wound, and does not at all  hinder the extension of the limb: an
unusual heat and tenderness may also be perceived in the foot;
and as the horse  stands in a stable, the affected foot will be put
forward, that it may bear as little as possible of the weight of
the body.
  The first remedy to be employed on these occasions is bleed-
ing in the shoulder or plate vein; then give a laxative ball; and
if the injury be considerable, let a rowel be put in  the chest. By 
[  115 1
means of these remedies and rest, the disease will generally be
removed in a short time; a cooling opening diet with perfect rest,
will be necessary.   When the inflammation and lameness be-
gin to abate, the horse should be turned into a loose stall, and
after a week or two he may be suffered to walk out for a short
time every day:  but should this appear to increase the Itmeness,
it must be discontinued.  The intention of moderate exercise,
after the inflammation is in great measure subdued, is to  effect
an absorjttion of any lymph that may have been effused, and to
bring the injured muscles gradually into action.
  After an accident of this kind, particularly when it has been
violent, the horse should not be worked  in any way for a con-
siderable time, as the lameness is very apt to recur, unless the
injured parts have had sufficient rest to recover their strength.
If he can be allowed two or three month's run at grass, it will
be found extremely conducive to his recovery, provided  he is
prevented from gallopping or exerting  himself too  much  when
first turned out.   It is necessary  also to choose  a  situation
where there are no ditches in which he may get bogged.  With
respect to embrocations, and other external applications, they
are entirely useless,  unless the external parts are affected; and
then fomentations may be employed with advantage.
                 Strain of the Stifle

   In this case the stifle joint will be found unusually hot, tender,
and sometimes swollen.   The remedies are fomentations, a
rowel in the thigh, and a dose of physic.   When by these
means the inflammation  of the joint has abated considerably,
and at thesaine time the swelling and lameness  continue, the
embrocation for strains, or a blister, should be applied.  Strains
in  the bock joint  require the same treatment.
Strain of the  Hip Joint,  ('commonly  termed
         Whirl Bone, or Round  Bonr.J

  When lameness occurs  in the hind leg, the cause of which
is too obscure for the farrier's comprehension, he generally pro-
nounces it to be a strain in the round or whirl bone,  and  with
all that affectation  of  infallibility so  commonly observed in
those gentlemen.   I hive seen several cases of lameness which
were supposed to be occasioned by  an injury of this part, but
after attentive examination an incipient spavin was found to be 
[ 116 ]
Ihe cause.   I would advise, therefore, in such cases that the
hock joint be carefully examined,  and if unusual heat  or  ten-
derness be observed on the seat of spavin it is probable that the
lameness arises from this cause, and that it may be removed by
the application  of a blister.  I have met  with several horses
that had been severely burnt and blistered in the hip, when the
hock was evidently the seat of the disease.
 Strain of the  Flexor  Tendon, or Back Sinew.

   A strain of the back sinew depends, as we  have before ob-
 served, on an inflammation of the membranes in which it is en-
 veloped,* and is sometimes complicated with a rupture of the
 ligaments which are  situate  immediately under the sinevvs.t
 When the lameness and swelling are considerable,  bleed in the
 shoulder vein, and give a dose of physic; then let the satur-
 nine poultice be applied, so as to extend from the hoof to the
 knee,  and let it be frequently moistened with the saturnine lo-
 tion.   When the inflammation and lameness have  abated  con-
 siderably, and a swelling still remains, apply the embrocation
 for strains, rubbing it well on the part twice or three times a
 day.   If this do not succeed, recourse must be had to a blister.
 It will beadviseable also to turn  the horse loose  into  a  large
 stable or barn, and to give him this kind of rest for  a considera-
 ble time: should he be worked too soon after the accident, the
 part is very liable to be injured again, particularly when it has
 been violent.  Should the swelling continue, notwithstanding
 these remedies have been carefully employed, particularly  if it
 feel callous and hard,  and be perfectly free from inflammation,
 it will  be necessary to apply to the actual cautery, (See Firing:)
 this operation, however, must never be performed while any in-
 flammation remains.  These swellings sometimes  prove so ob-
 stinate, that even repeated  blistering,  and lie  actual  cautery
 are ineffectual; as soon, however, as the inflammation which
 caused  them, is completely removed,  they seldom occasion
 lameness, yet they will not admit of any violent exertion in the
part, and are therefore always an impediment to speed.

                   SATURNINE  LOTION.

Acetated lead,     -    -     -     -     -     -     4 ok.
Vinegar and water, of each                       -   l pint.
                         Mix.
♦Plate ^pc 9, aaa the back sinew, bb the membranes.
tSee Plate 10.            -r 
                       [ 117  J

                  SATURNINE TOULTICE.

Fine bran,     -  -     -  '   -    -    "          * Peck"
To be made into a thin paste with hot saturnine lotion:  to this
  add  as much linseed meal as will-give it a proper consist-
  ence.

               EMBROCATION  FOR STRAINS.

                         No. 1.

Oil of rosemary and camphor, of each
Soft soap,        -      -                             2
Spirit of wine,
                           Mix.

                          No.  2.

 Soft soap,  spirit of wine, oil of turpentine,           J  4  oz.
        and ointment of elder, of each,     -     -   )
                           Mix.
2 dr.
1 oz.
  oz.
                   Ring Bones.

  Are bony excrescences about the small  pastern bone, near
the coronet, or an  ossification of the cartflages of the foot
(See Anatamony of the Foot, and Plate o, Fig. 1, and Plate 7 )
If observed in its incipient state, a blister will  probab y be of
service; but when of longer standing, and large, the actual cau-
tery will also be necessary.   This  remedy, however, is by no
means uniformly successful, the complaint being frequently in-
curable; and if it have proceeded so far us to cause a stiff joint,
there is no chance of recovery.


                   Thorough-Pin.

   Bv this term is meant a swelling both on the inside and  out-
 side of the hock joint.   When  one of the tumors.is pressed
 with the fingers, the fluid which it contains  is forced  into on
 the opposite side.   From this communication between the two
 swellincis, the disease has probably obtained its name.
   It is°generally a consequence of hard work, and therefore
 difficulty cure: the only remedies are blisters and rest. 
[ 118  ]
                      Windgalls,

  Consist in an enlargement of the  mucous sacs,  which ate
placed behind the flexor tendons for the purpose of facilitating
their motion.   The swelling appears on each side of the  back
sinew, immediately above the fetlock joint.   If punctured, they
discharge a fluid resembling joint oil; indeed they  frequently
communicate with the cavity of the joint, and therefore cannot
be opened without danger  of producing incurable  lameness.
Blisters are the only applications likely  to  be of service, and
these seldom effect a cure unless assisted by rest. This  com-
plaint does not often occasion lameness, and is  therefore sel-
dom much attended to; but as  it is almost always a conse-
quence of hard work, and often renders a horse unfit for much
labor, it diminishes his value considerably.
  I have sometimes applied rollers  or  bandages to  the legi
with good effect, keeping them constantly moist with the fol-
lowing embrocation :—

Muriate of ammonia,.....1 ok.
Muriatic acid,......^ oz.
Water,.......1 quart.
                        Splents.

  Are bony excrescences about the shank bone, i. e. between
the knee and fetlock joint; they never occasion lameness, un-
less situate so near the knee or  back sinews as to interfere with
their motion,
  I have met with several cases of lameness, that were attribu-
ted to splents, when the cause evidently existed in the foot.
  These excrescences may  sometimes be  removed  by strong
blisters; but the old method  of bruising and  puncturing the
part before the blister is applied seems to be most effectual.
                        Spavin.

   A spavin is a swelling on the inside of the  hock, and is of
two kinds*, the first is termed a bone spavin, consisting of a
bony excrescence; the other a bog or blood  spavin.  The for-
mer often occasions lameness just before it makes  its  appear-
ance, and then can be discovered only by feeling the part, which
will be found  unusually hot and tender.   If a blister be ap-
plied at this period of the disease, it will generally  prove sue- 
[ 119  ]
cessful; but when the disease has existed for some time,  the
cure is much more difficult.—In such cases the actual cautery
should be applied, and the  following day a strong blister: after
this, two or three months rest (at grass) are absolutely necessa-

  The bog spavin does not so often occasion lameness as  the
other, except when a  horse is worked hard, which generally
causes a temporary lameness, removeable by rest:  but it does
not often admit of a radical cure; for though it is frequently
removed by two or three blisters, it generally returns when  the
horse is made to perform any considerable exertion.
  Tying up the vein which passes over the inside of the hock
has been considered the most effectual remedy, from a suppo-
sition that the lameness was caused by an enlargement of that
vessel: this operation, however cannot be necessary, since it
has been proved that the enlargement  of the  vein is always  an
effect and not a  cause of the disease.
                         Curb.

  This term implies a swelling  on the back part of the hock,
which sometimes occasions lameness.—Blistering and restaro
the only remedies: it is frequently necessary, however, to apply
two or three blisters before the swelling is perfectly reduced.

                    CHAPTER XX.

     Anatomy  and Phisiology of the Foot

  Of all the diseases to which horses are liable, there are  none
more difficult of cure, or  that  occur  so  frequently as those
whizh attack the foot; and however improbable it may appear
to those who have not paid much attention to this subject, it is
an incontrovertible  fact, that almost all of them are the conse-
quence of bad shoeing, and improper management of the foot.
  No one can be aware of the importance of this branch of the
veterinary art, but he who has had frequent opportunities of see-
ing these diseases, and  has taken the trouble to inquire  into
their causes.  Such a man will be convinced, that nearly half
of the horses  that  become unserviceable  are rendered so by
some defect in the feet;  and he will find that such  defects are
most commonly occasioned by a bad method of shoeing: there-
fore it must surely be of importance to every man who values
his horse, to acquire such  a knowledge of this  subject as may
enable him to preserve so useful an animal from a multitude of
diseases. 
[ 120]
  The bad effects which arise  from the common  practice of
shoeing are so gradual,  that we can easily  account for their
having been  generally  overlooked;  the gradations between
soundness and absolute lameness are so numerous,  that it  has
been found rather difficult  to  trace  the disease back to its
source; and this cannot be done readily without having some
knowledge of the structure of the foot, and the particular  uses
of the various parts which compose it.—It is necessary also to
be well acquainted with the natural form of the foot, in order
to determine how  far it  has been altered or destroyed by  any
plan of shoeing.   For example, take a horse that has a sound
well-formed foot, let it be improperly pared, and let bad shoes
be applied; in all  probability lameness will not be the immedi-
ate consequence,   By a repetition, however, of this practice,
it will be found that the original shape of the foot is gradually
altered, and eventually it will be so far deformed as to produce
perhaps incurable lameness; therefore we ought not to be  sat-
isfied with a plan  of shoeing, merely because a horse is not im-
mediately made lame by it but should examine also the  effect
produced by it upon the shape and structure of the foot;  and
this rule may  invariably be depended  on, that any mode of
shoeing and treating the foot, which has a tendency to alter the
form given to it by nature, is highly absurd  and  destructive;
while that practice which tends to preserve its original form is
founded upon sound and rational principles.
   It has been very justly observed, that  if we wish to examine
a perfect foot, such as nature made it, it is generally necessary
to find one that has never been  shod; for the common  mode of
shoeing is so frequently destructive, that we seldom meet with
a horse, whose feet have not lost, in  some degree, their original
form; and this deviation from their  natural shape is generally
proportioned to the length of time he has worn shoes.   From
this circumstance writers on farriery have been led to form va-
rious opinions respecting the most desirable form for a horse's
foot; but had they consulted naturf, this  variety  of opinion
would not have existed: they would have been convinced  that
the feet  of all horses in a state of nature, or not  improperly
shoed, are nearly  of the sr.me  shape: and surely no one  will
dispute that this form, which the Creator has given it, is the
most perfect, and far better adapted to all the purposes for
which the animal was designed, than any that can  be given by
the most ingenious farrier.
    A person unacquainted with the anatomy of the horse's foot,
would naturally suppose, that the internal parts are simply en-
closed by the hoof, and that by its hardness it served to protect
them from the blows and pressure to which they would other- 
[121 ]
wise be  constantly exposed; but  very  little reflection would
convince him  how  incomplete and inadequate such a protec-
tion would be.  Let him be convinced that those internal parts
are replete with blood-vessels and  nerves, and possessed of a
high degree of sensibility: let him  consider also, what an im-
mense weight is thrown  upon  them at every step, and what
painful concussion must be occasioned to the animal, were this
the only safeguard against external injury.   Nature, ever prov-
ident, has so constructed this part, as to obviate these inconve-
niences.   If we examine any part of the animal economy, we
are astonished at the infinite wisdom that is displayed in it.  It
is not  however too much to assert,  that the structure of the
horse's foot is strikingly beautiful and curious; here we  find a
variety of wonderful contrivances to prevent any painful con-
cussion, from carrying heavy burdens, or from the most violent
exertions; but such is  the folly and obstinacy of farriers,  that
they frequently destroy or  pervert the  whole of this beautiful
mechanism, and the poor animal is doomed to painful  labor, or
perpetual lameness.
   It would  not be consistent with the objects of this chapter,
to give an elaborate description of the anatomical structure of
the horse's foot; but it will be essentially useful to give such
an explanation of it, as will enable the reader fully to  compre-
hend the principles of shoeing,  and the  method  of preserving
the feet from many troublesome and incurable diseases.
   The horse's foot is made up of a great variety of parts, some
of them possessing blood-vessels and nerves, like  other parts
of the body, and highly sensible; others  are composed of a
dead horny substance, perfectly destitute of feeling.  All the
external  parts of the  foot, which, when  taken together, are
termed the  coffin or hoof, are composed ofthis horny substance;
which is not only very hard, but is possessed also of a consid-
erable degree  of toughness and  elasticity, that renders it ex-
tremely durable, and  well  calculated to protect  the sensible
parts which it encloses.
    The hoof consists of the wall or crust, the sole, ihefro<* and
the bars.   The upper part of the crust, where it is connected
with the skin, is termed the coronet; the lower part in front, the
toe; the sides of the crust are named the quarters; the quarters
terminate in the heels; and the heels  are  connected  with the
frog.  The crust grows from the coronet, and instead of tak-
ing a perpendicular direction, becomes oblique in its descent,
whereby it acquires a conical figure, being considerably wider
at the basis than at the coronet.  This description of the  hoof
applies only to the healthy foot that has not been improperly
treated; for when the bars have been cut away, and  the frog m»- " 
[ 122  ]
tilated and prevented from  receiving pressure, the heels will
contract or approach each other, and the shape of the foot will
be considerably altered.
   When we examine a hoof that has been recently separated
from the foot, an  immense  number of small orifices or pores
may be observed in that groove which is found on the inside of
the coronet.   Into these orifices the extremities of those ves-
sels are inserted which  secrete the horny matter,  the whole  of
which appears to be pervaded by a fine fluid, serving to prevent
brittleness, and to preserve in the hoof a  proper degree of elas-
ticity.
   All the internal surface of the crust, except the groove  we
have just mentioned, is covered  by a beautiful membranous  or
laminated substance, which very  much resembles the under
surface of a mushroom.  This is united, or rather interwoven,
with similar lamina? or  membranes, which cover all the anterior
and lateral surfaces of  the sensible foot, forming a very secure
union between the crust  and the internal parts.  Nor are these
membranes possessed merely of great strength:  they possess
likewise a considerable degree of elasticity, constituting one of
those  curious springs which Nature has provided to prevent
concussion when  the animal is in motion.  That these lamina
form a union between the crust  and sensible foot, of sufficient
strength to support the animal's weight, has been proved be-
yond a doubt, by removing from a living horse  the  bottom  of
the hoof, that is the sole  and frog.  In this  case, had the  la-
minae been unable to support  the horse's weight, the internal
foot must have slipped  through  the hoof, so as  to come down
upon  the ground:  but this did not happen; and the sole, as it
was reproduced, assumed its proper concave form.
   As these lamina? form  so secure a union between the crust
and the internal foot, it is evident  that the horse  is  in  great
measure supported by the crust, which therefore ought to pos-
sess considerable  strength for if it were too weak and flexible,
it would not be adequate to the burden which it has to sustain,
and must  consequently bend to  it.  In this  case the hoof would
lose that oblique form which it had originally, and  would ap-
proach the horizontal line.  (See Fig. 1 and 2, Plate  3.)  At
I he same time, the sole would lose its concave form,  from re-
ceiving an unusual degree of pressure, becoming flat, and at
length convex  or projecting.   (See Fig.  2, Plate  2.)  But
when  the crust is  sufficiently strong, the internal foot, and con-
sequently the whole animal, is suspended  by  those elastic
raembrane3, as a carriage  by its springs; and though the bot-
tom of the internal foot is in contact with the sole, it neverthe-
l>re* does not press upon it considerably, except  when the 
[ 123]
horse is in motion, and the back part of the sole descends a lit-
tle, being somewhat elastic, and suffers the lamina? to elongate
in a small degree, so as to prevent any painful concussion.
  The bottom of the hoof is formed  by the sole, the frog, and
the bars.
  The sole is rather concave or hollow on its external surface,
and consists of a different kind of horn from that which forms
the crust, being of a scaly texture, and sometimes soft and pul-
verable on its exterior surface: its  use is to defend the sensi-
ble sole, that  lies immediately under it.   From its concave
form the horse is enabled to tread more firmly on the ground,
and the sensible  parts are less exposed  to blows or pressure,
than they would be had it been made either flat or convex; and
being somewhat flexible and elastic toward the heels, it assists
in the action of those curious springs we'have just described.
   The frog is a very important part, and requires to be  partic-
ularly considered.   It is intimately united with the sole, but is
composed of a tougher and more elastic kind of  horn.  It re-
sembles a wedge  in its form; but  towards the  heel  where it
becomes wide and expanded, there is a separation in the middle
which is continued  to the heel.  When the frog receives the
pressure of the horse's weight, this separation is increased, and
consequently the frog becomes wider; and as it  is connected
with the heels of the crust, the same effect must be produced
upon them.
   As great part of the frog is placed behind the coffin bone, all
the intervening space between it and the back sinew being fill-
tad with a fatty elastic substance, it forms another of those cu-
rious springs which nature has provided to prevent concussion.
   When the frog is in contact with the ground, it is evident,
from its connection with  the heels of the crust, as we have be-
fore observed, and with two cartilages or elastic bodies, which
are covered in great measure by the heels and quarters  of the
crust, and belong to the internal foot, that it must tend to widen
or expand the heels; and  however they may be disposed to con-
tract, by the foot being kept hot and dry, such contraction can-
not possibly take place while the frog  bears on the ground, be-
cause it is then opposed by a very considerable part of the ani-
mal's weight.
   It has been supposed by some, that the principal use  of the
frog' is to serve as a cushion and point of support to the back
sinew.  When we consider, however, the structure and rela-
tive situation  of these parts, this opinion  does not appear to be
very probable.  From what has been said of the frog, the rea-
der may judge of its importance, and  how necessary it is to at-
tend to its preservation: but such is the  mutilating practice  of
                  0 
[124]
farriers, so determined do they seem on all occasions to act in
opposition to  nature, that  this essential part is generally the
first that is destroyed or rendered useless.
   The bars form two ridges, one on  each side the frog, ex-
tending from the heel of the crust toward the toe of the frog:
they appear  to be  a continuation of the  crust, being, like it,
composed of strong longitudinal fibres.   At the part where it
joins the crust, a very fine bearing is afforded for the heel of the
shoe.   (See Fig. 2, Plate  1.)  The use of the bars is, to op-
pose any disposition there may be in  the  hoof to contract, by
acting as props to the heels: but in the  common  practice of
shoeing they are generally destroyed;  the farriers have suppos-
ed that they bind the heels together, and prevent their expan-
sion : they therefore name them binders, and cut them away in
order to open  the heels as they term it.  This practice, howev-
er, is not now  so frequent as it used to be.  (See Plate 1, Fig.
2, and Plate 6.)
   Having finished our description of the hoof we shall proceed
to describe the internal or sensible foot, which \s represented in
plate 5,* as it appears  when recently taken from the hoof, the
arteries having been injected with wax red colored.
   All the parts of which the internal foot is composed are, as
we have before observed, endued with great sensibility; and so
nicely is it adapted to the cavity of the hoof, that it completely
fills it, without suffering the least inconvenience from pressure:
but when  the foot has  been improperly treated; when  the frog
has been deprived of its hard surface for the purpose of giving
it what farriers conceive a neat and fashionable appearance (as
if Nature had been so clumsy in this part of her work,  as to re-
quire a polish from the hands of these ingenious gentlemen;)
when the frog has been thus mutilated, the bars destroyed, and
shoes applied  that are either turned  up or made very thick at
the heels; and when this shoe,  for  the purpose of saving trou-
ble, has been applied to the foot nearly red hot—in such cir-
cumstances the  hoof  must necessarily  contract, whereby its
cavity will be diminished, so that the nerves and blood vessels
will  Decompressed, the circulation of the blood impeded,  and
inflammation  and  lameness will most probably be the conse-
quence.
   All the interior and lateral surfaces  of the sensible foot are
covered with  that  membranous or laminated substance which
we have  before  described; but it differs  from those lamina
*Frontispiecc. 
t  123 3
which are found on the internal surface of the crust, in possess-
ing numerous blood vessels, which can be easily demonstrated
by injecting colored wax into the trunk of the arteries; but t)fe
lamina?  of the crust cannot be made to appear vascular even by
the finest injection, and are therefore supposed to be insensible.
At the upper part of the sensible foot, where  the  lamina?  ter-
minate,  a roundish projecting body may be observed, extending
all round the coronet  to the back part of the frog:  this is term-
ed the coronary ring.  Its surface is covered with the extrem-
ities of vessels, which are very conspicuous when the arteries
have been injected with  colored  wax or sise:  it is from this
part that the hoof is formed.
  The bottom of the internal foot is  formed by the sensible
frog and sole: the former perfectly resembles in shape the hor-
ny "frog, to the concavities of which its convexities are  nicely
adapted.  In describing  the horny  frog, we  had occasion  to
mention its connection  with two elastic bodies or cartilages
that are in great measure  covered by the heels and  quarters  of
the hoof; but this connection is through the medium of the
sensible frog, which is more immediately united  to those cat ti-
lages.   When the  former comes in  contact with  the grcund,
and receives the pressure of the horse's weight,  the latter is
forced upward and rendered wider,  and at  the same  time the
cartilages are forced upward and outward, tending thereby  to
expand  the heels and quarters, and assisting in taking  off' con-
cussion.  From the sensible frog and  sole, the horn  which
composes the external frog and sole is secreted.   For this pur-
pose they are supplied with numerous  blood vessels, the ex-
tremities of which may be seen upon their surface, and become
very conspicuous when  the arteries have been  injected with
colored sise.  Hence we are enabled to account for  thrushes,
and that rottenness of the frog  which generally accompanies
this disease; for when the sensible frog is compressed and in-
flamed by a contraction'of the heels, it becomes incapable  of
performing its principal function, that is, the secretion of horn;
and the  blood which should have been applied to this purpose
is chiefly expended in forming that offensive matter discha.^
in thrushes.  From this  we may learn also the cause of u.ai
unnatural thinness in  the soles of horses that  have pumice  <vc
flat feet.  When the  crust gives way  to the pressure  of the
horse's  weight, allowing  the internal foot to bear so  upon the
sole as to render it either flat or convex, the extraordinary pres-
suie which  the sensible sole receives inflames it, and impedes
in a greater or less degree the secretion of horn.
  The  sensible sole lies immediately under the horny sole,  by
which it is defended  from blows or pressure.  When  tin.' hcw.y
                            L*
                  4 
[ 126  ]
sole loses its concave form, and becomes thin, and incapable of
performing its function, if flat shoes were applied, or if the sole
were suffered to bear upon the ground, lameness would be the
consequence; and  it is for  the purpose of preserving the sole
from pressure that the concave or hollow shoe is  employed in
those cases.  When these parts which we have described are
removed from the  sensible  foot,  the tendons,  ligaments, and
bones, come into view.
  In Plate 9 is a back view of the bones, ligaments, and ten-
dons.  In this thecourseand insertion of the back sinew, or
flexor tend -n, may be seen, as well  as  the  lateral cartilages.
The flexor tendon is enclosed in a sheath, which is laid open in
one part in order to show the tendon: it has been removed al-
so from the bottom  of the tendon, that its  insertion may be
clearly seen.
   In Plate 10,  are  represented the ligaments, for which pur-
pose the tendons were removed.  The late: al cartilages may be
seen in this view also.
   In Plate 11 and 12 are a front and back view  of the bones.
It will be unnecessary to give a particular description of these
as their form and relative situations may be seen by referring to
the plate.   It may  be  useful, however, to point out  the  sesa-
moid bones, and the navicula, or nut bone: the former are con-
nected posteriorly with the  lower extremity of the cannon, or
shank bone: they consist  of two small bones, firmly united by
means of very strong ligaments: they compose part of the fet-
lock joint, having a moveable articulation with the cannon  bone.
Their external  part affords a smooth  polished  surface  for the
back sinews to slide upon, and the same ligament which  com-
poses this surface comes  round the back  sinews, so as  to form
a 3heat:i for them, and keep them in their situation.   In this
sheath a fluid similar to synovia, or joint oil, is formed, for thfl
purpose of rendering it smooth and slppcn. and  enabling the
tendon to move easily upon  it. As these bones project a  little,
they serve as" a pulley for  the tendons  to slide upon, and afford
a considerable mechanical advantage to  the flexor muscles of
the limb.   The nut bone seives as another pulley for the ten-
do;ior back sinew  to move  upon: it is connected posteriory
with the coffin bone and the small pastern, and affords the same
kind of polished s:irfuco and sheath for the tendon as we  have
before described. 
[ 127]
                    CHAPTER  XXI.

            On  the practice of Shoeing.

  Having given, in the preceding chapter, a concise descrip-
tion of the horse's foot, and pointed out the uses of the various
parts which compose it, I shall now describe the method of
shoeing.   It will  be necessary to premise, that  the mode of
shoeing most commonly practised has a destructive tendency,
and produces such a variety of diseases, that we  seldom meet
with a foot that has not lost, in a greater or less degree, its o-
riginal shape: it must  be obvious, therefore, that one kind of
 shoe cannot with propriety be recommended for general appli-
 cation, and  that it is necessary on all occasions to adapt it care-
 fully to the  state  of the foot.  This constitutes the most diffi-
 cult part of the art of shoeing; and from neglecting this precau-
 tion, shoes of the best form have often occasioned lameness.
   In Fig. 1, Plate 1, is represented a colt's hoof, in a state of
 nature, of which no part has ever been cutaway, or ever been
 shod: this we have given as a standard of perfection, from which
 the goodness of feet in general may be judged of; for surely no
 one will  hesitate for a moment in admitting that the  natural
 form is the best it can possibly possess.
   In Fig. 2 of the same plate is shown a perfect foot, properly
 prepared  for the shoe.   In this foot the superfluous horn has
 been cut away, and an even surface made for the shoe to bear
 upon.   If we examine the feet of a hundred colts, it  will be
 found that more than ninety of them are of the same  form.  It
 is true that  some may have grown more luxuriantly than oth-
 ers, whereby the  crust will be deeper, and  the bottom part may
 have been partially broken, so as to give  the foot a ragged and
 uneven appearance; still the  essential shape is the same; and
 when this superfluous horn has been  removed, it will be found
 that the bottom of the foot will be nearly circular, the sole con-
 cave, the bars distinct, and the  frog  and  heels open and  ex-
 panded.
   In preparing the horse's fdbt for a shoe, the lower part is to
 be reeluced, when luxuriant, which is generally the case, mora
 particularly at the toe, and this is to be done by means of a but-
 tress or rasp: the loose scaly parts of the sole are to be removed
 so as to preserve  its concavity: and a small cavity is to be made
 with a drawing knife, between the bar and crust, to prevent the
 «!ioe from pressing on that part, and occasioning corns: it is,
 however, necessary, in doing this, to  take  particular care that
 the connexion between the bar and crust  is not destroyed or
 weakened, which would of course render the bar useless. 
[ 128]
   The junction of the bar and crust affords a firm bearing for
the heel of the shoe, and  is to be rasped perfectly flat, and so
low as to be exactly on a level with the frog, that may bear e-
qually on a plain surface before the shoe is applied; indeed, the
whole of the bottom of the crust is to be made perfectly flat and
even at the same time with the rasp, that the shoe may bear
equally on every part of it.   Farriers should never be allowed
to do this by means of a hot shoe,  which is too frequently the
case.   If any ragged parts are observed in the frog, they are to
be carefully removed with a knife; for,  if suffered to remain,
they might afford a lodgment for dirt and  gravel.  Thus do
we prepare a foot for the shoe; and to a foot of this description,
I mean one that is sound and perfect, or that has not suffered
any material alteration in its form from improper  shoeing, the
shoe (Fig. 3 Plate 4) is to be applied.
   The toe of the shoe,  for a middle sized horse, is  about an
inch in width, and half an inch in dppth or thickness; the heels
about half an inch in width, and  three eighths in  depth.   The
wearing part of the toe is to be made of steel; and it may be ob-
observed, that the nails are bio't  very near to the toe, but not
quite round it; when that is done, there must also be a groove
made, which considerably weakens that part, and almost all hor-
ses wear principally at the toe.  Both  surfaces of the shoe are
perfectly flat; and the heel of the shoe  rests upon the junction
of the bar and crust, beyond which it  should never extend.
   Il will be supposed, perhaps, that a shoe which is flat on that
surface next the foot will be  apt  to produce lameness by press-
ing on the sole: but let it be recollected, thatjthis shoe is recom-
mended only for a sound foot, in which the sole is  always a
little concave; so that it cannot possibly  receive  any pressure
from a flat shoe.  It may be said also,  that when the nails aro
placed so far from the heels, the shoe will not be sufficiently se-
cure,  and will be frequently loosened; but as the shoe bears e-
qually on every part of the crust,  this objection cannot have any
weight.  It must be granted however, when a foot is pared in
the common way, that is, when  the heels have been opened,
and the shoe so applied, that nearly an  inch of the heel has no
bearing upon the crust; that, if the nails were placed so farfrom
the heels as I have recommended, the shoe would be very inse-
cure;  for, as much of it as had no bearing upon the crust would
operate occasionally as a lever in  raising the nails; and  conse-
quently the shoe would frequently be loosened. Farriers There-
fore find it necessary, when the foot has been thus pared, and
the shoe applied in this way, to place the nails in the quarters,
by which the shoe is certainly rendered more secure than it
would be had they been placed nearer the toe. 
[ 129]
  Many disadvantages, however, attend this method.   In  the
first place, by placing the nails  in  the quarters, tbey prove a
considerable obstacle to  the expansion of the heels; and as the
crust is generally much  thinner at the quarters than at the toe,
the sensible parts are more liable to be wounded: but this does
not apply to the hind feet, in which the crust of the quarters ia
generally  thicker than  that of the toe.   When a horse over-
reaches, if any part of the shoe has no bearing on the crust, it
is very liable to be struck by the toe of the hind foot; and shoes
are often forced off in this way.  To this may be added the in-
security of such a shoe when a horse is  rode on a deep or heavy
ground.                                   .
  It will probably be observed of the shoe which I have recom-
mended, that  it is inconsistent with the principle which has
been laid down respecting the necessity of the frog's  receiving
pressure.   I believe it is an incontrovertible fact,  that unless
the frog receives a certain degree of pressure,  it will  become
soft, and incapable of affording sufficient protection to the sen-
sible frog, which it covers; and that the  heels will gradually
contract, and the natural form of the foot will be destroyed;
for I have proved, by experiment,  that the bars alone are  not
sufficient to prevent  contraction, though they certainly oppose
it with considerable force; but it does not follow that it is  ne-
cessary for the pressure to be constant, nor do I believe that a
shoe which allows the frog to bear upon  the ground, when  the
horse  stands upon a plain hard surface, can be always  applied
even to sound feet without inconvenience.   There can be no
doubt that a horse in astateof nature  has his  frog almost al-
ways in contact with the ground, and then of course he feels no
inconvenience from it; but when burdens are placed upon  his
back, and he is driven about upon  hard roads, he  is certainly
in very different circumstances; and if the frog in such cases
were constantly exposed to this severe pressure, it would some-
times, I believe occasion lameness.
   In the foot prepared for the shoe, (Fig. 2, Plate 1)  the  frog
and heels are on a lever* and if placed on a plain hard  surface,
would bear equally;  by applying the shoe, (Fig. 3, Plate 4)  the
frog would be raised three eighths of an inch from  the ground;
so that when the horse is going upon a hard surface, where he
would be most liable to feel inconvenience from  the pressure
on the frog, it  receives none; but upon soft yielding ground the
frow certainly receives pressure, and without giving the animal
any pain.   To a horse that travels or works regularly, and is
occasionally taken upon soft ground, I believe the pressure the
frog receives in this  way is quite sufficient to preserve the  foot
in a state of health; but  when a horse  is kept almost constant- 
[ 130]
lyin the stable, standing upon hot litter, particularly in hot and
dry weather, his feet will certainly be undergoing an alteration
in their form, and will be in a progressive state towards disease.
   In these cases, however, contraction of the hoof may be  ef-
fectually prevented by means of the patent artificial frog,  in-
vented by Mr. Coleman.*  By this ingenious  contrivance a
horse's  frog may  receive sufficient pressure, in  whatever cir-
cumstances he may be placed, to prevent contraction, and keep
the foot sound and healthy, without the inconvenience of wear-
ing thin heeled shoes; but it must be remembered, that when-
ever the frog is much exposed to pressure, whether it be apply-
ing the patent frog or by the  thin  heeled shoe,  and reducing
the crust at the heels, it is necessary the quarters and heels
should  possess a proper degree of  pliancy.   If they  be rigid
and flexible, it is evident that the sensible frog and cartilages
would be  placed  between two fixed points, and they would
consequently  be bruised and inflamed.   I  have indeed seen
several cases of lameness produced in this way.  Whenever
the hoof, therefore, appears to be too dry  and strong, or to have
lost its natural elasticity, it is necessary  to rasp  the quarters,
and keep the whole hoof moist, either by applying several folds
of flannel round the coronet, constantly  wetted, or by making
the horse stand in 3oft clay four or  five hours during  the day:
by these means the natural flexibility of the horn would be re-
stored, and the heels and quarters yield in a  small degree,
whenever the horse's weight was thrown  upon the frog.
   Having sarVJ as much as appears to be requisite of the meth-
od of shoeing a sound foot, I  shall proceed to  describe those
diseases of the foot which render a different kind of shoe ne-
cessary.   In  the first place it will  be proper  to  observe, that
when a horse, even with a sound foot, has worn shoe3  that are
very thick or turned up at the heels, particularly if at  the same
time the crust at the heels have been suffered to grow so high
that the frog is kept at a considerable distance from the ground,
it would be very improper to reduce the heels suddenly, so as
to allow the frog to receive pressure, Since the  back sinews
would in this  case be injured, and lameness  might ensue.   In
feet of this description it is necessary to  remove from the  toe
all that can be done without exposing the part too much,  and
to lower the heels gradually: the toe of the shoe  should be ra-
ther thin, and of the best steel.
   The shoe for draught horses should be made flat  on both
surfaces, provided the sole is of a proper form and thickness,
but if flat or convex, and consequently too thin, which is often
*Prof«s»or of the Veterinary College. 
[ 131  ]
the case in horses of this description, the internal suiface of the
shoe must be concave: still the external surface should be flat;
for the convex shoe, which is commonly used for draught hor-
ses, prevents them from treading securely, and renders them in-
capable of exerting the whole of their strength.
                   CHAPTER XXII.

               Diseases of the Foot.

  The most frequent cause of lameness in the foot is a con-
traction of the horny matter that composes the hoof, generally
accompanied by an increased concavity and thickness of the
sole.   The cavity of the hoof being thus diminished, the sensi-
ble foot suffers a greater or less degree of compression, which
occasions in it inflammation and lameness.   When we exam-
ine the bottom of a contracted foot, instead of being circular, it
will be found of an oblong form; the heels and frog will appear
as if they had heen squeezed together.  Sometimes the frog
has become rotten, and discharges an offensive matter.
   The sensible foot may also be compressed and inflamed  by
an increased  thickness, and a consequent  loss of elasticity in
the hoof and sole, and in this case there is seldom any consid-
erable alteration observed in the external form of the foot.
   We sometimes meet with horses that  go  perfectly  sound
though their hoofs are much contracted: on the other  hand wc
often see severe lameness produced by a slight degree  of con-
traction.   In attempting to cure this disease,  the first step to
be taken is to remove carefully with a knife all the rotten parts
of the  frog, and apply tar to those which are sound.  A small
quantity should also be poured into the cleft of the frog: this
will promote the secretion of horny matter, and  if assisted by
pressure, will increase the solidity of that which  is  already
formed.  The quarters and heels are then to be rasped, partic-
ularly at the coronet, and  the superfluous parts of the  sole re-
moved with a butteris and drawing knife.  The toe is to be shor-
tened as much as can be conveniently done; and if the heels be
 too high, that is, if the crust at the heels be  too deep, it will be
necessary  to reduce it with the butteris and rasp.   It frequent-
 happens, however, in feet of this description, that the heels are
 too low: in such cases they must be carefully preserved;  and
 when a shoe is applied, it should  be made  thicker at the
 h*el than  at the toe, and somewhat longer than that recom-
 mended for a sound foot. 
[ 132 ]
    When a contracted hoof has been thus treated, the next thing
  to be done is to keep the foot as moist as possible, and expose
  the frog constantly to pressure, either by means of the artificial
  frog, or by reducing the crust at the heels.   When these rem-
  edies have been persevered in for a short  time, the frog will
  have acquired a certain degree of hardness and  solidity; it will
  then  be  proper to turn  the horse out into some soft meadow
  ground, without shoes, taking care that the bottom of the foot
  is occasionally reduced, so that the frog may constantly receive
  pressure.   If the foot be examined after a short time, it will be
  found that all the new formed hoof at the quarters and heels—
  that is, all the horn that has been produced at those parts since
  the remedies were first employed—instead of growing  down
  nearly in a perpendicular direction or obliquely inward, is for-
  ced outward in its descent, so that the cavity of the hoof will be
  considerably enlarged, and the compression of the internal parts
  removed.   When the horse has been at grass a sufficient time
  for the new  hoof to grow completely down, the shape  of the
 foot will  be found much  altered;  the heels, instead of being
 narrow, will be open and expanded, the frog will be considera-
 bly widened, and not squeezed together as before, and the ob-
 long form will be changed to one that is more circular; in short
 when the frog during this time has been exposed to pressure,
 and the quarters so rasped as to be rendered sufficiently  flexi-
 ble, the hoof will be found very similar in  its form to that of a
 colt.
   In cases where a contraction of the hoof has already produ-
 ced inflammation and lameness, particularly if the lameness be
 not recent, it will be advisable to blister  the pasterns previous
 to turning the horse out:  and  when the  inflammation is very
 considerable, a laxative ball, with a cooling  diet, will be ser-
 viceable.   The cruel operation of drawing or tearing off the
 sole, has been recommended as a remedy  for contracted feet,
 but very  little reflection will convince any one of its inefficacy.
 Whenever it has .been supposed  to do good, the benefit has
 probably arisen from the long run at grass  that becomes neces-
 sary  after it, and then the advantage might  have been equal,
 perhaps greater, had the operation been omitted.  It has  been
 observed before, that in contracted hoofs there is generally an
 increased concavity in  the sole, whence  we  may  reasonably
 conclude that it opposes the contracting causes, though in the
 end it is not capable of preventing the contraction from taking
place.  Upon a horse that has been lame  from this  disease a
considerable time, it is difficult, if not impossible, to perform a
radical cure: in such cases I have several times succeeded in
removing the lameness, but the internal parts had become so 
E 133 J
irritable, or their organization had been  so altered, that very
moderate work  would cause the lameness to return.   When
the lameness is not so considerable as  to render the horse  to-
tally unfit for work, it will be advisable to apply a shoe that is
thicker, wider, and longer at the heels than that recommended
for a sound foot; and if the frog be tender and rotten, the bare
•hoe will be found serviceable.  (Plate 4, Fig. 2 )   It will be
useful also to keep the  hoof as moist as possible, by making
the horse stand in wet clay four or five hours during the day.
   In examining after death the feet of horses that have been
thus diseased, we find generally that the lamina? have been des-
troyed,  the form of the coffin bone altered, and its size  dimin-
ished, or the lateral cartilages ossified.  In some cases, howev-
er, no appearance of disease can be perceived on the internal
parts of the foot.   When the disease is gone so far as to injure
the lamina?, cartilages or coffin bone, there is  not a possibility
of removing it, which shows how necessary it is  to attend to
the feet of horses more than is  commonly done: and that when-
ever any alteration is perceived to be going on the shape of the
foot;  when the heels appear to be getting narrower, the  frog
squeezed together, and discharging matter, in consequence of
the compression which the sensible frog suffers; it surely must
beof importance to adopt such measures as will not only prevent
the disease from going any further  but  will also  restore  the
foot to its natural healthy state: for when it has gone so far as
to produce absolute  lameness, the cure is by no means certain.
How frequently do we meet with horses that are said to be ten-
der in the feet! and  how subject are they to fall in consequence
of this tenderness, which generally arises from contraction of
the crust!  (n this case the senisble frog is extremely irritable
and  inflamed; and the horny frog which nature designed for its
protection being soft or rotten,  and inadequate to its functions,
every blow that it receives must of course give the animal  very
considerable pain; and I  have known many valuable horses
thrown down in this way; since, however high and wide  the
heel of the shoe may be, the frog will be subject to occasional
blows from sharp projecting stones.   Whenever, therelbre, any
of those symptoms make meir appearance, and whenever  the
ftx>i seems to be undergoing an alteration in form, immediate
recourse should  be  had to the mode of prevention we have
pointed out.
   The next disease  to be noticed is the flat and  convex  sole,
or, as it is more commonly termed, the  pumice foot, which  is
represented in  plate 3* Fig. 2.   This disease most cornmonh
occurs  in heavy draught horses, and seems to  arise  from a
weakness of the crusty fov when the sole becomes fiat or ro.-.
                             M 
[134]
vex, the crust  also loses its ptoper fcrm, and becomes flatter,
appearing as if it had been incapable of supporting the animaPi
weight, and had  therefore given way, allowing the internal fool
to press so upon the sole as to give it the appearance  we ob-
serve.  This explanation of the disease will perhaps appear
better founded, if we consider, that  when a horse is drawing a
heavy load, not  only his own weight,  but  great part  of that
which he is drawing  also, is thrown ultimately upon his feet;
and as the fore feet support by far the greatest share, it is not at
all astonishing that the crust should  sometimes  give way; for
though it  possesses sufficient strength for the purpose of the
animal in a state of nature, yet that strength is limited, and not
always adequate to the heavy burdens which the crust has to
sustain.  When the sole becomes flat or convex, it is rendered
also thinner than it is naturally, and sometimes so much so, as
to yield easily to the pressure of the finger.   The sole, in this
state is of course incapable of affording sufficient protection to
the sensible sole, which is then closely in contact with  it; and
if it be exposed to pressure, lameness must be the consequence.
It is almost superfluous to observe, that the flat shoe  would be
ill adapted to a foot of this description: it becomes necessary
in this case to apply one that is concave on its internal surface,
that the sole may not receive any pressure from it, and  of suffi-
cient width to protect  the sole as much  as can  be done  from
the pressure of the ground.  In Plate 4, Fig. 1, this  shoe ia
represented, in which it may be observed, that although the in-
ternal surface is concave, still there  is  a  flat surface for the  (
crust to bear upon.  In attempting to cure this disease, it is
first necessary  to take off the horses's shoes, and to make him  *
stand on a flat  hard surface: this  kind of pressure will harden
the soles, and in  the end render them thicker, particularly if tar
be frequently applied to them.   1 cannot say that 1 have ever
seen the disease radically cured by this treatment, but I have
known considerable advantage derived from it, especially in one
case,  where the soles, from being convex and very thin,  became
Hat, and sufficiently firm to bear moderate pressure without in-
convenience to the horse.
  We sometimes meet with horses, particularly among thosa
that are well bred for the turf, whose pasterns are remarkably
long and oblique in their position, while the heels are very low
and the toe of considerable length.  If thin heeled shoes  were
applied to feet  of this description, or if the toes were  not kept
short, the horse would be very liable to lameness, from  the ex-
traordinary pressure to which the ligaments  and back sinews
would be exposed: the heels therefore of such horses are to be
carefully preserved, and the toes kept as short as possible.  The 
[ 135 ]
■hoes which are applied should be made sufficiently thick and
long at  the  heel to make up for  the deficiency of horn in that
part, in  order to relieve the ligaments and back sinews; and
with the same view the toe should be made rather thin, and of
the best steel.
  There is another kind of deformity sometimes observable in
the foot, that is, the hoof loses that oblique form represented in
Plate 3, Fig. 1,  and  approaches  towards  the perpendicular,
(Fig. 3:)  at the same time the heels become very high.   In
this case it is necessary to reduce the crust at the  heels, and
apply the thin heeled shoe.
                    Sand  Cracks.

  Are longitudinal fissures in the hoof,  generally near the
heels, beginning at the coronet.   Horses, whose hoofs have
become dry and brittle, are most subject to them.  They gen-
erally occur in the hot and dry months of summer, and seem to
be occasioned by a strong disposition in the hoof to contract, at
a time when it is dry and inflexible.   They do not always cause
lameness, and are sometimes very easily cured: but  when the
fissure is so deep as to reach the sensible parts, it  often produ-
ces very severe lameness, and requires a considerable time to be
completely removed.  Having rasped the quarter, let the crack
be opened with a drawing knife, so that the actual cautery, or
red hot iron  may  be  applied to  it.   This will cause matter
somewhat resembling glue to exude, which will tend to  fill up
the fissure,  and protect the sensible parts that would  other-
wise be exposed.   Our next object is to remove the contractile
disposition of the hoof, without doing  which every other reme-
dy would  avail little.   This  is to be  effected by keeping the
hoof constantly moist, either  by means of clay, or by turning
the horse out to grass in soft moist  ground;  but previous  to this
it is necessary to rasp the bottom of that quarter which is crack-
ed , so that no part of it may bear upon the  shoe.
                        Corns.

  Corns are generally the consequence of bad  shoeing, or im-
proper management of the foot, and may therefore be  avoided
by following the directions I have given under that head: but
when they do occur, it is necessary to remove the red  part,  or
com, with a drawing  knife, and to apply the shoe so that th«
tender part may not receive any pressure.   When it has been 
[ 136 ]
neglected, we sometimes find matter formed in this part, which
often breaks out at the coronet: in this case it is necessary  to
make an opening for the matter in the angle between  the bar
and crust.  (See Fig. 2, Plate 1, Letter e)
  The sore is to be dressed with compound tinctur* of benzo-
in, and the cavity to be loosely filled with digestive ointment,
which is to be kept in by means of a bar shoe.
                        Quittor.

  This disease generally arises from a wound or bruise in the
coronet, and, if neglected, penetrates  under the hoof, forming
sinuses in various directions.   The most effectual method of
treating this complaint is to ascertain in  the first  place, the di-
rection and extent of the sinuses, and  then to force into them
with a strong probe, some crystallized verdigris, rolled up in
thin blotting or silver paper.   This, though apparently alevere
remedy, will  be  found very effectual.  Sublimate and arsenic
have been strongly  recommended as remedies for the quittor;
indeed it is probable that any caustic application would effect a
cure; but I have succeeded so well  with the chrystalized verdi-
gris, that  I  have not  been  induced to try those medicines.
When a corn has been neglected and suffered to break out at
the coronet, or when the foot has been wounded, or pricked, as
it is termed by the farrier, in shoeing, and this is not discovered
until matter appears at the coronet; though  these may be con-
sidered as cases  of quittor, a different treatment is required
from that we have just described.  In these cases the cure
greatly depends on making an  opening for the matter in the
bottom of the foot, where the nail which inflicted the injury
entered; or if produced by a corn, the opening must be made
in the angle,  between the bar and crust, at e, Fig. 2, Plate  1.
The best dressing on these occasions is the compound tincture
of benzoin and digestive ointment; a poultice is sometimes re-
quired to soften  the horny matter,  and subdue any inflamnw-
tion that may exist in the foot.
                       Thrush.

  This disease consists in a discharge of fceted matter from tht
i left of the frog, which part is generally rotten, and so soft as to
»e incapable of affording sufficient protection to the sensible' 
                           t137 1 ^

   frog, which it covers: hence arises that tendeniess of the foot
   which is so often observed.   When this complaint attacks the
   fore feet, it is seldom, if ever, an original disease, but merely a
   symptom or an effect.   The cause is  generally a contraction of
   the horny matter at the quarters or heels, by which the sensi-
   ble frog is compressed and inflamed: the discharge which takes
   place is a consequence of this  inflammation, and may be con-
   sidered as an effectual effort of natuic ic» cure it.  The dis-
   charge,  however, certainly  diminishes  the  inhVmmation, and
   prevents it from  becoming so considerable as  it otherwise
   would; for it often happens  when it has been stopped by the in-
   judicious application of astringents, or when it ceases spjnta-
   neously that the inflammation becomes violent; extends to the
   other parts of the foot, and occasions severe lameness, which
   generally is relieved or removed by a return of the discharge.
   But we arenot to infer from this that an attempt to cure thrush-
   es is  improper;  it only shows that it is necessary in  the first
   place to remove the cavse of the disease.   With this view the
   quarters are t j ue e     , and  the hoofs kept constantly moist,
   by  making me h rsc ,;t.nd in clay some part of the day, taking
   care to keep the frog dry by  means of tar.  When  by  these
   means we have succeeded in removing in some  measure the
   compression and consequent inflammation of the sensible frog,
   it will be advisable to apply some astringent  to the frog, which,
   if assisted by pressure and tar, will render that part firm and
   solid, and the discharge will of course cease, when the inflam-
*  mation leaves the sdhsible frog.
     The best astringents foi this purpose are a solution of white
   or blue vitriol, allum, &c.  There are some cases, however, of
   thrushes, which, though occasioned by compression of the sen-
   sible  frog, it is difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate.  I have
   examined feet with this disease after death, and have fougd the
   concave part or cleft of the sensible frog in  a state of ulceration,
   which of course rendered it incapable of secreting horny matter
   and proved a constant source of thrushes.
    With respect to those thrush^ that attack the hind feet, and
   which sometimes, though rarely, happen also  in the fore feet, in-
   dependently of the above cause, a different treatment  is re-
   quired.   When the  discharge has existed  for a  considerable
   time,  by stopping it hastily,  we frequently produce inflamma-
   tion and swelling of the legs:  still it is -necessary to check the
   disease, since, if neglected, it sometimes degenerates into that
   dangerous disease called eanker.  It is advisable, therefoie. in
   such cases, to keep the bowels open  by the following  haxtive
   ball, given every morning, until  the desired effect  is produced,
  and repeated occasionally.   The best application for  the fro" 
[13S]
h tar, and one of the above astringents: other remedies, how-
ever, have been strongly recommended, among which are pow-
dered lime, Egptiacum, tincture of myrrh,  and other astrin-
gents.   This treatment  will be greatly assisted by two or three
hours exercise every day, and frequent hand rubbing to the legs.

                    LAXATIVE BALL.
Aloes,........2  dr.
Castile soap,.......3  dr.
            To be made into a ball for one dose.
                        Canker.

   This disease frequently originates in a thrush, and most com-
monly attacks the hind feet: it generally proves difficult to cure
and not unfrequently insurable.   The frog is the part first at-
tacked, which becomes soft and rotten, discharging matter of
a peculiar offensive smell.  The horny frog is at length totally
destroyed, and  the  sensible frog, instead  of secreting horn,
forms a substance somewhat resembling shreds of leather. The
disease soon extends to the sole and other parts of the foot, e-
ven to the coffin bone, and is then, I believe  incurable.  The
first thing to be done is to cutaway freely all thediseased parts;
and when the bleeding is stopped, let the following liniment be
applied, and repeated every morning; the dressings may be kept
oh by means of a bar shoe.   Pressure on the diseased part will  •
materially assist  in  effecting a cure.   Whenever the  foot is
dressed, such diseased parts as may again make their appear-
ance are to be carefully removed;  and to such as do not appear
to be sufficiently affected by the  liniment, let a little sulphuric
or nitrous  acid, be applied.   When the parts  which were dis-
eased'begin to look red and healthy, and the discharge loses that
peculiar smell before  noticed, becoming whiter and of a thicker
consistence, there is great  probability of a  perfect cure being
effected;  and  when  these  favorable  appearances take  place,
some mild application wili !>e proper, except  to such par:* as do
not appear to have entirely k.st their foul appearance.

                    STUOXG LINIMENT
                        '  No. 1.
Oil of turpentine,
Sulphuric acid,      -
    Mix very cautiously,
Tar,
                          Mix.
1  OE.

|  OZ.


4  .J2. 
                        [139 1

                       '  No. 2.

Red nitrated quicksilver,.....1 «.
Nitrous acid,.......2 oa
The former being dissolved in the latter, mix them cautiously
                  with four ounces of tar.
                      MILD LINIMENT.

Chrystallized verdigris, finely powdered,     -     -     1 o*.
Honey,'       .......2 oz.
Powdered bole and allum, of each,       -     -     -   £  oz.
Vinegar enough  to give it the consistence of a liniment, to  be
                  mixed over  a gentle fire.
                        Cutting.

  A horse is said to cut when he wounds the inside of the fet-
lock joint with his foot in  travelling.  This may arise from va-
rious causes, the most common  of which seem to be,  an im-
proper position of the foot: the toe instead of being in a line
with the point of the shoulder, inclining  either inward or out-
ward.  In the latter case we  generally find that the inner
quarter of the hoof is lower than the other,  and that the faulty
position of the foot depends upon  this inequality of the quar-
ters; it must be obvious,  therefore, that the remedy in this case
consists  in lowering the outer  quarter,  and making the inner
branch of the shoe thicker than the other.  When the toe  in-
clines inward, it renders a horse liable to cut  on  the inside  of
the knee, at the lower part of the joint; this is termed the spee-
dy cut, from its happening upon the trot or gallop, and is con-
sidered as a dangerous failing in a  horse, the violence  of the
pain which the blow occasions sometimes causing him  to fall
very suddenly.  The remedy for this is to keep the toe as short
as possible, that being the part which generally inflicts  the
wound,  and to alter the improper position of the foot.  Cut-
ling frequently depends upon weakness or fatigue, and is there-
fore very liable to happen to young horses when rode hard ihi
deep heavy ground.   The only remedy in this case is to avoid
the cause until the legs  acquire more strength, or  to protect
the wounded  part with leather, or a boot as it is termed.  When-
ever a horse cuts, it is advisable to ascertain what part it is that
inflicts the wound, and this may often be done by  applying  tar
to the wounded part: this will of course adhere to the part of
the hoof or >L"™  which cory>e« i«to contact with the wound. 
[ 140]
Should it be the edge of the shoe, which I believe is seldom the
case, the cause may be easily removed by  the farrier.   What-
ever part of the hoof it may be, it should be rasped  away as
much as can be done with safety, and  particular attention paid
to the position of the other foot, which, if improper, should be
improved as much as it can be by shoeing.
                   CHAPTER XXIII.



                   1.   Of Bleeding.

   THIS operation is frequently necessary in the diseases of
horses, and is performed either with a. lancet or phleme, in the
neck vein.
   The blood should always be preserved,  that  the quantity
drawn may be accurately known, and that its quality may be
ascertained.  If, after it has coagulated, a white, or rather a
light or buff-colored jelly, be found on the surface,  an inflam-
matory  state of the body is indicated; but in order to render
this criterion  useful,  the  blood must not  be  taken from too
small an orifice, nor should it be suffered to run down the sides
of the vessel which receives it.
   Blood drawn from a healthy horse very soon coagulates, and
appears like a unifr'mly  red jelly, with a small quantity of fluid
resembling water  floating on its surface.  This red jelly may,
by washing be rendered  of a light  buff color, and exactly re-
sembles the buff or  sise, as  it  is termed, of inflamed blood.—
The most healthy blood, therefore, contains this  sise; and the
cause of it not being conspicuous in such blood  is, that coagu-
lation takes place  before the red coloring matter can have time
to separate from it;  but v? blood that  is  drawn from an animal
laboring under general inflammation or fever always preserves
its fluidity much longer than healthy blood, and as the red co-
loring sarticles specifically  heavier than the fluid  with which
they are mixed, they will of course be gradually  subsiding as
long as the mass continues fluid, leaving a coat of buff-colored
jelly on the surface.
   It has been  observed  before,  that healthy blood, when  suf-
fered to coagulate, appears to consist of two parts, the red jelly
termed crassamentum, and  the water, or serum; and that the
former may. afterward be separated, by washing, into  two parts,
tit. the red colored particles, or red  globules, as they are term-
ed b  anatomists, and buff-colored jelly, or coagulable lymph. 
[ 141 1
The proportion, which these component parts of the blood bear
to each other, seems to depend upon the state of the system  at
the time it is drawn.  When the body is healthy and vigorous,
we find but little serum; when it is preternatural ly excited,  or
in a state of inflammation, there is still less; and when the ani-
mal  is weak and debilitated, there is generally an abundance
of serum.   Another circumstance to be attended to in examin-
ing blood is the firmness or  tenacity of  the  coagulum.   In
health the blood, when drawn and suffered to coagulate, is ofa
moderately firm consistence, and easily broken; but when  the
system is highly excited, as in general inflammation, so great is
the tenacity of the mass, that the finger can scarcely penetrate
it.  On the other hand, when the powers of life are weak, as in
the latter stage of symptomatic fever, the blood almost loses its
power of coagulating.  I recollect a glandered horse that was
made the subject of experiments, and that died  in consequence
Of large and repeated doses of mercury; the debility  this pro-
duced was excessive; and the blood appeared as thin, and near-
ly of the  same  color, as claret.  The necessity, therefore, of
examining blood that is drawn  from a diseased horse must be
obvious, as it assists in forming a judgment of the nature of the
disease, and points out the proper remedies.   When blood ex-
hibits buff on its surface, particularly if  at  the same time, the
 coagulum be firm and solid, we may be certain that  the com-
 plaint is inflammatory, and that bleeding may be repeated with
 advantage.  If, on the other hand, the mass of blood  be want-
 ing in tenacity, and have more  serum than usual, we may safe-
 ly conclude that the system is in a state of debility, and con-
 sequently that bleeding  is highly improper.
   In cases of symptomatic fever it will generally be necessary
 to take away four or five quarts of blood at the first bleeoiiig; I
 have seen even six quarts taken with manifest advantage.  It
 is at  this  period of the disease  (its commencement) that copi-
 ous bleeding is particularly useful; and it is  from an  absurd
 prejudice which obtains  against this practice, that so many  hor-
 ses are destroyed by such fevers.   It is  truly laughable to hear
 a. groom orfamer pronouncing with an affectation  of unerring
 sagaci y upon the qualities of blood, fiequently observing.that it
 is too hot, and that consequently the horse must have a fever;
 that it is too dark colored, and  therefore foul; or that it is  too
 thick and cons< quently unfit  for circulation; and sometimes it
 is said to be full of humors.   Willi  respect to the heat  of the
 blood, it will be sufficient to  observe, that it  preserves nearly
 the same lemperature while  circulating in the body, whethev
 the animal bean inhabitant of the most sultry or of the  coldts/
 country, whether in health or in the highest fever. 
[ 142  ]
  Aj to the color of the blood while flowing from the body, it
nay be either red or of a dark color,  as  the operator pleases;
since by pressing on the vein, for a short time before the orifice
is made, it may always be made to  appear of a dark color.  If
an artery be opened, the blood which flows from it will  be of a
brigbtscarlet  color.  The opinion that blood  sometimes be-
comes thick or viscid in the body, was supported by many res-
pectable philosophers, but is now universally abandoned, be-
cause it has been proved to be erroneous.
  I think it a bad practice  to  bleed horses frequently when
there is no urgent occasion, as they thereby acquire a plethor-
ic habit; and unless the operation  be regularly  performed and
gradually increased in frequency,  troublesome  diseases might
ensue.  Horses of a full habit,  that are consequently liable to
inflammatory complains, will receive most benefit from  mod-
erate and long continued exercise, and good grooming. When
bleeding is performed for the cure of important inflammatory
diseases,  a large orifice should  be made in  the vein, and the
blood drawn in a large stream, as we thereby diminish the ac-
tion of the heart and arteries much more readily than if it were
drawn slowly from a small orifice.   In cases of external and
circumscribed inflammation, topical bleeding is eminently use-
ful, which is done by opening some veins contiguous to the af-
fected part, or by scarifying the inflamed surface.
  Thus in diseases which depend  upon an undue proportion
of blood in the vessels of the brain, relief will often be obtain-
ed by opening the artery of the temple; and when the eye is
much inflamed, it will be found useful to scarify the inner sur-
face of the eye-lid

                        Of Physic.

  In  purging horses,  great care  and attention are necessary,
their bowels  being particularly  irritable, and liable to inflam.
mation.   The physic commonly given is certainly too strong,
and I am convinced  that many  horses have been destroyed by
the immoderate doses that have been recommended by writers
on farriery.  When this happens, the  mischief is generally at-
tributed to the coarseness or impurity of the medicine, and the
druggist is undeservedly censured.  A modern author has in-
geniously availed himself of this prejudice,  to explain  the vio-
lent effects which his cathartic prescriptions have sometime!
produced.   I  must  presume, however, to suggest, that  these
effects were more probably occasioned by the excessive quanti-
ty than by the impurity of the purgative ingredients.
  The only certain and safe purgative for horses is aloes; and 
[ 143]
of the different kinds  of aloes, the Barbadoes is undoubtedly
the best.   The succotrine,  which  is generally considered the
mildest, as well  as the most certain in its effect, is too weak,
and so very uncertain and variable in its operation, that we can-
not use  it  without frequent  disappointment.    Practitioners
seem now to be  convinced of the superiority of the Barbadoes
aloe, as it has been sold of late nearly at double the price of the
succotrine.
   It is  advisable to prepare a horse for physic by giving hira
bran mashes for a day or two.  This will gently relax the bow-
els, and  remove any  indurated fa?ces  that may  be lodged in
them:  it  will also tend to facilitate the operation of the medi-
cine.
   About a peck of bran divided into four feeds will be sufficient
for twenty-four hours;  and as it is desirable to give the horse
but a small quantity of hay, I think it advisable to add to each
bran mash about a pint or more of bruised or broken oats, which
will tend to preserve his strength and condition.   He should
be allowed to drink a moderate quantity of water  frequently.
   When a horse is purged  for the first time,  it is prudent to
give a very moderate dose.  Were  the common quantity given
to one of weak irritable bowels,  there would be danger not
only of producing great debility, and  thereby  of counteracting
the intention of the  medicine, but likewise of destroying the
animal, by bringing on an inflammation  of the bowels;  and
this is  by no means  an unusual occurrence.   Should the  first
 ball not operate sufficiently, a stronger may be given  after an
 interval of a few days.*
    The morning is the best time  for giving  a purgative,  the
 horse having previously fasted two or three hours.  If he be
disposed to drink after taking the  ball, give a moderate quan-

   *Mr. John Lawrence recommends  from one ounce  and an half to four-
 teen drams of succotrine aloes, as a moderate dose for a race horse, a dost
which I am sure  would in many horses prove  very  injurious;  and as a
 remedy for that kind of colic or gripes which eften happen from too strong
 a dose of physic, or from bad management during its operation, he recom-
 mends in slight cases a cordial ball, and in more serious cases camphor dis-
 solved in a small quantity of gin, with oil of amber, and balsam of capavi
 and Peru, all of them powerful stimulants and very likely in such cases to
 produce inflammation in the bowels.   Whenever a horse appears sick and
 griped after taking physic,  or, as the above author  properly describes him,
 banging down his head, refusing his food, appearing as if swollen in the
carcase, heaving in his flanks, and frequently throwing up his tail, without
ability to evacuate, all medicines of a stimulating quality should be avoid-
 ed, the strait gut should be emptied by the hand, and afterward clyster* of
 water gruel; with  olive or linseed oil, should  be  injected.  The  horse
 ■hould be allowed  to drink  frequently  of warm water, or thin water gruel;
 and if he refuses to drink, it i» absolutely necessary to drench him MYttti 
■  C  144  ]
tity of warm water, which will promote its solution in  the sto
mach, and consequently expedite the  operation.   During this
day the horse is to be kept  in  the stable, and  fed with  bran
mashes and a moderate quantity of hay: he may be allowed al-
so to drink plentifully of warm water: and if he refuse it in this
state, let it be offered  nearly cold.   The following morning he
is to be exercised: and at this time the medicine will generally
begin to operate.   Should the purging appear to  be sufficient,
he need not betaken out a second time; but when the desired
effect does not readily take place, trotting exercise will tend to
promote it.   During  this day  also he is to be  carefully sup-
plied with bran mashes and warm  water.   Warm clothing
more particularly when out of the stable, must not be omitted.
The next day the purging will generally have ceased, and then
a small quantity of corn may  be allowed.   Wh«n  physic  does
not operate at the usual time, the horse appearing sick and gri-
ped, relief may  generally  be obtained  by giving a clyster of
water gruel, and making him drink freely of  warm water,  as-
sisted by exercise.   When the  purging continues longer  than
usual, and the horse appears  to be considerably weakened  by
the evacuation,  let the astringent ball be given.
   It will be observed, perhaps, that some mgredients common-
ly thought  necessary,  in physic,  have been  omitted in  the fol-
lowing formula.   These medicines iiave been poved, howev-
er, to be perfectly useless   Jallap, though given to the amount
of four ounces,  will produce very  little purgative effect upon
a horse; nor will sahs or cream of tartar.  Rhubarb, however
large the dose, will not operate as a purgative, though it may
be useful in moderate  doses  is a stomachic.

                          No.  1.
Barbadoes aloes,.....-  S dr.
Prepared natron,        -     -     -     -     -    J dr.
Aromatic powder,   -     -      -     -     -         1 dr.
Oil of caraways,   -     -    -     -     -     -10 drops.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

times a day.   Chess means, assisted by walking exercis-;, will soon bring
on an evaluation, and the hone  will  be relieved.   It i* often  sjpp >se4
tlmt these unpiea-ant symptoms are cajsed by some bad quality in tne al-
oes.  But L  aiu convinced from iong experience tliut it is not so; an ■  I will
vonture toarh.n that the ibove symptoms are always occasioned  eithar by
too large a dose ofalo^s, or by treating the dorse improperly after iia has
aken it.  Another circa nstance may sometimes assist, aid ttiat is,  the
ttomach containing too large a quantity of food at the timepiysic is given,
sn<! particiJa.iy if tne foo i  be deficient in moisture.   Bat tins can n»'VJ:r
aappsa if the directions *e  a. • j»iveu .>e duly observed,   f  iave lor s< t
Ural years employed the  Barbaites alaos very extensively, giving, often. 
[ 145]
                           No. 2.
 Barbadoes aloes,        .....7dr.
 Castile soap,        ......] oz.
 Powdered ginger,.....1 dr.
 Oil of caraways,     -     -    -     -     -     -  10 drops.
           Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

                           No. 3.
 Barbadoes aloes,       -       -        -            1 ok.
 Prepared natron,   «■       -       -       -        2 dr.
 Aromatic powder,      -       -        .-       ♦    1 dr.
 Oil  of anise-seeds,        -       -       -        10 drops.
           Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

   The ball No. 2,1 have generally found sufficient  for strong
 horses, and have scarcely ever had  occasion to go further than
 No. 3.   Should  any one, however, be  desirous of a stronger
 medicine, it may readily be procured by adding  one or  two
 drams of aloes, or one dram of calomel to the ball No. 3, but
 I must not omit to observe, that there appears  to  me  to be  a
 considerable danger in making the addition.              *
   Since the former edition of this boolc was published I have
 found great difficulty  in procuring genuine succotrine  aloes,
 and have often been disappointed by it;  I  have been induced,
 therefore, to use the Barbadoes, and can  now  recommend it
 with confidence,  in preference to every  other kind.  The Bar-
 badoes aloe is of a dark brown color,  approaching to blackness,
 of a strong disagreeable  smell, not very brittle and opaque.

                      Diuretics.

   These are medicines which, by stimulating the kidneys,  in-
crease the secretion of urine.   The following formula I  have
found convenient and efficacious.

                          No.  1.
Castile  soap,     -        -       -       -           4  os.
Powdered resin and nitre, of each      -       -       2  oz.
Oil of juniper,        -       -       -       -       |  oz.
Linseed powder and sirup  enough to give it a proper consist-
  ence, to be divided into six balls, for strong, or  eight  for
  weak delicate horses.

feom thirty to fifty doses in the course of a week: and have found, that from
half an ounce to one ounce, may be considered as the proper dose.  For a
delicate blood horse  half an  ounce generally proves sufficient; to a eoej-
■an eaddle horse five or six drams; to a waggon horse, one ewaee.
                             N 
[ 146  ,
                         No.  2.
Castile soap,    -     -     -    -               -    4  or.
Venice turpentine,      -    -     -     -     -    -  2  oz.
Powdered anise-seeds enough to give it a proper consistence-
                to be divided into six balls.

                     Alteratives.

  These are medicines which produce their effects almost in-
sensibly, the following formula? will be found efficacious:

                 ALTERATIVE POWDERS.

                         No.  1.
Levigated antimony,      -    -     -     -     -     6 oz
Tlowers of sulphur,    -    -     -           -     -   8 ot.
                   Mix for eight doses

                          No.  2.
Po«vdered resin,     -
Nitre,       -     -
Tartarised antimony,
                   Mix for eight doses

                         No.  3.
Unwashed calx of antimony,   -        -       -       2 oz.
Calomel,        -       -       -       -        -    2 dr.
Powdered anise-seeds,         -        -       -       4 oz.
                   Mix for eight  doses.

   Should a ball be thought more convenient than powder, the
change may be easily made by  the addition of sirup and lin-
seed powder.
   A dose of the alterative powder should be given every even-
ing with the corn until the whole quantity (that is, eight do-
ses) are used.
   But the powder No. 3 should not be continued so long, on
tccount of the calomel which it contains, unless the horse be
taken  great care of, and the effects of the medicine carefully
watched.  Whenever it is observed to occasion sickness, grip-
ing pains, loss of appetite, or purging, it should be immediate-
ly discontinued, until these symptoms go off

                      Laxatives.

   This term is applied to opening medicines that operate very
■uldly, and produce so gentle a stimulus upon the intestines,
u merely to  hasten the expulsion of their present contents.
4 or
3 oz
1 oz 
[ 147  J
without increasing the secretions.   Castor oil seems to uc :i «
best medicine of this kind, though  the oil of olives or of !uv
seed will produce nearly the sameeffect.  The dose of the for-
mer is about a pint: but the latter may be given  to  a pint .aiu.
a half.   When a laxative ball is required, the  following  will
he found useful:
Succotrine aloes,      -----          5 <- *
Castile soap,......         > dr.
          Sirup enough  to form a ball for one dose

                      3.   Blisters.

   Previous to the application of a  blister, the hair should 1 *
cut from the part as closely as possible, the blistering ointment
 is to be well rubbed on it, and afterwards a small quantity is
 to be spread over the part with a warm knife.  When the bhs
 ter begins to operate, horses are very apt to bite the part, which
 if suffered, might produce a permanent blemish.  It is necessa-
 ry therefore, to guard against this accident  by putting what is
 termed a cradle about his neck, or  by tying  him up to the rack.
 When the legs are blistered, the litter  is to be entirely swept
 away, as the straw might irritate the blistered parts.

                   BLISTERING OINTMENT.
                           No.  1.
 Spanish flies, powdered,                              s °7-
 Oil of turpentine,    -      -                       \ 01.
 Ointment of wax or hog's lard,  ,   -               -    4 oz.
                            Mix.

                            No. 2.
 Oil of turpentine,      ......*  '  c,/-
                   To which add gradually,
 Vitriolic acid,      .---.-               2  f,r-
 Hog's lard,      ----     -           "  4  oz
 Spanish flies, powdered,   -    -    -          -     l  oz
                            Mix.
                           No. 3.
  Common tar,.....          -   4 oz.
  Vitriolic acid,.......|  dr-
  Oil of origanum,       -
                                                     2 oz.
Spanish flies, powdered,   -                     U or 2 oz.
Hog's lard,
Add the vitriolic acid gradually to the tar, and then the rest of
                      the ingredients. 
[148 ]
  Remark.—The blister No. 3 is remarkably useful in  remov-
ing enlargements of the back sinews or windgalls.  It is ne-
cessary to be very careful in mixing the vitriolic acid with the
tar; for unless they are intimately incorporated, the acid will
act as a caustic upon the skin  and  produce ulceration.  I have
seen horses suffer severely from this, particularly when in blis-
tering the legs, it has been applied also to the back  part of the
pastern, or to the heel, a part  that should always  be protected
from the  action of the blister, by having some hog's lard smear-
ed over it; being so  irritable  that  a blister sometimes causes
ulcers, which in this part are difficult of cure.  Sublimate  is
often recommended as an ingredient in blisters, but  it  is very
apt to ulcerate the skin, and leave a permanent mark or blem-
ish.   I have therefore omitted it in the above formulas; but in
cases of bone or spavin, in which severe blistering is necessary,
it may be employed  with advantage.   I have for some time
employed the following blister for common purposes, and find
it more convenient than the others.

                          No. 4.   ■

Hog's lard,           -       -      -      -       6 oz.
Venice turpentine,        -       -       -           4 oz.
Bee's wax,           -       -       -      -       2 oz.
Yellow resin,     -       -       -       -       -    1 oz.
Oil of origanum,      -       -       -      -       ^ oz.
Powdered cantharides,    -       -       -       -   3 oz.

Melt the first four ingredients; and  when removed from the
  fire, and not too hot, stir in the oil of origanum and canthar-
  ides: continue stirring until cold.   Should  this blister be-
  come too hard in winter,  it  may be softened by  rubbing  it
  with a little oil of origanum or turpentine, in a mortar  or on
  a slab.
                  i.   Fomentations.

  Fomentations are commonly made  by boiling wormwood,
southernwood, camomile flowers and bay leaves in water, so as
to make a strong decoction, which being strained off,  is to be
applied as hot as can be, without giving pain to the animal, by
means of large flannel cloths.  The  efficacy of fomentations
depends in great measure on their use being continued for a
considerable lime together, and being frequently repeated. 
I  149 ]
                      5.   Poultice.

  The following mixture will be found useful as a common
poultice: Fine bran, one  quart; pour on it a sufficient quanti-
ty of boiling water, to make a thin paste; to this add of linseed
powder enough to give it a proper consistence.
                     6.   Rowels.

  When these are used with a view  of relieving  internal in-
flammation or fever, it will be found useful to apply blistering
ointment instead of turpentine, or  the digestive commonly
made use of, for this will produce a considerable degree of in-
flammation in a short time.
                     7.   Clysters.

  A variety of compositions have been recommended for  clys-
ters by those who have  written on  the  subject, there being
scarcely an article in the Materia Medica that has not been oc-
casionally employed in this way.  1 have found, however,from
considerable experience, that for a common clyster, water is as
efficacious as the most elaborate composition.  When this can-
not be readily procured, I have been in the habit of using warm
water, and without perceiving  any  difference  in  the effect.
Where a purgative clyster is required, from four to eight ounces
of common salt may be added: and  ifan anodyne be wanted, or
an astringent, let half an ounce of  opium be dissolved  in a
quart of water gruel.  The best method of administering clys-
ters, is by means of a bladder and pewter pipe.  If a clyster be
employed for the purpose of emptying the large intestines, or of
purging, the quantity of liquid should not be less than a gallon
or six quarts; but when it is used as an anodyne or astringent.
from a quart to three pints of liquid will be sufficient.
                       8.   Pulse.

   In the management of sick horses  great advantage may be
derived from attending to the state of *the pulse as we are there-
by enabled to judge of the degree  or violence of the disease,
and the probability there may be  of recovery: we are in some
measure assisted also by it, in ascertaining the  nature of the
complaint, and in the application of remedies. 
[150 J
  In a healthy horse, the pulsations about 36 or 40 in a min-
ute, and may be felt very distinctly either on the left side, or in
an artery that passes over the lower jaw bone: in short, pulsa-
tion may be felt in. every superficial artery.  When the brain
is oppressed, the pulse generally becomes unusually slow.  In
a case of water in the brain, which occurred lately, the pulse
fell to 23 in a minute; in the progress  of the disease, however,
it became unusually quick.
  When a horse appears rather dull, and does not feed  proper-
ly, it is advisable to examine the pulse, and if he be found to
exceed the standard of health,  immediate recourse should be
had to bleeding.  By this  timely interference many dangerous
complaints may be prevented.   When the pulse rises to 80 or
90 in a minute, there is  reason to be apprehensive of danger;
and when it exceeds one hundred, the disease frequently  ter-
minates in death.
                   CHAPTER XXIV.

              CONDITION.

  By the term condition is to be understood not merely a fat,
sleek appearance in a horse; it implies also a proper degree of
vigor, by which he is enabled to  perform extraordinary labor,
without being too much fatigued.  Every defect with respect
to condition must originate either in disease or in  bad groom-
ing.  Under the latter head  must be comprehended feeding,
exercise, and the general management of the stable: the former
will include various disorders, which will be concisely describ-
ed, and the most effectual means pointed out for their removal.
  In treating of the anatomy and physiology of the internal or-
gans, an explanation has been given of that curious process by
which the^body is nourished, and enabled to perform its various
functions  with regularity.   Thence it will appear, that in or-
der to produce that degree of vigor and general healthiness of
appearance  which constitute good condition, it  is  necessary
that these organs should be in a state  of health, and that no
impediment should exist to the performance of their functions.
This, however,sometimes happens; we shall therefore' proceed
to show the various imperfections which tend to prevent a horse
from acquiring condition.
   1st.  Tenderness in the mouth, preventing the horse from
musticating freely.—It sometimes happens that the molar teeth
or grinders wear so irregnlarlyvas to have sharp edges,by which 
[1513
the inside of the cheek is wounded: the pain which the act of
chewing occasions in this case, induces  the horse to swallow
some part of his food unbroken, which, being difficult of di-
gestion, frequently passes through the body unchanged.   This
defect is particularly inconvenient in horses that are separated
from others by bails* only; as in the  barracks,  their  more  ac-
tive neighbors have an opportunity of sharing their allowance.
This complaint may be removed by rasping  down  the sharp
edges of the teeth, for which purpose there are files made by
vaterinary instrument makers, and by applying to the wounded
cheek the following mixture:

Powdered allum,       -    .     -                I  oz.
Honey,        -     -     -     -     -     -      -   2  oz.
Vitriolic acid, (strong)       --•:-•    12 drops.
Infusion of roses,       -    -.     -     -           8  oz.
                          Mix.

   It will be necessary until this defect be removed, to give the
horse broken corn, which may be more easily digested.  It has
sometimes been found  necessary  to  remove a projecting tooth
before the horse can be relieved, for which purpose a large strong
tooth instrument is made.
   When young horses are cutting their teeth, the mouth some-
 times becomes inflamed and tender.   This is another circum-
 stance which  may impede mastication, but is easily removed by
 washing the inflamed parts frequently with the above mixture.
 Should a slight degree of fever supervene, bleed moderately,
 and give a dose of the fever powder.   The corn which is given
 should be either softened by steeping in boiling water,  or be
 broken in a mill.
   The lampas is said to be another impediment to feeding,
 (See Lampas,) and is therefore removed with a  red-hot iron.
 This operation is certainly performed much oftener than is  ne-
 cessary.
   2d.  Weakness of the stomach or bowels.—Horses that have
 acquired the vicious habit termed crib biting, suffer great in-
 convenience from the waste of saliva which it occasions;  the
 stomach being in great measure deprived of  this liquid,  per-
 forms its functions imperfectly: hence  arise flatulent colic or
 gripes, general emaciation and debility. The  remedy com-
 monly employed is a leathern  strap, buckled tight round  th«
 neck, immediately beneath the jaw.  This, however, is seldom
 eS'ectual.   A better method is to cover the edge of the manger
 and every other part he can lay hold of, with  sheep skins (the

   •Sec further remarks on bails in the subsequent section, "The Stable.' 
[152 3
 wool side outward,) until the habit is destroyed.—There are
 other causes by which the  energy of the stomach may be im-
 paired.  Among thase are excessive fatigue, bad food, defect
 in respiration or breathing foul air, taking too much food or wa-
 ter at once, or at any improper  time, bots, fever; in short the
 stomach is so important an organ  in  the animal system, that
 scarcely any part can be materially injured without  affecting  it
 in some, degree -and whenever the stomach  is hurt, the whole
 system seems to sympathise and partake of the injury.
   Weakness of the stomach is sometimes  very easily cured.
 The powers of nature indeed are often capable of restoring its
 tone: at others we find the  disease extremely obstinate, resist-
 ing the most powerful  medicines.   This difference depends
 upon the variety in the causes by which the weakness is in-
 duced.  When it arises from loading  the stomach with improp-
 er food, that contains scarcely any nutriment, such as straw,
 and where the horse has been fed in this way for a considerable
 time, the diet should be gradually changed to one more nutri-
 tive.   During the time we are making this alteration, it is gen-
 erally necessary togiveoneor twodoses of laxative medicine,
 joined with aromatics (See Laxatives,) to prevent inflammato-
 ry affection  of the eyes, lungs, or  heels, or,  according to tho
 more fashionable language  of grooms to prevent hvmors  from
 breaking out.   Should the appetite appear deficient, the cordial
 ball will be found of great service, given occasionally.   When
 excessive fatigue is the cause of the weakness,  which we often
 find after a hard days run with the hounds, nothing is so effec-
 tual as the cordial ball, particularly in old horses: it soon gives
 them an appetite, and renders  them fit for work again much
 sooner than they would  otherwise be.   Where a speedy eflect
 is required, the ball may be mixed  with a pint of good  beer or
 ale.
   If a horse, after sweating from exercise or any other cause,
 is allowed to drink freely of cold Water, the stomach is sudden-
 ly debilitated, and the whole system is affected in consequence:
 hence arise  flatulent  colic,  suppression of urine, shivering,
 quick pulse  and other symptoms of fever.   (For the remedies
 consult the Index.)
   The stomach sometimes becomes weak gradually and with-
 out any apparent cause.  This is  first indicated by the appe-
 tite failing, which is soon followed by a general debility, ema-
 ciation, and an unhealthy looking coat.  The most effectual
 remedies in this case are  the tonic  balls and a nutritious diet;
 corn should be given more frequently than usual, but in small
quantities;  and a little malt on these occasions is  extremely
 useful.  The stable should be well ventillated, but not cold: 
[153]
regular exercise will also be very beneficial, and should never
be omitted.   It should be understood, however, that, although
exercise tends to promote strength: if carried beyond the ani-
mal's power it becomes a cause of debility:  it is highly neces-
sary, therefore, when a horse is in a state of  weakness, to take
care that his exercise is but moderate.
   Worms in the stomach or bowels are a frequent cause of lean-
ness and debility in horses; and while they exist, every exertion
to promote condition will be ineffectual.  (See. Worms,) a de-
fect in the organs of respiration will also produce weakness and
emaciation.
   If the blood be not duly supplied with that vivifying princi-
ple, which is derived from the air by breathing, a greater or less
degree of debility must be the consequence; hence a want of
tone is always observable in the stomach and  bowels of broken
winded horses, as well as a deficiency in the muscular power
in general.  The same evils will result from keeping a horse
in too close a stable, where the air does  not contain the  usual
proportion of this principle.
   3d.  Imperfection in the liver or pancreas, or obstruction im
the tubes or ducts, by which their respective juices are convey-
ed to the bowels.   (Sea Anatomy of Internal Organs.)   The
liver is not often diseased in the horse, unless it  be from inter-
nal inflammation.   When the exterior surface of the bowels or
stomach is  attacked  by inflammation,  it will  spread,  if not
speedily checked by bleeding, &.c. to the surface of  the liver,
and other internal parts;  and when horses die from this disease,
which they often do from improper treatment, the liver is gen-
erally found inflamed or mortified  throughout its whole sub-
stance; but this is an acute disease, and therefore not connect-
ed with the present subject.   (See Inflammation of the Liver.)
It sometimes happens, however, that a horse becomes weak and
lean, either from a deficiency or redundancy  of bile.  In the
former case, digestion will be  imperfect, and  the horse fre-
quently costive; the appetite will beTmd, the animal languid
and sluggish, and generally hidebound, the coat looking rough
and unhealthy.  The best remedy in this case is to give  small
doses of calomel, soap,  and aloes, are recommended in jaun-
dice, so as to keep the bowels in a more open state; or'if the
disease have existed some tihie, give in the first place  a mercu-
rial purgative, and afterward the following alterative.
Calomel,     -       -       -       -       -   1 scruple.
Aloes,     -       ♦       -        -       -        1 dr.
Cascarilla powdered, and rhubarb, of each     -    2 dr,
Ginger,          -       -        -       -        1 dr.
Castile soap,      *          -       -       (    3 dr, 
If
[ 154]
Sirup enough to forma ball, to be given every morning for rivn
  or six days, unless it occasions purging, in which  case  it is
  to be discontinued for two or three days.

  The horse's diet should be light and nutritious, consisting of
ground oats, carrots, malt, &,c.: regular exercise is of great use.
In the spring or  summer, a run at grass is the best remedy.
When there is too much bile formed, it occasions a loose state
of the bowels, which causes the horse to become weak and thin.
This  complaint depends upon  increased action of the liver,
which generally ceases in a short time without the aid of medi-
cine.   Should  the purging  continue so as to  reduce the ani-
mal's strength,  the following medicine may be given, and as-
sisted by a light nourishing diet, and very moderate exercise.

Powdered columbo root,  -       -        -           2 dr.
Cascarilla, powdered,          -       -       -       1 dr.
Prepared natron,         -       -        -        -    2 dr,
Opium,        -       -       -       -               J dr.
                 To be given every  morning.

  There are no external appearances by  which a diseased state
of the pancreas can be ascertained, though it is probable some-
times a cause  of ill condition.   There  is reason  to believe
that want of condition depend in some  cases  upon an imper-
fect action of the lacteals, or those delicate vessels which  con-
vey the chyle, or nutritious parts of the food, into  the blood.
All the infernal surface of the bowels is covered with very mi-
nute  orifices, which are the  mouths of the lactaels, and are sup-
posed to be always open, to receive such parts of the digested
food  as are destined foi the nourishment of the system.   It is
not improbable that these minute orifices may sometimes  b«
obstructed, or that the lacteals may be deficient in energy.
Therefore when a  horse continues  thin  and ill-conditioned,
without any cause, this may be suspected; and the success we
have often met  with in such cases, by giving a mercurial pur-
gative, joined with a moderate stimulant or stomachic medi-
cine, seems to justify the opinion.   The following formula may
be  employed on this occasion:

Barbadoes aloes,       .                     .     -| oz.
Rhubarb,      .                                  2 dr.
Calomel,    ...                           1 dr.
Ginger,                             .           .  1£ dr.
Oil of caraways,              .     .     •     .    10 drops.
Castile soap,        ......   2 dr.-
                Sirup enough to form a ball. 
[155 ]
      I !-nould have observed before, that we sometimes meet- with
   horses, particularly those of the blood kind, that have an almost
   habitual looseness or diarrhoea; and cannot bear moderate work,
   or drinking freely of water, without becoming loose in the bow-
   els, and consequently weak and faint.  Such horses are generally
   observed to sweat much with the most moderate exercise, and
   sometimes when standing in the  stable.   This complaint is
   sometimes merely temporary, and is most likely to happen  in
   the early part of spring, or about September and  October;  at
   which periods some changes are generally taking place in the
   coat, by which the bowels, and often the whole system, are ren-
   dered irritable  and weak.  In this case the  symptoms general-
    ly disappear with the cause: but as a horse may remain in this
    situation  for a considerable time,  and be unfit  for work, it is
    advisable to  call in the assistance of medicine.   The first med-
    icine to be given is a stomachic laxative, and after that the to-
    nic ball.   The horse should  be clothed moderately, and  ex-
    posed  as  little as possible to a current of air: but the  stable
    should be well ventilated, and his water at the summer tem-
    perature, that  is, about 50 degrees by Farenheit's thermome-
    ter.   His exercise ought not to exceed a walk: but he may be
    taken out twice a day if the weather be lavorable.  With  res-
    pect to those horses that are habitually weak, or washy, as it is
    termed, becoming loose and weak from moderate work, or ra-
    ther trifling causes, there is no  great chance of radical cure:
    but  the animal will derive great benefit  from medicine  and
     care, and often be enabled to do his work with spirit, and with-
     out much  inconvenience.   The proprietor  of such horses
     should always be provided with the following cordial, which
     should be given not ohly when the looseness and weakness are
     actually present, but at any time when considerable exertion is
     requited  of him.  If he be wanted for a journey, or a day's
     hunt, let him have a ball a little before he sets off, and another
§|   when he  returns.   If the horse be very young  it may be worth
     while to  attempt a radical cure, by a long run  at grass. Hor-
     ses of this description require great attention from the  groom:
     they should never be exposed to the air without clothes, unless
      in the hot day's of summer.   Their water should always be at
      summer temperature, and given  in  small  quantities often.
      Their food should be easy of digestion, their oats and beans
      given in a  broken or bruised  state, and their daily allowanct
      should be divided into four or five feeds.  Their hay should be
      of the best quality:  mow-burnt  hay is particularly injurious.
      A  brisk circulation should be kept up in  the  skin and extrem-
      ities, by frequent wisping the body, and hand-rubbing  the legs.
      Moderate exercise is necessary; and the horse should always b« 
                        [  156 ]

attended to the moment he comes into the stable, either from
work or exercise.   (See next chapter.)

                 STOMACHIC  PURGATIVE.

Barbadoes aloes,       .„                          3 dr.
Rhubarb,           ..       .                      2 dr.
Ginger,               ..       ,       .        .    1 dr.
Cascarilla,         ,        :       .       .       2 dr.
Oil of Camomile,      .              -       .10 drops.
Prepared natron,    .        .       .       .       3 dr.
         Sirup enough to form a ball  for one dose.

                       TONIC  BALL.

Salt of steel,                                    $  oz
Columbo root,               .       .       .   3  dr.
Cascarilla bark,  .       c       ,       .       2 dr.
Opium,      .        .       .       .       .1  scrapie.
          Sirup enough to form a ball  for one dose.

  Remark.—Arsenic is an excellent tonic, but must be given
with caution, and in small doses.
                    t
                     CORDIAL BALK.

Ceraway seeds, recently powdered,  .               2 dr.
Wintes' bark, powdered,        .       .            3 dr.
Prepared chalk,            .      .       .        2 dr.
Opium,       .       .               .            £ dr.
Oil of anise seeds,        ...        20 drops.
          Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.
  Having given a short account of the diseases or imperfec-
tions  which prevent a horse from  acquiring condition, it re-
mains for us to point out what kind of stable management or
f rooming is most conducive to it; and as a good stable is the
 rst thing to be attended  to, and is generally  allowed  to have
•onsiderable influence on the health and condition of horses, it
will not, perhaps, be thought superfluous if we say a few words
on this subject.
                      The Stable.
  In (ho construction  of a stable, there is perhaps no circum-
stance more deserving attention than that of ventilation,  or  of
having contrivances for the ready admission of fresh air, and 
[157]
for the escape of that which has been rendered impure by brea-
thing; and it is really extraordinary that so little attention should
have been paid to so important a circumstance.  Grooms  in
general make a point of closing every apeiture they can find;
and ifat any time they are prevailed upon to open a window,
it is commonly so small, and so inconveniently situated, as to
be of but  little service.  Let any one  for a moment consider
how foul an atmosphere must be produced, in a close stable  in
which several horses are  kept, by the constant exhalation  of
unwholesome vapors from  the litter, by  the steams of perspira-
tion from the skin, and by  noxious airs from the lungs;and  he
will not be surprised at the long catalogue of diseases, to which
this improper treatment must subject these useful animals.
   If a doubt remain in the mind of any one as  to the impropri-
ety of such close stables, let him enter  one early in the morn-
ing, on its being first opened, and he will experience such a
painful sensation in the eyes, and so violent a cough, as will
afford him the most convincing proof of the noxious and stimu-
lating nature of such an atmosphere; yet such is the obstinacy
and ignorance of grooms in general, that they cannot be pre-
vailed upon to abandon this injurious practice.   Even at this
time, stables are generally built too low, and unprovided  with
effectual means of ventilation.
   A stable should be as lofty as it can be made conveniently, at
 least twelve feet; the foul air  will then circulate in the higher
 parts, and the animal will not be constantly breathing an un-
 wholesome atmosphere, which he must do when the ceiling is
 scarcely higher than his  head. Proper apertures must be also
 made in  the ceiling, communicating with the  atmosphere  by
 square wooden tubes, so contrived as not to admit the rain into
 the stable; the foul  air and other unwholesome vapors will then
L readily pass off, while a proper quantity of fresh air may be ad-
mitted by  means of windows.  The next circumstance  to  be
attended  to is nearly connected with, and not less important
than ventilation; namely, the so constructing a stable as to be
 able to regulate its  temperance, or keep the air at any degree of
heat that may be thought proper.  It is generally allowed, that
 a uniform temperature in a stable is very desirable, and it is cer-
 tain that many of the diseases of horses are caused by sudden
 changes in this respect.  Even slight variations of temperature,
 if frequent, are injurious; yet few stables are to be found where
 this inconvenience  is effectually guarded against.  To accom-
 plish this desirable  purpose, the windows should be in different
sides, so that  when a  cold wind blows from any point, it may
be shut out, while fresh air is admitted by the opposite window.
There should be several of the apertures we have  described  in
                              6 
[ 158  ]
the ceiling, that they may be occasionally shut either wholly or
partially, so that, by means of these and the windows,  the tem-
perature can at any season be easily regulated, according to the
weather, or state of the horse's health, more accurately  if a
thermometer be kept—an instrument which appears to be a ne-
cessary appendage to a well conducted  stable.   If during the
cold days of winter the contrivance we have proposed should be
found insufficient to raise the temperature of the stable to  the
desired point, the air may be easily warmed to any degree by
means of stoves placed on  the outside, with  iron  chimneys
passing through the stable.
   Light is also a thing of much  importance in the construc-
tion of a stable; and for the purpose of  admitting it readily tt>
every part, the windows should be large and properly placed.
   There is no doubt that the eyes of horses are often injured
by dark stables; and when a horse is just taken from a dark
situation, it  is easy to perceive that light  at first irritates  the
eye and gives pain; and this  is more remarkable, when he is
brought suddenly into the sunshine; nor is it  to  be wondered
at that so delicate an organ as the eye should suffer materially
from the frequent repetition of this sudden change.
   Though a light stable is desirable, the sunshine should  not
be allowed to fall on the eye of a horse as he stands in his stall;
nor should the walls or  ceiling be of a white color, as under
such  circumstances the  eyes would be over stimulated, and
rendered weak;  and  when it is "considered how liable horses
are to dieases of these organs, and how frequently they termi-
nate in blindness, no one will think any circumstance tending
to their preservation too trifling to be noticed.   With regard
to the best color for the walls and ceiling, a stone or dove color
is perhaps to be preferred, and may be made by mixing a little
lamp-black, ivory black, or blue black with the common whit*
wash.
  The door should  be larger and higher than we usually set it,
for horses are very liable in passing through a narrow or low
one, to strike their hips or head; 1 have seen some troublesome
accidents happen in this way; besides even if the hair be struck
off about the hips, il is thought a blemish,  because it  may  not
grow again;  or if it do grow, the hair may be white.
  In fitting up the irile^or of a stable, particular attention must
be paid to the size of the stalls, which should not be less than
»jx feet wide, and the sides sufficiently high to prevent any sort
of contact or communication between  the horses.  I know it
will be urged as an argument against this, that  they are socia-
ble animals, and thrive better with a companion than  when a-
lona; tLis is certainly true: but, on the other hand, I am con- 
[150]
vinced from long observation that horses do not feel themselves
in solitude, when they are thus  prevented  from touching or
playing with their neighbors; besides, if we consider the nu-
merous accidents that happen from low  stalls, how frequently
they kick or bite, and otherwise  injure each other, there can
be no doubt I think of the advantage of high stalls.   At this
moment I have under my care a fine mare, who from kicking
very high,  got her hind leg over  the stall,  and has received a
deep and extensive wound, which will  probably  prove  fatal.
The stall should always be of considerable depth, that a horse
may not, by drawing back, have  the power of kicking  those in
the adjoining stalls. The method of separating horses by means
of bails, or poles, suspended by chains, I think very injudicious;
the only recommendation it can possibly have is the little ex-
pense that  attends it, and its allowing a great number cf horses
to stand in a stable.   I am convinced,  however, from what I
observed during the time I had  the honor of serving the royal
dragoons, that, notwithstanding these recommendations, they
are really in the end more expensive fo government than stalls
would be:  scarcely a day passing wilhout some accident hap-
pening from the bails: many dangerous, and some fatal wounds
were occasioned by them.   I once saw a  horse break  his spine,
or back bone, by endeavoring to rise while under the bail; and
several horses lost their sight from being  bitten in  the eyes^:
but the most serious inconvenience perhaps attending bails  is
the impossibility almost of feeding every horse equally; some
horses feeding very slowly, and  others so expeditiously, as to
devour, as  well as their own, great part of their neighbor's al-
lowance in a short time.    To this may be added the facility
with  which  contagious  diseases are communicated, the dis-
turbance a horse is liable to  when fatigued, and the difficulty
oflying down quietly.
   The floor of the stall should  be made  of hard brick as a
more equal surface is then formed  than can  be obtained by
paving with pebbles.  Very little declivity is necessary to drain
off the urine: and as great inconvenience sometimes arises from
suffering a horse to stand in a stall where the fall is considerable,
creating unnecessary exertion in the muscles of the  hind leg,
and keeping the ligaments constantly in a tense state, it haa
been recommended to make the drain in the middle of the stall
whereby the hind and fore feet of the horse might stand  on a
level.   In  whatever way, however, the stall is made, it should
be carefully cleaned once a  day, that none of that putrescent
matter may accumulate which generates ammonia, or that pun-
gent vapor which is so abundantly found in close filthy stables.
An iron rack is preferable to one of wood, being more easily
l 
[ 160 ]
kept clean, and furnishing no splinters; which, where  wooden
racks are used,  sometimes  injure the mouth.   The manger
may be so contrived, as  to  slide into the wall like a drawer;
and then while the groom is wisping him he would have noth-
ing to lay hold of with his mouth, by which practice horses of-
ten become crib-biters.   The heighth both of the rack and man-
ger, should be such as  to enable the horse  to feed  with the
greatest ease; the former is sometimes made so high,  that the
horse is obliged  to exert  the muscles of his  neck considerably
in order to reach it; and  this has been so placed, under an idea
of its having a  tendency to make him carry his head more
gracefully; it is more probable, however, that the only  effect of
it is to make-tho horse uncomfortable while  feeding.  It has
indeed been lately recommended as the best plan, to place the
racks on a level with the manger, so that the horse may feed as
he does in a state of nature; but  I have had sufficient trial of
this plan to be convinced of its being in every respect less con-
venient and economical than the common rack.

       Feeding,  Exercise, and Grooming.

   These are subjects of  considerable  importance, and require
more atetntion than is commonly paid to them, as the health
and condition of horses depend greatly on their being properly
managed.
   When a horse is in a  state of nature, and using only volunta-
ry exercise, there cannot be a  doubt that the green food  which
the bountiful Creator provides for him, is better calculated than
any other to keep him in perfect health, and satisfy his wants;
but when he is  domesticated, and employed in the various la-
bors for which he is found so essentially useful, it is necessary
to adapt the quantity of his food to the nature of the work he
has to perform.   When  therefore we undertake to get a horse
inlo condition,  it is necessart first to inquire for  what kind  of   ^k
labor he is designed; whether  it be for the turf, the  chace,  or   ™
the road.  A horse, without doubt, provided he is  in health,
may havehis condition & wind bro't to the higheststate of perfec-
tion it is capable of, merely by judicious management in respect
to feeding,  exercise a/Id^grooming; and  notwithstanding the
great mystery and se^ecy affected by those who make a busi-
ness of training race horses, I will venture to affirm, that it is a
very simple process, and easily to be accomplished by anyone,
 who will attentively consider the principles we shall lay down,
 and not suffer himself to be influenced by an ignorant groom.
 It is a fact, not sufficiently known perhaps, that the strength of
 an animal, or any part of the body, may be increased to a con- 
[ 161 3
sideraWe degree, by means of exercise properly conducted; and
as breathing is affected  by muscular exertion, it follows that
the strength or perfection of this function, or as it is common-
ly termed good wind-, must depend on the strength of  those
muscles by which breathing is performed; and by keeping m
view this single principle, we  shall do more  for the improve-
ment of a horse's wind, than we could by learning a 1 the mys-
teries of training.  In order to have a clear idea of the method
of getting the horse into high condition and good wind, let us
suppose him just taken from grass; it being understood that ev-
ery horse, who works hard during the other parts of the  year,
will in summer be allowed this necessary relaxation; without
which the feet, as well as the sinews, joints, ligaments, &c. of
 the limbs,  will  be liable to suffer materially: and not unfre-
 quently the general health of the animal, is injured by such pri-
 vation. But should any one be so situate as to be unable to
 procure this renovating indulgence for his horse, he must en-
 deavor to substitute for it a large  airy stable, where the animal
 may be turned loose.   If he cannot get fresh vegetable  food,
 such as lucerne, vetches, (tares,) clover,  &c. he will find car-
 rots a useful succedaneum during this time of rest.  I he horse
 should be allowed to drink frequently: and ifhe be not immod-
 erate, he may be suffered to drink as often and as much  as he
 pleases   He should be fed sparingly with oats, and on no ac-
 count be allowed beans or any thing of the kind   The best
 diet of the dry kind is, perhaps, a mixture of oats, chopped hay,
 and bran; to be  given alternately with green  food; or if a suffi-
 cient quantity of  green food can be procured, very little dry
 meat  will  be necessary.  This  treatment will  serve in some
 measure as a substitute for a run at grass, provided the  stable
 be large and  airy.   The light also should be freely admitted;
 and if a convenient court be adjoining to the stables, the horse
 may be suffered  to run in and out at pleasure; but if there  be
 nothing but  the stable for him to  run in, it will be proper to
 walk htm out quietly every morning and evening, allowing him
 to drink freely  in a running stream or  river; the feet, during
 this time, should be kept cool and moist, for  which purpose
 they may be stopped daily with a mixture of soft clay and cow-
 dung.  When a horse is taken from grass,  or  from the situa-
 tion and treatment we have just described, in order to be got
 into a condition for racing, hunting, or the road, the first object
 of attention is to bring about the necessary change in his food,
 and other circumstances, as gradually and with as little incon-
 venience to the animal as possible.  Ifhe be taken from grass,
  let him be put  at first into a large airy stable,  and suffered to
 exercise himself in it.  . Let him drink frequently; and, instead 
[ 162  1
of depriving him suddenly of his green food, allow him at first
some carrots, with bran, and a moderate quantity of oats.   He
should be walked out once a day at least.  His allowance of
oats should be gradually increased, and that of bran and carrots in
like manner diminished, until the latter  is  wholly discontin-
ued.  Ifhe be a large  drinker, he  should  be allowed  but a
moderate quantity at once; but at all times, and in almost all
circumstances, it is proper to allow a horse  water four times a
day; which, instead of oppressing his stomach, or injuring his
wind, will facilitate digestion, and materially conduce to the
preservation of health,  and the improvement of condition.  I
am aware of the  prejudice  that exists against this practice-
that it is supposed to give a horse a large belly, and render him
unfit  for galloping any length of time without endangering his
wind.  I am convinced, however, not only by my own experi-
ence, but by that of some experienced  sportsmen also, that  so
far from  injuring  a horse in any one  respect, it is extremely
beneficial; and that, when a horse is allowed to drink four  or
five times a day, he is not inclined  to drink  much, and  often
does not drink so much in the twenty-fouf'hours, as one that is
allowed to drink only twice a day as much as he pleases.   As
the horse's allowance of oats is increased, so  should  his  exer-
cise be; and if this be properly managed,- there will be no  abso-
lute necessity for bleeding or medicine.   It is necessary, how-
ever,  to observe the horse carefully during the time we are in-
dexing his allowance, of oats, and diminishing that of carrou
and bran; and if he  appear dull, or  have a cougli,  however
trifling, it indicates an inflammatory disposition of the body,
and points out the propriety of moderate bleeding, or a  laxa-
tive.  But under proper management I do not think such symp-
toms would ever take place,  though  they  almost always do
when a  horse is changed from grass to* a  close stable and dry
food too  suddenly; and in such cases both bleeding and purg-
ing are indipensably requisite to prevent the occurrence of ve-
ry serious diseases.   It is from this circumstance perhaps, that
the absurd custom of giving exactly three strong doses of phys-
ic, as  a necessary preparative, took its origin.   When a horse
has been taken from grass about a week, I think it advisable to
give him  a very mild purgative, such as No. 1, (See Phytic;)
not thatl am convinced of its being absolutely  necessary, but
because it cannot do any harm; and  if the horse have been tad
too liberally, or not exercised sufficiently—or  should the sto-
mach  and bowels be out of order,  or have any worms  in them
—a mild purgative will be of great service.  It is on this ground
that I  always  recommend two or  three doses of mild  physic,
during the  time a horse is getting into condition; but I  have 
[  163 1
seen so many instances  of the  injurious effects of the strong
physic recommended in many books of farriery, and commonly
given by grooms, that  I think it necessary to advise the readei
never to suffer his groom or  smith  to prepare or prescribe^
dose of purging medicine.   That such strong  doses are often
given  without  any  immediate bad effect, is no proof of their
innocence, still less of theirutility.   I can truly  assert, that  I
have seen many horses quickly destroyed  by strong  physic,
and a great many have never perfectly recovered from the debil-
ity it occasions.*
  . During the first weekofthe horse's being taken into a stable,
walking exercise is most proper, but after this it may be gradu-
ally increased to a trot, or canter: and if the exercise occasion
any degree of perspiration, he should be carefully cleaned, and
Otherwise attended to, as soon as he gets into the stable.
    By thus gradually bringing a horse from a state of nature,
 that is, from the open  air and green food, to a comfortable sta>-
 ble and dry grain, he will be in little danger of those trouble-
some diseases,  which are often the consequence  of sudden
changes, and of a different kind of management; and  by  duly
proportioning his exercise to the  nutriment he receives, and by
 gradually bringing the muscular system to that degree of exer-
 tion  for which the animal  is wanted, there is no doubt that his
 wind, strength, activity and general condition, will be brought
 to the highest state of perfection it is capable  of attaining.  In
 describing the general management of horses  in the stable, we
 think it necessary to be very particular,  as there  are many ap-
  parently trifling circumstances which have considerable infh>
  en.ee on the horse's health, though generally  little attended to.
    Horses employed in hunting, mail, or stage-coach horses, in
  short, all that are obliged  to undergo great and rapid exertion,
  *A valuable blood colt was attacked with colic, which appeared to be of
(be flatulant kind, and though violent, not dangerous.  The usual remediee
were ineffectually employed;  and it was found, in attempting to give a
tlyster, that the internal coat of the gut was so loose and so enlarged, that
there was no possibility of injecting it: the colt died about sixteen houn
after the attack.  On examining the body after death, all the bowels were
found nearly healthy, except the rectum, or last gut, near its tennination,
iu which the inner coat was eo loose and large, that the cavity was nearly
obliterated, and scarcely any passage left for the- excrement.  The iuteii-
nal sensible coat of thestomach  appeared also in a diseased stale,  being
▼ory tender, and easily, separated; but it was not inflamed.  About a week
after, I was accidently informed, that the man  who had the care of thi»
eolt, and w as about to train him for the turf, had given him three doses of
physic; and that the "last had operated so well,  that he thought the colt
would never have ceased purging."  This was nearly  the man's expta»-
«ion, which he had communicated* In the way ojf conversation to a gro»»,
fcufortt the colt was tukoa 01, 
r 1641
at certain periods, require a different treatment from such as
work more moderately.   The former have occasion for  lying
down .as much as possible, that the muscles may the more read-
ily recruit their strength.   But  the  latter  do  not require so
much rest in a recumbent  state, and suffer no inconvenience
from standing during the day; therefore the litter should be re-
moved every morning,1 and shook up in the open air   The ad-
vantages of this plan are considerable, though it may be thought
by knowing grooms to be an unnecessary trouble.   The feet
will be thus kept  cool; and the hoof will not be so disposed, as
it commonly is, to contract and  shrink; for straw beinaa bad
conductor of heat, causes the feet to become too hot; irr^-hich
state  the  horny <  matter  has always  a  tendency to contract:
hence arises sand  cracks, thrushes, &c.   Unless a  horse has
thin flat soles, it is always proper to stop the feet, as it is term-
ed, with a mixture of cow-dung, beaten into a smooth mass with
a little fine clay, and a small proportion of pot-ash.  The feet
should be examined, daily, and if the soles should appear to be
softened too much, that is, if the horn bends  or gives way in
the least,  under  the thumb, by  the strongest pressure we can
make, the stopping  must be discontinued.
   Horses that have been accustomed  to  stand  on litter during
the day, sometimes feel a difficulty in, or reluctance to staling,
when they are deprived of it.  In such  cases a little straw
should be thrown  under the belly, so as to prevent  the urint
from splashing about their legs.
   The best food for horses that work hard  is oats and hay, with
a moderate quantity of beans. The latter, however, should not
be allowed, unless the horse's work be considerable, as  under
moderate  exertion they dispose the  system to inflammatory
complaints, such  as coughs, inflamed eyes, &,c.   I am con-
vinced that horses whose labor' is severe are often injured by
being stinted in water, particularly when they are allowed a
large  quantity of food.  It is a common practice with  waggon-
ers, when their horses come in from a long and fatiguing jour-
ney, their strength almost exhausted by long continued  exer-
tion and sweating, to  offer them immediately an unlimited
quantity of food, and very little (most commonly not a drop) of
water.  Under such circumstances, the stomach is not able to
digest the food that is taken in: and I firmly believe  that the
staggers are often the consequence of such management. When
a horse comes in from a long journey, he  should always be al-
lowed a small quantity of water before he  is fed; and if he be
allowed a little immediately after feeding, it is  more likely to
promote digestion, and prove beneficial, than to injure the ani-
mal.  It is certainly a good plan,  to give horses a  moderate
v 
[165]
quantity of water just before the end of their journey; and I am
satisfied that, by allowing them to sip  a little water  several
times during a long journey, particularly  in  warm weather,
they are refreshed and invigorated, but never injured.  When
beans are given to a horse they should always he broken; and it
is probable that oats would be more nutritious in that state.  A
horse that works moderately does not require more than a peck
of good oats, and  about twelve or fourteen pounds of hay in
the twenty-four hours: but large draught horses require a grea-
ter quantity both of oats and hay.
  Horses employed in hunting, or for expeditious travelling, re-
quire great attention, as  to grooming, feeding, &.c.  Their al-
lowance of hay should not exceed twelve pounds in the twenty-
four hours; and it should  be divided into three  feeds—four
 pounds in  the morning, two at  noon, and the remainder at
 night.  If a peck  of oats be  allowed  for the same period, it
 should also be divided into  at  least three feeds, giving  water
 before each.  When a larger allowance  of grain  is required,
 which must be the case  with hunters, post horses, &c. either
 the quantity of oats may be increased, or a certain proportion
of beans may be added: but on no occasion should the quanti-
 ty of hay be increased for horses of this description.  I think
 there would be no danger, and perhaps great advantage, in al-
 lowing horses that work hard,either in hunting, posting, or in
 mail or stagecoaches, an unlimited quantity of good oats, with
 a moderate proportion of beans, provided it be given at several
 times,  so that they may not load their stomachs, and injure the
 digestive power.  If any other food be given with the oats and
 beans, which however appears needless it should consist of clo-
 ver hay, cut like chaff, and a small quantity of fresh bran: the
 former, if not cut too short, will make him masticate  his food
 more perfectly, and  cause  it to be digested more easily: but
 when a horse has any kind of cough, or is imperfect in his wind
 neither cut hay, chaff, nor bran, should be given, as they are
 apt to  irritate the throat, and excite coughing,; and it is neces-
 sary also, in this case to sift the oats and shake the hay, so as
 to free them from dust, as this will often occasion a violent
 cougli for a time, and aggravate the original complaint.   This
 will be more effectual, if the oats and hay be slightly moistened
  with water.  Horses of this description  being generally greedy
 of water, and so voracious as to devour their litter if kept from
 hay, it is advisable to muzzle them immediately after feeding.
 Some  advantage also will be derived from giving them a mod-
  erate quantity of carrots now and then, particularly when their
  work happens to  be but moderate, this vegetable being nutri-
  tious and easy of digestion.—Much has been said by writers on 
                       Tl66  J

farriery respecting the kind of water that is  most wholesome
for horses.   The greater part seem to prefer pond-water, w here
the bottom is composed of clay and chalk.  It  appears to me,
that the most desirable kind of water is  that which horses lib*
best,provided it be not too cold; and I think it probable, that
the ill effects that have sometimes been produced by  drinking
certain kinds of water, have not been occasioned by  foreign  or
impure matters contained in it, but merely by coldness;  and 1
have found it the best plan to give clear river water in summer
and well water in winter; the latter being warmer in cold wea-
ther than  water  exposed to the  air,  and colder in summer.
Some old author, I think Dr. Bracken,  has expressed a  suspi-
cion that the hardness, as it is termed, in well water,  might oc-
casion the  stone  or gravel.   This is a disease, however, that
scarcely ever happens with horses, though we sometimes meet
with stones of a large size in  the boweis, formed gradually  by
the earthly matter taken in with the food:  and if they were sub-
ject to calculous diseases like men, it is almost  impossible that
the very small quantity of stony matter contained in hard  water
could have any share in their formation, being quite of a  differ-
ent nature from that found in the human bladder.  It  seems to
be generally known, that  brokish water, (that is, water impreg-
nated with saline matter,  which is commonly met with near the
sea) is rather injurious to horses, causing  a rough dry coat and
loss of condition.   This, perhaps,  is  not occasioned by any
direct operation of the saline matter which such water contains
but by the horse not drinking a  sufficient quantity, on account
of its unpleasant taste, for the purpose of digestion.
   It is by no means advisable to accustom horses to warm  wa-
ter in winter, or to  let the water stand many hours in a warm
stable, so as to  become nearly as warm as the air of the stable;
as it makes the horse liable  to the flatulent colic or gripes,
whenever he happens to drink cold water.
   In sickness,  and during the  operation of physic, when it i«
absolutely necessary to allow warm water, it should never ba
discontinued suddenly:  the  change should be  brought  about
gradually as possible.  It is not a good practice to give  horses
nitre and other  medicines in teeir water  or food,  because  tha
dose cannot be accurately ascertained in this way; and the wa-
ter instead of promoting digestion, often has a contrary  effect,
exciting  nausea, and weakening the stomach.  It appears to
me a better plan to water horses during their exercise, at a pond
or sunning stream, than in the stable,  except it is in winter;
and even then it would be advisable, were it not for the incon-
venience they are liable to suffer from  standing in the  water
while drinking: but  the common  practice of gallowingL theta
immediately after is highly improper.                  ^ 
[167]
  It has been asserted by some, that horses work  better, and
more effectually preserve their wind and condition, when allow-
ed only a small quantify of water, or, as they express it, "it
matters not how little he drinks, provided he feeds heartily."
This opinion,Iike many others, has arisen from the  foolish and
mischievous practice of forming general rules upon  a few facts
or a very limited experience; and too often, I.fear, from exan>
ining those facts through the medium of prejudice.   It must bo
granted, that we sometimes meet with horses that become loose
in their bowels, and fall off in  condition,  sweating violently,
and appearing fatigued from moderate exercise, if  allowed to
drink even two pails (five or six gallons)  in the twenty-four
hours; particularly  when they are employed now and  then in
hunting, or any kind of violent exercise; but this is to be attrib>
uted to a weakness  of the constitution not often met with in
horses, and points out to us the necessity of observing a horse
attentively when we first undertake the management of him, in
order to ascertain what quantity of water is most conducive to
the preservation of his health and condition; and if we find  a
horse shivering, and his coat staring immediately after drink.
ing freely, it is not to be hastily concluded, that he  is to be al-
lowed only a small quantity of water daily.  In such  a case, a
moderate quantity should be given at once, and the horse should
be exercised immediately after, in which way he will generally
be brought to drink a proper quantity in the course of the day,
 without inconvenience.
   The best time for exercising horses is early in the morning,
 as soon as the stable is opened: during which time the stable-
 doors should be kept open, and the fcul litter thrown out.   As
 horses that work moderately, do not require a bed in the day
 time,  it will be advisable in such case to  remove  all the litter
 from the  stall and expose it to the air; spreading  only a small
 quantity at the back part, to prevent the horse from splashing
 his legs in staling.   It will perhaps be thought unnecessary to
 exercise horses that work, particularly such as are  employed in
hunting or expeditious travelling:   I think, however, they are
 always the better for it, provided it be done with prudence.  It
 certainly is not proper to take out a horse for exercise, that ia
 designated for hunting the same day: but in the intermediate
 days it should never be omitted; and if a horse's work be mod-
 erate, such as ten or twelve miles a day, a little exercise in the
 rooming  will enable him to perform it better.   Horses of a full
 habit,  or such  as  are subject to humours  (See Humours,) are
 greatly benefitted  by exercise, which on  such occasions may
 be carried so far as to produce sweating.  But  great care is
 tk#n necessary:  they should be walked about for some time,
'% 
[ 168 1
that they may cool gradually;  and as soon as they return to
the stable, they should be well wisped,  and  their legs  hand-
rubbed.  Swelling of the legs, grease, inflamed eyes, and other
troublesome complaints,;;will be thus more effectually prevent-
ed than by bleeding now and then: which though it gives tem-
porary relief, will gradually increase the disposition to disease.
The exercise which a horse enjoys, when kept loose in a large
stall, is particularly beneficial, and should always be allowed
when the stable is sufficiently  large to admit of it, instead of
being kept constantly in one position, his head tied to the man-
ger, and his fore legs generally higher than his hind  legs*  he
can then turn himself about, and enjoy comparatively a state of
liberty.
   In summer, or whenever the weather is temperate, horses
should be  cleaned in the open air, when they return sweating
from work or exercise; for if put immediately into a warm sta-
ble, they often continue to perspire so long, as to suffer some
injury from it.   The common practice,  however, of washing
the legs with cold water, should never be allowed, unless the
horse be exercised, or have his legs well rubbed immediately af-
ter. It is superfluous, perhaps, to point out the impropriety and
danger of  plunging a horse into a river while sweating from se-
vere exercise, a  practice commonly adopted by  proprietors of
post and stage-coach horses; that it is often done with impuni-
ty must  be granted;  but it is probable, that many of them suf-
fer from the treatment, though the ill effect is not often imme-
diately observed.*
   When a horse returns from exercise or work, his feet should
be carefully picked out and  washed:  and  if the hoof be dry
and brittle, feeling hot, and appearing contracted, a mixture of
cow-dung and soft clay should be applied to  the soles.    The
horse's heels also require attention; and if any small ulcer or
crack, as it is termed, be observed, or if they be tender, swollen,
or smell offensively, the proper remedies should be immediately
  •It appears from the experiments of Dr. Currie, that when the heat of
the skin is above the natural degree, the application of cold water is highly
refreshing and invigorating; but when the heat of the system has been in
some measure exhausted by continued exercise and  perspiration, it will
generally produce considerable debility; and in the human body the most
dangerous consequences have ensued from it.   The same observation ap-
plies to cold water taken into the stomadh, which on such an occasion hat
been known to cause sudden death.  It is probable, therefore,  that many
of the  diseases of these poor animals arise from the debility which this
treatment occasions; and perhaps the mischief would be greater, were it
ftot that the river or pond is generally at  a  little distance from the stable,
x> that they get some exercise immediately  after their emersion, and that
cite stable is generally very warm. 
t  169 j
applied.  These things however, very rarely happen, when the
groom does his duty.  It should be remembered, that when a
horse is changing his coat, that is, about the latter end of Sep-
tember, and beginning of October, he is more  susceptible of
cold than at any other time:  and as the coat then falls  off so
readily, the curry-comb should be laid aside, and the horse ex-
posed as little as possible to  cold or rain.   Moderately warm
clothing, and frequent hand rubbing to the legs, will be found
highly useful at this time.   When these precautions are neg-
lected,  horses often become weak and unfit for much work,
sweating profusely from moderate exercise, and  sometimes
purging: troublesome cough and  staring coat generally  ac-
company these symptoms.  The common remedies on  this
occasion are bleeding, or strong purgatives, which are sure to
increase the debility; nor are antimonials, or medicines that act
 upon the skin, proper to be given.   The most effectual medi-
 cines are those of  the tonic kind, with  moderate  stimulants
 (See White'** Veterinary Materia Medica,) and when the bow-
 els are loose, a small proportion of opium.   These, however,
 will avail little, unless assisted by due attention to grooming.
 Though we  have so strongly recommended ventilation  in  sta-
 bles, it must not be inferred that a cold stable is desirable: hor-
 ses seem to thrive most in one  that is moderately warm.  1
 have known  old horses, that  could not be kept in condition in
 a cold stable,  even upon the  highest feed, do well when re-
 moved  to a  warmer one: this,  however, is the effect of habit;
 and it is probable,  that  if a  horse were accustomed, from the
 time he is first taken up, to a cold stable, he would never re-
 quire any other: but when from his youth he has been kept in
 hot stables, his body constantly clothed, and  his stomach fre-
 quently stimulated by cordials, it  cannot be supposed that be    '***
 is able  to endure cold.  It is necessary  therefore on  purchasing
 a horse, to discover in what manner he has been kept, and whe-
 ther he has  been accustomed to  any particular management;
 for instance, the custom of giving cordials  to  horses, after a
 hard day's hunt, is often rendered necessary by the practice  of
 keeping them without  food  or water on  the morning they  are
 so employed.  In describing the peculiarities, in the structure
 and economy of  the horse's stomach, we have observed that
 this organ is remarkably small,  requiring  to be  supplied fre-
 quently with food.   When  a hunter then  goes  out with an
 empty stomach, and is perhaps kept out eight or ten  hours
  without feeding, generally galloping great part of the time, the
 stomach is  so exhausted on his return, that he has scarcely any
 appetite, and refuses his food, until the stomach is roused by ;i 
[ J70  J
strong cordial, a habit is thus induced, and cordials after a
time become as necessary to ahorse accustomed to it, as spirit
to a dram drinker.
  Yet there surely can  be  no danger  in  giving a moderate
quantity of oats and water very early in the morning,  previous
to hunting.  If he have  to walk  four or five miles to cover,
there can be no danger of his stomach being  oppressed by the
time he arrives, not a doubt of his performing  better than  he
would otherwise have done.
               Of the Age of a Horse.

   The age of a horse may be discovered by certain marks in
the front teeth of the lower jaw and the tushes, until the eighth
year, about which time they are generally worn out.  An expe-
rienced person can,  however, after  this period, judge of the
age, with some degree of accuracy, by  the countenance  and
general appearance of the animal, as well as by the length of
the teeth, and form of the tushes.
   Between the second and third  year, a colt begins to change
his sucking teeth, as they are  termed, for others of a larger size,
and  of a different form and color.   The sucking teeth are small,
of a delicate white color, some of them perfectly smooth on the
upper surface; others  have a small narrow  cavity on  that sur-
face, but very  unlike those marks of the permanent teeth, by
which we judge of the age.  The number of teeth in the front
of the mouth are twelve, six in the lower and six in the upper
jaw.  (We take no notice of the molares, or grinders, as they
aie not  concerned with this subject.)  When a colt  is three
years old, we may observe that the four front sucking teeth are
lost, and that, instead of them four others have sprung up, of a
very different  appearance, being  larger, of a  dark color, and
having a considerable cavity on the upper surface,  and a small
dark colored groove in front: these are termed  horses  or per-
manent teeth.  Between the third and fourth year, the four
teeth next these are lost, and replaced, in the way we have just
described, by horse's teeth: so that when a colt has completed
his fourth year, there are eight horses  teeth observable, and on-
ly four colt's teeth, one at each extremity,  or corner as it is.
termed.  About the  middle  of the fifth year, these also fall
out, and are succeeded by horse's  teeth.   The corner  teeth of
the horse, particularly of the under jaw, are different from  the
rest, being smaller and of a shell like appearance; their cavities
are chiefly within,  the upper surface being a mere edge:  but
ibout the end of the fifth year, they are  larger and more like 
[171 ]
the other teeth.   It is generally between the fourth and  fifth
year that the tushes make  their appearance, though sometimes
earlier.—The tushes are four  in  numbe/, and situate about an
inch from the corner teeth; at first they are small, terminate in
a sharp point, are rather convex on their external surface, but
within have two concavities,  o-grooves separated by a ridge.
These as well as the teeth, are gradually undergoing an altera-
tion in their form, becoming longer, and losing the concavities
on the internal surface.   About the seventh year the concavity
is considerably diminished, and in old  horses the surface be-
comes convex,  and  the tush acquires a round  form, and the
extremi'y, insiead of being sharp, is quite blunt, as if the point
had been broken off, end  the  new surface afterward polished.
Wc must now return to the teeth, the appearances of which we
have described, as far as the completion of the  fifth year  of a
horse's age.  After this period we judge of the age by the size
of those cavities which we have described on the upper surface
of the tooth: for the friction to which that surface is  almost
constantly exposed gradually  wears it down, and at length the
cavity or mark is totally obliterated.  The marks in the upper
teeth most commonly remain until the twelfth  year, sometimes
longer, but those in  the  under teeth are worn  out  about the
end of the eighth year; we shall therefore confine our descrip*
tionnow to the under jaw.
   As the two front teeth are the first that make their appear-
ance, it is obvious that their marks  will be lost sooner  than
those of the other teeth; and if we examine the  mouth  of the
horse that has just completed his fifth year, we shall find  that
they ate nearly and sometimes  quite worn out; those in the
adjoining teeth are about half their original size, while the
marks of the  corner  or end teeth are perfect.   At the end  of
the sixth year, the only cavities observable are in the  corner
teeth, and these are about half their original size; the tooth has
at this period lost the  shell-like appearance we have before des-
cribed, and is not different from the other teeth, except in hav-
ing a mark or cavity on its upper surface.  At  the end of the
seventh year the marks of the corner teeth are also obliterated,
and then the horse is said to be aged.   We often find,  howev-
er,  that the marks of the corner teeth are not totally effaced  at
this period: a small dark colored spot may be observed in most
horses until about the end of the eighth year.  From this  peri-
od we have no criterion by which the age may be ascertained,
but it is said that the marks on the upper teeth will enable us
to judge of the  age until the thirteenth  year: the marks of the
front teeth being worn out when he becomes eight years old, 
[ 172  3
those of the adjoining teeth at  ten,  and the corner teeth at
twelve: but I cannot say how far these marks can be depended
lipon.
   On the Management of a Horse during a
                       Journey.

   Previous to  setting out on a journey, every precaution should
be employed to bring a horse into a perfect state of health as
possible, as we thereby avoid much trouble and inconvenience.
Should he be at all subject to grease or swelling of the legs—a
dose of physic is to be recommended, taking care to preserve
the heels clean, and  to keep up a brisk circulation in the legs
by frequent hand-rubbing.  Should the feet  of the horse be
fende-, it is necessary to inquire into the cause of that tender-
ness: if it arise from corns, let the directions be followed that
are given  under that head; if it  proceed from flat and thin
soles, apply tar to them, and let the horse stand upon a flat sur-
face, without shoes,  by  which means they will  be rendered
thicker and  more firm; and when he is rode let the concave
shoe be made use of. When thrushes or rottenness of the frog
tire the cause of thejenderness, cut away the diseased parts,
apply tar with a pledget  of tow, and upon this place the artifi-
cial frog—the natural frog will in consequence soon  become
firm and solid, and the tenderness will be in great measure re-
moved; if the thrushes be occasioned by a contraction of the
heels, which is frequently the case, it will then  be necessary
to rasp the quarters moderately; and should they appear to be
too strong, wanting a proper degree of elasticity, keep the hoof
ronstantly  moist.  Horses that  travel during the winter are
very liable to have their heels inflamed and  cracked, as it is
termed, unless great attention is paid to them in the stable.  In
cases where the heels are already thus affected, they should be
washed with moderately warm water as soon as the horse gets
in, and afterward carefully wiped dry with a soft cloth; if much
inflamed, the astringent lotion is to be applied: and if there be
any ulcers or cracks, use the astringent ointment, and let the
alterative powder No. 2 be given occasionally.  When a horse's
wind appears to be imperfect, he should not be allowed to fill
himself with hay  or  water, and  must be prevented  from eat-
ing his litter, which horses of this description are generally in-
clined to do, particularly when stinted in hay; in this case cos-
tiveness sometimes occurs, which  always increases the  com-
plaint.  To remedy this, let a clyster and a few bran mashes be
given.  Too high feeding  is also very prejudicial in these com 
[ 173]
plaints, as any thing which tends to create a  plethora, and de*
termine too much blood to the lungs, is sure to aggravate the
disease.  To a horse that purges or scours in  travelling, and
appears faint, sweating much with moderate exercise,  give the
cordial ball, the efficacy  of which is sometimes  increased by
being mixed with a pint of ale or strong beer; if the complaint
do not give way to this treatment, let the astringent ball be giv-
en.
   As soon as the  horse comes into the stable, let his feet be
well cleaned, and all dirt  or gravel carefully removed.  It is a
very common proctice with ostlers, even in winter, to tie the
horse up in the yard, that he  may  undergo  the  ceremony of
having his heels  washed with cold  water.  This  should never
be permitted during the  winter, as many bad consequences
may arise  from it.  During  hot weather, when  the roads are
dry and dusty, allow a horse to drink a small quantity of wa-
ter now and then, while  on  the road; this not only refreshes
him considerably, but has the useful effect of cooling and mois-
tening his hoofs, as he will generally be made to stand in the
water while drinking, nor is there the least danger to be appre-
hended from it, unless he  is rode very hard immediately before
or after.   In winter he should never be taken into the water if
it can be avoided conveniently.
   Should the horse appear dull and lose  his appetite, let him
be bled moderately, and take a dose of nitre with a bran mash;
this, with a little rest, will soon recover him.  It  is a common
practice, when this happens, to give cordials, which are very
improper, and  often do much injury to the animal, by bring-
ing on  a fever.   Some horses are particularly subject to the
flatulent colic or  gripes; this is often the case with crib-biters,
on such occasions it is advisable to be  always provided with  a
remedy, and as a  ball is the most convenient form, I have given
a recipe for the purpose.   (See Flatulent colic  or Gripes.) A.
suppression of urine, or great difficulty and pain in staling, is
an accident that sometimes occurs in travelling; and  in  such
cases a diuretic ball is  generally given, which, though son e-
times successful,  has often done mischief.  The most effectual
way of  relieving  the horse is by throwing  up a  clyster, and
bleeding moderately: should there be  no appearance of inflam-
mation in the kidneys, a dose of nitre may  also be given.   The
common practice of loading a horse with clothes, and'keeping
him in a close warm stable, ifhe happen to take cold during  a
journey, is  certainly improper, since he is liable to  be frequent-
ly exposed to wet and cold in travelling.  It is  a  well known
fact, that animals are not hurt by  being kept in  any uniform
temperature, whether it be hot or cold; and that their diseases 
[ 174]
more commonly arise from sudden changes, or frequent varia-
tion of temperature.
   When a horse becomes suddenly lame in travelling, let the
feet be carefully examined.  Should the lameness be occasion-
ed by a wound from a nail or flint, apply  tincture of myrrh or
friars' balsam, having previously removed all dirt  or gravel from
it; and if the wound have been ii.flicted  by a nail, let  it be
carefully opened to the bottom with a small drawing knife, and
proper means used to prevent dirt from getting to it.

                    CORDIAL BALLS.

                         No. 1.
Cummin seeds,     ....
Anise seeds, and         -
Caraway seeds, of each       -
Ginger,        -
Treacle enough to make it r f a proper consistence
               The dose about two ounces.

                         No. 2.
Anise seeds,       -
Caraway seeds,       -
Sweet fennel seeds, and
Liquorice powder, of each
Ginger and  cassia, of each,  -
     Honey enough to form them into a mass.
                    about two ounces.

                         No. 3.
Cummin seeds
Coriander seeds, and           -       -      -   S 4 oz.
Caraway seeds, of each                             )
Grains of paradise,      -       -       -       -      1 oz.
Cassia,     -       -       -       -       -         J oz.
Cardamon seeds, and saffron, of each    -      -      2 dr.
Liquorice, dissolved in white wine,  -       -         4 oz.
     Sirup of saffron enough to form a mass.  The dose
                    about two ounces.

                         No. 4.
Powdered ginger,     -
Powdered caraway seeds,    -
Oil of caraways, and       ....
Oil of anise-seeds, of each    ...
Liquorice powder,      ....
              Treacle enough to form a mass.
  >  4 oz,

    2 oz.
for balls.
       }4 oz,

  •    J
       II 02
The dose
   4 oz,
-  8 oz.
 j 2 dr.
-  8 oz. 
L 175  1
APPENDIX,
    OBSERVATIONS  ON  WOUNDS.

  L\ the former editions of this work this subject was treated
of rather concisely: further experience has, however, convin-
ced me, that the common method of treating  wounds is so di-
rectly in opposition to reason and nature, as to render a detail-
ed account o^' the proper mode of treatment indispensable.
  Wounds of the human body, when inflicted with a keen in-
strument, are often cured, merely by bringing the divided parts
into contact, and keeping them in that situation  by means of
suture (stitches,) or sticking plaster and  bandage.   In a few
days nature completely reunites the p its, without an\  inflam-
mation or supuration having appeared.   This  surgeons call
union  by the first intention, and is so desirable  a method of
healing wounds, that it is ge .erally attem  ted, even under cir-
cumstances  which render its  accomplishment  doubtful.  In
wounds of horses this kind of union  can scarcely ever be ef-
fected, from the difficulty of  keeping  the wounded part in  a
state of rest, and from the laceration and contusion  with which
their wounds are generally accompanied.                   ,
   To render the subject more clear, we shall divide wounds n>
to the following classes:—

     I.  Simple incised wounds.
     2.  Lacerated and contused wounds.
     3.  Punctured  wounds.
     4.  Wounds of cavities
              Simple incised  Wounds,

  Are those inflicted with a keen instrument, by which the
skin or other parts are nearly divided without being torn or
bruised.
  This kind of wound, however, seldom happens to horses:
when they do occur, though there is little probability of affect-
ing a union by the first intention, it should always be attempted;
and if the divided parts cannot be kept  together  by sticking
plaster and bandage alone,  the lips of the  wound should be
neatly sewed, so as to be held firmly in contact with each other, 
[ 176  ]
 with waxed thread several times doubled; and if the situation
 of ihe wound will admt of it,  a bmdage or  roller sinmld be
 afterward applied to assist m  the accomplishment of this end,
 and render the stitches less  painful.   But  how different frota*/
 this is the practice of farriers, ignorant of the animal economy,
 and the wonderful power with which the Almighty has endued
 the  animal  sys'em, of recovering  itself when  injured; and
 of re-piod'*cing ff sn that tins been literally destroyed?   They
 officiously pieventthis desirable union by putting tents that is,
 lint  or tow moistened with some simulating liquid) between
 the li;>s of the wound, by which they are effectually hindered
 from cohering, however naturally disposed to unite; but this is
 not the only  evil of the practice.   In extensive wounds the in-
jured parts are so irritated by exposure and their applications,
 that mortification is sometimes the consequence.  Far better
 than this would  it be,  to  leave  the wound to nature, merely
 keeping it clean, and when the first inflammation has subsided
 and  white matter appears, wringing the separated  parts as near
 to each other as possible, and  retaining  them  in that situation
by means of bandage.   By this method the wound  would heal
much more speedily, and the consequent blemish or scar, would
be considerably lessened.  It is  unnecessary to say  more of
the simple incised wound, for should the attempt to heal it by
the first intention fail, it becomes necessary  to assist nature as
in lacerated  wounds: still,during the whole cure of a simple
wound, it  is  proper to keep the divided  parts togeiher as well
as we can, which will be found more useful  than any balsamic
vulnerary or healing application, that the most expert farrier's
receipt book  can furnish.
       Lacerated and Contused Wounds.

  The wounds of horses are most  commonly inflicted with
some blunt instrument, and consequently the parts are  rather
torn assunder, than simply  and neatly  divided;  at  the same
time, the instrument is generally applied with such force  that
the skin, flesh,  &c.  are  considerably  bruised; for  example,
when a horse falls upon his knees, is  kicked or bit by another
horse, in attempting to leap, gets his hind or fore leg entangled
in a gate, and in other such accidents.    In these cases the lac-
eration and contusion are so considerable, that the kind of un-
ion h fore mentioned is totally impracticable;  it  is, notwith-
standing, advisable to keep the divided parts together as well
as we can, taking  care to allow the matter which forms, to es-
cape freely, and avoiding the violent stimulating applications
commonly  used by  farriers on such occasions, which, to say 
1177]
the best of them, always increase the  infla^ma^"apndmd^e
ger,and obstruct the cure.   I have  seen a  horse die in  he
greatest agonies from a wound received in entangling  he hmd
fejr in a gate, by which not only the skin and flesh wereexces-
 SKy torn and bruised, but the stifle joint was also.muck. m-
i«rcd.  In thiscase, the fatal event and the exces^Pa-jere
undoubtedly accelerated and heightened, if not altogrtheroc
casioned by the caustic applications of tne farriei employed.

"retime ago, I was induced by "J^^^t^ndS
ploy a practising farrier  in our Veterinary ^'^Vrom being capable
£,oom,under an idea that he might be the more usefu  ^ belJf lite his
.f applying poultices, fomentations,  t^g J^^^u^nd desi-
Vulcanian brethren, extremely ignoran , he appeared  .ran
 rous of instruction; unfortunately my plan of trusting n  s°™ ™eaS  from
 nature in the treatment of wounds and ulcers appeared »^»™Z£*
 neelieencc- and in the excess of his  zeal, during the time 1  w-w    j
 5 Su, he endeavored to compensate ^^XL^TSed to
 his own industry.   Finding several cases unusually ^W   hcn in.
 •nake some inquiry into the business, which was soon£J^ed' J* of ,u.
 formed that this indefatigable Petitioner hadI used r,^a™ a° Snce had




 sup^osi g hatS an employment would after a ^f^^Zt    ,
 L the public as a sufficient sanction for his practising the vetennary art.
  yThecelebrated St. Eel, first professor of our vetemaj coUe^e, mhis oD

 stations on  ^^^^J^^i^STT^^r^ the





 E? tsz oSct^sr^rs =u s.si;




 drench thy stomach with drugs, adverse in general t0 *^X "Klcfd
 to nerform'."—So extensive is the mischief occasioned by this  ^P1*5*1
  °oSence" of which St. Bel speaks, and »"^{^^**£
 erto Droved to the progress of veterinary science, that I must  neg i«ww
 make ashortquotadon from  Mr. Richard Laurence's ingenious pubhca-

 ti0"'The necessity of long study in anatomy, pathology, and the  composj-
  tionli"r^V* fprackmer in medicine,, i.' --saUy  ad,now-
  edged ; and as the horse exist, by s.m.lar laws, and is subject to.many o
  ?hegdiseases incident to mankind,  it cannot require mud £^SSe" to
  discover, that -Indies of the same nature must ^W^
  constitute a good farrier: but if conclusions were to be d«*n from «« ^
  on «bk-h trJvetennary system ha. hitherto restvd it would seem that £e
  science offairievv, has been  considered  as  a  natural  gift, and  noiraiw
  St dependent on the tedious process of medical inquiry and »i«0ff*», 
I  178  ]
   In the treatment of extensive lacerated wounds, the first ob-
 ject is  to remove any dirt, splinters, or other extraneous matter
 that may be in the wound; if a flap of skin hang down, or flesh
 be nearly torn off, they should be carefully replaced, and never
 cut off, however unseemly  they may appear to the farrier, un-
 less so  much bruised as to be  irrecoverable.   When the  parts
 are so divided as to require considerable pressure to bring them
 together again, it is improper to sew the wound up, as the  ten-
 dency of the parts to recede from each other would constantly
 keep the stitches upon the stretch, and  so irritate the wound as
 to bring on excessive  inflammation,  and, perhaps, ultimately
 gangrene or mortification.   The only thing to be kept in view
 in these extensive wounds  is, to  employ  the  most effectual
 means  for keeping the inflammation within bounds, until sup-
 uration take  place, which is  indicated by  the  appearance of
 white matter, and the subsidence of the inflammatory swelling,
 and abatement of pain and fever.   On  many occasions, the
 parts may be brought carefully together as near as can be with-
 out employing considerable force, and may  be supported in
 that situation by a  proper  bandage.   Whenever stitches are
 employed in such wounds,  and drawn  tight, they give exces-
 sive puin to the animal, and bring on a dangerous degree of in-
 flammation; the violent pain often  causes symptomatic fever,
 and after all, the  intention of employing them is not answered,

 for every blacksmith, groom and stable boy, not only conceives himself but
ismtcn believed tvyhis enfpl oyer, to be fully competent to the important
 task of curing disea>-e$, of the natuie of which he is totally ignorant.  Sure-
ly nothing can be more absurd than  to imagine that a groom, by having
fed and cleaned a horse a few years, must consequently become acquainted
 with his  diseases and their causes.  It would be equally plausible to assert
that because he knows by ocular experience that the sun rises in the morn-
ing and sets at night, he must be an  astronomer.
  "The majority of the affluent, to avoid  the trouble of reflection,  suffer
 themselves to be influenced in  matters of this nature, by men whose opin-
ions on anv other subject, would be treated with the utmost contempt. Few
tilings can be more affecting to a humane and contemplative mind, than
the sufferings  >f a mute and patient animal, the  estimable contributor to
our pleasures and  comforts, whr-n affected with some \iolent diseases, in
 which nature exerts her utmost efforts to relie> e herself; but how must this
 scene of distress be heightened could the proprietor be  convinced, that the
 very men he applies  to for assistance only aggravate the evil by their igi.o-
 rance!"
  The Earl of Pembroke, whose judicious treatise on horses has been uni-
 versally  a pro.'ed, seems to have been aware of the mischievous  tendency
of encouraging these illiterate  pretenders,  when  he observes, "Whoe.er
 lets his farrier, groom or coachman, in consideration ol his having swept
dung out of his stables for a greater or less number of years, ever even men-
tion more than water gruel, a clyster, or a little bleeding, and  that too very
seldom;  or pretend to talk of the nature of feet, the seat of :aaieness, sick-
ness, or their cures, may be very certain to find himself very shortly  quire
 on foot. 
[ 179]
as they always separate  in  two or  three days, and leave the
wound as open as at  first, presenting a much more formidable
appearance from the mischief caused by the increased  inflam-
mation, and the retention of putrid matter.   After cleaning a
lacerated wound with warm water, which, when its  situation
and depth render it necessary, should be injected with a syringe;
the divided skin, flesh, &c. should be carefully brought  togeth-
er and secured  as we have previously directed.*
  If the horse be in  good condition, and  have not lost much
blood  from the wound, he should be bled rather freely; in oth-
er circumstances  it will be proper  to omit that operation, or
take only a small quantity.   A purging draught or ball should
be given as early  as possible, and  the horse's diet confined to
hay and  mashes,  or  bran:  he may be allowed to drink freely
and frequently, and must be kept perfectly at rest.
   The wound should be cleansed once or twice a day as may
be found necessary, with water at blood heat; which, when the
wound is deep, may be done more effectually, by  means of a
syringe.   The only external application necessary at this period
is a fomentation.   (See Fomentation.)   When this plan  is  a-
dopted, the inflammation, swelling and fever, which always fol-
low an extensive lacerated wound,  will be much more moder-

  *The common practice of farriers in these cases is, to apply freely some
Stimulating spiritous preparation, such as spirit of wine and camphor,  fri-
er's balsam (which is a solution of certain resins and balsams in  spirit of
wine) brandy, and many other things equally injurious: some of them use
even a  mixture of oil of turpentine, and acid of vitriol; and then, as il they
were determined to do all the injury in their power, the wound is plugged
up with a quantity of tow, moistened with the same stimulating  prepara-
tion, with which the wound was  washed or syringed.  A  few days ago, I
was desired  to attend a horse, that had met with a deep  and extensive
wound  by entangling, it was supposed, his fore leg in a gale, w hile  at grass;
the farrier had been there before me; and observing a syringe in his hand,
I inquired what liquid he bad employed, and w as told "Brandy."  L'pon
expressing my fear that  so stimulating an application would do mischief,
the farrier immediately replied,  " 1 here is no danger of that, for  i  put a
little oil with it; and you know  the one is hot, and the other cold.''''  I
could not but smile at the ingenuity of the explanation, but requested that
nothing of the sort might be again employe:!.
  The  popular prejudice in favor of those spiritous or balsamic  prepara-
tions as they are  termed, in all kinds of wounds, has been the cause of
much mischief in veterinary, perhaps  not much less in human  surgery.
The credit they have acquired is owing to the wonderful property, with
which the animal body is endued, of uniting parts that have been  divided,
merely by keeping them in contact with each other.  Many astonishing in-
stances of this have been related by writers on surgery, and it has been
proved, that if even a tooth recently drawn be  placed in its socket, it will
soon become as firm as the rest.  The spur of a cock just cut off being
stuck into the comb, will soon adhere, and grow as it did upor. the leg.  A
respectable author (elates tire case of a man who accidentally stepped on a 
t  180  ]
ate than it would otherwise have been, and in a  {ew days  will
have subsided considerably; a white matter will then flow from
the wound, and the horse will not appear to suflei much pain.
When this has been accomplished, it is necessary to endeavor
as much as possible to  bring  the divided  parts  together,  and
?here will be less  danger and pain  from drawing the bandage
with  more force  for this pirpose.    Warm water may still be
used for cleansing the wound; but when the  inflammation is
quite gone off, some stimulating liquids may be employed, but
these are unnecessary when the divided parts can  be brought
into contact.   When this cannot be effected, or when there is
a loss of substance, the wound cannot heal  without the forma-
tion of new parts, and stimulants are often required to acceler-
ate this process.   At  first the weaker preparations  are to be
used, such as dilute spirit, or a weak solution of blue vitriol:
but when  the healing process goes on  slowly, the  matter  be-
coming thin, and losing its white color, the stronger stimulants
as tincture of benzoin, or even oil of turpentine, may  be ap-
plied, and the  constitution  invigorated by  a nutritious diet,
such  as malt  and  oals, or carrots; and when  the discharge is
very considerable and  appears to  weaken the animal, this is
more particularly necessary, and must be assisted by medicines
of the tonic kind,  such as Peruvian  bark, cascarilla, vitriolated
iron, and sometimes porter or beer, and  even opium;  it  is only
keen instrument, and nearly divided his foot: all the bones, tendons, Sic.
were divided, except the bone going to the little toe, he bled profusely, and
fainted, by which the hemonhagh was stopped.  A surgeon then  brought
the divided  parts together, and secured them with splints and bandage.
The man was thoroughly cured  in a  short time,  and the foot became as
perfect as the other.  Surgeons are now so convinced of the power of na-
tuie to heal simple incised wounds, when the divided parts are kept in con-
tact with each other, without the assistance of any spirit, balsam or salve;
which they know rather impedes than expedites the cure, that a practition-
er would be laughed at, were he to adopt so absurd a practice ; it appears,
indeed, that balsams were first  used on account of their glutinous  quality,
in order to keep the parts more completely in contact; with the  same view,
.white of egg, gum v\ ater and other things of the same nature were employ-
ed.  It is to be lamented that the public are still so prejudiced  in favor of
stimulating preparations, such as frier's balsam, tincture of myrrh and aloes
and above all the famous riga balsam, which is preferable from being less
stimulating, that a veterinary surgeon  can hardly venture to trust nature a
little in the treatment of wounds, without being accused of negligei>ce.  It
may be depended upon, however, that in  every case  of simple incised
wounds, where these preparations have been thought to effect a cure, they
have not in the least contributed to it: nature has been the restorer, in spite
of the obstacles opposed to her efforts.   Wounds that have degenerated in-
to ulcers, either from bad management, or from the  parts laving beeii lac-
erated or bruised, often require the application of stimulants; but  even in
such wounds they are not to be employed, until the inflammation which
r.cctrearily follows the injury has subsided. 
[ 181  ]
in very deep and extensive wounds, however, where there is a
profuse discharge, and constitutional weakness, that this treat-
ment is required.
  When wounds ofthis kind terminate fatally, it  is generally
from the violence of the  inflammation and symptomatic fever
causing gangrene, delirium, and  total exhaustation.  Our first
and principal object therefore, should be to restrain this inordi-
nate inflammation by every means  in  our power; but farriers,
ever in opposition to nature, generally destroy their patients in
these cases; torturing the unfortunate animal by the application
of violent  stimulants and even caustics; cramming  into the
wound hard tents, and  persuading his employer that this cruel
and absurd treatment will infallibly heal the wound.  When we
have succeeded  in these extensive lacerated wounds so far as to
bring on a healthy supuration, a discharge of white matter,  and
an appearance of new flesh sprouting  up in various parts, in
small granulations of a  red color, we may be satisfied  that the
danger is over.
   At  this period we may safely use more force in bringing the
divided parts together; and if the wound appear languid, want-
ing that red appearance we have just described, and discharg-
ing thin matter,  some of the stimulants we have mentioned may
be  employed: still it is improper to cram tents into the wound
or daub them over with stinking ointments.
   If the red granulations form so luxuriantly  as  to rise above
 the level of the skin, they must be kept down by red precipitate,
 burnt allum, or other applications of this kind; pressure  will
 also be effectual on this occasion, laying a piece of soft lint on
 the part, and confining  it with a roller.   Should the sides or
 edges of the wound become callous, caustics must  be applied to
 remove the old surface, and then fresh attempts should be made
 to bring them into contact.   When  the matter has penetrated
from having been  confined, so  as  to form sinuses, fistula?, or
pipes, as they are commonly termed (that is, narrow, deep ul-
cers running in various directions,) their sides if possible should
be brought into contact  by means  of pressure.   If such sinu-
ses have existed for some time, the  sides will have become cal-
 lous, and incapable of uniting; it is then necessary  to apply
 caustic, either by injecting some liquid caustic, such as strong
 solution of blue vitriol, dilute nitrous acid, &x. with a syringe,
 or by dipping lint in the  same, and passing with a  probe to the
 bottom of every sinus,   (See Fistula, Poll Evil and Quittor.)
 This is the only occasion on which  tents are proper.   If it be
 impossible to bring the sides of the sinus into contact, it can on-
 ly  be cured by the formation of new flesh, to promote which it
 is necessary  to inject daily some stimulating liquid, such aa
                              Q 
[ 182  J
spirit of wine, tincture of benzoin, &c. keeping the orifice open
lest it heal before the deeper part.   Even these, however, will
be found ineffectual, if the sides of the sinuses be callous; and
then should be preceded by the caustic as above described, (See
Ulcers, Fistula, Poll-evil <$c Quittor,) which often requires to be
repeated.  I thought it necessary to be thus minute in describ-
ing the treatment of lacerated  wounds, as it is  a subject of
great importance, and generally little understood.   Under this
head it is proper to treat also of gun-shot wounds, in which the
ball  enters with such force, and the  parts are so much bruised,
that then vetality is destroyed; therefore nothing  can prevent
their separation, or sloughing, as it is termed.  This generally
takes place a few days after the accident, and until that  period
it would be highly improper to use any kind of pressure, or at-
tempt to bring the sides of the wound into contact.  The first
thing to be done in  these-wounds is to extract the ball, should
it have lodged; but we must not employ any violent means to
eflect this, as it is more easily done  after the dead parts have
separated and a  healthy supuration has taken place.   Some-
times the ball penetrates so far as  to be felt near the opposite
side of the part, where an incision should then be made in order
to extract it.   Whenever matter ponds up, or is confined in any
kind of wound, it is proper to make such an opening as will al-
low it to escape freely: setons are sometimes employed for this
purpose.  (See  Wounds of Cavities and Punctured Wounds.)
In gun-shot wounds it is improper to bleed as hemorrhage often
happen3 when the dead parts separate: in other respects they
are  to  be  treated as we have above described.   Indeed their
treatment must depend greatly on the importance and situa-
tion of the wounded part, as the ball may penetrate a joint, or
the cavity of the chest or belly.   (See Wounds of Cavities.)
                Punctured Wounds.

  This kind of wound also often occurs in veterinary practice.
The feet are particularly liable  to  it, and not unfrequently
they are inflicted through the carelessness or impatience of the
groom.   During the time of my service in the army, I may
truly assert, that more than fifty cases occurred, in which the
wound was inflicted by the fork used about the litter, either by
accident or by the savage violence  of the groom.   It  is but
just hov>e\ er, to acknowledge that a good soldier will sacrifice
even his own repose to that of his horse, and thinks  nothing a
labor that can contribute  to the health and comfort of his faith- 
[ 183 ]
ful companion; but among so great a number of men there are
too often some of a different description.   Punctured wounds
of the  feet are most frequent, and are caused, either by the
horse stepping on a nail, or picking  up a nail as it is termed,
or by carelessness of  the farrier in shoeing.  In the former case
the nail generally  enters the  frog,  and  often penetrates the
joint of the coflin  bone.  (See Anatomy  of the Foot.)  The
sole is generally sufficiently hard  to  resist the nail: but the
frog is commonly of a softer and more spungy nature.   When
the coffin  joint is wounded,  there is danger of an  incurable
lameness from the joint becoming stiff; but by proper manage-
ment the wound is often closed in a short time, and the free
motion of the bones preserved.   (See Wounds of Joints under
the head Wounds of Cavities.) Whenever the foot is wound-
ed by a nail, it is necessary immediately to open the orifice in
the horny matter by means of a drawing knife: if the joint be
wounded, synovia, or joint oil  will issue from  the wound, but
in very small (|uantity.   An experienced person can  easily as-
certain this point still more certainly by tracing the wound with
a probe.  The treatm'ent  of this kind of wound will be des-
cribed in the  chapter on Wounds of Cavities; but when the
joint has escaped the  injury, after enlarging the opening made
by the nail in  the horny matter, and cutting away the horn
from the contiguous parts, until it becomes very thin, a little
tincture of benzoin is to be poured into the  wound; the stimulus
of which, so far from  being injurious  as in  lacerated wounds,
will soon bring on a secretion of healthy matter; a little tow or
lint, dipped in tar or  Venice turpentine, is then to be applied,
and the whole fbot kept cool by means of a bran poultice. The
most essential part of the treatment is opening well  the orifice
in the horny matter;  for in wounds of this kind we always find
that soon after the nail has been withdrawn, the puncture in
the horn  nearly closes; but the living parts that have been
wounded underneath the horn soon inflame and  swell; conse-
quently they suffer considerable pressure, as  the horn  is too
thick and inflexible to give loom to them as they  swell.  At
length matter forms,  which, being confined by the horny cov-
ering, diffuses itself between the sensible and insensible parts,
sometimes so  extensively as to render it  necessary to remove
great part, or even the whole of the latter.   This operation, so
often cruelly and unnecessarily performed by  farriers, is term-
ed drawing the sole.   In the case described,  where the parts
are separated by the  matter, the operation is  performed  with
but little pain to the animal.   But those officious practition-
ers too often tear it  off when perfectly healthy, and, with a
view to remove a lameness, of the cause and seat of which they 
[184]
are totally ignorant.  Often have I been desired by  the owner
of a lame horse to draw the sole, under an idea that it was  an
infallible remedy for an obstinate lameness, or for a desperate
wound of the coffin joint.*
   When it has been found necessary to  remove some part of
the horny sole, in consequence of matter having formed under
it, a pledget of tow dipped in digestive ointment, or a mixture
of Venice turpentine and hog's lard should be applied.  Some-
times we find the coffin  bone diseased, in which  case  the  in-
jured part generally separates, and  then a new horny sole is
gradually formed.   When  a horse's hoof is wounded by the
fartierin shoeing, he is said to be pricked; the nail instead of
being driven into the horny insensible part only, is either forc-
ed into the living parts, or so near to them as by its pressure to
give such pain to the animal as to cause him  to go lame;  in-
flammation gradually takes place in consequence, and at length
matter forms, which, if not allowed to escape  by removing the
shoe  and cutting away the  horn with a small drawing knife,
spreads under the hoof, and after some days breaks  out at the
coronet.   (See  Anatomy of the foot.)  In this case  the  mis-
chief is not always discovered immediately after shoeing.  The
pressure upon the sensible parts  is sometimes too inconsidera-
ble at first to occasion lameness; so that when the horse is ob-
served to go lame, the farrier pronounces it to be in  the shoul-
der, and  the poor animal is tormented by the strong oils or e-
ven blisters applied to that part,  while he is suffering from ano-
ther cause.   It is in this way that the disease is sometimes  al-
lowed to run such lengths as we have described.   When  the
nail is so driven as  to wound the sensible parts at  once, the
horse goes lame immediately after; and the cause being gener-
ally suspected, the shoe  is taken off,  the opening in the horny
part enlarged with a drawing knife, and a little tincture of ben-
zoin applied.   The lameness is thus soon removed, the shoe re-
applied,  taking care not to place  a nail or suffer the shoe to

   *This mischievous and cruel operation is held in such high estimation
by farriers, that they exultingly display the soles of their unfortunate pati-
ents, nailed to their doors or window shutters, as a sort of deploma, or un-
deniable sanction to practice the art of farriery.  We have reason to hope,
that this abominable and cruel practice will not long exist, as the condition
of this most useful animal has of late experienced a considerable  meliora-
tion, and will, we trust, by the laudable encouragement now given by ma-
ny distinguished, I may say, illustrious  personages to the veterinary sci-
ence, be soon rescued from  the  hands of those barbarous and presuming
practitioners.  The ingenious gentleman I  have before mentioned, so libe-
ral in the use of caustics, was equally  proud of his skill in tearing off the
soles from horse's feet, and I am informed often boasts in ale houses, among
grooms and other companions, of his skill in this operation, and more  par-
ticularly of his profound knowledge of the "Ottomy (meaning Anatomy)
of the Horse." 
[ 185 3
 press on the injured part, and the horse becomes capable of re-
 turning to his work.*
    When wounds of this kind have been so neglected that mat-
 ter breaks out from the coronet, it is still necessary to enlarge
 the opening in the horn beneath; and if it have closed (which
 it generally does,) the horn must be removed with a drawing
 knife, that the matter may escape freely: the upper wound, (in
 the coronet) will then soon heal,  by  applying the tincture of
 benzoin.  Punctured wounds in other parts a-e often  inflicted
 with the stable fork, either accidentally or intentionally: I have
 often known joints wounded in this  way.  (For the treatment
 ofjoint wounds,  see Wounds of  Cavities.)   When the  flesh
 only  is punctured,  the orifice must be kept open that the wound
 may heal from the bottom: and if the sides become callous and
 indisposed to heal, a mild caustic  may be injected, such  as so-
 lution of blue vitriol,   In punctured wounds of the fleshy parts,
 it is of consequence to procure a free exit  for the matter: with
 this view we often  make counter openings with a knife, or pass
 a seton through the wound.  In recent wounds,   however, of
 the punctured  kind, those irritating applications are improper;
 wounds  of this kind  are frequently  followed by considerable
 pain and inflammation.  It is therefore  necessary  to keep the
 orifice open; and if it be small, to enlarge it with a lancet, when
 the pain and inflammation have subsided.  Should the wound
 appear indisposed to. heal and be found upon  examining  with
 ihe probe to be as deep as at first, there is reason to suppose
 diat its sides have become callous; a caustic  is then to be ap-
 idied throughout its whole course; and after a day or  two, Oi
 when white matter  is  observed to flow  from the .wound,  such
 pressure should be applied, where it is practicable, as will b:in^
 the sides of the wound  into contact, and continued until  they
 are united.   When punctured wounds are  so  situate, that the
 matter can freely escape, there is much less difficulty in curing
 them, than when they are in a situation  of a different kind; or
 where the orifice, instead of being the lowest, is   the highest
 part of the  wound.   This  inconvenience,  however,  is some-
 times obviated by making a new opening with a knife or lance',
 or bypassing a seton through the wound: but in  some situa-
 tions this cannot be done: nor can  we in many cases apply suf-
 ficient pressure to bring the sides together.  The   wound can
 then be healed  only by the formation  of new  parts, by which
the cavity is filled up; to effect which we inject stimulating li-.

  •The remedy commonly  employed by farriers in these wounds is oil of
turpentine poured into the wound, and then set on fire wkh a candle; trie
more knowing ones, however, prefer oil of vitriol, perhaps as being more
simple, rendering the application of the candle unnecessary. 
[ 186]
quids, such as proof spirit, tincture of benzoin, or  solution of
blue vitriol, taking care to keep the orifice open, that the  bot-
tom of the wound may be first healed.
  The most formidable punctured  wounds generally  happen
while a horse is employed in hunting, in leaping over  gates or
hedges: he is then said to be staked.   The deeper and more
lacerated these wounds are, the more carefully should we avoid
the irritating applications and tents  of the farriers,  adopting in
their stead the same  treatment we have  directed for extensive
lacerated wounds.
  There is another kind of punctured wounds which is likely
to occur in military service: and in  a charge of cavalry  upon a
line of infantry,  it is astonishing that so many should escape
the bayonet as we generally find do  on such occasions.   Those
are generally of considerable depth, and often followed by pro-
fuse bleeding.   When the bayonet penetrates the belly or chest,
the wound is commonly fatal, particularly if any of  the large
blood vessels within these cavities be wounded.  When mere-
ly the fleshy parts are wounded,  there will be  little danger,
particularly if there be no  considerable  blood  vessel opened.
The treatment of these wounds is nearly the same as we have
already described, except that it is  more frequently necessary
to enlarge the orifice or mouth of the wound; and that  there is
often occasion to perform a rather difficult operation, namely
that of tying the artery in order to stop the  bleeding; for when
a large artery is  wounded, the blood flows so copiously as to
require the most expeditious means of suppression.   It is dif-
ficult for a person unacquainted  with anatomy  to perform  this
operation of tying the  artery.   Therefore if no professional
person be present at such an accident, it is advisable to endea-
vor to stop the bleeding by pressure, giving up all attempts to
tie the artery, and not placing any dependance upon  those pre-
parations called styptics.
  Pieces of spungeor lint, secured  with bandage, will be found
most convenient for this purpose.   If the wounded artery be of
considerable size, which may  be  known by  the quantity of
blood and the force with which it is thrown out, the bandage
should not be removed till the second or  third day.*
   In these wounds, also, it is necessary  to avoid the stimulat-
ing applications and tents commonly employed by farriers: but
when the inflammation has subsided, and the wound does not
appear disposed to heal, they may be used  with advantage.  It

  *It is easy to distinguish betwen a wounded artery and a vein. In the
latier the blood is of a darker red color, flows in a uniform stream, and
with little force; in the former, the blood is of a  bright scarlet color, and is
thro vn out by jerks with considerable force. 
[ 187 ]
is  of importance  to procure a free exit for the matter, for
which purpose a counter opening may be made,wljen the situ-
ation of the wound will admit of it.
   All punctured wounds are liable to become fistulous, that is,
when the sides cannot be brought into contact by any means,
they often become callous.   It may be necessary to  repeat,
that in sueh cases caustics must be applied to destroy the cal-
losity, and then gentle stimulants are to be injected to promote
the formation of new flesh.   There is more difficulty in healing
wounds of tendons or ligaments,  than flesh  wounds: and in
such cases, after the first inflammation has subsided, the strong-
er stimulants, and even caustics, are often required.
       Wounds of Circumscribed Cavities.

Under this head we shall describe wounds of the Chest, Belly.
       Joints, Sheaths of Tendons and Blood-vessels.

  When the chest or belly is punctured, there  is generally
danger of a fatal termination: the danger, however, is propor-
tionate to the extent of the injury, and is always greater when
any of the parts contained  in  the chest or belly are injured.
This kind of wound is most liable to happen in military service,
and is most commonly inflicted with the bayonet and ball.  li-
ven in small wounds of these important cavities,  there is dan-
ger of inflammation taking place in the bowels:  it is necessary
therefore, to close the wound  as neatly and expeditiously as
possible, by sewing it up; taking care, however,  that the needle
do not pass through the  fleshy parts,  but  merely through the
skin.   It is proper also  to bleed according to the strength  and
condition of the animal,  and to give it a purgative draught.  If
swelling and inflammation come  on, foment frequently with a
decoction  of the bitter herbs.   (See Fomentations.)   If the
wound do not unite by  the first intention,  white matter will
soon make its appearance. A little  tincture of  benzoin  may
then be applied.   In extensive wounds of the abdomen or bel-
 ly, the bowels often come out through the opening, in which
 case  there is considerable danger, though the  bowels may
 have escaped the injury.   Should they have been  wounded,
 let the  wound be very neatly  stitched up with a small needle
 and  waxed silk, and then gently replaced within  the belly,
 taking care first to remove any dirt  or other matter  that  may
 adhere to them.   The wound is then to be carefully closed as
 we have before directed, and supported if possible with band-
 age : the end of the silk, however, with which the bowel is sew- 
[188 1
 ed, should be kept out of the external wound.  Bleeding and
 a clyster are-particularly  necessary; bran mashes, with strong
 gruel, or a little sweet oat meal stirred into each mash, is the
 most proper diet.  If the bowels have  been wounded, it is ab-
 solutely  requisite  to keep the horse from eating hay or straw,
 or any hard food; for as the digestive process is far from being
 perfected in the horse's stomach, the hay or straw  might arrive
 at the wounded part in a  state capable of doing  great injury.
 In wounds of the chest nearly the same treatment is required;
 a purgative,  however, may  be given in such  cases, before in-
 flammation has taken place: but whenever this happens,  whe-
 ther it be in  consequence of these wounds or of wounds of the
 belly, it must be treated according to the directions given un-
 der the heads, Inflammation of the Lungs and Bowels.
   The cavities next in importance to the chest  and belly, are
 those named joints; which in horses are more frequently woun-
 ded than the other cavities.  These wounds,  although  from
 mismanagement they sometimes prove fatal, yet  are of more
 importance from the circumstance, that without  the greatest
 care and  the most  judicious treatment they almost invariably
 render the horse permanently lame; and sometimes in so  con-
 siderable a degree, that he becomes nearly if not entirely  use-
 less.  Previous, however, to entering on the consideration of
 their treatment, it is desirable to give such an account of the
 structure of a joint, as may render the directions more intelli-
 gible.  A joint  is formed, generally speaking, by the ends or
 heads of two or more bones; these ends are covered by  a layer
 of gristle or cartilage, which is of a yielding and  elastic nature;
 this cartilage has on its surface a firm but thin membrane, which
 is constantly  forming a slippery fluid, termed  synovia or joint
 oil;  it possesses also absorbent vessels to prevent an undue ac-
 cumulation of this  fluid.*   The  ends of the bones, thus  cov-
 ered with a smooth yielding surface, so slippery as to move up-
 on each other freely without suffering from friction, are then
 firmly tied together by a strong inelastic substance, termed lig-
 ament, which completely surrounds the heads of the bones, as
 far at least as  they are covered with the smooth cartilage. This
ligament,  termed by anatomists capsular ligament, it is not so
tight as to prevent extensive motion of the bones, but sufticient-
  * When a joint becomes dropsical, as in bog spavin, it is either from a
loss of power in the absorbent vessels, or an increased action of the vessels
which form the joint oil: perhaps both these causes may concur in produc-
ing die disease, the more remote cause  of which is, generally, hard work,
that is, too great  or too long continued motion of the joint.   The disease
termed windfalls may be explained in the same way.  (See AVindgalls,
A; pendix.) 
[189]
ly bo to hold them firmly in their proper situation.  Thejotnt
is thus completely shut up, forming a kind of sack,  or what ia
termed a circumscribed cavity, and the joint oil which is form-
ed is confined to its proper situation.  When a joint is woun-
ed, or in other words, when the capsular ligament is wounded,
the joint oil, which is a transparent fluid, of a light yellow, or
brownish color,  is  seen almost  constantly  oozing from  the
wound, particularly when the animal moves the joint.   If pro-
per means be not employed to close the wound, inflammation
takes place within the joint, occasioning the most excruciating
pain, and at first  an increased formation  of synovia.  If tlw
wound continue open, the inflammation and pain become more
considerable, and a symptomatic fever takes place, which some-
times proves fatal.   It often happens, however, in this stage of
the complaint, that the vessels of the capsular ligament,  in-
stead of forming joint oil, pour out a large quantity of glutinous
coagulating fluid, which, filling the cavity of the joint and be-
coming solid,  totally and permanently obliterates it.  The  in-
flammation, pain and  fever, then gradually subside, and  the
wound heals; but the joint can no longer be moved, and an in-
curable lameness is the consequence.  From this description
will appear the importance of attending to these wounds as ear-
ly as possible, and of closing the wound as expeditiously as we
can.   This, however, cannot be effected by the means we have
recommended for other wounds.   Ligaments are of a different
nature from flesh of skin, and, when wounded, cannot be heal-
ed without the assistance of strong stimulants, and even caus-
tics :* but  these must be  used with great caution, for when
they are so  clumsily employed as  to enter the  cavity oftho
joint, the most violent inflammation  will ensue.  Some of the
old farriers appear  to have  known the utility  of caustics in
these wounds: but mistaking the principleon which they acted
often injected liquid caustics into the joint, and thereby brought
on the most excruciating torments.   Sometimes their patients
were destroyed by the  fever  which followed; more frequently,
however, the joint became stiff or immoveable, as  we have be-
fore described, and the wound healed.  Other farriers, prefer-

  It has been supposed, that the violent pain and inflammation, which fol-
low the wound of a joint, are caused  chiefly by the admission of air into
the cavity, and a deficiency of synovia or joint oil, by which the two surfa-
ces are exposed to friction.  It is certain, however, that in these wound*
there is much  more synovia formed than usual; which may be known by
the quantity that flows from the wound.  This increased  formation of sy-
novia, however, continues only a certain time; after a time the coagulat-
ing lymph is poured out, which, becoming solid, obliterates  the cavity; but
in large wounds of the principal joints, the animal is often destroyed before
.; i» happens, by the symptomatic fever which comes on. 
[190]
ring to employ the solid caustics, and failing in  their attempt*
10 thrust them into the cavity of the joint, have applied Ihem
no farther than the orifice in the capsular ligament, and have
by this fortunate failure effected a cure without the loss of the
joint.   This plan, however, can only be adopted in wounds of
a small size,  or of the punctured kind, such as those inflicted
with the stable fork: and fortunately wounds of joints are most
commonly of this kind.  But we sometimes meet with cases
where the wound is of considerable size, and much lacerated:
there is scarcely a possibility then of preserving the joint;  and
if it happen to the larger joints, such  as the hock and stifle,
there is great danger of its destroying the animal.   In such ca-
ses caustics are improper: they must be treated  as deep lacera-
ted wounds.   But in the small punctured wound of a joint, the
actual cautery (hot  iron) cautiously applied, has  been found
the most expeditious and effectual remedy.   I have succeeded
also, with the lunar caustic (nitrate of silver.)  Farriers some-
times employ the butter of antimony (muriate of antimony,) and
white vitriol,  (vitriolated zinc,)* they often  inject some liquid
caustic into the wound  with a syringe, such as solution of blue
vitriol.  The earlierlhe actual cautery  is  applied, the more
speedily will  it heal the wound:  and it is particularly  desirable
to have it applied before inflammation takes place in  the joint.
The iron should have a round  point, and be applied  when at
a dull red  heat; the wound should be so seared as to stop the
discharge of joint oil.  It often happens, that after a short time
an oozing of synovia is again observed: in such cases the iron
must be again applied, and repeated if necessary several  times.
I have sometimes succeeded ultimately,  though  the  iron  had
been applied  ineffectually twice or three  times.  When in-
flammation takes place in the  joint, the most powerful reme-
dies should be expeditiously employed for its removal, such as
bleeding and  purging.   Fomentations and poultices in such
cases are not so useful as blisters, which should be applied ra-
ther extensively about the joint; but as long as the wound in
the joint remains open, the  inflammation will continue; there-

  *I have heard a farrier boast of possessing a receipt for a joint humor,
or, as he termed it, for "killing a joint humor." In small wounds of the
inferior joints, this man sometimes succeeded.  Upon examining the rem-
edy, I found it to consist chiefly of white vitriol, which indeed was the only
active ingredient.  This coarsely powdered, was put into the wound; but
as the man supposed its efficacy depended upon its entering the cavitv of
the joint, and subduing this formidable humor, he of course took great pains
to thrust it in with his probe. , In large wounds he generally succeeded  in
his attempt, and destroyed  either the joint or the animal: but in small
wounds of the lower joints, he merely brought it into contact with the woun*
ded ligament, and thereby often effected a cure. 
                        lTBii

fore, our principal object should be to close the wound.  There
is no  external complaint which occasions such  excruciating
pain to the animal, as inflammation of a joint, particularly when
it has proceeded so far as to ulcerate the bones; several cases
of which have come under my observation.
 Wounds of the Sheatlis, or Membranes sur-
                rounding Tendons.

  These require  nearly a  similar treatment to that we have
just  described, and, when  of the small punctured  kind, are
more expeditiously healed by a judicious use  of the  actual
cautery, than by any other remedy.  These wounds also gene-
rally discharge something like synovia or joint oil, and, if suf-
fered to remain open, are productive of very violent pain and
inflammation.  When they are so large as to render the caustic
an improper application,  they should be closed  as  neatly as
possible, and kept so  by adhesive plaster and bandage.    This
plan is equally applicable to similar wounds in joints; and, if
adopted in time, will often be found very effectual: even when
the actual cautery has,been applied, and the wound seared so
as to be closed, the adhesive plaster  will be found a useful as-
sistant, and will  often prevent the necessity of repeating the
cautery.  I have known a wound in the knc  ioint soon heal-
ed by means of the sticking plaster alone,   i'he tendons most
liable to be wounded, are the back sinews; but they are en-
closed in a strong tendinous sheath, which like  a joint, con-
tains a small quantity of slippery fluid, to render their motions
easy, and prevent the cohesions of the parts   About the fet-
lock joint, or rather above  that joint, there are small sacs, or
little bladders, connected with the tendon and ligaments, which
also contain this slippery fluid, and serve  to facilitate motion
in these parts.  When a horse is worked too hard, these1 blad-
ders contain an unusual  quantity of the fluid  or synovia, and
appear swelled or puffed, constituting the disease  termed wind
galls.   If these little bladders receive a wound, it is generally
followed by violent pain and inflammation; and when improper-
 ly treated, a very  obstinate  lameness may be the consequence.
 In this case, nothing is more useful  than the  slicking  plaster,
 provided the lips of the wound be neatly brought together  be-
 fore it is applied:  but if the wound be of the small punctured
 kind, the actual cautery  should be first  applied.   Great care,
 however, is required in this case; for if the iron be not  applied
 very lightly, and  its pointed end properly adapted to the size of 
[ 192  ]
the wound, it may do much mischief.  Blisters are the  best
remedies for any swelling, that may remain  after a wound  in
the sheaths of tendons, or in joints; and if one blister be found
insufficient, a repetition of the remedy  will generally succeed.
The last kind of wound we have to describe,  is one  that  hap-
pens more frequently than any other, and is more easily cured;
that is, a wound of a vein.   When a vein is  properly opened,
and afterwards carefully closed in the usual way, with a pin and
a little tow, it almost always heals  by  the first  intention; but
when it is opened by a rusty blunt^eam or lancet, and particu-
larly when the instrument is driven with such violence as to cut
not only into, but through  the vein, making thus an orifice both
before and behind, it seldom heals so readily: on the contrary,
inflammation takes place  within the cavity of the vein, which
gradually extends or spreads until either the wound is closed,
or the vein obliterated, by the coagulating matter which forma
within it.   If the inflammation extend  to the  heart, the animal
is instantly destroyed;  more  commonly, however, the vein  is
plugged up, and ceases to convey blood.   But even in this case
the disease proves very troublesome; in consequence of the^'t^-
ular or neck veins being the principal channels, by  which the
blood of the head returns to the heart.   This obstruction to tho
return of the blood causes  a swelling of the  large gland under
the ear, to which the formation of matter is often a consequence.
Sometimes the eye becomes  inflamed; and I have seen symp-
toms of apoplexy or staggers produced  by  this cause.   If a
horse be turned to grass in this situation, the inconvenience  is
considerably increased: the position of the head in grazing be-
ing.unfavorable to the return of blood from the head.  The in>
convenience arising from a loss of the jugular vein is not how-
ever permanent; the smaller veins generally enlarge,  and after
a time, return the blood as readily as the jugular or neck  vein
did originally.  When this accident happens, the mischief may
be perceived about the second day after bleeding—sometimes
the day following that of the operation.  When the orifice  in
the vein- is large and particularly if the wound  in the skin be but
slightly closed, or if the horse happen to rub  the  pin out, the
wound  bleeds freely; and though it be again pinned  up, the
blood often bursts out  after a short time.  1 have seen a  case
where the horse had been  bleeding at intervals three or  four
days, though the wound had been  several times firmly pinned
up: this was very soon stopped by the actual cautery: but the
vein was obliterated at that part, and a little way downward and
upward; and  the swelling  of the gland under the ear  took
place.  When the orifice in the vein is but small, or when the
vein is not  transpierced, but inflames only from the orifice  in 
[193]
the skin, having been imperfectly closed, or from hair or blood
lodging between the lips of the wound, the first symptoms are
swelling and an oozing of moisture from the wound.   In this
case the vein is often preserved, and the disease soon cured,
by applying lightly the actual cautery, and by keeping the horse
at rest.—It must not be supposed, however, that in every case
of swelling after bleeding the vein is  inflamed:  a slight swel-
ling often takes  place immediately after the operation, merely
from the blood getting into the  cellular membrane under the
skin; and  this swelling is  sometimes succeeded by an oozing
of moisture from the wound: but all thi£ is soon removed by
rubbing on it a little soap liniment.    When the vein is really
inflamed, there is generally a discharge of blood some time af-
ter the operation: and if this do not happen, the swelling ex-
tends to the gland under the ear,' the  whole being extremely
tender and painful, often  rendering  the horse almost incapa-
 ble of masticating or swallowing.  When the disease is improp-
 erly treated, or suffered to take its own course, sinuses form  by
 the side of the vein; so that the probe may  be  passed in vari-
 ous directions, generally upward towards the gland, sometimes
 iuward among the muscles of the neck.                 '
   The actual cautery is undoubtedly the most effectual appli-
 cation at first; but when the disease  has been suffered to pro-
 ceed so  far as we have now described, it is necessary to keep
 the orifice open, that the matter may escape freely;  and,  by in-
 jecting a solution of blue or white vitriol, cause it gradually to
  heal from the bottom.
    When the gland under the ear is much  swollen, and very
  painful, a poultice should be applied; but when the swelling
  feels hard, and without tenderness, a blister is more effectual.
    In taking leave of this subject, which may appear to some of
  my readers, to be spun out to  an unnecessary length, I must
  beg leave to observe, that wounds in general, more particular
  those of circumscribed cavities, require so much care and con-
  sideration in order to be treated  with success, as to convince
  me of the propriety of giving a detailed description of them.

                 Diseases  of the Eye.

     Among the various diseases to which domestication and  im-
  proper management have subjected the horse, those of the eye
  are more frequent  and often  more obstinate than any other;
  and what makes this subject peculiarly interesting and imper-
                              il 
[  194]
tant,  is, that unless a horse's eye be  absolutely perfect, he is
liable to start and stumble: and it is allowed  that a horse,
whose visual organs are imperfect, is often more unsafe to ride
than one totally blind.   Another consideration  induces us to
make some additions to this subject, which is, that these disea-
ses, when allowed to exist any time, or when improperly treat-
ed, are scarcely ever cured j and, though  apparently removed
for a time, ultimately terminate in blindness; whereas, by sea-
sonably applying proper remedies, the eyes have been perfectly
and permanently restored.   When the disease first appears, our
treatment must in some measure be guided by the state of the
horse's condition, strength and age.  Such as are young and
in high orcjer, require at first, both  bleeding  and purging; but
old horses, particularly when low in condition, cannot bear the
loss  of much blood, or the operation of a strong  purgative;
still local bleeding is proper, and a dose of laxative medicine.
The local bleeding consists in opening the vein which appears
to proceed from the inner corner of the eye,or in scarifying the
inner surface of the eyelid.   This operation is proper in all
circumstances.
   Horses of the former description often require a repetition
both of the bleeding and purging, with a cooling diet and fre-
quent exercise.   The most essential local remedy is blistering
the cheek and temple, so as to create a considerable discharge,
and if the first application be not sufficiently powerful, let the
part be washed with soap and water, and a fresh blister laid on.
I have found this far more effectual than  setons or rowels,  and
have now greater dependence on it than on any other topical
remedy*   When the inner surface of the eye-lid appears un-
usually red, it is more particularly proper to scarify it with a
lancet, during the first stage of the complaint, while the eye is
extremely irritable, and the inflammation considerable.
   The following lotion may be frequently applied  with a soft
spunge; but no force should be employed to get it  under the
eye-lids:
                       EYE  WATER.
                           No.  1.
Tincture of opium,         -       -       -       -   2  dr.
Water of acetated litharge,    -       -        -        1  dr.
Pure water,              -       -       -       -   8  oz.
                           Mix.
  *In blistering the cheek, it is necessary to prevent the horse from rubbing
it off about the manger or other parts, as he then generally gets some of it
into his eye, whereby the inflammation is considerably increased, and the
eye lids are often so swollen from this cause, that total  blindness is pro-
duced for several days.  The ceton is on this account often preferred. 
[ 195 1
                          No. 2.
Ext,of hyosciamus or henbane,       -       -        1  ^r-
Pure water,      -       -       -       -       -    8  oz.
Rub them together in a mortar, pouring on  the water gradual-
  ly; and, when perfectly mixed, add, of the water of acetated
  litharge,.......»  dr-
  When the inflammation abates and the horse begins to open
the eye more perfectly, we often observe a cloudiness on  the
surface,  sometimes so considerable as to intercept  the  light,
and prevent vision.   This, however, may soon be removed  by
putting into the eye some stimulating powder, or by washing
the eye with a solution of white vitriol, two or three drams to
eight ounces of water.   When by these  means the disease  has
been removed; we should carefully guard against its recurrence,
by exercising the horse regularly, and avoiding such  things as
may suddenly suppress or check perspiration.  Moderate feed-
ing  too, and good grooming are necessary.  By continuing
this kind of management,  the eye will gradually recover its
strength; but  if these precautions be neglected, the disease
generally returns;  for though the eye appears to be quite  re-
covered, it cannot be supposed that so delicate an organ can be
suddenly restored to its original strength after such  an attack.
 As horses are too frequently treated improperly, it is not to be
 wondered at, that this disease should so often return after hav-
 ing been apparently cured; or ought we to  attribute it to  any
 peculiarity in the constitution of the horse, or in  the structure
 of his eye.  The disease we have now been describing  is  that
 which arises from some internal cause, either a general fulness
 of the system, or partial determination of blood to the eye, in
 consequence of suppressed or diminished perspiration.   When
 the eye becomes inflamed from a blow,  a bite, or any external
 injury, it is generally soon cured,  merely by washing the  eye
 with the above  lotion; but when the injury  is  considerable,
 bleeding and purging, and particularly  local bleeding, are also
 necessary.
    When the eye itself is wounded, so that the humors, as  they
 are termed, run out from the  wound, blindness  must  be the
 consequence.  But if the surface of the transparent  part or
 glass of the eye be slightly scratched  only, and the whole sur-
 face or part of it  become opaque, or have a film as it  is com-
 monly termed in consequence, such opacity is often removed
 by throwing under the eye-lid some stimulating  powder,  such
 as salt.  If this fail, a little finely livigated glass, mixed  with
 honey, may be put under the eye lid, by which it will soon be
 diffused over the surface of the eye.  In these cases however, 
[ 196]
such applications are not to be used, until the violent inflam-
mation, which the accident occasions, has abated.   Among the
various diseases of the eye, described  by  writers on  farriery,
there is one which they term moon blindness, from its suppos-
ed periodical  recurrence.   This complaint is considered incur-
able, perhaps justly; but I have little doubt that it might be pre-
vented.  When  the  eye becomes inflamed  from an internal
cause, and  the inflammation is allowed to exist for any time,  a
weakness of.the  part is the consequence; and though the in-
flammation be removed, the weakness will continue.  But  if
the causes which first produced the complaint be avoided, or,
in other words, if the horse be  properly  exercised,  fed  and
groomed, the  part will gradually recover its original  strength:
if, on the contrary, as soon as the inflammation is gone off, the
exciting cause be again applied, the eye will  more readily be-
come diseased than it did at first; being in a  weak state, and
consequently  more  irritable,  or susceptible  of inflammation.
The second attack will of course increase the weakness or dis-
position to  disease; and after this the case may be justly deem-
ed incurable.   After repeated attacks the  interior parts of the
eye become diseased, and at length a cataract  or  incurable
blindness takes place.   It often happens, however, that the eye
continues in this fluctuating state some time.   In some cases
a cataract forms rather suddenly.
  I have often met with cases, where a small  speck or opacity
formed in the crystalline humor, and continued without altera-
tion for twelve months.  In one case no alteration happened in
two years: but this speck or opacity, in  the inner humor or crys-
talline, always hinders vision in some degree, and is frequently
the cause of a horse's starting.
                     Locked Jaw.

   \ have lately met with a case of locked jaw, that appeared to
have been caused by a wound in the foot, which was complete-
ly cured  by the following  treatment:—Upon  examining the
horse, I found the wound in the foot nearly healed; the jaws so
closed  that he could not even take food in his  mouth, though
he was constantly endeavoring to do it, and appeared very hun-
gry, having been incapable  of eating any thing about twenty-
four hours before I saw him; the muscles of the neck were in
a natural state,  though the jaws  were so closed as to prevent
his taking food  into his mouth;  the teeth were not absolutely
in contact; and  we were able, but with great difficulty, to intro-
duce gradually a large dose of opium and camphor.  When wq 
[ 197  J
first attempted to give this draught, the animal appeared so agi-
tated and resisted so much,  that it required the assistance  of
several men to give it.   As soon as the medicine was given, a
strong blister was applied to the spine, or middle of the back,
beginning at  the withers, and continuing  it the whole length
of the spine, even to the basis of the tail: the blister was care-
fully rubbed in, and afterwards a fresh quantity was spread up-
on it, in order to expedite its action •   A  caustic was then ap-
plied to the wound in the foot.   In about six hours we endeav-
ored to give some strong gruel, and found much  less difficulty
in doing it than in  giving the  medicine at first.   The jaws,
however, were still nearly close, and  some dexterity  was  re-
quired to pour the gruel into the throat.   Soon after this ano-
ther dose of opium  and camphor  was given,  and water gruel
several  times.  During this time the jaws appeared to be rath-
er more open, and there was less difficulty in giving the gruel.
About twenty-four  hours after the application of the  blister,
during which time he had two strong doses of opium and  cam-
phor and some gruel, the horse was able to feed, and even to
eat hay.  Another dose, but weaker,  of opium  and camphor
 was given; the complaint did not return.   The fatality  of this
 disease in horses, and the consideration that  a  clearly stated
 case be more closely followed than a general description of the
 treatment have induced me to give a detailed  account of this
 successful case.
                         Fever.
  In the former editions of this work, fever was considered ei-
ther as a simple or original complaint,  arising from suddenly
suppressed or checked perspiration, or as a symptomatic or com-
plicated disease, depending upon an affection of one or more of
the internal organs, or their membranes.   In both cases bleed-
in* was recommended as  an  essential  remedy.  My practice
since that time has not given me reason to change  this  opin-
ion materially; but as some modern writers  on farriery, have
described another kind of fever, termed putrid, or  typhus, m
which bleeding has invariably been found to be injurious,  1
think it necessary to state the observations, which an extensive
practice has suggested to me on this subject.   The grand char-
acteristic of fever  I conceive to be, an  unusually quick pulse,
i e  from seventy to an hundred in a minute; a peculiar kind
of sensation which it gives to the finger, as if it were  struck
sharply by the vibration of a  cord, and at the same time a fee-
bleness, or smallness, quite different from that gradual swell of
the healthy pulse.  When a horse labors under considerable
                             E* 
[ 198  ]
debility, either from hard work, want of sufficient food, or oth-
er causes  except fever,  the pulse is more or less languid  or
weak; sometimes slower, at others a little quicker  than usual;
still, however, it swells gradually, and does not give that sensa-
tion we have described, and which physicians term hardness.
   In fever there is either a total loss or a diminution of appe-
tite, and the animal appears to be in pain; the natural  evacua-
tions (dung and urine) are generally deficient; and upon lifting
the eye-lid,  we generally find it unusually red.   The mouth
feels hotter,  and the tongue is commonly dryer than usual.
   In simple debility or weakness, whether it be occasioned by
hard work,  or  any other cause except fever, the mouth and
tongue are in their natural state; the pulse, though weak and
not easily felt if we press much upon the artery with the finger,
does not give that sharp hard  stroke which characterises fever;
the horse readily sweats; and  when the weakness is considera-
ble, the ears and hind legs will feel rather cold, and his flanks
generally move quicker than usual.  If blood be drawn, it will
be found very different from that of a horse laboring under fever
or inflammation.   (SeeBleeding.)  The appetite, though di-
minished, is not quite gone; the inner surface of the eye-lid  is
seldom  unusually red, often less so  than in health;  and the
horse does not appear to be in pain.  Though bleeding in such
cases is extremely injurious, a mild laxative  is useful, unless
the dung be softer and in greater quantity than natural; and if
there be a deficiency  of urine, or any difficulty in voiding it, a
diuretic,  composed  of camphor  and nitre, should be given.
This symptom, however, seldom occurs  in these cases.   After
the laxative, tonics, with a nutritious diet and good grooming
or nursing,  generally restore the  animal in a short time to
health.   This disease is sometimes mistaken for fever, and
treated improperly; they are cases  of this kind, however, that
farriers so frequently  cure under  the name of fever by medi-
cines of the cordial or tonic kind.
   1 never saw any kind of fever, in which bleeding and gener-
ally laxatives were not manifestly useful, if employed judicious-
ly at an early period; that is,  if the quantity of blood drawn,
and the strength cf the laxative, were properly adapted to the
strength of the animal and the violence of the disease, and em-
ployed at  its first ai.pearance.  Several  cases have  occurred
where debility quickly succeeded the inflammatory commence-
ment, and rendered bleeding, sometimes purging  also, highly
improper; and it is perhaps such  cases, that some  writers have
mistaken for thelyphus or low  putrid fever; others  appear  to
me to have copied their description of it from that given by wri-
ters on human diseases. 
[ 199]
  In cases of simple debility I have found the following  medi-
cines of great use, giving the laxative  in the first place  if the
horse be costive, or even if the bowels  be in a natural state;
during its operation, however, it is advisable to give strong gru-
el instead of bran mashes.
                        LAXATIVES.
Barbadoes aloes,     -
Powdered canella,
Prepared  kali,        -
Mint water,       -
                   Mix for one draught.

                           tonic;
Yellow Peruvian  bark,.....6  dr.
Cascarilla,     -,   -      -     -    -     -     "     1  dr.
Powdered opium,      -    -     -    -     -     -  |-  dr.
Prepared  kali,        ......*  sc-
Sirup enough  to form a ball for a dose.—It is often necessary
   to increase the proportion of bark, and sometimes of the oth-
   er ingredients;  but when the horse becomes costive, theopi-
.•  urn must be omitted.
  The most proper food on these occasions is good sweet  oats
and the best hay given frequently in small  quantities.   The
horse should be allowed to drink also frequently; his exercise
should be very moderate; and when the weakness is considera-
ble, he should be allowed to exercise himself in a large  stall
or box, and not taken out until he  gets stronger.   If he be-
come costive, a clyster or even a mild laxative, may be given.
I have met with a disease in colts of  about two or three years
old, in which the debility was extremely obstinate.  The dis-
ease began with  swelling about the chest and belly, great weak-
ness, diminished appetite, and rather a quick pulse, without the
hardness characteristic of fever.  In  the most remarkable  case
of this kind, the colt (three years old) was attacked in the month
of May, while running in a fine piece of grass; the first appear-
ance of illness was his separating himself from  his  company,
standing with a dejected appearance, and not grazing as usual.
When examined, considerable swelling was observed about the
chest, between the fore legs;  and when  I saw him,  the pulse
was about sixty  in a minute,  yet soft:  he did not refuse his
food entirelv,but appeared indifferent about  it;  nor was  there
any  symptom which indicated an affection of the internal or-
   3 dr.
- 11- dr.   *
   I dr.
-  8 oz. 
                        [ 200  ]

gans.  He voided his urine without difficulty, and in the usual
quantity: but as the dung appeared harder, and in less quanti-
ty than is usual with horses at grass, a weak  laxative was  first
administered.   He was taken up and put loose into a cool sta-
ble, which opened into a large court, the door being left open;
he was offered frequently young lucerne, clover, &c. and al-
lowed to  drink when  he choose it.   The swelling  and weak-
ness increased  considerably; a medicine composed of bark, vi-
triolated  iron, (salt of steel) and a little canella, was therefore
given, and a more nutritious.diet allowed; viz. gruel, arrow root
powder boiled in the usual way  with water,  and a  handful of
oats now and then.   The tonic  medicine so improved his ap-
petite, that he readily  took a moderate quantity  of  this food;
yet the weakness continued", the swelling increased, and the
pulse remained in a low feeble state, but rather slower.  The
swelling  was scarified, and  a large quantity of water evacuated,
by which it  was greatly diminished; the dose of tonic medicine
was increased, and joined  with diuretics occasionally.   His
appetite improving, he was allowed  to take an unlimited quan-
tity of the most nutritious food,  which was varied so as to keep
up his appetite; and by persevering in this plan about a fort-
night he appeared to  be quite  recovered.   About  a fortnight
after this, the disease returned with  greater violence, the swel-
ling  extended  over all  the under  part of the chest and  bel-
ly,  the pulse became very  weak, but not much quicker than
before, and the animal was extremely feeble.  By persevering
in the use of  the tonic medicines, and assisting them by the
most nutritious diet, such as strong gruel, new milk, oats,  &c.
the colt perfectly recovered.   I have seen several cases of this
kind, one of which proved fatal from the negligence of the own-
er, who did not supply the colt with a sufficient quantity of nu-
triment, which seems to be as necessary as medicine; and when
a colt in this complaint refuses his food, I have found it neces-
sary to drench him frequently with strong gruel, boiled arrow
root, sago or milk.   It is proper also to vary the food, so  that
the animal may be tempted to eat oftener than he would oth-
erwise: for this purpose carrots, lucerne,&c. are useful.  The
oats should be perfectly sweet; and should the colt be found to
prefer them in a moist state, they may be sprinkled with water.
         Epidemic  Fever,  or Distemper.

  The epidemic diseases of horses generally appear in the form
of a catarrh, or cold.   The first symptoms are  cough, heavi- 
[201]
hess of the head,  the eyes often  watery  or  a little  inflamed;
sometimes there is a quckness of breathing; and tho inflamma-
tion of the membrane  which lines the throat, nose and wind-
pipe is often so considerable as to cause a difficulty in swallow-
ing; the pulse is generally quicker than  usual.   If the proper
remedies be not employed at this  period,  the horse becomes ve-
ry weak, and considerable fever takes place;  the appetite goes
off, the cough and quickness of breathing increase; and debili-
ty is so great that the animal staggers in his walk.   There is an
offensive discharge  from his  nose; and after lingering  some
time, the horse dies from a consumption.   More commonly,
however, a discharge of white matter takes place from the nose,
after the disease hasxontinued a few days, by which  the cough
and other  symptoms appear to be lessened; but though the
horse slowly recovers  his  health and  strength, a troublesome
and sometimes incurable cough remains.   When the disease is
properly treated at its commencement, the horse perfectly re-
coveis in a short time, unless the attack is very violent; and  e-
ven then by judicious  management the  cough as well as tlie
other symptoms may he cured.
  When an epidemic happens, horses should be carefully watch-
ed ; and on the first appearance of any symptoms of the disease,
the horse should be bled moderately, unless he is in low condi-
tion, or previously exhausted by hard work, old age, or unwhole-
some food.  After bleeding, give the  following laxative, and
let the horse's diet consist of bran mashes, sweet hay, and a ve-
ry small quantity  of oats.  When the attack is moderate, these
remedies are generally sufficient to effect a cure, taking care to
prevent a relapse  by nursing, and giving  every  day a dose  of
some anlimonial preparation,  of which that  which  resembles
Dr. James' fever powder is the best.
   But when the inflammatory symptoms are at first violent,
when there is a quickness of breathing, soreness of the throat,
and distressing cough, a blister to the throat is necessary: and
unless weakness forbids, bleeding even to three quarts is proper.
A laxative is always beneficial at first, if the bowels be not al-
ready too open; after which the antimonial with nitre is to be
given daily.   Warm clothing, and frequent hand rubbing to the
legs, are useful;  but a close stable is injurious.  The  horse
should be turned loose into a large stall: and if a discharge
from the nose appear, let it be encouraged by  causing the vapor
of warm water to pass through the nostrils,  and clothing the
head and ears.  When the disease, from being neglected or im-
properly treated at first alarming, and the weakness considerable
nothing but tonic medicines  and a nutritious diet can do any
good. 
[ 202]
                         LAXATIVE.
Barbadoes aloes,......2  dr.
Tartarised antimony,......1  dr.

Mix first with about  4 oz. of warm water; and then add 4 oz.
             castor oil.   To be given at one dose.

                    Molten Grease.

   This also is a disease of the intestines, and generally depen-
dant on some constitutional affection.  Horses that  have been
well fed and had but little exercise are  more  liable to this
complaint.   Though such horses appear  sleek and fat, they are
not fit for violent or long continued exertion,  unless brought
to it gradually; therefore, when suddenly brought to  work in
this state, and particularly if employed in hunting or other vio-
lent exercises, a fever is  often the consequence, which com-
monly depends upon general inflammation or increased  action
of the whole arterial  system.   In this disease,  nature some-
times makes an effort to remove it; that is, a  violent purging
not unfrequently takes place; and  the mucus, which is con-
stantly formed upon the inner surface of the bowels in order to
lubricate and protect them from the action of any  acrimonious
matter that may happen to be passing through, is now formed in
greater quantity, and is often so abundant as to appear  some-
thing like fat mixed  with the  dung.   When  blood is  drawn
from a horse in this state, a large quantity  of the inflammatory
crust (the coagulable  lymph, or buff colored jelly, before des-
cribed) appears on its surface.*)

  * According to Mr. John Laurence, molten grease consists in a colliqua-
tion or general melting of the fat of the body, great part of which is  absorb-
ed, and thrown upon the blood  and upon the intestines, whence it is void-
ed with the excrement.   Mr. Blaine, in his treatise on  Veterinary Medi-
cine, has called this explanation of the disease an absurdity! and though I
feel all due respect for the efforts of Gibson, Bracken and Bartlet, as  well
as for their commentator and panegyrist, Mr.  John Laurence, I am com-
pelled by experience and the knowledge I have obtained of the  animal e-
conomy from the  valuable instructions of those eminent teachers Dr. Bail-
lie, Messrs. Cline, Abernethy and Cooper, to  acknowledge that Mr. Lau-
rence's description is really an absurdity, and affords a convincing proof of
his incompetency either to teach or practice the Veterinary Art.
  I am sorry to  find myself under the necessity  of making this remark;
but as an opinion so erroneous must lead to practical errors, I feel  it a du-
ty so to do.  And I must beg leave to add, that what Mr. Laurence has
since written oh the disease, his explanation of what he terms an inadvert-
ent inaccuracy in his description, his satirical  remarks on Mr. Blaine, and
his attempt to show, that Mr. Blaine, in his  explanation of the  disease,
meant to offer it to the world as  a discoveiy of his own, and that  Osmar,
who wrote about  1765, had anticipated him, appears to me a strong confir-
mation of Mr. Blaine's accurate knowledge of the animal economy, and of
Mr. Laurence's total ignorance of the subject. 
[203  ]
  Molton grease, therefore, is not to be considered as  a  dis-
tinct disease; but only as a symptom, which sometimes appears
in general inflammation, or fever; it happens more frequently,
however, in the latter.   When a  horse  labors  under fever or
general inflammation, we  most commonly find some of the
internal organs more affected than others.  When  there  is a
difficulty of breathing, the flanks moving with  unusual quick-
ness and the nostrils expanded, it indicates an affection of the
lungs: when molten grease appears, it shows, that the mucus
membrane of the bowels is  more particularly affected: some-
times both these  parts are  affected at  the same time.   The
principal remedy in this disease is copious bleeding, according
to age, strength, and  other circumstances of the case.  (See
Bleeding and Fever.)   It is often necessary to  repeat the op-
eration : oily laxatives, are to be given, and rowels inserted in
the chest and belly, if the lungs be the principal seat of the dis-
ease; and the sides may be  blistered, or  the  mustard embroca-
tion rubbed on the sides and belly.   In molten grease, or when
the bowels are affected, if there  be a copious purging, let no at-
tempt be made to suppress it; rather  let it be encouraged by
giving frequently decoction of linseed,  gum Arabic dissolved
in water; starch, or the powder of arrow root, boiled in  water.
 When the dung is voided in small quantity, but frequent,  par-
 ticularly if there be any knobs mixed with it, give a pint of cas-
 tor oil, which may be repeated if necessary about two days af-
 ter.   In this case also it will be proper to rub the mustard em-
 brocation on the belly.  Should the disease continue after this
 and particularly if there be considerable irritation about the a-
 mus, the horse frequently  ejecting a small quantity of excre-
 ment, and appearing to suffer much pain, the opiate clyster may
 be given.   If this appear  rather to  increase than  remove the
 pain and irritation,  the dose of castor oil must be repeated, and
 a clyster thrown up, composed only of a little water  gruel and
 a little oil*
   Mr. Blaine, in his treatise on Veterinary Medicine, describes
 this  disease somewhat differently, and considers it to  be the
 same as the human dysentery.   I must confess, however, that
 during an extensive practice of ten years, I have never met with
 a single case that resembled the dysentery described by medi-

   *Itis necessary on this occasion particularly, to be careful in exhibiting
 the clyster, as the gut is so extremely irritable and tender, that if the pipe
 be rough, and introduced without caution, it may rather doharm than af-
 ford relief: therefore let the pipe be perfectly smooth, covered with oil or
 lard, and not forced in  with violence : it is probable that a small short tube
 of bone, about three times the bulk and length of the pipe used in human
 medicine, would be preferable on this occasion to that commonly employed. 
[204  ]
cal authors.  I have often observed, during the progress of symp-
tomatic fever, internal  inflammation, mucus mixed with the
dung, which had sometimes the appearance  of part of one of
those long white worms so often found in horse's  bowels; at
others it resembled a membrane.   I have observed  the same
thing in horses apparantly healthy, or after the  operation of
very strong physic.  I have also seen many cases,  where there
was tenesmus, or considerable irritation in the rectum, the horse
frequently voiding a small quantity of dung, and appearing in
pain.   But this was  always either  a  symptom of some «raore
important complaint, and easily removed, or the effect of phys-
ic, and  very unlike dysentery. (See Inflammation of the Lungs
and Bowels, and Symptomatic Fever.)

                    OPIATE CLYSTER.

Opium,........11 dr.
Warm  water,.......8 oz.
                          Mix.

To this add about a quart of starch water; that is, starch boiled
  in water in the usual way, and of a proper  consistence for a
   clyster.
        Diseases of tJie  Urinary Organs.

   Suppression or stoppage of urine may arise  from several
causes.  It generally takes place when horses are attacked with
flatulent colic, and is then improperly considered as the cause
of that complaint; but when the colic is removed, the horse
stales freely.   In obstinate cases of suppression, where the
horse has not been observed to stale  for two or three days, it is
necessary to examine the bladder, which may be easily done by
introducing the  hand  into the rectum or straight gut, through
which the bladder is readily felt when distended with urine:
when the bladder is found in this state, an evacuation must be
speedily obtained, or the animal may be destroyed.  In mares
there is no difficulty in introducing a catheter, or hollow tube,
into the bladder, through which the  urine will flow out.  In a
horse this operation is not practicab.e, on account of the great
length and  curvature of the passing: it has been recommended
however, in such cases, to introduce  a bougie, or long smooth
probe, into the passage, and to pass it forward until it arrives at
that part where the principal curviture is: that is, about two or
threeinchesbelow the anus.  The probe being held  steadily
in this situation by an assistant, the  operator is  to make an in- 
[ 205  ]
cision carefully,  so as to cut upon the top of the probe, and lay
open the passage.  This being  done, a hollow tube, even the
finger may  be readily passed "into  the  bladder, and let out its
contents.
   In making this incision, the skin is to be drawn on one side,
so that when the operation is finished, and the  urine evacuated,
the opening in the urethra, or passage, and in the parts which
cover it, will not correspond; and the opening in the former will
be completely covered.   Without this contrivance  a  fistulous
opening would remain during  the horse's life: indeed such a
consequence is to be apprehended, in whatever way the opera-
tion is performed; but fortunately such obstinate cases of sup-
pression very rarely occur.
   When the bladder upon being examined through the rectum,
is found empty, or when it cannot be felt at all, the suppression
must depend on a disease of the kidneys.  When these organs
are much inflamed, they cease to  form urine,  or form it only in
 very small quantity; but the  most common cause is a gradual
 decay of the kidney.   (See Inflammation of the Kidney.)  This
 is known by the horse having become thin and weak gradually;
 having been  attacked before  with similar complaints  but in  a
 less degree; having been observed  to move his hind legs awk-
 wardly in trotting;  and  giving way  when  pressed  upon the
 loins.  When it is clearly ascertained, that the suppression of
 urine arises from this cause, and particularly if the horse be old,
 and extremely feeble, there is no chance of recovery, and death
 soon terminates his misery.   It may happen,  however, that the
 kidneys cense to perform their office, or do it imperfectly from
 other causes, without  having suffered an alteration  or decay
 in their organization or structure.  In such cases, provided no
 symptoms of inflammation  exist, the  following drink may be
 given, and repeated when necessary.

 Balsam of capavi,......J oz.
 Mint water,.......12 oz.
                      Mix for one dose.

    It may be necessary on some occasions  to give a larger quan-
 tity of the balsam:  it  is  advisable however, to  begin with a
 small dose, and carefully watch its effect: if it appear to increase
 the animal's pain, without causing an evacuation, there is rea-
 son to suspect that some mistake has been made as to the cause
 of the suppression: and the symptoms should be again carefully
 investigated.  It has been observed before, that suppiession of
 urine is most commonly occasioned by spasm in the neck of
 the bladder, and sometimes by an accumulation of hard excrc-
                              S 
[ 206  ]
raent in the rectum.  In the former case, the camphorated ball
soon affords relief: in the latter, it may be obtained by drawing
out the hard excrement with the hand, clysters and a laxative.
  We sometimes observe horses frequently endeavoring to stale,
voiding only very small quantities, and that with some  degree
of pain or straining.   Such symptoms depend on a diseased ir-
ritability or tenderness of the bladder, so that when  only a
small quantity of urine gets into it, it immediately contracts, in
order to squeeze it out.  It may sometimes depend on the urine
being unusually strong  or acrid: in either case the following
drink may be given, and the horse should be allowed to drink
freely.   Ifhe refuse to drink, he should be drenched frequent-
ly with water gruel, decoction of linseed, marshmallows, &c.
If he be costive give castor oil and clysters.   This disease is
commonly  occasioned  by blisters, the cantharides  of which
they are composed being absorbed into the circulation.

                 THE DRAUGHT OR DRINK.

Camphor,.....
Powdered opium,
Gum Arabic, dissolved in  warm  water,
                    Mix for one dose

  •And let it be repeated if the symptoms continue, about  12
hours after, giving during the interval, gum Arabic dissolved in
water, decoction of linseed, &c.   From too great  exertion ,in
leaping, or from other causes,  a horse sometimes voids  bloody
urine.   In such cases the mucilaginous drinks, composed of
gum, linseed, &c. are proper.   It is necessary also to give the
following draught, night and morning until the ui iiie assumes
its natural color.

Pomegranite bark,         -     -     -     -     -   1 oz.
Water,            -     -     -    -    -     -     t  pint.

Boil them about half an hour: strain off the liquor, and  add

Powdered allum,     -       -       -       -     1  oz.
                      For one dose.

  If this prove ineffectual, add to it about a dram or two of vi-
triolic acid, or even more, provided it be so diluted with water
or the above decoction  of pomegranite, as to do no injury to
the throat:  this point may be determined by dipping the finger
int.; the  mixture, and  applying it to  the tongue.  If  it be so
sour as to occasion some degree of pain, or a very unpleasant
sensation, more water maybe added.
l{ to 2  dr
  -  **
     4  cz 
[ 207  J
  When the disease continues some time, there is danger of
itsproving fatal:-the horse's  strength must then be supported
by the most nutritious diet; and tonics, such as bark with opi-
um.   Vitriolated iron may also- be  tiied, warm embrocations
may be rubbed  upon the back or loins, or a warm  plaster laid
on it, composed of common turpentine, Burgundy pitch, and
bee's  wax; four part? of the first, two of the second, and one of
the third article.   When the urine assumes a brown or coffee
color, the pulse becoming very quick and weak, intermittent or
irregular, and the animal getting gradually more feeble, there
is no  chance of recovery.


                          Cough.

   This disease so frequently occurs, and is so often rendered
incurable by  improper treatment, that  it appears  necessary to
give it a more particular consideration than we have done in
the former editions of this work.  Catarrh or cold is  generally
 the origin of those troublesome and often incurable coughs,
which have been named chronic coughs.  Sometimes, howev-
er, thev depend on irritation in the stomach and bowels. When
a horse catches cold, as it  is termed, if  the attack be not vio-
lent,  it is seldom thought necessary to take him from his usual
 work; he is bled moderately, takes  a little nitre, and the com-
plaint receives no further attention, except a bran mash now
 and then, with nitre.    By  continuing  his work, and becoming  .
 occasionally exposed to wet  and cold,  there  is constantly an
 undue determination of blood to the membranes of the throat,
 windpipe, &c. or, in other words, the catarrhal  inflammation
 iskeptupby these means, till at  length the membranes be-
 come thickened and irritable to such a degree, that the cold air
 or the vapors and dust  of the stable, irritate the membrane of
 the windpipe, so as to excite coughing almost  continually.
 When  the inflammation has been but moderate, the irritability
 of these membranes will not be so considerable, and  the  horse
 will  only cough now and then; or when the  membrane is irri-
 tated by the food or water, or by the dust of his hay or corn, or
 perhaps by two great a secretion of mucus*

   * All  these  membranes are lubricated by a mucus fluid, which is con-
 stantly forming on their surface.  When perspiration is checked by expo-
 sure to cold, an unusual quantity of blood is thrown upon these membranes;
 which causes a larger quantity  of the mucus  fluid to  be formed   Hence
 the discharge from the nose in catarrh: for as the horse breaths only through
 the nostrilsl the mucus discharged from the lungs by coughing does not
 pass  into the mouth as in man, but into the nostrils.  It is probable, that
 the mucus formed upon the membrane,, when affected with catarrh, is rath- 
[ 208  ]
  In violent colds the inflammation of the membranes is often
very considerable, so as to render swallowing painful and diffi-
cult, and cause a rattling in the head, as it  is termed;  that is
from the increased secretion of mucus  within the nostrils, or
from swelling of the membranes which line them, the air is in-
terrupted in its passage, causing a peculiar  sound in breathing.
In some cases the inflammation extends to the branches of the
windpipe, in consequence of which many of the finer branches
are either partially or wholly  plugged up, by the  coagulable
lymph which is poured out.   Sometimes there is so much co-
agulable lymph poured out in the windpipe  as to render respi-
ration difficult, and  causes that sonorous  breathing which is
technically called roaring.   When some  of the branches of
the windpipe are plugged up with coagulated lymph, it causes
al60 quickness of breathing; for the lungs being now unable to
contain so much air as they did before,  the animal is obliged to
respire  more frequently to make up the deficiency.  The cough
in this case is very distressing and almost continual, and some-
times recurs with so much violence, that we feel apprehensive
of its bursting some blood vessel.   Broken  wind is generally
the consequence of this stage of catarrh.   (See Broken  Wind.)
When the complaint has  proceeded thus far,  there is no proba-
bility of curing it; but if it be properly treated at first, it scarce-
ly ever  runs such lengths; it  is therefore highly necessary to
pay attention to colds, though they  may appear trifling,  and
keep the horse from work until perfectly cured.   Were  this
done we should seldom hear of incurable coughs, roaring, bro-
ken wind, &c.—complaints now so common, and so frequent-
ly the cause of disputes and law suits in the purchase and  sale
of horses.   On the first attack of cold, let the horse be bled in
proportion to his strength and the violence of the attack;  then
give a laxative, and Jet his diet consist of hay and bran  mashes.
As checked perspiration  is commonly the cause of the disease,
the head, ears, and whole body should  be kept  much  warmer
than usual; a close stable, however,is improper.   Warm water
and warm  mashes should be  given  frequently; and when the
horse is wisped or brushed, which should be done twice or three
 times a day, there should be an active man   on each  side for
 the purpose; when they have finished and replaced the clothes,
let them rub the legs briskly for some time with their bare hands;
 the horse should also be well littered, and as the straw becomes

 er of an acrid or stimulating nature, from being loaded with saline matter:
 this indeed is sometimes so considerable, as to inflame the skin of the lip o-
 ver which it passes.   This happens also sometimes in diseases of the eye,
 where the tears or water from the eye are so acrid, as to inflame the skin uf
 the nose which it flows over. 
[ 209 ]
damp from his staling upon  it, let it be immediately removed,
and some fresh dry straw thrown in.  After the operation of the
laxative, give one of the fever powders, or the following ball,
every night and morning.  If it  occasion profuse  staling, or
purging, it should be given  in smaller quantity, or  less fre-
quently, or discontinued a day or two.  When the  symptoms
do not abate after the bleeding and laxative, and particularly if
the cough increase, and the horse appear to feel pain and diffi-
culty in swallowing water, a strong blister should be immedi-
ately applied about the throat and under the ears, and the bleed-
ing should be repeated.  By these means the most violent colds
are generally cured in a short time.  But when the  complaint
has been neglected at first, or  improperly  treated, a  discharge
of white matter often takes place  from the  nostrils, and the
horse becomes very feeble.   Under  these circumstances bleed-
ing would be improper; but a very mild laxative may be given,
unless the bowels are already open, and  a blister to the throat is
eminently useful.   The discharge should be encouraged  by
steaming the head; that is,  by tying the  horse's head to the
rack, and throwing a hot mash into the manger, immediately
under his nose.   St.ong gruel should  be given freely to sup-
port his strength; and  the ball (No. 2.) every night.   In the
third stage of the catarrh, that is, when  coagulated lymph has
been thrown out upon the membranes of the windpipe or  its
branches, there is little chance of a cure *
   The following expectorants may afford  some relief however,
and should therefore be tried.  Blistering the  throat has also
ibeen recommended;  but I have several times given it a  fair tri-
al without success.
   The next kind of cough to be  described is that, which seems
to depend merely upon an unnatural degree of irritability of the
membrane which lines the larynx, or top of the windpipe; and
may be distinguished by being less violent, and  not being ac-
companied with an unusual quickness of breathing;! the cougli
oenerally comes on after drinking or feeding, particularly when

  *1 have heard of three cases, where a horse, having had that violent and
distressing cough for some time, which has been described in the  text as a
consequence of the third stage of catarrh, was spontaneously  relieved, b.v
coughin" up a large piece of coagulated lymph.  In one case the horse wa<
ralloppe.d violently up a hill for the purpose: the cough which  this exertion
occasioned was so violent, that the animal could scarcely stand :  at  length
a considerable quantity of coagulated lymph was discharged, and the ho.'sc
though supposed to be broken winded before, perfectly recovered.
  fit is supposed, that in some cases this kind of cough depends upon the
stimulating quality of the mucus fluid, which  is formed upon the  part.  It
is advisable, therefore, to add to anodyne medicines such as are of an oily
or mucilaginous quality, which if not efficacious,  are  certainly innocent.
                               8* 
[210]
the hay or oats are dry and dusty.  This  kind of cough is al-
ways more troublesome in a close stable.
  A blister to the throat is useful in this case; and  if that be
thought inconvenient, some warm embrocation should be rub-
bed about the throat and under the ears twice a day, and the
head and neck kept warm; the hay and oats should be free from
dust, and sprinkled with  water.   If the  horse be inclined to
eat his litter, let him be muzzled; if costive, give a mild laxa-
tive, and afterward the anodyne ball or draught every morning:
moderate exercise is useful.  It is sometimes  difficult  to cure
this kind of cough; and when apparently  removed, it often re-
turns from trifling causes.  By persevering in the above mode
of treatment, however, I have generally succeeded.
   With respect to the cough which is caused by worms in the
stomach or bowels, it may be distinguished by the general ap-
pearance of the animal;  he is commonly hidebound, has a rough
dry coat,and becomes thin though well  fed;  he  appears dull,
and is fatigued by moderate exercise.  The most certain crite-
rion, however, of the existence of worms  in the bowels is the
appearance of a white stain just beneath the anus, or their being
voided with his dung.
  This kind of cough is less violent but more frequent, than the
former kinds.  (For treatment of it, see Worms.)

                   BALL FOR  CATARRH.
                         No. 1.
Emetic tartar,          ....
Powdered aniseeds,        -
       Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

                         BALL.

                         No,  2.
Canella bark, powdered,         -    -     -    -    1^ dr.
Emetic tartar,                -     -    -    -     l^. dr.
Powdered opium from     -     -     -     -  1 sc. to  I dr.
Camphor, from             -     -     -    -  -J-  dr. to 1£
          Sirup and flour to form a ball for one dose.

                   EXPECTORANT BALL.
                         No. 3.
Gum ammoniacum,       -     -    -      from 3 to  5 dr.
Powdered squills,......j dr.
Opium,                  .....£ dr.
Powdered ginger,      -     -    -     -     -     -  l dr.
            Sirup enough for a ball for one dose.
-   1 dr.
   3 dr. 
[ 211  ]
             EMBROCATION FOR THE THROAT.

                         No.  4.
Camphor,           ......£ dr.
Oil of turpentine,       -    -     -     -    -      -  2 oz.
                       Mix.—Add,
Olive oil,         -       -       -       -       -   4 oz.
Strong water of ammonia,      -      -       -      J oz.
                          Mix.

                   ANODYNE DRAUGHT.
Oxymel of squills,        -       -       -       -   2 oz.
Opium, [mixed with 8 oz. of water,]      from | dr. to 1 dr.
Linseed oil,          -       -      -       -      2 oz.
                     Mix for one dose.

                     ANODYNE BALL.
Opium,         -  ■     -       -       from £ dr. to 1 dr
Camphor,     -       -       -      -      -       I dr.
Powdered aniseed,        -       -       -           \ oz-
  Soft extract of liquorice  enough to form a ball for one dose.
                    On Shoeing.

  In describing the method ofshoeing^2a<and convex feet, a
wide concave or hollow shoe has been recommended in all the
former editions of this book; I have to acknowledge, however,
my obligation to the honorable Newton Fellows, for suggesting
to me a much better method of shoeing such feet.  In flat con-
vex or pumice feet (see plate 4. fig. 1.) the sole is so thin as to
be incapable of suffering pressure without giving pain to the an-
imal, and causing him  to go lame: and so flat or even convex
as to be much exposed to pressure.  The shoe commonly em-
ployed for such feet is  wide and hollow, so that  it bears only
on the crust, a space being left between  the sole and  the  other
part of the under surface of the shoe.  When the horse has
travelled a short time on the road, this space becomes  filled
with dirt, gravel, &c so that the sole is exposed to the  same
pressure, as if the shoe  were flat, or the horse without shoes; it
is obvious, then, that a shoe so narrow as to cover only the crust,
and so thick as to raise it about three fourths  of an inch from
the ground, will more effectually protect the tender sole, than
the  wide hollow shoe; unless the horse be going  upon a haTd
even surface, or the rider frequently dismounting  to pick  out 
[ 212 ]
 the dirt which accumulates under the  shoe.  I am convinced
 from the trials made  of this narrow shoe, both by Mr. Fellows
 and myself, that it will be found  the best method of shoeing
fiat or convex feet; and it appears to me very probable, that up-
 on a fair trial it  would be found (he best shoe for general use.
 Perhaps even heavy draught horses would do better with it, than
 with the wide heavy  shoe, which is now universally  employed
 for them.  It may be necessary to remark, that though the nar-
 row shoe for covering the crust only was recommended by Lord
 Pembroke, and employed by his order in his own regiment, the
 First or Royal dragoons; yet for its particular application to fiat
 or convex feet I  believe we are indebted to the honorable New-
 ton Fellows.
   Perhaps I have dwelt longer on this subject, than some of my
 readers may think necessary; butit should be recollected, that
 it is intended only for  those  that are inexperienced  in horses.
 It may be thought also, what I have written may tend to excite
 an unjust prejudice in the minds of those, to whom il is address-
 ed; or  that it may make them over cautious, and induce  them
 to reject horses without sufficient reason; but, if we take  into
 consideration the many defects or diseases, to which horses are
 liable; the difficulty  of detecting them; the numerous decep-
 tions that are practised; and the shifts  and evasions sometimes
 resorted to; I trust that in what I have written, the candid rea-
 der will not accuse me of having gone too far, or that it will
 excite  an undue  prejudice against the  horse dealer.   I am a-
 ware, that there are men in that profession, who would descend
 to the  deceptive practices I have occasionally hinted at; but
 have no doubt, that  there are also to be  found among them,
 men of integrity  and honor. 
 
INDEX.
                               A.


 Anatomy and Physiology of the foot............................H9
 Alteratives..................................................j^g
 Age of a horse................................................170


 Bowels, inflammation of the....................................  25
 Bladder inflammation of the....................................31
 Broken wind.................................................  41
 Bruises.....................................................107
 —----embrocation of the....................................>107
 Broken knees................................................108
 £!eedluS....................................................140
 Blisters......................................................I47

                               c.
 Colic, how distinguished from inflammation of the bowels..........  28

 coid...V/.\\\V.V.'.".V.V!!.V.V!..■.'.'.'.*.'.■.'!!!!.'.'.".'!!!!'.'..'.".'..".'.'.'  35
 C°"gh.....................................................'. 907
 curb.....................................................;.;jo7
 Corns......................................                1 qc
 Canker........................................      ....."2
 cutting.........................................;;..........Hz
 c^ers...........................................:::::.::::1S
 Condition...................................................I^q


 Diabetes, or excessive staling............................        M
 Diseases of the foot............................               ", !??
 Diuretics...............................               ......"c
                               ..............................145

                              E.
 Eye, inflammation of the.................................... _ g7

                              r.
 Fever..................................................... ,q
------  powder.............................................. 01
------ symptomatic..................................*.......g j 
   r.      ,    .                                                Page.
   Farcy, description of......................................... 77
   ------ disease that may be taken for........................... 79
   ------ nature and cause  of................................... 89
   —— treatment of.......................................... 95
   Fistula in the withers..........................................109
   Fomentations................................................l^g
   Feeding, exercise and grooming................................. 160

                                 G.
   Grease...............>............................>..... .... 70
   Grease  Molton..........................................., . .302
*.'  Glanders, description of........................................ 75
   ------diseases that may  be mistaken-for........................ 79
   ------nature and  causes of......•............................ 82
   ------experiments on........................................ y3
   ------test for distinguishing from other diseases.................. 90
   ------attempts that have" been made to cure  the................. 93
   ------experiments on the.................................... 9S

                                H.
   Heart...................................................  g
   Hidebound.................................................. 63

                                 I.
   latemal organs, structure and functions of the.................... 5
   Inflammation •............................................... 16
   ----- of the  lungs..............•........................... 23
   —— of the bowels •_....................................... 25
   -----of: the  stomach........................................  29
   -----of the kidneys••••..................................  30
   -----of the bladder........................................31
   —— of the  liver........................................... 31
   ------ of the  eye • • • -...........................•............37
   Internal, or sensible foot................................•......124

                                J.
   Jaundice, or Yellows • •_.....•............................•.....44

                                K.
   Kidneys, inflammation of the..................................  30

                                L.                         *
  Lungs...................................................  g
  ------ inflammation of the................................. 23
  Liver, inflammation of the........«.........................31
  Locked jaw..........................................*.... 40
  Lampas................................................. 40
  Laxatives................................................146

                                M.
  danger................................................. 69
  Management of a horse during a journey.......................172

                                P.
  Purging................................................-63
  Poll evil...............................................110 
[  216 J
Pkysic •«
Poultice ■
Pulse • • ■
Rowels
Page-
- -11-2
• -149
• •149
Quittor.............................................13S

                               R.
Roaring..............................              '  . 11'
Ringbones.......-...................*................
149
                               s.
Stomach, inflammation of the..................................  29
Strangles........»..........................................  33
Staggers........................................••••......48
------ mad..............   ..............................49
------ cases of...........................................  40
------ stomach or sleepy.................................• • •  50
—----- seltus on---------------   SI
------ cures of   ---------------   54
------ observations  on  -------------   48
------ by a surgeon,   --------------   51
------ treatment of--------------   59
—-----cases of   ---------------   60
Suppression  of urine,   --------------   65
Surfeit,..................69
Saddle galls or  warbles,  -------------112
Sitfasts,..................113
Strain,   ------------------  113
------ of the shoulder,  -------------  114
------of the stifle,    --------------  11.ri
----.— of the hip joint,  -------------  115
------ of the back  sinew,  ------------  116
Stents,         ................118
Spavin,   ------------------118
Shoeing,  ----------     -------  127
Sand cracks,    ----------------  135
Stable management,    --------------156

                                T.
Thorough-pin,   ----------------   117
Thrush,..................136

                                V,
Viscera of the abdomen,  -------------    10
Worms,  -------------.....6(5
Wounds,  ------------------  105
..       obser. ations on   -------------  175
  . -— simple incise*',   --------   .....  175
------lace^at.1   and contused,    ----------  176
------ puncLiivd,    ---------._--.  182
Windfalls,.................118 
^
..■*<**
g 
/V///V /
M.r('f'/t'//<////.v /'/th'flt .Y/'/f,-
' AltXt**tr .;„/,, Phi.'. 
,/"// <❖«" '/"'"xm
1
IT
■a ^  ,

/ ^T"
'y.('  /Stt//>///st/-rj .>!// 
 
/?<*/,- 3.
\    - 
r/.'f.  7
Fu/  /.
Fr</.  2.
f/i.\'.„v/A 
 
1
J'/,itr  a.
 Yhe sruslblr  .Foot... naa  TAf seii.tii'fe Fnn/,  bb//c



lior.*. etc  tA: «-n.iM, .•-;■/.■ 
 
J'hitf  ;.
  The internal surface  of the  Hoof a'ld Sole.—n l/tr hunt
■ hated .tn/\ftti/tee,\> Hie trrvovr /or t/tr ('i<roitury Hiiiii.  e tfte utter
 nat' JW/ttee t>/' t/te /ti>rny So/r  d l/u- i^fcnttt/ -iii/ftu-e of t/t< /i, /
' ny Fro//.
IBVlmW.^O SAi/r 
riutf ft
ASeelLuii of the  foot  —apart of the large faster*-Bene. \> the small
faster,, c the Ceflui -ten,: d tlu- Tuv,e«l* crXut bene, e die Froyf. (the
Sol.-. a; Me Crust, flu-red Itns  between tiie Cm-stand Criitt bone represents
ti,e huamat,./substance hi t/ie Flej*r Fetuton or£ack Smew, ik the fatty
e/ast/c substance belueen the Frc a and back Sumy.
T.nve.tflli Sml»Tlut? 
Plate t)
     .\."ba>:k-view of the Bones, Lie aments, %iuH  Teixds^pLana  the
hack Smeii-.hits sheath, ec die Intendttvd/at/es. djk, botout #y- die
Coffin/hone.
is.v~M.a.- Siuif-r/ui* 
F7ate  to
\
Aback v^v 5*e^«^;.^ dmthc irumeJiate/yimderdieni.^ the
mcve,. ;.,,/■.>  :.••>..«■<- . ^ ^^^ j,,,,^ passes, hAe lummentw/ach encloses
                 ■'W \-i sheath tor  it. ami kxping itmtts sdmitnmj m
                 '   ■", 1M   '''  lia-unent sons removed, in order to st/eu tlie
                 '^AdT&mnieyaaomutrom die sesamoid Zones to the snuill
                 -,,to be 'that or 01'ma strength to tin ivstem-Joint , which from,
                 '.  .Ma%rn%,ui, «<<y& otherwise haic been rerrr mseceme
                 ' ,-nt v soutrHn.es broken'in violent strains, or when a Jlersc
t'lebiiiitvJieir
d ,<■ preparotiO
smooth j.uTae
Fas.tr h; its /is,
die oblii/itepM
 Tbeie*
is
scad to be bro/nfr;  fo
2By*a,/l* Sattp fldt* 
Plate  //
  A front view of the Bones .    aa t/u
Pastern  c the small Pastern, A th,  I of/in  i
old I'ouis. hthefiave
%
31 
rinh a ■
 Abaci, view  ot'the Uoncs   :ta t/te sesa/tuat/ 0t>/ir.f.
 b the /ary/e /Wtrm . c die -mm//Patient At/te AitrtPtt/tt or
Aiitboiifcdiehnl/otit o/'/Jif lhffi/i bone

r
L&Xfi./U Sen//- /'/lit-' 
*
•■*
\ 
/'/ni.
* '    *
-el,
     AFrost Shoe _ T',is .Ut* is designs* rorsappery ■caeir.anden-si.s'i cava
          -i  . „ /' .r.* ,*-'etr secure  r'te sharp wedae ■ He sitt^tanee ac
■s.cns renders a Aior.ee>pe.,  vtr ■><?.*,.                ?
 rnee/v  rerit'.i mio  tfu Shoe: mar  be removed *a J W mi .roam arpfe--.
 M,; comrtete. b  tie r>n-ile .«•«* in the 3is* c  ->• - **,• -.-• W «~ •-
 .(V-..,,- .- t/lf'.ev for ri.em-1 .-■dremo----.  ~  '^ v  ,  ■£•
"i'> 
*  V
*  ♦


s*.
^
Jtf ••  4 
+ siF. Art//', ,,/*<.  .  +r*r/r   ■   ',r  »/'"   ■""I"'-
jAfc I'meert .
 B .✓/.■ Seperatcis
C the (.enters.
\iiln Jusks orTuslie
7>'r.
(*k
l&
 
4
> 
Plah *
i'/ij  /
lift 2
m

       IV,/ A„v*m ' I*  if m a »tn!.- of Narure..a./^.IV,.hA.^JW e*, part cm wlneA

*    <y'M< .">.■« ■/•■'<• /he seat of Com.' t Me C'ey.
     f •!./.». Aseund lie,:- 'propt.-lr skid.
zjiirM^u/iuir rha ■" 
Tr '*" 
Fy-'
  c.-a.l AVloof prepared in the common way. in Wh.ch the rruir
has been deprived of its hard su. rtV.ee, the  bars wmov.-d, a groat
part of the Sole cut away.—a the Frco h the So/e
  Fief. 2. A Hoof cont^L'edin the highest degree. 
 




"I'm
JT;.>   'Aye  Concave Sho« for Feet where the Soles are flat or convex.



y,., ■  'I'll,- bar Shoe to-  enAei  "Voirs



-yo-A TKe Shoe for a .-.i.o-A Foot
1
71 
/ 
i^gum
  Pi,/..'. Aside view of the sound Hoof wi'Ji a scute shewing- t!ie proy>;-r
 leirree of oHiqnity to  oe 4;» decrees of elevation-a///- piiartrrhtlt,  ',-■■' A.


 ?*}'f>. ".Si&fricvr efthe Convex or htmioe Foot.in which, the Hoof hr.s lost
itsnatnrai form., aniappvoaches o degrees  tc-warei tlie Horizontal line .
 J'n,. 3. A Hoof approaching too nearly the perpendioilar .
UUffaal. p-nii- -
# 
cf

s^ 
 
<   I .*  ~"
mo- it,, v.
r"'   r

itNv'"
&• \''$k->
IP  *

'' *2 '>■< -i':
'*&
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