LIBRARY UNIVERSITYy PENNSYLVANIA FAIRMAN ROGERS COLLECTION ON HORSEMANSHIP Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2009 witii funding from Lyrasis IVIembers and Sloan Foundation http://www.archive.org/details/artoftamingeduOOmagn I="'="r===''===^'===''==''='t==J(===^r=^F^I5^f=='t==^f==^I=^t==^F=^t=JF=JF=Jl==^t=='lmf M A G N E R ' S T^arning » and ® E-ducating -^ Hsrses. -7'^^7^ THE ART OF TAMING AND EDUCATING The Horse: A 8TSTKM THAT MAKES EAST ASD PBACTICXL THE 9PBJECTIOS OF WILD ANB TIOIOUS HOB3E9, HERETOFORE PKACTICKD AND TAUGHT BY THE AUTHOR A9 A SECRET, AND NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED ; INDORSED BY LEADING CITIZENS AND COMMITTEES OF EXPERTS IN THE PRINCIPAL CITIES AND TOWNS OF THE USITEU STATES A3 UNQUALIFlEDLt THE SIMPLEST. MOST HUMANE AND EFFECTIVE IN THE WORLD; Deiails of Management in the Subjection of over FORTY REPRESENTATIVE VICIOUS HORSES, AND The Story of the Author's Personal Experience ; TOOETBER WITH CHAPriBS OS rEEDIKti, STABLI\0, SHOEING, AND THE PBACriCAL TBEATBENT >'0B SICK.NENS, LAMENEHS, tU., WITH A LAKUK MTMBEK UF BECIPES HEBE- TOPOBE SOLD AS UBEAT SECBETS. e*-* ILLUSTRATIONS. BY D. MAGNER, Auiltad in th> Mtdicil Oap>rtmd Oi> o( th. Foot, in Columbm Vet«fin.ry Coll«g«. N. Y ; CHAS, A. MEYER, D. V S,, N«w York; JOHN McLAUGHLiN, D V. S , SUt« (New J>rMy)Vetenn>ry Inipactoi (of tK> Baud ol H««lth; B.C. McBETH.Vat. Suig^on, BattI* Ctok, Mich. BATTLE CREEK, MICH.: Review & Herald Publishing House. 1887. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1883, By D. MAGNER, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Wushiugton. All, Riohts Reserved. Special Notice. — Friends U'ho may ivish io com- municate tvith me directly in relaiiun to this book, or other busi- ness, please address — D. MAGNER, Battle Creek, Mich. (See also page 1081.) 7W PREFACE. There are eleven million horses in the United States, and not one man in a million who knows how to educate them to the highest degree of usefulness. We say educate; for the horse is an animal of hiffh and spirited organization, endowed by his Creator with capabilities and faculties which suflRcicntly resemble man's to come under the same general law of education and government. Prima- rily, the word educate means to lead out or lead up; and it is by this process of leadimj out and leadintj up a child's faculties that the child becomes a useful man, and it is by a like process that a colt becomes a useful horse. Now teachers, like poets, are born, not made. Only a few arc gifted to see into and see through any form of highly organizeil life, discern its capacities, note the interior tendencies which produce habits, and discover the method of developing the innate forces until they reach their noblest expres- sion, and then apply the true and sufficient guidance and govern- ment. The few who have this gift are teachers indeed, and, next to the mothers of the world, deserve the world's applause as foremost among its benefactors. Next to child training and government comes horse training and government ; and which is the least understood, it were hard to say. Boys and colts, so much alike in friskiness and stubbornness, both are misunderstood and abused in e(iual ratio. The boys are shaken and whipped, and colts are yankeil, kicked, and pounded. That high-spirited or slow-witted boys become good men, and high- *This preface was written by a gentleman well known in the world of letters, an.l ispcclally famous, not only as a lover of fine horses, but as a high authority on all matters coneemlng them. Learning that I had In preparation a new work, he Tolunteered to irrlte the preface, which is here given as a concise Introduction to the author's own labors, with a high appreciation of the compliment paid him by the dlstln-Mshed writer, in the personal allusion, the publication of which dcmauds no •pology when its high source is considered. (vli) yiij PREFACE, spirited or dull colts make serviceable horses, I conceive is due to the grace of God more than to man's agency, — that fine grace, I mean, spread abroad through and existing in all His creatures, which operates in regenerating continually, making the good better, preventing those whose circumstances forbid their becoming good from becoming absolutely bad. The author of this book is known to me as one of the gifted ones of the earth, because he is gifted to discern the nature of animals, and educate them for man's service. The possession of this gift suggested his mission, and well has he followed it, and by it been educated himself to a degree rarely, if ever, attained by man before. I doubt if there be on the globe his equal in knowledge as to the best method of training horses. Through this volume he seeks to give the public the benefit of his experience. I bespeak for it the careful perusal of the curious, and of those especially whose judgment and heart alike prompt them to seek for and promulgate knowledge, which, being popularized, would make the people more humane and horses more serviceable W. H. H. M. Li^W OF COPYRIGHTS. The exclusive benefits of copyrights extend to tii, bring Fig. 24. -Tlie Kig as arranged fur tlirowing it through the loop, and draw down to the size of the body. Make a simple knot in the rope, which forms a button and keeps it from sUppingout. It is also necessary to protect the back and tail by winding the part of the FIRST METHOD. 33 • rope coining under the tail, and putting two or three thicknesses of cloth or blanket between it and the back. Next, put on a strong strap halter with the nose part coming well down, and draw it up rather close back of the jaw ; then take a piece of strong cord, from five-sixteenths to three-eighths of an inch in diameter and about twenty feet in length, tie a hard knot in each end. and fasten one end Fig. 2.5. —Turning a etubborn Horse around before throwing. around the rope or surcingle just above the ring. Pass the other end, from above, down over the strap of the hal- ter back of the jaw, 1 hence back and down through the ring referred to, until the slack is taken up. Now tie up the near forefoot. The best way to do this is to pass ;in oi-dinary hame strap ai-ound the foot, thence to the belly- baiul, and buckle short. Though this method, when properly used, enables throw- 34 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. ing a liorso on even very hard ground without bruising the knees or other parts, still it is very important, and adds greatly to the ease of throwing to have good soft ground. The best is that which is free from stone, with thick, soft sod, as an orchard or meadow, a ploughed field, or a place liberally cosered with straw or manure. Presuming that such a place has been selected, stand almost in front of the fiG 36 — I >!uul position of i H ih tli it nsists stioiiglj bif( u 1 oinj, thrown hoi'se at the right, have a firm hold of the cord aliout seven or eight feet from the shoulder, and pull gently, but firmly. This will draw the head back to the side, and the body being thereby thrown out of balance, the horse is forced to fall over with a rolling motion on his side. If during the first trial he resists, let him have his own way a little while, and when in a good position, pull quickly, and he can be easily forced off his balance and made to fall over. If a strong- FIRST METHOD. 35 willed, hccadstrong follow, disposed to resist hard, perhaps lunging forward, etc., as some horses are liable to do, take a firm hold of the cord and run around in a circle until he is made to follow, hopping steadily (as shown by cut 25), then stop. ]iull quickly, and he will be easily thrown over upon his side. (See cuts 27 and 29.) As soon as the cord is slacked he will jump up, but by repeating as before he will again be thrown. Simply repeat the throwing as long Fig. 37. — As Uie Horse will usually fall. as the horse will get up. If he does not attempt to rise alter being once thrown, stand behind him, keeping firm hold of the cord, and strike the belly with the hand or touch him with the whip, to incite him to jump up ; and on the instant of his doing so, pull quickly upon the cord, which will again roll him back helplessly upon his side. If the horse is sensitive upon the belly, quarters, or the feet, while down and forced to yield, first touch the parts with a pole until he will submit to it, then with the ViC) METHODS OF SUBJECTION. luind until there is no incentive to resistance shown l)y the muscles becomino: relaxed : after which he should be al- Fio. 28. — Type of sullen character upon wliich this method will fiiil. lowed to get up, and the handling or touching rejieated until submitted to on his feet. Sometimes it is necessary to reverse the treatment, and throw (lie horse on the op- Fio. 29. — Position of the Horse when down. posite side, before he will be entirely submissive ; but af- ter being thrown to the extent of making him lie down submissively, it will do no good to repeat the treatment. FIRST METHOD. 37 If the impression produced is not sufficient to break up the horse's confidence and prevent a repetition of the habit, whatever it is, the treatment is a failure in his case. For example, if the horse is a kicker, and persists in kicking after the full extent of the treatment, it should be aban- doned ; but if the habit is given up after several times throwing, and he submits unconditionally, it is the right treatment for him, and all, in a general way, that is needed. Fig. 30. — Rolling the Horse back when struggling to rise. On the other hand, if the horse drops or lies down submis- sively, refusing to get u}) when touched or handled, it will fail. It should not be used upon nervous, irritable, un- broken colts, especially those showing a wild, sulky, or mustang nature, as they are liable, as soon as the leg is tied up, to lunge, or when pulled upon to throw themselves recklessly or sullenly down. For the subjectipn of such cases, and all colts, balkers, and horses bad to shoe, har- ness, clean, or ride, it is not so good as the Second Method. It is most valuable when used in connection with the other methods. In some cases of nervous character, if the horse 38 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. can be safely thrown once, rolling him back, as shown above, until there is submission, will have a "ood effect. Fio. 31.— The Horse subdued. Second Method of Subjection. If one were to turn around rapidly a few times, he would become dizzy. Were he to suddenly reverse the motion, the effect would be so intensified as to cause fall- ing. The effect is the same upon the horse, and gives al- most unlimited power in the control of wild, nervous, vi- cious, kicking, runaway horses. I once had such a horse brought to me to experiment upon before a class. lie was a nervous, kicking, runaway horse of the worst character. When hitched to a buggy, he became frightened, kicked, and ran away, tearing the buggy to pieces. He was so desperately afraid of a wagon that ho could not be i)ut in shafts or even brought near SECOND METHOD. Sf; them. After working upon hiiu fur two liuurs, aided by members of the class, and resorting to every device in my power for his control, I completely failed. I was nettled, yet bound to succeed, but "How?" was the question. At this juncture I happened to think that turning around quickly several times in succession caused extreme dizzi- ness and helplessness. The question followed, "If I could make the horse turn Fig. 33.— Method uf tying halter to the tail. around rapidly, why could I not neutralize and overcome his resistance in this way?" I remembered having once seen a dog m play catch his tail in his moutli and run around, and it occurred to me that by tying the horse's head to his tail he would possibly tuini himself around. I did so, as shown ill cut 32, and to my surprise and satis- faction he Avent around rapidly, and in a short time fell over, dazed and helpless. Soon recovering, he jumped up, turned rapidly as before, and again fell over. In course 40 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. of a few moments he fell ovei" three times. (See cut 34) As before explained, he was extremely nervous and afraid Fig. 33. — Powerful elTectof the treatineut shown by the Horse staggering to the poiut of falling when quickly untied. of being touched ; so as he went around, I brought the l)ole against his quarters until he was submissive to it. S^^ Fig. 34. — Position in which the Horse falls confused and helpless when turned too quickly. SECOND Mh7niOD 41 The experiment proved ;i most womlerl'ul sureess, ;is it en- abled me to do in about ten minutes what was utterly im- possible for me to do before in two hours, and with the aid of several men. I had, in fact, by the mere circum- stance of failure made one of the most important discover- ies that had yet been made in the art of taming horses. This method is wonderfully effective in the subjection of colts and vicious horses, especially those of a certain Fio. 35. — Method of holding the strap while going arouud with a doubtful case. class of temperament, and in breaking single balkers. When combined with the other treatment, it makes easy and simple the control of horses it would Ije both diflicult and dangerous to subdue without. For example, a wild, dangerous colt, mustang, or vicious mule, which it would be perilous to try to confine with straps or other rigging, with the aid of a simple halter, can be brought under con- trol in a few minutes. Or if in any case this is not suffi- cient to compel entire submission, it will always give suffi- 42 METHODS OP SUBJECTION. cient advantage to siilyeet safely to the other methods of treatment. I will name this the Second Method of Subjection. The conditions to be observed in its application are as follows : First : Select a soddy place in a field or yard free from stones, stumps, or sharp fence corners. The place should not be too soft, such as a deeply ploughed field, barn-yard manure, or deep straw. Heavy sod with considerable grass is the best. Second : If there are sharp shoes on the feet, Fio. 36. — The sullen colt as he will usually stand refusing to turn when tied. they should be removed before subjecting to this treatment; to neglect this would endanger calking or cutting the feet badly. Third : A strap halter should always be used. After catching the tail, take the strap of the halter between the teeth to enable the use of both hands, and tie the hair of the tail into a knot. Divide the hair above the knot, pass the strap through, and tie into a half-hitch knot. The strap should be drawn just short enough to compel the horse to turn fast enough to divert his attention (something as in cut 32) and make liiiii lielpless. but not so short as to SECOND METHOD. 43 cause him to fall. The more uervous and excitable the subject, the longer the sti-ap must be left at first ; and the colder-blooded, the shorter must it be drawn. If at all doubtful as to the length, when the strap is run through the tail hold it in the hand and go around with him a few times (as in cut 35) so that the necessary length can be exactly ascertained, then quickly tie into a half-hitch knot and let go. If tied the right length, the horse will keep Fio. 37. — A vicious colt as he will usually strike when the pole is brought near his nose while turning. moving in a circle as described ; but if tied too short, or forced up to the point of falling, the moment he staggers pull quickly upon the end of the strap which will pull it loose, and tie again the required length. Sulky or cold-blooded colts, if tied very short at first, are liable to throw the head against the nose-piece of the halter, and if pu.slird are likely to_ rear up and fall over backward. This can be easily prevented by holding the 44 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. strap as before up near the tail with one hand and the part near the head with the other, and going around with him a few" times until he is dizzy ; then tie quickly and let go. Motion toward the head while passing, and so continue un- til he moves steadily. Now take a pole or rake handle about eight or ten feet long, and bring it gently against the legs or parts of the horse most sensitive, until there is comi)lete submission to Fig. 38. — A vicious Horse as he will usually kick when touched with pole while turning. it. This he will usually resent by kicking violently. Sim- l)ly continue until all inclination to resist is overcome, so that after being untied the muscles are so relaxed that the feet can be taken up and handled without his showing the least resistance. Sometimes a young horse or colt will start all right, but when tested will not go sufficiently fast to enable his control. Under such circumstances, while mov- ing touch sharply with a whip across the nose, and repeat until he is forced up to the point desu-ed to compel subniis- SECOND METHOD. 45 sion. The point is to bring the bniin to a certain point of inactivity and hold it there until he is helples.s and sub- missive. I soon learned by experience that by tuniiug one way only, the impression upon the brain after a certain point diminished with the continuance of the turning ; and that to maintain the effect it was necessary to turn the horse much faster, and even then, after a time, it would become Fig. 39.— The first imliiatimi of sulimi?sion — submitting to be poled. inert. To remedy this, I reversed the action by tying in the opposite direction, which not only greatly increased the effect but enabled me to repeat the treatment with suc- cess to any extent. In many bad cases the horse should be turned one way up to the verge of falling, then quickly reversed, at the same time poling as before explained. It is necessary under such circumstances to watch carefully so as to be able at the instant there is any indication of falling, to prevent it by pulling the strap loose. The more 46 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. frequent and quickly the reversing and turning, the better the eflect. In some cases it must be repeated rapidly three, four, five, and even six times before it will be suc- cessful. To do this successfully requires care and quick- ness, and the horse should not be given freedom to run against anything. After the horse has submitted, he should be thoroughly poled all over, the feet handled, etc., until there is entire indifference to it, then untied, and the same Fig. 40.— Takiiii; up the colt's foot while tied — one of the tests in determining his submission. handling repeated. If the treatment has been properly carried out, there should be no difficulty at this point in the handling, poling, mounting, etc. This method of subjection is the simplest, the most hu- mane and effective, all things considered, that has yet been discovered. It not only divertsthe horse's brain from acf^ ing, but matches his strength so perfectly against itself, that he can be made entirely holiiless without producing any pain or injury. It will effect the entire subjection SECOND METHOD. 47 and docility of the avoragL' of the worst of wild, unbroken colts in from five to fifteen minutes, so that they can be ridden, have the feet handled, or allow anything to come against the quarters. (See cut 41). It gives, in connection with the War Bridle, the true key for breaking single balk- ers. It is singularly well adapted for supplementing the other methods, and effecting the control of extremely vicious horses that have partially or wholly resisted the other meth- ods. It is also the safest and best metliod of treatment for ¥lG. 41.- Mi'tliod of testiug aflir Iniiiv: iinl:i-il. the subjugation of extreme cases bad to ride, bridle, have the head handled ; also those which have the habit of striking. It will not work well upon kicking, switching marcs, and colts of a slow, cold-blooded, sulky nature. There may also occasionally be found horses of quick, nervous, but de- cidedly determined character, that will at first seem to re- sist it, or faU down too quickly. The Third Method should be used for a short time upon such, to tone down their im- pctuousness, after which they will usually submit to this method witliout difficully. Thougli conqielled almost daily to subject all kind'^ of 48 METHODS OF SUBJECTIOlSr. horses to this treatment in small barns and other unsuita- ble places, and surrounded by a crowd of men, by being careful I never had a serious accident occur. Of course, in a field or open yard the danger would be immeasurably diminished. Still I think it my duty to advise the greatest F'G. 42. — One of the tests frequently given liy the writer in proving tiic effect of tlie treatment upon a notably vicious case, when maiwig experiments before his class. care to prevent accident. By going slowly at first, and fol- lowing up cautiously, there can seldom be an accident. Third Method of Subjection. It is well known that by hitting a horse at a certain point back of the ear, it is easy to knock him down ; also if a horse were to throw himself over backward and hit this part on a hub or stone, he would be liable to be killed. At the front part of the atlas bone, or the first of the cervical vertebra, where it articulates into the occipital bone, or back part of the head, about an inch of the spinal THIRD METHOD. 49 cord is not covered with bone. If a knife or other slmrp instrument were driven down at this point sufficiently to penetrate it, it would cause instant death. By bringing gentle but firm pressure upon this part, we have one of the most safe and reliable niethods of subjection known. It is, however, like the other methods, especially fitted to a certain cl^iss of dis- position and hiibit, not in- frequently making it easy to subdue horses upon which the other methods have failed ; such as nerv- ous-tempered, courageous, strong-willed horses that will not bear excitement or any freedom that would heat the blood. It is a method of treatment that must be used with great care and judgment. It is easy, of course, to put on press- lU'e, but the point is to use it on cases for which it is suited, and adapt it to conditions. Not enough pressure, or applying it carelessly, would cause failure, while too much pressure, or if continued too long, would not only be abuse, but dangerous to life. I found by experience that by pulling sharply upon a horse with the "Second Form of War Bridle," which brings the force of the pull upon this point, would often so unnerve and break up his confidence that, though pre- viously he could not be touched around the feet or body, lie would now submit to it unconditionally. Also jjutting 4 Fio. 43 — Method of applying the conl to put on pressure. 50 METHODS OF SUBJECTIOISr. the center of a cord under the bridle so as to rest upon this point, and bringing both ends through the rings of the bit and carrying back for reins, would usu- ally make the horse drive in a short time to a slack rein. I was not, how- ever, led to make any special effort to study out the key of this princi2)le of subjection until in a chance way I heard Fig. 44. — Holding cord when through the mouth. n mon ti-1 'n breaking colts brought a cord moderately tight two or three times around the head. This, with the remembrance of the effects before referred to, led me to experiment carefully with a cord in this way, but found it gave but little more power of control than a common war bridle, and I aban- doned its use. At the time, I carried canvas, visiting only large centers, which gave me all the opportunity I wished for using the First and Second Methods, and I rarely found a horse that would not submit to these methods. One day, however, a vicious, kicking mare was brought in that re- sisted my regular treatment ; for, once warming up in har- ness, she woiUd kick in spite of all that could be done. I was led instinctively to try the effect of extreme pressure, and, without stopping to reason upon the matter, kept on winding the cord until I used nearly one hundred feet of hard, well-stretched cord. I let her stand about fifteen min- utes, when upon trial 1 found her perfectly submissive. I THIED METHOD. 51 told the man I did not know what the after effect would be, and if it injured her in any way to report to me. Two weeks later he informed me that she was broken of the habit, and all right. Although this mare had resisted the other methods, she was of the ex- act temperament to submit easily to this treatment. This success induced me to try the effect of severe pressure upon other cases, for tlu^ purpose of learning how much pressure should be used, and the limit to which it could be safely carried. I found this to be governed in a great measure by the character of the horse. Ordinary cases could bear a pressure of three cords, or a little over sixty feet, and would submit in from five to fifteen minutes, while some extreme cases of courage and pluck could bear the pressure of a hundred feet or ^'o- 45. — coid ,, ,, , . when on. more equally well, and in some very excep- tional cases even a much longer time. In one case of a wonderfully tough, plucky mare, as an experiment the pressure was left on nearly an hour, when she fell down helplessly, but upon removing the cord she quickly recov- ered, and so far as I could judge, without sustaining injury. I learned to use on an average from seventy to eighty-five feet, drawn more or less tightly, and leaving it on a longer or shorter time, according to the resistance shown. I did not give this method to classes, but held it as a reserve until after my experiments in New-York in 1872. The simplest and best way of applying it is as follows : Take a small, firmly wound, smootli hem]i cord about five- sixteenths of an inch in diameter and from twenty to 52 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. twenty-four feet long. (Finding it difficult to get cord of the proper size, strength, and smoothness, I have been com- pelled to have it manufac- tured for me especially for the purpose, and can supply orders by mail at a reason- able price.) Tie a hard knot at one end, and a loose tie or cnot about eighteen or twenty inches from this end. Bring around the neck and slip the end knot through the loose Fio. 46.-Touching; the Horse's quarters tie aS for first fomi of War with pole while the cord is on. Bridle. ' Stand a little in front and left of the head, liiiiig tlie cord through the mouth and pass it over the head where tlie halter rests, pulling down gently ; thence through the mouth again and hold firmly with the left hand, while with the right it is again passed over the head and pulled down as before. r' (See cuts 43, -14.) So repeat to the end of , ; the cord, winding not -, very tightly. Always use care to bring it over the tongue so as not to tangle or bruise it. Now take another cord and tie to the first one, so that when jiulled ddwu the knot will come on either side of the head, not at the top, or in the mouth. Draw this cord as tightly Fro. 47. — Manner in which some horses kick when touched with pole. THIED METHOD, 5:3 as thought necessary for the case, and continue to wind until three or four cords are used, according to the degree of resistance to be con- trolled. Unless in a small place where there is not sufficient room to run around, attach a strap or cord to two or three of those around the head and hold by it, or tie to a hitch- ing-post. The principle involved is that the greater the Fig. 48.— Manner m which a vicious Horse . ,1 ,. -ii T will kick when touched with pole. strength 01 will and power of resistance on the part of the horse, the more cord must be used, the tighter it must be drawn, and the longer it must be left on. In no case, if i)ut on very tightly, should it be left on longer than tliirty minutes, while the average time for ordinary cases should not be more than from six to fifteen minutes. It should not l)e put on carelessly or indifferently, nor should attention be drawn from it one moment until it is again removed. Success will now greatly depend upon the advantage taken while using this treatment, as it will practically do no good to put on pressure and do nothing more. For ex- Fio. 49.— Submitting to the pole after being subdued. 54 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. ample : If a kicker in liarncss, while the pressure is on take a small pole or rakestale and bring against the legs and quarters, as shown in cuts 46, 47, 48, 49. This will usu- ally be violently resisted by kicking. If after reasonable effort there is not submission to it, it may be advisable to increase the pressure by winding a little tighter or adding more cord. The central point of observation now should be the Fig. 50. — Manner in which some extrenu'ly vicious horses will resist liy jumpin;; wlieii •■iulijccteii to pressure. horse's eye. So long as there is fire in the eye and the ears are thrown back, no matter whether the horse kicks or not, it is an evidence that he is fighting hard and the pressure must be kept on. On the contrary, when there is a general ceasing of resistance, the eye softened in its ex- pression as if going to sleep, the breathing accelerated, panting-like, and especially if there is rapid sweating, it is sure evidence of unconditional submission. To keep on pressure any longer would not only be entirely unneces- sary, but abusive. These indications are unfailing, and • THIRD METHOD. 55 the cord must ;it once be removed. Commence unwinding, repenting the poling from time to time, until the cord is wholly removed from the head. Then turn the last cord into first form of " War Bridle," with the control of which any resistance can be restrained. Repeat the poling as be- fore on both sides, and against the quarters, to test his do- cility, as shown by cut 49. It is invariably a good sign of submission, when the pressure is removed, to have the horse take a long breath Fio. 51. — As eiime desperately vicious horses will throw themselves when BUbjected to pressure. and also to sweat freely. The treatment must now be car- ried out for driving as directed in chapter on " Kicking." If bad to shoe, while the pressure is on, attach a rope or strap to the foot and pull back and forward, as in cut 55, until submissive to it, and the toe rests upon the ground. The cords should then be immediately taken off the head, and the last one turned into the first form of War Bridle, to be used if necessary. All good subjects for this treatment will resist hard at first, and make a determined fight, but when they do give up, will be found entirely sub- 56 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. • dued ; while those that do not resist when touched while the pressure is on, are, as a rule, not good subjects for it. This method of subjection reveals the horse's character exactly, whatever it is. If one of great courage and spirit, he will usually resist at first Avith great fury while under the treatment, but finally submit unconditionally. But if of a sullen, treacherous nature, while the pressure is on he will often stand sullenly, doing nothing. In such cases the Fig. 5:2 —The Hor.=c :i< he staml- wlieii subdued. Second Method must Ijo depended upon, in connection with the other treatment. The success with which some kickers can be subdued and broken of the habit by this method, is remarkable. It is especially adapted to the subjection of courageous, de- termined, sensitive horses, that will not bear excitement or heating of the blood. It also works well upon biting, striking, vicious stallions, especially when used in connec- tion with the other methods. It works extremely well upon mules, seldom requiring more than ten miiiutes to subdue even those of a very vicious character. THIRD METHOD. Fio. 53. — Mouth as usually kept open wheu eoi'J is on. Cases upon which it will not work well, and for which it should not he used, are young, unbroken colts, sulky, cold-blooded horses, and, once in a great while, a class of high-strung, sensitive horses of great courage and endurance, that become excited, strike, and resist hard. Such cases are, however, somewhat rare. If it must be used upon such, let it lie after subjecting to the First or Second Methods, or both. The reason this method should not be used upon colts, is that they will usually resist any at- tempt to put on the cord, or bite and chew upon it to a degree that will bruise or cut the cheeks, which is very troublesome to treat. (See cut 54.) Besides, colts can be controlled so much easier and better by the Second Method that there is no necessity for using it upon them. There may occa- sionally be found an old horse that will bite upon the cord like colts. In all such cases the treat- ment must at once be a))andoned, and dependence placed upon the other methods. Those that cut or bruise the cheeks are usually of a surly, obstinate nature, the sullen disposition being denoted set well back on the side of the Fig 54. — Appeai-ance of mouth when biting upon the cord. l)y the small, clear eye, head, eyebrows rather heavy, fullness below the eye, and small nostrils. When 58 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. excited, they are very «ulleii, and indiheient to pain or con- trol. I would add that the average of horses will keep the mouth open when subjected to this treatment, without at- tempting to bite (as in cut 53). In an extensive practice of many years, I have found no means of protection Avorth the trouble of using. This method of subjection is so arbitrary that for along time I have felt unwilling to publish or give it to my classes. Fig. 55. — Pulling the foot back— bad to shoe. fearing they would abuse it. With anything like ordinary care, it is not at all difficult to determine the cases for which it is suitable, and to avoid needless abuse by it. When properly used, it is not only entirely safe, but not at all objectionably severe. It is always adAdsable, before apply- ing this treatment, to look the horse over in a general way. If a nervous, excitable, coltish-acting feUow, that has, per- haps, been seriously frightened by carelessness or accident, the Second Method may first be used. Shoidd this fail, or not produce satisfactory results, then this method may be tried. First bring the cord through the mouth once, and THIRD METHOD. 6y ill PulliD^ lu ail iif 1 \ic Kills 111)] se arouml to avoid liis fore feet should he strike, and oliservins; tliat the cord eomcs right in the mouth. pull down rather tight. Should this be submitted to, it is safe to proceed ; but if he strikes vi- oleutly, or resists, showing a disposi- tion to bite upon the cord, especially after two or three cords have been used, it had bet- ter be abandoned and other treat- ment used. Or if it is desired to subject the horse to the First Method first, and the rig cannot be put on with safety, subject to the Second Method lor a few moments, then resort to the First, after which the im- pression can be fixed by this. The First INIethod cannot be repeated Avith much assur- ance of success. If the horse will not get up after being thrown, you have accomplished all tliat it will do. Also I 'i? — I ookinq: it the opposite 'iule to see that the cord comes right, and determining the amount of pressure necessary. * The above cuts were unavoidably omit ted from llieir pro]ier places iu connection with cuts 43 and 44, where they belong. 60 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. the Third Method will, as a rule, prove a success or failure after the first trial. But if the horse will bear it, this trial can be carried to a considerable extreme of pressure, and continued for some time, though it should not exceed thirty minutes except in very extreme cases. This I have learned by a long series of careful experiments upon all kinds of horses. The point is to make all the impression possible with it when used, and then, if necessary, resort to other methods. It is rarely necessary to use much severity in the sub- jection of colts. The less excitement and punishment used in their treatment, the better. Also in the management of vicious horses, the best proof of skill lies in surprising or forcing them into submission before they become excited. Much extra work and abuse will thereby be prevented. Under no circumstances must there be half-way work. Nothing short of the most thorough and complete submis- sion will answer. Short of this there will be danger, in the future handling or training, of their breaking over and becoming more unmanageable than before. Control by Whipping. In chapter on '' Colt Training," I have referred to the control of horses by whipping, and I think it advisable to refer to it here more definitely as a method of subjection. If a sensitive, nervous-tempered horse were shut up in a small yard or building, and then suddenly or unexpectedly whipped from behind, and the whipping cease as soon as the horse is disconcerted and frightened, it would certainly do a great deal in the way of controlling him. But this should not be hazarded in the control of courageous, strong- willed horses, especially stallions, as it would be likely to WAR BEIDLE— FIRST FORM. 61 cause such to suddenly pitch at the trainer. I have fre- quently found horses so extremely sensitive that punish- ment of any kind would immediately excite in them the greatest resentment. The most noticeable case in my ex- perience was an English thoroughbred, in Fredericton, N. B. This horse could with care be handled with a good bridle ; but the trainer warned me to look out for myself if I attempted to punish him in any way. To test him I put on the War Bridle, and gave him a sharp jerk back- ward with it, when he jumped directly for me, and I had all I could do to save myself. The next most marked case was that of a horse I had trained to drive without reins, and had traveled with through Ohio and other parts of the West. Whipping would excite his hostility to such a degree that in training him it was necessary to keep his head tied from me. I re- fer to these cases to show that such treatment is decidedly objectionable, and should not be employed. The whip should not be used as a means of subjection but of punishment. As explained under another head, the skin on the legs and body of a horse is so thick that when he is warmed up, and his sensibilities blunted, the most severe whipping is not much felt by him ; so if the horse is one of much courage, and has acquired confidence to fight, he will be likely to resist this treatment. THE WAR BRIDLE— FIRST FORM. The War Bridle is naturally the next in order. The first idea of it was obtained from the Comanche Indians. Its first form was very limited and crude, being simply a loop around the lower jaw, the cord put around the neck and drawn down through the loop. With this cord well 62 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. back upon the neck, the pulling upon it gave some power upon the head right and left. This is the form in which 1 found it. The various modifications of its use, as here rep' resented, are the result of over twenty years' constant practice. With a knowl- edge of its proper applica' tion, and a little practice. it will be found a very val uable means of control. For the simplest form of War Bridle, take a piece of the very best quality of hemp cord, tie each end into a hard knot, and make an- other knot or loop about twenty inches from one end. Bring this end around the horse's neck, and pass it through the loose knot or loop, regulating to the size of the neck. Next catch the end hanging down, and pass between the cord and neck forming a loop, with the free end on the near side. Pass this loop througli the mouth, as shown in Fig. 59. This we will call the First Form of War Bridle. Fig. .>s.~ First Funii of War Bridle. Double Draw Hitch Form. Put on the cord as before explained. Then pass it over the head and back through the mouth, thence through the loop this forms on the near side. (See Fig. 63.) This more than doubles the power of the previous form, and is very important wheii great power is necessary. If desired. WAR BRIDLE— SECOND FORM. 63 this can be modified so as to give still greater power by bringing the cord across under the upper lip in- stead of through the mouth, or by making an- other loop over the head in the same manner, and bringing it the upper lip. Second Form. Fig. 5fl.— First Fonii iif Win- Bridle. under Make a single loose knot or loop about a foot from a knot at the end. Put the end knot through the loose knot or loop, and draw sufficiently tight to prevent its slipping out. The loop thus formed should be only large enough to go o\(M- the lower jnw. The larger the loop tlic less power will bo obtained. Next pass the cord from the oft' side over the head where the halter rests, and d 0 w n through this loop back of the jaw till the slack is taken up. (See cuts 63 and 64.) Fiu. 00. — Smalle.'^t size "( cord u,-rd— tiv teenths of an inch diameter. Fir,, (il.— Largest size of cord used — three-eiglitbs of ail inch in diameter. 64 METHODS OF SUB.TECTIOiSr. The points of using the War Bridle are as follows : For the First Form, which giTes' power sideways and back, stand opposite the shoulder and give a sharp, quick pull or jerk, and instantly slack, using more or less force accord- ing to the amount of resistance to be over- come. Repeat at in- tervals of fi V e or eight seconds until i horse will come ;i round, then repeat on the opposite side. In a few minutes the horse will usually Fig. 63.— Double Draw Hitch. -, i p i come around and tol- lo^v rather than be hurt by being pulled upon. For controling a horse bad to harness, shoe, etc., after pulling right and left a few times, and while the cord is kept rather taut, the object can be brought gently to the head or back until submitted to. In all obstinate cases it is important that the head is at first held vmder restraint until successful, giving freedom as there is submission to it. A few minutes' trial Avill almost always determine whether it will give success or not. If after a fair trial there is still resistance, it must be abandoned for the gen- eral treatment. For the Second Form, which gives power sideways and forward, stand in front, a little to one side, and, as before explained, give a short, sharji jerk, or pull, slowly repeat- ing. Sometimes, if the horse is sensitive and nervous, two or three pulls will be sufficient to make him follow promptly, even running after the trainer to avoid being pulled upon. WAR BKIDLE— HECONi) FORM. 65 Fig. ti3. — Second Form of War Bridle. But if a cold-blooded fellow that shows considerable resist- ance, and stands sullenly in defiance of the pulling, after pulling a few times go to the opposite side and repeat in the same manner. This will help to disconcert him, and weaken his resistance. Sometimes the resistance may last ten minutes, or even longer, the horse per- haps, bracing h i ni s e 1 f stub- bornly ; but even this should be no cause for discouragement. Simply repeat the treatment slowly, or not fast enough to get out of breath, for when the horse does come it will be all at once with a jump, when in most cases he will be found bro- ken, following and leading nnywhere without being pulled upon. In an av- erage case the first pull will usu- ally pull the horse off his feet, and after being pulled upon sev- eral t i m e s , he will usually fol- low promptly. This is an im- portant point in -Second Form of War BrlCle as it should breaking doublc be adjusted. balkcrs,— to first Fie, 64, 66 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. make the horse come ahead until he will follow without re- sistance, then, as described under that head, the power of the gentle liorse is brought ujjon him until he Avill go ahead as desired. Putting this part over the head, about half way back on the neck, drawing down tightly and tying into a half- hitch, is a good way to keej) the head down to bi'idle, etc., but it should not be kept tied more than a nunute or two. Fig. t)5. — Cord too far back ou the neck, with loop on the lower jaw too large. Will not work. (See cut 66.) Sometimes a horse bad to shoe can be made to stand quietly l)y putting the small loop over the upper jaw under the lip, instead of the lower jaw. Simply pull- ing right and left a little, and holding rather tight whOe shoeing, is all that will be necessaiy. Another modification is to put ou the War Bridle (Sec- ond Form) passing the cord across the upper lip and over the head, thence through the loop this forms. (See cut 68.) This will sometimes work very well in controlling a horse bad to shoe, harness, etc. WAE BEIDIjE— SECOND FOKM. 67 A word of caution may here be given in the use of the War Bridle. It is important in the management of obsti- nate cases, to pro- tect the h a n d s from injury, as they are liable to have the skin torn off or blis- tered, which in the excitement may not at the time be felt. Many interest- ing anecdotes could be given in relation to the use of this cord. A popular writer, in explaining the control of horses, says : •' If a ro])e ])e fastened in the mouth of a horse, and another around the neck, he becomes helpless, and feels his helplessness, and follows his master round and round like a child. I saw this done." This is about as near as most writers can de- scribe what they have no Fio.67.-Manner of tying. practical knowledge of. No fiving man could get any idea of the use of the War Bridle from this description. Several years ago a young man introduced himself to Fig. 6H. — Method of tying down to make hors» submit to be harnessed, have his head handled, etc. 68 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. the writer, and stated that he could break any horse of kicking in ten minutes, no matter how bad he might be. I told him I would give him one hundred dollars for knowl- edge that would enable me to control a kicking horse with certainty in that time better than I was then able to do. Assured of this, he came up as if to give me a profound secret, and said, " You take a piece of rope and put it in tjie horse's mouth and over his neck, then yank him with Fio. OS. - Modiflcatidii of Second Form. it, and in ten minute.s you can't make him kick." I had been through that country years before teaching classes, and the young man had got a crude idea of the War Bridle through some of my scholar.*;. His success in controlling- some ordinary cases with it, gave him confidence to believe that he could break any horse. A gentleman who once attended my class, upon meeting me years afterward, said he did not practice anything but that cord arrangement. He said that once while visiting some friends, and telling them what he had learned to do, WAK BEIDLE— SECOND FOEM. 69 after some bantering and making a wager with one or two of them, he trained a young horse in a few minutes with the cord so that he would follow him anywhere, even into the house. He said he told them he would take the horse to the top of the house, if they wished. His friends were much surprised, and satisfied at the result of the experi- ment. Said he, " They actually thought I could make the horse follow me up the ladder if I wished." The simplicity of this form of control makes it difficult to realize its value ; neither is it too much to say that it requires a great deal of practice to use it with decided ad- vantage. If limited to the various forms of the War and Patent Bridles, one could drive and control more than half of the average of vicious horses in the country. When properly used, the ease and quickness with which a colt or horse can be made to follow is surprising, particularly by the First Form. This form is especially adapted to con- trolling by the head and teaching to follow, such as head- strong stallions, and lunging, headstrong horses that have learned to pull away. Also for controlling horses bad to shoe or bridle, and such as will not stand to be harnessed or cruppered, or refuse to have the collar put on. It may be used for ordinary cases afraid of the buffalo-robe, etc. It will also break a cow that kicks while milking. The Sec- ond Form is just the thing for the management of balkers, as explained under that head. I used this bridle ten years before knowing how to bi'ing out anything like its full resources. Indeed, it was only after thirteen years that I learned the Double Draw Hitch Form — a modification alone that more than doubles its power. In fact, we were constantly developing more and more, to the very last of my practice, the great value of this simple means of control. 70 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. "W," OK Erkakixg Bit. The Breaking Bit is one of tlie most simple and eflect- ive means of making a hard, unmanageable mouth flexible to Ihe restraint of the bit that I know of. It has been the growth of many years' practice, and as will be noticed in other parts of this work, some of my greatest feats in the control of headstrong, runaway horses were accomplished b}" means of it. It is not a bit for driving, though it may in some cases be used as such. The secret of its success is not so much in the bit as in the manner of using it, which Fir;, fill.— W, or Breaking Bit. Half size. in principle is practically the same as that given for the War Bridle. As explained in the use of the cord, there may be at first the most determined resistance to it; but by repetition of the treatment the horse will in a short time not only cease resisting, but will follow anywhere. The impression made in this way is never forgotten, and the horse will afterward lead by the merest restraint of the halter. la the same manner when there is at first an effort with this bit to control or force the submission of a headstrong horse, there may be at first the most desperate resistance to it; but by repetition of the treatment there will in a short time be such complete submission to it that the horse can be held or controlled afterward, even under the great- "W," OE BEEAKING BIT. 71 est excitement, by the lightest restraint of an ordinary bit. This principle of training is also illustrated in " Halter- Pulling," and in fact in every step of subjective treatment. The length of the bit should be regulated to the size of the mouth, so that when pulled upon, the bars will come at right angles with the jaw on each side. The average length is eight and three-fourths inches from center to center of ring-holes when put together. This makes the length of small bars three and three-eighths inches, and long bars five and five-eighths inches from center to center of holes. It may be made much shorter, but it would proportionately lessen the lever power of the bars upon the jaw, which is the key of its success. It should be made of round cast- steel rod about five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. (A good illustration is given on a scale of one-half size.) Between the bars at the ends, there should be a small, thin washer. It must be finished smooth, with no rough cor- ners or surfaces anywhere. Sometimes a round, stiff piece of leather may be put inside the rings, but this is not nec- essary. A great variety of bits are made on this principle, but their construction is so faulty they do not work well. They are mainly defective in being too short and rough. This bit will not bruise or cut the mouth. Some of the points which it took me a good many years to learn, were, that there was no practical advantage in making the bars twisted and rough for the purpose of hurting more ; that the lever power was the point of its success, and that it would work just as well wdien the bars were smooth as when twisted and roughened. The point of its use is, when put in the mouth the reins are to be brought back throuffh the shaft lugs so as to bring 72 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. a straight, even pull upon the mouth backward, and prevent the horse from turning around. While he is standing or moving, according to circumstances, after giving the com- mand to back or whoa, give a sharp, raking jerk upon the reins, and repeat at short intervals. In all ordinary cases the submission will be quick and easy ; but in plucky, bad cases, the resistance may be very determined. In fact, in many cases the resistance may be so great that it may seem impossible to make the horse yield ; but this should not discourage. Perseverance will in all cases bring success. If the horse warms up much, and becomes sullenly in- different to the pressure of the bit upon the mouth, by re- peating the lesson it is rarely he will not be found to sub- mit in a few minutes. At any rate the lesson must be so thorough that there will be unconditional submission. In all my experience I never found more than half a dozen cases that did not submit to one or two lessons. The point is to persevere, repeating, if necessary, until there is suc- cess. More extended details in the application of this bit will be found in chapters on " Colt Training," and " Running Away." As training the mouth by this bit is not always desirable on account of the work of doing it, and the lack of skill and practice in using it, I include other forms of bits which will enable the control of horses more directly and with great success: 1. The Four-ring Bit; 2. The Half Moon Bit; 3. The Spoon Bit; and 4. The Patent Bridle. Four-ring, or Upper Jaw Bit. In controlling a horse by the head, we find that one of the most sensitive parts of the mouth is the roof of the up- FOUE-EING, OE UPPER JAW BIT. 73 per jaw. If we take a common snaffle bit and slide two rings over the month-pieces, and connect them by a strap passing loosely ove:. the nose, when the reins, which are attached to the outside rings, are pulled upon, the center of the bit is forced upward against the roof of the mouth. Fig. 70. — Improved Four-ring Bit. This produces such acute pain that but few horses can pull against it for any length of time. This bit has been in very general use for a number of years, but I do not know when or by whom it was in- vented. Frank Leslie, of Leslies Weekly, who witnessed some of my experiments in New York City, told me that Fio. 71. -Improved Four-ring Bit. Patent applied fnr. while in Europe he saw an illustration of such a bit in an old Grecian work. While the bit works fairly well when not pulled upon very hard, its power would be almost wholly lost by the rings sliding to the ends of the bars if the resistance against it were at all severe. To prevent this I devised an obstruction to the rings at a certain point, beyond which they cannot slide. (See cuts 70, 71,) By this improvement the bit will rest easily and naturally in 74 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. the mouth, yet be held finnly in place in spite of any de- gree of pulling upon it. This Int will work weU upon hard pullers and side reiners, especially those that, as they warm up, have more inclination to lug or pull. A horse that will pull so hard upon a common bit as to draw the wagon by the reins, will, in most cases, by the use of this bit submit to an easy rein. Fio. 73. — Four-riug Bit as arranged for use. It is also one of the simplest and safest means to make a horse stand to be shod. For this purpose, when the bit is in the mouth, take a common War Bridle cord, tie one end into the near ring, and pass through the ojiposite ring till taut, and tie. Then bring the cord around the horse's neck as for Second Form of War Bridle, with the cord well back upon the neck, and passed down back of the jaw. This will be found of special value to horse-shoers, because, with rare exceptions, it compels most horses bad to shoe to stand gently while being shod. See chapter on " Bad to Shoe." HALF MOON BIT. 75 It will greatly increase the effectiveness of the Half Moon Bit to keep the head elevated. Indeed, this alone will enable driving many headstrong horses easily. The simplest and best form of check for this is arranged about as follows : Put on a small steel bit partly bent, and pass a closely-fitting strap from each ring across the nose. To keep it in place, another small strap should extend from the center of it to the head-piece. The gag-runners should be attached to the ])ridle well up on the head-piece on a line with the (\'irs. The check-rein sliould be atladied to this bit, and drawn short enouLih Id throw th(^ head well uji Fig. 73.— Half Moon Bit. The next point is to so conform the driA'ing bit that it cannot be resisted. This is accomplished by making the part of the mouth-piece coming against the jaw so thin that more than an ordinary pull upon it will hurt so severely that there will be no inclination to pull against it ; next, that it be made so circular in form that it will give suffi- cient lateral restraint to jircvent ]iulling or lunging side- ways. The length slioidd lie from four and seven-eighths to five inches from center io ('cutcr (if Jioles, the bend about one inch forward from a line diawn across the center of the holes, with the edge fdcd down to about the thickness of the back of an ordinaiy knife-l)lade, and rounding to prevent cutting. This will make the surface bearing against the mouth so narrow the most plucky horse can scarcely 76 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. pull against it. This bit will be fouml xevy effective for the management of spirited, pulling, and lunging horses. Spoon Bit. The Spoon Bit simply causes sensibility in the mouth in another way, nanlel3^ by the pressure of the spurs or flanges against the outside of the jaw to the degree the bit is pulled upon. It will be found in many cases to work Fig. 74.— Spoon Bit. very nicely, though it is not a bit that gives nuich power. It is more like the Four-ring Bit in compelling an easy sub- mission of the mouth to the guidance and restraint of the reins. The illustration will sufficient:;' explain its con- struction. P.\TF,XT Bridle. The Patent Bridle is especially adapted for the control of extremely headstrong, lunging horses. It requires con- siderable practice as well as much hard work to train a horse successfully by the Breaking Bit ; also to make a bad puller, or horse having a hard mouth, so sensitive as to submit to the control of an ordinary bit. And on ac- count of the other bits given being frequently inadequate PATENT BRIDLE. 77 for these cases to make their management simple and easy, I have invented this means of control. This is an ordinary bit with a pulley in each ring. A small, oval strap passes under the head-piece of the bridle, at each end of which is a pulley corresponding to those attached.to thebit. Tie or buckle the ends of the reins into the rings of the bit, pass them up through the pulleys on the ends of the round straps, thence back through the pulleys in the bit rings. On the ends of these round pul- ley reins, is stitched a small, strong ring. Another round, extra bit of strong, flexible material (used only for very severe cases) is at- tached to the main bit. (See cuts 7o, 76.) This bridle gives great pulley power up and backward, against the most sensitive part of the mouth, under the upper lip, making it almost impossible to resist an ordinary pull upon the reins. In addition, the fulcrum of whatever power is used being hrought, by the rounded strap before referred to, directly upon the spinal cord (as explained in 75.— Outline iif I'utciit Bridle. 78 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. Third Method), makes it a direct aud powerful uieaus of subjection ; so that if there is courage to pull for any length of time, the horse nnds himself so overmatched that he will soon cease the resistance, and drive with an easy or slack rein, when the extra bit, if used, can be removed. A rub- ber connecting the ends of the bit to the rings on the 2>ul- ley reins makes the action of the )»it upon the mouth the Fig. 77. — The Patent Bridle tor headstrong, luiiginjj, runaway horses. Patented Oct. :i(i, ISSO. same as any ordinary bit. But if at any time there .should be much resistance, the rubbers stretch sufficiently to give play to the reins upon the pulleys, which will compel sub- mission,— a very important point in the management of plucky, treacherous horses. In breaking a horse to lead, simply reverse the reins through the pulleys so as to pull ahead. By catching both reins and pulling sideways and ahead, it will give such pur- FOOT STEAP. 79 chase that the horse can be lifted right or left, or ahead, with as much or more power than by the War Bridle. For halter-pulling pass the reins or cord attached to the rings through the ring or hole in the manger, and form the end into a noose around the body of the horse back of the shoulders. The instant lie begins to pull, the punishment becomes so severe upon his head that he will soon he afraid to pull. This is the only practicable means for breaking bridle-pullers. It is equally effective for breakhig double balkers. For such, the cord is tied to the end of the pole (as explained under the head of "Balking"), when, if he does not go, the gentle horse jerks him out of his tracks. Foot Strai'. The Foot Strap, properly considered, is but a palliative means of control. It is, how^ever, so simple and practical that I will give it a place here. It is merely to be used in an emergency as an aux- iliary to the other methods. Tying up one foot (referred to in " Subjection") greatly dis- ables a horse from resisting. During my early experi- menting I frequently resorted to this means in the manage- ment of colts. Once having a horse I could not safely con- trol while driving, it occurred to me to attach a strap to the foot and carry it back to the wagon, by which means I could at any moment, while driving, hold the foot help- less. Upon trial the effect upon the horse was beyond my expectation. The sudden pulling of the foot from under Fig. 78. — Foot Strap. 80 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. him had a much more powerful effect in disconcerting and discouraging the resistance than could possibly be done by tying up the foot. A horse can travel but a short distance upon three legs, and if a bad kicker, he is liable to balance on the opposite leg and kick as bad as before ; Avhereas, suddenly holding the foot helpless not only prevents this, but freedom can be given him to mo^e again when desired. When there is danger of an unbroken colt's resisting control iind running away, a strap may be attached to both fore feet, which will of course give power to entirely dis- able him. Buckle a soft strap around the foot, to which attach a cord or driving-rein, and carry back under the belly-band to the wagon. The belly-band should be strong, and not buckled very tightly, so as to allow entire freedom for the cord or strap to play. With the aid of this alone, when properly used, almost any colt can be easily broken to harness without dilhculty. (See cut 78.) Breaking Rig. When a colt or horse is dangerous or reckless in his re- sistance, it is vei'y convenient to control him by means that will require but little if any practical skill, and for this pur- pose I have invented the Breaking Rig, which will be found a valual)lo acquisition to the other methods here given. To break a kickijig, runaway horse or colt, all that is necessary is to carefully harness him in the rig so that he will not break loose, and let him go as he pleases. The more he struggles to free himself, or tries to kick and run, the quicker he will be broken, while the trainer can sit quietly behind, touching and poling the horse where sensi- tive, until he is entirely gentle and submissive. The rig should be constructed as follows : First set an upright post BEEAK1X(; iilG. 81 firmly in the ground. Next lun-e two shaft arms about twenty feet in length so fitted that one end of each will turn upon the post. At the outer end of Ixjth of these shaft arms should be fitted a spindle and a wheel from a lunibLT or farm wagon. Separate the ends of the arms at a, distance of eleven or twelve feet, or so that the horse can travel between them without touching either. Next place Fic 79 —Simple Form of Breaking Rig Patented Jul\ C ISsO two bars across from one shaft arm to the dtlici-, the inner one about three feet and eight inches from the hub of the wliecl. the outer one about two feet from the inside one at the horse's shoulders, and three feet at the (piarters, so that an average-sized horse can travel easily l)etween them. Have h(des or mortises made through the shaft arms, and the ends of the bars fitted to them. The inner one should be fastened permanently, but the outer one so fitted that it can be taken out and reversed to allow dri\-ing the other way. Tt would be well to Inivc tlie holes or mortises du- [dicated so that tlie bars can lie adjusted (o fit the size of the horse. s-/ METliOl)S OF SUBJECTION'. ADAPTATION To WANTS. 83 If the wheels are not high enough to suppoi't the frame arms, put an extra piece of scantling ou the upper side, and make the mortises or holes high enough to l)riiig the bars where the shafts would come in driving. The simplest way of fastening the horse in the rig is, after he is har- nessed in place, to pass a strap under the body from one bar to the other, another over the body and shoulders, and a third over the hips. No matter how vicious or headstrong a runaway horse may be, the faster and more determinedly he runs in this rig, the sooner he will from necessity become gentle. He has not the liberty to rear up, throw himself, or kick. If he undertakes to run, he is carried in a circle so rapidly that he becomes completely drunk and dizzy, and would fall helpless if not confined and supported. If sensitive about having the head, neck, or hind piirts touched, he can now be handled until he is entirely submissiAe to it. If he is afraid of au umbrella or robe, they can now licbrouglit around him until he is submissive. If he is afraid of a car- riage-top, open and shut an umbrella before his face, over, and behind him, until he is fearless of it. If afraid of hav- ing the rein caught under the tail, and inclined to run un- der such circumstances, he can now, with entire ease and safety, be made to submit to it. Adaptation to Wants. It is evident to almost any one that all horses are not alike, and that they cannot all be managed in the same way ; that there are great differences in strength, intelli- gence, and disposition. Yet the majority of people seem to entirely overlook these conditions in applying treatment, 84 METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. ADAPTATIOX TO AVANTS. 85 or in pvitting them to such work .-is they mvc liy tli(> pecul- iarity of their nature best adapted. In the first place, we see there is a singular adaptation in all the domestic animals to the locations and sections of country in which we find them, and to the wants of the people in those parts. In the extreme North, where no other domestic animal could live, we find a dog of peculiar Fio. 82. — The stallion, Godolphin Arabian. nature, adapted to thv. wants of the Esquimaux as a beast of burden, fisherman, liunter, &c., and able to subsist on the scantiest fare offish. A little t\irther south, the Lap- landers have the reindeer, which not oidy thrives on tbe moss peculiar to that region, l)ut supplies the people with subsistence in the way of milk, butter, and cheese. He travels with rapidity long distances, drawing a sledge over the frozfen ground, easily guided and controlled by the Lap- lander as he sits behind. His skin makes the best of cloth- ing, while the tlesli is indispensable for food. so ilE'l'HOns op srBJECTION. The Peruvians have tlie llama, or alpaca, which, accus- tomed to climbing the mountains, carries heavy burdens over the Andes, and furnishes the people with milk for their children and wool for their clothing, as well as flesh for food. The people of the desert have the camel, or drom- edary, for crossing the arid, sandy plains. Not only will F\(\. 8H. — A good niodfl cif Drauglit Hurse. he carry a heavy burden patiently, but carries Avithin his body a supply of water to last him a week. Now we see the same principle of adaptation to the va- rious wants of man shown to a wonderful degree in the horse, by the great modifications in size, strength, and en- durance. For drawing heaA'y loads we have the coarse- grained, heavy, square-shouldered, patient cart-horse. For (juick, active exertion, the thoroughbred, or lithe, active race-horse, with oblique shoulders, deep chest, dense text- ADAPTATION TO WANTS. 87 are of body, having the conformation of the greyhound, and oapahle of running with the swiftness of the wind. Some are docile, intelligent, and (luick to learn; others are dull. wild, or vicious, and more difficult to manage, often remindino- of the characteristics of other animals. For ex- ample, a horse having small, round eyes, set well back on *FiG. s-t.-A line moilel of the French Nurnuin llnrfe. the sides of th.. head, heavy eyeUds,long from eyes to ears, narrow forehead, rounding nose, and small nostrils, wdl be found naturnlh- obstinate, treacherous, and stupid, remind- ino- of the hog or mule nature. Though sullen and detor- * Drawing from life of U>e Norman Stallion, " Verraouht," owned hy E. Dillon & Co, Bloomington, 111., «ell known importers of Norman StalUons. 88 METHODS OP SUBJECTION. mined in bis resistance at first, unci reqniring consideruble time, he is not difficult to manage. On the contrary, if the eye be large, clear or dark in color, showing much white, and set well out on the head, long from eyes to ears, ears rather long and heavy, and set well apart, forehead mid- dling broad, and medium-sized nostrils, the character Avhen excited will be vicious, and he will be liable to snort, strike, and kick, reminding of the cat, or feline nature. In this Fio. 85.— Tbe Shetland Pony. class arc to be found the greatest average of vicious horses. If a horse has large, brown eyes, set well out on the head, eyelids thin, short from eyes to ears, ears pointed and active, forehead broad, and nostrils large, he will be naturally docile and intelligent. If made vicious, no mat- ter how bad, he will submit readily to treatment. Again, if the horse is one of fine bones, thin skin, small chest, medium-sized stomach and bowels, not inclined to put on flesh, there will be great sensibility and action, but not corresponding endurance. Any resistance usually re- sults from excitement and fear, requiring but little more ADAPTATIOX TO WANTS. 89 than carolul, goud uiaiiagoineut. But if on the other hand we find the horse to be heavy boned, with dense texture of body, deep chest and good digestion, there will be greater power of resistance, and more prolonged endurance. The greatest average of the most vicious horses I have ever handled were dull iron-grey, sorrel, or black, and occasion- ally a bay is equally bad. In determining character we cannot form correct judg- ment by studying parts only ; it must be determined chiefly by the correspondence of the dilTerent parts of the whole body. For example, a horse with long ears, and small, round eyes, may kick and run, but this is no certain indi- cation that every horse with long ears and small eyes is a kicking runaway. The whole body must be taken into consideration, though frequently a very reliable opinion can be formed by a close observation of the head, and es- pecially by the expression of the eye. The "Hillman" horse referred to was in every respect a model in appear- ance except the eyes, which w^ere snake-like, and the form of the head between the ears, Avhich was very low. He would look at a man pleasantly, and the very next minute spring at him with the quickness of a cat. Long-continued practice in the treatment of all kinds of horses enabled me finally to determine with great accu- racy the exact type of character from the color, kind of eyes, ears, etc., as there is always an intimate relation be- tween the peculiarity of disposition and the physical struct- ure. Indeed, this was necessary to my success, for unless I was able to determine clearly the character of the horse when brought forward for treatment, and know just how he would be liable to act under excitement, I would often be subjected to great embaiTassment by having notoriously 90 MJiTHODS OF SUBJECTiOiS. had horses sprung upon me without warning. In fact, it was on account of being caught in this way a great manj^ times that I was compelled to become observant, and when able to point out what a horse would do, and the treatment necessary for his subjection, and then prove it, it became a great point in my favor. To give some idea of these peculiarities, I include a great variety of heads. But it Avill be understood that it is impossible, with the greatest nicety of artistic skill, to illustrate the changing expression of even the eye. In the human eye, anger, fear, or affection is clearly marked. Now the horse shows the same peculiarity of changing ex- pression in his eye, and will require the same amount oi study to determine his intentions. The methods given in this chapter are proved to be the most powerful, comprehensive, and humane for the subjec- tion of horses that have ever yet been discovered. They give power to control the whole or any part of the body, so that with reasonable care it becomes a very easy and simple matter to perform astonishing feats of mastery over the most vicious horses. When his intelligence and better nature cannot be reached by kindness, force becomes nec- essary until a foundation is laid which will allow an appeal to the better nature by kindness. Under treatment by these methods the horse is taken at such a disadvantage at every point that there is but one alternative, — submission. It is science against strength", — man using his ingenuity to neutralize and master brute force. Now it is seen that the most valuable machine may be rendered useless by bad management ; that its usefulness and value depend upon the skill with which it is managed. So the advantages of these methods depend upon the man- ner in which they are applied. A more detailed explana- tion of these methods, with a history of the methods here- tofore practiced, etc., will be found in the chapter on '' Sub- jection," which should be read in connection with this. CHAPTER II. COLT TRAINING. The successful teacher aims first to gain the confidence of his scholars, so that he can address their understanding clearly. But were he to transform himself into a danger- FiG. Sti. — Simple way o£ haltering a dangerous colt. ous monster, whipping them while talking in an unknown language, indicating by his actions that he would kill or in- jure them, they Avould become so frightened and excited (91) 92 r'OLT TRAINING. that tlieir first impulse would ])e, rt-sistaiice, or a desperate struggle to get away. Now this is the impression made upon the wild, un- broken colt when hurt, frightened, or excited, in the elFort to train and control him, and Avhich in a proportionate de- gree must increase the difficulty of his successful manage- ment. It is important, on this account, that every step in Fig. S7. — Testing a doubtful colt before subjecting to treatment. the management of these cases be of a character to prevent and overcome fear, when the instruction and training can be carried forward to the degree of the colt's ability to un- derstand, and there is perfect obedience. Haltering. To halter an unbroken colt, first turn him into a mod- erate-sized room or carriage-house, without stalls or any- HvVLTERING. 03 thing which he can run against to hurt himself. It would alarm him too much to try to catch and hold him to put on the halter, and besides, there is danger of getting hurt. This difficulty can be easily overcome as follows : Get a light pole ten feet long, and drive two nails in it about eight inches apart, the first about one inch from the end. Take a common rope halter, and form a running noose with the part which .slips through it back about two feet. Hang Fio. 88.— About the length the halter should be tied. the part which goes over the head upon the nails at the end of the stick, so as to be easily adjusted upon the head. (See cut 86.) If the colt is not excited or frightened, as the halter is extended toward him he will reach out his nose to smell and examine it. While he is gratifying his curiosity in this way, bring the slack part under his jaw, the head part over and back of the ears, when by turning the stick half way round, the halter will drop upon the head. Now by pulling upon it, the slack will be taken up fincl the halter will be upon him secixrely. 94 COLT TEAINING. Making the Colt Gentlk. To teach a vicious, headstrong colt to follow, subject him at once to Second Method. Tie the hair of the tail into a knot, and run the halter through above it, drawing short enough to turn the body in a half circle. If at all doubtful about the length, before tying go around with him once or twice (see cut 35), when the length can be regu- lated to the point desired and tied into a half-hitch knot. FiQ. 89. — Pulling the foot back with cor J. Now bring the pole against the quarters until it is submit- ted to. If the halter is tied too long, especially if the colt is a little sullen, he will not move around fast enough to have the desired effect. Or if he is at all nervous and excitable, and tied very short, he will be likely to go around so rap- idly as to fall helplessly before the halter can be untied. To avoid possible accident this should be carefully guarded against. When the colt will submit to being touched on one side or part with a pole, go to the opposite side, and repeat un- MAKING THE COLT GENTLE. 95 til there is no resistance or fear shown. Some colts will resist very hard when touched, striking and kicking with great fury. This need not discourage ; simply force up sharply to the point of helplessness, reversing quickly, and repeating until there is entire submission. It is rare that this treatment will not give success in ten or fifteen min- utes. But should the case be one of such extreme vicious- ness as not to submit, then the treatment must be the same Fig. 90. — PuUiDg the foot, forward, as for other extremely vicious horses. After submitting, if warm and sweaty, keep handling him gently until cool. Next, handle the feet. At this stage there should be no difficulty in doing this. If, however, the colt should show an inclination to resist the foot being taken, and it is not desired to push the general subjection farther (for fre- quently a colt may be entirely gentle as to general hand- ling, and still resist the feet being taken, with much en- ergy), put on the War Bridle. After giving a few quick, energetic jerks right and left with it, let an assistant tie a 96 COLT TRAINING. rope or strap around the foot below the fetlock, p follow ou a ruu by a few uiinutes' treatuieiit before the class. ance that he cannot concentrate his purpose to throw him- self. Let the lesson be made sharp, following quickly with War Bridle. Sometimes it may be necessary to use the Third Method ; then put in harness and drive around as first explained. If well done, it is rarely the colt will try to throw himself afterward ; should he do so, repeat more thoroughly with the Third Method, after which, with the Second, and, while yet confused, drive him around, at first rapidly, then more slowly until found reliable. These cases have been very common in my practice. By way of illustration I will refer to two cases, one of the colts being sold when three years old for |150. In trying THEOWING OVEK BACKWARD. 115 to break him, he acquired the habit so badly of throwing himself down that it was impossible to drive him in harness. He resisted every effort to break him, consequently, when six years old he was sold for $50. He was brought in without my being informed as to his true chai'acter, for the purpose of breaking me down. He yielded readily, how- ever, to the Second and Third Methods, driving anywhere as gentle as desired. The other, eight years old, had re- sisted every effort to be broken, and had the habit so badly that whenever the reins, or even the halter, were pulled upon a little while leading, he would throw himself down. A horse-breaker, who took the job of breaking him for $25, joined my class at Elyria, Ohio, and brought him in to be experimented upon. In a chance way, when taking him by the halter to look him over, I happened to pull a little to make him follow, when instantly he threw himself over backward. The man thought it a good joke, and laughed, saying, " He is a good one. If you can keep him on his feet while driving, you will break the worst horse that ever lived. I can't break him, and I don't know of any one who can, so I brought him in for you to try your hand upon." I put the harness on the horse carefully, all ready to drive, tied up the reins so I could take them down quickly, and subjected him sharply to the Second Method. When he became so dizzy as to be at the point of falling, I quickly pulled the halter-strap loose, grasped the reins, and gave him a cut or two with the whip across the hind legs, at the same time yelling " Get up !" to frighten him ahead. He jumped before he knew what he was at, and after a few moments' pushing in this way he could be driven without showing any inclination to repeat the habit. The lesson, though requiring but a few minutes, proved effectual. Occasionally horses of this character may bother consider- ably. Such are usually of a cold-blooded, sullen nature, 116 COLT TEAINING. but it is only a matter of a little more care and extra work, to make them work in submissively. It is advisable in all these cases to test thoroughly for two or three days, before driving. Driving Double. We first drive the colt double because easier. If this is desirable, subject first to Second Method, making him gentle to be touched around the quarters and parts gener- ally, so that there will be no fear when touched by the tugs or whiffletree. Put on the off side first, because less liable to be excited there, then reverse to the near side. Hitching tue Colt. In most cases when the colt is taught to follow freely as before explained, there will be but little inclination to try to pull loose when hitched by the halter, especially if the stall is wide, and the hitching part of the halter is left rather long. But as it is the best proof of skill to guard against successful resistance at any point, such precautions must be taken as will prevent it. It must be borne in mind that learning to stand when hitched, above any other con- dition of training, should be so thoroughly taught that there will be no inclination to pull, even when subjected to the greatest excitement or fear, as from dogs or hogs running in front, cats or hens jumping or flying around th manger, the blowing of newspapers, etc., near the head. The surest and best method for overcoming this fear is as fol- lows : — Take a large size War Bridle cord of the best quality about twenty-eight to thirty feet long, double it, and make a noose of the doubled end around the body a little back of where the saddle rests. Bring the other ends forward between the fore legs, through the ring or hole n the man- HITCHING BY THE HALTER. 117 ger and tie to the riug of the halter back of the jaw. The length must be so regulated that the horse can step around as freely as if tied rather long by a common halter. If there is an inclination to go back when in any way excited, the noose draws so tightly around the body, and presses so keenly upon the back bone, that the colt is at once disa- bled, hurt, and frightened, so that the first impulse is to jump ahead. A few repetitions will convince him of his inability to pull loose, as well as create in him such a fear of pulling, that he cannot be induced to repeat it. Hitch Fig. 108. — Proper method of hitching the colt at first. in this way in the stall a few times until there is no incli- nation to pull loose, after which he can be hitched with en- tire safety, directly by the head. By this mode of treatm nt, there is no danger of the colt straining or hurting himself, or pulling himself down — a very objectionable habit — or to pull loose when first hitched. It teaches him to submit luiconditionally to the restraint of the halter upon the head under the greatest ex- citement. For extended details of hitching by the halter, and hal- ter pulling, see chapter under that head. CHAPTER III. EXCESSIVE FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. It is quite wonderful to what a degree the nervous sys- tem can be shaken or deranged by a sudden fright or in- tense fear. So susceptible is the mind to this influence Fio. 109.— The colt excited by fear. that not infrequently very trifling causes in themselves make such an inqiression upon children and sensitive per- sons as to produce convulsions and insanity that may in some cases end in death. Even large audiences are some- times so panic-stricken by the cry of fire, or some other (118) GENEEAL 1;EMAHKS. 11!) cause of danger, as to seem insensible to reason. Under such circumstances, many men and women become so de- mented that they are most likely to do just what they should not. For example, they will try to save things of no value, and leave valuable property to be destroyed, throw mirrors and other fragile articles from ujiper story windows, without realizing they must be broken ; be un- able to dress, or will get on garments the wrong way, etc. Now the horse is liable to be excited and deranged in the same manner. It is well understood how difficult it is to get horses out of a burning building ; and if by blind- folding, etc., they are taken out, when given freedom their confusion and excitement is so intense that they are apt to rush back into the fire. On the sudden approach of a train, or blowing of the whistle, a horse in crossing the track is Uable to become so paralyzed that he cannot be forced across in time to prevent a collision. It is not uncommon to have a horse frightened to death in this way. To illustrate, I will include an account of a few such cases that comprise the record of a few days only : — "In Rochester, N. Y.. the other day, a horse was so friglitened nt an engine letting off steam that it trembled, and in a moment fell dead from fright." "At White Plains, New York, a horse was so friglitciud by a locomo- tive whistle that he dropped dead." "Two very remarkal)le cases of horses being frightened to death oc- curred in Fairmount Park, Phil., within the past few days. Last Thursday the horse of P. Wallace, of Seventeenth and Catharine streets, became un- manageable, through fright at a train of cars on Mifflin Lane. The occu- pants of the carriage alighted, and Mr. Wallace imdertook to drive the horse oU to quiet it, when it dropped dead." "During Monday the horse of Mr. Zeiss, Ridge avenue .and .Tefferson street, ran away by fright at a passing steamboat. Guard Ledlic caught the animal, when Mr. Zeiss said he could then manage the horse, and started olT. The horse went off all riyht for about 60 yards, when he again ran away and went 15 or 30 feet, when lie dropped dead." Colts or unbrokeif horses are especially susceptible to fear. Almost every step in their management, as shown in Colt Training, lies in overcoming resistance excited by 120 FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. Fig. 110. — Nervous, excitable character. fear. It is the i:irincii3al cause of kicking and running away, as well as many other annoying or dangerous habits, which make the horse partially or wholly worthless for use. A colt that once had the habit of feeding around and poaching in neighboring yards, was so gentle and indifferent to fear that he could scarcely be driven away. In order to frighten him off, an old tin pail was tied to his tail and a dog set on him. At first he cared nothing about it, but when he started to run, the pail rattled and thumped against his heels so severely that he became fright- ened, and kicked. The faster he ran, the more the pail rattled and thumped against his legs, and he ran until he was exhausted. As the result, his nervous system was so shaken and injured that afterward the stirring of the grass, or drawing of a stick on the ground behind him, would so excite him that he would scringe, switch, and kick. The effect is the same upon a colt or horse, which by some accident or imprudence has been excited to kick and run away while hitched to a wagon. The striking of the wagon against the legs in kicking, makes him think it is the wagon hitting and hurting him, and he tries in the most desperate manner to get away or free himself from it ; so the fear, kicking, and running are increased until freed from the wagon, disabled, or caught. Thus the wagon becomes the same in respect to frightening and exciting the horse and spoiling him, that the tin paU was in frightening the colt. The same effect, of exciting and frightening the GENERAL REMAEKS. 121 horse as by sudden or unexpected contact with objects or sounds, are produced in various ways. Now, as these dif- ficulties are entirely preventable by proper treatment, the importance of understanding and applying it can be appre- ciated. A horse's way of reasoning is limited tc^ his experience in seeing, hearing, and feel- ing. When convinced in this way that an object or sound will not hurt him, no matter how objectionable or repugnant it may have previously seemed in ap- pearance, it will be re- garded with entire indif- ference. It is remarkable Fig. lit.— Extreme ot a wIM, vicious 1 1 i T p • nature. also what a degree ot in- sensibility to fear, or how much confidence can be inspired when proper treatment is applied. For instance : Let a pole be brought suddenly or unexpectedly against the quar- ters of a wild colt, and he will instantly jump, snort, and kick, showing the greatest fear of it. If this be repeated for a few times, the fear, kicking, and effort to get away wiU be greatly increased. If, on the contrary, the pole were slowly and gently brought to the nose, so that he can smell of it, then passed over the mane and back, gently rubbing the parts, and gradually extending it over the hips and across the quarters lightly, increasing the force of the contact as he will bear, at the same time attracting his at- tention, and quieting his fear by stroking the head, talking to him, or giving apples, etc., a few repetitions, requiring in aU, perhaps not more than ten or fifteen minutes, will make the colt entirely fearless and indifferent to being touched. 122 FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. I was once present when a team of four horses was har- nessed for the first time to a hand wagon. AVith the first note, the horses were excited to such intense fear that it was only by the greatest effort they were kept from run- ning away, though the band stopped playing instantly. I directed the men to get out and go back about fifteen rods. In the meantime, I took the most excitable horse by the bridle, stroked his nose, talked to him quietly, and directed the others to be treated in a like manner. They were greatly excited ; the one I held fairly shook with fear. After a few minutes, I directed the band to commence A'cry lightly upon one or two in- struments at first, the others af- terward to gradually start in. This slight commencement was repeated several times before the horses would bear it without showing great excitement. I then directed them to play louder, and increase the tone gradually until up to the full force of all the instruments and drums. This point made, while playing they came forward very slowly, got in and commenced again in the lightest possible manner, grad- ually increasing the sound until they played again with full force. I now directed the band to keep quiet while the team w.is driven a short distance, then, as before, com- mence hghtly and slowly, gradually playing louder until the horses appeared indifferent to the sound. The result was that in less than twenty minutes the band paraded the streets, playing as they pleased, the horses entirely gentle, in fact, appearing to enjoy the music. Here we see such marked excitement and fear shown from hearing a sudden, Fig. 11\!.— Dcicile, iutelligeiit cliaracter. GENEEAL IIEMARK8. 123 unexpected sound, us to precipitate the most violent resist- ance, and the contrar}^ of soon quieting down and becoming indifferent to it, by convincing the reason that it woukl not cause injury. Understanding these effects, we will now consider con- ditions. Suppose we wish to accustom a colt to the sight of a piece of paper or a white handkerchief. It is first brought to his nose so that he is able to feel of it, and see it plainly, then rubbed against the head and neck until it ceases to attract attention. If now the operator were to step behind or opposite the flanks, and throw it suddenly behind or under the belly, it would be very likely to excite as much fear and resistance as if he had not before seen or felt it. The difference of position makes it appear a new object of danger to be avoided. Familiarized with it at the head, it should be thrown down carelessly in front, then a little further back, occasionally rubbing it against the head and nose, and so repeating until it can be thrown anywhere around or under the body ; this must also be done on both sides of the body alike. A spirited horse that may have been driven for years to a wagon, gentle, would be just as likely to kick and run away should the breeching break and let the cross-piece or whiffletree come against the quarters, as if he had previ- ously known nothing about them. And so in relation to other objects or causes of resistance. This is particularly noticeable in breaking colts, as shown by the fact that mak- FiG. 113. — Sullen, treacherous character. 124 FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. ing one side or leg gentle will not make other parts so ; both sides ninst be treated alike. It is on account of these conditions not being understood (the details of which are given in Colt Training, Kicking, etc.) that so many acci- dents occur from the use of horses supposed to be gentle and safe. They are gentle so far as they have been broken or accustomed to certain objects or sounds, but when sub- jected to changes, the impulse of kicking, running away, Fig. 114. — Simple Treatment —bringing the pole over the back and quarters until no fear of it is shown. etc., is as liable to occur as if they were entirely unbroken. Hence we say that the great majority of such accidents are the direct result of ignorance and bad treatment. In break- ing colts, as explained under that head, if the trainer is in no hurry, and does not Avish to resort to coercive treatment, the confidence of the colt can be easily won by scratching the mane, giving apples, etc. After being haltered, com- mence rubbing along the back with a pole, extending it down the hips and legs, and giving an apple, etc. Where much fear is shown, bring the pole to the first point and EATTLE OF A WAGON. 125 work again back to that which is sensitiA'e. In this way continue the rubbing or scratching about the hips, quarters, or flanks until no fear of it is shown. Or a short hold can be taken of the halter, and, while stepping around, sharply pull the colt after ; then bring the pole smoothly, but lightly, against the quarters and hips until submissive to it. This slow and direct method of treatment is as good and lasting as when controlled by direct subjective treatment, which is necessary only when resistance is great. Fear of Rattle of Wagon. If the horse is afraid of the rattle of a wagon, restrain or overcome liis resistance as may be necessary by one or more of the methods of subjection. Next, accustom the horse to being touched on the quarters, etc., with a pole. Put on the harness wdth Patent Bridle, or Breaking Bit, to insure holding him easily, bring him in front of the shafts, and have some one rattle the wagon until the horse is re- gardless of it. Now carefully put him between the shafts, and let the wheels and body of the wagon be shaken again ; then drop the shafts upon the ground and repeat. Should the horse at any time try to run ahead, pull him back shai'ply until he will stand quietly without resistance. Now hitch him up and drive moderately at first, making a noise by a stick running across the spokes, etc. Gradually let out to a trot and run, compelling him to stop occasion- ally at the command to '' whoa." In the meantime, as there is submission, treat kindly. This will not usually be found a difficult habit to overcome. In making experi- ments before classes on this kind of cases, which were very common, it rarely required more than fifteen or twenty minutes to hitch uji and dri\e such safely, e\'en without breechinc;. 126 FEAE.— ITS EFFECTS. Jumping out of the Shafts. To make a colt entirely safe and reliable in shafts, he should he thoroughly accustomed to objects striking against his quarters or legs. It is not sufficient that he is accus- tomed to being touched around the tail, or even flanks ; for tliough brought to submit to this, there will be no assur- ance of his being gentle should the shafts strike lower down on his quarters or legs. In my practice I always make it a point, even after the colt is proved gentle, while he is standing between the shafts to pull them against the legs both ways, letting them drop down sharply on the ground, etc., until he is entirely indifferent to their noise or con- tact. When a horse is not properly trained to this, if the breeching is not unbuckled when he is unhitched, there is danger of his becoming frightened from the breeching pulling the shafts sideways against the legs, and bringing its pressure upon another part. Under such circumstan- ces a horse, if at all sensitive, is apt to become very much frightened, kick, and jump around until loose, and is ever afterward, the moment unhitched, ready to jump out of the shafts. The habit, as a rule, is easy to overcome. Simply accustom the quarters to be touched, and treat practically as before explained. Top Carriage. A very little precaution in 2^i"eventing excessive fear will save a great deal of trouble. In no respect is this more strongly illustrated than in the fear of a top carriage. Because a horse drives gently to an open carriage, it is ta- ken for granted he must know enough to drive to one with a top, and hence the trouble. The horse should first be driven around moderately, the driver carrying over his head OBJECTS EXCITING FEAR. 127 an open umbrella, whicli appears to the horse like the top of a carriage. It should be shaken around and over the horse's body gently until it does not attract his attention in the least. Now lead the horse to the carriage, and let him feel and smell of the'top, and, while doing so, raise and lower it. Then lead him around the carriage, shaking and rattling the top at intervals. Next lead him into the shafts so as to bring the head over the dash. If sensitive, caress and talk to him, and reward as before. Turn the horse around in the shafts, lowering and raising the top until it can be brought up and thrown back without attracting his notice. While the top is up, put the shafts through the lugs so as to bring the horse into position, attach the har- ness, and start him on a walk or moderate trot, repeating the raising and lowering of the top until it is disregarded, when he can be driven right along. If an extreme case, it will be necessary to first compel submission by subjective treatment, and getting thorough "jontrol of the mouth with the Breaking Bit or Patent Bri- dle. There must be no half-way work. Make every step sure, and go slowly until the horse can be put in shafts as before explained, and driven without showing fear. This work must in aU cases be done out of doors. It may also be necessary to repeat the lesson once or twice, so far as leading around, feeling and smelling of the carriage, are concerned. It is only a matter of a little work and care in this way to make almost any horse entirely gentle and fearless. Objects Exciting Fear while Riding or Driving. In overcoming the horse's fear of objects while riding or driving, very much depends upon the treatment. If but partially broken, and sensitive, it will help very much to put hiin through a course of subjection. Sometimes, horses 128 FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. so exceedingly sensitive they can hardly be driven with any degree of safety, after being treated are entirely fear- less in driving. This is seen in the effect produced by the treatment upon the wild colt. The subjection of " Wild Pete," and other horses referred to at the conclusion of this chapter, are good illustrations of the remarkable effect of this treatment. If the horse drives gentle, but is afraid of some special object, such as a white stone, stump, sheep, etc., take all the precaution possible against his seeing such things sud- denly and unexpectedly. As soon as his alarm is excited, if at all violent, the best way is to stop him, speak encour- agingly, and hold him quiet until his alarm subsides, then let him go on, quieting him until the object is reached or passed by. Many horses comparatively safe are liable to be frights ened by suddenly meeting a drove of sheep, load of hay, white cow, sprinkling wagon, etc. For safety, it is better for a few times to get out and take the horse by the head and hold or lead him in part. Particular care should be taken not to expose him to the sudden meeting of a brass band and drums. If he is a crazy headed fellow that seems all right until he sees something and then loses his senses, lunging into the fence, or turning around quickly, there is so much danger of being upset that unless there is certainty of making him thoroughly safe, he should be condemned for such use. If he will keep well up to the bit there should be no trouble in preventing his going sideways by either the Breaking Bit or Patent Bridle. The Bit gives power in but two ways, — sideways and ahead ; so if _the horse will not go against it and runs back when suddenly frightened, or turns around quickly, there is practically but very little power to prevent it, except what can be done with the whip and speaking sharply. FEAR OF EOBB. 12D Hence the great danger and imjirudence of using such horses for single carriage driving. A Robe. The sight of a buffalo robe will sometimes excite great fear in a horse. In ordinary cases the fear of it can be easily overcome as follows : While holding the horse by a halter, or War Bridle, which would be better, stand on the off side of the head, and bring the robe up to the right side, so that he can see and smell of it. If this is borne, with a quick jerk-like movement swing it over the head, covering it completely, and go around with him, keeping on either side of the head until he will stop and stand quietly. The first movement determines the success or failure of the experiment. The point is to get it over the head so quickly that the horse cannot see the movement, when the terror of it will almost immediately subside. Then draw it backward and forAvard, finally pulling it off and throwing it on, and so repeat until it can be thrown over the body or around the horse in any manner. If there is failure by this method, which is something of a sleight, take the following course : First, get good con- trol with the War Bridle. Next, while holding the horse firmly with one hand, with the other bring the robe gently to his nose, letting him smell and feel of it, when, gradually, as he will bear, bring it up over the head, neck, and body ; then stand off a little way, and throw it upon him, and re- peat until it can be thrown upon him at a distance of eight or ten feet without exciting fear. Both sides must be treated alike. No matter what is done, the treatment must always commence at the nose aird head, and gradually work back, as before explained. To overcome all fear of the robe, it may be necessary to repeat the lesson several times. If 130 FBAR.^ITS EFFECTS. the robe cannot be brought near the horse with safety by the control of the War Bridle, tlie resistance must be over- come by First or Second Methods of Subjection. The Breaking Rig, if available, would be still simpler and bet- ter. Occasionally there may be found cases in which the intensest fear may be shown, for which the treatment should be made exceptionally careful and thorougli. Cases 5 and Fig. 115. — Lettiug colt feel and smell of an umbrella. 7, referred to at the close of this chapter, are good illus- trative subjects. When treated by Second Method, the horse may strike and kick so recklessly as the robe is broi. ht near, it may be necessary to hang it upon the end of a pole to bring it near the head with safety. It will aid greatly to give the horse aj^ples, etc., after submitting. Umbrella or Parasol. For an ordinary case of a horse being afraid of an um- brella or parasol, bring one while closed, gently to the nose, passing it back over the head and neck; then open it a lit- FEAll OF GUN. 131 tie and rej^eat until it can be fully spread and l)rought over and around the body generally. Now go off some distance, and again approach slowly, and hold it over the head. If, at any point, there is much fear evinced, close it and let the horse see and smell of it, when again repeat the ex- periment ; so continue until the horse can be approached in any manner while swinging the umbrella over the head, Fio. 116. — Bringing umbrella over the head. without attracting notice. No matter how well the horse behaves, the umbrella should not at any time be forced upon him so quickly or unexpectedly as to excite him. To do so would endanger undoing the good impression previ- ously made. The lesson should be repeated as for other objects. Sound of a Gun. If the horse is afraid (if the sound of a gun, fa"st, snap caps some distance from him, gradually going nearer and 182 FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. repeating until it can be done over the body, neck, and head, occasionally patting and rubbing the head and neck with the hand ; then repeat, putting in small charges of powder and coming nearer, and so continue until a full charge can be fired over or near the horse, as desired. Hogs and Dogs. Sometimes a dog or hog by running under a colt will excite intense fear. If very bad, get good control by sub- jecting to First and Second Methods, and drive around in harness in a small yard where there are hogs until they will not attract attention. Next, hitch to a wagon, and repeat the driving slowly. These cases usually repuire several repetitions of treatment. Railroad Cars. When a horse has been frightened by a locomotive or train of cars, it is sometimes a very difficult matter to over- come the fear, mainly on account of the inability to control the movement of the cars. The simplest and best course for all average cases will be about as follows : — Drive the horse around in harness, so far away from the engine as not to excite much fear, and gradually drive back and forth in long circles, and closer, stopping occasion- ally to give a piece of apple, or something, talking and rub- bing the head and neck awhile. Sometimes it may be ad- visable to use the War Bridle ; but, as a general thing, it would be better to teach him confidence by driving around near the train. This should be repeated until he can be driven around, and quite close, without offering resistance. Now drive around to a wagon or sulky; if to a wagon, get one that will allow turning short circles without upsetting. To work surely it is necessary to work slowly. Of course it will be necessary to have absolute control over the mouth RAILEOAD CAES. 133 In this way a horse can be driven with comparative safety near or about moving or stationary trains. Anything hke complicated rigging for the control of such horses Avill be found comijaratively worthless. If the horse cannot be driA'en with safety after the treatment given, the risk is too great; he had better be discarded for driving near the cars. It may be asked, how I have been able to make hoi'ses so fearless of the cars that they can be led up to an engine or driven near, >yith indifference. The course I have usu- ally pursued is as follows : Fii'st get the liorse under good control by a course of subjection, usually by the First or Second Methods, or both; then make arrangements Avith the engineer to let oil steam plentifully, and rush the horse, with the harness on, into it until completely covered, when he will soon cease to care anything about the noise, etc. If this cannot be done, drive him around, gradually going nearer the engine, until indifTereiit to it. Much depends, in the first place, upon getting the horse under good control ; second, in the management while in the neighborhood of the engine. A good way, sometimes, is to blindfold the horse and drive near the train until quiet, then let him see out of one eye, gradually moving him around, and let him see out of both eyes. Very much can be done in this way. The horse should be hitched to a wagon and driven at every available opportunity about or near the cars. There is one point to which I would call particular at- tention : The horse may appear perfectly gentle after being treated, but when the position is changed, as when taken from a building into the street, or from the street into a building, or if allowed to stand for some time, he will, upon trial, seem to be as much afraid as ever, but upon repeti- tion of treatment it will require only a very few minutes to make him as feaidess as before. 134 FE All.— ITS EFFECTS. PkExXatal Causes. In this connection I wonM call attention to indirect causes of fear wliicli should .bo guarded against. For examjjle : A fiirmor who kept a small dairy had the cows driven to and from the pasture by a trained dog, which bit and frightened one of them severely. A neighbor had a very wild cow, which had been treated gently. Both cows having steer calves, the owner of the wild cow bought the calf raised by the neighbor for the purpose of match- ing his own to make a yoke of steers. When he tried to train them, he found the one out of the gentle cow that had been frightened, exhibited such uncontrollable fear of dogs, and became so wild when he saw one or heard it bark, that he could do nothing with him, and so sold him for beef. The incident was related to me by the owner, who was a member of my class, upon my advancing the theory that great extremes of fear or viciousness were sometimes the effect of prenatal causes. Soon afterward, in the same neighborhood, a five-year- old colt was brought in to be experimented ujjon before a class. He was extremely wild and difficult to approach, and, as the owner stated, had never been touched or handled by any one. Ujion remarking that there must have been some good cause for this, and that usually such extreme fear and sensibility was the result of abuse to the mother, the owner said, " That is true," and then gave me the following facts conceraing him : " When the stallion was brought to serve the mare, he acted badly, and was disposed to resist the groom, for Avhich he was taken behind the barn and severely whipped. In this condition, while very much excited, he was put to the mare. When the colt came, he was so wild that no one could get near enouiih to touch him. INSANITY. 185 It being impossible, with safetj^, to go iicur enough to this colt to touch him, the halter was put on with pole, as explained in " Colt Training," when he was easily subjected to Second Method, by which he was made s gentle and manageable in about fifteen minutes that he was harnessed and driven to breaking-cart, without breeching, acting as well as any ordinary, quiet colt. A great many cases illustrating the effects of bad treatment at such times, have been repeatedly brought to my notice. Insanity. It is not uncommon to find horses insanely afraid of some particular object, as blood, or the sound of the cars, etc., while perfectly indifferent to other objects or sounds. The causes we cannot always trace, though we can see the effects. In all ordinary cases, there is but little difiicvilty in overcoming such fear by proper treatment, but it is possible to find cases so extreme as to render it difficult, if not impossible, to make reasonably safe. I am satisfied, as before explained, that many of the extreme cases of this character which I have treated, have been the effect of prenatal causes. But the nervous system can be so impressed by direct causes of fear and injury as to destroy life or jtroduce insanity, as shoAvn by reference to several cases in the first part. This insanity in horses is shown by the intense re- pugnance to special objects and sounds. Horses that have once been frightened by something giving out, or running against the hind quarters, cutting or injuring them, per- haps severely, are afterward uncontrollably afraid of the noise of the wagon, or the shafts touching the parts. One of the worst horses I ever handled was a small bay, in Vermont, that was perfectly gentle, except being afraid of the shafts touching one quarter. This was caused b}' the 13G FEAE.— ITS EFFECTS. shaft liaA'ing run into his quarter. Ordinary cases of this kind yield to treatment in a few moments. Some nervous systems are susceptible to very intense impressions when once excited, and there will be corresponding difficulty in overcoming them. Therefore success must be determined as much by the intensity of the habit, as by the treatment. The success erf the treatment will depend upon the direct- ness with which the brain can be influenced ; but success in getting up a reaction and changing the character as de- sired, must be equally the result of the amount of resist- ance, viciousness, or derangement of the nervous system. These are points which should be studied, since frequently even a minor habit, or apparently trifling form of resist- ance, may cause a great deal of trouble to be overcome, because of the intensely susceptible as well as positive character of the case. I include here an account of a few representative cases, out of the many to which reference could, if neces- sary, be made, mainly for the purpose of showing the re- markable change of character that may be produced in a horse when subjected to proper treatment. Case I. When at Buffalo, New York, an eight-year-old sorrel horse, owned by William Press, of Gowanda, was brought as a subject for experiment. This horse when six years old was used to plow corn. The whiffletree coming accident- ally against his quarters, so frightened him that he kicked and ran away, tearing the cultivator to pieces. Every effort to work him afterward only intensified his fear. Four or five times in succession he kicked loose and ran away, becoming wholly unmanageable. Mr. Press was a leading horseman in the town. He had recontly taken lessons in the art with a number of ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 137 Fig. 117.— Press Horse, after beiug subdued. others, and they concluded to try their skill on the sorrel. Five of them assembled on the following Sunday, and worked half a day on the horse, using nearly thirty dollars' worth of rigging. The result was, that after doing all they could, when they tried to hitch and drive the horse, he kicked himself loose, and ran furiously over a mile into the village, Avith his straps and rigging hanging to him. They concluded now the horse could not be broken, and that he Avas practically worthless. Mr. Press brought the horse to Buffalo, and offered to sell hiin to me. I told him, if he would join my class, I would break the horse for him, as I wanted just such a one upon which to illustrate the effect of the treatment. " I do not care to join any horse-taming class," replied he. " I have been in a number of them, and can do as much with a horse as any man. I do not want any such instruc- tions, but will sell you the horse." " I do not want your horse," said I, " but if you will join the class and bring him in for me to experiment upon, I will guarantee not to injure him, and promise if I do not hitch him up and drive him perfectly gentle in twenty min- utes, to charge you nothing for instructions, and also to give you the best suit of clothes to be found in the city of Buf- falo." " I will come on these conditions," said he, " yet I know no living man can drive that horse." He and his friends laughed in anticipation of the sport they were to have in seeing me defeated. They knew, as 138 f JiAli.— ITS EFFECTt5. they supposed, all about, horse-tamiug, and felt sure this subject would cause me humiliating failure. When he Ava,s brought in, Mr. Press got upon the top seat, out of harm's way. At the same time he told the j^eople that ten men could not hold the horse in shafts, and that he felt it his duty to tell them that they must look out for themselves. I told the people there was no danger at all, that the case was in fact a very simple one to manage. I subjected him quickly to the First and Second Methods, which made liim submit to have anything brought against his quarters ; this was the first point to be gained. I then obtained control of the mouth by the Breaking Bit, when I hitched him up and drove him, without breeching, perfectly gentle and manageable, all of which was done within fifteen minutes. Next morning, I gave him another short lesson out of doors, testing him hard, hitching and unhitching him in the open street with entire success. The feat was regarded as marvelous. Mr. P. and others Avho knew the case, said they would not have believed it possi- ble had they not seen it done. Though the horse appeared perfectly gentle, Mr. P. said he had no faith that he would stay broken, and that he would not ride behind him for any amount of money, and offered to sell him to me at my own price. I bought the horse, and two weeks afterward, sold him in the city where he was afterward used, and proved perfectly gentle. I will explain here an interesting fact in connection with this case, to show the necessity of treating a horse where in the habit of resisting, and where it is desii'ed to work him : Knowing I could make a great stir in Gowanda by taking him back and exhibiting him there, and anticipat- ing that the horse, though under the most perfect control in the city, would be likely when in the country to show some of" his old nature, I arranged to guard against such results ILLUSTiiATiVE CASES. 189 as much as I could by driving there in the night, as doubt- ful horses always drive better in the night than in the day time. I started about 9 o'clock, and as I had anticiimted, upon reaching the country, he acted so badly, showing such intense fear of almost everything he saw, that I could not drive him with any safety. I was, in fact, compelled to get out and lead him back to the settled part of the city, when he at once drove as well as ever. I had broken and driven him in the noisiest and most densely traveled part of the city. There he was perfectly gentle ; but upon tak- ing him where he had not been controlled, the instinct of his old fear and resistance became so strong, that to pro- ceed would be at the risk of having him kick and resist control. If subjected to treatment here, his management would have been as easy and simple as in the city. But as I did not care to do this, on account of the difficulty of getting privacy, and which would also require doing the whole work over again, I concluded to give up the project of exhibiting him at Gowanda. My friends never knew the reason of my not showing him there as promised, and will learn it for the first time from this explanation. A very sensitive horse will always behave better in a noisy city than in the country. The rattle and noise on every side so confuses as to prevent him from concentrat- ing his purpose to resist, or from having his attention di- rected in any particular direction ; whereas in the country the whole attention is attracted to some special object or cause of notice, and excites correspondingly increased dis- turbance. This condition is specially referred to under various heads. Case II. This was an eight-year-old bay, owned in Brookville, Pa. He was of ordinary size, nervous temperament, good 140 FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. head, strong, dense texture of body, and naturally of good disposition, but bad been spoiled by being frightened into running away several times, the last time jumping over the toll-gate and leaving the wagon there. He was afraid of a wag.n and coulJ not even be hitched to one. The people did not question my ability to so control him that I could drive him, but would not believe that I could break him so that others could drive him. There was a general impres- sion that I either acted upon the horse's brain in some mys- terious way to control him, or that I gave medicine to do so. Some went so far as to say they would not believe it though they should see it done. By great effort, however, I was able to make quite a large class on the condition that I subdue this horse and drive him perfectly gentle before them. I subjected the, case to First and Second Methods, and getting good control of the mouth, not only drove him to wagon down hill Avithout breeching, but at the same time, to prove his perfect safety, had him driven by a boy eight years old, in the same manner. This short lesson proved sufficient to completely reform him. Case III. This was a nine-year-old bay horse, owned by Mr. Gates, of Garretsville, Ohio. He would run away in double or single harness, and defied every effort to break him. With gTcat care he could be hitched up, but the moment a whip or the least thing excited him, he would kick and run away, regardless of all control. All sorts of rigging had been tried on him in vain. Although a very powerful, en- ergetic horse, I knew he would not prove a difficult case, and so stated, guaranteeing that I would hitch him up without breeching, drive him before a class, and make him submit tu any excitement desired. ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. 141 Upon trial he yielded readily to First and Second Meth- ods ; after which, with the Breaking Bit, I obtained entire control of the month, thongh he resisted for some time with great courage and perseverance. His mouth had become so hard that with any driving bit in use, he could run away with even six or eight men holding on to the reins. In about thirty minutes from the time I commenced, I drove him, perfectly gentle, in shafts without breeching. I saw at once that I could make a great stir with him at GaiTettsville, and so proposed going back theTe the third time. The owner consenting, I advertised that two weeks afterward I would drive the horse without breeching, down hill through the main street of Garrettsville, while distant from him ten rods, and prove him one of the safest horses in the country. At the time appointed there was a large crowd assembled to witness the experiment, and I per- formed the feat without any reservation whatever, to the wonder and surprise of all present, enabling me to make the largest class I had yet made there. It is proper to explain that though the horse had stood idle for two weeks, upon trial I did not find it necessary to repeat the treatment, and did no more than to hitch him up under canvas, and rush him out into the street. The owner was still afraid he could not manage the horse safely, so he wished me to handle him once more. This I did in a field outside of the town, where I subjected him to the most exacting tests. Years afterward, he informed me that he sold the horse to a gentleman in Pittsburg, who used him for a family horse, proving him one of the gentlest and saf- est in the city. Case IV. This was a twelve-year-old soi-rel horse, owned by Dr. Keegan, of Cleveland, Ohio. While hitched in the street, and covered with a blanket, he was frightened by the wind 142 FEAE.— ITS EFFECTS. suddenly lifting and throwing the blanket under his body. It was afterward an object of such terror to him that he did not have a blanket over him again for seven years. He would have killed any man venturing near him with one in his hand. When I exhibited one before him, at a distance of twenty feet, he plunged away in the most des- perate manner ; and after being almost completely disabled, he would squeal, strike, and kick at a blanket held at a dis- tance of ten or twelve feet, his eyes bloodshot with terror. The point was to appeal to the understanding without seri- ously shocking the nervous system. I subjected him to First and Second Methods, showing him a part of the blanket, first at a distance of about twelve or fifteen feet, gradually coming nearer as I felt safe in so doing. Even after a treatment that would have compelled the complete submission of any ordinary horse, he was so fierce and desperate that I could not approach near enough with the blanket to make him smell or touch it, without danger of being killed. I hung it upon a pole, and when able finally to bring it against his nose, he grabbed 1: in his mouth four or five times with the ferocity of a buUdo but biting less and less each time, until he seemed to caic noth- ing about it, when he submitted to having it thrown over or around him, as desired, entirely regardless of it ; and the experiment was pronounced a remai'kable success. Case Y. This was a bay pon}-, nine years old, owned by a phy- sician at Greencastle, Pa. This horse was afraid of a buf- falo-robe. I had a large class of leading citizens, and at the close of the instructions the pony Avas brought in. Al- though distant from him more than thirty feet, upon ex- posing a part of the robe to his view, his terror became so ureat that in his effort to get away, he broke out of the ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 143 barn. When brought back, I subjected him for thirty min- utes to the Second Method, without making any apparent progress in overcoming his fear. He continued making the most desperate resistance by striking and kicking at the robe whenever it was exposed to his view. The owner now objected to further treatment, claiming he could not be broken, which was seconded by the class. This was extremely annoying. The usual experiments and instruc- tions had been gone through with, the class entirely satis- fied, and at the time this horse was brought in, were en- gaged in paying their fees. As soon as they saw him re- sist, they stopped paying to await results of the experi- ment, which, as explained, was pronounced a failure, and a sufficient excuse for them not to pay me. It was not alone this class at stake, but a failure would be magnified to such an extent as to destroy confidence in my efforts in the surrounding towns. I asked, "What do you value j^our horse at?" He replied, "One hundred and fifty dollars." "Very well," said I, and put up the amount, which he understood he was at liberty to take if the experiment re- sulted in the least injury to the horse. I then said to the class: "I want no talk or criticism from you. I insist upon your keeping still and in your places until the result of the experiment is determined. You say I will fail. We will see about that. It will cost you nothing if I do." As I brought the robe near the horse, he was so des- perately afraid of it that he would squeal, kick, and fight with the greatest fury. But my blood Avas up, and there was nothing for it but at any hazard to see the end. It was a severe struggle ; but I was determined to push him now, regardless of consequences, to such a limit of help- lessness as would enable me to bring the robe close to his pose. When I did so, he grabbed and ground it between 144 FBAK.— ITS EFFECTS. his teeth, let go, grabbed and bit it again, and so repeated, fiA'e times in succession, when his wliole nature seemed to suddenly change, and he submitted to it without the least resistance. I now rubbed it gently over his head and body, then untied him and repeated the rubbing, followed by throwing it upon him gently. In a few moments I could stand and throw it upon him without his caring for it. All Avere now delighted with the result. Every man paid his fee cheerfully. The pony was led home by his owner, who carried a robe over his shoulder dangling be- fore the horse's head, while another was thrown over the horse's head and neck, he being as indifferent to it as if he had never been frightened by such an object. All present voted, "I was a good fellow." Case VI. This was a five-year-old colt of a cold-blooded, suUen nature, owned by IMr. J. C. Collins, proprietor of the trott- ing track in Toledo, Ohio. Though a thoroughly practical horseman, he could do nothing with this horse. The only way he could drive him was by hitching him between two heavier horses and tying him back to them by the head. This gentleman was persuaded to join the class, as he afterward stated to the writer, " with the expectation of being fouled." After witnessing the experiments on a num- ber of very bad horses, he came forward, saying, " lie had a horse that he would like to see me drive, and would bring him in next day ; that it was the only horse he ever had he was wUling to take off his hat to, and say he could not break ; that if I could Lreak and drive him in the time claimed, he would be convinced I could break any horse in the world."' I found the horse a strong, determined, impulsive fel- ILLUSTKATIVK CASES. Uo low, very much afraid of anything being brought around or near him, especially of being touched around the quar- ters or flanks. Subjecting to First and Second Methods compelled his complete submission. His resistance to the Breaking Bit was very determined ; but, in time, he sub- mitted to it unconditionally, requiring in all about forty minutes. The lesson was in part repeated next day and he was driven without breeching through the main street of the city. I append Mr. CoUins's acknowledgement published at the time : — "Gkeat Feat — The Worst Rttnawat Horse in Toledo. " I certify that a five-year old bay horse owned by me was so vicious and unmanageable that ho could not be driven single or double -without running away. I tried to drive him with a strong, gentle horse, and he would run away in defiance of all I could do, carrying the other horse with liim. The only way we could hold him or drive him in harness was by hitching him be- tween two horses, and attaching a strap from his I'it to the liame rings of the horses on either side. It was impossible to hold this horse in any other way. Professor Magner subjected liira to treatment in my presence, and drove him in the street, yesterday, without breeching, to wagon, so perfectly gentle and manageable that the slightest command, or pull on the reins, would cause him to stop, allowing the wagon to strike his heels, etc. I have driven him myself since, single and double, and find him perfectly gentle and manage- able. I believe a knowledge of Prof. Magner's treatment of the greatest value to owners of horses, and should be learned by all who are wise to their own interests. His system will enable any man to make the most vicious horses gentle with a reasonable eflbrt, and it is undoubtedly the best in the world. I would not take §500 for what I learned from him. "J. P. COLLINS, "Proprietor of Track, Toledo, Ohio." Case VII. This was a bay horse owned by a butcher in Rochester, N, Y A professional horse tamer wli had been tj^uite suc- cessful in the West was engaged thcro in business. Hap- pening in the city, I visited him, and during my visit, the horse was led in to be experimented upon be/ore the class. When shown a robe, he exhibited the r.ost intense fear of it. After a treatment of nearly two hours the horse was in reality worse thai\ before, and the experiment was an ]40 FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. acknowledged foilure. The man said, "I haven't time to break so bad a horse in one lesson, but I will give him another to-morrow, when I will show you the eflfect of the treatment upon him. When the class had gone and he was left alone, he took the horse in hand and worked with him until twelve o'clock that night. Upon my return next morning, about ten o'clock, I found an assistant driving around with a buffalo- robe fastened upon the horse's back. Every few mo- ments the hors would snort and kick at the parts of the robe hangin over his hips, and to all appearances as much afraid of it as the night before. As a final resort, they tried this method of familiarizing him with it. Knowing the fear of the robe could not be overcome Ijy the treatment used, and not willing to see the man de- feated, I felt compelled, as an act of friendship, to help him out of the scrape. Not wishing to be identified in any way with the matter, I exacted a pledge of secrecy from the man driving him ; after which I subjected the horse quickly to Second Method, and in less than ten minutes he was made perfectly gentle. The robe was pulled under the body, between the hind legs, and thrown upon him from a distance of over ten feet without his showing the least fear of it. He performed equalh' well the same even- ing before the class, proving perfectly gentle. The result was regarded as a proof of the great success of the treat- ment. The treatment used upon him was a modified form of First Method. It was tried upon him persistently, as stated, for nearly two hours, and while down, the robe put upon him ; but when allowed to get upon his feet, and the robe shown him, his resistance and fear of it were as great as before. Failing in tliis, the only resource left was the palliative treatment, which had no effect whatever upon ILLUSTEATIVB CASES. 147 him. Pushing sharply with Second Method, made him for the moment sulticiently helpless to permit the robe to he put upon him, and when in the position of resistance, (on his feet) when he seemed to realize its harmless character he submitted unconditionally, and thereafter became en- tirely indilFerent to it. The importance of this treatment is shown by the fact that though the lesson was not re- peated, after standing almast an entire day, he proved en- tirely gentle. Case VIII. This was a nine-year old bay pon}', owned by Mr. Smawley, a livery keeper in Petrol- eum Centre, Pa. This pony was so wild and reckless that he was in that region of country known by the name of Wild Pete. Ev- ery effort to break him had failed. It usually re- quired two men to hold him while being groomed. He could be ridden, but it was utterly impossible to do any- thing with him in harness. Once when a harness was put on him, he became so frightened and reckless that he jumped and got away, and when found, aU the harness excepting the collar had been torn or shaken off. His insane fear was so great that he was really wicked in his resistance. When I visited the place in 1869, I was confronted with this horse. AU said, "Let us see you drive Wild Fig. lis.— Wild Pete. 148 FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. Pete," regarding it as a good joke that they had a horse that could " beat the horse-tamer." Upon examination, I found him a small, closely-knit fellow, possessing great action and power of endurance. His forehead was broad, and the head in all respects well formed. To test him, I put on the War Bridle, tied up his near fore-foot, and while holding him, with the lash of a straight buggy whip barely touched his quarters. This frightened him so intensely that he sprang over six feet Fig. 119. — Wild Pete iu the act of running away. into the air, kicked violently, pulled away from me, and although on three legs, repeated this jumping and kicking for over half a mile. I stated to the people that I could not break such a horse in a barn, but would form a class, and on the follow- ing day I would drive him before them without breeching, entirely gentle and fearless, and that the money for the in- structions might be deposited in the bank, to be delivered to me on fulfillment of this condition. As this was one of the most interesting and marked cases I had found in all my experience, and as it represents a large class of nerv- ous, unmanageable colts, I will include the full details of the treatment used : — ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 149 I first arranged with the owner to have him taken to the Titusville trotting park, eight miles distant, and there I subjected him carefully to Second Method, which was ex- actly adapted to his temperament. I touched his quarters very lightly at first, which he resisted by kicking, snorting, and jumping in the most desperate manner. But I per- sisted in the effort, repeatedly reversing both ways until he was compelled to submit to it, but not sufficiently to Fig. 120. — Pole Kij, itRMLtl u. I,l-1uw. hold gentle. This so toned him down that I was then able to subject him Avithout difficulty to First Method, which, as he resisted with great courage, was consequently very ef- fective in his case, but not by any means sufficient to make him submit to be harnessed or put in shafts. Con- sequently, I subjected him again to Second Method, and now succeeded in making him entirely gentle to submit to having a pole brought against his flanks, etc. The next step was to drive him, which I knew I could not safely do. To accomplish this, I improvised the pole rig for shafts. (See cut.) As soon as he found himself be- tween the poles and allowed to move, he seemed for a few 150 FEAR.— ITS EFFECTS. moments to exert all the enersiy of despair in trying to get away. But expecting this, I was prepared to meet it and hold him, though his resistance at this stage was very de- termined. This simple rig, though a chance outgrowth of inciden- tal necessity, proved not only just the thing for the emer- gency, but a valuable acquisition for the management of colts and horses generally of this character. Turning right or left, the poles come against the legs ; in backing, the Fig. 131. — Wild Pete, as he appeared uext day after being subdued. ends stick into the ground, bringing the cross-piece firmly against the quarters. There is no danger of their breaking, and by their use the quarters can be accustomed to being touched or run against by the shafts in driving. Submit- ting to this he was practically broken, and at once harnessed before a wagon with breeching straps loose, and drove back to the American House, much of the way with the cross- piece striking his quarters, proving him perfectly gentle. That evening I drove him to* Petroleum Centre, and the next day as promised, exhibited him in harness, proving him a model of docility. An incident peculiar to this case is here worthy of men- ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 151 tioii : Upon visiting this iil.-icc iilxuit thive years afterward. Mr. Snialley informed mo that tlie hor.?o had boon nsed as a family carriage liorse and was one of the safest in that part of the country, but that it was impossible to shoe him with the halter on, while with the bridle on he was perfectly gentle to have his feet handled. While treating him, had I taken up his feet after the harness was removed, and ac- customed them to being handled jind pounded ujion for a, few moments, he would have been just as gentle while be- ing shod with the halter on as with the bridle. As it was, he could associate submission only in the manner the treat- ment was used, and this carried it no farther than driving Avith the control of the bit, and hence the docility to allow the feet to be handled while it was on. CHAPTER IV. KICKING. Kicking is in all cases the result of ignorance or bad man- agement. As explained in Colt Training and Fear, mak- ing one side of the body gentle and submissive to contact, will give no assurance in respect to the opposite side. Now Flu. la-. — The effect of bad tieatinent when a colt or horse is broken as ordinarily done, and goes off all right Avhen put in harness, it is taken for granted that he is as gentle and safe as can be expected ; but, if by carelessness or accident the rein is caught under the tail, or the cross-piece or whiftletree should come suddenly against the quarters, those parts being practically unbroken, or not accustomed to such contact, the horse is liable to be so excited and frightened as to kick ; and once started in this habit there is increased inclination to do so until con- firmed in it. Now all this could be prevented without the (153) GENEEAL REMARKS. 15R least difficulty by fifteen or twenty minutes' treatment, which would make the hor.se entirely insensible to sucli causes of contact. It is a habit also that merges into so many other fiiults that destroy the value of the horse and render him unsafe for use, that I consider it advisable to make this chapter as full in the details ofmanagement as space will permit. There is no reason to suppose that a horse is naturally bad and unmanageable because he kicks. The point is to make him sufficiently gentle to safely bear, with- out kicking, tlie restraint and excitement necessary in har Fig. rj3. — Treatniunt that ouly conlirms the habit. ness. Or when the habit is once formed to so combat it that all tendency to repeat it is overcome. In the chapter on Colt Training I have given details of the treatment to be pursued for the management of excit- able colts, or those that kick. It also includes directions for overcoming fear of the wagon, and other causes of ex- citement, until proved gentle to control, and the treatment as given there for such cases should be studied in connec- tion with this. In the chapter on Teaching Tricks, which can also be re- ferred to, I have explained that the principle of breaking up and overcoming a habit is exactly the reverse of that of teaching a trick or habit. If, for example, in teaching a 154 KICKING. horse to kick up, lie were so gentle and fearless that he could not by any ordinary means be made to do so, it would )»e necessary to -use such means as would excite and irritate him to kick, when he could be easily confirmed in the habit. On the same principle, if the horse is a very determined kicker, then an ef- fort should be made to overcome the sensibility which is the cause of the kicking, until there is no inclination to repeat it. This can easily bo done by either one, or by a combination, of the Methods of Subjection given. To illustrate : I had a pony that I wished to teach to throw boys. As a preliminary to teaching him this trick, it was necessary to make him kick up promptly at command. The simjilest way of teaching this trick is to prick lightly on the rump with a pin, and when the hind parts are thrown up a little, caress, and repeat until simply touching the part causes tlie horse Fig. 124.— a little doubtful. Points of good character. Fig. 126. to kick up. But this pony was so gentle that sticking the pin into his rump would not excite .the least motion toward kicking. The only alternative now was to make the jjarts sufiiciently sensitive to start him in the trick. GENERAL EEiMARKS. 155 Fig. 127. — Docile character. I drove a few tacks into a shingle, filed the ends sharj), and of equal length, and hacked them into the skin a little to cause irritation. Next day on touching his rump with a jjin, he kicked readily. A few repetitions made him so sensitive that even the lightest touch on the part with the finger, or even a motion to- ward the hip, would make him kick as high as I wished, which he Avould do ever afterward. This is teaching to kick. Now if a horse is violently excited by any cause, such as by catching the rein under the tail, the breeching breaking or being too long, so as to allow the cross-piece or shafts to come against the quarters, etc., it would excite kicking, and tlio habit is taught precisely as if by inten- tion. It is seen that af- ter starting the horse in kicking, at each repe- tiliu.i of being touched or hurt he will kick the harder. So iu learning by cliance to kick in har- ness, the greater the ex- citement and fear pro- duced and the oftener its repetition, the more reckless and determined Now any cause that excites and irritates this kicking without being able to control or stop it, will only intensify and confirm it. Consequently, when Fig. l'iS.--(.io.>d ( will the habit become. 15G KICKING. a horse by chance is made to kick, and in trying to break up the habit is excited and badly managed, each repetition of treatment, if unsuccessful in overcoming the habit, only aggravates and tends to confirm it. The key of success is in being able to combat the habit directly until all inclination to resist is overcome. But the method of doing this must in a great measure be governed by the peculiar- ity of disposition, and the intensity Avith which the habit is fixed. If the nerv- ous system is so greatly deranged and weakened that kicking is in a great measure involuntary, and this cannot be overcome by subjective treatment, then such means must be used as will disable and restrain the kicking in harness until the inclin- ation is fully overcome. So far as the act of kicking is con- cerned, it is about the same in all cases ; but the energy of resistance and the persistence of the habit depend upon the sensibility, pluck, and endurance of the horse, and the degree to which the nervous system has been shaken or broken down by fear or abuse. A very little lack of good judgment here ma}^ sometimes cause a great deal of trouble and needless cruelty, and make the horse's subjection far more difficult. I pay particular attention to this point, and do not make a move until sure of the proper course. I have learned by long experience to take no false step if avoidable, knowing what trouble may result therefrom. For instance : Is the horse a wild, reckless runaway, or simply one that, save the habit of kicking, is otherwise Fig. 129. — Sensitive. Will not bear abuse. GENERAL REMARKS. 157 gentle ? Is he cold-blooded and persistent, throwing all his energy into kicking at all hazards ? If the first, is the habit the result of fear, and to what degree is the nervous system weakened, or is the case one of a really bad dispo- sition ? If the second class, what is the undercurrent of his nature ? Will he bear pushing while under excitement, or is he one that to warm him up is to excite only to more intense resistance ? If he is Aery sensitive, high strung, kicking mainly from fear, the treatment must be of a char- acter not to heat the blood, excite, or "ive much freedom, when all Fig. 130. — Ideal of sullen, treacherous nature. that will be necessary to do will be to accustom him to the noise or rattle of the wagon, or bearing contact until fear- less of it. If a headstrong, runaway kicker, especially one that kicks recklessly when touched, a simple course of sub- jection that will force his submission to restraint, will usu- ally be aU that is necessary ; when by repeating the les- son in part once or twice the habit can be easily overcome. If a cold-blooded, sulky kicker, or one that kicks only in harness, the habit must be combated directly until un- der control. The cold but courageous, switching kicker, kicking by spells or when excited, will usually submit most readily to simple restraint. To excite or irritate cases of 158 KICKIXG. this character by general coercive methods, unless the after treatment is carried out with great care and judgment, will only do harm by irritating the nervous system to a degree that would only intensify the habit. A good idea of these differences in disposition and char- acter can be seen by the large variety of illustrations of heads in this and other chapters. For inexperienced persons, the Breaking Rig, if avail- able, would make the control of all ordinary cases simple and easy. But presuming it is not available, I will give > V / /Ss-iirtJ, «c \V, / __ S S"*™ ^ V m (#<*** Fig. 131. — Ideal expression of the determined, fighting kicker. my regular methods of management. As I have before ex- plained, the principle of breaking a horse of a habit is the reverse of teaching it, and I have also reminded in the chap- ters before referred to (Colt Training and Fear), that mak- ing one part of the body gentle does not give assurance of making other parts so. The same in breaking a horse to drive in harness, making him gentle out of harness or in a position in which he is not accustomed to work, cannot be regarded as assurance of safety when hitched before a wagon. The subjection must be progressive until this end is attained. Now to break a horse of kicking, the first point is to GEXEKAL EEMARKS. 150 make a reliable foundation liy rendering him thoroughly gentle out of harness. In doing this, it will greatly facili- tate success to adapt the treatment to the case as nearly as possible. I have learned, as one of the hard lessons of my experience, that if I let the horse resist me after once forcing his submission, it will only make him worse than he was before. It gives him increased courage and con- fidence afterward to fight back, and thus makes his char- acter doubtful and treach- erous. This taught me when I had a bad case to make every step Fig. 132.— Points showing the fxpression of continned kickers. from each step gained, to make the next until I came to driving, which I made so thorough that I felt sure of mak- ing the horse reliable. Suppose we have a nervous, kicking colt or liorse, of a naturally good disposition. Perhaps putting on the War Bridle and pulling him right and left a few times, just enough to disconcert a little, will make him submit in a few minutes to have a pole brought against the quarters, hips, and flanks. Simply repeat until the horse will submit to be poled in any manner with the head free. If the horse is strong and shows much fear of being touched around the 160 KICKING. quarters, kicking hard, and trying to get away, this treat- ment will not be sufficient. It is necessary, therefore, to resort to means by which he can be controlled quickly and easily. '\ h Second Method would be the simplest way of doing it, turning him right and left sharply, but not to the point uf falling, at the same time bringing the pole against the quarters as he passes around, until he will submit to it without fear while standing still. The point of his submitting unconditionally to be ' T//' Fig. 133. — A good expression of the sullen kicker. touched all around the tail, quarters, and flanks, should at this stage be made very thorough. Then, when untied, re- peat this poling ; or, if necessary, by the control of the War Bridle repeat the poling until the horse will stand quietly while being poled in any manner with the head free. (See cut 41.) If the horse is of decided viciousness and great endurance, the treatment must be made more posi- tive. For such, this method may not be sufficient. When this is anticipated, follow with either or both the other methods; and, if necessary, repeat the Second Method. If I have a good place and the horse will bear the excite- ment, I usually foUow with the First Method, throwing GENERAL REMARKS. 161 rapidly eight or ten times, as fast as tlie horse will get up ; then stand behind him and excite hiiii to get up, and roll him back until he will not try to get up. This is the limit of this treatment, and works well when the horse will get up with energy ; but is almost inert when there is not much resistance to it. All that is necessary when the horse gets up and is Fig. 134.- Sn \ iiig the iiniiulsive, dangerous character of bail kicker when first brought for treatment. standing on throe legs, is to bring the pole against the (|uar ters. If there is submission to it, simply repeat until he will bear the poling in any manner with his head and legs fi"ee. But if there is still resistance, follow with the Third Method, and repeat. While pressure is on, bring the pole against the quarters industriously. I'snally, at first, the horse will kick hard when touched ; l)ut it is rarely there 1G2 KICKING. will not be submission in a few minutes. This point made, gradually remove the pressure, and while doing so, keep rubbing and bringing the pole against the quarters and flanks until there is unconditional submission. Sometimes young horses of this character are very bad. The greatest average of the worst horses I have ever found have been iron-gi-ay, sorrel, or black, though I have occa- sionally found bays extremely bad. Bilt the case must be very bad that will not yield readily to the Second and Fig. 135. — As some very bad kickers will act when touched. Third Methods. The First in many cases will be found equally effective. A great deal depends upon how the treatment is applied. A man may use either or all the methods, supposing he has done all that it is possible to do, and fail in subduing the horse, yet I may use the same treatment immediately afterward and succeed without dif- ficulty, the only difterence being in the proper application of the treatment. (These conditions will be found explained in connection with the description of each method in the first chapter.) When done properly, it should seldom re- quire more than thirty or forty minutes to subdue even very bad cases. GBNEKAL KEMAEKS. 163 The point accomplished of making the horse gentle in one position to be handled and poled, it must be carried to driving in harness, which is the real point to be attained ; for however gentle the horse may be at this stage, he may stiU resist with great recklessness when driven to wagon. In many cases, if thoroughly subdued, he may be safely put to a wagon and driven ; but if at all doubtful this should Fio. 136. — As the desperate kicker sometimes resists when Bubjected to First Method. not be attempted, as in the event of kicking successfully a great point is lost. To break a horse reliably of kicking, means that there will be no inclination to kick in any posi- tion, no matter how irritated. Now put on the harness, tie up the tugs and breeching straps, and run the reins through the shaft-bearers. The point in driving is to disconcert and control the horse sufii- ciently by the power of the bit, so that he can be controlled and driven by the restraint of the reins. The most power- 1G4 KICKING. ful and simple means of controlling the mouth is by the Patent Bridle. If this is not available, the " W" or Breaking Bit should be used. The chief value of this bit depends upon the way it is used. The advantage of the Patent Bridle is that it gives great power without requiring any special practice. Get directly behind the horse ; if he is sensitive, it is better before starting to have an assistant bring a pole over the back and Fig. 137.— As the bad kicker will usually resist when touched while turning. against the quarters on both sides and flanks until he takes no notice of it. Now start the horse gently, and, having driven a few steps, bring the pole against the quartei's lightly at first, then repeat, until it can be brought Avith considerable force against the legs and qoiarters without exciting fear. If the horse is very sensitive, give an ap- ple, stroke the head and nose, and speak kindly. No mat- ter how severe the previous treatment, when submissive, kindness will be very important in quieting the nervous system. In addition, it tells the horse by his way of rea- soning that the punishment is for kicking. Now drive riglit DETAILS OF TREATMENT. 16a and loft, pulling the rein firmly against the outside quar- ter, and continue until the horse drives fast or slow as re- quired. If disposed to resist when touched, and kicks, give a quick, sharp pull on the reins in order to pull the head up and back, which would disable and prevent carry- ing out his purpose. This is usually not difficult. But sometimes the horse will kick violently when this is done ; if he does, and there is good control of tlie mouth, set him Fio. 138.— As extremely bad kiekers resist when touebed while pressure is on. back hard against a rail or pole so arranged that it will strike the quarters on a level with the cross-piece of shafts, repeating until there is entire submission. (See Colt Train- ing.) The point of doing this is to bring the quarters al- most up to the pole, and then with a sharp, quick pull, force him back against it. Should the horse resist the bit and appear plucky, he will try to pull far enough away to kick against the rail, which must not be permitted. But if there is sufficient control of the mouth, he can be held against it helplessly. 166 KICKING. when after a few ineffectual eilorts he will submit. Repeat this surging back against the rail until there is no resist- ance, then drive as before, being careful that all sensibility around the quarters is overcome before stopping. Sometimes it is advisable to put on the foot-strap, and, at the commencement of driving when there is an effort to touch the quarters, pull the foot from under, which disables the horse so that he cannot kick. In my practice I rarely Fig. 139. — Test often given by the writer in piovmg tlic hi i-.c b docility after being subdued. use this means. Sometimes it works well in the manage- ment of green, impulsive colts, and it will be found a good auxiliary means of control, but seldom necessary in the management of kickers. If it is desired to be especially thorough and careful, hitch and drive to poles as described in Colt Training. Drive to the right and left, and back against the cross- piece. This will accustom the horse in moving to bear the pressure t)f the shafts against the quarters and flanks, — a very important point, — which cannot be done with regular shafts. DETAILS OF TRHATirEXT. 107 No matter how well tlie horse drives to poles, it is jio assurance that he will be reliable before a wagon. The in- creased noise and rattle of the wagon will be an additional cause of excitement to which he must be accustomed. Be- fore hitching, repeat the touching around the quarters and flanks with a pole. If lie has been much frightened at the wagon, let him feel and smell of it, at the same time rattle it until he is accustomed to the noise, and encourage him by giving apples, etc. -, then put in shafts. Pull the wagon Fig. 140. — As the horse usually drives in harness after being subdued. forward nt first lightly against the ([uartcrs, gradually re- peating until it can be brought against the parts quite hard. Now by starting him a little and pulling the wagon behind in this way, it can be ascertained what he will bear. Attach him to the wagon without buckling the breech- ing-straps, get in, let him go slowly a few steps, then pull him back sharply, saying, " Whoa ! " which will bring the wagon as before against the quarters. Repeat, driving him faster and faster, until he can be jiut at a moderate trot, and then increase to a run. In this way he becomes thoroughly reconciled to the noise and excitement of a wagon, as well as to the contact with the shafts. Of course 108 KICKING. when it is desired to drive in the regular manner, the breeching-straps must be buckled. A very imi)ortant point, and one that should not be neg- lected, is, tlwt when the horse behaves well, he should be encouraged by giving apples, talking to kindly, etc. A great deal also depends upon the temperament of the man. Some men, whatever their exiierience with horses, seem to be almost poison to them. They think that all that is necessai'y is to jerk a horse around, or subject him to treat- FlG. 14:1. — A test to wliicli llic Iiuisl- sI.ouIJ be bUbjected before beiug subdued. ment as if but a mere machine ; then if the horse acts badly or resists, they attribute the entire trouble to the bad char- acter of the horse, instead of their own lack of skill and care. If at any point in driving the horse he should re- sist control and kick hard, he must be subjected again to the regular subjective course to the point of unconditional submission. It was a matter of almost daily occurrence while travel- ing, to have young horses of this character brought me to experiment upon Ijofore my classes. Among them I would DETAILS OP TREATMENT. 1C9 Fig. 142. — One of the tests usually given by the writer before the class proving the horse's entire submission in harness. 170 KICKING. Fig. 143. — No life or action. frequently find mares and cults which showed such terror when brought near a wagon as to jump and kick so desper- ately that the combined strength of several m e n could not bring them near, or hold them in shafts . The owner would usually say: " I would like to see you hitch up and d rive my horse, but you must take your own chances. If you let anything strike his heels I'll warrant he'll kick and run away." And, " They never had a horse before this one that they could not break." Now it was rare that I was unable to drive such horses by the treatment explained, in from fifteen to thirty minutes. Such suc- cess, in connection with the apparent ease with which it was done, would al- ways be a cause of the greatest surprise and satisfaction. Runaway Kickers. The treatment for runaway kickers is practically the same as for horses of the jirevious habits, the difference being simply in training the mouth, which must be made suffi- Sensibility and action. DETAILS OF TREATMENT. 171 ciently thorough to compel uiiconditidual submission to the restraint of the bit. (For full details see "Running Away.") Confirmed Kickers. Confirmed kickers are usually exceptionally bad cases, and may be classed under three heads, as follows : Nervous, Excitable Kickers, Sulky Kickers, and Switching Kickers. Some of the very worst horses of this kind I have ever broken, and which caused me the most trouble, were cases which, at first, did not seem very bad, but grew worse as t h e y warmed up. Some will Fig. 14.5. — Norman llonsi-. Naturally gentle. show the most wonder- ful jjluck, striving to kick in defiance of all that can be done, and require not only the most careful but thorough course of treatment to be broken. While others, though kicking with extreme viciousness, and showing a great deal of ex- citement, may become entirely gentle by a short lesson of subjective treatment. So that the act of kicking must not alone influence the treatment so much as the peculiarity of disposition. If the horse is large boned, with strong, dense texture of body, not inclined to put on flesh, gray or sorrel, eyes large, rather dark, showing much white, and with a sort of sullen expression, no matter what the character of the kick- ing, he will usually prove a hard fighter. Horses of this character usually will not bear any mistakes or fooling with. 172 KICKING. Fig. 146.— Sullen, treacherous nature. They must be taken in liand with great care and thorough- ness. Sometimes a very nervous, excitable horse will not bear the Second Method, becoming warmed up too quickly. In such a case, the First and Third Meth- ods must be depended u p 0 n . Usually the Third will be all that is required. If so, the pressure should be all that the horse will bear, and when suc- cessful there will be entire submission, the eye softened in expres- sion, and the whole system, as it were, relaxed, the horse showing no fear of having the pole brought against the quarters. In a general way I would advise treatment about as follows: If there is not en- tire docility after using the Third Method, use the First to the ex- tent the case will bear. Much de- pends upon how this is done, and how the horse submits. If he is rangy, quick, and active, it may be necessary to be particularly careful to avoid hard, stony ground. Select a ploughed field free from stones, or where the sod is very soft. Throw the horse — Tlie best type of intelligent, courageous nature. DETAILS OF TEEATMENT. 173 quickly, and as often as he will get np ; then reverse the rig and throw him on the opposite side, and repeat. Now see what the result will be by poling and handling around the quarters ; but few horses will resist it. If there is any incli- nation to kick after- ward, the next alter- native should lio the Second Method. But I repeat : As much depends u p o n the way this is done as upon the method it- self. The point is to throw the horse off his balance with sufficient force, and often enough to bear being poled at pleasure around the quarters and flanks, — a task not at all difficult to perform. If the horse has a good mouth, the after treatment will be simple and easy. The most difficult horses of this character to break are those with mouths so tender that they will not go against the bit, or will submit to it too easily. Presuming there is a good stiff mouth, (for nearly all these cases are of this char- acter), put on the harness with Patent Bridle or Breaking Bit, and make the after treatment as before explained, be- ing careful to be thorough, taking no chances that can be avoided until able to drive to wagon perfectly docile. 148. — A noted vicious kicker. Sulky Kickers. It has been explained in the first chapter that horses represent the different characteristics of the domestic ani- mals. The most marked and annoying is the sullen or sulky nature represented by the bear, hog, or bulldog. As kick- 174 KICKING. Fie. 149.- -A vicious horse before suljjection. ers, they are very persistent and difficult to break, if not managed just right. Yet when treated properly they are not at all difficult to break of the habit. One of their pe- culiarities is that when broken they act as indifferent, and gentle to control, as though they had never had the habit. When a horse is excitable and nervous, the treatment must be such as not to increase the ex- citement ; while in managing cool, sulky fighters, it must be quick and aggressive. Some- times the First Method will not work at all ; it may, however, be tried, and if the horse can be made to get up with energy, make all the impression you can with it. Now follow quickly Avith Second Method. If you let the horse go his own way, touching him around the quarters, etc., he will only warm up into increased resist- ance. Motion with a pole toward the nose ; if this does not cause him to move sufficiently quick, then touch him with the whip sharply, which, in additi(m to motioning to- ward the head, should push him as rapidly as desired. Reverse quickly and force as before up to the point of falling. Repeat in this way a few times, keeping him as nearly help- less and confused as jiossible, in the meantime poling as before ex- plained. In extremely bad cases, if the treatment has not been carried far enough he will be likely to kick with great determination. If he does, grasp the pole with the end Fig. 150. — The same after treatmeut. DETAILS OF TIJEATME^'T. 175 back under the arm, catch tlie hitching part of the halter up near the head, and run around with him, at the same time pressing the pole against the quarters, and hold until submitted to. When successful on one side, go to the op- posite side and repeat. Successful in this, pole him while standing, then untie and do the same. A remarkable fea- ture will now be that when he once gives up, he will be likely to act as indifferent to the poling as if he never cared anything about it. It will be advisable, however, to put on the War Bridle — the most powerful form — and pull him right and left a few times, which greatly intensifies the im- pression of power already made. The Third Method does not seem to work well on these cases because they will not resist under it ; it works well only on those cases which resist it hard for a short time, then give up unconditionally ; upon such it will be found very effective. While, as before explained, "throwing," or the First Method, does not produce impression sufficient to do much good unless tlie horse will try to resist it by getting up. The Breaking Rig would work well upon most of these cases. Among this class there is occasionally a horse that will seem to fight through all the treatment when warmed up, either sulking when forced, or figh ting- back. A point in the management of such cases, which I have practiced with great success, but which must be done with great care, is to carry the treatment so fVir that when cool he will be somewhat sore, when he wUl be found not much inclined to resist. Now the point of success is to give him a short, sharp lesson, that will compel submission before he becomes warmed up ; as his warming up would defeat the work by destroying sensibility and stimvdating resistance. Usually turning around a few times will be all that is necessary to force submission. A horse that at first would be likely to 176 KICKING. Fig. 151.— Expression of obstinate cases. resi.st for hours, if jiu.shed, will submit unconditionally in ten or fifteen minutes nftcr becoming cool and over the ef- fects of the exciteinrnt. Then work up slowly and care- fully as before explained. l^^)r example : A small mustang pony, eight or nine years old, Avas brought me to experiment upon. The owner said he wished to show that he had a first-class kicker, and wanted a little fun out of him. At fu'st. he did not seem to be very bad, but as he warmed up ho kicked with the greatest fury ; and after two hoiu's' effort, I was compelled to give him up, fiiiling completely. The ])ony really kicked worse than when I commenced. Upon returning to that place four years aftcvw;u-d, I was surprised to learn that this pony h;id been used as a pet l>y the little boys and girls of the family; that he was driven and used everywhere to a phteton, and was one of the finest and safest driving ponies in that country. The owner told me that a day or two after his having been handled by me, they thought they would sec what the}" could do with him, and to their surprise they found him per- fectly gentle. They put him in harness, and he dro^e off without any troulde. He be- haved so kindly that the children drove him, and he was highly valued for his docility. I found by experience th.nt mnny cases when warmed Fig 153 — M ill ilm^i hard. DETAILS OF TEEATMEXT. 177 Fig. 1.53.— Most difficult type of character to break. up would resist with such desperation that it wouhl be very difficult and dangerous to force them to a point of submis- sion ; yet by putting them away until cool, and then re- peating the treatment, they would submit perfectly in a few minutes. Some of my greatest feats in breaking extremely bad kickers have been accomplished in this Avay. The ne- cessity for this repetition was fre- quently the cause of great ein- .barrassment. Perhaps an ex- tremely bad horse brought me for experiment would become so warmed up, and resist with so much determination, as to make the continuance of the effort little less than abuse. M}^ only alter- native would be to induce the owner to bring the horse to the next place of appointment, by guaranteeing to control and drive him there entirely gentle. This would excite so much suspicion and doubt in the minds of the class that they would invariably follow to see what the result would be. It then became a necessity to suc- ceed, as to fail would bo sufficient reason for demanding a return of their money. But I seldom found much trouble in making my point, — usually a short, sharp lesson would be sufficient. Good cases illustrative of this principle are the Gal- lopsville Horse, Case No. 2, Subjection; Collins Horse, No. 6, Fear, and the Gates Horse, No. 3, Fear. While the last named could not be driven out of doors prudently when first handled, yet, afterward, wliou cool, the effect of the treatment was so marked that by merely testing a few moments two weeks afterward, he proved so gentle as to be driven without breeching, and down hill, through the 13 178 KICKING. Fiu. 154. — Idful of bad character. main street of the village, controlled by word of command alone while eight or ten rods distant. The Hanky Horse, No. 5, Kicking, was perhaps the most marked case. This horse could not have been driven the first time handled, yet by a short repetition of the lesson next day, he was dri\'('n Avithout difficulty. A great many interesting cases of this character could lie referred to if necessary. The important point is not to do too much, yet enough to make the impression necessary to be able to force unconditional submission. Another point : No matter how well a horse may Avork immediately after being subdued, it should not be accepted as a proof that he is broken. He should be tested carefully when cool and over the excitement. If there is the least indication to re- sistance, the lesson must be repeated until there is certainty of the horse being safe. It is certain that anything short of do- ing enough to make the horse safe, or to over- come the habit, will be likely to result in disastrous fail- ure ; for giving the horse liberty at any stage to fight ])i!ck, practically destroys all that has been done, by teach- ing him to become cunning and treacherous. Hence the importance of making every step sure to the point of driv- ing, and establishing the impression so thoroughly that no -Sullen nature. DKTAILS OF TREATMENT. 179 matter what the aggravation, there will be no inclination to repeat the habit. SwiTCiTixG Kickers. When a horse is greatly excited and irritated by fear or abuse, his nervous system is liable to become so sen,si- tive that he will squeal and switch. This is more common to mares which are more impressible than horses ; conse- quently, when badl}^ spoiled, they are more difficult to break. In this form it becomes involuntary resistance, or a species of insanity, and in extreme cases very difficult to overcome. The point is, if possible, to make a sufficiently strong, counteracting impression to overcome this. Very much will depend upon how much the nervous system has been shaken, and the peculiarity of disposition. Some of the worst kickers I have ever handled were colts which had been greatly frightened and abused in breaking. The course I pursue with such is about as follows : — If the case is one that will bear impressing sufficiently to overcome the kicking, I subject to regular treatment as advised for ordinary cases, directing my attention particu- larly to accustoming the quarters to being touched. Fail- ing in this, I use direct means of restraint, such as the kicking-straps or over-draAv checks. The kicking will now punish so sevei'ely that there will soon be fear to repeat it. The straps should be used in driving for some little time after the inclination to kick is overcome. KlCKIXG-STRArS. These straps should be cut at least two inches wide ; they should be made of two thicknesses of good harness leather, sewed together and fitted so they will come nicely around the leg between the fetlock and gambrel. There should be a strong wn-ought iron D stitched on the front 180 JvICKING. sides. The insides should be lined with soft, thin leather, or buckskin, to prevent chafing the leg. If no Patent Bridle is available, use a strong, well-fitting halter, with the strap passing back between the legs over the belly- band ; or it may be attached to the belly-band by a piece of rubber. Next, take a strong hempen cord, not less than five-eighths of an inch in diameter, firmly wound, or a good piece of leather made round like a rein, run it through a Fig. 156. — Kicking-Straps as arranged for use. pulley or ring attached to the halter-strap a little back of the belly-band, and extend to the rings of the foot-straps. The point is to have the rig so regulated that the position of the horse will be perfectly natural in traveling ; but should he run or kick, both legs coming back at once brings the whole force directly upon the nose. The straps should be kept on until the pain caused by the kicking makes the horse so much afraid to kick that he will not repeat it. Sometimes the straps are connected with the bit so that the horse will kick directly against the mouth. But this DETAILS OP TREATMENT. Isi is objectionable because when the Ivicking is severe against the mouth it will be cut and bruised, besides it is liable to break the jaw. Even when kicking against the nose, by the restraint of the halter, there is possible danger of in- juring the spinal cord at the juncture of the head with the spinal column. I never had an accident occur from such a cause, though I used the treat- ment a great deal in my early experi- menting. I have heard of one case in Maine of a horse breaking his jaw by kicking against the bit, and one in Ohio, killed by the severity of the shock upon the neck. It will be found that when the horse kicks against the mouth or nose, he will soon learn to throw tlie head down , . ,1 ,1 , , •, 1 Fig. 157. — Tail Strap. to give greater length between it and the legs, as this destroys the force of the blow. With the use of the Patent Bridle the force of the kicking throws the head uj), and at the same time punishes with such se- verity that there will not be much inclination to repeat it, and the habit will soon be overcome. Twenty years ago, a very bad mare defied my utmost efforts to stop her kicking, and as a matter FiO. 158. — Tail Strap detached. „ -it t /> ot experiment 1 passed a rope trom the bit, to the hind leg below the fetlock, and thence back to the opposite side of the bit, and held it in my hand while I excited her to kick. After a few repetitions she gave up unconditionally. By this means I succeeded in breaking her of the habit, but the rope chafed and tore the skin so badly upon the legs that I had much trouble in 182 KICKING. curing them. To guard against this in other cases, I put on straps to which I attached rings, and passing the rope through them as before, I irritated her to kick, repeating until there was submission. But as this could not be car- ried out in driving, the kicking-straps, with the connection made to th bit, were devised ; after which the pulley ar- rangement was added. These straps are best adapted to kickers with the nervous system so weakened that the habit is in a great measure involuntary. Foot-Straps. I found that by tying up the leg, the horse was not only prevented from kick- ing, but so disabled that he could not go ; while giving freedom to travel, and dis- abling only at the moment of danger, made a far more powerful means of restraint, and became a very effective means for the control of run- away colts. It is seen that if the leg is pulled from un- der just as there is intention to kick, it not only disables the same as if tied u]), but serves to divert the horse from his purpose of kicking ; Avhile at the same time he can be given freedom to move again when it is desirable. When there was danger of the horse lunging ahead I used a foot- strap upon both fore feet. If the horse attempted to lunge forward after one leg was taken up, I instantly followed by puUing the other from under. In the case of a doubt- ful horse, the foot-strap will be found a good reserve power. During my jH'actice of late years, I seldom made use of Fio. 159.— Foot Strap. DETAILS OF TKKATMEXT. is:] such means, ))ut deijend mainly upon the regular course of subjection to force submission. Over-Draw Check. The over-draw check can be modified in various ways, according to the case. Sometimes a simple over-draw check is all that is necessary. If more power is desired, in ad- dition to the check, the restraint can be carried to the hips, thence to the shafts. (See cut 161.) So that in the act of kicking, as the quarters are elevated, the restraint will be Fig. 160. — Simple method of forcing the heail up, aud preventing kicking by the elevation of the hips. instantly brought upon the head, throwing it so high as to disable. This principle of control was learned by the writer under the following circumstances : In 1861, when in Hen- derson, Jefferson Co., N. Y., a half-witted fellow offered to instruct me how to drive any kicking, runaway horse. He said, " Bring the center of a slender rope of sufficient length to the top of the horse's head, and pass the ends down through the rings on each side of the bit, and thence back into the wagon as reins." I afterward used this means of control and found it would work well in some cases, though not in all. I gave the idea to a man named Hartman, in Lancaster, Pa., who modified it into what was afterward known as the " Ilartman reins," whicli he patented. A 184 KICKING. great improvement in this for kickers, is to pass the reins over the hips to the shafts as explained. Checking the head high will sometimes hold in restraint a strong-willed, treacherous horse, that is liable to lunge sidewa}^s, or pull heavily. It will usually work well when a horse is a little irritable, and simply needs a little restraint to keep him inside the point of resistance, the same as Fig. 161. — The horse as ilisableJ whcu there is an effort to kick. the tail-strap acts in preventing the horse from kicking by keeping the tail confined and helpless. The simplest and best way of checking the head high is to pass the check- rein through gag-runners, which should be attached to the head part of the bridle well up near the ears, and buckle into an extra bit, which is to be held up against the roof of the mouth by means of a strajj passing over the nose. This form of checking the head up and back will be found very effective. A common method in use years ago for kickers was to DETAILS OF TEEATMBNT. 185 Fig. 163. — Simple method of conlrolling the head. put a triangular piece of iron, in form like a V, between the collar and bit. The central point resting upon the collar, and with both ends attached to the rings of the bit, it held the head up in position as desired. A strong,- headed, doubtful horse will fre- quently drive with entire safety when the head is helplessly held up in this manner ; but the check be- fore referred to is the simplest and best means. Sometimes the horse will kick only when the rein is caught under the tail. If he is simply irritable, and hugs the rein, the easiest way to prevent it is to wind an ordinary crupper with cloth, or cover nicely with chamios skin, or soft leather, until one half to two inches in diameter, as may be neces- sary. (See cut 165.) This be- ing lai'ger than the rein below makes it impos- sible for the horse to hug the rein with suffi- cient strength to hold it. When the tail becomes very sensitive from the continued chafing of the parts, its action becomes involuntary. In such cases it must be confined to make the horse safe. This can be easily done by buckling a small strap around it under the hair about two-thirds down the dock, from Fir. 163 — The same as in use 180 KICKING. which, on each side, extend a small strap to the hii>straps, and fasten short enough to preA^ent the tail from switching around and catching the reins. Hip-Strap. If the horse is irritable around the hips, but drives all right so long as restrained, or unable to bring the hind Fig. 164. — A simple method of kecpiiiu; the head elevated to prevent kicking while driving. parts upy simply strapping him down will sometimes be all that is necessaiy to do in order to use him with safety. The best way to do this is as follows : Attach a loop to the harness between the hii^ and tail ; through this pass a strong two-inch strap with ends attached firmly to the DETAILS OF TEEATMEKT. 1.S7 shafts on each side. There should l)e pieces of leather or iron screwed to the under sides of the shafts to keep the ends in place. Two points must be kept in mind in order to be success, ful : 1st. The shafts must be so stiff that they will not bend much. 2nd. The strap over the hip should be so strong that it will not break, and just tight enough to be drawn straight when in place, but not so long as to give any freedom to raise the hips. Four-ring Bit. The four-ring bit by its power will sometimes throw the nose up, and occasionally make a doubtful, headstrong horse drive all right ; but it is best adapted for the management of headstrong luggers. Sometimes a strong-headed jjuUer that cannot be held by an ordinary bit will drive gentle with this. The ef- fectiveness of this bit is in the pressure of its center against the roof of the mouth. As made here- tofore, when pulled upon very hard, these rings would slide in so far as to prevent the desired purchase against the palate. To prevent this, I devised the slot, or obstruction. Sometimes the Patent Bridle will work quite well in the management of kickers. For the Breaking Rig, see illustration with description in first chapter. It may be asked, " Is there any medicine by which you can make a horse gentle?" See "Medicine" in '•Subjec- tion.' Fig. 165. — Crupper as wound to prevent catching the rein. 188 KICKING. Kicking when Struck with the Whip in Driving. Some horses are usually gentle until struck or touched with a whip on the back or flanks, which they will resist by kicking. Or v/hen not going fast enough, if hit sharply with a whip, the response is a kick. There is usually no fear of the wagon or of anything exhibited ; it is simply a sullen resistance, and unless treated properly is a very ugly habit to overcome. For a simple, ordinary case of this kind, put on the War Bridle, and after giving a few sharp pulls with it, touch him over the back Avith a whip, at each repetition striking- harder until he can be struck quite hard without resisting. Should he kick, punish sharply Avith the cord, and repeat until there is no resistance. Now put on the harness Avith reins through the shaft-bearers, and drive around, touching gradually over hips and back. Should there be resistance, punish sharply with War Bridle, which should be left on under the bridle. Simply repeat until successful. This should l)e all that is necessary to do to break any young horse. But if the horse is very bad, it will be likely to fail. In such a case, subject to either method, as may be found advisvable. If the First Method be tried, touch with the Avhip after throwing. If the Third, while pressure is on, touch or strike lightly in the same manner whenever sensitive, until there is no resistance. If Second Method is used, touch the part while the horse is going around. In either case the point must be made thoroughly. Now put on the harness ; if a Breaking Bit or Patent Bridle is avail- able, it should be used. If the horse will go ahead freely at command, the work will usually be sufficient. But if he sulks, refusing to go against the bit, the case w^ill be serious. In such cases proceed about as follows : — Get a good bow whip of the best quality, from six to DpyPAILS OF TEEATMENT. 189 seven feet long, say in a quick and sharp manner, " Get up ! "" If he does not respond at once, catch both reins in the left hand, step a little to left, at the same time lift the reins out of the way of the whip, and give him one or two sharp cuts around the legs up near the belly. Then quickly jerk upon the near rein to disconcert and throw the head up. If the horse springs ahead surprised and disconcerted, a few repetitions will soon establish the idea of going ahead when commanded. Should he, however, kick in response, this must at once be abandoned ; as in bad cases these fel- lows will stand sullenly, and fight every time struck. Grasp the reins as before in the left hand, and step to the right and forward of the quarters. Instantly after the sharp " Get up ! " give one or two keen cuts with the whip across the tip of the nose. This will so surprise him as to cause him to jump quickly. After a few repetitions he will, at command, spring ahead without being touched, when the point is made. Now drive around right and left until he will start or stop as desired. When the horse works well, make friends with him by giving apples, etc., which tells him that punishment is for resistance, and rewai'd for obedience. No matter how stubborn these cases may ap- pear at first, if treated sharply in this way they will in- variably work tn well. When I first hitched up " Giflford," he seemed to have his own mind about going, and would not start ahead when commanded. I gave him a sharp touch of the whip, when he kicked and smashed the dash in. This was his trick, of which I knew nothing. I at once unhitched him, and treated as just explained, until he would start promptly, and he never kicked afterward. Sometimes in driving or trotting, a horse will go off all right until struck with the whip or pushed a little, when he will sulk or kick. Such are usually horses showing a large 190 KICKING. undercurrent of the positive or sullen natm-e^ and arc very provoking when irritated. They seem difficult to manage because there is no way of forcing that will not react in trouble. During my early experience I used the foot-strap with much success in the management of this habit. At the instant of touching sharply with the whip, pull the foot from under, which not only disconcerts the horse, but prevents the kicking. Indeed, this alone will enable the perfect control of most of these cases. Kickers in Stall. In the first place, for the management of kickers in the stiill, a great deal depends upon the size of the stall and adroitness of the man in approaching the horse. A very narrow stall makes it somewhat difficult, if not dangerous, to approach even many gentle horses. Such stalls are not only an abomination for the increased danger and incon- venience they cause in going around a horse, but for not affording sufficient freedom for the horse to lie down and step around. It is no reason for stalls being so constructed because somebody who should know better makes them so. If the stall is large, there will be better opportunity to keep out of reach, and, unless the horse is very vicious, thei'e will be no difficulty in going around him with com- parative safety. Then, much depends upon the character of the man. A courageous, determined horse soon learns to become ag- gressive toward a naturally timid man who seems afraid to approach him. If a horse is very vicious in his stall, he is like any other dangerous brute upon which nothing short of a thorough course of subjective treatment will pro- duce any impression. But if irritable or cunning, a sharp lesson with the War Bridle until he will follow promptly KICKERS IN STALL. 191 will usually be sufficient; after which it may be left on for a day or two. The treatment for all ordinary cases should be about as follows: First, put on the War Bridle, Second Form, which may, if the case is stubborn, be turned into the Double Draiv Iliich Form, and make him feel its power sufficiently to follow jiromptly. Lead him into the stall, and while holding tlie cord, step in and out repeatedly, making him, during the time, keep his hind parts turned in the opposite direction. This treatment may be accom- panied by giving apples, etc. If the case is important, and it is desired to be very thorough, after putting on the halter, put on the War Bridle, Second Form, with the part going through the mouth running through the rings on either side of the halter to keep it in place, and the part over the head well back upon the neck. Now pass the cord back to the end of the stall and tie to a ring or post, leaving it sufficiently long to give the horse room to step around as usual when tied by the halter. When it is desired to go in, if he does not step around at command, untie the cord and give a sharp pull upon it, which will bring the head around, throwing the hind parts to the opposite side, when he can be approached with safety. This may be repeated when first put on for a few times, to teach the idea of stepping around when commanded. After a few repetitions he will soon learn, when approached and commanded, to step around. There is a great sleight in approaching vicious horses when in stalls, the disregard of which may sometimes cause a naturally gentle horse to kick if approached or touched unexpectedly. First, no matter how gentle a horse is, there should be no effort to go near or approach before attracting his attention by speaking to him. If at 192 KICKING. all doubtful, the course should be about as follows : When behind, a little to the near side, look directly at the horse's head and say sharply, " Get around ! " repeating until the eye is caught. A great deal depends upon the expression of confidence and authority shown. An intelligent, cour- ageous horse will discern instantly any lack of confidence or power, and become correspondingly aggressive. At first the horse may look back and try to measure your strength and be disposed to question your advance. It will be a matter of will power now. Look at him with all the firmness you can, and repeat the " Get around ! " with the most thorough vim of expression. If a man of any nerve, but few horses will disobey. If he steps around, tio matter if the ears are put back and the eyes partly closed showing inclination to kick, there will seldom be much danger. The eye kept firmly upon that of the horse, will discover any movement almost before it is made ; so reach the end of the stall fronting the horse, with head slightly turned to hold the eye, and make a quick, gliding leap or long step toward the shoulder. After getting well forward of the hips there will belittle danger; watch- ing the opportunity in this way, and moving quickly, will permit getting beyond reach of danger before the horse can kick. This is really the only secret of getting around or into the stall of a doubtful horse without getting hurt. (See chapter on " Stallions.") By observing closely, the inten- tions of the horse will always be revealed by the expres- sion of the eye and his actions. Danger is shown by the ears being thrown back, eyes partly closed, lips drawn back, and mouth perhaps partly open. If the horse will not move when commanded, but holds his position firmly, especially if one having a dark, lurking eye set well into the head, thick eyelids, and heavy ears, the character is KICKING WHILE HARNESSliVG. 193 treacherous and needless risks should not be hazarded. What such a horse does he will do quickly without warn- ing. But if he seems to yield, no matter how bad he is, and there is quickness in getting into the stall, as explained, there will be but little danger. I have frequently been able to go into the stalls of horses that were very dangerous, and have never been kicked or hurt while doing so. Many times the horse would kick the stall, but by a sharp, ringing command suf- ficient to disconcert, and by jumping quickly, I could al- ways get to the shoulder or head without being touched. In many cases I have been compelled to take the chances from necessity ; but by observing these precautions, and calculating my chances carefully, I would be able to get by, though at the instant of doing so the horse would kick the stall behind me. When desiring to get out, pull the head around aftei', bringing the hind parts well around to the opposite side. The instant the halter is let go, step or spring beyond reach. While Harnessing. The habit of kicking while harnessing is always the re- sult of carelessness or bad treatment. Were the horse treated kindly and the harness put on gently until accus- tomed to it, there would be no trouble. Not being accus- tomed to the breeching or the crupper under the tail, a sensitive horse is hable to kick when feeling pressure upon those parts. I have frequently found horses gentle after the harness was on, yet thoy would kick violently when the attempt was made to put it on; while others would kick only after it was on. All that is necessary to do in such cases, is to put on the War Bridle, and, after giving a few sharp pulls with it, hold firmly in the left hand, and while keeping it taut upon the mouth, with the right spread the \ \ t 194 KICKINc;. harness gently over the back ami hips. The pressure of the cord upon the mouth will hold the attention of the horse sufficiently to allow putting the crupper under the tail and buckling. To bi'eak up the habit, it may be necessary to repeat this treatment two or three times, punishing sharply for any resistance, and encouraging by kind treatment for al- lowing it to be put on and off as desired. After gaining the attention by the War Bridle, it may be drawn down and tied as in cut 66, page 67, but not kept so more than Fig. 166. — As a bad case of this character will usually resist before treatmen-t. thirty seconds to a minute ; after which the harness can be put on or off as desired. It is very important in these cases to associate kindness with the treatment by giving apples, etc. Resistance to having the collar put on, or the neck touched in consequence of having been made sore, is some- times a formidable difficulty, as the horse may show great viciousness, striking or kicking violently. If the treat- ment named is not sufficient, then more force must be KlCKIJSfG WHILE HARNESSING. 195 used ; but with care, the War Bridle will be found suf- ficient. In such cases, attention must be given to having the collar large enough to permit putting easily over the head. Or if an open collar, it should be unbuckled and put on quietly over the neck. In addition, particular at- tention should be given to curing the parts if sore. A great point also in the management of such cases is in win- ning the confidence of the horse to bear having the sensi- tive parts touched by scratching the mane and other parts, Fig. 167. — As the horse will stand quietly to be harnessed after treatment. and imperceptibly approaching the sensitive parts until it is borne ; then follow by caressing, giving apples, etc. • There may be cases also where resistance to the har- ness upon the hips, or crupper under the tail, will be very violent. In such cases a regular course of subjection may be necessary. One of the worst horses the writer ever handled was of this character, compelling to resort to the First, Second, and Third Methods, which were in part repeated to break him of the habit. 196 KICKING. Kicking and Biting While Grooming. The habit of kicking and biting while grooming, is in all cases the result of bad treatment. A sharj) currycomb or card is usually raked recklessly over the legs and belly, regardless of cutting into the skin. The horse may snap, kick, and almost lie down upon the ground in the effort to avoid or relieve the pain ; but no more attention is given to this than to kick and pound as a means of compelling to stand quietly. Sharp currycombs, or any instrument that will hurt, should not be used upon such horses. Should the horse be over-sensitive, the result of former bad treat- ment, restrain a little with the War Bridle until he will submit to being cleaned as directed. In such cases, it is always advisable to commence at an insensible part, and work gradually to the part at which the grooming is re- sisted. Bad to Bridle. Most horses will submit readily to be bridled by giving a short lesson with the War Bridle, and tying down as ex- plained, wdien the bridle can be put on or ofi' as desired. Care should be taken to have the bridle large and easy-fit- ting. As there is submission, give more freedom until there is no resistance. Should the horse show viciousness, and resist this treatment, then subject to Second Method, and Avhile tied, handle the head and put on the bridle. When untied, restrain with the cord, being careful in such cases to work gently, rewarding liberally for obedience. Able once to take off or put on the bridle without force, repeat for some time, holding the attention by giving ap- ples, etc. Such a horse should be bridled with care for some time to outgrow the sensibility. THE PUTNEY HORSE 197 Case 1. — Putney Horse. This Tvas an eight-year old bay, of close, compact struct- ure, weighing about 950 pounds, and owned by J. B. Blanchard, of Putney, Vt. He was a runaway kicker of the worst stamp, having defied every effort to break him. In a passive condition he appeared to be a horse of ordinarily good character, with eyes rather dark, of medium size, and with a sullen expression. His ears were rather long, and set on weU apart, quite long from eyes to ears, and with good, broad forehead, — all indicating endurance, courage, and pluck, of the most decided character. When brought forward to be experimented upon, no intimation was given of his character. It was simply claimed that he was un- broken. Upon trial he developed the most desperate re- sistance. Not having a suitable place in which to handle him, the First Method, which was exactly adapted to his tempera- ment, could not be used. Resisting the Second Method, he was subjected to the Third, which was carried to its ut- most limit before he yielded. Upon testing the mouth he developed the most deter- mined opposition. With the Breaking Bit he puUed ten men — five to each rein — on a walk across the barn, resisting even to being pulled down upon his knees, but submitted in about forty minutes. The whole treatment required about an hour. Next day he was brought to Westmore- land, N. H., where I was advertised, and upon testing him he proved perfectly gentle. On the following day the owner drove him to a sleigh twenty miles to Keene, where the horse was well known, and also drove him in the streets while there without breeching, proving him perfectly gen- tle. The horsemen declared they knew such a horse could not be broken, but here was the undoubted proof of his do- cility. This incident enabled mc to make a large class. l')S KICKING.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. Case 2. — Malone Horse. This was probably oiio of the most notable kicking, run- away horses ever known in the State of Ohio, special reference to which is made in "Personal Experience." He was a fine, blooded trotter, eight years old, about 16 hands high, and weighed about 1050 pounds. In appearance he was (juiet, and perfectly gentle to ride and handle. The greatest effort had been made for years to break this horse, but without success. At the time of my visit to the place, all hope of ever being able to subdue him had been abandoned. I subjected him to the F i r s t Method, which he at first vio • lently resisted, but after being thrown about a dozen times Jie submitted un- conditionally. It Avas not sufficient, however, to produce the degree of submission desired, and he was next subjected to the Second Method, which he also resisted with great courage, requiring in all about twenty minutes. The foun- dation was now laid for the next step, — that of obtaining control of the mouth. This was, if anything, his strong point, having resisted all kinds of bits and rigging. When tested with the Breaking Bit, he plunged against it, fighting so hard that at one time he went over the rope upon the seats. By careful management, however, he was in about twenty minutes brought under perfect control. Next morning I tested him hard in the ring, and found him Fig. 168.— The Malone Horse. THK MAI.OXK llOliSK. 199 manageable. I now tnuk him uiitsidi; tlio ; a few sharp pulls right and left. Then step back to the hips, pull the head around a little, keeping the cord taut, and take up the foot, punishing instantly for any resistance. Or, stand to the head, and keep the cord drawn rather tight to hold the attention of the horse while an assistant takes up the foot. If the horse is very stubborn, bring the second turn of the cord over the upper jaw, under the lip. This part being very sensitive, a slight pressure hurts so severely as to disconcert the horse sufficiently to make him submit. Or the cord. Second Form, can be put on, with the loop brought over the upper jaw, and pulled suffi- ciently taut to force submission. In either case, gradually let up as the horse submits. In no case should the cord be held tight more than half a minute at a time. The four-ring bit properly used w^ill sometimes work extremely well in making a horse submit to be shod. The bit is put into the mouth with an ordinary head-piece, and the strap closely adjusted across the nose. NoW tie the end of the cord to the near ring, pass it around and tie to the opposite one back of the jaw ; then pass over the neck, well back, and down behind the jaw, as for Second Form of War Bridle. Now by pulling down upon the cord the joint of the bit will be forced up against the roof of the mouth, which hurts so severely that the horse is at once disconcerted, or disabled sufficiently to permit the foot to be taken up. The amount of pressure, or force of the pull- ing, must be regulated according to the resistance. If there is submission in a short time, the lightest pressure will be sufficient to make the horse stand quietly to be shod. There is this to be said about this method of treatment, as well as that of the War Bridle : if it works at all, it seems to work so well as to leave nothing to be desired. But if it fails, the failure will be equally marked. It is, 282 BAD TO SHOE. however, but just to add that though iu many cases fail- ing, the power of the War Bridle or four-ring bit, when properly used, is sometimes wonderful, the horse at once submitting unconditionally. Tying the head to the tail so as to keep the head bent around pretty well, will sometimes make a horse submit to be shod, but not often. (See cut 42.) This means, with that of putting the cord under the upper lip, which I copy below, has been of late so extensively published as an infal- lible means of making the most vicious horses stand to be shod, ridden, etc., that I think it necessary to give some explanation of them here : — "Mastering Yicious Horses. "Recently an exhibition was given at the corner of Ninth and Howard Streets of a new and very simple method of taming vicious horses, which is claimed to be superior to any in use. The first trial was with a kicking and bucking mare, which, her owner says, has allowed no rider on her back for live years. She became tame and gentle in as many minutes, and allowed lierself to be ridden about without a sign of her former wildness. The means by which this result was accomplished consisted of a piece of light rope, which was passed around the front jaw of the mare, just above the upper teeth, crossed in her mouth, and then secured back of her neck. It is claimed that no horse will kick or jump when thus secured, and that a bucking horse, after receiving this treatment a few times will abandon his vicious ways for- ever. A very simple method was also shown by which a kicking horse can be shod. It consisted in connecting the animal's head and tail by means of a ro])e fastened to the tail and then to the bit, and drawn tightly enough to incline the horse's head to one side. It is claimed that it is absolutely im- possible for a horse tfi kick on the side of the rope. At the same exhibition a horse which frir many years had to be bound on the ground to be shod, suf- fered the blacksmith to operate on him without attempting to kick, while secured in the manner ve all their competitors; and Lord Godolphin having purchased Roxana, by Flying Childers, out of Monica, for 600 gumeas — a great price nu STALLIONS. ;it that period — he resolved to furni a new dynasty in the futtire yeueration of Roxana and HobgobHn. " M. Sue then gives the liuisuns of Roxana and Scham ; how Roxana refused the caresses of Hobgoblin, and, when she neighed indignantly at the ajjproach of the Lord of the Harem, she was answered by one so loud and shrill that the hills re-echoed the sound ; that Roxana, recognizing the impassioned cry, expressed the most lively astonishment and delight, and at the moment Hobgoblin was brought into the paddock, Agba opened the door of the stable, and Sehain rushed in frantic energy upon his rival. A tremendous battle ensued. Hobgoblin being eventually driven from the field, and Scham ti-iumphed both in love and victory. "Lord Godolphin, exasperated at the defeat of his project, im- mediately ordered the culprit off to a .stud-farm at a distance of sixty miles, where he was turned out to .seek his food on an almost liarren common. " Two years had elapsed, when Aglja was aroused from the most painful reflections by approaching .sounds, and was no less surprised than gratified by a courier announcing his lord's com- mands to i-eturn to Gogmagog; and in less than one hour, Agba, Scham, and the cat were on their way to the Hall. " The cause of this recall is explained in a few words. Lath, the produce of Scham and Roxana, showing some fine racing points, the pre] udices of Lord Godolphin and his stud-groom began to subside. With a force and vigor beyond his years, he excelled all his rivals in their exercises; and the progeny of the Darley Arabian, brought from Alei)]io in 1717, having proved successful in all their contests with the indigenous breed, people bi'gan to wonder that they had so long neglected the source of so much beauty, and purity of blood. In addition. Lath had beaten all the descendants from the hitherto renowned Hobgoblin. "The author then jumps over four years, and, in 1738, three sons of Scham, which had beaten everything opposed to them, were engaged in influential stakes at Newmarket-— Lath in one for five-, Cade in one for four-, and Regulus in one for three-year- olds. Lord Godolphin, partaking of the now generally prevailing opinion in favor of the Araliian blood, which in every instance had defeated all competitors, felt ,so confident that the three descendants of Scham would carry ott the respective stakes, that he resolved that the sire should partake of the triumph of his sons ; and the formerly despised Barb was led on the heath, arrayed in purple, and mounted by Agba in magnificent Oriental costvime, two grooms on each side (for safety) holding him by silken cords at- tached to his golden bridle. On his appearance, the air re-sounded with acclamations. The predictions of Lord Godolphin were realized; and each of his horses having won the prizes for which GODOLPHIN ARABIAN. 315 it had contended, the spectators appeared in a stat<} of ecstasy, and cheered with renewed applause, which Scham received with dig- nified composure, as if conscious of his claims to distinction. As to Agha, he was in a state of absolute hallucination — the malign star had disappeared, and the glory of his horse was established. They returned to Gogmagog in triumph ; and to prove his admi- ration of the wondrous powers of the Barb, Hobgoblin's splendid stable was appropriated to Scham, and the words, Godolphin Arabian, which the noble lord had given to Scham, wei-e engraved in letters of gold on its marble pediment. " This celebrated horse died at Gogmagog, in 1753, ageil twen- ty-nine. Grimalkin had preceded him to the tomb, and Agba did not long survive." Mr. Wallace here remarks : " And thus ends Mr. Eugene Sue's biography of Godolphin Arabian," adding, as stated at the commencement, that as a matter of course we must not expect historical accuracy in a romance ; but there are not many things in this that practically need correction. lie also adds the following statement :— " The oi'igin of the horse is really unknown, and all that can be said on this subject is mere conjecture. It is a remarkable fact that this horse attained the very highest pinnacle of fame twenty years after his arrival in England, and yet there was no one, even in that brief space of time, who went to the labor and trouble of tracing and determinmg his true history. The same old story is re- hashed over and over again, that Mr. Coke brought him from France, but nobody has sought to know from whom or how he came into Mr. Coke's possession. He was called an Arabian, but the best judges were inclined to the view that he M'as a Barb. In forming this opinion, however, they were governed en- tirely by his conformation, which is only a rule of approximate accuracy, and never safe to state with certainty. The old records say that Mr. Coke gave him to Roger Williams, keeper of the Saint James Cofiee House,- London, and that he present^'d him to the Earl Godolphin. The great success of the Darley Arabian, some twenty years before, had made Eastern blood very popular at this time ; and it has always been a conviction with me tliat Earl Go- dolphin knew more about the blood and origin of this horse than any of the writers who have undertaken to enlighten the world about him, or he never would have bred Roxana and his other good mares to him, untried as he then was. The story of the cat was not invented by the novelist, but is founded on truth. Mr. Pick, in liLs Turf Register, after enumeratmg a few of the more prominent of his get, remarks tliat ' every superior horse of the present day partakes of his valuable blood.' " C H AFTER X. MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. To Catch a Horse. If a young colt is frequently petted by scratching the mane and tail, giving ajiples, etc., care being used not to arouse his fear or resentment in any way, instead of run- ning away when approached, he will soon wait or come for- ward to be petted and rewarded. It is frequently the case that ladies Avho are in the habit of petting horses, are able to approach and catch them in the field without the least difficulty, while they cannot be approached at all by men. The reason is that women are more kind and gentle in their treatment, and always ready to caress the horse, and re- ward with a little sugar, or something else of which he is fund ; neither do they take advantage by whipping or other abuse; while men, who are frequently in the habit of ston- ing the horse, or hitting him with the halter when turning him out, cannot go near him, or succeed in catching him only after the most prolonged effort, on account of the fear and repugnance such treatment creates. When a small boy, I Avas presented with a young don- key. Of course I was delighted, and would occasionally put oats in my pocket, and feed her from my hand. This soon made her such a pet that as soon as she saw or heard me, no matter how far distant, she would whinny and run toward me, put her head under my arm, and try to get her nose into my pocket for the oats with which I rewarded (316) TO CATCH A HOESE. 317 her. If treated in like manner, the horse can be made to come to his master, and follow him with affection and con- fidence. If the colt or horse is wild, and tries to pull away or keep the head out of reach when approached, put on the War Bridle, and train him until he will follow promptly. But if so wild or vicious as to require general treatment, sub- ject to either method most suitable until submissive, when make the point of teaching to follow very thoroughly. This will be easy enough, but we wish to do still more, namely, to be able to walk up to the horse from some dis- tance without his running away, also to make him come at command, and stand quietly to be haltered. The course I usually pursue is as follows : After making the horse fol- low, lengthen the cord to seventy-five feet or more, and let it drag on the ground. If I have not enough of the reg- ular kind of rope, I attach a piece of bed-cord. The War Bridle should be changed to the Second Form, to prevent its slipping out of the mouth, with the part over the neck placed well back. There is no difiiculty in approaching the horse within the length of the cord (twelve or fourteen feet) used in the training ; but when beyond this distance, and especially when the horse once learns he is beyond control, he will soon learn to keep out of reach. On this account it is necessary to make the cord long enough to convince him that he is within control when beyond this distance. Step away twenty or thirty feet, and walk up quickly toward him. If he turns to run, simply catch up the cord and jerk the head around ; then approach, caress him, give apples, etc., and walk away again. So repeat, going a little farther off at each time, until at the end of the cord. It is necessary, of course, to make this lesson thorough, until the confidence of the horse is won. In some cases it is advisable to go through with the form of 318 MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. haltering and unhaltering, leading out into the field, wallt- ing toward him and back, singing, whistling, and occasion- ally giving him an apple, etc. In training Turco, referred to in " Personal Experience," after getting him so he would come to me when thirty or forty feet away, he at one time jumped through a gap in the fence into an adjoining field, where he raced around for some time, enjoying his freedom. Though I was consider- ably annoyed, I did not try to catch or run after him, as this would only reveal my weakness, and confirm him in the habit of running away. I simply walked around as though indifferent, until he became tired and went to graz- ing, then, although I approached him cautiously, when within a few feet of him he again ran away. He repeated this several times. I strolled around until finally able to get near enough to catch him-by the mane. To attempt any punishment now would only undo a great deal of past good treatment. Instead, I scratched his mane, rubbed his nose, walked around a little, and finally told him to come along, when he followed submissively back to the yard. I now put on the War Bridle, Second Form, and, as be- fore explained, attached nearly one hundred feet of cord to it, which I let drag on the ground. I then went on with the lesson. As he came near the gap, he again shot through like an arrow. I simply caught up the cord, and stopped him so quickly as to almost throw him down. Finding himself fairly caught, he came back directly upon being called. I repeated the experiment, and three times in suc- cession he jumped through the gap ; but at each time I jerked him back when about seventy-five feet away. Af- ter a few repetitions, no matter how near he went to the gap, he would not attempt to jump through. I now petted and rewarded him by giving apples, etc., as usual. I re- peated the lesson several times afterward in the yard and CRIBBING. 810 open field, to thoroughly fix the impression, and he never forgot it. I finally trained him so I could let him run up the street twenty rods or more, and then could call him back to me instantly at the crack of the whip. The secret of this was the reward I always had for him. In turning a horse out to pasture he should never he started violently when the halter is taken off. There should be no effort to deceive by carrying oats in a pan, or rubbing ears of corn together, etc., and when allowed to come near enough, to rudely grasp, halter, and lead him off. The reward of corn or oats should be promptly given, with other expressions of kindness. Indeed, it is in most cases best to commence by occasionally going into the field and carelessly approaching the horse, and giving him some- thing of which he is fond, until his confidence is won. A sensitive horse always partakes in a great measure of the character of the owner ; if tricky and deceptive, the horse win become so. The only way to make the horse honest and confiding, is to be honest and kind in his management. Cribbing. This is a habit for which there has been no practical remedy. Many claim that it is caused by indigestion, and that by neutralizing the gas generated in the stomach in consequence, a horse will cease to crib. Mr. 0. H. P. Fancher, especially referred to in the chapter on " Sub- jection," was the most pretentious advocate of this the- ory ; but I have never known or heard on any reliable authority of any ^case being cured by giving medicine. It has also been claimed that cribbing is caused by the teeth pressing too closely against one another, the remedy for which is sawing between them. I have known of a great many cases treated in this way, but without any 320 MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. success, except that in some cases the habit is prevented for a time by the soreness produced by the filing. Driv- ing wedges between the teeth has also been resorted to, the effect of which would be such intense pain as to pre- vent the horse from cribbing for some little time. It can be seen that all these pretended remedies are practically of no account. It is a little singular that a horse will not crib on any- thing that is lower than the knees, consequently a sure way to prevent the habit is to tear away the manger, and feed the horse from the floor or from a basket. To break up the habit, the only practical remedy is punishment, as hereafter explained. When in Bath, N. Y., many j'ears ago, I noticed that a horse when cribbing at a post in the street contracted the larynx and muscles of the neck forcibly during the act. Instantly it occurred to me to make the experiment of putting such an adjustment upon the throat- latch as would prevent it by the pain it caused. I went to a harness-shop, procured some six-ounce tacks, drove Fig. 318.— a horse in the them through a strip of leather about half an inch apart, and filed the points sharp and of equal length. I laid this bit of strap on the inside of the throat-latch, so as to bring the point of the tacks under the larynx, and kept it in place by winding each end and center with a piece of waxed end. I now buckled the throat-latch long, enough so that it would not touch the neck when in the act of eating or swallowing, yet so close as to bring the points of the tacks sharply against the muscles of the neck at the least at- tempt to crib, and stood by to notice the effect. The first CRIBBING. 321 time the horse tried to crib, lie was hurt so severely that he jumped almost from the ground. lu a short time he tried it again, ■with the same result ; the third time he only gave a little nip, and then stood qui- etly for some time. I now had him changed to another location, with a man close by to note the results. He re- ported that the horse did not crib any more during the afternoon. I have broken several horses of the habit by this means, and think if the adjustment is made right, and continued long enough, it will be found to be the best means yet discovered of breaking up this habit. The point of success will depend u2>on the care with which this is kept ad- justed. If there is large muscular development of the neck, the strap must be buckled shorter than when the neck is well cut out, as it is termed. Make the reproof severe at first ; then keep the tacks so adjusted as to touch sharply Avhen the habit is repeated. If the throat-latch is not on -The halter adjusted for cribbiiij; Throat-strap with tacks. 322 MISCELLANKOUS HABITS. a line with the top of the head, the tacks cut the jaw a little below the junction of the head with the neck. If this is kept on a few days or weeks, and then taken off and again adjusted carelessly, there is likely to be a failure ; for if the horse finds he can crib once with this on without hurting himself, he wiU be encouraged to repeat the effort, and will punish himself severely to do so. But if punished at first, and this is kept where it will hurt keenly at the least attempt to crib, and is left on a few weeks, it ought to be successful. It will not do to buckle a strap around the neck. The adjustment must be made to the strap of the halter, and the halter must fit nicely to the head. It must be made like a bridle, with brow-piece, so that it will not shift or move on the head. A boy broke five horses of this habit a few years ago; but he became careless, and failed on the sixth. There is, once in a while, an old horse of determined character that will crib in defiance of this or any other means. Such cases are, however, rare. A young, nervous-tempered horse wiU yield readily to the treatment, and but few horses will attempt to crib while wearing a muzzle. If a strap be buckled rather tightly around the neck, a horse will not crib while it is on. This is, however, but a simple preventive. There is also the objection that grad- ually the horse may learn to resist, to overcome which, the strap has to be buckled tighter, which of course obstructs the circiilation, and causes inflammation, thus producing se- rious and permanent injury. If a strap is used for this purjjose it should be fully three inches wide, and buckled just tight enough to prevent the inclination to crib. A wide strap works a great deal better than a narrow one, and is less liable to do harm. PUTTmG THE TONGUE OUT. 323 Wind-Sucking. Sometimes a horse sucks wind without the habit of cribbing. I include a cut of a form of bit to prevent this, for which much is claimed. A practical horseman of ex- perience gave me the point. He claimed that it would Avork perfectly in preventing the inclination to crib and suck wind. I include it on the strength of his statement. Procure a piece of gas-pipe about seven inches long. Drill a hole across each end, through which put in rings, as seen in cut; next, drill four or five holes, as shown in cut. The theory is that the gas ^"'''- 231.-Bit made of gas-pipe for prevcntiug cribbing and wind-sucking. in the stomach can not escape through the mouth on account of its being closed, and that instinctively the horse will bite on something to open the mouth and throw off the gas. With this bit in the mouth, the air passes through the small holes in the cen- ter, and out through the ends. I would be glad if those interested would give it a trial, and report to me. It is safe and inexpensive. The gen- tleman referred to positively assured me that in scA^eral cases known to him it worked with perfect success. Putting the Tongue out of the Mouth. If the tongue is put over the bit, have a piece of thin sheet-iron, about two and a half inches wide and five inches long, with the ends rounding, and the edges filed smooth. Drill two small holes (see cut) near each edge, at the cen- ter, and fasten to the bit. Shorten the cheek-pieces of the bridle, so that the bit is drawn well up in the mouth. This 324 MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. r Fig. 223.— Manner of putting tongue out. piece of iron renders it impossible for the horse to get the tongue over the bit. The simplest and best way of prevent- ing this is to have the smith make a mouth-piece, as repre- sented in the cut below, which is seen to be bent up, and comes so high in the . T 'puis. ' -^^k. mouth that the horse cannot "^C - i'ife,%^^^N^MVi S^^ ^^^^ tongue over ; this Avorks perfectly, and is not inconvenient to drive with. It should be bent up at least 21 to 3 inches, come well out to the cheek-pieces, and be filed smooth to pre- vent cutting or chafing the mouth. The tongue is some- times, but not often, put out under the bit. For such cases the following treatment will work well : — Get three medium-sized bullets, and hammer them out to about an inch and a half in length. Drill a small hole through the end of each. Tie one to the center of the bit by a little piece of wire through the joint. Attach the others to the bit about an inch from the center (one on each side), so as to play loosely. (See cuts.) When this bit is in the mouth, these extra arrange- ments will so disconcert the horse that in his struggles to get them out of the way, he will forget to put the tongue out. PAWING IN STALL. 325 The next best way is to buckle a strap around the nose so that the mouth cannot be opened. This, of course, pre- vents the tongue being put out, and in a short time the habit will be broken up. Pawing in Stall. A horse wiU not paw much unless he can hear the noise ; so a good method of prevent- ing this habit is to muffle the foot by tying apiece of blanket around it. Next, by attaching a piece of chain or clog to the foot, as foUows: Get a piece of chain about ten inches in length, run a short strap through one of the end links, and buckle it around the foot above the fetlock ; or a piece of light chain can be fastened to a small block, and attached to the foot in the same manner. When the horse at- tempts to paw, the clog or chain rattling against the foot so disconcerts or hurts him that he will re- peat the movement but a few times. 326 MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. Kicking in Stall. Kicking with one foot against the side of the stall is a habit which many horses are liable to learn, and, like paw- ing, it is sometimes exceedingly annoying; therefore it is important to be able to prevent or overcome it. In the first place, it is rare that a horse will learn to kick against the side of the stall if it be large and roomy. Large stalls are, in all cases, very important for the health and comfort of the horse, as well as for convenience in going around him. The simplest .ind best way of preventing this habit is to pad the side of the stall, which will prevent the sound of the striking, when the inchnation to kick will soon be overcome. Or, attach a clog or piece of chain to the foot, as explained for pawing. Another method is to tie some thorny bushes together, and suspend them over the place kicked, so as to swing freely when struck. When the horse kicks, the rebound will bring the bushes against the legs, so frightening and hurting him that the attempt to kick will be repeated but a few times. A clog may also be hung over the place struck or kicked, which, when struck, would react in the samt way, and thus prevent a repetition of the habit. Making the stall wide, and padding the sides as explained, ar? the most simple and practical methods for preventing this habit. Getting Cast in the Stall. This is also caused by being confined in a stall that is too small. When the horse rolls and turns upon his back, he is so cramped and restrained by the narrow walls that he is unable to roll himself back to regain his feet. Some- times the division of the stall is so short that in the effort to roll, his body comes across, and in contact with, the JUMPING OVER FENCES. 327 ends, and, the head being held fast by the halter, it is im- possible for him to get up; so a large, roomy stall would of itself be almost a complete remedy. The simplest way to prevent it is to tie one end of a piece of rope or cord to the beam or flooring directly overhead, and the opposite end to the head-piece of the halter back of the ears, leav- ing it just long enough to allow the horse to reach his nose to the ground. As he lies down and tries to roll, being unable to bring the top of his head to the ground, he is disabled from rolling. A small ring should be stitched to the top of the halter, to which the strap or cord can be eas- ily and securely fastened when necessary. Some horses are liable, by pawing, to get the fore foot, and in some cases even the hind foot by scratching the head witli the leg, over the halter-strap, thereby becoming tan- gled and helpless in the stall. The halter should be hitched higher than common, though long enough to permit the horse to lie down easily. Jumping over Fences. Every, dairyman knows that a cow or ox will not at- tempt to jump a fence, pull it down, or run, while a board is over the forehead, attached to the horns in front of the eyes ; this simple means Avill usually work well upon cattle, but will not do upon a horse, because it gives too much freedom to see over the nose. If a horse or mule, put on a halter that fits well to the head — a five-ring halter is best. Next find a piece of thin leather (an old boot-leg Avill do), about as long as the head, and from four to five inches wider than the head is at the eyes. Form it same as in cut, with a string attached at each corner. Attach the upper corners by the strings to the halter, where the brow-piece is attached to the cheek-piece. Tie the cords attached to the lower corners 328 MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. back of the jaw (being careful to leave freedom enough for the jaws to act when eating). Let the ends now pass over the throat-latch, and make fast. The horse is simply disabled from looking ahead or over the nose, which will disconcert him sufficiently to prevent jumping or throwing the fence down. If an ox or cow, attach the upper corners to the horns, and pass the strings around the neck instead of over the throat-latch. Tender Bitted. Use a large, smooth mouth-jiiece, with leather cheek- pieces, so as to let the bit rest about an inch lower than usual in the mouth. Next try winding the bit with a piece of chamois-skin which has been saturated with tannin or alum, to harden the mouth. Kicking Cows. Many years ago a man who attended my class in Her- kimer Co., N. Y., reported to me that he had .a very bad kicking heifer, and as a matter of experiment he put the War Bridle on her and gave her a sharp lesson with it, as directed for breaking a colt to lead and drive. After a few minutes' treatment, he found that she stood perfectly gentle to be milked, and he had no more trouble with her. Some time afterward, while in the dairy counties, I gave this point to my classes, and I have since had a good many especially bad, kicking cows brought forward to be exper- imented upon, the treatment in all cases proving successful in a few minutes. One of the most amusing incidents that occurred in making these experiments was at a little town near James- town, N'. Y. At the time I carried canvas, and after get- ting through the regular experiments, a notoriously bad KICKING COWS. 329 kicking cow was brought in for treatment. As usual, a few pulls of the War Bridle made her stand to be milked as gentle as could be desired. While the class were amus- ing themselves over the ease with which the cow was controlled, and somewhat at the expense of the owner, with the cord still on, she suddenly, and without warning, rushed through the wall of the canvas, almost tearing- down the whole tent, and ran through the main street of the town to- ward home. Every dog in the street took after her, making a most ludi- crous scene, no one ap- pearing more amused than the owner. lie came into the class on condition that I would make the cow gentle to be milked at home. He never came back to report upon the success of the exper- iment. The course of treatment is about as follows : — Put on the War Bridle, Second Form, pull right and left a few times ; then stand off at a safe distance, and pull a little upon the teats. If there is resistance, punish ; so repeat, until there is no resistance. Sometimes the teats are sore, and the pain caused by milking is very severe. Take Gonlard's extract 2 oz., sulphate zinc 2 oz., lard 2 oz., and rub upon the parts a few times. This is a favorite remedy among dairymen for sore teats, cake in the bag, etc. This prescription I know to have been sold for fifteen dollars, and it is prized by dairymen in Northern New York, where the medicine is sold especially for their use. -Arrangement of tlie cord for leading a cow. 330 MISCELLANKOUS HABITS. To Lead a Cow Easily. Tie a rope around the head under the horn.s, bringing the knot oA'er the ear. Now bring the rope forward and under the ear, again forward over and under the cord. By pulling now, the cord Avill tighten around the ear, hurt- ing so severely that the cow will lead freely. To Force a Horse on the Trot. During one of my early tours in Ohio, a horse-trainer came one hundred and fifty miles to attend my class. He stated that there was but one point in which he Avas interested, and if I could help him on that, it was all he de- sired. The point was, how to force and keep a horse on the trot under excitement. On this point he was very much interested, for the reason that he made the train- ing of trotters his business, and it was indispensable that he should be able to do this. Also, because he knew of a mare that could trot very fast, but when driven in company with other horses, or excited in the least, she would break, and could not be made to trot, and on this account was re- garded worthless as a trotter. He could buy her at a very moderate figure, and could make a big thing on her if he could break her ; but he did not wish to purchase her un- less he felt confident of success in her management. This was' a new point to me ; but on the imjiulse of the moment I advised him to try the Breaking Rig as shown by cut on page 180, at first to work her slowly and gently Fig. 337.— To change a horse's gait. FORCING TO TROT. 331 until accustomed to it ; then gradually push her under ex- citement, cracking the whip, etc., and then driving her with other horses, gradually working up in same manner with- out restraint of rig. I had noticed when driving with this rig that a horse must either walk or trot ; for the instant he struck a run, both legs coming back at the same time shortened the cord so much as to tangle and hurt severely, and consequently it must work in this case. He went home, bought the mare for $375, made the experiment, and was successful beyond his expectations, soon being able to put her under the whip, and drive her under any excitement, with other horses, at the top of her speed. Within three months he sold her for $1500. Hap- pening to meet me some time afterward, he gave me the above facts, at the same time stating that he then had an- other horse of the same character on which he expected to do equally well. The gait of a horse can be changed from pacing to trot- ting, or from trotting to pacing, by passing the cord or strap from the hind foot to the opposite fore foot — through rings in the belly-band for trotters — and from hind to fore feet direct for pacing. (See cut 230.) This will not, however, be found to be of much practical value. CHAPTER XI. TEACHING TRICKS. In this chapter I give the portraits of my old group of trained horses and ponies, whose ^performances were re- garded with such great interest by all who witnessed them, that for a number of years I was compelled to give an extra exhibition daily for the benefit of ladies and children, for which a regular admission fee was charged ; and it was uni- versally conceded that these exhibitions were more inter- esting than those of any circus. The performances of Blind Billy were regarded as especially remarkable, from the fact of his being totally blind. He is, without question, the most remarkable performing horse that has ever been ex- hibited in this or any other country. I "give a very fine portrait of this remarkable horse, sketched by a leading artist. The details of teaching a few tricks, which I give in this chapter, will be of special interest to farmer boys, who may desire to train their colts in this way. A horse seems jnore intelligent and tractable when trained to perform a few simjjle tricks, such as tolling the age, kissing, bowing his head, kicking up, turning right and left, or following with the whip, etc., all of which any intelligent boy can easily train a colt to do. In training a colt or horse to perform these tricks, there should be no hurry, or effort to teach more than one thing at a time. Make the lesson short, and repeat until thor- (332) DETAILS OF TEACHING. 33S 334 TEACHING TKICKS. oughly learned, when another can be taken up, but do not continue the lesson long enough to excite or confuse the horse. To Follow by the Whip. One of the simjDlest and most interesting tricks to teach a horse is to follow at the motion of the whip, without bri- dle or halter. It is even quite useful, as it teaches a horse to follow at command from one part of the barn to another, or to come out of his stall without attempting to get away. Full details of teaching this trick are given in the chapter on " Colt Training." To Nod his Head, or Say Yes. To teach a horse to bow, or nod his head, prick him lightly on the back with a pin, and continue until in his ef- fort to avoid the annoyance he drops his head ; then in- stantly stop the pricking, and caress him. Repeat the pricking until the head is again dropped, when caress and give him something of which he is fond. Continue to al- ternate in this way with the pricking and caressing until at the instant a motion is made toward the back, or even to take a pin from the coat, he will drop his head. To Shake his Head, or Say No. To teach a horse to say No, prick him lightly on the top of the shoulder with a pin until he shakes his head, when stop and reward him. Repeat the pricking until at the least motion toward the withers the horse will shake his head. To Tell his Age. To teach a horse to tell his age, prick him lightly on the back part of the leg until, to avoid the annoyance, the DETAILS OF TEACHING. 335 foot is lifted, or there is an effort to paw ; for this, stop and caress him. Repeat until the least motion toward the leg will cause him to paw the ground. In teaching this trick, the body is naturally bent a lit- tle while in the act of pricking the leg, and by repeating, the position will soon indicate to the horse that he must Fig. 229.— Blind Billy. paw. This position is to be maintained until he paws four, five, or six times, or as many times as he is years old, when the position is changed, and the pawii^' ceases. To KiOK Up. To teach a horse to kick up, simply prick him on the rump with a pin until there is an inclination to kick up, when, as before, stop and caress him. Repeat until the 336 TEACHING THICKS. least motion toward the rump will induce him to kick up ; then touch with the whip, and repeat until at the mere motion of it he will kick up. These tricks may be made quite interesting by talking to the horse somewhat as follows : '•' Tommy, I want you to tell how old you are ; will you do it ? " and signal for the horse to shake his head, as if refusing. Then exclaim, as if surprised, " Oh, you can't tell your age, I suppose, without being paid for it ! Will you do it if I give you a Fig. 330.— Bhud B:! [ifter and catchiiii:^ liis tr.iiner when playing Blind Man's Buff. lump of sugar?" and signal for him to nod his head. You can now signal for him to tell his age, and when he has done so, it gives him an air of sagacity which is very amus- ing and interesting. Again, you may ask, " What will you do to one who does not treat you Avell ?"' then signal for him to kick. His prompt obedience, of course, indicates to the spectators tjiat he understands what is said to him, when in reality he is only obeying the signals which have been taught him. The nice point lies in giving the signals in such a manner that they will not be noticed or under- stood by the spectators. DETAILS OF TEACHING. 387 Teaching to Kiss. Kissing is a very simple trick to teach a horse, and it adds greatly to the interest of those already explained. Stand facing the horse, with the right side turned partly toward his left shoulder, and let him take a piece of apple from your hand which is held toward his mouth. Bring it nearer each time, and finally let him take a piece in the same manner from between the lips. When he does not reach forward promptly to take the piece of apple from the lips, prick him with a pin at the point of the shoulder. Repeat until he gets the idea of avoiding jiunishment by bringing his mouth to that of the trainer when desired. Now put the apple farther into the mouth, which will com- pel him to open his lijjs to get it. Commence lessening the size of the apple, finally giving it to him as a reward after he has performed the trick of bringing his mouth to that of the trainer. This will teach him that by doing this he will escape punishment and receive reward. To Lie Down and Sit Up. A horse is taught to lie down or to sit up principally by means of the whip or bridle, as follows : Tap the horse smartly across the shins until he will drop upon his knees. This method, however, requires a good deal of care and judgment, or it wiU occasion needless pain and punishment before the horse is made to submit. I wiU give the follow- ing method, which, though slower, is better calculated for amateurs : — • Tie the bridle-reins into a knot back of the neck, throw your strap over the back, under the body, and tie to the near foot, below the fetlock. Now pass the right hand well over the back, and take a short hold of the strap. Cause the horse to step toward you, and pull the foot up. Then 338 TEACHING TEICKS. Bliad Billy kkkiug up. pass the left hand around the reins, pull back and down upon them in such a manner as to turn the head a little to the off side, at the same time pulling down steadily hut firmly on the strap over the hack with the right hand. As the horse goes down, gradually ])u[\ the near rein, so as to brine; the head to Fig. 333.— Bliurt Billy walkiug on his kuces. the left, at the same time pressing down and from you firmly with the right, until the horse will lie down. Now pass the end of the strap through the ring of the bit, draw through gently, step over the neck, and as the horse attempts to get up, pull him back, until he lies quiet. Rub and caress him, and af- ter lying a few minutes, say, " Get up, sir !" Repeat in this way a few times, until the horse will lie down readily. Then while holding him on or near the knee with the strap, hit him on the shin of the other with a small whip, until he will bring it under and lie down. After a while he can be made to come on his knees and lie down liy simply pulling the head down a little and hitting the leg with the whip, at the same time saying, " Lie down, sir ! " repeating un- til the horse will lie down to the motion of the whip. Fig. 233.— Bliml Billy in his great act of walking erect. DETAILS OF TEACHING. 339 To Sit Up. When the horse will lie down promptly, put on him a common collar, and while down take two pieces of rope, each about ten feet in length, tie the ends around the hind feet, carry them forward between the fore legs, and bring them once around the collar. Now step on his tail, take the bridle-reins in the right hand, while holding the ends Fio. 234. — Tommy, Sketch from life. of the ropes firmly in the left. Give a little jerk on the reins, and say, "Get up, sir!'' When the horse throws out the forward feet and springs to raise himself on the hind feet, he finds himself unable to complete the effort, on account of the hind feet being tied forward under him, and so brings himself in a sitting position. Instantly step for- ward, holding the ropes firmly, rub and caress the head and neck a little for a few seconds, then as you see the effort to keep up becoming tiresome, let loose and say, " Get up, 340 TEACHING TEICKS. sir !" By repeating in this way a few times, the horse will soon learn to sit up when commanded, without being tied. To Throw Boys. To teach a horse to throw boys, first make liim kick up as before explained. Then have plenty of straw on the ground, put a boy on his back, and while holding the halter make the horse kick up sharply by pricking, or touching him with the whip. The instant he kicks up, have the boy throw himself forward over the shoulders, for which give Fig. 335. — Tommy in his vicious act defending the ring. the horse a caress and a piece of apple. Repeat until he will, at the motion of the whip, make an effort to get the boy off. When he has done this, put on a lai'ger and stronger boy, so that he must make a greater effort to get him off. Watch the point carefully, and see that the boy comes off when the horse makes an effort to throw him, otherwise he wiU soon become discouraged. By persever- ing in the treatment, he will soon learn to throw the most expert rider. But it will be noticed that he will make a greater effort sometimes than at others. When he does not seem to work well, put on a poorer rider, and work up again gradually. When the horse makes a jjarticularly good DETAILS OF TEACHING. 341 Fig. 336. — Toinniy as the model riding pony. point, give him sqiples, and caress him, for encouragement. It is important now to teach the horse to throw his rider only when commanded, or at a signal. To do this, Avhen the boy is on, lead the horse a short distance around the ring, and then signal for him to throw. Repeat in this manner, also letting him go around alone with the boy on his back, until he will go on a sharp trot or run, and throw \vhen commanded. I trained a pony to throw so expertly that he would at times turn a man or boy over in a double somersault, ana bring him down squarely upon his feet. The best throw- ing pony ever exhibited in this country is admitted to be "Tommy." (See cut 234.) He has been exhibited in all the principal places in the North, and although the best riders, from the bare-back cir- cus-rider to the mustang- trainer on the plains, have tried, no man has ever been able to sit squarely upon his back one minute after the horse was signalled to throw him. His performances in this way have been regarded as wonderful. He will even carry two boys upon his back for a while, and then at the motion of the finger throw them both. This sometimes afforded a good deal of amusement. First, if a boy was in- Fif}. 337. — Tommy in his great art of throwing. 342 TEACHING TRICKS. dicated to him as being good, he would allow him to ride as long as he wished, and then to safely slide off behind down to the ground. Then another boy would come who perhaps used toliacco. or had some other vice, when the pony would throw him immediately. Again, if there was a sharp political campaign, a democrat and a republican boy would mount him at the same time, and the one who could ride the longer time could declare his party the victor. To give something of an idea of the wonderful per- formances -Tommy as the gentle pony. of these ponies, especially the expertness with which Tommy could throw a rider, I give some ex- tracts from the press : - " Last night a large number of our leading citi^iens, by special invitation, were, present at Prof. Magner's exhibition on Champlain street. " The first exercise was performed with blind Billy, a pony, stone blind. The pony sat down at a word from his master, and walked upright on his hind legs several times around the ring. A hankerchief was thrown down in the ring, and the pony ordered by his master to find it. After walking around a few minutes, the pony came to a stand and seized the article in its mouth. Sev- eral other interesting tricks were performed by this blind pony, but the most laughable scene took place when the spotted wild horse. Tommy, was introduced. He presented every appearance of a wild steed, and ran restively about with distended nostrils and fiery eye, his mane bristling like the quills of a fretful porcupine, but at the approach of his master lie became as tame as a lamb. Every one was invited to try their equestrian skill on Tommy, and all who tried were thrown to the ground, tenderly, but in the twinkling of an eye. Mr. Magner ottered $100 to any one who would ride Tommy one minute. Several tried, but none were re- warded with success. One ambitious gentleman threw off hat, coat, and vest, and said he ' would be d — d if he didn't ride him.' DETAILS UK TEACHING. 34:1 Tommy was too niucli for him. Hi? was tlirown several times, and finally concluiled that he had better let Toumiy have his own way," — Gleveland Leader. "Fun on the Parade. " The parade yesterday morning presented such a lively scene as has not been witnessed for some time. The occasion was t/he exercise of some trained horses by Mr. Magner. Straw was plen • tifully strewn on the ground, and expectation was high while the arrangements were going on. A cordon of boys and men were arranged, a rope placed in their hands, and a ring formed around the straw, into which soon pranced the first animal. This one cut up all sorts of circus capers, the most notable and most heartily applauded feat being the dexterous unseating of a small colored boy, who had the hardihood to allow himself to be placed astride the animal. Next came a totally blind animal, which performed miraculous antics at bidding. " The last feature was the crowning one. A spotted horse was let into the arena amid the plaudits of the vast assemblage present on the ground, and the Reform Club, which appeared en ■ viasse at the windows. After various gesticulations by the hor.se, a challenge was sent to the multitude for some one to mount. A larger darkey essayed the task ; but no sooner had he pronounced himself 'ready,' than spotty raised his hindei-most legs, lowered his head, and L. D. went careering through the air. ' Golly, boss ! dat hoss can't do dat again ; ' and so up he went again, to be treated the same way, only more so. A fairer complexioned au- ditor then attempted it, but he was ti'eated in like manner. In fact, it is quite impossible for any one to remain seated when that horse takes a notion to unseat him. The prompt unseating of these two worthies so amused the multituile that Mr. M. thought they had had fun enough for one day, and so announced the show over. " His class in this city was a large one, numbering over forty membei's, comprising our leading citizens, all of whom acknowledge the superiority of his system over those of other trainers who have visited this locality. "His power over untamed horses is said to be marvelous." — New-London (Gonn.) Evening Gazette. "A Wonderful Performing Blind Horse. " Among Prof. Magner 's fine troupe of horses is one that is blind. This beautiful pony — for he is a beauty — is a wonder. He seems to understand every word said to hiui. and will perform the 344 TEACHING TEICKS. most difficult feats with an ease and rapidity that is surprising. He will go to any part of the ring, find and bring a handkerchief, take it from his leg, or any part of his body, go lame, go right or left, back, go ahead, sit down like a dog on either side, squeal like a pig, roll over, walk and kick on his knees, put his ears back and forward, kiss, with many other tricks, showing the greatest intel- ligence and most skillful training. " He was not touched with a whip during the whole perform- ance. The Professor simply stood at the center-pole, and talked to him as he would to a bo}'. He is, without a doubt, the finest and most remarkable' performing horse in the world," — Cleveland Leader. "An Exciting Incident. " Mr. Magner's tent is crowded daily to witness the perform- ances of his wonderful ponies, and attend his lectures. One of these beautiful ponies, among other amusing pei'formances, will throw any one from hLs back. Yesterday, when Tommy was introduced, a crack cu-cus-rider came forward to ride liim for the reward of one hundred dollars. He stated that he came to Buf- falo to get the money, as he could ride Tommy, or any other horse, as long as he pleased. At this turn in affairs, a general stir was manifested, which culminated in the most intense excitement. It was proved that no ordinaiy man could ride the cunning little fel- low, as shown by his performances for weeks. But here was a trained athlete, that could turn a somersault on a hor.se bare-back without being thrown ; would it be possible to throw him ? There were serious apprehensions that he could not. Mr. Magner stood silent a moment, with the reserve characteristic of him, contem- plating the intruder, as if to say, You may, perhaps, do it, but not if I can prevent it ; while the other stood with folded arms, show- ing the most perfect confidence in himself. " It was a scene worthy the brush of a painter. The immen.se throng present were hushed into silence, waiting for the contest. A signal brought Tommy upon a run. The whip was passed around his nose quietly, when the athlete was invited to come for- ward, who, disdaining help, lightly bounded upon the pony's back ; but before he had time to say Jack Eobinson, Tommy commenced a series of gyrations that would astonish an Indian, and sent his man fully six feet into the air. It was beautifully and grandly accomplished; but would he, could he, do it again? " The trial was made, and, as before, the pony went into the air with the quickness of lightning, and, after a little more pro- longed effort, sent his man heavily to the ground. But the con- test was not yet over. All the desperation that pride and confi- I DETAILS OF TEACHING. 345 denee could excite seemed to bo now called into the actions of the man for a final test. He mounted more carefully, and, with a grasp of iron, awaited the onset. It soon came ; for Tommy, seem- ing to be now conscious of the task upon him, twisted and turned and jumped as if a demon, his eyes flashing fire, until, with a tremendous bound, he sent the man high in the air from his back, this time fully vanquished. It was a grand performance. Many, with feelinos of intense admiration, crowded forward to caress the noble little fellow, while Mr. Magner seemed as proud of his pet as if he had won a kingdom. It was the finest and most exciting exhibition we ever witnessed." — Buffalo (N. Y.) Courier. To Walk upon his Hind Feet. To teach a horse to walk upon his hind feet, put on the First Form of War Bridle, and while holding a short whip in the right hand, with the left give little sharp jerks upon the cord, which will throw the head up. At each inclina- tion to do this, touch him under the jaw with the Avhip, and encourage until he will raise the fore feet from the ground and sfand straight. When he learns to stand up step forward of him a little, and ask him to come. If he tries to come down, touch him sharply under the jaw to keep him up, and repeat until he makes an effort to walk in this position, for which caress and reward. A lesson should not he continued longer than a few minutes, and at first should not he repeated more than twice a day. By perseverance in this way, a horse will soon learn when he gets up to balance himself, and take two or three steps for- ward. This is a trick some horses cannot be made to do, he- cause they have not strength enough in the loins and hind legs to get up and walk. " Blind Billy " is wonderfully strong in this respect. He frequently walked twice around a thirty-four-foot ring without coming down, and without being touched. This was the greatest performance of the kind I ever knew, but the secret of it was the strength of 34G TEACHING TEICKS. his back and quarters. One of the most interesting tricks that " Blind Billy " does is squealing at command. He first squealed by chance, when he was put in the same po- sition again, and made to repeat it. The same is true of " Gifford's " groaning. He first groaned by chance, and was then made to do it afterward. To Walk upon his Knees. To teach a horse to walk upon his knees, first (each him with a whip to go down upon his knees, than pull him ahead Fig 239. - Tommy in his vicious act — chasing a boy out of the ring. a little by the halter, until he will make an effort to walk in this position. At first he will make an effort to get up, but he must be forced back again until he learns to keep down and make an effort to come ahead. There should be plenty of soft sod or straw on the ground to prevent hurt- ing the knees. It requires patience to teach this trick, but once started, the horse will soon learn to walk as far as desired. To Chase a Man out of the Ring. To teach a horse to chase a man out of the ring, train him first with a whip, then step away from him a little, DETAILS OF TEACHING. 347 and make him follow, for which reward him. When he will chase you across the ring, turn short around and face him. He is now to come straight up to you without biting ; but so long as you run from him, he is to run after you. The proper course is to run out under the ropes, and when he follows you, reward him. An intelligent pony will learn to do this very quickly. Driving without Reins. Twenty years ago, driving a horse without reins was Fig. '2-10.— Turco and Gillord, as driven without reins. regarded as one of the most interesting feats of training ever exhibited. People would come from all parts of the country, often as far as twenty miles, to see a spirited stall- ion driven to a carriage without bridle or reins, — turning, stopping, backing, driving fast or slow, etc., by the motion and control of a whip. Yet it is one of the most simple feats of training imaginable. The idea of this method of training after a time becoming quite generally known, so many common horses were trained in this way it soon lost its novelty. It is, however, so interesting a feature that I will give the full details of its management : — First, put on an open bridle, with the reins resting 848 TEACHING TRICKS. loosely upon the neck. Provide yourself with a straight buggy whij) having a straight or bow top. Stand opposite the back, grasp the rein just short enough to take up the slack, but not tight enough to pull on the head. Now with the whip commence tapping lightly about at the center of the off shoulder, when the horse will bring his head around a little to avoid the annoyance. By pulling now slightly upon the rein, he will step around to the right, when caress him and give an apple, etc., and so repeat until he will step around promptly when touched with a whip. Now go around opposite the hip, holding the rein moderately tight, and touch the shoulder, as before, with the Avhip. When he steps around, caress. So repeat until he will come around promptly at the motion of the whip alone. Next, go to the opposite side, and so repeat until he will step around in either direction desired. The next step is to teach him to stop at the motion of the whip. With the horse in a corner well up against the wall, stand on the near side well back toward the hip, and bring the whip gently up on the back of the head, so that the lash will reach over upon the fore head. Tap lightly at first, then a little harder until he will step back a little, for which instantly caress, and repeat until he will go back promptly. It will be necessary now to provide a whip sufficiently long that while standing at the hip or tail, it will reach the head, so that in moving, when the whip is raised, the horse will instantly stop. If he does not, he can be hit sharply to compel him to do so. Repeat in this way until he can be stopped or forced back under any excitement. The next step is to turn him right and left as if driving with reins. To do this, grasp the tail with one hand, and with the other bring the whip to the shoulder jigain, and tap it as before until he will stei) around. When he is about DETAILS OF TEACHING. 349 half way around, bring the whip to the opposite shoulder, striking him sharply until he will turn in that direction. Simply repeat until he will turn in any direction desired. Now get in, and let the reins extend back under you upon the seat, but so loosely that they will not bring any restraint upon the head. Catch the foot-strap so that you can pull the foot up at will. Now repeat the lesson of stopping, and starting, and turning either way, until he is prompt in his obedience. In the meantime shovdd he try to go ahead, pulling the foot up wiU stop him. The reins are on as a matter of convenience, so they can be used when necessary. I prefer, however, to give the head perfect freedom, and depend upon the foot-strap for safety. In my practice of training a horse to drive in this way, I repeat the lesson of stopping, etc., a hundred times over, until I feel sure the horse is perfectly safe to drive with the whip. After horses are trained to drive single, they can then be put together, and Avith a very little practice they will drive equally as well double. CHAPTER XII. EQUESTRIANISM* That there is no exercise to be compared with horse- back riding is conceded by all well-read physicians, as well as by all ladies and gen- tlemen who have given it a test. One has only to look at a person re- turning from a ride on the saddle to see at once the beneficial result. The tinge on the cheek, and ruddy glow on the whole ftice and neck, is a positive assui-ance of the fact. It will prove a sure cure for dyspepsia in its worst form, if one will but persevere in the delightful recreation. But some one will say, '• Oh, I cannot ride horse-back ; it is too vi- olent an exercise." And why ? Simply because Fig. 341.— Horseback Riding. *By request of the writer, this paper was furnished by J. W. Robinson, Esq., of Portland, Me., a practical teacher of Esquestrianiem of many years experience. (350) PEACTICAL HINTS. 351 the attempt is made without any knowledge of the art, if it may be so called. The fundamental principle of the art df learning to ride is to learn one thing at a time, and learn to do that well, before attempting to do anj^thing else. The first thing to learn is how to sit upon a horse. One should become perfectly at home in a saddle upon a con- stantly moving horse, so that whether it walks, trots, can- ters, shies, or jumps, he will either not lose, or will imme- diately regain, his position. The proper seat is a firm one in the saddle, with the legs below the knee free, and the body above the waist supple and pliable. Whatever move- ment the horse makes, whether to the right or left, or tip- ping backward or forward, the hips must conform to it, while the legs from the knees downward arc free to obey the rider's will, and the upper part of the body retains its balance by accommodating itself instinctively to every movement. If the upper part of the body be kept rigid, its effect will be to remove the hips from their place in the saddle. If, on the other hand, it be flexible, it will yield and sway with every movement, and will be left free to obey the motions of the saddle. In Tommy's act of throwing the l»oys, described in another chapter, whenever a boy or young man would sit in the saddle rigidly, with a firm grasp of the mane, no matter how strong or supple he might be, the pony would thi-ow him with great ease, and with the force of a bullet, from his back ; but when a young man came in who would sit and balance himself on the pony's back as if with the greatest carelessness, harmonizmg the motions of his body freely with those of the pony in the attempt to throw him, was not quite bo full in detail on some points as was thought necessary, the author has taken the liberty, not being himself a practical equestrian, to appropriate and insert instructions from the best modei'n authorities, being especially indebted to a series of papers written by Col. Geo. E. Warring, and published in the American JgricuHurisi. 352 EQUESTEIAlSriSM. it would frequently require the greatest effort to dislodge the rider. The j^osition assumed in the saddle should be with the weight of the bodj^ supported directly under the hips, the spine curved inward, and the head and chest thrown back- ward. We give two illustrations from Leach, showing the insecure and the secure position in riding. The rider in Fig. 343. — An insecure position. the first illustration exhibits the greatest caution and tim- idity, with his body bent forward, and his whole attitude one of rigidity. The second illustrates the freedom with Avhich the body may be managed when the seat is secure. When a landsman first goes to sea, he finds it extremely difficult to adapt himself to the motions of the vessel, stum- bling and falling like a child learning to walk ; but with practice he soon gets what is termed his " sea-legs." The principle is the same in leai-ning to adjust one's self to the motions of the horse in riding. PEACTICAL HINTS. 353 The learner should make no attemjit to guide or manage his horse, nor even trouble himself how to mount and dis- mount. Let him get into the saddle, turn his toes inward, press his knees against the saddle, but not his cah'es, bring- ing the flat of the thiglis in the largest contact with it. Curve the spine inward, and throw the shoulders back. Fir. 243. — A secure seat. Let the arnvs hang listlessly by the side. Holding mainly by the knees, shift the seat from side to side and from front to rear, with as little swaying as possible of the up- per part of the bod}'. Continue this practice, no matter how long it takes, until the seat is firm, and the learner can move in any direction while keeping the spine curved in- ward. When the rider has accustomed himself to the slow 23 354 EQUESTRIANISM. motion of a walk, let the S2)eed be increased, until finally the horse is galloped with a long bridle rein, under all his motions, and the rider feels comfortable and easy, and has learned to depend only on his thighs and the flexibility of the body to maintain his position. Fig. 244. — A good model of riding-horse. Having perfectly accustomed himself to the seat, the pupil may now put his feet in the stirrups, and learn their use. They should be used as a matter of comfort and con- venience, as it is fatiguing to ride with the legs dangling at the horse's side. In walking, a gentle support of the stir- rups keeps the body from swaying from side to side as the horse moves. In trotting, — when stirrups are almost in- dispensable,— they permit the horseman to either '"' rise to PRACTICAL HINTS. 355 the trot," or to distribute the shock in " riding hard" be- tween the feet, the seat, and the thighs, so that it is no longer a shock, but becomes a quick, easy movement. The stirruj) leathers should be so adjusted that the iron will just touch the bottom of the feet, giving them support Avithout raising their position, while the inner part of the thighs, as far down as the knees, are pressing firmly and immovably against the saddle, and the legs below the knees hanging vertically. In ordinary riding it is best to have the ball of the foot touch the stiri'ujjs, as the play of the ankle-joint gives more elasticity to the support. But in galloping or leaping it is best to " drive the feet home," and carry the stirrups in the hollow of the foot. We consider the wooden stirrup in com- mon use in this country to be the safest and best. The main ofiice of the stirrups is to rest the legs, while at the same time they assist in maintaining a proper position. But in case of any sudden start, the knees and thighs should be at once performing their duty of grasping the saddle. They cannot do this if the weight is thrown too much upon the feet. It is also important to learn how to stand in the stirrups while the horse is in motion, turning so as to look to the rear, to throw the weight first on one foot and then on the other, and to assume every possible position rapidly and easily; for all this adds to security, freedom, and grace in the seat. The following is the correct manner of mounting by the aid of the stirrups : First, take the reins in your left hand just over the horse's withers. Stand with your right side to the horse, not too near, and put the left foot in the stir- rup. Grasp the horse's mane with the rein hand, the pom- mel of the saddle with the other, give a spring with the right foot and vault into the saddle, throwing the leg back and over the horse. Now rest the ball of the feet in the. 356 EQUESTEIANISM. stiiTup, and close the knees against the horse to keep n firm seat while trotting fast. It is impossible to ride really well on au average horse without a curb bit; but it is impossible to ride well on any horse unless the curl) bit is properly made and properly adjusted. And no one can either ride with pleasure or be- come really a good horseman on a horse that is in constant pain from an ill-fit- tiug bit. The beginner should use the reins of the snaffle only, grasping a rein in each hand at a length that will give him command of the horse. The proper manner of holding the reins, is, however, in the left hand, the curb reins divided Fig. 3-45. — Positiou in mounting. Army Bit. Fig. 347.— Ordinarv Bit. by the little finger, the snaffle reins divided by the middle finger, the ends of both sets carried up through the hand |ind secured by the thumb, which sliould be uppermost, PRACTICAL HINTS. Fig. 24S. — Holdiuc: the reins. and pointed to the ears of the hovse. By bending the wrist to the I'ight, so that the knuckles come iqjperniosi, the horse is turned to the right. By bending the wrist to the left, so that the finger- nails come uppermost, the horse will be turned to the left. There should never be tension on the two bits at the same time. The horse should be ridden upon the curb ; the snaffle should be used to fix the height of its head, and occasionally to take the place of the curb to freshen the mouth. Particular attention should be given to having the saddle adapted to the size of the person who is to use it. If it is too large for the rider, it will not only give him dis- comfort, but will increase the difficulty of acquiring a seat. Invalid^, or those not ac- customed'''^o horseback rid- ing, should select a horse that is gentle and fearless, easily managed, sure-footed, and elastic in action. A riding-horse should not be used in harness, as this soon destroys the elasticity and Fig. 249. — Ordiuary side-saddle. ,^ n ,• smoothness oi action neces- sary for easy riding. If the horse is at all vicious and un- manageable, he should be subjected to such treatment (as 358 EQUESTEIANISM. explained under that head) as will insure his entire docility and easy management. This is particularly necessary be- fore attempting to ride him in the street. Much of the foregoing instruction Avill apply to ladies learning to ride horseback. The lady should so sit upon the horse that her weight will ftxll perpendicularly to the Fig. 2.")0. — Position in the saddle back of the horse', her face directly to the front, her shoul- ders drawn back, and her elbows held to her sides. She Avill permit her body, from the hips upward, to bend with the motions of the horse, in order that she may preserve her balance. The right knee will hold the upright horn close in the bend of the knee. The left foot will be thrust into the stirrup to the ball of the foot, and the heel Avill, as a rule, be carried down. But when the heel is elevated, the upper part of the left knee should find support in the PRACTICAL HINTS. 553 side horn, and fur that ond the stirrup h>:ither should be given such a lengtli as will permit this. A lady should never be mounted on a weak or stumbling horse. The reins are to be held in the left hand, as already described, and in a line with the elliow. The whip should be carried in the right liand, with the point toward the Fig. 251. — Good position. ground. It takes the place of the right leg of the man, and-the horse should be trained to answer to its application in exactly the same way as to the pressure of the man's leg. The horse should never be struck with the Vvliipnpon the head, neck, or shoulders, as such whipping will render him nervous, and may cause him to swer\e. It does not come within the limits of an abbreviated article of this character to give the details for the training of a horse to the different gaits and tricks of which he is 300 EQUESTKIANISM. capable under the saddle, as there are a great A^ariety of works imparting this knowledge in full, which ai'o easily accessible by those who desire it. With these suggestions, and sufficient practice, any one may enjoy this the best of all modes of exercise. If people would generally adopt horseback riding, they would starve out half of our doctors, and would live in the enjoyment of much better health than they now do. I will give here one of the many cases of restoration to health from this exercise that have come under my notice : A lady (whose name I will onut) came into my riding-park in a hack from her home about a mile distant. I arranged a stand so that she could step upon it, and sit down in the saddle without any effort. I led the horse around at a walking pace for about twenty minutes, when she dis- mounted quite exhausted, and was taken home. The next day she came again in the carriage and took another short lesson, and so continued to do three or four times a week for about four months. During this time she gained in strength to such an extent that at the expiration of the time she rode by car to Boston, a distance of twenty-five miles, did some shopping, thence to Cambridge to dine with her mother, and then returned home and rode ten miles on horseback. At the end of her ride she said to me, " I feel no more fatigued than I did this morning when I started for Boston." This is only one of the many cases that have come un- der my observation of regaining health from this exercise. Let every one have good practical training if possible, but get the exercise at all events, if you cannot have the train- ing. In corroboration of what Mr. Robinson says on the ben- eficial efi'ects of horseback riding, I copy the following par- agraphs from a valuable little work on " Horseback Biding from a Medical Standpoint," by Dr. Durant, of New York : — PEACTICAL HINTS. 361 " Horseback riding, as we have seen, is one of the most ener- getic modifiers of the circulation ; it distributes the blood equally to every part of the capillary net-work, giving to each part its due proportion, by maintaining a due tension in every part by equalizing the temperature ; it prevents equally antemia and hy- persemia, and sanguineous stagnation, by the impulsion which it gives to the circulatory phenomena, and aids nutrition by the ac- celeration of the respiratory and digestive phenomena. It is by its effect upon tho reactions of the blood to the nervous s^'stem that horseback riding produces such a happy influence. " The effect of horseback riding upon the functions of the sys- tem, is especially remarkable upon that of digestion. It stimu- lates the appetite, excites and perfects digestion, favors absorp- tion— in fact, to use a trivial expression, ' it makes the bits go down.' These are not the only results of the new energy im- parted to the functions which wo have studied, all of which con- cur in tho accomplishment of this special one; it exercises a special influence upon tho muscular fibre of the coats of the stomach and the intestines. These viscera may be considered as fairly sus- pended in the abdominal cavity, where they are barely held and limited in their movements by the folds of the peritoneum. Each shock from the horse shakes them and makes them roll, as it were, upon each other, and causes the changes in the relations of the convolutions of the intestines. These shocks and knocks an. called nerve centers; that, for example, the nerve centers controUing the senses of smelling, tasting, feeling, seeing. balancing, etc., are at the back part or base of the brain ; that the power and activity of these senses are in all cases governed by the strength and activity of such ganglia of nerves. Thus, a hound that follows the scent, or a bird- dog that has the power of smelling game at a distance, has large development of the olfactory nerve ; while the grey- hound, eagle, vulture, etc., that depend upon seeing game Fig. 2Tf).— Ultimcite rffocts nf mtempcraiice. at a great distance, have large development of the ojitic nerve; and others that depend for safety upon hearing, have large development of the auditory nerve. Thus ev- ery peculiarity of animal nature has some special excellence of power, adapted cither to aggression or defense. The bee has its sting, the viper its fangs, the bull its horns, and the horse bites, strikes, kicks, etc. The front brain, or cerebrum, gives the power of sense, or reason, and animals of lint small brain lia^e but very little capacity for being trained or tauglit, Avhile those hav- ing considerable brain can be easily taught. For example, a fish has very little or no brain, and cannot be taught any- 392 SUBJECTION. Fig. 277.^ — Expression of .aggressive viciousness. thing, while a dog, elephant, or other animal that has con- siderable development of brain, can easily be taught a great deal. In like manner there are greater or less degrees of a natural tendency in horses to viciousness and resist- ance, imposing more or less difficulty in their subjec- tion. Twenty horses may kick or run away, and so far as the act of resistance is concerned, there is prac- tically little or no differ- ence. One horse may yield to treatment in a few min- utes, the next may require a much longer time, while the third, though subjected to the same treatment, can perhaps be controlled only after hours of extreme effort. Consequently, success in the subjection of any par- ticular case, or in over- coming any special habit, must depend, first, upon the amount and quality of the brain; second, the de- gree to which the nervous system has been impressed or deranged ; third, upon the pluck and endurance of the horse ; and fourth, the directness and power with Avhich the resistance can be restrained or controlled, and the skill with which the treatment is applied. Fig. 27S, — Expression of docility. REVIEW OF SYSTEM. 593 Fir.. 370.— E\pi€- It is evident that a very timid, sensitive nature, wliich is moved entii'ely by fear, can be controlled best by p;itieut, winning treatment, while a stubborn, aggressive type of character must be met by force, or the fear of punish- ment. Hence, in propor- tion to the predominance of these peculiarities ihore must be force, or winning treatment, or both com- bined. To illustrate: A sheep or gazelle, or any an- imal of that nature, can be managed best by gentle, winning treatment. To ex- cite them in any way would undo' the effect of a gi'eat deal of patient work. Avhile the bear, hog, mule, and kin- dred natures, will bear force : ;ni(l punishment in many instances be- comes a necessary condition of their management. The horse possesses, to a singular degree, Ihese, with other remarkable modifications of character, not only making a combination of kindness and force necessary, but this force must be of a char- I'cter not to excite pain, or to stimulate the bad nature, as this but neutralizes or counteracts the eft'ects of good treatment. This is particularly the case when there is much sensitiveness, or where there is much tendency to the strong, wild, 380. — Expression vi kiuclness. 394 STJEJECTION. courageous type of nature. These conditions show that no matter how good and perfect the treatment, success must depend greatly upon the skill and judgment of the trainer in properly adapting'the efforts to Ihe conditions of the case. First, these conditions require enforcing submission be- fore the horse beccmies greatly excited and warmed up. Should there be failure before this is accomplished, the dif- FiG. 331.— Expressior of rage and fear. ficulty of making him surrender unconditionally will be greatly increased. Second, the horse must be made to understand the harm- less character of objects and sounds forced upon his notice, until intelligently reconciled to them. Third, the co-operation of his intelligence and better nature must be won by kindness to permanently fix the impression of control. In doing this, we see that so far as we can show a horse in any way that we are master, he will become submissive and gentle. Thus by disabling and throwing until he is so discouraged that he will not try to resist, he will become gentle to handle ; but if he is allowed EEVIEW OF SYSTEM. 395 i383. — Expression of strong, determined character when mad. to get, up immediately und luuve about at will, he may again resist Avith the greatest courage. To make him reliably gentle upon his feet, he must be controlled in this position also. For exam- ple, should he re- sist the b i t and run away, subject- ing him to any treatment short of direct control of the mouth, and that at the time and in the position of his resistance, Avould be defective or entirely useless. On the same principle, should the horse kick, balk, or show any other Ijad habit, sufficient power must be used to com- bat or overcome these habits direct- ly, or there cannot be assurance of suc- cess. Of course it is easy, in a general way, to subdue a horse; but the diffi- culty is to do it so as not to excite his resistance, or to do him any physical injury. In teaching a colt to lead by the halter, or follow, if the pull is brought upon the head sideways, his power of re- sistance in this direction becomes so lessened that he can Fin. 383. — Expression of nervous excitability. 396 SUBJECTION. be pulled around instantly and easily, and he can soon be taught to come around and follow without resistance. But if this cannot be done with the halter, increase the power of pulling by means of the War Bridle, or decrease the power of resistance by tying up one foot. If, on the other hand, the pulling were made straight ahead, which is the more common method, the work will be done at a great disadvantage, because in this way we stimulate resistance, if wo do not give power successfully Fig. 284. — EfEect of intense fear. to resist us. This mode of i)ulling would retard, if not wholly neutralize, the effort to control the horse, as he would now involuntarily draw backward, bracing himself with his legs, thus increasing his power of resistance, which soon shows him there is not sufficient strength to move him. Hence the necessity of combating the resistance in such a way as not to permit this to be done. Either or both the methods combined will give sufficient power to compel his following without causing him injury. The principle is the same in combating a habit, or viciousness of any character. But should the resistance KEVIEW^OF SYSTEM. 397 be so great that it cannot be overcome by simple treatment, then the more direct means of obtaining power must be used, such as the various methods of general subjection, using one or more, according to the character of the case. The art of taming horses, or the principles of subjection, may be divided into four general classes. The one entitled the First Method of Subjection, in the first chapter, is the most sensational, and is based upon making the horse par- tially helpless by tying up the fore leg, and throwing. This, though necessarily limited in its effects, when prop- erly done is a valuable method of subjection. Throwing him repeatedly and rapidly as often as he can get up, and rolling him back until he gives up unconditionally, is the full extent of the power of this method. If the horse be of a nature to submit fully to this method, the result will be very satisfactory ; if not, it should be followed by the other methods. The second, called the Second Method of Subjection, is simpler, and is based upon the principle of preventing the horse from concentrating his purpose to act until he can be rendered helpless, and be subdued. In the subjection of colts and some strong, dangerous young horses, that, when approached, strike and kick, and upon which it would be not only extremely difficult, but dangerous, to try the other methods, this method will be found especially effective. It is also a reliable reserve to be used in connection with the other methods, particularly the first, or in effecting control when the others prove inadequate. It gives the true key for breaking single balkers, as it not only gives power to move the horse at will, but disconcerts the mind from the pui-pose of resisting, by the confusion it causes. This form of subjection, simple as it is, requires very nice discrimination to bring out its full effects, especially in the management of very bad cases ; for if not carried far 398 SUBJEC'jy^OJSr. enough, there is liability of failure, and even when carried to the fullest extent of its power, there may in some cases be resistance to it. These are usually cases that, Avhen warmed up or handled carelessly, become desperate in their resistance before being made to yield. The point in the management of such is to follow with the Third Method, which will usually make the horse submit. But if there is much resistance to it, after cooling off, another sharp or short lesson with this will rarely fail to produce uncon- ditional submission. Third, by pressure upon the spinal cord, which grasps, as it were, and holds in subjection at will, the very life of the horse. This is called the Third Method of Subjection. It will be found especially adapted to the subjection of nervous-tempered horses that will not bear excitement. For example, a horse that in an attempt to throw would be- come so irritated and excited as to jump and resist so much as to endanger straining, or if subjected to the Second Method would go so quickly as to be liable to fall down directly, or be made to yield only after the most severe effort, will usually submit readily to this method of treat- ment. If a kicker in harness, that exhibits fear when any- thing is brought near or against his quarters, subjecting him to pressure of about three cords, and touching the quar- ters gently with a pole until indifferent to its contact, will usually compel submission in a few minutes. Horses of an ordinary bad character submit in from eight to twelve min- utes, but exceptionally bad cases may resist it thirty min- utes, even with the use of fqur cords (100 feet) ; but in all cases it can be supplemented by the other methods. One important point I wish to impress is that whatever is intended to be done with this method, must be done at once, and carried to the fuUest extent that the horse will bear. If he resists it, it must at once be abandoned, EEVIBW OF SYSTEM. 309 because it is liable to make the cheeks more or less sore ; also the effect is not satisfactory when repeated next day, or at any time afterward ; so that if the point is not made at once, other treatment must be resorted to. I seldom use this method in the management of colts, because they are liable to bite, or chew the lips or cheeks. In their management, the Second Method, in connection with the War Bridle, is far more simple and easy. Occa- sionally an old horse will do this, and may resist the treat- ment violently, and become much excited over it. In such a case it must be at once abandoned. Next come the various modifications of the War Bridle, which give all the power necessary to subdue and control more than half of the average of vicious colts and horses. It is aU that is necessary for nearly all horses bad to shoe, harness, etc., and is by for the best means of teaching a horse to lead or follow. It is one of the most effective means of overcoming the habit of balking. Though a minor method of subjection, I regard it so important that I have given a careful explanation of it, very fully illustrated. The Breaking Bit and Patent Bridle are equally impor- tant in their places. The Breaking Bit, without doing in- jury, gives power to train the mouth so that it will yield to an ordinary bit. The Patent Bridle was invented by me for the purpose of enabling persons lacking in practical experience, to directly control headstrong, lunging, runa- way horses. In the first place, the extra adjustment over the upper jaw gives such power upon the mouth that the most reckless horse cannot successfully pull against it, and he wiU in a short time be so unnerved as to become sub- missive to a slack rein. Secondly, the pressure upon the spinal cord is so intense that courage to pull cannot be maintained for any length of time. When he gives up, it becomes simply a common bit in his mouth, but ready to 400 SUBJECTION. instantly bring to bear the same terrible pain and power before felt. I also give illustrations of very powerful but simple means of controlling headstrong horses by the Half- Moon and other bits. I call attention in a general way to the application cf these methods, because much depends both upon the way they are used for cases to which they arc specially adapted, and in properly following with the next best suited to the case. When the case is critical, an imjjortant point is to make every step of the treatment sure, and to vary it all the horse will bear ; for the more ways in which power to enforce obedience can be applied, the more impressive and enduring will be the effect. Consequently, if the case be bad, it may be necessary to apply tAvo, or even all three, of the methods of subjection. Suppose the case to be a bad, young, kicking horse, the First Method will usually be found applicable; he would be likely to resist the Second too severely to make it successful. The best course would be to send him around a few times, enough to take off the wire edge of his courage, then put on the throwing rig, and throw him rapidly eight or a dozen times, when his subjec- tion will be easy and simple. When on his feet, and espe- cially when driven around in harness, if it is discovered that he is yet so sensitirAe as to be liable to kick or break over, the Second or Third ^Method should at once be used. Not unfrequently both will be necessary. The First will do no good if repeated, for the reason that the horse will lie down, and remain passive while down, but when up may kick as viciously as before. Sometimes the Third Method may be tried, and the horse not submit to it uncondition- ally ; then the Second or First are to be tried. The differ- ence between the First and Second is that the First cannot be repeated with success, while the Second can be ; and usually in very bad cases I hold the Second as the reserve EEVIEW OF SYSTEM. 401 power. As explained in the first chapter, it will not do to use the First Method on a sullen or sulky horse. He will usually drop down upon his belly, not trying to get up. In such a case dependence must be placed upon the Second ' and Third alternately. The mustang, of a wild, dangerous nature, cannot be safely approached and subjected to the Third JMethod, be- cause he would strike the moment approached. If a rig- could be put on, and the foot tied up (which would be A^ery difficult to do), the instant freedom is given again he would be likely to bound into the air, or drop down sullenly upon his belly, either doing nothing or acting like a desperate maniac. For such the Second Method would be just the thing. It requires very little effort to tie the halter into the tail, and send around until helplessly dizzy, Avhen the subjection of the case becomes simple and easy. A wild mule, that cannot be safely touched, can frequently be made entirely gentle in a few minutes in this way, and after this treatment, if necessary, the other methods can be used. If space permitted, these explanations might be ex- tended indefinitely. But whatever the success of the direct treatment, it is important to hold the advantage gained, by kind and careful after-treatment, because upon kindness must depend fixing and holding the impression made upon the brain by the previous treatment. Without this, it is practi- cally impossible to hold a very vicious horse gentle. It is, of course, easy enough to compel obedience by force, or by reducing the strength ; but unless the incentive to resist- ance is overcome, which must really be done by kindness, the instinct of viciousness is liable to again gain the ascend- ency. The importance of this is repeatedly urged in the previous chapters. Without this, the best results of direct subjection can easily he neutralized, and the horse be per- mitted to go back into his old habits. Should this occur, 26 402 SUBJECTION. the difficulty of his subjection would be greatly increased, as such failures teach the horse to become cunning, and give him confidence to fight back at every oj^portunity. This is the reason why I refused to handle the Portland horse "Jet" (Case 7, Subjection), until I could remain in the city long enough to see that the after-treatment was properly carried out. Without this care, there would have been failure. It was the main key of making the " Ai-nd" horse, of Bath, N. Y., gentle. I refer to these as good rep- resentative cases ; for without this care neither of these horses could have been held gentle, and it is equally im- portant in the management of all cases. The great j^ower and effectiveness of these methods when properly applied, will enable the trainer to easily and safely control the most powerful horses to any extent desii'ed. This is i>roved by the success of my experiments upon all kinds of horses which had resisted all previous ef- forts to break. Reference to a few representati^■e cases will be found at the close of this chapter. The subjection of " Wild Pete," the " Ilettriuk Horse," " Wilkins Horse," " Omnibus Horse," '• Portland Horse Jet," and many others that might be named, equally vicious, when the character of the horses, and the shortness of the time required to produce the changes, are considered, may seem to border so closely upon the miraculous as to appear incredible ; yet these results were accomplished simply by the skillful apj^lication of the methods of treatment here given. Many people suppose there is a medicine or something of the kind that will make vicious horses gentle, or enable their control at will. Sometimes, when unusually success- ful in the subjection of an exceptionally vicious horse or colt, though the treatment had been carefully explained to the class, the result would appear so wonderful that they MEDICINES, OR DEUGS. could not realize how such a change couhl he hronght about by the treatment employed. It was not unusual lo have persons smell of my hands or clothing to see if they could discover some peculiar odor about me to account for so great an achievement. On this account, I think it advisable to explain what medicines are supposed to do this, and their effects. The main object in the use of odors, or scents, has been to attract attention, and divert it from the real means of control. Many odors, or scents, will in some instances affect the nervous system greatly. Blood, a buffalo robe, or any offensive odor, will intensely excite many horses. In trapping for mink or other animals, it is no uncommon thing for the hunter to conceal the smell of his hands from the trap, and attract the animal to it by using some odor that is agreeable to him. Asafetida put on the bottom of the boots will cause wolves to follow the wearer eagerly. While this is admitted, there is no odor or medicine that I know of — and I have experimented carefully with aU those supposed to have this power, without obtaining decidedly satisfactory results — that Avill make a wild horse approach- able and induce him to follow, or make a vicious horse gentle. What is supposed to be the great medicine for doing this is called the " Arabian secret," which consists of two parts of the oil of rhodium, and one each of cumin and anise, to be kept in separate bottles and corked lightly ; but practically it makes no difference whether they are kept separate or not. A little of this is to be rubbed on the hands, and while held before the horse, approach from the windward side ; when near enough, rub a little on his nose, when the horse, it is claimed, will follow anywhere. Other essential oils arc recommended for the same purpose, but their effect is really no better than good apples or any- 404 SUBJECTION. thing of which the horse is fond.* Warts or ostlets, grow- ing on the inside of a horse's leg, dried, and jiulverized witli a coarse rasp or grater, and about a thimble full blown into the nostrils, is also claimed to make any horse gentle. This is to be used in connection with the oils mentioned. The oil of j)arsley is sometimes used for the same jmrpose. A few drops are put on the hands or handkerchief, and the horse is allowed to smell of it. The perspiration from under the arms, rubbed on the horse's nose, or breathed into the nostrils from the hand, is also held as quite a secret for making a horse so gentle that he will follow readily. Before and during the time of Rarey, parties under- standing the secret of " throwing,"' usually managed as follows : Force the horse to lie down on the barn floor until submissive ; and, while lyiug quietly, open the door and allow the 2)eo2)l6- to come in. Under such circumstances, much curiosity wiU be manifested to discover what has been done. The operator noAV, while pretending that he is unobscrAed, will slip a piece of apple into the horse's mouth, and rub the hand over the nose. This will of course be observed, and when curiosity is sufficiently aroused, the pretended tamer will say, " Yes ; I have a secret scent by which any horse can be tamed, the etfect of which you see." Then he will offer to sell the secret, naming a large price, but finally taking what he can get. I haye found in my travels many who have paid from ten to fifty dollars for the "Arabian secret." The control was obtained by throwing. But this in itself being too simple to inspire much faith, the medicine doilge Avas added. * Denton OfEutt's book, which I have carefully read, and the best features of wliieh are given at the close of this chapter, contains some secrets for taming horses and other animals, for the virtues of which he claims a great deal ; but thcj- are practically of no more consideration than other treatment of the same kind. S!i'.l, I thought it advisable, and of sufficient interest to the curious, to copy them verbatim, and they will be found embodied in this work. MEDICIXKS, OR DIUIGS. 40.') The man avIio was most instrumental in teaching this method of " throwing," was Mr. 0. H. P. Fancher, before referred to, Avho claimed to have given Rarey instructions on the practical apjilication of the method of subjection which he practiced. In 1865 and '66, I traveled through his section of country, and hired to him one of my horses trained to drive without reins, when he took the road, teaching my system, and abandoned the medicine scheme. Catlin, describing his travels among the North Ameri- can Indians, mentions the manner of their taming horses as follows : — " The Indian coils his lasso on his arm and gallops fearlessly into the herd of wild horses, and soon gets it over the neck of one of the number, when he instantly dis- mounts so as to hold him down and prevent him from turning over on his back. He now gradually advances until he is able to place his hand on the animal's nose and over his eyes, and breathe into his nostrils, when the horse becomes so docile and conquered, that by removing the hobbles from the feet, he can be led or ridden into camp with very little difficulty." According to this statement, Avhich seems reliable, covering the eyes and breathing into the nostrils of the wild horse, was the principal means of his subjection ; if true, it would be an easy and simple matter to make a vicious horse gentle. I have repeatedly tried the experiment upon all kinds of horses, and found it would not pi'oduce any appreciable effect for me, and consider it practically of no more account than merely stroking the head and nose with the hand. I might add many other pretended secrets, but none of them are worthy of much consideration. Ostlets, before referred to, taken from a vigorous horse, properly prepared and used, may produce very satisfactory results, especially 406 SUBJECTION. in the management of balkers. They should be prepared as follows : If the subject be a mare, the warts, fresh and strong, should be taken from a healthy horse. Sometimes old accumulations lose their strength, and are good for nothing. Dry the ostlets carefully, and grate them to a fine powder, and keep in an air-tight bottle. One hour before the horse is driven, blow an old-fashioned thimble full into the nostrils, and the horse will usually go off all right. This secret was given me by an old man in Western Ohio, who, with his sons, about ten years ago, was a mem- ber of my class. After taking me one side, and express- ing his appreciation of the information I had given him, he said he would give me a secret that he had practiced for forty years, and had never known it to fail. " Every one around here knows," said he, " that I can drive any balky horse, but never learned the secret of my doing it. I am now an old man of seventy-four years ; and not intending to handle any more horses, I will give it to you for your ben- efit." He said he had never in any case found it necessary to repeat it more than two or three times. Sometimes a horse that has learned to kick hrs mate, can be cured by giving this. It would also be good when a horse objects seriously to the scent of a buffalo robe or other object, to blow this into the nose, because it conceals the repugnant odor. It will also be found the principal ingredient in the remedy for the cure of fits. (See " Medical Department " under the head of " Miscellaneous liecipes.") I would here add that I have had so little trouble in breaking balkers by the treatment explained under that head, that I never used this ; but I have given the secret to many, and reports have been favorable. A great secret among some dog fanciers is holding a little of this in the MEDICINES, ()J{ DJRTTGS. 407 hand, and letting the dtig smell of it, when he will follow anywhere. The secret of the effect of these ostlets upon the horse, is undoubtedly the strong pungent odor, which has a remai'kably soothing effect upon the nervous system, by which the horse is disconcerted and won from his pur- pose of resistance. It is well known that gypsies are very successful in managing vicious horses. Their method of management is to boil a plug of tobacco in a gallon of ale, until the strength is extracted, then give enough of it to make the horse so sick that he cannot resist.* He is then dri^'en as desired, and when over the effect of it, the dose is repeated, if nec- essary. I never but once resorted to the use of medicine to control a horse before a class. When at Howard Steuben Co., N. Y., a strong, wild, unbroken colt seven years old, was the subject of experiment. At the time, I was so prostrated by ague that I was not able to give the horse sufficient treatment to drive him under canvas or in the street with safety. The class insisted upon my doing this. I therefore proposed to the owner that the colt be taken to the next town, where I would be on the following day, when I would make him drive gently, promis- ing that if I failed to do so satisfactorily, I would return them their money. Next morning I was more prostrated than be- fore, but as my failure to drive the horse in the street would necessitate a return of the money, and make it impossible for me to form a class there, I was compelled to resort to strat- egy. I directed one of my men to go to the drug store and get two ounces of tincture of lobelia, and, when free from observation, give it to the horse. In about half an hour, *Tliis was given me by a gypsy who was a memlicr of my class. Gypsies have heen i-epeateJIy iu my classes since, and all admit that this was their principal 4()S «LIB.n for a while, and then the thrush seemed gradually to weaken, and at length stood perfectly still — immov- able, with its wings partly open, and its head bent forward. He drew nearer to the bush, when he heard an ominous hiss, and, looking down under the plum he saw a large black snake coiled up, and about to spring upon the bird. He frightened the snake away and picked up the liinl, wliich made no efibrt to escape, and seemed powerless. In a few minutes, however, the bird revived, and shortly afterward flew off." ■ It is also a fact that some men, by an effort of the will, can control others, as shown by the art of what is termed 410 SUBJECTION. psychologizing, or putting into :i state of trance. This has led to ii very general belief tlial, in like manner, certain persons have the power of controlling vicious horses, so that they can be rendered completely gentle. I have at different times seen plausible statements by different writers sustaining this theory. But notwithstanding man's intelli- gence and will power are greatly superior to that of horses, I never have known of a horse being directly controlled in this way. I thiidv I may assume, without presumption, that I have subdued, and had treated mider my supervision, more exceptionally vicious horses than any other liA'ing man. It has been a matter of hard, practical experience with me, and I know it is impossible to control wild or A'icious horses Ijy will power alone. I am so confident of this that I will give any man one thousand dollars who Avill show that he can control wild or A'icious horses in any such way. I have many hundreds of times made wild or A'icious horses so docile that they Avould run after, or follow me around, Avith- out the restraint of a halter, or Avithout l)eing touclied in any Avay, — a feat in most cases not at all difhcult to per- form on a suitable subject. And as I have stated in an- other place, though the principles Avere carefully explained those 2Ji'esent Avould often insist that it must liaAc been done by some secret poAver. I am thus emphatic to cor- rect this false impression, Avhicli seems to prevail in the minds of all classes of society. As explained in another part of this chapter, any method of impressing the horse Avitli the sense of helpless- ness, such as disabling, repressing by fear, intense jjain, or the reverse, quieting the nervous irritation by scratching the mane and tail, giving apples, etc., can to a great extent hold passive the impulse of resistance. The principle is to so change or disconcert the general nervous action, as to secure the more easy concentration of the nervous forces CONTROL EY THB EYE, OR WILL. 411 in the direction desired ; hence every method of repressing by feur, or revealing power by action or voice, etc., may be regarded as the expression of this ])0\ver, wliich of course no one denies. But that by will power alone, the character of a horse can be held completely submissive or in a marked trancoydal state, is entirely impossible. Having taken lessons in psychology many years ago, I found that I could to a certain extent control the will of others ; yet notwithstanding the greatest effort, I never have been able to control horses without first impressing the nervous system with a sense of physical power. The cases which are most likely to resist such management, are stallions which have grown into viciousness through bad treatment, and mustangs, or those of a fixed, wild nature. The " Wilkins Horse," " llillman Horse," and " Mustang Pony," Cases 6, 7, and 11, Subjection, and the " Hettrick Horse," No. 4, Kicking, are cases in point. As a matter of experiment, while the "Hettrick Horse" was tied to the center pole of the ring, I tried for over an hour to even get near enough to touch his body without being struck or kicked, and if my life depended upon it, I could not safely do it ; yet by less than twenty minutes' proper subjective treatment, his submission was made complete. In proof of this, reference could be made if necessary to a great many of like character. When a horse is thoroughly vicious and unmanageable, subjecting him quickly to a full course of treatment, sur- prises and breaks up his confidence, on the same principle that the eye disconcerts and controls, with the difference that now it is the result of direct physical control, when by careful management he can be held gentle. But in doing this, as I have repeatedly remarked, it is fatal to success to let the horse see, at any point, that there is not sufficient power to master and control him. Sometimes, 412 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTRATIVE CASES when this is well done, the will of the horse is so tajroughly broken, and made so submissive, that, though previously so vicious as to be entirely unmanageable, he m.iy become among the safest and gentlest for use. The niuin point of success, after he thoroughly submits to coercive treatment, is to win his affections. ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. As an additional aid to the reader in study ini^' this sub- ject, 1 include the details of treatment in the management of a few representative cases. Case 1. — 'Sh. Vernon Horse. This was an eight-year old, sorrel gelding, weighing about 1100 pounds. He had an exceedingly strong, tough organization, but was most remarkable for his Avild, treach- erous, sullen nature. He was one of the best types of this peculiarity of character the writer ever treated. His head was almost the exact counterjmrt of that of the " Hett- rick Horse," Case 4, Kicking, but was immeasurably the worse horse to subdue. He could not be controlled in har- ness, double or single, was so strong and tough that up to the time of his being brought to me, his temper had not been subdued by any treatment given him. He would kick out sideways and kill a hog whenever brought near one. He was in fact one of the most dangerous and difficult horses to break ever known in that country. I had been at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, over a week when this horse was brought in to be treated before the class. The moment I saw him across the )'ing, I made the remark, " There is a worse horse than I have ever yet treated in the State." The owner, offended at my giving his horse so bad a character, said he could handle and drive him. Though I knew nothing whatever of the horse beyond MT. VEENON HORSE. 413 what I saw of him at a distance, I stated that there was not a man in the country who could drive him, and if I could not prove it, I would charge him nothing for my instructions. Ujtou trial with a severe bit, he went straight along in defiance of the pulling of ten men upon the reins, when his bad character was confessed. Had I not been able to prepare the minds of the class to see the true character of the horse, he would have broken me down ; but in fact my statement was accepted as a reasonable explanation, and so I had an opportunity to repeat the treatment until successful. I had a very large class of experienced horsemen, and it became a matter of deep interest for them to see whether the char- acter given him would be fully proved by trial. He was subjected first to the First Method, which lie resisted with great energy. This was followed by the Second and Third Methods, carried to the fullest extreme, when he would allow his quarters to be touched all around with a pole, and could be handleil without difficulty. He was next taken in hand for over an hour to obtain control of the mouth, but without making the least impres- sion upon him. This I expected and explained to the class, and put him over till the next day, when he was again subjected to the Second Method sharply, and (he training of the mouth repeated, as before, for about an hour, with but little apparent success. This was extraor- dinary, tliere having no horse been brought forward for years that did not in two lessons yield to the control of the bit; but I promised that one more lesson would bring him. On the day following, he was again subjected in part to First and Second Methods, and the mouth again taken in hand, thougli quite sore from the effects of the previous treatment. His wonderful pluck and nerA e enabled him to fight it with the utmost desperation for nearly an hour, 414 SUBJECTIOISr.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. when he at last gave ujj unconditionally, and was di'iven before the class and upon the streets with entire success, afterward remaining perfectly gentle and manageable. A week later, he was exhibited in the street at a little town eight miles distant, where he was owned. His good character and performances enabled me to make a large class there. Case 2. — Gallopsville Horse. This was a seven-year old sorrel geldmg, owned in Gal- lopsville, N. Y. He was a remarkably fine, muscular fel- low, Aveighing about 1050 pounds. I refer to him as a good type of an extremely bad, unbroken colt, and but a slight modification of the previous case. In the preceding case, wdien the horse was hitched up, he would go, per- haps, some distance, and then, suddenly and without warn- ing, pull ahead, or kick and run away. And, once resist- ing, there was no possibility of holding him afterward. He was a snorting, treacherous brute of the worst kind, and when brought forward for treatment, was considered en- tirely unmanageable in harness. The touching of the harness, or anything brought against his quarters would cause him to jump or kick with great fury. At this time I remained but one day in a j^lace, and taught my classes in any kind of a building available. At this place we had a small carriage house with hard-wood floor, which was so unsuitable that to attempt the subjec- tion of such a horse here would be not only very difficult, but dangerous. On this account the First Method, which was well adapted for his temperament, could not be used. Consequently he was subjected first, cautiously, to the Second Method, which was a necessary step toward toning down his extreme sensibility, but he could not be pushed to its limits on account of the hard-wood floor, the smallness of OMNIBUS IIOESE. 415 the place, and the large crowd present. He was next sub- jected to the Third Method, which was carried to its fullest extent. AVhile being subjected to it, if touched with a pole, the energy of his kicking was so desperate that both shoes, though nailed solidly to his feet, were thrown off in a few minutes. Not submitting satisfactorily to this method, it became a matter of necessity to subject him again to the Second. The place was partly cleared, and the chances taken of pushing it to its fullest extent, to which he sub- mitted unconditionally. The rest was easy, little more being necessary than putting him in harness, when he drove off gently. Next day he was taken to Central Bridge, where the owner and class were promised that he should be driven in the street. It being quite safe now to attempt driving him while warm, he was put away till next morning, when, after testing a few moments, he was hitched up and driven perfectly gentle. The change was regarded quite wonderful by those who had known and witnessed his previously vicious character. Case 3. — Buffalo Omnieus Co.'s Horse. This case has some points of peculiar interest, for which reason it is included. First, it shows to what de- gree a naturally good, gentle horse, can be made vicious b}^ irritating, bad treatment ; secondly, the ease with which, sometimes, a horse supposed to be very vicious can be made gentle. The particulars of the case are as follows : — This horse was nine years old, a bright bay, remarkably fine, strong, intelligent, and Aveighing about 1200 pounds. He was regarded one of the best in a large stable of horses. He had been worked to an omnibus, and, it seems, gradu- ally became vicious, requiring great care in harnessing and handling. He finally bit and crushed a man's arm, and inflicted such other injuries as nearly killed him. The man 416 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. was rescued only by the prompt interference of the other men. The horse was so furious that he would jump at and bite other horses, and it was finally only by the use of pitchforks, etc., that the stablemen were able to drive him into his stall, where ho stood with hi.s collar on for over three months. No one daring to go near him, his food and water were let down to him from above. Unable to work him, and fearing he would kill some one, the superintendent had ordered him shot, but for some cause it had been put off until the period of my visit there. Befoi'e commencing my exhibition in this place, a gen- tleman who was especially interested in my efforts, privately informed me of this case, and said there was a strong fac- tion of opposition there. They asserted they might consider it worth while to come and see me after I had subdued the horse ; that I could not or would not dure attempt it. I at once informed the people of what I had learned, and promised, if I could obtain the horse, to take him in hand before the class. At my earliest opportunity, I called at the stable, and the horse was pointed out to me. I was confident I should have no trouble with him, and told the superintendent that if he would let me have the horse to experiment upon before the class, I would subdue him. He frankly said that the horse was too dangerous to take any chances with. Fig. 285.— Omnibus Horse. OMNIBUS HOUSE. 417 and he did not Avish to take any responsibility in tlie mat- ter ; that if he permitted me to take him, and I slionld be killed, or injured in any way, the public would censure him. He said further that the horse was of no value, and he had ordered liini shot. I finally convinced the gentleman that there would be no difficulty in the management of the case, and obtained permission to take him ()\cr to my building, wliere, in the presence of leading citizens of Buffalo, I made him entirely gentle in iibout twelve minutes. He was simply subjected to First Method, followed by War Bridle. His collar, which had now been on for over three months, could be taken oft' or put on at pleasure. I told the superintendent to put him at once at work, and have him treated with the greatest kindness, and if at any time he exhibited the least viciousness, to report to me. In about a week he was brought back, and subjected to veiy severe tests before them, and proved perfectly gentle. I include here an editorial notice of this case, and a letter from Mr. l^ord written three months afterward : — •' A HoiiSK THAT Killed oxk Man and Injured Several Other.s. " We yesterday afternoon visited the amphitheater of Prof. Magner, the noted horse-tamer, on Carryll s' reet! We found tliere a JariJ-e number of our most prominent citizens and horse-owners, and all manifested the greatest interest in the doings of the pro- fas.soi'. A horse belonging to the Omnibus Company,^ — a most vicious brute, with the habit of biting, and striking with his foro feet, ami from which those in charge have not been able to remove the collar or bridle for o\'er three months, — was brought for treat- ment. We understand, by the way, that this horse (a largo and powerful bay) once killed a man by biting and trampling him un- der foot, and recently bit tlio hand almost otf the person having him in charge. In about twenty minutes, in the presence of be- tween two and three hundred persons, Mr. Magner reduced this brute to perfect subjection, ^o that the groom ami liimself har- nessed and unharnessed liim, put their hands in his mouth, and 418 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTKATIVE CASES. handled him in every shape with perfect impunity, the former fu- rious beast being as docile as a kitten. It was a wonderful exhi- bition, as we can bear te.stimony." — Buffalo Comviercial Adver- tiser. "Buffalo, Dec. SI, 1S69. "Prof. Magner, Dear Sir : I consider myself in duty bound to drop you a few lines respecting our once vicious hor.so, ' Man- eater,' as we called him. I have often .said. What a good thing it was we did not shoot hiin. He was taken out of the stable twice for that pui'pose, when I, on both occasions, interceded m his be- half. He is now one of our best horses, as docile as a lamb, and all the drivers like him. We work him double or single, as required. All this was caused from your few minutes' tuition. You ai-e aware of his past history. For months previous to making your acquaintance, we could not get a man to harness him, and two of our drivei's were disabled by him. When you visit our city, please give us a call. "Believe me, yours very truly, M. Ford, " Aijcnt Buffalo Omnibus Cu." Case 4. — Oxford Horse. This case is included for its remarkable peculiarity of character, the writer having found no parallel to it in all his experience. The horse was seven years old, and was owned by a hotel-keeper in Oxford, Miss. He was remarkable for his extreme sensibility, courage, and fine form. Al- though perfectly gentle to handle or approach, he would not bear the least abuse or excitement. Being a fine sad- dle-horse, he could he mounted or dismounted in a building, but not outside the building with safety. If an effort were made to lead, mount, or dismount him outside of the build- ing, he would jump and pull away, striking and jumping with such fury as made him not only inimanageable, but really dangerous. As an illustration of his sensitiveness, the owner stated that once, desiring to shoe him, he was ridden to the blacksmith's, but refusing to go in, he was struck upon the shoulder with the end of the bridle-rein, and spoken to sharply. The resvdt was, lie took such a dislike OXFOED HOUSE. 419 to the blacksmith's shop that he never could be ritklen near one afterward, and was shod in his stable. Two traveling horse-taming parties, at different times, had visited Oxford, and tried their skill upon this case, both making a disastrous failure. When I visited the place, it was made a condition of success that this horse should be led, mounted or dismounted, in the street. And so it became a matter of either giving up the town, or taking him in hand. I never had jumped a town for any siich cause, and concluded I would not now. As a matter of experiment, I jiut on him two War Bridles, with over fifty feet of cord to each, and with the aid of a strong man led him out of the barn, Avhen such a desperate struggle com- menced, he to get away and we to hold him, as was, perhaps, never seen before. The moment he was o,utside he rushed forward, but being restrained, he lunged into the air more than fifty times, when we were glad to end it by running him into the stable as quickly as we could. Explaining to the class that he could not be successfully treated in a barn, he was mounted and ridden to a field a mile outside the town, followed by the class. The halter was now put on outside the bridle, and while still mounted, the rider ready to jump off, the hitching-strap was cautiously tied to his tail. When ready, the rider instantly jumped from his back, when he commenced the most violent struggle to free himself. As he went round with great rapidity, he struck and kicked with intense fury. When entirely helpless, he was quickly untied, the treatment reversed, and carried to the fullest extent to make him submit. -Oxford Horse. 420 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTKATIVE CASES. The first form of War Bridle was now put on, when, on his being untied, I instantly took him off his feet sidewise, following up so sharply that he could not resist, when he finally submitted to it. The experiment of mounting him was now made, but he resisted so violently by wheeling, jumping, and kicking, that the rider barely escaped being killed. He was again subjected to general treatment, which was carried to the utmost extreme of its power. The pre- caution was now taken to mount him while tied. This was successful, and he was soon made to stand gently to be mounted or dismounted while the head was free. On the way back to town, the better to test him, and fix the im- pression, he was frequently mounted and dismounted. Upon arriving at the public square, these tests were re- peated, and the horse led to the stable. This case caused me a great deal of anxiety, and it was only by the most careful management that it was made so decided a success. Case 5. — Hermon Horse. This horse Avas a seven-year old thoroughbred stallion, owned in Hermoji, N. Y. He was a bright bay, had a good head, was finely formed, and looked very much like Cruiser. He was raised in Canada, and according to report had killed a man there. He had not beeen broken to harness, and was kept shut up, and considered a very difiicult and dangerous horse to break. When I was advertised at Hermon, it was insisted as a condition of making a class that this horse be subdued and driven in harness. I was unable at the time to obtain any particulars about the horse, further than that of his being a wild, unbroken stallion, — a regular " man-eater." I had but one clue, — he was a thoroughbred, and such cases, no matter how vicious, I always found the best, or rather the easiest, subjects to subdue. This influenced me to strike WILKINS HOESB. 421 boldly for a large class, promising every man his money back if the horse could not be made perfectly gentle to drive in harness in forty minutes. Being compelled lo work in a barn, which was entirely unsuitable for such an experiment, the treatment had to be limited to Second and Third Methods, the Third being depended upon the most. He submitted to treatment in about thirty minutes, and drove to harness with entire success. Considering the pre- vious character of the horse, the success of the experiment was really remarkable, and far better than was expected by any one ; still there were a few jockeys who were bound to find fault. They claimed that the horse would not stay broken, and offered to bet $100 that he could not be han- dled or driven the next day. This I promptly met by of- fering to put up $500 against it that it could be done in a week from that time, when they backed down. Two days later, on my arrival at Russel, eight miles distant, I found the people had been so jirejudiced by the parties named, that it was necessary to make a special ef- fort there. To counteract such an impression, which I knew would spread and destroy confidence in my work, I telegraphed the owner to bring the horse there at my ex- pense and risk, which he did, leading him behind an open buggy. Upon testing him, which I did carefull_y, I found him perfectly gentle, hitched him before my buggy, with the breeching-straps loose, and drove him up and down hill, and through the streets generally with perfect satisfaction. Case G. — Wilkixs Horse. This is in some respects one of the most interesting cases which has been referred to, on account of the peculiar character and notoriety given him by the condi- tions of his subjection by me (specially referred to in Per- sonal Experience, page 51]). The last effort to break him 422 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. was two months before my visit there, when he wtis brought to a i^retentious horse-tamer, with orders to break or kill him ; but after a week's continuous effort, he was pro- nounced as " having no brains," and impossible to subdue. As a test experiment, he was controlled by me in about thirty minutes, in the presence of the owner and Mr. Bonner, in the last-named gentleman's stable. He was a well-bred trotting horse, nine years old, a bright bay of medium size, quiet and gentle ordinarily, but when excited by being touched or handled, he would kick and strike with great violence. Touching his nose or head would cause him to strike like a wild mustang, while to touch his feet, or to attempt to take them up, would make him kick desperately. A singular characteristic in this case, rarely to be found among domesticated horses, was, that if irritated he could repeat the resistance, if he tried, a thousand times in succession ; there seemed to be no let- up to him. When studied carefully, at such a time, it would be seen that the expression of the eye indicated the untamable nature of a wild animal. In moving, his tread and actions seemed to be like those of a cat. While stand- ing, he would, without moving, or changing the position of his ears, out of the corn&r of his eye watch every movement, seemingly listless, but ready at any moment to strike or kick. He had in fact the true mustang nature, with any amount of endurance, and was treacherous to the last degree. This hoi'se should have been subjected to the Second Method, which would have made his control simple and easy ; but the circumstances under which I was led to take him in hand compelled me to handle him in a box stall, and consequently I was limited to the Third Method, which was not in reality at all adapted to his case, and I barely succeeded with it. I have repeatedly stated that this WILKINS IIORSPI. 42J 424 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATI\^E CASES. method must not be used when the character is such that thei-e is inclination to bite the cheeks or lips, or when the head is interfered with, as there is then an inclination, as in the mustang nature, to strike, and the treatment will be difficult to api^ly. In this case the result Avas that both cheeks were badly bruised,=-= making him again very violent until cured, Avhen I applied the Second Method, subduing him in abouttwenty minutes. / •-" '^^YiJ \" I afterward gave exhibitions of his good character in the presence of Mr. Henry Bergh, Esq.. President of the So- • 1 n .1 -r> Vm. 288. — Wilkins Horse. ciety for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals, and other well-known gentlemen, when he Avas turned loose in the ring without anything on him, and submitted to handling wnth the docility of any gentle horse. This was one of the few exceptional cases that the most patient and kind treatment would have no effect upon. As an illustration, Dr. Braily, formerly Chief Veterinary Surgeon of U. S. Cavalry, a man of exceptionally large experience in handling horses, tried for over an hour, by scratching the mane, etc., to get his hand upon a certain part of the head, without being able to do it. He had claimed that there was no living horse whose head he could not in time by this method lay his hand upon. I told him it could not be done in this case; if it could, I would give him one hundred dollars ; that the only way it could be done was by proper subjective treat- *X'iuiJcr lixatment for such cases will be found in Medical Department. HILLMAN HORSE "JET." 42£ ment. As explained, he made the experiment, and failed completely ; yet in about fifteen minutes' treatment, I made the horse . stand gentle and allow his head to be rubbed or caressed in any manner. In these as well as in all other coiiditions of resistance requiring coerciAe meas- ures, kind treatment, as repeatedly explained, is to be depended upon as an aid in fixing and holding the character good. Case 7. — Hillman Horse " Jet." When the facts of this case are considered, it must be accepted as by far the most remarkable as well as interest- ing case yet referred to. He was a young stallion out of one of the best trotting horses in the State. He was but little over three years old, and of beautiful form. Not- withstanding the conditions of his treatment were of the best character, when but little past two years old, in defiance of all that could be done, he developed such an extremely vicious character as to become at once wholly uncontrollable. The circumstances under which I was induced to experiment upon this horse were as follows : In the early summer of 1875 I made a chance visit to Portland, Maine, where I had previously been in 1863, as explained in Personal Experience. Meeting Dr. Tewkes- bury, a leading physician and prominent citizen of that city, he said : " There is one of the most vicious young stallions here that has ever been known in the country, one of the worst brutes that ever lived. He is shut up in a building to prevent his injuring or killing any one. He nearly killed one man, Eben Howe, and seriously injured several others. If 3^ou can subdue him, you will prove your ability to subdue any horse, and show that you are the greatest horse-tamer in the world." , As he could give no particulars of the disposition, and 426 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. being there ou business with no time or inclination to give the matter any serious consideration, I soon after left for the West. A few weeks after, I received a letter from Rev. A. P. Ilillman, the owner, asking whether such a horse could be broken; saying that unless I could come there and break him, he must be shot. I wrote him that I intended to visit Maine the following spring, and from the explanation given of the horse, I thought I should have no difficulty in his subjection. I advised him not to allow the horse to be annoyed or molested in any way, to give Fig. 2S9. — Hillman Horse "Jet." apples, etc., occasionally. Upon arriving in the State in the following spring, I went to see the 'horse privately ; and upon a careful examination, concluded I could not prudently experiment upon him before a class, and so announced I would take him in hand immediately after the close of the season's business, at which time I went to Portland for that purpose. Desiring to make the experi- ment a perfectly fair one, I appointed a special committee of three leading citizens to invite a few representative horsemen to be present to witness his subjection. It being feared by those interested that I would play some under- handed game, giving the horse medicine, or something that would control him for the present, a special committee was HILLMAN HOESB "JET. 427 428 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. appointed to acconipauy me from the time I got up in the morning until the horse was brought forward for treatment. The real difficulty in the management of this case was in getting to him safely, and taking him from his stable to the place of exhibition. This, however, I was fortunate enough to do without accident. Knowing by his tempera- as led into Portland before being subdued. ment that the First ancl Second Methods would liave but little if any effect upon him, I determined, as a matter of experiment, to try by the Second Method to influence him sufficiently to enable applying the Third safely, but failed. He was so sullen that he could not be made to turn sufficiently fast to affect him. It being entirely unsafe to give his .head sufficient freedom while upon his feet to apply the cord, he was thrown down by First Method. As HILLMAN HOUSE "JET. 429 430 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. expected, he did not resist it, proving it entirely powerless in his case as a method of subjection. He was subjected next to full pressure. For full fifteen minutes his resistance was desperate, running, jumping, and throwing himself, when he finally ceased all resistance, and in twenty-four minutes all pressure was removed. He was now hitched up and driven perfectly gentle, after which he was turned loose in the midst of the crowd, with not even a halter upon him, and proved perfectly gentle and safe. He was then taken charge of by a good practical horseman, Mr. Robinson, whom I charged to treat the horse with the most perfect kindness and care, and to go to his stable a dozen times a day, rub, caress, give apples, etc., which in- structions were carefully carried out. On the following Monday, as a matter of precaution, he was subjected to the Second Method, to which he now re- sponded promptly, after which he was harnessed and driven for about two hours. A week afterward, as previously ad- vertised, he was taken into the street in front of the Prebles House, unharnessed, led around, and shown to be as gentle as any ordinary driving-horse. Two weeks afterward, on the 4th of July morning, he was driven by me in a street procession, proving one of the safest and gentlest horses in the crowd. After the subjection of this horse, a chance occurrence nearly destroyed the good effect of all I had done. While the horse was standing with a crowd around him, I was called away for a moment. I was scarcely outside the building when I heard a great uproar inside. I went quickly back, when the sight that presented itself was most startling. The horse which I had left there so quiet and gentle was now under the greatest excitement, running from one side of the building to the other, with head up and eyes flashing fire, the people panic-stricken, and every HILLMAN UOESE "JKT." 431 man running for his life, and climbing up the sides of the building for safety. The better to understand the condition of things, I will explain that the experiment was made in a building about 75x100 feet in dimensions, that had for- merly been used for a riding-school. Back of this was a stable running across the entire breadth, with an open door- way about ten feet wide between. In this stable were standing about twenty horses. While I was out, he sud- denly became conscious of the presence of these horses, and went racing around trying to get to them. When I reached the door, I saw at once that he must be caught in- stantly, or the effect of the treatment would be entirely de- stroyed. In addition, should he get into the stable behind me, tiie result would be very serious. Keeping between him and the horses in the opposite stable, I ran quickly forward to his shoulder and grasped the mane firmly, and as he ran along, passed the other hand down over his nose and succeeded in stopping him. Three times he broke away, but by great effort I regained my hold. His old nat- ure was fast getting control of him, as several times he tried to reach back and bite my legs, and I saw that I must get him under control quickly, or run. The fourth time I held him, and i-an him into a corner against the wall, where was a high manger. While holding him, I induced a man who was standing upon the manger trying to get away, to put on the halter, which was with some difficulty done. With this once on, he was immediately as docile and quiet as if nothing had occurred. This incident, trifling as it may seem, caused me as much anxiety as taking him out of his stall a few hours before, but occurring without accident, it passed off with- out a comment. To show the great interest with which the subjection of this case was regarded, I include a synopsis of editorials from the press of the city, also an article from Mr. Robinson, a well-known citizen : 432 SUBJECTION.— ILL USTKATIVE CASES. " Horse-Training — Wonderful Performance. " The announcement tliat the well known Hillman horse was to be trained at the South-street stable drew a large crowd yes- terday morning, as this horse is known to be one of the worst cases on record. Some few gentlemen, including representatives of the morning papers, took carriages, and drove out to the resi- dence of Rev. A. P. Hillman, near the Reform School, to see Pro- fessor Magner in his first attenqit to handle the animal. . . " Last September he was placed in a large box -stall, and had not been taken out until yesterday morning. ... In this condi- tion Jet was led from the stall for the first time in eight months. The line of march was taken up for the city, a man on either side holding by the cords attached to him. All the residents on the way were in waiting to see the wonderful horse pass, and on reach- ing the city a large crowd followed the horse and his trainer to the stable. " The stable was thronged on the arrival, and after giving the horse a slight rest, Mr. Magner commenced upon him. We can- not give the method of training, for it would be telling the secret by which he governs horses. Suffice it to say that in just twen- ty-five minutes the striking, dangerous horse was as mild as a lamb. He was turned loose, and wandereil about among the horsemen as though ho were an old truck-horse. The trainer jumped upon his back, and afterward harnessed him to a wagon, and drove about without the least strap to keep the wagon from striking his heels. The gathering was composed almost exclusively of horsemen, and each and every one of them pronounced the horse under perfect control, and they votixl the jjrofessor a vote of thanks." — Portland Press. "'Jet' Conquered. An Interesting Exhibition' of Horse-taming. "When Magner first entered the stall, the demon in the brute showed itself in the most striking manner liy frantic efforts to seize him with his teeth, rushing around his nari'ow quarters like a caged tiger, while the red flash of his wild eyes would have de- terred many strong men from aj^proaching him. But the pro- fessor paid little heed to the wicked manifestations of this modern Bucephalus, and, taking advantage of his quiet seconds, firmly se- cured his head with cords, slipped a large hood over his head ; and thus blindfolded and fastened in the strongest possible mannei', handsome 'Jet' was led in triumph to the city, and taken to the old riding-school on South-.street, arriving there shortly aftm- !) o'clock. A largo number of people interested in horses, including HILLMAIST HORSE "JET." 433 nearly every physician in the city, were assembled at this place; and, on the stallion's arrival, many were the comments on his re- markable beauty of form and color, as well as the strength and supple grace which every movement revealed. "At 10 o'clock Professor Magner cleared the place of all spec- tators excepting those holding tickets of invitation fi'om the com- mittee having charge of the exhibition, and proceeded to carry out the promise of his circular. " Of course, the peculiar method by which, in a wonderfully brief time, one of the most savage stallions in the State was so completely concpiered that he was harnessed to a carriage and driven around the enclosed yard, fast or slow, as suited, as well as backing, stopping instantly at the word, ' Whoa!' besides various other things, — all proving that the demon had been, temporarily at least, exorcised, — cannot be stated; but it was surely done." — Portland Argus. "Sketch of the Noted Hillman Horse, 'Jet.' " BY C. G. ROBINSOS, ESQ., " Who took charge of him. after being xubdiied. " I have known ' Jet' since he was foaled. He has been known as the finest and most promising colt of his age in the State, being of the best trotting blood. He has attracted the most widespread notice for his remarkable viciousness. Ho would look at a man pleasantly, yet Ijite, strilce, or kick, as soon as within reach, and would fight as coolly and desperately as a bull-dog. If he could not reach the person with his fore feet or mouth, he woidd wheel and kick with the quickness of a mule. Any one havmg a little experience with him once, let him alone afterwards. When but eighteen months old, Ik; was taken for exliibition to the Lewiston fair. It was with great difficulty that he was taken out after standing in the car two days, and ho was not, in consequence, en- tered for competition. His exploits at this age were numerous. For instance, a horseman who did not fear any horse, could nut be prevailed upon to keep away, and, though warned to keep out, incautiously .stepped into 'Jet's' department; when, cjuiek as a flash, upon getting near enough, 'Jet' cornered and crushed liim under his feet with mouth and hoofs. When that man was i-es- cued, which was with great difficulty, he needed no more admo- nitions to keep away. At different times foolhardy individuals were cornered in this manner at Lewiston; and each time the horse had to be clubbed to rescue them. Though notoriously vicious, being remarkably fine in form and action, a great cftbrt was made to use him for breeding. He was put in the care of Mr. Jacob Bailey, of Hiram, a hoi-.se-bi'e.aker who was highly rcc- 28 434 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. oniineiided in tlic language, 'If he cannot break him, ni) man can.' J\lr. P5ailey had him but a short time, when he wrote tlie owner that ho coukl not manage him at all, and that he must take the horse away ; in fact, the hor.se came near killing him. Then a Southern colored man, who had been used to taking care of blooded horses in the South, was reconnnended very highly to take him, and was employed by the owner. He iiad him but a few days before he was beaten. Then, with much difficulty, with strapping and binding he was carried to Portland. In leading liim from the cars to the stable, he got the man under him, who was rescued ■with difficulty from his ferocious fuiy. ' ' Mr. Richardson and Eben Howe, two of our most experienced and successful horsemen, now took him in hand. Tliey attached ropes to his feet and head, tied up one foot, taking evciy precau- tion they could, and undertook to lead him to his owner's stable between them. In his efforts to re.sist, and of the men to hold him, Mr. Richardson's rope broke, when the horse at once jumped for Mr. Howe, catching him by the breast of his thick overcoat, lifting him from the floor as if only a mere toy (Mr. Howe will weigh abovit ISO pounds), threw him down, and came down upon him with his knees, holding his grip with the tenacity of a tiger (Mr. Hillman's words). Mr. J. Jewell, stable-keeper on Centre-street, grabbed a hay-fork and hit the horse three times heai'ily upon the back of the head, while another man liit him in the same place with the butt of a heavy black whip; but his grip was only loos- ened by thi-usting the fork-handle between his jaws abo\-e the nip- ])ers, and thus his mouth was pried open. Mr. Howo was S(j seri- ously injured that he was unal)le to attend to his duties for a long time; indeed, it was regarded fortunate, so bad were his injuries, that ho was able to regain his health even then.* By being tied and hampered in the most effective manner that skill and ingenu- ity could suggest, he was led to Mr. Hillman's place in Cape Eliz- abeth, where he was kept confined for nearly nine months, vmtil taken out two weeks ago, and subdued in the presence of our lead- ing citizens by Prof. Magner. Such is but a brief outline of the character of this most remarkable horse. It is admitted by all that he was the most vicious horse of any age ever known in this country." Case 8. — Norwalk Horse. This case is referred to mainly to show the value of proper treatment. When at Norwalk, Ohio, I had a large *Mr. Hone was present at the time of "Jet's " subjection, and was still an in- valid from the effects of his injuries. ALLEGAN " MAN-EATEE.' 435 class, and among other interesting subjects brought in for experiment, was one having the following history : — A gentleman in the place raised a fine, four-year old colt. In trying to break him, he took to kicking and running away. Several horse-breakers tried to break him, but failed. The last trial was made by two horse-tamers, who, after working upon him two weeks, not only utterly failed, but injured him seriously by their severe treatment. Upon my arrival there, he was about seven years old, and had been running loose about two years. This horse was medium sized, Avell bred, very intelligent, and naturally easy to manage, but had been made vicious by ignorant, abusive treatment. The owner brought him on condition that I should bi'eak him. Upon looking him over, I stated to the class that there would be no trouble whatever in breaking this horse, that he was one of the best subjects yet brought in. He was subjected to First Method, to which he yielded readily. But as a matter of precaution, he was subjected afterward to Second Method, when he was put in harness and driven gently without further treatment. Next day at one o'clock, as previously announced, he was driven without breeching through the streets. Though going at a fast trot, and distant fully six or eight rods, he could be stopped or started by Avord of command. He was afterward used as a family driving horse. Case 9. — Allegan "Man-Eater." In explanation of this case, I will include statements and reports published at the time, " The Allegan 'Man-Eater,' the ' Cruiser' of America. "Science vs. Strength. "About the first of January last, Prof. Magner came to this place, and opened an amphitheater for the training and subj ugation 436 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES of wild and vicious horses. At first his claims were looked upon with suspicion and distrust hy horsemen and the public generally; and only after the most exhaustive and convincing proofs of his truly wonderful ner-\e and skill were exhibited, was he enabled to establish himself in theu* confidence. " From here he removed to Plainwell, where he met with still greater success, receiving a public testimonial signed by one hundred and fifty of the loading citizens of that place. But it was reserved for Allegan to bring a final test-case. A horse by nature of the most desperate and vicious character was brought in. He had previously killed one man, and crippled several for life, and severely injured many other.s. He had been owned by Dr. Way, of Otsego, an accomplished and skillful horseman. FiQ. 293 — AUegau " Man-eater." " When brought into the ring, the horse exhibited all the pecid- inr traits of his character: his eyes became bloodshot, and gleamed like balls of fire ; he sprang at his trainer Uke a wild beast, biting, striking, and kicking in the most determined manner, breaking the ropes and stakes, springing upon the seats, and throwing them down, tearing pieces from the center-pole with his teeth, lunging at any person who met his eye, actually screaming with rage when foiled in his attempts to seize his intended victims. Nearly every person was driven from the tent, some in their haste tearing holes in the canvas, and escaping through the roof. It w^as a truly exciting and desperate struggle of science against strength, which lasted for full three hours, when the fury of the beast gave way before the superior intellect and science of man, and the horse be- came perfectly docile, allowing himself to be handled with ease and safety, triumphantly vindicating the truth and practicability of Prof. Magner's theory. Tlie next day the horse was handled ALLEGAN "MAN-EATEE." 437 by strangers witli perfect safety, and driven upon the streets. Altogether, it was one of the most remarkable cases ever witnessed in this country, as he was in all respects as vicious as the noted English horse Cruiser. We do not write this as a puff, but to illustrate the perfection to which the science of horse-training has been brought by Prof. Magner. Many of our citizens who failed to attend his lectures here, are now regretting not having done so. His great success recently in New York, where he is indorsed in the strongest manner by all the best horsemen, including Mr. Bonner, Mr. Bergh, and even the clergy, proves him to be a man of real merit ; and were he to come here again, we predict for him a flattering reception." — Kalamazoo fMich.j Gazette. " His History (by Dr. Way, who Owned Him, and whose Brother He had Killed), which was Requested by the Class for Publication. "The 'Updike Horse,' better known as 'Man-Eater,' from his remarkable viciousness, was out of the Canada horse ' Lyon ' and a Messenger mare. He was a wonderfully wild colt, and would kick and strike at any one who approached or annoyed him. "When three years old, he was caught with a lasso for the purpose of castrating him. In the attempt to do so, after being- confined, he broke the ropes by which he was tied, and got away, and it took several men with horses nearly all day to catch him and complete the operation. It was found impossible to take the sticks off next day, and he was allowed to run, to die or not, in consequence. He ran wild afterward until five years old, when he was sold to Nathan Austin, who, after being seriously injured by him, succeeded in getting him in harness to plow by the side of a gentle horse, and plowed him all day with one of his fore feet tied up, notwithstanding which he would kick and strike next morning as bad as ever. " By long-continued, severe, exhausting work of this kind, he finally could bed him down in stall and handle him a little. " Mr. E. Higgins got him next. In his efforts to drive him, he kicked himself loose, destroying the wagon, and defieil for a long- time the utmost efforts of three men to catch him, and after being put in stall no one dared to approach him. In two weeks he was sold to Mr. Lewis Hadden, from whom he got away in the attempt to drive him, and it was with the greatest effort that he was finally caught ; and after the most violent effort could finally be handled by Mr. Hadden, but by no one else. He kicked and nearly killed one of his boys, and he sold him to John Hogle. In a short time he became so vicious that he could not be let out of the barn or approached. 438 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. " A company of horse-tamers next agreed to break him. They succeeded by a laiiat rope in getting some of theii- rigging on him, but he soon was loose, kicking and running in the street with a number of ropes, etc., attached to him. After a great ettbrt, and taking neai-ly all day, he was caught. They promised to break him next day, but that night they left, leaving their ropes and straps on tlie horse. " I bought liim next. He was very poor and weak, and I put him in the barn, did nothing to aggravate him, tried to give him some oats in a dish, but he kicked and sti'uck at me. I kept trying hii^i in this way for several days, until I could approach and handle him a little. In the attempt to drive him in double harness, he kicked himself loose, breaking the wagon to pieces. '■ About a month after this he struck and kicked me, and I only saved my life by rolling under the manger, where I had to remain until relieved by neighbors. He would now kick or strike any one approaching him, injuring quite a number, one man from Kalamazoo getting three ribs and one arm broken by liim. He kicked and struck my brother when he was attempting to feed him, not only killing him, but in his fury literally mangling his body by striking and kicking it about in the stall. " After this he was not approached or touched by any one for several weeks. " Another party of horse-tamers next took him in hand, and after working with him for two days, could not do anything with him — not even put a blanket on him, or take their ropes off After leaving my hands, at least a dozen horsemen and horse-tamers tried to break him, and all failed, and he was recognized and be- came known as the most dangerous and vicious horse in the State, if not in the country. " He has been driven every day since you handled him (one week). He is not in the least injured, and continues as gentle and manageable as he was the day you handled him. " It is needless for me to say that all your class here wLsh you the greatest success in your humane efforts. All would be glad to have you come back. I am, with great respect, "A. B. Way, M. D. " Otsego, Allegan Co., Mich." All the methods of subjection were used upon this case to their utmost limit, without any restrictions as to injury, as the horse was considered worthless, the question of in- terest being, Can the horse be subdued ? ALLRCtAN ••'MAN-EATER. 4:!!) 440 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTKATIVE CASES. Case 10. — Roberts Hoksi:. I include tliis case because it was the first I'eally vicious stallion subdued by me ; also to show the bad effects of I'ough treatment, and the facility with which a horse that has been even very vicious can be made gentle when the treatment is right. This was an " Ethan Allen " stallion, about eight or nine years old, owned by a gentleman named Roberts, in Utica, N. Y., at the time supervisor of the fifth dis- trict of that city. The horse had previously been of such good character that he was used as a family driver. A groom in the habit of drinking occasion- ally, Avas emijloyed to take charge of him ; and to make him show up, was in the habit of wliii^ping him until he grew vicious and got to fighting. The owner, hearing of this, discharged the man, and took charge of the horse himself; Avhen, the first he knew, the horse pitched suddenly at him, biting him, and undoubtedly would have killed him had not two men who happened near driven the horse off with rails. When I visited the city, the horse had been confined to his stall for seven months, fed through a hole or window in the wall, it not being considered safe for any one to go near him. In consequence of his serious injuries, Mr. Roberts was yet confined to his room, a helpless invalid. As a condition of doing anything there, the citizens insisted that I should first subdue this horse. Consentina; to make Fig. 295. — Roberts Horse. EGBERTS HORSE. 441 the experiment, I was accompanied by the Butterfiekl brothers, one of them proprietor of a hirge livery stable, the other better known as General Butterfield, Mr. Golden, a well-known merchant and horseman, and the reporters of the Telegraph and Utica Herald, to Mr. Roberts' residence in the upper part of the city. When these gentlemen saw the vicious character of the horse, fearing I would get injured and they censured for it, they unanimously requested that I would have nothing to do with him, saying that if I would not, they would do all they could to help me form a class. I told them to borrow no trouble about me, to keep out of my way ; that the experiment must now be made, and I would take care of myself. I was fortunately able to get the horse out of his stall without serious difficulty, and into a small yard or open wagon house, on one side of which was a loft or haymow, where the gentlemen named seated themselves, beyond the reach of possible harm. It is necessary to explain here that at this time I had no well-defined theory of manage- ment, simply doing the best I could to adapt my efforts to the control of such cases as were bi'ought me for experi- ment. Usually I succeeded fairly, sometimes quite flatter- ingly, though not unfrequently, when compelled to take some exceptionally bad case, I made more or less failure. I had repeatedly heard of this case, but was cautioned by friends to have nothing to do with him. But having a desire to see the horse, and not knowing just how to pro- ceed, I was betrayed into the promise of taking him in hand ; and once starting in the matter, I was bound to go through at all hazards. Still I made no special preparations, and in fact had with me but a simple War Bridle cord. Having the horse out in the yard, as stated, controlled by two long ropes fastened to his bridle and held by myself and assistant, the question arose in my mind, What shall 442 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. I do next ? I could not safely let go or put on any rigging. In fact, I had none. Without stopping to consider, I resolved to take the only chance open for me, that of com- bating him in the most simple and direct manner. He was a wonderfully quick, energetic fellow, and just as vicious as he was quick, having no idea but to jump at a man. Should I succeed, his control would be simple and easy, whereas if I failed I should be completely helpless and in his power, the result of which would be serious if not fatal to me. A supreme effort was my only chance, and I prepared to make it. 1 took as short hold of the rope as I could with safety, measured the chances, and said to the other man, '• Let go." The moment the horse was given freedom, he jumped for me. At the same instant I sprang for his tail, which I was barely able to catch and hold. The struggle now was for me to hold on and keep upon my feet while going around rapidly. I barely suc- ceeded, soon making him so helpless that I could safely let go and reverse a few times, after which I quickly" put on the War Bridle, and made him feel all the power I could exert with it. The whole time of doing this was not more than five or six minutes, when he became completely docile, following me around and allowing me to handle him as I pleased. I now advised that he be treated kindly, given apples, petted, and put to work. He was driven almost daily afterward, while I was in the city, by members of the family, proving as safe and gentle for use as he was in the first place. When I look back upon this experiment, and consider all the circumstances, I regard it as one of the most sue cessful I ever made. It was, at the same time, so fool- hardy that after mature experience I would have hesi- tated long before taking such a risk. It would be simple and easy enough in ordinary cases ; but when the horse ROBEETS HORSE. 443 is extremely vicious and quick, there are two sources of danger : First, of being kicked while catching the tail, on which account it cannot be safely attempted with mustangs or horses of this character ; second, of missing the tail, or of inability to run fast enough to keep up with the horse in his rapid circular motion. In which case there would be no alternative but to let go or be dragged under the fore feet. In either case, should the horse be really vicious, as in the present instance, I would have been brought within reach of his mouth, helpless to resist his biting or striking, which would be extremely perilous. Case 11. — Mustang Pony. The question is frequently asked, Can any horse be subdued ? Practically there is no horse that cannot be subdued ; but I will refer to a case, the only one I ever found, that would not yield to treatment, though I am con- vinced tliat with time and proper opportuirity there would be no real difliculty in making even this case manageable. Two years before my visiting the northern part of New York, there had been shipped into that part of the country seven car-loads of wild mustangs. Two of these ponies, up to the time of my coming, could not be broken, and one of these is the subject referred to here. At North Lawrence I had for subjects a six-year old, runaway, kicking mare that had not been harnessed in two years, and a cream- colored mustang pony. As was often the case, there was nothing said about the bad character of this pony, but there was something about his appearance that I could not understand, and had never seen in any other horse. He crouched up in a corner, apparently indifl'erent to all around him, his head down, and his ears, which were heavy and long as a mule's, thrown back and out. His under lip was large, and hung down, leaving his mouth in appearance 444 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVR CASES. \)a,rt\y open. The eyes were large, showing the sullen expression of a wild animal. A very noticeable feature was the extreme size of his nostrils. The fist could almost be put in one of them. An indifferent look at him would indicate a rather scrawny, low-necked, pot-bellied, dirty, long-haired fellow ; but a closer examination showed won- derfully large bone and muscle for a horse of his size. I stated there would be no difficulty in making the mare drive gently Avithin fifteen minutes ; but I did not know whart I could do Avith the mustang, as he appeared to be one of the worst horses I ever saw, and not a suitable subject to experiment upon before a class. Upon ti'ial, the mare submitte(J to treatment perfectly in about twelve minutes, Avas driven on the following day to the next town, and remained gentle afterward. Upon cautiou,sly testing the mustang, he exhibited the most fearful resistance. If a stick Avere pointed at him, or he were touched in any part of the body, he AA^ould jump, strike, and kick several times in succession, then crouch into the farthest corner, rolling his eyes, snorting, and bloAving like a bellows. He was Avith great difficulty subjected to Second and Third Methods, Avhich were carried to the farthest limit prudent. WhUe under pressure, he Avould sometimes strike and kick desperately, then again stand sullen, doing nothing ; finally seeming to submit, the moment the pressure Avas removed he resisted as badly as before. It Avas the same in relation to the Second Method ; he would either go rapidly around a few times, or stand sullenly, refusing to go around, regardless of the most severe punishment, several times dropping down upon his belly; yet the moment he was free, he would fight as recklessly as ever. After bringing out his bad character, the owner stated frankly that the horse Avas really Avorthless, and could not be broken, and we were at fuU liberty to see what Ave could MUSTANG PONT. 445 do with him. Consequently it became a matter of consid- erable importance to subdue him, and the full force of treatment was used upon him for two hours, without seem- ing to have the least permanent effect. It is jjroper to state that the First Method was not at all suitable for this case, as this class of horses, when the leg is tied up, will either throw themsch'es violently or drop down upon the belly sullenly, while the War Bridle would have no effect upon him. The better to explain his peculiarly lithe, desperate char- acter, after being treated for nearly tAvo hours, with one leg tied up, he dro2:iped forward upon his head, turned cle.ir over like a wheel, and came forward upon his feet, making a complete somersault without any seem- ing effort; and the next instant he jumped clear of the ground, sti'uck, and kicked out furiously with both hind feet. I give a good portrait of his head, also an illustra- tion of this remarkable feat, which was witnessed by the entire class. He was several times brought under sufficient control to be harnessed in shafts and driven quietly for perhaps a minute, but with the first freedom he would fight back with the same insane fury as before. I made the statement that such a horse could not practically be broken before the class, and I doubted whether anybody could break him. Fig. 396. — The mustang. 446 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. The owner, a strong, practical man, laughed, saying he believed he could break him, anyhow he should make a thorough trial ; as much as to say, I will show you that I can break a horse that you cannot. Weeks afterward, he infoi'med me that he made the most thorough trial, not only woi'king "with him for days, but actually almost starv- ing him, withovit having the least effect upon him. My time being limited, T could not continue the treat- FiG. 297. — The Mustang iu the aut of turuing over, as described. ment longer. In addition, an indispensable condition of success was stopping when greatly excited, and repeating when cool, and treating him slowly in connection with the utmost kindness. But not being able to make a perfect success of the experiment, about half of the class demanded a return of their money, and received it. This made a good deal of stir and talk, as it was considered a great thing to find a horse that we could not manage ; and I knew it would go like wild fire, and prejudice the people against me in that part of the country. I made a special request that aU MUSTANG PONY. 447 present would meet me at the next town, and bring their friends with them. On the day following, there was a big crowd assembled, and evidently the tide of feeling was decidedly against me. It was my usual custom to simply explain what I could teach and do, then amuse the audience by the performances of the ponies, which was of itself one of the best illustrations that could be given, showing the value of intelligent treatment. But on this occasion some- thing more substantial was needed, and I prepared myself for the emergency. I had the people assemble in a hall, and commenced by explaining the singular adaptation of the domestic animals to the wants and re(|uirements of the people among whom they are found in the difTerent parts of the world. I then referred to the different peculiari- ties of character common to each family or class, and followed by an explanation of the changes produced by chance causes, making the inference clear that exceptions were possible, either from a lack of intelligence or extreme wildness, which would make their training and management extremely difticult. I pointed to the fact that one of the horses treated the day before, and driven there that day by the owner perfectly gentle, was broken, as proinised, by less than fifteen minutes' treatment, a horse that twenty- four hours before it was not supposed could be successfully managed by any man in the country. I then took up the principles of subjection with their effects (as explained in this and in first chapter), and finally referred to the general success and appreciation of my efforts. All seemed to see the point, and I made a large class. Even those of the day before who took their money back, voluntarily subscribed anew. The result of this was an overwhelming success, and interest that was almost unprecedented in my experience throughout the country. 448 SUBJECTION.— ILLUSTEATIVE CASES. The other pony referred to was found a few weeks afterward at Brush's Mills, in the same county, where I had a large class. The case yielded to treatment in about thirty minutes, allowing himself to be ridden or driven gently. His subjection was so thorough that on the day following he was driven to a buggy to the next point of engagement, about eight miles distant, proving perfectly gentle and manageable. CHECKING AND BLINDERS.* Cruelty of Checking. — In sitting, walking, or standing, every person knows how tiresome it is to maintain one posi- tion very long, and that a frequent change of position is equiv- alent to resting. It would be comparatively easy to move the hand up or down, which could be done almost indefi- nitely with out much in- convenience ; but to hold it in one position perpendicularly or hor- FiG. 298. — The horse with over-check. izontally, would soon be come extremely tire- some and difficult ; in fact, so much so that it would be impossi ble to hold it out hor- izontally longer than a few minutes. A French subordinate officer, as a punishment, marched his soldiers all day with- -Let the drivers try it. ♦This article is supplementary. Fifi. 299. — Horse iu nature. out allowing them the regulation freedom of changing the position of their arms, which so in- jured them that it was regarded sufficient cause for inflicting upon him the penalty of death. Now, checking hors- es, and forcing them to hold their heads unnat- [1] CHECKING AND BLINDERS. urally high and keeping them thus arbitrarily in a fixed position, as I notice to be generally practiced, frequently all day, while perhaps being rapidly driven or worked hard, must be almost equally trying and painful for them to bear, and in connection with the use of blinders is so much of a fault that it cannot but be regarded as the greatest ingratitude and a crime to so faithful and useful a servant. But custom, when once fixed, no matter how unreasonable or cruel it may be, would seem to transcend even the limits of reason and common sense. It may be mentioned that even the prime-minis- ter of England would not have the door of his house opened by the hand of a woman in Flo. 301.— Both methods of cheeking. answer to the call of a visitor ; it must be done by a liveried servant. Neither would he appear in Fleet Street, London, without a regulation hat on ; for so inexorable is the custom of society, that either would be regarded sufficient to ostracise him socially. In China the so- cial standing of a lady is determined by the extreme small n ess of her feet, and to reduce their size to the smallest degree possible, they are subjected to the most cruel com- Fio. 302. — Long nails. Absurd Chinese custom. pression from infancy, which leaves her little more than a helpless, hobbling cripple ; while the social standing of the men is regulated by the length of the finger nails, which are protected with the greatest assiduity, until they grow to a CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 3 degree that interferes in a very serious manner with the use and freedom of the hands. Even the lowest savages are en- slaved by the same inexorably law. This we see shown in a thousand different ways, many of them at the expense of even the most extreme and long-continued torture. Thus, certain tribes of the American Indians flatten and compress the head of the child with a board, while savages in other portions of the world distort different parts of the body in different ways, tattooing, filing and coloring the teeth, wearing rings in the Fig. 303. — As the heads of gentle driving horses are frequently checked up, as referred to in text. nose and lips, inserting blocks of wood or rings in the under lip and some parts of the face — the greater the extreme, the higher the proof of gentility. Now this custom of using arbitrary checks upon horses for giving fictitious style to them in driving, at the expense of a great deal of comfort, freedom, and vital force, is of the same foolish character, which, in the hands of ignorant people espe- cially, has become so very common as to demand the most seri- ous effort to- prevent it. i CHECKING AND BLINDERS. Cropping and Docking. — In accordance with these ridiculous notions, introduced, perhaps, by some titled fool, it was the custom in England, about forty years ago, to crop horses' ears and manes, illustrations of which are given from an old English work, showing the method of doing it. Thirty years ago, in this country, it was common in every neighborhood to see horses with their tails "cut off and nicked," which required their standing for weeks in the stable with the tail drawn up with pulleys, and this even at the risk (which often occurred) of so much inflammation setting in as to cause the falling out of the hair of the tail, or of producing tetanus and the loss of Fig. 304. — The head as usually drawn up with tlie uverdraw check. the horse, which was not infrequent. This was carried to such an extreme by many, that it became the point of ambition of the professional dealer to have a horse with the shortest and most elevated tail, with a short tuft of hair hanging to it. To show that this is true, I give an illustration of such, copied from the English work before named. This custom, absurd as it may seem, was as common about a generation ago as the overdraw check is now. CHECKING AND BLINDERS. the flisconifort and paiu of high cbeckiug. HighChecking.— Soon after the inauguration of trotting, it was found that horses of cer- tain temperament and form could be made to trot more reliably and faster by holding the head checked high, and soon consid- erable ingenuity was displayed in the development of the best methods of doing this. This was resorted to with the same object with which toe weights Fio. 30.5.— A gentle family horse; showing and other means are now used, to hold and force more reliably in the trotting gait. Down to about fifteen years ago the check in general use consisted of a simple strap, the ends of which were attached to the rings of the bit, passed through the lugs on each side attached to the throat-latch, and back to the saddle-hook. The shorter the strap, and the higher these lugs were placed, the higher the head was necessarily drawn up and back. A good illustration of the extreme of such checking is shown in Fig. 316. Various improvements were made on this method, based mainly, now in addition to the points explained in raising the lugs, or in attaching them well up near the head-piece of the bridle ; next, in passing the strap through the rings of the bit, and attaching to the cheek pieces of the bridle, making the purchase straighter up on the head, and giving con- siderable pulley purchase up and back upon the bit. Various mod- ifications have been made of this form, in connection with powerful „ o..., .r> ^- . t, i « ' ^ Fio. 307.— One position ol head of curb bits, with the object of ele- the horse referred to in text. Fig. 306. — The family horse trying to relieve himself from the restraint of the check. CHECKING AND BLINDERS. Fig. 308. — The horse trying to re- lieve himself from the tor- ture of the overdraw check. vating the heads of fancy carriage teams in the principal cities of this country and England. Figs. 318 and 321 are fair representations of the modern popular form. Finally a change was made, — that of passing the strap, one end of which was divided and connected with the rings of the bit, back over the head, and attaching it to the sad- dle-hook, which was called the Kim- ball-Jackson check. The next change was that of placing an extra small steel bit in the mouth, with a strap attached across the nose to hold it in place, which was con- nected to an extra strap passed up to the top of the head piece, on which a patent was taken. It was introduced, I believe, by a man named Carroll. This was improved upon by an extra strap, bringing the check-lugs rather high on the bridle, and connecting the rein di- rectly with this extra bit. The next step was to attach branch- es of a straight strap directly to the nose-piece or rings of this extra bit, and pass it back over the head to the water-hook, as now used, not only simplifying it, but giving the m.ost arbitrary power of keeping the head ele- vated. No matter what the form or temper of the horse, this form of check holds the head up so ar- bitrarily that the horse is helpless to resist it, giving the appearance o,i r^ t 41, ••• of style, especially in those that Fio. 310. — One of the positions J > I J the horse assumes in trying ii> carry the head rather low, and obtain relief from the pain hence their popularity with deal- of the chock referred to in text. ers. These improvements were Fic. 309. — Throwing the head up to obtain relief from the check. CHECKING AND BLINDERS. Common method of pulling the tail up after being niclied. brought into use, as has been stated before, by the professional trainer, for the sole purpose of mak- ing horses trot steadier and faster ; but on account of the appearance of style which they forced the horse to indicate, and the pride most people exhibit in trying to give their horses the semblance of superior form and style which it conveys, as well as to imitate, as far as they can, the efforts of the pro- fessional trainer of trot- ters, they have, during the past decade, come into very general use. It may be worthy of mention that this check is peculiar to this country, not being, as far as I know, used in any other country, only the old form, with its modi- fications, being used in Europe. In England it is known as the " bearing-rein." In originally usingthis check, or bearing-rein, Fig. 312.— One of the methods used to hold the tail up after upon driving being nicked. horses, the ob- ject has been to use only so much restraint as would pre- vent the horse from throwing the head down below the breast, and to curtail the head to its natural position, or slightly below it, which is not seriously objectionable. CHECKING AND BLINDERS. In training Colts, a simple method of training the mouth is that of bitting, or putting on what is termed a "bitting rig," and accustoming the colt to submit the head up and back to the restraint of the bit, an illustration of which I give in the chapter on "Colt Training." When done properly, it is a valuable aid in training the mouth ; but it is not sufficient in itself, because by this means the advantage of a dead pressure only , ... r . ^ Fia. .313.— TaU clocked and can be obtamed ; whereas it is necessary nicked to teach him to sub- mit to flexible re- straint, which is the real object to be attained, and this can be done best by direct training with the bit. When this is done, pulling gently but firmly upon the mouth ,, ,|, with the bit will ' bring the head up Fio. 314. — Horse with h ijrgcd mane. and back and keep it, without any ap- parent restraint, even higher than can be accomplished with a check, where- as, if dependent up- on checking only, and especially if checked rather high, the muscles of the neck becoming fa- tigued, to ease and relieve this, the Fiq. 315. — A. cropped horse, referred to in text. CHECKING AND BLINDERS. horse may learn to rest the head upon the bit, thereby inducing him, when pulled upon, to learn the habit of lugging or throwing the head down upon the breast, — a very objectionable habit, and one which really defeats the very object of bitting. Another point : If the colt | is checked up very high at first, or so much as to irri- tate and madden him, in his struggles to free himself from pic. 310.— iu,. j ..l. n ^t the head as it is the pain and restraint he is frequently drawn up by a severe liable to throw himself over form of side chc.k. backward and be killed, an occurrence known by any one of experience to be very common. The want, also, of this training of the mouth (which is fully explained in the chapter on " Colt Training") frequently leads plucky, spirited horses to so lunge or pull recklessly against the bit as to make them un- manageable and dangerous. This it is sought to over- come by different forms of severe bits. When giving instructions and making ex- periments, I had almost daily lunging, kicking, and runaway horses of the worst character brought forward to be experimented upon, — horses that, when used at all, could only be Fig. 3ir.— Fieedom and comfort. driven by the most severe form of bit ; and I was invariably able to drive such without a check, giving the head entire freedom, and I may say, without breeching as well, the most interesting feature of which was the simplicity of treatment with which it could be done. In a certain class of lunging, headstrong horses, I call atten- 10 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. Fig. 318. — The extreme torture of the Bedouin or gag bearing rein. tion under that head to checking the head high to repress re- sistance ; but it is given as palliative treatment, in the absence of a better. I call attention to it also to prevent a horse from Fio. 319.— Form of bit in Fig. 320.— Form of bit used in connec- general use "*"^ ^'"' <^lifc'^ shown in 318 and 321. kicking, because it is difficult for a horse to kick when checked high. But it is given as a simple means of control, as other treatment is given for objectionable habits, and does not apply CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 11 at all to the use of the check upon gentle horses in their driv- ing. Even those most humane in intentions and feelings are liable almost daily to subject the most gentle horses to this very seri- ous cause of discomfort and pain. To illustrate somewhat the extent of this, I will refer to two cases coming to my notice in one evening, just previous to writing this paper. A banker, who had a promising three-year-old trotting colt, which he purchased for his own driving, having him hitched up one day, Fig. 331. — Discomfort. invited me to ride. The colt's head was checked so extremely high as to make it unpleasant for me to witness the pain and discomfort of the horse in trying to relieve himself from the re- straint. Fig. 303 is a good illustration. I took particular pains to explain to the gentleman that this was not only entirely unnecessary, but a cause of real cruelty, and that I was confi- dent he would not intentionally subject his colt to such need- less pain and discomfort, when brought to his notice. He, like thousands of others, had scarcely an idea what the check was for. He "liked to see the head kept high, as it made the colt appear better;" "it was the method of hitching up trotting 15 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. horses, and his colt ought to trot, etc." But notwithstanding my utmost efforts, I could not persuade him to leave off the check. The same evening I saw a gentle family horse driven by two girls. The horse, one of the kindest of animals, was checked as high as he could be made to carry his head ; and while driving on a walk it was really painful to notice the strained manner in which the poor creature stepped, taking up his feet and putting them down almost like a blind horse, be- Fio. 332. — Comfort. cause the nose being pulled up so high, the blinders prevented his seeing the ground before him, at the same time working the mouth and throwing the head right and left in the effort to free himself from the severe restraint. For a good illustration of these positions, see Figs. 305 to 310. This is only a fair illustration of how many favorite driv- ing and family horses, including even some work horses, are unintentionally checked up, and compelled to remain so for hours at a time, no matter how worked. Geo. T. Angell, Esq., President of the Massachusetts Hu- mane Society, in a paper showing the injurious effects of the check, says : — CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 13 "If a man's head were to be tied to a belt around his body, so that he could not bend forward, he would lose the advantage of his weight, and could only- pull or push with his muscles ; so, also, the ox or horse. If a man's head were thus kept in a per- pendicular position, he could not so readily see where to step, and would be apt to stumble ; so with the horse." But while the check is ess objectionable for light driving, it is not only abuse but real cruelty to use restraint upon the head of the draft-horse in this way, as it to a great FiQ. 3;2.3.- •Horses excited by the torture of the burrs shown below. Fig. 324. — Burrs, one hal£ size. Fig. 335. — Side view showing length of tacks, ijj-awn half size. extent disables the horse from drawing heavy loads. This need not be demonstrated ; any man of observation can see it, and it is finely illustrated in Fig. 329. 14 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. A running horse, called upon to do his best, never has his head tied up, and no one would think of doing so, because it would probably lose him the race. I copy from the " London Horse Book," which says : — "The check rein is in nearly every case painful to the an- imal and useless to the driver, because it fastens the head in an unnatural position, and as the horse's head and shoulders fall to- gether, cannot be of any real support in stumbling. When, from some defect in the ani- mal or other cause, the check rein is used, it must be slackened, be- cause, in addition to an easier position of the neck, a greater portion of the weight can be thrown onto the collar, thus saving a great and unnecessary expendi- ture of muscular power. That the check is incon- sistent with the action of the horse's head, is clearly shown by the fact that when the horse Fio. 336. — A dog bitten and chtwed 111 pieces, res- falls it is always bro- cued by Mr. Bergh, of N. T. Drawn from life. Icpn " Dr. Fleming, the highest English authority, says : — " I think nothing can be more absurd than the check reins ; they are against reason altogether. They place the animal in a false position ; the horse stands with a check rein exactly as a man would stand with a stick under his arms behind his back while trying to write. It is also extremely cruel. I have no doubt if the public could only realize the fact that it throws away a large portion of the horse's power altogether, and is very cruel besides, this rein would be discontinued. It is not only his head that suffers, but from his head to his tail, from his shoul- deis tohis hoofs, and over his whole body he suffers more or less." CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 15 Another high English authority, Prof. McBride, says : — "I most heartily concur in what has been said about the bad effects of the foolish custom of using the check rein. It is a very common cause of roaring in the horse, which statement is indorsed by all veterinarians, seven hundred in England alone." Figs. 303, 304, were drawn and engraved expressly for me, showing the great discomfort of horses checked high, though the artist did not fully catch my ideas in his orders, and conse- [iiijljofiinjii!! Fig. 337. — Tortures of higb checking. quently did not express the position as fully and clearly as desired ; in any event, they are not overdrawn. For the privilege of copying Figures 298, 29[>, 300, 301, 327, and 328, which tell the story very plainly, I am indebted to Hon. Thos. E. Hill, of Chicago, 111., the author and publisher of "Hill's Manual" and other works. It is but just to add that the friends of the horse are especially indebted to Mr. Hill for giving the most striking series of illustrations showing the abuses and cruelty of checking of any that I have hitherto found published, and which, by his courtesy, I am permitted to copy 16 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. here. They are taken from " Hill's Album," a very fine family work. He has not only done much himself in this direction, but contributed largely to correct these and other prevalent abuses, for which he is entitled to a high consideration from the friends of the horse. Figs. 318, 321, are from a work called "Bits and Bearing Fig. 338. — The ordinary side check, giving an easy rein. Reins," issued in England, but now out of print, which was published to show the extreme cruelty of their use in that country. The bit is a large, curbed one, of the most powerful character. The rein, or strap, as explained, is given a pulley purchase ; and, pulled short as represented, it is not difficult to see that it must necessarily keep the animal in a position of ex- treme discomfort. These are in no way exaggerated, as horses checked in this manner can be seen daily by any observant per- son in the larger cities, more particularly in New York. For the electroes of three of these I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Henry Bergh, of New York City. Fig. 330 illustrates the position of a favorite horse bought CHECKING AND BLINDERS. ir by the author of the work referred to, showing the position of the head pulled up and back, which necessarily shortens the back and extends the limbs to such a degree as to subject the horse to the most uncomfortable and painful position of restraint. This engraving, the author tells us, was made from a photo- graph of the horse as he appeared when purchased. Fig. 331 Fio. 339. — The check rein on work horses. shows the same horse with the head and neck free, being also engraved from a photograph of the horse, in the position he appears ; so that these figures do not exaggerate facts. Figs. 32tl:, 325, are photographs of what are termed " burrs" that have been used by the drivers of that city upon the bits of their horses, and are here given for the purpose of showing their effect upon the horses. The side view (Fig. 325) shows the ends of the tacks as they extend through the leather. These burrs were placed on the bit on each side of the mouth, so that the least pull of the reins would force the ends of the tacks against the cheeks, thereby producing great excitement and pain. The one copied from was taken from hundreds of others like it in Mr. Bergh's office, which had been taken by his 18 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. officers from horses upon which they were used. Fig. 329 is given to show their effect upon the horses. It is copied by permission from a plate in the Humane Society's office of that city. Fig. 326, which hardly belongs here, is made from a photo- FiG. 330. — Fashion and torture. The attitude and harness of this figure are copied from a photograph of a horse as it appeared when bought by author of " Bits ?.nd Bear- ing Reins." Taken from "Horse and Man," by J. G. Wood, Lippincott. graph of a dog which had been rescued by Mr. Bergh. The black spots represent the wounds. 'This dog was almost liter- ally bitten and chewed in pieces in a dog fight. The figure is inserted to show to what degree it is possible for even intel- ligent, well-disposed people not only to submit to, but to coun- tenance, abuses, which, it would seem when presented to their attention in their true light, would excite in them the kindliest sympathy. Now in all candor, what will more quickly gather a crowd in any town or village than a dog fight — than to see two, perhaps favorite pets, splendid dogs, chew and tear them- CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 19 selves in pieces ? And what would more quickly fire the pas- sions of the best men so that they would almost be ready to fight themselves? Thus it becomes a cause which in every sense perverts and debases the finer feelings. In the same sense, horses are unintentionally subjected to equally cruel abuses by ignorant, thoughtless persons, a fair illustration of which is shown in Figs. 332, 333. What a story Fig. 331. — Natiire and comfort. The horse in preceding cut shown without restraint. Made from a photograph by the owner after being owned by him a few weeks. In the preceding cut, the tail is uiclied and raised — the ordinary custom. it tells ! What a degree of abuse of a fine horse is here shown ! See his head tied in the air while pushed, perhaps abused, to gratify the pride of a couple of simpletons ! See the effect as shown by Fig. 833 ! and yet this is only what can be seen almost daily by any observant person in every village and town in the country. 20 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. B Xj 1 3sr r) E I?, s . By far the finest and most expressive feature of the horse's head are his eyes. They are also the most useful ; he depends upon them most largely, and he should have the greatest free- dom in their use. The better to prove this, and to show their location and position in the head, I give illustrations cop- ied from life, Figs. 334 -336, showing how sin- gularly well adapted they are to enable a horse to see not only on each side, but behind and before, as may be required, and the ne- FiG. 333.-In the hands of fast young men. ^^^^j^^ ^^^ ^.^.^^ ^^^^ the utmost freedom for doing this. Nature, who does every- thing right, most wisely requires this, and it is but the hight of ignorance and folly in any one to assume to change or interfere with her plans. The Horse's Eyes Binocular. — The eyes are what is termed "binocular," that is, en- abling the horse to see with either eye inde- pendently of the other. Why blinders should have come into such general use is one of the "conundrums" whfch I cannot, and which I have never found any one who could, satisfactorily explain. Their use certainly seems to me, if anything, more absurd and senseless than that of checks. No one would think of using blinders upon saddle Fig. 333.— Ruined afterwards. CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 21 -Slio^Mug the poMtion of the eyes in the head. horses, and why should it be more necessary to use them upon horses in harness ? In fact, it is not difficult to see that they are of a piece with other absurd customs referred to in a pre- vious part of this chapter. Origin of Blinders.— It seems that a nobleman in England had a fine horse with a defective eye, to conceal which he attached blinders, or " winkers," as they called [them, to the /I bridle, so as to partly cover the eyes. This finally led to their use by others, when it was found that the outside surface was a good place to put on the crest of rank. During my early public experience, when I gave exhibitions in driving horses without reins, it was notice- able that every motion of the whip, though held directly over the horse's back, was promptly obeyed, — that the horse, in fact, could be controlled quicker and better by the simple motions of the whip than he could by bit and reins, giving the very best demonstration of this singular power. Instead of making the horse unsafe, he is really made safer and more tractable by his being able to see everything around him plainly, that is, when he is so trained, this being the important condition in making him safe. Now, not only are blinders a serious obstruction to the horse's seeing clearly, but they are often a cause of much injury by striking against the eyes, or FlO. 33.5. — Showing the position of the eyes. 22 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. by being pressed upon them. In pointing out this cause of harm lately, I found a piece of wire connected with the orna- ment of the blind, which became raised and pressed into the Fig. 336. — The position of the eyes, eye almost a quarter of an inch, so as to cause serious injury. The blinders had been pressed close up to the side of the head, and against the eye to such a degree as to attract my notice. This is a common occurrence, as the clinch of the wire holding the ornament either extends beyond the surface of the leather, or becomes raised more or less, and hence is a very common cause of injury to the eye. I have frequently found the outer edge of the eye abraided and raw from this cause. A horse is naturally suspicious and afraid of anything he -does not plainly see, or does not comprehend the nature of, and hence he must I either be prevented from seeing ob- jects at all, or be permitted to see FiQ. 337.-Fashion. The bUnds ^j^^^ plainly. Any one can under- as now formed. The eyes , , . ^ i , , i . completely coyered. ^tand that if compelled to look through a small slit or narrow space, it not only in the first place increases the difficulty of seeing, especially while moving, making it very trying on the eyes, but it makes it clearly impossible to see things as plainly CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 23 -The eyes so covered that tlic horse cannot see. as if the eyes had entire freedom. This is just the effect blinds have upon the horse's eyes. Now, of late years, in the large cities espe- cially, the fashion has become quite common of making the blinders not only very large, but in the form of a bowl, that is, hollow in the center, and the edges brought forward in saucer shape, car- rying it to such an ex- treme that they really cover up the eyes and prevent the horse from seeing at all, or but very little out of the front corner of the eye ; and harness-makers throughout the country are adopting this plan of forming blinders. They seem to think it looks dignified, or is an expression of in- creased style and character to have the blinds come well forward and around the front of the eyes. Representative Cases.— I made a special effort to obtain the aid of an artist to make photographs of r e p r e s entative cases, so as to have an absolutely correct illustration, of a good average of them, but found it so difficult to secure one to do this that I was compelled to be satisfied with drawings, which. Fig. 339.— The Tashion In the country. 24 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. while not just what I wanted, give a very good idea of the form and position of blinds upon the head, including the opposite of rough specimens to be often seen in the country, which will be noticed with interest. In experimenting upon such horses as were brought to me, I always gave the fullest freedom of sight, no matter what the object, and could always soon make the horse entirely indiffer- ent. This is, in fact, one of the most important essentials of success. The Dauger of Blinders.— A horse can be driven to a top carriage with close blind- ers, when he cannot be with- out ; this is because he was never permitted to see the top while in this position, and if permitted to see it suddenly or unexpectedly, it would be liable to frighten or excite him very seriously, and would be dangerous to Fio. 340.— The old farm horse with bUuds. have him do SO. This is fre- quently illustrated very for- cibly by taking off or changing the bridle on a horse while hitched to a carriage. The horse being thus permitted to suddenly see the top behind him, which is now an entirely new object to him, will often show such violent fear as to resist all restraint and run away. One of two things must be done ; viz., either cover up the eyes so that he cannot see the top, or give him entire freedom in seeing it, when the cause of the trouble will be easily overcome. It is true that blinders may be used in certain cases to over- come natural defects, the same as other appliances are used to overcome certain difficulties ; but they are only necessary, when at all, on account of improper or defective education. First, a lazy horse will drive steadier and better when he cannot see the motions of the whip, because such will learn to watch the whip when raised for punishment, and jump to avoid it, and then slack up again until the effort is repeated. But if blinders are used upon such horses, they should be so formed CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 25 that they will not interfere sidewise or forward, or in any way injure or touch the eye. They should merely prevent him from looking back. Secondly, a horse which has an ugly looking head, or a seri- ous defect in an eye, or has suffered the loss of an eye, will be improved by the use of skillfully applied blinders, which v/ill serve to conceal the defects, and which, as before explained, was the cause of their introduction. Thirdly, if the horse is but imperfectly trained, and not ac- customed when hitched to a top carriage to see it, the careful covering of the eyes with blinders will enable driving of the horse with comparative safety so long as the blinds are kept so. The Frequent Cause of Accidents- — But let mc here call attention to a very frequent and serious cause of accidents, which is not understood, and which is frequently a cause r < ^ T-i Fio. 341. — The corners of the bhuils dangling of much mystery. 1 he . , ,u ■' •' . against the eyes. horse has been driven perhaps months or years to a top carriage with success. Unexpectedly one of the blinds becomes misplaced or loose, or the bridle becomes changed for one the blinders of which cover the eyes but imperfectly, or perhaps in changing har- nesses the bridle proved too short, and in letting out the cheek pieces the blinders were brought too low for the eyes ; in any event, the horse is, in a chance way, as he throws up his head, enabled to see the top, and the consequence is a most dangerous kicking runaway scrape. What is supposed to be a gentle horse, without any cause has become suddenly excited and unmanageable, and the result is a serious acci- dent, that both destroys the character of the horse and results in serious injury and loss. These accidents are of almost daily occurrence in every neighborhood. 26 CHECKING AND BLINDERS. Here, at the mere chance of a blind getting out of place, you are at the mercy of a dangerous horse ; and yet, at least one-third of the carriage horses in general use, if subjected to the trial, would do this very thing, which would be entirely prevented by first training and using the horse without blind- ers,— the proper course to pursue, the treatment for which is fully explained in other chapters. A Horse will Drive Better without Blinders. — Then a sen- sitive, intelligent horse will always drive pleasanter and better when the eyes are left entirely unob- structed, because he is able to see and understand better the commands of his driver. And certainly if the bridle is properly constructed, with small round straps, of light or russet leather, so as to conceal the head as little as possible, the horse will look better ; for, as before stated, the eyes are the most expressive and striking features of the whole head, and covering them up seems like trying to conceal an objectionable defect. When blinders are used for any purpose beyond what I have intimated, they are nothing but a senseless nuisance, in addition to Fio. 342. — Blinders striking against adding Considerable needless ex- *''* '^5"'^^- pense to the harness. But these may be rated as exceptional cases, the same as certain methods may be employed to prevent a horse from kicking, or of holding an exceptionally headstrong, pulling horse by the use of a bit that gives increased power. I would repeat that there would be no more necessity nor sense in using blmders upon horses driven in harness, if properly trained, than there is in using them upon horses under a saddle ; and who would think of disfiguring and encumbering a horse's head, no matter how poor, with blinders when used for the saddle .' CHAPTER XIV. Denton Offutt, Rarey's Instructor. After the information given me in relation to Mr. Rarey being instructed b}^ Offutt, referred to on page 384, I called at the office of the Turf, Field, and Farm, and requested the privilege of examining the files containing the issues in which Mr. Offutt's book was published. This was kindly granted, and I read it through with great care. It struck me that the dialogue between man and horse, and the recipes for scents or drugs given for approaching and controlling wild or vicious horses, would be of interest to my readers, and worth preserving, so I determined to ob- tain the copy for publication, if I could. With this object I called upon the chief editor, Mr. Hamilton Busbey, and placed the Rarey matter, before re- ferred to, in his hands for perusal, at the same time stat- ing my desire for the matter mentioned. During the con- versation, he gave me the facts in relation to Mr. Richards' statement regarding Offutt and his instruction of Rarey, as follows : — In October, 1877, he (Mr. Busbey) was dining with Mr. Keene Richards at Blue Grass Park, when the subject of horse-taming came up."^' Mr. Richards stated that the founder of the horse-taming school was a native of George- town, Ky., and that his name was Denton Offutt. Mr. *Keene Richards, Esq., a leading breeder and turf patron of Kentucliy, died March 19, 1881.' 39 (449) 450 DENTON OFFUTT, EAREY'S INSTEUCTOR. Richards himself was a pujjil of Offutt, whom ha described as uneducated, but full of originality ; that when quite a young man, John S. Rarey came to Geoi'getown and stud- ied with Offutt, and ftiter on i^racticed the system in Ohio, before going to England with Mr. Goodenough.* The conversation was continued in the library, when Mr. Richards handed Mr. Busbey a book which Offutt had published for the benefit of his pupils, all of whom he pledged to secrecy. Mr. Busbey was very much interested in the book, and carried it with him to New York. One day he let Mr. Robert Bonner have it to examine, and the next morn- ing he received the following note from that gentleman : — " There are many interesting things in Offutt's book, some things that are entirely new to me, and well worth copying. The dialogue between man and horse, beginning on page 37 and ending on page 46, contains the essence of all that Rarey ever taught. He evidently based his sys- tem on that." Mr. Busbey, beginning with January, 1878, published the work of Dentt)n Offutt in the Titrf, Field, and Farm, and it attracted much attention. The dialogue, Avhich I thought worth pre8er^•ing, and which Mr. Bonner found so interesting, by the kindness of Mr. Busbey I have copied, and here present to the readers of this work. Dialogue between Man and Horse. " Man. I wish to put my hands on your face, and come near you. " Horse. If so, you must let me see that you will not hui't me, nor will have anything about you that will, nor anything- * Of the partnership of Rarey aod Goodenough, Mr. Richards was fully aware. He was in London at the time of their operations there, and upon being aslied by Mr. Pembroke whether lie would advise him to subscribe to learn the secret, replied that he need not go to that expense, as he could explain it all to him, which he did, aleo loaning him a copy of Offutt 's book that he had with him. DIALOGUE BETWEEN MAN AND HOESE. 451 that smells badly. I am a stranger to you ; all that will offend any of the five senses, I will be compelled to guard against, and those senses must have the proof that you wUl not hurt me, before I will allow them to be on me. "if. I wish to put my hands all over you. " H. This you may do, by commencing at the face. Com- mence rubbing on the face, and repeat it; then pass on down the neck, first as slight as possible, and as I become used to it, rub the harder. Remember always to rub the way the hair lies smooth. My tail is, when I play, to be held up high ; as my pride and beauty, you must be careful in handling it. But after you raise it, be sure to repeat it, and raise it and put it down several times, until it goes up quietly. It becomes habituated by use. " M. Then the more I rub you, and repeat it, the quieter you get? " H. It is .so with all beasts. " M. I wish to show you a pretty blanket, to teach you to let a man's coat or lady's dress hang down by your side, and in win- ter to keep you warm. " H. You have shown me that you would feed me, and have also shown me other new things that have not hurt me. I will let you use the blanket about my face as soon as I can see and smell it, and then, when I feel it and hear the rattle, I will better understand it. If you change it for one of another color, I want to look at it and examine its quality. "il/. I will then spread it quietly over you, and I'epeat it, then let it hang down at the tail, and let it fall oft' at the heels and sides for a while; then I will fasten it to the tail. This will make you used to things falling off your saddle or person, so that they will not frighten or make you kick. Will you let me hang a rope over you — about the creases of your neck — so as to let it drag along by your legs, and then over the back, to hang against the hips, and as you turn to rub the hocks ; then to put on the gear and fasten a rope to the ends of it, to get you accustomed to them, and put lines on your back? " H. Yes, sir; if you will do it quietly, and not have the rope too hard or rough, so as to make me think it is a snake bit- ing, or thorns sticking in me. If you put on the gear and lines (there are so many things about me at one time), I want you to put me by the side of my old acquaintance, Ball, for I have often seen him in the wagon, and the side that is against him I am not afraid of being hui-t, and where he goes I will go. Young horses are fond of following their old friends; but you must remember not to have me encumbered by a lot of gear, and then — or to have things knocking and jerking about. "if. How shall you be started? If you will go before, I will 452 EXTRACT FHOM OPFUTT'S BOOK. follow. I want to feel my way five steps at first, oi' less than that. If alarmed, then let me know if anything is wrong by nibbing me over the face and neck, then after starting and stop- ping some three or four times, you will understand that. " H. If you fasten me to such things and rush me oft', and commence fighting me, I will then commence rearing and jerking to get loose and free from such abuse. Remember that confidence lost is hard to i-estore. Remember that all have to learn, and practice is important in exercise. " M. With your practice of the u.se of the bridle, and friendly acquaintance with me, will you not allow me to ride you ? " H. Yes, if you will show mo that you will not hurt me. This is done by your lubbing me over the face, neck, and body ; then get along by wvy side, rising quietly in the stiiTup, then down in the same place, until I can know your will. Now I am inclined to go with Ball round the fields, to learn how to walk and to turn to the right and left. There are cases that we learn to turn but one way, sometimes from sore rnouth, other times from the tongue of the wagon striking against us, other times from alarm of gear, others from whips, so as to pull more than I know how ; consequently I look for the whip, and begin jumping up in confusion. " M. How shall we teach you better than by taking level pieces of ground ? The wagon can be drawn slowly and quietly, and repeatedlj^ practiced until it is well done. To be well done nuist be well practiced, for the mind to comprehend or design. " H. How can you teach me to stand, if you have no plans or signs for me to comprehend the difference between going or stand- ing 1 I am always looking for the whip or a jerk of the bridle. " M. If you are to know my will, I cannot let you know but by first letting you know my design until understood ; as for your stopping, I then speak to let you know I wish you to go along ; but if you repeat this, you know that — " H. If I am to stand while you get on me, or for you to get seated in your carriage, or otherwise, you must first take the reins in your hand, then .speak to me to let me know when to go ; for if I am always to be on the look for the whip for the sign to start by, I Avill be off in time to keep clear of it ; for between two opinions, doubting both, it is certain to be as often wrong as right, but guess if you are ready or not ; but as soon as you come to me and commence whipping me, and halloo, Whoa, I then look for the whip ; whenever you halloo, Whoa, confidence is lost in you, and I am looking for the whip, and friend horse shows signs for us to be off. " M. How shall I teach you the acquaintance of umbrellas, handkerchiefs, my hat, my gixn, or buffalo skin, and many other tilings you will meet with ? DIALOGUE BETWEEN MAN AND HOESE. 453 " H. All these things are easy ; first, you must rub mo in the face to get my attention, and then let me look at it in a quiet manner, and not get me scared and fearful of it, for I cannot always relieve myself of it at my will ; after I look, I want to smell of it, then to feel it, then hear the rattle of it ; if I feel at the time you rattle it, I more clearly comprehend it. First com- mence slowly and continue until understood. Fu-e off the gun ; at first it should be upward, as this is a new thing to me. " Let the smoke and all be blown from the face of the horee, for in all cases are changed as soon. In various cases ho will stand while the fire goes up when under foot, or at the nose, though it causes much alarm ; some stand well in the woods, others will not let persons stand round them and fire. In all cases of noise, keep the face in the direction of the noise ; steamboat or car, as it pas,ses, turn their face to it ; it is a natural desire to see all things that they hear or smell. ■' M. How do you like the drum ? " H. It is pleasing to the organ of combativeness, as soon as I find it will not hurt me. Let me look at it and smell it, then rub it against my neck and shoulders, and where it is to rub me as you ride ; then lightly tapping it, then smell it, and rub it on me ; soon I will be after you with it, for I am inclined to give my attention to new things ; keep my eyes in the direction " of the sound, it is easy to get me to follow the drum or any other music in like manner. " M. A flag is pretty in the breeze and sunshine ? " H. Yes, it is. " M. You are fearful of its motion ? " H. Yes, I am. "i¥. Now the best way is to use the senses God has given you for your safety, for one failure would lose your life by poison, as you are surrovuided by poisonous snakes ; but remember to see you are right, then go ahead ! " H. It is in this case as in all others ; or let it be the cover- ing always flying about ; fold it up, let me see, smell, and rub it over my face ; then commence slowly by waving it over me, and as soon as the proof is enough all is right. " In many cases it is better to put on first the bridle with the gagerarian side-reins, martingales and crupper, to hold the head and all in one attitude, that he is more willing to hear your friendly and quiet offering. In this manner you will soon let him know your will in repeated proofs, and all is right then. As soon as it is done, you then change the bridle ; 3^ou should begin by showing the same ; if he then receives it quietly, you may forever depend upon him if there be no cause for change. " M. Why do you pull back when I go into your stall ? 454 EXTRACT FROM OPPTlTTT'S BOOK. " H. I am fearful of you ; if you will put your hand on my hip before 3^ou come in, and let me know you will not hurt me, I will stand. "if. You appear to have been displeased with this stall ever since you got hurt and scared here. " H. I never like misfortune nor the places that cause them, for it is bad memory that forgets them. " M. Why are you fearful of the bridle ? " H. My mouth has been hurt by it and the fingers, my ears pulled, sometimes my eyes — flies have hurt them ; I am trying to take care. " M. I will put on the bridle to let you know my will ; check reins, martingale, and crupper to hold all fast ; so you are com- pelled to hold still ; then quietly handle the ears and Ups ; I find there is no hurt, all is right. I will in this case put on and take oft" another bridle over this until all is right. It may be important in some cases to do so with other things, or to spread a blanket over them, and over the head, and one down the back to the heels. " H. I am more cautious than fearful. I do not fear the blanket ; after examining it closely you may fasten it to my tail after putting it over the head and down the back to the heels, and letting it fall at the heels and sides ; but be careful in opening and spreading it over the body, and frequently letting it go to the tail ; if it does not cause nie to stir up the dust, or in some degree tend to alarm me, you maj' know it is all right. If you wish it to drag after me, first let there be a piece of cloth hung on each side of me, some six or eight yards long, so as to rub each side of me at the same time ; after this is done, fasten it to my tail. Let me be as wild as I may in all cases, have me by the bridle, and rub me in the face, speaking kindly to me, and not make me move only by my own will. " M. If you are alarmed at anything around you, and will not move off quietly, the best way is to show you that you will not be hui-t ; then you will move off quietly ; so when you are alarmed, you had best stand until the alarm is over, to prevent a fright. " H. When you wish me to get on a bridge, ice, or in a boat, or into a strange stable or narrow walk, h(iw will you manage to accomplish your design ? " M. Twill go before you and show the best way. I am in- clined to look around at it in as many different ways as possible, so, by turning about and leading up on one side of the place, and then the other, sometimes the width of the door, the trial will suc- ceed gently. Be careful, the less you suppose the better ; as like begets like, he is soon to contend. "H. Remember that all animals are d&sirous of regular DIALOGUE BETWEEN MAX AND HORSE. 4or, exercise to wear off the unpleasant feelings produced by standing and want of water and motion ; it is necessary to quiet and com- pose the system, for those cause a horse to be gentle ; is in a better condition to remain in dry, but that he may be hungry and ready to receive your kind offer of some goo of the corner in which I was placed, and it was successful. It would be- an easy matter for me to control such a horse, now, but taken as I was then, without even a knowledge of first principles, it seemed like a great success. The next horse experimented upon was a surly kicker, though not in appearance very vicious, yet a far more dif- ficult case to manage. The novelty and excitement of the whole thing so interested me as to strike a new key in my nature, and witliout reflection I dropped everything else, and determined to engage in the horse-taming business. My first step now Avas to inform myself upon the subject. Procuring every book available upon the training and man- agement of horses, I was surprised to find no authority whatever on the subject except Rarey. His method of treatment, though regarded as so much of a feat, seemed so -imple to me that I did not feel under any apprehensions of being unable to do this, or even more. 480 PEESONAL EXPERIENCE. My reul difficulties now commenced ; had I realized at the time what they would be, nothing could have induced me to engage in such business. First, I was very youthful in appearance, and undersized — points very greatly against me ; and secondly, I was without the address necessary to interest others in my efforts. I at first made but one small class in two weeks, and to add to my difficulties, my expenses had about exhausted my means. At my last place of engagement, notwithstanding I made a supreme effort to get a class, I failed. Still I was determined to succeed, and by the influence of this effort I made a success at a neighboring town. This became a turning point in my fortunes, for from that time, my success was almost continuous, the citizens frequently clubbing together to form a class for me, and I was often invited back several times to the same place. Some time after this, a chance circumstance occurred which had great influence in increas- ing my success. I was advertised in a little town called Mina-\'ille, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. Upon arriAdng there. I not only found no interest at all in my efforts, but those present commenced ridiculing and blackguarding me until I Avas finally driven to defend myself. After this, to my surprise, those who had abused me most were the foremost in proposing to form a class for me. It being then too late, and having no suitable subjects upon which to illustrate treatment, I declined. They then made the request that I would come another day, promis- ing, if I would do so, not only to come out themselves, but to do all they could to bring out a general attendance of their neighbors. A week later I returned, and was successful in making a large class. Some time afterward, at a small town across the river from Amsterdam, when about ready to make up a class, three of the Minaville members then present requested a MEETING DIFFICULTIES. 481 private interview with me. They told me they were dissatisfied, and demanded a return of their money. They said, if I would return it quietly, they would say nothing about it, and would help me all they could in that place. They could give no reason, only they were " not satisfied." I told them I could not do so unless I returned the money to the other members of the class also, but what I had to say about the matter I would say publicly. I accordingly called the people up around me, and told them what the fellows wanted, and what I had said to them, and closed up by announcing a time when I would go back to Mina- ville, and give to them and every member of that class their money back if they wanted it. Despite the strong opposition set up by these Minaville members, I succeeded in making a large class here, which was a decided success. It now became necessary to make decided effort at Minaville, as I knew these fellows would do all they could to prejudice the other members of the class. On this account, before the day appointed, I scoured the town to find good subjects, and succeeded in finding but one horse that had the habit of running away, and which had not been harnessed in over a year. By paying a liberal sura, and passing the owner into the class free, I procured this horse, and succeeded in making him entirely gentle. At the close of the lesson, I explained why I had returned, and told them that if they then felt the}' were not satisfied, one and all of them could step forward and get their money. They all expressed themselves fully satisfied, even those who had been o^jposing me, and i>assed a unanimous resolution of thanks, which was published in the county papers. That evening, the horse referred to was purchased by one of the scholars, and proved afterward a safe, reliable family horse. During the early years of my experience, my efforts 482 PEESONAL EXPEEIENCE. were more or less experimental, each new difficulty or phase of character trying me harder. When I failed, I never felt satisfied to let the matter so rest, and often at great inconvenience and expense would return and repeat the experiment priA'^ately until successful. I did it mainly for my own instruction. To show the persistence with which I sometimes followed this up, I will refer to a case for the sake-of wiicli I was compelled to lose over a week's time, and travel over a hundred miles : — At Vienna, N. Y., I failed on a horse brought in by Dr. Carpenter, a leading phj^sician in the place, and lost a large class. Before leaving, I told the owner I was unwilling to let the matter rest so, that after meeting my other engagements, I would come back and take the horse in hand privately, and see what I could do with him. These engagements took me over sixty miles away. A week afterward, I drove back and spent half a day in handling the horse, barely succeeding in his control. The gentleman proposed that I again advertise the place, assuring me, if I would do so, I could get all the members of the former class, and a number of new ones. This I declined to do, when he offered to get them together him- self, providing I would teach them ; and through his eflbrts and influence a larger class than before was assembled. This time I made a decided success. Whenever I found very peculiar cases, I obtained them, if possible, to experiment upon. I will refer to one very marked case. W^hen in Buffalo, N. Y., I heard of a trotting mare which was a desperate runaway of a peculiar charac- ter. She had been owned by a canal stableman in Erie Street, who, after she had run away with him several times, traded her off. Upon inquiry, I found the mare, and prevailed upon the owner to let me have her to exper- iment upon. He consented, on condition that I would pay EXPERl JVLEJSITS. 483 for her keeping while in the city, and pass him into the class free. Out of harness, she was entirely gentle ; but in harness, despite the pulling of two or three men, the patent reins, or the most severe bits that could be used upon her, she would resist all restraint and run away. This mare was a nervous tempered, ordinary looking bay, long-haired, deep-chested, rather heavy-boned, and not inclined to put on flesh. A very not^eable indication of the character was in the head, which was quite long and narrow. The eyes were rather small, and full below, the nose rounding, and ears long. I would call attention to one point ; viz., that a welF-bred horse, possessing great powers of endurance and action, and having the head full and straight below the eyes, especially if the eyes are small and set well back, will be likely, if vicious, to show great obstinacy of resistance. Upon trial under canvas,, she submitted readily to treatment, driving around the ring gently after about twelve minutes' treatment; but not revealing herself, she became the more suspicious and dangerous to me. On this account, while testing her outdoors, I took the most careful precaution to prevent her from getting away. She would drive gently for a few moments, then suddenly rush against the bit with all her might. In this way, for more than five hours, she continued the struggle with the most wonder-: ful courage, when she yielded and dvove perfectly gentle. Accompanied by a good assistant, I next tried her outside the city, when I found her as desperate in her resistance as though she had never been touched. She fought every point from nine o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon, when she again yielded. This was one of the greatest exhibitions of pluck I ever saw in any horse, and I was determined to see whether or not such a horse could be Ijroken. During the struggle, her eyes 484 PEESONAL EXPERIENCE. were like coals of fire, her ears thrown back, and the sweat at times pouring from her in streams. The Patent Bridle would have enabled the control of this case directly. The subjection of these extreme cases caused me a great deal of extra Avork and exi)ense, but finally enabled me to determine with great accuracy the character of any case when presented for experiment. It was often a matter of surprise that, upon being told what a horse would do, I could with but rare exceptions, describe accurately the color, size, kind of head, and character gen- erally. Of course there are modifications of character which cannot be determined "while the horse is in a passive condition, but which can be easily determined by testing. I early felt the need of some feature of interest that would attract the attention of the people. I at first purchased a pair of elks, which I tried to train and drive, but in consequence of their 'being too old, I could not make them safe. Some time after this, I heard of a man who as an advertisement drove a stallion without reins in the street. At Fonda, N. Y., I saw this performance, and introduced myself to the owner, Mr. A. H. Rockwell, who afterward became quite famous as a traveling horse-tamer. As a great many since then ha-\'e claimed to be the originators of this feat, I will state the facts in relation to its firet accomplishment : — The horse Morgan Tiger was undoubtedly the first driven in this way. He was trained by a lady, Mrs. Fred Bunnell, then a resident of Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa. Mrs. Bunnell exhibited remarkable skill in training and driving horses. She trained this stallion, and, among many other novel tricks, taught him io go right and left, back, etc., to the motion of the whip. This horse was naturally very intelligent and stylish in appearance, but DEIVING WITHOUT EEINS. 485 gentle and lazy in disposition— just the kind of horse to train easily and not incline to run away. She exhibited him several yeai's at Chemung and other county fairs in that part of the State of New York, attracting much attention with him, yet .always having reins on him.'-' He finally passed out of her hands, and was afterward hired by Mr. Rockwell to give exhibitions in halls. This not jjaying, and finding the horse would turn right and left by the wdiip, he took off the reins and so drove him in the street. To attract attention, he now advertised to drive a stallion in the street without reins, and engaged in teaching horse-taming on the Rarey system. Upon seeing this horse thus driven, I at once determined to train the first good horse I could find to drive without reins. Although I failed to learn in this instance how it was done, yet I made up my mind that it had been done once, and it could be done again, and /would do it. Soon after I went to Smithville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where I found a remarkably fine, four-year old, black stallion, entirely unbroken, owned by 'Squire Cole. He was naturally vicious, but, liking him, I gave all the money I had for him. I now had a wild, unbroken colt, so vicious that it was difficult even to lead him, and certainly the possibility of training such a horse to drive before a carriage safely under any excitement, and with nothing on his head, seemed not only a difficult but a doubtful task. I worked three da}'s trying to teach him to turn to the right or left with the whip, but utterly failed ; yet I did not in the remotest degree give up the idea of succeeding. At this point I was impressed as though by inspiration * This I learned when in that part of the State afterward, from various parties, including Mr. Bunnell, husband of the lady, who became a member of my class at Wellsboro. It was also corroborated by Mr. Hurlburt, Mr. Rockwell's brother-iu- law, who traveled with him. 486 PBRSONAIj EXPEEIENCE. how it could be done. My first step was to quiet down the excitement I had caused him by my previous abuse (for it was nothing else). I then gently mounted him, took a short driving whip, and commenced a moderate tapping against the shoulder, at the same time pulling his head around a little, and repeating until he got the idea, and would come around himself. When he moved the first time, it seemed a great achievement. I then repeated the treatment upon the opposite side, and in less than half an hour had him so he Avould turn right and left as touched. Soon he Avould turn around Avithout being asked, and stop to get his reward of apple. If he did not promptly get it, he would repeat the turning, and then stop again, and ask for his reward as j^lainly as a beggar. From this point, he made such rapid progress that in a week I could drive him freely without reins in the street, guiding and controlling him perfectly with the whip. In two weeks I was able to give exhibitions with him, the first being in Watertown, where the known circumstances were regarded with great interest. This was my horse Turco, which afterward became quite famous for his remarkable sagacity, and the ease and perfection with Avhich he could be driven with the whip, lie was in reality the only hoi'se ever exhibited in this way that proved perfectly safe and reliable, and that never ran aAvay. I could even put him on a run, and drive within an inch or two of any point desired, then turn so short around as to upset the wagon, yet at command he would stop instantly. I trained several horses afterward to drive single or double, but never had one that would equal him. He developed some traits of remarkable sagacity. He was naturally so vicious that I did not dare go near his head without keeping my eyes on his, or catching his halter to keep his head from me. MY FIRST PUBLICATION. 487 To turn my back to him would certainly at times be dangerous ; but by careful management, I so subdued his nature that he became very gentle, though occasionally he exhibited great viciousness toward others. For example, if the groom showed the least timidity in approaching him, he would become so aggressive that he would lunge and kick at him with bull-dog ferocity. At such times, I had only to step in front of his stall, and say, " Turk, this man is all right ; he only wants to clean you," when he would stand a model of docility, even allowing the man to sit under his body to clean him. As he grew older, he learned to distinguish stablemen from others ; for any man wlio held a brush or currycomb in his hand, would be permitted to walk into his stall and around him with perfect safety, while others would get an emphatic warning to keep out. I next traveled through Northern and Central New York. At North Vernon I made the important discovery of the Second Method of Subjection, explained in the first chapter. Soon afterward! visited the city of Utica, where, after subduing the " Roberts horse " (Case 11, Subjection), and teaching several large classes, I was severe!}' injured by a horse's stepping upon my foot, which disabled me about two months. It occurred to me while here to write up the details of my treatment, as there was almost d.tily an inquiry from my old scholars for it in printed form. I did so. and had it published at the Utica Herald Office in 1862. This was the first publication, called, " The New System for Educat- ing and Training Horses." A year later, when in Newark, N. Y., Mr. Rockwell, before referred to, visited me for the purpose of arranging to travel with me through the Eastern States. I drove from this point to Greenfield, Mass., meeting him by 488 PEESONAL EXPEEIENCE. appointment at Harpersville. Upon arriving at Greenfield, I concluded not to engage in the enterprise, but sold out to him, for $300, the right to republish my book (which he was very anxious to do) . I include a copy of the contract, drawn by a counsel : — " It is hereby undei'.stood and agreed between D. Magner and A. H. Rockwell as follows ; to wit, in consideration of the mutual agreement herein made, it is agreed that said Rockwell shall make notes and additions t« the book called 'The New S}'stem of Training Horses,' of which he has bought one-half of the copy- right of said Magner, said notes and additions to be such as he, the said Rockwell, shall think suited to add to th(; value of said book ; and that a copyiight of said book shall be taken out in the names of said Magner ani PLATE IX. PLATE IX. Arterial vessels. The figure shows the deep disposition of the digital artery at the posterior face of the first two phalanges and in the interior of the third seen from its inferior face. A A Digital artery. C Perpendicular artery at its point of origin. H One of the branches running posteriorly, destined to the perforans ten- don, in which It ramifies itself. J Deep-seated branch. K Point of origin of the artery of the phmtar pad. M Deep transverse branch, completing behind, the front superficial coro- nary circle. S Plantar artery or posterior terminal branch, in the plantar fissure, and in the semi lunar sinus where it forms with its analogue the semi-lunar anastomosis. V V Radiated divisions of the digital artery emanating from the convexity of the semi-lunar anastomosis, and following the direction of the de- scending canals of the third phalanx to go and contribute to the for- mation of the circumflex artery at the exterior circumference of the notched border of the bone. PLATE X PLATE X. This figure represents on the digital region, seen from three- fourths behind, the disposition of the plantar nerve on the posterior face of the phalanges of the terminal divisions in the interior of the bone of the foot. P Plantar nerve. A Point of emergence of the plantar nerve above the sesamoids. B Cartilaginous branch. C Cutaneous branch. D Digital artery. H Occasional division destined to the cartilaginous bulbs. 1 1 Branch of the plantar pad. K Transverse coronary branch. M Podophyllous division. O Pre-plantar nerve. Q Descending branch in the patilobe fissure. R Arterial remuscules accompanying the digital artery in the plantar fissure. V Vein following sometimes behind the plantar nerve in all its phalangial course. This vessel does not always exist. PLATE XL PLATE XI. This figure represents a disposition a little more plexuouB (more nei-work like) of the nei-ves of the digital region than in Fig. XXI. The plantar nerve occupies the same situation, but the divisions which emanate from it are more numerous and more anastomotic. P Plantar nerve. A. Point of emergence of the plantar nei-ve above the sesamuids. B B Cartilaginous branch. C C Cutaneous branch. D Digital artery. F' Bulbous branch. G Transverse branch behind the metacarpo-phalangial articulation. I Nerve of the plantar pad. L Lateral band, or filamentous stay, of the proper tunic of the plantar pad. It crosses obliquely from backward, forward, and from upwani downward, the direction of the plantar nerve. Y Digital vein PLATE Xir. PLATE XII. A posterior view of the bones of the fore foot, to show the ligaments of the sesamoid or navicular bone. A The pastern bone. B The foot bone. C The cut end of the tendon of the flexor muscle of the coronary bone. D The upper ligaments of the navicular bone, as they pass round the sides of the coronary, bone. E A thin expansion from the ligaments D covering the mass of fat lodged in a cavity in the coronary bone. F Attachment of the lower ligament of the navicular bono to the foot bone. Gr The tendon of the flexor muscle cut off at its inser- tion into the foot bone. B The natural surface of the villi continued from the true skin. ^ -i PLATE XIII. A front view of the bones of the fore feet to show the ligaments. A The pastern bone. B The coronary bone raised from its natural situation, to show the upper ligaments of the navicular bone at C, which passes round each side of the coronary- bone, and are lust upon the anterior surface of the pastern bone at 1). E the foot bone bent forward, to show the lower liga- ments of the navicular bone at F. G The navicular bone. H Ligaments tliat unite the coronary bone to the foot boii(\ 1 The surfaces to which the ligaments H are attached. K The tendon of the extensor muscle cut off at its at- tachment to the foot bone. L The skin turned down to expose the ligaments. PLATE XIV. PLATE XIV. A view of the under suifaoe of the foot boue, with its cartilages and fleshy frog. The skin which immediately covered the whole is removed and exibited in the next plate. A. Cut edges of the skin. PLATE XV Fig. 1. Pig. 1. View of the lower surface of the foot bone, showing the serinug eiTect of long continued inflammation. The bone has become absorbed, and its tiDre so weak- ened that it has become fractured. Fig. 2, Fig. 2. The foot bone greatly reduced in size by rapid absorption. The pflect of about a week's acute inflammation. See Chronic Lameness. SHOEING. 621 All exact drawing of a hoof, on a scale of three-fourths size, which was macerated'-' from the foot of a five-year- old horse that was never shod but once. The shoe is ac- cording to the author's idea of form, and the nailing, how it should be done. *The hoof from which the above drawing, and sections of the same followiug, were made, was as nearly a perfect specimen as could be found. It was secured by Prof. McLellau, and by him given to Mr. David Roburg, referred to in another part of this cliapter, by whom it was highly prized as a model. The writer called upon this gentleman, and upon making known his desire to secure the specimeu to make drawings from, it was cheerfully presented to him for the purpose. The difficulty of securing a competent artist to make the drawings required, notwithstanding the greatest effort, nearly defeated the accomplishment of this object. One was Anally obtained for a few hours at a time, until the drawings here given were secured. It was the intention of the writer to give in this part not only a number of illus- trations showing different kinds of feet and shoes, but also the changes produced by contraction and disease. With this object in view, several visits were made by him to the docks at 38th street. New York, where all dead subjects are daily col- lected, to make suitable selections. But after weeks of persistent effort he found it impossible to secure a competent artist to make the drawings, and in consequence the project had to be given up, but hope to be able to accomplish this at some future time. 622 SHOEING. Showing the exact outhnes ol" the lioof, P^ig. 410, with the form of iuljustment and nailing of shoe as usually done. The shoe anil nails are too large, and the nails too many in num- ber. The shoe set too far back, and the nails driven so high and deep as to endanger driving into the quick, the real cause of harm being made apparent by reference to Figs. 421 and 422. The hoof is rasped away so much as to weaken and destro}' its symmetr}" ; a common cause, as will be seen, of destroying the natui'al iidjustment of good feet, and so weak- ening the wall and sole as to produce lameness and contrac- tion. 623 Fig. ilO. hoof the same size, cut in two, showing the thickness of wall, sole, and frog at the center. The circular form towards the toe could not In- fully hrought out by the artist, as shown in the hoof, but is an exact re-pro- duction of the thickness and proportion of the various parts. Fig. 413. — View of tbe insiilc of tlio hoof. Drawn by Mr. Norman, one of the leading artists of New York, under the speeial supervision of the writer. a Coronary ring ; h Laminated structure ; c The frog ; d The sole. 624 SHOEING. A, Cross section of hoof, Fig. 410, indicated in 412. showing the exact thickness of wall, sole, and frog at A. Fig. 415. B, View of the next section of the wall of the same, drawn on an exact scale as indicated in the foregoinc Fig. 416. C, Third cross section of the same, showing the thickness of wall, sole, and frog at the points indicated by the same. SHOEING. 625 1, 2, 3, show the thickness of wall and st>lc full size at points indicated. The inner or soft jiarts of the wall (not represented as clearly by the engraver as it should be) represents about one-eighth of an inch less in thickness than shown in 1 and 2. The outlines of the hard part, as originally drawn, being cut away by the engraver, show the wall on this account thicker than it should be. *No. 3 was drawn to show the thickness of hard fiber with tho soft or laminated part omitted, which will give a good idea of the small amount of horn there is in an average light foot to nail to, and how easy it is to break and weaken it seriously by nailing deeply, rasping and cutting away reck- lessly, as shown by Fig. 411. The notches between the sole and wall indicate the degree to which the soft horn at this point had been macerated or dissolved by the action of moisture to which the hoof had been subjected for two weeks. 40 626 SHOEING. Sections of hoof, the first two showing an outline of the wall at the j^oints marked, ■with an' estimate of the amount usually cut away in rasping and fitting, the foot to the shoe.. Also showing the liability to drive the nails so deep in such cases as to be bent into the quick when clinched. The third shows the size of nails and the depth they should be driven, in proper jjroportion to prevent in- jury to the foot. SHOEING. 627 Not five horses in a hundred, shod a few years by the system in general use, have sound, healthj' feet. Contraction and its consequences, — corns, quarter-cracks, thick- ening of lateral car- tilages, inflammation and ulceration of the navicular bono and coffin joint, with other changes of structure that make the horse liable to soreness or in- curable lameness, are the rule ; while horses having sound, healthy feet, are the excep- tions. The loss to the people of the country from this cause — ig- norant, bad shoeing — is enormous, and could. FiQ. 433. — Foot of a flve-year-oltl horse that had never been ehod.* except in some serious cases, be entirely prevented or cured by good shoeing and proper treatment. This being true, it is of the greatest importance, not only as a matter of humanity to horses, but economy to owners, that such knowledge as will prevent or overcome these serious causes of in- jury and loss, be made available; and this, as explained, I have made a special effort to do in this chapter. It is idle to assume that shoeing-smiths would intentionally spoil or injure the feet; that they are not willing to learn or heed the teachings of reason. While there are a great many who are unpardonably stupid and ignorant, and who, in the blindness of their pi-ejudices, are not willing to learn; yet, as a class, the writer never found any peo- * Cuts Nos. 423 to 438 were copied from Bracy Clark's treatise on shoeing, published in 1809. No. 433 is an illustration of the foot of a five-year-old horse which had never been shod. The others in the order as placed and explained, show- ing the atrophied, contracted condition of the heels and quarters after shoeing. These are followed by drawings from casts of colts' feet made by the author. In the parj on contraction, the causes and proper treatment will be found explained. 1528 SHOEING. pie more appreciative of special shoeing-smiths. Nor is the fault -wholly to 1 Fio. 424. — The eame after one year's The foot is, next to the eye, the most beautiful and per- fect in the details of its structure. It is in every particular the most perfectly adapted of any part of the body for giving the greatest possible strength and elastic- ity ; and, if not interfered with, is capable of sustaining all the strain and wear to which it can be reasonably subjected. But when exposed to causes which bring about disease and change of struct- ure, there are also involved, to a greater or less degree, the health and mobility of the points of interest to them, than )e accounted to the shoer. The man who scoops out and rasps the foot most per- sistently to make it look artistic, puts the most iron into the shoe, and nails it on so firmly that it will remain so indefi- nitely, and works the cheapest, usually gives the best satisfaction, the owner believing he Ls get- ting the most for his money ; the health of the foot and the comfort of the animal, being a mat- ter of secondary consid- eration. Fi(j. 425. — The sauie iifter three years' SHOEING. 629 entire limb. Any one knows that an injury to the toe or any part of the foot is Kable to cause severe pain and disturbance throughout the entire limb. The effect is the same in the horse's foot. This being true, we want to learn, if we can, the causes of these derangements, and how to prevent as well as overcome them. I regard this subject so important as to demand more than ordinary care to make it so simple and practical in its explanations that it can be easily understood, as well as give such proofs of the faults common to the pres- ent system of shoeing that the necessity for correcting them will be apparent.* To aid in doing this, I give a large variety of illustra- tions of the hoof and inter- nal parts of the foot, which will give a good idea of its general structure. Among these will be found many entirely new illustrations. For example, cuts showing parts of hoof cut away, and different views showing tendons, lateral cartilages, etc. ; also a great variety of shoes which have been drawn or copied under my special supervision. *This chapter, as first written, was limited to simple details; but upon reading it carefully it became evident to the writer that a more complete and thorough ex- planation of the subject was necessary, in order to make it worthy of acceptance for general reference. He then, as a preliminary step, obtained every work availa- ble that had been published during the past hundred years. He also took notes from leading experts on the subject of shoeing, particularly from Dr. Hamill, for- merly professor of Pathological Shoeing, in Columbia Veterinary College, of New York, and one of the most thorough professional students of the foot in the coun- try. After re-writing the chapter, it was first submitted to him for revision and correction; next, to Hon. Wm. C. Gage, of Battle Creek, Mich., who had been led to study the subject in the preparation of a work oa Shoeing some years previous. Again, to Dr. McLellan, of Bridgeport, Ct., the present professor of Pathological Shoeing in the above-named College, and accepted as one of the very highest author- Fio. 436. — The same after six years' shoeing. 630 SHOEING. Fig. 4^;7. — Foot of a five-year-old horse had never beeu shod. point which I find the author in his anatomical description has not made sufficiently strong to ari'est the attention of the reader; namely, the amount of blood that passes through the foot ; and I would advise the reading- of the description of the circulation of tlie foot, given in the chapter on L a m i u i t i s , or Founder. Many j'ears ago, in Bufialo, N. Y., a well-known veterinary surgeon, a man of unexceptional skill and experience, told me that veai's ago a man bought In addition, at the conclu- sion of the chapter will be found extracts from a num- ber of leading authors, fol- lowed by the best anatomical ik'scription obtainable. This (■( )urso I have thought advis- able, for the reason that shoers and also most owners would be likely to read with more cai'e and attention the details of such a description, after becoming interested in first reading the details of treatment. There is, however, one Fig. 428. — The same after one year's shoeing with thiek shoes. ities on the subject. It was afterward read by Mr. David Roburg, of New York, who is probably one of the very best expert shoers in the country. The article be- ing rather lengthy, it was particularly desired of them to point out any part that could be omitted with advantage ; but it was the opinion of all that no part could well be dispensed with. Dr. Hamill and Prof. McLellan made some additions, which are noted. The writer was particularly interested in Mr. Roburg's advice on con. traction, as he is a special expert on the subject, but he suggested no changes. SHOEING. G31 out a livery stable iu that city, and put all the horses on short shoes or tips ; that he believed at the time that the horses would be ruined by such treatment, but, to his surprise, they were greatly improved ; several of them that had been affected with obstinate corns, and wliich he had been called upon to treat, and could do little more than palliate, though for the first few weeks they traveled sore, entirely recovered ; and that the horses of his stable had bet- ter condition of feet than any in the city. Said he, " The whole point of suc- cess in the Goodenough shoe is, that the iron is so soft that it wears down rapidly, and lets the feet come to the ground." These statements were so suggestive to the writer that they led to his study- ing the conditions of shoe- ing with more discrimina- tion and care. It was no- ticed, first, that the feet of young horses that had not been shod, no matter how di-iven or worked, except the wearing away of the outer rim of the wall, retained a sound, healthy con- dition. This being true, why the necessity of thinning out the sole, opening up the heels, trimming the frog and other parts, and loading down the feet with an amount of iron of such form as to be in most cases entirely out of proportion to the proper adjust- ment and wear i-equired ? The writer was next led to observe that horses shod with the most care, according to foregoing principles, — the bottom of the foot and frog abundantly cut away and scooped out, the shoe filed and fastened on firmly, the whole made artistic by rasping down the outer surface of the hoof — had the worse condition of feet ; while those shod most "carelessly or quickly, barely leveling the wall, without regai'd to sole, or frog, and nailing on the shoe Fio. -li'.i.— Foot of a four-year-old colt tliat had uever beeu shod. 632 SHOEING. with, perhaps, a few hurried rakes Fig. 430.— Foot of a five-year-old colt that had never been shod. It will be noticed, first, that those having thick shoes with high calks, show a greater or less degree of curl- ing under of the quai'ters, with so much absorption and weakening of them as to make them more or less sore or lame. Or, when the foot is flat, the quai'ters resting upon such largely concave surfaces (as shown by sec- tional drawings of shoe), the foot becomes convex, or the frog settles do'tvn below the bearing of the heels. This causes the foot to become so weak as to be unable to bear the strain of severe work, while those havinjj the shoes of the rasp over the clenches and lower edge of the wall, maintained the best condition of health. This is particularly notice- able in horses that travel on ground which allows the feet to settle into it, so as to bring more or less pressure upon the sole and frog. These re- sults are more noticeable in large cities, especially iu New York, where there are large lines of travel that afford am- ple opportunity of studying the condition of the feet, in conjunction with the method of paring, and the form and weight of the shoe. 431. — Foot of a three-year-old colt that had never been shod. SHOEING. 6S3 low or worn down, have broader and stronger heels. This will be more noticeable in horses used exclusively on certain lines, that wear shoes without i calks, or those with slight elevations arour 1 the outer edge, whi(] soon wear down ai i admit of a reasonab \ close contact of the f oi t with the ground. Upon inquiry int the mode of adjusting such shoes, it was ascer tained that the invariii ble rule was, simply i > lower the wall, fit and nail on the shoes with- out touching sole or frog, except to remove or scale off any extra accumulations. Companies adopting this method all admitted that it was not only a groat saving, but greatly improved the condition of the feet.* We see thei'o is rarely any ti'ouble with the feet, no con- traction, quarter-cracks, Fig. 432. — Half of hoof removed, showing coro- nary ring or cushion from which the hoof grows. Fio. 433. — Bottom view of the above. * I present a series of illustrations showing the bad effects of a few years' shoring with thick shoes which re. niovcrl all contact of the sole and frog from the ground, the results of careful experiments made by Bracy Clark, and published in 1809. First, of a healthy, natural foot; next, showing the degree of contraction and change of structure produced in the same foot after one, three, and six years' shoeing. 634 SHOEING. corns, or other causes of derangement, until after beino- shod- also that the feet of the Indian ponies, though ridden and driven Fig. 434. — Showing the frog-band, or coronary ring. in the severest manner, without shoes, on the plains, and horses that are worked in sections of country where the attrition is not so great as to re- quire .shoes, such as Southern Michigan, Illi- nois, Iowa, and other parts of the South and West, retain a r eni arkably sound, healthy, natural condi- FiG. 435. — Model of hoof and shoe, made by writer in 1860. tion.* *It is claimed, and not without reason, '{bat the feet of colts are not always in a natural, healthy condition ; that they are liable to grow out of shape, thus de- stroying their natural adjustment and health, and that it is often necessary to ob- viate this by trimming the hoof and properly adjusting a shoe. This tendency is sometimes induced by hereditary causes, resulting from bad shoeing, or from bad treatment in preventing such healthful freedom and attrition to the feet as would keep the horn worn down. The writer's attention was especially called to this point when in New York, in 1872, by the invitation of Dr. Bryden, a well-known expert in the art of shoeing, to accompany him to witness his treatment of a colt's feet which required treatment on account of undue confinement, and hereditary tendencies to contraction. SHOEING. 635 We observe also that the excessive wear is always at the toe, tod that the heels rarely suffer even on bad roads. Consequently the best shoeing for the feet, for all roads and seasons, when in a good condition of health, must be such as will pei-mit them to be as nearly barefoot as passible, or at least that the posterior part is so, yet sustaining all the attrition of wear to which they may be subjected. This being true, the object, then, of shoeing should be to prevent excessive wear, give power, and prevent slipping, which necessitates the following conditions: First, the preparation Fill. 436. — Side view of a properly proportioned shoe. of the foot; second, the weight, form, and fitting of the shoe; and third, nailing to the foot. First, in preparing the foot for the shoe, the aim should be to cut away so much of the wall as would be a surplus of growth, or so much only as would bring it back to its natural form and adjustment. Second, the shoe should be m form, so that when on, the ad- justment of the foot, or its power to obtain hold or gra.sp upon the ground, will be as nearly as possible what it was before being shod, and yet sustain the wear for the time it is intended to be on. Third, it should be nailed on firmly, yet so as to break or weaken the wall of the hoof as little as possible, and not interfere with the freedom of the quarters, or enlargement of the foot as it grows. Pedestrians who are compelled to study carefully the fitting 636 SHOEING. and adjustment of shoes, are particular to have them big and easy, yet support the foot perfectly ia all its parts without altering its natural adjustment. The shoe must exert no undue pressure upon any part, nor be so stiff as to interfere in the least with the natural mobility of the foot. Even a chance knot or seam in the stocking would be fatal to these conditions ; because when under great strain it would cause chafing, which, if not arrested, would set up so much inflammation as to soon induce entire disabil- ity. Now in shoeing horses, we see that the hoof is a shoe of another kind, which is the exact counterpart of the internal parts, and is perfectly adapted for the protection and support of this internal structure. If its mobilitj^ is impaired, or any part of the foot is sub- jected to excessive press- ure or injury sufiicient to cause inflammation, the same eflect must follow of producing inflammation and alteration of stnicture, not only of the foot, but of the entire limb, which would soon ruin a good horse. In the state of nature, the bones of the foot are so nicely adjusted and balanced by the ligaments and tendons of the limb, that there is no unequal strain brought upon any joint, but each assists in supporting the others. But if the heels are raised too high, there will be correspondingly increased strain brought upon the ligaments supporting the back or front part. In like manner, raising or lowei-ing the inner or outer quarter, would produce a lateral strain upon the joints and ligaments which must ultimately cause serious injury, and cause the foot to grow out of line. Fio. 437.— View of foot from which the hoof and slcin have been reniovecJ, showing circulation through the arteries and veins. SHOEING. 637 The strain comas perpendicularly from the shoulder to the fet- lock, and thence to the ground as it passes along to the pastern and foot. These are inclined more or less obliquely forward ; con- sequently, the strain or weight imposed upon the hmb has a con- stant tendency to be in- creased by the length of ^ ^^^ the foot and its obliquity. To prevent this, there arc two strong tendons, perfo- ratus and perforans (.see cuts 369, 370), which sup- port the ankle and main- tain its natural angle. It is evident that the longer and less upright the lever, the greater must be the strain upon these back tendons. If the degree of obliquity is made greater than is intended by nature (which is caused by allow- ing the toe and foot to grow unnaturally long), this result will follow. To prevent this, at stated in- tervals the shoe must be taken off, and the foot cut down to its natural size and adjust- ment. On the other hand, if the toe is made too short and the heel is raised, the front or flexor tendons will be subjected to in- creased strain, and equally liable to produce serious harm. A popular writer sa3's : "A shortened point of hoof, with or without wrong interference of the heels, alters the degree of obliquity of the whole limb, and diminishes the power and possible rate of speed of an animal, from the instant such a state of things is begun. One of the first sigais of this occurrence in a young hoi-se of high cast, is a swelling of the back sinetva helcnv the knees, and it is that enlargement which attracts attention, and not the foot." I give here a variety of illustrations showing the diflerent degrees of obliquity, and length from the fetlock to the toe. Fig. Fig. 438. — View of foot from which the hoof was removed by maceration. 638 SHOEING. 447 shows a good adjustment. Fig. 445 shows the toe too long. Fig. 446 shows the toe too short, with fetlock too straight. Fig. 439.— Too short Fig. 440.— Too oblique. Fig. 441.— Natural ob- and upright. liq^ity ^f ^^^^^ If the heels on a pair of Iwots are too liigh, there will not only be unnatural strain brought upon tlie calf of the leo- and ankle Fig. 442. Fig. 44.3. Fig. 444. DifEerent modifications of obliquity and length. while walking, which in a short time produces weariness and pain, but a slidmg or crowding of the foot forward against the toe and upper. This condition in a short time would cau.^e a shoulder SHOEING. 639 to form against the foot, -And flammation. On the other h long and stiff', there will he correspondingly in- creased strain brought upon the ankle and great ten- don at the heel, causing fatigue and inj ury . Again , if the heel is too narrow or drawn in too much on ont^ side, the surface of resist- ance being thereby less- ened, it wears down more rapidly and i-uns over. To remedy this, it is nec- essary to make the adjust- ment of the shoe to conform to the line of bearing of the foot ; that is, low heels, with broad, elastic sole, an become a cause of soreness and in- and, should the sole be excessiv-ely Fiii. no'.— Tuu too short. Fui. 4-t5.— Toe too long. increase of the bearing surf3.ce of that side, and, if necessary, a drawing in or narrowing of the opposite side sufficient to equalize the line of bearing. The principle is the same in re- storing or preser^'ing the ad- justment of the horse's foot ; consequently properly cutting away and leveling the foot, and adjusting the shoe to it so that the bearing surface will be ex- actly the same fi'om the center outward on each side, and of llio right length, requires con- siderable skill and judgment. Again, the foot is continually growing wider and longer, so that after being shod, propor- 640 SHOEING. tionate to the amount of growth or length of time the shoe is on there will be corresponding change from the oi'iginal size and ad- justment, making the shoe too small, or drawing it forward under the heels, and, as before explained, increasing the strain upon the back tendon. To restore this to its natural adjustment, at stated intervals of four or six weeks, according to the rapidity of giowth, the shoo must be taken off and the wall of the foot cut d(;wn to its original form, and the shoe nailed on again. In its natural condition the outer I'lai or wall of the foot comes in contact with the giound first; second, the frog and outer edge of the sole; third, the centei' of the foot and spaces between the bars and frog. Now, in putting on the shoes, the aim should be to keep the adj ustment of the feet as nearly as possible what it was before shoes wei'e put on. To show this more clearly, three sectional drawings are made, showing the concavity of the foot at different points between the heel and tui-n of the hoof, and the necessarily great disturbance of this relation by the foi-m of shoe usually put on. Cut A .shows the foot at the point of the heels as it rests upon the ordinary thick shoe, with calks raising the frog and sole so unnaturally high from the ground, that there can be no contact of those parts with it necessaiy for obtaining moisture and preserving a condition of health. In addition it will bo noticed, that in the way shoes are usually fitted, the bear- ing surface is very much concave, tending to force the quarters together. Ciit B shows the same, with form and fitting of shoes as they should bo; cuts C and D show the same at relative dis- tances between there and the turn of the foot; D, at the widest part, representing a heavy shoe. The better to explain some of the causes of contraction and -Foot about as it should be. SHOEING. 641 alteration of the structure of the foot by shoeing, the writer intended to give a cut of the impression of a natui-al, unshod foot upon the ground, showing tliat the outer rim or wall comes first, and that when the ground is so soft as to let the foot settle into it, there is a corre- spondingly strong pressure upward and outward upon the quarters. To do this, when in New York City making illustra- tions for this work, he made three trips to Flatbush, to obtain casts from colts' feet from four to five years old, from which to make the desired drawings. After the loss of a week's time, and large expense, two drawings of such impressions were made by two of the best artists in the city. But it was finally decided that neither could be engraved so as to bring out the idea sufficiently clear and good to be of any spe- cial benefit; conse- quently it was aban- doned. The sectional drawmgs given are Diade from a half-size scale of casts, showing the exact degree of concavity at difierent parts, as given. The colt's foot in its natural state, being the most simple and Fig. 451. — Adjustment at turn of foot. Fig. 452. — An exact drawing from a colt's foot, one-half size, showing the natural concavity of the sole. 642 SHOEING. easy to prepare for the shoe, we will consider first. For colta. requiring to be driven around in harness, tips or thin plates, only would be sufficient. In such a case, simply trim off the wall in front down to a level with the sole, and adjust to, and nail on with about four small nails, a small thin strip of steel or kon a. little broader than the: thickness of the wall. Steel, would be best, because it, admits of being made light- er, and wears longer. The; heels and frog should not. be interfered with unless. one heel is much higher- than the other, when it should be lowered suffi- ciently to restore the proper adjustment. The objection to tips is that, as the toe is. growing, the heels are; wearing, which in time; would be likely to increase; the strain upon the flexor -Tip about as it should be adjusted. . i i ■ . j „ tendon and its appendages. This disproportion of wear would be more rapid and noticeable should the roads be wet and gravelly, as moisture and grit soften the horn and cause it to break and wear away more J'apidly, but not so much as may be supposed on paved streets and mud roads. The writer saw several horses in New York City that had been shod with tips with decided benefit to the health of the feet and without any apparent disproportion or wearing down of the frog and quarters, though the iron was worn down fully a quarter of an inch. The pai-ts became, as it were, hardened and polished, thereby resisting tlie wear almost as much as the kon. If the colt or horse is used but moderately, and the roads not very stony, tips, if jjroperly fitted and put on, will be found of decided ad- vantage. They are necessary in cases where there is a lack tif nutrition, and an unhealthy and slow growth of horn usually fol- lowing laminitis. A.;S there has been much discufssion amontermine better its adjustment. Gnod form of thiii-)iee]ccl shoes, from modeU p) of New York. Fig. 458. iiluil |jy Mr. flooilenough. Sometimes the foot may bo run ovt-r Ly having one side too higji or the too worn off excessively. If it is desired to be particular, lie sliould see how the feet are cai-ried in a sharp trot; •whether too high or too low; or whether he travels too close, endangering interfering or cutting — ^using the words of a high authority, " to see whetiier thci-e are any traces of brushing or cutting on the inner sides of hoofs, fetlocks, or knees." The foot can then be taken up, Avhcn a look from the heel forward will enable an expe- rienced sheer to determine how much and what part is to be cut SHOEING. C47 — Location of nail-lioles in an ordinary flat shoe. " away to level it to the proper proportion, and the faults, if any, that can be modified or corrected. If the horse travels high, the shoes must be light ; if low and subject to stumbling, they may be increased in weight a little, and the toe someAvhat rounded ; if lia- ble to strike, then set cL > - ■ under the wall with ed;j' filed smooth. It is not the business ■ '' the writer to .say what iii sti-uments should be u- > for doing this, the buttri - drawing-lcnife, or rasp, or each alternately ; the point is to cut away or remove the .surplus growth in the easiest and best manner, whiclx depends more upon the deftness and ingenuity of the man than upon the use of any special means. The but- tress, in the hands of a man who knows how to use it, can- not reasonably be objected to, next to which a good shai-p rasp is advisable. The wall should be reduced to nearly or quite on a level with the outer margin of the sole, providing the sole has not been cut away too much. As a rule, the less taken away from the foot the better, except for special rea- sons, which will be explained hereafter. The bearing sur- face of the entire wall should be made level, so that an oven bearing surface of the shoe will I'cst upon it fully. The rasp should now be passed around the toe, to Fig. 4G0. — An ordinary flat slioe nailed on. 648 SHOEIJSIG. cut away the sharp edges and bring it to the size required. Prac- tically, this should be little more than rounding off the sharp edges of horn to prevent splitting. The principle is the same of leveling and preparing the feet of horses that have previously been shod. In such ca.ses, to take off the shoe the best method is, after the clenches are cut off, to raise both heels slightly with the pincers, then pry forward and across the foot a lit- tle, when the nails can be pulled out one by one. It is seriously objection- able, as generally done, to pull off the shoe by force, as the severe wrench- ing endangers tearing the hoof and straining and inj uring the foot. This would be especially objectionable if the hoof be thin and the horse sensi- tive. Next, any stubs or nails should be removed. While it is simply intended to pare down the wall to its natural form, if it is thin and weak, growing but lit- tle, especially at the heels, where there is great difficulty to grow sufficient wall for the support of the foot, no more should be removed than is bare- ly necessary to level it. There should be no interference with sole or frog, excepting to chip or cut away the portion of the old horn which could not be exfoliated. Frequently the heels are too high, or the toe too long ; in feither case, whatever the excessive accu- mulation or growth of horn, it should be cut away until the foot is brought back to its natui-al form and adjustment. Sometimes there is excessive accumulation to the amount of half an inch or more at the heels, or even of the whole wall of strong, upright feet, yet to the ordinary observing shoeing-smith it may not appear excessive, because cutting away so much would make the foot appear to him to be unnaturally small. Several specimens of abnormal growth of feet are given. (Figs. 463, 464 are taken from life.) Fig. 461, which was seen by the writer at Fulton Fig. 461. — Mobility entirely de- stroyed iu right foot. SHOEING. 649 Ferry, is that of a pony mare driven before a huckster's wagon. The right foot was so contracted by this excessive accumulation of horn, that its mobility was entirely destroyed. It will be noticed that the toe of the shoe is carried forward something like a sled crook, to enable a rolling- motion upon the ground. It was pitiable to witness the pain and mis- ery this poor ani- mal exhibited. She walked with a crippled, sensi- tive motion, and while standing- would put out one ^lo. 463.— Showing extreme foot, then the oth- er, but mostly the Fig. 463.— View of right foot enlarged. Dotted lines showing point to which the honi should ha%'e been cutaway. degree to which the inter- nal structure has been compressed and forced right one. The upward out of the hoof. case could have been easily relieved of pain and soreness, by simply cutting down the feet, and thoroughly soaking and opening the quarters, as ex- plained in treatment for " Contraction." In Fig. 463 the dotted lines represent the pomt to which the horn should be cut away, sho-wing an excess of accumulation of over three inches. Figs. 464 and 4G5 were taken from a specimen lielonging to the Colum- l)ia Veterinary College, of New York, loaned to the writer by Prof. Walton, the House Surgeon, to make a drawing from. The Professor told the -vsrriter that the horse when living was com- pelled to walk on the heels, a complete cripple, on account of the extreme length of the toes. The original size was estimated to be about where the outline runs, the alteration being the i-esult of contraction while drying. The exact proportion of the original ia Fig. 4(14. — (Outside view of hoof. C50 SHOEING. maintained in all its parts. A reversed view of the same is shown liy cut 465. The dotted lines show the point to which the hoof riliould be shortened, and the relation of the internal parts to the wall and sole. The illustrations heretofore given of the hoof and internal parts will give a good idea of the parts generally, and how much should be removed. But shoers wishing to study the subject more thoroughly, can easily do so by procuring a dead foot and letting it remain in water until the parts can be sepa- rated ; or burying it in stable dung for a short time, when the hoof can be easily taken off, showing its exact thickness, and the Fig. 46.5. — Reversed view of Fig. iHL Half size. Degree to wliieh the bones are cruwdeil up out of the foot. relation it has to the parts within. In any case of paring the i'oot, the principle should be to reduce it from its deformity, what- ever it is, to its natural proportion and adju.stment. If the frog is hard and bony, it should be cut dov,-n so as to come Avithin the lower edge of the shoe; for in such a case it wouhl be like any other hard, unyielding bod}' under the heel. But usually the fi-og is small, and seldom requires any attention. The authorities most common on "Shoeing" are explicit in directing that the sole should be well pared out — made, in fact, so thin that it will spring to the pressure of the thumb. This is so injurious that I regard it necessary, though subjecting me to considerable expense and trouble, to give at the conclusion of the chapter such proofs as would convince of this, and would ask for a careful reading of them. SHOEING. 651 When a chip of horn cut from the foot falls to the floor, the moisture being absorbed from the upper surface quickest by its Fig. 400. — Ciuod laoucl tu" a euncavt; ruad-sliuL^, adapted for summer or winter. greater exposure to the ah-, causes it to curl upward, the same as a thin board or shingle will warp when exposed to the heat of the sun. Now, when the sole is trimnieil out, as explained, the expos- ure of its denuded surface to the dry air causes it to lose its moisture rapidly, contract and bend upward against the soft pai"ts, making the solo more hollow. But paring- out the sole so excessively that it will yield to slight pressure, will allow the horse to tra\' better for the present, and it is quite natural for one tn believe it so great a benctit, that at each time of shoeing it is repeated, regardless of the fact that the feet will be brought ultimately intoa con- 'Fiu. 4lji. — Bearing surface of the same 652 SHOEING. luodul lit road-eliou. ditiou to require a continual jiaring away, and the horse is hope- lessly ruined. Wealthy incn in England, who arc in the habit of riding much, finding that a horse will ride easier by having the soles pared out thin, require to have it done, not caring if IB- / ^^VWbk ^^ ^'^'^ spoil the horse in a \f ! vl«Lif short time, as they are able to buy others. While in conversation on this subject with Dr. ITamill, before referred to, I asked the question: "Doctor, what do you think of thinning out the solo as usually practiced? " His answer was: "It is death to the foot, because the foot in consequence loses its moisture so rapidly that it becomes a direct cause of con- traction through the absorption which takes place. This, acting on the nutrition of the part, may cause various changes, etc. Yet there are occasi oi i s when extreme paring ma\ be resorted to with soun advantage." In explan i tiou he related the follo\\ ing incident: Some ys KO little ; but generally, if not exclusively, the wall i > the part requiring adaptation of surface; at the toe it may be projecting, and the edge re- quire the file to be passed transversely acioss it ; or, the toe being too short, the columns of the heels on cither side may be lowered slightly, by holding the foot in the left hand and passing the Hat part of the file over the bearing surface from behind forward in one, say outside, extremity of near fore, and backward over the inner heel, taking care that both heels are level; the ofi' foot, by reversing the action of the hand, is tr ^ated in the same way. " But many men will say. Why not take the horse's foot between the legs, as is the custom 1 Because, where so very little has to be done, 1 want to see how to do it, and I do n't require the greater purchase which the firm hold of the foot between my knees gives. I am only stating, however, what I do, and how I do it. In the hind feet we see and can manage best by taking the foot in the ordinary way. . . . I then take each foot forward ujjon my knee, and, having seen exactly how much hoof is reqviired to be removed, and from what parts I take the rasp, and with either the rough or file surface, according to the quantity of hoof to be removed, I pass it vertically, so as to take off the outer edge to the extent required; then placing the foot between my legs, remove the exfoliated sole, and, detaching parts of the frog, the first by means of the bufi'ei-, raising the loose flakes of horn from the front back.ward by tapping the tool with the hammer, the superfluous exfolications of the frog are then removed with the drawing knife, not by paring it at all, or much cutting, but more by raising the flakes with the left thumb and finger, and detaching them with the knife. This done, the bearing surfiice of the wall is to be adapted, and, holding the foot in the ordinary way, lore or hind, the rasp is passed over the point of the wall to reduce it to its proper depth. . . " If the instructions just- given be intelligently carried out, tlic SIIOEmG. 655 quarters — the surface across the bottom of the foot — will be fairly provided for from the extreme ends to the middle, which is commonly left flat or hollow and weak ; tlie sheer will be assisted in avoiding this defect by acquiring the habit of glancing down the foot, from heel to toe on each side in parallel lines ; his eye will then be alile to judge whether he has secured the object ou which I am laying stress — a full- ness in the surface across the center of the foot. The center of the foot is the region of the greatest breadth and depth of its arch ; on the pres- ervation of its breadth and depth depend the strength of the arch and of the foot itself, and the firmness, safety, and power of the horse's action. " The third class of feet are those in which, Ijy mismanagement, a morbid accumulation of hoof places them out of form. Some of these are not in this state because they have not been shod at regular inter- vals, but becavise those who shod them have not known their art — how to reduce the abundance of horn to due proportion in diflerent parts of the hoof. "There is a common saying, that in shoeing, 'the shoe should be made to fit the foot, and not the foot to fit the shoe.' This hackneyed expression, when closely examined, amounts to nonsense. The horse- shoer, if he be an artist worthy of the art, is required to know the foot so that he can with the greatest possible exactness and extent, econo- mize its want of substance and energy ; he must, like the sculptor with his clay or marble, bring out the true figure from a mass of deformity. That the over-reduced and weak hoofs are the most numerous, ie gi-anted ; but I have seen numerous bad cases of defonnity and lame- ness due to the excess of horn in the wrong places. " One difierence between the English mode of shoeing and that adopted in all other countries in the world is, that we hold up the horse's foot to work at it. I only incidentally allude to the fact, because the origin of our custom is as much hidden by antiquity as the more extended mode. It is that of holding the horse's foot and working at it, to which I allude, while the continental farrier has the foot held while he shoes it. This last is the chief difference which attacts the atten- tion of travelers. In using the buttress, the rasp is superseded as well as the drawing knife ; the latter altogether, and the former, a small, fine rasp, employed only to smooth off the surface of the lower wall, as the last act in the process. Together with the buttress, the continental sheer uses a tool analagous to that which we formerly employed under the name of toeiny-hn'ife ; biit a modern continental shoer, if a good workman, uses this, which in wrong hands would be very destructive, with admirable effect. This foot-rounder — the literal translation of the name of the instrument — is a straight steel blade, of about nine inches in length by one and a half in breadth, and moderately sharp, by means of which the hard margin of the wall of the hoof is cut oft' by light taps of the hammer, wliile the instrument is held so as to regulate the quan- tity to be detached. " The plan which I have given, which I adopt with the rasp, of tak- ing the foot forward, was founded upon this method ; but when we come to those hoofs where overgrowth and disproportion to an indefinite 656 SHOEING. extent prevail, I find that no amount of skill in the application can bring the rasp and drawing-knife, with the rest of our tools, up to the round pied and buttress of the continental shoer. To produce the same effect, we, with equal knowledge of the requirement, take much longer time and devote more labor to the work ; while in ordinary practice, with us, the work is liable to remain undone or be badly done, as a rule, it is fairly accomplished on the continent. Take a foot grown to one or two inches beyond its normal depth and length, curled over at both heels upon itself, the bottom of the column being in an almost transverse line with the center of the foot, and a morbid thickness of sole ami frog impprisoned and bound immovably together — such a foot puzzles a workman ; with such a weapon as the rasp and knife, he does not know how to begin or proceed with a view to its proper reduction.* "In such a case the foreigner lays his foot- rounder transversely, with the edge toward one heel or column, about one-fourth of an inch from its lower surface, and with two or three taps with the hammer, cuts transversely forward from one to two inches; the same thing is done with the other column, and then usually, but not always, a greater depth is rounded off the toe, and a little, if there be abundance, at the sides ; all of which can be effected in the space of a minute or two; the man then takes the buttress, and in the foreign mode of holding the foot, cuts from toe to heel, and when the hard edge of the wall, and some of its depth has been removed, that which remains is pared down to give the required surface. " One advantage, at this point of the operation, I find favorable in the continental practice, is that when there are morbid accumulations of sole, which come in the way, and are as much foreign and incompat- ible with its functions as a snowball at the bottom of the foot, they are met and easily broken up by the direction in which the buttress is pushed ; whereas, by holding the foot ourselves, and working more from hoel to toe, our instrument slips over the exfoliations of horn which have their fixed basis behind, and rise in front as they become ripe for being cast off. " Havmg learned these conditions by experience, acquired late, and working according to what I was taught in the course of apprenticeship, I fairly met the inconvenience by making use of the buffer for breaking up the loose, imprisoned sole and exfoliations of the frog ; these parts would detach spontaneously after the wall was reduced to its normal proportion, and the local condition would not ensue but for the general state and want of motion of the foot ; such motion impUes health and fi-eedom, in the enjoyment of which sole and frog cast off their flakes and maintain their proper substance. It might appear that this disen- siafed horn, if left unheeded, would fall with time — a plausible theory, but incompatible with good practice. Such incumbrance must be got *Many intelligent smiths in various parts of this country visited by the writer, are in the habit ot using the toeing-knife and buttress. If the growth is excessive, the wall is chipped off as described, and then reduced bj the buttress by cutting from the heel forward. SHOEING. ().-)7 rid of, not only before the shoe is put on, Imt before the proper surface can be adapted for it." The shoe should, in form and size, littl(v more tlian cover tlie wall, excepting at the Iieels, whei-c it should ho. so much wider and longer as to compensate for the growth of the foot, and be heavy enough to sustain the attrition, or wear, for the time it is ex- pected to be on. But should this require an excessive thickness, then the bar may be made wider, to permit more wearing surface. It .should fit closely all the way around to the bearing sur- face prepared for its recep- tion, so that it may give to the crust all the support it can receive, and carry out in ., 1 !• 1 Fig. 47 L. — Ground surface of the its ground surface, as nearly ^, ^ , , ° *' Goodenougn shoe. as possible, the form of the wall before it was cut away. It is a rule, recognized by the best authorities, that the sole should not rest upon the shoe, except iiround the toe where the out- I r edge is left full and nat- iiral. But if the wall is cut ■ lown close, and the sole rath- i-r thin (which, as explained Oil before, in no case should bo Am done except for special patho- ogical reasons), it is advisa- ile, if it comes too near the i '-on, to lower the part coming I I nder it. As a rule, the bear- ing surface should be level, and the ground surface con- FiG. 473.— Beariug surfacu ui the same. cave, or the inner edge of the 658 SHOEING. ground surface so bevelled off that it will not harbor stones and dirt, and be so stiff that it will not bend. If the horse is expected to be driven only occasionally, as for family use, and upon common dirt roads, the wear will be but little, and the shoes should be correspondingly light ; but if much travel is required on stony or macadamized roads, the weight should be sufficient to sustain such wear. The addition of a small bit of steel, hammered well into the toe, and tempei'ed, would add Flu. 4..J.— Kajlj liUt-a. Fot tiimmed too much. Outer edge of wall only, resting upon the shoe, which is made concave. Fui. 474. — The same not cut away enough. The shoe, though properly fitted, is too thick. greatly to its durability. It would be much better ia make them wholly of .steel, as they would be very much lighter, equally stiff, and less liable to bend. An objection to steel is, especially in cities where there are paved streets, that there will be more tendency to slip, than by the use of shoes made of iron. (See cuts for light-driving shoes.) In a condition of health, from the light family driver to the heavy draught horse, the principle of shoeing is the same ; the size, thickness, and weight only differing .so as to adapt to each case, with the difference that when exceptional power is necessary, as for draft hoi'ses, or to prevent slipping, calkins must be u.sed. As a rule, nothing more is wanting, unless necessary for extra wear, than just iron enough to protect the outer crust of the foot, and SHOEING. 659 prevent its breaking. More iron than this becomes extra weight, and causes fatigue in carrying, like thick, heavy-soled shoes or clogs. It is a question among English authorities whether a shoe should be "rounded at the toe " (a practice known as the French system) to aid mobility. As shown by Fig. 478, it brings the bearing surface in the form of a circle. On this point I copy here from Mr. Goodwin's new system of As the heel often rests upon the inner edge of shoe, with the bearing surface badly concave — a direct cause of contraction and weak heels. shoeing. " If we refer," says he, " to the action of the fore leg, it will tend to explain some of the advantages to be derived from the curved shoe. When a horse is about to move, the first indication of motion is a bend at the knee, which raises the heels, and they become more and more elevated, till the toe (which is the last part that leaves the ground) is suspended for the moment that the foot is lifted. The base of the foot, just at its leaving the ground, is al- most perpendicular. When the knee is bent to its fullest extent, the foot is then in the same position, with the heels of the shoe pointing upward. If we consider this first part of the motion of the limb, we find the movement of the foot very nearly dascribes a semicircle ; and on viewing the form of the joints connected with the action, the necessity for a curve at the toe is clearly demonstrated. Again, the form of the shoe worn out, at Fig. 477. — About as the shoe should be fitted. 660 SHOEIIfG. . — Model of a French shoe, showing average amount of curve. onc» shows that it must be more suitable to put on a new one of that form, rather than to suffer the action of the leg to be opposed until it is worn to that form. " The fore legs may be considered simply as pillars of support, having no pow- er of themselves to propel the body forward, progres- sion being entirely per- formed by the hind pai-ts. If it were not so, the action would be different, as I liave before observed it to be in those horses that have great weights to draw ; and this may be more readily observed in any draught horse going up hill. I have offered these remarks upon action, in order to bring the reader's attention to the curve of the French shoe at the toe. This form of shoe cer- tainly harmonizes more with the motion of the fore foot than the English shoe does ; it affords a greater surface of bearing at the toe than the projecting ridge of the straight, ordinary shoe, and is nuich more calculated to allow of the motion of the leg and foot ; the labor of the muscles is also diminished, and the limb being in its natural po.sition, the ligaments have less imposed upon them ; they are more at ease, and conse- quently are not so liable to be strained." A moderate rounding at the toe would seem desirable in all cases where there is want of mobility. It is especially desirable when the horse is a little stiff or sore, as it enables him to travel much easier. This is proved when the mobility of the foot is destroyed, and there is necessity for using a rounded shoe to con- form with the action. When winter shoes, or calk shoes, must be Fig. 4"fl. — French shoe — taken from au old work. See Navicular Lameness. SHOEING. 661 shown Fig. 4!)0 — Shoe too bliurt and thitK, with uaila Uuveu deep, and too far bacls iu the quarters. used, the forward calk may be set well hack in the toe, by illusti-ation. The object of nailing should be to hold the shoe firmly to the foot without injur- ing the wall, and leave the foot as in- dependent of the le- straint of the shoe at the quarters as pos- sible. The nails should be driven where there will be most secure nail- hold; more or less as well as heavier nails being necessary, in proportion to the thickness of the wall, weight of the shoe, and severity of the work. The wall is thickest and strongest at the toe or front, and becomes thinner and more flexible toward the quarters and heels, especially so at the in- ner heels, where it is sometimes exceedingly thin and flexible. By reference to Figs. 423, 429, it wUl be seen that there is con- siderable diflference in the breadths and form of the quarters ; that of 423 is most notice- able. The end secured in this part being nar- rower and straighter, is supposed to be the prevention of interfering or striking ; luit the narrowness is com- pensated foi' by the increased height of the wall, for the purpose Fig. 481. — Nailiug that will do no harm. 662 SHOEING. of giving more bearing surface to the laminated structure. This inner quarter or wall is very much thinner and more elastic, and on this account it becomes necessary to give very particular at- tention to the adjustment and freedom of the part. There has been much speculation during the past few years in relation to the cause of this quarter's giving out before the other, as nature evidently intended it to stand strain and wear equally witli other parts. The cause, undoubtedly, is the interference in its mobility by bad fitting and nailing. This being true, it is ev- ident that the principal nailmg should be at the toe and front, because there is more horn there to naU to, and less liability to do harm by separatmg and breaking the fibers of the wall. They Turner. The unilateral method of nailing, with model of a shoe. should not extend any farther back into the quarters than is barely necessary to give a safe hold of the shoe to the foot. The fewer and smaller the nails driven, the better, providing they are sufficient to hold the shoe. But much wUl depend, in doing this, on the accuracy of the fitting, thickness of the wall, and Aveight of the shoe. If the nails are driven well back on the outer quarter, and only round in the toe of the inner side, for the purpose of aflbrding more freedom to the quarters, it will be found that as the foot grows, the shoe will be carried to the outside quarter and toe to such an extent that the inner heel of the shoe will be drawn inside of the wall at the heel, and rest upon the sole, causing a bruise or corn. In addition, so much of the shoe being left unnailed, makes it liable to get loose and work under the quarter, which would cau.se a rapid wearing or Ijreaking down of structure. All things SHOEING}. 663 Fig. 484. — Points showing where the horn is strongest for the driving of the nails. Considered, the best way is to nail back to the turn of the wall securely. Or the nailing may be extended a little farther back on the outside, and shortened a little on the inner side, in any case giving both quarters all the freedom compatible with secui'ity, in retaining a firm hold of the shoe. As the foot grows, the shoe will be brought forward so evenly under it as not to do harm. For ordinary light shoes, I am in the habit of usmg from six to .seven nails, evenly distributeil around the front part (somethuig like Figs. 457, 459); sometimes extending the outer nail a little beyond or nearer the quarter than the inner one. But if the shoes are heavy, and the work hard, as for draught horses, heavier nails, and from seven to eight in num- ber, will in most eases be required. A small, thin clip turned up at the toe, and one at the outer quarter, will help greatly in holding the shoe firm- ly in position ; but they .should be turned up thm, and set well out on the edge of the shoe. But very little of the wall should be cut away, so as not to weaken or injure it ; liut sufficient to en- able bringing the shoe to its position. The shoes should not be hammered down tight to the wall, but simply sufficient to rest easily against it. Next, if the foot ia broken, or —The same as it would appear with the shoe on. 6G4 SHOEING. much weakened by old nail-holes, punch the holes where there is soundest horn to nail to. A thin shoe will not admit of iny full- ering, because it weakens the shoe, without giving any special ad- vantage in nailing. The stamp form of punching the holes should be used ; that is, the hole made larger at the surface and smaller at the bottom, so that the nail heads will fit into it exactly. The method of driving the nails is next worthy of considera- tion. There are two methods ; one, starting the nail rather near the outer surface and driving high, called the English method, which is practiced very generally in this country ; the other, starting the nail deep and bringing out low, known as the French method, which leading authorities concede to be the best. If the nail is driven very near the sui-face, it is liable to chip or break the horn out, which injures and weakens the wall very much ; whereas driving deep and bringing out low, insures a good hold, and the wall will be almost grown out by the next shoeing. Con- sequently they should be punched deep over those points where the wall is thickest, and less so toward the quarters where it is thinnest, or proportionately farthei- from the outer margin of the shoe. The common method of fullering all shoes alike, and bringing the nails at the same -' difficult to understand why naturally good feet were soon ruined by such shoeing. Next, it was noticed that the seating extended clear out to the nail -holes, leaving but a comparatively narrow edge for the wall to rest upon. A number of average shoes were obtained and photographed for the purpose of explaining the cause of such bad effects : but it was found upon trial that it was impos- FiG. 515. — The shoe as drawn. sible to bring out the defects sufficiently plain to be of any ac- count, and as the next expedient, an exact drawing of one of the shoes (Fig. 575) was made, showing the concavity at different points of bearing surface of the quarters. The dotted lines show the location of the heels upon the shoe. To explain this more clearly, three drawings of transverse sections are given ; (a) shows by two points outside the inner edge where the outer edge of the heels rested ; (6) the same at half the distance between there and the center of the clip on the sides ; (c) at that point. See p. 688. In the first place, the shoe is made very much longer and wider at the heels tlian the foot, for the purpose of making them look wide. In these cases, not only the bearing surface itself is largely bevelled, but this bevel is greatly increased by the seating, which SHOEING. 687 is carried well back to the heels and extended out to the edge of the nail-holes, the point of the heels extending even inside the inner edge of the iron. Out of the eight specimens selected from a pile of old shoes, there was but one exception to this. The con- sequence of such treatment is that the heels are constantly being crowded forward and under as weight is thrown ujion them, which, with an excessively pared condition of the foot, causes such rapid loss of moisture that the heels become euilod under, weak, and contracted. Now follows the putting of leather between the shoe and foot, the use of hoof lin- iments, and other means of re- lief, without any practical benefit. I copy here the remarks of an old author, J. Clark, of Edin- burgh, Scotland, in 1782, show- ing the bad effects of this treat- ment : — " They cannot be satisfied un- less the frog is finely shaped, the sole ])ared, and the bars cut out in order to make the heels appear wide. This practice gives them Fig. 5 IG.-The previous shoe, engravetl a show of AVideness for a lime, yet ,,„„, photograph. WouM not bring that, together with the concave ^^^ ^^^^^^^ appearance. form 01 the shoe, lorwards the con- traction of the heels, which, v^'hen confirmed, renders the animal lame for life." The principle of shoeing such horses is the same as in that of others : First, to level down the wall without interfering with the sole or frog. The bearing surface of shoe to be flat, and bent to the form of the foot, so as to support the wall evenly all the way round ; the shoe to be no heavier, and the calks, if used, no higher, than is barely necessary to sustain the wear to which it is subjected. In addition, the feet should be kept soft by stoppings and coverings of wet cloths at night. This should be especially attended to during dry weather, or when the feet are hot or feverish from severe work. The treatment for the cure of such is practically the same as for other conditions of contraction. Of course, much depends upon 688 SHOEING. the skill and ingenuity lirought to bear in the treatment. In fact, herein lies most of the success in the management of all conditions of contraction. In my experience I never have found a smith who could catch the points of properly preparing the foot and fitting the shoes for such cases. In every instance I have been compelled to stand over the shoer, and dictate every movement, or do part of the work myself. First, the want of judgment in preparing _ the foot ; second, ^^^^fa A ^^^^1 ^ adapting the weight of the shoe Ik, 517 — Concave bearing surface (if pliiH' at lii'cl. , .i j. , i />, to the toot, and nt- _ .^^^^^^ ting the clips so as ^^^^^^ - the quarters easily Fig. 518. — Concave hearing surface of slice between ^jj^j surelv aS de- heel and turn of foot. . , Sired. _ ^L^ Since writing " ~ " "" attention has been Fig. 519. — Concave bearing surface of shoe called to a verv at turn of loot. . Simple and practi- cal method of opening the quarters for the cure of contraction, il- lustrated in Fig. 522, and devised by Mr. David Roburg, a prac- tical horse-shoer of great ingenuity and skill, who is located in No. 106 West Thirtieth street. New York City.* This spring he patented fourteen years ago, and has since used it with marked success. Various methods of opening the heels on this plan have been familiar to me for many years. Fig. 520 is a specimen of form which I copied from an old French work. I also saw a spring almost the same in form and principle of ad- * My attention has been particularly attracted to this gentleman's method of treatment by two incidents : First, in a conversation, some years ago, with Mr. Bonner, who is himself undoubtedly one of the closest and best living students of the principles of shoeing in this or any other country, by his stating that Mr. Roburg was probably the most profound student in the art of shoeing in the coun- try; second, by learning at the Columbia Veterinary College of his remarkable success in the cure of a case of lameness that was pronounced by one of the highest authorities in the city as an incurable case of navicular-joint lameness. Special reference will be made to his method of treatment for this difficulty under the head of Navicular-Joint Lameness. SHOEING. 689 justment which was devised and patented a few years ago by a horse-shoer in the upper part of New York City. But Mr. Roburo-, by giving more length to the spring, and simplifying its construc- tion, makes it all that can be desired. The spring is made of steel, the exact proportion and adjustment of which Ls shown in Fig. 522. The wall is fir.st weakened by sawing down slightly be- tween the heel and frog, when the spring is placed in position with so much force given to it as may be thought necessary to press the heels outward as desired. The shoe is then nailed on over it, as ordinarily done. The press- \ // A\ / ure is gradual and constant, and must ^[/-'J L prove just the thing where both quar- Fm. 530.— Shoe with spring for ters will admit of equal pressure. But '="''<^ °^ contraction. Copied should one quarter be much more con- ™™ "^ rench. tracted or unyielding than the other, it would not work so well, be- cause the full pressure would then be thrown on the weaker quar- ter. This is in part oliviated liy nailing the shoe well back on the quarter of the oppo- site side, wliich would prevent that side from being acted upon. It does not, how- ever, and cannot be made to give the re- quisite power to open the quarters back and outward, should the heels be drawn sharply inward and forward, as shown in Fig. 573, as can be very easily done bj' the method devised by myself. But this method of treatment is so simple and good that I have thought it advisable to give very careful drawings of it. This spring rf different sizes and strength, with all partlrulars, can be obtained by addressing the patentee, Mr. Roburg. I also give illustrations Fig. .531. — Frencli method of shoeing — utter L;ifos.s A, B, C, D, and E show lines of adjustment. '.90 SHOEINO. of a form of shoe devised and largely used by him with great success, the form of which can be well understood by them. The object to be attained is, where there is a want of mobility, or much soreness and inflammation, to so form and ad j ust the shoe that the foot will partly roll upon the ground and relieve the strain. This form of shoe has been patented by him. To use Mr. Roburg's words, " This shoe, by allowing the foot to roll upon the ground, gives the foot the advantage of an extra joint, and to that degree relieves the strain or want of mobility, which causes lameness or sore- ness." Consequently it not only enables the horse to travel easier, but aids in i Fig. 532, ^Au outliue of spriug, with its position on tlie foot. Fio. 523. Thicliness of the spring — full size. Width of bar- full size. making a cure. This principle of treatment he has studied very closely and is remarkably successful. More special reference will be made to this in Navicular-joint Lameness. This principle has long been in vogue in France. I give an illustration from Lafosse, showing a side view of the hoof fitted for the shoe ; also a specimen of the French shoe. The principle is to turn up the shoe at the heel and toe about the thickness of the iron. Mr. Roburg's shoe differs essentially from this, in that he gives a curvature side- ways as well as with the length of the foot. What he terms his " best model of shoe," and which is the most unusual, is Fig. 525, which is nothing more than a thin plate hammered into a rounded or bowl shape, the exact proportions of SHOEING. 691 which are preserved in the drawings given. Fig. .520 is a side view which will give a good idea of the relative proportion of the curve. By this form of shoe the foot has perfect freedom of motion either way. If the foot is feverish or dry, a wet sponge or oakum is pushed in between the shoe and bottom of the foot. Fig. 529 is a view of the same made a little heavier, the same form of circle being preserved, with the difference of the central part being removed with cross-section of the same. The shoe from which this drawing was made was claimed to be the same that was worn by Dexter when he made hLs fastest time to road wagon. Figs. 531, 532, show the method of putting on calk- ins. Fig. 525. — Kubuig's best fonii of shoe to aid the mobility of the foot in lameness. Fig. 536. — Side view of the above, showing the curve. Quarter-Crack. This is the one difficulty next to contraction which seems to have baffled the skill of the best veterinary au- ^ ^^yy~^ thorities and horsemen to prevent or cure; be- cause in extreme cases they had no practical treatment beyond that of a bar shoe, cutting away the horn so that the part back of the split would have no bearing upon it, or of sup- -An exact scale of the curve of the shoe. Fig. 528. — Cross-section of the same. 692 SHOEING. Fig. .529. — Ordinary form of rolling motion shoe. porting tho weak parte by drawing the edges together with nails, or fastening on a plate with .screws ; all of which are mei-ely pal- liative, and not to be depended upon. It would, of course, be easy to gi'ow the foot down by keeping the horse in a stall or small yard where the ground is .soft, but when put to work it would be li- able to split down again as before. Con- sequently it has been one of the most vexatious and annoying of difficulties, because to to do this it was nec- essary to keep the horse idle from three Fig. ,530.— Cross-section of the same. ^ g-,. months; and then, when put to work, if by chance he were driven sharply over hard or frozen road.s, the quarter was liable to burst, which ■would again make the loss of use necessary. Or it became necessary to resort to the pal- liative measures refer- red to, and thus in time the value of an other- wise good horse would be destroyed. We see, in the first place, that the whole trouble arises from the hoof becoming con- tracted or too small for the internal parts. This Fig. 532.— Ground surface of ahove showmg will be most noticeable method of putting on calkms. Fig. 531. — Side view showing degree of curve. SHOEING. 693 at the inner quarter by the wall becoming straight or drawn in sharply a little below the hair, the part at which the spht inva- riably occurs. This is proved by the fact that the quarter is most liable to burst or split when the hoof is dry and hard, or when concussion is increased by driving on hard roads. This tendency to split is also increased by the inferior quality of horn grown; because the contraction of the parts, or pressing of the wall in against the soft parts so obstructs the circulation that there is not sufficient blood to grow a sound, tough, healthy horn. On this ac- count in all such ca.ses, if serious, the horn grows thin and brittle. The only reliable and practical cure is opening the quarters suffi- ciently to remove pressure until the new horn is grown, which can be done to any degree desired as follows : First, cut down between the bar and frog of the inner quar- ter, as explained for contraction, until it will yield readily to pressure. Next cut away the edo-es of the wall to the end of the split ; then make a crease with the firing iron at the edge of the hair. If the split extends well up into the coronary band, this can be omitted, and instead, the iron touched length-ways with the split. If, however, the quarter is properly opened, such interference with the firing-iron will be un- necessary, as the horn would usually grow down sound without it. Now fit a shoe as explained for contraction, .putting a clip only upon the inner side (as shown in Fig. 536). The opposite side is to be nailed well back to counterbalance it. When the shoes are nailed on, with the spreaders open the quarter all it will bear without producing soreness, or about a quarter of an inch. This done, fill the crack with a little melted resin or tallow, over which put a little tow to prevent gravel or dirt fi-om working into the quick. It is next advisable to stimulate the growth of tough, healthy horn. This can be done with hoof liniment, which should be put on as explained, two or three times a week. In addition, the hoof should not be permitted to become dry or hard, which can Fig. 53.3.— Quarter-erack. 694 SHOEING. ( Ibe easily prevented by stopping with flaxseed meal, and tying two or three thicknesses of blanket around the feet, and keeping wot while standing in the stable. The horse, if necessary, can be put to work as usual. In the course of a few days, spread out a little more, or as may be necessary to make the hoof suiBciently large to remove all pressure from the weak parts. When grown down, the cause is removed, first, by the quarter being opened out to its natural position, there- by removing all press- ure upon it outwardly ; second, by the circula- tion now having entire freedom more blood is brought to the parts. Fig. 534. — Toe-crack. Fig. 535. — Quarter-crack. ,i , ,, SO that thei-e is grown a tougher and thicker quality of hoi-n, thereby making it a relia- ble cure. If an ordinaiy case, with but little drawing in of the quarters, simply lower the inside quarter a little so as to remove pressure from the upper edge of the wall, and put on a level shoe. Next, with a firing-iron, burn a slight crease across the upper edge of the wall, keeping the foot soft, and stimulating the growth by applications of hoof liniment. This will enable growing the wall down without its splitting back. But if the quarter is drawn in perceptibly, then in addition to the creasing, the quarter must be given entire freedom by cutting down between the bar and frog. The advantage of a bar-shoe is that it brings some pressure upon the frog, causing a slight spreading of the quarters, and giving relief; but, as must be .seen, in its best form it is merely palliative, as the frog soon becomes atrophied by the pressure. But if the hoof is thin and much contracted, and especially if the growth of horn is not very healthy, nothing short of opening the quarter and keeping it so can be relied upon for success. Blind Billy, on account of the severity with which he brought the feet to the ground when traveling rapidly, frequently burst the quarter of one of his feet which grew white horn and was con- tracted a little. By weakening the horn between the bar and frog so as to let the quarter give as pressure was thrown upon it, in connection with keeping the feet soft and stimulating the growth SttOETiSTG. ef)n with hoof liniiueiits, eiialiled growing tlie wall down several limes without resplittiag. Finally, during a severe freezing spell, when the roads were rough and hard, the quarter was split very seri- ously, which, on account of the thin condition of the hoof, it became impossible to grow down again without its splitting back. All palliative measures failing, it became necessary to either control the quarter wliile growing, or in consequence of the serious lameness the injury caused him, to take the horse off the road. This was not admissi- ble, as he could not be spared, and to prevent this I was compelled to devise some means of treatment by which this could be remedied. I noticed first that the whole trouble arose from the quarter being too small, or pressing too much upon the internal structure, and it occurred to me to open out the quarter and hold it there. The experiment was made, fit- ting the shoe with a clip, and it worked perfectly. The horse was driven as usual, over the hardest roads, during the balance of the winter ; yet the hoof grew down, not only sound but stronger than it was before. The incident suggested the idea of fitting a shoe in this way for the cure of contraction ; and for the convenience of opening either quarter as desired, the spreaders were devised, which enabled doing this most perfectly. Corns. Corns are usually to be found at the inner heel, or ai, the angle between the bar and the crust, and are caused b}^ the shoe pressing upon the j^art. This will be most likely to occui' should the wall break down, or be cut away so much as to let the shoe rest upon the sole, or should the shoe be nailed well back on the outside and toe, as then, if left on too long, it will be drawn out- ward and forward so much that the inner heel will be di'awn Fig. 536.— For quarter- ^ 09G SHOEING. under the quarter, aud rest u^Jon this part, bruising it. When the sen.sible sole is thus bruised, the effused blood mixes with the horny matter and makes a red spot, and if the irritation is continued so as to produce very much inflammation, ulceration may take place, wliich would, in some cases, be sufficient to affect the inner wing of the coffin bone, and cause matter to break out at the coronet. Some- times when the quarter is very much contracted the space between the bar and quarter being greatly lessened, it causes such bruising or pressure upon the soft parts as to ex- cite inflammation, or a com, which, in some cases, may be very serious. The usual remedy is to cut away the parts so that the shoe will not rest upon it, and put on a little caustic, or touch it with a hot u-on, which de- stroys sensibility, and changes the condition of se- cretion. Butter of antimo- ny, 01' salts of nitre, is the favorite remedy ; then melt ui a little tar, resin, and tallow, and cover with a little tow to prevent gravel or dirt working into the tender part. The usual way, in severe cases, is to put on a bar shoe, so as to enable re- moving all pressure from the part. This mode of treatment, however, as usually done, is only palliative, not curative. The horse will travel better, but if the shoe is left on a little too long, or presses upon the part in the least, or should gravel or dirt accumulate between the part and the shoe, inflammation and lameness will follow. The' only remedy for this is to remove the pressure. But in time by this treatment the difficulty is only aggravated and made worse. Hence, the usual assertion that " corns cannot be cured. The writer will now explain how corns may be cured without difficulty : The black performing horse, Giftbrd, one of his former — Giffoid's foot, as it appeared before treatment. SHOEING. 69'i Fig. 537. — Pusitiou of spreaders for opening quarter. team of horses trained to (hi\e without reins, hail a very bad bruise (corn) on one of Ids inner hc^ls, Avliich, if not carefully attended to, caused se- rious lameness. Afte?' being troubled with i' about seven years, it had grown to such proportions as to in- volve the entire angle at the heel, so that the horn was broken quiti' through, and the sen- sitive structure partly ulcerated. At the close of the season's business, early in June, there was considerable inflammation and sore- ness in the entire foot, in consequence of the aggravated condition of the corn, despite the fact that all pressure had been carefully kept from it. All palliative measures having failed, it occurred to the writer to try the experiment of removing all pressure from the part, and turning the horse to grass duriug the summer months. But there was an- other serious difficulty, to which, in part, some of the soreness might be attributed. By the contraction or curl- ing under of the outer heel, it had become so weak that it could scarcely be made to Fig. 538.-^The shoe as it appeared when on, s^pporfc his Weight in trav- with the outer quarter opened out. ^j.^^^ ^ -^ ^^^^ decided to treat this at the same time. The division between the bar and frog of this side was well thinned out to make the quarter flexible. 698 SHOEING. Next, a thin shoe of imtempei-ed steel, a little more than an eighth of an inch thick, was made to fit accurately to the wall (as shown by Fig. 537), the end being turned up for a clip, and fitted nicely to its place. The part of the opposite heel of the shoe coming over the corn, was entirely cut away, leaving simply suf- ficient to cover the wall, which at this point was very thin. The shoe was now fastened on sufficiently to hold it firmly in place, but with very small nails. There was no rasping or attempt to beautify the foot in any way. This is never in anv case permit- ted by the writer in shoeing his horses. Figs. 536 and 538 give a \evy good idea of the appearance of Best forms of bar shoe. the foot befoi-e and after the shoe was put on. The quarter was now carefully opened back about three-eighths of an inch, without causing any irritation. Nothing was put over the bruise or corn, nor was it meddled with in any way. The horse was now turned out to grass daily. At first he moved very tenderly, though not lame. In a week the heel was again opened a little more, and again at intervals until opened out as desired. In a few weeks the tenderness, fever, and inflammation subsided ; and at the ex- piration of three months the com was entirely cured, there being a healthy growth of sole over the part, leaving only a slight touch of redness on account of not being entirely grown out. The con- tracted quarter was also out in its natural position, the change for the better in all respects being very gratif^ang. An ordinary flat SHOEING. 699 shoe was now put on, when he traveled as well as ever. Most of such cases can be easily cured while the horse is kept at his usual work, by putting on an open shoe if the foot will bear it, if not, a light bar shoe, with the part corning under the corn entirely cut away, leaving only sufficient to cover the wall. It will not mat- ter v/hether tlie bar is cut away or not, as there will be nothing over it to haibor gravel or dirt. It would be advisable t ( i fit the shoe carefully, or even drive t^o or three nails, to know exactly the posi- tion of the shoe upon the wall. Then mark the part to be cut out, when the nails can be pulled out, the pai't cut or filed away properly, and the shoe again nailed in place. The success in the treatment of the case referred to, led me to believe I had made Fig. ."i4i.— tiLuu nuuii forcur- an important discovery, as I had not iug corns. From Cole- found it laid down by any of the ordinary authorities on " Shoeing," under my notice. Since then, upon in- vestigation, I have found that the principle was well understood by many old authorities, though the method of treatment, as will be seen, was slightly different. Page 96, of Freeman's work on " Shoeing," published in 179G, says: — "I have frequently bought horses whose feet, on examination, proved to have corns, occasioned by ill-made shoes having pressed upon them. These were, in general, easily cured by paring the feet properly where the grievance lay, and turning the horse out without shoes for two or three months." In the supplement to Coleman's work, published in 1802, the writer found, for the cure of corns, the shoe cut away over the corn (see Fig. 541). Bracy Clark's work, in 1809, for the cure of corns, gives an illustration of a shoe with that part which would come over the corn entirely cut away. The half -moon shoe, or tip, by Lafosse, referred to hereafter, is claimed to cure corns. Caesar Fiaschi, of the 16th century, gives a cut of a three-quarter shoe; almost the same form as that of Bracy Clark's, for this trouble. White's work, published in 1820, .says: — 700 SHOEING. " The only thing to be done is to take off the shoe, and turn the horse out to grass. In slight cases, however, this may not be absolutely necessar}', and is often inconvenient, but it is by far the best plan, and, i may add, /je?7ia;^is the only effectual one, when a radical cure is desired." This writer being good authority, I will include what he sa3''s on direct or palliative treatment: — " When a horse cannot be sent to grass, and the disease is so slight as not to produce lameness, let the aft'eeted heel, crust as well a.s sole, be rasped or cut down with- the drawing knife, so that when a bar-shoe is applied, there may be no pressure upon the affected heel, or about an inch beyond it, that is, toward the toe. . . . The practice commonly is to scoop out the reddened solo or corn between the bar and crust, and have these receive the bearing of the shoe; but this will not do ; the crust also must be removed as well as the l>:u' to the depth of a quarier of an inch. . . . Caustics and even a hot iron have soinclimos been applied to corns ; they may have had the effect of deadening the feeling of the part for a short time, but they often do great mischief, and should never bo cmploj^ed or permitted in any case of corn whatever. Tar ointment. Friar's balsam, or a solution of blue vitriol have also been used.* They may be innocent, but certainly not necessary. When corns are not attended to, severe lameness is often the consequence. Smiths frequently do nothing more than scoop out the corn, and apply a common shoe. This sometimes relieves the horse for a short time, but he soon becomes lame again, and generally lamer than at first. It is in this way that corns are rendered troublesome, and produc- tive of 80 much inconvenience. Inflammation and suppuration are thus sometimes induced in the heels, and matter breaks out at the coronet. In this case the whole of the affected heel must be removed, even the crust of the heel and the bar ; and when the part has been well soaked with a ])Oultico, that is, after a few days, it niay be dressed with tar ointment, and about a week after it has been thus dressed, the horse should be turned to grass without shoes." "Weak Heels. If from any cause there has been much fever in the feet for some time in consequence of being driven on hard roads, or being partially foundered, ther'e will be diminished supply of horn, so that the wall will not only grov/ .slower but thinner. Sec refer- ence to inflammation and Figs. 505 and 50G, on page 677- j' * Formulas fur these prescription.s will be found among miscellaneous recipes. t According to scientific authority, ordinary inflammation of the horn-secreting' surfaces gives a greater cell proliferation in general ; but when inflammation ap- SIIOEmG. 701 Fig. 543. — The foot as it appeared. SoDTKitinius tin; IkoIs arc cut down so closely that sliould the shoe work loose, and weax- or break down the quarters, it ^Yo^dd be easy to pro- duce a weak, low condition of the heels. This may cause a great deal of trouble, on ac- count of the slow- ness with which the horn grows to supply the in- creased wear. This morbid con- dition of inflam- mation also pro- duces another very marked ef- fect, namely, that of separating the wall from the sole, or what is termed becoming shelly. Sometimes, if the shoes are badly ___ fitted and made too wide ^^^^^ft^ at the heels (as explained undi^r the head of Con- traction), they will soon cause a weak, bail condi- tion of the heels, the quar- ter gradually giving way nr breaking down, and if the foot is at all flat, the sole and frog become lia- ble to settle, or are made convex. One of the most marked cases of this kind the wri- t'er ever acjw w.-,s that of a Fig. 543.— Form of sboe the writer would advise. Cart horse, brought to his proaches the suppurative stages, death (^f the liorn occur'. But atrophy, or wast- ing u£ tho secreting structure, gives a corresponding atrophied portion of horn- structure. 702 SHOEING. notice in Central Pennsylvania. The feet were broad and flat, with the heels di-awn in to a point so that there was scarcely any bearing of them upon the shoe. The result of this was that the horn wore or broke away until the line of bearing was over an inch above that of the frog. To remedy the difiiculty, the calks were raised correspondingly high to keep the frog from the ground. (See Fig. ■',,«' 542.) This horse trav- eled with great" diffi- culty, even on a walk. If it is desired to re- store the condition of the circulation and quality of liorn, by far the best way of doing it would be to put on thin-heeled shoes, with iron just wide enough around the quarters and heels to protect the wall, and then turn the horse out for a few months. In the meantime, dress the feet two or three times a week with hoof liniment to stimulate the growth uf good horn, and prevent the weakening effects of too much moisture. If, how- ever, the feet are weak and the horse must be used, a better way would be to put on a thin bar shoe, the bar part extending well forward under the frog, to give more basis of support. (See Fig. 543.) Of course nothing more should he cut away from the heels than is sufficient to barely level them a little. Especial care should be taken to protect them from excessive wear and break- ing down by the shoe, which may be done by placing leather be- tween the bearing surfaces of the foot and the shoe. The better to support such a shoe and lessen the nailing, a light clip may be turned up on each side. In many cases of this kind the horn may be very brittle, so that it is not only advisable to use small nails, but to drive them where a strong hold can be taken — any- way, the shoe must be fastened on so firmly that it will not get loose or work on the foot. In some cases it may be necessary to -The shoe as it may be fitted to support weak heels. SHOEING. 703 Fig. 545. — Original shoe fitted with plate on. bend the bar down, so as to enable a more accurate line of ad- justment to the wall and frog. If an arch becomes so weak that it settles under the weight upon it, the only safe or reasonable alterna- tive would be to support it. In like manner, when the sole becomes so weak that it .settles down, it must be given contact with the ground, or supported by the use of a liar shoe. When in Massachusetts, in 1876, a leading horseman called my atten- tion to a fast-trotting stallion that had weak feet, and which caused him a great deal of trouble. He wished to know how to shoe them so as to improve their condition. I found the feet in good shape, but the sole ami wall were very thin and weak, the efleet, undoubtedly, of the horse being slightly foundered or overheated. I advised putting on a shoe that would support the sole and frog, the space between* the shoe and frog to be packed with oakum, and the use of hoof liniment to grow a tougher and better condition of horn. He ob- jected, that this would not do, as the horse would not bear any press- ure at all upon the sole. Some time afterward my attention was called to a very high indorsement from this gentleman, of a certain form of patent .shoe, that had been used on this horse. It stated that it enabled the horse to travel as well as ever, and that its utility was all that could be desired. I was interested to know just what kind of a .shoe had been used, and when again in that vicinity, at considerable trouble found one, of which I give an accurate drawing. (See Fig. 545.) While it may be evident that in many such cases the shoe could -The same with plate removed. 704 SHOEING. Fig. 547. — Heel of shoe with pad of oakum attached. be mailc to support the entire sole, if hammered out of iron, the increased weight would make it seriously objectionable. The fit- ting of a thin piece of steel plate, as .shown in Fig. 545, would enable this to be done with but little addition to its weight. The manner of putting it on was simply by bringing the whole surface of the wall and frog to an even bearing, to which the shoe was carefully adjusted. Next, the space between the shoe and bottf)m of the foot was filled with oakum, to which was added a little tar and resin, so as to form an even but firm support all the way round.* The drawing of the oakum, as it appears in Fig. 547, is an exact illustration of that which was used upon the shoe named, though only the back part of it is shown. Parties who had used the shoe upon feet which had become sore and tender from driving upon hard, stony roads in the city and neigh- borhood, stated that it enabled the horses to travel much better. If the foot is sore and sensitive, sup- porting it with a bed of oakum in this way, will serve to break con- cussion, and consequently make the horse go better for a time. But for contraction, quarter-crack, coffin- joint lameness, etc., for which it was advertised as a cure, it cannot ben- efit beyond the efiect of slightly breaking concussion as explained. It would be just the thing for weak heels and for any condition where the sole and frog Fig. 54S. — The plate as attached. * A preparation of tar, beeswax, hard soap, and resin, melted and formed into a salve, to be used witli oakum as a packing, was given the writer liy a horseman of much experience, as the best for this purpose, claiming that it softened the feet and stimulated the secretion of horn. SHOEING. 705 need supporting. As it is, liowever, seriously objectionable to cover the whole bottom of the foot when it can be avoided, I in- clude cuts of an improvement by which the whole bearing surface of the frog and heels, the important parts, can be supported without the sole be- ing excluded from moisture or ail", which is important for the secretion of healthy horn. In such a case, if desired, the plate instead of being let to the inner edge of the bar (which is mainly made so in the cut to give it a more dis- tinct appearance), can be ex- Fio. 549.— Forward shoe to prevent strik- tended across the quarter, SO ing. From Dr. Hamill's collection. that the upper SUl-face will come even with that of the shoe, and bo riveted on. The main point in the management of interfering is to have the shoe close under the wall at the point of sti-iking, and the of- fending part shortened or straightened a little, and that there be no nails driven there, the clLuches of which would soon rise and cause cutting. The edge of the shoe should be beveled under a little, and filed smooth. There is usually a good deal of carelessness in letting the shoe extend outside the crust at the point of the heel. It should set well under the wall all the way round, and the wall filed smoothly to it. In addition, in some cases the horse will travel better to lower the inside heel a little, in others to raise it. It is in all cases advisable, however, if the horse can be made to travel without striking, to keep the adjustment natural liy paring the foot 45 i'lG 550. — Shoe to preveiit inter- fering and clicking. and making the 706 SHOEING. shoe of an equal thickness all the "way round, with perhaps the inner part straightened a little. Raising the inside heel, "which is the method in general use, "while it tends to thro"w the ankle out, tends also to thro"w the foot in, as it is carried fbr"ward. It also brings such unequal straiu ujjon the ankle joint as to some- times cause serious injury to it. Fig. 552 is introduced to sho"w the bad effect of this. The inner condyle of the joint is worn do"wn or eroded over one-eighth of an inch, and, by its friction, cut in through the cartilage of the oppos- ing part so as to conform to the an- gle shown in the bones as represent- ed. There is also a large accumu- lation of bony def)osit on the outside, gro"wn by the inflammation excited, showing the extremely bad effect of forcing an unequal bearing on the joint, and throwing the foot out of line. Sometimes colts driven to a sulky, when a little leg weary may strike badly ; in such a case the ankle must be protected. In all cases when the ankle is cut, the swelling and soreness increase the dif- ficulty, and should be guarded against by covering. If the irri- tation is kept up, and this is not done, it may result in perma- nent enlargement of the part, which would afterward increase the liability to be hit. This can be prevented only by coverings, or by being protected by the ordinary simple means, until the in- flammation subsides and the injury heals. I include here Prof. McLellan's directions : — "Treatment for interfering, to be rational, must take into account tho causations. Thus, if tho toes turn out — a very common cause of interfering — they should be inclined in all that is possible. This can be accomplished by bending the outside web of the shoe from its inner to its outer border, making the edge through which the nails are driven, quite thin. Or if calks are used, tho toe calk can be welded nearer the inside than the outside toe, and the toe calk beveled at the exjiense of its outer extremity. If the knee is banged, but light shoes are indicated. Lightness in the shoe is al- ways desirable in the hind feet, and if tho season of the year per- mits, tips will he found vci-y etfectivo in prevention of interfering. Fig. 551. — The shoe as sometimes formed to prevent interfering. SHOEING. 707 The nails should ho left out of the hoof at the point where it strikes, because the clinches are liable to become raised or loosened and do injury." Clicking, or Overreaching.* "This is a term applied to the striking of the hind shoes against the forward ones during progression. It may be due either to a faulty conformation, to weakness, or to disease. In seeking to remedy the defect, we must endeavor to discover its cause. If it is due to defective fonu, we may so adjust the hoofs aiid apply the shoes that the feet shall be placed upon the ground in such rela- tion to the body as to modify in some measure the fault of form. In some cases the toes of the forward feet must be reduced all that is possible, and the toes of the hind feet length- ened. In others, weights or he'avy shoes upon the forward feet answer a good purpose. In some, weights upon the outside of the hind feet over- come the difficulty. " If the hind feet are placed upon the ground well forward when the animal is at rest, heel calks of extra length will be found useful. "Weakness, as a cause of clicking, is shown in colts and in horses that have diseased hind feet. In the fii-.st, the animal is not able, or has not learned, to dwell upon the hind foot to give to the body that forward im- pulse that comes from the long push ; in the second, pain prevents the ex- tension. In the case of the colt, shoe- ing must be sujjplcmented by good driving, — the animal should be kejit up to the bit, and the head well checked up, and should not be fatigued by over-driving. In the case where the clicking depends upon a diseased condition of the foot or leg, the removal of the cause is the ii.Jication. As general rules for the prevention of clicking, the too of the forward hoof should be reduced all that it will bear ; the shoe should bo short, both at the toe and heel ; the heels of the shoe should be beveled at the expense of its ground surface ; when the toe should be beveled, giving the shoe, when applied, the appearance of one partly worn. In many cases con- caving the irround surface of the shoe is useful. If the toes are Fig. 553 — Effect of iiijurv caused by interfenng. Fiom a Bpei-i- men presented by Prof. Cressy, of Hartford. ■ Cmitributud by Trof. McLelTa 708 SHOEING. long and the heels extremely low, thick-heeled shoes or heel calks are indicated. " The hind shoes should be light and long at the heels, giving the heels of the shoe as wide a bearing as possible. In case the toe of the hind foot is much worn, and as a consequence the hoof spread at its plantar surface, clips should be drawn up from each side of the shoe, so as to grasp the wall at its widest part. No attempt should be mado to fit the shoe to the squared and shortened toe ; but give it the natural form, and let it project at the toe to that extent that would indicate the length of the hoof were it un- worn. Heel calks ujjon the hind shoes are applicable to nearly all cases. "In all cases of overreaching or clicking, adjusting the hoof and shoe so that the inside quarter and toe of the hoof are higher than the outside, will assist in overcoming the difficulty." Stumbling. "Stumbling is usually associated with some diseased condition of the foot. In the prevention of this disagreeable and dangerous habit, particular attention must be given to cutting the hoof lieduce the hoof ail it will bear without injury ; see that the hoof is of equal depth on each side of the toe. This you can ascertain best by standing in front of the horse and comparing the two sides. In fitting the shoe, bend up the toe, giving it the rounded appearance of one well worn. If calks' must be used, weld toe calk back to inner margin of web, making it low. In the stable use wet swabs to the feet." ' Shoeing Sore or Tender Feet. It is very important in shoeing sore or tender feet to enable the horse to travel with the greatest comfort and ease. As will be found in " Navicular or Chronic Lameness," much depends upon the method of shoeing in producing favorable conditions, which should be studied in connection with this explanation. Should a horse show increased tenderness or soreness while driving down hill or over rough, stony roads, at times " crimpling" badly, going better on smooth, soft, or sandy roads, and with the shoe worn perceptibly more at the toe than at the heels, first see whether there is any contraction at the inner or both quarters, with the hoof looking rather hard and glossy (usually one foot only will show this condition, and may be correspondingly tender or lame). Also see whether the lameness came on suddenly or gradually. If SHOEING. 709 suddenly lamed, it is probably caused by straining the coffin-joint, which would be indicated liy its beinq- unable to bear pressure upon the frog. In such a case the horse go decidedly worse on rough, stony i-oads or down hiil, where there is liability to severe inci- dental pressure being bi'ought against the frog. For such a condition of lameness, the shoe should be made with high heels and rounding toe — no too calks. The calks should be gradually .shortened as there is improvement. If the lameness came on gradually, and especially if it set in at a time when the feet were very dry and hard, it was probably caused by some slight inflammation, the result of contraction and fever ; because when the feet are very dry and feverish, the hoof becomes smaller, causing increased pi-es- .sure upon the soft parts and lat- eral cartilages. Tliere may be also some inflammation or a mor- bid condition of the coffin-joint. If any contraction is noticeable, the feet should be softened and treated as explained under that head. If, however, the object is to shoe the horse for present use, simply raise the heels a lit- tle and round the toe. If there is but little soreness or want of mobility, then let the shoe be an ordinary flat one, with, the toe turned up like that of an old shoe considerably worn. Great care should be used in taking ofl" and . — Form of shoe that i Fig. 554. — Form of shoe for covering a weak, thin sole. 710 SHOEING. Fig. 555. — Adapted for a hind foot in aiding mobility. nailing shoes on such feet, not to wrench or hammer the foot heavily. In winter, if calks must be used, let them be arranged something like Fig. 553; or a low, long calk can be put on well back under the toe. In taking off the shoes, the clinches should be carefully raised, and the nails, one at a time pulled out. In nailing on, the strokes should be light, and the clenching barely sufficient, by repeating light tajj- pings, to turn over nicely. Any- thing in the way of hard, tight nail- ing should be avoided. The shoe should be simply held nicely in place without being pulled tight. There are a great many pads and cushions advertised for tender feet. If rubber pads be put over the shoe, it is seen, in the first place, that nailing on the shoe and turning down the clinches suffi-i ciently tight, presses it down so closely as to take out all its elasticity ; in addition, the heels soon wear and cut through it to the shoe, so that they can have but little, if any, effect in relieving concussion. Leather well fitted between the shoe and foot will, in many cases, help considerably. I have found that making the heel-calks rather low and sharp, and the toe-calks well back about the middle of the bar, greatly helps in breaking concussion on mud roads ; as by their setting into the ground the force of the blow is much lessened. A great many shoes have been devised for the purpose of relieving concussion ; but practically they have proved of but little or no value. The most successful way has been to fit two thin plates with rubber between them, but it proved too expensive and complicated to come into general use. (Prof. Going's Patent FiQ. 556. — Form of shoe with toe simply rounded. SHOElKti. 711 Rubber Shoe.) A common method practiced by many sheers is to spring or bend the shoe oft" from tlie heels, with tlie beUef that it must relieve them. (See Fig. 558.) This is objectionable, because it transfei's the bearmg from the natural position of the heels to parts least capable of receiv- ing it, multiplied with such leverage upon the wall where the shoe is bent oft", as to cause severe pain. It also soon breaks down the quarters so as to work upon the shoe, thereby becoming an additional ^"'' '^'' Kource of weakness and injury. Shoeing Foundered Horses. Shoe adapted tor tiff joiut. Fio. 558. — Shoe raised from the heel. If the mobility of the foot is destroyed, as the result of chronic founder, or other cause of morbid inflammation, mobility must be aided by rounding the entire shoe or toe. If the foot is entirely stift", the shoe must be so formed that it will roll upon the ground, which can be rasily done by leaving the inner edge (if each side wide, and turning down in a half circle, as shown in Fig. 557. If the sole is broken down, or the wall separated at the toe, the result of acute inflammation or founder, weight will be thrown more upon the heels. For such cases the shoe must be so fitted as to extend well back under the heels, and if the sole is very thin at the toe — bulging down — it may be sup- ported by letting a thin flange of iron extend well back under it, or fitting a steel plate across the part so as to give an even support all the way round, and the adjustment made easy by packing with oakum, though in most cases the sole will not bear pressure, and is simply to be protected by a wide shoe. The shoe- ing of such feet must be in a great measure experimental ; con- sequently the ingenuity of the owner or smith must be exercised -French shoe for aiding mobility. 712 SHOEING. to conform with best advantage to the condition of the case. Fir.st, do notliing that will irritate or make the foot sore. It sim- ply must be supported to the best advantage, and the mobility aided by rounding the toe, or setting the calks well back under it, as shown by Figs. 531 and 553. EXTRACTS FROM STANDARD AUTHORS. This chapter would be incomplete without reference to a few authorities, showing the bad effect of paring the sole and frog excessively, rasping the outer surface of the hoof and the use of thick, badly-fitting shoes. I will call attention first to the most prominent authority, Prof. Coleman, from whose teachings all the modern works in this country have been principally guided in their instructions. In January, 1792, a Veterinary College was started in London. A .short time afterward Edward Cole- man was appointed Chief Professor. I cannot do better here than copy from Prof. Gamgee's work on " Shoeing," publi.shed in Lon- don in 1874, in relation to Coleman's teaching. He says : — " In England, since Prof. Coleman ruthlessly destroyed the em- pirical knowledge of the old masters, and substituted for it a sj-stem of fantastic and often cruel notions, we have been a prey to endless speculative theories. The result is that with the best horses in the world, we have a far larger jiroportion of lame ones than are to be found in any other country. . . . "It was a kind of teaching on the foot and on shoeing that did the incalculable and, I fear, almost irreparable damage which has brought suftVriiig on horses and shortened their existence, which has s|iiiilfil fiiiTirrs liy leadini; tliom astray on ttdse pretexts, and has entailed discredit on the English Veterinary School. . . . " One change, amoiig others introduced by Mr. Coleman, has entailed, 1 believe, a more lasting damage on the art farriery than any of his many other crochets, which have unfortunately become thoroughly jjarts of English horse shoeing. He introduced the drawing-knife, and made it supercede the buttress for preparing the feet for shoeing. The buttress is the instrument still in use for paring down the wall surface to receive the shoe every whore except in England and parts of the New World, to which English hands and language have carried our modes of shoeing, such as it has become only within the preseni century. " Old men can remember the buttress being in general use throughout Great Britain ; but the way it was lianished from En- glish practice is known to few ; and its supei-cedenee, and these remarks on the effects of the change, may astonish many. The SHOEING. 713 drawing-knife, or searcher as it was called, a small hooked, crooked little instrument, was fomierly kept for the piirjiose of exploring wounds and extracting foreign bodies from the foot, and was to that extent in vogue on the Continent as well as in lingland. But theorizing, and a fancy for a change, led the pi'ofessor to order the general use of the little hooked knife instead of such a broad, level tool as the buttress. He had unfortunately conceived such notions as that the sole of the foot did not bear the weight of the animal, that it was necessary to pare it thin every time the horse was shod, and that the broad, level buttress was not suited for that ; hence the preference for the little scooping, crooked searcher. As these incidents have had a dis- astrous etfect on shoeing, which we have scarcely in any degree begun to relieve, I will quote from Mr. Coleman's work of 1798 :— " ' Those who supposed that the weight of the animal was chiefly supported by the horny sole, have attributed a function to that organ which it does not possess ; but, although the lam- inae are capable of sustaining the weight of the animal, yet, as they are elastic, and at every step elongate, the horny sole is necessarily pressed down in the same degree, and by first descend- ing, and then ascending, as the laminae dilate and contract, the horny sole contributes very materially to prevent concussion. This union of the crust with the coffin-bone sustains the weight of the animal ; the crust supports the weight even when the horny sole and frog are removed ; if the sole and frog in reality supported the weight, then the foot would slip through the crust when the frog and sole .were taken away. " ' The sole, frog, and bars were taken away from both the fore feet of a horse ; the feet were then alternately lifted by placing the hands on the loins of the horse ; he kicked, all his weight was then sustained by the laminse of the fore feet, and yet this made not the smallest degree of change in the situations of the bones. " ' From this experiment, therefore, it is, that the union of the sensitive lamina} with the horny laminse is sufficiently strong to support the whole weight of the animal on two feet. '■ ' The first thing to be attended to is to take away the portion of the sole with the drawing-knife ; and to avoid pressui-e, the sole should be made concave or hollow. If there be any one part of the practice of shoeing more important than the rest, it is this re- FiG. 560. — Shoe for weak sole, or foundered feet. 714 SHOEING. nioval of Uio sole between the bars and the crust. In common firactice these jjarts of the hoof are removed by au iustrumeiit called the buttress. " ' The removal of a proper quantity of horny sole has been represented to be a delicate operation, and in the hands of common smiths liable to do mischief. But any smith capable of parintr a hoof cannot fail to be equal to removing part of the sole with the draw- ing-knife. That the practice may be faithfully executed in the army, a farrier from each regiment of cavalry has been permitted to attend the college to learn the practical part of shoeing.' "The foregoing pas- sages, abounding as they do in errors, give evidence of the manner in which some of the greatest changes in the practice of horse- shoeing have occur- red since its history has been written, and changes which have led to the worst possible results. Once, however, the notion got possession of the minds of the men at the wheel, that the bottom of the foot, its arched sole, was not designed to support the weight, but to yield to pressure downward ; every- thing had to give way to that idea. The sole and frog were torn away, and because, during the barbarous exjieriment, the c^mnection did not yield, and the bone 2>rotrude as a finger through a torn glove, negative evidence was taken in confirmation of the theory framed ; the paring away of horses' soles with the drawing-knife was thus established, and the army, by sending farriers to lelirn the new system, became the means of enforcing the absurd and cruel practice of thinning the sole throughout this kingdom and the colonies." " It is interesting to see the differently constituted mind of Mr. Mooreroft on the natural bearing of the question in 1800. He says :— " ' The sole ties the lower edge of the crust together, and by its upper part forming a strong arch, it affords a firm basis to the Ijone of the foot, and by its strength it defends the sensitive parts within the hoof.' " This is true. We fail to discover a single passage in any work or any traditional account to show that any objection was raised to the continuance of the use of the buttress in England, any more than over the rest of the world, where it had been adopted from time immemorial, until along with his other new theories about Fig. 561. — Side view of tlie previous shoe. SHOElIsrG. 715 shoeing, Mr. Coleman believed it to be the wrong thing to employ, and then a crooked knife and a coarse rasp wereadopted as weapons that might do moi-e destructive execution than the one dismissed." The writer has talked with several veterinary surgeons of high standing, who think that Coleman did not mean, by the experi- ment named, to infer that the sole shouhl be cut away to such a degree as to yield to the pressure of the thumb (which is the com- mon rule), but that he wished to prove that it could be done without breaking down the foot ; and that his followers carried it to this extreme, thereby making it the cause of a great deal of harm. A few paragraphs are also introduced from Youatt and Miles, the most commonly accepted and widely read authors in this country, to show that their principles of treatment ai-e the same, and have been derived from the same source. " That poi'tion of the horn should be left on the foot which will defend the internal parts from being bruised and yet sulfer the ex- ternal sole to descend. How is this to bo ascertained? The strong pressure of the thumb of the smith will he the best guide. The buttress, that most destructive of all weajjons, being, except on very particu- lar occasions, banished from every respectable forge, the smith sets to work with his drawing-knife and removes the gTowth of horn until the sole will yield, although in the slightest possible degree, to the sti'ong pressure of the thumb." — Youatt. " It would be impossible to frame any rule applicable to the par- ing out of all horses' feet, or indeed to the foot of the same horse at all times. For instance, it is manifestly unwise to pare the sole as thin in a hot, dry season when the roads are broken up and strewed with loose stones, as in a moderately wet one, when they are well bound and even ; for in the former case, the sole is in perpetual danger of being bruised by violent contact with loose stones, and consequently needs a thick layer of horn for its protection ; while the latter ease oft'ers the most favorable surface that most of our horses ever have to travel upon, and should be taken advantage of for a thorough paring out of the sole, in oi-dor that the internal parts of the foot may derive the full benefit arising from an elastic and descenditig sole, — a state of things very essential to the due perfo: mance of their separate functions. Again, a horse with upright feet and high heels grows horn very abundantly, especially toward the toe, and is always benefited by having the shoe shortened, and the heels lowered and well pared out." — Miles. George Fleming, who stands confessedly at the head of the 716 SHOEING. FKi. excessively English Veterinary Profession in England, in liis work on Shoes and Horse-shoeing, says: — " By dint of knife and rasp, the dimensions of the organ, the foundation of the edifice, have been greatly reduced, and the animal rests on a naiTOwer basis. The sole has been carefully denuded of its proteetinj; hoin until the thin jjellicle of newly secreted material IS exposed and readily yields to the thumb. The frog is scientifically reduced on eveiy side, the heels or commissures aie well opened up, the bars are reduced in size, and fanta.stically delineated, and the portion of the crust between them and the seat of the corn — as carefully carved ( ut a la Miks. The plantar surface of t Ik foot altogether is much more concave t h xn it was previously, and it looks like a master-piece of workmanship. It may jnesent something like the shape, when 2)iepared for the shoe, seen in Fig. 562. A shoe is then fitted to the foot. In all probabilitj^ it is then too small ; it has a wide, flat ground surface, the foot sur- face has a plane border on which the crust rests, and the remainder is beveled to abnormally thin sole. When this metallic hoof, and the horse once more rests on the iinib, the foot has no longer its natural bearing. The whole weight of the horse, as well as any other weight he may have to sustain on his back, is borne by the crust of the foot alone. The frog is elevated above the ground, and the sole dare not come near it. In fact, the shoe has a very wide surface or web to protect the sole of the poor mutilated foot from the injury likely to be inflicted bj' stones on the road, — injury that before shoeing could have been resisted far better by nature's protection. " The shoe, as we have seen, was too small ; or rather the farrier imagined the plantar surface which supported the weight and strain so admirably in a natural condition, to be too large ; so when the metal plate has been securely attached, a large portion of the hoof hangs over it — the best and strongest portion ; and this has to be removed with the rasp or toe-knife. The nails have been driven to a certain height in the wall, and as their extremities must be riveted or clinched, these clinches must not be disturbed. The over-hanging crust between them and the shoe, however, is rasped away, and the face of the foot presents a rounded or knobbed ap- pearance, very unlike its natural outline. In all probability the whole external surface up to the coronet is tastefully rasped and polished, the varnish-like covering nature had spread over it is carefully removed, and the fibres beneath are more or less damaged, exposed to desiccation, and shrink; while below the clinches they 503.— Foot pareii. avoid contact with the jdato is fastened on tli SHOEING. -17 have been entirely destroyed, and nothing is left to support the nails holding on the shoe but the thin, soil fibres, as fragile almost as the pith of a rush, and which were never intended by nature to be exposed. Consequently they lose their moisture, wither, crack, and break off, and frequently the shoe is lost, and with it a large jjortion of the hoof. " The same jirocess goes on with the sole and fmg. The young horn, prematurely exposed, cannot resist the eft'ccts of evaporation, and shrinks in the same way. At each shoeing the same routine is followed by the farrier, and the horn is often so hard that arti- ficial means must be adopted to solten it in order to get off a sufiieient quantity 1" allow the sole to springunder the thumb. " In this we cannot altogether blame the farrier ; he is only canying out the ideas of men who have published books on shoeing. Can we wonder that it soon becomes necessary to adojit eveiy means to supply, artificially, that which has been removed indiscreetly ? Heavy iron shoes with plenty of cover to defend the morbidly sensitive horn of the soles which may have been thinned till the blood was oozing through, before these cumbrous shields were applied. Words cannot describe the agony a horse must experience when he chances to steji on a sharp or even blunt stone. And yet the writers who have counseled this mutilation of the foot, have laid this tenderness — the limp)ing gait, and falls with broken knees — to the nails of the shoe preventing expansion. Plates of leather covering the delicate frog and sole, and layers of tar and tow are brought into reqxiisition to comf)ensate — though such is not confessed — for the loss of the horn, but with very small results. In a brief time the whole foot becomes dwarfed ; the frog dejjrived of its natural functions, like the muscles of a jiaralyzed arm, becomes atroj)hied, diseased, and almost disappears, the sole becomes still more concave and hard, and the foot toward the heels narrower, as in Pig. 5G3. At the same time the unfortunate creature begins to move as if it were in pain ; the flexor tendon on its course over the navicular bone has lost its sujjport, and has, from the first shoeing, been acting at a very serious dis- advantage. The mutilation of the hoof by removing the best portion of the horn at the very time it was most required, has inflicted a serious injury uj)on it, and the bone over which it has to play dui'ing its arduous task of flexing the foot and limb ; while the heavy iron shoe and the increase of concussion it engenders on artificial roads, all tend to hasten the ruin of the animal ; and, sooner or late, depending on the circumstances, we have either acute or chronic navicular disease, acute or chronic laminitis, or a Fig. ot):J.— Bad effect of excessive paring. 718 SHOEING. host of other maladies of a more or less serious character. I am of course always speaking of the anterior extremities. " This evil of paring or rasping must be looked upon as the greatest and most destructive of all that pertain to shoeing, or even to our management of the horse. Nine-tenths of the workmen who resort to this practice cannot explain its object, and those Avho have written in defense of it say it is to allow the descent of the sole and facilitate the lateral expansion of the hoof. "Fancy our gardeners cutting and rasping the bark off our fruit trees, to assist them in their natural functions, and improve their appearance; and yet the bark is of no more vital importance to the tree than the horn of the sole wall and frog are to the horse's foot. '■ Tlte sole, frog, and bars mtist on no account , nor under any condi- tions, unless those of a pathological nature, be interfered with in any way by knife or rasp. As certainly as they are interfered with, and their substance reduced, so surely will the hoof be injured. Nature has made every provision for the defense. They will support the contact of hard, soft, rugged, or even sharp bodies, if allowed to es- cape the drawing knife; while hot, cold, wet, or even dry weather has little or no influence on the interior of the foot, or on the ten- der horn, if man does not step in to beautify the feet by robbing them of their protection, perhaps merely to please the fancy of an igno- rant groom or coachman. " If we closely examine the upper surface of the sole of a hoof that has been separated from its contents by maceration, we will find it perforated everj^where, by myriads of minute apertures, which look as if they had been formed by the point of a fine needle. If we look also at the vascular parts of the foot that have been in contact with this horny surface, it will be observed tliat they have been closely studded with exceedingly fine, yet somewhat long filaments, as thickly set as a pile of the richest Genoa velvet. These are the villi, or papillse, which enter the horny cavity and fitting into them like so many fingers into a glove, constitute the secretory apparatus of the frog as well as the sole. Each of the fila- ments fomis a horn tube or fibre, and j)asses to a certain depth in a protecting canal whose corneous Avail it builds. When injected with some colored preparation, one of them makes a beautiful micro- scopical object, appearing as a long, tapering net-work of blood- vessels, surrounding one or two parent trunks, and communicating with each other in a most wonderful manner. These filaments are also organs of tact, each containing a sensitive nerve, destined to endow the foot with the attributes of a tactile organ. ' " This distribution will enable us to realize, to some extent, the amount of injury done by paring. The horn thrown out for their defense and support being removed by the farrier's knife, and per- haps the ends of these villi cut tlirough, the meager jielicle remain- ing rapidly shrivels up, the cdHtaining cavity of eaeli vascular tuft as quickly contracts on the vessels and nerves, which, in their turn, diminish in volume, disaj)pear, or become morbid!}' sensitive, through this squeezing influence. The feet of a horse so treated are always SHOEING. 719 hot, the f5oles arc dry and stony, and become unnaturally concav-e. The animal goes tender after each shoeing, and it is not until the horn has been regenerated to a certain extent, that he steps with anything like ease. Until the new material has been formed, each papillie experiences the saine amount of inconvenience and suffer- ing that a human foot does in a new, tight boot. " This tenderness is usually ascribed to the nails and other causes; and the horse, in the stable, rests on one foot, then on another, as if he suffered iineasiness or pain.* * * " All the preparation any kind of foot usually requires for the shoe may be summed up in a few words; leveling the crust in con- formity with the limb and foot, and removing as much of its mar- gin as will restore it to its natural length, rounding its outer edge at the same time, and leaving the solo, bars, frog, and heels in all their natural integrity." Osmer, an old writer-of good standing, in 1751, says: — " I believe there are many horses that might travel their whole lifetime unshod on any road, if they were rasped round and short on the toe; because all feet exposed to hard objects become thereby more obdurate, if the sole be never pared; and some, by their par- ticular form, depth, and strength, are able to resist them quite, and to support the weight without breaking; and here a very little re- flection will teach us whence the custom arose of shoeing horses in one part of the world and not in another. In Asia there is no such custom of shoeing the horse at all, because the feet require a very obdurate and firm texture from the dryness of the climate and the soil, and do really want no defense. But every rider has a rasp to shorten his horse's feet, which would otherwise grow long and rude, and the crust would most certainly split." He continues by saying, — " From the good that was found to arise from putting shoes on horses which have naturally weak feet from being brought up on wet land, the custom of putting shoes on all kinds of feet became general in some countries. Our ancestors, the original shoers, pro- posed nothing more, I dare saj^, in their first efforts, than to pre- serve the crust from breaking way, and thought themselves happy that they had skill enough so to do. The moderns also are wisely content with this in the racing way. " In process of time the fertility of invention and the vanity of mankind have produced a variety of methods; almost all of which are productive of lameness; and I am thoroughly convinced from observation and experience, that 19 lame horses out of every 20 are lame of the artist, which is owing to the form of the shoe. His ig- norance of the design of nature, and maltreatment of the foot, every part of which is made for some purpose or other, though he does not know it. "I supjjose it wiU be uuiversally assented to that whatever 720 SHOEING. method of shoeing approaches nearest to the law of nature, such is likely to be the most perfect method.* * * " The superfices of the loot around the outside, now made plane and smooth, the shoe is to be made quite flat, of iin equal thickness all around the outside, and open and most narrow backward at the extremities of the heels, for the generality of horses, those whose frogs are diseased, either from natural or incidental causes require the shoe to be wider backwards; and to prevent this flat shoe froni pressing on the sole of the horse, the outer part thereof is to be made thickest, and the inside gradually thinner. In such a shoe the frog is permitted to touch the ground, the necessity of which has already been seen. Add to this, the horse stands more firmly upon the ground, having the same points of support as in a natural state." " Make the shoes as light as you can according to the size of your horse, because heavy shoes spoil the back sinews and weary the horse; and if he happen to overreach, the shoes, being heavy, are all the more readily pulled oft". " Those who think it frugality to shoe with thick ajid heavy tshoes, and seldom, are deceived, for they lose more by it than they gain; for thereby they not only spoil the back sinews, but lose more by it than if they had been light." It is conceded by all the best modern authorities that the French author above referred to, whose work was published in 1750, was the great father of a correct system of reform in in shoeing. It was supposed in his day as it is in a great meas- ure now, that a horse could not travel without having lieavy, un- wieldy shoes o'n, and that the greatest skill was exhibited in the amount of cutting and rasping done on the feet. He boldly proclaimed that all this was injurious, and tried to prove it by the most convincing arguments. The principles of treatment, though given a hundred and thirty years ago, are just as important now. as they were then. He says : — " In the state of nature, all the inferior parts of the foot concur to sustain the weight of the body; then we observe that the heels and frogs, the parts said to be most exjjosed, are never damaged by wear, that the wall or crust is alone worn on going on hard ground, and that it is only this part which must be protected, leav- ing the other parts free and unfettered in their natural move- ments." In advising tips or thin-heeled shoes, he says:^^ " Thin tips extending back to the middle of the quarters, al- lowing the heels to bear upon the ground, and the weight to be sus- tained behind and before, but particularly in the latter, because the weight of the body falls heaviest there, SHOEING. 721 Fig. 564. — Thin shoe devised and used by Lafosse. " The shorter the shoe is, the less the horse slips, and the frot; has the same influence in preventing this that an old hat placed un- der our own shoes would have in protecting us from slipjjing on the ice.* * * " It is necessary, nevertheless, that hoofs which have weak walls should be a little longer shod,, so that the gradually thinning branches reach to the heels, though not resting upon them. For horses which have convex soles, these long shoes should also be used, and the toes should be more eovei'ed to prevent the sole touching the ground. This is the only true method of preserving the foot and restoring it. A horse which has its feet weak and sensitive, ought to lie shod as short as possible, and with thin branches, so that the frog comes in contact with the ground; because the heels, having nothing between them, are benefited and relieved." See Fig. 564. " Crescent shoes are all the more needful for a horse which has weak, incurvated quarters, as they not only relieve them, but also restore them to their natural condition. Horses which have contusion at the heels (blains, corns), should also be shod in this way; and for cracks (seins, sand-cracks) at the quarter, it is also advantageous. "The sole or frog should never be pai'ed; the wall alone should be cut down, if it is too long. When a horse cuts himself with the opposite foot, the inner branch of the shoe ought to be shorter and thinner than the outer. "Rasping the foot destroys the strength of the hoof, and consequently causes its horn to become dry, and the horny laminse beneath to grow weak; from this often arises an internal inflamma- tion, which renders the foot painful, and makes the . horse go lame.* * * " When a horse loses a shoe, a circumstance often occurring, and if the hoof is pared, the animal cannot walk a hundred steps without going lame ; because in this st.ite the lower surtaco of the foot being hollowed, the horse's weight falls upon the crust, and this, having no support from the horny sole, is quickly broken and worn away ; and if he meets hard substances on the road, he all the more speedily becomes lame. It is not so when the sole is allowed to retain its whole strength. The shoe comes off, but the sole and frog rest on the ground, assist the crust in bearing the whole weight of the body, and the animal, though unshod, is able to pursue his journey safe and sound. . . . It is necessary to be convinced of another fact ; that is, it is rare that a horse 722 SHOEING. goes at his ease and is not jn-omptly fatigued, if the frog does not touch the ground. As it is the only point of support, if you raise it from the ground by paring it, there arises an inordinate extension of the tendon, caused by the i^ushing of the coronary against the navicular bone, as has been mentioned above, and which, being repeated at everj^ step the animal takes, fatigues it and induces in- flammation. From thence often arises distentions of the sheaths of tendons (moletts-vulgo, ' windgalls") en- gorgements, and swelling of tendons, etc , that are observed after long or rapid journeys. These accidents arise less from the length of the journey, as has been currently believed, than from the false practice of paring the sole. . . . We always find ourselves more active and nimble when wc wear easy shoes ; but a wide, long, and thick shoe will do for horses what clogs do for us. — render them heavy, clumsy, and unsteady. . , . " That feet become convex by hollow- ing the shoes to relieve the heel and frog, because the more the shoes are arched Fig. 565.-^Shoe clevised by La- f-j.^j^ the sole, the more the wall of the fosse for use on dry and slip- hoof is squeezed and rolled inward, par- ticularly toward the inner quarter, which is the weakest, the sole of the foot becomes convex and the horse is nearly always unfit for service. . . . " The reason why it is dangerous to pare the feet of horses is, that whjcn the sole is pared, and the horse stands in a dry place, the horn becomes desiccated by the air which enters it, and removes its moisture and its suppleness, and often causes the animal to be lame. . . . " It is the pared foot that is more affected with what is termed contracted or weak inside quarter, and which also lames the horse. " It also happens that one or both quarters contract, and some- times even the whole hoof, when, in consequence of its smallness, all the internal parts are confined in their movements ; this is due to paring, and lames the horse, " There also occurs another accident : When the quarter becomes contracted, the hoof splits in its lateral aspects, and the horse is lame. This accident is termed a sand-crack (seime)."— Lofosse. Though not generally known, this system of shoeing has long been in use in India. Freeman, in his work published in 1796, who Ls yet considered good authority, strongly advocated this system of shoeing. He gives the following statement which ex- plains itself : — pery roads. A thin slip of iron let into the wall, and fastened with ten small nails. SHOEING. 723 " The instance in which I was disappointed is that of a horse kept entirely for that of a riding-horse, and which is consequently almost daily under my own inspection. This horse has very strong feet, one of which was smaller than the other, with the toe turning out and the frog almost wasted. The bars of this foot, before he was turned out, were scarcely visible, but upon examining thorn after he had been out about three months, they were found to have increased surprisingly. Xotwithstanding this, they wore not strong enough to counteract the pressure of the quarters ; and the foot itself appeared to be rather decreased, which is contrary to what is usual ; for after having been turned out for a certain time, they generally become larger. So particular a case led me to turn my mind to a particular method of cure. This 1 should have hardl}- found out, if chance had not at that time put into my hands Lieu- FiG. 566. — The Goodciioug thin-heeled shoe. FiQ. 567. — The ordinary shoe as usually fitted. tenant Moor's Narrative of Captain Little's detachment. 93 of this book is the followinr On page " ' The bigotry with which all sects of the Hindoos adhere to their own customs is verj- well known; still when these customs are strikingly injudicious, and totally abstracted from all religious prejudices, perseverence degenerates into obstinacy, and sim- plicity into ignorance. So it is with the Mahrattas in abiding by their present practice of cutting the hoof and shoeing horses; they cut away the hinder part of the hoof in such a manner that the pastern almost touches the ground, and the frog is suffered to grow so that the hoof is nearly a circle, in which form Ihe shoes are made, the hinder parts almost touching, and so thin that a person of ordinary strength can easily twist them. Instead of making the back part of the shoe thickest, they hammer it quite thin, making the fore part thickest, and the shoe, gradually becoming thinner, ends in an edge.' " This mode of shoeing in a country where, from the nature of the climate, the horse's feet probably are very strong, did not strike me to be (piite so injudicious as the author above mentioned repre- 724 SHOEING. sents it. I detcrmiiiod, therefore, to try on this particular horse a shoe in some respects similar to those described, that I might Bee whether it would alter the shape of his foot ; since it is said to make ' the frog grow so that the hoof is nearly a circle,' which was the very effect that in this case I wished to produce. I therefore ordered my smith to make a shoe at my own forge in the form I generally use (which will be hereafter described), with the following exceptions : The web of it was to almost cover the sole, room being given to admit a picker ; and as it proceeded to the heels, the web on each side Avas to be continued as far as the cleft which separates the bars from the frog. Ho was to make the ' fore part the thickest,' and to hammer it so thin at the heels that it would ' end in an edge,' by which a person of ordinary strength could easily twist it." " I own I apprehended that this shoe, from being so thin at the heels, would bend in different places, and thereby injure the foot. But as it was constantly under my own eye, 1 knew that if that circumstance should happen, the injury could not lie material, in the short time it would Fig. 56S.-Lafosse's method of let- ''^^ permitted to go unnoticed. But ting the iron into the hoof. ' "^'^ ^!"^ "°*^ P''°7*' ,*° ^^ *^® ''^''®- ^' ter the horse had worn this shoe a day or two onlj-, 1 found the action of the leg was more free than it had ever been before ; for the bars with their covering touched the ground ; the extremities of the web on each side, by being so very thin, having bent a little over them, but they were prevented from injuring them by being extended to the cleft which separates the bars from the frog. This jjressure of the web on the bars was an assistance to them in the expansion of the quarters ; and the shoe was kept so wide at the heels that the exterior parts of it could not hurt him. This shoe therefore acted exactly contrary to other shoes, which, as I before mentioned, are generally an impediment to the expansion of the heels, whereas this became an assistance to it. " In three weeks I took off this shoe to examine the state of the foot. His frog was found to be increased, and in a better condition than I had before seen it. The same shoe was therefore replaced for three weeks more, at the end of which time his foot had become considerably larger and straightcr. In a week or ten days more the horse was to go thirty-six miles on a turnpike road. " Although this kind of shoe had succeeded so well in a riding- horse, I had some doubts about venturing it on the road. However, I at last determined to risk it, and had another slioeputon exactly the same pattern, in which he performed his journey without any injury, so that I have ever since continued to adopt it, having found it to answer beyond any expectation I had formed of it; for that foot which was before smaller than the other, with the toe turning out, has, by the use of this shoe, become of the same size, SHOEING. 725 Fig. 51)9. — M. Charlier'i showing the wall cut away. aiul SO straight that there is now scarcely aiij' difference between the two feet." — Freeman. The preplantar system, introduced by M. Charlier, of Paris, which is simply letting a narrow band of steel into the wall to prevent wear, thereby preserving the integrity of the bars, sole, and frog, and giving the foot its natural adjustment, is a modification of a shoe introduced by Lafosse for preserving the feet of saddle horses. See Figs. 56.5, 568. As there is no probability of this sys- tem (preplantar) being introduced into this country, I will not more than copy a part of the report of a leading Veter- inary Surgeon in France, Signol, mainly to show the benefit of keeping the integrity and adjust- ment of the foot natural in shoeing, or as nearly so as can be :— " First, in consequence of the comparatively trifling weight of their shoes, the horses acquired a lightness of movement they did not exhibit previously. Second, they gained an extraordinary solidity on the pavement, and did not slip. Third, many horses which always had corns and sand-cracks, and could not be used without bar-shoes, spon- taneously recovered from their in- tirmities after the application of this shoe. Fourth, those frogs which were before shrunken and ' etrangle,' became considei-ably developed, a fact which proves that this shoe is perfectly adapted to the physio- logical movements of the foot." By accident this cut was left out of its proper place, ou page 231, under head of "Bad to Shoe," where the explanation of it will he found. -Four-ring hit form of AVar Bridle. Fig. 570. — Side view of the above", showing the amount cut out. 726 SHOEING. Wo give here a few specimens of shoes from Caesar Fiaschi's work, pubhshed in England in the 16th century. The figures of shoes he gives are twenty in number. No. 1. Fore-shoo without calkin ; 2. Shoe with the calkia ; a 'I Aragonaise on one side, Figs. 572-593. and the other side thickened ; 3. Lunette shoe, or "tip"; 4. Three-quarter shoe; 5. Beveled shoe, with the Aragonqise calkin on one branch, and the other thick at the heel ; 6. Shoe with sciettes, or projecting toothed border, thickened toward each heel to prevent slipping ; 7. Thick-sided shoe, thin toward the inner border, and seated like the English shoe ; 8. Shoe with buttons. siioein;(; 7i1 or raised catches on the inner brand i, ami thickened on the heel of the same side; f). A shoe Avliich has the in-side heel and quarter much thicker and nar- rower than usual ; 10. A shoe with crests or point toward the ground surface on the toe and quarter, and harhettes at the heels; 11. A shoe with the calk- ins doubled over, and provided with rings; 12. The foot sur- face of a shoe with the heels turning up toward the foot; 13. Shoe with two calkins; 14. A bar shoe ; 1.5. A jointed shoe to suit any size of foot ; 16. A jointed shoe without nails, and secured by the lat- eral border and the heel-screw; 17. A hind-shoe with calkins; IS. A shoe with one of the branches greatly thickened at the heel ; Fig. 594.— Tartar Chinese shoe. Fig. 593. — Thin shoe fur cure of con- traction, fitted with clips turned up, as explained on pages 680 and 681. Fig. 595. — Old English concave shoe. Fig. 596. — French shoe of the 13th century. 19. A hind shoe with a crest or toe-piece; 20. A hind shoe with the toe elongated and curled upward, probably for a foot the back tendons of which were contracted, causing the horse to walk on the point of the toe. 728 SHOEING. Fig. 597.— a shoe devised to prevent ^'°- 598.— Covered shoe, with the throwing much weight upon the limb branches very wide and thin, and deeply when lame. adjusted. Applied to very flat, foun- dered, or badly-formed feet. Fig. 599.-Ordinary hind shoe for rid- ^"'- ^°^—^^°^ ^'* truncated toe; ing or carriage-horses. Face and side """^ "" '''"'^ '^"^^ "^ '""■"^^ **"" '"<"■- „,„«, reach. Fig. 001.— Lafosse's Half-moon shoe, and tip of steel. Fig. 603. — Scotch shoe for draught horses. SHOEING. r29 Below, from Fig. C04—014, are given a variety of old Roman shoes found in England, France, and Switzerland, and supposed to be from nineteen hundred to over two thousand years old. Figs. C04 and 606 are the best preserved. rso SHOEING. Fig. on. — Supposed to be i pathological shoe. Fig. 615. — Shoe found in Germany, supposed to be several hundred years old. SHOEING. 731 African shoes. Fig. 621. C II AFT En XXII. THE CIRCULATION. The phenomenon of the circulation is of so interesting and I'emai'kable a character, and its condition has such an influence upon the health, that I think it advisable, as an introduc- tion to the Medical Depai'tment, to make some reference to it. There are so many diseases and difficulties of a serious character which are the result of derangements of circulation, that it cer- tainly seems necessary to give some explanation of it, that the reader may be impressed the better with the necessity for such jarudence and care as would prevent its disturbance. The writer thinks it also advisable, instead of giving a labored description, which may be easily obtained from any physiology, and which but few would take the trouble to read, to do this mainly by the aid of illustrations, a variety of ^vhich ha^'o been included at con- siderable expense. General Plan of the Circulation. The blood is circulated through the body for the purpose of nutrition and .secretion, by means of one forcing jjump, and tlirough the lungs, for its proper aeration, by another ; the two being united to form the heart. This organ is therefore a com- pound machine, though the two pumps are joined together, so as to appear to the casual observer to be one single organ. (For genei-al outlines .see Fig. G25.) In common language, the heart of the mammalia is said to have two sides, each of which is a forcing pump ; but the blood before it passes from one side to the other, has to circulate through one or the other set of vessels found in the general organs of the body, and in the lungs, as the case may be. This is shown at Figs. 622 and G23, wherethe blood, commenc- ing with the capillaries on the general surf ace at « (Fig. 623), passes (732) THE CIRCULATION. 733 Fig. 602. — Tlieoretical plan of the circulatory system. ]I, D, C, E. The canal for red blood; E, B, A, G. Canal for black blood. The arrows indicate the course of the blood. The two canals are represented in their middle por- tion, A B, C D, as isolated; but in nature they are envel- oped at this point iu a common sac that concurs to form the heart. through the veins which finally end in the vena cava h, and enters the right auricle c. From this it is pumped into the light ventricle d, Vfhich, contracting in its turn, forces it on into the pulmonary artery c, .spreading out upon the lining membrane of the lungs, to form the capillaries of that organ at /, from which it is returned to the left auricle g through the pul- monary veins. From the left auricle it is driven on through the left ventricle ; and this, by its powerful contraction, forces the blood through the aorta i, and the arteries of the whole body to the capillaries a, from which the description commenced. While the venus blood is on its way to the heart, when near it, it is met by the thoracic duct (see k, y. Fig. 62G, and /,-, Fig. 627), which conveys into this returning blood the nutritive property of the food extracted from it by the digestive organs. With this new Fig. 623.— Plan of the circulation. A, Capillaries on the gen- eral surface; B. Vena cava; C. Right auricle ; D. Right ventricle; E. Pulmonary artery ; F. Capillaries of the lungs, uniting to form the pulmonary veins, which en- ter G. The left auricle; H. The left ventricle; I. The aorta posteria, dividing into smaller arteries, and united with the capillaries at A ; .1. Trunk of the aorta anterior. 734 THJ] CIECULATION. supply of nutritious matter, the blood goes to the heart and lungs to be oxygenized by contact with the air, and thus be continued tlirough the heart and arteries as before explained. The system takes up its material for its wear and tear through the capillaries or hair-like tubes, which are iaterposeil between the tM'o great Fig. 624. — Distribution of the aiiterio; 1. Anterior aorta; 2. Left axillary artery; 3. Right axillary artery; 4. Dorsal artery; 5. Subcostal artery; 12. External thoracic artery ; 14. Carotid artery; 17. Posterior aorta; A. Pulmonary aorta; B. Trachea; E. Superior branch of the ilio- spinal muscle; F. Inferior branch of the same; G. Great complexus muscle ; I, I. Originating aponeurosis of the splenius and the small anterior serratus muscles; N. Sterno-maxillaris muscle; 0, P. Great pectoi al and stemo-prescapularis muscles turned downward. divisions of the vascular system, arteries and veins. These little tubes are so small that they are from T-fVrr to jrcnr of ^^ i^^ch in diameter. The smaller are found in the i-etina of the eye and brain. The larger in the liver and lungs. The worn-out tissue THE CIECULATlOJSr. 735 tt ;•= £■ _--i so 3- » o g < CO 1 3 o 3 1 so 2 3i 1 Pi g- o- ^ a S" 3 1 f o ■3 ^ r; < 1 •a ■t) 1 D 5 o 1 w 0 2. p "ii p o '^ <:-< <3 ° S ^ w S _03 B" T- §. c s .-J v-'Z. 736 THE CIRCULATION. of the body is also taken up by the blood and carried off through the bowels, lungs, kidneys, and skin, which are the natural sewers or depurative channels of the body. The quantity of blood that a horse contains is about jV of his weight. A horse weigh- ing 1,000 lbs. would therefore have ali(jut 100 lbs. of bkx)d, or Fig. 626. — The heart and principal vessels; left face. a. Right ventricle; 6. Left ventricle; r. Right auricle; d. Left auricle; «. Pulmonary artery;/. Pulmonary veins; j. Anterior aorta; h. Left axillary artery; ('. Right axillary artery, or brachio-cephalic trunk ; p. Carotid arteries ; q. Posterior aorta; x. Vena azygos; y. Thoracic ducts; z. Embouchure of that vessel, placed near the origin of the anterior vena cava. nearly 50 quarts. Fat hor.ses have proportionately less blood than those that are lean ; and it is claimed that wild animals generally have more blood in propoi-tion than the domestic ones. Forty pounds of blood have been taken from medium sized horses with- out serious injury; and it requii-es the extraction of about iV of the total weight before life is destroyed. It is a remarkable fact THE ClRCULvVnON. 737 that this large amount of blood in the body makes its entire round of circulation in the short period of from two to three minutes. This has been proved by the following experiment, which has been made and repeated many times at the Colum- bia Veterinary Col- lege, New York: The jugular vein was opened on one side of the neck, into which saline matter, or poi- son, was injected, and on opposite side tap- ped carotid artery. In fifteen seconds the first traces of the sub- stance injected could be detected in the blood ; in twenty sec- onds it was found very plainly. But while it is known that the main body of blood makes the shorter pulmonary circuit, that part go- ing to the extremities Fig. 637. -The heart and principal vessels: right face. . a. Right ventricle; 6. Left ventricle; c. Right au- ricle; li. Anterior vena cava; e. Vena azygos; /. Pos- ^ terior vena cava; g, g. Pulmonary veins; ft, h. Divis- most distant from the ions of the pulmonary artery; i. Posterior aorta; j. heart requires much Anterior aorta; t. Thoracic duct; ?. Right cardiac ar- 1 +■ V> f ■+ ■ ^^^'i "•• ■'''* vertical or ventricular branch; o. Ven- longer time; but it is ^^j^^j^^ branch of the cardiac vein; p. Auriculo-ven- assumed that all the tricular branch of the same, blood in the body makes its entire circuit in the short period of from two to three minutes. I refer to this fact, which is not familiar to the average reader, to show the great importance of not subjecting the horse to such THE CmCULATIOX. 739 inflnonces as will derange the circulatory system. The remark- able energy of the circulation through the blood-vessels is very finely illustrated by spreading and ty- ing apart the toes of a frog's foot, and examining the web through a good microscope. Tlic field of observation will appear like an immense plain cut up with large riv- eiTi intci-sected by numerous small streams, all run- ning with the ra- pidity of a torrent, the larger currents running much the faster. The blood corpuscles are also clearly distinguishable. Something of an idea of this can be seen by referring to Figs. 631 and C32, which represent such a view of the circulation through the web. When the circulation is in its natural state, that is, distributed properly to aU pai'ts of the body, it implies a state of perfect health, but if, from any cause, it is withheld or forced from any part of the body, there is not enough blood in that part, while there will be an excess in other parte. Thus, if the horse is exposed to a cold wind, or is chilled by a current of air sti-iking the body, the Fig. 630.-Epithe- ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^ f^j.^.^^^ fj.^^^ jj.^ gurface to the inter- nal organs, accumulating where there is most free- dom for it, or where it is weakest; usually in the lungs and surrounding parte, kidneys, bowels, and sometimes ia the feet, the first indication of which would be a shivering fit, followed by fever. Fig. O'JO. — Vi'cb of frog's foot stretching between two toes, showing the blood-vessels and their anastomoses. a, a, Veins; b, h, ?), arteries, the capillaries being between. lial cells of blood-vessels. a, b. From a vein ; c. From an artery; Magnified 350 di- ameters. 740 THE CIRCULATION. Now it is evident that the object should be, when there is such disturbance, to equalize the circulation again, or force it back to its natural chan- nels as quickly as possible, and that treatment 1 '7 which this lan be done most easily and quickly will be the best. The circulation is really controlled y the nervous system. If the nervous system is from any cause weaken- ed, so that it is unable to act with the usual vigor, there is less ability to resist the influence of disturbing changes, and the horse Fig. 631. — Portion of the web of a frog's fjot, laigely magni fled, after a drop of strong alcohol had been placed upon it. The black spots are caused.by the congestion induced by the alcohol. Fig. 632.— Irrcgula contraction of small vessels in the ivcb of a frog's foot after the application of stimuli. is, as it is termed, more liable to take cold, which meansadisturl - ance of the circulation. Hence a horse, when warm and exhausted after a drive, if given a little too much cold water would be liable to have colic, THE CIRCULATION. 741 i I ^ " i ■ 3 " "" ? ff" i " I ^ ^ 742 THE CIRCULATION. founder, etc. ; or if allowed to stand in a cold current of air, to have an attack of pneumonia, or some other indication of vascular disturbance before referred to, which would be scarcely felt if cool, and the nervous system in a vigorous condition. It is evident also _1 that the quality of blood being depend- ent upon the food taken, and the con- dition of the air breathed, it is neces- sary that the food should be clean and of good quality. No moldy grain, hay, or other food unfitted for proper nutrition, .should be Fig. 634. — 1. Superficial lajer of ekin or cuticle; 3. given, and the sta- Rete mucosum; 3. Cerium; 4. Duct of sweat gland ; 5. ^g should be well Sweatgland; 7. Sebaceous eland; 8. Walls of hair sac; ,., , , .,, n T> * f I, • ,r, X. * ,, r, r, 1, , »■ vcutilatcd With Burc 9. Rootofhau-; 10. Fat cells; D. Cellular tissue. . . t' air at all times, and all poisonous gases, particularly the ammonia which is formed from the urine, should be allowed free egress from the stable, as the animal cannot be expected to keep in good health while com- pelled to inhale such malaria. It is needless to explain the bad effects upon the depurative organs of the derangement of circulation by which these channels are to a greater or less degree " clogged," or unable to do their proper work. Now, it is within the province of every owner to prevent these troubles by the exercise of care in feeding, exercise, etc., which is much better and easier than to try to cure them when sick. It is far easier to prevent a house from getting burned up by not letting the fire get started, than to depend upon the power of putting it out, for with the best of energy it may cause a destruction of the building. So in the cure of diseases, it is a great deal better and safer to take such measures as will prevent them, for derange- ments once started will often, in spite of the best of treatment, THE CIRCULATION. 74:j greatly injure, if not destioy the animal. It is certainly the owner's duty to guard his horse against unnecessar}^ exposure, ur merciless driving until in a profuse per- spiration, and then leaving the animal in , ** some cold, bleak place without even a blanket, or but a very poor apology for one, and that thrown on carelessly, while the owner is pei'haps enjoying himself with his friends in some drinking saloon, toasting his shins, and the poor horse stands shivering at the door. The effect of such bad treatment wUl not then have time to develop itself, but will be seen in a few hours, or at farthest on the follow- ing day, by a cold or cough, running at the nose, an attack of pneumonia, 1am- initis, or other cause of trouble. The three principal points in preserving the health of a horse are feeding, air, and exercise. In the first place, irregularity of feeding, even of the best of food, will produce disease ; but when with this is combined the giving of tainted or musty hay or grain, the difficulty is greatly ag- gravated. Ventilation. — The staljle should be nei- ther too hot nor too cold. The horse will show the effect in a few days bj^ coughing or having slight irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat. A horse can take cold as easily by go- ing out of the cold air into a hot stable, as he can by going from a hot stable into cold air, and vice wrsft. It is the sudden Opening on surface; e. I'er- change of temperature which produces °'^'^ *" ^^^^ the change on the mucous coat of the larynx and of the throat. The clothing of the horse in the stable should be neither too heavy nor too light. If kept too warm, he will be more likely to take cold when he goes out to exercise on a cold or chilly day. Fig. 635. — Sweat glanJ, inng- nified 40 iliametei-s. b. Canal; <•. Glanil; d. 744 THE CIECULATIOK To keep a horse doing well, constant attention is necessary to little things — watchfulness in driving ; if the road is heavy, and the horse shows fatigue or is warming uj] excessively, hold him up and let out on smooth, descending pieces of road — a very little driving without regard to this prudence will often get a horse "off his feed," if not cause sick- ness; properly clothing and pro- tecting a horse when warm af- ter a drive; care not to give so much cold water as to chill; if there is chill or inclination to fever or the horse is "off his feed " after a drive, giving a little fever medicine, with any other prompt measures to relieve the de- i-angement at its commencement, may prevent a sevei'e attack of congestion or in- flammation, if not save the life of the horse. It is in attention to these little things that the real key of the owner's success lies in the care of his horses. The simplest and best methods of treatment for all the ordinary causes of sickness and lameness will be found on the following pages. I would add in this connection that there are really but few diseases which are very dangerous or common to horses, and if the owner can be so aided as to successfully manage these difficulties, Buch knowledge must be invaluable to him. These dilBculties comprise colic, inflammation of the lungs, founder, navicular- joint lameness, and shoeing. A horse may die in a few hours from Fig. 636. — Horizont.al section through the middle plane of Three Peyerian glands, showing the distribution of the blood-vessels in their interior. THE CmCULATION. 745 o37. — isecnon of me iiver of a raDOit, wiin lue patic 01" introlobular veins injected. a severe attack of colic, if nut promptly treated ; yet it is a diffi- culty easily managed, if it is known what to do, and it is done promptly. An attack of pneumonia is a very serious thing- ; but during its first stages is easily managed if taken in hand at once. A horse that is foundered, if not treated promptly, is practically ruin- ed, as a change of structure quickly results; yet ever 3- case of acute foun- der or laminitis is curable, and not only this, but the treatment is so simple that it is not at all difficult to compi-ehend or apply. Navicular-joint lameness is sure to ruin a horse if not taken immediately in hand ; yet it is one of the simplest of diffi- culties to manage in its first or acute stages, and hence the knowledge of its treatment is of the greatest importance to owners. Shoeing: A horse badly or im- properly shod, no matter how good the feet, if the hoofs are thin, is liable to be soon practically ruined. The treatment for these difficulties will be found to be particularly careful and thorough. There are, of course, many other difficulties which it is important to know Fig. 638.— Showing tiie or- how to manage, for which the best practical igiu of tiie lacteal ducts treatment is given. In fact, the medical department of this work will be found en- titled to the fullest confidence, and must be accepted as invaluable to horse owners. The writer would, however, recommend that in all critical cases the safest course is to employ a competent vet- erinary surgeon, if available. CHAPTER XXIII. DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. Inflammation. Inflammation is an increased action of the blood-vessels. The consequence is an increased amount of blood to the part. 1. The Heat. This is an invariable symptom, being always present to a greater or less degree. It is produced by the more rapid oxidation going on, consequent on the mcreased quantity of blood circulating in the parts immediately surrounding. 2. Redness is due to the increased determination of the blood to the part, the distention of the hitherto invisible cajjillaries with red blood, and sometimes, when extensive, to the extravasation of blood from the bursting of the thin walls of the vessels. 3. Pain. The pain in an inflamed part is almost the first and most characteristic symptom. It is due to the tension of the tissues and implication of the nerves and nerve centers. The degree of pain varies according to the seat of the inflammation and the degree of its intensity. The more sensitive the part, the more painful will it be under inflammation. Thus, it is sharp and cutting in inflammation of serous membranes, dull and gnaw- ing in diseases of bones, and burning in inflammation of the skin. When matter is forming, the pain becomes throbbing and intense. 4. The swelling is due to the vascular engorgement and the exudation of serum in the first place, and afterward the formation of flbrine, and in the the latter stages to the development of matter. The other concomitant symptoms of inflammation will be noticed when we come to treat of local inflammations, or inflammation of particular oi-gaus. Inflammation, though regarded as a disease, is the principal ("46) INFLAMMATION. 747 agent which nature employs in repaii-ing or rebuilding parts which have been injured by accidents or disease. Thus, when a fracture has taken place, the ends of the bone have to be united, inflam- mation is set up, lymph is thrown out around the fractured ends, small capillary vessels soon shoot into the coagula, from which bony particles are deposited ; and thus by a process of inflamma- tion the continuity of the parts is restored. Inflammation is often made use of to cure diseases and remove callous enlargements. Thus, when a thin opaque film is left on the eye, from a blow or otherwise, a stimulating wash is injected to set up inflamma- tion, to cause blood- ves.sels to shoot into it, and remove it by ab- sorption. We blister callus enlargements for the same purpose. It win thus be seen that inflammation in many cases becomes a remedy instead of a disease, and is in all cases a necessary and natural process for the repair of an injury. When a part presents the appearance of inflammation, becom- ing red, hot, tender, and swollen ; and after a time these appear- ances subside, without producmg any alteration in. the structure or functions of a part, it is said to have terminated in Resolution. When two cut surfaces are brought together, and exudation takes place, and the surfaces are united, as in the healing of a wound by the first intention, it is called Adhesion. When an inflamma- tory tumor, as that of Strangles, or " Horse Distemper," — at first, hard, hot, and painful, goes on, softens in the middle, points, and bursts, discharging a yellowish, creamy fluid, called pus, — it is said to terminate in Suppuration. When a part is tardy in healing, and presents an open spread- ing sor'e, with red, irregular edges, presenting a mouse-eaten appearance, discharging a thin, irritating pus, mixed up with the debris of the tissues in which it is formed, floating in serum and pus cells, it is said to be in a state of Ulceration. Gangrene, or mortification, that is, the entire deatli of the whole or part of a tissue, is apt to occur when the inflammation has been sudden and violent. When this has occurred, no recovery can take place, as the blood-vessels and tissues are destroyed ; the part generally becomes cold, the color becomes blue or pvxrple, a fetid moisture covers the surface, and noxious gases are evolved. There is always a red line x)f demarkation between the dead and living tissues ; and if the constitutional depression which generally ac- 748 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. companies it does not produce death, this red line Lecomes con- verted into pus, and tlie ment. Treatment. — If the in- flammation is up near the joint, it will usually be more serious, and cause more lameness; but as a general thing, splints re- quire but very little treat- ment, and in time will get well themselves if let alone. During the acute stage, ti'eat simply with cooling applications. Cold water turned for some time from a pump or by other means ^'°" ^'^^ of letting a steady stream strike the part, which should be continued for at least fifteen minutes, and repeated two or three times a day, would be best. If this is not done, then tie several thicknesses of cloth around the part, and keep wet; but this will not be so good as the first method. The following is a favorite remedy for any local inflammation : — 2 drachms muriate of ammonia. 2 ounces vinegar. 2 ounces water. 4 ounces spirits of wine. Mix. The simplest and quickest way of relieving the lameness, and that which is now practiced very generally by veterinary surgeons, is to cut through the periosteum over the part. This is done by catching up the skin between the thumb and finger at the lower edge of the splint, and with a knife or other instrument make an incision ia it; then pass up under it a probe-pointed bistoury, or -Splint, and small wind-gall. Fio. 643.— A splint after cure. 756 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. a C(3nimon nicking-knife, to the top, and cut down to the bone. The part may now be treated as for simple inflammation; after- ward, simply by cooling applications. The usual treatment is, after the acute stage has passed oft', to clip the hair and blister once or twice. Or, a more effectual way would be by firing, the best Way of doing which is by the pyro-puncture process; but this is seldom necessary. I give several excellent remedies for splints and ordinary en- largements, either of which may be used; also a number under the head of Special Remedies, given near the close of this book, all of which are very good. The following is also used with much success: — 1 ounce oil of origanum. 1 ounce oil of turpentine. J ounce of alcohol. To be applied night and morning, for a few days at a time. Spavin. There is so inuuli misconception among people generally about the natiu'e of spavin and its cure, that I will include such illusti-a- tions as will show clearly the character and location of the disease. I first give various views of the hock, with an explanation of the different parte. Also views of specimens of a bad condition of spavin; first, a union of all the bones of the hock without any enlargement ; next, the same condition with a large, bony deposit, the result of long-continued inflammation of the parte. This enlargement is what is called a spavin. Many pretend to be able to cure spavin by a medicine that will. take off" the bunch, claiming that it is simply a form of detached growth, and by removing this a complete cure will be effected. The fallacy of this pretension would be better understood could the specimens from which the illustrations are taken be examined. The remedies generally used are nitrate of silver, corrosive sub- limate, arsenic, muriatic, sulphuric, and nitric acids, or their com- binations with other medicines of less severe character. These medicines applied to the surface deaden or destroy the skin and sub-tissues of the part, which, in the course of a week or two, sloughs off", leaving a bad sore. The operator exhibits this sloughed DISEASES OF THE BONES. 757 off part, or a piece of cartilage prepared for the purpose, which he claims is the spavin. Or the medicine may be so prepared as to act as a severe blister. In any case, the unsuspecting owner is usually induced to pay a liberal sum, either as pay for Fio. 644. — Back inside view of the bones of the hocli. Fio. bi} — Fr nt outside mlv, of the boiies of the hock. a. Tibia; 6. Oscalcis; c. Astragalus; d. Cuboides; e. Navicular; /. Outer cuneiform; g. Middle cuneiform ; h. Splint; i. Cannon, or shank. the medicine, or to meet expenses, etc. This game is being played constantly all over the country. There ai'e innumerable patent cures for spavins, and concom- mitant difficulties, which are usually nothing more than ordinary blisters which act merely as counter irritants. In fact all the great secrets for curing spavins, etc., are but mere pretensions of the charlatan, and should deceive no one. During my early ex- perience I frequently paid large prices for these pretended cure- alls, which did little more than convince me of the extent of imposition practiced in this A\'ay, until I had no confidence in any 758 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. one professing to doctor horses. Becoming finally acquainted with a well-known veterinary surgeon, Dr. Wm. Somerville, of Buffalo, New York,* I employed him to give me a private course of lectures, in- structing me in the principles and treatment of the most common caus- es of sickness and lameness in horses, and I spent nearly a year in obtain- ing this knowledge. At the commencement of these lectures there were three interesting cases of spavin for treatment, two of them from distant cities. He ex- plained, among other things, that he charged one hundred dollars each for treating these cases, guarantee- ing a cure without blemishing ; and that were the treatment for these cases understood by the local veter- inary surgeons, whose charges were comparatively nominal, they would not have been sent to him at such large expense for treatment and shipping. The better to explain the nature of spavins, I quote from the best description I can find of this disease and its causes: — " There are two distinct kinds of bone sjiavin : The first is in all re- spects simihw to splint, and arises from inflammation of the periosteum. It frequently comes on insidiously without causing much annoyance. The other form, arising from inflam- mation of the internal structures of Fig. 646.-Bone8 of leg and foot. ^^'^ hock-joint, is frequently attended by caries or ulceration, and from the first produces intense f)ain and lameness, when the bones rub on one another. * I give his exact method of tieatment in the first method of firing. DISEASES oE THE liONES. 759 " The hock -joint corresponds to the heel in man, and has no fewer than ten bones entering into its formation, an acquaintance with the arrangement of which is necessarj^ be- fore the complexities of hock diseases can be un- derstood. The bones of the leg, (see Fig. 647,) the shank-bone g, and the two small splint bones behind /t, sujjport the lower layer of the bones of the hock. Tlie cube-bone d rests prin- cipally on the shank - bone, and in a slight de- gree on the outer splint- bone. The middle wedgebone / rests en- tirely upon the shank- bone, and the smaller wedge-bone (not seen in the cut) presses in a very slight degree on the shank-bone, but princi- pally or almost entirely on the inner splint- bone. Then the splint- bone sustains a very un- equal degree of concus- sion and weight. Not only is the inner one placed more under the body, and nearer the Center of gravity, but it has almost the whole of the weight and concus- sion communicated to the smaller cuneiform bone carried on to it. It is not, thei-eforc, to be wondered at that, in the violent action of this joint in galloping, leaping, heavy draught, and especially in young horses, and before the limbs have become properljr knit, the inner splint-bone, or its ligaments, or the sub- stance which connects it with the shank-bone, should suffer injury." Different views of the bones of the hock can be seen more clearly by referring to Figs. 644, 64.5, in the first part of this chapter. Also Figs. 648-651 show the various changes of struct- FlG. 647. — Bones of the hock enlarged. 7G0 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. urus proiluced. Figs. 648, 649 were copied from two interesting specimens loaned the writer by Prof. Cressy, of Hartford, Ct. The causes of spavin a re numerous — altered bearing, predisposition from conformation or mal-conformation of the limb, but proceed- ing mainly from hard work, sprains, or any cause which excites in- tl a m m a t i o n of this j)art. But the most common cause lies in the breeding of horses, as very often a colt is bred from a spavined sire or dam, or both, when the colt is sure to inherit the same defect. Fig. 648. — Uuiou of all the bones of the hock without enlargement. Fig Oil) —The same, with excesbive bonj enlargement. Symjito^ns. — The first symptom usually shown in spavin is a stiff moving on the toe, which causes a pe- culiar quick catching up of the leg, e.specially in trot- ting. This varies according to the amount of inflamma- tion and its location, from being scarcely noticeable at first, and passing off entirely after going a little ways, to severe lameness or stiffiiess of the hock, which greatly improves or disappears when warmed up during a sharp Fig. 650. Showing a bad condition of spavin. DISEASES OF THE BONES. 761 Fig. 652. — Healthy hock dissected. Fig. 653. — Diseased hock dissected. drive of a few miles, but appearing much worse after such a drive when tlie blood is again cooled. The hock is obsei-ved to be less freely u,sed than the other. He is worse on the hard road. He limps consider- ably when he strikes his toe on a stone or the ground. If the leg be taken up and the j oint forcibly extend- ed or flexed, he will limp quite badly. Spav- ined horses gen- erally lo.se con- dition, and from the pain caused by rising they frequently stand for a long time. If it is the result of a strain, causing acute inflammation, the lameness will not pass ott' by ex- ^^^ ttKMP' ercise so readily as it will after it becomes chronic. An enlargement usually makes its appearance from the fifth to the sixth week. Any prominence can be seen by standing in front of the horse about three or four feet from Fio. 654.— Action Fio. 655.— Action of the shoulder, and looking back when natural. badly sprained leg. ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^. ^^^ ^^^^^_ ing behind the hor.se, and looking forward across the hock. The eflbrt the horse makes to relieve the heels by walking upon the toe, indicates the necessity of removing the shoe, raising the lieel-calks, hammering down or cutting off" the toe-calks, and rounding the toe. Care must be taken not to mistake a natural fullness, known 762 DISEASES AND THEIR TEBATMENT. as " rough hocks " ; and it, is always advisablu to compare the one hock with the other. We frequently have inflammation or spavin uniting the small bones without the legist outward enlargement. Fig. 648. Quite often, before any enlargement appears, the trouble may be mistaken for hip lameness. But m this difficulty there IS a peculiar dragging motion, and for •\\ ant of muscular action the hip is somc- tnnes fallen in or wasted ; while in spavin the leg is lifted and brought forward easily, ta-aveling mostly on the toe, and shows marked imj^rovement by exercise. Treatmeni. — If there is heat during the first few days, use cooling applica- FiG. 656. — Showing situa- tion of bone-spavin ; a shallow groove being left iu the os- sific deposit for the passage of the oblique tendon of the flex- or metatarsi, immediately un- der which the spavin is situa- ted.— Williams^ Surgery. Fig. 6.57. — A he.ilthy hock. Fig. 65S.— a Jack epavin. tions, such as an ounce of sugar of lead to half a paU of ice-water, about two weeks, when the inflammation may pass off. A dose of physic may also be given. Or a very simple way, and accord- ing to my judgment the best, is to throw a strong stream of cold watei' against the part for twelve or fifteen minutes, repeating two or three times a day as before explained. If past the first stage, and the case has become chronic, the only reasonable treat- ment is counter u-ritation and rest, or keeping up sufficient local inflammation, without dissolving or blistering the skin, to arouse DISEASES OF THE BONES. '63 nature sufficiently to produce anchylosis, or a union of the bones involved. There are two methods of treatment for this: First, if not very Fig. 659. — Small spavin. Fig. 660. — Ordinary spavin. serious, by blistering. Second, by what is termed " firing." This is done in two ways: First, by burning lines over the .skin with a feather-edged iron sufficiently close and deep to produce an extensive external inflammation, but without breaking or destroying the skin. Second, by burn- ing small holes into and around the dis- eased parts. On the following page are given a few of the best practical reme- dies. Blistering is adapted for only simple cases, so that when serious, firmg is the most reliable and effectual treatment. In case of either blistering or firing, the hair .should first be clipped from two to three inches above and below the en- largement, and out to the middle of the ' •— cy g P hind and fore part of the leg. A favorite blister used by one of the best practitioners in the country, is prepared and applied as follows:— 764 DISEASES AND THBIE TREATiLENT. 3 drams nf biniodide of mercurj'. 1 dram of iodide of potass. 1 J drams of iodine in crystals, pulv. 1 ounce of blue ointment (mercurial). 1 ounce of lard. Mix, and apply to the seat of the spavin three days. When the parts become sore, omit the treatment for the same length of time ; then apply once in three days for two weeks, after which stop all treatment. Oi- either of the following blisters may be used, whieh are among the very best: — 1 ounce finely powdered cantharides. 2 drams powdered euphorbiura. 1 ounce lard. 2 ounces tar. Mix. This is a very strong blister, and is regarded as very good. Another favorite prescription is: — 2 drams corrosive sublimate. 1 ounce lard. ^ ounce tar. 2 drams cantharides. The following will also be found efficient: — Equal parts of biniodide of mercury and cantharides, and three parts each of tar and lard. The blister should be thoroughly rubbed on with the hand about ten muiutes. Twenty-four hours afterward apply a little vaseline or oil, and repeat night and morning until the action subsides. This will prevent the skin from cracking as well as lessen the pain. After Avhich, wash with castile soap and warm water. In no case should more than one leg be blistered at a time, especially if the horse is thin skinned and sensitive, as it produces serious disturbance and fever. A vai'iety of prescriptions for blisters will be found under the head of the best remedies used, if it is desired to u.se blisters; also the most famous secret quack cures will be found under that head; but it is not advisable to use them. DISEASES OF THE BONES. 765 LiG. 662. — Feather-edge flriug-iron Three-fourths size. Firing. For firing, put the. horse in stocks. If this is not convenient, tlie next best way is to Ijring a rope around tlie neclv ami fasten to the well leg ; or still bettor, buckle a soft strap ai-ounil the fetlock, and from a ring attached to the strap, pass a rope around the neck of the horse and draw short enough to raise the foot from the ground. Next put on a twitch, with the stick part at least twenty inches long ; it should be so arranged as not to hurt the horse until the instant of touching with the iron, when the head should be thrown up a little with a slight jerking motion, to divert his attention from the pain of the firing. I give two illustrations of the firing pai't of the iron, reduced in size about one-third. The larger the ii-on, the longer it will retain the heat. The blade should be of steel (of the form given in the illustration), a little more than a quarter of an inch thick at the back, and grad- ually thinned down to the edge, which should be about one-sLxteenth of an inch in thickness, and nicely rounded. The handle may be nothing more than a straight round bar of iron, from sixteen to seventeen inches long and turned back at the end. It is necessary to have at least two irons, so that while one is being used, the other can be heating. It should be heated to a dull red color, ami when taken from the fire the edge quickly run over a board or plank to make it smooth. Wlien the edge is turned dark, draw perpendicular lines on the leg, as shown in Fig. 664, from top to bottom. They should be about two inches 766 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. apart at the top, and not drawn deeply. Lay the edge where desired to start from, and draw steadily and gently to the bottom. Then commence at the top and make cross lines, olaliquely, about half an inch apart. Start the point of the iron from the line at the right or left, and draw toward the center, as shown in Fig. 664. The skin should not be penetrated or cut tlirough, as it would leave a blemish. The cuticle is simply to be destroyed, and a dark lirown impression left upon the skia, from which there will exvido a glutinous substance soon after the operation. If the iron is red or too hot, tlioi'e will be great danger of burning through ; though Fig. 664 — \ lew of lines as they should be made with feather- firing-iron. Fig. 665. — Bad method of filing. The lines cover too small a surface. if the operator is dextrous he can use it quite safely by drawing it proportionately light and quick, but the work cannot be so well done as with an iron that is of a dull red color, or quite dark at the edge. With such an iron, if the first line is not drawn quite deep enough it can be repeated until the right depth upon the cuticle is obtained, which will be indicated by its color. If the lines are dra^\'n much nearer than half an inch, there will be danger of sloughing, while if too far apart there wUl be propor- tionately less inflammation produced. They should be of a cer- tain depth and distance apart, and crossed as little as possible to avoid breaking the skin. If this is done neatly, when the healing process takes place, the creases formed by the iron will be drawn DISEASES OF TUB BONES. 767 together, the hair grown over, leaving no visible trace of the firing. After the operation the horse should be put away in a box-stall. On the following day a little grease, vaseline, or oil should be rubbed over the part, which "will keep it soft and pre- vent cracking. This may be repeated at any time afterward, should it appear too dry. Should any of the cracks break and threaten to make a sore, dust on a little of the magic healing powder, which will stop it immediately unless very severe. No bandaging or any such means should be resorted to. Simply see that the horse does not bite or rub the parts. This method of firing is the one that has been most generally used. It is very painful to the horse, and re- quii'cr; considerable pi-actice to do it well, al- though there is no particular sleight or secret in doing it beyond making the lines over rather a large surface, and as near each other as can safely be done without causing so much inflammation as to extend across the division and blemish by breaking or destroy- ing the skin between. The next point is depth of the firing. This can be learned reli- ably only by practice. The deeper the firing, the more extensive the inflammation pro- fig. 666.— Dots showing duced, though in no case should it be carried usual number and lo- deep enough to break the skin, as this will '=''t'°'^ °^ punctures surely cause a blemish, while in very slight ^" "'°^" firing there will be proportionately less inflammation, and to that degree less eflfective. The Pyro-puncturing Process. The method of firing now found to be most ett'ective for this difliculty, and that used most generally by the best practitioners, is the pyro-puncturing process. It is much easier done, more simple, not so liable to blemish, and far more eflective. I give two forms of iron; one "representing about three-sixteenths of an inch, the other about an eighth of an inch or less in diameter. The rule is, the larger the ii'on the farther apart must the holes be made, and the smaller the iron the closer together. The principle is to make the pun?tures as near as can be done safely without producing so 768 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. much inflammation as to cause the skin to break or slough between them. The average distance apart is from three-fourths to one inch for the larger iron, and half an inch for the smaller iron, ob- serving not to go near the vein. If the horse is valuable it is best to use the smaller iron, as there o KiG. 007.~-Small Fyro- Fig. 668.-^Large Pyro- FiG. 669. — Small Pyro- puncturing iron. puncturing iron. puncturing iron. The wire represented too small. is less danger of blemishing. The part of the iron used should be sufliciently long to enable puncturing as deep as desu'able. I give illustrations of two such irons ; one representing the round part drawn out with con.siderable bulb behind to give sufficient body to retain heat; the other a bulb of iron with a hole punched, into which is fitted a piece of steel or iron wire of suitable size. These DISEASES OP THE BONES. 7G9 fine pointed irons for pyro-puucturing sliould be used only wlien at a white heat, and never when cooled to a red heat. The reason for this is that there is much less pain felt when the iron is at a white heat, as the sensibility is almost immediately destroyed. It is desirable to have three or four ii'ons heating at once, so as to be sure of having one continually at white heat. The method of using it is to barely touch the skin at first to mark the points to be punctured, which .should be extended out some little distance beyond the line of enlargement or immediate seat of trouble (as shown in Fig. 666). Then repeat, burning much deeper each time until the holes are made to a depth of about three-eighths of an inch, more or less, according to the severity of the case. Where there is much enlargement, penetrate to the bone proper over that part. When the firing is complete, rub on thoroughly a strong blister. The following simple Spanish fly blister is good: — 1 ounce Spanish flies. h ounce litjuid tar. 2 ounces lard. Mix, and rub on thoroughly from five to ten lainutes, putting nn a pretty thick application, and leaving on about forty-eight hours, when wasli nil" with warm water and soap. When dry, rub on some gi-ease or lard; and let the animal rest three weeks. The principle is to keep the horse quiet long enough to give time for exudate to be thrown out and unite the parts in- volved, and this requires from three to five or eight weeks, and in some obstinate cases possibly even longer, depending upon age; the younger, the more easily and quickly this will be done, while the older the horse, and the less constitution, the slower and more difficult it will be to do. In any event, it must be continued or repeated, until the lameness disappears, after which work mod- erately for a while. If, after a couple of months or .so, there is any perceptible lameness or soreness, an ordinary biniodide of mercury blister may be applied once or twice, as the case requires, or the firing may be repeated, as before stated. The point is to keep up sufficient counter irritation to make the cure complete. It will also aid in reinO'/ing any enlargemept tluit may remain. 770 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. Ring-bone. The treatment for ring-bone, splints, curbs, and spavins is practically the same. If there is inflammation, the result of recent Fig. 670. — Joint anchylosed in ring- bone, without enlargement. Tlie roughened appearance of the Flo. 671. — Ring-bone. The joint anehy- bone the result of inflamma- losed and enlarged. Hon of the periosteum. strain, use cooling applications, and give the horse rest until it passes off, when counter irritation by blister- ing or firing must be resorted to. A ring-bone is a bony excrescence, or en- largement, about the pastern, most frequently occurring in the hind leg. Sometimes it does not cause much lameness, while again the lameness may be very severe, and perhaps in- curable. This will depend much upon the lo- cation of the enlargement upon the joint. Should it be upon the center of the bone, it may not occasion any trouble ; but if upon the margin of the joint, it is liable to cause much lameness. Fig. 671, taken from a pho- tograph, is a front view of an enlarged an- \. " t ■ -^ tu chvlosed joint, or ring-bone ; Fig. 672 is a section of jomt after *' ,i ' r>^ > o anchylosis. view of another specimen cut through the DISEASES OF THE BONES. 771 center, ' showing the joint grown solid. I include an illustration of quite a bad ring-bone, and the same clipped, lined, and also dotted to show how the firing .should be done by the pyro-puncturing process. At first there may be a somewhat tender and yielding enlarge- ment, which, in the course of time, becomes a hard bony formation. Fig. 673.— Ring-bone as it usually appears. Fui. OT-t. — As a ring-bone should be flred by the first method. Second, the horse may make an effort to relieve the pressure from the heels or toe, according to the location of the inflammation. Should he raise the heels, then raise the heel-calks and round the toe. If on the other hand he seems to throw pressure upon the heels, then lower the heel and round the toe. In the fore feet, at any rate, it will be necessary to round the toe sharply, which will greatly relieve the strain upon the joint by enabling the foot to roll easily, or turn upon the toe. The best method of douig this is by the Roburg shoe, illustrations of which are given in " Shoeing," and " Navicular- Joint Lameness." Clip the parts, as shown in Fig. 675, then blister or fire, as explained for spavin There should be no blistering or firing around the heel under the Fig. 675. — Method of firing by the Pyro-puncturing process. DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. fetlock, as this would cause breaking, or an irritation of the skin, which would be very annoying and difficult te heal. Side-Bone or False Ring-Bone. Side-bone, properly speaking, is not exostosis, but ossification of an already existing structure, it being ossification of the lateral cartilages of the ospedis, or bone of the foot. It is most common in the fore feet, especially where the pas- terns are short and straight. Symptoms. — The lateral cartilages, which in health are soft and flexible, become en- larged, project above the hoof, and are hard and bony. While the inflammatory proce.ss is going on, there is heat and pain in the part, and consequently lameness, which in most cases ceases when the ossification is completed ; but there Ls always a degree of I stiffness observable, and the lameness is apt / to return if the horse is much used on the ' fffi Causes. — Short, upright pasterns predis- ' [/ pose to them ; they are most common in heavy Fig. 676.— a M-eii-defiued draught horses, used for teaming on the road. Sometimes it arises from a tread from another horse, which causes inflammation of those structures, which is followed by ossification of the cartilage. Treatment. — The same principles must be observed in allthe.se cases. Rest is most essential ; continued cold applications, by mak- ing him stand up to the fetlocks in soft clay, with cold water fre- quently applied, would be the proper treatment until the acute stage has passed, after which repeated blistering, or, if thought necessary, tiring would be advisable. Curb. This is a swelling upon the back part of the hock about five or six inches from the point (an illustration of which is given in Figs. 676, 678). If there is heat and tenderness, with more or less lameness, use cooling applications. The quickest way to reduce inflammation of this kind is to direct a stream of cold water ai^ainst DISEASES OF THE BONES. 773 the part for ten or tifteeu minutes, and repeat at intervals. It would relieve considerably to raise the heels of the shoe, and when the inflammation subsides, blister repeatedly. If this does not suc- ceed, fire the part. Curbs are not usually difficult to manage. I include a remedy which is very effective in removing chi-onic enlargements of this kind. It was first brought to my notice by being used \jpon one of my baggage-horses during one of my campaigns in Ohio. I puichased this horse cheap on account of his having a large curb, Au ordinary curb. Fig. 078. — A very bad curb. which, though it did not cause lameness, blemished the leg badly. I noticed my manager. Dr. Williams, occasionally rubbing on some medicine. It seemed to me like a waste of time to attempt doing anything for it, and so expressed myself. He said, " Wait, and I will show you the eSect." He simply applied the remedy two or three times a week, and in two or three months, to my surprise, the enlargement had almost entirely disappeared. Since then several eases of morbid joint enlargement have been cured by applying this remedy occasionally for two or three months, one especially bad, caused by an injury down near the hoof. The fol- lowing is the remedy : — 1 ounce each of oil origanum, oil of spike, oil of amber, spirits of tur- pentine, and camphor. Mix thoroughly, and rub on the enlargement two or three times a week. 774 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. The following is the treatment used by one of the most suc- cessful veterinary surgeons in this country: — First, put on a high-heeled shoe, then take boiling water, and with a sponge have the curb well bathed for about ten minutes. Then apply the following liniment: — 1 ounce aqua amonia, 2 ounces tincture of iodine, 3 ounces glycerine. Apply to the part two or three times a day, until quite sore. Then stop for a few days, when repeat the medicine as before, and so continue until again sore. Bog Spavins and Thorough-Pins. This disease may be called wind-galls of the hock, caused usually by strain and overwork, but principally by lunging back upon the hind legs. When the swelling is inside and front of the hock, it is called a bog or blood spavin. This is caused by a distension or rupturing of the membranes which cover the synovial cavity of the joint. The swelling is soft, and yields to the press- ure of the finger. Thorough-pin is of the same character — an enlargement on the back, inside of the upper part of the joint, where in its natural condition is a hollow. This swelling extends across under the tendon, forming a tumor between the calcis and thigh bone. It is simply a rupture of the synovial membrane allowing the synovia to escape. By press- ing upon one .side, the swelling is pushed through to the other side; and sometimes there is connection with swelling in front. These enlargements i-arely cause lameness, though sometimes they may cause inflam- mation of the parts involved. There is no satisfactory treatment for these difficulties. Blister- ing sharply is the treatment usually pursued. If this fails, firing is the last resort. There is no difficulty in bringing down an en- largement of an ordinary bog spavin by blistering, but as soon as the horse is put to work or strained in the least, it is liable to come I. — Bog or blood spavin. DISEASES OF THE BOiXES. back again. There i; a remeil}' I liavo t'uund to work with great success in the removal of these synovial enlargements during their acute stage. In making a campaign through Wisconsin, in 1867, one of my trained liorses acted so rebellious oneday that I was compelled to force him back sliarply witli a whip, throwing liim upon his haunches. Soon after the drive, wlien cool, he acted quite sore and stiff, showing quite an enlargement of the hock. I supposed the horse was spoiled. During the day a half drunken fellow, in looking at the horses, said that he could " remove that enlargement, and cure it." Considering the case incurable, I paid no attention to him at the time. The man feeling annoyed at the indiftei'- ence with which he was treated, said, " I suppose you think I don't know anything about horses, but if you will take some soft soap and salt, rub on the part thor- oughly at night and wash off in the morn- ing for two or three times, I'll warrant you that will be cured." It occurred to me that it woukJ do no harm to try the experiment, so I directed the man who had charge of my horses to apply the soft soap as directed. He did so, and next morning the swelling was greatly reduced ; and after repeat- ing two or thi-ee times, it entirely disappeared. In consequence of hard driving and strains, the parts became puffed to a greater or less degree several times afterward, but always yielded to a few applications of soft soap well rubbed in. While this remedy will work well on acute cases, its effect is not satisfactory upon old, confirmed cases ; for if the enlargement is bi'ought down, sharp driving or straining of the parts will usu- ally bring back the trouble. I consider trusses and all that sort of thing of no special account ia this difficulty. I have been told repeatedly of parties who punctured these enlargements to allow the secretions to run out, that in each case so much inflammation was excited in the joint as to cause the loss of the horse. Blood spavin is supposed to be caused by a distension of the FiQ. 080.— Thorough-pin. 77G DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. lare^c \'ein aa^IiIcIa ]iasses through tho integuments involved in bog- spavin. I do ncit know any distinction between them worthy of mention, especially as there is no treatment given other than that named. Capped Hock. This is an inj ury or bruise at the point of the hock, and is usually caused by striking the parts against some hard object. If the inflammation is acute, use cooling applications. When the inflam- mation has subsided, use any ordinary stimulant or blister recommended for the purpose. Wind-galls. Wind-gall is tlie name given to those soft, puffy swellings found at the back part of the fetlock-joint, from a supjMsition that they contained air. They consist of enlargement of the little sacs, or bags, which are always found to contain a mucous fluid wherever tendons pass over joints, as at the back of the fetlock. This form may be called simple tvind-gall. In other cases, the distension is caused by an increased secretion and bulging of the cajjsular ligament of the joint itself. This form may be distinguished as compli- cated wind-f/(dl. Few horses that have done any work are free from them, and unless dependent on some more serious lesion than simple distension of these hursoi mucosce, they are of no conse- ([uence. Causes. — Hard work is ilic well-known cause of wind-gall. In rapid motion, or heavy draught, the friction of the teudous is greatly increased; consequently an increased secretion of synovia is required, and takes place in all synovial sacs during exercise; but if the action be not so violent as to strain the parts, it is speed- ily re-absorbed. On the other hand, if the exertion be inordinate, Fig. 683. — An ordinary capped hock. NAVICITI.AR-.TOINT LAMENESS. 777 these little hursia mticosa' become injurcil, iuflammation i;i set up, and they become permanently enlarged. Again, the exertion may be so violent as to cause spi-ain of the tendon, which extends to the capsule, or the joint itself may suffer, and cause distension of the capsular ligament constituting compli- cated wind-gall, which is more serious. Symptoms. — Simple wind-galls are little puffy swellings, seen at the sides of the tendons as they pass over the fetlock-joint, most common on the hind leg. They ai-e soft even when the weight is thrown on them. It is very important to be able to distinguish between simple and complicated, or between the harm- FiG. 6S3. — A natural, FiG. 684. — Showing Fio. 685. — Clearly marked con- healthy joint. two enlargements. ditiou of wind-gall. less and what is not harmless. If situated between the tendon and the suspensory ligament, it depends on distension of the bursse through which the tendon passes; if it feels hard when the other leg is held up, and is ^accompanied with slight lameness, the tendon is implicated. When placed in front of the suspensory ligament, between it and the bono, it is accompanied with increase of synovia in the joint itself. Wind-galls generally appear suddenly. Treatment. — There are three methods of treatment: First. During the acute stage they can be easily removed by any firm but even pressure by pads and bandages, with cold water fre- quently applied. Second. When it has been long neglected, or the case is com- plicated, counter irritation, or any good stimulating liniment or light 778 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. blister may be vised. The biniodide of mercury ointment may be Well rubbed in several times, or a cantliarides blister may be used. Third. Letting the synovial fluid out. This is done with an instrument called "the aspirator," which is a bottle attached to a small suction puinp, or, more properly, a s}Tinge attached to a bottle, and Avorked so as to draw out the fluid. The method of operating is as follows: Force the needle of the aspirator into the wind-gall and draw off the fluid. When it is all drawn, inject a little of the following solution into the part: — 'h ounce tincture iodine. 20 grains iodide of potassium. 3 ounces water. Bandage well and keep tlie pai'ts wet with cold water. The Fig. fiSCi. — Grailiiati'il liypoilermic syrinye. bandages to remain on from three to five days. This produces an adhesive inflammation of the part. This treatment can be used with safety in all cases where there is enlargement of the sheaths of the tendons. It cannot be safely used in what is called a blood spavin, because there is danger of puncturing the vein, and secondly, may extend into the true hock-joint, which would in- duce so niuch inflammation as to proiluce a stifi'joint, or even sup- puration of the coverings of the bone, which would tinally destroy life. The hypodermic syringe, shown above, may bo used. Navicular-Joint Lameness. It is estimated that this is the cause of fully nine-tenths of aU serious and obscure eases of lameness in the fore-feet. .1 refei' to it at the commencement of the Medical Department, page 745, as one of the principal causes of trouble, which it is important to know how to treat. If neglected, or not treated properly, in fi-om three to six months, such changes of structure, or degeneration, take place in the parts as to make cure impossible; when it is termed "groggy, or chronic lameness," which of course spoils the horse ; and when it is seen that it is the best horses, usually favor- NAVICULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. 779 ites, that are perhaps worked irregularly, that are most subject to this lameness, the importance of being able to treat it successfull}' when it arises, can be seen; and the treatment, too, is so simple, and easily applied, during its early or acute stage, that it cer- tainly cannot be difficult or impossible, by the directions hereafter given, for any one to apply it. On this account I have made a special effort not only to make the treatment of this difficulty so full and comprehensive that such cases when they arise may be /n^^'^sca: easily understood and attend- ^M^rninMlP^i^^''^^ ed to promptly, but to add ,{^^/^^^it^SwW^^^^.m,,^i!::J~ .such explanations and illus- U^^^ ^^^0^'W ^ Iv/iM^ trations from the best author- ^^ ^^^ -/ //' iffflnmllili ities, as will show the serious mi^ ^ iwiw^mi effect that may follow when ^U^'i^^^^mnJ neglected or not treated prop- /iJKm^^^^^ erly. In reference to tliis, a J^ml very able author says:— JST 1|| " This is a strain that does Ml M moremisehief than any other, /j M and entirely from the circum- IK /^ _^^^,m,,, stance of its producing scarce- L^ y^^^^^^^^i^m--^ ly any lameness in the walk. p^^_ rst.-as the horse usually ,-e.st.s his A horse, therefore, when toe upon the ground, stramed m the comn-jomt, and having no lameness, or scarcely any, in the walk, is usually put to work, or what is nearly as bad, is turned to grass with- out any regard to the situation, where he is often liable to be driven about. If, instead of this, it were treated like other strains whose symptoms are more apparent, and which produce a greater degree of lameness, it wcfuld soon get well, and with greater cer- tainty than a strain in the back sinews. But as it is a strain in the coffin-joint, it is the most intractable kind of lameness we meet with, because it is nearly always neglected at its first occasion." Symptoms. — It sometimes occurs in an instant, as by a horse stepping on a round stone, running in the field, etc., when he may at once be quite lame ; at other times its progress is slow. Some peculiar formations of the foot are more subject to it than others. When the result of sudden strain, there will be considerable heat in the back part of the foot, with well-marked lameness. When it comes on gradually, a slight tenderness is observed, particularly at .starting, which goes off with exercise. This gradually increases ; 780 DISEASES A?^D THBIE TREATMENT. the foot is found hot, and as a result of the increased heat, eon- traction may set in, the hoof becoming dry and brittle. He steps on his toe, and when standing, poinis his foot, that is, places his foot in front, resting on the toe; and if both feet are involved, which is not uncommon, alternating the feet. Contraction is not an invariable symptom, as feet are subject to it that are en- tirely free from contraction. Often the foot is found to be round and apparently healthy, the most careful examiuation by the owner, or smith, not enablmg him to locate any cause for the trouble. In ordinary cases the horse wUl show no ap- parent lameness while on a walk ; but on a trot may flinch considerably, showing a great tendency to stumble.* Driving down-hill, or on a rough, cob- )ly road, will greatly aggravate the lameness, because going down-hill increases the force of concussion; and a stony or un- even road so wrenches and strains the joint, or exposes the frog to such incidental pressure, as to greatly increase the pain and soreness. In some cases of acute strain, the lameness may be quite marked, the horse being scarcely able to walk, and when he does, keeping the foot flexed by walking upon the toe, and when standing, resting the toe upon the ground. As this acute stage passes off", which will usually be in one or two weeks, the animal will seem to have grown much better, at times perhaps appear quite well, then grow suddenly worse again, depending upon the part of the joint involved and the road he is traveling on. He will go better on hard, smooth, sandy roads, but on soft, yielding ground, is liable to grow lamer, if the * In some cases, usually fast trotters, the horse may at first only point, and gradually show a little soreness or stiffness at starting, or what is termed bobbing — dropping ihe head. Irritation in these cases is induced very slowly, as hereaft«a explained. The principle of treatment is the same, — prompt removal of the cause of irritation, developing healtliy circulation in the parts, and aiding mobility. Fig. 688. — Usual appearance of foot with chronic coffin-joint lameness. NxVVlCULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. 781 sole is thin and the frog prominent, because of the increased pres- sure upon the frog, and thence upon the parts involved, by the foot setting into the ground. As tlie lameness continues, more or less change of structure takes place in the foot, a gradual draw- ing in of the quarters, the foot becoming perceptibly smaller than the opposite one, the heels higher, the frog smaller, and the sole more concave, the hoof showing a more glossy, hard appearance. The shoe will invariably be worn round at the toe. A result that often follows is a shrinking or wasting of the muscles of the shoulder, called " sweeny," which is caused by a want of properly exercising them. The symptoms are about the same, so far as the -Back view of coffin-bone and navicular-bone attached in place. lameness goes, whether the mischief has extended to ulceration or not, the history of the case only guiding in enabling to deter- mine how far this has gone. Of cour.se these conditions will vary in degree, as there may be only a slight extent of ulceration, or a high degree of simple inflammation.. Yet, in the former case, the lameness will not be so marked as in the latter, notwithstanding the prospect for recovery will be much less. We will now presume a horse, without any apparent cause, to show a little lameness, and we desire to make a careful exam- ination. First, is there any possible cause from recent shoeing, such as a badly-fitted shoe, driving the nails too close, or prick- ing ? Let the shoe be taken off carefully, by raising each clinch in succession, and pulling the nails out. Now tap and examine all parts of the foot carefully, and especially if there is an}' liruise 782 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. or com at the inner heel, or at any part of the sole, which will be noticeable by being red and sensitive to light tappings of the ham- mer, or to squeezing of the pinchci-s. It is always best to make the most thorough and careful examination, so as to give assur- ance of being able to point with more certainty to the difRcultv under consideration. Pressure with the thumb over the middle of the flexor tendon, on its inner side or its outer, as deeply as can be reached in the hollow of the heel, the foot being bent back, causes pain ; or catching the foot in one hand and the ankle in the other, and while twist- ing a little, pressing against the tendon will cause considerable flinching. Tap- ping lightly upon the bar or sole, on each side of the frog, will cause flinch- ing. Next, if the horse is taken by the head and turned short ai-ound, he will show increased lameness. Upon an examination of these cases by the owner or horse-doctor, if no cause of trouble is discovered in the foot, the lameness is supposed to be in the shoulder. Now there is no lameness that reveals itself more plainly than shoulder lameness; because when the muscles of the shoulder or arm are strained or in- jured, the moliility is so seriously im- paired that the limb is lifted and brought forward with a sort of dragging motion. It is easy to see if a man were to injure his shoulder or arm, that with the greatest effort he would be scarcely able to lift it to put on his coat. But were the trouble in his hand, or below the elbow, he could do it without the least difficulty. The effect is the same upon the horse. By moving him back and forward, if the trouble _ is in the foot, or below the knee, the foot will be raised and car- ried forward naturally, but put down tenderly, as if trying to protect it from the force of concussion ; whereas, if in the shoulder, as explained, the mobility of the limb is greatly impaired, which is shown by the difficulty with which it is raised and brought forward. Fig. 690.— Vostcrior view ot bones of the foot. NAVICULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. 783^ I would call pai'ticular attention to these symptoms, from the fact that after an examination by persons who do not under- stand the nature of the diiRculty, and finding no apparent trouble in the foot, the conclusion is arrived at that it must be in the shoulder, which is treated with liniments, blistering, etc., as ex- plained, without doing any good, not only punishing the horse un- necessarily, but occasioning a loss of valuable time. I would also remind, in this connection, that when the lame- ness continues in one foot for some time, on account of throwing the weight so much upon the opposite foot to I'elieve the lame one in standing or walking, there is liability to liiing on the same tion of bones of the foot too oblique. a. Pastern bone ; b. Coronary bone ; c. Os pedis, or coffin-bone ; d. Usual seat of the lameness; e. Perforans tendon. trouble in the well one, — a not uncommon occurrence, — when the lameness will be equally marked in both fore-feet. The horse will go worse when the heel is lowered by putting on a thin shoe, or by losing the shoe, and will go better when the heel is raised, and especially so if the toe is rounded so as to aid mobility. Causes. — The coflin-joint is composed of three bones; viz., the lower or pedal bone, and the navicular and pastern bones. By referring to Figs. 36-5 and 392, in chapter on Shoeing, and Figs. G70-G88, which were copied and engraved from photograph.s of a manikin, and also from a natural foot, showing different views of the bones, ligaments, and tendons of the parts, a good idea 784 DISEASES AND TIIEIIt TEEATMENT. can be obtained of its location and character. By looking at Fig. 679, it will be seen that the navicular bone extends across the back edge of the coffin-joint; at Fig. 686, that the flexor tendon passes down under it, and inserts itself into the lower surface of the pedal bone. This supports the navicular bone when weight is thrown upon the limb, as the back part of the small pastern rests upon the navicular bone. Now, if from any cause irritation is set up in the synovial membrane of this small bone, or of the Fig, 692. — Natural position of boues of the foot, sheath of the tendon which supports it, or of the surrounding parts, whether by sprain, concussion, injury, contraction, improper shoeing, changing the obliquity of the foot, that is, raising or low- ering the heel too much, allowing the toe to grow too long, or any cause of changing the proper adjustment of the foot, etc., the effect is practically the same in causing inflammation and lame- ness. The best autliorities ag-ree tiiat the ino.st common indirect NAVICULAE-JOINT LAMENESS. 785 causes of this lameness are raising the frog from the gi'ound and contraction. I copy the remarks of an old author of high stand- ing on this cause, who says: — " When the foot is in its natural condition, the frog is its strong point of support; and if this support is removed by paring, or by the use of thick-heeled shoes, which raise the frog from all pos- sible contact with the ground, the support is weakened, and there is necessarily great strain thrown iipon the tendon. This is caused by pushing the coronary against the navicular bone, and which, being repeated at every step or jump the horse takes, strains the tendons, or causes inflammation. By contraction, because in pro- portion to the drawing together of the heels, there will be a com- pressing or forcing upward of the arches of the commissures and horny frog against the tendon and navicular joint, impeding the action of the joint genorall}', and liable to cause inflammation of the synovial membrane, ulceration, and change of structure; it also destroys the natural position of the limb by making the pastern joint more perpendicular, which, as has been mentioned, increases the jar of the corona on the pedal bone. So that wo have involved the lower surface of the navicular bone, its synovial membrane, the flexor tendon which plays over it, and sometimes the upper sur- face, when it is called coffin or navicular-joint lameness." Another author says: — " Disease of the navicular joint is the chief danger to be appre- hended from a good-looking strong foot, just as the open, flat one is prone to laminitis, and is rarely subject to disease of the navicular joint. The reason of this immunity on the one hand, and the con- trary on the other, is this: The open foot, with a large spongy frog, exposes the navicular bone and the parts in contact with it to con- stant pressure in the stable, so that these parts are always prepared for work. On the other hand, the concave sole and well-formed frog are raised from the ground by our unfortunate mode of shoe- ing, and when the whole foot is exposed to injury from battering, and in addition to the tendon which plays over the navicular bone presses it against the os coronas, the unprepared state in which this part is allowed to remain, is sure to produce inflammation, if the work is carried far enough." In 1816 an English veterinary surgeon, James Turner, was the first, after careful observations and numerous dissections, to call attention to the causes of this lameness and its treatment. His explanation is so good that I will include it also here, though experience has since proved, as explained, that contraction is only one of its causes : — " The next deviation from nature is the passive state to which the foot is submitted, at least twenty- two or twenty-three hours 786 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMEN1-. out of twentj^-four, and sometimes for several consecutive days. Let this be compared with the few hours during which the feet of a hoi'se at pasture are in a quiescent state, and there will be no cause of surprise in the change of form and position, and character, and the state of contraction which takes place in the foot dejirived of its natural pressure and motion. " The first indication of contraction is the gradual displacement of the navicular and coffin-bones. They ascend within the hoof. An unnatural arch is formed by the ascent of the frog, and the delicate synovial membrane lining the joint is crushed and bruised by the very material which nature has bestowed as a defense. This bruise of the synovial membrane lining the joint is the veritable source of the complaint, the actual cause of the whole not consisting in the wear and tear of the part, but having its origin in rest. It is en- gendered in the stable, but it becomes permanently established by sudden violence out of it. General contraction of the foot of the horse niay take place to a great extent with comparative impunity; but it is a ])artial contraction or pressure which is the root of evil." Prof. Williams, our best modern authority, in relation to tlie cause, says: — '' I have stated my opinion that generallj'^ the alteration of the di- rection of the bony column by the shoe, or by a natural upright con- formation of pastern, is the great cause. In addition to this violent interference with the designs of nature, the elevation of the heels fur- nishes additional cause of concussion to those already stated, by removing the frog from the ground; the frog being elastic, tough, and strong, intended to touch the ground and diffuse concussion, as well as to prevent slipping at each step the animal takes. When left in its natural condition, it is a large, tough, softish body, giv- ing way to the pressure of the fingers when manipulated, expand- ing each time the foot is put to the ground, the commissures at its sides admitting of this expansion without the other parts of the foot being interfered with. So long as it touches the groimd, the sen- sitive parts within, and particularly the navicular bursa, for which it furnishes a soft bed, rests upon a resilient bodj', free from con- cussive danger. Besides furnishing this soft bed, it performs another imjjortant function, being elastic within and without, it assists the flexors in the first act of elevating the foot from the ground, and it does this in virtue of its inherent power of assuming its original shajje Avhen the superincumbent weight is taken away from it. Thus, whilst on the ground, and bearing its proportion of weight, it is flattened from side to side, bulging into the commis- sures and cleft, ready at every movement, like a piece of india- rubber, to assume its proper form when the least portion of the weight is taken from it. When the flexors are acting, it becomes narrowed from side to side, and deeper from surface to surface, and during this assumption of its natural form, it gives an upward im- petus to the foot, which is of essential importance to its easy eleva- tion. The removal of this frog pressure during long periods of rest NAVICULAE^JOINT LAMENESS. 787 in the stable is also a fertile source of disease, because the frog be- comes hardened, and does not furnish a soft cushion for the bursa to rest upon." I may, in this connectiou, add that there may be ca.scs of this disease, though somewhat rare, in feet that are weak ami thin, which are entirely free from contraction. In such cases it is supposed the cause is owing to the ob- liquity of the joint being so great, that there is ex- cessive play upon the ten- don, the strain upon whicli produces irritation of tlm tendon at its connection with the navicular bone; or owing as well to the in- creased action of the .joint, irritation of some of the soft structures is produced. It properly comes under the head of Cause of Irritation. But as there may be dan- ger of parties, especially of trotting men, causing di- rect strain and inflamma- tion of the part by lower- ing the heels too much, or suddenly, especially in the feet of horses that are exposed to much strain by being speeded, I will include the following explanations to show the impropriety and danger of doing so. It is stated in the chapter on shoeing, where thin shoes or tips are recommended, that this change must be brought about gradually. When traveling through Vermont, an intelligent trainer, who was a member of my class, wished to know the best method of keeping the feet of horses sound and free from contraction: — "Keep the adjustment and condition of the feet as nearly natural as possible," I answered, "by using thin steel shoes that will give the frog natural contact with the ground." Fig. 693. — Tenduus aud li^'aments of the foot. 788 DISEASES AND THEIH TREATMENT. "That is my idea," said he, "but while in New York City, a man came along and persuaded the president of one of the horse railroad companies, where I was at the time employed, to put thin- heeled shoes on all his horses." I replied, " That would be all right, and an advantage for the average of horses; but there would bo found an occasional one, perhaps one in every ten or twelve of them, that would grow decidedly lame by such shoeing; for if there was the least inflammation or Aveakness in the navicular joint or sur- rounding parts, giving such sud- den and violent contact of the frog upon hard-paved streets would aggravate the irritation and produce direct lameness. Certainly the heels of such horses should be kept somewhat i-aised until the irritation passed off, when the heels might be gradually lowered sufficiently to bring about a good condition of circulation." He stated in reply that about that proportion of the horses did become seriously lame; still they were worked right along without any regard to their condition. When in Buft'alo, N. Y., I became owner of a horse that was very sore and lame, in con- sequence of excessive di-iving during the race week in that city, in conveying passengers to and from the track. He had been so shod as to let the frog come du'ectly upon the gi'ound. I found upon examination that the heels had been so bruised as to cause suppuration between the sensible and insensible frog, which was the cause of the trouble, and practically spoiled the horse. Now, putting on thin-heeled shoes would have been all right for ordin- FlG. 694. — Attachment of perforans tendon to bottom of pedal-bone. From manikin of ttie foot. NAVICULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. 789 ary %ht driving on mud roads, but when subjected to such severe and continued concussion, they became a direct cause of irritation and disease. As a good illustration of this cause of danger, I copy the remarks of a very excellent author (White) on the danger of lowering the heels too suddenly and subject- ing them to severe strain: " It has appeared in a great num- ber of dissections of the feet of horses affected with chronic lameness, that the small bono of the foot, called navicular or nut-bone, is diseased either on the surface over which the great tendon of the foot passes, or on that which articulates with the smaU pastern and coffin bones." In speaking of the cause, ho says: "I once knew an excellent trotting- horse that had won several matches. Thin-heeled shoes were put on his feet, but it was soon found that he could no longer trot; that when urged he would go into a can- ter. The shoes were therefore taken off, and a common shoe applied, but it was too late. He was no longer able to trot. caused by inflammation of the coffin-joint, or of the parts con- nected with it, in consequence of lowering the heels and throw- ing so much stress on the tendon and navicular bone." In talking with an intelligent veterinary surgeon on this sub- ject, he referred to a case in his own practice that had strained the perforans tendon. The owner called him in to treat it, and by proper management soon relieved the lameness ; but in conse- quence of the horse's being driven and speeded too soon, there was a return of the lameness, which he again treated with success. Fio. 695. — Excellent view of perforans tendon. From photograph of manikin of the foot. And this, I have no doubt, was 790 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. Fig. 696. — Inferior articulating surface of tlie navicular bone in a healthy condition. After nearly sis months' rest, the horse was again put in training for a race, there being no indication of a return of lameness. At this point a new driver was employed, who took it into his head to put on thin-heeled shoes; the consequence was, the first time the horse was speeded, he again fell lame, when, notwithstanding all that could be done, the ease became chronic and incurable. As the first stage is that of inflammation, the object should be to use such means as will arrest this most speedily, be- fore any alteration of structure takes place, which is usu- ally in from three to .six months; for as before explained, if allowed to go on far enough to produce a change of struct- ure, or caries, the case will be past all cure. Treattnent. — The fiist and most im- poitant condition of cuie is rest; hence the horse must be at once taken from all work; he must not be, as is commonly the case, allowed to run even in pasture, or anywhere where there would be any freedom to run or walk around much; give him simply the limits of a large, level stall. Remove the shoe by rais- ing the clenches, and pull out the nails one by one; then cut off or hammer down the toe-calk, and partly turn up the toe like the ground surface of an old worn-out shoe. Next, raise the heel- calks from five-eighths to three-quarters of an inch, fit the shoe nicely to the foot, and nail on, being careful not to wrench or hammer it unnecessarily Ln doing so. Two important points are Fig. 698. — Inflammation progressed so far as to cause caries of the bone. NAVIGULAB-JOINT LAMENESS. 701 gained by this : First. Raising the heels from the ground throws the articulation of the pastern bone well forward upon the pedal bone, relieving pressure of the navicular bone from the tendon sup- porting it. Second, the removal of all pressure of the frog from the ground, which aggravates the inflammation, and rounding the toe, aids mobility, and thei-eby lessens the sti'ain upon the joint. If there is much lameness and heat in the foot, provide a tub or box, in which put water as hot as can be borne with the hand, and sufficient to come up even with the ankle, and let the horse stand with the foot in it for about an hour, keeping the tempera- ture up to the point stated. Now take a bag, or cloth, into which put a sufficient quantity of bran to envelop the foot thoroughly, and tie loosely around the foot or ankle ; pour on hot water moderately, and then let the horse stand, allowing the poultice in the meantime to become cool. If there is much inflam- mation and lameness, this method of hot fomentation may bo i-c- peated two or three times during the day, until all the inflamma- tion subsides. The usual method of applying hot fomentations is to take several thicknesses of blanket or rugs, and after wringiag them out of water as hot as can be borne, briug them ai'ound the foot loosely, and repeating at short intervals as they become cool ; or a lot of bi'an or mud can be put in a box, and hot water poured on until at the temperature desired, when the foot can be placed in it up to the ankle, as before explained. The general practice is to tie a poultice of bran around the foot, and keep wet with cold water until the inflammation subsides, which would be good treatment; but if there is much inflammation and lameness, I would certainly advise, as far preferable, hot fomentations con- tinued for about an hour, then alternating with cold, and repeated two or three times each day ; but letting the poultice or cloths re- main on until cool will be sufficient for reaction from the previous application of heat. If cold applications are used, it is important that there be suffi- cient bran or wet cloths tied around the foot and ankle to keep the parts thoroughly wet and cool, until inflammation subsides, in addition to which the bottom of the foot should bo kept stuffed with flax-seed meal, or anything that will aid in keeping the foot moist and cool. If this is done, after about a week the attack will usually pass off After the acute stage has passed off", and 792 DISEASES AND THBIE TEEATMENT. the wet cloths should be kept on until that time, even if there is no lameness, it is good practice to apply a sharp blister around the heel and coronet. It is in any event necessary, and may be even T'epeated once or twice, should there still remain any lameness. In the meantime, as before stated, the horse should be kept quiet, and if there is much lameness, there should be given in the first place a small dose of physic, with laxative, cooling food. This is all that is necessary to do in any ordinary case, and especially at an early stage. It is next important not to expose the horse to conditions that would strain or injure the foot until fully over the effects of the injury. Consequently the horse at first should be driven very moderately for two or three months, or more. If the road is rough, frozen, or stony, there is such danger of straining, wrenching, or bruising the foot, and thereby causing a relapse, that the horse should not be driven, if it can possibly be avoided. If there is any contraction of either or both quarters, there should be a special effort to overcome this also during the treat- ment. (For full details of doing which, see "Shoeing," page 681.) In opening the foot with the spreaders, great care should be taken not to produce any irritation. The quarters should be opened gradually. When the lameness has entirely disappeared, bring the frog again slowly to the ground to the extent it will safely bear. If any soreness is indicated, raise the heel a little, keeping the foot moist to prevent contraction, and when the soreness passes off, again gradually lower it. Some authorities advise bleeding in the foot in connection with the treatment given; my judgment of this is that it is rarely necessary, and is advisable only when the horse is very fat and the lameness is very severe, or during its acute stage. The best practitioners with whom the writer has conversed on the subject do not bleed. If, after blistering, there is still lameness, it is evident that the case has been running some time, and has assumed a chronic stage. In this event, the next and last step of treatment for cure is a frog .seton. Prof. Williams's instructions for doing this are so good that I cannot do better than to copy them : — " If the near foot is to be operated upon, the needle should be introduced from the frog upwards; but if the off one, from the heel NAVICULAE-JOINT LAMENESS. 793 downwards, if the operator be not left-handed. It is seldom neces- sary to east the animal. The horny frog must be well pared, and if the needle — a sharp-pointed, sharp, curved one — be passed quickly, the operation is generally completed before the animal knows much about it. It is necessary that care should be taken not to introduce the needle too deeply, as the tendon may be wounded; the point of the needle should be introduced into the frog about an inch from the toe and brought out midway between the bulbs of the frog and the anterior boundary of the hollow heel. The ends of the tape must be tied together, so as to form a loop, which is to bo suflficicntiy long to admit of a little movement in dressing, but not so long as to extend to the boundary of the wall, or the horse, by treading ujjon it, will soon destroy it. Before the seton is introduced, it is usual to put on the shoe for the purpose of removing weight from the irritated frog. About three weeks or a month is the usual time for keeping the seton in the frog, dressing it daily and keeping the foot clean. After its removal, the frog must be examined, for usually it is ' under-run ' between the two orifices by purulent matter; if such be the case, the detached horn must be removed and the exposed parts dressed with a little tar. If structural changes have not taken place, this plan of ti'eatment will usually bo found effective; but if the lameness continue after a month has elapsed after the removal of the seton, all treatment will bo useless, and the animal should be put to slow work, or the pain removed by neurotomy." This, of course, wlioulil bo done by a competent veterinary surgeon. I have been led to give particular attention to the study of this lameness, from the fact that many years ago one of my best horses, old Turco, became lame from this cause. First, there was noticed a slight flinching while moving on a trot. The feet being at the time very dry and hard, it caused a compression of the wall upon the soft parts. In the course of a couple of months I called in a veterinary surgeon, who was considered a good prac- titioner as well as good authority. He pi'omised to cure the case in a month. His treatment consisted of simjjly applying a strong sweating blister to the coronet, keeping up a sharp counter-irrita- tion for eight or ten days, but with no good results. I am satis- fied that if at this stage of the case the foot had been thorouglily soaked by either hot or cold water, the quarters opened a little with the shoe well rounded at the toe, and the heels somewhat elevated, there would have been no difficulty in making a cure. But the surgeon did nothing more than apply a counter-irritant for a little more than a week. This seemed to be, and is yet, about 794 DISEASES AND THEIR TPtEATMENT. the extent of treatment used by the average of practitioners, which in the writer's j udgment is not sufficient. Mobility must be aided as much as possible, to assist in preventing and remov- ing any irritation caused by motion. In the course of time the foot became narrower and higher at the heels, the frog smaller, and the convexity of the sole greatly increased. Notwithstanding I had at various times duringthis period consulted with different veterinary sur- geons of consid- erable reputa- tion, the treat- ment recom- mended was merely pallia- tive, and prac- tically did no good. The near- est any of them came to giving any relief, was in putting on a A, A. TheBetou; H. Tbe sensitive frog; C. Navicular bone; „„„^pY oVinp to D. Insensitive frog. relieve contrac- tion, and blistering the coronet, for which in.sti-uction the writer was charged twenty-five dollars, but the case had run too long, and the treatment did no good. Now, with the treatment here given, it would have been a very simple matter to have relieved this case, if taken in time. But not knowing anything about the proper treatment my.self at the time, a valuable horse was ruined. In some simple cases the effect of raising the heels and rounding the toe is often quite remarkable. I will refer to one case in point: At a little town in the western part of New York, near Jamestown, a farmer who had attended my class, wished me to look at a young horse that had been lame for some time. I took the horse to the blacksmith shop and ordered the shoe removed, the toe hammered down and Fig. 699. — As the seton should be inserted into the foot. NAVICULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. 795 rounded a little, the heels raised, and the shoe again put on. Years afterward, upon my return to that place, I heard the owner state publicly the facts concerning this horse. Ho said that it had been lame for over a month ; that he was unable to find out the cause of the trouble, and did not know what to do for it; that I examined the horse and took it to the shop; that he did not know what I did with the case ; he only knew that it never took a lame step afterward. He as much as inferred that the cure was made by some secret manipulation of my own which I did not divulge. The horse happened to be kept idle for about a week after the change in the shoeing, which gave the irritation time to pass off, so that when the horse was put to work and found not lame, it was regarded as a remarkable cure. At the Sanitarium, in Battle Creek, Mich., while engaged in writing and revising this work, I was requested to look at a very fine horse owned by the institution. It had been lame for three or four weeks, and upon examination I concluded it was a simple case of navicular-joint lameness. I ordered the shoe to be taken off and changed as before directed, and again put on. There being some slight inflammation in the foot, I directed that several thicknesses of blanket be wound around it, and kept wet for a week, at the expiration of which time the horse seemed to be all right ; but I told the manager that, to make a permanent cure, the horse must not be put to work yet for three or four weeks, and then to drive only on a walk upon a smooth road. My in- structions were followed, the horse put to work in due time, and the cure proved to be permanent. Soon after my visit to ClevtJand, Oliio (referred to in Personal Experience), " Gtifibrd," one of my trained horses, sprained one of his feet so badly that he could scarcely walk upon it. I simply rounded the toe, I'aised the heels, and kept the foot wet for a week, when the soreness and inflammation entirely disappeared. Being compelled to move him, I drove him carefully on a walk for several weeks, after which the shoe was gradually lowered again at the heel. A year after this, he sprained the opposite foot in the same manner, showing great pain and lameness. It was treated in the same manner as the other, and with the same suc- cess. I could refer to a great many cases shoAving the gooil ri'sults of this simple treatment, which could be done by any one by the du'ections here aiven. 796 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. "When the lameness has continued so long as to render cure impossible, it may be greatly helped by slightly rounding or turn- ing up the toe so that the foot will roll a little on the ground, and shghtly raising the heel-calks. The shoe should be fitted very carefully. A still better way in very sensitive cases, is to put leather or rubber between the shoe and foot. When this is done, the nails should not be driven or clinched tightly. Hard wrench- ing or hammering of the foot should never be permitted, as a very little carelessness in this way would be liable to cause considerable soreness and lameness. Since writing this chapter, I have incidentally obtained some points in the management of this lameness, which, notwithstand- ing the extreme length of this article, I will take the liberty to add. While in conversation with a well-known veterinary surgeon in New York City, he incidentally informed me of a case of navicular-jomt lameness, which was diagnosed as such, and pro- nounced incuiable by one of the leading veterinary authorities in that city. The animal was a fine mai-e, owned by Dr. Sayers, an eminent specialist, and valued highly as a gift. Discouraged at this decision from a high authority, he went immediately to Mr. Robert Bonner, whose general knowledge on everything pertaining to the horse he regarded as next to infallible, and in whom, as a personal friend, he had great confidence. Mr. Bonner assured him that the case could be easily cured, and directed him to take her to Mr. David Roburg for treatment, requesting him, as a matter of curiosity and as a proof of the success of the treat- ment, to give a daily report of the progress of the case. The result of the trial was the complete disappearance of the lameness in about two weeks, although the horse was driven daily. . I called upon Mr. Roburg, who, as stated on page 630, is an expert shoer of remarkable skill, and stated to him what I had learned, and that I would like to have him give me such an explanation of his method of treatment as he could constLstently do; that I wished to give the best points known on the subject, not only for the benefit of my readers generally, but for that of the veterinary profession. Mr. Roburg very kindly ex- plained to me the main points of his management. First : To remove all strain f i-om the part involved b}'' the most perfect ad- juutment of a shoe that would aid mobility to the greatest extent; NAVICULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. 797 Fio 700. — Side view of eecond form of Roburg's shoe. and when in the stalile, keeping the foot cool by sliglitly packing the sole with wut oakum, and covering the coronet with wet cloths. If there was any contraction, he made it a particular point to relievo it and the compression of the wall at the same time, as quickly as he could, by the adjustment of his spring, which is explained and illus- trated in connection with his shoes on the pages referred to. His best shoe, he claimed, for this purpose, is the one here shown, of which I give very accurate sectional di-awings, with those of others made on the same principle, on pages 691, 692. In fitting the shoe to the condition of lameness, he is very particular to adjust it so as to ease the strain or cause of irritation to the greatest possible degree, frequently be- ing compelled to exper- iment, more or less, by moving the shoe a lit- tle to the right or left, then noticing the ef- „, „ , , feet upon the horse in Fig. 701. — Roburg's shoe. ^ traveling. When there is improvement, it is accepted as proof of the correctness of his adjustment; if, on the other hand, there is not what he regards as satisfactory progress, he changes the shoe according to the indications of the case until successful. The real point of this shoe is that, by its rounded form, it supplies the lack of mobility caused by the inflammation and soreness in the foot ; that it acts, as it were, as "an extra joint to the foot," which is the necessary requisite ; so that for all forms of acute or chronic lameness he ti-ies to aid the freedom of the foot in motion by the conformation of the shoe and its adjustment. Mr. Roburg has had such remarkable success in the manage- ment of such cases by his treatment, the one referred to being 798 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMEJST. but an ordinary one in his practice, that it certainly seems worth while to study the matter with care, since it is evident there is much to learn on the management of this and other kinds of foot- lameness, and that Mr. Bonner is so thoroughly informed on this subject as to be far in advance of all accepted authority. In- deed, Dr. Going, formerly veterinary editor of the Spirit of the Times, who is himself one of the most successful practitioners and reliable authorities in the country, in an article publi.shed in the Turf, Field, and Farm, admits as much, as will be seen by his statement, which I copy, with the editor's comments on the " Dr. Going, who was for many years editor of the Veterinary Department of our Chambers street contemjjorary, writes as follows on the subject of Horse-Shoeing, in his 'Veterinary Dictionary': — " ' It is said no man has ever yet reached perfection in any branch of art, science, literatiire, industry, etc. ; but while I am unprepared to join issue with the assertion, I can safely say that the nearest approach wliich has ever been made in this connectiun (horse-shoeing and the stiidy of tlie horse's foot) has been made by Robert Bonner, Esq. , of New York, who, had not the Ledger already made Iiim famous, would undoubtedly have obtained widespread renown through his almost superhuman knowledge in this de- partment. I have had the pleasure of conversing with him on this subject, and ani pleased to have an ojiportunity of stating the impression the conver- sation made upon me. # * * " ' I -svould saj', if Mr. Bonner could only be persuaded to write a book on this subject (which he so intimately understands), it would be an inestimable boon to the present and future generations of man and horse. ' " This is a generous tribute on the j)art of Dr. Going to an ama- teur. If other veterinary surgeons were equally generous, then there would be a chance for them to learn something. At present, we know that they know comparatively nothing, for instance, about navicular-joint disease and other alleged incurable troubles of the foot. A lesson in this line would not hurt the editor of our own Veterinary Department. " We, too, think that Mr. Bonner ought to write a book on thi.s subject." All are aware how much depends upon the judgment and in- genuity of the operator; that a very little want of judgment or skill in making the adjustment would cause failure; that this harmonizing of conditions to those of the case must be largely the province of genius, aided by the most careful study, to ac- complish, and this Mr. Roburg proves himself in the highest degree an expert in doing. NEUEOTOMY. 799 Neurotomy.* Should the case prove to bo incurable, there is now one alter- native for relieving the lameness. That is severing the nerves, or pel-forming the operation of neurotomy. If the foot will bear it, the character of which I will presently describe, it will prove a very important and valuable operation, because it can be resorted to with success after all other means have failed to remove the lameness; not only this, but it relieves the animal from the con- tinued pain and suffering to which he has been subject. But Lf, on the contrary, the case is not a suitable one, no matter how skillfully the operation may be performed, it will prove unfavor- able or destructive to the case. It was first introduced by Dr. Turner (before referred to), who, after vainly exhausting his resources of treatment for the cure of navicular lameness, finally turned his attention to destroy- ing sensibility of the foot by severing the nerve, and obtained the most satisfactory results. The operation was afterward introduced in the Veterinary School of England, as a means of overcoming chronic lameness. Great care should be taken in selecting proper subjects, as in no case where inflammation exists in the foot, should the opera- tion be performed. It Ls adapted only to eases of chronic navi- cular disease, ossification of the lateral cartilages and ring-bone, and from feelings of humanity in aggravated cases of canker, which are tedious and painful in the extreme. The following are the rules laid down by the best authorities: First, Never operate upon a very heavy, thick-legged cart-horse; Second, Never operate where the feet are thin, weak in the heels, full or convex in the sole, or brittle through weakness of the hoof, and on no account if the horse has high action ; Third, Operate only when the foot is good and strong, with a concave sole, and the action not too high; for if the action is high he is apt to injure his feet by the severe pounding. The greatest care is required not to prick, and in driving not to bruise, the sole. The feet should be picked and washed every night, and well covered with hoof oint- * This article was written by the author, mainly from notes talcen of Dr. Sum- mervlUe's lecture to him on neurotomy. 800 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. ment to keep them from becoming dry and hard. There are two locations for this operation, the high and the low. By dividing the nerve above the fetlock, called the high operation, we destroy all sensibility below the fetlock. The lower operation may be performed at a point about at the middle of the large pastern bone and upon the posterior part of the nerve ; it then acts as a cure for ossified cartilages, and the forward part of the foot is left to be supplied as be- fore by the other branch of the nei've. Before performing this operation, the horse should have a few days' rest, and proper means should also be used to allay any inflammation of the affected parts. The horse should then be cast, the foot secured, and an incision made through the skin about aninch long, and about an inch and a half from the fetlock, using a sponge to absorb the blood. The subtissues are now scraped aside with a blunt knife until the nerve is exposed, which lies by the side of the artery. Next, a threaded needle, slightly crooked and blunted at the point, is passed under the nerve. When once the thread is passed under, the main difficulty is over. The needle is now taken out, the nerve gently lifted with the thread, and the cellular membrane underneath snipped away with a pair of scis.sors or knife, so as to admit a slender, curved bistoury to pass under the nerve without touching it. As soon as the nerve is cleared up to the highest part of the incision, the bistoury is passed along to this point, and the nerve quickly divided by a drawing stroke. It is necessary that the nerve be divided with as little violence as possible, for when it is done with the scissors, or by lifting the knife directly up, or with a knife that does not cut well, a thickening will form at the upper extremity of the FlQ. 702. — Usual method of per- formiug the operation. NEUROTOMY. 801 divided nerve, which will show considerable tenderness; and when this happens to be struck in driving, it gives the horse so much pain as to cause him to go lame for a short time. The division of the nerve causes intense but momentary j^ain, like an electric shock, and the horse's struggling at the moment must be at- tended to ; but as soon as this passes ofl" the pain of the operation is over. The inferior portion of the nerve is then to be laid hold of by the forceps, and from half to three-quarters of an inch cut out. The edges of the skin should next be drawn together with one stitch in the middle, and the operation performed on the opposite side in the same manner. Next, apply a cold, wet bandage; give a dose of ]3hysic. About the fourth or fifth day the stitches may slough out, leaving the wound open ; but this need not cause any anxiety. Keep the horse quiet about two weeks, when he may be turned to pasture or put to slow work. It has been found that simply sev- ering the nerve will remove the lame- ness for a few weeks, when it will again unite and leave the foot as sensitive as it was before; and that by removing a small portion of it, three-eighths of an inch or so, it will unite in the counse of a few months ; but the cure in most cases is made permanent. When it is desired to destroy this sensibility, or so that the nerve cannot grow sufficiently to again unite, from three-quar- ters of an inch to an inch is removed. Of course care should be taken not to work tho horse violently immediately after the Fig. 703. — Showing nerve, artery, and vein. Nerve; e. Vein; o. Artery. 802 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. operation, or have the feet injured by shoeing, or exposed in any way to injury, such as taking nails and so on. This has been an operation that for many years has been made the most of by jockeys and unprincipled persons, by cheating in two ways: First, by operating upon a horse so as to remove the lameness, and then trade or sell cpiickly as a sound animal, and if not suspected, there would be no way of detecting it until too late. Hence there should be a law passed that all horses having this operation performed upon them, should be branded so as to be known. If there is any suspicion of such a thing, it can be easily proved by sticking a pin into the coronet, when, of course if the nerves had been severed, there would be no sensibility. The second would be done somewhat as follows: Parties would travel rapidly through the country, assuming that for a sum of money they would perform an operation that would cure any case of lameness in the feet. By their promising to give perfect satisfaction or no pay, unsuspecting owners would be induced to bring in their horses for treatment. No matter though the horse may have been driven twenty miles that morning, with his feet full of heat and inflammation, and unsuitable for the operation, the horse would be thrown down, the nerves severed, when he would be trotted up and down the street to show the apparently wonderful effect. The owner, of course, would be delighted, and pay the fee, when he would be told he could drive the horse home. The result would be that from the amount of inflammation pro- duced in the foot, there would be ulceration of the coronet and loss of the hoof, making the destruction of the horse inevitable. This led to the operation being brought into great disrepute and suspicion. It is, of coui'se, advisable in all cases to have a competent veterinary surgeon employed, if available, to perform this opera- tion. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 803 Description of Some of the Pathological Conditions of Horses' Feet, Commonly Present in the Various Stages of Chronic Lameness.* The morbid specimens selected for the drawings which illus- trate this section of my work, comprise some of the most impor- tant conditions commonly met with in lame horses, the occurrence of which it is my object to prevent and remedy. The chronic anomalous conditions of horses' feet, entailing lame- ness of more or less acute degree, present two quite opposite ap- pearances to our view ; the one a wasting and the other an en- grossment of structures, the textures of the parts affected being in both instances greatly changed. In describing these conditions, I shall make use of the appropriate short terms, — Atrophy and Hypertrophy. Fig.. 704 represents a transverse section of the hoof of a fore foot of an aged cart-horse, in which the sole had become flattened, and at some points had even passed the plane, and assumed the convex, in contrast to the normal concave form of surface. Fig. 705 represents the coffin-bone of the same foot, as that of the hoof described, and shows how exactly the outline and sur- faces of one accord with those of the other, which characteristics are made more manifest when the parts are handled. It is true that these surfaces are not met with quite regular, but the irregu- * To illustrate some of the changes of structure that take place in the foot, as the result of inflammation, etc., I copy the following article from Gamgee on Lame- 804 DISEASES AND THEIE TKEATMENT. larities are constantly reciprocal. It has been said, and I believe truly, that "nature abhors plane surfaces" in animal formation, and such is found to be true as normal and altered forms are studied. The above-described aspect shows the atrophy of the bone, but this coffin-bone affords a typical example of hypurtrophy also, and I can submit no better specimen, though I have many others anal- ogous to it, to show the twofold condition of wasting and enlarge- ment existing together in the same bone at different parts. Atro- phy, wasting of bone, precedes hypertrophy, augmentation of bone; and yet both are effects due to prior adverse causes, without which neither of these conditions would have happened. Figs. 706 and 707 represent the hoof and last three bones of the near fore foot of a horse, which, in a state of great lameness, was taken to an Edinburgh tan-yard to be destroyed. I obtained and dissected both fore limbs, which were deformed jirecisely alike, and were affected by altered conditions of structure, as these speci- mens prove. Fig. 706 shows the conditions of the hoof, which displays obvi- ous traces of mutilation on the exterior surface of the wall, by means of the rasp, and of the indiscreetly-applied drawing-knife. '&y this twofold action of paring the hoof below, and rasping it exteriorly, a result was attained which has been admirably characterized in the technical phraseology of model Italian farriers — "The horse's foot so treated is peeled like an orange." Fig. 707 represents the skeleton of the foot to which the above- described hoof belonged. Similarly placed upon a plane, the hoof and coffin-bone exhibit corresponding anomalous conditions, the most obvious being their tilting inward, due to the reductions of the hoof, chiefly in its inner part. The tilting was caused by reduc- tion of the hoof, and by absorption of the coffin-bone, — nature's common accommodating provision for the mitigation of pain by the removal of margins, when these, being deprived of support and defense, become exposed to injury. Here, again, that provision is seen, as in the former instance of PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 805 compensation, by now bone-structure being formed at different jioints. Succeeding to the atrophy of the coffin-bone, its appended car- tillages become ossified, and two bone-columns rise up laterally, one on each side of the short pastern bone, which is seen leaning against the inner one, and is held bj'' ligamentous bands extended from the outer column. Figs. 708 and 709 also represent a hoof and the skeleton of the near fore foot of a horse. This case is of great intei-est, and 1 ad- duce it for the purpose of explaining something in a j^ositivo and also a negative way about corns. In the estimation of all concerned, corns were the great cause of suffering to this horse. Besides the iisual paring of the sole, Fig. 708 shows two openings due to the scooping away of the hoof where '^ the scat of corn" was said to exi.st. The more the scoop- ing away of the hoof was persisted in, the greater was the suffering caused by the destruction of the quick. The openings through which the blood-colored discharge descended are shown in Fig. 708 by two bands of paper passing through each angle of the hoof, at its extremities, by the sides of the frog. Fig. 709 represents prominently a lateral view of the inside aspect of the coffin-bone. A deep ulcerated cavity is shown at the 806 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. side of the extremity of the bone, and one similar in liind, but less extensive, exists on the retrorsal margin on the other side. Apart from the lesions of hoof, soft structures, cartilage, and bone, atrophy of the coffin and navicular bones, with deep excavation of the latter, existed to the same extent in both fore feet. The termination of this case was extraordinary in its occurrence, and more than justifies, it seems, a short digression froni my sub- ject; the termination was by sudden death. The incident which I am about to narrate happened nine years ago. While in the per- formance of my duty at the Edinburgh New Veterinary College, I was called in haste by a groom to attend a horse that had acci- dentally fallen in a street close by. I accompanied the man in- stantly, and when we reached the stable found the horse lying quite dead; onl^' a few minutes had elapsed from the time the groom left the horse standing in his stall, and only about twenty minutes from the time the horse fell. The immediate occurrence, as related by the man, happened thus: The horse, hune on both fore feet, was being ridden by the groom, who was returning to the stable with a sackful of forage placed before him on the horse's back. The ani- mal, so encumbered, was being trotted on the pavement of a narrow street, and tbe way he was going was on a decline. The horse stunibled, and after making efforts to recover himself, fell, pitching the man and sack over his head. The man escaped injury, but the horse was wiili difiieulty, and only by help, raised upon his feet, and staggered into the stable, which was only a few yards distant. An examination of the carcass. revealed the cause of the almost instant death that succeeded the fall of the horse. The midriff was rent in its center, making an aperture so largo that the stomach PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEKT. 807 and other contents of the abdomen had shot through, in the for- ward fall, and these filled up the chest and M^ere immovable. Ruj)- tures of the diaphragm of the horse have come under my notice on several occasions, from well-imderstood causes of spasmodic kind, but the above is the only case I ever knew of a similar oc- currence. The rest of the history of the subject was soon made out. The horse was the property of a grocer, who used to run him in a light cart, and who stated that he had owned the animal for about two years, and that he had been a reputed good hunter, and came to the last owner at a low price through being lame, in Avhieh state the animal had continued, and had worked till the ter- mination now detailed; thereafter I obtained both fore limbs of the horse for dissection, with the results shown above. Figs. 710 and 711 repre- sent component structures of the foot of a horse whose case was intimately and lone; known y^^ -"-^ to me. Fig. 710 shows the hoof placed on a plane surface; it is seen to be depressed across the front of the wall, and a light-colored streak, marking an inveterate sand- crack, extends from top to lidttcim at the quarter. Cor- I'cspDiiding to the hollow depression of the foot above referred to, there was nec- essarily a bulging of the sole downward, that is, a flat- ^"^^^ ^'^^- tening, and more or less convexity at parts of the sole. Altogether a total abnormal state is observable. The horn fibres are seen in the illustration of the 808 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. hoof to have attained an undue obliquity, and curve in their course from above downward. The engraving of the coffin-bone of the foot, of which the above- described hoof forms part, is remarkable under the twofold aspect of deformity and diminution of substance. The space occupied by the bone within the hoof, and its Aveight, are reduced probably two- thirds the proportion of its jirimitive com- plete growth, while the hoof, viewed su- perficially, greatly ex- ceeds the normal size. I have mentioned the superficial aspect of the form, that is, the deceptive view, the one common to aged horses with defective and diseased feet. Surface and substance do not amount to the same thing; weakness and disease are com- mon to the first, but Pj^ -.^j strength and perfec- tion are only com- patible with depth of cubical capacity, with j^roportionate sub- stance, and form of structure. The animal which supplied material for the above illustrations was sent to the New Veterinary College, when very lame, in 1859. With difficulty the horse had been led from his stable. Bar-shoes, with leather soles, hid from view surfaces of soles and frogs painful even to look on when exposed. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET 809 The coachman expressed surprise, and exhibited displeasure, when he saw me taking up the horse's foot, ordering the shoe to be taken off, and a new pair of shoes to be made, while I proceeded to prepare the feet. It subsequently transj)ired that putting the horse out of his miseiy was contemplated, and that our opinion was ex- pected to be in accordance with advice tendered to that effect. "Wo took pains, and employed the knowl- edge and skill at command, with the result that the horse which aiTived in pain and difficulty walked from the forge two hours afterward, almost free from pain, and was put to work either on the next or second day, and went on rendering excellent ser- vice for three years after- wards, when, being then nineteen years old, and a casualty having happened to him, he was put away. Fig. 711 represents a coffin-bone, selected for the purpose of showing one in a more advanced stage of disease than any of those yet brought under notice. 810 DISEASES AND THEIK TREATMENT. The differences in the degree of absorption of this bone which had taken jjUxce, and its consequent shortened form, will, it is pre- sumed, make impression on the minds of readers. 1 have to state, moreover, that such phenomena are not very uncommon, but often lie hidden from observation within a hoof excessively prolonged and turned up in front, with depressed sole. By looking at the bottom surface of this bone, it may be seen that at the center, which normally is the point of the deepest concavity of the arch, columns of bone are formed which give attachment to the fibrous bands, tendons, etc., the natural bony crest and arch being destroyed. The three succeeding engravings represent distinct views of the same foot, one of the two fore feet of a cart-horse, both of which were in precisely the same abnormal state; the history of the sub- ject is known only to the extent that the limbs were obtained by the author at a tan-yard in Edinburgh, where the horse had been taken to be slaughteied. Figs. 713 and 71-t show respectively a front and back view of the same parts — the bones of the near foot — in a complete state of anchylosis. I shall only attempt to give a brief description of these anomalous specimens; to treat fully the causes, the conditions, and the order of sequence of occurrences, would require more space than can be assigned here to a single sjjecimen or a series. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET 811 The hoof i8 drawn as if one were looking down into its cavity, showing the bulged form corresponding to the largo bone formation on the outer aspect of the foot, occupying the space from the pastern joint downward, and rigidly fixing the joints involved. In this case, so faithfully illus- trated by the figures produced, phenomena are exhibited that are rarely seen so well. In the back view. Fig. 714 of the spec- imen, is seen the wasted and irregularly flattened state of the coffin-bone, the extent to which cartilaa;es and ligaments have become replaced by bone, and also how some of the ligament- ous bands are developed, and their courses modified by attachment to strong spars of bone-substance, 'lisplayed to aftord hold for these rssential bands, without which no movement wo\ild be possible, strength would be wanting, and the bones would be crushed by muscular force exerted from above. I find the same order of sequence in this case as I have described in others; firstly external anomalous omditions, alterations of the sur- iiices of the cofiin-bone, and these .succeeded by other compensating ])rovisions. The case is typically illustrative of the two conditions to which I have referred as com- mon to these anomalous changes, — destructive and reparative; the first of these in this case is ob- scured by the excess of the latter. I venture to submit that the lesser in appearance was the real diseased state, set up by artificial measures badly applied, and that the additions represent Nature's provisions of palliation, following as the necessary sequels. 812 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. Fig. V16 represents the last six bones of a near fore foot, and is another typical illustration of the waste and increase of substance, mostly of bono. These phenomena, so marvelous in their character, are more common to horses under adverse influences than to any other race of animals. But this figure, and the succeeding one, shows still further nature's provision; the elongations of bone, transfoi-mation of cartilages and ligaments into bone, and the sub- stance of one uniting with that of the other, to give strength, are brought about by the dragging of the periosteum. That which modern surgery has accomplished by transposing the membrane of bone from one position over another, is done in the case of the horse by the dragging leverage of shaft bones upon pliable interme- diate structures, having their fixed points upon the surface of bones below, which constitutes their base of action, and that failing, a new order of re^xarative construction ensues. Atrophy, in most instances, escapes notice, or from lack of knowledge is alluded to under the vague phrase of " Contraction of the foot." Then occur swellings, which are tortured with assumed remedies; that is beginning at the wrong end, and in the wrong manner to effect a cure or afibrd relief The Fig. 716 was taken from one of the two fore feet, both of which were PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 813 affected with corns. The hoofs were reduced so as to be in- capable of performing their office; and while the drawing-knife was doing its scooping work, nature's fence of bone was closing the breach. Leather soles and bar-shoes hid the bottom of the mangled feet. Fig. 717. — The pathological conditions represented by this engraving, which includes the bones of the foot corresponding to the last referred to, excepting the navicular bone, offer much in com- mon with the last for contemplative instruction. All that has been said about the urgent causes which induced such extensive substi- tutions of bone for ligaments and cartilages, the augmentations and complete anchylosis of joints, appUes to this case. The histoiy of both subjects is alike unknown; the specimens were obtained at the place of slaughter, to which the lame horses were taken at Edin- burgh, and the dissections and observations were carefully carried on by me, and much time Avas devoted to the work. The cause and origin of the disease in this instance differed from those of the former, and so, in the sequence and tennination, obvious differences in external appearances and conditions were observable. The original and essential seat of disease in the case represented by Fig. 717 was caries of the pyramidal process of the coffin-bone, which the drawing admirably shows; the foot represented is the near one, and an enlargement and deep excavation of the bone is seen in the lateral aspect of that projection. The disease had been of very long standing, as all the changes the foot had undergone 814 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. testify. The front of the lower surfiice of the coffin-bone, upon which alone the limb rested, had become absorbed, the object being to constitute a straight column, since the parts were incapable of performing any of the motive functions of the healthy foot, for leverage effect. The hoof necessa- rily took the vertical line of form with the whole region — the heels Avere deej). All bearing was conveyed to the point at which part the shoo was Avorn, proving that the an- imal had been worked to r jjj, ai^m^^^^^^^^K^^;\ i ^''® ^^^^ i" ^^^ state in {hy Ik J^^H^^^I^^^Ih^u ., .r s >j\ which the foot was found after death, there being no signs of recent change in the case, nor any means of relief having been re- sorted to. This figure, No. 718, in some of its jihasos, is a ref)Otitlon of the last (not included because not of sufficient interest to be desirable), for the deplorable barbarity practiced, of which it affords the most conclusive evidence. The specimens from which the drawing was taken, the hoof and navicular bone, are those of the fore foot of a fine mare, apparently thorough-bred, which I was in the habit of seeing with mingled feelings of pity, and admiration of her form, as she Avorked a cab in Edinburgh seven years ago. The navicular bone, as is plainly shown, Avas extensively wasted and ulcci ated. The mare, long before her death, which, like that of the previous case, Avas caused by the torture she endured, hid been the Aactim of inveterate chronic lann. ness, which could haA^e been readily ic lieved, but progressively advanced from bad to worse. Reduction of the hoof by cutting induced absorption of the loAver surface of the coffin- bone, and also that of the naA-icular bone; until, as in the previous case, the knife repeatedly employed destroyed the hoof first, then the cartilage, and, lastly, reached to the navicular bone and the joint, the latter injury pi-oving fiital to life. Fig. 719 shoAvs the state of the loAvor surface of the coffin-bone; Fig. T20. PATHOLOtMCAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 815 the convex form of the plantar surface of that bone had, as is always the case, its counterpart in the form of the hoof, the sole of which was paumace — after a French expression, — literally, apple-shaped, or round instead of concave and arched. But the typical character of those coffin-bones, as represented by the single specimen, is that of both being fractured in a transverse direction across the bottom of the bone, at an inch from the point. Fig. 720 shows the foot, drawn as it was placed upon a table, and will help in this description the com'- prehension of the state of the case. The point of the bone is tvirned up. The bone, which hadbecome shallow and weak, at length, upder the weight and exer- tion of the animal, gave way at the part indi- cated, i. e., it fractured, but was held together by the net-work of fi- brous texture which laces and invests the bone. The lesion may be regarded as a partial fracture, associated with a bending upward of the loosened end of the bone, held in prox- imity chiefljr by the fi- brous tissues, but sup- ported also by the hoof, which, though thinned and weak, took the form of the broken bone, and was bent upward in front. The other foot I prepared, diff'erently from that used for these en- gravings, by sawing longitudinally through the hoof and the in- cluded parts while fresh ; these, together, are remarkable specimens. Fig. 721 represents another form of fracture of a coffin-bone, but though differing in its appearance, and place of the occurrence of fracture, from the case previously described, the two help to eluci- date each other as to the cause and mode of occurrence. As shown by the engraving, this bone was flattened down by absorption until it became so attenuated as to be unequal in substance and strength to bear the burden imposed, and it therefore gave way under it. It will be observed that the bone broke where, from greatest pressure and absorption, it had become weakest, and, as in the former case, it broke where the greatest strain of lever action was brought to bear upon it. To explain, I must state that the coffin-bone is one of the most energetic levers in the whole system of animal-con- struction, in the line of its long axis from heel to point. The fract- 816 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. uro of the bone, represented by Fig. 720, happened near to the pomt of the lever, while being raised, under weight frona behind, upon the point. In the case under consideration the bone had be- come weakest on its inner half, precisely at the center line of the foot, BO depressed by its thinness that the foot tilted inward, and gave way immediatelj^ beneath the pivot, the mid-line of the coro- nary bone; this was also the fulcrum of the lever, the front of the bone being its point of resistance. As in the former case, the rais- ing of the foot from a plane toward a vertical line fractured the corresponding bone in the two cases in different positions, but through the same causes, — weakened hoof, and the other adverse conditions which led to atroj)hy of the bones. Fig. 722 is a representation of a fractured navicular bone, a casualty of more frequent occurrence to horses in this country than is commonly known, but which has scarcely been noticed. Fract. ures of this kind ai-e effects due entirely to long-protracted ad- verse conditions of the feet, such as have been already dwelt upon. 1 have never met with a case of fracture of either coffin or navicular bone where previous long-prevailing diseased action of the foot was not manifest. In the instance represented above, the reader may see that the bone was extensively ulcerated and excavated like a decayed tooth, and at last the fracture occurred in two lines diverging from the excavated center to the antei-ior margin of the bone, where it is connected to the coffin-bone. But I must request the reader to go back with me to see the order and sequence of occurrence; the ex- cavation of the navicular bone is a secondary occurrence, an effect due to jjreceding and continuous deviations from health. The coffln-bone in Fig. 722 is wasted down to about two-thirds of its natural depth and substance. Its semi-lunar crest is gone; there is no suflScient concavity behind the plantar surface of the PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 817 coffin-bones; tendons and other strong bands, requiring strong, bony points for attachment, lack such hold, and the space between the navicular bone and the tendonupon which it glides is diminished; the joint-capsule lacks space, all the functions are deranged, and' the navicular bone, if in normal condition, would be too big for the lessened space; it becomes flattened, its substance is diminished, and is so much weakened, that at length it breaks down under less than ordinary exertion. Fig. 723 represents another case of fractured navicular bone, in which all the complications are still more manifestly extensive than in the last. The foot that supplied this specimen was ob- tained after the horse was slaughtered, and nothing was learned of the history of the ease. The tractures in both cases had occurred long before the horses were destroyed, and there was ample evidence to my mind that the horses had been made to work almost as long as thoy lived, judg- ing, as I did, by the appearance of the feet and shoes, and by the pathological conditions revealed by dissection. It may seem to some that there is not much to be learned from seeing these dried bones! still less from engravings from them! All depends upon the kind and extent of research which follows from the promptings of such incidents; and I cannot refrain from stating that all that is presented to the view, though it be as much as could be saved, is insigniticant compared to what the explorer sees in the researches and dissection. Much more is removed than can be left, and each layer of structures unfolds its own tale. 53 818 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. All the subjects which supijliod the spechnoiis illustrated were selected ou account of indications which led me to investigate them. When I first saw this animal after death, my whole "mind was absorbed in the case, and it would have been of no use if 1 had only detached the foot, strictly so called, for examination. When trying'- to make out anything natural or imnatural about the foot, I alwayl take a- great part of the limb, so as to include the whole carjDal region; and if a hind limb, then of the tarsal regiou. In this in- stance I divided the radius a little above tlie knee. I had per- ceived, in the condition of the leg, a rigidity induced by thickness and hardness of all the flexing apparatus of the foot, especiallj^ from the fetlock-joint to the knee; the back sinews were as thick as the fore-arm of a man, and to the touch felt hard like a cable. 1 shall refrain from entering into a detailed description of the condi- tion of these parts, my object being now to show plainly how one may be drawn off the scent, and led toniistake an after-effect for the original state of the case — an effect for a cause. I knew that the massive, hard bands were but symptoms of serious conditions below; that it was a coiling of these bands, with the design of shortening their track, by which the range of bones could be held firm, and in a vertical line. With such notions I proceeded to dis- sect the iimb, first by disarticulation at the pastern-joint, and placing the foot in the maceration-tub for six weeks; meanwhile I dissected the parts above, confirming my views of the conditions, and greatly extending my knowledge. In due time, the hoof be- coming detached, I dissected the foot, with the result shown in Fig. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 819 723. All practitioners, and horsemen of much experience, will have noticed that when horses begin to get uneasy on their fore-limbs and unsafe in action, — in other words, when permanent lam.ene8S is threatening, — a commonly prevalent characteristic anomaly is a tightness of the sinews just behind and below the knee. Atten- tion is usually fixed on that part, and all the rest overlooked. Very early in my career I noticed these conditions, and doubted in my own mind the conclusion that a sprain had happened locally, to account for what was observed. It was long, however, before 1 arrived at any exact knowledge in the matter, or succeeded in doing anything beyond following the ordinary injurious and useless practice. But it was a good be- ginning to get rid of all mischievous interference. I next made out that the state of the limb was in some way caused by that of the feet — by the shoeing; for it never appeared in unshod horses if ever so severely exerted. Having determined that I had a foot- derangement to deal with, I then succeeded in curing cases, my remedy consisting in taking off the shoes, and taking measures for strengthening the hoofs. Nor did I find it necessary to keep the horses at rest, though it is not often j)racticable to find work that horses can do, and a ground surface congenial to their going bare- footed. But when the mind is awakened, and intent on the further- ance of an object, opportunities are made; and so it happened with me. I was in practice at Florence in those years, in a climate favorable for making some such trials as I aimed at prosecuting; I had the advantage of observing customs in other localities. I saw horses trained without shoes able to hold their own with those more systematically brought out on our plan, and fierceived that their legs fitood sound. So fai-, 1 had achieved little jnore than negative results for all practical purposes, because a plan that pi-escribes that horses must go barefooted does not accomplish any of the re- quirements of the art of farriery. The next stage in the inquiry w^as to determine the relative effects between good and bad shoe- ing, and in what these respectively consisted. This I was able to do, though it was a work of much cost, labor, and j'cars of time. Fig. 724 is a representation of the coflan and navicular bones of one of the fore feet of a horse similarly affected in both; with the difference in the one represented that a compound fracture of the navicular-bone had occurred, as is plainly exhibited. Firm reunion of the fragments was completed bctbro the hoi'se was destroyed. The subject was an aged grey, latterly white, gelding, in his time well known to horsemen of Edinburgh as an exceptionally good horse, a fast-goer in the field and on the road. In 1861 the puj^ils of the new Veterinary College bought the poor horse, in a miserable state of lameness, as a subject to dissect. One of the complications, which was a source of inconceivable agony, was a quittor. As it appeared that relief might soon be afforded, and the case made very instructive, the subject was taken up for treatment, with the most satisfactory result. Eelief from pain was soon attained; and restoration ensued, and progressed as 820 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. rapidly as such complication admits of. It was subsequently ascer- tained that the horse had been unnerved two or three years previ- ously, had been for years lame, and for some time had worked in a cab. The recovery of the horse having been advanced, so that he was capable, under special care, of rendering some service, the question arose wdiat should be done with him. We had no require- ment for such sei'vices as might have been rendered on a farm, and it was resolved not to part with him; the only alternative was taken of putting an end to his life; and finally of making the best possible use of the case for future instruction. Dissection of the feet revealed more than wo had made out during the life of the animal; the fractured bone was not predicted, nor was it possible, beyond guessing, that it could have been, amidst the mass of change and destruction of parts; but in the sequel it has been of inestimable value as a j^athological specimen, unique, as far as I have seen, in character. I have seen no other instance, nor do collections contain one, of a navicular-bonc, as the sequel to inveterate degeneracj^, being broken into so many fragments, and then uniting so completely, the loot rendered painless, and the horse becoming, to a 2)ossible degree, useful. Fig. 725 represents another complicated case in which extensive disease and wasting of the cofifin-bone was followed by fracture of the navicular-bone. The subject, a grey cart-horse, was taken to the New Veterinary College in 1864, when excessively lame, and left there for treatment. At the time no opinion was pronounced on the case; the horse had been under treatment. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FEET. 821 The foot was inanglcd, and shod with a bar-shoe and interven- ing leather sole, ail combining to augment and perpetuate the pain- ful condition of the animal. The limb of the afflicted foot was kept as much as possible flexed, obviously so at the knee, and the foot reposed upon the front of the hoof — not the natural bearing-surface, but the anterior surface of the wall — tilted over. The knee was swollen to twice its natural size. After the lapse of a few days, with persistence of pain and all the urgent symptoms unabated, the parties who left the horse wei-e advised that an imfavorable issue of the case was prognosticated. I had formed the opinion that either the coffin or navicular-bono was fractured, yet nothing could be made out to enable one to deter- mine the fact positivelj^. Difficulty was encountered in discovering the real owner of the horse, and it was not until twenty-nine days had elapsed that consent was obtained to have it destroj-ed. Time and care being taken for the maceration of the parts, so that dis- section could be proceeded with, the iiltiniate revelations were the state of the two bones represented. The case is remarkable, for the presence of at least one phenomenon I have in no other instance met with, that is, fracture of the navicular- bone without the appear- ance of any antecedent excavation of its substance by ulceration. There were other more remarkable appearances, but which could not bo kept for exhibition, and could only be observed by the eye and touch of the dissector; the fractured bone was held together by its investing ligamentous textures, and I could feel the bone yield 822 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. at the broken part, iiiuler pressure of the thumb, while the line of fracture was scai'cely to be seen. Neither was there any blush of marginal redness to indicate the commencement of reparatory vascular action. But, although that navicidar-bone is exceptional among my morbid specimens of the kind, in regard to the absence of obvious excavation, I am not prepared to testify to its being in a normal state; on the contrary, I suspect — for no analysis of the bone, still in my possession, has been performed — that its constitu tion was defective, and that the bone was destitute of natura strength. The wasted, deformed, and weakened state of the coffin- bone is extraordinary, and quite accords M'ith all my experience, gained by these investigations, that such casualties of the navicular bone are secondarj-, and due to the partial destruction of both sub- stance and functions of the coffin-bone. Pig. 726 illustrates a typical case of advanced navicular disease, apart from the complications which commonly ensue as additional consequences. The never absent accompanying phenomenon, atrophy of the coffin-bone, is, however, well marked in this case. In the navicular bone itself, two openings into chambered cavities of the bone are seen about the middle of the hindmost and lower surface, and an oblong excavation is obsei-vable on the lower inner margin of the bone. The above figure represents a case of navicular disease, not essentially different in character from that last described; only that this was a worse case, with more complications and extensive ulceration. I adduce it, not to show the little difterence, or to pro- duce a duplicate, but because the case has a history worth relating. l>ATHOlAJGlGAL CONDITIONS OF FKET. «-23 The subject was a gvej' iiiare of hii^h courage and breeding, be- longing to Mr. James Stewart, cab-proprietor at Edinburgh. The mare had been, for an unascertained length of time, lame of both fore feet, when she was bought for a trifle by Mr. Stewart, who thereupon took her to the New Veterinary College shoeing-forge, to get her shod. This happened in the autumn 1858. I had charge of the shoeing; that is, did the chief part of the work in this as in similar cases — prepared the feet and fitted the shoes. Mr. Stewart, being then a beginner in business, and driving the mare himself, procured abundance of work, so that in the space of seventeen days she wore out a strong set of shoes, and was brought back to the forge to bo re-shod, which was done as before. At the expiration of about the same number of days as before, the mare was brought to be shod again for the third time; and this time the intelligent owner was elated at the way his mare was going, and at the manifest improvement that had taken place, notwithstanding the inordinate amount of woi'k the animal was doing, in drawing a four-wheeled carriage over the hill}'' streets of Edinburgh. I may state that the progressive improvement in the action of the mare went on up to recovery to the extent of complete freedom from lameness. There was no delay in the effect following the cause, or rather, inversely, of effects ceasing when the causes that produced and kept them up were removed. The result was so much, the more gratifying to the owner of the mare and all concerned, from the fact that she pi-oved to be one of the best animals of her class in Edinbui'gh, and continued to work unintei'ruptedly for three years, thereby helping in no small degree to give the worthy owner a start in business. 1 shall not dwell on the termination of the mare's career, beyond stating that during the severe frost in 1862 she encountered an accident by falling on the frozen snow which encumbered the streets of Edinburgh that winter. One of the bones of the knee, the OS magnum, was fractured transversely through its narrow axis, and the animal was aonsoquently destroyed. On dissecting both the foi-e feet, it was found that their condi- tion was nearly the same; the degree of ulceration of the navicular bone, and diminution, with subsequent incrustation of the coffin- bone, was a little in excess in the specimen fi'oni which the illustra- tion was drawn. But most remarkable and instructive of all was the obviously improved slate of those ulcerated bones that had taken place. As was seen by the mare's action, her feet revolved, if not fully, at least fairly upon the ground, and that -was quite manifest by the appearance of the joints. The cartilage lining the navicular bone, less the breaches on the surface, was smooth and white, and the synovial capsule healthy, and in full secreting func- tion. In fact, the joint was amply lubricated and free. In anticipation of reasonable inquiries as to liow the good result was brought about in this ease, I answer, By shoeing. What principle or mode of shoeing? — Rational method, elaborated after long individual experience, tbunded on observation, and on the ex- 824 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. perieiice of able men of all times and countries ; in other words, 1)}^ means which are only acquired by application of mind and hands for years to the art. I used no differently made shoe for that mare from those I use for other horses of her class doing the same work; viz., shoes with calkins adapted to the pavement and hills of Edinburgh; nor was there anything special in the way I fitted her shoes; they were adapted to the mo- tion and requirement of the feet in the mare's particular case, according to the principles inculcated in this work. No other agencies were used bej-ond the ordinary measures I recommend for the I'eet of all horses, to be hereafter noticed. The two following and the last fig- ures of the series are representations of the different structures of the same foot; a section of the hoof, and the coffin and navicular bones of the off fore foot of a horse, whose case I am about to describe by the help of these illustrations. The subject was a five-year-old Cly- desdale stallion, for which a nobleman in the west of Scotland paid £300, and at whose instance, not many months after the purchase, I was called to at- tend the animal, not, however, until too late for my services to be of an^^ avail. The horse died a few hours before 1 reached the place where he was, in Ayrshire. With the .splendid carcass lying extended before me, I made in- quiries into the history of the case, and after receiving the necessary replies for mj' ])urpose, and obtaining permission „ „,,„ to bring away the feet of the animal, 1 removed them and returned with them to Edinburgh. The disease from which the horse had suf- fered was inflammation of the feet, and death ensued through long-coutiimed irritant fever, ending in a blood-contaminated system. Pig. 728 is that of the inner half of the hoof of the oft' fore foot; the section, made longitudinally, passes through the middle of the frog, sole, and wall. The bulging down of the sole and its thin state are apparent; the white spot represents an opening through which an excrescence of the inflamed texture pi'otrudcd. Fig. 729 represents the coffin and navicular bones, upon the latter of which no further remarks are necessary than to state that that bone was found in perfect health. But to the coffin-bone and PATHOLOGICAJ. CONDITIONS OF FEET. S-25 hoof together I must devote myself, with the view to mulvc iiitel- li2;ihlc what 1 have to state. 1 must premise my description of the case by stating that all four of this horse's feet were alike affected, and almost in the same degree, the ravages sustained by the two fore feet somewhat pre- ponderating. My information obtained on the origin of the disease recompensed the journey to Ayrshire; I learned that one hind foot was first affected; a fissure appeared in the front of the hoof, always a painful affection until the cause is removed, and a cure effected. Lame of one hind foot, and all the hoofs in a weak state, inflammation set up in the other hind and over-burdened one; then reaction-, with inflammation of the other hind foot, and first one fore foot and then the other became affected; the result was that the animal was doomed to lie suffering, because he had not a foot that ho could stand upon. All this was endured for several weeks before the horse succumbed.* Eeference again to Fig. 729 shows the flattened lower portion of the coffin-bone, and in "some measure the extent to which it be- came reduced; not, as in chronic cases, slowly, but rapidly— all in the space of a few weeks. (The drawing taken of the one must be regarded as representing the state of the coffin-bones and the hoofs of all four feet.) I devoted several months, at intervals, to the dissection and study of three out of the four feet, the two fore and the hind one first affected; and I never investigated such a case before. The ravages that disease had made were entirely confined to the lower *Iu reference to this special case, we should never allow the dissolution of the suspensary power to progress to an incurable extent, but relieve the laminseof the strain by taking off the weight either by slinging or throwing the horse, cooling the feet, poultice, bleeding, and as soon as the inflammation subsides to blister the coronet thoroughly.— /'to/. Hamill. (See Laminitis.) 82G DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. surface of the coffln-boiie. I wish particularly to place this fiict on record, for reasons that will hereafter appear. Beneath the bottom of the coffin-bones and the thin mutilated soles of the hoofti was deposited a dense layer of lymph, about one-eighth of an inch thick, in which were innumerable particles of bony deposit, imparting a feelins^ as if sand had been sprinkled over the inner surface of the hoof. Such had been the rapid destruction, partly by absorption and partly by casting off of useless matter. As to the treatment to which the horse had been subjected, 1 have little to say. I saw that the current orthodox teaching had boon complied with, in the form of cutting away the hoof, and soak- ing the I'eet with moisture; every one in attendance had doubtless done his best according to his intelligence, and was to be pitied rather than blamed for want of the right kind of knowledge of the pathological conditions. The specimens of disease, illustrated and briefly described in this section, offer material for much more lengthy comment. My purpose in jiublishing these is to prove the fundamental fact that lameness is a consequence of destructive causes, is associated with changes of structure in the foot, and that it is only by a patient and thorough inquiry into these anatomical changes, that what I maybe allovved to callthe natural history of lameness can bo under- stood, its causes prevented, and the proper remedial measures based on well-defined knowledge ajijilied. This is a line of inquiry which I jjarticularly commend to members f)f the veterinary profession, many if not the majority of whom have grown up in the habit of looking upon the hoof merely as the investing termination of the limb, and not taking cognizance of the whole digit as a complex organic structure, to understand which, in health and disease, dis- section of a large number of specimens is indispensable. Laminitis, or Founder. Laminitis, or Founder, may be described as simply congestion or intlammation in the feet. It may be severe or moderate according to the degree of disturbance. If inflammation runs high find is allowed to continue, it is liable to produce so much disorganization as to induce loss of the hoof, which is however rare, or .so much change of structure in the feet as to make the liorse ultimately so stiff and sore or so much of a cripple as to be- come practically woitliless excepting for slow, easy work. There are two stages of this disease, acute and chronic. The first produces a high state of excitement and inflammation of the sensitive lamina, and more or less of the internal structure cf the foot generally. The .second, a morbid or insensitive feeling cf the parts generall}-. The first or acute stage can Lc inwiriably LAMlJSflTlS, OR FOUlv^DEi;. 827 cured, if treated properly, whieli is not at all difficult to do. The second or chronic stage is not curable ; but may be palliated to a limited extent. Symptoms. — At first, if the result of exhaustion and chill, 's>V-. Flu. 730. — Position of horse wheu sufteriug severe attack of ],aminitis. there will be the marked effects of great disturbance of the circu- lation so that there may be a general stiffness and soreness, with Fig. 731. — As the horse usnally lies down when suffering from Laminitis. high, quick pulse, etc., which will be soon followed by tenderness, congestion, and inflammation in the feet. To relieve the pain in the feet lie endeavors to throw his weight upon tlie hind ones. He advances them in front, resting principally on the heels, 828 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. when the hind ones are drawn well under him, something like the position shown in Fig. 730. On backing him. he backs with evi- dent reluctance ; when forced back, he drags one foot after- the other, evincing considerable pain in doing so. When moved forward, he walks on the heels, his move- ments being slow and difficult. He will often be found lying down, as removing weight from the feet gives relief ; and while down he will usually point with his nose toward the feet. Sometimes the inflamma- tion may be in but one of the fore feet, or sometimes in the hind feet, which is not common ; and in some isolated cases may have inflammation in all four feet ; but it is usually limited to the two fore feet. Causes. — Laminitis is very apt to occur •from overtasking the feet by pounding them Fig. 7.32 — An ideal illus- tration of the arteries of the foot injected. Fig. 7.33. — An ideal drawing of the veins of the foot injected. while warm and nefflectin over a hard or rough, frozen road, or leaving the horse standing while heated and exhausted, and especially where a current of cold air strikes him ; indu-ectly by prick or binding Avith nails, or continueil injury from a badly applied shoe, or any cause of continued strain or injury to the feet ; driv- i]ig tlirough a river while warm ;. washing the feet to dry them ; frequently also from LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER. 829 I I -i4 — Bottom of foot witb hoof removed. The trunk of the artery overloading the stomach by eating too freely of oats or other grains, as wc often sec when a horse gets loose during the night and gets to the oat-bin ; or drinking too freely of cold water when heated and exhausted. It may also be caused by inflam- mation passing from other parts of the body to the feet, but not often ; but by whatever cause, it is the same, namely, excess of blood in the feet. The better to convey an idea of the large amount of blood passing through the feet, I include a description of the same by an excellent old author : — " As the quantity of horn necessary for the defen.se of the foot is considera- ble, a large quantity of blood is dis- tributed to it for the purpose, and is supplied by two large arteries which pass down on each side of the pastern ; these give off considerable branches to the frog, cartilages, and coronary ring. enters at the inferior and posterior part of the coffin-bone, and di- vides into eight branches, which pass out at the cii-cumference or angle of the toe, and give oft" innumerable branches about the in- ferior partof the laminated struct- ure, especially about the toe. The distribution of the blood to the frog is i-emarkable. Here we find several branches of considerable size without giving off other 1 iranches, as in the other parts of the foot, until they arrive near the surface, when they divide into innumerable branches, sup- plying the skin or secreting sur- face of the frog, and communi- cating with tho,se of the skin of the sole, or .sensitive sole, so that the frog and sole form one continuous surface of skin of great vascu- larity and sensibility ; but greatly inferior in both respects to the laminated substance which is more richly organized, both as to blood-vessels and nerves, than any other part of the body." — White. I include a number of illustrations which give an excellent idea of the large amount of this circulation ; also of the hoof and pedal bone, showing that this sensitive structure is covered by an un- Interior view of the hoof. 830 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. yielding shell of horn which makes the inflammation when very- intense, extremely painful, and rapidly destructive in its effect. Treatment. — It is evident when such a large volume of blood is obstructed, and active inflammation is set up, that there must not only be great local but general disturbance, and that it is of the greatest importance to relieve this as quickly as possible, if re- sults would be prevented, which would destroy the health and mobility f +1i f f Tt ' fl Ti "ti m is pi-imarily limited to I. Transverse section of the hoof. 3. Horny laminae. 3. Vascular laminae. 4. 5. Small cells be- tween the podophyllous and keraphyllous tissues. 6. Section of the tube& of the hoof. m As will be seen this beau- tiful structure is entirely destroyed in front part of foot as shown in Figs. 738 and 743. Fig. 736. — Section of liuul lamina; largely magnifiea. the sensitive lamina and sole, which, if allowed to go on, seriously involves the periosteum and bone, when it is called peditis, which is of a more serious character, referred to hereafter. I will first give the treatment pursued by Dr. Summerville,* with whom I studied, which is practically the standard ti-eatment used by all the old practitioners. I include it mainly because I know of its effectiveness from personal experience. If the case can be treated as soon as the disease begins to develop, bleed from the neck vein from four to ten quarts, according to the size and condition of the horse ; that is, if the horse is large and fat, and consequently full of blood, and the attack severe, then the larger quantity mentioned may be taken. Afterward give a purgative *Dr. William Summerrille, No. 127 Erie Street, Buffalo, N. T. LAM1>41T1S, OE FOUNDER. 831 ball, not enough to physic severely, but to open the bowels freely, which, as explained definitely under the head of "Physicing," for an average sized horse should be from 4 to 7 m^'" ■fr*»:f' 4 drachms aloes, 1 dr. -f ^ ginger, barsoap enough to make a mass, and made into a ball. Af- ter the fore shoes have been removed, poultice the feet thoroughly with bran and cold water as follows: Fill two small bags, sufiiciently large to hold three or four quarts, with bran, put a foot into each, and tie loo.sely around the top with a string. <|^- i"3~. — Front view i healthy condition ^ee the gieit contrast -nith Fig 740 Keep wet either by pouring on water, or by putting each poul- ticed foot into a bucket of water. This man- ner of poulticing should be kept up for four or five days, when the shoes may be tacked on and the horse exer- ' 1 cised a little. Cloths i,l wet with cold water f'.hould be tied around the coronet, and the soles stuffed with flax- seed meal, or any other means of keeping the feet wet for a week or two can be used. The horse should have tepid water to drink, and warm bran mashes during the operation of the medicine. If the disease is Fig. 738. — Posterior view of a Iiealthy pedal buuc 832 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. stubborn, as is rarely the case, a second ball may be given after an interval of four or five days. All the cases coming under my observation in the Infirmary during the year in which I was con- nected with it, and all that have been treated under my super- vision since then, invariably yielded to this treatment. If the case has run two or three days without treatment, or not been treated properly, I would advise opening both toes by thinning out their soles, and the feet put into moderately hot water so as to extract a quart or more of blood from each. If thi.s cannot be Fjg. 739. — Showing the great change of structure produced by severe iuflamniation. done, then open the veins freely at the coronet. If treated as di- rected it is rarely that the attack will not pass olf in four or five days. Dr. Charles Meyer advises the following mode of treatment, which he has used with great success: — " If the animal is taken within the past twenty-four hour.s, have the shoes removed, and put the feet into a tub of hot water. Wind flannel wrappings or bandages around both legs up to the elbows, and keep them constantly wet With hot water ibr Irom two to three hours. In the meantime have the horse well covered with blankets, and give the Ibllowing remedy : — 30 drops fluid extract aconite. 1 ounce oil of sassafras. 3 ounces salt-petre. 1 pint linseed oil. LAMINITIS, OE FOUNDEE. 833 " This is to be given at once. There will be a profuse perspii-a- tioii in iVoni fifteen to twenty minutes. Keep the blankets on about six hours, then remove and put on dry ones. Keep wet swabs on the horse's feet, and stand him on wet claj'. All stiffness and soreness in the I'eet will be removed in from thirty-six to Fig. 740. — Internal view of Fig. 737, showing the great displacement of pedal bone. The dotted lines show the point to which the foot should be trimmed. seventy-two hours. In the meantime give one of the following powders:" — 3 ounces bicarbonate of j^otash, 6 ounces nitrate of jiotash. Make into si.x powders, and give two every ci^'Ut hours until well. Dr. William Shepherd, of Ottawa, Illinois, in an address before the State Veterinary As- sociation, advised treatment as follows : — " In the treatment of acute 1am- initis, as soon as possible alter having discovered that the animaj has been foundered in the feet, or has acute laminitis, which is the same thing, have the shoes taken off, place the feet in a deep tub of warm water in which some hay has been put to form a soft foundation for the tender feet to rest 53 Fio. 741. — Showing the direction of the bone-cells as thrown out from the podophyllous tissue. 834 DISEASES AND TIIEIR TEBATMENT. on. Keep them there for about an ]iour, then take thera out and put them in Avarm poultices, composed of equal parts of slippery- elm bark and linseed meal. Be sure the poultices enveloji the whole hoof. Have a deep soft bed 23laced under the animal. Give a purgative, which should be one-half of the ordinary dose, as su- perpurgation is apt to follow otherwise. If Barbadoes aloes' be the agent employed, four drachms will be found sutficient. Give a dose of aconite, say ten drops every twenty minutes, until the animal has been thrown into a profuse perspiration. Cover him with warm blankets. The poultices should be changed twice a day, and after taking them off put the feet in water, as above recommended. Continue this treatment for three or four days at least. Peed no grain, simply bran mashes, vegetables, and hay. When shoeing Fig. 742. — Position of the bones of the foot iu a healthy uoiidition. the animal, see that the shoes are wide-webbed, the hoof-surface being convex, still leaving suiiicient flat surface for the wall of the hoof to rest comfortably on. If it is a valuable beast, have him turned out on low land pasture in about two weeks after the com- mencement of the attack. Should he bo stabled, keep damp swabs on while he is housed. This treatment is applicable to either acute or sub-acute, which I have here treated as one disease, and which, in fact, it is." Dr. Hamill Advises If there is simply a congestion of the extremities and fever, then treat as a fever locally and generally. Give as sedatives aconite and nitre internally, with cooling applications locally to the feet. If the inflammation is so extreme as to cause a de- struction of the suspensory powei- of the lamin?e, then it is advis- LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER. 835 ablo to bleed qiiicklj'-. If purgatives are advisable, give calomel and aloes in the proportion of 1 to 2 drachms of calomel to 4 to 7 of aloes. In a conversation with Dr. Walton (house surgeon of Co- lumbia Veterinary College) on this subject, he advised treatment as below, and the better to explain it, referred to treatment pur- sued in the management of a very bad case, as follows: — - " The hoi'se had been driven through a rain-storm twenty miles ; was stiif in all four feet, and unable to stand. The shoes were re- moved, and j30ulticcs applied to the feet. At first, aconite 15 drops, then 10 drops an hour were given for the first 3 or 4 hours. At the same time, as the horse was in considrnWr pim , hj-podermic in- FiG. 74.3. —Abnormal lused by Lamiuitis. jections of about two grains morphine twice a day, i oz. dose ni- trate of potass four times a day, were given. Water was given freely. He recovered in four or five daj's. His temperature was 105°. As soon as the fever commenced to abate, the aconite was reduced to five di-ops about every three hours." Prof. Williams says : — " Should there be much fever, 1 know of no treatment so ef- fectual as aconite in repeated doses, giving 20 drops of the tincture of the root every two hours in water, until the jjulse decidedly falls. If the pain is very severe, I advise giving attention to this first by administering one or two full doses of opium or moi'phiue. For local treatment to the foot, I advise enveloping in large warm poultices, or wrap in numerous woolen cloths, and keep them wet with hot water. After the urgent symptoms have passed off', c61d instead of hot applications will prove most eflPectual. 83G DISEASES AND THEIR TEBATMENT. A country horse doctor of my acquaintance, who is a good deal of a genius in his way, treated laminitis with decided success as follows : — " First, put the feet of the horse, iq) to the knees or over, into as hot water as ho can bear, to which add one pound of mustard, and have a man on each side with a sponge apply the water from the tub to the chest and shoulders for twenty-five or thirty minutes, adding more hot water as it cools. Next, take him from the bath to a close stall, and cover with three or four heavy blankets, and let the men rub his legs for half an hour, then bleed in plate-veins (the large veins running down the inside of the log, above the knee), taking from a pint to a quart of blood froni each leg ; after Avhich Fig. 744. — A sectional view of Fig. 741. An exact drawing of specimen sliowing grain of new growth of soft, spongy horn. api^ly some moderately stimulating liniment to the legs and shoul- ders to keep up the circulation, and give a dose of physic. Remove one blanket after another as he cools off, leaving on the last one, and give some soft feed. On the second day exercise the horse a little, and usually on the fourth day lie is in a condition for work."* I have included this variety of treatment the better to give a clear understanding to stablemen and others as to what they can do in an emergency. The first method, which I will call Summer- ville's, I know to bo entirely reliable ; at all events, I have not known of a single case out of a large number treated on this plan *The h»rseon no acc(Junt should be put to work so soon it it can be avoided. LAMINITIS, OE FOUNDER 837 that did not entirely recover, without, so far as I could see, any evidence of the sole dropping. But as few have the conveniences, or know how to bleed, it is very important to be able to treat such cases without bleeding. On this account, I have added the details from other leading practitioners, and, as will be seen, there is the best of assurance of other treat- ment being equally relia- ble. In any event, should the farmer or horse owner find his horse foundered, and no veterinary surgeon available, he can at least resort to the simplest meth- f,,,. 745.-Postei-ior sectional view of pedal ods, such as putting the bone showing changed and weakened condition feet in a tub of liot wa- '™™ ^^^ "^'^''^ °^ inflammation. ter, in which is a lot of hay or straw ; bathing the forward parts thoroughly, as di- rected by Dr. Meyer or the country horse-doctor. If there is much fever, and the fever medicine or aconite is available, give that. Give all the water the horse wants to drink, which should have the chill taken off ; open the bowels by enemas and back-raking ; give a lit- tle saltpetre in the water; feed bran mashes and boiled oats, in addition to keeping the body com- 746.— Inferior view of bones shown in Fig. fortably clothed, etc., or 745. Part to the right diseased. COVer the feet with poul- 838 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. tices as directed. The important point is not to lose time in combating the diiEculty from the start, but resort to all means available that will give relief, and thus a valuable horse may be saved, which under the ordinary circumstance of delay, indecis- ion, and ignorant bad treatment, would be inevitably ruined. I have forgotten to mention in place, that it is important, when there is extreme pain, to give relief for it by giving one to two drachms of powdered opium or five to ten grains of morphine, or, if available, by injecting under the skin one to two grains of morphine, as there is nothing that tells upon the strength of a horse so quickly as severe pain. Chronic Founder. When the inflammation is very intense, and is allowed to con- tinue very long, there is an exudate or lymph thrown out that separates the wall from the sensible laminse at the toe. In time there are immorphus horn cells, grown from the sensitive laminse, or phodofilous tissues of the cofiin-bone, making a soft, spongy horn, which, pressing against the wall in front, forces the anterior part of the bone downward against the sole, making it bulge downward, and in some cases perforating it, with a corresponding falling in of the wall above, producing what is termed a drop sole, which will be more or less marked according to the amount of disorganization. I give two very interesting specimens of ex- treme cases. The first was obtained by me of Prof. Cressy, of Hartford, Conn. ; the second from a specimen furnished by the Columbia Veterinary College, N. Y. They are drawn half size, and are exact reproductions of the originals. When there is in- flammation in the feet involving the bones, it is surprising to what degree the pedal bone is liable to become absorbed, changed in form, and have its texture weakened. Figs. 745 and 746, which were also obtained from Dr. Cressy, show the great amount of change and absorption that may be produced from this cause. They rep- resent the superior and inferior views of a bone that had been very much absorbed and turned up at the outer edge, cut in two, and united to sections of an ordinarily healthy bone, to show the extreme change produced in its form. The part outside the dotted lines was so porous that it could be looked through as CHRONIC FOUN DEl't. 839 plainly as through the texturo of coarse cloth, and its fibre was so weak that it would crumble between the fingers. Fig. 747, also obtained from Prof. Cressy, is another interesting spechneu show- ing the upper view of another bone of the same chai-acter. Fig. 748 is a side view of this bone, taken on an exact scale, showing the remarkable bending uji of the edges, and its thinness, it being not over three-quarters of an inch at the pyra- midal process or front of the joint. Fig. 749 is a bottom view of the same kind of bone, and was obtained of Dr. Walton of the Colum- bia Veterinary College. Bemg engraved from a photograph, it did not work up so well. Instead of being flat as it appears, the outer edges were bent up- ward over a quarter of an inch, with the edges ragged and broken. I include also a specimen showing efiect of inflamma- tion by the pressure of the toe-calk, and excessive rasp- ing of the wall. Fig. 750. These remarkable changes of structure in the foot gen- erally, especially in the ped- al-bone, when compareil with that in a state of health, we see to be very great, and explain the destructive effect of inflammation when allowed to continue for any length of time. Reference can also be made to the many interestiag specimens following the chapter on Navicular-Joint Lameness showing this. Many of these specimens will show not only the navicular but the outer edge of the pedal-bone to he fractured. Fiii. T-tT. —Showing absorption and change of form in pedal-bone, — the effect of inflammation. Fig. T4S. — Side view ot tlie above, bhonnig bending up of the edges, etc. 840 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. In some extreme cases where inflammation runs high, and is allowed to continue very long, this separation of the wall from the internal structure may be continued so far as to cause ulceration of the coronet and loss of the entire hoof ; but this is rare. There is no cure for chronic founder. All that can be done is to palliate it to the best advantage. Some good practitioners, when they suspect any exudate at the toe, and a separation of the 1am- iniB, open the toe, so as to give free vent to it. This I would regard good practice. When there is some dropping of the sole, the best way to produce a healthy condition of circulation and cell-growth is to put on tips or very thin shoes that will allow pressure upon the sole. (See Tip's, page 643) ; better still in addition would be allowing the horse to run on soft or gravelly ground. (See standing on ashes, etc., on next -Inferior view of pedal bone, referred to in text. Peditis, or Inflammation of the Os Pedis. • When there is severe inflammation of the feet (laminitis) the Periosteum (membrane covering the bone) and the pedal bone sometimes become involved, when it is termed Peditis. This is indicated by the horse showing intense pain, getting up and lying down often. No local treatment seems to check the structural changes that go on ; it will run from one to two months; the horse has a ravenous appetite all the time, and as a rule does not lose flesh. If temperature rises, give sedative treatment, — opium, aconite with nitrate i;f potassa in small doses CATAEEH. 841 Fig. 750. — Showing effect upon the bone ol pressure of toe-calk and rasping hoof. (not over 1 ounce a day divided into two parts and given in water). When the temperature gets down to 102°, stop internal treatment, and treat locally about as follows : It is nec- essary to have a stall with a soft bottom as saw-dust, ashes, etc. Occasionally it is best to dampen the ashes a little during the day, and rake them up so as to form a yielding body to the feet. Throw a little bedding over it at night, and also during the day to give the horse a chance to lie down. Treatment. — Apply cool- ing applications, such as cold swabs ; that is, cover the feet with two or three thicknesses of blankets, and keep wet with cold water. After the acute symptoms subside, blister. The point is to lower the fever, and check the flow of blood to the feet. Catarrh. Catarrh, or "cold in the head," is an affection of the lining membrane of the nasal chambers and cavaties of the head. It consists in a congested or inflamed state of that membrane, giving rise to a glairy discharge from one or both nostrils, and when the head of the windpipe {larynx) is implicated, accompanied by a cough. Causes may be classed under predisposing and exciting, as the majority of young horses under five years of age may be said to be predisposed to this affection. The exciting causes are sud- den variations in the state of the temperature ; undue exjjosure to cold when an animal is in a heated state, especially after a hard day's woi'k or drive ; standing in stables badly ventilated, or any place exposed to cold draughts. Perhaps the most common cause in young horses is placing them in warm stables in the fall of the year immediately on taking them off the pastures. A sudden 842 DISEASES AND THEIK TEEATMENT. -Suffering change from a cold to a hot temperature is more likely to cause catarrh than a change from a hot to a cold one. Sjwptoms. — If the horse is' standing in the stable he will appear dull, and incline to hang his head in the manger ; the mouth is hot, and the pulse quickened and weak ; the coat is staring, and the lining membrane of the nose is reddened and injected. If the lar- ynx is involved, steady pressure on that re- gion will cause coughing. This is the con- gestive stage, which speedily passes off, and exudation takes place from the vessels, caus- ing a discharge from the nostrils, at first watery, gradually becoming thicker, and of ""'" ^ ' ' a yellowish coloi\ In some instances this matter becomes pent up within the sinuses of the head, and comes away in large quantities every tliree or four hours. A watery discharge from the eye is also very often an accompaniment of catarrh. If these symp- toms become aggravated, the appetite is im- paired, the bowels are costive, and the foeces passed are of a clayey nature, the legs and ears are cold, and the breathing accelerated. Catarrh, if improperly treated, or the ani- mal kept at work and exposed to sudden changes of temperature, is very apt to de- scend to the chest, and is a prolific source of other and more serious diseases, as inflamma- tion of the lungs (pneumonia), or of the cov- ermg of the lungs (pleurisy), or of the bron- chial tubes (bronchitis). In the majority of cases catarrh is but a simple atiectiou indi- cated by a little increase of pulse, a slight discharge from the no.se and eyes, the hair roughened, not much appetite, and some cough, which is sometimes severe, and if the patient gets anything like proper usage or treatment no very serious results generally follow. Treatment— A.i once place the animal in a comfortable, well-ventilated, loose box, as should be done in all affections of the chest ; blanket warmly, give aconite or some of the fever Fig. 753. — Nose-bag LARYNGITIS, Oil SOEE THP.OAT. 843 medicine ; if the case is serious, as stated, it may run into general inflammation of the air passages, as bronchitis or laryngitis ; also hand-rub and bandage the legs ; the clothing and bandages must be removed twice a day, and the body well rubbed over. Give one or two drachms of aloes in solution combined with half a drachm of powdei'ed ginger. Steam the head by means of a nose bag partly filled with scalded bran, into which put an ounce or two of turpentine. Hang the bag on the head same as in cut, be- ing careful not to have it so tight around the nose as to heat or scald it, and be oppressive. Many cases have been suffocated by having the bag brought too tightly over the nose. A few repeti- tions of this will cause the nose to run freely. Nurse by giving bran mashes, boiled oats, etc. Rest and care will usually do the rest. In mild cases it is not necessary to use the nose bag. A few doses of tartar emetic and nitrate of potash may be given dail}^ in a bran mash, and the thi-oat rubbed with a stimulating liniment. If there is much inflammation of the throat and air passages, an}^ good liniment may be applied on the throat and around the chest and bandaged as shown in cut. Laryngitis, on "Sork Throat," Consists in inflammation of the mucous membrane of the head of the windpipe (larynx). It is generally called "sore throat," and is a very common affection among horses, occurring in a variety of forms, being some- times of a very acute nature, and running its coui'se with great rapidity ; in other cases of a milder type, and assuming what may be called a sub-acute form. Causes are similar to ca- tari'h, as undue exposure to cold and variations in the Fig. 75.3.— Simple methoil of covering temperature; but in some the throat, seasons it appears as an epizootic disease, large numbers of horses becoming affected with it about the same time. These cases are alwaj's of a typhoid nature, more especially when occurring in stables insuflicientlv ventilated. 844 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. Symptoms of " sore throat " are well marked. The horse liokls his head stiff, with his nose poked out, showing the muscles of the neck prominently ; he has considerable difficulty in swal- lowing ; if he attempts to drink, part of the water is returned Fig. ~^>i. — Method of covering the throat and chest for laryngitis. — From Mayhem, through his nostrils ; the throat is painful to the touch, and the least pressure excites a violent fit of coughing. At the com- mencement of the disease it is difficult to distinguish it fi-om " dis- FiG. 7.55.— fiood method of covering the throat for fomeutiug, cir applying stimulants, for laryngitis. temper" (strangles). By the third or fourth day the difference can be easily seen ; the usual tumor of distemper does not ap- pear. The pulse varies ; in some cases but little altered, in others very quick and weak. The coat is also staring, and the function of the kidneys partly arrested. In severe cases the breathing be- comes heavy and laborious. By the thuxl or fourth day from the STRAXGLEB, OK HORSE DISTBMPEE. 845 beginning of tlie attack, a greenish yellow matter is discharged from the nostrils. Treatment. — The general and local treatment should be very- much the same as for cold or catarrh, with the addition of a free use of counter-irritants to the throat, as mustard well rubbed in, or any good stimulatmg liniment, or even a light liquid blister. Aim to keep up the strength by feeding soft, easily digested food ; bran mashes witli a little boiled oats in it, carrots, etc., any food that he can eat easily. When the bowels are constipated, as is often the case, clysters of soap and water must be freely used. When the cough is se- vere and hacking, the following ball may be given once or twice a day: — 1 drachm camphor. 1 drachm pciwdered opium. 2 scruples extract belladonna. If the horse is threatened with suffocation, the windpipe should be opened, and a tube inserted. (See description of opera- tion under head of Tracheotomy.) One of the leading practitioners of the country dictated to the writer the following as his best treatment: — Counter irritation of the larynx. The best internal remedy would be, 2 dracluns extract of belladonna, 1 ounce chlorate of potass, With a sufficient quantity of honey to be made into the form of an elec- tuary, and applied with a spoon to the back of the tongue. Also use one- half ounce doses of chlorate of potass put into a pail of water, and allowed to remain in front of the animal. Strangles, or Horse Distemper. This is another form of sore throat occurring mostly in young horses from two to five years old, and which is familiar to every one. Its design seems to be to throw some poisonous matter from the system, and the object should be to keep the strength of the animal up, and hasten suppuration. The exciting causes are similar to catarrh, transition from cold to heat, as from the pasture to the stable, change of stable from the country to the cit_y. It occurs most commonly in spring, and is usually seen in cold, damp weather. 846 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. /' Fig. 756. — Horse with strangles. The general symptoms are very much the same as explained in the previous difficulties, the distinguishing points are, the hor.se is out of sorts ; the neck be- come sore and stiff; an -^ enlargements appears be- tween the branches of the jaw, which is hot and tender; there is some dis- charge from the nose. In ordinary cases the tumor goes on to suppuration ; a copious discharge of thick yellow matter takes jjlace from the nostrils ; in about a week the tumor has matured, becomes soft, and points, and either bursts or should be opened ; continues to discharge for some time, and gradual recovery takas place. But if the case is very severe it will grow worse, often threaten- ing to cause suffocation. The horse is able to eat or drink but little, and strength is lost rapidly. Treatment. — Provide a com- fortable, well-ventilated stall ; clothe warmly ; rub and bandage the legs ; nurse by giving bran mashes, boiled oats, carrots, etc. Bowels should be opened by in- jections. U.se freely a poultice made of wheat bran and warm vinegar, changing as often as the jDOultice becomes dry, using the eight-tailed bandage until the enlargement becomes soft and can be opened, when relief will be prompt. Or the following treat- ment may be adopted, which is very good and in some cases may be preferable : Take spirits of turpentine, two parts ; spirits of camphor, one part ; laudanum, one part. Put this on the neck with a brush, if convenient, or in any-way to apply it without exciting pain, three or four times a day until .soreness is caused. After each application, have ready three or four pieces 757. — Simple method of covering the tumor when stimulated. STEANGLES, OR HOESE DISTEMPEE. 847 of flauuel, which should be a good thick article ; put these over the parts, and bind on with the eight-tailed bandage. Or hot fomentations and poultices can be freely applied to the tumor Fig. 75S. — The eiglit-tail bandage. SO as to encourage the formation of matter. When the tumor points, open it by cutting through the .skin, and if necessary Fig, 7,"'.' 1!:r (ii;lit-tail bandage as adjusted. enlarge the orifice by puslimg in the finger, also small doses of saltpetre should be given in the feed, or the following pow- ders night and morning: — Ij ounces nitre. 6 drachms tartar emetic. Mix and make into six powders. Sometinws the in- flammation is so deep as to cause serious sore- ness and swelling of the throat. In this case the horse must bo nursed carefully by feeding warm gruel ; the drink should be warm ; grass or anything that will tempt the appetite should be given. ■Opening the abscess in strangles. 848 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. Glanders and Farcy. I consider these difReulties mainly to enable the detection of them to prevent their spreading, as they are extremely contagious to both men and hoi'ses. They are in- curable, and to guard against the possibility of danger when a case is suspected, the only safe way is to at once either isolate or de- stroy the animal. I depend mainly for my explanation of these diseases upon several old authors.* They fully agree with the statements of modern authors that it is practically useless to tamper with glanders. Farcy in its early stage can be controlled without difficulty, but the medicine injures the constitution seri- FiG. T61. — An ordinary ously, and in addition, it is rarely that the case of farcy. disease will not soon break out again or develop glanders. " /Symptoms. — The distinctive appearances which glanders pre- sent may be slow in their development, and may continue for years, during which he may feed and work well, constituting chronic glanders ; or they may run on rapidly, and in two or three weeks are well marked and soon come to a fatal termination, when it is called acute glanders. " The coat i.s rough and staring ; he is usually hide-bound; the belly drawn ■ up, and constitutional disturbance exists, the pulse being easily excited ; the mem- brane lining the nostrils is of a leaden hue ; the glands inside the lower jaw where the pulse is felt become cnhirgcd, hard and nodular like a mass of peas or beans., especially on the side fi-om which the discharge takes jjhice — usually the loft, sometimes the right, or even from both; — the discharge is clear and watery at tirst, becoming thicker and sticky, accumulating around the nostril ; cough may ble to thoroughly cleanse the manger, etc., so as to prevent the possibility of contagion. The most care- ful experiments have proved that glanders can only be communi- cated by the virus ; and though it may be dried and lay for even a year, it has still sufficient vitality to impregnate with the 854 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. disease. It has been supposed that the only way to get rid of it "would be to tear down the stable and build it anew — an old vet- erinarian of much experience so stated to the author as his opinion. But the following precautions are now regarded to be entirely sufficient : The manger, rack, or whatever there has been within the reach of the horse, upon which matter could be thrown or could touch, — and this will include pai'titions and every part or ob- ject in the vicinity, — .should be scraped, and scoured with soap and water and than tlioroughly washed with a solution of chloride of lime, about a pint of the chloride to a pailful of water ; the walls should be whitewashed ; the pails newly painted, and the iron work exposed to a red heat ; the halters, clothing, etc., used upon the case should be burned. The only means of preventing the disease is to keep the stable cool and well-ventilated. Hot, close, badly-ventilated stables, it is claimed by all authors, are strong causes of the disease. There are many jockeys who make it a business to trade for horses of this character, fix them up by cleansing the nostrils, etc. and trade them oft". As before stated, during the early stage it can only be detected by slight running from the nose. Such vil- lainous practice cannot be too severely condemned as a crime, which should be jn-omptly punished to the extent of the law. Chronic Cough Is often a sequel of sore throat (laryngitis), as also of distemper (strangles), and is a disease from which, when once faiidy estab- lished, complete recovery seldom occurs. It consists in a chronic in- flammation of the many glands imbedded within the lining mem- brane of the larynx, causing an irritation of that highly sensitive organ. The cough is easily excited by pressure externally, and is of a deep hollow nature, differing materially from the loud sonorous sound of the healthy cough. It is often associated with other diseases of the chest, as broken wind, thick wind, etc. The cough is generally most severe in the morning or after meals, and is always aggravated by gross feed- ing. In many eases chi-onic cough interferes but little with a horse's usefulness, especially if he is used for ordinary farm work, but it must be considered an unsoundness. CHRONIC COUGH. ^ 855 Treatment. — If the horse has been affected for some time, treatment is generally very unsatisfactory, and must be more of a palliative than a remedial nature. If only recent, treatment may be undertaken with better chances of success. Give the cough ball as recommended for laryngitis, and apply the follow- ing liquid blister, or any good counter-irritant, externally, and in some cases great benefit will a'ttend the use of setons. Olive oil. Oil of turpentine. Aqua ammonia, equal parts. To be shaken well and rubbed on with the hand. If occurring from intestinal disorder, the treatment of course must be directed to the proper seat. The medicinal treatment is greatly assisted by feeding the animal properly and regularly, giving small quantities of food at a time ; carrots in winter, and green food in summer should be given. Feeding nice clean corn- stalks is much better than hay ; if hay is fed, it should be bright and clean, or the dust shaken out of it, and dampened a little, and of this only a limited quantity should be given. If a greedy eater, either remove from his reach the bedding, which he will be likely to eat, or put on a muzzle. The following are also excel- lent cough remedies : — 1 drachm camphor. 1 drachm powdered opium. 1 drachm powdered digitalis. 1 drachm calomel. Make into a ball and give every second morning until six doses are given. i pint tar-water, i pint lime-water. 1 drachm powdered squills. This drink every morning in obstinate coughs. As a sedative to aUay the violence of the cough, 4 drachms nitre. 2 drachms powdered opium. 1 drachm prussic acid (dilute). " Mix in a pint of mucilage or linseed tea, and give half a tumblerful three times a day. 8.')6 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT All old writer says, '• 1 have known an obstinate cough cured by drenches composed of a sirup made of molasses and vinegar ; also by a decoction of garlic with linseed oil. Barbadoes tar and oil with balsam of sulphur, have also been employed as remedies for a cough." The following is also an excellent remedy : — 2 to 3 dr. giun ammooiac. 1 dr. powdered squills. 1 dr. camphor. 1 dr. ginger. 2 dr. castile soap. 20 drops oil of anise-seed. Sirup and flour enough to form a ball. A favorite prescription for curing cough : Put into alcohol all the tar it will cut ; add one-third in quantity of tincture belladonna. Dose, from one to two teaspoonfuls once or twice a day. A simple remedy which will sometimes work very nicely is, — Fluid extract belladonna 10 to 15 drops in a tablespoonful of water on the tongue three or four times a day. If there is swelling of the glands of the neck, rub on a sharp stimulant or mild blister. The writer has used this very successfully, and, in fact, mainly depended upon it when on the road for allaying attacks of coughing. Heaves, or Broken Wind. " Heaves are indicated by an increased action of the flanks The inspiration is natural, but the expiration requires two eflforts to expel the air. There is at times a short cough or grunt while the air is being expelled from the lungs. Heaves are never found in the racing stable where the horses are properly fed. They are always found among cart or team horses which are fed upon large quantities of coarse food or hay. The seat of the disease is found in the air cells of the lungs in the form of enlargements and some- times ruptures of the cells. The cause of the disease is the immense quantity of hay forced into the stomach, the greedy animal, perhaps, not being satisfied with his allowance, eats the bedding. The bowels and stomach press hard against the diaphragm, and the lungs not having room to expand, the air cells are enlarged or rupt- ured, and the horse is said to have the heaves. Much has been said by different authors in relation to the curability of the heaves. Some advocate one means, some another, among which is feeding on the Western plains, or upon prairie hay which is said to contain a 'rosin weed;' but like many other remedies, it is only palliative. "In 1842 Capt. Squiers, of Buffalo, N. Y., who commanded on HEAVES, OR BROKEN WIND. 857 the steamboat ' Dewitt Clinton,' owned a valuable trotting mare called Caroline. She had the heaves badlj'. He took her, in the spring of that year, lo CUiicago, and turned her out to pasture on the prairie, for the purpose of curing the disease. In the fall he brought her back on his boat, with a quantity of prairie hay to keep licr during the winter. During the time she ate the hay, she had no symptoms of heaves. But upon returning again to timothy hay, the heaves returned as bad as before being sent West. (The writer was personally acquainted with Captain Squiers, he being proprietor of the Courier House at that time, where the writer boarded with him.) " Prairie hay and grass is more laxative than timothy hay, and the animal cannot eat half as much in a given time of the former as of the latter. Consequently' it promotes a condition favorable to respiration, by stimulating the bowels, and also prevents pressure upon the lungs. I think there are several other means of treatment equally as good as prairie grass or hay ; one is corn stalk fodder. My reason is founded on this basis, that it is by saccharine matter that most animals subsist, and the less compass occupied in the bowels the better. One quart of oats is equal to an armful of ha}-, and three pounds of corn leaves contain more sugar than six times the bulk of timothy hay. It will be seen, then, that the cause, treatment, and cure arc marked in these few words ; that is, that heaves are jjroduced by pressure upon the diaphragm by too much food in the stomach and bowels, and is cured by lessening the quantity of food to occupy the same space. After the horse is turned out to grass a few days, the heaves will usually disappear, from the fact that the bowels are generally relaxed by exercise and pure air. The only treatment which will prove to any degree effective, is to give one of the following remedies : — 3^ ounce powdered ginger. }^ ounce capsicum. Form into a ball and give three nights in succession ; then omit two or three nights, and give again three nights in succession. ^'Or— 8 or 10 drops tincture of phosphorus. Give in the drink several times a day for eight or ten days. " The horse should have regular exercise, and be watered often with a small quantity at a time, and have straw instead of hay to eat. Under this treatment heaves will disappear.' * Prof. Law, in his Veterinary Adviser, says : — " Overfeeding on clover haj', sainfoin, lucern, and allied plants ; on chaff, cut straw, and other bulky and innutritious food, is the main cause for heaves. In Arabia, in Spain, and in California, * The foregoing is a synopsis of Dr. Somerville's lecture to the writer on "Heaves." 858 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. where there is no long winter feeding on hay, and in our Territories where clover is not used, heaves is a disease that is virtually unknown ; it has advanced westward just in proportion as clover hay has been introduced as a general fodder for horses, and it has disappeared iu England and New England in proportion as the soil has become clover sick, and as other aliment had to be supplied. The worst conditions exist when a horse is left in the stable for days and weeks, eating clover haj-, or even im])erfectly cured, dusty hay of other kinds, to the extent of thirty pounds and upward daily, and then is suddenly taken out and driven at a rapid rate. Violent exertions of any kind, atid diseases of the lungs, are also potent causes. It is mainly a disease of old horses, but may attack a colt two j-ears old. Finally, horses with small chests are most liable, and thus the disease proves hereditary. " Treatment. — Turning out on natural pastures, feeding cornstalks and other laxative food, will relieve, and even cure, mild and recent cases. Feeding on dr}^ grain, with carrots, turnips, beets, or pota- toes, and a very limited supply of water, will enable many broken- winded horses to do a fair amount of work in comfort. Hay should never be allowed except at night, and then only a handful clean and sweet. " The bowels must be kept easy bj' laxatives, the stables well aired, and sedatives (digitalis, opium, belladonna, hyoscynamus, stramonium, lobelia) used to relieve the op]iression. If a white discharge from the nose co-exists, tonics should be given as for chronic bronchitis, to which wild cherry bai-k may be added. Tar water as an exclusive drink may be given, and a course of carmina- tives (ginger, caraway, cai'damous, fennel) may be added with ad- vantage. But nerve tonics, and above all arsenic in five-grain doses dailjr, and continued daily for a month or two, arfe especially valua- ble. " No broken-winded horse should have food or water for from one to two hours before going to work." The usual method of treatment adopted by "jockeys," is to feed tlie horse on cut rye straw, to feed very little hay, and to feed all aliments dampened. Rye straw is cut as you would cut hay, then mixed with bi-an or middlings, into which a handful of salt Ls added, and dampened with water. This is fed every night. Oats and other grain is alwaj's dampened. Draught horses fed in this way seldom show any sign of heaves. Prof. Law regards the following as the best preparation for heaves : — 1 ounce arsenic, — Fowler's sohition. 1 drachm belladonna extract, i drachm tincture of ginger. Mix with a pmt of water for a drench and give every morning f i >r a month or two. EOAEING. 859 A favorite remedy for heaves, used by Prof. Dick, principal of Edinburgh College, and undoubtedly of great value, is : — Camphor. Digitalis. Opium. Calomel. Of each, 30 grains. Make into one powder or ball, and give once aday for a week. If no improve- ment is noticeable, omit the calomel, and give for a week or two longer. 2 ounces Spanish brown. 2 ounces tartar emetic. 4 ounces resin. 2 ounces ginger. Mix and give two teaspoonfuls twice a day In the feed. }4 ounce vegetable tar, iu mass. }.< ounce gum camphor. 1 drachm tartar eipetic. Form into a ball, one of which is to be given once a day. 1 ounce indigo. 1 ounce saltpetre. 1 gallon rain-water. Mix and give a pint twice a day in the feed. Roaring. This is a very annoying difficulty, for which there is no satis- factory treatment. Like chronic cough, it often follows an attack of laryngitis or of distemper (strangles), and in these cases we believe it is owing to a wasting (atrophy) of the muscles of the head of the windpipe (larynx), whereby its calibre is diminished, and when the air rushes in during violent exertion, a roaring sound is produced. The senseless and cruel method of tight- checking, Ln addition to the throat latch being often buckled so tightly as to obstruct the breathing, is also a very common excit- ing cause. Symptoms. — When the horse is not excited, and .so long as the air passes in a uniform rate tlu'ough the larynx and windpipe, the animal does not feel any inconvenience ; whenever he is excited or galloped, causing a rush of air, the roaring noLse is produced. The sound in ordinary cu'cunistances is only produced on inspira- tion, but in very severe cases the sound is audible both on inspira- tion and expiration. 860 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. In some horses, roaring is difficult of detection. There are several tests which can be resorted to with the view of detecting it. It may often be readily detected by taking the horse firmly by the head and striking him suddenly on the side, causing him to start forward ; if a grunting noise is emitted, it is always a suspi- cious circumstance. But the better test would be to gallop the horse sharply for some distance, then pull him up quickly, and by applying the ear to the nostrils or to the windpipe, any abnormal sound will at once be noticed. A good test in the ease of draught horses is to compel them to draw a heavy load. Treatment must be principally palliative ; much can be done by generous and regular feeiling, and never allowing the animal to overload his stomach and bowels. Occasional doses of laxative and sedative medicines tend to relieve the more distressing symptoms. In the early stages, continued applications of tincture of iodine is beneficial when applied to the throat. With this the following mixture must be used internally : — 4 ounces powdered prickly ash bark. 3 ounces powdered bjllalonna leaves. 0 ounces powdered licorice root. Mix the above with molasses into a soft mass, and give a piece as large as a black walnut on the back of tlie tongue, with a flat stick, twice a day. This must be continued for at least one week, after whicli give the remedy once a day for two weeks. Have the hay well dusted, and moisten all feed given the patient. The above treatment will always cure, or give relief, providing the disease is not too far advanced. Great relief is sometimes experienced by putting a seton on each side of the neck for some time. Sharp blistering maj' also be tried, but is not bearly so effective as setoning. The following treatment for the cure of roaring, or whistling, as it is termed, has been used by Mr. E. D. Conklin and others in Cleveland, Ohio, and they claim the most satisfactory results. Mr. Conklin, who is a large owner of horses, and perfectly reliable, states that he cured one very bad case ; could not pull a load two rods up hill without blowing and choking down ; was completely cured in six weeks. Has tried it in a number of cases, and always with satisfactory results. The treatment was introduced by Dr. BEOXCHOCELE. 861 Johnson, of Cleveland, who claims he can cure any case. As there is no really satisfactory treatment for this difficulty in regular practice that I know of, I give this remedy and state my author- ity. It can be tried with safety. 1 ounce Fowler's solution. 20 drops sulphuric acid. Give the horse in the evening 30 drops of the mixture in about a wine- glass of water, on the tongue. Spongia Tosta, first dilution (a homeopathic remedy), 10 drops in the morning, to be repeated alternately for from four to six weeks, giving more or less, and for a longer or shorter time, according to the severity of the case, until a cure is effected. Dr. Johnson also found that when the horse is choking with severe inflanmiation of the throat, called distemper, diphtheria, etc., that giving successively spongia, aconite, and belladonna, after intervals of fifteen minutes, and repeating, is very effective. This prescription was given the writer by Dr. Johnson. Since then Mr. Conklin, in conversation with the writer, stated that in relieving heaves he found it of decided value. Filling a sponge with the spongia preparation, and squeezing it into the nostrils and mouth a few times will give relief. He regarded it very effective and valuable for this purpose. Bronchocele. Bronchocele, or morbid "enlargement of the thyroid gland or body." These are two small glands situated one on each side of the windpipe (trachea), about three inches from the head of the windpipe (larynx) ; they are ductless glands, having no excretory duct, and they are largely supplied with blood-vessels and nerves. Stallions seem to be the most affected by this. It is a tumor usually on one side of the windpipe, and the character of the swelling varies according to its duration. It may be soft or firm, and it may affect the whole gland, or only one side of it ; the tu- mor seldom causes pain, and the animal appears not inconvenienced by it, although very large. The tumor varies in size from that of a hickory nut to as large as a man's hand. It has been regarded by some as a cause of roaring, but it is evident that it has nothing to do with that difficulty. Treatinent.— Iodine and its compounds .seem to have the best effect in removing this enlargement. One part of iodine to six or 862 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. seven of lard, to be applied daily ; and at the same tinK; administer twice a day in solution 1 drachm of iodide of potassium. Nasal Gleet Is the name applied to a chronic glairy discharge from one or both nostrils, of a whitish muco-purulent matter, the result usually of neglected catarrh. The general health of the animal does not seem to suffer ; he looks well, feeds well, and works well. Nasal gleet is not an uncommon disease, and many horses have been d&stroyed, supposed to be affected with glanders, when in reality they were only suffering from nasal gleet. It is on this account that I have been so explicit in describing glanders. Causes. — It is very often the result of catarrh in a chronic form, as stated, induced by further exposure to cold, and want of a proper supply of nutritive food. It may also occur in cases where it cannot be traced to a catarrhal attack of the air passages ; and it occurs oftencr in aged than in young animals. Symptovis. — The first noticeable symptom is a yellowish discharge f i-om one or both nostrils. The lining membrane of the nose (schneiderian) is altered in color ; it becomes of a pale leaden hue, but does not exhibit ulcerative patches, as in glanders. The discharge may vary both in quantity and quality. It is often retained for some time within the sinuses, and comes away in considerable quantities. In other cases the discharge is continuous, and collects about the nostrils ; the sub-maxillary gland, in cases of long standing, becomes tumefied, but not adhering to the bone as in glanders ; the frontal and nasal bones are affected, and pre- sent an enlargment or bulging out over the seat of the disease. If tapped with the point of the finger, a dull, heavy sound is pro- duced, showing that matter has collected within the sinus. In ordinary cases it is a long time before it materially affects the horse in his working capacity. When the bones are greatly dis- eased, and the matter collects within the nasal sinuses, it interferes with respiration, causing laborious breathing. Treatment. — Although a formidable disease, even the worst of cases may recover if properly treated. The successful treatment in all cases where this disorder has existed, has been on the tonic principle. Bleeding and purging are positively injurious. Give NASAL GLEET. 863 good food and moderate exercise, sponge the nostrils witli tepid ■water, or strain the head, as described for catarrh, once or twice a day, and administer mineral or vegetable tonics, as — 3 ounces sulphate of copper. 1 ounce powdered gentian. Make into twelve powders, and give one in the food morning and night ; or, the sulphate of iron in two-drachm doses twice a day. The nasal cavities may be injected witli a weak solution of sulphate of zinc or of alum ; or of sulphate of copper, about five grain.s to an ounce of water. When the bone is diseased, and matter collected within the sinuses, it is necessary to trej)hme the bone. After operating, inject the sinus with tepid water twice or thrice a day, followed by injecting any of tlie astringents already recommended. The opiened sinus sometimes fills up with a fungus growth, whicli must either bo removed by the knife or by means of caustics. I include liere treatment reported in the Joarnul of Compar- ative Medicine and Surgery for January, 1883, by John Liudsay, D. V. S., of Huntington, Long Island, which has been so effective that I think it worth while to copy his report in full : — "July 5th, 1881, I was called to examine a horse at Clay Pits, Long Island. This animal was sujiposed to bo suffering from glan- ders. As he was a valuable work horse, the owner did not wish to destroy him without my advice. " The horse was a bad ease to look at. He was discharging very offensive matter from both nostrils, which had the odor of jjus com- ing from a necrosed bone. The horse was much rediiced in flesh and very weak. On examination I found him to be suffering from nasal catarrh, and on my stating this to the owner, he wished me to try to cure him. The disease was of three j^cars' standing. At first I thought of trepanning, but having no instrument, I concluded to try injecting the nostrils, knowing from experience that if I could reach the necrosed bones with my solution I could make a cure. " Mixing up one ounce of C'alvert's crystallized carbolic acid No. 2, to one pint of water, I injected two ounces 'nto each nostril twice daily. After three days of this treatment, there was a marked im- jirovement, which after this was less pronounced, but there was a gradual and steady change for the better. At the end of two weeks the animal had improved much in general health, and at the end of four months was entirely cured, and thei-e has been no return of the trouble up to date. " July 24th, 1882, 1 was called to see a hoi-se suffering from a very offensive discharge from his nostrils of one year's duration. At 864 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. times there was a marked Bubsidence of the discharge, followed by acute exacerbations. When 1 saw the case, it was in one of the acute attacks. Upon examination, I diagnosticated nasal catarrh. " 1 ordered the same treatment as used in the above case, and in two months a cure was effected, with no recurrence. " August 10th, 1882, 1 was called to see a horse which could not breatlie easily, and the owner feared the animal was developing heaves. The breathing was labored, and there was marked evidence of obstruction in the nasal passages. There was not, however, the double action of the flanks commonly observed in horses. Upon inquiring, I found that two months previous to my visit the horse had suffered with a severe discharge from the nostrils, which had since ceased. But two weeks after the nasal discharge stopped, he had trouble in breathing. " I came to the conclusion that the horse had been afflicted with chronic nasal catari-h, and that the turbinated bones were plugged with thick pus. He was placed under the same treatment as the other two cases, and in three days began sneezing, and blew from his nose two large masses of thick and cheesy pus, followed by a return of the discharge. " The continued use of the injections, however, terminated in a complete cure of the case in one month." Influenza — Epizootic— Catarrhal Fever, or Pink-Eye. This disease has been so common since 1871, and it has caused such serious losses, that it may well be regarded with great appre- hension by owmers. On this account I have been induced to make a special effort to obtain the most reliable and practical treatment for iis successful management. So much depends, in the treat- ment of this disease, upon good conditions of care and nursing, that is, careful housing, keeping up the strength, etc., which in the country must be mainly ilependent upon the owner, and it is so easy to cause the loss of a case by a little carelessness or bad treatment, that it is especially important to give such details as will enable a successful treatment of this disease. To accomplish this, I not only give the very best explanation of the difficulty and treatment directed by one of the most prominent veterinary surgeons of the country, but the treatment practiced by Dr. Meyer, who informed tjie writer that he had treated thousands of cases without losing a single one, complications excepted ; that of true pink-eye he never last a case, and consequently must be ac- cepted as entirely reliable and of great value. Influenza, etc., belongs to the class of diseases called epizootic, which are distinguished by extending over a large tract of coun- INFLUENZA— EPIZOOTIC. 865 try, and attacking a number of horses at the same time. In its nature it resembles an epidemic form of catarrh, but it is essentially different, and is easily distinguished from that complaint by its epizootic character, and the marked prostration, and low typhoid form of fever which always accompanie^s it. It does not affect 'horses alike in all seasons ; some years it is apt to involve the lungs principally, with a marked tendency to dropsical effusion, whereas in others the liver and digestive organs are chiefly im- plicated. Causes. — It is usually supposed to arise from " atmospheric causes," — some changes which are said to exist in the atmosphei-e which are not easily explained. It occurs mostly in spring or autumn, and is most commonly seen in over-crowded, badly-ven- tilated stables, situated in malarial districts. City horses are more liable to it than those in the country, and coarser breeds are more subject to it than the finer breeds. Poor and over-worked horses are especially subject to the fever. The disease at times comes on as an epizootic. While it is considered decidedly contagious, many veterinarians claim no in- fection. Dr. Meyer informed the writer that while the fever was at its height, in one stable where the sanitary conditions were ex- cellent, and containing one hundred and seventy horses, not an animal was taken with the fever; while in badly ventilated stables, and under poor conditions, the disease was rampant. This is not, however, fully in harmony with the writer's experience. In 1871, when the fever was very prevalent in the East, to avoid the disea.se he shipped his horses from Central New York to Mansfield, Ohio. The horses were all in perfect health, and the conditions of care and stabling were the very best possible ; yet when the epizootic reached the town, the first day there were reported in different parts of the place fully fifty horses that were taken with the disease. The writer's horses, five in number, were all taken the same day ; one or two of them but slightly, two of them very severely. Country people, with the hope of avoiding the disease, would hitch their horses about a mile outside the city limits ; but it was soon found this made no difference, as horses running in the fields seemed to be equally subject to it, though not, as a rule, very severely. One farmer who left his horse as stated, far beyond the 55 860 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. city limits, when he returned home found three of his horses that were running in the pasture, taken with the fever ; but experience proved that animals subjected to good conditions and care, had it most lightly and made the best recovery. Syviptoms. — It is garly characterized by weakness, a quick, weak pulse, hot mouth, shivering, dullness, watery eyes. The lining membrane of the nose is reddened, accompanied by a watery discharge which soon becomes thick and purulent, accom- panied by sore throat and difficulty of swallowuig ; the appetite is impaired, and the bowels costive. These symptoms, instead of abating, as in catarrh, increase, the Vjreathing becomes hurried, and there is lifting of the flanks. The low form of. fever is char- acteristic, as also its occurring in spring or fall, and attacking a number of animals in the same way, distinguish it from common catarrh. In some seasons the lungs are primarily affected, and there is great weakness, with a tendency to dropsical effusion ; water accumulates in the chest ; the heart and its coverings are seriously involved ; often the eyelids, lips, and whole head are greatly dis- tended with fluid. In other cases the liver and bowels seem to suffer most, causing great thirst, general uneasiness, costive bowels, and light-colored feces, sometimes covered by slimy mucus, and rapid prostration. " When unfavoiable termination occurs, the dullness increases to stupor, the extremities get colder, the breath- ing more difficult and abdominal, the pulse quicker, weaker, and more irregular, until death supervenes." Pink-Eyk. Symptoms as given hy Dr. Meyer. — " The symptoms are shown in a staggering gait, lianging head, trembling, shivering as from cold, loss of appetite ; watery discharge from the eyes, one eye closed, especially the left one. The pulse is quickened and weak, from 50 to 60 in the minute, and the breathing is hurried, tempera- ture 104° to 106°. The bowels arc bound and the iirine scanty. The disease is often complicated with bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, etc., etc. A pinkish color of the mucous membrane of the eye-lids is always present in this disease. There is a discharge from the nos- trils, swelling of the limbs, which are tender to the touch. The ani- mal is weak, lying down most of the time. The body seems to be hot all over. The head hangs low, and in fact seems to be suffering from pneumonia. The only difference between pink-eye and pneu- monia is, that in the former the pink eye is noticeable, and the horse lies down, while in the latter he does not." PINK-EYE. 867 Treatment. — The general principles laid clown for the treat- ment of common catarrh, are applicable to the treatment of influ- enza ; bleeding, purging, or any method of treatment that would tend to diminish the strength, must be avoided, as the debilitating tendency is great from the first. He should be placed in a loose- box, the body clothed, and the legs bandageil. If noticed while the shivei'ing fit lasts, one or two ounces of acetate of ammonia may be given with advantage. The bowels should be gently opened by a pint of castor oil and one or two drachms of calomel, sujjplemented by injections of soap and water. When the rigor has passed off, and the fever runs high, the fever medicine should be given in doses of fifteen to thirty drops, every hour and a half, or tincture of aconite in doses of about ten or twelve drops, may be given. He should be encouraged to drink water holding small doses of nitre in solution ; should he not drink it, he may have a few niouthfuls of water every hour or two, which of itself is ex- cellent for reducing fever. He should have green food when pro- curable, or a little boiled oats, and bran mash, or anything else he will eat. When the throat is very sore, and the cough troublesome rub on the thi-oat a countei-irritant as directed for sore throat, and give the following ball night and morning : — 1 drachm camphor, 1 drachm opium, 2 drachms nitrate of potash. Make into a ball with linseed meal and molasses. Should the lungs or bronchial tubes become involveil, indicated by the heaving flanks and careful breathing, iise counter-irritants of mustard or good strong liniment, or hot fomentations to the sides until there is relief, as directed for pneumonia. From the first, tonic ti-eatment will be found beneficial in counteracting the debilitating tendency of the disease. When all inflammatory symptoms have disappeared, tonics will greatly aid the recovery. Dr. Meyer's Treatment. — " Good nursing is indispensable ; should bo well blanketed, and fed on anything the putient chooses to eat ; good air, and the stable should be purified by throwing air-slacked lime in the stalls, etc.; and from the first, begin by giving the fol- lowing remedies every eieht hours :-r- 868 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 1 ounce carbonate of ammonia, 2 ounces cinchona bark, powdered, 'r ounce mix vomica, " 2 drachms digitalis leaves, " 3 ounces gentian root, " Mix and make into eight balls. " Give as mueli water as the patient chooses to drink, to Avhich add some saltpetre. About two ounces a day should be used. The above balls should be used after the second day by giving one morning and night ; when feeding is resumed, discontinue the rem- edies, and continue with good nurrfng. Cure in sis to eight days. Bathe with hot salt and water." It is also necessary to exercise quite slowly at first, as a very little over-doing or expo.svire is liable to bring on a relapse, which is almost sure to be fatal. Congestion of the Lungs, Pleurisy, Inflammation OF THE Lungs. It is explained in the article on Circulation (page 732), that when a horse is exposed to cold, or to conditions which derange the circulation, such as changes of temperature, especially after severe exertion or exhaustion, standing in a current of cold air, etc., by forcing the blood from the surface of the body to the internal organs, it will in most cases go to the lungs and surround- ing parts, when it would be termed pleui'isy, pneumonia, or con- gestion of the lungs, with possible complications with other parts. This is so common and fatal in its effect, if neglected or not treated properly, that it is very important to have the nature and treatment made so simple and plain to owners and stable-keepers that, in the absence of competent professional aid, they may easily understand and combat it successfully during its insipiency, when it can as a general thing be easily managed. We will first briefly consider the structures involved in pul- monary affections. The windpipe (trachea), after entering the chest, divides into the bronchia or bronchial tubes. These divide and subdivide into smaller tubes, finally terminating in the air cells. The lungs are made up of clusters of those cells ; of a large mass of pulmonary texture called the parenchjrmatous structure or substance of the lungs ; of blood-vessels, both functional and for the nutrition of the organ ; of nerves and lymphatics ; and CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 869 the whole incloseil iu a serous membrane called the pleura, which is made up of two portions, one portion being reflected over the lungs (pleura pulmonalis), while the other lines the inside of the ribs and diaphragm (pleura costalis). The lungs are exceedingly light in proportion to their size, and are very vascular organ;; ; consequently they are very liable to diseases of an inflammatory character, and the precursor of inflammation is congestion. A good idea of the circulation iu these parts can be obtained by a Fig. 764. — Showing the respiratory organs. S. Trachea; 9. Esophagus; 10. Section of left bronchus; 11. Ramifications of riglit bronchus; 12. Right lung; 13. Left lung seen from above; 14. Sternum: 16. Heart; 17. Posterior aorta; 18. Anterior aorta. study of Figs. 622-627 in Circulation, on pages 733-737, and the other cuts included there. Bronchitis is inflammation of the lining membrane of the tubes of the lungs and lung cells, which is considered in another part of this woi-k ; but as it is frequently connected with lung difliculties, I refer to it again in this connection. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, before referred to (or serous membrane which covei-s the lungs and thoracic cavity). Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissues, or paren- chyma of the lungs. If we had bronchial-jjneumonia, we would have an inflammation of the lining membrane of the tubes and 870 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. -Trachia aud bronchial tubes. H, Trachia; I, tubes : Ramifications of bronchial L, Chobaic artery. tlic parenchyma of the lungs ; if we had pleuro-pneumonia, we would have an inflamma- tion of the pleura, or mem- brane, and the parenchyma or tissues of the lungs. Congestion of the lungs con- sists in an increased determi- nation of blood to the capilla- ries of the air-cells. When one or the other (right or left) lobe of the lungs is so en- gorged with blood forced into them, that they are unable to either receive or discharge blood in proper quantities, thereby interfering materially with the process of respiration ; and consequently, if allowed to go too far, it will cause di- rect suffocation and death. It may exist as an independent disease, or accompany other affections of the chest. The distinguishing symptoms of fach, with treatment, will be given farther on. In order to simplify the treatment, I refer next to the nature and effect of inflammation. It is first an increased ac- tion of the blood-vessels. The consequence is an increased amount of blood to the part. The next change to take place is a collapsed condition of the walls of the vessels. Now there follows an enlargement of the blood-vessels ; then the CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 871 blood passes the walls of the vessels through the tissues outside of the vessels. The next change is the breaking down of the cellular tissues — normal cells ; next a rapid gi'owth or proliferation of ab- normal cells. To go through symptoms : If an external injur}', for example, there would be, first, pain caused by the pressure upon the nerves. The heat following would be caused by the chemical changes that are going on within the part. Tliu I'edness Fio. TOG. — Bronchial tube, with its bronchules, ami ultinii-.te ramilicatioiis (natural size). is due to the passing of the blood from the vessels into the tissues; the swelling is due to the breaking down of normal cells and the rapid formation of abnormal cells. The object in all cases, whether internally or externally, is to equalize the circulation as quickly as possible. There are two methods of treatment : If we know the cause; as, for example, the ajiimal having stood in a draught of air or been exposed to cold, chilling weather, alcoholic stimulants would be the best treatment, not only giving alcohol internally, but rub- bing it on the legs, and cover the body with warm blankets. Rub elbows and hocks to feet, b}' hand-rubbing or brushes, rubbing quickly, and cover with warm flannels. If not successful, or if 872 DISEASES AND THEIR TEBATMENT. intlauimation, before explained, sets in, there will now be a rapid rise in temperature, when there may be a strong stanic pulse ; in that ease sedatives would be required. Tincture of aconite has stood the test for years. About ten drops Fleming's tincture four or five times a day, with from an ounce to an ounce and a half of nitrate uf potass divided into two powders and given one in the morning and one at night, or the fe- ver medicine, hereafter given, can be used. In the early stage, external means of irrita- tion can be freely used with good results, but are not admissible when the disease has thoroughly set in, as they only aggravate the trouble. If the pulse is weak, stimulants are re- quu-ed, such as cai'bonate of am- monia, 2 drachms ; camphor, pulverized, 1 drachm ; and nitrate of potass (as before). Give in one dose three times a day — the potass to be given in water separately. — Walton. (See also arti- cle on Pulse.) The termination of inflammation will bo either i:i resolution — that ia, a dealing of the lungs, what is known as a gray heppa- tized state — or in a breaking down of lung tissue, which may develop into an abcess, cr tubercles, or gangrene, or death of the lung tissues. If the horse is young, and strong, and vigorous, ii(3t as much stimulant should be used as for an old horse. If ammonia arises from bedding in stable, it should be neutral - Air-cells of lung, with intervening tissue. membranous wall, «, Epithelium; &, elastic trabecul ■witU fine elastic fibers. CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 873 ized by sprinkling ou a little chloride of lime ; too much of it would have an aggravating effect upon the raucous membrane. Congestion of the Lungs. Symptoms. — It is first noticeable by the horse having a severe chill or shivering fit. He refuses his food, hangs his head between the fore legs or upon the manger, will not move or lie down, breathing quick, panting like. The nostrils are expanded, the head thrown forward ; the countenance expresses pain and great prostration. (See cut.") The pulse is sometimes full and quick, Fig. 76S. — Horse with congestiun of the lungs. but generally quick and weak, scarcely perceptible ; the membrane of the nose and eyes bright red, tending to purple ; ears and legs are very cold, with a cold, clammy sweat at the extremities. When occurring after a hard ride or drive, the horse will become tired and sluggish in his action ; he will perspire profusely, and almost refuse to proceed, except with the greatest difficulty ; he will stand with his elbows turned outward, heaving violently at the flanks ; as before explained, the nostrils are dilated, and the ears and extremities cold ; the pulse is oppressed, or almost imperceptible at the jaw ; the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes are reddened. When of a milder nature, as often occurs ia horses suffering from catarrh which have been subjected to a fast drive and exposed to cold draughts, he is seized with a trembling 874 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. "(J9. — Arrangement of the capillaries around tbe air-cells. fit ; the ears are cold, and the respiration hurried, when the ear applied to the chest can plainly detect the imperfect breathing. The inabilit}' of the horse to take sufficient air into the luno-s, causes great and rapid prostration, and the horse will often, from extreme pain, lie down and get up, resembling colic (Somervllle) ; but the coldness of extremitie.s, prostration, and conditioii of pulse, will, if carefully exam- ined, enable an under- standing of the real cause. A choking noLse is some- times heai'd coming from the throat. In some cases a little blood may be thrown from one or both nostrils. Extreme j^i'os- tration and laborious breathing, and bleeding from the nostrils, show a condition of sevci-e con- gestion. Causes. — The most common cause is violent exertion when the hor.se is in an imfit state for severe work ; as, for instance, a horse in high condition is taken out of his stable and driven rapidly for five or six miles ; this induces an increased quantity of blood to the lungs, more than they can dispose of in their weakened condi- tion from the want of regular exercise. It is also caused by impure air, in horses standing in crowded .stables, and is often a sequel of catarrh. Treatment. — In acute cases it must be energetic. Clothe tlie bod}^ well, and administer stimxdants, as — 2 ounces sulpluuic ether, 1 ounce laudanum. To be given in half a pint nf cold water ; or nitrous ether may be given in place of the sulphuric. If no medicinal agents can be conveniently procured, give a quart of warm ale, or a tumblerful of gin, whisky, or brandy, mixed up with hot water oi' .sugar. Have him put into a warm place, with plenty of ventilation, as pure air is an indispensable adjunct in the treatment of all pulmonary diseases. If no relief l>S"EUMONIA. S75 follows, and there is danger of suflbcation, take from four to six quarts of blood from the neck vein, rub alcohol or otlier stim- ulant on the legs, rubbing well with the hand, and apply hot clotlis to the sides and loins, and cover up with dry blankets, so as to induce a free perspiration, and thereby assist in relieving the lungs. There is some difference of opinion among practitioners in relation to bleeding for congestion. Dr. Summerville, who is a very able and successful practitioner, instructed the writer as fol- lows : "If there is much congestion, it is necessary to give prompt relief, which can be done best by taking four to six quarts of blood quickly from the neck vein, stimulate the sides and legs, and give fever medicine as for pleurisy." While he condemns bleeding for j)leurisy or inflammation of the lungs, he says, " In a severe attack of congestion, bleeding cannot only be resorted to with safety, but, as above stated, is indispensable ; but must not be cari'ied too far, merely to assist the lungs to throw off the load of blood forced upon them, and to give the medicine prescribed a chance to operate." Prof. Williams also advises the same treat- ment. While he condemns bleeding as a general rule, he advises, where congestion is so great as to endanger asphyxia, bleeding a little (from four to six quarts), promptly. Pneumonia — Inflammation of the Lungs, As before explained, is inflammation of the substance of the lungs. Causes. — It is often a sequel of neglected or improperly treated catarrh. It may also, as stated, be accompanied by pleurLsy. A frequent and we may say the most common cause, is exposing the horse while warm to a sudden change of temperature, by allowing him to stand in a cold draught of air, etc. ; getting chilled or wet ; washing the belly and legs immediately after exercise and allow- ing the horse to get chilled ; removing from a warm to a cold or from a cold to a warm stable, or cold applied to the surface of a heated animal, by which the blood is driven from the skin and extremities to the internal organs. Any slight cold or sore throat may run into jDneumonia. Driving rapidly against a cold wind, especially after being confined to the stable for some time, is a common cause, and a horse should be watched carefully after ?-.uch 876 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. an exposure ; also breathing impure air in Dvercrowded, badly ventilated stables, or standing in an open, draughty stable. "Any exposure to cold and wet, sudden chills, housing in very cold, draughty stables. Horses kept in ill-ventilated stables are undoubtedly rendered susceptible to many diseases, and to pueu- raonia among the rest; but they will bear impure air even better than cold draughts blowing directly upon them. I have repeatedly observed that the slightest cold contracted by a horse kept in a draughty stable has almost invariably been succeeded by pneu- monia, and that if the animal was not removed to a more comfort- able situation, the disease tended to a fatal termination."- — Williams Symptoms. — Pneumonia is almost invariably ushered in by shivering, and coldness of the surface of the body. The breathing becomes hard and full, pant- ing like. The pulse is full and oppressed, running up to from sixty to eighty beats per minute, differing in its char- actor from the j^ulse of pleu- risy, which is hard and wiry. The ears and legs are cold ; the membranes of the eyes and nose are reddened ; the animal stands persistently with his elbows turned out. He stands with his nose to- FlG. 770. — As the horse usually stands when suffering frota iuflamraation of the lungs. — From Muyhew. to give more freedom to the lungs. ward the window or door, where he can get fresh an. A healthy horse breathes at an average of ten times in a min- ute, viz., ten inspirations and ten expirations ; and the time occu- pied by the inspiratory movement is longer than the expiratory. In pneumonia the expiration is as long, if not longer, than the in- spiration, and these movements are very much quickened, being an effort of nature to compensate for the impaned action of the lungs. When a cough is present, it is freer and less painful than the cough of pleurisy. By applying the ear to the sides of the chest, in the early stage a crepitating sound is heard, which becomes altered as the disease progresses ; but in a general sense it is easily distinguished by the horse standing with the legs spread, the head thrown forward, breathing quick and hard, and ears and legs cold. PNEUMONIA. 877 Treattmnt. — Blanket warmly and put in a comfortable stall where there will be pure aii-, and give the following fever medi- cine : — 1 ounce tincture of aconite, 2 drachms tincture of belladonna, 3 ounces water. Of this give from 15 to 30 drops on the tongue every 20 or 30 minutes or about 10 drops tincture of aconite every two hours, more or less accord- ing to the severity of the case. If the case is severe, apply strono- stimu- lants to the legs, breast, and sides of the chest, as before explained, such as mustard made into a paste and rubbed in thoroughly, or a liniment com- posed of aqua ammonia reduced one-half with water, and rubbed in well so as to invite circulation to surface and extremities. Blankets wrung out of hot water applied to the sides in the early stage (for details see Fomentations), is preferred by many. If this is done at the time the fever sets in, either in pneumonia or pleu- i-isy (the treatment for which is practically the same), with a few doses of the fever medi- cine, it is rarely the horse will not be relieved next day ; but ^'° 771.— Horse in last stages of inflam- if not, recovery wUl not com- "''"°° "^ *^ '""^s. - Mayi^ew. monly take place before the fifth or sixth day. Give from 2 to 3 drachms nitrate of potass two or three times a day. When there is improvement, whicli will be denoted by the pulse becoming full and regular and the expression and actions being lively, give less fever medicine and at longer intervals. Should too much be given, it wUl be noticed by falling of the pulse, sweating, trem- bling, and anxious eye, when it should be discontinued, and stim- ulants would be indicated. Nurse by giving simple food, such as a little bran with boiled oats, linseed meal, cooked carrots, with a little good hay. If there is much weakness, give moderate do.ses of whisky or brandy, from 4 to 6 ounces two or three times a day, being governed by its effects. If the bowels are bound, move them by enemas. Re- covery will be greatly aided by the use of stimulants and tonics ; 878 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. liquor acetate of ammonia in 2 ounce doses three or foiii- times a day, may be used. The best veterinary surgeons now all agree that bleeding is not only unnecessary but injurious in treating pneumonia and pleurisy. Pleurisy. As before stated, pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. Symptoms. — It may be sudden or gradual in its attack, the horse showing indispo- sition, sometimes for days previous. He will be dull and heavy in ac- tion for a day or twb, unwilling to lie down, pulse not much dis- turbed, or there is a chUl, ''"^**'"^^'sa^&-w^ ^^^*^'^A^ or shivering fit, which Fig. 772.— Usual appearance of a horse suffering J^sts from one to three from pleurisy. — From Mnyhcw. ^ i j? i hours, when fever sets in; breathing at flanks a little accelerated, countenance is anxious, the head is sometimes turned toward the side, does not lie down. As the disease advances, the symptoms become more marked. The ears and legs become cold ; the pulse, from being a little accelerated, grows quicker, hard, and full ; the head is hung for- ward ; stands up persistently ; breathing hurried ; the membrane of the nose and eyes red. Turning the horse round, or liitting against the chest, back of the shoulder, will cause a kind of grunt. The ear applied to the chest will detect a rough, rasping noise, and there is generall}' j^resent a short, painful, suppressed cough, easily excited by pressure on the larynx. Oanses. — Are similar to those of pneumonia, such as variations in temperature, exposure to cold while warm, standing in draught of cold air, impure air, etc. Pleurisy occurs as an independent disease, or, as before stated, may be accompanied by inflammation of the lungs. If neglected or not treated properly, is a very dan- gerous disease. PLEUlilSY. S70 Treatment is practically tin in a cool, -vvell-ventilatetl stall ; the body, neck, and legs warmly ; if at all serious, using stimulants on the extremities, and hand- rubbing thoroughly, with hot fo- mentations to the sides ; the gen- eral treatment, in a word, is the same as for pneumonia. Should there be cough, or soreness of the throat, it is to be treated in connection, as directed for lar- yngitis. I wish now to call attention to what must not be done. First, same as for pneumonia. Put give fever medicine ; blanket '•s^'icS!^^?^ 73. — The pleura as it appears when inflatQed, magnifled. Fig. 774. — Section of pleura showing blood-vessels greatly injected with blood. give no physic nor oil for any form of inflammation of the lungs. Cathartic medicine is poisonous, such as aloes, oils, or tartar emetic. There is so much nau- sea duiing the operation of these medi- cines, and debility from their eflFect, that they do harm. There is such great sympathy between the bowels and the lungs, that they hasten the cause of in- flammation of the lungs, often caus- ing death within a few hours after ad- ministering them. Next, do not bleed for pleurisy, as .so doing will cause diibility of the capil- laries of the part, v.hich would induce hydrothcrax, -fjf or dropsy of the chest. % This will be somewhat "^ puzzling to owners and sta- ble-keepers, and especially to those who may be guided ^';iilt|j,s ■ by Youatt and other good old authorities who invai'ia- ^^^'- ' bly advised this treatment. The better to aid my readers, I includ ■jUp- — Sliowing adhesive of the pleura. also the directions 880 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. given by Prof. W. W. Williams, president of the new Veterinary College of Edinburgh, Scotland, who is now recognized as being at the very head of the veterinary profession, and the most reliable authority : — " 1. Place the animal in a well- ventilated loose-box, but wl\ero the air ij not too cold. " 2. Clothe and wrap the body, extremities, and head in suitable but not too heavy cloths. " 3. Give it as much water as it will drink, adding to the water, if there is much fever, about an ounce of nitre, or 20 to 30 drops of tincture of aconite, to the bucket full. "4. If the bowels are bound, loosen them bj' injections of oil or warm water. "5. If there is miich weakness, give two drachms each of car- bonate of ammonia and camphor, in the form of a ball, twice daily. " 6. Let the food bo simple, laxative, cooling, and nutritious, as bran, boiled linseed meal, good hay, or cooked carrots or turnips. " 7. If moderate diarrhea or profuse staleing come on, they are on no account to be checked, as this is an effort of nature to throw off the disease. " 8. If there is great exhaustion, moderate doses of whisky may bo given, .but there is no use of jJushing them, unless their good effects are soon seen." The attention of the writer has been particularly directed to the value of the fever medicine before recommended in the treat- ment of pleurisy and pneumonia. Dtiring the year of his stay in Buffalo with Dr. Somerville, it was invariably used for all cases of chills and fever with remarkable success. Indeed, the writer does not remember a single fatal case, even of those that had been caused by exposure, or from badly-ventilated stables, or of an epizootic character, when treated within a reasonable length of time. Th"^ usual course was blanketing the horse comfortably warm and giving this medicine, in about the proportion and at intervals stated ; the size and the condition of the ease determining how much to give. A great many times while on the road the ■writer has had occasion to use this medicine for chills and fever, and always with success. Indeed, if this is given promptly, with anything like ordinary care, aided by other means as directed, there need be but little danger of failure. The point is, as repeat- edly stated, to take the case in hand promptly at the start ; watch closely the condition of the animal that has been exhausted, or hard-driven, and exposed to cold, especially during chilly, rainy weather, and if any indication of chill is noticeable, give a little of TREATMENT FOJl PNEUMONIA. 881 the fevor medicine once or twice, and blanket warnily, and it is rarely any serious trouble will follow. The medicine is put up by Dr. Somerville, as a specialty, for the use of stable-keepers, and is regarded of great value. The real point of its value, I believe, is in its dilution. Simple tincture of aconite reduced, so far as the writer is able to understand, hav- ing all the beneficial effects claimed for the combination with bel- ladonna or veratrum. Dr. Somerville is a thoroughly educated practitioner of the old school, of great experience, and his success in the treatment of chest difficulties (pneumonia) has been remark- able ; and he has depended mainly upon this preparation, anti- fever medicine, for his success. The method of his putting it up now may be somewhat different from the formula given ; but it will be found in every essential all that is required, by wiving in addition, in cases of intermittent chills, quinine or other tonic medicine. The writer would in all cases, if available, prefer using that prepared by Dr. Somerville,* as he is very careful to have the qual- ity of the medicine reliable. It is put up in convenient form, and the extra expense is merely nominal, and he would advise his friends to obtain it of him or his agents, when available. Dr. Cha.s. a. Myer's Treatment. In conver-sation with Dr. Myeronthe treatment of pneumonia and pleurisy, he stated that he treated them with decided success without using aconite, which is recognized as the best sedative for fever. I requested the details of his method of treatment, which I here include as an important addition to what I have already given on the subject : — Have the animal well blanketed and cared for in a roomy stall, where there is plenty of circulating air, and give one of the following balls every eight hours : — 1 ounce carbonate of ammonia, 2\ ounces pulv. chincona bark, 5 ounce jiulv. nux vomica, 3 drachms pulv. digitalis leaves, 2 ounces pulv. gentian. Make into eight balls. '•Dr. Wm. Somerville 127 Erie street, Buffalo, N. T. 56 SS2 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. Also yive the following in water twice a day: — 6 ounces nitrate of potash. 1 ounce bicarbonate of soda. Make into six powders. Have the animal's chest rubbed with alcohol two or three times a day for the first two days. Feed nutritious food, or any- thing tliat niay tempt the animal to eat. The medicine must be continued until the animal commences to lie down, Mdiich will be from the sixth to the eightli day. Pleurisy. Si/mjytoms rather obscure. Animal dull, dejected, oft' his food, sweats easily, pulsation from 60 to 80, small and Aveak, tempera- ture 102i° to 104°; above this is sure death. Sometimes there is a cough from commencement, but often or in about half the cases there is no cough. During the first three or four days the extrem- ities and ears are alternately hot and cold, appetite almost wholly lost. The fecal and urinary secretions are considerably lessened. The membrane of nose and eyes are injected. Tongue is generally foul, belly tucked up, does not lie down. The thoracic walls are fixed, breathing almost wholly abdominal, and elbows turned. If made to move suddenly, especially turning short around, there is a groan or growl. Breathing quick or catching-like and short. Often the right side only is aft'ected. Treatnicnt. — Hot applications to the chest. This can bo done best by wringing blankets out of h<3t water and applying them to the chest, — two or three blankets, one over another, and all cov- ered with oil cloth or other blankets so as to keep in the heat. Rul) limbs with alcohol ; they may also be loosely bandaged. One of the following balls should be given every eight hours : — i ounce powdered opium. 1; ounces muriate ammonia. 3 ounces powdered chincoiia bark. Mix, and make into six balls. Give the animal anything he will eat or drink. If the horse is taken during the early stages, this will cut it short in from 4 the hilt. Now draw out the trocar, when the gas will escape. When the escape of the gas has ceased, put a finger over the opening of the canula to prevent the air from filling in, and withdraw. When withdi-awn, rub slightly with the finger over the wound, and leave it alone. Before performing the operation, give TYMPANITES, OR FLATULENT COLIC. 897 four ounces of vegetable charcoal which has been kept dry, mixed with one quart of milk. The horse will have instant relief after the operation. If ho remains quiet, feed nothing for about twelve hours. Give flaxseed tea to drink. After the expiration of this time, feed bran mashes, with oatmeal or ground oats, and continue from four to six days, when the animal will bo well When there is no hope by medicine, this opera- tion is the only treatment that promises success. Should the horse be uneasy after the operation, give one of the balls used for inflammation of the bowels, which should be repeated once in from four to six hours until quiet." During the warm months Dr. Meyer usually performs this operation fj.o^j F">-. "^^ -The /=ros8 show- , , r. , ,1 . . ing the location to be twenty- five to thirty times, to save life. punctured. His loss is about one in ten. I would add that during my experience in Buffalo, I had no occasion to perform this operation, the treatment given proving in every instance effective. This operation, according to standard authorities, has been regarded as seldom successful. I think the Fig. 786, — Method of puncturing the cow or ox when bloated. reason is that the case lia,s been allowed to go too long before re- sortmg to it. In a conversation with Dr. Meyer in relation to it, he stated that he regarded it as very valuable treatment, enabling him to cure a large proportion of cases which othervnse would be beyond help. As it may in some cases be found necessary to per- 57 898 - DISEASES AND THBIE TEBATMENT. form this operation, I give a diagram of the body, showing the lo- cation of the point to be punctured, and also add an excellent il- lustration of the method of performing it upon cows or oxen that may become bloated, — a very common occurrence in cattle that are turned into a clover-field, and eat too much ; and as most horse- owners are largely interested in cattle, I thought it of suiEcient importance to give the illustration in connection with this arti- cle. I give other important remedies for colic — those used by the leading colleges and experts — under the head of Remedies, in the latter part of this work. When a horse is taken suddenly sick, especially after a drive, or after having been given cold water or a change of food, looking at his side, and acting as if he wanted to lie down, etc., simply catch him by the ear, and if it is warm, and the pulse is natural, it is always accepted as a proof of colic. Now, what can be done provided you have none of the medicine recommended ? Give about a tablespoonf ul of ginger in a pint of hot water, well stirred ; or giving as a drench from four to six ounces of good whisky or brandy, is sometimes very effective. Hot fomentations to the sides and belly are also very effective, using woolen blankets wrung out of water as hot as can be borne, and covered with two or three other cloths to retain the heat, and to be repeated as they cool. A hot bran poultice would be some- what better, as it would retain the heat longer. (Full directions for giving fomentations will be found under that head.) The fever medicine, given in doses of from a drachm to half an ounce, has also been found very efficient. Inflammation of the Bowels. Enteritis, also sometimes called red colic, may occur as a pri- mary disease, but more often it is seen as a consequence of colic or constipation of the bowels. It generally proves fatal. As an idiopathic affection, that is, occurring independent of any other disease, it may occur from any of the causes of colic, particularly overloading the stomach. Symptoms. — The animal is noticed to be unwell ; he is dull and stupid ; refuses food ; has shivering fits, the mouth becoming hot, and extremities alternately hot and cold, the pulse being INFLAMTVfATIOJ^ OF THE BOWELS. 899 quick, small, and wiry. He looks toward his flanks; the bowels are costive; after a time pain sets ia, and is continuous and vio- lent ; he rolls about, the sweat pouring from him in streams ; the eyes are blood-shot ; the belly hot and tender. He does not throw himself violently down, as in colic, but lies down cautiously, and tries to steady himself on his back. As it goes on, the symptoms are augmented, the legs and ears get deathly cold, the pulse be- comes weaker, and soon is imperceptible ; the mouth gets cold and clammy ; extravasation of blood is going on in. the bowels ; morti- FiG. 787. — First stage of Inflammation of the Bowels. fication sets in, the pain ceases, and he may stand up. He is dull and stupid, surface of the body cold, mouth cold, twitching of the muscles, and retraction of the upper lip. He soon falls violently to the ground, endangering the lives and limbs of the attendants who happen to be near him, and after a few struggles expires. After death, the bowels are very much inflamed, and the Laner surface black and clotted with extravasated blood. Death some- times occurs in from six to eight hours, and even in shorter time. When occurring in consequence of colic or constipation, it is verj' difficult to determine the exact transition from spasm to inflam< mation. 900 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. Treatment. — In the outset, especially when occurring as a primary affection, and not as a consequence of another disease, copi- ous blood-letting will be advisable — from four to six quarts, or sufficient to make an impression on the pulse. He should be turned into a well-littered loose-box, and allowed to roll as he pleases. The bowels are obstinately constipated, but drastic pur- gatives are apt to increase the inflammation; our utmost efforts must therefore be directed to open them by copious injections (of Fig. 788. — A sure indication of Inflammation of tlie Bowels. linseed-tea, soap and water, tobacco-smoke, or infusion of tobacco,) back-raking, etc. A quart of linseed-oil, with two ounces of laudanum, .should be given, and repeated, in half the dose, every one or two hours, if required. Fomentations of hot water must be constantly applied to the belly, or bags wrung out of boil- ing water. Where, from the violent tossing of the animal, this is impracticable, blister the belly with tincture of cantharides or mustard and tui-pentine. If the symptoms do not moderate in a few hours, the pulse continues full, and the legs and ears not very cold, a second bleed- ing may be advisable; but this is seldom the case, as the prostra- tion is rapid, the pulse becoming small, wiry, and almost imper- mPLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 901 ceptible, and the legs and ears deathly cold. In this case bleeding but hastens the fatal termination. When it has continued eight or ten hours, if it takes a favor- able turn, the pulse becomes fuller, the surface warmer, and he will lie for some time stretched out, apparently asleep, being weakened from the disease and bleeding, and probably partially narcotized from the laudanum. In this stage he must be made comfortable, and covered up in straw or sheets. We usually "bury" him in straw. This restores the balance of the circula- tion, often causing him to sweat ; and after Ijnng thus for one or two hours, he will get up relieved, and begin to feed. No hay must be given him. After a little, he should be encour- aged to drink well-boiled gruel, or eat a thin bran mash. Injections must be con- tinued till the bowels are freely opened. For a few days he must be kept warm; a few mouthfuls of cold water may be given every hour; gentle walking exercise and sloppy diet must be continued for some time. About the fourth day, even though the bowels have become regular, he should have a purgative (from six to eight drachms of aloes, made into a ball), to remove ingesta, and restore the secretions to their natural condition. The following is the treatment advised by Dr. Somerville: — " This disease is generally caused by constipation of the bowels, hard driving, over-purging or looseness of bowels, or drinking cold water when warm. Constipation is, however, the principal cause of the disease, and when this is the case, the first and most impor- tant condition of relief is to get an action of the bowels. " Symjitoms. — For the first few hours the horse is uneasy, paws, looks around at the side, the pulse is slightly accelerated and wiry. As the disease advances, the intermissions between the attacks be- come less, pulse quicker, running from seventy to eighty beats in a minute, in some instances even faster; lies down and gets up, shows much pain, no swelling of sides; now begins to exhibit fever, bowels constipated, urine highly colored and scanty. -A symptom of inflammation of tlie bowels, or great internal pain. 902 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. ^^ Remedy. — Give a quart of raw linseed oil. If constipation is very great, add from four to six drops of croton oil. "If scours or over-purging, give an ounce and a half of the tinct- ure of opium with six ounces of water. But in order to sujipress the inflammation, it is necessary to bleed immediately from the neck vein from six to ten quarts of blood, according to the strength and Bize of the animal. In extreme cases bleeding may be rejjeated to the extent of four to six quarts in three or four hours. If much pain exists in constipation, give from one to three ounces tincture asafoetida. Feed lightly for a week at least, giving gruel, roots, grass, and bran mashes, and keep quiet. Do not exercise for several days if there is danger of a relapse. This is a dangerous disease, and requires prompt treatment." Treatment advised by Dr. Charles A. Meyer: — "The first stage of inflammation of the bowels is when the ani- mal sits on his haunches like a pig, gradually gets up, and walks around as if in great agony ; makes attempts to lie down, and when he does, goes down very carefully ; may make a few rolls ; will gradually straighten out again, attempts to rise, and sits on his haunches again like a pig. This position is a sign of bowel inflam- mation, and to save the patient the treatment must begin in earnest. Should the patient be fat and plethoric, bleed from the neck from two to eight quarts, according to the size of the horse. Apply a strong rubifacient to the abdomen, of 1 ft of strong mus- tard, 2 oz. aqua ammonia, and water sufficient to make into plas- ter ; rub in well, and cover with paper, to keep in the heat. Then give the following medicine: — " 4 drachms opium, pulverized. 2 oz. subnitrate of bismuth. 4 drachms chloroform. 2\ drachms nux vomica, pulverized. Q. S. licorice root. " Make into four balls, give one every 4 to 6 hours, according to the un- easiness of the patient, who must be kept quiet, and these balls will do it. Feed soft, nutritious food, warm water, and no hay, for about one week." SUPERPURGATION, DiARRHEA, ETC. An over-relaxed state of the bowels may arise from various causes. In some animals it is favored by peculiarities of confor- mation, as is seen in washy horses, animals with long legs, open ribs, and flat sides, with tucked-up bellies, such being liable to purge from the simplest cause. Change of feed, especially from dry to green, or unhealthful food, and sometimes through nervous excitement, is apt to produce scouring. It is usually the evidence of something wrong, and the Fio. 790. — General view of the horse's intestines, showing the distribution of blood to them by the great mesen- teric artery. The animal is placed on its back, and the Intestinal mass spread out. A.. The duodenum as It passes behind the great mesentrlc artery; S» Free portion of the smaU Intes- tine; C. Beocaecal portion ; D. Cjecum; J?, F, O. Loop formed by the large colon ; O, PelTic flexure; F, F. Point where the colic loop is doubled to constitute ' the suprasternal and dia- phragmatic flexures. 904 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. effort of nature to remove it. Some irritant or indigested food being lodged in the bowels, the intestinal fluids are poured out ia superabundance to remove it. The incautious use of purgative medicines is a common cause of superpurgation. It often occurs in the latter stages of debilitatiag diseases, "when it is always an untoward symptom, betokening a breaking-up of the vital powers. The presence of little white worms (ascarides) is occasionally the cause. It sometimes follows the drinking of cold water when an animal is in a heated state. Symptoms. — The symptoms vary according to the nature of the case, and the causes that give rise to it. It may be simply an increased fluidity of the contents of the bowels, as is seen in washy or nervous animals, unaccompanied by pain or constitutional dis- turbance; or, on the other hand, it may be (as in superpui-gation) attended by pain, expressed by the uneasiness, pawing, looking to the flanks, etc. He strains frequently, and the fceces are very watery ; the pulse is small and hard. Rapid and increasing ■weak- ness and emaciation, loss of appetite, and unless means are speedily adopted to check it, inflammation of the bowels is apt to set in. Treatment. — Great care must be exercised in feeding and wat- ering washy horses, dry feed being best suited to them. They should not be allow^ed to drink too freely of water, especially be- fore work. In many cases it may be necessary to give them some starch or chalk mixed up in the feed. In all cases, the main point is to discover the cause. If arising from improper food, it must be changed at once. If some irritant be suspected, nature must be assisted in her efforts by giving a quart of linseed or castor oil, followed up by starch or well-boUed flour gruel, keeping the animal w^arm. If worms are suspected, or seen in the dung, one or two ounces of Bpirits of turpentine, or any of the vermifuges recommended, should be added to the oil. Should it not yield to this, neutralize the acids in the bowels by giving an ounce and a half of prepared chalk and a dram and a half of powdered catechu, mixed in a pint of water. Give once or twice a day until purging ceases. Keep the animal without exercise, and do not give much water to drink. If this disease should arise from nervous excitement, give a CONSTIPATION. 905 drachm of powdered opium in the food once a day tor three or four days. Or give the following astringent drench : — 1 drachm powdered opium, 4 oz. prepared chalk, 1 oz. gum acacia. Dissolve in warm water, and give in well-boiled flour o: starch gruel. It may be given two or three times a day, the gruel being given frequently. If very severe, injections of solution of catechu and starch, with a little tincture of opium, should be given. The belly may be stimulated with liquid blister. He must be kept perfectly warm, and the legs bandaged. Care must be taken not to induce an opposite state of the bowels by the injudicious use of astringents. An ounce each of carbonate of soda and gin- ger should be given daily for some time after recovery. Rest and good dry food are necessary for some time. Constipation. Constipation is a condition the very opposite of the above, in which we have a diminished action of the bowels, the dung being dry and voided with difficulty, leading to dangerous "stoppage of the bowels." It arises from various causes, especially from being fed on dry, fibrous food. If in pasture in the fall, when the grass is tough and fibrous, with perhaps a scarce supply of water, the fibrous ingesta are liable to become felted together, and impacted in the bowels. Want of exercise, and feeding too much grain, are also prominent causes. It is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the bowels. Horses that are kept up, or not worked regularly, and especially if fed on dry food, should have an occasional bran mash with plenty of water to drink ; or small doses of laxatives, aloes is the simplest and best, from two to four drachm doses, with green food. If accompanied by colic, or inflammation of the bowels, back-rak- ing, etc., must be resorted to until relieved. Green grass is about the best laxative. All horses, especially those advanced in years, should be watched carefully, and when there is any tendency to constipa- tion, it should be prevented, as before stated, by givmg bran mashes, carrots, and raw potatoes; or, if thought advisable, a lit- tle oil or physic, with regular exercise and sufiicient water, and 906 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. Fie. 791. — Symptom of worms. there will usually be no difficulty. It is very important to look to this, condition ; neglecting it, colic, inflammation of the bowels, etc., may result. Worms. Worms are most commonly found in the stomach and bowels; they are also sometimes met with in al- most every part of the body. Investiga- tion shows there are over thirty kinds of worms that infest the horse. Dr. Robert Jennings, about twenty years ago, at that time a resident of Borden Town, New Jersey, and now of Detroit, Michi- gan, informed the writer that he had traced out thirty different kinds in the horse, and among others exliibited a piece of muscle that was perforated by a large number of little white worms from one to two inches long. Mr. White, an old author, says: — '■ I have found worms in the wind-pipe, in the mesenteric ar- tery, in an abscess in the substance of the abdominal muscles, and according to Lafosse, they have been found also in the pancreatic and salivary ducts." There are but three or four that are very common. First, the teres lumbrici, a large worm from four to ten inches long, that lives in the intestines. It looks like the common earth- worm, yellowish white and ta- pered at both ends. Second, the ascaris or ascarides, commonly called needle or thread-worm, of a dirty-white color, usually from ^'o- "92.— The appearance of a horse that is troubled with worms. one to two inches long. They are sometimes found in thousands. They have been observed chiefly inhabiting the mucous coat of the ccecum, on the surface of which, it is supposed, they are developed in little cells, which, when ma- tured, burst, producing considerable irritation, and often serious inflammation of the parts. They are also sometimes found to in- fest the rectum in large numbers, and to reheve the irritation they produce, the horse rubbing his taiL WOEMS. 907 Varieties of atrongyli and oxyures also occur, and are sometimes mis- taken for ascaris. They are, how- ever, distinct species ; the former is tapered, and terminates in a spine, whereas the latter is blunted, with a head like a leather sucker. The strongyli inhabit the ccecum, colon, and duodenum ; the oxyures, the mes- entery, spermatic cord, and in fact almost every organ in the body. The common whip-worm, or long thread- worm, technically called the tricho- cephalus dispar, are found in the coe- cum. They resemble a whip, the shank being about a third, and the thong two thu-ds the length, usually about two inches. Bots, which in- habit the stomach, will be referred to especially following this article. There is also a small thread-like worm, called yi^ario., from a half inch to an inch and a half long, which travels all through the system. This is the worm that sometimes gets into the eye and grows there. The tape- worm is sometimes found in the horse, for which I give a specific remedy used by Dr. Meyer with great success. (I give illustrations of a few 10. 793. — Ascaria Lumbrlcorde. a, Female; d, Male; natural size. Fig. 794. — Ascaride margmata, enlarged. worms, though not of all that I desired, on account of the difii culty of obtaining them. They will not, however, be of any special interest or importance to the general reader. Hence those ob- 908 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. tained are put in without regard to much tech- nical explanation.) Symptoms of worms are debility, feeble- ness, sluggish movements, emaciation, staring coat, hide bound, skin covered with blotches, irregular and capricious appetite, tucked up belly, pallid appearance of the lining mem- brane of the lip, badly digested faeces, rubs the tail, and where fundament worms exist, a whitish substanc-e will be found about the fun- dament. Many horses have worms, and their presence is never suspected till they appear in the dung. Troublesome diarrhea is sometimes produced by the presence of ascaridos in the coecum, and are sometimes found in vast numbers in the rectum. Fig. 795. — Asearide Treatment. — The horse should be put on bran mashes for a few days, then ,^ .^ , ffive him notliing but water a. Male; 6. Female; » _ ° c, d. The expansion of for eight Or ten hours, then wr^^arr givethefoUowing drench:- 1 quart linseed oil, 2 ounces spirits of turpentine. In an hour after give a warm bran masli, and next morning give a dose of physic. If thought necessary, in about a week this may be repeated. Dr. Somerville claimed there was no better medicine for the destruction of worms than ,i^-,^°™^,,'"'°™ ^l . rolled up in the body of calomel, and advised it to be given m the fol- the mother ; H. The lowing combinatioiLs:- rfTatr;°"^nlad, ^t^ 3 drachms calomel, tlie protuberances and , , , . , , . mouth ; h. Orisfiu of the 1 drachm tartar emetic. .„,, ' .,, .'Z^ tali, with the anus Mix, and divide into three powders, one to be *■ ^^ ^' ^'' given at night for three successive nights, to be followed in twenty-four hours with a good purging ball. Or, — Flu. 796.— Young Fila- ria thread-worm. WOEMS. 909 t orachms aloes, 1 drachm tartar emetic, 2 drachms ginger, About the size of a bean of calomel, and molasses enough to make into a ball. To be given every morning for three days. Fig. 797. — Strongula, enlarged. Dr. Hamill found that in treating inflammation of the extrem- ities caused by injuries, such as getting a nail in the foot, where excessive, that occasionally after giving a dose of aloes and calo- mel large numbers of worms were expelled. Would advise from two to four drachms calomel, with aloes according to size and temperament of the horse. This is also corroborated by Dr. White, who advises to give Fig. 798. — Tienia Solium, natural size. Fragments taken from distance to distance. The head is above, and very small. The last segments are longer than wide, show alternately the genital opening at the right and left. one or two drachms of calomel with a dose of physic; or the calo- mel at night, and a dose of physic in the morning. Or give a drachm of calomel for three successive nights previous to the physic. The following for worms was given the writer by a veterinary surgeon of very high standing: — 910 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. " Take hickory-wood, sumac-wood, and ordinary white ash, and burn to ashes. Feed a large spoonful twice a day for three days. Then follow up with a cathartic," Prof. Gamgee's favorite remedy: — " 2 drachms assafoetida, Ij drachms each, calomel and savin, 30 drops oil of male fern. ' ' Mass sufficient to form a ball to be given at night, and a purge in the morning. " Dr. Sheldon, formerly of New York City, depended mainly upon san^onine, by the use of which he claimed great success, and which he also claims never fails to clean the worms out of a horse. He treated as follows: — Fi-ii in liot water, and when cool add an ounce each of turpentine and ether. To be given every second day for a week, leaving out aloes if bowels become too open." To relieve pain and uneasiness, any of the colic mixtures are to be given. Prof. Law advises giving potato juice to feed and quiet the bots, adding some colic medicine if thought necessary. In a report by Dr. Adams in relation to the subject, published about fifteen years ago in the "Medical and Agricultural Regis- ter," he stated, having made the following experiments at differ, ent times on bote three-fourths, grown, that — INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 915 " When immersed in rum, they live 25 hours ; decoction of to- bacco, 11 hours ; strong oil of vitriol, 2 hours, 18 minutes ; essential oil of mint, 2 hours, 5 miniites. Were immersed without apparent injury in spirits of camphor, 10 hours; fish oil, 49 hours; tinct. aloes, 10 hours; in brine, 10 hours; solution indigo, 10 hours. A number of small bots, with one that was full grown, were immersed in a strong solution of corrosive sublimate ; the small ones died in one hour,"but the fuU-growu one was taken out of the solution, six houi-s after its immersion, apparently uuhuil." Inflammation of the Kidneys. Inflammation of the kidneys is generally caused by hard work, by slipping, throwing tliij hind parts so suddenly under the belly as to produce undue tension of the lumbar vertebrae, or from sud- den colds by being exposed to i-ain and cold, the eating of musty hay or oats, or unhealthy food of any kind. Too powerful or too often repeated diuretics produce inflammation of the kidneys, or a degree of irritation and weakness of them that disposes to inflam- mation, from causes that would otherwise have no injurious effect. Symptoms. — Less or more fever of the system generally, and unwillingness to move, particularly the hind legs, dung hard and coated, very sensitive to pressure on the spine. The horse looks anxiously round at his flanks, stands with his hind legs wide apart, and straddles as he walks, shows pain in turning; the urine is voided in small quantities, and is usually high colored, some- times bloody ; the attempt to urinate becomes more frequent, and the quantity voided smaller, until the animal strains violently, without being able to pass any or but very little urine. The pulse is quick and hard, full in the early .stage of the disease, but rapidly becommg small, though not losing its character of hard- ness. Introduce the hand into the rectum. If the bladder is found full and hard under the rectum, there is inflammation of the neck of the bladder. If the bladder is empty, yet on the por- tion of the intestines immediately over it there is more than nat- ural heat and tenderness, there is inflammation of the body of the bladder. If the bladder is empty and there is no increased ten- derness and heat, there is inflammation of the kidneys. Treatment.— If the pulse is high, about sixty, take five or six quarts of blood, and give a fever ball ; to be repeated in three hours if not better. Fever ball: 4 drachms Barbadoes aloes, 1 drachm tartar emetic, 2 drachms ginger, calomel about the size of 916 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. a bean, molasses sufficient to make into a ball. Counter irritation must next be excited over the seat of the disease. The loins should be fomented with hot water or covered with mustard poultice, or, better, heat a peck of salt in an oven, place it in a bag, and put it over the part affected. If the case is severe and protracted, a sharp blister may be used. No diuretics are to be r/iven, as they ivould simply aggravate, and make the disease worse. After the bowels are open, give aconite, and treat as for fever. After re- coveiy, the horse should be kept very quiet for a month, and if in season, turned out to gi-ass. If in winter, feed with light mashy diet; exercise lightly by leading, if the animal be valuable and it is desired to aid recovery by extra care. Profuse Staling (Diuresis). Profuse staling, sometimes called diabetes, consists principally of simple, increased secretion of urine, witbout any apparent structural disease of the kidney, or much alteration of the compo- sition of the urine, so characteristic of this affection In man. Causes. — It arises in a great measure from feeding musty or heated hay, exposure to cold, etc. Frequently it occurs as an ac- companiment of acidity of the stomach, or from the improper use of diuretics, as nitre, saltpetre, resin, etc., which are frequently given In large quantities for some time by grooms and ignorant persons, not knowing the harm they are domg thereby. It Is of these ingredients also that most of the " condition powders " kept for sale, which are often liberally fed, are composed. It is not prudent, or at all necessary, to give such medicine, excepting for specific purposes, and then very cautiously. Intelligent owners give but very little medicine. Instead, they give bran mashes, etc., with good air, regular exercise, and grooming. SyniptoniS. — The intense thirst first attracts attention ; he is constantly craving for water, and rapidly lo.s&s condition; the coat becomes rough and stai-mg; he passes large quantities of clear urine, his litter being constantly wet. He will be seen poking among his litter, which he often eats with avidity in preference to good hay. If it goes on unchecked, great prostration sets in, the heart beats tumultuously, the throbbing being often visible at the side, the pulse being irregular and Intermittont. Treatment. — It is generally very easily checked if taken in INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER (CYSTITIS). 917 time; a complete change of diet is indispensable; give good sweet hay ; carrots are recommended. The bowels must be freely opened. Iodine in doses of two drachms, once oi' twice a day, is claimed to be a never-failing remedy, very useful iu correcting the thirst and checking the flow of uj-ine. The following ball may bo given night and morning: — 1 drachm iodiiie, 1 drachm iodide of potassium, 1 drachm barbadoes aloes ; Licorice and syrup sufficient to make a ball. Or, give one of the following balls every night; — i ounce powdered opium, 1 ounce powdered kino, 1 ounce prepared chalk. Mix with molasses, and make six balls. Tonics should be commenced early. In some cases it can be arrested by making him drink water with pipe-clay or peasemeal shaken up in it. A run at pasture will often cure it. Inflammation of the Bladder (Cystitis). Causes. — It may arise from the too free use of diuretic medi- ehies, or from the injudicious use of fly blisters or turpentine ; sometimes from the presence of concretions or gravelly deposits in the bladder, or an extension of spasm, or inflammation of other or- gans. Symptoms. — Almost the same as those of inflammation of the kidneys. Frequent voiding of urine in small quantities, quick pulse, looks frequently at flanks, paws violently, tender when pressed upon under the flanks. When the body of tlie viscus is the seat of the disease, it be- comes very irritable, the urine being passed almost as soon as it reaches the bladder, the act of staling being almost constantly going on. The other symptoms are nearly analogous to nephritis ; when examined by the hand in the rectum, it is found empty, hot, and tender. When the neck df the bladder is the seat of the disease, it will be found distended with urine, and, instead of frequent stal- ing, we have almost complete suppression of urine. 918 DISEASES AND THEIK TEEATMENT. Treatmeut. — The treatment resembles that recommended for neplirites, which see. Should the contraction of the neck con- tinue, a gum elastic catheter should bo introduced, or a little warm oil may (in the mare) bo injected into the bladder. Small doses of bicarbonate of soda or potash should bo given to neutralize the urine, which is usually acid. Here the principal object is to lower inflammation and relax the muscular contraction of the neck of the bladder. Bleed largely, almost to fainting ; give physic as for inflammation of the kidneys, or a quart of linseed oil. A drachm of powdered opium> made into a ball, or given in drink, every two or thi-ee hours, and blister over the loins. Give aconite, as for inflammation of the kidneys.* Retention of Urine. The most common cause is keeping the animal active, not giv- ing time to urinate, and a spasm of the neck of the bladder or gravelly concretions; any cause of irritation may cause spasm. Symptoms are the same as i.i inflammation of the kidneys, except standing very wide behind, and when walking, a straddling gait re- sembling a cow with a very full bag. The most prompt treatment is to use the catheter, and scarcely anything more is necessary. But if one is not obtainable, bleed fre(^ly, and give a sti'ong opiate: 3 oz. tinct. opium, i:i half a pint of water. Bloody Urine Is generally the result of injuries of the loins, unwholesome food, violent exercise, etc. Treatment. — Give plenty of linseed tea to drink ; if the animal refuses it, drench him. Give internally, once a daj', one of the following pills : sugar of lead, 1 oz. ; linseed meal, 2 oz. Mix with molasses and divide into eight parts. Diseases op the Nervous System. The nervous system consists of the brain, which i.i lodged in the cavity of the skull (cranium) ; the spinal cord, lodged in the cavity of the vertebral chain; and numerous little ^vhite cords, * If possible, call a veterinary surgeon, who will iutroduce a catheter, wbicli will relieve tlie animal immeJiately. INFLAMMATION OF TllK JJKAiN ( L'liUENlTiy). ill!) called nerves, which are giveu out from the brain and spinal cord, and distributed to the different parts of the body, especially those parts endowed with sensibility, and under the control of the will. Besides this system of nerves, there is anotlior set, independent of the Cerebro-spiaal axis, called the sympathetic or ganglionic sys- tem, which supplies the organs of nutrition and other viscera, blood- vessels, etc. It consists of numerous small centers, called ganglia, extending in two great chains from the head to the tail, on each side of the bodies of the vertebrte, closely associated with the other system by uitricate communication. Inflammation of the Brain (Phrenitis). Phrenitis is not a very common disease, thougli the substance of the brain itself, or, as is more commonly the ca.se, its membranes, or coverings, bo- come inflamed. It has recei voi 1 various appellations, such as mad staggers, sleepy staggers, etc. Causes. — The causes are not thoroughly understood. Injuries to the skull, onetasta- sis, or the transference of in- flammation from some of the other oi-gans, liigh condition and overwork, undue exposure to a hot sun, all seem to be fav- orable to its production. Horses that are too highly fed are sub- ject to this, while moderately fed horses are scarcely ever inclined to it. Symptoms. — It is usually ushered in by dullness and persist- ent drowsiness; he stands with his head between his legs, or some- times restinsT against the manger or leaning against the wall ; the eyes shut, and the pupils dilated ; the pulse is full, soft, and slow ; the breathing is heavy and loud; he is very difficult to arouse, and when startled, he looks dreamily about ; may take a few bites of hay, but soon drops asleep again; the bowels are costive, and the urine scanty and high colored. In a day or two the symptoms are mitigated, or it goes on to Fig. 801. — Symptom of iuflammatioii of the brain. 920 DISEASES AND THEIK TKEATMENT. the second stage, when tlie pulse becomes quick, general excitement takes the place of lethargic stupor; the countenance is wild and ex- cited looking ; the eyes are blood-shot and staring ; delirium sets in ; he dashes himself furiously about, reels and staggers, often throws himself violently down ; lies trembhng, blowing, and convulsed ; his blood-shot eyes like to start out of their sockets ; he will soon get up, rear and plunge forward, breaking everything around him; evidently unconscious of the inj uries he is sustaining ; and, what is characteristic of the complaint, his destruction is carried on evi- dently without purpose, as is evinced in rabies, or madness. The convulsions become more frequent and continuous, and death ends his misery in from twenty to twenty-four hours. Treatment. — Copious blood-letting must be at once resorted to; no time should be lost in giving a strong dose of purgative medicine. One or both jugulars may be opened, or where, from the restlessness of the patient or danger in working about him, this is impracticable, the lancet should be plunged into the temporal ar- tery, which will be found about three inches below tlie ear, be- tween it and the nostril. The following drench should be given: — 6 drachms Barbadoes aloes, i oz. carbonate of soda, 15 croton beans finely powdered. Shaken up in a quart of warm water. Three drachms of aloes may be given every three hours with co- pious injections eveiy hour, till the bowels are freely opened. Sed- atives should also be used, such as extract of liyoscyamus and cal- omel, a drachm of each shaken up in a little thin gruel, given every two hours. Seldom is repetition of blood-letting advisable ; cold water should be constantly applied to the head ; a small ho.se made to play upon it in a constant stream, where it is convenient, will be found very useful. The favored prescription of a very successful practitioner is: " Give on the tongue every six hours about 1 drachm of the extract of conium." He gave this after falling. Dr. Somerville's explanation and treatment of this difficulty are so plain and good, that I include them : — " Is first noticeable by dullness or sleepiness of the eyes, an un- willingness to move, general heaviness of the system. This disease MBGEIMS, OR VERTIGO. 921 is frequently called inegrinis, fits, and mad staggers; but in part only one disease, according to the extent of such disease as the animal may be affected with. "The cause of staggers is an undue flow of blood to the brain, which rarely or never occurs in any animals except those in a plethoric (fat) condition. '■ Home writers and practitioners assert that there is a disease known as stomach staggers. I have never seen a case where it was necessaiy to treat the stomach, but always direct attention to the brain, as being the seat of this disease, which may be properly called head staggers. "In case of megrims, or fits, it is merely a lesser attack, or press- ui'e of the blood-vessels on the brain, and mad staggers is a greater pressure of the same vessels on the same part. The brain is divided into two parts, namely, cerebrum and cerebellum, which occupy a horny box in the head. The blood-vessels passing over the brain and coming in contact with the skull, become distended by an in- creased quantity of blood, and produce the feeling which is thus exhibited. " Thei-e is but one cure for this disease, and that is, remove the cause. Bleed largely from the neck — ten, twelve, or fourteen quarts, or until the symptoms of fainting. After the horse is con- valescent, a sharp dose of physic should be given to regulate the bowels. I would advise owners of such horses to dispose of them. Once taken with the disease, they are subject to a repetition of the attack when the blood-vessels become tilled again. "Note. — Small doses of aconite (of the quantity for fever) may be given three or four times a day as a good preventive. Tui'ning horses to pasture that may be liable to this disease will prove both injurious and dangerous." When driven in the hot sun, the head should be protected with some sort of covering, which is now used very generally in many large cities, or a large sponge, kept wet with water, may be tied on the back of the head. Megrims, or Vertigo. The form of nervous complication known as megrims is not un- common. Its nature is but imperfectly determined. Causes. — It is often connected with worms or other derange- ments of the stomach or bowels, said also to depend on over-accu- nmlation of blood in the head. The late Professor John Barlow found tumors in the choroid plexus of the brain. In these cases, it is often connected with over-feeding, and its consequence is de- rangement of the digestive organs. It is most commonly seen in harness horses, usually during hot 922 DISEASES AND TilElR TREATMENT. weather, occurs generally on a heavy pull going up hill ; probably from pressure of the collar interrupting the return of blood from the head, or " the long-continued constraint the bearing-reins put the head to," may prove the exciting causes in animals predisposed to it. Symptoms.— All at once, when going along the road, he is observed to jei-k up his head in a convulsive manner; beseems giddy, reels, staggers, may fall down and lie for a few moments insensible ; he gets up, looks stupidly about, shakes himself, and proceeds as if nothing had happened. At other times he merely stops, experiences a few convulsive movements of the head, with slight giddiness, which by letting him stand a few minutes soon passes off. He is ever after subject to these fits, especially during the hot summer months. Treatment. — When depending on organic changes in the bram, it is incurable, and is subject to these attacks from time to time. When a fit comes on on the road, stop him at once, throw the collar forward off his shoulders and let him stand ; if conven- ient, pour a stream of cold water over his head. Bleeding in the mouth has been recommended, but is quite empirical; it soon passes off. When occurring m a young horse for the first time, he should be well physicked out, and if worms are suspected, treat as recommendeil for worms. Tonics are often beneficial, especially arsenic given in doses of from three to five grains daily. Megrim subjects are dangerous hacks, and .should only be used where they can do no harm to life or property. Sun Stuoke. This is liable to occur during the hot summer months, particu- larly in large cities. It is usually caused by over- work or hard (hiving in the sun. Horses that are fat and young, and old, fee- ble horses are most subject to it. Wearing a sun-shade or a large sponge saturated with water on the top of the head, giving cool water occasionally, and sponging out the nostrils, and wetting the head, with of course moderate work or driving, are the best pre- ventives. A very good plan, when driving through the coun- try, where accessible, is to tie a few branches well covered with leaves so as to come over the head. They also serve to keep the flies away. PARTIAL PAEALYSLS. 923 For ligiit driving, a breast-strap is better than a collar, be- cause it permits more freedom of the circulation. Symptoms. — In severe cases the horse will suddenly stop, pant violently, possibly drop to the ground and die in a short time. When the attack is mild, he will flag La his gait, be unsteady in his limbs, spread his legs in standing, and totter. The head is held low, the eyes protrude, the nostrils are dilated, the pupils of the eyes smaller than natural, and the breathing rapid. Pulse is quick and weak, the heart beating violently and irregularly. Re- lief must be prompt. Treatment. — Unharness, and throw paUs of cold water over the whole body, especially on the back of the head, neck, and spine. Next, rub the skin energetically with rough cloths or bag- ging, or anything convenient. Then repeat the douching. The best of all medicine, it is claimed, is quinine. The quickest way to get its effect would be to inject from 25 to 50 or GO grains un- der the skin with a hypodermic syringe. This is the remedy used in the East Indies, and it is claimed to be the very best in giving relief. As a prompt diffusable stimulant dui-ing the severe depression, the following may be given : — 2 ounces sulphuric ether, 1 pint water. Given as a drench. Or, 15 to 25 drops tincture of aconite, in a pint of ale. After the attack has passed off, the horse should be turned out where he will be well protected from the glare of the sun by trees, etc., and allowed to rest for a few weeks; and if it can be avoided, he should not be driven afterward in the hot sun. AzoTURiA, Partial Paralysis, Spinal Meningitis, etc. Under these and other names we will notice c disease which is at times very common in this country, and very alarming in its aspect, from the suddenness of its attack and sevei'ity of its symp- toms, producing almost complete loss of power of the hind quar- ters. Causes. — It usually occurs in horses which are being "fed up," or which have been accustomed to hard work, and are al- lowed to remain in the stable for a few days, having a liberal al- 924 DISEASES AND THEIK TEEATMENT. lowance of good feed ; the system becomes plethoric, more blood bemg formed than the system can dispose of, whereby the vascu- lar organs are overloaded, and consequently, under increased ac- tion caused by exertion, they are apt to become congested. Symptoms. — The animal is apparently in excellent health and spirits. He starts off' lively ; but before he has gone f ai-, he sud- denly stops, crouches, seems very much distressed. The sweat rolls off him in streams; he blows and heaves at the flanks; he cannot move for a few minutes. He drops on his hind quarters ; can hardly drag them after him. When made to move, he drops as if his leg was dislocated or broken. The pulse is very high, from sixty to eight}^ and the muscles of the quarter are swollen and hard. In some cases ho gets down, and cannot get up again ; but seldom is loss of power at first complete, or sensibility entirely lost. The urine is generally very high colored; we have seen it black or coffee colored, which is a sure proof of the trouble, and always voided with difficulty. Treatment. — When seen in the early stages, abstract six quarts of blood,* remove the urine with a catheter, and give from 7 to 8 drachms of aloes. Persistently apply hot water cloths to the loins, and cover them up well with dry blankets, changed every half hour. Give 20 drops of tincture of aconite in a little cold water every two hours, till the fever subsides. If the pain is very severe and twitching, give the following drench: — 2 ounces sweet spirits of nitre, 2 ounces tincture of opium, 1 quirt cold water. Mix. Injections of soap and water should be given, and the legs Veil rubbed and bandaged. It is important also that he be turned gently, about every three hours, and that his bedding be made as comfortable as possible. According to modern pi-actitioners, who have had decided success in the treatment of this disease, it is not at all necessary to put in slings. In fact, the better recoveries are made without putting in slings; neither should he be urged to get * There is some diilerence of opinion as to tlie propriety of bleeding. Some of the best practitioners do not now bleed for this difficulty, and while I should regard it good treatment, it may be omitted, as physicking with other treatment, will usually give sufficient relief ; but if the case is very hearty, short-necked, and full blooded, bleeding would seem to be advisable. PARTIAL PAEALYSIS. 025 up too soon ; will usually do so of his own accord when able, but may be helped a little. In most cases it will yield to this treatment, and in three or four days he will be convalescent. However, in many the loss of power increases; he makes frequent efforts to get uj), but cannot sujjjjort himself behind. In these cases the spine should be freely blistered with mustard and turpentine, or with the strong ammo- niacal liniment. Good nursing and care are everything; in fact, indispensable. Give restricted diet, carrots, bran mash, etc. When all fever and acute symptoms have subsided, and recovery of power is tardy, give the following ball night and morning: — 1 drachm mix vomica in puwder, made iuto a ball, with linseed meal and extract of gentian. Or, 2 grains strychnine, made into a ball in the same way. The nux vomica or strychnine, whichever is used, should be gradually increased, until to the maximum of what the system will bear without serious disturbance, when it should be stopped, or the dose diminished. He should be well bedded up with straw, and as before stated, turned as often as once in every three to four hours. It often runs its course in from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, usually, however, in from three to six days. It is more fatal in stallions and geldings than in mai'es. If a veterinary surgeon is available, he should be called in promptly when this disease appears. In a conversation with Dr. Macbeth of this city, (Battle Creek,) on the foregoing disease, he informed the writer that he had treated a great many cases during his practice, with success ; that a short time before, directly after a severe storm, which was the cause of keeping the animals idle while kept on their usual- amount of food, he had six cases, as a consequence, in one week, all of which made good recovery. One case had been down forty-eight hours, another some eighteen hours, and a third about twelve hours before being called. This success induced me to make the request that he would give me, in the fewest words, the outline of his undei'standing of the disease, with his treatment, which I give here as dictated by him : — " This disease is generally common to horses that ai-e worked hard, then stand still with regular feed, and when put to work, or when driven, perhaps not going more than a quarter to half a mile, 926 DISEASES AND THEIK TREATlVrBNT. begin to sweat profusely, and in a few minutes afterward show great weakness in the back, acting as if having lost power to move the hind legs ; in fact, ajipearing stiff all over. If not helped quickly, the horse is liable to fall down. " The Cause of the disease is the horse making more blocd, while idle, than the system can appropriate. When put to work, the muscles in the lumbar region become congested, and the conse- quence is the horse loses power to raise or control his hind jjarts. If treated properly-, will usually regain his strength in from twenty- four to thirty-six hours. "Treatment. — First give a sharp cathartic, also apply counter irritants over the region of the kidneys, using sheep-skin or counter irritants; also use the catheter. Give small doses of spirits of nitre with 10 to 15 drops aconite added from four to six hours apart. When fever subsides, give nervine tonics with strychnine in one-half grain doses, or powdered nux vomica in one-half drachm doses, in from two to four hours apart. If not very serious, about four hours apart. "If the horse is not able to rise, must not let him lie on one side longer than three hours at a time. These cases are nervous and must not be excited. They must be handled very gently and walked around very carefully." As I am about to hand this article to the printers, I receive a U. S. Veterinary Journal for December, 1883, published in Chi- cago, 111., in which I find an excellent essay on this subject read by W. L. Williams, V. S., before the Illinois State Veterinary Association, and as an additional aid to successful treatment, I copy that advised by him : — " The great essential in treatment is careful nursing, without which success is rarely possible in severe cases. As soon as the first symptoms appear, keep the animal as quiet as possible. If able to stand comfortably, have him stand as still as possible ; if recumbent, procure him a good bed of straw at once, and by as quiet means as j)0ssible try to prevent any effort at getting up. This can usually be done readily by having a steady man hold the head, or he can be assisted by another man keeping the lower fore leg flexed against the chest by means of a strap upon the foot. Should the animal be standing, but growing more and more liable to fall, lose no time in getting him into the most comfortable place at band. AVlion already down, unless the weather be inclement or the location unfavorable, do not attempt to move him for two or three hours, when he should be removed to a well-bedded, comfort- able loose-box or shed. We can with little difficulty roll him on a low sled or a farm gate, when a good span of horses will readily drag him to the stall door, and five or six men will soon place him where desired. Pass the catheter early, and keep it up twice or thrice daily so long as the animal remains recumbent. Remove PAIIALYSIS. 927 the shoes from the fore feet to prevent bruising of the chest and elbows while lying; apply hot cloths or slightly stimulating lini- ment to the loins and quarters. Keep the bowels open by moder- ate cathartics and enemas, and thus assist the kidneys in execrat- ing the effete materials from the blood. The kidneys usually act freely enough, but should they not do so, diuretics should not be given during the early stages, as they would most likely increase the already excessive congestion. Allow plenty of fresh water and good, nutritious, easily digested food, if the animal will eat. " After the second or third day, should there be great debility, vegetable tonics with alcoholic stimulants should be given in mod- eration. The animal should be turned from side to side three or four times daily, but on no account urged to get up, nor should slings ever be used, as they only aggravate the case and retard the recovery. When the animal is fit to be up, he Avill get up alone without urging. " Should some degree of paralysis remain after two or three weeks, nux vomica conjoined with diuretics are to be used. In mild cases, a gentle cathartic, with a day or two of rest, is sufficient. The progress is tavorable, most cases making a rapid and complete recovery. In the more severe cases, if the animal becomes quiet after 12 to 30 hours, with regular, not much quickened pulse, the appetite returns, and the animal lies a large part of the time upon his chest ; recovery may be looked for, although the animal may be unable to rise for five or six days. " When the animal continues restless and weak, will not lie upon the chest except when held, refuses food almost entirely, the pulse becomes weaker and quicker, with considerable elevation of tem- perature, the case is to be considered a very grave one." Paralysis. " The horsG is taken suddenly, falls down, and is unable to rise. Sensation almost completely lost in posterior extremities. No in- crease in the pulsation ; temperature will be found at 102 to 103. The usual remedy is to give a sharp cathartic, (see "Physicking") and have the animal placed in slings. Next apply stimulating em- brocations to the spine, and give one of the following balls every eight hours : — 1 oz. alcoholic extract belladonna, 4 oz. bromide potass, Liquorice root sufficient to make into six balls for the first stage. "This treatment should be persisted in for the first four days, thoroughly bathing the animal's hind quarters with mustard water, and keeping up the stimulants to the spine until sore. The appli- cation of a fresh sheep skin or a hot salt bath to the loins would be still better. " There is another difficulty which resembles spinal paralysis, namely Azotaria. (Treatment for which is given under that head.) As in the first case, the animal drops, and loses all power to get up. 928 DISEASES AND THEIK TKEATMENT. In spinal paralysis there is a loss of sensation and a constant drib- bling of urine, and involuntary foecal passage. Temperature 102 to 103. JSTo perceptible change of color in urine. In Azotaria the animal has suddenly partial loss of sensation, the urine and ffaeces not voided. No perceptible i-ise in temperature. The urine, if withdrawn from the patient, will be of a coffee brown color. The animal is uneasy struggling and sweating over the flanks, and in great pain. " This difficulty is usually found in short-necked horses that are fed too much grain. Scarcely ever find horses in moderate condi- tion .subject to it." — Dr. ileyer. Tetanus, or Lockjaw. This disease is wlioll}' of a nervous character, being a peculiar Fio. 802. — The symptoms of lockjaw. irritability of the nervous system, inducing constant spasmodic contraction of the voluntary, and after a time the involuntary, muscles, and is very fatal unless treated skillfully and carefully. It is more common in the extreme South, than in the north ; and is more liable to occur during the warm months than in the cold ones. Symptoms. — In the first stage there is a disinclination to move ; then the tail becomes erect and quivers, the ears set back, and the conjunctiva is thrown over the pupil of the eye, and the head is elevated, with the muzzle and facial muscles contracted, the nostrils open, and the whole expi'&ssion of the countenance haggaril and excited, evincing great suffering. (A good idea of which is given by Fig. 802.) TETANUS, OE LOCKJAW. 929 As the disease advances, the muscles all over the neck and body become stiff and rigid, and the legs have the appearance of of a four-footed stool. The animal has little or no power to move. For the first few days the teeth remain apart, but as the dis- ease advances, the muscles of the jaw become so contracted as to bring them close together. Hence the name locked jaw. The bowels are constipated, the urine scanty, and passed with difficulty. The pulse is usually not very high, but is easily raised by excitement ; he is very nervous, starts and quivers when any one approaches him. His appetite remains good, and from inability to feed, his hunger amounts to starvation ; he will make every effort to suck up gruel or fluids, when, from the fix- idity of the jaws, he is un- able to masticate. The breathing, at first not much altered, becomes difiicult and loud. The symptoms generally reach their cli- max about the third or fourth day. The Causes of this dis- ease are numerous. It com- monly occurs in conse- F'"- 803.— A test for lockjaw. quence of wounds, when it is called traumatic tetanus; in which case it is not developed until about the period the wound is con- sidered healed ; it may occur from causes not apparent, when it is distinguished as idiopathic tetanus ; but it is generally produced from a wounded nerve or bunch of nerves, pricking the tail, and very often from docking, punctured wounds in the feet from glass or nails, and sometimes from severe exposure to cold, and "I have known one case to occur from fright." — (Somerville.) Worms and other intestinal irritation sometimes give rise to it. The pulse is almost normal for the first few days. As the disease advances, the pulse quickens, and the animal is compelled to stand on his legs until death, if it terminates fatally. If favorably, a relaxa- tion of the muscles begins from the fifth to the seventh day. Treatment. — First, as the disease is of a nervous character, quietness is of the greatest importance. The animal should be removed to an isolated place, or cool, dark, roomy loose-box, by 59 930 DISEASES AND THEIK TEEATMENT. himself, and the cause of the disease found. If from docking, the next joint should be taken off the tail. If from a wound in the foot, the wound should be opened up and made new, and an ap- plication of digestive ointment inserted, so as to produce a healthy flow of matter. Or, as soon as opened up, diligently foment with warm water, after which cover with belladonna, and apply poul- tices of linseed meal and opium or hyoscyamus to soothe and allay the irritation, and give promptly at the same time a strong pur- gative, such as 7 drachms aloes (Barbadoes), 2 drachms calomel, given in solution or ball, as most convenient. Injections of alkaline solution of aloes should also be given, as it is of the greatest importance to get the bowels open early. Belladonna in half-drachm doses should be given four or five times a day. If it cannot be given otherwise, place it up in the cheek, when he will suck it up. He must be kept perfectly quiet, and the box cool and dark, no one being allowed to go near him but the attendants, and they must work about him noiselessly. A newly-flayed sheepskin should be laid over the loins, and well covered up to excite per- spiration. Very high authorities claim that blisters and other irritating treatment must be avoided. Ho must be treated as in a nervous fever, while average good authorities advise having the spine rubbed well with a strong liniment such as one part aqua ammonia, two parts of sweet-oil ; to be repeated daily until the back becomes sore. He should be allowed all the nutriment he will take ; and when he cannot eat, sloppy drinks of linseed tea, barley water, weU boiled oat meal gruel, etc., should be frequently placed within his reach. It may run its course in four or five days, or it may continue for one or two weeks. It very often proves fatal. Dr. Macbeth, of tliis city, who has had excellent success in the management of this disease, informs the writer that he has re- cently had two very severe cases, both idiopathic. The worst, owned by W. M. Merritt, of this city, had run four days, with jaws entirely fixed, before being called. His treatment is, first sharp cathartic, aloes, with enemas to encourage action of bowels, with half -drachm doses of belladonna, in some cases even more ; EABIES, OR MADNESS. 931 in this case, being a very desperate one, he gave drachm doses of solid extract, every three to four hours, with counter irritation over the spine, and generous nourisliment as described. He of course found great difficulty in giving the medicine, be- ing compelled to push the aloes up into the mouth with a piece of stick, until a sufficient amount was taken up to produce a free action of the bowels. Rabies, or Madness. This dreadful malady is, providentially, of rare occurrence, and does not arise spontaneously in horses, but is usually the ef- Fiu. 804. — Symptom of rabies. feet of the bite of a " mad dog." Symptoms. — The attack Ls usually .sudden, as it is severe, and seldom extends beyond the third day. It usually appears from two to eight weeks after the animal has been bitten. Some- times it comes on gradually ; he is observed to be dull, and his man- ner LS peculiar. The other animals in the barn-yard seem afraid of him ; he is observed to snap and bite at poultry, pigs, sheep, or other horses when roused, then relapses into his dull state again. In a short time his eyes become staring, wild, and excited ; and he runs at anything that comes in his way. At other times it comes on suddenly, with all the fury of gen- uine madness ; he becomes wild and frantic, bites and tears at everything within his reach; he rears up, kicks and plunges, 932 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. presently gets down, gnaws at his own legs or sides, snaps at anything that is pushed towards him, gets uji and runs with open mouth at any one who goes near him ; palsy of the hind legs is apt to supervene ; thirst is excessive ; and the act of swal- lowing apparently difficult. Treatment. — According to all medical authorities, curative treatment is hopeless, and they advise that the important point is to prevent it. When an animal is known to have been bitten by a mad dog, a strmg should at once be tightly tied above the injury, and the bitten part cut out or burned with the cautery or nitric acid, and some stimulant, such as good brandy, freely given ; the same treatment is applicable to all animals. A RECIPE FOR ITS CURE. When in Southern Pennsylvania a few years ago, it became known to me that there was a recipe that had been used in that neiour boiling hot tar or even corro.sive substance, such as muriatic acid, butter of antimony, spirits of salts, etc., into Ibo cavity formed. " AVhencver there is a separation of the wall from the sole, with weak or slow growth of horn, this is effectual if there is any Hfe in the parts." In severe cases, as first explained, the firing iron is necessary, first cleaning out tho dead part and fiUing in with hot tar, etc. This is added in order to give a little more extended idea of the method cf ti'catment. , GEAVELLlJSra. 947 Gravelling. A small stone, gravel, oi- dirt becoming imbedded under the shoe at the point of the heel between the bar and frog, usually the inner liecl, and working tlirough the sole into the quick, is called gravelling. If not removed, it will in time work up througli the coronet, or cause matter to form which will burrow between the wall and sensible sole. The horse shows more or less lameness on the trot; is aggra- vated when driven over hard ground or trotted fast. If not in- terfered with, the lameness continues for about three months, when the gravel usually works through the coronet, making a small break in the skin, after which the lameness disappears; but should the matter be confined to the sole and surrounding parts, it is liable to cause considerable disturbance and injury to the foot. When a horse shows lameness without anj^ apparent cause, this part should be carefully examined, 1st, to discover if the sole is broken at the pomt of the heel; 2nd, by slight tapping against the wall of the part with a small stone or hammer, to find if there is any unusual sensibility; 3d, by resting the hand gently upon the part, to see if there is any increased heat, which would of course point to the seat of trouble. Sometimes gravel works into the sensitive part in consequence of the sole being denuded to relieve a bruise or corn. The point is to remove the cause of irri- tation. If much inflammation and pain, poultice; this will lower inflammation, and aid in soaking out and removing any foreign matter accumulated. When this has been done, saturate a pledget of tow with tincture of myrrh, or tar omtment, or Friar's balsam, and insert into the part, covering it completely. Next, fit a shoe so there will be no pressure upon this part, and nail on. It will usually bo found necessary to put on a bar shoe until the heel is grown down again and will bear pressure. Bkuisk of the Solk. The sole i:; liable to bruise from the shoo being improperly seated, sometimes from sand or gi-avel being impacted iu the web of the shoe, or by " picking up " a stone, which, getting wedged in the foot, bruises the sole. Symptoms.— Lameness first attracts attention to it; in re- 948 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. moving the shoe, the sole is found tender, and the foot hot ; on paring the sole, it is found discolored at the bruised part. Treatment. — A few days' rest may be necessary, with the foot immersed iu a poultice, or stopped with some emollient dress- ing; and by using a leather sole or felt pads for a short time, it disappears. Treads, or Calks. Injui'ies to the coronet are very common, especially in the Northern States during the w^inter months, when horses with sharp calks are driven oi- worke;! on rough, icy roads or deep snow, par- Fio. 811. — The coronet as it usually appeal's when badly calked. iG. 812. — As the hair should be clipped from the edges of the injury. ticularly in the woods. Treads, or calks, usually happen on the hind foot, by the horse accidentally setting one foot on the other, or another horse stepping on it. In ordinary cases, if not cut very deep, all that Ls necessary to do is to cut the hair from the edges, sponge or clean out any hair or du-t that may be driven in, and pour on a little kerosene oil, followed by a little hot tar, or the parts covered with hot tar will be sufficient. But if the cut is deep, it will sometimes prove to be a very serious difficulty, and require prompt attention to prevent serious inflammation of the parts. The first thing to be done in such a case is to carefully remove any dirt, or other foreign matter. When thoroughly clean, it may be bound up with a pledget of TEEADS, OE CALKS. 949 tow dipped in tincture of myrrh, or compound tincture of Ijcnzoin, or Friar'ii balsam, Avhicli, if available, "will bo found an excellent remedy. The point is now to prevent any excessive inflammation. Keep the horse quiet, feed bran-mashcs, etc., no grain; and if there is enough inflammation to cause much soreness, cover the foot with a large hot poultice. If the 'soreness becomes at all ex- cessive, at once use hot fomentations, following up for at least one or tAvo hours three or four times a day; after which keep the leo- tieil up with wet cloths, or poultice. If there is extreme pain, give an anodyne, or inject a lit- tle morphine under the skin, as a horse cannot endure pain very long, and continue fomentations industriously ; this, ai all events. mu:jt not be neglected. In very severe cases it may be necessary to put the horse in slings, if he will not lie down. When the inflammation sub- side."., but little more is necessary to be done than to let the parts alone, dressed with any of the preparations before given. To illustrate the seriousnes.'i of these cases sometimes, I will Fig. S13. — The nsu:il appearance of a foot badly caKzcd, and neglected or improperly treated. refer to an accident of the kind to one of my own horses. One of my men, who had special charge of and drove a favorite pony, took it into his head during the winter to have the calks pointed with steel and made very sharp. While the pony was standing in his stall, with one foot resting against the opposite, he was sud- denly startled by some one approaching, when, throwing his weio-ht Upon the elevated foot, the inside calk was driven well into the coronet of the opposite foot. I was kept ignorant of the accident for several days, when it was made known to me by discovering the horse to be lame. The injury at the surface did not seem to be serious, but it was deep. In consequence of being driven on the road, the inflammation soon became so serious that it was nec- essary, at great inconvenience, to leave the horse behind a couple of weeks, the part in the meantime being thoroughly poulticed n.:() DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. 814. — As the foot was held duriug the greatest inflammation. in winter, and as thpv anil fomented. The inflam- mation passing off, and be- ing c-ntircly free from lame- ness, he ^^■a.s again j^ut tj his work on the road, when the roads were break- ing up. Driving him through the deep mud for a few miles, again brought on such serious inflammation of the parts as to necessitate a constant ap- plication of fomentations for hours at a time, night and day, for several days, to over- come it. Fig. 814 is an illus- tration of how ho stood when ho suffered most sevei-ely. I also give specimens of the usual method of sharpening should be rounded or filed Fig. S15. — Calks as they are usually 6hari)eueJ in winter. to prevent seriouG injury. Owners should not neglect to look to this matter very carefully. The toe and inside calk especially Fig. sic. — As the calks should be blunted or rounded to jirevent euttiu^. should be rounded sufliciently to prevent any serious cutting. Concave shoes should be used in winter; with such, calks need OVEEEEACn. 931 not be long or sharp to give sufficient hold. Particular care should be taken not to have any calks or sharp shoes on when there is an effort to subdue a horse. This caution must not be disregarded, as a horse under such circumstances is liable to cut himself dan- gerously. Overreach. When a horse, in a fast pace, overreaches the fore with the hind foot, the inner rim of the shoe cutting a semi-circular flaj) on Fi( SIT \i,(iodrep- FiQ. SIS.— As the edges o£ resentatioii of an in- the wound should be jury by over- trimmed before reach. dressing. the heel or quarter, it is called an "o'^erreaeh." It should be treated as a tread; but when practicable, the edges should be brought together by a wire suture, and bormd uj) with Friar's bal- sam or compound tincture of benzoin. QUITTOR. In all cdtiM l:i which matter forms in the foot, whether from pricks, corns, bi'ulses, or treads, unless it has free ojienings to es- cape by, it acts as an irritant, extending in every direction, form- 952 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATJiilBNT. ing tissues, and at last working its way to the coronet, where it bursts, producing a veiy troublesome disease, and requiring both patience and perseverance to effect a cure. Symptoms. — It is recognized by the small aperture at the coronet, which seems almo '.t overgrown with " proue done without the foot getting wet, will expedite the cure. The following is highly recom- mended as a dressing : Take equal parts of pine tar and lard, melt over a slow fire, and add sulphuric acid very slowly until ebuli- tion (boiling) ceases. Apply this to the parts. Sprains, Bruises, etc. Sprains are so common, and so liable to spoil a horse when neglected or not treated properly, and in addition the treatment is so simple and easily applied, that the subject is worthy of more than ordinary attention. On this account I have introduced several illustrations, showing the parts involved in the fore legs, the parts most liable to such injury. Sprain may be said to consist in an overstretching of the part (be it muscle, tendon, or ligament) to such a degree as to cause rupture of some of the fibres of which it is composed, in consequence of which inflammation is set up, and efliision takes place, producing enlargement around the part. The reason why sprains take so long to recover is, the lacer- ated fibres have to be absorbed, and new ones formed in their place, or, as is often the case in repeated sprain of the same part, their place is filled up by organized lymph, leaving a permanent thickening. Causes. — Natui-al weakness of the part sometimes predisposes to it. It may arise from whatever exposes the part to inordinate exertion, as, for instance, slipping on ice or on a rolling stone, awkward stepping, galloping on rough or uneven ground, and a common cause is, allowing the feet to grow too long. Symptoms. — In severe cases the part is swollen, hot, and tender, the limb is thrown into a position that relaxes the sprained part. If extensive, we have symptomatic fever, and he refuses his food, has the mouth hot, pulse accelerated, etc., which passes off when the more acute symptoms subside. Lameness, of course, is continuous, thus difierLng from disease of the joint, in which he is always lamest at starting, getting less lame as he gets warmed up. ^ Treatment. — No matter where the location of the sprain is, SPEAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 957 or what part Ls injured, the principle of treatment is the same, Avhen we have three indications presented: First, to allay the in- flammatory process ; secondly, to promote absorption of the decayed fibres ; and thirdly, to hasten the production of new ones. Most authors recommend either local or general depletion by bleeding from one of the large veins near the seat of injury, or from the jugular vein of the neck. This, however, I think is now-a-days very wisely dispensed with, and in my opinion is altogether unnecessary. The bowels must be freely opened, and kept open by laxative and easily digested food, such as bran mash, linseed tea, roots, etc. The continued application of heat or cold to the part aids greatly in checking the inflammatory action. If pain and swell- ing are excessive, hot fomentations continued for an hour or two. alternated with cold water, will be found to give most relief. (For particulars in fomenting, see Fomentation.) Gentle and equable pressure, by means of a judiciously applied bandage, is very beneficial in sprains of the leg. Rest must be given from the first, and the patient must be turned into a loose-box. Having by these means succeeded in subduing the inflammation, one or two applications of an absorb- ing blister will generally remove any enlargement that may re- main. Should the thickening and lameness prove obstinate, the firing-iron may be resorted to. (An explanation of the method of doing which, see Firing in Spavins.) Sprain of the Back Tendons. The principal seat of sprain in the fore limb is in the tendons at the back part of tlio leg, usually called sprain of the back ten- dons, or back sinews. As these tendon (llL-xni- jierforans and perforatus) are the chief agents in producing the motions of the limbs, acting like levers over the pulley-like surfaces on the ends of the bones in their passage down to the foot, they are conse- quently very liable to be overstretched and strained, sometimes in a very slight degree, and sometimes to a considerable extent. It may be necessarj'^iiere to notice the arrangement of these two tendons. The muscles (perforans and perforatus) arise from be- low the elbow-joint, pass down through a theca at the back of the knee ; below the knee they become tendinous ; the first is one 958 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. of great strength, nearly round, and is inclosed in the other, which forms what is termed a sheath for it ; half-way down the cannon, the perforans is joined by a strong liga- ment (the metacarpal) ; the two tendons pass down together through a sheath formed for them at the back of the fetlock ; the latter splits into two divis- ions, having the perforans passing between them ; they are inserted one into each side of the lower pas- tern bone (or coronse), the perforans, passing down, is inserted into the sole of the coiEn-bone, just in front of the navicular joint, over which it passes. A good illustration of these different parts is given in Fig. 821. A, Flexor perforatus. B, Flexor perforans. C, Metacarpa ligament. D, Superior sesamoidal liga- ment. d, Bifurcation of the sesamoid- al ligament. y, Continuation forward o f branch of the sesamoidal liga- ment. F, Continuation of the flexor perforans It-iidun, :iftt;r\vards in- serted into the lowL-r side of the OS pedis. E, Extensor tendon. M, Great metacarpal, or can non shank bone. S, Splint bone. Fig ^21 — Teudons and ligaments of the foreleg. SPEAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 959 Fitf. 822 will be found an especially fine illustration of the perforatus and perforans tendons above the fetlock, an explan- ation of which is also included. A point here which is very nicely explained by "White, who says: — •' Between these two tendons, there are in two parts thin vas- cn]ar membranes by which they are joined together; these mem- branes appear to serve as bridles, allowing the perforans tendon to move a Uttle way within the perforatus, and then preventing any further motion. The situation of those membranes is about mid- way in the pastern. If the coffin joint happens to be extended in a way the animal was not prepared for, both these membranes are ruptured. The consequence is an effusion of blood between the two tendons, whereby all motion between them would be effect- ually prevented, were the animal left to obey his own instinctive feelings." In most of the so-called cases of clap, or sprain of the back tendons, the ligament, and not the tendons, is the seat of the injury. Causes. Whatever tends to throw unusual stress upon these parts may produce it, such as gallopmg on uneven ground, allow- ing the hoofs to grow too long, thereby increasing the leverage on the tendon; sometimes it occurs in leaping, often while jumping around in play. Symptoms. — The animal is very lame, the part is hot, swol- len, and tender ; the hmb is held forward, so as to relax the part; in some cases he can hardly touch the ground. On takmg up the foot and pinching with the fingers, he evinces the pain he feels. If the outer tendon (perforatus) is injured, we have a bulging out behind, interrupting the evenness of the line which characterizes the tendons. If the perforans, it is felt between the ligament and the perforatus ; and if the metacarpal ligament, as is most gener- ally the case, it can bo felt between the bone and the tendon. Treatment.— As before .stated, the first condition of cure is rest. The animal niu.st be turned into a loose-box, and if the in- jury is severe, the swollen limb must be well fomented with hot water, cold may be preferable, if slight. This must be kept up for more than an hour, when the following cooluig lotion may be well rubbed in, and a thick woolen bandage applied, well satu- rated with it, and kept wet with cold water; — 960 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. Flfxor Tendon,^- m 2 ouncea nitre (saltpetre), 2 ounces sal-ammoniac, 4 ounces common salt, 1 pint spring water. Or, the following: — 4 ounces saltpetre, 1 ounce sugar of lead, 1 ounce muriate of ammonia, 1 pint common salt, 2 gallons cold water. Perhaps the simplest and best home treatment would be about as follows: — Make a bag as long as the limb — an old trowsers leg of good size, sufficiently long to extend from the hoof to above the knee would be the thing. Tie a string rather loosely around the foot below the fet- lock. To keej) it in j)!ace, secure a wide tape or strip A, The outside nerve, or that part of it where tlie branch H communi- cates. B, The suspensory ligament. C, The great ligament of the back sinew. D, The two back sinews, or flexrir tendons. E, E, The extensor tendon. F, The cannon or shank bone. G, The splint bone. H, The back sinews and their great suspensory lig- ament, apparently joined together. This, however, is not the case ; it in- corporates only with the perforans tendon, marked figure 3, and so inti- mately that they form one and the same substance, at the part marked by the letter i. The perforatus, marked figure 3, f irma a sheath for the perforans, as already described in the article on Strains. 5, The fetlock- joint. SPEAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 961 of cloth to the upper edge of the bag, pass it over the shoulder and fasten to the opposite edge; next take bran, to which add a little salt, and pour on it as much boiling water as will bring it to a thin consist- ence. While hot as the horse can bear, fill the bag with it. This will form a poultice around the part and keep it moist and sweat- ing. It can be kept hot by pouring on hot water occasionally, and should be renewed, if necessary, in twenty-four hours, and so con- tinue until the inflammation subsides. In all cases of severe sprain, a purgative should be given ; it reduces the fever, and acts as a coun- ter-irritant. In any event give opening, easily digested food. Having in this way reduced the inflamma- y tion, if the .swelling still remains, apply a good t h e ijack tendons strong liniment or blister. The biniodide of eo"siderabiy mercury ointment is best in these cases, and should be repeated: — 1^ drachms biniodide of mercury, 1 ounce lard. A run at pasture will generally complete the cure. Sometimes, by re- peated sprains, the tendons become considerably thick- ened (as shown in Fig. 823), in which case firing is preferable. Sometimes, from repeated sprains, the tendons become contracted, causing the animal to go on his toe; in these cases, the operation of tenotomy, or Fio. 825.— Enlargement pntting the tendons, is ad- of the tendons from . , . visable. mteriermg or banging. The following treatment 61 thick- ened in consequence of repeated injury or strain. Fig. 834.— Showing the effect of hard driving. 902 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. for sjirain.s, which is given for insertion by a leading practitioner, will be found good: — First wash with very hot water five or ten niLnutes at a tLrat, then apply the following mixture: — 2 ounces tincture opium. 1 ounce chloroform, 1 ounce fluid extract aconite, 7i ounces soap liniment. !<■ lio applied two or three times a day after batliiug tlie parts witli hot ■water. If constipated and feverish, it should be given a slight purging ball. If the ease has run two or three days, and is assuming a subacute stage, then stimulating liniment must be used. The following may be used: — 2 ounces aqua ammonia, 21 ounces spirits of camphor, 7i < iimces alcohol. To be rubbed on two or tliree times a day until the skin becomes sore. Breaking Down. The suspensory ligament is one of the strongest in the body; it is placed immediately behind the cannon-bone, from the head of which it rises ; passing down it divides, one division going to each of the small bones at the back of the fetlock (ossa sessa- moides.) (See Fig. 821.) This ligament is the great main-stay of the fetlock-joint, and sustains the most of the weight at this part, consequently we frequently find it snaps asunder imder the great weight thrown upon it in leaping, galloping, etc. It is sometimes broken above the division ; but more commonly, one or both bifurcations are torn. Causes. — Violent exertion, or sudden jerks, as is the case in leaping, galloping, or j umping from a height. Symptoms. — It is sometimes -mistaken for rupture of the flexor tendons ; but this is so improbable an occun-ence, that we are almost skeptical of its occurrence at all. If it does occur, it is extremely rare. In rupture of the ligaments, the fetlock de- scends to the ground ; but when raised, the animal can flex the foot, which he could not do were the tendons ruptured. It usually occurs near the sessamoides when we have swelling, heat, and pain. SPEAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 963 Treatment. — Slinging is almost indispensable to keep the limb steady, the judicious application of splints and bandages, and a high-heeled shoe should be put on so as to keep the parts in situ; and the inflammation must be regulated by the constant application of cold, laxative medicine, and cooling, easily-digested food, sparingly supplied, when re-union will take place, but a permanent thickening is generally left. When the animal is able to use the limb, the slings and splints may be dispensed with, and it may be fired or bli,stei-ed to consolidate the new fibres, and form a permanent bandage to the part. The horse can never afterward Ijc passed as sound, nor will he stand much hard work. Fig. 836. — Method of applying the bandage. Fig. 837. — Showing the leg bandaged. Sprain of the Fetlock. The ligaments of the fetlock-joint are sometimes sprained, giving rise to swelling of the joint, pain, and lameness. Its nature, causes, symptoms, and treatment differ so little from those of other parts that it is only necessary to state that the treatment is the same. But suppose we have a .strain of the extensor tendon or of the ligaments of the fetlock-joint, and the horse must be moved. In that case it would be necessary to apply a woolen bandage over the part carefully, drawing it tightly, and holding it in place by 964 DISEASES AND THEIK TEEATMENT. sewing it on. But as soon as the stable is reached, this bandage must be taken off, and a loose one put on. If there is not very much inflammation, simply lameness and weakness, good treat- ment would bo keeping the bandage thoroughly wet with hot vinegar and salt, by pouring it on. In one instance, one of my horses, Turco, was so seriously sprained that he could scarcely step, the joint knuckling forward as shown in Fig. 828. It was absolutely necessary to drive him eight or ten miles. By bandag- ing the leg tightly as described, he went along (juite well ; but as soon as the stable was reached, this bandage was taken off, and a loose one put (in, which was kept wet as explained; and be- ing compelled to drive him every day, this treat- ment was repeated; and though he was driven over one hundred miles in two weeks, he was at the end of that time entirely over the effects of the sprain. At another time, when in Maine, Tommy sprained the tendons of one of his forward legs, so that he could scarcely step. We simply raised the heel-calks of his shoe, rounded the toe, and bandaged the parts loosely, and kept wet as ex- plained. Next morning the ankle was tightly bandaged, when he was able to do considerable FiG^'^JS.— Turco's work in the ring, and walk through to the next leg as it knuckled town, ten miles. This course was repeated, and forward. ^^^ ^]^g expiration of about two weeks, he was all right, though in the time driven about one hundred miles. Sprain of the Peeforans Tendon, or Navicular- JoiNT Lameness. The symptoms are very fully explained under that head, but would here state agaiu, that in an acute stage, the principle is rest, with hot fomentations or cooling applications; next aiding mobility of the parts involved to prevent irritation, by the con- struction of the shoe, etc. Shoulder Lameness. This is not very common, but is liable to happen from the SHOULDER LAMENESS. 965 limb slipping sideways while running in a pasture, or slipping in- cidentally on a wet plank, or ice, etc. To guard against error in diagnosing affections of the shoulder, it must be borne in mind that all muscular tissue is apt to waste if it is deprived of its usual amount of exercise, as we frequently see iu the shoulder; the shoulder shrmk- Fig. 829.- As a horse win travel with ing on one or both sides, while '""'^ the real seat of the disease is in the feet ; therefore it is very necessary to be able to distinguish shoulder-lameness from many other affections with which it is apt to be confounded. Many horse doctors and those about horses are apt to attribute every lameness they do not understand, and whose seat is not self-evi- dent, to an affection of the shoulder. We have seldom any recognizable tumefaction, nor much heat, unless it be recent and violent. When the horse has strained the shoulder, the limb is brought forward with a peculiar dragging motion, as shown in Fig. 829 ; whereas if the trouble is in the foot, the limb will be raised and brought forward without much diiBculty, but put down tenderly to lighten the concussion. While standing, the joints will be somewhat relaxed, the heel raised, with the toe resting upon the ground. In moving, the head will be carried low, the limb brought forward with a good deal of difficulty and pain, and with- out ability to bring it in front of the other. Treatment. — Give a dose of Fio. 830. — Distribution of capillaries physic, foment the shoulder and in muscle. inside of the arm close to the chest with hot water, which is to be continued for at least one hour, and to be repeated as long as there is inflammation ; give fever medi- cine three times a day; give food of a light opening nature, such as grass, bran mashes, etc., and keep him quiet in a box stall un- til the lameness disappears. One of the liniments for sprains, etc., 966 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT. may be used after the acute stage passes off. This is about all that can bo clone, though some bleed from the inner plate vein during the acute stage. This method is not now often practiced, however. When the case becomes chronic, blisters and setons may be employed with good success. LrffiMBNT FOR Shoulder-Lame- ness. 2 ounces aqua ammonia,- 2J ounces .spirits of camphorfe, 7i ounces rectified spirits of vini. First, foment the part with hot water; then rub as near dry as possible, and apply the liniment twice a day un- til the skin is quite sore, and then stop for a few days ; if the lameness is not gone by this time, renew the treatment 1 1. Fig. 831. — Internal aspect of the left fore leg. Sweeney. " This is a sprain of the muscle which fills up the posterior cavity on the outer side of the shoulder-joint (outer tubercle of the head of the humerous). It occurs mainly in young horses when first put to plow, or in others going on uneven ground, and stepping unexpectedly into holes. In the endeavor to recover the equilib- rium on stcpjiing into a furrow or hole, this muscle which forms the outer support of the joint is injured, and there results heat, swelling, and tenderness on the outside of the joint, and a most characteristic gait. The horse may walk, or even trot, without much apparent lameness ; but standing directly in front of him the affected shoulder is seen to roll outward from the body to a far greater extent than the sound one. Soon the muscle begins to waste rapidly, and in bad cases the shoulder-blade may be denuded until it appears to be covered by nothing but skin." — Law. SWBANEY. 0C7 A badly fitting collar often gives rise to it. A prominent cause also is some injury to the foot, which would prevent a proper xise of the muscles of the shoulder, and thereby cause an atrophied or wasted condition of them. So that when thei-e is wasting of the part, the foot should be carefully examined to see if there is any cause for it, and if so, removing it v.-ill of itself be sufficient to make a cure. Symptoms. — At first, though it is .seldom noticed, the muscles swell up, are hot and tender ; in the course of a few days, the swelling has disappeared, and the iiuiscles are liecoming fast ab- sorbed. In many cases this goes on till the bone can bo felt. There is little or no pain on pressure in this stage, and no positive lameness ; but there is a peculiar rotary motion of the limb, from the other muscles having no counterbalancing power. This is sometimes mis- taken by non-professional men for didocation of the shoulder- joint. This, however, cannot occur, unless it is accompanied by severe laceration, or even fracture. Treatment. — In the first in- stance, rest and hot fomentations are indicated, ^^•hieh, as the process of rej^roduction begins, .should be foUowcnl by stimulant embrocations or mild blisters, frequently repeated, Avith moderate walking exercise. In this case, we must trust more to nature than medicine ; and in time the muscles will be reproduced, and by o-entle work and well-fitting harness he will become as sound as ever. Many do nothing for them, but turn them to pasture, and in most cases they come up all right. The simplest and most efiective treatment for filling up the shoidder^is the rubbing on thoroughly with the hand of soft soap, to which a little salt has been added. This do four or five times in the course of a week. This simple remedy, which is very effectual for this purpose, has been kept as a great secret by a Fig. 8.33. — An ideal represeutatic shoulder with sweaney. 968 DISEASES AND THBIE TEEATMENT. leading horseman in Toledo, Ohio, wlio has repeatedly sold it for five doUar.;, fint showing its effect iu filling up the shoulder, when he could easily sell the presci'iption. Hip-Lameness. Sprain of the whirl, or round bono, as it is commonly called, consists of a sprain of the round ligament of the femur, which holds the ball in the socket. Sometimes it Li almost torn asunder; but so strong is this articulation, that dislocation cannot occur, except as an accompaniment of fracture. Symptoms. — Very .seldom any external swelling imles.s it is very se- vere, and the mus- cle a surrounding the joint are in- volved ; when by making him stand square on his Iiind legs, and standing directly behind ipar- FiG. 833. — Deep muscles of the hip and thigh. ^^^ q^^q J^„ with the other, any enlargement can be easily detected. Sometimes we have heat and tenderness ; but in most cases these are absent. One characteristic symptom is stepping short, the lame leg is not brought as far forward as the other one, and he drops on that quarter. The tendon of the gluteus maximus, as it passes over the trochanter, is frequently the seat of the lameness. In this case we have swelling, lieat, and pain on pressure, witli short stepping. When the horse stands iu stable, he will stand square on botli hind feet ; and when moved, tlie lame side is elevated and dragged along for want cf muscular action. Treatment. — The first condition, as in all cases of lameness, is rest, with fomentations, alternated by cooling lotions, etc., until the inflammation is subdued, followed by repeated blisters, which must be freely used, as the disease is deep-seated. Apply hot fomentations to the part two or three times a day. Vil, ^-^j^l^SS^^P'T^r^V.j*^ him, and comr Hli'-LAMENBSS. 960 wliieli should bo continued an hour or more each time, alternated Fio. 834. — Showing the suiicrfielal muscles of the hip and thigh. with the pouring on of cold water. When the acute stage passes off, clip the hair closely from a largo surface ten or twelve inches ia diameter over the part, and apjjly a tiharp blLstor; a better condition of counter ii-ritation will bo pro- duced by applying at the same time two setons, which are to be cx- tendcil under the skin about six inches each, something of the form as shown in Fig. 835. (For special instruction, see Setons.) If need bo, repeat the blisters. . Recovery usually takes place in from one to two weeks; but is rometimes a very serious lameness, and must bo at- tended to thoroughly and promptly. 970 DISEASES AND THEIK TREATMENT. The following is the treatment advised by very able practi- tioners:— " Give a laxative, and apply hot fomentations to the part two or three times a day. After each fomentation apply a strong stimulating liniment. Continue this treatment until the skin is sore, then cease the treatment, and applj' the follo^ving for a few days: — " 6 ounces soft soap. 12 ounces alcohol. " Apply twice a day until wel!. " Knuckling Over. Knuckling, or standing over, is very common in cab and stage horses. It gives the animal an ungainly, woi'n-out appearance. It may occur on one or both laaees, which are bent forward, and arc very shaky, or the fetlocks may bo knuckled forward. Veterinarians differ as to the real nature of this condition, or as to the part really at fault. Some suppose that it is from " a relaxed and lengthened state of the extensor muscles ; " others " of the lig- amentous tissue at the anterior part of the joint; " others " an inordinate contraetio;i of tliG flexors, to such a degree that the equi- librium of the flexors and extensors is de- stroyed. DLs,section, however, fails to con- firm these views. It appears to us to depend on contraction of the ligaments at the b?x*k of the joint. Causes. — ^It is generally caused by too hard work when young, particularly continued road-work, which causes the joints to start forward, as shown in Fig. 836 ; and if it is continued, it becomes habitual. Symptoms. — It rcquircribut to be seen to be recognized. In- stead of the beautiful, symmetrical form of the limb, the joint is thrown forward, throv/ing the shank-bone more oblique and the pastern-bones more straight, giving the animal a jaded, tottering appearance. Treatment. — Some blister, or fire and blister; but we think I'lG. 530. — An ordinarj- case of sprung knees. BEOKEjSr KNEES, OR OPEN JOINT. 971 these do no good whatever. All we can do is to give rest; leave the rest to nature. Turn him into a large loose-box or small pad- dock, and feed him well, and it is astonishing how the patient will sometimes improve. Drs. Ilamill and Meyer treat ordinary cases of sprung knees with very marked success, by lowering the heels and lengthening out the toes somewhat ; this can be done both by paring the heels down some, and using thiu-heeled shoes; then rubbing on the legs once or twice a day alcohol, or any good stimulant. The case seems to improve even under moderate Avork. Very bad cases ai'e incurable. Broken Knees, or Open Joint. It is a VRr\' common occurrence in the horse, generallv arising Fio. 837.— Broken FiG. 838.~Tlie same with knee. hair clipped from the edges of the wound. from accidents, kicks, blows, stabs, etc. It is most common in the knee and hock; but all the joints of the limbs are liable to be punctured or laid open by some accident or injury. Open joints are generally divided into lacerated and punct- ured. In the former we have the skin, ligaments, etc., cut through, and the joint laid open, as is often seen in the knee. In the latter we have merely a small opening (it may be only suffi- cient to admit the probe) into the joint, from which trickles the synovia, or joint-oil. All cases are alike dangerous, and are characterized by the same general symptoms, and are liable to be attended by the same consequences. They differ only in degree, according only to the importance and extent of the cavity exposed. 972 DISEASES A:TD THEIR TREATMENT. Causes. — The causes of open joint ai-e almost invariably ex- ternal injury — in the knee from falling. The horse stumbles; falls ujjon his knees ; ami should the ground happen to bo fjravelly, hard, or stony, the knees are liable to bo lacerated, or cut through. In other joints the injury is usually caused by being inciden- tally stabbed or cut. Symptoms. — In giving recipitato (white merciuy), 2 ounces nitric acid, 1 pound honey. Diseases of the Eye. The eye, or organ of vision, is composed of three tunics, or coais, and of the same number of humors. To the external coat (sclerotic and cornea) it owes its form. The iniddle tunic is made up of the choi'oid, or vascular coat, of the iris, or the thin curtain suspended in the aqueous humoi-, an 1 perforated in the center by an opening called the pui^il, or pupillary opening, which in the horse is of an elliptical form; i)i man it is »ound. The inner coat is called the retina, or nervous covering, and is the terminal ex- pansion of the optic nerve. The humors are three in number, and they serve as reflectors of the light. They are: The aqueous humor, crystalline lens, and vitreous humor. The last is the largest, and occupies about four-fifths of the whole interior uf the globe or eyeball. The ap- pendages of the eye are the eyelids, eyelashes, and the membrana nietitans, generally called the haw, wliich is situated in the inner or lower angle of the eye. It is connected with the diifei-ent mus- cles of the eyeball. By the contraction of the straight muscle of the eye, the haw is forced outward, and is one of the beautiful arrangements that nature has provided for the protection of so dehcate and sensitive an organ. The eye is wholly covered by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. INFLAMMATIOJSr OF TILE EYES. 991 Simple Ophthalmia, or Inflammation of the Eyes, Is a common disease among horses, and consists of inflannnation of the conjunctival membrane covering the eye. Causes. — It may bo produced by many different causes, and perhaps the most common is from the introduction of a foreign substance into the eye, as a hay seed, or chaff pickio becoming Fig. 853. a, Optic nerve ; 6, Sclerotic ; c, Choroid ; d, Retina ; e, Cornea ; /, Iris ; g, h, Ciliarj' circle ; i, Insertion on crystalline lens ; J, Crystalline lens ; k, Crystalline capsule; I, Vitreous body ; m, v, Anterior and posterior chamber; o, Membrane of aqueous humor; p, p, Tarsi; q, q, Fibrous membrane of eyelids; r, Elevator muscle of upper eyelid; s, s, Orbicularis muscle of eyelids; i, I, Skiu of eyelids; n, Conjunctiva; v, Membrane covering cornea ; x, Posterior rectus muscle ; y, Superior rectus muscle ; z, Inferior rectus muscle ; w, Orbital membrane. lodged in the external covering (cornea), or by direct injury to the eyes, as from the blow of a whip, or something of the kind. When from a blow or direct cause of injury, but one eye will be affected, while if from cold, etc., both eyes will be involved. It is also caused by allowing horses to stand in foul stables, especially jn the siimmer months, whereby ammoniacal gases are generated. 992 DISEASES AND THEIR TRBATME>«rT. 1, Sclerotic coat; 2, 4, Veins of the choroid; 3, Ciliary nerves; 5, Ciliary ligament; 6, Iris. proving very injurious to the eye-sight. It proceeds from exposure to cold, and is often an accompaniment of catarrh. Symptoms.- The eyes are weak ; the con- junctiva, or in- ner lining of the ids, inflamed ; water running from the eyes; the lids partly, if not wholly, closed, accord- ing to the se- verity of the case. Bluish or wliite film, the result of inflammation, comes over the cornea, extending no deeper than the surface, and may vary from a slight cloudiness to entire opacity. Treatment. — This must, in a great measure, depend upon the cause; therefore it is of the greatest importance to make a careful examination, especially if but one eye is affecteil. If there is any foreign matter in the eye, remove it promptly, which can be done either by means of a feather or a pair of forceps. The eye should be fomented with tepid or warm wa- ter, and the horse kept in a darkened stable or loose-box; next, the eye may be kept constantly moist by means of a sponge or cloth, wet with tepid or cold water, and applied over the eye ; or better, Goulard's extract, used in the proportion of 1 drachm to a pint of water. If accompanieil by great pain, the followinj: should be applied around the eye several times a day: — 1 ounce watery infusion of opium, 4 ounces Goulard's extract, 12 ounces water. 5. 8.55. — Cu])illuriL's of the vascular layer uf tlic retina. lotion INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 993 When the cloudiness or opacity of the cornea is tardy in being removed, the eye should be stimulated daily with the following collyrium : — 5 grains nitrate of silver, 1 ounce distilled water. Apply by means of a feather or camel's-hair brush. If he must be used or kept in the sunlight, the eye should be kept covered with a blue cloth tied loosely over it. It is very important to attend to any such form of local inflamma- tion promptly ; not only treating properly, but, if possible, take him from all work, since, if neglected, or the inflammation aggravated bv heating the blood, the sight is liable to be de- stroyed, or run into periodic opthalmia. It is somewhat wonderful how much injury the eye will recover from, when treated with any kind of care. Twenty years ago, when driving horses without reins was regarded as a great feat, in training them to drive in this way, it was sometimes necessary to use the whip very severely over the head, when the eye was lia- ble to be struck, and so seriously inj urcd as to close it and make it entirely white from inflammation in a short time. Yet, in every ea^c, by bathing with cold water, keeping in a dark place, and if moved, keeping the eye covered with a cloth, in a few days the eye entirely recovered. Fig. SST.-Reversed view of the above. Qnce, while training Giftbrd, one of my old pair of trained horses, he ran incidentally against the corner of a stair, striking the eye so severely as to instantly destroy his power of sight; the eye was entirely closed, and red with inflammation. In this case I simply kept the eye covered with a cloth kept constantly wet with water, in which was tinct- ure of aconite in the proportion of about 40 drops to half a pint of water. There was entire recovery within a week. This mild 63 Flu. 856.— Good meth- od of covering the eye. 994 DISEA.SES AND THBIE TREATMENT. preparation has proved for me very efficient in reducing local inflammation. Specific, or Periodic Ophthalmia, Is the most severe affection to which the horse's eye is liable, and is very common in this country. The parts principally and pri- marily involved are the internal structures of the eye, and the changes which occur vary in degree to the severity of the attack. Causes. — The great cause of this affection can be traced to an hereditary predispo- ■sition, always ready to burst forth when exposed to certain ex- citing causes, such as injuries of any kind, as before explained, being kept in very dark and ill-venti- lated stables, and then suddenly exposed to the glare of a hot sun ; and, like simple ophthalmia, it may fol- low continued expos- ure to cold. Symptoms.— Among the first symptoms is a watery discharge from one or both eyes, and on be- ing exposed to the sunlight he exhibits a peculiar uneasiness, with a partial closure of the affected eye. As the disease advances, the eyelids become swollen, and if turned upward, the conjunctiva appears reddened and injected ; the eye looks smaller, and retracted into its socket; the interior of the eye reveals a peculiar muddy or turbid appearance, showing floating flakes, and a yellowish or whitish deposit at the bottom of the chamber. Fig. 860 is designed to show, on an enlarged scale, something of this change. The symptoms are very like those of simple ophthalmia, and often leads to the supposition that the eye has received a blow or other injury. The above symptoms become more and more aggravated, and Fig. S5S. — Phj-siological papilUe, as setu with the ophthalmoscope. SPECIFIC, OR PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA. 995 the patient becomes affected constitutionally; tho circulation is increased, the mouth hot, and the appetite impaired. These symp- toms may continue for several days, and then gradually disap- pear, or they may be prolonged for weeks, and end only with the destruction of the eye. A prominent and well-marked symptom of this disease is its shifting from one eye to the other ; in many cases, one eye has no sooner recovered than the other becomes af- fected. At other times, recovery is rapid, and to all appearances the eye looks per- fectly healthy ; in a short time, however, the dis- ease returns, and often with in- creased severit}^. These occur- rences or shift- ings take place in from three weeks to a month or more. As the disease advances still farther, the eye begins to clear, the cornea becoming trans- parent, leaving a slight muddiness in the anterior part (chamber) of the eye; the pupil diminishes in size, and the disease gradually terminates in more or less opacity of the chrys- talline lens or its capsule, constituting cataract. Treatment. — As a general rule, the treatment of specific ophthalmia is very unsatisfactory, but still medicinal remedies are found beneficial in palliating the disease. The horse should be placed in a comfortable and darkened loose-box, with a plentiful supply of pvire air. A brisk dose of purgative medicine should be administered, and if much constitutional fever is present, ten drops of the tincture of aconite should be given every three hours, Fio. 859. — Inflammation of optic nerve. a, Papilla of the optie nerve congested; 6, Enlarged veins, connected by eshudation round the papilla; c, rather diminished arteries. 996 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. until six or eight doses arc given. Bleed from the facial vein, and follow by fomentations of hot water to the eye. After the third or fourth day, cold applications are preferable to hot. The ex- tract of belladonna may be applied around the orbits, and also ad- ministered internally, in doses of two scruples three times a day. When the acute inflammatory symptoms are somewhat abated. Fig. 860. — Generalized atropbical choroidites. a, Papilla of the optic nerve, preserving its rosy color; 6, c, Atrophied choroid, showing the white tint of the uncovered sclerotic; d, e, Blood-vessels of the retina; f, Pigmentary deposits of the choroid. the absorption of the effused product."^ should bo aided by a .'stimu- lating eollyrium, as, — 10 grains sulphate of zinc, 1 ounce distilled water, Or any of the eye waters advised under that head. The following simple treatment, used by a very successful practitioner, has by special request been written out for me : — AMAUROSIS, OK GLASS EYE. 997 " When the lids are swollen, and not duo to any disease, such as Pink Eye, etc., but to a cold, and injuries of numerous descriptions, the eye should first be bathed off with hot salt water for a few min- utes, then turn the lower lid down and drop on the lid and eye- ball, with an eye-dropper, the following collyrium: — " 10 grains sulphate of atropio, 1 drachm sulphate of zinc, C ounces aqua rosae, " Drop on the diseased eye 15 to 20 drops two to three times a day. This remedy is a certain cure in most all eye-troubles. " In diseases of the eye due to liver complaint, first give a strong cathartic combined with 1 to 2 drachms of calomel, and treat the eye as above." Amaurosis, or Glass E"S:e, Consists in either partial or complete paralysis of the optic nerve, or its terminal expansion, the retina. Causes. — Injuries to the brain, causing an extravasation of blood upon the deep origin of the sj)ecial nerve of sight (optic), from disease of the internal coat of the eye (retina). It occasion- ally occurs as a sequel of stomach staggers or indigestion. We have also known it to occur in pregnant mares. Pcrcival men- tions several cases of amaurosis occurring in mai-es with foal, where vision was perfectly restored after parturition. Symptoms. — The eye has a peculiar glas.sy appearance; the horse carries his head very high, and is continually moving his ears, and his action is high, lifting his feet as if he were stepping over some obstacle. He is easily alarmed by any noise. The pu- pil ia dilated, and loses its natural elliptical form. If the glare of a lighted candle is brought to bear upon the eye, the jjupil refuses to contract, thus showing that nervous influence is lost. Treatmeut. — The horse should have rest, and a strong dose of purgative medicine given. If supposed to arise from effusion or pressure on the nerve (optic), blisters and setons to the poll are recommended, and diuretics should be used. In some instances the powdered nux vomica, in doses of one sci-uple t\yice a day, has been used with advantage. If amaurosis has continued for a lengthened period, it is incurable, and treatment in such cases would be entirely iiseless. 998 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. , Cataract Is the name applied to a deposition of a pearly white substance within the eye, and is a veiy common aflection in tliis country. It consists in an effusion of lymph, either on the midfUe humor (crystalline lens), or on its capsule, and is variable in size, some- times not larger than the head of a pin, while in other cases it covers the whole lens. Causes. — It is generally a result of repeated attacks of specific ophthalmia, or it may even supervene upon a first attack ; it may follow a severe injury to the eye. Symptoms. — The eyesight is either partially or completely gone, and when covering the greater part of the lens, it is easily known by its pearly white appearance. When small, it is some- what diflicult of detection ; the eye is smaller than m health, and the pupil becomes greatly contracted when exposed to light. It may be detected by placing the animal in a bright light, and care- fully examining the eye; if the eye appears smaller than the other, it radicates something amLss with it. He should then be placed in a darkened stable, and allowed to stand quietly for ten or fifteen minutes before being subjected to an examination. Stand in front of him, and bring a lighted candle close up to the front of his eye, when any alteration in the structure of the lens can be readily detected. Treatment on the horse is useless, as when permanently es- tablished, it cannot be removed. When the cataract is confined to one eye only, it interferes but little with the horse's usefulness for ordinary work. The cornea is frequently injured from the puncture of a naU, allowing the aqueous humor to escape, and perhaps injuring the crystalline lens, completely destroying vision. When the injury is confined to the cornea, the humor may be reproduced. The part should be diligently bathed, either with hot or cold water, and the fomentations must be appUed several times a day; and the eye supported by means of a wet sponge or cloth, which tends to sub- due the acute inflammation and allay the pain, and by keeping the eyelids closed, it supports the lacerated parts. After a few days it may be necessary to stimulate the part, DROPSY OF THE BELLY. 999 ■when any of the stunulating apphcations recommended for simple ophthalmia may be used. The membrana nictitans, or haw, sometimes becomes enlarged, the result of an injury, or from being implicated in other diseased conditions of the eye.. Even in its healthy state, we have known it mistaken (by ignorant persons) for an abnormal structure, and barbarously removed. It is not an unusual circumstance to hear persons boast of the rapidity with which they can remove this beautiful and most essential appendage to the eye. Dropsy of the Belly (Ascites). Ascites consists of a collection of serous fluid in the cavity of the belly. It is not very often seen, unless Ln. connection with some other disease. Causes. — It is usually the result of chronic peritoneal inflam- mation, or a sympathetic extension, or accompaniment of " water in the chest " (hydrothorax), chronic disease of some important or- gan contained in the belly, which it invests. Occasionally it oc- curs in conjunction with enlarged liver or spleen. Sometimes also from impeded circulation, consequent on abnormal tumors press- ing on some important vessels ; and, unquestionably, as in the hu- man subject, some animals have a dropsical tendency (diathesis). Symptoms. — The animal is observed to be dull and inactive, the bowels are costive, and the urine scanty ; he is always thu-sty, watery swelling appears between the fore legs, which soon extends backward along to the sheath or udder ; the belly is large, and when struck, emits a dull, heavy sound. As it goes on, the breathing becomes rapid, and the pulse quick and small, the thnst intense, the appetite fails, the enlargement of the belly becomes more perceptible, the external swelling greater, and the breathing much increased ; as death approaches, the pulse becomes impercep- tible, and as Blaine remarks, " the peritoneal inflammation pro- duces colicky symptoms frequently, and in this way being occa- sionally but little disturbed, and at other times very ill, a few ac- tive symptoms carry off the poor beast." Treatment. — When the watery efiusion is extensive, few cases recover ; however, much can be done to arrest it in the early stages; the prospects of recovery, of course, depend a good deal on the cause of the complaint: when accompanied by hydrothorax, 1000 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. it almost invariably proves fatal. The strength from the first must be harbored, stimulants must be given from the beginning; open the bowels by an active purgative, smart friction being fre- quently ajjplied to the belly, or if the swelling is considerable, it should be supported by bandages; should the state of the patient permit, walking exercise should be persevered in. The following ball should be given daily: — • 1 draclim iodine, 1 drachm iodide of potassium, Linseed meal and soft soap sufficient to form a ball. Occasional doses of sweet nitre and warm beer should be given. Free scaiifications with a lancet or sharp knife should be made in the swelling. Tonics should be more early used than they generally are ; a very good tonic ball in these cases consists of — 2 drachms sulphate of iron, 1 drachm iodine, Made into a ball with linseed meal and soft soap. Or, 2 di-achms ginger, 2 drachms gentian, 2 drachms sulphate of iron. Molasses sufficient to make a ball. When medical treatment fails, temporarj' relief may be ob- tained by tapping, which consists in puncturing the belly, in the line between the navel and the sheath (or udder), taking care not to injure the boAvels, or any important vessels, in doing which the belly must be tightly bandaged, and kept compressed. Anasarca, or Swelled Legs. If plethoric, fat legs and sheath swelled. When standing in stable without any of the usual symptoms, should first be given a strong cathartic, and twenty-four to thirty-six hours after give the following pow(iers in the feed morning and night: — Ij ounces sulphate of iron, 2 ounces powdered digitallis leaves, 6 ounces nitrate of potass. , 2 ounce powdered nux vomica. Make into twelve powders, and give in feed morning and night as above directed, until the animal's feces becomes of a blackish color, then stop. INFLAMMATION OP THE VEINS. 1001 By this time the horse should be well. If the case is weak and debihtated, omit the physic and powders, and give good, nu- tritious food. In the meantime the horse in either case should have gentle exercise. It is bad practice to bandage. The application of bandages with stimulating liniment prevents the free circulation of the Fio. 861.— Tli( iu its natural condition. Fio. S63.— The leg as it appears when ' 'fill- ed" or swelled. blood, thereby causing not only debility of the capillaries, or small blood-vessels, but also irritates the skin. It in all cases gives temporary relief, but not a cure. The treatment before given is the only one to be depended upon. Inflammation of the Veins (Phlebitis). Owing to the pi-actice of bleeding horses for all ailments, which is still very common among people through the country, phlebitis is not uncommon. It consists of inflammation of the coats of the vein, involving the surrounding cellular tissues also. Causes. — When it occurs, it almost invariably follows the operation of bleeding, arising from some mismanagement in per- forming it, or securing the integuments after. Rusty fleams, care- 1002 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. lessness iu pinning it up, — as in pulling the skin out, allowing blood to filtrate the cellular tissues, — bringing the edges unevenly together, or, as in cases we have known, pinning the vein itself to the skin. Certain states of constitutional predisposition of the veins to take on inflammatory action are said to exist. Symptoms. — It is easily distinguished by the inverted edges of the wound, which are red and swollen, and discharge thin serum, which soon gives place to pus. The vein above the inci- sion is hard, hot, and tender, and considerably enlarged. The swelling extends upward to the head ; the inflammation extends to the surrounding tissues ; the side of the neck is swollen ; the neck is stiff", and the head extended. The systomatic fever runs high. Treatment. — The head should be tied up, and almost constant fomentations of hot water applied for several days. The lips of the wound should be touched with the cautery or Ixuiar caustic. A full dose of purgative medicine should be given. When the acute fever has subsided, it should be blistered throughout its en- tire extent, and repeated if required, the head being kept elevated, and his feed placed within his reach. These cases often terminate in complete obliteration of the vein ; but in course of time the smaller ve.ssels of the neck enlarge, and take the place of the lost jugular. He is not suited to be turned to pasture, as the head is apt to swell. He can never after be passed as a sound horse. Thrombus. Thrombus is the name given to a round tumor which some- times occurs around the puncture made in bleeding. Causes. — It is usually the result of pinning up the wound by drawing the skin out, allowing the blood to be extravasated into the cellular tissues; also from the opening in the skin not being opposite the opening in the vein, or too small to allow the blood to escape freely ; often from the tissues being irritated by repeated striking of the fleam, or " perhaps from spontaneous inflammation and serous effusion in the divided integuments and membranes themselves." Symptoms. — It is easily recognized by the appearance of a round full swelling surrounding the opening a short time after bleeding. LAMPAS. 1003 Treatment.— It should bu re-opened, the coagula squeezed out, and the edges of the wound again biought together, and a pad, or soonge, saturated with a strong solution of Goulard's lotion, or cold water constantly applied for an hour at a time, the pad being supported by a broad bandage round the neck. The head must be tied up for at least twenty -four hours. It usually subsides in a day or two. Should swelling remain, it should be blistered and treated as in phlebitis. Lampas. Lampas is the name given to a slight enlargement of the bars or rido-es on the palate behind the incisor teeth. It is mostly con- fined to young horses, and is a natural congestion of these parts, consequent on the shedding of the teeth. It is not so much a dis- ease as a natural and salutary process, which in general is best let alone, and in which cruel rem- ^^^ 863. -tH bar Wus method often edies, such as firing, should never resorted to, of burning out for a moment be thought of. If ^ ampas. much inflamed, a slight scarification, with sloppy feed for a few weeks, will suffice to remove it. In older animals, similar swell- ings are sometimes seen arismg from indigestion; a slight physick- ing will generally remove them, without resorting to such ouM practices as " cutting out the lampas." Diseases of the Skin. The skin is a membrane of variable thickness, which covers the whole body, and is reflected inward by all the natural open- ings, so as to line, by its internal reflections, the eye, the nasal cavities, the mouth, etc., etc. Skin diseases in the lower animals generally do not prove so inveterate as in human beings. Surfeit Is an affection of common occurrence among horses in the spring and summer months, and is an eruptive disease, showing itself in the form of small tumors, or pimples, and extending along the neck, or over the whole body. 1004 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. Causes. — It vw y often proves a sequel of some derangement of the digestive organs; as from feeding for a lengthened period on one kind of food, and more particularly if it is of a stimulating or heating nature. It is also ajit to occur in horses that are in high condition Avhen subjected to violent exercise, causing them to sweat freely, and then being exposed to sudden chill ; in this form it is often met with in colts, when being first put to work. Symptoms. — It appears suddenly; small pimples or tumors arise on different parts of the body and neck, and particularly un- derneath the mane ; in some instances they disappear rapidly by absorption, while in others they burst and discharge a thin fluid ; the hair comes out, and small scales form, which are easily pulled off. At times this affection proves very irksome and troublesome to the horse, causing him to rub violently against liis stall, or bite at the parts affected with liis teeth. In its simple form it appears to inconvenience the animal but little, and is generally easily re- moved. Treatment. — In the first place the food should be changed, and a milil purgative given, as Barbadoes aloes, four to six drachms ; the kidneys should bo made to act freely, and for that purpose the foUowLng ball may be given daUy for four or five days:— 3 draclims nitrate of potass., 1 scruple camphor, ] draclim oil of juniper. With soft soap and linseed meal sufficient to form an ordinary sized hall. In inveterate cases, small doses of calomel and ojiium may be used with success. The eruptions should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, and afterward dressetl with a mild solution of the cUoride of zinc, about twenty grains to a pint of water. He should have regular exercise and good grooming, using the wisp instead of the curry-comb. Surfeit differs from mange, in not being contagious. TJrticaei.^, Nettle Rash, Hines, etc.. Shown by pimples, or elevations, on the skin, may go and come within twenty-four hours, generally due to a disturbance of the stomach, such as gastric derangement. In any case not sei'ious, the symptoms are as follows: The horse probably not having MANGE. 1005 taken well to his feol (^apparently all right), a few hours later the whole bod J- will be covered with little erruptions, or elevations, all over the skin. The treatment for it should be as follows : Give a cathartic, and have his body well bathed with strong salt and water. This bathing may be repeated two or three times within twenty-four hours ; feed lightly, and reduce the amount of grain feed. This disease is caused by over-feeding, and want of exercise. Is always common to fat horses, and makes its appearance dur- ino- the spring and summer months. Mange Is another eruptive disease, and is very contagious, and is caused by the repeated attacks of minute ^^^^^^^^ which burrow the skin ; ^|^^||^^^^^^^^H these insects are called acari, anvasU the parts oft' well witli Vvarr.i ^,'ater and soap, thy thoroughly, and applj^ the following ointment, tv.atrj a day: — 64 1010 DISEASES AXD TUEIE TEEATMENT. 3 ounces oxide of zinc, 2 draclims carbolic acid, 10 ounces lard. Mix. " If the case is serious, internal remedies must be resorted to. First give a laxative, then feed twice a day one of the following powders: — ' ' li ounces sulphate of iron, 3 ounces gentian root, pulverized. " Make into eight powders." The prescription given below was obtained by the writer un- der the following circumstances, which will illustrate its value: When traveling through Ohio, dur- ing the winter of 1866, in conse- quence of deep mud, Turco's feet became badly affected with scratches, or cracked heels. In spite of all that could be done, the ulcerations con- tinued to spread, in connection with deep cracks across the heels, which would bleed whenever he was moved. Persons who had been in the army who saw him, stated that his feet were affected as were those in the army, when they lost their hoofs. While trying to drive him one morn- ing, a drunken fellow, who intro- duced himself as the local horse doc- tor, claimed that ho had a remedy that would cure the horse completely in two weeks. Having no confidence whatever in the fellow, I paid no attention to him, but was finally induced, mainly to free myself from his annoy- ance, to buy the prescription. Next day he followed me to the adjoining town, when he again assured me, if I would try the medicine, he would warrant it to cure the case. To get rid of him, I finally told him he might go and make as much medicine as he pleased, and I would pay him for it. He prepared the med- icine, and it was applied by the gi'oom to the horse, as directed, that night. Next morning there was such a decided improvement that I was eneoui-aged to persevere in its use, and in two weeks both legs were entirely cured. Flo. STO. — Showing the legs iu healthy condition. CEACKED HEELS. 1011 I regard the prescription very valuable, and mention this fact as proof of its effectiveness: — 2 ounces resin, 2 ounces copperas, 2 ounces ahim, 1 ounce beeswax, 1 ijint tar. Tallow, size of hen's egg. BoU over a slow fire, skim off the filth, and add a handful of the scrap- ings of sweet elder. When cool, it is fit for use. Another remedy, for which much is claimed, is the folio-w- ing:— 6 ounces sweet oil, 2 ounces borax, 2 ounces sugar of lead. Mix. First wash clean with soft water and castile soap. When dry, apply once a day. Sometimes a horse will irritate or break the skin by getting a rope or strap around the leg, which, if neglected, will cause a great deal of trouble by inducing scratches or cracking of the skin. The leg should be immediately poulticed with flax seed meal, until all inflammation subsides. The horse in the meantime should have bran mashes, with a small dose of physic. If, however, it has been neglected, and scratches or ulceration of the skin follow, it must be treated the same as for an ordinary case of scratches. I have found that tying a thickness or two of flannel loosely around the part for a few days after treatment, is very beneficial. Mr. J. F. Beaver, of the firm of Beaver & Williams Livery, Bat- tle Creek, Mich., gave me the remedy below, which he clauns to be the best thing he ever used for cracked heels. That, twelve years ago, he bought a very fast trotter that was regarded worth- less on account of his heels cracking so badly that he could not be speeded. Every effort to cure him previously having failed, a careful application of this remedy cured him perfectly. He has used it on a number of bad cases since then, always with success. He thinks it the best ever used for the cure of cracked heels, and would not be without it for one hundred dollars. The prescription was obtained of one of the best known and successful veterinary surgeons in the country. Mr. B.'s statement was fully corrobo- I'ated by friends wlio were acquainted with all the facts, and is im- 1012 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. doubtedly a remedj^ of gi-eat value. I include the prescription, with directions, as given me : — " The immediate causes of cracked heels, though various, may be summed up under the general heads of neglect and mismanage- ment. Any very sudden change from heat to cold, or from cold to heat, is very likely to derange the secretions of the skin. Hence washing the legs, especially with hot water, is very apt to induce cracked heels. The use of caustics and active astringents fre- quently does irrejiarable mischief. " Gummy-legged" horses, i. e., those whose legs are disposed to fill, are ^predisposed to cracked heels. Though this affection is usually associated with neglect or mismanagement, we occasionally find it in animals receiving the best of care. Horses well groomed and regularly exercised some- times suffer from cracked heels. The process of sweating induces the affection. The sweat runs down into the hollow of the heels, and the evaporation of the perspiration, strongly impregnated as it is with the salts of the blood, may possibly lead to disease. In regard to treatment, first, the cause, if it can be discovered, must be removed. The heels should be washed every night with warm water, and carefully enveloped in flannel bandages. Soap, though commonly used along with the water, is injurious, because the al- kali contained in it spoils the material thrown out for the repara- tive process. Ointments of various kinds arc used. The following, if properly prepared, is an excellent remedy: Take of oxide of zinc, one drachm ; Veterinary Cosmoline, one ounce ; powdered gum benzoin, ten grains ; camphorated spirits, one drachm ; mix thoroughly. The mode of application is a matter for attention. It should be gently rubbed upon the cracks with the finger, so as to distribute it in a moderately thick layer over the whole of the af- fected part, and to insinuate it as much as possible under any crusts that may be formed in the disease. Once pi'oijerly apjjlied, it will prevent further crust from collecting, while it serves the several purj)oses of a new cuticle to the abraded skin, a water-dressing, and a barrier to the oxidizing action always present in inflammation. The heels must not be washed after the ajiplication of the oint- ment ; they may be wiped with a soft napkin as much as may seem necessary, but when the ointment is once applied, it should not be removed by washing without good reason. Or the following lini- ment may be successfully applied : Take of Goulard's extract, En- glish glycerine, and skunk oil, two parts each ; liquor ammonia, half apart ; mix. Agitate before using, and apply with a soft brush twice a day." See also hoof ointment on page 9s3, wliicli Prof. Gamgee, of Edinburgh, Scotland, says is one of the very best remedies for scratches or cracked heels. Grease. This may be considered as an aggravated condition of scratches, and is induced by the same general causes. In the early stage, it c;eease. 1013 consists iu iuflaiuuiatiou of the sweat glands, followed by au of- fensive, white, oUy discharge from the heels. The acrid character of the discharge often causes large portions of the skin to slough away, leaving ugly sores behind. Symptoms. — There is generally more or less swelling of the legs, which, if not speedily relieved, is followed by a discharge; the hair falls off, and the skin is reddened and inflanied. The parts are very painful and hot, and in many cases the least j)ress- ure of the hand will make the horse twitch up his leg, and con- tinue to hold it up for some time. In other cases, when made to move about in his stall, or when taken out of his stable in the morning, he will keep twitching up his legs as if he were affected with string- halt. Exercise appears to relieve the pain, as after being walked for ten or fifteen minutes, he goes quite free. As the disease ad- vances, the .skin cracks, and the discharge increases, becoming moi- ■ and more purulent and offensive. (A good illustration of its appear- ance at this stage is given in Fig. 871.) The swelling increases, not being confined to the heels, but in- ^"'- STl.— A bad condition of grease, volving the front of the fetlock joint, and in some cases extending upwards to the hock. The cracked condition of the legs and heels undergoes a change of structure, and fungoid gi-anulations spring up similar in form to a bunch of keys; this is called the "grapy stage," which may vary considerably in structure, at one time be- ing very vascular, blooding readily when touched, in other in- stances it loses its vascularity, and becomes hard and horny; from between the crevices of the grapes an ichorous, glairy discharge continues. There is a small parasite, called sarcoptes hippopodus, which is sometimes found in chronic grease, an illu.stration of which I here give largely magnified, from Williams, who says this class of insect may be also common to mange. The disease induced by it is called 1014 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. foot mange. Attention is drawn to a horse with this disease by his rubbing his fore legs, or striking constantly with the hind ones during the night. The seat of the disease, and the ready detec- tion of numerous parasites in clusters where crusts or scabs form about the horse's heels, sufSce to enable us to diagnose the malady. Treatment. — Without cleanliness, all medicinal remedies are useless. The heels should be washed with soap and water every day, and the general comfort of the animal attended to. If the patient is in high condition, a dose of purgative medicine must be given, and the animal restricted to a cooling diet, as carrots, bran, etc. ; or, if in sum- mer, gi-een food is preferable. The following lotion may be aj^plied daily, which, in mild cases, will generally suffice: — 30 grams chloride of zinc, 1 pint water. In cases of long standuig, the hair must be cut ofl", and the parts softened with linseed meal poultices; to which may be added charcoal, yeast, or bleach- ing powder. After removing the poultices, dust the parts over with oxide of zinc powder, or apply the following ointment every morning, to be washed off at night : — 1 scruple acetate of lead, 4 drachms soft soap, 4 drachms lard. As in other skin diseases, small do.ses of Fowler's solution of arsenic is generally attended with beneficial results. TlTMOR ON THE SHOULDER. Very often, in consequence of continued chafing of the collar, which may be neglected, serious inflammation is caused, some- times followed by a deep cyst of matter, beneath the large flat Fig. 872. — Sai-coptes hippopodus. TUMOE ON THE SHOULDER 101 o Fig. 873. — Showing tumor on elboiv and shoulder. muscle which covers the front of the shoulder. The tissues around the part become thickened and indurated .so that it is frequently difficult to detect any fluctu- ation of matter, yet it may be assumed, when there is con- siderable swelling, that has continued for some time, and matter exists, there will not be recovery untU it has been removed. In slight cases only, a little nut-like induration usually forms without matter. Treatmeut.-In cases where injury is recent, if the horse must be used, change the col- lar, so that, if possible, no chaf- ing or pressure will be brouglit upon the part. Bathe the shoulder with hot and cold water ac- cording to the severity of the case, or two or three thicknesses of wet blanket may be slung over the shoulder. Bathing the part thor- oughly with arn- ica which has been reduced about one- third with water, is a favo)-ite rem- edy for chaffs and bruises. The fol- lowing Imiments for external in- flammation are very good: — 2 ounces worm- wood, 1 quart New England rum. Fro. 874. — A good mctliod of covoriug shoulder with wet cloths or poultices, when seriously chaffed or inflamed. Steep the worm-wood in the liquor, and apply the preparation thor- oughly to the shoulder. Or, 1016 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 1 ounce Goulard's extract, 2 ounces ^anegar, 3 ounces spirits of wine, li pints water. Cover the part with two or tliree thicknesses of cloth kept wet with this. An excellent remedy for bruises and soreness, caused by kicks, etc., is made by putting all the camphor into whisky which it will cut or dissolve. Bathe the part thoroughly with this. If a tumor forms, open it with a knife, and treat hke an or- dinary wound; or the matter can be drawn off with a trochar and canula, until the sac is reduced, when it can bo opened. If a solid tumor forms, a .straight verticle incision is to bo made through the skin over the mass, and dissected out, when the skin is to be brought together with stitches, and treated as a simple wound. Tumor on Point of the Elbow These are, in most cases, caused by the heels of the shoe when tlie horse lies with his fore limbs bent umler him. Treatment. — If in its acute stage, hot or cold applica- tions may be used; if very much. swol- len, bathing'with liot water will be best. W hen the acute stage passes off, apply an iodine or biniodide of mercury blister ; if sorum is secreted, it is recommended as the simplest treat- ment, to draw it off with a canula and trochai', and inject the sac witla compound tincture of iodine, diluted with twice the quantity of water. Or, open the sac freely at the lower part, and tm Fig. 875. — A good metli.i.l of coven, ^' ^ ing the elbow when injured. poultic- SAIjLENDEES. 1017 Ileal like a commou wound. If a hard mass is left beneath the skin, it is to be dissected out, and the skin brought together with a couple of stitches, and treat as a simple wound. Sallenders Is a name given to an eruption on the front of the hock joint, con- sisting in a scurfiness of the skin, accompanied by an ichorous dis- charge and falling out of the hair. Causes. — High feeding without exercise, disorder of the di- gestive sy.stem, uncleanliness, and bad grooming. In stallions of the heav}' draught breed they are a very common aifection, and prove difficult to remove. Treatmeut. — Dress the parts witli mercurial or iodine oint- ments, keep the legs dry and clean, and give regular but not se- vere exercise, and occasionally a dose of laxative medicine. When only slight, the following lotion may remove them : — 20 grains corrosive sublimate, 1 pint water. Apply twice a day. Mallenders Is the name given to a similar affection located at the back of the knee. The treatment must be the same as for sallentlers. Saddle and Collar Galls, A very common occurrence among horses, are caused by uneven jjressure of the saddle or collar; the skin becomes excoriated, and the hair falls off. Large inflammatory swellings appear, which may form into abscesses, or the skin may become indurated and thickened. Treatment. — The parts should be fomenteil with warm water, and some .simple or cooling lotion applied, as, — 1 ounce acetate of lead, 1 pint water. If abscesses form, they must be freely opened, and well fo- mented or poulticed. \¥heu the skin becomes indurated, forming what are called sitfasts, they must be dissected out. The following is said to be an excellent healing lotion for sad- dle or collar galls: — 1018 DISEASES ANT> THEIR TREATMENT. Ik ounces sulphate copper, 1 ounce sulphate zinc, li ounces sugar of lead. Put in tliree pints of water. Swab on the parts two or three times a day. Reduces inflammation, and sets up healing granulation uf parts. Tenotomy. As the name indicates, it consists in division of the tendons m cases of morbid contraction, giving rise to knuckling over the fet- lock, causing the whole weight to be thrown on the toe. It is only applicable to cases in which we have no anchylosis of the join is. The horse being cast and properly secured, the leg is taken out of the hobbles, and a rope attached to the foot, which is held by assistants. A longitudinal incision is made about an inch in length, a little in front of the tendon.s, and below^ any point of thickening that may exist. A common, small bladed scalpel, or the curved tenotomy knife, Is passed in, care being taken to avoid the artery vein and nerve, and the tendons are divided; the skin behind must not be cut, as the ends of the tendon may protrude, giving rise to fungus growths. The foot should now be easily brought into its natural position ; Lf not, some force should be used to bring it back "by placing the knee against the front or pro- jecting part of it, at the same time laying hold of the foot with one hand, and the iipper part of the leg with the other, and using considerable force. " This is sometimes necessary to break up ad- hesions which may have formed. A stitch or two should be put in the wound, and a thick woolen bandage kept constantly wet with cold water should be applied for some days. If much in- flammation ensues, a poultice should be applied, and some purga- tive medicine given. If the fetlock descends too much, the heels should be raised. If adhesions take place during recovery, a tipped shoe should be put on the foot. In from two to three months he will be fit for work. In a conversation with Dr. Hamill about this operation, in ex- plaining the simplicity and success of the operation, he referred to a case in point. To make the matter more clear to the general reader, I made the request that he would write out a statement of TEJ^OTOMT. 1019 the method of treatment used by him, with a drawing showing the position of the foot before being operated upon ; also drawings of his method of adjustment for holding the foot in jjosition after the operation, which are here given : — " Tenotojmy, or Division op the Tendons. " This is one of the simplest, as well as one of the most useful operations in equine surgery, as it will restore to normal position and strength a limb which has been so much deformed by contraction of the great flexor tendon of the foot, as to leave an otherwise good horse utterly useless. This con- traction causes what is known as knuckling, or descending forward and downward of the fetlock joint towards the ground "The operation is as follows: The horse is secured (in some cases throwing down is unnec- essary), the leg is flexed or bent at the knee, a verj' small incision is made through the skin on the inside of the leg, at the inner border of the tendon, where it stands out freest from the ' can- non bone.' (See Fig. 876.) Then insert a pi'obe pointed tenotomy knife, keeping it pressed as close to the tendon as possible to avoid cutting the artery, which may be better protected by pressing with the fingers of the left hand towards thebone,allthe FiQ. 876.- the position of the foot before being operated upon. soft tissues ly- «, Point to enter ing in front of the knife for cutting the tendon, the tendons. Press the knife in until the skin is reached, but not cut on the opposite side; turn the edge towards the ten- don, cut carefully backward, while an attendant straightens the limb, until both tendons are severed, if necessary, to let the limb out straight. But a small wound is best for the healing process. . And where adhesions have taken place, force is i-e- quired to straighten out the foot, with the brace or stay shoe. (See Fig. 878.) With a little antisep- tic dressing occasionally to the wound, recovery will take place early. As a much better ' set ' limb can be had with use of stay shoe, it may be added that one can be easily made by welding a bar of the desired length on the old I'"iG. 87T. — Drawiui; of the shoe and bar used for tlie treatment of the case referred to. 1020 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. shoe, sotting it to iIk^ position of tlic sound limb, then packing and bandaging all together just above the point of ojieration. (See il- lusti'ations below.) " The adjustable brace shoe, shown in Fig. 877, is also simple, which is taken from the very shoe actually in use on one of the worst cases of contraction of the flexor tendon ever in New York City. A horse belong- ing to Messrs. Smith & McAVilliam, Manhat- tan Gas Works, N. Y., was a large, powerful 1 1 r a u g h t horse, be- I ween fourteen and fifteen hundred weight, used at very I I eavy work . T h rough some sprain to the oft" hind limb, he kept walking on the toe for about five or six months. Every known remedy was tried to prevent knuckling, iDoth as regards medi- cal treatment and Fig 878.— Drawing of model shoe and bar designed ^l^Oemg. Heavy plates , ^,. J .. J. i . 01 steel were welded in lor this purpose, and its adjustment. « ^ r. ^ i j r. ^ i ' front of the toe of the shoe. During another six months, he kept going over, until finally he walked on the anterior face of the hoof, with the fetlock joint resting on the ground. Fig. 87G shows the position in w'hich the foot was carried. The limb appeared to be paralyzed above the joint. When he was down, he was quite helpless, had to bo helped up, and in the end could hardly be made to stand alone. The own- ers decided to have him destroyed, although onlj' eight years old, but first acquainted their veterinary surgeon. He advised tenot- omy, M'hich was jjcrformed in the month of March, 1878. In a few Avceks the horse worked on Mr. Smith's fiirm at heavy plough- ing, and other farm work. Shortly after, he was taken back to the city, put to the same heavy work again, when he worked for two yeai-s, and never afterward showed the slightest lameness, or even weakness in that leg." In 1865, I purchased a pair of finely matched stallions. After being trained carefully, the first time exhibited they were driven to a new wagon. In turning short around, the wheel caught into tlie rub-iron, and being on sideling ground, it caused the wagon to upset, when the horses got away and ran into their stable close by. Upon examination, it was found that the sharp corner of TENOTOMY. 1021 the tire on tlie fore wheel, in striking one of the horse's hiud legs, entirely severed the tendons about three and a half to four inches above the point of the fetlock, allowing the foot to turn up, and the ankle to rest upon the ground. I supposed, of course, the horse was ruined, and beyond help. At that time I knew noth- ing at all about the treatment of sickness or lameness, and there being no veterinary surgeon in all that region of country, was consequently thrown upon my own resources. The horse being a valuable one, and the injury to him breaking up a fine team, I was bound to save him if I could, and succeeded in doing so as follows: — I had the horse put in slings; next had the shoe taken off the foot, to which I had a piece of strong u-on welded on at the toe. I then took a piece of leather, drew it around the fetlock, and fast- ened through a loop in the iron, as shown in Fig. 879. The part was simply dressed as an ordinary wound. Excessive inflammation was kept down by showering with cold water. In about five weeks the parts seemed to be entirely healed, leaving considerable enlargement; but Fuj. 879.— Thefootas fearing that by giving him entire fi'eedoni, the '*• "^^^ supported, tendons might be torn apart, I kejit him in slings a little over seven weeks. I kept a man with this horse night and day, with instructions to let him stand iipon his feet easily an hour or so at a time, then alternating by shoi'tening the slings, so as to rest his weight prin- cipally upon them. It was also so arranged, by an extra strap behind, as to pull forward and upward like a breeching. Every precaution was taken to nurse, by giving nourishing and easily digested food. Indeed, without this precaution, I think he could not have been saved, as the weather was very warm, and very trying for a horse to stand so long in a warm stable. As it was, he was very much emaciated when taken out of the slings, though he soon regained his strength and flesh, and seemed to be as well as ever. The enlargement gradually subsided, so that at the end of a year it was scarcely noticeable. There was at first a little want of mobility in the limb, but it soon disappeared. I would here add that it would have facilitated the absorption 1022 DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. of the enlargement, to have used a slight absorbant, with moder- ate pressure of a light Avoolen bandage. Castration. The following article was, by special request, written by Dr. Chas. A. Meyer, who is an expert in the performance of this oper- ation : — " Castration by the Latest Method. " Advances and progress have been made iu all branches of the sciences and arts, and the art and scienco of surgery has been one of them. The nature, temperament, and disposition of the horse is better understood, and the educated vctcriuarian often risks his life for the benefit of stock raisers. We rnl], therefore, speak of Fia. 880. — Miles' Ecraseurr. the most improved method of castrating the stallion, as it is now, and will in the future be performed, with more ease and success. The old method of castratuig the stallion, which so often injures the animal by breaking his back, injuring his limbs, sj)raining his muscles, and frequently disabhng him for life, is now prevented. The method as now performed is to castrate the animal standing, using no roj)es to tie his legs, no hard usage, no clamps, and less lia- ble to cause tetanus, eryseplas, sclerous cord, etc. The operation is as follows : — " Put a hallter on the animal, speak to him kindly, lead him to a corner, and quietly back him into it. Have the groom hold the halter-rope with the riglit hand, rather short, and place his left hand or arm over the fiice of the horoC, and turn the animal's head to the left, or nigh side. The ojjerator should have a sharp castrat- ing knife, a pair of scissors, and, the most important instrument of all, the ecraseure (as shown in Fig. 880), called Miles' Ecraseiu-e. The operator should stand on the nigh side, midway between the fore and hind legs (say nothing to the horse), grasp the scrotimi gentlj^ in the left hand above the testicles, now with the knife held about 8 to 10 inches from the scrotum, make a slash into, and throng the coverings of the testicles, cutting into them proper. While the cut is made with the foi-e fingers at the back of the scro- CASTEATlOJSr. 1023 turn, raise the severed coverings, and the testicles pop out. This must be done quickly. Then step back, apply tho chain of the ec- raseure about an inch above the testicle, and quickly tighten the chain. When a firm tortion is on the chain, gradually tighten the same, when a peculiar grating sensation "will be felt. Do not cut clear through the cord with the chain. Then take your scissors and cut below the chain, when the testicle will fall to the ground. Gradually loosen the chain, which should require about half a min- ute, and repeat the same operation on the second testicle. You will not have any bleeding, and the animal will stand perfectly quiet. " This was at one time performed by a few men, who traveled through the country' castrating, and who captivated the stock rais- ers by their clever way of operating, and who look upon it as a se- cret, of which there is no such thing. The whole secret lies in this : The testicles are endowed with a profuse plexus of nerves, and is a highly sensitive organ. By making a sharp, quick incis- ion in the testicle, the pain is so intense that the animal becomes unnerved, and is under complete control of the operator. In this lies the whole secret. In some cases, the stallion makes a few sharp, quick kicks with one leg, but they are so as not to get in close proximity with the operator, being straight out behind. There is no danger to either the operator or the horse. jSTothing is ap[)lied to the wounded part, which is to be left alone, and a slight swelling will be visible for a few days, which is natm-al, and must bo to produce a healing of the parts. The percentage of loss is very slight, and only then due to complications, such as colds, etc. I have never yet seen an animal die from being operated upon by this method." The Old Method, As practiced by an old man named Gould, who is a resident near Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. He is known in that and surrounding counties for his success in castrating horses, claiming to have never lost a case, and that there was but little swelling after the opera- tion. The writer took particular pains to see the old man operate, and learn his secret. The horse was laid down, and tied in the usual manner. He washed the parts thoroughly with warm water, and then greased with lard. The clamps were of the usual kind. It is the prepa- ration he put on the clamps that made his success, he said. He put on the clamp, first rye flour paste; on this, sifted on equal portions of red precipitate and corrosive sublimate, mixed together in powder. In 24 hours the clamps were taken oft". This method of treatment has been pursued for many years by a 1024 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. friend of the author, and he claims, with unfailing success, never having lost a case, and is followed by no appreciable swell- ing. Injuries and Diseases of the Penis. Causes. — The penis or yard of the stallion more particularly is liable to injury, from being kicked in covering, or sometimes it gets injured by awkwardness of the groom in serving mares; also from being cruelly struck with a whip or stick while in a state of erection. Warts and excrescences friMjuontly cover the surface of the organ. Symptoms. — We may have injuries of more or less severity from a slight scratch to deep and severe laceration of its sub- stance; or, on the other hand, the blow may have merely bruised, without breaking, the skin, pi-oducmg want of power to retract it. and often accompanied by enormous swelling of the organ. When long out, the glans assumes a i-eddish-brown color, and the sur- face is cold, with ver}' little sensibility. This is known as jiara- plujmosis. Sometimes these swellings subside, but thickening and enlargement of the lower part remains, preventing retraction within the sheath, proving very troublesome and unsightly. Warty excrescences are easily recognized, and may occui' on any part of the organ. Treatment. — Injuries from kicks and blows must be treated on the general principles of subduing inflammation. If it hangs pendulous, it must be supported by a broad bandage round the body, and copious affusion with cold water, or iced water in sum- mer, constantly applied; if very hot and tender, accompanied by fever and constitutional disturbance, hot fomentations may be more applicable ; whichever is employed must be persevered in for some length of time. Purgatives .should be given, and low diet, for some time. Unless there is extensive laceration of the substance of the or- gan, nothuig more than cold applications are required; should it prove tardy in healing, Goulard lotion, or a mild solution of sul- phate of zinc will prove beneficial. When it continues, and the tumefaction increases, free and deep longitudinal scarification must be made on its surface, and repeated in a few days, if neces- sary. Sometimes charcoal poultices are leijuired to cleanse the wounds and soothe the part. SHEATH AND YAED. 1025 Foulness of the Sheath and Yard. In geldings the penis becomes diminished considerably in size, and, from want of the sexual desire, seldom protrude it without its covering, the sheath, consequently the sebaceous secretion of the glands in the prepuce accumvilate, forming a black soft fojtid substance, with a strong persistent uric odour. This sometimes becomes irritating, and gives rise to uneasiness, and should be oc- casionally washed out with warm water, and a soft sponge, tak- ing cai'e not to scratch or bruise the inner surface, as troublesome swellings sometimes ensue. More trouble, however, arises from tlie accumulation of little round "beans," (as horsemen call them,) of a soft clayish appear- ance, in the cavity in the head of the penis, surrounding the end of the urethra; sometimes obstructing the passage of the urine, by pressing on the urethra, or even stopping up the orifice itself, giv- ing rise to difficulty in staling, and uneasiness. The sheath should be washed out with soap and water, and the hand, well oiled, should be passed up, and the penis drawn out, when the accumulation should be removed, taking care not to scratch or bruise the parts. Parturition or Foaling. The period of gestation in the mare varies from eleven to thir teen months. Usually about ten daj's before foaling she begins to "make bag," the udder enlarges, and a thin milky fluid can be drawn from the teats, and a glairy (Uscharge escapes from the vagina, giving warning that the foal is about to be dropped. When the time approaches, she becomes uneasy, getting up and down frequently. Presently the true labour pains begin, the womb contracts on its contents, assisted by the diaphragm and abdominal muscles; the whole body is convulsed with tlio effort; the mouth of the womb becomes dilated; the water-bag appears and bursts ; and when the presentation is natural, a few efforts force it out — sometimes enclosed in the membranes, which must bo immediately removed ; and if the cord does not give way itself, it being sometimes thick and strong, a ligature should be put on it about four inches from the belly, and the remainder cut away. In general, mares are bast left to themselves at this important 65 1026' DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. period, but care should be taken that they do not get into awk- ward positions, as against a wall, or the sides of the box. Abnormal Presentations. The natural position of the foal at birth is with the head rest- ing on the two fore-legs. When in this position, and the parts natural, it soon comes away without very much exertion. In many cases, however, the foal is found in such positions as to pre- vent its escape without assistance. In all cases of pi'otracted la- bour, where the pams continue without effect, assistance may be rerpiired. The hand being raised in temperature by washing in warm water, should be introduced to ascertain the cause. In some cases the neck of the womb will be found not sufficiently dilated, but the foal is found in its natural position. In such cases, it may be gently dilated with the hand, or left alone, when nature will often overcome it herself. In cases of natural presen- tion, we must not be in too much hurry to deliver; harm is often done by injudicious interference. One or both fore-legs may be doubled back, with the head presenting. In this case, push it back, and pass the hand down the log if possible; get them up into the passage, either by the hand or looped cords passed round the fetlock, when, by slight traction, it will generally be brought away. The legs may be presented in the passage, and the head either doubled down under the brim of the pelvis, or turned over the shoulder down on the flank. In this case, it should be pushed bodily back, and the head sought for, when a loop must be placed, if possible, on the lower jaw; it must now be pushed back, while the head is to be pulled forward, and brought into the passage. This case is often very troublesome, from the difficulty sometimes experienced in reaching the head. It is sometimes necessary to remove one of the legs by cutting the skin round the fetlock, and with the embryotomy knife dividing the skin of the leg as far as the shoulder, and separating it with the fingers, when it can be removed. A cord should be attached to the loose skin to aid in traction, when the head can in most cases be reached. We have had occasion to remove both legs in the same manner before de- livery could be eflfected. Sometimes the buttocks and tail are only to be felt; this is often a troublesome case, especially when the legs dip under the ELISTEES. 1027 pelvis. It must be pushed well in, and the hind feet, if possible, secured and brought into the passage. Often, however, it is very difficult to do, when, as recommended by Prof. Dick, " the con- tents of the abdomen must be removed at the rectum ; the pelvis divided at the symphysis, when a cord being attached, and force used, the hind legs will get into the place of the viscera, and the quarters collapse so as to allow of extraction." The whole four feet may be presented in the passage ; the simplest way of deliver- ing in this case is to feel for the hocks, and shp loops on the hind feet ; and by pushing back the fore ones, it may be removed by the hind legs. It is impossible to describe minutely the details of procedure in these cases, as, from difference in collateral circumstances, such as size, age, length of time she has been in labour, swelling of the parts, etc., etc., different plans of treatment must suggest them- selves to the operator. The prmciples to be observed are these : endeavor to get it into its natural position, in which position it is easiest delivered ; failmg in that, to get i^ into the next easiest, viz., the hind legs first — that impracticable, to remove those parts of the foal which offer most resistance, care being taken in so do- ing not to bruise or lacerate the mare. In no circumstances are tact, coolness, and steady perseverance more required than in a protracted case of labour; however, the dictates of humanity no less than professional duty demand that we shrink not from the most difficult. Blisters. Befoi-e a blister is applied, the hair must be cut off from the part as closely as possible. The blistering ointment is then to be well rubbed into the part with the hand ; and after this has been continued about ten minutes, some of the ointment may be smeai-ed on the part. In blistering the legs, the tender part of the heel, under the fetlock joint, is to be avoided; it may be better to rub a little hog's lard or vaseline on it, in order to defend it from any of the blisters that may accidentally run down from the leg. When the legs are blistered, all the litter should be removed from the stall, and the horse's head should be carefully secured, to prevent his rubbing the blistered parts with his nose. On the third day he may have a cradle put around his neck, and be 1028 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. turned loose into a large box, or a paddock, or an orchard. In a field he would be apt to take too much exercise. About a week or ten da,ys after the blister has been applied, the parts should be oiled with some olive-oil or vaseline. If flies are troublesome, and make the horse restless, they may be kept off by the tar ointment, or tar and train oil mixed. Counter Irritants. — Their Uses, How to Employ Them, etc., from Williams. " In all painful affections, warm fomentations or jioulticcs must as a rule be prescribed. In the course of some days, however, if the pain is subsiding, and the parts seemingly relaxed, much bene- fit will bo obtained by making a change to cold, mild astringents and bandages, to promote alisorption of the exudate. " The congested ca])illarie3 niay bo relieved by local bleeding, but the parts upon which such an operation is performed are very few, except about the coronet or the foot. An incision into the coronary plexus will reach the vessels at once; the utility of this is, however, very doubtful, except in rare cases. Bleeding at the toe, although much practiced by many, is not to be commended. " Purgatives are very useful during the first stages of lameness, reducing the inflammation. A full dose of aloes may be given with advantage, the diet being pro2)crly regulated and restricted to bran mashes, a little hay, and the water to be chilled. " After the acute signs of inflammation have subsided, if the lameness still remains, the application of the so-called counter irri- tants Avill bo rendered necessary. These consist of rubefacients, blisters, setons, and the actual cautery. The actions of these reme- dies difter only in degree, in rapiditj', and in perfoi-mance, not in the nature of the exudation which thej'' produce. Without enter- ing into any speculative discussion upon the question, superficial ir- ritants are beneficial in all cases of chronic lameness, whether it be caused by disease in bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, or any other structure; and they are often more decidedlj^ beneficial when ap- plied to the diseased structure itself than to the skin covering it. For example, a lameness arises from bone sjiavin; its eradication is much more certain and rapid when a pointed cauterj^ is applied to the diseased bones than when the hock is fired in the ordinary way. Again, a spavin has been fired and blistered repeatedly without benefit; the bones are "punched " (a barbarous operation, and only to bo performed in extreme cases), violent inflammation is excited in the diseased bones, which for a time increases the lameness; but this gradually subsides, and the original lameness is found to bo removed. " I am of the opinion that the curative action of external irri- tants is not duo to their producing metastasis or counter irritation; but that they excite within the originally fliseaefed structure a re- COUNTEK litRlTANTS. 1029 parativo inflammation, partalting in its nature of wbat is described by Virchow as tlie "secretoiy inflammation," which, superseding the original diseased process (whether that be inflammation pure and simple or its efl'ects, idceration, caries, or a formation of a low form of fibrous tissues), excites the formation of reparative material by which the breaches are united, ulcers healed, and diseased action removed. " To illustrate this view, I will bring forward two fainiliar ex- amples: 1. The healing of a sinus or fistula, after the ai^plication of a blister, or of the actual cautery to the skin contingent to il; and 2. The removal of phlebitis (inflammation of the vein iu the neck after bleeding) by a blister. " In the first instance, we find that a sinus heals after a blister or cautery, bj^ the formation of an or- ganizablo exudate, which completely fills up the cavitjr of the sinus; and, in the second, we find that a blister assists in the obliteration of the in- flamed vein, not by removing the inflam- mation from it, but by promoting the formation of a large quantity of repara- tive lymph, and hast- ening its further de- velopment into fi- Fig. 8SI.— TheAspirat,,,-.* brous tissues, by which the vessel is transformed at the inflamed part into a fibrous cord. 'Now if the curative action were due to the removal of inflammation, we should find that in the first case the relief would be only of a temporary nature, the sinus would still remain, being generally the cause, and not the eff'cct of the morbid action; and in the second, that the inflammation being removed from the coats of the veins, the vessel would, upon removal of the clot, become pervious. But such is not the case. Let the clot be removed ever so often, it is sure to form again, and nothing has the power of overcoming the inflammation of the ves- sel until it has been transfonned into an organized cord, a process most materially hastened bj"" the application of a blister. " I think it may therefore be accepted that external irritants — whether they be simply rubefacients, producing a mere redness * This cut belongs in article on winilgalls, page 77S ; but on account of not be- ing available when the matter for t'a^t article was put in type, it is inserted here. It was furnished by John Keyuders & Co., Manufacturers of Surgical and Veterinary Instruments, etc., 303 Fourth Avenue, N. T. 1030 DISEASES AND THEIR TEBATMENT. of the skin, vesicants or blisters, which cause elevations of the cuti- cle by fluid underneath it, or cauterization and setons, which jjro- moto the suppurative action — remove lameness by assisting nature in a process of repair. " Rubefacients may be em])loj^ed in the loss severe forms of lameness, in sprains of tendons, or in slight affection of joints, along with rest and fomentations, after the more acute symptoms have jiassed away. " It is usual to apply blisters in all cases of some standing, when organic changes in the parts involved are suspected. Before a blis- ter is applied, the hair should bo clipped from the part, which, if dirty, ought to bo wusheil, and when dry, tlio blister to be applied with smart friction for about ten minutes. To obtain the full effect of a blister, a quantity of ointment is to bo thickly laid on after the rubbing in is completed. " Tho best agent is cantharides, in the form of acetate, tincture, or ointment, to tho limbs, tho ointment in preference ; on© part of cantharides to twelve parts of lard or palm-oil. If prepared with a temperature equal to the boiling point of water (212°), it will be sufficiently sfroitf/ and will never hlemish. It is a mistake to think that tho powdered flies should be mixed with tho vehiclo when it is nearly cold. Aw ointment i-o prejiared will require three times the quantity of cantharides. Tho heat molts tho cantharidinc. '' Hints u2}on hJlstcring generally. — Xo more than two legs are to bo blistci'ed at one timo, a;id throo weeks at Icatst must be allowed to elapse before the others are blistered, and between each re-ap- plication. It is bad practice to blister extensively in very hot weather; and it is a mistake to suppose that blisters to the loins and back are more a2)t to irritate the urinary organs than when applied to any other jiart of the bodj-, provided that it be carefuUj^ and properlj^ done. " The evil results of blistering arc: l.st. The production of strangury, by tho absorbed cautharidine irritating the urinary passes. This is a very rare occurrence, provided the blister has been applied to a moderate extent of surface; but if four legs, or even two, bo extensi%'ely blistered at one time, the occurrence of such may be laid down to tho indiscretion of the practitioner. In some cases, however, very moderate blistering may bo followed by strangury, and when it does occur, it is best treated thus: First wash tho blistered surface with warm water, in which a little alkali has been dissolved; dress it with oil, givo the animal demulcents to drink, such as cold linseed tea, and administer a few doses of opium and bicarbonate of soda. " 2d. The production of a considerable amount of nervous irri- tability, fidgetiness, quickened pulse, and injected mucous mem- branes, with loss of appetite. These symptoms arc duo to a nerv- ous temperament; and if not very severe, had better not be inter- fered with. Should they become alarming, the animal must be treated as in the first instance; the fomentations being continued COUNTEIl IlUilTANTS. 1031 for a longer period to the legs. It may bo hei'C mentioned tbat fo- mentations should not bo hot, but soothingly warm. " Sometimes blisters, no matter how carefully applied, produce excessive swellings of the limb or limbs, with a tendency to sup- puration and sloughing of the skin. These results are generallj'' due to the animal's being in bad health, and in a condition tending to anasai'ca or to erysipelatous disease. The treatment must con- sist of purgatives or diuretics, as the case may be ; fomentations, astringent lotions, and gentle exercise, as soon as the pain is suffi- ciently subsided to admit of the animal's being moved about. In many cases the swellings involve the sheath of the penis, and the under surface of the abdomen. Punctures are very useful in such parts, by allowing the escape of the contained fluid. 1 have seen tetanus arise from a very limited blister to one fore leg. " If the effects are not sufficiently apparent in about thirty hours after the blister has been applied, a very little more, or what is remaining on the skin, which may be sufficient, should be gently rubbed in ; and in about forty-eight hours after the application the part is to be washed, and every trace of the blister removed ; a lit- tle oil being now api^lied, or, what suits perhaps better, an emulsion of sweet-oil, carbonate of potash, and water. It is a mistake to keep the parts soft too long ; the eschars should be allowed to ac- cumulate, and to desquamate gradually. " Firing, or the application of the actual cautery, is a much more severe irritant than a blister, and often removes pain very rapidly when rejieated blisters have failed to do so. In bone dis- eases, and in all cases of chronic lameness, it is of great benefit, and seems to act by powerfully exciting the healing process in the part diseased. The fii-ing may be in lines, and supei-ficial, the transverse method being the least calculated to blemish ; or it may be in points, and deep, by pyro- puncture (see treatment for spavins, ring-bones, etc.) into the diseased structure. This latter method is the more easily performed, and the more effective. " Nothing is more calcidated to dispel the idea of the correct- ness of the counter-irritation theory than the dissection of a part which has been recently fired (say three days after the operation), when it will be found that the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the bones, — when they are superficially situated, such as those of the hock, pastern, etc., — are involved in the inflammatory action so produced. Thus a bone spavin lameness is removed by the inflam- mation excited by the cautery in the diseased bones, providing a supply of material for the purpose of uniting them together into one immovable mass ; or as in caries of a ginglymoid joint, for the re- pair of destroyed structure, as alreadj^ explained. " Setons act very satisfactorily in some cases of bone diseases, especially in those accompanied by external heat of the part; they produce a discharge of pus, and their action can bo continued for a much longer time than that of blistering or firing. In tendenous or ligamentous lamenesses, with much thickening of the integu- ments and subcutaneous structures, setons should not be employed, 1032 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. as thoy leave much additional thickening, and are not so eftcetual as the actual cautoiy." Hot Fomentations. This is so often advised for acute inflammation, sprains, etc., notwithstanding the simplicity of its application, I think it advis- able to give such details as will serve to aid the owner in its use. The use of hot and cold water alone, intelligently applied, will be found a very safe, simple, and effective remedy for allaying in- flammation, pain, and congestion. The principle is to apply all the heat tlie animal will bear, but not enough to scald or burn. It is best accomplished by wring- ing through a common clothes wringer a woolen blanket (a com- mon horse-blanket will do) out of boiling hot water, fold it quickly into four or more thicknesses, and place it over the aflTected part. Cover the hot clotli well with dry blanket. If continued or re- peated long enough to relax the skin, cold is to be applied to tone it up, when, if necessary, the heat is to be again continued. For Acute Pleurisy. — To relieve the pain, apply hot fomenta- tions over the seat of the pain, from one to three hours, or till the pain subsides. The fomentations should be renewed every five or ten minute.s, and at the conclusion should be followed with a heavy, cold compress for about ten minutes. Ice compresses in- stead of the fomentations will sometimes afford relief when all other means fail. After ice-compre&ses have been applied for an hour, they should be followed by a hot fomentation, and then apply the cold compress again until the pain subsides. For Colic. — Apply hot fomentations sufficiently large to cover the abdomen or belly of the horse, in quick succession, for an hour or so, till relief is obtained. And at the same time give a copious injection of hot water into the rectum, of from 110 to 118° F. A gallon or two of water should be used for this purpose. Any kind of a syringe will do, but the Fountain Syringe is much to be preferred above all others. Sometimes the fomentation is all that is necessary to give relief, and sometimes injections alone will give great relief. For Strains and Sprains. — Apply hot fomentations vigor- ou.sly, changing them every five or ten minutes till the pain and swelling subside. Apply a cold compress for the last application, HOT FOMENTATIONS. 1033 and the compress can be left on continuously, but it should be cov- ered with the woolen cloth. For a Cold. — If the cold is located in the head, a fomentation can be applied to the head, and should be extensive enough to cover most of the neck. This can be done by folding a blanket lengthwise about four thicknesses, and just winding it spirally around the horse's head so as not to cover the eyes ; and if one blanket is not sufficient, another blanket can be wound around the head and down the neck in the same manner. The fomenta- tion should be well covered with a dry blanket, and if it is so hot that the horse cannot bear it, the hot folded blanket, after being wrung out of hot water, should be folded in a dry one, so as not to burn him. In this case, it is not necessary to add another dry blanket over the fomentation. If the cold seems to be settled all over the horse, several blan- kets may be joined at the edges, and thrown over the horse so that the edges hang down to the ground, forming a kind of tent for the horse to be under. The edges of the blanket behind and before the body can be pinned together. Then place a vessel with hot water under the horse, and a hot brick or hot flat-irons can be thrown into the water to produce a vapor, which should be continued until the horse is in a profuse sweat. Then he can be sponged off, beginning with cool water, and ending with cold wa- ter, or sprayed with cool water, then with cold ; or the water can be poured over the body, if it is" not convenient to spray. The an- imal should then be warmly blanketed, and in the course of 20 minutes if he does not sweat, or has ceased to sweat, should then be dried thoroughly by wiping with cloths and rubbing with the hand, until perfectly diy. Care should be taken that the tempera- ture of the room in which this treatment is given should not fall much below 50°, and would be better to be about 65° or 70°, and there should be no draught. The treatment can be made much more effective by placing the horse's feet into as hot water as he will bear, whUe the vapor is being given. Another method is a hot-blanket pack, which is sometimes more convenient, and is just as effectual. The hot-blanket pack can be given by wi'inging a heavy blanket out of hot water, and folding it; then folding it into a dry blanket and putting it around the body of the horse. It will require at least two such 103^ DISEASES AND THEIE TEEATMENT. blankets to reach over the body of the horse. He shouki then be very heavily blanketed, ko as to keep the heat of the hot cloths in, and produce perspiration. The hot-blanket pack should be followed by cool sponging, spi-aying, or pouring, the same as after the vapor bath. The after treatment should be the same as after the vapor bath. Poultices. The simplest and cheapest poultice can be made by pouring boiling water on about a peck of bran, so as to make a very thin mash ; or linseed meal could be added to it. Boiled turnips make a good poultice, which would also be iiuproved by the addition of a little linseed meal. Poultices are generally too small, confined, and dry. A poul- tice should be made large, .so as to cover the parts thoroughly, and keep them moist. When a horse gets a nail in the foot, or it is calked, or when there is any local inflammation from an injury, covering the parts with a warm poultice will be found a very sim- ple and good way of keeping down inflammation. If it is desired to poultice the leg for a sprain of the tendons, a flannel bag can be maullcys to raise the tail. of the bone sometimes follows the injudicious use of the firing' Nicking and pricking are one and the same operation, the lat- ter being an improved method of performing it. The object is to cause the tail to be cari'ied in an elevated position, which is much admired in road horses. It is also performed to set the tail straight when carried awry, wHch is a serious eyesore to a good-looking horse. Pricking is nothing more or less than tenotomy of the de- pressor muscles of the tail. It is best to secure him with a twitch and side line; the hair at the end of the tail is firmly tied, and a loop formed, to which the weight is to be attached. The only instrument used is a long- EMBROCATIONS. 1047 bladed scalpel, or the common pricking knife. The tail i;s raised with the left hand, while witli the right the center of the bone is felt for, and the knife is passed in (with its flat surface next the skin) to the opposite side, when the cutting edge is turned toward the bone, and the muscles carefully divided. When simply to straighten a wry tail, if the faulty tendons are discovered and divided, one incision may be sufficient; but in " setting up " a taU, Fig. 893. — The French method of keeping the tail elevateJ. two, and sometimes three, are required. The muscles having been thoroughly divided, the tail is supported by means of the double pulley over the back part of the stall; the cord attached to the cud of the tail is passed through the wheels of the pulley, and suf- ficient weiglit attached to keep the tail elevated, to prevent read- hesion of the divided muscles. He should be taken out of the pul- leys twice a day and gently exercised ; but the pulleys must be contiuued until the parts liave thoroughly healed, and lie carries the tail in the manner desii-ed. Embrocations Are external applications in a liquid form, that are rubbed on a diseased part, as in strains and indolent swellings, and as an aux- iliary in the treatment of internal inflammation. They are of a stimulating nature, and are greatly assisted by friction. Of this kind are opodeldoc, soap liniment, etc. EMBROCATONS FOR HARD, INDOLENT TUMORS. No. 1. — 4 ounces oHve-oU, 4 drachma camphor. Mix. 1048 DISEASES AND THEIE TEBATMENT. No. 2. — 2 ounces mercurial ointment, 2 drachms each of olive-oil and camphor. Embrocations of a inoi'e stimulating kind are sometimes em- ployed in swellings of the joints, old strains, or other local affec- tions, such as soap liniment with liquid ammonia, olive-oil, oil of turpentine, and liquid ammonia; but blisters in such cases are generally more effectual. Embrocations are often improperly employed, as in recent strains, or inflamed tumors, and other cases where emollient or cooling applications are required. Both strains and bruises are at first attended with a degree of inflammation proportionate to the A'iolence of the injury, and the susceptibility of the injured part; therefore they require, at first, such treatment as is calcu- lated to subdue inflammation, as explained under head of Sprains, etc. ANODYNE J.INIMENT. 4 troy ounces caatile soap, 2 troy otmces .spirits camphor, i ounce oil rosemary, 2 jiints alcohol, 4 ounces water. Good for sprains, liruises, rheumatic i^ain.s, etc. J.INIMF.NT OF AJQIONIA, OR VOLATILE LINIMKNT. 1 ounce strong solution of ammonia, 2 ounces e employed with good effect in cases of internal inflam- mation, either of the howels or hings. SOAP IINIMBNT. 1 ounce Ixard soap, 1 ounce camphor, 1 ounce oil of rosemary, 1 pint rectified spirits. Cut up the soap, and let it stand with the spirits until dissolved, tlien add the rest. Good for sprains, bruises, etc. CAUSTICS. 1049 Caustics Are substances which burn away the tissues of the body by de- composition of their elements, and are valuable to destroy fungous growth and set up healthy action. They are, consequently, often required to destroy proud flesh, kill the virus in poisoned wounds, stimulate old ulcers, excite healthy action in fistula, and remove warts, tumors, etc. Corrosive sublimate, in powder, acts energetically; nitrate of silver is excellent to lower granulation ; sulphate of copper is not .so strong as the above, but good ; chloride of zinc is a powerful caustic, and may be used in sLuuses, in solution, 7 drachms in a pint of water; verdigris, either in powder or mixed with lard, is good as an ointment, in proportion of one to three parts. Carry- ing this treatment to extreme implies using a hot iron, the actual cautery. Vegetable Caustic. — Make a strong lye of hickory or oak ashes, put into an iron kettle, and evaporate to the consistency of thin molasses; then remove into a sand bath, and continue the evaporation to the consistency of honey. Keep it in a ground stopped glass jar. This caustic is very valuable in fistulas, cancers, scrofulas, and indolent ulcers, particularly where there are sinuses, necrosis (or de- cay of bone), and in all cases where there is proud flesh; and also to excite a healthy action of the parts. It removes fungous flesh without exciting inflammation, and acts but little except on spongy or soft flesh. CHAPTER XXXVII. formula: for recipes and prescriptions. In this chapter h given a list of prescriptions, proved by ex- perience to be most valuable. Many of them have been long used by the Veterinary Profession, and have also been recommended and used by the best authorities in Europe and this country. There are also included a large number of chance recipes, obtained by me La various ways, many of them during the past twenty years, taken from my old book, "New Syistem," which have been proved valuable, and wliich I regard worthy of a place here.- Among them are many recipes that have been kept great secrets, and sold at large prices. Al-TERATIVES. No. 1. — Tartar emetic, .... 2 ounces. Nitre (saltjietrc), . . . . ■! " Mix. Divide into twelve powders, one to be given twice n, day in tlie food. Useful in catarrh, influenza, and skin diseases. No. 2. — Sulphur, ..... 3 ounces. Nitre, 2 " Antimony, . . . . . li " Mix. To be divided into six powders, one daily in the food. Useful in skin No. 1. — Barbadoes aloes, ... 10 drachms. Castile soap, . . . . 12 " Powdered carraway seed, . 12 " Powdered ginger, . . 4 " Molasses or palm-oil sufficient to form a mass. Divide into six balls, one to be given every morning till the bowels are freely opened. Useful in hide-bound, costive bowels, and skin diseases. [1050] DIURETIC ALTERATIVES. 1051 Ko. 2. — Barbadoes aloes, ... 10 drachms. Calomel, . . . ■ . 2 " Powdered fenugreek, . . 12 " Ginger, . . . . . 4 " Oil of cloves, . . . .40 drops. Soft soap suflicient to form a mass. Divide into four parts, one every second day. "Wliile taking these, he must have mashes, chilled water, etc. , and be carefully preserved from cold and damp. Useful in hide-bound, grease, unthrifty condition, etc. No. 3.— Tartar emetio, .... G drachms. Calomel, ..... 3 ' Sublimated sulphur, . . .3 ounces. Common mass suflicient to form six balls of an ounce each ; one daily. Useful in mange, worms, and skin diseases. Diuretic Alteratives. . POWDERS. No. 1. — Resin, finely powdered, . . 2 ounces. Nitre, n " Linseed meal, . . . . 3 " Mix. Divide into six balls ; one daily. Regulate the kidneys and improve the coat. BALLS. No. 1. — Powdered resin, .... 4 ounces. Castile soap, . . . . 3 " Venice turpentine, . . . . 2 " Powdered carraways suflicient to form the mass. Divide into balls of a convenient size ; one daily, till diuresis is produced. Useful in swelled legs, dropsical effusion, weed, etc. Antacids. No. 1. — Prepared chalk, .... 4 ounces. Powdered ginger, . . . . 1 " Barbadoe.s aloes, . . . . 1 " Common mass sufficient to make six bills of convenient size ; one daily. Useful in acidity of the stomach and indigestion. No. 2. — Carbonate (bicarbonate) soda, . 3 ounces. Gentian and ginger, of each, . .1 " Molasses sufficient to make a mass. Divide into four parts ; one night and morning. Antispasmodics. No. 1. — Sulphuric ether, .... 1 ounce. Infusion of opium, ... 2 '■ Peppermint water, . . . . 1 " Mix. To be given in ,i, mi.irt of cold water. Useful in flatulence, spasm, etc. 1052 EECIPES AND PEESCEIPTIONS. No. 3. — Ether and chloroform, of each, . i ounce. Tincture of opium, . . . . 2 " Tincture of cardamoms, . . 1 " To be given in a quart of water. Useful in colic. No. 3. — Spirits of ammonia (aromatic), . 2 ounces. Dilute hydrocyianic acid, . . .20 drops. Tincture of ginger, ... 2 ounces. To be given in a quart of beer, vc ell shaken. Useful in spasmodic colic. ANODYNE DRAUGHT, OR DRENCH. No. 4. — Tincture of opium, . . . J to 1 ounce. _ Spirits of nitrous ether, . . . 1 to 2 " Essence of peppermint,* . . 1 to 2 drachms. Water, ...... 1 pint. ANODYNE C.\RMIN.\TIVE TINCTURE. No. .5. — Best Turkey opium. ... 1 ounce. Cloves, bruised, . . . . 2 " Jamaica ginger, bruised, . . 3 " Old Cognac brandy, .... 1 quart. — (White.) Let them be digested together in a well corked bottle, and shaken sev- eral times a day, for three or four weeks. It is to be strained through blot- ting-paper, and it is fit for use. The medium dose is two ounces, which may be given in ale or warm water. Either of these recipes will be found a good remedy for flatulent or spasmodic colic. In the anodyne draught, warm beer may be substituted for water. It should be recollected that when the colic is attended with costiveness, clysters and oily and saline laxatives are necessary, either in addition to the anodyne, or after the ano- dyne is exhibited. For other prescriptions, see Colic, page 886. Drench for Stomach St.\c,gers. No. 1. — Barbadoes aloes. .... 5 drs. to 1 oz. Calomel, ..... 2 drachms. Oil of peppermint 20 drops. Warm water. .... 1 pint. Tincture of cardamoms, ... 2 ounces. Mix, and give at one dose. Astringents. No. 1. — Powdered ojjium. ... .1 drachm. Powder?d catechu, . . . 2 " Powdered chalk, .... 1 ounce. To be given in arrow-root, starch, or thick flour gruel. Useful iu diar- rhoea or superpurgation. * Essence of peppermint consists of the essential oil of peppermint dissolved in spirit of wine; one part of the former to three pf the latter. BLISTEES. 10.-) 3 No. 2. — Powdered catecliu and aluui, nf each, j* drachms. Powdered opium, . . . 1 " Powdered ginger, . . . . 2 '• Oil of cloves, . . . . 10 drops. Molasses to form a liall. T'seful in superpurgation, diarrlioea, etc. Ko. 3. — Opium and acacia gum, of each, . 1 drachm. Prepared chalk, ... 4 ounces. Carefiilly dissolved in warm water, and given in jilenty of iiour or starch gruel, which, alternated with linseed tea, is to be often repeated. Ko. 1. — Prepared chalk, . . . .4 ounces. Sulphate of zinc, . . . 1 '' Charcoal, . . . . . 1 '" Armenian bole, . . . 2 " Mix. To be finely powdered, and dusted over raw surfaces. Vseful for heal- ing wounds. No. 2. — Powdered alum, .... 4 ounces. Armenian bole, . . . . 1 " Mix. To be powdered, and used as above. No. 3. — Sulphate of zinc, .... 2 ounces. Oxide of zmc, 1 " Mix. To be used as above. ASTRINGENT LOTION. No. 1.— Sulphate of zinc, . . . 6 drachms. Sugar of lead, . . . . ] ounce. Mix. To be dissolved in a quart of water. Wet the wound twice a day with the lotion, well shaken. Useful for wounds, bruises, etc. ASTKINGENT OINTMENT. No. 1. — Resin ointment, .... 4 ounces. Oil of turpentine, ... 1 " Powdered sulphate of cojiper, . • 2 " Mix and make an ointment. Useful for tardy sores and fungus growths. Blisters. OINTMENTS. No. 1. — Lard, 12 ounces. Canadian turpentine, . . . 2 ' Powdered cantharides. . . 3 '' Melt the lard and turpentine, stir xu the flies, keep stirring till cool. 1054 EECIPES AND PEESCEIPTIOJSTS. No. 2. — Lard, . . ... .3 pounds. Plies, 1 " Euphorbium, ... .4 drachms. Palm oil, ..... 1 pound. Melt the lard and oil over a slow fli-e, and when cooling, stir in the other ingredients. Ko. 3. — Lard, ...... 1 pound. Turpentine, ..... 4 ounces. Powdered flies, . . . . 3 " Biniodide of mercury, . . C drachms. To be thoroughly incorporated. Useful fur splints, spavins, ring-bones, and enlargement of glands. No. 4. — Lard, ...... 1 pound. Bee's wax, ..... 4 ounces. Biniodide of mercury, . . . 2h " Melt the lard and wax, and the biniodide, and stir till cold. Useful for enlargement of bone or glandular tissues. LIQUID BLISTERS. No. 1. — Rectified spirits of wine, . . 15 ounces. Powdered cantharides, . . . 1 " Powdered camphor, . . . i " Macerate for ten days. To be used as a sweating blister. No. 2.— Olive-oil, '\ Oil of turpentine, > equal parts. Aqua ammonia, ) To be well shaken. Useful for sore throat, chronic swelling, and cal- lous enlargements. Colic Mixtures.* No. 1. — Linseed oil, ..... 1 quart. Tincture of opium, ... 2 ounces. Oil of turpentine, . . . . 2 " Mix. To be given as a drench. No. 2. — Linseed oil, .... 1 pint. Tincture of opium, . . . .2 ounces. Sweet spirits of nitre, . . . 2 " Mix. As a drench. — (Dick.) No. 3. — Aromatic spirits of ammonia, . . 1 ounce. Whisky, 2 " Oil of peppermint, . . .20 drops. Water, ..... 1 quart. Mix. * See also Antispasmodics, page 1051. r COLLYEIA (EYE-WATEES). 1055 No. 4. — Alkaline solution of aloes, . . 4 to 6 ounces. Oil of peppermint, ... 30 drops. Tincture of opium, . . . . 2 ounces. Water, ..... 1 quart. Mix. CoLLYRiA (Eye- Waters). No. 1. — Nitrate of silver, .... 2 to 10 grains. Rain, or distilled water, . . 1 ounce. Infusion of opium, .... 5 drops. Mix. To be applied to the eye with a feather or camel's-hair pencil. Useful in opacity of the cornea, specific ophthalmia, etc. No. 2. — Sulphate zinc, .... 4 dracliin. Acetate of lead, . . . .1 drachm. Distilled water, . . . . IC ounces. Mix. To be used as above. Common Mass. Linseed meal, I , ,, , V equal parts. Molasses, j ' ^ Very useful in making up balls. Compound Camphor Liniment. Camphor, 2 ounces. Spirits of lavender, . . . . 1 pint. Liquor ammonia, .... 6 ounces. Mix. Useful in sprains, or as a mild blister. Compound Iodine Liniment. Iodine, 1 part. Soap liniment, .... 8 parts. Mix, and shake well. Useful in sprains, thickened tendons, enlarged glands, etc. Condition Balls. No. 1.— Powdered ginger, .... 1 drachm. Powdered gentian, . . . 3 " Sulphate of iron, . . . . 2 " Molasses sufficient to form a mass. To be made into one ball. Im- proves the appetite, and stimulates digestion. No. 2. — Powdered ginger, . . . . 1 drachm. Allspice, . . • . 2 " Caraway seed, . . . . . 3 " Molasses to form a ball. As above. 1056 EECIPES AiSTD PRESCEIPTIOJSfS. J Cordial Drench. No. 1, No. 2. — Best brandy, Good old be^r (warm), . 1 quart. Powdered ginger, . . . . J, ounce. Shake well. To be given in exhaustion, and recovery from debilitatin" 2 to 4 ounces. 3 ounces. Warm water, . . 12 " As above. Veterinary Aromatic Powder. Powdered caraway seeds, . 6 ounces. Powdered allspice, . . . 4 " Jamaica gingered, powdered, . 2 " Liquorice powder, . . . . 2 " Mix. This is a good cordial powder, and may be given in a dose of two or three drachms in warm ale, in such cases as require the use of cordials. If the form of a ball is preferred, it may be obtained by beating up a dose of the powders ■\\'ith a little molasses. Cough Ball^^. [ See also Chronic Cough.] No. 1. — Calomel, "^ -, ,' ^ of each, 1 drachm. Camphor, | Digitalis, J Made into a ball, with molasses. One daily, till six are given, when a gentle laxative should be administered. — (Dick.) h di'achm. i " 1 " 1 '■ 3 " Usefvd in chronic cough. No. 2. — Digitalis, ..... Camphor, ..... Tartar emetic, .... Linseed meal, .... Nitrate of potass, .... To be made into a mass, with BarViadoes tar. Used as above. — (Spoo>ier.) No. 3. — Gum ammon, .... Powdered squills, .... Camphor, ..... Castile soap, . . . . . 2 " Oil of anise, .... 20 minims. Sirup and flour sufficient to form a ball. — (White.) 2 to 3 drachms. 1 drachm. 1 " DECOCTION OF ALOES. 1057 No, 4. — Barbadoes aloes, .... 3 ounces. Common mass, . . . . 13 " Powdered digitalis, . . . 1 " Make into sixteen. One daily. — (Oamgee.) Decoction of Aloes. Barbadoes aloes, . . , . 2i ounces. Bicarbonate potass, . . . 2 " Acacia gum, . . . . . 2 " Boiling water, .... 1 pint. Mil. If required to keep, two ounces of alcohol may be added. — (Percival.) Drench for a Cough. Bruise 3 ounces of fresh squills in a mortar, or 4 to 5 ounces of garlic, and macerate them in 12 ounces of vinegar in a slow oven or on a hot plate for one hour ; strain ofFtlie liquid part, and add to it 1 pound of treacle, or honey. The dose in bad coughs is 3 to 4 oimces. If there exists much irri- tation, a tablespoonful of tincture of opium may be added to every G ounces. Digestives Are medicine.s which promote suppuration in ulcers, and cause them to discharge a white, healthy matter. This term is com- monly applied to ointments and other preparations which improve the state or condition of ulcers or sores, and cause them to dis- charge good matter. Medicines that promote the tligestion of food are termed tonics, stomachics, and cordials. DIGESTIVE OINTMENTS. No. 1. — Powdered resin, . ... 1 pound. Lard, . . . . . . 1 " Oil of turpentine, . . . . 2 " Mix. Dissolve the resin and lard, and stir in tlie turpentine. Useful for stim- ulating unhealthy wounds, keeping up the action of blisters, and smearing aetons. No. 2. — Hog's lard, . . ) r^ . , • I of each 4 ounces. Common turpentine, . ) Melt over a slow fire, and add 1 ounce powdered acetate of copper. Stir till cold, and use as above. No. 3. — Vaseline and strained turpentine, of each, ..... 4 ounces. Verdigris, . . . 1 " Mix. 67 1058 EBCIPES AND PEESCRIPTIONS. No. i. — Hog's-lard or vaseline, and Venice turpentine, of each, . . 4 ounces. Sulphate of copper (blue vitriol, pow- dered finely), . . . . 1 " MLx. No. 5. — Ointment of yellow resin, . . . 4 ounces. Oil of turpentine, . . . . 1 " Nitric oxide of mercury (red precipi- tate), finely powdered, . . 1 " Mix. Friar's Balsam. Friar's Balsam, or compound tincture benzoin, is made in the following manner: — Benzoin, ..... 3 ounces. Storax Balsam, strained, . . . 2 " Balsam of tolu, . . . . 1 " Extract of spiked aloes, . . ■ i " Rectified spirit, .... 2 pints. Macerate for fourteen days (seven days, dub.), and filter or strain through blotting paper. The properties of this tincture are stimulating and expectorant, and it is therefore prescribed by some in combination with other remedies, in cases of old chronic cough or broken wind. As it is de- composed by water, it should first be amalgamated with mucilage or yolk of egg, in order to suspend it in aqueous liquids, when given internally. Hfiw- ever, its principle use is that of a stimulant external application to indolent sores or wounds. Diuretic or Urine Balls. No. 1. — Soap, . . ") Resin, . . . [- of each, i ounce. Nitre, . . J One every second day till two or three are given. Useful in swelled legs, i, etc. No. 2. — Nitre, 3 drachms. Powdered resin, . . . . 4 " Oil of juniper, J fluid drachm. Powdered ginger, ... 1 scruple. Soft soap sufficient to form a ball. No. 3. — Powdered resin, .... 4 drachms. Powdered nitre, . . . . 3 " Powdered ginger. . . 1 " Palm-oil sufficient to form a ball. FBVEE MIX.TUEES. 1059 Liniment for Bad Thrush and Canker. No. 1. — Tar, 4 ounces; melt, and add Muriatic acid, 6 drachms. Verdigris, 4 " Mix. Continue stirring until it is cold, No. 2. — Tar melted, 1 pound. Strong sulphuric acid, by weight, 2 ounces. Stir them well together for some time, and immediately before the mixt- ure is used. Diuretic Mass. Common resin, .... 3 pounds. Soft soap, ..... 2 " Melt over a slow fire, and when cool add Nitre (powdered finely), . . 2 " Venice turpentine, ... 10 ounces. To be made into balls as required. Dose, 1 ounce. Fever Mixtures. No. 1.— Nitre, 1 pound. Tartar emetic, . . . . h " Camphor, 4 ounces. Common mass as much as is sufiicient to form a mass. Dose, 1 ounce, made into a ball. One every three hours, while fever lasts. No. 2. — Tincture of aconite, . . . 10 to 15 drops. To be given every two hours in a little water till fever subsides. No. 3. — Calomel and opium, of each, . . 1 draclim. Conmion mass, .... 6 " Made into a ball as above. Useful in inflammation of the lungs, etc. Hoof Ointment. Archangel tar, .... 1 pound. Tallow, i " Bee's wax, . . . . .4 ounces. Melt together, and stir till cool. Useful dressing for weak feet, keep- ing the hoof soft, and stimulating the growth of horn. Goulard's Extract. Sugar of lead, ..... 6 ounces and 6 drachms. Litharge (powdered), . . . 4 " Water, . ..... li pint. Boil for half an hour, and when cool, if required, add water to make a pint and a half ; filter, and keep in well-stoppered bottles. Useful in bruises, inflammation of the eyes, akin eruptions, etc. 1060 EECIPES AND PEESCEIPTIONS. Iodine Ointment. Iodine, . . . . . .1 drachm. Iodide of potassium, . . . ^ drachm. Lard, . ..... 1 ounce. Mix. Useful in glandular and bony enlargements, mallenders, saUenders, ring-worm, etc. Lick Mixture. Olive-oil, ..... 1 quart. Oil of tar, ..... 3 ounces. Mix. To be well shaken. Wash well with soaji and water, rub dry, and rub well in. At the same time feed well. Mange Ointment. Linseed, or train oil. ... 8 ounces. Oil of tar, 2 " Sulphur 4 " Mix. Shake well, and wash with soap and water ; then riiVj the mixture well in, washing every second day. Purgatives. PURGATIVE DRENCH. No. ]. — Linseed or castor oil, . . . 1 quart. PUIM3A.TIVE J'RENnH FOR OBSTINATK (CONSTIPATION. No. 2. — Linseed oil, .... 1 quart. Croton oil, ..... 20 drops. Mix. ToN[C Powders. No. 1. — Sulphate of iron, .... 3 ounces. Arsenious acid, .... 1 drachm. Mix. Powder the iron finely, and divide into twelve powders ; then add the arsenic (five grains) to each. One night and morning in the feed. Useful in loss of appetite and recovery from debilitating diseases. No. 2. — Sulphate of copper, . . . 2 ounces. Ginger, . . . . . . 1 " Powder and divide into twelve ; one night and morning. Useful in farcy, nasal gleet, and chronic discharges. Tonic Mass. No. 1. — Ginger (powdered) gentian, Carraway seed and anise seed. > equal parts. Molasses sufficient to form a mass. Dose, one ounce in a ball night and morning. worm: POVVDRRS. 1061 No. 2. — Ginger, gentian, and sulpliate of iimi, of each, .... 2 pounds. Lard, ... . . . 1 " Molasses, 5 " Mix. The sulphate of iron to be finely powdered, and thoroughly incorporated with the other ingredients ; the lard and molasses to be dissolved, and the mixed powder to be stirred in. Dose, one ounce night and morning. WoKM Powders. Tartar emetic, .... 2 drachms. Linseed meal, . . . . .1 ounce. To be given night and morning in a little bran, or on an empty stomach. Worm Bali.s. No. 1. — Gentian quassia, camplmr, sulphate of iron, of each, . . .2 drachms. Made into a ball with common mass. — (Ihm.) No. 2. — Asaaioetida, 2 drachms. Calomel and savin, of each, . 1| OU of male fern, ... 30 drops. Common mass sufficient to form a ball given at night, and a purge in the morning. — (Oanu/ee.) Worm Drench. Linseed oil, ... .1 quart. Oil of turpentine, .... 2 ounces. To be prepared by bran mashes for two days ; allowed to fast for at least eight hours, when the drench is to be carefully given ; and, if thought necessary, repeated next morning, and followed by a purgative. 1062 EBCIPES AND PKESCEIPTIONS. " » RECIPES FROM THE AUTHOR'S OLD BOOK (THE NEW SYSTEM), AND OTHER SOURCES, Wliich have not been included in previous chapters. Among these are many recipes valued liighly hy jjersons having the old book. For the benefit of such I give them a place here. Charges. Adhesive plasters which are softened or liquefied in a ladle by a gentle heat, and then applied to the leg.s, from tlie knee and hock ioiuts to the foot, as a remedy for wind galls and old lame- nesses, arising from strains or hard work, or to the back in strains of that part. As soon as tlie plaster is applied, the part is cov- ered with short tow, and the horse sent to grass. A CHARGE. No. 1. — 2 ounces yellow resin, 4 ounces burgundy pitch, 2 ounces Barba- does tar, 3 ounces bee's wax, 4 ounces red lead. The first three are to be melted together, and then the latter is to be added. The mixture is to be constantly stirred initil sufficiently cold to be applied ; and if it proves too thick when cold, it may be softened with a little oil or lard. Gkain Founder. Take three pints of vinegar, into which put six red pepper pods, and boil until reduced to one quart. When cool, give as a drench. Blanket the horse warmly. This will put the horse in a profuse perspiration, and perform a perfect cure. The gentle- man of whom I got this cured a valuable horse that got into his granary and ate so much grain that he Avas in the morning per- fectly stiff. On(! dose made a perfect cure. He said he would not be without it for one hundred dollars. Condition Powder. i tt). grains paradise (ground), i lb. ground ginger, | lb. powdered gen- tian, C ounces cumin seed (ground), C ounces fenugreek (ground), G ounces carbonate soda, 6 lbs. common brown sugar, 1^ lbs. salt. Put in one hun- dred pounds of meal. Dose : one pint to be given with the usual food. This is considered one of the best tonic condition powders ever used. It is sold in the Eastern cities at a large price, under the name of Condition Food, and is hold as a secret of great value. I have known $50 to be refused for the recipe. FOK STKAl-N OK IJMl'^LAJViMATlOW. IOIjS A Very Fine Healing Preparation for Cuts. Equal parts tincture myrrh anil balsam copiaba. To be used once a day. This is the favorite remedy of one of the most suc- cessful horsemen in the country. It is one of the best of healing remedies. A Good Application to a Putrid Ulcer. To remove foetid smell of fistulous withers, poll evil, canker, and wounds, dilute chloride of lime, with twenty times its quan- tity of water, and dress with it whenever there is au offensive ths- charge. Mix a poultice with tliis preparation, antl put it on. It will i-emove all smell, and cleanse by its action. For Strain or Inflammation. Whenever there is much inflammation from strain or wounds, take— 1 pound saltpetre, 1 gallon hot water. When cool, add 1 quart best wliisky. Saturate a sponge or cloth with the preparation, and keep the part thoroughly wet with it. To Cure Cuts or Bruises of the Cheeks.* They are liable to occur in some peculiar cases when using third method of subjection. Use inside, — 1 drachm tannin to | oz. borax, 3 to 4 parts water. Swab once a day in- side the wound. For outside dressing use 1 ounce tincture of myrrh, 2 ounces tincture aloes, ^ pint water. If the horse is troublesome, liable to strike, tie with a strong halter, rather short, to the manger; then tie a rope or strong strap around the neck, bring back between the fore legs, around the near hind leg, an