Author: Jennings, Robert Title: The horse and his diseases Place of Publication: Philadelphia Copyright Date: 1860 Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg003.2 <344547> *OCLC* Form:mono 2 lnput:LCH Edit:FMD 008 ENT: 970903 TYP: s DT1: 1860 DT2: LAN" eng 035 (OCoLC)37453241 037 PSt SNPaAg00003.2 $bPreservation Office, The Pennsylvania State University, Pattee Library, University Park, PA 16802-1805 090 00 SF951 $b.J54 $crb*9666160 090 20 IVIicrofilm D244 reel 3.2 $cmc+(service copy, print master, archival nnaster) 100 1 Jennings, Robert $d 1824-1 893. 245 14 The horse and his diseases $bembracing his history and varieties, breeding and management and vices; with the diseases to which he is subject, and the remedies best adapted to their cure : to which are added, Rarey's method of taming horses, and the law of warranty as applicable to the purchase and sale of the animal $cby Robert Jennings Philadelphia $bJ. E. Potter and Co. $cc1860. 390 p. $bill. $c20 cm. Microfilm $bUniversity Park, Pa. : $cPennsylvania State University $d1997. $e1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. $f(USAIN state and local literature preservation project. Pennsylvania) $f(Pennsylvania agricultural literature on microfilm). Archival master stored at National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD : print master stored at remote facility. This item is temporarily out of the library during the filming process. If you wish to be notified when it returns, please fill out a Personal Reserve slip. The slips are available in the Rare Books Room, in the Microforms Room, and at the Circulation desk. 650 0 Horses. 650 0 Horses $xDiseases. 830 0 USAIN state and local literature preservation project. $pPennsylvania 830 0 Pennsylvania agricultural literature on microfilm. 260 300 533 590 590 B. JENNINGS & SON, VETERINARY SffR&EONS, ORADUATES OP Vetemarr Medicine M Surgery, LATE OF PHILADELPHIA. AT JAOKSON k DEYOEE'S, 117 Tbird ATenae. AT SPENCER & WILLISTON'S, No. 83 East Ohio St. f I THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ,rh I .•'• Gift of June Carr Walton I I THE HOESE AND HIS DISEASES: EMBR ACINO HIS HISTORY AND VARIETIES, BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT AND VICES; WITH THE DISEASES TO WHICH HE IS SUBJECT, AND THE REMEDIES BEST ADAPTED TO THEIR CURE. By ROBERT JENNINGS, Y.S,, mOFBSSOR OP PATHOLOGT AND OPERATIVK SUROERT IX THE VBTERIKART OOLLIQB Off PHILADELPHIA ; PROFESSOR OF VETERIXART MEDICIJCE IX THE LATB AORI- CULTCRAL COLLEGE OP OHIO; SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAX ▼ETKRiXARr ASSOCIATW* OF PHILADELPHIA, ETC., ETC. TO WHICH ARE ADDED, KARKY'S METHOD OF TAMINO HORSES, AND THJ LAW OP WARRANTY AS APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE ANIMAL. ^Ik&imUi hjj nmlfi ©lu ^puabrtb (gnjraftmja^ PHILADELPHIA i JOHN E. POTTER AND COMPANY, S(X». 6U and 617 Saxsox Strjiit. PREFACE. ( f Entered According to Act of Congress, in tho jear, 1860, b/ JOHN E. POTTER, Ib tht Cltrk't Office of the District Court of the United States, in aod for tb« Eastern District of Pennsylvania. PnnLADF,LP+fl)^r) This volume is offered to the consideration of the public, not without a knowledge on the part of the author that many excel- lent works upon the horse have already appeared. It has occurred to him, however, that each of these various works is devoted rather to the consideration of soiiie particular topic of interest in connec- tion with this generous animal, than to a general treatment of the various subjects which appropriately claim notice in a work in- tended for the ordinary reader. There are comparatively few in our country who are not, at some period or other, brought into contact with the horse, either as owners, hirers, or in some other capacity. The great majority cannot avail themselves of the numerous treatises already extant, which touch upon this animal, without gathering about themselves a library so large as seriously to trench upon their pecuniary com- fort. Besides, so far as the ailments of the horse are concerned, much progress has been made in their treatment within the last few years. Old theories have been exploded, and, as the author believes, an era of a more humane and judicious medical treatment is dawning upon us. A marked improvement is discernible in the class of practitioners who essay the veterinary art ; a greater amount of intelligence characterizes their action, and, as a consequence, the occupation of the veterinary surgeon is fast rising in popular estimation. To these cheering indications of a better day for the horse and his owner, the author claims not to be indifferent. If an experi. •nee of fifteen years, diligently devoted to an investigation of th« (5) PBEFACE. u habits, peculiarities, wants, and weaknesses of the horse, has not been utterly fruitless in results, he flatters himself that he can at least contribute his mite in furtherance of a better understanding of an animal, which can never be too well understood by any one who would gain the greatest possible advantage from such a ser • rant. With such views the author has prepared the present work. Its pages are believed to contain a complete, candid, and truthful ex- position of all the points which it is incumbent upon the horse- owner to comprehend. Standard authorities upon the subject have been freely consulted, and the suggestions therein contained have been adopted, when corroborated by the author's own experience or observation. Reference has been made to the following among others :—Percival, Blain, Morton, Clark, Finley Dunn, Youatt, Coleman, and Spooler, on the Horse ; Herbert's Horse of America, and Hints to Horsekeepers ; Stewart's Stable Economy; The Far- mer's Encyclopedia ; and the Morgan Horse by Linsley. The remedies recommended have all stood the test of actual trial, and are known to have proved efficacious in previous cases. As the author has no special hobby to ride, he has in this department of the subject given such modes of treatment only as he personally has superintended in actual practice, no matter from what source they may have been suggested. The very many illustrations throughout the volume it is believed will materially enhance its Interest aifd value. With the hope that the work may meet the approval of the large class for whom it was specially prepared, and with the consciousness that no effort to that end has been omitted by thje author, he con- fidently leaves it in their hands, to be dealt with as to them shall •eem most meet and proper. CONTENTS. WAom HISTORY OF THE TiORSE,.!. ....•••••.•• .••.m...«m.....mmm*..m....*...m.*...»m.... 17 HoKSBS OF Asia and Afuica, ^ 21 The Arabian 21 The Pemian 2d The Tartarian, 2^ The Turkoman, 2A The Turkish Horse, 29 Horses of Hindostan, 20 The Barb and others, 29 EtTROPEAX Horses, 27 The Racer, 27 The Hunter, rL.^ The Hackney, 27 The Cart Horse, 28 Germav, French, axd Spaxish Horses, 29 Tbi American Horse, 30 The American Blood Horse, 39 The Vermont Draught Horse, 7. 67 The Conestoga Horse, 60 The Canadian Horse, 62 The Indian Pony, 61 The Narragansett Pacer, 65 The Morgan Horse, 69 5ATDKAL HiSTORT OF THE HORSB, m..........« 73 BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT, 102 Briedixq, 102 Brbakixo, M....M 110 Castratiov, lis OocKuro, r«..«« - 120 8 CONTENTS. BREEDIXG AND MANAGEMENT— Co»tixued. ^^q, NicKixa, ^ -nj ThbStablb, J2J '^'*' 127 ^^"•^*' 130 ^^««T 131 GrOOMIXO jgj Exercise j2^ ^^^ 133 '^^^^ 153 Pastitrivo j^Q Sertice, .gj Shoeing ... Ji9 ADMIiriSTERINO MEDICINE, jg, VICES OP THE HORSE , jgg SESTIVifXESS ... Baulking or Jibbing, ,qj ^"""' IIIZIII.'I'III 203 ^""•'0 201 Hearing, _^^ • 206 Running Awat, 2^ Vicious to Clean -^, ' 207 Vicious to Shoe Crib-biting, 210 Wind-sucking, «,^ ' 212 Overreaching, Kot Lting Down,.. ^« ' " 21.1 ^«"^« 2U ^^^'^« 21« Rolling 217 Slipping the Collar or Halter, 217 Stuhblino, ' 219 Unsteadiness while being Mounted, ^ig DISEASES, AND THEIR REMEDIES, ...;.....:r.7.: :..:.... 220 Diseases of the Mouth ^. ^^"'P'*" !m"l221 Inflamed Gnms, ...^ ' 223 Bags or Washes, 22« VlcT% in the Mouth, ^^ Sore Month, _2j Cat Tongue, ^ ^^ COI^TENTS. A DISEASES, AND THEIR REMEDIES-Continued. ».«. Uneven Teeth ^.. 224 ««»<»<»«»» 225 ^o»^ Teeth ZZ 22s Caries of the Teeth, ^_ • 227 Extracting Teeth, Diseases op the Respiratort Organs, 231 Inflammation _.. ' 231 Sore Throat ^^^ Strangles '*"'* ^^^ Chronic Cough, V 23i Catarrh, 238 DiHteroper, ^ ' 237 Influenza, ' 237 Bronchitis 210 Nasal Gleet, 241 Pneumonia ^, . 243 Pleurifv, ^' 245 Hydrothorax 247 Thick Wind • 24S Roaring and Whistling, Broken Wind, 24» Diseases op the Stomach and Intestines 251 Inflammation of the Stomach ' 2jI luflararaation of the Bowels «,« • 2o2 Diarrhoea - 255 Inordinate Appetite, Palsy of the Stomach _, 257 Rupture of the Stomach, ' 238 CalculuH, or Stony Concretions, j.. Hair Ball 260 Strangulation of the Intestines, ^- Spasmodic Colic, 261 Flatulent Colic ^ 262 Worms, ^ , 2ai Bot8» Diseases op the Liver , - ,, 26S Inflammation of the Liver Jaundice, Hepatirrhfloa, ^ Z^Z^^ZZZZZ J7l Decayed Structure of the Liver ZZZZZ, 272 Dmeasks op the Urinart Organs, 273 Ififlamination of (h« Bladdw, ZZZZZZZZ^, 273 10 CONTENTS. DISEASES. AND THEIR REMEDIES— Co5TI5ITEd. ' >aob Reteutioa of Urine, 274 Profuse Staling, 275 Bloody Urine 27S Stones in the Kidneys, 277 Stones in the Bladder, 27S Diseases of the Feet and Legs, 279 Centraction of the Hoof, 279 Corns, 2S0 Quitter 2S2 Thrush, 282 Canker, 283 ^ Scratches, 284 Grease Heels, 284 Water Farcy, 286 Weed, 287 Cracked Hoof, 287 Sole Bruise and Gravel, 288 Pricking, 288 False Quarter, 289 Founder, 290 Pumiced Foot, • 291 Corinitis, 291 Navicularthrliis, ; 292 Ossification of the Lateral Cartilages, 293 Wind Galls, 294 Sprung or Broken Knees, ^ 294 Breaking Down, 295 Strains of the Knees, 295 Strain of the Hip Joint 296 Shoulder Strain, 296 Open Joints, 297 Sweenie, 297 08"tiS 298 Capulet and Capped Hock, 299 Caries of the Bones, 299 Bone Spavin, 3qq ^'°fi^Bone 303 ^P"^»' 303 C"^^ 304 String Halt 30^ Blood Spavin, Bog Spavin, and Thoroughpln, 305 Vr&etur«s,.„ ^ 10^ CONTENTS. * XI DISEASES AND THEIR REMEDIES— Continued. ^^<,g Diseases of the Heart, ^ 3^- Pericarditis, «-, Carditis, ^^^ Endrocarditis, 3,^ Diseases of the Head, g,, Osteo-Sarcoma gj* Inflammation of the Brain, gjn Megrims 3J3 Vertigo, 3j^ Epilepsy, 3j^ Stomach Staggers, 3j^ Diseases of the Eye, 3,- Amaurosis, 3^^ Inflammation of the Membrana Nictitans. 313 Simple Ophthalmia, g,g Specific Ophthalmia, , gjo Cataract, 32^ Wall Eye ZZZ™"Z322 Miscellaneous Diseases, 322 Poll Evil **''322 Fistula of the Withers, 324 Melanotic Tumors, 32^ Glanders, 335 P**'cy 327 Scarlet Fever, 303 ^'a'^^e. 329 ^"•^'^i' 331 Hide Bound, 332 Strains of the Loins 333 ^*^«y 11.....333 Locked Jaw 333 Rheumatism, 33^ ^••^"P' !..1.Z336 Hydrocele 33^ Warts, 33^ Sit-Fasts, 32y ^"^^" ZZI!!338 Saddle or Harness Galls 333 Mallanders and Sellenders 333 Ulceration of the Udder, 33^ Inflamed Veins, 33^ BuioicA^ Caim, .,Z!»! SI9 • Mm* I l< 18 CONTENTS. DISEASES AND THEIR HEMEDIES-CoicTixrED. Bleeding, Nearotomj or Nerving, Lithotomy Trephining, Tenotomy, Couching, Tapping the Chent, Periosteotomy, Amputation of the Peni« CEsophagotomy, Hernia, Roweling, Firing Tracheotomy, BAREY'S METHOD OF TAMING HORSES How TO Call a Colt prom Pastprb, Bow TO Stable a Colt withopt Trouble, Approachixq a Colt, How TO Halter aicd Lead a Colt, How TO Tie cp a Colt, How TO Tame a Horse How TO Make a Horse Lie Dowx, To Accustom a Horse to strange Sounds axd Sights,. To Accustom a Horse to a Drum, To Teach a Horse to bear an Umbrella, To Fire off a HorKe's Back, How TO Accustom a Horse to a Bit, The proper Wav to Bit a Colt, How to Saddle a Colt How to Mount the Colt, How TO Ride a Colt, How to Break a Horse to Haekees, FAOI .. «l .. SIS .. 34J .. 315 .. 345 .. 348 .. 346 . 347 > 347 . 34Jk . 349 . 350 . 351 . 352 . 353 . 356 . ZoJ . 362 . 364 . 367 . S6S 369 370 371 372 372 372 373 374 37tf 373 379 WARBANTT,.. • •••#••••• •»« ,«t »M ^j ,^ •••-••••^ •"•••-•- •-- ^..M.......^ sw ILLUSTRATIONS. TAtm Tli« Arab and his Steed, ^ 17 The Shetland Pony. — An English Sporting Scene, 21 The Stallion, 28 American Farm Scene, 30 The Canadian, 35 Black Hawk, — An American Racer, 43 American Plantation Scene,... 47 The Vermont Dranght-Horse, 58 A Conestoga. — The Great Pennsylvania Draught-Horse, 60 Ethan Allen. — A Fast-trotting Morgan Horse, 65 Skeleton of the Horse, as covered by the Muscles, 73 Names applied to the various External Parts of the Horse, 80 Eight Days* Teeth, 88 Three or Four Months* Teeth, 88 Teeth at Twelve Months, 90 A Grinder sawed across, 90 Two Years* Teeth, 91 Three Years* Teeth, 92 Four Years* Teeth, 94 Five Years* Teeth, 95 Six Years* Teeth, ^ 9S Seven Years* Teeth, 97 Eight or Nine Years* Teeth, 98 Mare and Foal, 102 The Arab Stallion, Jupiter, 105 Breaking, 110 Th« Agriculturist'g Method,. - , 117 (13) u ILLUSTRATIONS, 81 I ' The Usual Method, '^" ' • TOO The French Method. * ' 124 Customary Forms of Stalls r> . 126 (jrrooming, Exercise, ^ Out to Grass ^^^ ' 143 The American Racer, Black Maria, f '*"""« •~™.jz::::;^ T^'"^:" 169 Ground Surface of the Hoof, The Hoof of the Horse, A Section of the Foot ' • 177 The Position of the Shoe The Proper Form of a Shoe, ||||^| ,^2 Running Away, Particularly Dangerous, Muzzle for a Crib-Biter, Disagreeable and Dangerous, 214 The Sick Horse, * 220 The Blooded Mare Fashion, and Foal 227 The Saddle-Horse, Quiet Enjoyment, The Trotting-Horse, Lexington, 244 The Attack and Defense ' • •♦••• ••••• ,,,, ^ 250 Omar Pasha, the Turkish Chieftain. o^^ o. 4 , '...•.-* -Zoo Sir Archy, the Godolphin of America, 262 Common Gad-Fly or Bot, l^^' °" '^ ^""^ • ■ — ^"•^^—IZZZ. 2C6 Eggs Magnified, _, 266 Caterpillar, full size, „^^ _, • 267 Caterpillar or Larvae, adhering to the Lining of the Stomach,... 267 The Red Gad-Fly, \ 268 Caterpillar of the Red Gad-FIy, " ** 268 Virginia Mill-Boys on a Race, ] "* 273 The Fast-Trotting Stallion, Geo. M. Patchen,''.'!.*.'!!!."!.'!.\\*.\3Z 279 ILLUSTRATIONS. j 5 • rkQM The Children's Pet, ^ 285 The Famous Trotting-Mare, Flora Temple 292 The Equestrienne, 298 The High-Bred Pacing Mare, Pocahontas, 303 The end of Pericarditis, gQcj Haying Scene, 3^^ The Trotting Stallion, American Eclipse, 323 The Three Friends, , 33Q Byron's Mazeppa, 335 Lady Suffolk, oa^ Good for Heavy Drafts, 34^ The Horse Tamed, 350 Bridle with a wooden Gag-bit for conquering vicious Horses,... 358 Strap for the Right Fore-leg, ^ ^^ 3gQ Strap for the Off Fore-leg, 3^0 Taming the Horse, ogg Teaching the Horse to lie down, 370 Struggles of the Vicious Horse against lying down, 373 Submission of the Horse, 3^^ Breaking the Horse to Haraess,.,,.. ..♦..,... «,*... 380 \"A .(• k h iljl mMimsi To man, whether as a civilized bein^ pr as a barbarian, no animal is more 4^ ^^ useful than the horse. The beauty, grace, and dignity of this noble creature, when in a properly developed state, are as marked as his utility. As an intelligent animal, he ranks next in the scale to the dog, that other com- panion and friend of man. Taking into consideration, then, liis usefulness, his attractive appearance, and his intelligence, what is known of his history cannot prove unacceptable. 2 ill) I 18 ! i HISTORY or THE HOKSB. In order to ascertain the special land which can claim the proud honor of being the parent country, the birth-place of this noble animal, recourse must be had primarily to the pages of Scripture, as being the most ancient and best authenticated of all existing histories. By reference to those pages, we find that, although the ass was in early use among the children of Israel, the horse was unknown to them until after the com- mencement of their dwelling in Egypt ; and strong evidence exists for the belief that he was not brought into subjection, even in that country, until after their arrival. Clear it i.s, at all events, that Arabia, which many have supposed to be the native home of the horse, did npt possess him until within a comparatively recent period ; while his introduction into Greece, and thence into those countries of Europe and Asia in which he is now found, either wild or domesticated, may be traced with much certainty to an Egyptian source. Although in the history of Abraham frequent mention is made of the ass, of the camel, of flocks and herds, sheep and oxen, there is no allusion to the horse ; nor, indeed, do we find any such until we reach the time of Joseph. *In the reign of that Pharaoh in whose service Joseph was, wagons were sent by the king's command into Canaan, to bring thinco into Egypt Jacob and his sons, their wives and their little ones, during the prevalence of the famine against which Joseph had provided. It is not recorded that those wagons were drawn by horses; but the inference that such was the fact is by no means irrational, when we remember that it was during the continu- ance of this famine that horses are first mentioned, having been taken by Joseph in exchange for bread from the Egyp- tian cultivators and cattle-breeders ; that on the death of I HISTORY OP THE HORSB. 19 Jacob, his funeral was attended bj ''both chariots and horse- men ;" and lastly, that we know from the writings of Homer, and from the ancient sculptures of Persepolis and Nineveh, that the horse was used for purposes of draught for some time previous to his being ridden. From this time, the horse appears to have been speedily adopted for use in battle. At the Exodus, some fifteen hun- dred years before the Christian era, the pursuing army con- tained "six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt," together with all the horsemen. And when the Israelites returned into Canaan, we find that the horse had already been naturalized in that country, since the Canaanites " went out to fight against Israel with horses and chariots very many." From these considerations, and from the fact that, so late as six hundred years after this date, Arabia had still no horses, it is by no means an improbable conclusion that the shepherd kings of Egypt, whose origin is unknown, introduced the horse into Lower Egypt ; and that, after this period, that country becamf the principal herding district of this animal, whence he was gradually introduced into Arabia and the adjoining Asiatic countries. From the same stock is doubtless derived the entire race in all the southeastern parts of Europe. As Egypt is not, in any respect, a favorable country for horse- breeding, still less for his original existence in a state of na- ture, the source whence he was first introduced into that coun- try is in some degree enveloped in uncertainty ; though the better opinion, based upon much indirect testimony, is that he was an original native of the soil of Africa, which alone wag •';"-^''V:V^'' ''.*^-!S /'-''??* r'V';^^ — -T jy^UVW^J ifWwWfWWIBBBsa'' ifl . » II 20 HISTORY OF THE HORSB. the parent country of the Zebra and the Quagga in some sort his kin. It is questionable whether the horse is still to be found in a Btate of nature in Arabia ; although it is asserted that they exist thinly scattered in the deserts, and that they are hunted by the Bedouins for their flesh, and also for the purpose of improving their inferior breeds by a different kind of blood. In central Africa, however, whence the horse is supposed to have been first introduced into Egypt, and thence into Arabia, Europe, and the East, wild horses still roam untamed far to the southward of the great desert of Sahara, where they were seen by Mungo Park in large droves. At the period of the first Roman invasion, the horse was domesticated in Britain, and in such numbers, that a large portion of the forces which resisted the invaders were chariot- eers and cavalry. In Europe, however, with but few exceptions, the horse, for purposes of warfare, was slowly, and not till the lapse of ages, brought into use: even the Spartans, the Athenians, ,and the Thebans, when at the height of their military\enown, .having but inferior and scanty cavalry services. In the oldest sculptures probably in existence, — those re- moved by Layard from the ruins of Nineveh, and illustrative of almost every phase of regal and military life, — the horse is uniformly represented as a remarkably high-crested, largc- , headed, heavy-shouldered animal : rather long-bodied ; power- fully limbed ; his neck clothed with volumes of shaggy mane, -often plaited into regular and fanciful braids; and his tail -.coarse and abundant, frequently ornamented similarly to his own mane and to the beard and hair of his driver an ani- HISTORY OP THE HORSE. 21 mal, indeed, as unlike as possible to the low-statured, delicate* limbed, small-headed Arabs and barbs of modern days, with> their basin-faces, large full eyes, and long, thin manes, from which the blood-horse of our times has derived his peculiar . excellence. The same remarks may, in the main, be made as to the Greek and Roman horse, from . the representations which have coma? down to us. The English blood-horse, > beingconfessedly, the most perfects animal of hit)' race in the whole, world, both for. speed and endur« ance, and the American blood- THE IBETLAITD P05T.—AX EKaLISH SPOKTIira laun. horse directly tracing without mixture to English, and through the English to Oriental parentage, some account of the former variety may be of interest to the reader. It has already been remarked that large numbers of horses were found in Britain at the first Roman invasion. It is to be* added, that Cesar thought them so valuable that be t:arri©4 - 22 HISTORY OP THE HORSK. HISTORY OP THE HORSE. 23 ■ r- ■ll 't IH many of them to Rome : and the British horses were, for a considerable period afterward, in great demand in various parts of the Roman Empire. After the evacuation of En- gland by the Romans and its conquest by the Saxons, consider- able attention was paid to the English breed of horses j and after the reign of Alfred, running horses were imported from Germany, this being the first intimation given us in history of running horses in England. English horses, after this, were so highly prized upon the Continent, that, in order to preserve the monopoly of the breed, in a.d. 930 a law was passed, pro- hibiting the exportation of the animal. In Athelstan^s reign many Spanish horses were imported ; and William the Con- queror introduced many fine animals from Normandy, Flan- ders, and Spain, — circumstances which show the strong desire, even at that early period, to improve the English breed. In the reign of Henry I. is the first account of the importation of the Arab horse into the country, at which time it is evident that the English had become sensible of the value and breed of their horse : and in the twelfth century a race-course had been established in London, — namely, SraithQeld, at once horse-market and race-course. King John imported Flemish horses for the improvement of the breed for agricultural purposes ; and in his reign is found the origin of the draught-horse now in general use in that country. Edward II. and Edward III. imported horses for the improvement of the stock, the latter introducing fifty Spanish horses. In the reign of Henry YIL, the exportation of stal- lions was prohibited ; but that of mares was allowed, w^hen more than two years old, and under the value of six shillings and eight pence. In the reign o^ Henry VIII., many very arbitrary statutes were passed for the improvement of the horse ; and it was during the same period that an annual race was run at Chester. In the reign of Elizabeth, the number and breed appear to have degenerated ; for it is stated that she could collect but three thousand horse throughout her realm to resist the invasion of Don Philip. With the accession of James L to the throne, a great im- provement was systematically wrought in the English breed ; and from this period a constant and progressive attention was paid to the matter of breeding. This monarch purchased an Arabian horse at the then extraordinary price of five hun- dred pounds ; but he proving deficient in speed, Arabians for a time fell into disrepute. Race meetings were then held at various places (J^ewmarket, among others) throughout the kingdom, the races being mostly matches against time, or triali of speed or bottom for absurdly long and cruel distances. Although Cromwell, during his Protectorate, was obliged to forbid racing, yet he was an ardent lover of the horse, an earnest patron of all pertaining to horsemanship, and to his strenuous exertions the present superior condition of the En- glish blood-horse is in no small degree owing. Before proceeding to the history of the American horse — which is our main concern in the present branch of this work — a concise summary of the difl'erent varieties of this use- ful quadruped cannot fail to interest. We commence with the horse of Asia. V u tttsToaT or IDE noBSBi HORSES OF ASIA AND AFRICA. THE AKABIAW, In this country the horse, eren in its wild state, (in which condition, as before remarked, it is rarely found,) is possessed of a beautiful symmetry of form, and a disposition of the greatest gentleness and generosity. His size is small, arerag. ing in height generally between thirteen and fourteen hands, (the hand being reckoned at about four inches of our measure)' color a dappled grey, though sometimes a dark brown ; mane and tail short and black. The only mode of capturing him i, by snares carefully concealed in the sand, as his exceeding swiftness prevents all possibility of taking him by the chase The fondness of the Arab for his steed is well known, having long since passed into a proverb. The horse of the poorest wanderer of the desert shares with his master and his family every attention and caress which the strongest attachment can prompt. Mares are always preferred by the Arab to horses as they endure fatigue and the hardships incident to a desert' l.fe much more patiently, and they can be kept together ia greater numbers without the risk of quarrels and mutual in. Junes. Great attention is paid to the coat of the animal. lie J. carefully washed each morning and evening, or after a long t.de ; IS M only during the night, receiving throughout tho day nothing but one or two drinks of water. The head of the pure Arab is light, well made, wide be- '.een the nostrils, forehead broad, muzzle short and fine, nos- tnls expanded and transparent, eyes prominent and sparkling ears small; neck somewhat short; shoulders high and well ^oasBS ot'AtstA Arm' atkica. 2S thrown back; withers high and arched; legjs fine, flat^ and small-boned, and the body somewhat light. THE PERSIAN. This horse is slightly taller than the Arab : is fall of bone, and very fast The Persian feeds his horse as does th^ Arab, the food given being coarse and scant. Itay is utterly un- known for the purpose, barley and chopped straw being, gener- ally substituted. Although this variety is in most respects less esteemed than tl^e Arab, it is in some points its superior^ TTHEl TARTARIAN. Like the Persian, this variety is swift ; but the hofseii aro heavy-headed, low-shouldered, and altogether very awkwardly put together. The Tartars cat the flesh of their horses and use the milk of their mares, from which they also make excei' lent cheese^ THE TURKOMAN. This is a variety of the Tartar, but superior to it ; bringing, even in Persia, frequently from five hundred to a thousand dol- lars. Its average height is some fifteen hands, and in general appearance it bears a strong resemblance to a well-bred En- glish carriage-horse. Though possessed of considerable speed, it is not enduring. This variety is often foisted upon the ignorant as the pure Arabian. THE TURKISH HORSE. This horse is a cross between the Persian and the Arabian, and is of slender build, carrying his head high, lively and fiery, and possessing a gentle and affectionate disposition. The tail of tho bor&e is regarded in Turkey and Persia as a 26 HORSES OF ASIA AND AFRICA. 'J HISTORY OP THI HORSE. tl badge of dignity, princes measuring their rank by the number of tails they carry ; those of the highest rank being allowed three. HOBSES OF HINDOSTAW. In India, the horse, owing to the peculiar climate of the country, is invariably found to degenerate, unless great atten- tion be paid to breeding. The principal breeds are the Tazee, the Takan, the Folaree, the Cutch, and the Dattywarr. Passing from the Asiatic horses to the African, it is to be remarked that Egypt has long since lost its character as a breeding country, its horses being justly deemed much inferior to those of Persia, Barbary, or Arabia. THE BAHB, Aig-p OTHEES. This variety— the principal of the African race— is taller than the Arabian, and is remarkable for the height and fullness of its shoulders, drooping of the haunches, and roundness of the barrel. The Bornou race, in the central parts of Africa, is described as possessing the qualities of the Arabian with the beauty of the Barb ; as being fine in shoulder and of general elegance of form. The Nubian horses are stated by travelers to be even superior to the Arabian. Dongola has a noticeable breed, of large size, their chief peculiarities being extreme shortness of body, length of neck, height of crest, and a beautiful forehand. EUROPEAN HORSES. THE RACER. As the varieties of the horse in Great Britain are the mosk noticeable of any in Europe, we append a brief description of the principal breeds at present in use. The Racer, which excels, in beauty, speed, and endurance, that of all other nations, was gradually formed by the intro- duction of the best blood of Spain, Barbary, Turkey, and Arabia, and bears a strong family likeness to each. The cha- racteristics of this breed are a high and lofty head, bright and fearless eye, small ear, expanded nostril ; arched neck, curved on the upper surface, with no curve underneath ; the neck gracefully set on ; the shoulder lengthened, oblique, and lying well back ; the quarters ample and muscular ; the fore-legs straight and fine, but with sufficient bone; the hinder legs well bent, and the pasterns long and springy. THE HUNTER. The best horses of this breed stand fifteen or sixteen hands high : head small ; neck thin, especially beneath the crest, firm and arched ; and jaws wide ; lofty forehead ; shoulders as ex- tensive and oblique as that of the racer, and somewhat thicker; broad chest ; muscular arm ; leg shorter than that of the racer; body also more short and compact; loins broad ; quar- ters long; thighs muscular ; /hocks well bent, and under the horse. THE HACKNEY. . ^* This horse is still more compact thau the hunter, with more \'ii substance in proportion to his height; forehead light and high ; head small, and placed taperingly upon the neck • shoulders deep and spacious, lying well back ; back straight, loins strong ; fillets wide, and withers well raised. Too high breeding is considered objectionable in this species, as being ill adapted for ordinary riding upon the road. I:UI10PEAN HORSES. 29 THE CART HORSE. The principal varieties of this class, are the Cleveland, the Clydesdale, the Northamptonshire, the Suffolk Punch, and the heavy black or dray horse. The Clydesdale breed obtains its namq from being bred chiefly in the valiev of the Clyde. They J^^ are strong and ^^J hardy, have a small head, are longer necked than the Suffolk, with deeper legs I and lighter bodies. TUB BTALLioir. Th c S u ffo 1 k P u u ch originated by crossing the Suffolk cart mare with the Xorman staHion. Its color is yellowish or sorrel ; large head, wide between the ears, muzzle rather coarse, back long and straight, Kides flat, fore-end low, shoulders thrown much forward, high at the hips, round legs, short pasterns, deep-bellied, and full bdrrcl. The modem-bred cart horso oMJuglandj originated from a cross with the Yorkshire half-bred stallion, and is of much lighter form, and stands much higher. This horse is hardy and useful, kindly, and a good feeder. The heavy |)lack horse is chiefly bred in Lincolnshire and the Midland bounties. ■ GERMAN", FRENCH, AND SPANISH HORSES. The horses of Germany, with the exception of the Hungar- ian, are generally large, heavy, and slow. The Prussian, German, and the greater part of the French cavalry, are pro- cured from Holstein. They are of a dark glossy bay color, with small heads, large nostrils, and full dark eyes, being beautiful, active, and strong. The horses of Sweden and Finland are small, bfrt beantiful, and remarkable for their speed and spirit ; those of Finland being not more than twelve hands high, yet trotting along with ease at the rate of twelve miles an boor. The Iceland horse is either of Norwegian or Scottish descent. They are very small, strong, and swift. Thousands of them live upon the mountains of that barren country, never entering a stable, but taught by instinct or habit to scrape away the snow, or break the ice, in quest of their meagre food. The Flemish and Dutch horses are large, and strongly and beautifully formed. The best blood of draught /lorses is lowing, in a great degree, to crosses with these. The best French horses are bred in Limousin and Nor- iiandy ; the provinces of Auvergne and Poitou producing ponyi and galloways, which are excellent saddle-horses and hunters. The Spanish horse of other days, as the Andalusian charger 30 THE AMERICAN HORSE. I) and the Spanish jennets, exists but in history or romance The modern Spanish horse resembles the Yorkshire half-bred With flatter legs and better feet, but a far inferior figure. The Italian horses, particularly the Neapolitan, were once W high repute; but, owing mainly to intermixtures of Euro- pean, rather than Eastern blood, they have sadly degenerated THE AMERICAN HORSE. 31 THE AMERICAN HORSE. At a very remote period in the history of America, the horse began to be imported from Europe by the earliest settlers ; it being conceded that, although the horse had, at some former time, existed on this continent, as is proved by his fossil remains, which have been found in abund- ance in various parts of the country, he had become extinct previous to its colonization by the white nations. It is generally believed that the horses which are found in a wild state on the pampas or plains of South America, and the prairies of North America as far east as to the Mississippi River, are the descendants of' the parents set loose by the Spaniards at the abandonment of Buenos Ayres. This opinion, however, is combated by Bome, on the ground that this date is too recent to account AMERICAN FARM 8CBKE. for the vast numerical increase, and the great hordes of these animals now existing in a state of nature ; and they are in- clined to ascribe their origin to animals escaped, or voluntarily set at liberty, in the earlier expeditions and wars of the Span- ish invaders, the cavalry of that nation consisting entirely of perfect horses or mares. An opportunity for such an origin must undoubtedly have been furnished in the bloody wars of Mexico and Peru ; since upon the issue of many battles, which were disastrous to the Spaniards, the war-horses, their riders being slain, could have recovered their freedom and propagated their species rapidly in the wide, luxuriant, and well-watered plains, where the abundance of food, the genial climate, and the absence of beasts of prey capable of successfully contending with so powerful an animal as the horse, would favor their rapid in- crease. We know, moreover, that De Soto had a large force of cav- alry in that expedition in which he discovered the Mississippi, and found a grave in its bosom ; and when his warriors re- turned home in barques which they built on the banks of the ••* Father of waters," there can be little doubt that their chargers mast have been abandoned, since their slender vessels, built by inexperienced hands for the sole purpose of savin f^ their own lives, must have been incapable of containing their Btecds. The first horses imported to America for the purpose of creating a stock, were brought by Columbus, in 1493, in his second voyage to the islands. The first landed in the United States, were introduced into Florida in 152T, by Cabeca do Vaca, forty-two in number; but these all perished ex wer-i 82 THE AMERICAN HORSE. f killed. Tlie next importation was that of De Soto, befote mentioned, to which is doubtless to be attributed the origin of the wild horses of Texas and tl»e prairies, a race strongly marked to this day by the characteristics of Spanish blood. In 1604, L'Escarbot, a French lawyer, brought horses and other domestic animals into Acadia; and in 1608, the French, then engaged in colonizing Canada, introduced horses into that country, where the present race, though somewhat de- generated in size, owing probably to the inclemency of the climate, still shows the blood, sufficiently distinct, of the Norman and Breton breeds. In 1609, the English ships landing at Jamestown, in Vir- ginia, brought, besides swine, sheep, and cattle, six mares and a horse; and in 1657, the importance of ir>creasing the stock of this valuable animal was so fully recognized, that an Act was passed, prohibiting its exportation from the province. In 1629, horses and mares were brought into the plantations of Massachusetts Bay, by one Francis Higginson, formerly of Leicestershire, England, from which county many of the animals were imported, h^ew York first received its horses in 1625, imported from Holland by the Dutch West India Cora- pany, probably of the Flanders breed, thongh few traces of that breed yet exist, unless they are to be found in the Cones- toga horse of Pennsylvania, which shows some affinity to it, either directly or through the English dray-horse, which latter is believed to be originally of Flemish origin. In 1750, the French of Illinois procured considerable num- bers of French horses; and si.ice that time, as the science of agriculture has improved and advanced, pure animals of many distinct breeds have been constantly imported into this cooatry, THE AMERICAN HORSE. 88 which have created in different sections and districts distinct families, easily recognized, — as the horses of Massachusetts and Vermont, admirable for their qualities as draft-horses, powerful, active, and capable of quick as well as heavy work • the Conestogas, excellent for ponderous, slow efforts, in team-* ing and the like; and the active, wiry horses of the West, well' adapted for riding, and being in most general use for American cavalry purposes. , It is evident, then, thaf the original stock of the unimproved American horse is the result of a mixture of breeds; the French, the Spanish, the Flemish, and the English horses having all sent their representatives to some one portion at least, of the United States and British Provinces, and proba- bly still prevailing to a considerable degree in some locations, though nowhere wholly unmixed — while, in others, they have become so thoroughly mixed and amalgamated, that their identity can no longer be discovered. In New York, ijr example, the early importations of tho- rough blood, and the constant support of horse-racing, appear to have so changed the original Dutch or Flemish stock, that the characteristic of her horses is that of the English race, with a decided admixture of good blood. In Massachusetts, Vermont, and the Eastern States generally, the Cleveland bay, and a cross between that and the English dray-horse blood,, with some small admixture of thorough blood, predominate. In Pennsylvania, the most distinct breed appears to be of Flemish and English dray-horse origin. In Maryland, Vir- ginia, and South Carolina, English thorough blood prevails to a great extent; so much so as to render the inferior class of working horses undersized. In Louisiana, and many of the 3 ?* THE AMERICAN HORSE, THE AMERICAN HORSE. 36 "I Western States, French and Spanish blood partly prevail, though with a mixture of English blood. It may, in short, be generally assumed that, with the exception of the thorough- breds, there is scarcely any breed in any part of America wholly pure and unmixed ; and that there are very few animals anywhere, which have not some mixture, greater or less, of the hot blood of the East, transmitted through the English race-horse. Indeed, with the exception of the Conestoga horse, there is, in the United States, no purely-bred draft or cart-horse, nor any breed which is kept entirely for labor in the field or on the road, without a view to being used at times for quicker work, and for purposes of pleasure or travel. Every horse, for the most part, bred in America, is intended to be, in some ftense, used upon the road ; and it is but asserting a well-known fuct, when we say, that for docility, temper, soundness of con- stitution, endurance of fatigue, hardiness, sure-footedness. and speed, the American roadster is not to be excelled, if equaled, by any horse in the entire world not purely ihorongh-bred. Of roadsters, two or three families have obtained, in different localities, decided reputations for different peculiar qualities : Buch as the Narragansett pacers, the families known as the Morgan and Black Hawk, the Canadian, and generally what may be called trotters. No one of these, however, with the single exception of the Narragansetts, appears to have any real claim to be deemed a distinctive family, or to be regarded as capable of transmitting its qualities in line of hereditary descent, by breeding within itself, without further crosses with higher and hotter blood. Of the Narragansetts, but little can be said with certainty; for there is reason to believe that, as a distinct variety, with natural powers of pacing, they are extinct ; and their origin is, in some degree, uncertain. The other families clearly owe their merits to a remote infusion of thorough-blood, perhaps amounting to one-fourth, or one-third part, some three or foui' generations back. The original Canadians were, doubtless, of pure Norman and Breton descent; but, since the Canadas have been under British rule, they also ^-=g .^E^rifrrf— z'; THE CAN ADIAK. (have been largely mixed with, and much improved by, the intro- duction of a pure blood ; so that the animals which in late years pass here under the name of Canadians, such as Moscow, ' Lady Moscow, and many others of that name, are Canadians only in name, differing from other American roadsters simply 'n the fact that they have, for the most part, only two crosses ■ 3 4 fT 36 THE AMERICAN HORSE. Of the Norman and pure English blood, while the ordinary road-horse of the United States is perhaps a combination of several distinct English families, with French, Spanish, and Flemish crosses, besides an infusion of thorough-blood. Of trotters, there is certainly no distinctive breed or family or mode of breeding. The power, the style, the action, the mode of going, are the points regarded ; and it is most pro- bable, that the .speed and the endurance, both of weight and distance, depend, more or less, on the greater or inferior degree of blood in the animal. Indeed, the wonderful superiority of the American roadster IS attributable to the great popularity of trotting in this country, to the great excellence of the trotting-trainer.s, drivers and riders, arising from that popularity, and to the employ' ment of all the very best half and three-quarter-part bred horses in the land for trotting purposes, none being turned from that use for the hunting-field or park-riding. The general American horse, as compared with the English horse, is inferior in height of the forehand, in the loftiness and thinness of the withers, and in the setti„g-on and carriage of the neck and crest; while he is superior in the general develop, ment of his quarters, in the let-down of his hams, and in his height behind; and further remarkable for his formation ap- proaching what is often seen in the Irish horse, and known as the goose-rump. Even the American racer stands very much higher behind and lower before than his English fellow. Another point in which the American hoi-se of all conditions d.ffers extremely and most advantageously from the European animal, is his greater sure-footedness and freedom from the dangerous vice of stumbling. Any one can satisfactorily con- THE AMERICAN HORSE. 3T f vincc himself of this, by comparing the knees of hack-horses let for hire, either in the cities or rural villages of the United States, with those of similar English localities. In this coun- try, a broken knee is one of the very rarest blemishes encoun- tered in a horse ; while of horses let for hire in England, with the exception of those let by a few crack livery-keepers in London, in the Universities, and in one or two other of the most important towns in hunting neighborhoods, a majority are decidedly broken-kneed. The exemption of the horse, on this side of the Atlantic, from this fault, is ascribable: first, to the fact, that both the pasture-lands and the roads here are far rougher, more broken in surface, and more interrupted by stones, stumps, and other obstacles, than in the longer cultivated and more finished coun- tries of Europe, which teaches young horses to bend their knees, and throw their legs more freely while playing widi tho dams in the field ; and also to lift and set down their feet with much greater caution even on our great thoroughfares- secondly, to the higher blood and breed of riding-horses in England, which are often cantering thorough breds, liable to be unsafe travelers on the road ; and lastly, to the well-known circumstance, that most of the hired horses are roadsters— these are worn-out or broken-down animals of a higher caste, which are deemed, by reason of their disqualification for a higher position, fit for a secondary o^e, although suited to none, and dangerous in any. To this admirable quality of the American horse, must be added his extreme good temper and docility, in which he un- deniably excels any other horse in the world. From the first childhood of the animal until he is fully put to work, he re* rp 38 THE AMERICAN HORSE THE AMERICAN BLOOB-HORSE. i i ' i quires and receives little or no breakinc., unless l.e show quali- ties which promise such speed or endurance as to render it advisable to train him as a trotter. Even when this is done, it is for the purpose of developing his powers, getting him to exert himself to the utmost, and teaching him how to move to the best advantage ; and not to render him submissive, easy of management, or gentle to be .handled. There is scarcely ever any difficulty in saddling, in harnessing, in backing, or in in- ducing him to go. He may be awkward at first, uncouth, shy, and timid ; but he is never, one may almost say, violent, spas- modic in his actions, and fierce. It is true that horses are treated, for the most part, with superior judgment and greater humanity in the United States ; that the whip is little used, and the spur almost unknown J still the whole of this remarkable difi-erence in temper, on the part of the American horse, cannot be attributed to the differ^ ence of treatment. As he begins, moreover, he continues to the end. One rarely encounters a kicker, a runaway, an inveterate shyer or balker, and hardly ever a furious animal, not to be approached save at the risk of limb or life, in an American horse of any class or condition. Probably this fact may, in some respects, be attributed to the less high strain of blood in the American roadster, and still more to the hardier and less^stimulating mode of treatment to which he is subjected. The heating treatment to which the English horse is subjected, unquestionably deprives him in some degree, of the power of enduring Icng.protracted exer- tion, privation, hardship, and the inclemency of the weather; and the pampering, high feeding, excessive grooming, and 39 general maintenance of horses in an unnatural and excited state of spirits has, assuredly, an injurious efiect upon the general temj^er of the animal *, though not, perhaps, so greatly as to account for all the difference to which allusion has just been made. Having premised thus much, in general terms, of the history and peculiarities of the general American horse, we will next take up the leading varieties whicli obtain in this country, commencing with THE AMEHICAW BIjOOD-HOIISE. Unlike the human race of the United States, unlike the ordinary working horse, unlike the cattle and most of the do- niestic animals of North America — which cannot be traced or said to belong to any single distinct breed or family, having originated from the combination and amalgamation of many bloods and stocks, derived from many different countries the blood-horse, or racer, of America stands alone, unquestionably of pure English thorough-blood. What that English thorough-blood is, it is only necessary here to say that, although it is not possible, in every instance, to trace the great progenitors of the English and American turf, directly on both sides, to Desert blood j and although it can scarcely be doubted that, in the very commencement of J turf-breeding, there must have been some mixture of the best old English blood, probably, in great part, Spanisli by descent, with the true Arab or Barb race ; yet the impure admixture is so exceedingly remote, not within fourteen or fifteen genera- tions— since which the smallest taint has been carefully ex- cluded— that the present race-horse of England or North ''^'^-^'^■'^•'rias !« 40 mrr THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. America, cannot possess above one sixteen-thousandth part of any other blood .l.an tl.nt of the Desert Nor can it be doubted, that the ,„oder„ thoron.h-bred is far supenor to the present horse of the East in h s „ Ui and po.e ,, , ,. ,,, ,o„e, stre«,.h, and b U bred, V .ch has been proved wherever it has encountered tVo Arab blood has, f„ the shghtest degree, improved the Euro, pean or American racer. "'e j^mo, it seems now to be a conceded point, that to improve nn, tl od, the s,re must be the M,.rior animal ; and, since b, cnre cu t.vatK>n, superior food, and better management, our dcLend-' ant of Desert blood has been developed into an animal supe- nor to h.s progenitors, mares of the improved race can .lin nothing b:, being crossed with the original stock ; althouH. it IS yet to be seen, whether something might not be effcetrd by be .m,.ortation of Oriental mares, and breeding them Judiciously to modern thorough-bred stallions. It has been already stated, that the first systematic attempts . .mprovmg the blood of ,he English horse began in the re.'gn d r^" f, ;" '•' "■" '^•'""■""^'^ '■" "-' «^ Charles I. ad dur ng the Commonwealth, and advanced with renewed spirit on t e restoration of the Stuarts. I„ the reign of Queen A „ E,^h..h thorough-bred horse may be regarded as fairly estab- .shed, the Darley Arabia, sire of Flying Childcrs, ci::!^ Barb, and Lord Carlisle's Turk, sire of the Bald Gallowav be.ng .mported in her reign. Sixteen years after her death' and three years before the settlement of Georgia, the younges; THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 41 of the original American colonies, twenty-one foreign, and fifty native stallions, some of them the most celebrated horses which tlie world has ever seen, were in service as stock-getters in the United Kingdom ; and from some of those are descended all our racers of the present day. It was precisely during this period that the American colo- Hies were planted ; and, as might be anticipated, English horses of pure blood wer« introduced at a very early date. Indeed, in those sections where the settlement was mainly effected by men attached to the Cavalier party, race-horses were kept and trained, race-courses were established, and a well-authenticated stock of thorough-bred animals, tracing to the most celebrated English sires, many of which were imported in the early part of the eighteenth century, was in existence for some time before the outbreak of the old French war. In the Eastern States, whose settlers were mainly attached to the Puritan party, and therefore opposed in an especial man- ner to horse-racing, very few horses of thorough blood were im- ported. In Virginia and Maryland, as the head-quarters of the Oav- nliers, it is probable that racing commenced simultaneously, or nearly so ; it being an attribute of the principal towns' of Maryland some years prior to Braddock^s defeat in 1753. In the latter State, indeed, it appears for some time to have been considered a part of the duty of the Governor to keep a racing stud; since no less than rire successive governors were all determined turfmen and supporters of the American racing interest. As our Revolutionary War interrupted the peaceful progress of the country and the avocations of our country gentlemen at 1 ■0^: ws SB^Ft''-;' ^ "1 ■'■'-"■'■'■ ■«. '.>■.-•■?;,■'-•>-"- j^^^ '*".■/, :' ,.5j^j*v- 2 .'.'^■Tj'V"''' ^^y^^l^i^^^^^^^^^^^^^l ,\7S 42 THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 1 '^ BO early a period in the history of tl>e American Turf, the dif- ficulty of ascertaining how far records or registries- hive been preserved, or were kept from the first, has been materially en- hanced. Yet, on the whole, it may be regarded as remarkable rather that so many pedigrees can be unequivocally followed out, than that a few should be obscure and untraceable farther than to an imported mare. Indeed, it must be granted as a fact which cannot be questioned or doubted, fully established both by their own performances and by the unfailing transmission of their hereditary qualities, that our American horses are as cer- tainly thorough-bred as are any of those English champions, whose blood no one ever dreams of disputing, which go back,' like that of Eclipse himself, or many others of equal renown, to an unknown dam or sire. From Virginia and Maryland, the racing spirit extended rapidly into the Carolinas, where it has never to this day flag-red. The oldest race-courses in this country, which are yet kepi up for purposes of sport, arc the Newmarket course, near Peters- burg, Virginia; and the Washington course, near Charleston South Carolina. At Alexandria, D. C, there was a race-course early in the last century, and the courses in tlie neighborhood of Richmond have been in existence above seventy years. It was not until about the commencement of the present cen- tury, that what n,ay be called race-courses proper were estab- lished in New York ; the first club for the promotion of the breed of horses by means of racing dating from 1804; although lon^ previously the improvement of the breed of horses had created much interest in that State, celebrated stock-getters having been imported as early as 1TG4 and 1765. Into Pennsylvania, a State which has never particularly dis- THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 43 tinguished itself in the racing turf, were brought at an early date two horses, Graj Northumberland (also called Irish Gray), and Old England ; to these must be given the credit of runniiio- one of the oldest great American time-races on record as Ion"- ago as 1767, against two other horses, Selim and Granby. Although the use of the horse for merely racing purposed does not at present obtain to as great an extent with us as in England— a circumstance which can be readily accounted for ^ from the prejudice which many entertain BLACK HAWK— AX AJIERICAN KACER. against such a use, owing to the objectionable accompaniments which are too often found in connection with it — still it should not be forgotten, that the advantage to be derived from the thorough-bred horse depends upon far more than his applica- bility to the turf and his fitness for racing purposes. Were it otherwise, it would scarcely be worth while to devote the space THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. to the consideration of this topic which has, by common con* Bent, been deemed indispensable. The truth is, that the race-course was not, in the beffinnin"- so much as thought of as a scene for the disphiy of the high qualities of this animal; much less was racing considered bj our ancestors as an end for which they imported the Eastern horse into Europe. It was for the improvement of the native stock of horses in the various European Kingdoms, by givino- to them speed and endurance,— in which respects no other breed can compare with them,— that the Asiatic and North-African horse was so eagerly sought by the monarchs, especially of Eng- land, during the seventeenth, and the early part of the eigh- teenth century. The race-course was at first employed solely as a method of testing the prevalence or superiority, in certain animals or breeds of animals, of these qualities of speed and endurance, which can by no other known method be so completely, so accu- rately, and so fairly tested. Soon after the introduction of the thorough-bred horse, this process of testing his qualities grew into a favorite sport with all classes of persons in England. After the multiplication of race-courses throughout the king- dom and the establishment of racing as a national institution, the objects of the possessors and breeders of race-horses under- went a change ; what had been a means originally, becoming eventually, more or less, the end. Horses, in a high form and of the most favorite and purest strains of blood, were eagerly sought and commanded large prices, for the purposes of sport and honorable competition, as was the case in the Olympic Games of ancient Greece. At a yet later date, a second change of object has taken THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 45 place ; and, with but few exceptions, the thorough-bred horse is now kept, both in England and this country, for the paramount purpose of money-making, either by the actual winning of his prizes, or by his service in the stud, after his racing career is ended. Still, although the animals employed may be generally kept merely for the gratification of cupidity and the excitement of the contest, and though racing and race-courses may be subject to abuses by far too many, yet such means are, even now, as they were intended to be from the first, the best and only mode of really improving the general stock of any country. As the points of the thorough-bred horse are precisely those which constitute the perfection of a blood-horse in a high form as a stallion for improving the breed of animals, and for getting the best horses from any possible class of mares, for all possible uses, unless for the very slowest and most ponderous draught, thi? de- scription of those points which are most generally accepted as accurate is subjoined. Purity of blood is an indispensable requisite for the thorough- bred horse. By the term *' blood," it is not intended to be un- derstood that there is any real difference between the blood of the thorough-bred horse and that of the half-bred animal, as no one could discriminate between the two by any known process. The term is here used in the same sense as "breed," and by purity of blood is meant purity in the breeding of the individual animal under consideration ; that is to say, that the horse which is entirely bred from any one source is pure, or free from any mixture with others, and may be a pure Suffolk Punch, or a pure Clydesdale, or a pure thorough-bred horse. All these terms are, however, comparative, since there is no such animal ' ■'rm^vmmliii^s^jj^y 46 THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 4t / as a perfectly purely-bred horse of any breed, whether cart-horse, hack, or race-horse; all have been produced from an admixture with other breeds, and though now kept as pure as possible, yet they were originally compounded of varying elements. As, however, the thorough-bred horse as he is called, has long been bred for racing purposes, and selections have been made with that view alone, it is reasonable to suppose that this breed is the best for that purpose, and that a stain of any other is a de- viation from the classical stream into one more muddy, and therefore impure. Indeed, in actual practice this is found to be the case ; for in every instance it has resulted that the horse bred with the slightest deviation from the sources indicated by the stud-book, is unable to compete in lasting power with those which are entirely of that breed. Hence it is established as a rule, that for racing purposes every horse must be thorou^'h-bred • that 13, bred of a sire and dam, whose names are found in the stud-book. The external form of tha blood-horse is of great importance ; it being true, other things being equal, that the horse will be the best runner which is formed in the mould most like that of the greatest number of good race-horses. Still, it is ad- mitted on the turf, that high breeding is of more consequence than external shape, and that, of two horses, one perfect in shape but of an inferior strain of blood, and the other of the .most winning blood, but in shape not so well formed, the latter will be the most likely to give satisfaction on the race-course. Hence originates the proverb, ''an ounce of blood is worth a pound of bone.'^ Yet, in spite of all this recognized superi- ority x)f blood, it is indisputable that for the highest degree of success there must be not only high purity of blood, and that of the most winning strains, but there must also be a frame of the most useful character, if not always of the most elegant form. Many of our very best horses have been plain and even coarse-looking ; but, in spite of their plainness, all their points were good and useful, and the deficiency was in mere elegance, not in real utility. The height of the race-horse varies from fifteen hands to sixteen and a half hands, or even seventeen hands ; but the general height of our best horses, is about fifteen hands and three inches. Few first-class performers have exceeded the heighi of sixteen hands and one inch. The average, above given, may be fairly laid down as the best height for the race-horse ; though it cannot be denied, that for some small and confined courses, a smaller horse, of little more than fifteen hands high, has a better chance, as being more capable of turning round the constantly recurring angles or bends. The head and neck should be characterized by lightness, which is essential for this department. Whatever is unneces- so much dead and whatever is found in the head and llj neck, which ''' ' IS not neces- sary for the peculiar pur- poses of the AMKRICAN PLANTATION SCEKR. raCC-llOrSC IS SO much weight thrown away, which must still be carried by the horse. The head, we may say in detail, should be lean ^-. , t^*^'*'*'*^*^^*' I I 48 THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. u about the jaw, yet with a full development of forehead, which should be convex and wide, so as to contain wiihin the skull a good volume of brain. If this fullness exist, all the rest of the head may be as fine as possible ; the jaws being reduced to a fine muzzle, with a slight hollowing out in front, but with a width between the two sides of the lower jaw where it joins the neck, so as to allow plenty of room for the top of the windpipe when the neck is bent. The ears should be pricked and fine, but not too short ; eyes full and spirited ; nostrils large, and capable of being well dilated when at full speed, which is easily tested by the gallop, after which they ought to stand out firmly, and so as to show the internal lining fully. The neck should be muscular, and yet light; the windpipe loose and separate from the neck,— that is, not too tightly bound down by the membrane of the neck. The crest should be thin and wiry, not thick and loaded, as is often seen in coarse stallions, or even in some mares. Between the two extremes of the ewe-neck and its opposite, there are many degrees, but for racing purposes the former is preferable of the two, to the latter ; for few horses can go well with their necks bent so as to draw the chin to the bosom ; yet here, as in other cases, the happy medium between the two extremes is the most desirable. The body, or middle-piece, should be moderately long, and not too much confined between the last rib and the hip bone.' So long as the last or back-ribs are deep, it is not of so much importance that they should be closely connected to the hip- bone, for such a shape shortens the stride ; and though it enables the horse to carry a great weight, yet it prevents him from attaining a high rate of speed. The back itself should THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 49 ^e muscular, and the hips so wide as to allow of a good de- velopment of the muscular department. The withers may rise gently, but not too high, with that thin, razor-like elevation which many people call a good shoulder, but which really has notluDg to do with that part, and is only an annoyance to the saddler, in preventing its being pinched by the saddle. The chest itself should be well developed, but not too wide and deep ; no horse can go a good distance without a fair '' bellows-room •/' but, supposing the beast to be sound and of good quality, the amount of lungs will suffice which may be contained in a medium-sized chest, and all above that is wasted, and is extra weight. Many of our best-winded horses have had medium- sized chests, and some of the very worst have been furnished with room enough for a blacksmith's bellows to play in. If the heart only does its duty well, the lungs can always furnish sufficient air ; and we know that when frequently renewed, and with sufficient power, the blood is aerated as fast as it is pro- pelled, and the chief difficulty lies in this power of propulsion, which resides in the heart alone. If the chest be too wide, it materially affects the action of the fore-legs, and, therefore, in every point of view, theoretically and practically, there is a happy medium between the too great contraction 3n this de- partment, and the heavy, wide, lumbering chests, sometimes Been even in the thorough-bred race-horse, especially when reared upon rich succulent herbage, more fitted for the bullock than for the Eastern horse. In the formation of the hips, tho essential point is length and breadth of bone for muscular at- tachment, and it matters little whether the croup droops a lit- tle, or is pretty straight and level, so that there is a good length from ihe hips to the haunch-bone the line between which 60 >t THE AMERICAN BL00I>-HORSB. two points may be either nearly horizontal, or forming- ft con< siderable angle with the ground ; but still in both cases it should be a long line, and the longer it is the more muscular substance is attached to it, and the greater lererage will the muscles have. The fore-quarter, consisting of the shoulder, upper and lower arm and le^ and foot, should be well set on to the chest ; and the shoulder-blade should lie obliquely on the side of that part, with a full development of muscle to move it, and thrust it well forward in the gallop. Obliquity is of the greatest importance, acting as ft spring in taking off the shock of the gallop or leap, and also giving a longer attachment to the muscles, and in addition en- abling them to act with more leverage upon the arm and leg. As the shoulder-blade does not reach the top of the withers, and as the bones forming that part have nothing to do with the shoulder itself, many high-withered horses have bad and weak shoulders, and some very upright ones ; whilst, on the other hand, many low-withered horses have very obliq^ie and powerful shoulders, and such as to give great facility and plia- bility to the fore extremity. The shoulder should be very muscular, without being over-done or loaded, and so formed as to play freely in the action of the horse. The point of the shoulder which is the joint corresponding to the human shoulder, should be free from raggedness, but not too flat ; a certain degree of development of the bony part is desirable, but more than this leads to defects, and impedes the action of this important part. The upper arm, bdlWeen this joint and the elbow, should be long, and well clothed withrauscles; the elbow set on quite straight, and not tied in to the chest ; the lower arm muscu- lar and long ; knees broad and strong, with the bony projeetion THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 51 behind well developed ; legs flat, and showing a suspensory liga- ment large and free; pasterns long enough, without being weak ; and the feet sound, and neither too large nor too small, and unattended with any degree of contraction, which is the bane of the thorough-bred horse. The hind-quarter is the chief agent in propulsion, and is therefore of the utmost consequence in attaining a high speed. It is often asserted that the oblique shoulder is the grand requisite in this object, and that it is the part upon which speed mainly depends, and in which it may be said to reside. This is, to some extent, true, because there can be no doubt that with a loaded shoulder high speed is impracticable ; for, however powerfully the body may be propelled, yet when the fore-quar- ter touches the ground it does not bound off again as smartly as it ought to do, and the pace is consequently slow. The elastic shoulder, on the contrary, receives the resistance of the earth, but reacts upon it, and loses very little of the power given, by the strike of the hind-quarter, which, nevertheless, ., must be strong and quick, or else there is nothing for the shoulder to receive and transmit. For the full action of the hind-quarters, two things are necessary, viz: first, length and volume of muscle; and, secondly, length of leverage, upon which that muscle may act. Hence, all the bones comprising the hind-quarter should be long, but the comparative length must vary a good deal, in order that the parts upon which the muscles lie may be long, rather than those connected with the tendons, which are mere ropes'Tnd have no propelling power residing in them, but only transmit that which they derive from the muscles themselves. Thus, the hips should be Jong and wide, and the two upper divisions of the limb— viz., the stifle and 52 THE AMEWCAN BLOOD-HORSE. lower thigh— should be long, strong, and fully developed. By this formation, the stifle-joint is brought well forward, and there is a considerable angle between these two divisions. The hock should be long and strong, free from gum or spavin, and the point long, and so set on as to be free from weakness at the situation of curb. In examining the hind-quarter, to judge of its muscular development, the horse should not be looked at sideways, but his tail should be raised, and it should be ascer. tained that the muscles of the two limbs meet together below the anus, which should in fact be well supported by them, and not left loose, and, as it were, in a deep and flaccid hollow. The outline of the outer part of the thigh should be full, and in ordinary horses the muscles should swell out beyond the level of the point of the hip. This fullness, however, is not often seen to such an extent in the thorough-bred horse, until he has arrived at mature age, and is taken out of training. The bones below the hock should be flat md free from adhesions: the ligaments and tendons fully developed, and standing out free from the bones ; and the joints well formed and wide, yet without any diseased enlargement ; the pasterns should be mo- derately long, and oblique ; the bones of good size ; and, lastly, the feet should correspond to those already alluded to' in the anterior extremity. These points, taken as a whole, should be in proportion to one another-that is to say, the formation of the horse should be -true." He should not have long, well-developed hind- quarters, with an upright, weak, or confined fore-quarter. Nor will the reverse of this answer the purpose ; for, however well, formed the shoulder may be, the horse will not go well unless ho bas a similar formation in the propeller. It is of great impo^ THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 53 tance, therefore, that the thorough-bred horse should have all his Various points in true relative development, and, that there should not be the hind-quarter of a long, racing-like horse, with the thick, confined shoulder which would suit a stride less reaching iu its nature. The color of the thorough-bred horse is now generally bay, brown, or chestnut, one or the other of which will occur in ninety- nine cases out of a hundred ; gray not being common, though it sometimes appears. Black, also, occasionally makes its ap- pearance^ but not more frequently than gray. Roans, duns, sorrels, etc., are now quite exploded, and the above five colors may be said to complete the list of colors seen in the race-horse. Sometimes these colors are mixed with a good deal of white, in the shape of blazes on the face, or white legs and feet ; or even both may occur, and the horse may have little more than his body of a brown, bay, or chestnut. Most people, however, prefer the self-color, with as little white as possible ; and nothing but the great success of a horse's stock would induce breeders to resort to him, if they were largely endowed with white. Gray hairs mixed in the coat, are rather approved than other- wise ; but they do not amount to a roan, in which the gray hairs equal, or even more than that, the other colors mixed with them. The texture of the coat and skin is a great proof of high* breeding, and, in the absence of the pedigree, would be highly regarded ; but when that is satisfactory, it is of no use descend- ing to the examination of an inferior proof; and, therefore, ex- cept as a sign of health, the skin is seldom considered. In all thorough-bred horses, however, it is thinner, and the hair more Bilky than in common breeds ; and tho veins arc more apparent 54 THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. 55 i! : , V under the skin, partly from its thinness, but also from thel^ extra size and number of branches. This network of veins is of importance in allowing the circulation to be carried on during high exertions, when, if the blood could not accumulate in them, it would often choke the deep vessels of the heart and lungs ; but, by collecting on the surface, great relief is afforded, and the horse is able to maintain such a high and long- continued speed, as would be impracticable without their help. Hence these points are not useful as a mere mark of breed, but as essential to the very purpose for which that breed was established. The mane and tail should be silky, and not curly, though a Blight wave is often seen. A decided curl is almost univer- Bally a mark of degradation, and shows a stain in the pedigree as clearly as any sign can do. Here, however, as in other cases, the clear tracing of that all-powerful proof of breeding, will upset all reasoning founded upon inferior data. The Betting on of the tail is often regarded as of great importance, but it is chiefly with reference to appearances ; for the horse is not dependent for action or power upon this appendage. Nor is strength of dock of any value as a sign, and many very stout horses have been known with flaccid and loosely pendant tails. It is well known that certain horses can run half a mile at high speed, but no more; others, a mile; others, again, a mile and a half, or two miles; whilst another class, now less common than formerly, require a distance of three or four miles to de- velop their powers, as compared with ordinary horses. These peculiarities are generally hereditary, though not always so; but still, when the blood is known, it may generally be surmised, that the individual will, or will not, stay a distance. When the cross in question is stout on one side, and flashy on the other, it is not easy to guess to which the young scion may lean ; but in those cases where a horse is bred from sire or dam, both of stout blood, or the reverse, the experienced hand may, in almost all cases, decide beforehand upon the qualities of the son or daughter, as far as staying qualities are concerned. Again, there are some horses of strong, compact frames, with short backs and strong quarters, who may be expected to climb a hill without difficulty, especially if of stout blood ; and, again, there are others of lathy frames, with long but weak points, and a great deal of daylight under them, who may win over the flat for a mile, or a mile and a quarter, but can never climb a hill, or get beyond the above distance over a flat. All these points should be carefully studied by the breeder in getting together his breeding stock, and by the owner in deciding how he will enter his young produce in the race. In passing from the consideration of the history of the American Race-Horse to the examination of other races and types of this animal in general use in our country, it must be borne in mind, as before remarked, that the thorough-bred horse of America is the only family of the horse on this continent of pure and unmixed blood. In the United States, and British America, the process of absorption, or abolition of all the old special breeds, and of the amalgamation of all into one general race, which may fairly be termed specially '* American," possessing a very large admix- ture of thorough blood, has gone on far more rapidly than in England — the rather that, with the one solitary exception of the Norman horse in Canada, no special breeds have ever taken 5S THE AMERICAN BLOOD-HORSE. root as such, or been bred, or even attempted to be bred in tbeir purity, in any part of America. In Canada East, the Norman horse, imported by the early settlers, was bred for many generations entirely unmixed ; and fs the general agricultural horse of that province, exists so yet' /stunted somewhat in size by the cold climate, and the ron^h usage to which he has been subjected for centuries, but in no wise degenerated ; for he possesses all the honesty, courage^ ■ endurance, hardihood, soundness of constitution, and charac tenslic excellence of feet and legs of his progenitor. Through- out both the provinces, he may be regarded as the basi- of the general horse, improved as a working animal by crosses of English half-bred sires ; and as a roadster, carriage-horse a higher class riding or driving horse, by an infusion of English thorough blood. AH these latter types are admirable animals ; and it is from the latter admixture that have sprung many of the most cele- brated trotting horses, which, originally of Canadian descent have found their way into the New England States nnd New York, and there won their laurels as American trotters. Still it is not to be denied, that there are in different sections of the United States, different local breed, of horses, apparently pecu- liar, and now become nearly indigenous to those localities and that those breeds differ not a little, as well in qualities as in form and general appearance. A good judge of horse-flesh for instance, will find little difficulty in selecting the draught' horse of Boston, that is to say, of Massachusetts and Yennont from those of New York and New Jersey, or any of the three' from the large Pennsylvania tcam-horscs, or from the general stock of the Western States. THE VERMONT DRAUGHT- HORSE, 67 The Termont draught-horse, and the great Pennsylvania horse, known as the Conestoga horse, appear in some considera- ble degree to merit the title of distinct families ; inasmuch as they seem to reproduce themselves continually, and to have done so from a remote period, comparatively speaking, within certain regions of country, which have for many years been furnishing them in considerable numbers to those markets, for which their qualities render them most desirable. With the limited information at present accessible as to the origin and derivation of these various families, nothing more can be done in the present work than to describe the charac* teristic points of the breeds in question ; and, by comparison with existing foreign races, to approach conjecturally the blood from which they are derived, and also the manner in which they have been originated, where they are now found. THE VERMONT DRAUGHT-HORSB. No person familiar with the streets of New YorV /an have failed to notice the magnificent animals, for the most part dark bays, with black legs, manes, and tails, but a few browns, and now and then, but rarely, a deep, rich, glossy chestnut, which draw the heavy wagons of the express companies in that city. They are the very model of what draught-horses should be; combining immense power with great quickness, a very respect- able turn of speed, fine show, and good action. These animals have almost invariably lofty crests, thin withers, and well set-on heads ; and, although they are emphatically draught-horses, they have none of that ahagginess of mane, tail, and fetlocks, which indicates a descent from the black horse of Lincolnshire, and none of that peculiar curliness or waviness 53 THE VERMONT DRAUGHT- HORSE. wliicli marks the existence of Canadian or Xorman blood for many generations, and which is discoverable in the manes and tails of very many of the Morgan horses. The peculiar characteristics of these horses are, liowevcr, the shortness of their backs, the roundness of their barrels, and the closeness of their ribbing-up. One would say, that they are ponies, until he comes to stand beside them, when he is as. tonished to find that they are oftener over, than under, sixteen hands in height. THE VERMOIfT DRACaHT-HORSB. Kine out of ten of these horses are from Vermont , and not onl, are they the finest animals in all the United States, for the quick dranght of heavy loads, but the mares of this stock are incomparably the likeliest, from which, by a well-chosen tho- rongh-bred sire, to raise the most magnificent carriage-horses ia the world. As to the source of this admirable stock of horses, it may be THE VERMONT DRAtJaHT-HORSE. 59 said, that the size, the action, the color, the comparative free- dom from hair on the limbs, the straightness of the longer hairs of the mane and tail, and the quickness of movement, would at once lead one to suspect a large cross, perhaps the largest of any, on the original mixed c\)untry horse, of Cleveland Bay. There are, however, some points in almost all of these horses, which must be referred to some other foreign cross than the Cleveland, not thorough bred, and certainly, as above remarked, not Norman or Canadian, of which these animals do not exhibit any characteristic. These points are, principally, the shortness of the back, the roundness of the barrel, the closeness of the ribbing-up, the general punchy or pony build of the animal, and its form and size, larger and more massively muscular than those of the Cleveland Bay, yet displaying fully as large, if not a larger, share of blood than belongs to that animal in its un- mixed form. The prevalent colors of this breed also appear to point to an origin different, in part, from that of the pure Cleveland Bays, which lean to the light or yellow bay variation, while these New Englanders tend as decidedly to the blood bay, if not to the brown bay, or pure brown. These latter are espe- cially the dray-horse colors, and the points above specified are those, in a great measure, of the improved dray-horse. The cross of this blood in the present animal, if there be one, is doubtless very remote ; and, whether it may have come from a single mixture of the dray stallion long since, or from some half-bred imported stallion, perhaps got by a three-part tho- rough bred and Clevelander from a dray mare, must, of course, be doubtful. One need have little hesitancy in asserting that the bay draught-horse of Vermont, has in its veins, principally ' 'j^^'v,'' ' ^ ta. ^BMifctf ,'xta/ii>!fN-»3«i J THE CONESTOOA HORSE. Cleveland Bay blood, with some cross of thorough blood, one at least, directly or indirectly, of the improved English dray, horse, and not impossibly a chance admixture of the Suffolk. THE CONESTOGA HOKSE. In appearance this noble draught-horse approaches far more nearly to the improved light-class London dray-horse, and has little, if any, admixture of Cleveland Bay, and certainly none * CONESTOOA— THg ORKAT PEmiSTLTASIA DRADOHT-HOIlit Of thorough blood. He is a teamster, and a teamster only ; Cut a very noble, a very honest, and a moderately quick-work- ing teamster. In size and power some of these great ani- mals employed in dranght upon the railroad track in Market street, Philadelphia, are little, if at all, inferior to the dray- borses of the best breweries and distilleries in London ; many THE CONESTOGA HORSE. 61 of them coming fully up to the standard of seventeen or seven- teen and a half hands in height. In color, also, they follow the dray-horses ; being more often blood-bays, brown, and dapple-grays than of any other shade. The bays and browns, moreover, are frequently dappled also in their quarters, which is decidedly a dray-horse characteristic and beauty ; while it is, in some degree, a derogation to a horse pretending to much blood. This peculiarity is often observ- able also in the larger of the heavy Vermont draught-horses, and is not unknown in the light and speedy Morgan. They have the lofty crests, shaggy volumes of mane and tail, round buttocks, hairy fetlocks, and great round feet of the dray-horse ; they are, however, longer in the back, finer in the shoulder, looser in the loin, and perhaps, fatter in the side than their English antitypes. They do not run to the unwieldy superfluity of flesh, for which the dray-horse is unfortunately famous ; they have a lighter and livelier carriage, a better step and action, and are, in all respects, better travelers, more active, generally useful, and superior animals. They were for many years, before railroads took a part of the work off their broad and honest backs, the great carriers of produce and provisions from the interior of Pennsylvania to the seaboard, or the market ; and the vast white-topped wagons, drawn by superb teams of the stately Conestogas, were a dis- tinctive feature in the landscape of that great agricultural State. The lighter horses of this breed, were the general farm- horses of the country ; and no one, who is familiar with the agricultural regions of that fine State, can fail to observe that the farm-horses generally, whether at the plough, or on the 62 fUE CANADIAN HORSE. THE CANADIAN HOBSE. 63 road, are of considerably more bulk and bone than those of New York, New Jersey, or the Western country. Of the Gonestoga horse, although it has long been known and distinguished by name as a separate family, nothing is positively authenticated, from the fact that such pedigrees have never been, in the least degree, attended to ; and, perhaps, no less from the different language spoken by the German farmers, among whom this stock seems first to have obtained, and by whom principally it has been preserved. It would ap pear, however, most probable, taking into consideration the thrifty character, and apparently ample means of the early German settlers, their singular adherence to old customs and conservatism of old-country ideas, that they brought with them horses and cattle, such as Wouvermans, and Paul Potter painted ; and introduced to the rich pastures of the Delaware and the Schuylkill, the same type of animals which had become famous fn the similarly constituted lowlands of Flanders, Guelderland, and the United Provinces. THE CAITADIAISr HOnSB. The Canadian is generally low-sized, rarely exceeding fifteen hands, and more often falling short of it. His characteristic? are a broad, open forehead j ears somewhat wide apart, and not unfrequently a basin face ; the latter, perhaps, a trace of the far remote Spanish blood, said to exist in his veins; the origin of the improved Norman or Percheron stock, being, it is usually believed, a cross of the Spaniard, Barb by descent, with the old Norman war-horse. His crest is lofty, and his demeanor proud and courageous. His breast is full and broad ; his shoulder strong, though some- what straight, and a little inclined to be heavy ; his back broad, and his croup round, fleshy, and muscular. His ribs are not, however, so much arched, nor are they so well closed -up, as his general shape and build would lead one to expect. His legs and feet are admirable ; the bone large and flat, and the sinews hig, and nervous as steel-springs. His feet seem almost un- conscious of disease. His fetlocks are shaggy ; his mane voluminous and massive, not seldom, if untrained, falling on both sides of his neck; and his tail abundant; both having a peculiar crimpled wave, never seen in any horse which has not some strain of this blood. He cannot be called a speedy horse in his pure state ; but he is emphatically a quick one, an indefatigable, undaunted traveler, with the greatest endurance, day in and day out, allowing him to go his own pace — say from six to eight miles the hour — with a horse's load behind him, oi ai animaf one can derive. He is extremely hardy, will thrive on any thing, or almost on nothing; is docile, though high-spirited, remark- ably sure-footed on the worst ground, and has fine, high action, bending his knee roundly, and setting his foot squarely on the ground. As a farm-horse and ordinary farming roadster, there is no better or more honest animal ; and, as one to cross with other breeds, whether upwards by the mares to thorough-bred Rtallions, or downwards by the stallions to common country mares of other breeds, he has hardly any equal. From the upward cross, with the English or American tho- rough-bred on the sire's side, the Canadian has produced some of the fastest trotters and the best gentleman's road and saddle- horses in the country ; and, on the other hand, the Canadian stallion, wherever he has been introduced, as he has been largely (■■* 1 mtim~ , I t u THE INDIAN PONT. t m the neighborhood of Skaneateles, and generally in the western part of the State of New York, is gaining more and more favor w.th the farmers, and is improving the style and stamina of the country stoek. He is said, although small himself in stature to have the unusual quality of breeding up in size with lar-^e; and loftier mares than himself, and to give the foals his olj vigor, pluck, and iron constitution, with the frame and general cspect of their dams. This, it may be remarked in passin. appears to be a characteristic of the Barb blood above all others' and IS a strong corroboration of the legend, which attributes tj him an early Andalusian strain. THE IWDIAK PON r. The various breeds of Indian ponies found in the West generally appear to be the result of a cross between the Southern mustang, descended from the emancipated Spanish horses of the Southwest, and the smallest type of the Canadian, the pro- portions varying according to the localities in which they are found ; those further to the South sharing more largely of the Spanish, and those to the North of the Normal blood. These little animals, not exceeding thirteen hands in height have, many of them, all the characteristics of the pure Cana- dians, and, except in size, are not to be distinguished from them They have the same bold carriage, open countenance, Abundant hair, almost resembling a lion's mane, the same general build, and, above all, the same iron feet and legs They are merry goers, and over a hard and good road can Bpin along at nearly nine miles in the hour. They arc dis- tingutshed for their wonderful sure-footedness, sagacity, and doahty. They are driveu without blinkers or bearing reins, THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. G5 end where, as is often the case, bridges seem doubtful, the bottom of miry fords suspicious of quagmires, or the road other- wise dangerous, they will put down their heads to examine, try the difTiculty with their feet, and, when satisfied, will get through or over places which seem utterly impracticable. Whence this peculiar pony breed of Canadians has arisen cannot with certainty be traced ; it seems, however, to be almost entirely peculiar to the Indian tribes, and, therefore, may have been produced by the dwarfing process, which will arise from hardship and privation, endured for generation after generation, particularly by the young animals and mares while heavy with foal. Most of these animals have no recent cross of the Spanish horse; although some ponies approaching nearly to the same type, show an evident cros of the Mustang ; and many animals called Mustangs, have in them some unmistakable Canadian blood. THE NAKRAGANSETT PACEB. This beautiful animal, which, so far as can now be ascertained, has at present entirely ceased to exist, and concerning which the strangest legends and traditions are afloat, was, it may be asserted with conjparative certainty, of Andalusian blood. The legends, to which allusion has been made, are two-fold- or, rather, there are two versions of the same legend ; one saying that the original stallion, whence the breed originated, was picked up at sea, swimming for his life, no one knew whence or thither, and, that he was so carried in by his salvors to the I'rovidence Plantations ; the other, evidently another form of the same story, sfating that the same original progenitor was discovered running wild in the woods of Rhode Island. id; -^- - ^- . 66 THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. i i( \ ► The question, however, thus far seems to be put at rest by the account of these animals, given in a note to the very curious work, *' America Dissected," by the Rev. James McSparran, D. D., which is published as an appendix to the History of tho Church of Narragansett, by Wilkins Updike. In this work, the Doctor twice mentions the pacing horse, which was evi- dently at that remote date, (1721-59,) an established breed in that province. "To remedy this," he says — "this" being the great extent of the parishes in Virginia, of which be is at first speaking, and the distance which had to be traveled to church, — ** as the whole province between the mountains, two hundred miles up, and the sea, is all a champaign and without stones, the,y have plenty of a small sort of horses, the best in the world, like the little Scotch Galloways; and His no extraordinary jour- ney to ride from sixty to seventy miles, or more, in a day. I have often, but upon large pinbuj horses, rode fifty, nay, sixty miles a day, even here in Neiv England, where the roads are rough, stony, and uneven." Elsewhere he speaks more point- edly of the same breed. ''The produce of this Colony," (Rhode Island,) "is principally butter and cheese, fat cattle, wool, and fine horses, which are exported to all parts of English America. They are remarkable for fleetness and swift pacing , and I have seen some of them pace a mile in a little more than two minutes, and a good deal less than three.^^ If the worthy doctor of divinity was a good judge of pace, and had a good timing watch, it would seem that the wonderful me of our fleetest racers was equaled, if not outdone, up- wards of a century ago ; at all events, he establishes, beyond a peradventure, the existence of the family, and its uneqnaled powers both of speed and endurance. THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. 67 To the latter extract is attached a lengthy note, a portion >f which we give. *' The breed of horses, called 'Narragansett pacers,' once so celebrated for fleetness, endurance, and speed, has become extinct. These horses were highly valued for the saddle, and transported the rider with great pleasantness and surcness of foot. The pure blood could not trot at all. For- merly, they had pace races. Little Neck Beach, in South Kingston, one mile in length, was the race-course. A silver tankard was the prize, and high bets were otherwise made on the spc' d. Some of these prize tankards were remaining a few ycais ago. Traditions respecting the swiftness of these horses ai?e almost incredible. Watson, in his * Historical Tales of Olden Times,* says: 'In olden time, the horses most valued were pacers, now so odious deemed. To this end the breed Was propagated with care. The Narragansett pacers were in such repute, that they were sent for, at much trouble and ex- pense, by some who were choice in their selections.'" The most natural reason assignable for the extinction of this breed, would seem to be somewhat as follows. Up to the be- ginning of the present century in this country, — much as it was half a century yet farther back in Englaijd, — the roads were so bad, as to be, except in the finest weather, utterly imprac- ticable for wheel-carriages; and that, except on the great turn- pike-roads, and in the immediate vicinity of the larger towns, private pleasure-vehicles were almost unknown ; all long jouu iieys, with few exceptions, all excursions for pleasure or for ordinary business, and all visitings between friends and neigh- bors being performed by both sexes on the saddle. At that time there was, therefore, a demand, as an actual necessity, rm speedy, ani above all, for easy and pleasant-going saddle-horses. i-\ n • li I » 4 68 THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. Pacers, whenever they could be found, would most readily answer the desired end. The expense of this was, of course, considerable, since the pacer could not be used for any other purpose; when, there- fore, the roads improved, in proportion to the improvement of the country and the general increase of the population, wheel- carriages generally came into use, and the draught-horse took the place of the saddle-horse. It was soon found that a horse could not be kept even tolerably fit for the saddle, if he was allowed to work in the plough or draw the team, while the same labor in no wise detracted from the chaise or carriao-e- horse. The pacer, therefore, gave way to the trotter; and the riding-horse, from being an article of necessity. becan:e ex- clusively one of luxury; to such a degree, that, until compara- tively a recent period, when ladies began again to take up riding; there have been very few distinctively broken riding- horses, and still fewer kept exclusively as such in the Northern States of America. This, unquestionably, is the cause of the extinction of the pacer, although there have been pacing-horses in the eastern Fection of this country, professedly from Rhode Island, and called by names implying a Xarragansett origin ; and although it may well be that they were from that region, and possibly, In a remote degree, from that blood, yet they did not pace naturally because they were Xarragansett Pacers, but were so called, because coming somewhere from that region of country, they paced by accident— as many chance horses do— or, in some instances, had been taught to pace. Considering the rare qualities of this variety, and its ad. mirable adaptedness for many purposes of pleasure and conve- THE MORGAN HORSE. 69 nience, it is a matter for real regret that the family has entirely disappeared, presumably without any prospect or hope of it3 resuscitation. THE MOKQAN HORSE. Within a few years past the sporting world have become familiar with a class or type of horses coming from the State of Vermont, known as the Morgan horse; in behalf of which a claim has been made, that it is a distinct family, directly de- scended from a single horse, owned a little ■THAy ALLEX— A PAST TROTTINO MOROAW HORSB. before and a little after the commencement of the present cen- tury, by Justin Morgan, of Randolph, in Vermont, from whom the name takes its rise. Without choosing to go into an examination of the validity <)f this claim— relative to which question an amount of bicker- ing, crimination and recrimination has sprung up, sufficient to TO THE MORaAN HORSE. H I ^1 h ^' furnish the stock in trade of all our stump orators for the next fifty Presidential campaigns— we content ourselves here with alluding to the strong points and excellencies of this particular variety, (for such the most sturdy opponents to its rank as a distinct family freely admit that it possesses,) referring the reader, who is curious in such matters, to the appropriate trea- tises for and against the claim, which have been as voluminous as the most prolix of Presidential messages. '•The original, a 'Justin Morgan' "—we now quote from *' Morgan Horses,'^ by D. C. Linsley— - was about fourteen hands high, and weighed about nine hundred and fifty pounds. His color was dark-bay, with black legs, mane, and tail. He had no white hairs upon him. His mane and tail were coarse and heavy, but not so massive as has been sometimes described- the hair of both was straight, and not inclined to curl. His head was good, not extremely small, but lean and bony, the face straight, forehead broad, ears small and very fine, but set rather wide apart. His eyes were medium size, very dark and promi- nent, and showed no white around the edge of the lid. His nostrils were very large, the muzzle small, and the lips close and firm. His back and legs were, perhaps, his most noticeable points. The former was very short ; the shoulder-blades and thigh-bones being very long and oblique, and the loins exceed- ingly broad and muscular. His body was rather long, round and deep, close-ribbed up ; chest deep and wide, with the breast- bone projecting a good deal in front. His legs were short, close-jointed, thin, but very wide, hard and free fiom meat, with muscles that were remarkably large for a horse of his size; and this superabundance of muscle manifested itself at every step. His hair was short, and at almost all seasons short and glossy. ii THE MORGAN HOKSE. n 11 He had a little long hair about the fetlocks, and for two or three inches above the fetlock, on the back-side of the legs ; the rest of his limbs were entirely free from it. His feet were small, but well-shaped ; and he was in every respect perfectly sound and free from blemish. He was a very fast walker. In trotting, his gait was low and smooth, and his step short and nervous ; he was not what in these days would be called fast, and we think it doubtful whether he could trot a mile much, if any, within four minutes, although it is claimed by many that he could trot in three. "Although he raised his feet but little, he never stumbled. His proud, bold, and fearless style of movement, and his vigor- ous, untiring action have, perhaps, never been surpassed. * ***** He was a fleet runner at short distances. Running short distances for small stakes, was very common in Vermont fifty years ago. Eighty rods was very generally the length of the course which usually commenced at a tavern or grocery, and extended the distance agreed upon up or down the public road. In these races the horses were started from a scratch ; that is, a mark was drawn across the road in the dirt, and the horses, ranged in a row upon it, went off at the drop- ping of a hat, or some other signah **It will be observed that the form of Justin Morgan was not such as, in our days, is thought best calculated to give the greatest speed for a short distance. Those who believe in long- legged racers will think his legs, body, and stride, were all too short, and to them it may, perhaps, seem surprising that he should be successful, as he invariably wns, in such contests." The qualities claimed for this stock are neat style, good trotting action, great honesty, great quickness and sprightliness .''i ^1 ■.m 72 THE MORGAN HORSE. I fl- of movement, — apart from extraordinary speed, which is not insisted upon as a characteristic of the breed, although .some have possessed it — and considerable powers of endurance. There has been some conflict of opinion concerning tlie courage and endurance of the Morgans, and their ability to maintain a good stroke of speed, say ten miles an hour, for several hours in succession ; but it is now well established that this exception has not been fairly taken, and that these horses lack neither courage nor ability to persevere, though not at a high rate of speed. By fair deduction from the various conflicting accounts of the Morgans, as they now exist, it may be stated that they are a small, compact, active style of horse, showing the evidence of a strain of good blood. They rarely, if ever, exceed fifteen hands two inches, and it is probable that a hand lower, or from that up to fifteen, is nearer to their standard. They are not par- ticularly closely ribbed up, and many of them incline to bo sway-backed. Their hind-qunrters are generally powerful, and their legs and feet good. There is an evident family resem- blance in their foreheads, their neck and crests being so often, as to render the mark somewhat characteristic, lofty but erect, without much curvature, and the neck apt to be thick at the setting-on of the head, which, though good, is rarely blood-like. The manes and tails are almost invariably coarse, as well as heavy and abundant, and have very often a strong wave, or even curl, of the hair. It is admitted by the most strenuous opponents of this horse as a distinct family, that the very best general stock for breed- ing for general work—namely, a high cross of the very i>est thorough-bred on the sires side, with the very best general stock NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. T3 on the dam's — is to be found, so far as the United States arc concerned, on the frontiers of Vermont, and that of the most approved quality. Having given the history of the various types or families of the horse throughout the world, we next propose taking up THE NATURAL HISTOBY OF THE HOUSE. BKELETOK OF THE HORSE AS COVERED BY THE MUSCLES. 1. 1. Th« seven cervical vertebrre, or bones of tbe neck. 2. The sternum, or breast- bo»e. 3. The scapula, or shouUlpr-blade. 4. The humerus, or bone of the arm. 6, f). The radius, or boue of the fore-arm. 6. The ulna, or elbow. 7. The cartilages o^ the ribs. 8, 8, 8. The co.«tic, or ribs. 9. The carpus, or seven bones. 10, 10. Th» metacarpal, or shank-bones: the larger nictaciirpul, or cannon, or shank-bone, in front; and the pmall metacarpal, or splint-boue, behind. 11. The upper paKtern. 12. The lower pastern. 1.3. The coffin-bone. H to 14. The eighteen dorsal v«'rtebr«, or bones of che spine. 15. The six lumbar vertebrae, or bones of the loins. 16, 16. The haunch, consisting of the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. 17, 17. The femur, or thijrh-bone. 18, 18. The stifle-joint, with the patella, or knee-cap. 19, 19. The tibia, or proper leg-bone. 20. The fibula. 21, 21. The tarsus, or hock. 22. The metatarsal bones of the hind-leg. 2.3, 23. The pastern of the hind-feet, including the upper and larger bone, (fig. 2.3,^ the lower pastern, {tig. 2.'),) and the cofflu-bone. (tig. 21.) 26, 2«. The caudal vertebra;, or tail-bones. Division. Vertehrata — possessing a back-bone. Class. Mammalia — such as give suck. Order. Pachydermala — thick-skinned. \ 1i NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. • Family. Solipeda — uncleft-footed. Genus. Equus — the horse family. With the horse are ranked all those quadrupeds, whose generic distinctiou is the undivided hoof — the equine genus. Equus caballus, the horse. Equus Hemionus, the dziggtai, Asiatic. Equus Zebra, the zebra, ^ Equus Burchelli, I go^th African. Equus Quagga, the Quagga, I Equus Asinus, the ass. 0 The horse by far the noblest of the genus, is easily distin- guishable from the rest of the group. His varieties are exceed- ingly numerous, and differ widely in physical appearance. Th^ effects of climate and other agencies are displayed in his frame. It has been asserted, though not upon sufficient basis, that he arrives at the greatest perfection between the fifteenth and fifty- fifth degrees of northern latitude. The mare is found capable of generating her species as early as the second year of her existence ; but it is detrimental to her form and the future ener- gies of her offspring, thus prematurely to tax the productive powers of her frame. It would be far more profitable to delay this important function to the fourth or fifth year, when the outline of her form approximates more closely to that of the adult, and the vital energies of the animal economy become more confirmed. Mares, in common with the females of many other quadrupeds, are subject to a periodical appetency for the male, which in them is termed horsing. The natural season of its first occurrence is from the end of March to July, and so providential is this arrangement, that the foal will be produced at a time when nourishment is plentiful for its support. NATURAL HISTORY OP THE HORSE. T5 Common assertion fixes the period of gestation, or the time intervening between conception and foaling, at eleven montha - whether lunar or calendar, is not explained. This discrepancy will appear the more unsatisfactory, when it is recollected thax eleven calendar months want but two days of twelve Junat months. By various investigations made in France, it has been established that the term of eleven calendar months was often exceeded by several weeks ; and sometimes, though less fre- quently, parturition took place within that period. Some breeders entertain an opinion, that old brood-mares carry the foal considerably longer than young ones; but no satisfactory evidence is offered by them in support of this opinion. The indications of approaching parturition are enlargement of the external parts of generation, and a gummy exudation from the orifice of the teats. Birth generally takes place within twenty.four hours after the appearance of the latter symptom; but the first acts as a warning, by preceding it for several days. It is but seldom that the mare requires manual assistance at the time of foaling, which generally takes place, without difficulty or danger in the night. The mare, unlike the generality of quadrupeds, foals standing. She rarely produces twins, and when double births do occur, the offspring almost invariably die. As great facility of motion appears to have been designed by nature in the formation of the horse, many physical peculiarities contribute to insure that end. A bulky, pendulous udder, like that possessed by some of the ruviinanda, would be incom- patible with that quality. The mamma, therefore, is small, and furnished with only two teats, which supply a milk of a highly 4 t ' I 76 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. U 1 1 nutriiions character, and possessing a larger quantity of saccha' Fine matter than any other animal is known to possess. The disproportionate length of the foaPs legs, which is so strikingly apparent, when compared with those of the adult animal, is thought by some naturalists to be provided by pre- scient nature to enable the young animal to keep pace with its dam during flight from any menacing danger. Linnaeus attempted to ascertain the future height of the colt by admea- surement of its legs; but so much is found to depend upon the quantity and character of the nutriment with which it is pro- vided during the period of its growth, that little reliance can be placed upon early experiments of this kind. The historian, the warrior, and the horseman, Xenophon, has long ago alluded to the same subject in his treatise upon horsemanship. "I now explain," said he, "how a man may run the least risk of being deceived, when conjecturing the future height of a horse. The young horse, which, when foaled, has the shank- bone the longest, invariably turns out the largest. For, as time advances, the shank-bones of all quadrupeds increase but little • but that the rest of the body may be symmetrical, it increases in proportion." Puberty commences in both sexes as early as the second year, but all the structures continue to be gradually developed until the end of the fifth year, by which time the changes in the teeth are perfected, and the muscles have acquired a growth and tone which give to the form the distinctives of adolescence. It is during the term which elapses between the period of adult age and that of confirmed virility, that a further progressive change takes place in the animal economy ; the powers of the whole frame continue to acquire strength, and although there is no NATURAL HISTORY OP THE HORSE. iT further increase in height, the parietes of the large cavities and the muscles of voluntary motion assume a finished and rotund appearance, and render the animal more capable of enduring continued privation and exertion ; the vital endurance and re- sistance being greater than during the period of adolescence. The fire and expression of the head, the spirit, character, and disposition, become also more marked toward the termination of this epoch. The natural period of the decay of the vital powers, senility, and mature death, may be conjectured to be about thirty years; but few horses, owing to our barbarous treatment, attain that term. The walk, the trot, and the gallop are the usually well-known natural paces of the horse ; but the fact of some individuals contracting the pace called amble (which is neither racking or pacing), without previous tuition, has induced many writers to regard that also as a natural metiiod of progression. In England, and other northern countries, on the approach of mild weather, the horse, by a natural process, analogous to moulting in birds, divests himself of his winter^s clothing of long hair, and produces one of a shorter and cooler texture ; and again, before the recurrence of cold weather, reassnmes his warm and lengthened coat to protect himself from the inclemency of the approaching season. The autumnal change is not by* any means so general as that which takes place at the commence- ment of spring; in America, however, at least in the northern parts, this change is invariable. The hair is not so completely changed ; only a portion of it is thrown o(T, and that which re- mains, with that which springs up, grows long, and is adapted to the temperature of the atmosphere. These alternate changes i p 78 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 4 I ' Hi are not so well marked in countries possessing an even tem- perature, nor even are they so plainly seen in horses kept in tlio warm atmosphere of a close stable all the year round. When the shedding of the coat commences, the bulbs of the old hair become pale, and by the side of each a small black globular body is formed, which is soon developed into the new hair. Thus the matrix of the new hair is not the old bulb, but it is based in another productive follicle. The long hair of the mane, tail, and fetlocks is not shed at definite periods with that of the body, but is replaced by a shorter and more uniform process. The hair of the mane and tail will, if protected, grow to an almost incredible length. The property of changing the color of the hair with the season, possessed by many animals of the arctic region, adapting them to the temperature, is also manifested in the horse, though in a much less degree, for it may be seen that when constantly exposed to the elements, the long winter-coat assumes a much lighter hue than that of its predecessor. The horse in common with many other animals, is provided with a thin, sub-cuticular muscle, covering the shoulders, flanks, and sides, whose use is to corrugate the skin, shake off flies, and dislodge other annoying substances. The sense of smell is so delicately acute in the horse, that perhaps he is not exceeded in this function by any other animal. The nose is provided with a very extensive surface for the dis- tribution of the olfactory nerve, by the curious foldings of the turbinated bones. It is principally by means of this faculty that he is enabled to distinguish the qualities of the plants upon which he feeds, and to reject such as are of a noxious or poison- ous description. ''Nature," said Linnajus, "teaches the brute NATURAL HlS:f0RY OP THE HORSE. creation to distinguish, without a preceptor, the useful from the urtful, wlnle man is left to his own inquiries." On puttin. te finger into the nostrils, at the upper and outward parts^ they pass mto blind pouches of considerable dimensions. Those curious cavities have nothing to do with smelling, because they are hned with a reflection of common integument, but they may possibly be of use in mechanically distending the external en ranee of he nostrils, and thus materially facilitate respiratiTn uring v,olent exertion. They are also brought into use w n he anima neighs; and the Hungarian soldiery slit them up o preclude the possibility of being prematurely discovered to t in th. connection, that the preference of Arabs fo/the mare to he horse, for warlike purposes, is attributable to the fact th as stalhons invariably do-the Arabs never attacking, save y -prise Those nations which fight by open force have no ch preference, but mainly use the stallion. On the lower part of the nostril, toward the outer edge, may be seen the mouth of or corner of the eye. It opens on the skin Just before it join he hning membrane of the nose. This liule cavity has often been mistaken, by unqualified persons, for an ulcer common in glanderous affections, and the poor animal has frequently fallen victim to the error. Their eyes are large in proportion to those of some other quadrupeds and the pupiiar opening is of an ohla.e elliptic e lateral field of vision. Round the edges of the pupil is I cunous fringe of deep plum-colored eminences, supposed to bo w 80 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. jW !'■ ^ ;: serviceable in absorbing the superabundant rays of light which may be transmitted Iq the eye. The horse's sight is excellent and. alihough not regarded as a nocturnal animal, he can dis' tinguish objects at night with great facility. There are but few horsemen, who have not benefited by this power, when th« shades of night have fallen round them. The ears are comparatively small, but the conch is endowed with extensive motion, so as to catch the sound coming from »rntnt MUIZL$ KAMES APPLIED TO THE VAEIOOB EIIE«»i.L PAETS OP THE HOE«. any quarter. Their hearing is quick, and although blindness 5s so distinctively prevalent among horses, deafness is exceed- ingly uncommon. During sleep, one ear is usually directed forward, and the other backward ; when on a march at night, in company, it has been noticed "that those in the front direct their ears forward, those in the rear backward, and tho.se in the centre turn them laterally, or across ; the whole troop seeming thus to be actuated by one feeling, which watches the general NATURAt HISTORr OP THE HORSE. 81 safely." In contests of speed thf. oo-o wards so as tn „fr a "'^ ^"""''""^ '"'"d l^«cfc. wards, so as to afford no opposition to the ranid .r. the anin,al. It must be evident tl.nf -r ! ^^''"' "^ Of these organs be presente r ;':; I'' 'Z''' -^^-« wind, and slightly impede pro! si; T":! '^'''' "'^ signed for this deflection is 1;^? '" ''"'''' ''' , M.is velocity, would inflict on that deCl J' '''''''' The different vocal articulations to which T . utterance, are collectively termed neighl VuL " ' "^ of intonation may be discovered in the ZZ' T '""'^ sions; as, for instance, the cry of ov " "' ''' P^" -ked manner from that of dL?:!;^^^ '''''' '" ^ The females do not nei.h Jf ''"^''^'^"' P'ayfulness. as the males, cl r^^ ?/ "^ *''" ^ ^^^ ^orce upon the voice It U T T ' ^ Modulating effect ^■'e vibratio of tw sVaTtr T "'^'"^ ^^ "^^"-^ ^^ extremity of the JotTj 7' "''"'""" '^""^ "^ '"« w^ntingfh. thly^ .v rrlr ' "^ ^'^"^'"^^ "'^ Hollowed out Of the thyroid ca t ^geT :T::r''''"^^^^^^ o-r which is stretched a membrane s li ar to t "'T"''' on the head of a drum Wk • ''*" parchment >.d oo„,e,.e„lIr dissonant ""Mule,, Tl.e inWlectnal characler of He hor>. r. „ , tl..t of any o,h.r ,..d„,p,d h , „ ' """"' '''' i-a „i„ „a,. Kindno^fo:* L,t r; ::; ;» ";°" '^ 82 NATURAL HISTORY OP THE HORSE. NATURAL HISTORY OP THE HORSE. 83 "I intellectual capacity. Travelers in the desert assure us that horses possess the faculty of directing their course to the nearest water, when hard pressed for that necessary article. Horses swim with the greatest facility, and the distances they have been known to perform in the water exceed onr expecta- tion. A horse that was wrecked off the coast of South America 6wam seven miles to land, thus saving his life. There exis^. some important differences in the animal economy of the equine family and that of other herbivorous 'Animals, which, as the inferences from them are of some conse- 'juonce, it is necessary briefly to notice. The horse naturally reqvlres but little sleep, and even that it often takes standing. In a state of nature, when fodder is short, to support itself proper!/ it is compelled to graze twenty hours out of the twenty -fuT. Euminating animals eat with greater rapidity, and lie down to chew the cud. The horse eats no faster than it digests. Digestion in the former is interrupted ; in the latter, continuous. This explains why the horse has no gall-bladder, as it requires no reservoir for that necessary fluid ; for, as fast as the bile is secreted by the liver it is carried to the intestines to perform its important action on the chymous mass. The stomach of the horse is also remarkably small and simple, dif- fering widely from the capacious and complicated structures of the ruminantia ; but the intestines are long, and the ccecum capable of containing a large quantity of fluid, of which it is considered the receptacle. The mawma of the mare is by no means so pendulous and bulky as that of the cow. The horse^s feet, from their compact, undiviaed nature, are much less liable to injury during fleet exertion than those of the ox. All these circumstances teni to establish the individuality of the horse, and are so ipany proofs of admirable design for the purposes to which man has applied him ; for, without these peculiarities, he would not be so valuable and superior, as a beast of con- tinued and rapid motion, and would consequently occupy a very inferior station. LinnjBus asserted that the male horse was without the rudi- mentary mamma invariably found in the males of other animals- but this naturalist was mistaken, for they may be seen on each side of the sheath, and, although of no possible use, still their existence preserves the uniformity of nature's operations. • The horse and zebra possess horny callosities on the inside of the fore-legs, above the knees, and on the hocks of the hind- legs ; the ass and the quagga have them only on the fore ex- tremities. In a state of nature, the horse is purely a herbivorous animal, but under the restraint which domestication imposes, his habits become changed, and grain and dry grasses form the principal articles of his diet. Domestication is known to originate many diseases totally unknown in a natural state, but it appears to have the effect of augmenting the muscular power of the animal far beyond its uncultivated state. It may be remarked, in addition to what has been previously said as to the limit of life allotted to the horse, that there is some difficulty in estimating the natural average length of his life, since many obstacles oppose an inquiry on a scale of sufficient mag- nitude to be satisfactory. The numerous evils entailed on him by the arduous labors and the r stricted and unnatural habits of a domesticated state tend gr jatly to abbreviate life. F/ora these and other reasons, it cannot be much doubted that his ago is greatly underrated. Horses are most erroneously termed .^uu 81 NATURAL HISTORY OP THE HORSE. L Mi: aged on the obliteration of the mark from the lower incisor teeth, wliich occurs by the completion of the eighth year; and though it is far from being the natural term of age and debility or even of the decline of the vital energies, it too frequently happens, that by that time bodily infirmities have been prema. turely induced by over-exertion of their powers. Horses at twenty years of ago, are often met with in cases where the least humanity has been bestowed on their management. Eclipso died at the age of twenty-five ; Flying Childers, at twenty-sij. Brom^s mare Maggie reached more than twenty-nine years. Bucephalus, the celebrated horse of Alexander of Macedon, lived till thirty. The natural age is probably between twenty- five and thirty. A faint and uncertain guide is found in the register of the ages of the most celebrated racing stallions, re- collecting, however, that several of them were destroyed on becoming useless for the purposes of the turf. The united ages of ninety-three of these horses amounted to two thousand and five years ; or rather more than twenty-one and a half years to each horse. As a matter of civil economy, it is important to judge cor- rectly of the age of the horse. This is chiefly accomplished by observing the natural changes which occur in his teeth, the periods at which they appear, are shed a..d replaced, and the alterations in their form and markings. The teeth of most animals ofi^er some criterion by which their age can be estimated with more or less accuracy. The teeth are nearly the sole indices of t >e age of the horse, ass, elephant, camel, dog, and the polled vari ities of the ox and sheep ; while in other domesticated animals, as the elk, deer, goat, common NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 85 OX and sheep, the horns also present legible indications of the progress of time. Reference to the teeth to ascertain the age of the horse is not by any means of recent origin. Xenophon, in his wrk on horsemanship, from which we have already quoted, alludes to it as an established custom used in the selection of cavalry for the Grecian armies; he properly advised the rejection of such horses as have lost the dental mark. The same facts are sub- sequently noticed by Yarro, Columella, Vegetius, and other Roman writers. Tiie horse, when full-mouthed, possesses forty teeth— twenty in each jaw. They are named from their use, position, and character. Those in the front of the mouth, whose office it is to gather food when grazing, are termed incisors, or, mure pro- perly, nippers. They are twelve in number; six above, and six below. They do not overlap each other, as is the case in man, but meet in a broad tabular surface. From these teeth the age of the animal is principally dea'uced. For the sake of description, they are usually ranged in pairs, as they appear; and the first pair is called the central, the second the dividers and the third the corner nippers. The tushes, or canines, come next ; one above, and one below on each side. They are of a pointed form, and are convex* on the outer sides, and slightly concave on the inner surface. They scarcely ever ap- pear above the gums in mares, although their rudiments may be discovered on dissection, imbeddeix]. When the new grass is plentiful, the quantity of grain may be gradually diminished. The proper care of young foals will repay a hundred-fold ; thia being, indeed, the most critical period of the animal's life, when attention or neglect produces the most noticeable and permanent results. If convenient, the foal may be permitted to run for twelve months at the foot of the mare ; but when mares are kept ex- pressly for breeding purposes, many circumstances render this objectionable. Within about a month or six weeks from foal- ing the mare will be again in heat, and should be put to tho horse ; at the same time, also, if she is used for agricultural purposes, she may resume light work. At first, the foal should be shut up in the stable during working hours ; but, as it ac- quires sufficient strength, it is better to allow it to follow its dam. The work will contribute to the health of the mother, and increase her flow of milk ; and the foal, by accompanying her, will suck more frequently, thrive better, become tamed, and gradually familiarized with the objects among which it is afterward to live. While the mare is thus worked, she and the fool should be well fed ; and two feeds of corn, at least, should be added to the green food which they get when turned out after their work, and at night. In five or six months, according to the growth of the foal, it may be weaned. For this purpose, it should either be housed, or turned into some pasture at a distance from the dam. The mare should be put to harder work and drier food. If her milk is troublesome, or she pines after her foal, a few purgatives (one or two urine-balls, or a physic ball) will bo found useful. The foal should be fed well and liberally every morning and evening, bruised oats and bran being about the best kind of food which can, be given. The money so laid out upon the liberal nourishment of the colt, is well expended • yet, while he is well fed, he should not be rendered delicate by excess of care. Toward the end of summer the foal may be turned out to general pasture without fear of his again seeking his dam. Should the foal be a male, and emasculation be desirable, it is better to perform the operation at the time of weaning, that the one trouble shall serve for both occasions. If, however, weaning take place in June or July, when the fly abounds, the operation should not be performed, as this insect by its attacks will cause restlessness and consequent inflammation, and thus retard recovery. Early spring, or an advanced period of autumn, is the best time. This operation should in no instance be performed by any other than a competent veterinary sur- geon. One thing in this connection should be mentioned ; when a horse is suff-ered to attain two-thirds of his growth before emasculation, an animal is obtained of form, power, and value far superior to that which has been operated upon when a foal. This much is deserving of remembrance ; though we cannot omit heartily condemning the practice of emasculation at alL 110 BREAKING. BREAKINQ, 111 I i-i i! I I '^-^^igi^l^,";^^^- ^ ^ BREAKINQ. BKEAKINa. No greater mistake can be made than the postponement of this part of the rearing of a horse. It should always commence as soon as the colt is weaned, or immediately after the effects of the emasculation have disappeared; it should in this manner be commenced and carried on gradually, with gentleness and kind- ness. The foal should be daily handled, par- tially dressed, accus- tomed to the fialter when led about, and even tied up occasion- ally for an hour or so. The tractability, good temper, and value of the horse depend much more upon this than most breeders consider. The person who feeds the colt should have the entire management of him at this period, and he should be a trustworthy person, possessed of a quiet, uniform temper and a kindly disposition. Many a horse is spoiled and rendered permanently untamable by early harshness or improper treatment ; and many a horse that otherwise would have proved a vicious, unmanageable brute, has been brought to be a docile, gentle, and affectionate ser- vant by the judicious treatment of those to whose charge his management at this particular period was fortunately in- trusted. Such a treatment is sufficient for the first year; after the second winter, the operation of training should commence in good earnest. The colt should be bitted, a bit being selected which will not hurt his mouth, and much smaller than those in common use. The work of bitting may perhaps occupy three or four days ; the colt being suffered to amuse himself with the bit, to play, and to champ it for an hour or so during a few successive days. When he has become accustomed to the bit, he may have two long ropes attached to it, slightly fastened to his sides by a loose girth over the back, and his feeder may thus drive him, as it were, around a field, pulling upon him as he proceeds. This will serve as a first lesson in drawing. If he is intended for a saddle-horse, a filled bag may be thrown across his back and there secured, and, after he has become used to this, a crotch may be fastened upon his back, its lower extremities grasping his sides, and thus preparing him for the legs of his^ rider. Portions of the harness may next be put upon him, reserving the blind winkers for the last ; and a few days afterward he may go into the team. It is better that he should be one of three horses, having one before him, and the shaft-horse behind him. There should at first be the mere empty wagon ; and the draught is best begun over the grass, where the colt will not be frightened by the noise of the wheels. Nothing should bo done to him, except giving him an occasional pat or a kind word. The other horses will keep him moving and in his place ; (^nd after a short time, sometimes even during the first day, ho will begin to pull with the rest. The load may then be gradu. ally increased. If the horse is desired for purposes of riding as well as for Mclusivelj agricaltural uses, his first lesson may be given when he is in the team j his feeder, if possible, being the first one put 112 BREAKING. BREAKING. fit upon him. He will be too much confined by the harness and by the other horses, to make much resistance ; and, in the greater nnmber of instances, will quietly and at once submit Every thing, however, should proceed gradually and by suc- cessive steps, and, above all, no whip or harsh language should, under any circumstances, be allowed to be used. Although mild- ness is absolutely essential, it is none the less necessary that the colt should be taught implicit obedience to the will of his master. To accomplish this, neither whip, nor spur, nor loud shouting, nor hallooing is necessary ; the successful horsebreaker is required to possess but the three grand requisites of firmness, steadiness, and patience. When the colt begins to understand his business somewhat, the most difficult part of his work, backing, may be taught him ; first, to back well without anything behind him, then with a light curb, and afterwards with some more heavy load — the greatest possible care being always taken that his mouth be not seriously hurt. If the first lesson causes much soreness of the gums, he will not readily submit to the second. If he has been previously rendered tractable by kind usage, time and patience will accomplish every thing that is desired. Some persons are in the habit of blinding the colt when teaching him to back. This can only be necessary with a restive and obstinate one, and even then should be used only as a last resort. In the whole process of breaking it should constantly be borne in mind, that scarcely any horses are naturally vicious. Cruel usage alone first provokes resistance. If that resistance is followed by greater severity, the stubbornness of the colt in- creases in proportion ; open warfare ensues, in which the man seldom gains the advantage, and the horse is frequently ren- 113 dered utterly unfit for service. Correction may, indeed, be necessary for the purpose of enforcing implicit obedience, after the training has proceeded to a certain extent; but the' early lessons should be imparted with kindness alone. Young colts are sometimes very perverse ; and many days will occasionally pass, before they will suffer the bridle to be put on, or the saddle to be worn. It must not, however, be forgotten, that a single act of harshness will indefinitely increase this length of time; but that patience and kindness will always prevail. On some occa- sion, when the colt is in a better humor than usual, the bridle may be put on, or the saddle be worn ; and, if this compliance on his part is accompanied by kindness and soothing on the part of the breaker, and no inconvenience or pain be sufi-ered by the animal, all resistance will be ended. The same principles will apply to the breaking-in of the horse for the road. The handling and some portion of instruction should commence from the time of weaning ; for upon this the future tractibility of the horse in a great measure depends. At two years and a half, or three years, the regular process of breaking.in should commence. If it is put off until the animal IS four years old, his strength and obstinacy will be more diffi. cult to overcome. The plan usually adopted by the breaker cannot, perhaps, be much improved ; except that there should be much more kindness and patience, and far less harshness and cruelty, than those persons are accustomed to exhibit, and a great deal more attention to the form and natural action of the horse. A headstall is put on the colt, and a cavesson (or ap- paratus to confine and pinch the nose,) affixed to it with long rems. He is first accustomed to the rein, then led around a nng on soft ground, and at length mounted and taught hig 9 114 BREAKING. BREAKING. •)■'. u paces. Next to preserving the temper and docility of the horse, there is nothing of so much importance, as to teach him every pace and every part of his duty distinctly and thoroughly. Each should constitute a separate and sometimes long-continued lesson, taught by a man who will never allow his passion to overmaster his discretion. After the cavesson has been attached to the headstall, and the long reins put on, the colt should be quietly led about by the breaker— a steady boy following behind, to keep him moving by occasional threatening with the whip, but never by an actual blow. When the animal follows readily and quietly, he may be taken to the ring and walked around, right and left, in a very small circle. Care should be taken to teach him this pace thoroughly, never allowing him to break into a trot. The boy with his whip may here again be necessary, but an actual blow should never be inflicted. Becoming tolerably perfect in the walk, be should be quick- ened to a trot, and kept steadily at it; the whip and the boy, if needful, urging him on, and the cavesson restraining him. These lessons should be short, the pace being kept perfect and distinct in each, and docility and improvement rewarded with frequent caresses, and handfuls of corn. The length of the rein may now be gradually increased, and the pace quickened, and the time extended, until the animal becomes tractable in these his first lessons ; toward the conclusion of which, crupper straps, or something similar, may be attached to the clothing. These, playing about the sides and flanks, accustom him to the flapping of the coat of the rider. The annoyance which they occasion will pass over in a day or two ; for when the animal learns by experience that no harm comes from them, he will cease to re^ gard them. 115 Next comes the bitting. The bits should be large and smooth, and the reins buckled to a ring on each side of the pad. There are many curious and expensive machines for this purpose, but the simple rein will be quite sufficient. It should at first be slack, and then very gradually tightened. This pre- pares for the more perfect manner in which the head will after- ward be got in its proper position, when the colt is accustomed to the saddle. Occasionally the breaker should stand in front of the colt, and take hold of each side-rein near to the mouth, and press upon it, and thus begin to teach him to stop and to back on the pressure of the rein, rewarding every act of do- cility, and not being too eager to punish occasional careless- ness or waywardness. The colt may now be taken into the road or street, that he may become gradually accustomed to the objects -among which his services will be required. Here, from fear or playfulness, a considerable degree of starting and shying may be exhibited, of which as little notice as possible should be taken. The same or a similar object should be soon passed again, but at a greater distance. If the colt still shies, let the distance be still further increased, until he takes no notice of the object. Then he may be gradually brought nearer to it ; and this may usually be ac complished without the slightest difficulty ; whereas, had there been an attempt to force him close to it in the first instance, the remembrance of the contest would have been associated with every appearance of the object, and the habit of shying would have been established. Hitherto, with a cool and patient breaker, the whip may have been shown, but will scarcely have been used ; the colt should now. however, be accustomed to this necessary instrument of 116 BREAKTNa. authority. Let the bresker walk by the side of the animal, throw his right arm over his back, holding the reins in his left, occasionally quickening his pace, and at the moment of doing this tapping the horse with the whip in his right hand, and at first very gently. The tap of the whip and the quickening of the pace will soon become associated in the animal's mind. If necessary, these reminders may gradually fall a little heavier, and the feeling of pain be the monitor of the necessity of in- creased exertion. The lessons of reining in and stopping, and backing on the pressure of the bit, may continue to be practised at the same time. He may next be taught to bear the saddle. Some little caution will be necessary in first putting it on. The breaker should stand at the head of the colt, patting him and engaging his attention, while one assistant, on the off-side, gently places the saddle on the back of the animal ; another on the nearest side slowly tightening the girths. If he submits quietly to this, as he generally will when the previous process of breaking-in has been properly conducted, the operation of mounting may be attempted on the following, or on the third day. The breaker will need two assistants in order to accomplish this. He will remain at the head of the colt, patting and making much of him. The rider will put his foot into the stirrup, and bear a little weight upon it, while the man on the opposite side presses equally on the other stirrup-leather ; and according to the docility of the animal, he will gradually increase the weight, until he balances himself on the stirrup. If the colt is uneasy or fretful, he should be spoken kindly to and patted, or a mouthful of grain be given to him; but if he offers serious re- sistance, the lessons must terminate for that day. He may possibly be in a better humor on the morrow. . BREAKING. 117 When the rider has balanced himself for a minute or two, he may gently throw his leg over, and quickly seat himself in'the saddle. The breaker should then lead the animal around the ring, the rider meanwhile sitting perfectly still. After a few minutes he should take the reins, and handle them as gently as possible, guiding the horse by the pressure of them ; patting him frequently, and especially when he thinks of dismounting; and, after having dismounted, offering him a little grain, or green feed. The use of the rein in checking him, and of the pressure of the leg and the touch of the heel in quickening his pace, will soon be taught, and his education will be nearly com- pleted. The horse having thus far submitted himself to the breaker, these pattings and awards must be gradually diminished, and implicit obedience mildly but firmly enforced. Severity will uot ofteji^^e^ecessary, in the great majority of cases it being altogether uncalled for; but should the animal, in a moment of waywardness, dispute the command of the breaker, THE AaRICULTURIST's METHOD. he must at once be taught that he is the slave of man, and that we have the power, by other means than those of kindness, to bend him to our will. The education of the horse, in short' sliould be that of the child. Pleasure is, as much as possible,' 118 CASTRATIOrf. associated with the early lessons ; but firmness, or, if need be, coercion, must establish the habit of obedience. Tyranny and cruelty will, more speedily even in the horse than in the child, provoke the wish to disobey ; and, on every practicable occasion, the resistance to command. The restite and vicious horse is, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, made so by ill-usage, and not by nature. None but those who will take the trouble to make the experiment, are aware how absolute a command the due admixture of firmness and kindness will soon give us ovef any horse. CASTRATION. The period at which this operation may be best performed depends, as has been previously remarked, much on the breed and form of the colt, and the purpose for which he is destined* For the common agricultural horse, the age of four or five months will be the most proper time, or, at least before he is weaned. Few horses are lost when cut at that age ; though care should be taken that the weather is not too bad, nor the flies too numerous. If the horse is designed either for the carriage or for heavy draught, he should not be castrated nntil he is at least a year old ; and, even then, the colt should be carefully examined. If he is thin and spare about the neck and shoulders, and low in the withers, he will materially improve by remaining uncut another six months ; but if his fore quarters are fairly developed at twelve months, the operation should not be delayed, lest he grow gross and heavy before, and, perhaps, has begun too de- cidedly to have a will of his own. No specific age, therefore, can be fixed ; but the operation should be performed rather lato CASTRATION. ll» in the spring, or early in the autumn, when the air is temperate and particularly when the weather is dry. No preparation is necessary for the sucking colt, but it may be prudent to physic one of more advanced age. In the majority of cases, no after treatment will be necessary, ex- cept that the animal should be sheltered from intense heat, and more particularly from the wet. In temperate weather he will do much better running in the field than nursed in a close and hot stable. The moderate exercise which he will necessa- rily take in grazing, will be preferable to entire inaction. The old method of opening the scrotum, or testicle bag, on each side, and cutting off the testicles, preventing bleeding by a temporary compression of the vessel, while they are seared with a hot iron, must not, perhaps, be abandoned ; but there is no necessity for that extra pain, when the spermatic cord (the blood-vessels and the nerve,) is compressed between two pieces of wood as tightly as in a vice, and there left until the following day, when it may be removed with a knife. The practice of some farmers of cording, or twitching their colts at an early period exposes the animal to much unneces- Rary pain, and is attended with no slight danger. Another method of castration is by torsion. An incision ia made into the scrotum, and the vas deferens is exposed and divided. The artery is then seized by a pair of forceps con- trived for the purpose, and 'twisted six or seven times round. It retracts without untwisting the coils, and bleeding ceases. The testicle is removed, and there is no sloughing or danger. The most painful part of the operation—the operation of the firing-iron, or the claws— is avoided, and the wound readily teals. It is to be remarked, in this connection, that the use / 120 DOCKING. of chloroform lias been found very beneficial in performing the operation in the old way, both in removing all pain, and also preventing that severe struggling which often takes place, and which has sometimes been followed with very dangerous con- (Sequences. With the assistance of this agent, the operation has been safely performed in seven minutes, without any pain to the animal. DOCKING. This is an operation, whose only sanction is to be found in the requirements of a senseless fashion. " The convenience of the rider,'* which is sometimes urged in its favor, is the veriest nonsense afloat. In truth, the operation is one of the most useless which the brain of man, fertile in romance and expedi- ents as it is, ever devised ; since, instead of adding to the beauty of the animal, as some assert, it but adds deformity. Not many years back, this attempted improvement upon nature became a perfect mania. In England, however, this cruel practice has been almost entirely discarded ; and it is to be hoped that the operation iu the United States also will speedily be frowned down. The operation, as now performed by veterinary surgeons, was introduced some years ago by the American Veterinary Asso- ciation of Philadelphia. It consists in passing a narrow-bladed knife (a pricking knife will answer,) between the coccygeal bones at the desired point, from above downwards, cutting outwards and backwards on each side so as to form two flaps, which are carefully brought together over the end of the tail and secured by the interrupted suture ; thus giving protection to the stump of the tail; and making a much neater finish than by any other DOCKING. 121 inethod which could be adopted. No styptic whatever is re- quired, and there need be no fear of hemorrhage, as the union generally takes place by what surgeons call first intention. If, however, the flaps do not fit nicely, healing will not take place without suppuration. Tiiis f^ct should be borne in mind in performing the operation, as much time in healing may thus be saved. By the old method that joint is searched for, which is nearest to the desired le.igth of tail. The hair is then turned up, and tied round with tape for an inch or two above this joint, and that lying immediately upon the joint is cut off. The horse is fettered with the side-line, and then the veterinary surgeon with his docking-machine, or the farmer with his carving-knife and mallet, cuts through the tail at one sftrokc. Some farmers dock their colts a few days after they are dropped. This is a commendable custom on the score of hu- manity. No colt was ever lost by it ; the growth of the hair, and the beauty of the tail not being at all impaired. WICKINQ. This barbarous operation was once sanctioned by fashion, and the breeder and the dealer are even now sometimes tempted to inflict the torture of it in order to obtain a ready sale for their colts. It is not, practiced to the extent that it used to .be, nor is it attended by so many circumstances of cruelty. The operation is thus performed. The side-line is put on the horse, or some persons deem it more prudent to cast him, and that precaution may be recommended. The hair at the end of the tail is securely tied together, for the purpose of afterward attaching a weight to it. The operator then grasps 122 NICKING. the tail in his hand, and, lifting it up, feels for the centre of one of the bones — the prominences at the extremities guidin"* him — from two to four inches from the root of the tail, accord- ing to the size of the horse. He then with a sharp knife di- vides the muscles deeply from the edge of the tail on one side to the centre, and, continuing the incision across the bone of the tail, he makes it as deep on the other side. One continued incision, steadily yet rapidly made, will accomplish all this. If it is a blood-horse that is operated on, this will be sufficient. For a hunter, two incisions are usually made, the second being about two inches below the first, and likewise as nearly as possible in the centre of one of the bones. On a hackney, a third incision is made ; for fashion has decided that his tail shall be still more elevated and curved. Two incisions only are made in the tail of a mare, and the second not very deep. When the second incision is made, some fibres of the mus- cles between the first and second will project into the wound, and must be removed by a pair of curved scissors. The same must be done with the projecting portions from between the second and third incisions. The wound should then be care- fully examined, in order to ascertain that the muscles have been equally divided on each side, otherwise the tail will be carried awry. This being done, pieces of tow must be intro- duced deeply into each incision, and confined, but not too tightly, by a bandage. A very profuse bleeding only will justify any tightness of bandage, and the ill consequences that have resulted from nicking are mainly attributable to the un- necessary force that is used in confining these pledgets of tow. Even if the bleeding, immediately after the operation, NICKING. 123 fthould have been very great, the roller must be loosened in two or three hours, otherwise swelling and inflammation, and even death, may possibly ensue. Twenty-four hours after the ope- ration, the bandage must be quite removed ; and then all that is necessary, so far as the healing of the incisions is concerned, is to keep them clean. The wounds must remain open ; and this can only be accom- plished by forci- bly keeping the tail curved back during two or three weeks. For this purpose, a cord, one or two feet in length, is affixed to the end of the hair, which terminates in an- THE USUAL METHOD. Other divided cord, each division going over a pulley on each side of the back of the stall. A weight is hung at each ex« tremity, sufficient to keep the incisions properly open, and regulated by the degree in which this is wished to be accom, plished. The animal will thus be retained in an uneasy posi. tion, although, after the first two or three days, probably not of acute pain. It is barbarous to increase this uneasiness or pain by affixing too great a weight to the cords ; for it should be remembered that the proper elevated curve is given to the tail, not by the weight's keeping it in a certain position for a considerable time, but by the depth of the first incisions, and the degree in which the wounds arc kept open. 124 NICKING. The dock should not, for the first three or four days, be brought higher than the back. Dangerous irritatiou and in- flammation would probably otherwise be produced. It may, after that, be gradually raised to an elevation of forty-five degrees. The horse should be taken out of the pulleys, and gently exercised once or twice every day ; but the pulleys cannot finally be dispensed with until a fortnight after the wounds have healed, because the process of contraction, or the approach of the divided parts, goes on for some time after the skin is perfect over the incisions, and the tail would thus sink below the desired elevation. The French method is simpler and less barbarous than ours, allowing the horse to lie down or move about at his pleasure. Where this ope- ration is to be performed, it might be adopted with advantage as shown in the engraving an- nexed. If the tail has not been unnecessarily extended by enormous weights, no bad consequences will usually follow ; but if considerable inflamma- tion should ensue, the tail must be taken from the pulley, and carefully fomented with simple warm water, and a dose of physic given Locked-jaw has, in some rare instances, fol- lowed, under which tne horse generally perishes. The best means of care in the early state of this disease, is to amputate t^*i^^f>S=^'****»^ THE FREXCH METHOD. THE STABLE. 125 the tail at the joint above the highest incision. In order to prevent the hair from coming off, it should be unplaited and combed out every fourth or fifth day. THE STABLE. The most desirable thing in a stable is ventilation. A horse requires air equally with his master; and as the latter requires a chimney to his sleeping apartment, so does the former. This may be a mere outlet through the ceiling, or it may be formed as a dome or cupola. It should not, of course, be open at the top, or rain will get in, but roofed over, and have an opening at the sides. Besides this, there should be openings in the wall, near the ground, but not in the stalls. This will produce a thorough air, and may be so placed as not to expose the horses to the draught. The stable should not be less than twelve feet high, from floor to ceiling, and the floor should be well paved, slope slightly back- ward, and along the back of the stalls should run a gutter, about a foot wide and an inch or two deep. No stable should be less than eighteen feet deep, and each stall should be at least six feet clear; but if eight feet can be allowed, so much the better. Although some horses will agree when kept together in one stall, it is far preferable to allow each a stall to himself. The manger should be about sixteen inches deep, the same from front to back, more narrow at bottom than at top, and two feet in length. The rack is best when closed in front, the back part being an inclined plane of wood sloping gradually toward the front, and terminating about two feet down. This kind of rack effects a considerable saving in hay; for the reader scarcely needs to be reminded that in the common rack much 1 126 THE STABLE. AIR. 127 I * if of the hay given is dragged down and trampled in the litter. It also prevents the hay-seed from falling into the horse's eyes; , for the rack is on a :? level with the man- ger, and about three feet from the ground. Another advantage gained by this rack is the facility with which it can bo filled, thus obvi- ating all necessity for a loft over the stable, and, con- sequently, admit- ting of a greater CUSTOMARY FORM OF STALLS. hciffht Of CCiUnff above the horses, as well as of a superior ventilation. The windows and the doors should be at opposite ends, as ventilation is thereby promoted ; the doors should be divided transversely, at the height of about four feet from the ground. The upper portion may thus be occasionally opened. White- wash is a bad dressing for the interior of the stable, as it causes too great a glare of light ; paint of a leaden color is best, and it can be washed from time to time with soap and water. There should be a bin, properly divided into partitions for oats, beans, and the like ; and this is better at the back of the stable. A few buckets of water dashed over the floor of the stable while the horses are at work, will keep all sweet. The litter should also be turned out to dry, and a little fresh straw spread for the horses to stale on. A shed placed beside the stable is a great advantage, on two accounts— it admits of the litter being dried, and the horse dressed there in wet and stormy weather. A little powdered gypsum, strown upon the stable floor, will also act by absorbing the ammoniacal gas, and thus removing its foul smell — a frequent predisposing cause of ophthalmia. If the ammonia, however, accumulates in any considerable quantity, the speediest and most efficacious remedy as a disin- fectant is muriatic acid. AIR. The importance of thorough ventilation has been adverted to under the preceding bead, but a few words additional seem necessary. A hot stable has in the minds of many been long connected with a glossy coat for the horse. The latter, it is thought, cannot be obtained without the former. To this it may be re- plied that in winter a thin, glossy coat is not desirable. Nature gives to every animal a warmer clothing when the cold weather approaches. The horse—the agricultural horse, especially— » acquires a thicker and a lengthened coat, in order to defend him from the surrounding cold. Man puts on additional and a warmer covering, and his comfort is increased and his health preserved by it. He who know^s anything of the farmer's horse, or cares about his enjoyment, will not object to a coat a little longer, and a little roughened when the wintry wind blows bleak. The coat, however, does not need to be so long as to 128 AIR. AIR. 129 f ?• f! be unsightly; and warm clothing, even in a cool stable, will, with plenty cJf careful and faithful grooming, keep the lioir suf- ficiently smooth and glossy to satisfy the most fastidious. The over-heated air of a close stable dispenses with the necessity of this grooming, and therefore the idle attendant unscrupulously sacrifices the health and safety of the horse. If the stable is close, the air will not only be hot, but foul. The breathing of every animal contaminates it ; and when, in the course of the night, with every aperture stopped, it passes again and again through the lungs, the blood cannot undergo its proper and healthy change ; digestion will not be so perfectly performed, and all the functions of life are injured. Let the owner of a valuable horse think of his passing twenty or twenty-two out of the twenty-four hours in this debilitating atmosphere. Nature does wonders in enabling every animal to accommodate itself to the situation in which it is placed, and the horse that lives in the stable-oven suffers less from it than would scarcely be deemed possible ; but he does not, and cannot, possess the power and hardihood which he would acquire under other cir- cumstances. The air of the improperly closed and heated stable is still further contaminated by the urine and dung, which rapidly fer- ment there, and give out stimulating and unwholesome odors. When one first enters an ill-managed stable, and especially early in the morning, he is annoyed, not only by the heat of the con- fined air, but by a pungent smell, resembling hartshorn ; what sur- prise, then, need be excited at the inflammation of the eyes, and the chronic cough, and the disease of the lungs, by which the animal, which has been all night shut up in this vitiated atmos- phere, is often attacked j or if glanders and farcy should occa- Bionally break out in such stables ? Chemical experiments have demonstrated that the urine of the horse contains in it an ex- ceedingly large quantity of hartshorn; afjd not only so, but that, influenced by the heat of a crowded stable, and poJsibly by other decompositions which are going on at the same time, this ammoniacal vapor begins to be rapidly given out almost immediately after the urine is voided. When disease begins to appear among the inhabitants of these ill-ventilated places, it is not wonderful that it should rapidly spread among them, and that the plague-spot should be, as it were, placed on the door of such a stable. When distemper appears in spring or autumn, it is in very many cases to be traced to such a pest-house. It is peculiarly fatal there. The horses belonging to a small establishment, and rationally treated, have it comparatively seldom, or, when they do, but li^Hitly ; but among the inmates of a crowded stable it is sure to display itself, and there it is most deadly. The experience of every veterinary surgeon, and of every large proprietor of horses, will corroborate this statement. Every stable, then, should possess within itself a certain de- gree of ventilation. The cost of this would be trifling, and its saving in the preservation of valuable animals maybe immense The apertures need not be largo, and the whole, as before said, may be so contrived that no direct current of air shall fall on lue horse A gentlnman's stable shonid never bewithoi.t a thermometer. •»1;e temperature sl.ould seldom exceed seve.ity degrees in the ""immer, or sink below forty or fifty degrees iu the winter 9 > 130 UTIEk. MGHT. 13X li lilTTER. Having spoken of the vapor of hartshorn, which Is so rapidl; and plentifully given out from the urine of a horse in a heated Btable, the subject of litter comes naturally next in order. Tiie first caution is, frequently to remove it. The early extrication of gas shows the rapid putrefaction of the urine ; the conse- quence of which will be the rapid putrefaction of the litter which is moistened by it. Every thing hastening to decomposition should be carefully removed where life and health are to be pre- served. The litter which has been much wet or at all softened by the urine, and is beginning to decay, should be swept away every morning ; the greater part of the remainder may then be piled under the manger ; a little being left to prevent the pain- ful and injurious pressure of the feet on the hard pavement during the day. The soiled and soaked portion of that which \vas left should be removed at night. In the better kind of stables, however, the stalls should be completely emptied every morning. No heap of fermenting dung should be sniTered to remain during the day in the- corner or in any part of the stable. With regard to this, the directions for removal should be per- emptory. The stable should be so contrived that the urine may quickly ruft off, and the offensive and injurious vapor from the decom- posing fluid, and the litter will thus be materially lessened ; but if this is effected by means of gutters and a descending floor, the descent must be barely sufficient to cause the fluid to escape, as, if the toes are kept higher than the heels, it will lead to lameness, and is also a frequent cause of contraction of the foot Stalls of this kind certainly do best for mares ; but for horses those are preferable, which have a grating in the centre, and a Slight mclination in the floor on every side towards the middle. A short branch may communicate with a larger drain, by, means of which the urine may be carried off to a reservoir outside the Ftable. Traps ar^now contrived, and may be procured at little expense, by means of which neither any offensive smell nor cur. rent of air can pass through the grating. In stables with paved floors particularly, humanity and interest, as well as the appearance of the stable, should induce the proprietor of the horse to place a moderate quantity of litter under him during the day. LIGHT. This neglected branch of stable-management is of | it more consequence than is generally imagined. The farmer a stable is frequently destitute of any glazed window, and haj only a shutter, which is raised in warm weather, and closed when the weather becomes cold. When the horse is in the stable only during a few hours in the day, this is not of so much conse- quence, nor of so much, probably, with regard to horses of slow work ; but to carriage-horses and roadsters, so far, at least, as the eyes are concerned, a dark stable is little less injurious than a foul and heated one. In order to illustrate this, reference may be made to the unpleasant feeling, and the utter impossibility of seeing distinctly, when a man suddenly emerges from a dark place into the full glare of day. The sensation of mingled pain and giddiness is not speedily forgotten ; and some minutes elapse before the eye can accustom itself to the increased light. If this were to happen every day, or several times in a day, tho 132 LIGHT. 'I sight would be irreparably injured, or possibly blindness would be the final result. We need not wonder, then, that the horse, taken from a dark stable into a blaze of light, feeling, probably, as we should do under similar circumstances, and unable for any time to see anything around him distinctly, should become a starter ; or that the frequently repeated violent effect of sudden light should induce inflammation of the eye so intense as to terminate in blindness. There is, indeed, no doubt that horses kept in dark stables are frequently notorious starters, and that abominable habit has been properly traced to this cause. If plenty of light be admitted, the walls of the stable, and especially that portion of them which is before the horse^s head, must not be of too glaring a color. The color of the stable should depend on the quantity of light. Where much can be admitted, the walls should be of a gray hue. Where darkness would otherwise prevail, frequent painting may in some degree dissipate the gloom. For another reason, it will be evident that the stable should not possess too glaring a light ; it is the resting-place of the horse. The work of the farmer's horse, indeed, is principally confined to the day. The hours of exertion having passed, the animal returns to his stable to feed and to repose, and the latter is as necessary as the former, in order to prepare him for re- newed work. Something like the dimness of twilight is requi- site to induce the animal to compose himself to sleep. This half-light is more particularly adapted to horses of heavy work. In the quietness of a dimly-lighted stable, they obtain repose, and accumulate flesh and fat. GROOMING. 133 GROOMING. To the agriculturist it is not necessary to say much under this head, as custom, apparently without any ill effect, has allotted so little of the comb and brush for the farmer^s horse. The animal that is worked all day, and turned out at night^ ^— O ROOMINO. requires little more to be done to him than to have the dirt brushed off his limbs. Regular grooming, by ren- dering his skin more sensitive to the alteration of I temperature, and the inclemency of weather, would b* prejudicial. The horse that is altogether turned out, needs no grooming. The dandruff, or scurf, which accu- 134 GROOmNa. EXERCISE. mulates at the roots of the hair, is a provision of nature to defend him from the wind and the cold. It is to the stabled horse, highly fed, and h'ttle or irregularly worked, that grooming is of so much consequence. '^Good rubbing with the brush, or the curry-comb, opens the pores of the skin, causes the blood to circulate to the extremities of the body, produces free and healthy perspiration, and stands in the stead of exercise. No horse will carry a fine coat without either unnatural heat, or dressing. They both effect the same purpose J they both increase the insensible perspiration ; but the first does it at the expense of health md strength, while the second, at the same time that it produces a glow on the skin, and a determination of blood to it, rouses all the energies of the frame. It would be well if the proprietor of the horse were to insist-and to see that his orders are implicitly obeyed —that the fine coat, in which he and his groom so much de- light, is produced by honest rubbing, and not by a heated stable and thick clothing, and, most of all, not by stimulating or injurious spices. The horse should be regularly dressed every day, in addition to the grooming that is necessary after work. When the weather will permit the horse to be taken out, he should never be groomed in the stable, unless he is an animal of peculiar value, or placed for a time under peculiar circum- stances. Without dwelling on the want of cleanliness, when the scurf and dust which are brushed from the horse lodge in his manger, experience teaches that, if the cold is not too great, the animal is braced and invigorated to a degree that cannot be attained in the stable, from being dressed in the open air. There is no necessity, however, for half the punish- 135 ment which is often inflicted upon the horse in the act of dressing; and particularly on one whose skin is thin and sen- sitive. The curry-comb should always be applied lightly. With many horses, its use may be almost dispensed with ; and even the brush does not need to be so hard, nor the points of' the bristles so irregular as they often are. A soft brush, with' a little more weight of the hand, will be equally effectual, and much more pleasant to the horse. A hair-cloth, while it will seldom irritate and tease, will be almost sufficient with horses that have a thin skin, and that have not been neglected. After all, it is no slight task to dress a horse as it ought to be done. It occupies no little time, and demands considerable patience, as well as dexterity. It will be readily ascertained whether a horse has been well dressed, by rubbing him with one of the fingers. A greasy stain will expose the idleness of the groom. When, however, the horse is changing his coat, both the curry-comb and the brush should be used as lightly as pos- sible. Whoever would be convinced of the benefit of friction to the horse's skin, and to the horse generally, needs only to ob- serve the effects produced by rubbing the legs of a tired horse well with the hands. While every enlargement subsides, and the painful stiffness disappears, and the legs attain their natural warmth and become fine, tht animal is evidently and rapidly reviving ; he takes hold of his food with zest, and then quietly lies down to rest EXERCISE. The remarks upon this branch, also, can have but a slight reference to the agricultural horse. His work is usually, regu- I'il n i;j 136 KXERCISB. lar, and not exhausting. He is neither predisposed to disease by idleness, nor worn out by excessive exertion, lie, lilie his roaster, has enoujrh to do to iseep hin» in health, and not enongh to distress or injure him ; on tl»e contrary, the regii- larity of his worii prolongs life to an extent seldom witnessed ill the stable of the gentleman. These remarks on exercise, then, must have a general bearing, or have principal reference to those persons who keep a horse for business or pleasure, but cannot afford to maintain a servant for the express purl pose of looking after it. The first rule to be laid down is, that every horse should have daily e.xercise. The animal, that with the usual stable feeding stands idle for three or' four days, as is the case in many establishments, must suffer. He is predoposed to fever, or to grease, or, most of all, to diseases of the foot; and if, after three or four days of inactivity he is ridden far and fast, he is almost sure to have inflammation of the lungs or of the feet. Any horse, used for business or pleasure merely, suffers much more from idleness than he does from work. A stable-fed horse should have two hours' exercise i every day, if he is |, to be kept free from disease. Nothing 5 of extraordinary, or even of ordinnrv, ml f labor can be effectetl oa the road or in IXERCISE. 13T SXSRCISB. the field, without sufficient and regular exercise. It is thia wliicli alone can give energy to the system, and develop the powers of any animal. In training the race-horse, or the horse for hunting pnr< poses, regular exercise is the most important of all considera- tions, however much it may be neglected in the usual manage- ment of the stable. The exercised horse will discharge his task, and sometimes a severe one, with ease and pleasure- while the idle and neglected one will be fatigued before half his labor is accomplished ; and, if he is pushed a little too far, dangerous inQammation will ensue. IIow often, nevertheless, does it happen, that the horse which has stood inactive in the stable for three or four days, is ridden or driven thirty or forty miles in the course of a single day ! The rest is often purposely given in order that he may be prepared for extra exertion~to lay in a stock of strength for the performance required of him— and then the owner is surprised and dissatis- fied if the animal is fairly knocked up, or possibly becomes seriously ill. Nothing is so common and so preposterous, as for a person to buy a horse from a dealer^s stable, where he has been idly fattened for sale for many a day, and immediately to give him a long run, and then to complain bitterly, and think that he has been imposed upon, if the animal is exhausted be- fore the end, or is compelled to be led home suffering from violent inflammation. Regular and gradually increasing ex- ercise would have made the same horse appear a treasure to his owner. Exercise should be somewhat proportioned to the age of the horse. A young horse requires more than an old one. Na- ture has given to young animals of every kind a disposition to ' T I* 138 FOOD. POOD. 139 activity ; but the exercise must not be violent. Much depends upon the manner in which it is given. To preserve the tem- per, and to promote health, it should be moderate, at least at the beginning and at the termination. The rapid trot, or even the gallop, may be resorted to in the middle of the exercise,, but the horse should be brought in cool. POOD. One half of the diseases of the horse owe their origin to over-feeding with hay. This applies more particularly to young horses, and to such as are not put to severe work. They are ever placed before a full rack, and, like children gorged with bread and butter, -they eat merely for amusement, until at length the stomach gradually becomes preternaturally distended, the appetite increases in a relative proportion, be- comes sooner or later voracious, and finally merges into a mere craving — it being a matter of indifiference what the food is, so that the stomach is filled with it. This depravity of appetite is always accompanied by more or less thirst. This naturally enough produces general debility of the entire digestive func- tion, including stomach, bowels, liver, spleen, and pancreas; worms are produced in thousands, and symptoms present themselves of so many varied hues, that enumeration, far less classification, becomes utterly impossible. A horse's appetite is not to be taken as the criterion by which to determine the quantity of hay which he is to be per- mitted to consume ; for most horses will eat three or four times as much as they ought. Horses have been known to consume thirty pounds weight of hay between a day and a night ; and ten pounds is the most that should have been given during that time. Upon eight pounds of hay daily, with a due allow- ance of oats, a horse can be kept in full work, in prime health and spirits. It is better to keep young horses at grass until Mbout five years old, and to work them during that period. When kept in the stable and not worked they are apt to ac- quire many very bad habits ; and if the rack and manger be kept empty, with a view of preventing the over-loading of their stomachs, they will fall into a habit of playing with and mouth- ing them— a habit which finally degenerates into wind-sucking or crib-biting. The system of manger-feeding is now becoming general \mong farmers. There are few horses that do not habitually ;v'aste a portion of their hay ; and by some the greater part is fulled down and trampled under foot, in order first to cull the Bweetest and best locks, which could not be done while the hay was confined in the rack. A good feeder will afterward pick up much of that which was thrown down : but some of it must be soiled and rendered disgusting, and, in yiany cases, one-third of this division of their food is wasted. Some of the oats and beans are imperfectly chewed by all horses, and scarcely at all by hungry and greedy ones. The appearance of the dung will sufiQciently establish this. The observation of this induced the adoption of manger- feeding, or of mixing a portion of cut feed with the grain and beans. By this means the animal is compelled to chew his food ; he cannot, to any great degree, waste the straw or hay; the cut feed is too hard and too sharp to be swallowed without sufficient mastication, and while he is forced to grind that down, the oats and the beans are also ground with it, and thus yield more nourishment ; the stomach is more slowly filled, and there- 140 rooD. FOOD. 141 ! IH* I »•■ fore acts better upon its contents, and is not so likely to be over-loaded ; and the increased quantity of saliva thrown out in the protracted maceration of the food, softens it, and makes it more fit for digestion. Cut feed may be composed of equal quantities of clover or of meadow hay ; and wheaten, oaten, or barley straw, cut into pieces of a half or an incii in length, and mingled well to- gether; the allowance of oats or beans is afterwards added, and mixed with the whole. Many farmers very properly bruise the oats or beans. The whole oat is apt to slip out of the feed and be lost; but when it is bruised, and espe- cially if the feed is wet a little, it will not readily separate, or, should a portion of it escape the grinders, it will be partly pre- pared for digestion by the act of bruising. The prejudice against bruising the oats is utterly unfounded, so far as the farmer's horse, and the wagon horse, and every horse of slow draught, are concerned. The quantity of straw in the feed will always counteract, any supposed purgative quality in bruised oats. Horses of quicker draught, unless they are actually in- clined to scour, will thrive better on bruised than on whole oats ; for a greater quantity of nutriment will be extracted from the food, and it will always be easy to apportion the quantity of straw or beans to the effect of the mixture on the bowels of the horse. The principal alteration that should be made for the horse of harder and more rapid work, such as the post-horse and the stage-coach horse, is to increase the quantity of hay, and diminish that of straw. Two trusses of hay may be cut with one of straw. Some gentlemen, in defiance of the prejudice and opposition of the coachman or groom, have introduced this mode of feed- ing Into the stables of their horses, and with manifest advantage. There has been no loss of condition or power, and considerable saving of provender. This system is not however, calculated for the hunter, or the race-horse. Their food must lie in smaller bulk, in order that the action of the lungs may not be impeded by the distention of the stomach ; yet many hunters have gone well over the field who have been manger-fed, the proportion of grain, however, being materially increased. For the agricultural and cart-horse, eight pounds of oats, and two of beans should be added to every twenty pounds of cut feed. Thirty-four or thirty-six pounds of the mixture will be suflScient for any horse of moderate size, with fair, or even hard, work. The dray and wagon horse may require forty pounds. Hay in the rack at night is, in this case, supposed to be alto- gether omitted. The rack, however, may remain, as occasion- ally useful for the sick horse, or to contain green feed. Horses are very fond of this provender. The great majority of them, after having become accustomed to it, will leave iho best oats given to them alone, for the sake of the mingled cut feed and grain. The farmer should be cautioned, however, not to set apart damaged hay for the manufacture of the cut feed. The horse may thus be induced to eat that which he would otherwise refuse, and if the nourishing property of the hay has been impaired, or it has acquired an injurious principle, the animal will either lose condition, or become diseased. Much more injury is done by eating damaged hay, or musty oats, than is generally imagined. There will be sufficient saving in the diminished cost of the provender by the introduction of the straw and the improved condition of the horse, without poison- i"g bim with the refuse of the farm. For old horees, and for 142 FOOD. FOOD. 143 !^l |.i f !!!? those with defective teeth, cut feed is peculiarly useful, and for them the grain should be broken down as well as the fodder. While the mixture of the cut feed with the grain prevents it from being too rapidly devoured and a portion of it swallowed whole, and therefore the stomach is not too loaded with that on which, as containing the most nutriment, its chief digestive power should be exerted ; yet, on the whole, a great deal of time is gained by this mode of feeding, and more is left for rest. When a horse comes in wearied at the close of the day, it oc- cupies, after he has eaten his grain, two or three hours to clear his rack. On the system of manger-feeding, the chaff being already cut into small pieces, and the beans and oats bruised, he is able fully to satisfy his appetite in an hour and a half. Two additional hours are therefore devoted to rest. This is a circumstance deserving of much consideration, even in the farmer^s stable ; and of immense consequence to the stage-coach proprietor, the livery-stable keeper, and the owner of every hard- worked horse. Manger food will be the usual support of the farmer's horse during the winter, and while at constant or occasional hard work ; but from the middle of April to the end of July, he may be fed with this mixture in the day, and turned out at night, or he may remain out during every rest-day. A team in constant employ should not, however, be suffered to be out at night after the end of July. The farmer should take care that the pasture is thick and good ; and that the distance from the yard is not too great, or the fields too large, otherwise a very considerable portion of time will be occupied in catching the horse in the morning. He will likewise have to take into consideration the sale be OCT TO GRASS. would have for bis hay, and the necessity of sweet and untrod- _^_^^^^&^_ ^^^ pasture for his cattle. On the '^^^^^^&. ^^''^^' ''°^e^«''. turning out in this way, when circumstances will admit of it, will be found to be more beneficial for the horse, and cheaper than soil- ing in the yard. . The horse of the in- ferior farmer is some- times fed on hay or grass alone, and the animal, although he rarely gets a feed of grain, maintains him- self in tolerable condition, and performs the work required of him ; but hay and grass alone however good in quality, or in whatever quantity allowed, will not support a horse under hard work. Other substances, containing a large proportion of nutriment in a smaller compass, hare been added ; a brief enumeration of which follows, and an estimate is formed of their comparative value. In almost every part of Great Britain and this country oats I'ave been selected as that portion of the food which is to afford tl>e pnnc.pal nourishment. They contain from seven hundred and forty-three to seven hundred and fifty parts of the nutri- t.ve matter. They should be about, or somewhat less than a year old, heavy, dry, and sweet. New oats will weigh ten or Wteen per cent, more than old ones; but the difference consists pnncpally in watery matter, which is gradually evaporated. J^ew oats are not so readily ground down by the teeth as old 1^ I n 1 144 FOOD. ones. They form a more glutinous mass, difficult to digest, and, when eaten in considerable quantities, are apt to occa- sion colic, or even staggers. If they are to be used before they are from three to five months old, they would be materi- ally improved by a little kiln-drying. There is no fear for the horses from simple drying, if the grain is good when put into the kiln. The old oat forms, when chewed, a smooth and uniform mass, which readily dissolves in the stomach, and yields the nourishment which it contains. Perhaps some chemi- cal change may have been slowly effected in the old oat, dis- posing it to be more readily assimilated. Oats should be plump, bright in color, and free from unpleasant smell or taste. The musty smell of wet or damaged grain is produced by a fungus growing upon the seed, which has an injurious effect upon the urinary organs, and often on the intestines, producing profuse staling, inflammation of the kidneys, colic, and inflam- mation of the bowels. This musty smell is removed by kiln-drying the oat; but care is here requisite that too great a degree of heat is not employed. It should be sufficient to destroy the fungus with- out injuring the life of the seed. A considerable improvement would be effected by cutting the unthrashed oat-straw into chaff, and the expense of thrashing would be saved. Oat- straw is better than that of barley, but does not contain so much nutriment as that of wheat. When the horse is fed on hay and oats, the quantity of the oats must vary with his size and the work to be performed. In winter, four feeds, or from ten to fourteen pounds of oats in the day, will be a fair allowance for a horse of fifteen hands and one or two inches in height, and that has moderate work- FOOD. 145 In summer, half the quantity with green feed will be sufficient. Those which work on the farm have from ten to fourteen pounds, and the hunter from twelve to sixteen. There are no efficient and safe substitutes for good oats; but, on the contrary, it may be safely asserted, that they possess an invigorating pro'/ perty which is found in no other kind of food. i Oatmeal forms a poultice more stimulating than one com- posed of linseed-meal alone-^or they may be mingled in different proportions, as circumstances require. In the form of gruel it constitutes one of the most important articles of diet for the sick horse ; not, indeed, to be forced upon him, but a pail con- taining it being slung in his box, of which he will soon begin to drink when water is denied. Gruel is generally either not boiled long enough, or a sufficient -quantity of oatmeal is not used for it. The proportions should be, a pound of meal thrown into a gallon of water, and kept constantly stirred until it boils, and five minutes afterwards. White- water, made by stirring a pint of oatmeal in a pail of water, the chill being taken from it, is an excellent beverage for the thirsty and tired horse. Barley is a common food of the horse in various parts of the continent, and, until the introduction of oats, seems to have constituted almost his only food. It is more nutritious than oats, containing nine hundred and twenty parts of nutritive matter in every thousand. There seems, however to be some- thmg necessary besides a great proportion of nutritive matter in order to render any substance wholesome, strengthenino- or fattening; therefore it is, that with many horses that are ha^^rdiy worked, and, indeed, with horses generally, barley does not agree so well as oats. They are occasionally subject to inflam- matory complaints, and particularly to surfeit and mange »i 146 FOOD. V ■% FOOD. ¥' II I li When barley is given, the quantity shonld not exceed a peck daily. It should always be bruised, and the chaff should con- sist of equal quantities of hay and barley-straw, and not cut too short. If the farmer has a quantity of spotted or unsalable barley that he wishes thus to get rid of, he must accustom. his horses to it very gradually, or be will probably produce serious illness among them. For horses that are recovering from illness, barley, in the form of malt, is often serviceable, as tempting the appetite and recruiting the strength. It is best given in mashes — water, considerably below the boiling heat, being poured upon it, and the vessel or pail kept covered for half an hour. Grain, fresh from the mash-tub, either alone or mixed with oats or chaff, or both, may be given occasionally to horses of slow draught ; they would, however, afford very insufficient nourish- ment for horses of quicker or harder work. Wheat is more rarely given than barley. It contains nine hundred and fifty-five parts of nutritive matter. When farmers have a damaged or unmarketable sample of wheat, they some- times give it to their horses, and, it being at first used in small quantities, they become accustomed to it, and thrive and work well ; it should, however, always be bruised, and given in chaff. Wheat contains a greater portion of gluten, or sticky, adhesive matter, than any other kind of grain. It is difficult of diges- tion, and apt to cake and form obstructions in the bowels. This will more often be the case, if the horse is suffered to drink much water soon after feeding upon it. Fermentation, colic, and death, are occasionally the conse- quence of eating any great quantity of wheat. A horse that is fed on it, should have very little hay. The proportion should not be more than one truss of hay to two of straw. Wheat or 147 fi flour, boiled in water, to the thickness of starch, is given with good effect in over-purging, especially if combined with chalk and opium. Bran, or the ground husk of the wheat, used to be frequently given to sick horses, on account of the supposed advantage derived from its relaxing the bowels. There is no doubt that it does operate gently on the intestinal canal, and assists in quickening the passage of its contents, when occasionally given ; but it must not be a constant, or even frequent food. Bran or pollard often accumulates in the intestines, when given injudi- ciously, seriously impairing the digestive powers. Bran may, however, be useful as an occasional aperient in the form of a mash, but never should become a regular article of food. Beans afford a striking illustration of the principle, that the nourishing or strengthening effects of the different articles of ^^^^ ^^^^ depend more upon some peculiar pro- which they possess, or upon some combination which they form, than upon the actual quantity of nuiri- tive matter. Beans contain but from five hundred and twenty to six hun- dred parts of nu- THE AMERICAN RACER, BLACK MARIA. tritive matter; yet they add materially to the vigor of the horse. There are many liorses that will not stand hard work without beans being mingled with their food ; and there are horses, whose ten! dency to purge it may be necessary to restrain by the astrin- 148 POOD. I r. m • > gency of the bean. There are few travelers who are not aware of the difference in the spirit and continuance of the horse whether he is allowed or denied beans daring the continuance of the journey. They afford not merely a temporary stimulus but they may be daily used without losing their power, or pro' ducing exhaustion. They are indispensable to the hard-worked coach-horse. Weakly horses could never get through their work without them; and old horses would otherwise often sink under the task imposed upon them. They should not be given whole, or split, but crushed. This will make a material differ- ence in the quantity of nutriment which will be extracted. They ore sometimes given to turf-horses, but only as an occasional stimulant. Two pounds of beans may, with advanta-^e be mixed with the chaff of the agricultural horse, during the winter In summer, the quantity of beans should be lessened, or they should be altogether discontinued. Beans are generally given whole. This is very absurd ; for the young horse, whose teeth are strong, seldom requires them ; while the old horse, to whom they are in a measure necessary, is scarcely able to masticate them, swallows many of them which he is unable to break and drops much grain from his mouth in the ineffectual attempt to crush them. Beans should not be merely split, but crushed ; as they will even then furnish sufficient employment for the grin- ders of the animal. Some persons use chaff with beans, instead of oats. This may possibly be allowed with hardly-worked horses ; but, in general cases, beans without oats would be too b.nd.ng and stimulating, and would produce costiveness. and probably megrims or staggers. Beans should be at least a twelvemonth old before they are given to the horse, and they should be carefully preserved from FOOD. 149 damp and raonldiness, which at least disgust the animal, if they do no other harm, and harbor an insect which destroys the inner part of the bean. The straw of the bean is nutritive and wholesome, and ia usually given to the horses. Its nutritive properties are sup- posed to be little inferior to those of oats. The small and plump bean is generally the best. Peas are occasionally given. They appear to be in a slight degree more nourishing than beans, and not so heating. They contain five hundred and seventy-four parts of nutritive matter. For horses of slow work they may be used ; but the quantity of chaff should be increased, and a few oats added. They have not been found to answer with horses of quick draught. It is essential that they should be crushed ; otherwise, on account of their globular form, they are apt to escape from the teeth, and many are swallowed whole. Exposed to warmth and moisture in the stomach, they swell considerably, and may painfully and injudiciously distend it. The peas that are given to horses should be sound, and at least a year old. In some sections, pea-meal is frequently used, not only as an excellent food for the horse, but as a remedy for diabetes. Linseed is sometimes given to sick horses— raw, ground, and boiled. It is supposed to be useful in cases of catarrh. Indian Coen in combination with roots, forms a valuable article of diet. Horses will eat the mess with an avidity of appetite calculated to e.xcite surprise at first. The mess, to which a little salt should invariably be added, will keep them in fair average condition ; and Hiose which it is desirable to fatten may have a small quantity of oats, pea or bran meal added. 150 POOD. Hay is most in perfection when it is about a year old. The horse, perhaps, would prefer it earlier, but it is then neither so wholesome nor so nutritive, and often has a purgative quality. When it is about a year old, it retains, or should retain, some- what of its green color, its agreeable smell, and its pleasant taste. It has undergone the slow process of fermentation, by which the sugar which it contains is developed, and its nutritive quality is fully .exercised. Old hay becomes dry and tasteless, and innutritive and unwholesome. After the grass is cut, and the hay stacked, a slight degree of fermentation takes place in it. This is necessary for the development of the saccharine principle ; but it occasionally proceeds too far, and the hay be- comes mow-burnt, in which state it is injurious, or even poison- ous. The horse soon shows the effect which it has upon him. He has diabetes to a considerable degree ; he becomes, hide- bound ; his strength is wasted ; his thirst is excessive ; and he is almost worthless. Where the system of manger-feeding is not adopted, or where hay is still allowed at night, and chaff and grain in the day, there is no error into which the farmer is so apt to fall as to give an undue quantity, and that generally of the worst kind. The pernicious results of this practice have been already men- tioned in the commencement of this head, and the practice can- not be too strongly reprobated. It is a good practice to sprinkle the hay with water in which salt has been dissolved. It is evidently more palatable to the animal who will leave the best nnsaltcd hay for that of an infe- rior quality which has been moistened with brine ; and there can be no doubt that the salting materially assists the process of digestion* Tho preferable way of Salting hay is to sprinkle FOOD. 151 It over the different layers as it is put away, or as the stack is formed. From its attraction to water, it would combine with that excess of moisture which in wet seasons, is the cause of too rapid and violent fermentation, and of the hay becoming mois- tened, or of the stack catching fire, and it would become more incorporated with the hay. The only objection to its being thus used is, that the color of the hay is not so bright ; but this will be of little consequence for home consumption. Clover is useful for soiling the horse ; and clover hay is preferable to meadow hay for chaff. It will sometimes tempt the sick horse, and may be given with advantage to those of slow and heavy work ; but custom seems properly to have for- bidden it to the roadster or those used for quick work. The Swedish Turnip is an article of food, the value of which, particularly for agricultural horses, has not been suf- ficiently appreciated. Although it is far from containing tho amount of nutritive matter which many have supposed, that which it has seems to be capable of complete and easy diges- tion. It should be sliced vith chopped straw, and without hay. It quickly fattens the horse, and produces a smooth glossy coat and a loose skin. It is a good plan to give it once a day, and that at night when the work is done. The virtues of Carrots are not sufficiently known, both as contributing to the strength and endurance of the sound horse,? and to the rapid recovery of the sick one. To the healthy horse they should be given sliced in his chaff. Half a bushel will be a fair daily allowance. There is little provender, of which the horse is more fond. There is none better, nor, per- haps, so good. When first given, it is slightly diuretic and laxative, bat as the horse becomes accustomed to it, these effects 152 FOOD. cease to be produced. They also improve the state of the skin. They form a good substitute for grass, and an excellent altera- tive for horses out of condition. For sick and idle horses they render grain unnecessary. They are beneGcial in all chronic diseases connected with breathing, and have a marked influence upon chronic cough and broken wind. They are serviceable in diseases of the skin, and in combination with oats they re- store a worn horse much sooner than oats alone. Potatoes have been given and with advantage in their raw state, sliced with chaff; but, where it has been convenient to boil or steam them, the benefit has been far more evident. Purging then has rarely ensued. Some have given boiled pota- toes alone, and horses, instead of rejecting them, have soon preferred them even to oats ; but it is better to mix them with the usual manger feed, in the proportion of one pound of potatoes to two and a half pounds of the other ingredients. The use of the potato must depend upon its cheapness, and the facility for boiling it. Those who have tried potatoes extensively in the feeding of horses, assert ^hat an acre of potatoes goes as far as four acres of hay. A horse fed upon them should have his quantity of water materially curtailed. Half a dozen horses would soon repay the expense of a steaming boiler for potatoes in the saving of provender alone, without taking into account their improved condition and capability for work. The times of feeding should be as equally divided as conve- nience will permit; and when it is likely that the horse will bo kept longer than usual from home, the nose-bag should inva- riably be taken. The small stomach of the horse is emptied in a few hours ; and if he is allowed to remain hungry much be- yond his accustomed time, ho will afterwards devour his food WATEB. 153 BO voraciously as to distend the stomach and endanger an attack of the staggers. When extra work is required from the animal, the system of management is often injudicious; for a double feed is put upon him, and as soon as he has swallowed it, he is started. It would be far better to give him a double feed on the previous evening, which would be digested before he is wanted, and then he might set out in the morning, after a very small portion of grain had been given to him, or, perhaps, only a little hay. One of the most successful methods of enabling a horse to get well through a long journey, is to give him only a little at a time while on the road, and at night to indulge him with a double feed of grain and a full allowance of beans. WATEB. The watering of the horse is a very important but disregarded portion of his general management, especially by the farmer. He lets his horses loose morning and night, and they go to tho nearest pond or brook and drink then- fill, and no harm results ; for they obtain that kind of water which nature designed them to have, in a manner prepared for them by some unknown in- fluence of the atmosphere, as well as by the deposition of many saline admixtures. The kind of water fitted for the horse has not been, as a general thing, sufiiciently considered. The difference between what is termed hard and soft water, is a circumstance of general observation. The former contains certain saline principles, which decompose some bodies, as appears in the curdling of Boap, and prevent the decomposition of others, as in the making of tea, the boiling of vegetables, and the process of brewing: 154 WATER. WATER. 165 It is natural to suppose that these diflferent kinds of water would produce somewhat differing effects upon the animal frame: and Buch is the ease. Hard water, freshly drawn from the well will frequently roughen the coat of the horse unaccustomed to it, or cause griping pains, or materially lessen the animal's power of exertion. The racing and the hnnting-groom are perfectly aware of this ; and instinct or experience has made even the horse conscious of it, for he will never drink hard water if he has access to soft, and he will leave the most trans- parent and the purest water of the well for a river, although the stream may be turbid, and even for the muddiest pool. Some trainers, indeed, have so much fear of hard or strange water, that they carry with them to the different courses the water which the animal has been accustomed to drink, and that which they know agrees with it. The temperature of the water is of far more consequence than its hardness. It will rarely harm if taken from the pond or the running stream; but its coldness, when recentlv drawn from the well, has often proved injurious; it has produced colic, spasms, and even death. There is often considerable prejudice against the horse being fairly supplied with water. It is supposed to chill him, to injure his wind, or to incapacitate him for hard work. It cer- tainly would do so, if, immediately after drinking his fill, he were galloped hard ; but not if he were suffered to quench his thirst more frequently when at rest in the stable. The horse that has free access to water, will not drink so much in the course of the day as another, who, in order to cool his parched mouth, swallows as fast as he can, and knows not when to stop. A horse may, with perfect safety, be far more liberally sup- plied with water than he generally is. An hour before his work commences, he should be permitted to drink a couple of quarts. A greater quantity might probably be objectionable. He will perform his task far more pleasantly and effectually than with a parched mouth and tormenting thirst. The prejudice both of the hunting and the training groom on this point is cruel, as well as injurious. The task or the journey being accom- plished, and the horse having had his head and neck dressed, his legs and feet washed, should have his water before his body is cleaned. When dressed, his grain may be offered to him, which he will readily take ; but water should never be given immediately before or after the grain. If the horse were watered three times a day, especially in summer, he would often be saved from the sad torture of thirst and from many a disease. Whoever has observed the eagerness with which the. overworked horse, hot and tired, plunges his muzzle into the pail, and the difficulty of stopping him before he has drained the last drop, may form some idea of his previ- ous suffering, and will not wonder at the violent spasms, inflam- mation, and sudden death, that often follow. It is a judicious rule with travelers, that when a horse begins to refuse his food, he should be pushed no further that day. It may, however, be worth while to ascertain whether this does not proceed from thirst as much as from exhaustion ; for in niany instances his appetite and his spirits will return soou after he has partaken of the refreshing draught. 156 PASTURING. PASTURING. 157 I PASTURING. So far as mere health is concerned, f^rass is the most salabri- ous food which the horse can receive. When it is eaten where lit grows, the horse is said to be turned out, to be getting a run ,at grass, or to be at grass. When it is cut, and consumed in the stable, the horse is said to be soiled. It is probable that grass eaten in the field produces quite the same effects as that eaten in the stable. But at pasture, there are several agents in operation to which the stabled horse is not necessarily exposed. The exercise which -he must take ; the position which his head must assume, in order that he may ob- tain food ; the annoyance ho suffers from flics ; his exposure to the weather ; the influence of the soil upon the feef and legs ; and the quantity of food placed at his disposal ; are the priu* sipal points wherein pasturing differs from soiling. The Exercise which he must take as he gathers his food, varies according to the herbage. When the ground is bare, the exercise may amount even to work, but to a sound horso it is never injurious; in cold weather it keeps him warm, or, at least, prevents him from becoming very cold. With a lame horse, the case is different. In some species of lameness, as in chronic diseases of the joints, the slow but constant exercise thus rendered necessary is highly beneficial ; but the exertion demanded by a bare pasture is unfavorable to any sprain or lameness arising from disease in the ligaments and tendons. Lameness, when very great, no matter where seated, forbids pasturing, even though the grass be knee-high. The pain of standing, and moving on two or three legs, may be so great ^hat the horso will be obliged to lie down before he has ob* taincJ Iialf a meal. It is for slight lameness only that horses should be turned out ; and the pasture should be such as to afford su3iciont nutriment, without giving the horse more ex- ercise than is good for the disease. The legs of fdst-working horses often become turned, shape- less, tottering, bent at the knee, and at the pasterns. These ^ always improve at pasture, as, indeed, they do in the sta- ble, or loose-box, when ihe horse is thrown out of work. Grazinjf exercise does not appear to PASTURiKo. be unfavorable to their restoration ; but when the knees are very much bent, the horse is unfit for turning out ; he cannot graze ; when his head is down, he is ready to fall upon his nose, and it costs him much effort to maintain his balance. The position op the head in the act of grazing is unfavor- able to the return of blood from the brain, from the eyes, from all parts of the head. Horses that have had staggers, or bad eyes, those that have recently lost a jugular vein, and those that have any disease about the head— strangles, for instance— should not be sent to pasture. The disease becomes worse, or, if gone, is apt to return. Even healthy horses are liable to attacks on the brain, when turned to grass, pariicularly wheu the weather is hot, and the herbage abundant. Horses that have been for more than a year In the stable. f t 158 PASTURTNa. PASTURING. 159 '.' !;' i :1 i and especially those that have been reined up in harness, often experience considerable difficulty in grazing. The neck is rigid, and the muscles which support the head are short. It is often several weeks before an old coach-horse can graze with ease. Yery old coach-horses that have short, stiff necks, should not be turned out when they can be kept in ; if they must go, they should be watched, lest they die of want. Exposure to the Weather. Wet, cold weather always produces emaciation and a long coat. If the horse is put out without preparation, he is apt to have an attack of inflamed lungs, or sore throat, or a common cold, with discharge from the nose, and may sicken and die. Many persons seem to think that no usage is too bad for the horse, if it do not immediately produce some fatal disease. Early in spring, or late in au- tumn, the animal is turned out of a warm, comfortable stable, and left to battle with the weather as he best can. He crouches to the side of a wall, shivering and neglected, as if he had no friend in the world. In time, the horse becomes inured to the weather, if he does not sink under it, but sometimes he comes home with diseased lungs, and very often with a cough which never leaves him, and which produces broken wind. Shelter, so easily provided — at the cost of a few rude boards even — is too much neglected in the pasture. A hovel, covered on three sides, the fourth open to the south, and just high enough to admit the horse, will answer the puroose. The bottom should be sloping, elevated, and quite drv. When litter can be afforded, it will tempt the horse out of the blast. There may be hay-racks and mangers, strong, though of rude construction. In summer, the horse can retire here during the heat of the day, and in the more inclement season he may thus avoid the wind and the storm. Exposure to hot weather is not so pernicious, although it always produces pain, if the horse be turned out in the middle of summer. For a while he is fevered all day and loses flesh ; but he soon recovers. The parts that are most apt to suffer are the brain and the eyes. Staggers, that is, an affection of the brain, is not common, and the eyes never suffer permanent mischief. They are inflamed by die flies, but the brain is in-^ jured, partly by the heat, and partly by the pendent position of the head. Flies. The horse is persecuted by at least three kinds of flies. One, the common horse-fly, settles on his ears and dif- ferent parts of his body, tickling and teazing him. Another is a large fly, termed the gad-fly; it is a blood-sucker, bites pretty smartly, and irritates some tender-skinned horses almost to madness, forcing them sometimes to rush into the water to escape their attacks. Another fly is a small insect,whose name is unknown, which lives in the blood, attacking those parts where the skin is thinnest, as the eyelids, inside and outside, the Sheath, and the vagina. The eyelids especially always swell where this fly abounds, and the swelling is sometimes so great as to make the horse nearly blind, while the eye is red and weeping. The injury however, is not permanent. The principal defense which the horse has against these puny, but tormenting enemies, is his tail. On some parts of his body he can remove them with his teeth and his feet ; and that which cannot be done by these, is done by the tail. With us, however, in far too many instances the effective instrument which nature has furnished is removed, or materially impaired, before he has attained maturity; and, as if the pains of servitude were not sufficiently great and numerous, domestica- tion is rendered still more intolerable by whim and caprice. 160 PASTURING. rASTURINQ. 161 I'. i TfiE SOIL. Much bas been saitf about the influence of the soil upon the horse^s feet and legs, and much exaggeration of assertion has been set afloat. Horses reared in soft, marshy pastures have large flat feet, low at the heels, and weak every- where. On dry ground the hoof is hard, strong, and small, the sole concave, and the heels high. But to impart any peculiar character to the hoof, or to produce any change upon it, a long and continuous residence upon the same kind of soil is necessary. A period of six months may produce some change; but it is so insignificant in general that it is not apparent. The low temperature at which the feet and legs are kept in a moist pasture has probably some influence, though not very great, in abating inflammation in those parts. The legs be- come finer and free from tumors and gourdiness ; but they would improve nearly or quite as soon, and as much, in a loose box. When the pastures are hard and baked by the sun, unshod horses are apt to break away the crust, and they often come home with hardly horn enough to hold a nail. Feet that have never been shod sufi*er less; others should, as a general thing, be preserved by light shoes, especially on the fore feet ; kick- ing horses, when shod behind, are rather dangerous among others. It has been supposed that the act of grazing throws con siderable stress upon the tendons of the fore legs, and ulti- mately impairs them. This has been urged against grazing hunters; but so far as sound legs are concerned, there seems to be no foundation for the supposition, and it certainly has never been proved. Quantity op food. In the stable, a horse's food can be Apportioned to him as his wants may require; but at pasture, he may get too much or too little. It is difficult to put the horse where he will obtain all the nourishment he needs, and no more. In a rich pasture, he may acquire an inconvenient load of fat; in a poor one, he may be half starved. If he must go out, he may be taken in before he becomes too fat ; or he may be placed in .a bad pasture, and fed up to the point required by a daily allowance of grain. Time of turning out. Horses are pastured at all times of the year. Some are out for lameness, some for bad health, and some, that they may be kept for less than the stable cost. The usual time of turning out is about the end of April, or the beginning of May. Then the grass is young, juicy, tender, and more laxative than at a later period.. Tho spring grass is best for a horse in bad health, worn out by sickness, hard work, or bad food. The weather is mild, neither too hot nor too cold ; when it is unsettled and backward, the delicate horse, and sometimes every one, should come in at nigiit and on bleak days. Toward the end of summer, the grass is hard, dry, coarse, fit enough to afford nutriment, but not to renovate a shattered constitution. The days are hot, the nights cold and damp, and the flies strong and numerous. This is not the time for turning out a delicate or thin-skinned horse. Many persons are accustomed to give the horse a dose or two of physic before sending him to grass. Unless the animal has tumid legs, or is afflicted with some ailment, this is en- tirely unnecessary, though it may do no harm. To preparo the horse for exposure to the weather, the clothing to which U 162 PASTURINa. I( he has been accustomed is lightened, and then entirely re- moved, a week or two before turning him out. The tempera- ture of the stable is gradually reduced, until it becomes as cool as the external air. These precautions are most neces- sary for horses that have been much in the stable, and particu- larly a warm stable. For eight or ten days previous to going out, the animal should not be groomed. The dust and per° spiration which accumulate upon the hair, seem in some measure to protect the skin from rain and from flies. The feet should be dressed, and the grass shoes, or plates, applied a week before turning out. If ihcy are injured by the nails, the injury will become apparent before much mischief is done; at grass it might not be noticed so soon. On the day of going out, the horse should be fed as usual. If he goes to grass when very hungry, he may eat too much. Indigestion will be the result, which may prove fatal. Weather permitting, night is usually chosen for the time of turning out, as the horse is not so apt to gallop about. Let loose in the day time, many are disposed to gallop till they lame themselves, and to try the fences. In autumn, or early in spring, the stable preparation for grass is often insufficient. If the horse be tender, or the weather unsettled, he should be taken home every night, for perhaps the first week. For eight or ten days longer,' it may be proper to house him on very wet or stormy nights. The stable given to him should always be cool, not so cold as the external air, but never so warm as if he were accus- tomed to it Confinement. Some horses are not easily confined at pas- ture. They break or leap the fences, and wander over the PASTURING. 163 country, or proceed to the stable* The fore feet are some- times shackled in order to confine them; but these fetters, if worn for a long time, are apt to alter the horse's action, ren- dering it short, confined, irregular, at least for a time, till he regains the use of his shoulders. Sometimes the horse is tied by a rope to a stake driven in the ground. He then requires almost constant watching, for he must be often shifted as ho eats down the grass, and he may get his legs entangled in the rope, thereby casting himself, and receiving serious injury, wiless relief be immediate. Sometimes he is tied to a stake, which he can drag about the field. He soon finds that he can walk where he pleases, but he cannot run, and seldom attempts to leap. This, however, is also liable to throw the horse down, or to injure his legs by getting them entangled in the rope. To prevent the horse from leaping, a board is some- limes suspended round his neck, reaching to his knees, which it as apt to bruise. None of these clumsy and unsafe restraints should ever be employed, when it is possible to dispense with them. Few horses, mares in spring and stallions excepted, require them after the first two days. For horses that are turned out only an hour or two during the day, they are as mucli used to enable him to be easily caught when wanted, as to prevent him from wandering. Attendance while out. Horses at grass should be visited at least once every day. If neglected for weeks, as often happens, one may be stolen, and conveyed out of the country before he is missed ; the fences may be broken ; the water may fail ; the horses may be lamed, or attacked with sickness; one may roll into a ditch, and die there for want of assistance 'to extricate him ; the shoes may be cast ; the heels may crack ; 164 PASTURING. . »: < thrushes may form ; sores may run into sinuses, or become full of maggots; the feet and legs may be injured by stubs, thorns, broken glass, or kicks ; or the horses may quarrel, figjit, and wound each other. That these and similar evils and accidents may be obviated, or soon repaired, the horses should be visited every morning by a trustworthy person who knows what is re- quired of him. The grain, hay-either or both-if any be given, should be furnished at regular intervals j when fed with grain, the horses ought to be watched till it is eaten, lest they rob each other, or some prowling thief appropriate the whole. Horses at grass require, and should have, no dressing, as it exposes the Ekin too much. The shoes may be removed, however, and the feet dressed every four or five weeks. Treatment after Grazing. When taken from grass to warm stables, and put upon rich, constipating food, horses fre- qucntly become diseased. Some catch cold, some suffer in- flammation in the eyes, some take swelled legs, cracked heels, grease, thrushes, founders, surfeit, or a kind of mange! These are very common ; and physic is often, and indeed generally, given to prevent them. They are produced by a combination of circumstances ; by sudden transition from gentle exercise and indolence or exciting work; from a temperate to stimulating diet ; from a pure, cool, and moving atmosphere, to an air comparatively corrupt, hot, and stagnant. These changes must be made, and are, to a certain extent, unavoid- able ; but it is not in all cases necessary that they should be made suddenly. It is the rapid transition from one thing to another and a different thing, that does all the mischief. If it were effected by slow degrees, the eyiU would be avoided, and pasturing. 165 there would be less need, or none at all, for those medicines which are given to prevent them. During the first week, the temperature of the stable ought to be little different from that of the external air. Sub- sequently it may be rajsed, by slow degrees, till it is as warm as the work or other circumstances demand. The horse should not at first be clothed, and his first clothing should be light. Grooming may commence on the first day ; but it is not good to expose the skin very quickly by a thorough dressing. The food should be laxative, consisting of bran-mashes, oats, and hay ; but no beans, or very few. Walking-exercise, twice a day, is absolutely necessary for keeping the legs clean, and it assists materially in preventing plethora. The time required for inuring a horse to stable treatment, depends upon several circumstances. If taken home in warm weather, the innovation, so far as the temperance and the purity of the air are concerned, may be completed in about two weeks. If the horse is not very lean, his skin may be well cleaned in the first week ; and to clean it, he must have one or two gentle sweats, sufficient to detach and dissolve the dust, raud, and oily matter which adhere to the skin, and glue the hair together. All this, or as much of it as possible, must be scraped off while the horse is warm and perspiring. If it is allowed to get dry before scraping, he is just where he was. If the weather be cold, there need be no great hurry about cleaning him completely. The propriety of giving physic after grazing has been often questioned. In the stable, its utility is generally acknow- ledged. In books it is sometimes condemned as pernicious, Bometimes as useless. It may be safely said, however, that 166 PASTURINO. PASTURINa. 167 It I I i ff l^'i ;i there are many cases in which physic is very nsefnl ; but that «s a general thing, it is given too indiscriminately, and befor It IS wanted. To a lusty horse, one or two doses may be given for the pnrpose ot- reducing l.im, for removing superfluous fat and flesh. The phys.c may be strong, sufficiently so to produce cop.ous purgation. It empties the bowels, takes up the carcass -d g.ves freedom to respiration ; it promotes absorption, an^ expels the juices which embarrass exertion. Work, sweating and a spare diet of condensed food, will produce effects with- out the aid of physic. But purgation shortens the time of tram.ng, and it saves the legs. If the horse must be rapidly prepared for work, with as little hazard as possible to his le J he n,ust have phj-sic. The first dose may be given on the d^ When he comes from grass ; the others, if more than one b necessary, at intervals of eight or ten clear days A lean horse, fresh from grass, needs no physic till he has een stabled for several days, and perhaps n'ot then. By Z .me he has acquired strength sufficient to stand trainin' his fZlT''' :"''''''' '''' '""^ belly small enough to :;,ow ^r e m of resp.rat.o„. At the end of a fortnight or three wee s, the lean horse ought to be decidedly lustier. If too It, "' "'""■'■"•' """ '"'^ ^'-^P'^'^' °- r v^i pnjsic, just active enough to produce one or two watery or semi-fluid evacuations. If he eat a great deal without improving in condition, he is probably troubled wUh worms, and half a drachm of calomel may be added to each dose of physic. If he does not feed well, there is probably a torpid state of the digestive apparatus, produced by a bad or deficient diet. lu such a case, mild physic is still proper, and, in addition, the horse may have a few tonic balls between the setting of one dose and the administration of another. Four drachms of gentian, two of ginger, and ono of tartar emetic, made into a ball with honey, forms a very useful tonic. One of these may be given every day, or every second day, for a fortnight. If the horse does not improve under these, he requires the aid of a veterinary surgeon. The mode of grazing farm- horses requires some notice. Other horses are sent to pasture, and with few exceptions, re- main at it for days and weeks without interruption. Those employed in agriculture are pastured in three different ways. By one, the horse is constantly at grass, except during his hours of work ; he is put out at night, is brought in the next morning, goes to work for tw^o or three hours, and is then returned to pasture for about two hours ; in the afternoon be again goes to work, which may be concluded at five or six o'clock, and from that time till he is wanted on the next morn- ing he is kept at grass. By another mode, the horse is turned out only at night. During the day he is soiled in his stable at his resting intervals. When work is over for the day, he I's sent out till the next morning By the third mode, which is generally allowed to be the best, the horse is turned to grass only once a week. He is pastured from the time his work is finished on Saturday night till it commences again on Monday morning. If the horses have any thing like work, the first two modes are decidedly objectionable. There is much expenditure of 168 SKRVICB. '11 I'i f'' lit abor ,„ procnria. the food, and there is ^reat loss of tim, It .nay cost the horse four or five hours good work ,o e«. down the grass which he eats. A ,„aa supplied with a scvti.e W.11 do the same work with far Jess labor i„ a few n.iuute, If there be nothing else for the horse to do, it is quiie ri^lit to make hiu, gather his own food. L>„t, otherwise, it is absurd to make him e.xhanst his .strength and time in doing that wi,ich a man can do so much more easily and quickly. JJesidcs this e..pendi.ure of the horse'., time and strength, the loss of manure, and the dau.age done to pasture by the feet, o«ght to be taken into consideration. The third mode of grazing appears to be the least objection- able. The horses have no f.eld labor on Sunday ; if the pas- t-re be good, the weather favorable, and the horses not fofgued, they are better at gra.ss than in the hou.se. In some places the road-horses are sometimes put to '^as, on Sunday. This practice has nothing apparently to rccora- mend it. The weekly work of these horses in general de- mands the rest which Sunday brings; and if th.y travel at a fast pace, as all coach-horses do now. they are apt to eat so inuch grass, and carry such a load in their bellies, that on Monday they are easily over-worked. The breathing is in,- peded. unless the horses purge, which few do. They often come from gra.ss as hagganl and dejected as if they had dune twice their ordinary work the day before. iERVICB. 169 SEHVICB. A change of lodging, or of diet, is often a cause of disease. When a fresh horse is procured, it is well to know how he has beeu treated during the previous month ; if he is a valuable animal, he will certainly be worth this inqnirj. Horses that come froni a dealer have probably been standing in a warm stable, well-clothed, wtll-groomed, highly fed, and seldom exorcised. They have fine glossy coats, are lusty, and in high'^r£:3 — '- «s^H3^ ipirits; but their flesh is soft and flabby. Tliey are unfit 'fj for fast work ; they are easily ^ heated by exer- tion, and when the Iciist warm, pervicb. are very apt to take cold. But, wherever the horse comes frojn, or whatever his condition may be, changes in reference to food, temperature, and work, must be effected by slovr degrees. It is absurd and always pernicious to take a horse from the field, and put him in a warm stable, and on rich food all at once; it is no less erroneous to take him from a warm to a cold stable, or to demand exertion to which ho has not been trained. When the horse's history cannot be traced, both his work and his diet should at first be moderate. More of either than he has been accustomed to, will do more harm than less of either. It may, however, soon be ascertained by trying him whether ho has been doing much work; if fit for work, he may be fed in proportion. The temperature of the stable had better be warmer than colder. If too warm, the horse will perspire ; his coat will be wet in different places, especially in the morning no SERVICE. SERVICE. in when the stables are first opened. If it be too cold, his coat will be roughened, and become dim, and the horse will catch cold, evidence of which will be given by a cough. The work of some horses exposes them much to the weather. Those employed in street-coaches, in the carriages of medical men, all those that have to stand in the weather, can never do so with safety until they have been seasoned. In the cold rainy season, many are destroyed, and many more endangered by iu- judicious exposure. Wet weather is the most pernicious ; yet it is not the rain alone that does the mischief. If the horse is kept in motion, and afterwards perfectly and quickly dried, or is kept in motion till he is dry, he suffers no injury. His coat may be bleached till it is like a dead fur; but the horse does not catch cold. If he is allowed to stand at rest with his coat drenched in the rain, the surface of the body rapidly loses its heat, there being no stimulus to the formation of it; the blood circulates slowly, accumulates internally, and oppresses vital organs, especially the lungs ; the legs become excessively cold and benumbed ; the horse can hardly use them, and, when put in motion, he strikes one against the other. Exposure, when it deprives the body of heat in this way, is a fruitful source of in- flamed lungs, of thoracic influenza, catarrh, and founder. When the skin is wet, or the air very cold, the horse should, if possible, be kept in motion, which will preserve him, however little be may have been accustomed to exposure. Horses that have been kept in warm stables, and never out but in fair weather, are in most danger. If they cannot be kept in constant motion, they must be prepared before they arc ex- posed. If they commence work in summer, or early in the autumn, they will be fully inured to the weather before the worst part of winter arrives. But if they commence in winter, they should be out for only one or two hours at a time ; in good days they may be out longer, no one being able to give a precise rule as to the length of time appropriate, as it varies with the con- dition of the animal, the weather, and the work required. It should shorten with the wetness or coldness of the weather, and the tenderness of the animal. If he must run rapidly from one place to another, and wait perhaps half an hour at each, he is in more danger than if the pace were slower, and the time of waiting shorter; and if moved about constantly, or every ten minutes, he suff'ers less injury than if he was standing still. After a time he becomes inured to exposure, and may be safely trusted in the severest weather. Repeated and continued application of cold to the surface of the body stimulates the skin to produce an extra supply of heat. The exposure of two or three days is not sufficient to rouse the skin to this efi'ort. It is always throwing off a large quantity of heat ; but it is several days, and with many horses several weeks, before the skin can assume activity sufiicient to meet the demands of a cold or wet atmosphere. Ultimately, it becomes so vigorous that the application of cold, whether wet or dry, is almost instantly followed by an increased production of heat. To this, however, there are limits. By exposure, gradually increasing in length and frequency, the system may be able to maintain the temperature at a comfortable warmth for three or four successive hours, even when the horse is standing at rest in wet or cold. But he cannot endure this beyond a certain poujt. Exhaustion and emaciation succeed, in spite of all the food the horse can eat. The formation of so much heat con- sumes the nutriment that ought to produce vigor for work. k 1Y2 SERVICB. SERriCB. 173 II Hence, working horses kept very much in verv cold stables aro lean and dull. I is chiefly the horses that have to stand in the weather, which require preparation for exposure. Bleeding, pur. a . i. , . ... ., f , , , ^ ^- "' * ^""P t^o horny projections risinj? into (ho cavity of the hoof formed hy the commissures, c. c. Are portions of the same projec- Uoos and are situated j„st undor ti.e two ends of the nariculHr hone, and mark ihe po.n on either sid^ where diminution in the. natural elasticity of the fat*y fro^ would be felt xT.th the greatest severity hy the navicular Joint ; for under themovt favorabU c.rcumatance*, the qtiantity of cushion between these points and the navicular joint cannot be very large ; and henco the ifflportaoc^ oX our doing all wo can to prewrvo UtaUatUit/atlongaspoasibU. THE HOOF OF THE HOaSE. 177 larly on the inner side of the foot, whereby the power of yield- ing and expanding to the weight of the horse is proportionably increased, clearly indicating that those parts cannot be nailed to an unyielding bar of iron, without a most mischievous inter- ference with the natural functions of the foot. In the hind foot, greater thickness of horn will be found at the quarters and heels, than in the fore foot. This difference in the thickness of horn is beautifully adapted to the inequality of the weight w^hich each has to sustain, the force with which it is applied, and the portions of the hoof upon which it falls. The toe of the fore foot encounters the combined force and weight of the fore hand and body, and consequently in a state of nature is exposed to considerable w^ar and tear, and calls for greater strength and substance of horn than is needed by any portion of the hind foot, where the duty of supporting the hinder parts alone is distributed on the quarters and heels of both sides of the foot The bars are continuations of the wall, reflected at the heel towards the centre of the foot, where they meet in a point, leaving a triangu- lar space between A sECTiox o? THE FOOT. thcm for thc frog. •The coronet bone. 2. The coffin bone. 3. The navicular bone. a. The wall. h. •e sole. c. The cleft of the frog. d. d. The fro?. «. «. The fatty frojf, or elaitie cjishion. / The sensitive sole. g. The sensitiye frog. h. h. h. Tendons of the mua- cles which bend the foot. i. Part of the pastern bone. *. k. Tendons of the muscles ^liich extend the ft»ot. t. The coffin joint, m. The navicular joint, n. Tlie coronary •ab«tauce. o. Tho sensible iamin«, or covering of tho coffin bono. 12 178 SHOEING. SHOEINQ. 1T9 ■il N il The whole inner surface of the horny crnst, from the centre of the toe to the point where the bars meet, is everywhere Hned with innumerable narrow, thin, and projecting horny plates, which extend in a slanting direction from the upper edge of the wall to the line of junction between it and the sole, and possess great elasticity. These projecting plates are the means of greatly extending the surface of attachment of the hoof to the coffin bone, which is likewise covered by a similar arrangement of projecting plates, but of a highly vascular and sensitive cha- racter ; and these, dovetailing with the horny projections above named, constitute a union combining strength and elas- ticity in a wonderful degree. The horny sole covers the whole interior surface of the foot excepting the frog. In a well-formed foot it presents an arched appearance, and possesses considerable elasticity, by virtue of which it ascends and descends, as the weight above is either suddenly removed from it, or forcibly applied to it. This de- scending property of the sole calls for one especial consideration in directing the form of the shoe ; for, if the shoe be so formed that the horny sole rests upon it, it cannot descend lower ; and the sensitive sole above, becoming squeezed between the edges of the coffin bone and the horn, produces inflammation, and perhaps abscess. The effect of this squeezing of the sensitive Bole is most commonly witnessed at the angle of the inner heel, where the descending heel of the coffin bone, forcibly pressing the vascular sole upon the horny sole, contuses a small blood- vessel, and produces what is called a corn, but which is, in fact, a bruise. The horny frog occupies the greater part of the triangular space between the bars, and extends from the hindermost part of the foot to the centre of the sole, just over the point where the bap meet, but is united to them only at their upper edge ; the sides remain unattached and separate, and form the channel culled the commissures. If we carefully observe the form and size in the frog in the foot of a colt of from four to five years old, at its first shoeing, and then note the changes which it undergoes as the shoeings are repeated, we shall soon be convinced that a visible departure from a state of health and nature is taking place. At first it will be found large and full, with considerable elasticity ; the cleft oval in form, open, and expanding, with a continuous, well-defined, and somewhat elevated boundary ; the bulbs at the heels fully developed, plump, and rounded ; and the whole mass occupying about one-sixth of the circumference of the foot. By degrees the fulness and elasticity will be observed to have diminished ; the bulb at the heels will shrink, and lose their plumpness ; the cleft will become narrower, its oval form disap- pear, the back part of its boundary give way, and it will dwindle into a narrow crack, extended back between the wasted, or perhaps obliterated, bulbs, presenting only the miserable remains of a frog, such as may be seen in the feet of most horses long accustomed to be shod. Tlie bones proper to the foot are three in number, — viz., the coffin bone, the navicular bone, and part of the coronet bone ; they are contained within the hoof, and combine to form the coffin joint; but the smallest of them, the navicular bone, is of far more importance as connected with the subject of shoeing, than either of the others ; for upon the healthy condition of this bone, and the joint formed between it and the tendon, which passes under it to the coffin bone, and is called the navicular joint, mainly depends the usefulness of the horse to man. i 180 SHOEING. SHOrtNG. 181 ^This small bone, which in a horse sixteen hands high mca. Bures only two and a qnarter inches in its longest diameter three-fourths of an inch at the widest part of its shorter diameter and half an inch in thickness in the centre, its thickest part, has the upper and under surfaces and part of one of the sides over- laid with a thin coating of gristle, and covered by a delicate secreting membrane, very liable upon the slightest injury to become inflamed ; it is so placed in the foot as to be continually exposed to danger, being situated across the hoof, behind the coffin bone, and immediately under the coronet bone ; whereby it is compelled to receive nearly the whole weight of the horse each time that the opposite foot is raised from the ground. The coffin bone consists of a body and wings ; and is fitted into the hoof, which it closely resembles in form. Its texture is particularly light and spongy, arising from the quantity of canals or tubes that traverse its substance in every direction, affording to numerous blood-vessels and nerves a safe passage to the sensitive and vascular parts surrounding it; while the unyielding nature of the bone effectually protects them from compression or injury, under every variety of movement of the horse. In an unshod foot, the front and sides of the coffin bone are deeply furrowed and roughened, to secure the firmer attachment of the vascular membranous structure, by which the bone is clothed ; but in the bone of a foot that has been frequently shod, the appearance is greatly changed, the furrows and roughness giving place to a comparatively smooth surface. This change is probably produced by the shoe limiting, if not destroying, the expansive power of that part of the horn to which it is nailed: whereby a change of structure in the membrane itself, a^ ^^iaaa absorption of the attaching portions of the bone, is induced ; for it is an invariable law of the animal economy not to continue to unemployed structures the same measure of efficient repara- tion tliat is extended to parts constantly engaged in performing their allotted tasts. The shoe restricts or prevents expansion ; while nature, as the secret influence is called, immediately sets to work to simplify the apparatus for producing the expansion, which art has thus rendered impracticable, and substitutes for it a new structure, less finely organized, but admirably suited to the altered condition of the parts. The wings extend from the body of the bone directly back- ward, and support the lateral cartilage of the foot. The sensitive sole, or, as it is sometimes called, tiie fleshy sole, is about the eighth of an inch thick, and is almost entirely made up of blood-vessels and nerves ; it is one of the most vascular and sensitive parts of the body, and is attached to the lower edge of the sensitive covering of the coffin bone, to the bars, and point of the frog, and also with great*firmness to the whole of the arched under-surface of the coffin bone. The sensitive frog includes not only the part corresponding to the sensitive sole, but also the peculiar spongy elastic sub- stance which intervenes between it and the navicular joint, and fills the space between the cartilages. The proper sensitive frog is thicker, and less finely organized, than the sensitive sole, possessing fewer blood-vessels and nerves. It is a common, but very erroneous, opinion, that the shape of the perfect foot is circular, or very nearly so. This induces most smiths to endeavor to reduce the foot to that shape as soon as possible. There are very few things in nature so little varied as the form of the ground surface of horsros' feet; for Whether the 182 8H0EIN0. hoof be high-heeled and upright, or low-heeled and flat, large or small, broad or narrow, the identical form of ground-surface is maintained in each, so long as it is left entirely to nature's guidance. The outer quarter, back to the heel, is curved con- siderably and abruptly outward, while the inner quarter is carried back in a gradual and easy curve. The advantage of this form is so obvious, that it is strange that any interference should ever be attempted with it. The enlarged outer quarter extends the base, and increases the hold of the foot upon the ground; while the straighter inner quarter lessens the risk of striking the foot against the opposite leg. The inclination of the front of the horny crust of the foot, should be at an angle of about forty-five degrees. If the foot is much steeper than this, it is very liable to contract ; while, if it is much more slanting, it constitutes what is called the '' oyster shelP' foot, in which there is an undue flatness of the sole, and a tendency to pumiced feet. Before removing the old shoes, care should be taken to raise all the clinches of the nails to prevent injury to the crust, and to avoid giving pain to the horse; even after clinches are raised, if the shoes cannot be easily drawn off, those nails which seem to hold most firmly should be punched, or drawn out, that the shoe may be removed without injury to the hoof, and without weakening the nail-hold for the new shoeing. The shoe being removed, the edge of the crust should be well rasped to remove so much of the horn as would have been worn away by the contact with the ground, had it been un- shod. In no case should the rasp be used on the surface of the hoof, eiicept to make the necessary depressions for the SHOEING. 183 clinches, after the new shoe has been put on, and to shape the hoof below the line of the clinches of the nails. The hoof, above this line, will inevitably be injured by such treatment, which is one of the most fruitful sources of brittleness of the horn, which often results in ** sand-crack.'' The operation of paring out the horse's foot is a matter re- quiring both skill and judgment, and is, moreover, a work of gome labor, when properly performed. It will be found that the operator errs much oftener by removing too Utile than too much ; at least it is so with the parts which ought to be removed, which are almost as hard and unyielding as flint, and in their most favorable state, require considerable exertion to cut through. Ko general rule can be given applicable to the paring out of the feet of all horses, or even of the feet of the same horse at all times. It would be evidently unwise, for example, to pare the sole as thin in a hot, dry, season, when the roads are broken up, and strewed with loose stones, as would be proper in a moderately wet one, when the roads are well bound and even ; for, in the case first named, the sole is in constant danger of being bruised by violent contact with loose stones, and therefore, needs a thicker layer of horn for its protection ; while the latter case off'ers the most favorable surface that the greater part of our horses ever have to travel upon, advantage of which should be taken for a thorough paring out of the sole, in order that the internal parts of the foot may derive the full benefit accruing from an elastic and descending solo ; a condition of things very essential to the due perrbrmance of their separate functions. To take another illustration : horn grows very freely, especially toward the toe in horses with 184 SnOEINff. K f li upright feet and high heels ; and such are al,vay., benefited by having the toe shortened, the heels lovvered, and the sole well pared out ; whereas in horses with flat feet and low heel, horn grows sparingly, and the toe of such feet being alway,' weak, admits of very little shortening. Such heels bein. already too low, they should scarcely be touched with thi rasp ; and the sole presents such a small quantity of dead horn, that the knife should be used with great discretion. The corners formed by the junction of the crust and ban should be well pared out, particularly on the inside ; for thi, IS the common seat of corn, and any accumulation of horn in this situation must increase the risk of bruising the sensitive sole between the inner part or heel of the coffin bone and the horny sole. Little, if anything, is gained by allowing- the bars to project beyond the surface of the sole ; the po,ver of resisting contraction cannot possibly be increased by thi, arrangement, and the projecting rim is left exposed to the danger of being broken and bruised by contact with stones and other hard substances ; and the method is further attended with the disadvantages of making the cleaning out of these corners a work of considerable ingenuity with so unwieidly an instrument as a common drawing-knife. It is much preferable to pare them down to a level with the sole, or very nearly so- avoiding, however, every approach to what is styled ' opcnin-^ out the heels," a most reprehensible practice, which meani cutting away the sides of the bars, so as to show an apparent ...crease of width betu-cen the heels, which may for the time deceive the eye, but is in reality a mere deception, purchased at the expense of impaired powers of resistance in the bars and uluiuate contractiou of the feet It is palpable that th» BHOETNO. 185 remoTal of any portion from the sides of the bars mnst diminish their substance, and render them weaker, and consequently ]ess able to resist contraction. The frog should never be cut or pared, except in rery rare cases of horses with unusually fast-growing frogs. The first stroke of the knife removes the thin horny covering altogether, and lays bare an under surface, totally unfitted, from its moist, soft texture, for exposure either to the hard ground or the action of the air, in consequence of which exposure it soon becomes dry and shrinks; then follow cracks, the edge of which turning outward forms rags; these rags are removed by the smith at the next shoeing, by which means another Bimilar surface is exposed, and another foundation laid for other rags ; and this process continues until finally the pro- trudmg, plump, elastic cushion, interposed by nature between the navicular joint and the ground, and so essential to its preservation from injury, is converted by this senseless inter- ference into the dry, shrunk, unyielding apology for a frog, to be seen in the foot of almost every horse that has been rcgn- larly shod for a few years. The frog is provided within itself with two very efficient modes of throwing off any superfluous horn with which it may be troubled, and it is very unwise in man to interfere with them. The first and most common of i^iese modes is the separation from the surface of the frog of 6^all, bran-like scales, which becoming dry, fall off in a kind of whitish scurf, not unlike the dust that adheres to Turkey figs; the other, which is upon a large scale, and of rarer oc- currence, IS sometimes called "casting the frog." A thick layer of frog separates itself in a body, and shells, off as deep as ft common paring with a knife; but this very important 186 SHOEINO. difference is to be noted between the two operations— that nature never removes the horny covering until she has pro- vidcd another horny covering beneath, so that alihouMi a large portion of the frog may have been removed, there still remains behind a perfect frog, smaller, it is true, but covered with horn, and in every way fitted to sustain exposure ; while the knife, on the contrary, removes the horny covering, but ^is unable to substitute any other in its stead. The frog should, therefore, be left to itself; nature will remove the superfluous Lorn, and the rags do no harm, since, if they are unmolested, they will soon wholly disappear. The shoe should possess these general features : first, it should be, for ordinary work, rather heavy, in order that it may not be bent by contact with hard, uneven roads ; second, it should be wide in the web, and of equal thickness and width from the toe to the heel, that it may as much as possible protect the sole, without altering the natural position of the foot ; third, it should be well drawn in at the heels, that it may rest on the bars, and extend to the outer edge of the crust on the outside, and reach beyond the bar nearly to the frog, so that there may be no danger of its pressing on th. ''corn-place," or angles between the bar and the crust ; anc fourth, it should in no part extend beyond the outer edge of the crust, lest it strike against the opposite leg when the horse is travel- ing, or be stepped on by another horse, or be drawn off by a heavy soil. Such a shoe, and its position on the foot, is shown in the cut opposite. The shoe should be made as nearly of this form as the shape of the foot will allow j but it is always to be borne in 6nOEINO. 187 mind that the shoe is intended for the foot, and not the foot for the shoe, and that it is therefore peculiarly proper to ma,ke the shoe to fit the natural form of the foot, in- stead, as is too often the case, of paring, burning, and rasp- ing the foot until it fits the shoe, which is made accord- ing to the smith's notion ofjl what the form of the horse's foot should be. No amount of paring can bring the foot of a horse to an unnatural figure, and also leave it sound and safe for work and use. THE POSITION OF TBE BHOB. This cut represents the foot with the shoe rendered transparent, showing what parts of the fi)ot are protected and covered by bringing in the heels of the shoes, a, a, a, the crust, with the shoe closely fitted all around. 6, 6, the bars, protected by the shoe. c, c, the heels, supported by the shoe, d, the situation of corns protected from injury. The truth really is, that the shape of the shoe cannot by possibility influence the shape of the foot ; for the foot being clastic, it expands to the weight of the horse in precisely the same degree, whether it is resting upon the most open or the most contracted shoe. It is the situation of the nails, and not the shape of the shoe, that determines the form of the foot. If the nails be placed in the outside quarter and toe, leaving the heels and quarters on the inside, which are the most ex- pansive portions, free, no shape which we can give to the shoe can of itself change the form of the foot. It must not, however, be inferred from this, that the shape of the shoe is therefore of do importauoe ; quite the contrary being the case, 1 188 SHOEINO. as has been already sl.own. As the shape of the foot is in no degree changed by the form of shoe, that form should man!- festly be adopted which produces the greatest number of ad. vantages with the fewest disadvantages. » A small clip at the point of th°e toe is very desirable as preventing displacement of the shoe backwards ; it need not be driven op hard, as it is simply required as a check or stay The shoe should be sufficiently long to fully support the anWes at the heels, and not so short, as is too often the case thlt a little wear imbeds the edge of it in the horn at these parts The foot surface of the shoe should always have a good flat even space left all around for the crust to bear upon ; for it must be remembered, that the crust sustains the whole weight of the horse, and should therefore have a perfectly even hL ing everywhere around the shoe. In this space the nail-holes should be punched; and not, as is too generally the case partly in it, and partly in the seating. I„ what is technicnii; called "back-holing the shoe," which means completing, the openings of nail-holes on the foot surface, great care should be taken to give them an outward direction, so as to allow the po.nts of the nails to be brought out low down in the crnst. The remainder of the foot surface should be carefully seated out particularly around the elevated toe, where it might other- w.se press inconveniently upon the sole, and the seating should be carried on fairly to the point where the crust and bars meet, ,n order that there may be no pressure in the seat of corns; the chance of pressure in this situation will be still fur- ther diminished by beveling off the inner edge of the heels with a rasp. The gronnd aurface .honld be perfectly flat, with a grooro BHOEINQ. 189 running round the outer edge, just under the plain surface, upon which the crust bears. The principal use of this groove is to receive the heads of the nails that secure tlie siioe, and prevent their bending or breaking off; it is further useful in increasing the hold of the shoe upon the ground, and should be carried back to the heels. In fitting the shoe on the foot, it should never while red-hot be burned into its place, as this would so heat the sensitive solo as to produce a serious derangement of its parts ; but it may with safety be touched lightly to the foot, that by a slight burning it may indicate those parts where the foot needs paring; indeed, it is necessary to pursue this course in order to make the shoe so exactly fit the foot that there will be no danger of its moving suflSciently to loosen the hold of the nails. The shoo should be made with steel in front, this being sloped backwards to a line running at right angles with the upper slope of the hoof. Old shoes being always worn to about this form, new ones should be so made, and the steel will prevent their being unduly worn. The shoe having been so fitted that the foot exactly touches it in every part, the next step is to nail ft fast to the hoof. Upon the number and situation of the nails which secure it depends the amount of disturbance that the natural functions of the foot are destined to sustain from the shoe. If the nails are numerous, and placed back in the quarters and heels, no form of shoe, however perfect, can save the foot from contrac- tion and navicular disease. If, on the contrary, they are few, and placed in the outside quarter and toe, leaving the inside quarter and heels free to expand, no form of shoe is so bad that it can, from defective form alone, produce coutraction of the foot. 190 SnOEINQ. Various experiments, which have been made for the purpose of ascertaining how few nails are absolutely necessary under ordinary circumstances for retaining a shoe securely in its place have satisfactorily established that five nails are amply sufficient for the fore-shoes and seven for the hind. The nails should not be driven high up in the crust, but brought out as soon as pos- sible; they should also be very lightly driven up before the clinchers are turned down, and not, as is generally the case, forced up with all the power which the smith can bring to bear upon them with his hammer. The clinches should not be rasped away too fine, but turned down broad and firm. The practice of rasping the whole surface of the hoof after the clinches have been turned down, should never be allowed ; it destroys the covering provided by nature as a protection against the too rapid evaporation of the moisture of the hoof, and causes the horn to become dry and brittle. The fear, very commonly entertained, that a shoe will be cast almost at every step, unless it is held to the foot by eight or nine nails driven high up into the crust, is utterly groundless, as both theory and practice concur in asserting. If the pre- sence of a nail in the crust were a matter of no moment, and two or three more than are necessary were merely useless, no great reason would exist for condemning the common practice of using too many nails ; but it is far otherwise ;— the nails separate the fibres of the horn, which never by any chance be- come united again, but continue apart and unclosed, until by degrees they grow down with the rest of the hoof, and are finally, after repeated shoeings, removed by the knife. If the clinches chance to rise, they must be at once replaced,. as such rising imparts to the nails a freedom of motion which SHOEING. 191 ,s certain to enlarge the size of the holes ; and this mischief is often increased by the violent wrenching from side to side which the shoe undergoes in the process of removal by the smith. As these holes cannot possibly grow down and be removed under three shoeings, it will be found that even with seven nails the crust must always have twenty-one of these separations existing in it at the same time ; and as they are often from various causes extended into each other, they necessarily keep it in a brittle, unhealthy state, and materially interfere with the security of the future nail-hold. By the mode of fastening above advocated the struggle be- tween the expansion of the foot and the resistance of the shoe is entirely overcome ; the outer side of the foot, being the only part nailed to the shoe, carries the whole shoe with it at every expansion ; while the inner side, being unattached, expands in- dependently of it, whereby all strain upon the nails is avoided, and the foot is left, with respect to its power of expansion, as nearly as possible in a state of nature. The position of the bind foot and the nature of its office render it less liable to injury than the fore foot, and conse- qnently it less frequently lames. As, however, disease of the navicular bone of this foot is by no means impossible, care should be taken to guard against its contraction by interfering as little as possible with the expansive power of the foot ; and this is best done by keeping the nails on the inside as far re- moved from the heel as convenient, placing four nails in the outer and three in the inner side of the shoe. The holes in the inner side should be punched closer together, and kept more towards the toe than those on the outside, which should be more spread out, as affording greater security of bold to ful i\ ._i 192 SHOEIXa ADMINISTERING MEDICINE. 193 the foot. The shoe should be carefully fitted to the hoof all round, particularly at the heels, which are too often left without any support whatever; and the mischievous custom of turnin'^ down the outer heel only must be avoided, because it throws the weight entirely upon the inner quarter, which is the part least able to bear it, and causes much uncomfortable strain to the fetlock joint above. Calkins, even though they are turned down of perfectly even length on each side, (which, how- ever, is rarely done,) are objectionable appendages, and had better be dispensed with, except, perhaps, for very heavy draft, where their ends by entering the ground may prevent the foot from slipping backwards, and may thus enable the toe to obtain a firmer hold. The form of shoe here referred to, and the position of the nail-holes are shown in the cut annexed. Before leaving this Rubject it should be remarked, that con- tracted feet — that is, feet that have shrunken and become nar- row at the heels, and of which the i frog has become materially re- ^ duced in size, — are often, and doubtless most frequently, caused by inflammation arising from im- proper shoeing. It is the custom of many smiths to *' set the shoes THE PROPEn FORM OF A 8H0E. wcU off at thc hccls;" and to a. » The hcelK of an even tliickneRH with the rest of the shoe. b. b. Show the points kc rhich tlie heels of the hoof terminated, r. c. The sealing carried back, »o a» to clear the anirles at the heels, and leave the seat of corns free from pressure, d. Th« raif-holes placed in the flat surface which supports the cru>*t, where they should always be. e. The hindermost nail of the inner side at the luaer toe, w hereby tho trhultf of the quarter aud heel are left free to ejtpaud. carry the seating or level of the upper side of the shoes bo far back that the heels, instead of resting on a flat surface, as they would on a properly fitted shoe, rest on the slopes of the seat- ing, which are in this respect simply two inclined planes, so plaled that, at each step taken by the horse, his heels must be pressed together, until a greater of less contraction is made manifest, but at too late a period to enable us to remedy the evil ; for there is no means by which this contraction of the foot can he cured— although, when it exists only to a slight extent, the internal portions of the foot will sometimes accommodate themselves to its new form. So far as disease is the result of bad shoeing, it can be obviated by so forming the shoe that it will afi'ord a sufficient and perfectly secure and level support for the heels. ADMINISTERING MEDICINE, The most common form in which- medicine is given to the horse is by means of the ball, which is an oblong mass of rather soft consistence, yet tough enough to reta/n its shape, and wrapped up in thin paper for that purpose. The usual weight of the ball is from half an ounce to an ounce, but thcy,may be given of a larger size, if they are made longer but not wider. Every person in charge of horses should know how to give a hall, which is managed either with or without a balling-iron, arf instrument seldom wanted, and which sometimes occasions con- siderable injury to the roof of the horse's mouth. Occasionally, a horse cannot be managed by any other means ; but, generally speaking, these instruments only furnish an excuse for bad management. In giving a ball in the ordinary way, the horse's tongue is drawn out of his mouth on the off or right side, and 13 I 194 ADMINISTERING MEDICINE. held there firmly with the left hand grasping it as near the root as possible, but to a certain extent yielding to the KiOvement of the horse's head, so as not absolutely to tear it out. While the tongue is thus held, the ball is placed between the fingers and thumb of the right hand, extended in a wedge-like or conical form, so as to pass as far down the swallow as possible; and the hand in this form, with the arm bared to the shoulder, is carried over the root of the tongue till it feels the impedi- ment caused by the contraction of the swallow, when the fingers leave the ball there, and the hand is withdrawn quickly yet smoothly, while at the same moment the tongue is released, and the head is held up till the ball is seen to pass down the gullet on the left side of the neck, after which the head may be released. When the balling-iron is used, the oval ring of which it is com- posed is passed into the mouth, so as to keep it open, being first well guarded with tow or cloths wrapped around it ; the handle is then held in the left hand, together with the halter, so as to steady the head, and yet to keep the horse from biting; and while thus held the hand can be freely carried over the tongue, and the ball be deposited in the pharynx. When a horse is very determined, it is sometimes necessary to keep the iron in the mouth by means of the check-pieces of an ordinary bridle buckled to the sides of the oval ring ; but this expedient is seldom required if the halter is firmly grasped with the handle of the iron. In the usual way the horse to be balled is turned around in his stall, which prevents his backing away from the person in charge ; and if the latter is not tall enough, he may stand upon a sound stable-bucket, turned upside down. Balls should be recently made, as they soon spoil by keeping ; not ADMINISTERING MEDICINE. 195 only losing their strength, but also becoming so hard as to be almost insoluble in the stomach, and frequently passing through the bowels nearly as they went into the mouth. When hard they are also liable to stick in the horse's gullet. If ammonia, or any other strong stimulant, is given in this way, the horse should not have his stomach quite empty, but should have a little gruel or water just previously ; for if this is put off till afterward, the nauseous taste of the ball almost always prevents his drinking. W^hen arsenic forms an ingre- dient of the ball, it should be given soon after a feed of corn ; or a quart or two of gruel should be given instead, just before the ball. The administration of a drench is a much more trouble- Bome affair than the giving of a ball ; and in almost all cases more or less of the dose is wasted. Sometimes, however, a liquid medicine is to be preferred, as in colic or gripes, when the urgent nature of the symptoms demands a rapidly acting remedy, which a ball is not, as it requires time to dissolve ; and, besides this, a ball cannot contain any of the spirituous cordials. The best instrument for giving a drench is the horn of the ox, cut obliquely, so as to form a spout. Bottles are sometimes used in an emergency, but their fragile nature always renders them dangerous. In giving a drench, the tongue is held in the same way as for the delivery of a ball, but the head must be more elevated ; the drench is then care- fully poured into the throat, after which the tongue is let go, but the head still kept up till it is all swallowed. Allowance should always be made for some waste in giving a drench. In managing horses while in physic, the horse should in all cases, if possible, be prepared by bran mashes, given for ^a f 1 ;. a H f J I 196 ADMINISTERING MEDICINE. i t two or three nights, so as to make the bowels rather loose than otherwise, and thus allow the dose to act without undue forcing of the impacted fosce^ backward. If physic is given without this softening process, the stomach and bowels pour out a large secretion of fluid, which is forced back upon the rectum, and met by a solid obstacle which it takes a lofig time to overcome, and during that interval the irritating purge is acting upon the lining membrane, and often produces excessive inflammation of it. Purging physic should generally be given in the middle of the day, after which the horse should remain in the stable, and have chilled water as often as he will drink it, with bran mashes. By the next morning he will be in a condition to be walked out for an hour, which will set the bowels acting, if they have not already begun. It is usual to tie up the tail with a tape or string, so as to keep it clean. The horse should be warmly clothed, and if the physic does not act after an hour's walk, he may be gently trotted for a short distance, and then taken home ; and if still obstinate, he may be exercised again in the afternoon. As soon as the physic operates pretty freely, the horse is to be taken into his stable, and not stirred out again, under any pretense what- ever, for forty-eight hours after it has "set," or, in common language, stopped acting. When the purging has ceased, the mashes may be continued for twenty -four hours, with a little corn added to them, and a quantity of hay. The water, during the whole time, should be in small quantities, and chilled ; and the clothing should be rather warmer than usual, taking great care to avoid draughts of cold air. Every horse requires at least a three-day's rest for a dose of physic, in order to avoid risk of mischief. ADMINISTERINa MEDICINE. 19*^ I The mode of giving a clyster is now rendered simple ' enough, because a pump and tube are expressly made for the purpose ; and it is only necessary to pass the greased end of the tube carefully into the rectum, for about eight or nine inches, and then pump the liquid up until a sufficient quantity is given. From a gallon to six quarts is the average quantity, but lu colic a much larger amount is required. LOTIONS are applied by means of cloth bandages, if used to the legs ; or by a piece of cloth Ued over the parts, if to any other surface. Fomentations are very serviceable to the horse in all recent external inflammations; and it is astonishing what may be done by a careful person, with warm water alone, and a good- sized sponge. Sometimes, by means of an elastic tube and stop-cock, warm water is conducted in a continuous stream over an inflamed part, as in severe wounds, etc., in which th.» plan is found wonderfully successful in allaying the irritation, which is so likely to occur in the nervous system of the horse. A vessel of warm water is placed above the level of the horse's back, and a small india-rubber tube leads from it to a sponge fixed above the parts, from which the water runs to the ground as fast as it is over-filled. This plan can be very easily carried out by any person of ordinary ingenuity. 3 ^ The many excellent qualities of the horse are accompanied by some defects, which occasionally amount to vices. These may ia ipSl part be attributed to natural temper; for man himself scarcely presents more peculiarities of temper and dis- position than does the horse. The majority of these disagree- able or dangerous habits in the animal now under consideration are without doubt attributable to a faulty education. The in- structor was ignorant and brutal, and the animal instructed becomes obstinate and vicious. It is proposed to mention some of the more glaring of these vices, suggesting in connec- tion with each whatever remedies or palliatives experience has suggested. (198) BAULKING OH JIBBINO* 199 KESTIVENESS. This stands ia the front rank of all tbe vicious qualities of tl,c horse, being at once the most annoying and the most dan- serous of all. It is the direct and natural result of bad temper Ld worse education ; and, like all other habits based upon na- ture and engrained by education, it is inveterate. Whether it develop itself in the form of kicking, rearing, plungmg, boUin<^ or in any way that threatens danger to the rider or horse U rarely admits of a cure. The animal may, indeed, to a certain extent be subjugated by a determined rider ; or he may have his favorites, or form his attachments, and with some par- ticular person be comparatively or perfectly manageable ; but others cannot long depend upon him, and even his master is not always sure of him. BAULKING OB JIBBING. This species of restiveness is one of the most provoking vicet of the horse, and it can be successfully combated only by a man of the most imperturbable temper. The slightest sign of vexa- tion only increases the evil, and makes the animal more and more troublesome each time that he refuses his work. Many a thick- headed, quick-tempered driver flies into a passion, and beats or otherwise abuses his horse, on the least symptom of baulking, until the animal becomes utterly worthless from a conflrmaUoa of the habit. As a rule it may be stated, that horses baulk from nervous- ncss, or unsteadiness of disposition ; if not, indeed, from au over-anxiety to perform their work. Nervous, well-bred horses we more susceptible to the influences which induce baulking, il s;! ^1 1 200 BAULKING 'OR JIBBING. than are colder blooded, more indolent ones. A high-mettled horse, when carelessly driven, will start snddcnlj against hia collar, fail to start his load, draw back from the pain which the concussion causes, rush at it again, and again draw back, until it becomes impossible for his driver to steady him in his collar •I 'for a dead pull. If to all this be added a smart cut with tlic whip, and a fiercely spoken word, — with perhaps a blow over the nose, or a stone in the ear, — every fear or vicious feeling of the horse will be summoned into action, and the animal will become entirely anmanageablc, requiring to be left for an hour or two in his position before he gets snfGeiently calm to be in- duced to^move. There may, occasionally, be a horse which cannot be made to draw steadily by the most careful treatment; but the cases are exceedingly rare in which gentle treatment and firmness — a patient persistence in mild, authoritative com- mand, and judicious coaxing — would not either prevent the formation of the habit, or euro it when formed. The prevention of baulky habits lies with the driver. If he jump upon his load, gather up his reins carelessly, flourish his whip, or call out wildly to his horse, he will be quite likely to start him forward with a jerk which will be of no avail to move a heavily laden wagon. The horse thus commences to baulk at a heavy load, and after a certain amount of such treat- ment, will refuse to draw anything except under the most favor- able circumstances. Let any person driving a strange horse, vlth a load that he is not perfectly sure he can start easily, proceed according to the following directions, and he may be certain that, if the animal be not already a "jibber," he will not make him so, and that if he is one he will have the best chance for getting him along without trouble : He should slowly ex* BAULKING OR JIBBING. 201 amine the harness and wagon (partly to accustom the horse to ; esenee.) gather up the reins gently. speaUing to the horse rprevent his starting, get quietly into his seat, and then .f possible, get control of the horse's mouth before al ow.ng Inm olve !o that when he does step off it may be only at a slow „„lk If by a forward movement of the hands he can be made I ..ess very gradually against the collar, and if the whole ope- Jon is performed in a cool and unexcited manner there w. 11 be little difficulty in bringing him to a dead puU. from wh.ch he will recoil only if the load is a serious tax upon his strength. If the first attempt fail, wait until your horse hns become quiet, and until you have recovered from your own^vexat.on. La then try again. It may be necessary to have the ass.s- tance of one or two persons, to start the wagon from beh.nd ; but they should not push it until the horse is fairly aga.nst the collar. J 'f • To cure the habit of baulking is not an easy matter, and it is possible only by the kindest treatment. If the horse show fear by his excited manner, or, by looking about him wildly, that he is expecting a blow, you may be sure that he has received hard^ usage under similar circumstances, and that he must be con- vinced by caresses and kind words that you will treat him gently. You must recollect that the horse cannot understand your language; and that, while he is confused, he will misin- terpret every sign which you may make to him. He has an idea of your superior power ; and, in his fear that you will exercise it, as bad drivers have done before, to his injury, he will not at once feel confidence in your kind intentions. Ho must feel this confidence, whether it take an hour or all day to convey it to him, before you can do anything to cure bira of i.« » M i M i I r 202 BAULKING OP. JIBBINQ. ^ I his trick. If you have him harnessed to a light wagon on a Bmooth road where it will afford but little resistance, you mar by repeated trials convince him that it is a simple, easy mattei to draw it ; and you should continue to exercise him from daj to day with the same light load, and afterward increase il gradually, until you have trained him to a quiet manner of starting, or of going up a hill or elsewhere where he has been accustomed to baulk. By the same gentle treatment you may start a horse or a team that have baulked under the driving of another person. Request the driver and all spectators to go to the side of tho road, and then unfasten the check-reins, hang the reins where they will be easily accessible, but so that they may lie loosely upon the horses* backs, caress them, and allow them to look about and convince themselves that no harm is doing. When they have come properly quiet, go to their heads and stand directly in front of the worst jibber of the team, so that his nose may come against your breast if he start. Turn them gently to the right, without allowing them to tighten their traces, and after caressing them a little, draw them in the same way to the left. Presently tarn them to the right, and as you do so, bring them slowly against their collars, and let them go. Sometimes a horse not often accustomed to baulk, betrays a reluctance to move, or a determination not to move. In such cases, the cause, if practicable, should always be ascer- tained. He may be overtaxed, his withers may be wrung, or he. may be insupportably galled or pained by the harness. Those accustomed to horses know what seemingly trivial cir- cumstances occasionally produce this vice. A horse, whose shoulders are raw, or have frequently been so, will not start BITINQ. 203 with a cold collar ; but when the collar has acquired the warmth of the parts upon which it presses, he will go without reluc- tance Some determined baulkers have been reformed by constantly wearing a false collar, or strip of cloth around the Bhoulders, so that the coldness of the usual collar should never be felt ; and others have been cured by keeping the collar oa night and day, for the animal is not able to lie down completely at full length, which the tired horse is always glad to do. When a horse baulks, not at starting, but while doing his work, it has sometimes been found useful to line the collar with cloth in. stead of leather ; the perspiration is readily absorbed, the sub- stance pressing upon the shoulder is softer, and it may be far more accurately eased off at a tender place. BITINO. Tins is either the consequence of natural ferocity, or a habit acquired from the foolish and teasing play of grooms and Btable-boys. When a horse is tickled and pinched by thought- less and mischievous youths, he will at first pretend to bite his tormentors ; by degrees he will proceed further, and actually bite them, and very soon after that he will then be the first to challenge to the combat, and without provocation will seize the first opportunity to grip the careless teaser. At length, as the love of mischief is a propensity too easily acquired, this war, half playful and half in earnest, becomes habitual to him, and degenerates into absolute vicionsness. It is seldom that any thing can be done in the way of cure. Kindness will aggravate the evil, and no degree of seventy will correct it. Biters have been punished until they have trembled in every joint, and were ready to drop, but this treatment ! -1 1 204 KICKING. scarcely ever cures them. The lash is forgotten in an hour, and the horse is as ready and determined to repeat the offense as before. He appears unable to resist the temptation, and in its worst form biting is a species of insanity. ! Prevention, however, is in the power of every proprietor of horses. While he insists upon gentle and humane treatment, he should systematically forbid this horse-play. KICKING. This, as a vice, is another consequence of the culpable habit of teasing the horse. That which is at first simply an indica- tion of annoyance at the pinching and tickling of the groom, and without any design to injure, gradually becomes the expression of anger, and the effort to do mischief. The horse, also, too soon recog- nizes the least appearance of timidity, and ^..^^^ takes advantage oi ^^ PARTICULARLY DAKOEROITS. the discovery. Some horses acquire, from mere irritability and fidgetiness, a habit of kicking at the stall or the bail, and particularly at night. The neighboring horses are disturbed, and the kicker gets swelled hocks, or some more serious injury. This is a habit very difficult to correct, if it is allowed to become estab- lished. Mares are much more subject to it than horses. Before the habit is inveterately established, a thorn-bush or a piece of furze fastened against the partition or post will some- KICKING. 205 times effect a cure. When the horse firds that he is pretty Beverely pricked, he will not long continue to punish himself, ll confirmed cases it may be necessary to have recourse to the but the legs are often not a little bruised by it. A rather Ion' and heavy piece of wood attached to a chain has been budded above the hock, so as to reach about half-way down the le-. When the horse attempts to kick violently, his leg will recei °e a severe blow ; this, and the repetition of it, may after a time teach him to be quiet. Kicking in harness is a much more serious vice. From the least anno°yance about the rump or quarters, some horses will kick at a most violent rate, and destroy the bottom of the chaise, and endanger the limbs of the driver. Those that are fidgety in the stable are most inclined to do this. If the reins chance to get under the tail, the violence of .the kicker will often be most outrageous; and while the animal presses down his tail so tightly that it is almost impossible to extricate the reins, he continues to plunge until he has demolished every thing behind bim. This is a vice standing foremost in point of danger, and one which no treatment will always conquer. It is altogether in vain to attempt coercion. If the shafts are very strong and without flaw, or if they are plated with iron underneath, and a stout kicking-strap resorted to, which will barely allow the horse the proper use of his hind limbs in progression, but not permit him to raise them sufficiently for the purpose of kicking, he may be prevented from doing mischief. t 206 KEARINQ. HEAEING. . This vice is not very common, at least in a dangerous foyra, and can generally be prevented by the use of the martingale. In the case of saddle-horses, another good prevention is, when (the horse is about to rise, to touch him with the spur on one side only ; this will cause him to stop to lift the hind leg on that side, and if he persists iu his attempt the spurs may be used vigor- ously, first on one side, and then on the other, but not so fast as to prevent the horse from raising his hind legs alternately, as he is spurred. The least touch of the curb-bit will cause some vici(Jus and badly trained horses to rear, while those which have been thoroughly trained will rear slightly, to a great height, or not at all, as their rider insy desire ; but it is obvious that horses €o delicately trained should not be ridden by unskillful persons, lest the awkwardness of the rider should cause unex* pected curvethig. The remedy of some breakers, that of pulling the horse back- ward on a £oft piece of ground should be practiced by reckless and brutal febows alone. Many horses have been injured in the Bpine, and others have broken their necks, by being thus sud- denly pulled over ; while even the fellow who fears no danger, is not always able to extricate himself from the falling horse. If rearing proceeds from vice, and is unprovoked by the bruis- ing and laceration of the mouth, it fully partakes of the invete- racy which attends the other divisions of restiveness. PULLING BACK ON" THE HALTER. This is a vice which has probably arisen from the horse having, at some time, broken a weak halter iu a fit of impa- VICIOUS TO CLEAN. 207 tience. The only safe cure for it, and this is not always suc- cessful, iS to tie the horse with a very strong halter, which it will be impossible for him to break ; finding that his efforts are futile, he will, after a time, generally desist from pulling — though some incorrigible brutes will try every new halter as soon as they are fastened, and will break it if possible. RUNNING AWAY. Some headstrong horses will occasionally endeavor to bolt with the best rider ; others, with their wonted sagacity, en- deavor thus to dislodge only the timid or unskillful one. Some are hard to hold, or bolt only during the excitement of a trial of speed, or the like ; others will run away, prompted by vicious propensity alone. There is no certain cure here. The only method which affords any probability of success is, to ride such a horse with a strong curb and sharp bit ; to have him always firmly in hand ; and if he will run away, and the place will admit of it, to give him (sparing neither curb, whip, nor spur,) a great deal more running than he likes. VICIOUS TO CLEAN. It would scarcely be credited to what an extent this exists in some horses that are otherwise perfectly quiet ; it is only at great hazard that they can be cleaned at all. The origin of this is probably some maltreatment. There is, however, a / great difference in the sensitiveness of the skin in different horses. Some seem as if they could scarcely be made to feel the whip, while others cannot bear a fly to light upon them without an expression of annoyance. In young horses the skin is peculiarly delicate. If they have been curried with a ; i 4 SfiaHBS^"'-" 208 VICIOUS TO SHOE. broken comb, or hardly rubbed with an uneven brush, the recollection of the torture they have felt makes them impa- tient and even vicious during every succeeding operation of the kind. Many grooms, likewise, seem to delight in pro- ducing these exhibitions of uneasiness apd vice, although, when they are carried a little too far, and at the hazard of the limbs of the groom, the animals that have been almost tortured into these manifestations of irritation, are brutally kicked and punished. This, however is a vice that may be conquered. If the horse is dressed with a lighter hand, and wiped rather than brushed, and the places where the skin is most sensitive are avoided as much as thorough cleanliness will allow, he will gradually lose the recollection of former ill-treatment, and be- come tractable and quiet. In those instances where the skin is so irritable that the horse really endures a great deal of misery every time he is cleaned besides requiring needlessly the expenditure of a great amount of muscular exertion, the remedy is very simple; instead of being curry-combed and wiped, the horse should be merely washed over with warm water on his coming in warm from a journey, then gently scraped and covered with a rug. The warmth of the body will very soon dry the skin. VICIOUS TO SHOE. The correction of this is more peculiarly the business of the smith ; yet the master should diligently concern himself with it, for it is more often the consequence of injudicious or bad usage, than of natural vice. The vice is certainly a bad one, and it very materially diminishes the value of the horse ; for it VICIOUS TO SHOE. 209 is a habit which generally gets worse at each time of snoeing. It is not so much the kicking of the horse that is to be feared, but the animal will bear his whole weight on the foot requiring to be shod, so that the smith is unable to lift it up, or after- ward to support it ; beside which the animal will keep con- tinually kicking or endeavoring to get the foot away, to the imminent danger of the limbs of the unfortunate operative. This deplorable and vicious habit is greatly increased, if not altogether produced, by rough usage at the early shoeings, and it generally gets worse at each time of shoeing, so that the horse is often rendered at last completely worthless. It may be expected that there will be some difficulty in shoeing a horse for the first few times, as it is an operation that gives him a little uneasiness. The man to whom he is most accustomed should go with him to the forge ; and if another and steady horse is shod before him, he may be in- duced more readily to submit. It cannot be denied that, after the habit of resisting this necessary operation is formed, force may sometimes be required in order to reduce our rebellious servant to obedience ; but there can be no manner of question that the large majority of horses vicious to shoe are rendered so by harsh usage, and by the pain of correction being added to the uneasiness of shoeing. It should be a rule in every forge, that no smith should be permitted to strike a horse, much less to twitch or gag him, without the raaster-farrier*8 order ; and that a young horse should never be twitched or struck. There are few horses that may not gradually be ren- dered manageable for this purpose by mildness and firmness on the part of the operator ; they will soon understand that no harm is meant, and they will not forget their usual habit ot, U k*'f^lW***-^''«J 210 CEIB-BITINQ. ti i obedience ; but if the remembrance of corporeal punishmeni is connected with shoeing, they will always be fidgety, and occasionally dangerous. CKIB-BITING. This is a very unpleasant habit, and a considerable defect, although not so serious as it is often represented. The horse lays hold of the manger with his teeth, violently extends his neck and then, after some convulsive action of the throat, a slight grunting is heard, accompanied by a sucking or drawing in of air. It is not an effort at simple eructation, arising from indi'^'estion ; it is the inhalation of air. It is that which takes place with all kinds of diet, and when the stomach is empty as well as when it is full. The effects of crib-biting are plainly perceptible. The teeth are injured and worn away, and that, in an old horse, to a very serious degree. A considerable quantity of grain is often lost, for the horse will frequently crib with his mouth full of it, and the greater part will fall over the edge of the manger. Much saliva escapes while the manger is thus forcibly held, the loss of which must "^ be of serious detriment in MTTzzLE poR A CRIB-BITER, impairing digestion The crib-biting horse is notoriously more subject to colic than other horses, and that of a kind difficult of treatment and peculiarly dangerous. Although many a crib-biter is stout and strong, and capable of all ordinary work, these horses do CRIB-BITING. 211 not generally carry as much flesh as otlicrs, and have not their endurance; on these accounts, crib-biting has been, and very properly, decided by the highest authority to be unsound- ness. It is moreover one of those tricks which are exceedingly con- ta'nous. Every companion of a crib-biter in the same stable, is likely to acquire the habit, and it is the most inveterate of all habits. The edge of the manger will in vain be lined with iron, or with sheep-skin, or with sheep-skin covered with tar or aloes, or any other unpleasant substance. In spite of the annoyance which these may occasion, the horse will persist in his attack on the manger. A strap buckled tightly round the neck, by compressing the windpipe, is the best means of preventing the possibility of this trick ; but the strap must be constantly worn, and its pressure is apt to produce a worse affection, viz., an irritation of the windpipe, which terminates in roaring. Some have recommended turning out for five or six months ; but this has never succeeded, except with a young horse, and then but rarely. The old crib-biter will employ the gate for the same purpose as the edge of his manger, and he will often gallop across a field for the mere purpose of having a bite at the rail. Medicine is altogether thrown away in such a case. The only remedy is a muzzle, with bars across the bottom ; eufiiciently wide to enable the animal to pick up his corn and to pull his hay, but not to grasp the edge of his manger. If this is worn for a considerable period, the horse may be tired of attempting that which he cannot accomplish, and for a while forget the habit ; but in a majority of cases the desire of crib-biting will return with the power of gratifying it. The causes of crib-biting are various, and some of them be- % .iflRP 212 OVERREACHINQ. NOT LYING DOWN. 213 yond the control of the owner of the horse. It is often the result of imitation ; but it is more frequently the consequence of idleness. The high-fed and spirited horse must be in mis- chief, if he is not usefully employed. Sometimes, but not often, it is produced by partial starvation ; and another occasional cause is the frequent custom of dressing the horse, even when the weather is not severe, in the stable, — thus enabling the animal to catch at the edge of the manger, or at that of the partition on each side, if he has been turned. WIND-SUCKING. This closely resembles crib-biting, and arises from the same causes ; the same purpose is accomplished, and the same results follow. The horse stands with his back bent, his head drawn inward, his lips alternately slightly opened and then closed, and a noise is heard as if he were sucking. It appears quite pro- bable, judging from the same comparative want of condition and the flatulence noted in connection with the last habit, that either some portion of wind enters the stomach, or there is an injurious loss of saliva. This vice diminishes the value of the animal nearly as much as crib-biting ; it is equally as contagions and inveterate. The only remedies — and they will seldom avail — are tying the head up, except when the horse is feeding, or putting on a muzzle with sharp spikes toward the neck, which will prick him when- ever he attempts to rein his head in for the purpose of wind- sucking. OVERREACHING. This unpleasant noise known also by the name of " clicking," is occasioned by the toe of the hind foot, or the inner edge of I the inside of its shoe, striking upon the heel of the coronet of the fore foot. The preventive treatment is the beveling, or rounding off, of the inside rim or edge of the hind shoe. Tho cure is, the cutting away of the loose parts, the application of Friar's balsam, and protection from the dirt. Some horses, particularly young ones, overreach so as to strike the toes of the hind shoes against the fore ones, which is termed "clinking." Keeping up the head of the horse does some- thin"* to prevent this ; but the smith may do more by shortening the toe of the hind shoes and having the web broad. When they are too long, they are apt to be torn off ; when too narrow, the hind foot may bruise the sole of the fore one, or may bo locked fast between the branches of the fore shoe. NOT LYING DOWN. It occasionally happens that a horse will seldom or never lie down in the jptable. He sometimes continues in apparent good health, and feeds and works well ; but generally his legs swell, and he becomes fatigued sooner than another horse. If it is impossible to let him loose in the stable, or to put him into a spare box, nothing can be done to obviate the difficulty. No means, gentle or cruel, will force him to lie down. The secret is, that he is tied up, and either has never dared to lie down through fear of the confinement of the halter, or he has ^been cast in the night and severely injured. If he can be suf- fered to range the stable, or have a comfortable box in which he may be loose, he will usually lie down the first night. Some few horses, however, will lie down in a stable, and not in a loose hox. A fresh, well-made bed will generally tempt the tired horse to refresh himself with sleep. ni»»'a;c.-;sso'. 214 SHYING. It may be observed in this connection, that the basis of sup^ port afforded by the four extremities is so considerable in the horse, tliat he is able to sleep in a standing position, and some horses have even been known to preserve their health, strength, and condition, although they were never known to lie down At the same time, it is undeniable, that an animal that will quickly lie down and take his rest, as a general rule, preserves his condition, and is better fitted for exertion. SHYING. This most dangerous habit is sometimes the effect of fear, and sometimes is a downright vicious propensity; and there are many horses which commence the practice through fear and end by becoming viciously disposed to indulge in it, iji consequence of sheer mismanage- ment. The young colt is almost al- ways more or less shy, especially if he is brought at :^r- once from the re- mSAnREEABLE AND DAX(SER0r8. tircd ficldS iu VVlUCll he was reared to the streets of a busy town. There are, however, numberless varieties of shyers, some being dreadfully alarmed by one kind of object, \s liich to another is not at all formidable. When a horse finds that he gains his object by turning around, he will often repeat the turning with- out cause, pretending to be alarmed, and looking out for ex- BHYINO. 215 cases for it. This is not at all uncommon, and with timid riders leads to a discontinuance of the ride, by which the horse cains his end for the time, and repeats the trick upon the first occasion. In genuine shying from fear, the eyes are generally more or less defective ; but sometimes this is not the cause, ^Yhich is founded upon a general irritability of the nervous system. Thus, there are many that never shy at meeting wagons, or other similar objects, but which almost drop with fear on a small bird flying out of a hedge, or any other startling sound. These are also worse, because they give no notice, whereas the ordinary shyer almost always shows by his ears that he is pre- pared to turn. For shyers the only remedy is, to take as little notice as possible, to make light of the occurrence, speak encouragingly, yet rather severely, and to get them by the object in one waij or another. If needful, the aid of the spur and whip may be called in, but not as a punishment. If the horse can be urged to go by the object at which he is shying without the whip or spur, so much the better ; but if not, he must be compelled to do so by their use. Wherever fear is the cause of shying, punishment only adds to that fear; but where vice has supplanted fear, severity should be used to correct it. As a general rule, the whip need never be used, unless the horse turns absolutely round, and not then unless there is reason * to suspect that he is pretending fear. If he will only go by the object, even with *'a wide berth," as the sailors say, he may be suffered to go on his way unpunished; and nothing is so bad as the absurd severity which some horsemen exercise after the horse has conquered his reluctance, and passed the object. At this time he should be praised and petted, with all the en-' niB*^- •f'^VM '■ 216 PATTTNa. SLIPPING THE COLLAR OR HALTER. 211 couragement which can be given ; and on no account should he be taught to make those rushes which are so commonly seen on the road, from the improper use of whip and spur. If pun- ishment is necessary at all, it must be used beforehand ; but it often happens that the rider cannot spare his whip-hand until the shying is over; and then, in his passion, he does not reflect that the time has passed for its employment. Shying on coming out of the stable is a habit that can rarely or never be cured. It procec^ds from the remembrance of some ill-usage or hurt which the animal has received in the act of proceeding from the stable, such as striking his head against a low door-way, or entangling the harness. When the cure, however, is early attempted, it may be so far overcome that it will be unattended with danger or diflSculty. The horse should be bridled when led out or in. He should be held short and tight by the head, that he may feel that he has jiot liberty to make a leap, and this of itself is often suflScient to restrain him. Punishment, or a threat of it, will be highly improper. It is only timid or high-spirited horses that acquire the habit, and rough usage invariably increases their agitation and terror. PAWINO. . Some hot and irritable horses are restless even in the stable, ind paw frequentV and violently. Their litter is destroyed, the floor of the stable broken up, the shoes worn out, the feet bruised, and the legs sometimes sprained. If this habit does )»ot exist to any great extent, yet the stable never looks well. Shackles are the only remedy, with a chain sufficiently long to enable the horse to shift his posture, or move in his stall ; but these mus:t be taken off at night, otherwise the animal wil5 seldom lie down. Unless, however, the horse possesses pecu- liar value, it will be better to dispose of him at once, than to submit to the danger and inconvenience that he may occasion. ROLLING. This is a very pleasant and perfectly safe amusement for a horse at grass, but cannot be indulged in the stable without the chance of his being dangerously entangled with the collar, rein, or halter, and being cast. Yet, although the horse is cast, and bruised, and half strangled, he will roll again on the following night and continue to do so as long as he lives. The only remedy is not a very pleasant one for the horse, /lor always quite safe ; yet recourse must be had to it, if the habit of rolling is inveterate. The, horse should be tied with length enough of halter to lie down, but not to allow of his head resting upon the ground ; because, in order to roll over, a horse is obliged to place his head quite down upon the ground. SLIPPING THE COLLAR OR HALTER. This is a trick in which many horses are so well accomplished, that scarcely a night passes without their getting loose. It is a very serious habit, for it enables the horse sometimes to gorge himself with food to the imminent danger of producing stag- gers ; or it exposes him, as he wanders about, to be kicked and Injured by the other horses, while his restlessness will often keep the whole team awake. If the web of the halter, being first accurately fitted to his neck, is suffered to slip only one way. or a strap is attached to the halter and buckled round the neck, but not sufficiently tight to be of serious inconvenience, the power of slipping the collar will be taken away. SPP 218 BTUMBLINa. UNSTEADINESS WHILE BEING MOUNTED. 219 BTUMBLINO-. That person must either be a skillful practitioner, or a mere pretender, who engages to remedy this habit. If it arise from a heavy forehand, and the fore legs, being too much under the horse, no one can alter the natural frame of the animal ; if it proceeds from tenderness of foot, groggincss, or old lameness, these ailments are seldom cured. Also, if it is to be traced to habitual carelessness and idleness, no whipping will rouse the drone. A known stumbler should never be ridden or driven by any one who values his safety or his life. A tight hand or a strong bracing-rein are precautions that should not be neg- lected, although they are generally of little avail ; for the in- veterate stumbler will rarely be able to save himself, and this tight rein may sooner and further precipitate the rider. If after stumbling the horse suddenly starts forward, and endea- vors to break into a short trot or canter, the rider may be assured that others before him have fruitlessly endeavored to remedy the nuisance. ^- If the stumbler has the foot kept as short, and the toe pared as close as safety will permit, and the shoe is rounded at the toe, or has that shape given to it which it naturally acquires ia a fortnight from the peculiar action of such a horse, the animal may not stumble quite so much ; or if the disease which pro- duced the habit can be alleviated, some trifling good may be done ; but in almost every case the stumbler should be got rid of, or put to slow and heavy work. If the latter alternative is adopted, he may stumble as much as he pleases, for the weight of the load and the motion of the other horses wilfkeep him upon his legs. UNSTEADINESS WHILE BEINQ MOUNTED. When this merely amounts to eagerness to start—very un- pleasant, indeed, at times, for many a rider has been thrown from his seat before he was fairly fixed in it-it may be reme- died by an active and good horseman. It oftentimes happens that while the elderly, inactive, and fearful man is engaged in making more than one ineffectual attempt to vault into the saddle°the horse is dancing about to his annoyance and danger; but no' sooner is the animal transferred to the management of a younger and more agile rider, than he becomes perfectly sub- dued° Severity will here, more decidedly than in any other case, do harm. The rider should be fearless ; he should care- lessly and confidentially approach the horse, mount at the first effort, and then restrain him for a while ; patting him, and not allowing him to proceed until he becomes perfectly quiet. Horses of this kind should not be too highly fed, and should have sufficient daily exercise. When the difficulty of mounting arises, not from eagerness to start, but from unwillingness to be ridden, the sooner that horse is disposed of the better. He may be conquered by a skillful and determined horseman ; but even he will not succeed without frequent and dangerous contests that will mar all tho pleasures of the ride. ^fW ■z ^ i| m ^ii 224 tJNEVtN TEETH. QUIDDINO. I freqiientlv escapes notice until the animal refuses his food, and the tongue becomes tender and swollen. In such cases, wash the mouth clean, and sprinkle a teaspoonful of table salt on the sore ; the tincture of myrrh occasionally applied m\\ hasten the cure, CUT TONGUE. The tongue sometimes becomes bruised from the sudden jerking of the lines in the hands of a careless or obstinate driver, or it may happen from tight reining ; that portion of the tongue upon which the bit rests becoming bruised and ulcerated, and the frequent use of the bit keeping up the irritation, until the tongue, in some cases, becomes almost separated by ulceration before it is discovered. Alum water, saltpetre, and tincture of myrrh are the proper dressings. 225 UNEVEN TEETH. The molar teeth frequently become very uneven upon their faces or grinding surfaces, in consequence oi the crusta petrosa wearing away too rapidly and often leaving deep cavities in the teeth, which become filled with food and soon prove a great source of annoyance by interfering with proper mastication. This occurs more particularly in old horses. The upper molar teeth being well protected on the outer surface with enamel, wear less rapidly than the lower ones which are protected upon the inner side. In consequence of this the upper teeth often become very sharp upon the outside, and when the reins are drawn up the cheeks are forced upon these sharp edges and become sore and often lacerated, while the lower ones becoming «harp on the inside edges, lacerate the tongue in a simili^ m manner. The horse from this cause often refuses his food, sinco mastication causes him severe pain. He soon begins to lose flesh, the digestive organs become deranged, the skin becomes tiglit, and the animal is perhaps doctored for bots, worms, and the like. In all these cases the tooth-rasp becomes necessary, which is an instrument made concave, or hollow, upon one side, and conve.T, or rounding, on the other, with a long handle attached. The rasp is upon the hollow side, the round side and the edges being perfectly smooth so as not to wound the cheeks or tongue when used. With this instrument the sharp corners of the teeth arc easily taken off, and the horse is enabled to feed again in the proper manner. If the teeth are in this condition no medicine is of any avail ; all the condition powders in the world will not benefit in the slightest degree ; the tooth-rasp is the only remedj that will prove serviceable. QUIDDINO. This disease, if disease it may be called, is generally caused by the irregular wear of the teeth already mentioned ; or it may «.-,se from caries of the teeth, or from a diseased state of the •'-oles of deglutition. -I have seen," says White, "at the | together with two carious teeth^th^ first and second molars of the right side. The mare was cast, and ten pieces of carious teeth removed ; the cavity was then well cleaned out, and tow saturated with tincture of myrrh filled in, removing and cleaning every day. Some four weeks subsequently, the animal was sold for one hundred and fifty dollars, sound as a bell ; though pre- viously to this operation she could not have been sold \t any price. Many similar cases could be mentioned, but the fore- going will serve to show the necessity of making a thorough examination of an animal before pronouncing sentence of death upon it. . 41 if 230 EXTRACTING TEETH. XNFLAMMATIOrr. 231 Acidity of the fluids of the mouth is generally— and, as tht author believes, correctly— assigned as the cause of caries of the teeth. The symptoms are fetid discharges from the nose, ob- structed respiration, improper mastication of the food, passing the oats or corn whole, quidding, drowsiness, loss of flesh, staring coat, hide-bound, tossing to and fro of the head, stop- ping short on the road, starting suddenly, and at times becoming almost frantic. All these symptoms, however, must not be expected to be found in the same case, as difi'erent horses are differently afl*ected by the disease. One is drowsy, feeds daintily it times, and again ravenously ; another is at times wild, so as to be almost unmanageable. Many of these symptoms occur in \)ther diseases besides those of the teeth ; but their presence suggests the necessity for an examination of the mouth, and particularly of the molar teeth, which may be done by passing the hand along the upper molar teeth inside of the cheek, thus enabling the examiner to detect the presence of caries without difficulty. EXTRACTING TEETH. When a carious tooth, or one so unequally worn as to cause mischief, is discovered, its removal is necessary to the restora- tion of the animaPs health. In order to accomplish this, the horse must be cast, and the age of the animal considered, in order to make choice of proper instruments. If he is young, say from four to six years, an instrument made simihir to the key used by surgeon dentists, is the best adapted ; if he is old, a pair of forceps of large size, made in the same manner as the tooth-forceps of dentists, will answer, as the roots of the teeth in old horses are comparatively short, and therefore may be easily extracted. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS INFIiAMMATION. The diseases of the respiratory organs and air passages are generally of an inflammatory type. In order to fully under- stand the various diseases to which these important organs are subject, a few remarks regarding the nature of inflammation, its progress, &c., may not be out of place in a work like the present. Inflammation, then, is a state of altered nutrition, an increased vascularity and sensibility of the parts involved, together with a tendency to change of structure. The symptoms ai-e swelling, pain, heat, and redness where the parts are not covered with hair. The redness is in consequence of a redundancy of blood in the inflamed part, which distends the small capillaries with red particles of blood. When the inflammation is acute, the parts present a bright red or crimson hue ; when it is chronic, they are of a dark or purplish red color. As the various terms employed by authors to indicate the various degrees are unin- teresting to the general reader, no attempt at detail is here made. The sensation of pain is mainly due to a stretching of the nerves by the distended blood-vessels. It difi'ers in its char* acter and intensity according to the parts involved, varying from a burning, throbbing, sharp, and lacerating pain to a mere sense of heat, soreness, and a dull sensation of pain. The heat in inflammation is supposed to arise from an increased quantity of blood in the inflamed part. The swelling in the early stage is due to the increased quantity of blood, and !, i : i 1 232 SORE THROAT. BORE THROAT. afterward to the efTusion which takes phice in all loose tissnes. By inflammation all the various structures of the animal economy may be so altered as to interfere with the perfonn- nnce of their natural functions ; in some cases by a pernument thickening of the parts, and in others by adhesion and the like. By the aid of auscultation, that is, tlic application of tho ear to the parts to be examined, the slightest change in the normal and healthy condition of the respirator}' organs may be detected, and the various parts involved in inflammatory action may be pointed out with a considcjjftblc degree of cer- tainty. With thus much of introduction we proceed to tha consideration of the various diseases naturally falling under ouy present division. SORE THROAT. Sore throat is a common attendant upon catarrhal affec- tions. When it is confined to that portion of the throat at the root of the tongue, which is known to mcdica) men as thelarvnx itiscallel laryng. itis ; and this pail & is the comnioi seat of this dis ease, from whic). it extends dcwL the trachea, O' windpipe, to the lungs. As long as the throj».t remains ver; •ore, it is a pretty good evidence that the lungj* m'** not aiTecte^. TSK SADDLE HORSK. P 233 This disease may exist either in an acute, sub-acute, or chronic form. When acute, its management is simple and usually suc- cessful ; but if it is neglected in this early stage, it not unfrc- qucntly proves troublesome, and in some cases leaves tho animal permanently unsound, terminating in wheezing, whist- ling, roaring, or broken-windcdncss. Tiic symptoms of sore throat arc easily detected by the or- dinary observer. According to the intensity of the disease there is an accumulation of saliva in the mouth, clear, thick, and stringy, more particularly when the tongue is swollen ; a stifl'ness of the head, the horse coughing upon the sli^rhtest pressure on the larynx; difficulty in swallowing, more par- ticularly hard grain or hay, and a consequent refusal of food allogether; a short, hard cough; more or less copious dis- charges from the nose, as the disease advances; an accelerated pulse, frequently rising to ninety or one hundred pulsations in a minute; mouth hot, with considerable fever accompanying. For treatment, apply strong mustard, mixed with water to the thickness of cream, to the throat, rub it well in, and repeat as often as may be necessary ; or poultice the part with flaxseed meal for several days, and sprinkle on the tongue a teaspoonful of common table salt three or four times a day, which in ordinary cases is all the treatment which will be necessary for the acute type of the disease. The attention of the veterinary surgeon is more frequently called to chronic forms of this disease, in which, though no Bwelling of the parts is usually perceptible, a pressure upon the larynx at once excites a hard cough. In this stage of the disease much relief will be obtained by the application of a blister, prepared as follows • Pulverized cantharides (Spanish 4': i PI ***' ■i ij 234 STRANGLES. it til n flies) half an ounce ; of lard, one and a half ounces ; mixea well, and as thin as may be desired with spirits of turpentine. This must be well rubbed in, and after it has acted thoroughly, dress with sweet oil or lard. STRANGLES. This is but another form or stage of laryngitis. The throat becomes enormously swollen, the swelling extending under the jaws and up to the very ears, threatening suffocation ; then respiration becomes much disturbed ; the flanks heave violently, and the breathing can be heard at a considerable distance; the animal begins to sweat from his frequently convulsive efforts to breathe, and, if not speedily relieved, dies a most violent death. Life may be saved by the veterinary surgeon at this crisis by the operation of bronchotomy, that is, by opening the windpipe, and inserting a tube through which the animal may breathe instead of through the nose. This operation aflfordi instant relief, and gives an opportunity to apply remedies to the diseased throat, which in a few days usually eflfect a cure, when the tube may be removed. The author has never lost a case where he has resorted to this operation. The early treatment of this disease is to poultice the throat well with flaxseed meal, commonly called cake-meal or oil-cake, using salt upon the tongue as before. Mustard plasters are also very effective, and steaming the nostrils frequently affords relief. As soon as the swelling permits, it should be lanced; and when it has once discharged freely, the animal may be considered out of danger, provided proper care be taken to guard against a relapse. A seton applied between the jaws CHRONIC COUGH. 235 often relieves ; but these cases are safer in the hands of a com- petent surgeon. Under no circumstances of this disease should the animal be bled. Malignant or putrid sore throat, is fortunately but little known in the United States, the author not being aware of its existence in any portion. Cases presenting somewhat similar symptoms have been found upon examination to differ in a marked degree from those which accompany this form of disease as they are laid down in the works of foreign authors. A detailed description of this type of the disease is therefore deemed unnecessary in the present treatise. CHRONIC COUGH. This arises from various causes, and is present in a number of diseases. It is often symptomatic of some affection of the lungs and air passages ; and it sometimes exists apparently as an independent affection, the animal thriving well, and retain- ing unimpaired his appetite and spirits. If it arises from irritation of the larynx, or upper part of the throat, a few applications of mustard will be beneficial ; if from worms in the stomach or intestines, treat as directed under the head of - Worms.^' If it exists without any appar- ent connection, or as the termination of disease previously existing, give every night in a bran mash one of these pow. ^ers: of sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), digitalis (fox-glove), pulverized squills, nitre, and camphor, each one ounce ; to be made into ten powders. Green food, as carrots, potatoes, turnips, or parsnips, should be given when procurable. I ','. M 236 CATAnnH. CA.TAHRH. This disease, commonly called a cold, is conGued in ordinary cases to the lining membrane of the nose and neighboring parts; but in severe cases the inflammation sometimes extends down the air passages to the lungs, frequently resulting fatally. lu the spring of the year this disease frequently appears in an epi- zootic form, when the symptoms are more alarming and the termination more generally fatal. If the inflammation is conflned to the nostrils, the membrane lining those cavities is reddened, a thin watery or mucous dis- charge from the nostrils takes place, accompanied with frequent sneezing ; if the larynx is involved, there are cough, swellings underneath the jaws, etc. Some authors recommend bleeding in this affection; but such ' an abuse of the lancet can do no good, and is often productivo of much harm. If the symptoms are slight, one of the follow- ing powders given night and morning will be all that is re- quired: of saltpetre two ounces; of pulverized Jamaica ginger one ounce ; mixed, and divided into eight powders. If there is swelling under the jaws, poultice the throat with flaxseed meal; if much discharge from the nostrils, steam them well with boil- inf( water poured upon bran. If the inflammation exhibits any tendency to extend down the windpipe, apply a blister all along the neck over the windpipe from the throat to the breast, giving one of the following balls night and morning ; of nitrate of potassa and pulverized gentian root, each one ounce; Jamaica ginger and caraway seeds, each half an ounce ; mix with molasses and divide into six balls. If the discharge from the uose continues, the animal losing flesh, and the appetite being INFLUEN7A. 2.^ impaired, give one of the follovving powders in the feed night and morning : sulphate of copper one ounce ; pulverized gentian root one and a half ounces ; pulverized ginger six drachms ; mix and divide into eight powders. Good wholesome food only should l.c given. DISTEMPER. All catarrhal afi*ections are classed by horse-owners under the common head of distemper. Common catarrh, epizootic or epidemic catarrh, laryngitis, bronchitis, and all other diseases accompanied by nasal discharges, are regarded by horsemen generally as one and the same disease. INFLUENZA. For several years past a disease has been more or less preva- lent in various sections of the United States, known to the veterinary profession as "J epizootic (epidemic) ca- tarrh, or influ- enza. The symptoms of this disease tii; are so various in different animals, no two being precisely alike, that a vari- QLMET ENJOYMENT. ^^7 ^^ opiuious arc current co!icerning it and its nature, and, as a consequence, varioua other diseases are often confounded with it. L^ 111 1 23S INFLUENZA. f;: In the year 1855, this disease made its appearance in the Btables of one of the largest omnibus proprietors in Philadel' phia, and some nine horses died in about two weeks. Theso were snppo§ed to have been foundered, and were treated for that disease. A careful examination, however, by a competent practitioner revealed the true nature of the disease, and under proper treatment the balance of the stock was saved. Shortly after the demand for veterinary surgeons was very great, and while they saved forty-eight out of every fifty cases, the flu-rier lost almost every case he attempted to treat, principally from his too common practice of bleeding and purging ; thus reducing the system so low that nature became exhausted. This disease is called by horsemen pink-eye distemper, and is by many regarded incurable, though the author knows of no disease that more readily yields to proper treatment, and in his own practice he has been eminently successful in accomplishing a cure. It commences with slight watery or thin mucous dis- charges from the nostrils ; matter collecting in the inner corner of the eyes ; eye-lid on the inner side of a very slight or yellow* ish red color; pulse feeble, with occasional paralysis of tho hind extremities ; sore throat ; excessive debility ; membrune of the nose much reddened ; hard cough ; heart sometimes vio- lently agitated ; flanks heaving; and feet sometimes hot ; thns producing all the symptoms of founder. For treatment, never bleed, as in nine cases out of ten, the animal dies. If inflammation runs high, as it sometimes does, use for several days the following : of tartar emetic and nitrate of potash, each two drachms, made into a ball with molasses and given at night. Give also in a pail of water one ounce of spirits of nitre twice a day j or, if more convenieDt, twc dvi^^liDM INFLUENZA. 239 of the extract of belladonna (nightshade) dissolved in the water. When the inflammation is reduced, give one of the following balls night and morning : of pulverized gentian root and nitrate of potassa, each an ounce; pulverized Jamaica ginger, half an ounce; ground fenugreek seeds six drachms ; mix with molasses, and divide into eight balls. In pure cases of debility (this being one of the serious symptoms of the disease), or in the early stages, previous to extensive inflammation being established, one of the following should be given twice a day .-—sulphate of iron (green vitriol) two ounces ; pulverized ginger one ounce ; pulverized gentian root two ounces ; mix with molasses, and divide into eight balls. In cases where the lungs are aff"ected, give the following ball twice a day : of tartar emetic and pulver- ized digitalis (foxglove) each one scruple ; nitrate of potash three drachms; mix with molasses. Linseed tea, or oat-meal gruel should be given frequently. :So hay should be given, unless the bowels are in good condition. If the liver is aff*eoted— which may be known by the yellow tinge of the mucous mem- brane, dung small and hard, horse lying on his side, and occa- sionally looking at his side as if in pain, with occasional fits of uneasiness—the following may be given, but must not be re- peated ; of Barbadoes aloes three drachms, calomel and pulver- ized digitalis each half a drachm ; make into a ball with molasses. In all these cases where there is soreness or swelling of the throat, the parts should be freely blistered ; and the sides also. If the lungs are involved. This mode of treatment has proved yerj successful in the author^s practice. 240 BRONCHITIS. NASAL GLEET. 241 3: BRONCHITIS. The larynx (upper part of the windpipe), the trachea (wind- pipe), and the bronchial tubes (branches from the trachea into the lungs for the passage of air), are lined by one continuous membrane, called the mucous membrane, which secretes a thin mucous substance that always keeps the parts soft and moist. When this membrane becomes inflamed, the disease is named according to its location. If it is confined to the larynx (as has been before observed), it is termed laryngitis; if to the windpipe, trachitis ; and if to the bronchial tubes, bronchitis. The trachea and bronchia are rarely diseased separately, the inflammation generally extending from one to the other. We shall therefore treat of bronchitis as embracing trachitis liice- wise. Even this disease rarely exists unmixed with others, in consequences of which it is often overlooked, or confounded with other diseases of a pulmonary character. Bronchitis is generally preceded by a shivering fit ; mouth hot, with more or less saliva; discharge from the nose ; cough; Rore throat; fever; short breathing; loss of appetite; accele- rated pulse ; and membrane of nose and eyelids reddened. In treating this disease it is much safer to call in the veteri- nary surgeon, in consequence of the difficulty which the ordi- nary observer will experience in distinguishing it from other pulmonary diseases, and from the fact that the treatment varies with the changes that take place in the progress of the disease. It is not necessarily fatal ; yet the most trifling neg- lect or mistake in treatment may make it so. The average loss, if proper treatment is pursued, is not more than five per cent. Resort should never be had to bleeding in any form which the !*■,: disease may assume, although such treatment has been recom- mended by the highest authorities. If much fever is present, give the following ball : of nitre two drachms ; pulverized digitalis and tartar emetic each half a drachm ; solution of gum arabic sufficient to make the ball. This may be repeated if the desired effect is not produced in twelve hours. Apply to the throat, sides, and along the spine, strong mustard mixed with water to the consistence of cream, which may be repeated as often as necessary. The fly blister is also recommended ; but the author prefers mustard, as being so much quicker in its action. After the inflamma^ tion has subsided, give one of the following powders twice a day : of pulverized gentian root and nitre, each one ounce ; pulverized Jamaica ginger, half an ounce; caraway seeds six drachms. This course of treatment is perfectly safe in the hands of any horseman, though it will not reach all stages of the disease ; nor can any general directions be given better calculated to warrant a successful issue in these cases. wasaij gleet. "^asal gleet is the name here given to those discharges from the nose, which are commonly preceded by some inflammatory or catarrhal attack of the air passages, in particular those of the head; though there occur examples of their appearing without any such detectible precursors, originating, indeed, ^I'lthout any visible or apparent cause whatever; in most cases t ley are apt to continue long after all signs of inflammation have died away. Gleet is more likely to supervene after a chronic, than after an acute, attack of catarrh, and to show itself in an 242 NASAL QLEET. PNEUMONIA. i adult or aged horse rather than in the young subject. Some- times the discharge comes from one nostril alone ; more usually from both. Sometimes the submaxillary glands (glands under the jaws), remain tumefied, and sometimes they are not. The Schneiderian membrane (membrane of the nose) discolored by inflammatory action, has become pallid and leaden-hued, but is free from all pustular or ulcerative indications. The dis- charged matter varies in quantity and quality in different in- dividuals, and even in the same horse at different stages of this disease. The ordinary gleet consists of a matter more mucous than purulent, remarkable for its whiteness, about tho thickness of cream, and in some cases is smooth and uniform, in others clotty or lumpy ; in other cases it is yellow, and appears to contain in its composition more pus than mucus. At one time it will collect about the nostrils, and become ejected in flakes or masses in pretty regular succession; at another time there is a good deal of irregularity in this re- spect, the running from the nose ceasing altogether for a while, as though the animal were cured, and then returning with double or treble force. Sometimes fetor is an offensive accompaniment of the discharge ; at other times no fetor is perceptible. The health does not suffer in the least; on the contrary, it is one of the indications of this disease, that the horse eats and drinks, and has his spirits, as well as though he were quite free from complaint. Formerly, these cases were considered to be evidences of glanders, and were called chronic glanders ; many a horse having been destroyed under this mistaken impression. That a case of the kind might not turn to glanders, is, perhaps, more than can be asserted with certainty ; but that, so long as 243 it continues gleet, it is not glanders, I am fully persuaded • and to show that it is not, I have been in more than one in- stance successful in bringing the case to a favorable issue." [Percival's Ilippopathology.] The treatment recommended by veterinary writers has not been found successful in the author's practice ; nor, indeed, do they themselves appear to have encountered any better for- tune. That which has proved efficacious has, in all cases, been strictly tonic. Give the following powder night and morniu"^ for a month : of sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), half a drachm; pulverized gentian root, two drachms; pulverized ginger, one drachm ; mix for one dose : or, give night and morning, mixed in the feed, half-drachm doses of powdered nux vomica (commonly called Quaker button). There is no danger in giving this preparation to a horse, provided he does not have water for some time afterward, say half an hour; and it very rarely fails. PNEUMONIA. By pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is meant either a highly congested or an inflammatory condition of the lungs, arising from various causes, as high feeding, blanketing, close or badly ventilated stables, violent or extraordinary exercise, or sudden changes from heat to cold. Cold applied to the external surface of a heated animal drives the blood from the skm to the internal organs, often causing congestion of the lungs. Pulmonary diseases are more prevalent in the sprin- •'nd fall, particularly if the weather be cold and damp. This disease is generally ushered in by a shivering fit ; the l»orse IS sometimes attacked very suddenly ; he refuses his food. 244 PNEUMONIA. PLEtTRIST. the respiration becomes disturbed, sometimes suddenly, at other times more slowly ; legs, ears, and muzzle cold ; cough sometimes present ; staring coat ; membrane of nose reddened or leadened-hued ; the animal hangs his head in or under the manger, stands with his feet wide apart, remaining in one position with no inclination to move. The pulse varies very much • it is sometimes full and quick, at other times weak and scarcely perceptible. In these cases auscultation is found of the greatest advantage in enabling detect to a certainty the true tion of the parts affected. If the attack is sudden, coming on after any violent exer- cise, and the pulse h quick, weak, and scarce ly perceptible ; by the * "« kwhivq horse lexinutox. application of the ear to the animaVs side the case is decided, in the absence of all sounds, to be one of conges- tive pneumonia. In all these cases the less medicine which is used the better; they require the free use of the lancet, which must be promptly applied, or the animal dies. Blood must be taken until the animal begins to show symptoms of weakness; after which place him in a cool box with a pail of water, but nothing else, before him, the fresh air being all the medicine required. He will either speedily re- cover, or inflammation of the lungs will ensue. A second bleeding, notwithstanding the inflammatory action, is positively 24^ injurious. As the disease assumes an inflammatory character, the hreathing becomes more disturbed, the mouth hot, flanks heaving, and the nostrils expand and contract violently. Blisters must now be applied to the sides and breast, and those which will act quickly. The author prefers the follow- ing : of pulverized cantharidcs half an ounce ; lard one ounce ; croton oil twenty drops ; linseed oil sufficient to make it liquid. Divide the following into five parts, and give one part internally every two hours : liquor ammonia acetatis twelve ounces ; extract of belladonna one ounce ; water one pint. If there is no improvement in twelve hours, give one scruple of white hellebore with three drachms of nitre every four hours until its action is manifest. This remedy, however, is a dangerous one in the hands of any but the qualified prac' titioner. Instead of it, the tincture of aconite may be used-^ indeed, it is one of the very best remedies. Take of tincture of aconite half an ounce to an ounce of water ; give twenty drops on the tongue every three hours. Active purgatives should not be given ; injections, Lowever, are very useful. The horse should be kept on a low diet for a few days, as bran mashes, carrots, or green food ; but no hay should' bo allowed, and a pail of water should be kept before him. This is regarded by the author in all inflammatory diseases as ona of our best medicines. PliEURISY. By pleurisy is meant an inflammation of the pleura, or mem- brane covering the lungs and internal walls of the chest, without the lungs being involved in the inflammation ; when, however, tliey partake of its inflammatory action, it is styled pleoro. 246 PLEURISY. ' HYDROTHORAX. 247 pneumonia. The former disease rarely exists in a pure form ; and as in a work like the present it is unnecessary to consider the delicately drawn distinctions between the two types, both will be treated as if they constituted in reality but one disease. Pleurisy may exist in an acute or chronic form. The attack may be sudden, or gradual, the animal manifesting indisposi- tion several days previous. A hard drive, over-exertion, exposure to cold, washing in cold water when warm, a fall, fracture of a rib, a punctured wound, &c., are all causes of pleurisy. The horse manifests uneasiness ; there is a violent heaving of the flanks, a looking round at. his sides, with an anxious expres- Bion of the face ; pulse quick and wiry ; body, mouth, and breath hot ; sweating in different parts of the body ; a high state of nervous irritation, the animal pawing, lying down but rising immediately ; a pressure against the side causes pain. A pecu- liar symptom is observable in this disease ; the right fore-log differs in temperature from the left, and such is the case with the hind ones ; if the right fore-leg is warm, the left hind one will also be warm, and the others cold. Experience proves that blood-letting in this disease is only opening the vein to let life escape ; for if by this means we sue. ceed in relieving the inflammatory action, the loss of blood so prostrates the system that the animal from pure debility becomes the victim of hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest, living a mis- erable life for several weeks, perhaps months, to die at last from the accumulation of fluid in the chest. Bleeding, therefore, is uncalled for, and in fact is positively injurious. The early ap- plication of blisters to the sides is very important ; and for this purpow the same preparation will be found serviceable as has been recommended in the case of inflammation of the lungs. The application of blankets saturated with hot water and kept round the body for several hours is very beneficial. Give ono of the following powders on the tongue every hour :~of calomel one drachm ; lactucarium (the juice of the common garden lettuce) two drachms ; divide into three powders. In two hours after giving the last powder, give the following drench : liquor ammonia acetatis four ounces; sulphuric ether one ounce; tincture of aconite ten drops j water one pint. If no improve- ment takes place within six hours, give half a drachm of the extract of belladonna in a pail of water every three hours ; con- tinue this until the pupils of the eye dilate, or a favorable change otherwise takes place. If the pulse is weak, give two ounces of nitrous ether; one ounce tincture of opium ; and half a pint of tepid water; but do not repeat the dose. The ani- mal must be kept upon a low diet ; no hay or corn should bo given ; carrots and green food may be used sparingly ; give water frequently ; injections of soap and water are necessary from the first attack. After the animal becomes convalescent, strong tonics must be given, as the case may even then terminate in dropsy of the chest. Nux vomica should be given in half- drachra doses in the feed at night ; or half-drachm doses of the iodide of potassa dissolved iu a pail of water may be given three times a da v. HYDROTHORAX. Dropsy of the chest, or hydrothorax, is usually the termina. tion of pleurisy in cases where bleeding or long-continued seda- tive medication has been practised. The fluid contained within tiie chest, if following an acute attack of picuri&y, is a beauti-,. 24S THICK WIND. BROKEN WIND. S49 fully clear, bright yellow fluid. In srb-acutc cases there in considerable lymph floating in it, thus rendering it turbid. The quantity varies in different cases, from a quart or two to several gallons. In this disease the animal stands with legs straddling; the breathing is short and quick, and as the water accumulates the respiration becomes more labored ; pulse small and quick ; stag, gering gait; breast, belly, and sheath swelled, leaving after pressure the impression of the fingers; if the ear is applied to the side, no sounds are heard. No course of treatment can be suggested which would be likely to succeed in the hands of the amateur ; this disease far too often proving fatal in the most skillful hands. THICK WIND. This disease diff"ers in its action and effects from broken wind or heaves, though they are frequently confounded. It is cha- racterized by a quickened respiration, in consequence of the obstruction existing in the air passages as the termination of inflammatory action. The capacity of the lungs is often very considerably diminished ; the air-cells become filled up or obli- terated ; and the bronchial tubes become thickened ; so that the same amount of atmospheric air cannot be admitted, thus giving rise to the quick, blowing action witnessed in this disease. " It is astonishing," says Mr. Spooner, "what great alteration of the structure of the lungs may exist, and the horse be still able to perform his accustomed work. I remember a horse that foi some months worked in a fast coach, doing a stage of twelve miles daily in about an hour and a quarter. lie was seized with inflammation of the lungs, and died in about sixteen hours. On examining the body after death, it appeared that one half of the lungs for a long time past must have been perfectly useless, for the purposes of respiration, being so completely hepatized as to be heavier than water. '^ But little can be done in the way of treatment for a thick, winded horse. It is important to keep the bowels regular ; and by feeding with good sweet provender some relief is usually aflorded . HOARINQ AND WHISTLING. There are different stages of the same disease, arising from q thickening of the windpipe, or of the membranes of the larynx, rendering the passages smaller at the diseased parts. Thesq diseases are generally the termination of neglected bronchitis, laryngitis, and all diseases of a pulmonary or catarrhal cha* racter ; ulceration of the glottis (a portion of the larynx) is alsq a cause of roaring. If these diseases are caused by tight reining, the bearing rein should be left off; if they arise from other causes, there is but little prospect of benefiting the animal, except in cases where the thickened parts are in an inflammatory condition, when relief will be afforded by the application of mustard plasters or fly blisters to the parts affected. BROKEN WIND. The cause of broken wind, or heaves, has never been satis- factorily ascertained ; some writers attributing it to functional derangement of the digestive organs, others to rupture of the air-cells of the lungs, while yet a third class to a spasmodic action of the diaphragm, a muscle dividing the chest from the 250 BROKEN \nNa INFLAMMATION OP TUB STOMACH.' 251 abdomen. In this disease there is a short dry cough, which is characteristic, and familiar to all practised ears. It is a singular fact, well known to all e-owners, that this disease has no existence on the prairies of Indiana, Illinois, and other Western States; and broken- winded horses that have been taken to those sec- tions soon get well, and re- main so. The symptoms of this dis- ease are, a peculiar, double- THB ATTACK AND DEFENSE. bellows motion of the flanks; respiration quicker than natural; a short peculiar cough ; and frequent passing of wind. In its treatment the digestive organs should be kept in as healthy a condition as possible. The throat should be ex- amined ; and if by merely rubbing the sides of the throat a cough is excited, the chances for a cure are favorable ; but if the windpipe requires a squeeze in order to produce the cough, there is little use in attempting a cure. Use upon the throat three times a week for five or six weeks the following salve well rubbed in : iodine ointment two ounces ; blue (mercurial) oint- ment one ounce ; mix well together, and make thin with oil. Give internally every night one of the following powders: of sulphate of copper and pulverized ginger, each one ounce; pul- verized gentian root two ounces ; divide into sixteen powders. The benefits of this course of treatment have been very marked in the author's practice. In all cases no hay should be allowed, but wheat or oat straw will be found of great advantage. DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. Inflammation of the stomach, or gastritis, is usually the result of swallowing poisons, or powerful stimulants. Mr. James Clark relates a case of death occurring from inflammatioa of the stomach in a horse in consequence of being drenched with a pint of vinegar ; and another case where death was caused by giving a drench which contained half an ounce of spirits of hartshorn. A correspondent writing to the Turf Register in 1855, recommends the use of nux vomica, to destroy worms* to which the editor appends the following remarks :-—•* We must caution those not acquainted with the deleterious proper- ties of nux vomica against giving that drug in large doses. Three nuts or buttons weigh eighty grains, and we have re- corded evidence that sixty grains of the powder have killed a horse in a short time. Hoffman mentions that two doses, of fifteen grains each, proved fatal to the patient." The cause of these fatal terminations was doubtless some morbid condition of the stomach at the time the medicine was given. " I have known,'' says White, '*a horse quickly destroyed by being drenchef^ with a quart of beer in which one or two ounces of tobacco had been infused, and have seen other horses take much larger doses without any ill effects." The author has J^nown cases where bots were supposed to have given rise to ^nflamnmtion of the stomach. The symptoms from poisoning are extreme distress and rest- lessness, with a perfect loathing of all food ; the animal breaks out in cold sweats, lies down but rises quickly, and becomes- 253 INFLAMMATION OP THE BOWELS. INFLAMMATION OP THE BOWELS. 253 quickly prostrated in strength ; the pulse is quick and oppressed; purging may, or may not, exist. The treatment will depend upon the cause of the attack, and should in all cases be intrusted to the hands of a competent practitioner, if one can be obtained. Where poison is sus- pected, it is better to give plenty of gruel, linseed tea, starch water, chalk water, with a couple of ounces of tincture of opium. The lancet should not be used, as the animal is already in a debilitated coiklition, which bleeding would only increase, thereby preventing the possibility of a speedy recovery. INFLAMMATION OP THE BOWELS. Enteritis, or inflammation of the bowels, called by farriers red colic, admits of three divisions : enteritis, or inflammation of the muscular coat of the intestines ; peritonitis, or inflamma- tion of the outer coat of the intestines and the membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen ; and dysentery, or inflammation of the inner or mucous coat of the intestines. The muscular and peritoneal coats are those usually involved in inflammation of the bowels ; but the muscular is more fre- quently involved than the peritoneal coat. The causes of this disease are washing when warm, or swimming in a river, drink- inir cold water when in a heated condition, over exertion, cos- tiveness, dry food such as hay with little water, worms, calcareous concretions, and metastasis. The disease is sometimes preceded by a shivering fit ; there is loss of appetite ; hot skin ; continued restlessness ; mouth hot and dry ; membranes of nose and eyes very much reddened ; pawing ; the aniinal lies down and gets up frequently, kicks at his belly, looks frequently at bis sides ; no cessation of pain ; pulse hard, I Bmall, and wiry, often beating one hundred times or more a minute; respiration quickened ; bowels constipated ; dung small, hard, and dry ; extremities cold ; and the urine highly colored and passed with difficulty. As the disease progresses, the in- tensity of the symptoms very much increases. The animal is now covered with perspiration, which is succeeded by a chilly state; the pulse becomes quicker; the belly begins to swell ; the entire system becomes prostrated, and the animal dies, frequently in the most violent manner. These cases require prompt and active treatment, for the disease runs its course very rapidly, often terminating in the course of ten or twelve hours. If the costiveness yields early, the pulse becomes less frequent, soft, and full ; the extremities regain a moderate temperature, attended with remission of pain, and the case will be likely to have a favorable termina- tion. It is important that this disease should be distinguished from an attack of colic, since the symptoms of one very much resemble those of the other ; the pulse, however, is the surest guide in distinguishing these diseases. The ordinary mode of treating colic w^ould be highly injurious in the treatment of inflammation of the bowels. In this disease copious bleedings are necessary. A large opening should be made in the jugular vein, and from six to eight quarts of blood taken, the quantity varying with the size and condition of the animal ; the hardened dung should be removed by back-raking, after which tobacco-smoke injec- tions are of great service ; where these are not convenient, injections of soap and water may be used, or, what is better, an injection of two gallons of water with six ounces of tincture of arnica. One pint of linseed oil may now be given ; and if the ■■n^wmygwiv-'- ■', 't'lyi.^' M 254 INFLAMMATION OF THB BOWELS. case be a very severe one, and likely to terminate in death unless relief be afforded, ten drops of croton oil may be added to the drench ; but this last preparation should not be given except in very desperate cases, as of life or death. Aloes should not be given unless combined with opium ; and evea then this treatment is not advisable. Blankets well saturated with hot water should be applied to the abdomen, and kept up for two or three hours ; the legs should be well rubbed with cayenne pepper or strong mus- tard, and bandaged with strips of flannel; if there is no im- provement in the course of four or five hours, give one drachm of chloroform in one pint of linseed oil, which may, if neces- sary, be followed in two hours by the following ball, mi.xed with molasses : one drachm of pulverized opium ; half a drachm of calomel ; and two drachms of linseed meal. The injections Bhould be continued throughout ; give linseed tea to drink, instead of water ; soft mashes and new grass, if obtainable, may be given sparingly, but no hay, until the bowels are opened. The animal should not be worked for some days after recovery, as this disease is apt to return if he is put to work or e.xposed too soon. An attack of this character does not necessarily render the animal less useful or valuable after his restoratiou to health. Peritonitis differs but little from enteritis. The horse is more affected with pain ; the pawing, rolling, and kicking at the belly are most violent ; the eye is wild in appearance ; tenderness is evinced on pressing the abdomen ; the pulse is full and throbbing ; the dung is small and hard, and covered with a slimy substance. The same course of treatment should be pursued as is recommended for enteritis. CIAERUCEA, 255 Dysentery (molten grease, or inflammation of the intestines), is often confounded with diarrhoea. It is sometimes accom! panied with purging, but this is by no means an invariable symptom. The most common causes are irritation, translation or obstructed perspiration, and the administration of improper purging medicines, causing undue irritation, wliich terminates in inflammation. The animal usually evinces but little pain ; the pulse is quick and small ; there is sometimes purging,' with great prostration of strength. The belly should be well rubbed with the following wash : half a pound of strong mustard ; four ounces of spirits of ammonia ; and one pint of water. The following drink may be given every three hours until some improvement is ob- served, when it should be discontinued at once : of prepared chalk and tincture of ginger each one ounce ; powdered opium one drachm ; tincture of catechu half an ounce ; tincture of red pepper two drachms ; and one pint of water. Throw up Injections of two ounces of laudanum in half a pint of water, frequently, and give thin gruel to drink. No blood should be taken under any circumstances. DIAREHCBA. This disease often arises in the absence of any inflammatory- action upon the mucous surface of the intestines ; and hence the distinction cannot be made by the ordinary observer be- tween ft and dysentery, if purging should be present. In order to obviate this difficulty we recommend only such reme- dies as are cal^nlated to answer either case, without the pos- sibility of doing injury by the administration of medicines 256 INORDINATE APPETITE. The causes of diarrhoea are over-exertion, exposure to cold, drinlving freely of pump or spring water, and over doses of physic. For treatment, give in one pint of thin grael, one ounce of pre- p arc d chalk, i. half an ^S^5; o u n c 0 ^^ of tine- ^^^^2 ture of S^ catecliu, TALSY OP THE STOMACH. 25T ^^ two ounces of tine- ^ ture of ^^^ opium, and one ounce of tincture of ginger. Gruel, starch, or arrow- root should be freely given; good sweet hay is very advantageous, but no grass or bran mashes should be alloNvcd. «MAB rUHA, IHB TC»KISH CHIErTAlX. INOKDINATE APPETITE. Loss Of appetite is soon observed aud complained of by iho borse-owner. and in too many instances gives occasion lor im- proper medication. Some horses are particularly cho.ec m the selection of their food, refusing that which is poor, or daintily and languidly picking it over. Horses sometimes eat Jowly and daintily iu consequence of weakness of the diges- tive organs; in such cases a handful of camomile flowers occa sionally mi.xed in the food will be of great benefit. Boiled potatoes and the like will also be found beneficial in such cases, • The disease (for it is no less) of a voracious or depraved appetite arises from a morbid condition of the di^^estive organs, and is generally regarded by horsemen as a very"desir- able feature. The owner is greatly surprised, under such cir- cumstances, that his animal does not thrive. A distinction must be made between a healthy and a morbid appetite. The former is indicated by the animal being ready for his food as soon as he come, in from work, and eating his allowance if good sweet provender, with evident relish; but the latter is indicated by a constant craving for food and water, without regard to the quality of either, the animal oftentimes in addi- tion to h.s usual allowance eating up tlie Jitter fwm under tim, which is frequently i„ a very filthy condition. He is almost constantly craving water, and will drink even from a stagnant pool. We find him tucked up in the flanks, or carry- 'ng a big belly ; his dung is often soft, slimy, and fetid ; ho «tale« largely, and his urine is often very fonl ; he is dull hzy and Hupid, performing his work languidly or unwillinHy' feueh horses arc more than any others subject to the disease next mentioned. PALSY OP THE STOMACH. in this disease, arising from a voracious appetite, the « omach becomes overloaded with food, and distenled beyond "•" "a.nial eapacity. This is seldom observed until the symp- toms are so plainly marked as not to be mistaken, developing 258 EUPTURB OP THE STOMACn. t I in many instances the disease known as stomach staggers, which has been ah-eady mentioned. There are rarely any symptoms of acute pain ; the pulse remaining in nearly its natural condition ; respiration is but slightly disturbed ; there i, great heaviness of the head ; the horse stands with the forefeet well under him, and appears to be weak in the k.iecs; the membranes of the month and eyes present a yellow or orange appearance, indicating the liver as involved in the disease -, the urine is highly colored ; and in so.ne cases there is paralysis of the eye, and often of the extremities. The treatment required is much the same as in stomach 8ta."-ers ; in fact, this disease is the origin of the last named. Attention should be directed in the first place to opening the bowels, which requires a strong cathartic, made in the follow- ing manner : of Barbadoes aloes one ounce ; of pulverized gentian root two drachms; pulverized ginger one drachm; mix with molasses. Give no food for at least forty-eight hours; a little water may be occasionally given. In twelve hours' after the ball, give one scruple of calomel on the tongue, which may be repeated at intervals of twelve hours for two or three days. BTTPTUBB OP THE STOMACH. Rupture of the stomach or diaphragm is caused by the Btomach and bowels being distended with food far beyond their natural capacity, or by an accumulation of gas in the stomach, as in flatulent colic. The diaphragm, or midriff, is often ruptured in cases of flatulence, as is the case also with the intestines. As nothing in the way of treatment can be offered in these cases, all speculation upon them is superfluous. ■\ CALCULUS, OB STONY CONCRETIONa 259 CALCULUS. OR 8TONY CONCRETIONS. Calculous deposits are not unfrequently found in the stomach Intestines, bladder, kidneys, liver, brain, and in the glands' more particularly in the salivary glands ; often giving rise to raucl. difficulty, particularly when situated in the brain, salivary glands, or bladder. stones in the .stomach and intestines of the horse are quite common. Tlie author has seen several weighing from one to three or four pounds ; and Mr. Spooner mentions one i„ his possession weighing little less than six pounds. There were found by the author in the stomach of a horse which died of colic, one hundred and fifty-one barrel nails, two buttons and three small calculi. This horse belonged to a baker, and had been M with the scrapings of the shop. The nails presented a very singular appearance, many of them being entirely covered with calculous deposits, and others covered with the same deposits on the heads and points, presenting a body with two beads. The presence of these foreign bodies in the stomach and inte.stines occasions frequent attacks of colic, and sometimes produces inflammation of the bowels. Miller's horses are supposed to be most subject to these accumulations. These abdominal calculi generally have a metallic nucleus, are com- posed of the triple phosphates, and are generally round and smooth. When first taken from the intestines, they are of a brown or greenish color, but they soon become white. When a horse is subject to frequent attacks of colic, not occasioned oy feeding upon corn, these accumulations may reasonably bo suspected to be the cause. ■ i , ■,attwii*v^>vev»'Waarm'Wf^^-'^-'-- ^^'i-*^ «60 STRANGULATION OF THE INTESTINES. SPASMODIC COLIC. 261 ■v. HAIR BAIili. Hair balls are occasionally found in the stomach and intcs- tines of a horse, generally accumulating around a metallic nu. cleus. There are several in the possession of the author where a piece of iron is the nucleus, and one where a piece of coal afforded the same basis. These balls occasion the same disor- ders, preceded by the same symptoms, and followed by the same results as the calculus. The animal may recover from a number of attacks of colic, and die at last from the same cause. BTBANGUIiATION OP THE INTESTINES. On examining horses after death from an attack of colic, the small intestines are occasionally found tangled in a knot so as to cause a complete obstruction in the passages. This gives rise to colic pains, terminating in inflammation of the bowels and death. The small intestines being but loosely attached by the peritoneum, their outer covering, have free play in all dircc tions, whence the tendency arises to these accidents ; for the author believes them to spring from accidental rather than natural causes. There may be a simple twisting, or the intes- tine may be firmly tied into a knot. There is another species, called intro-susception, or intra-sus- ception, which is a slipping of one portion of the intestines into, or inside of, another portion, thus completely blocking up the passage. There are no symptoms by which either of these conditions may be known ; and such cases are therefore treated as cases of ordinary colic, or of inflammation of the bowels, as the case may be. Where, however, such a condition of the parts exists, all treatment will be useless. iH SPASMODIC COLIC. This disease, called by farriers gripes, cramp, fret, &c. is a cramp or spasm of the muscular structure of the intestines most generally of the small ones. The most common causes are the application of cold water to the surface of the body, drinkin.. cold water when in a heated condition, costiveness, stones i^ the intestines, hair ball, strictures of the intestines, unwholesome food, ts entire length. The ascarides are found in the large intestines, and are white U4 irORMS. BOTS. 265 worms from one to three inches In length. It is a somewTiat singular fact, that although these worms are usnally found in the large intestines^ their origin, apparentlj, is in the stomach of the horse. On opening horses after death, tumors are often found in the stomach, which upon beiug eut open will be found to contain either a thick whitish matter, or knots of small worms, from half an inch to an inch in length, of precisclj the same appearance as that of the ascarides, and belicTed bj the anthot' to be identical with them. The symptoms of worms are a rongh,. harsh, starfng coat ; Irregular or depraved api>etite; a whitish, or yellowish white, §hining substance sometimes obseryable about the futtdameni, accompanied by a disposition on the part of the auinoal to rub the tail ; breath occasionally hot and fetid ; and m sotne cases a diy, short cough. The animal becomes poor iu Acsh au;d spirits. Various modes of treatment harebceri adopted with hot tittle benefit. The remedies which have becoiwe most popular are tartar emetic, calamel^ turpentine, a» infusion of Indian pink, arsenic, green vitriol, Ac. Tliat which has wsaally been found most successful in the author's practice is to give one of the fol- lowing powders for three successive nights ; of calomel three drachms; of tartar emetic one dniehn>*y mix aiid divide into three powders. Twenty -four hours after, give the following purgative ball: of Barhadocs aloes six drachms; pnlvcriied ginger two drachms ; and pulverized gentian root one drachm. Oil of turpentine in doses of two ounces has been rery highly Tecommended by some authors ; but this the author regards as A dangerous remedy, from its tcudeucy to produce iu&ammatlou of the stomach or bowels. Too many horses have been killed by its destructive agency to render its use advisable. BOTS. These are the larva? of the gad-fly. During the summer months, when the horse is at grass, the parent fly is seen busilj engaged in depositing its eggs upon the hairs of the animal in such places as are easily reached by his mouth. This seems to be an instinctive feature in this insect. The legs, shoulders, and body are the parts selected for this purpose. The gad-fly is seen hovering in an upright position when ^^"^^^"^ "^^"^ o« bot. about to deposit her errg; she then darts upon the horse, fixing the egg to the hairs by means of a glutinous substance ; she again prepares another, which is deposited in like manner, until many hundreds are observed covering the hairs of the animal. The rapidity with which these eggs are prepared and deposited IS astonishing. They are taken into the mouth by the animal l>iting or licking himself or his mate, and are hatched upon the tongue, or taken into tlie stomach and there hatched. If the eggs are recently produced, they pass into the stomach before they are hatched ; but if they remain for a considerable time "l>on the hairs, they are hatched by the warmth of the ton^^ue «nd they pass into the stomach, where they are developed.' ilns fact may be easily and satisfactorily proven by takin- the newly deposited ogg m the hand, and then applying a warm fl">d ; when it will be observed that the egg is softened or dis- solved, but docs not produce the bot ; whereas, if the egc be »; * ft I ft i: I'M 26G BOTS. old, it will hatch in the hand. The investigations of Mr. Bracy Clark, V. S., have thrown much additional light upon the natural history of these parasites. The dread entertained of this species of worms by farmers and horsemen arises from the f\ict that so many useless books have been published, purporting to be guides to the farmer and horseman, many of which attribute tire death of a majority of horses to ravages of the bot, and give as symptoms of their presence those which characterize inflammation of the bowels, kidneys, blad- der, and the like. To this circumstance is to beiuj attributed the vast distruction of life by drenching and physicking the animal for bots. Now, a rational view of the subject leads us but to one conclusion, viz., that 1 ! Eoos OX ii^Q stomach of the horse is the natural habita- A HAia. EOOS tion of the bot, and that it cannot be, or is not, ^^''^^^^^^ developed anywhere else. This being the case, it is reasonable to suppose that inasmuch as the animal apparently suffers no inconvenience from their presence in his stomach, they were intended to serve some good purpose, rather than to do mischief. Indeed, without going to the extreme of asserting, as does Mr. Clarke, that bots are ''always harmless," it may be safely asserted as the unanimous opinion of veterinary sur- geons (farriers are not included), the world over, that they are comparatively harmless, and that when they do become injurious, it is almost always preceded by some morbid condition of the digestive organs. This may either arise from disease, or from enormous accumulations of bots, which are sometimes so great as to completely block up the pyloric orifice, or opening from the stomach into the intestines. BOTS. 26T There are no symptoms by which the existence of bots is in. dicated, except it be in the spring, when they pass from the borsj^by the fundament, assuming again the form of a chrysa- lis to re-produce tl)e parent fly. As lias already been stated, the symptoms of other diseases, as inflam mation of the bowels, &c., are often assigned as indicat- ing the presence of bots, but although bots rany some- times give rise to these conditions, it is worse than folly to jump at the probable cause in such cases and c.mP,M..K, say that it is a case of bots because a horse looks at his sides and the like. When such an instance is encountered, no matter whether it arise from bots or not, the animal must be treated for the inflammation which is present. If we succeed in controlling it, and restoring the stomach to healthy action, the bots are no longer troublesome ; but if, on the contrary, we commence drenching the animal for bots the chances are that we shall kill him. Morbid conditions of tho stomach will sometimes so incom. mode these little creatures as to cause them to escape from their un- pleasant situation, which is com- monly effected by perforating tho walls of the stomach and allowin" the fluids to escape into the abdo- men, in which case no medical agent will save the animal's life. Forfu- cATF.Rr,u*K OR .,;;;^xnn.R,Ka '"'^^^^' ''°"''=^«'". "'ese CascS but TO THE u.„»a 0, THB sToaAcii. Tarcly occur. The author has met J'tli but a solitary case in an experience of ten years where death could be attributed to the action of bots. We know, morcoTcr, from frequent experiments that the is < J »rt • , 268 DISEASES OP THE LIVER. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. horse hot is more tenacious of life than even the cat, which is popularly endowed with nine lives. The live bot has been immersed in spirits of tur- pentine, alcohol, nitric and muriatic acid, and THB RED oAD-FLT. mauj othcr equally powerful fluids, and yet lie still adhered to life with marvelous tenacity. If, then it K^^ were possible to detect the presence of bots by any marked symptoms, the attempt to remove them would certainly be hazardous to the life of the animal. The author has known cases of flatulent colic to be treated for bots, when, upon opening the stomach after the death which inevitably ensued, not a solitary bot was D^FLT. *^ ^^ ^^""^- It will be borne in mind that in large cities, where horses are not indulged in a run at grass it is no unusual occurrence to find their stomachs entirely free from bots. CATERPILLAR OF THE RED UA DISEASES OF THE LITER. Diseases of the liver are of very common occurrence in the horse, although the singularity of the internal structure of that animal renders it less liable to jaundice than the human being. The horse possesses no gall-bladder ; instead of such a reservoir it has simply a gall-duct, called the hepatic duct, which enters that portion of the intestines called the duodenum about six inches from the stomach, so that the gall is emptied into the bowels as fast as it is secreted. Various opinions have been ex- pressed touching this singular arrangement in the liver of the horse, any examination of which would be out of place in the present work. We proceed therefore to the mention of ^uch diseases as come apparently under the above head. ■4 -i ':? V 269 ?i INFLAMMATION OP THE LIVEB. Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, does not generally exist as a primary afl-ection, though it is frequently found- as a sympathetic one, being not uncommonly connected with epi- demies, or epizootic diseases, particularly in that which is known to horsemen as pink-eye distemper. The most common cause of this disease is a fullness of blood, or a plethoric condition of the system, in consequence of which too much blood is sent to the liver; want of exercise, and too high feeding, particularly with corn, are also causes of inflam- niation of this important organ. The symptoms of this disease are more obscure than those of any other part, and the difficulty is materiaFly enhanced by the inability of the animal to assist us with his tongue. Still, by close observation we can trace the symptoms with such a degree of accuracy as to render our treatment almost a cer- tainty. The mouth and breath are hot; the extremities cold ; the membrane lining the eyelids highly injected, presenting an orange-red appearance ; the pulse rises from seventy to one iHindred or more a minute, and is soft and full ; the appetite lost; the animal looks wistfully and deploringly at his sides; lies down, but gets up again directly ; the respiration at times IS perfectly tranquil, at other times slightly disturbed, and at others again very much disturbed, and distressing to the ani- mal— so that, in fact, the amateur cannot be governed by this Bjmptom,— there is usually much tenderness of the right side; and the dung small, hard, and generally dark-colored. In the acute stage the animal is generally in a state of plethora, in consequence of which a small quantity of blood it t r ' . I m i I 210 JAUNDICE. may be taken to good advantage ; but in the absence of plethora he must not be bled ; a blister may be applied to the sides, or the application of creosote will be found serviceable. Injeltions of castile soap and water should be used occasion^ ally until the bowels are opened. Give every four hours one of the following balls: of Barbadoes aloes six drachms; calomel three drachms ; mix with molasses, and divide into twelve parts. Keep the body warm, and bandage the legs with flannel ; turn into a loose box stall, where the atmosphere is pure. When convalescent, give one of the following balls night and morning: of sulphate of iron two ounces; pulver. ized gentian root one and a half ounces ; pulverized Jamaica ginger one ounce ; and pulverized anise seed one ounce: mix with molasses, and divide into sixteen parts. "7 JAUNDICE. This disease depends upon an obstruction of the biliary ex- cretions, causing a yellow discoloration of the mucous mem- brane, fat, ligaments, and other tissues of the body ; it will oftener be found in connection with other diseases than dis- tinct and independent of them, although it does occasionally exist in a pure or unmixed form, the symptoms of which m not at first observed by the horseman on account of their obscurity. The lining membranes of the eyelids and lips are of a yellow or orange color, extending even to the white of the eye ; tiie dung paie, small, and bally; bowels generally constipated; appetite lost or languid ; the animal hangs his head, is dull and mopy, and becomes very poor in flesh. HEPATIRRHCEA. 211 In the treatment of this disease the principal reliance is upon calomel ; two drachms of which made into a bolus with fla.\seed meal and mola.sses should be given, followed in twenty-four hours by a purging ball. The animal should have moderate exercise daily ; his body should be kept warm ; and if there be pain in the right side, apply a blister ; if necessary, the calomel may be repeated in scruple doses once a week. HEPATIEHHtEA. « This is a rupture of the peritoneal coat of the liver, and hemorrhage from it. It occurs most generally in aged horses and is always preceded by structural derangement, or disorgani! zation which, from the obscurity of the symptoms escapes notice until it is too late for medical aid. The animal gener- ally does his work as usual until within a few hours of his death, keeping in full condition, «nd presenting to the eye of his owner no appearance of disease. The symptoms are so gradual in their development as to escape observation until the peritoneum, or covering of the liver, gives way, or becomes ruptured, from the great distension of the liver, when the blood flows freely into the abdominal cavity, giving rise to the most alarming symptoms, and the horse often dies within an hour after he is first discovered to be ill. The symptoms which are noticeable are suddenly developed, and generally appear immediately after eating or drinking.' The animal will sometimes fall suddenly, and die in a few ""nutes, without having shown any previous indisposition ; at otiier times the respiration becomes hurried, the belly begins Jo swell, the pulse becomes gradually diminished and very «l>Ie, partial or general sweating takes place, the animal t l>: -3 t ,1 272 DECAYED STRUCTURE OF THE LIVER. walks with a tottering gait, the membranes lining the eyelids lips, and nose, become blanched, indicating internal henior. rhage, there is a vacant stare in the eye, with great prostra- tion of strength, which soon terminates in death. Upon opening the abdomen, it is found filled with dark venous blood in a fluid state, and the liver is several times its natural size, and exceedingly tender. Where it is possible to detect the existence of the disease in its incipient stages, calomel would be the appropriate remedy, as it is as justly entitled to rank as a specific for the diseases of the liver of the horse, as it is for those of his master— man. DECAYED STRUCTURE OP THE LIVER. This also is a disease of common occurrence, though like the other diseases of this organ, the symptoms, from their obscurity, are not well understood by tiie veterinary practi- tioner, but little attention having as yet been paid to its in- vestigation. The first symptoms noticed are loss of appetite; surfeit; the being hide-bound ; rough, staring coat; food passing un- digested; stools of a clay color; prostration of strength; readiness to sweat ; pulse quick but feeble ; respiration hur- ried; sometimes violent purging, after which the animal usually dies. Caution is necessary in the treatment of this variety of dis- eased liver. Bleeding must not be resorted to upon any con- Bideration. In the absence of purging, give one of the fol- lowing balls every other day : of calomel half an ounce ; Bar- badoes aloes one ounce ; resiu three ounces ; mix with molasses, INFLAMMATION OP THE BLADDER. 2T3 and divide fnto six balls. Upon the intermediate days give of sulphate of potash one and a half ounces ; carbonate of potash one ounce ; pulverized Jamaica ginger half an ounce • linseed meal two ounces : mix with molasses, and divide into Six balls. DISEASES OP THE URINARY ORGANS. INFLAMMATIOIf OP THE BLADDEB. Inflammation of the bladder, or cystitis, is a disease of com- parat.vely rare oceun^nce i„ tl>e horse, and generally is found .n connccfon with other diseases. It is commonly supposed to occur more frequently in mares; although the author's ex- perience has not confirmed this supposition. The symptoms are con- tinual emission of urine in «mall quantities ; the moment it snters tlie bladder it is again e.xpelled, but Toided with much straining ; pulse nceelerated; pawing; the "niraal looks imploringly at fl'»"'vs ; and upon passing ^'""'a •,,« ,or. o» a kac, the hand into the rectum, the bladder will be found contracted «nd hard as a ball, being also hot and tender 0- e? Z'"^"""^ °^ '^"^^^' ''''■-^ *« --7>..on three of uncture of opium. Gire internalljr one and a half 1'.' - 2Y4 RETENTION OF URINE. }| f y^' pints of linseed oil, to which may be advantageously addej one drachm of chloroform. Bathe the loins with the follow. ing mixture •: of strong mustard, a quarter of a pound ; water half a pint ; hartshorn, two ounces : mix thoroughly together ;fand rub it well in. Give half a drachm of lactucariura three 'times a day ; or, if more convenient, the extract of belladonna may be substituted. Give plenty of flaxseed tea ; if the animal refuses to drink it, drench him with it. No hay must be given until twenty-four hours after he becomes convalescent This is one of the most dangerous diseases to which the horse is subject. KETENTION" OP UBIlSrE. This disease, technically known as spasm of the neck of the bladder, is found more frequently as an attendant upon other diseases than as an independent affection. It frequently occurs in colics as an accompanying symptom, thus misleading the ordinary observer in his judgment of the disorder. The most common symptom is frequent but unsuccessful efforts to stale. This, however, must not be depended upon loo strongly ; as it will sometimes be observed in horses that are comparatively sound in these organs, particularly in those that have been well cared for. In such cases this temporary retention of urine arises from a dislike on the part of the animal of splattering his legs in voiding his water ; hence he grill often retain it in the bladder, though painful to him, until ihe litter is placed under him, when he at once stretches him- self, and the urine flows freely and copiously. This fact has given rise to a superstitious notion among horsemen, that there is some peculiar virtue iu the straw to cause this suddfco PROFUSE STALING. m cure; as a consequence, we frequently hear the remark, "Pat some straw under him— that will cure him," etc. If, however, retention of urine arises frim disease, the straw possesses no magic charm to afford relief. In such instances the animal manifests but little pain, and rarely lies down On passing the hand up the rectum or fundament, the bladder wh.h IS easily felt, will be found very much distended with' urine. The services of a regular veterinarj practitioner will be re- quired :n the treatment of this disease, as the bladder must be at once evacuated, which can in most cases be accomplished bj means of an instrument called the catheter, which is not commonly found in the hands of any but the qualified sur- geon^ This desired evacuation can in some instances be pro- dueed b, careful manipulation. Back-raking is very necessary .n these cases, and injections of soap and water should be freely used Unless the bladder is speedily emptied, it swells and bursts, causing a fatal termination. Fomentations of hot ^'ater to the abdomen, and pressure of the hand upon the PROFUSE STALLING. in rh!f ''":,""'' '^'" '"'^*"' '^ *^^ ^^^^"-' — nco sol r ", ''""'^' '-''' '-''''''• '-P''-'^ ^PPefte. wnoiesome food, and the like. '"ed.omal substances being used in its abatement-as catelhu. . (;; I'. >* I Hi w III i i! f -th ••,1 2T6 BLOODY URINE. oak bark, gum kino, opium, chalk, etc. Either of these in moderate doses will usually check the copious flow of urine Either of the following will be found sufficient ; uva ursi (bear's whortleberry), powdered, two ounces ; oak bark pulverized, four ounces ; catechu pulverized, one ounce ; opium pulverized, twd drachms : mix either with molasses or honey, and divide into six balls, giving one every day. Or, the following may be used with equal advantage : opium pulverized, half an ounce- sulphate of iron, one ounce ; gentian root pulverized, one ounce : mix with molasses, and divide into six balls — one to be given every day. BLOODY tJBINE. This disease, known also as hematura, frequently arises from strains across the loins, violent exercise, unwholesome food, calculous concretions in the kidneys, etc. It is not attended by symptoms of general derangement; the appetite is not usually impaired, nor is any marked degree of fever present. The color of the urine first calls attention, iu voiding which the animal appears to strain slightly. If the bowels are at all costive, injections should at once be thrown up the rectum ; linseed tea should be given as a drink; mustard applications to the loins. Give internally one of the following once a day ; of sugar of lead, one ounce ; linseed meal, two ounces ; mix with molasses or honey, and divide into eight pills ; follow this for ten or twelve days, with one drachm of sulphuric acid in a pail of water to drink. Catecho, logwood, dragon^s blood, oak bark, etc., have been used with advantage. STONES IN THE KIDNEYS. 2n STONES IN THE KIDNEYS. These concretions, which are quite common in the horse are of a pale, dirty yellow color, elongated or conical in form, - and much softer than any of the other varieties heretofori mentioned. " We have better evidence," says Mr. Blain, " than mere supposition ; for urinary calculi (or stones in the kid- neys), have been fcund in horses which have died with symp, toms which might have been mistaken for very acute enter, itis, or inflammation of the bowels. We may also suppose that the early accumulations would occasion irregular and di- minished secretion of urine, followed at length by a bloody purulent mixture with the water, until more active symptoms should arise, and carry off the horse. Concretions within the kidneys might be removed in their early state by remedies tending to decompose them in the urinary pelvis. For this purpose we have mineral acids, of which the hydrochloric, as holding the silicious matter in solution, is to be preferred. The mineral acids pass through the body unchanged, being emitted with the urine in a state of purity. »' ^ A better opportunity is afi-orded us of discovering calculus in the urinary organs, than in any other parts ; for an examina- tion of the urine, when placed under the microscope, will enable ^s to detect its presence. When these deposits are ascer- tained, give in every pail of water which the animal drinks, two drachms of hydrochloric (muriatic) acid, which will iu » «hort time be drunk with a relish by him. ■y. !' it 278 TONES IN THE BLADDER. CONTRACTION OP THE HOOF. 279 STONES IN THE BLADDER. These differ from stones in the kidneys in form and exter- nal appearance ; presenting, in consequence of the constant washings of the calculus by the urine an uneven, or what ia called a mulberry appearance ; externally, it is of a reddish brown color. When these stones are quite large, very great inconvenience is occasioned to the animal. Stones in the bladder may exist a long time before any per. ceptible symptoms of their existence are manifested. The urine is generally thick and of a whitish color, mth frequent desire to void the urine, accompanied with difficulty and pain; the urine occasionally presents a bloody appearance ; in some cases all the symptoms of colic are present, rendering it diffl. cult to distinguish between the two disorders. If the pain is severe, the animal paws violently, kicks at his sheath, lies down, rolls, and gets up again quickly, sweats in various parts of the body, giving off the odor of urine. For treatment, we should first attempt the dissolution of the stones, as recommended for stones in the kidneys, or we should remove them by the operation of lithotomy, which will be de- scribed under the head of surgical operations. If they are small, they may sometimes be extracted through the urethra, a process which is very easy in the case of mares. DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS. 1^1 CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. To horses that are kept in cities, or in stony sections of the' country, this disease is one of the most common occurrence. In -— _ the middle and southern portions of New Jersey, and Ohio, and in many other sections where the shoeing of the horse is not called for except in frosty weather, contrac- tion of the hoof is com- paratively rare, in con- sequence of the feet being unfettered by that THE FAST-TROTTINQ STALLTON, GEORGE M. PATCHBN. ^^^^ baUd, thC ShOC. This trouble is gradual in its approach ; the first indication being a dry, brittle, unyielding hoof; the heels gradually be- coming narrower, until they are painful. The hoof no longer Accommodates itself to the soft structure within its limits, and, In consequence, the concussion is greater and the elasticity very much less. The parts therefore become bruised, and fever ensues, which still further facilitates the contraction of the hoof by absorbing its moisture ; lameness follows as the natural and inevitable result. Upon an examination of the animal sweenie is decided upon by the horseman as the disease to which ho is subject ; a disease, by the way, which, we beg to say, the veterinary surgeon never yet has met. The primary cause of this trouble is, undoubtedly bad shoeing, the preventives of which have already been fully unfolded. 11 |i 1*1 280 CORNS. Standing upon plank-Qoors has also a tendency to produce it as it absorbs the moisture of the hoof, and renders it brittle and liable to crack. Traveling upon hard stony roads, with shoes that are beveled inwards, also predisposes the feet to this dis- ©rder. The treatment most, necessarily, be slow in its operation ; yet by careful management it is sure. The shoes must, in the'fiist place, be removed, and the feet well poulticed for several days until the hoof and frogs become perfectly soft. The animal ■hould then be carefully shod, as heretofore directed ; apply daily, until the heels are fully spread, the following ointment; of rosin, four ounces; beeswa.v, four ounces; lard, two pounds;' tallow, one pound ; melt together, and. when cool, stir in four ounces of oil of turpentine. CORNS. The first effect of contraction of the hoof is to bruise the sen- Bitive parts wiihin their horny limits at that part of the foot formed by the crust and bar, causing lameness, which may be acute or chronic. These bruises are commonly called corns. The reason why this portion of the foot should be so severely bruised is obvious. The crust and bar forming a triangular space between which a considerable portion of the sensitive laminse lie, this bar by its resistance of the encroachments of the crust, causes a twofold pressure upon the sensitive parts, acting much as a vice, and thereby diminishing the triangular space. Upon examination of the foot the horn is found hard, dry, and brittle. with a strong tendency to crack on very slight concussion. On removing a portion of the horn at the part of the foot indicated, tie parts arc found to be contused, sometimes slightly, and at CORNS. 381 others sererely. In the latter case the feet are in such a con- dition as to require prompt attention, or a sloughing, or dis- charge of matter, may take place, forming a sinus, or pipe-Iike opening, through the quarter, .sometimes passing through the coronet, and producing a condition, or disease, known ai Quitter, which often terminates in permanent lameness and deform itj. When the lameness is of a chronic character, the poor beast owing to his deprivation of speed, is compelled to suffer all kinds of barbarous treatment, such as roweling, setoning, etc. etc. As few believe corns to be of so serious a nature, the most are ready to attribute the lameness to a disease, or a sup- posed disease, which ezists only in their disordered imagina- tions. As symptomatic indications, it may be remarked that the horse extends one foot in advance of the other, and rests upon the toe, which causes a bending of the knee, with a hard, dry, brittle, and contracted hoof. By way of treatment, the hoof, around the corn should be cut away so as to prevent pressure from the shoe ; the com should be well cut out, and birnt with a hot iron, butter of an- limony. muriatic acid, caustic silver, or the permanganate of potash. He should then be carefully shod, and, if the frog is elastic a bar shoe nicely fitted, with a perfectly level bearing, Vould be best ; if, however, the frog is hard and unyielding, such a shoe may prove injurious. Flaxseed poultices frequently ap- Phed to the feet, together with the use of hoof ointment, will f°°nd effectual ; a run at grass without sboei will also prov. wneficial. i ?i^ J ^ i 282 THEUSH. I QUITTER. This i, an ulceration, or formation of pus, between the sen. s.t.ve and insensible laminaa, or inner parts of the wall of the hoof, generally situated on the inside quarter, forming sinuses or p.p^hke openings. Neglected corns often produce this disease as also caulking or bruises from any cause. The first appearance upon the foot on the approach of thi, disease ,s a hard conical tumor, hot, red. and smooth, which soon becomes soft, breaks, and discharges pus. A probe should first be antroduced by way of treatment, pointing out the direc tu.n of thes,nuses; an injection of sulphate of zinc, one drachm dissolved m a pint of water, should be thrown into the ope„i„. n be foot by the means of a small syringe, once daily, and thl foot should be occasionally washed with castile soap and water. The early treatment should consist in poulticing with fla.xseed mea for several days. If the case is very slow, use two dracho., of the chlonde of zinc to a pint of water; inject in the sa.e mnner; cut away all loose parts of the horn, which will facili- tate the cure. Glycerine has also been used by the author with marked benefit THRUSH. This is a discharge of a matter from the cleft or division of he frog, which occasionally produces lameness. It originates fn,m a filthy condition of the stable, the animal being allowed to stand m h.s dung, or upon foul litter. Horses that are well cared for are rarely troubled with it. The symptoms are a rot- tenness of the frog, accompanied by a discharge of fetid matter. Lameness may, or may not, be present. CANKER. 283 For treatment, wash the feet well with soap and water ; fill the cleft with powdered sulphate of copper, and pack over it a little tow; remove the filth from the stall, and the animal soon recovers. An ointment may also be used, made of equal parts of pine-tar and lard, melted over a slow fire ; when cool, add sulphuric acid until ebullition ceases, and it is then fit for use. CANKEK. This arises from neglected thrush, often proving very difficult to manage. It extends from the horny frog to the sensitive fro- and sometimes to the navicular joint, involving the surrounding parts, and causing much alteration or destruction of the structures affected. It is by no means always a local disease, but is influ- enced by a morbid or unhealthy condition of the blood. The au- thor's attention was once called to a case of four years' standing in which all the feet were involved, and the value of the animal thereby so depreciated that he was sold to a shoeing-smith of Philadelphia for the sum of twenty-five dollars, h.S cost being some two hundred and fifty dollars. All treatment had failed np to that time ; yet. notw/thstanding the long resistance of the disease, it gradually yielded to constitutional treatment For treatment, all loose horn should be removed, that the parts may be properly dressed. If taken early, the following wash may be used with success; of nitrate of silver, half an ounce; water, one pint; shake welf together, and use once a tlay. Or, the ointment of tar, lard, and sulphuric acid, recom- mended in cases of thrush, may be usefully applied. Should tl..s fad, apply once a day the following : of castor oil, one part j collodion, two parts ; mix well together. Give internally half a drachm of powdered nux vomica mixed in the feed, which 284 GREASE HEEL8. !!f should consist of green food, mashes, and a little hay. Corro. sive sublimate in solution has been used wiih decided advantage; as also chloride of zinc, chloride of lime, butter of antimony! tincture of myrrh, sulphate of copper, glycerine, and many other preparations. SCKATCHES. This disease, called also cracked heels, generally arises from neglect, such as allowing the horse to stand in a filthy stall. It is generally confined to the hind feet, and consists in a swelling of the skin, causing in it one or more transverse cracks, which discharge a sanious (thin, serous, and reddish) matter at times ; while in other cases the parts are almost dry but scurfy. For treatment, wash well with soap and water ; take a shav- ing, or other soft, brush, and make a lather of soap and water, with which mix a small quantity of powdered charcoal ; rub this Tvell in the fetlock, and let it dry, after which it can be rubbed off. Two or three applications are generally successful. The collodion and castor oil will also answer a good purpose; a physic ball should first be given. OKEASE HEELS. This is the result of weakness in the capillary vesse.s or m feet and legs, and is often preceded by dropsical effusions, which frequently exist upon the leg as far as the hock or knee. Com- mon-bred horses are supposed to be more liable to this disease, wh.le thorough-bred are comparatively free from its attacks. The principal causes are, doubtless, over-fceding and want of exercise } since we generally find the disease associated with GREASE HEELS. 285 a Dlethoric condition of the animal. As symptomatic, the skin at first is hot, red, swollen, and tender, and discharges a white ^^^^^ oflFensive matter of a greasy feeling. As the -— --^g^sea^e advances, this discharge thickens into ^gUie form of tears, and becomes hard, presenting a grapy appearance. Abscesses are sometimes formed about the heels, causing fe the sloughing away of a large portion of them. This disease requires constitutional, as well as .THE children's PET. t i local, treatment. Give internally for four days one of the following balls : of Barbadoes aloes, one ounce ; pulverized gentian root, half an ounce ; pul- verized ginger, two drachms ; mix with molasses, and divide into four balls. Follow this with halfdrachm doses of nux vomica powdered ; wash the parts well with soap and water, and apply flaxseed poultices, mixed with a solution of sulphate of zinc, until the inflammation is considerably reduced ; then bathe care- fully either with glycerine, or a solution of sulphate of zinc, or the castor oil and collodion wash. If the discharge is very offensive, use powdered charcoal and soap suds, allowing it to dry upon the legs ; a solution of the chloride of lime may also be used ; or a weak solution of corrosive sublimate is bene- QciaL 286 WATER FARCY. WATER FARCY. This disease, together with anasarca and oedema may be classed under a common head, as they are but modifications of the same disease, which depends upon general debility for its existence. Two stages are, however, said to exist ; one with inflammation and the other without ; one occurring in old horses, and the other in young ones. One important difference should be noted • the term anasarca is too extensive in its application to bo properly associated with this disease, the term cedema being preferable to it, as having a local meaning and being more cir- cumscribed in its limits. As symptoms, the legs, belly, sheath, and other parts become swollen, and leave the impression of the fingers behind after pressure. In old horses such pressure rarely causes pain, in- flammation being absent ; but in young horses the legs particu- larly are hot and painful to the touch. In this disease we must depend upon tonic and diuretic me- dicines; tonic, for the purpose of building up the system ; and diuretic, to increase the secretions. The two should be com- bined as follows: of sulphate of iron, two ounces; pulverized gentian root, one ounce; pulverized ginger, half an ounce; nitrate of potash, one ounce ; mix, and divide into eight powders, giving one night and morning, with good nourishing food, and allowing no corn. Or, the following will be found very useful : of sulphate of copper, one ounce ; pulverized gentian root, one and a half ounces; pulverized ginger, half an ounce; nitre, one ounce ; ground anise seed, six drachms ; mix, and divide into eight powders, giving one night and morning. Hand-rubbiug and daily exercise will be necessary. CRACKED HOOP. 28T WEED. # This is a disease similar io cedema, but makes its appearance above the hock, and extends downward. The skin is hot, and extremely sensitive to the touch ; so much so that the animal throws the leg upward and outward as though to escape tor- ture. The veins of the leg are full and corded. For treatment, apply warm fomentations to the parts affected, and give a purging ball, followed by the powders recommended in the last disease. CRACKED HOOF. This disease, also called sand-crack, occurs only in the hoof that is dry, hard, brittle, and contracted. The hoof in a' natural, elastic condition can be bruised, but not split up if double the force that splits the dry, contracted hoof is applied. This crack occurs most generally at the quarters, and almost al- ways in the fore feet, they being almost alone subject to con- traction. If the crack extends through the hoof it causes very painful lameness. For treatment, the foot must first be carefully examined to see that no dirt has worked in under the hoof; the loose parts of the horn must be cut away ; a pledget of tow, saturated with sulphate or chloride of zinc, or tincture of myrrh, should be ap- plied, and a bandage carefully put on to keep it in place and lieep out the dirt. As soon as the new horn has grown down a little, draw a line across the top of the crack with a draw- ing-knifo or firing-iron, and apply a little tar or hoof ointment. If the crack is at the toe, a shoe with a band running across from the heels to a little below the coronet in front, and united 4\ 288 PRTCKINa. FALSE QUARTER. 289 by two screws, will often be all that is required, and the horse may be kept at work ; but in quarter-crack it is unsafe to use the animal, particularly if it extends through to the soft parts. If the frog is in a healthy condition, which is rarely the case, a bar shoe, eased at the quarter, will be found beneficial. SOLE BEUISE AND GRAVEL. Accidents frequently occur to the feet of horses from their striking them forcibly upon stones and other hard substances. Pressure of the shoe upon the sole is the occasional cause of bruises of that part of the foot ; and tender heels more fre- quently arise from bruises than from any other cause. For treatment, if pus is secreted within the hoof— which may be discovered by the acute pain caused by a light tap of a hammer on that part of the hoof under which the matter is situated— the hoof must be cut through, that the matter may escape, as it will gradually work its way upward and make its appearance at the top of the hoof, thus rendering the treat- ment more difficult. After the matter escapes through tho opening so made, throw in an injection of sulphate of zinc in solution, one drachm to a pint of water. For the treatment will be the same as recommended in quitter. Gravel some- times works into these wounds, which must always be removed, and the parts carefully washed. PBICKINO. This is an accident of too frequent occurrence, and happens in various ways, as by treading upon sharp bodies, such as broken glass, nails, etc., etc. It occurs more frequently, how- eyer, m shoeing, owing to the nail not being properly pointed or. in some cases, from the iron not being good splits one part turning inward and the other outward. These acci dents are not always the fault of the smith, and he should not be unjustly censui-ed for what he could not obviate. If such punctures are properly attended to, serious consequences rarely ensue. The practice of closing up the wound after removing, the nail, glass, or other sharp substance cannot be too strongly condemned. It is doubtless in consequence of this sensefess practice that so many horses ain. lost from lock-jaw, which does not generally make its appearance until the animal has apparently recovered from the wound; though upon an exami- nation of the foot pus will often be found secreted within the uoof. When a horse picks up a nail, or is pricked by the smith, a pouU.cc should at once be applied to the foot, txnd kept ou or several days ; a cathartic ball should also be given, that the bouels may be in good order; after the removal of the poul- t'ce. apply the tar ointment, and no further trouble may be anticipated. FALSE QUARTER, This is an im,,erfect formation of horn at the quarter, nhici, d .s d.v.ded by a seam from the top to the bottom. It ii result of i.yu.,v from quitter and other diseases, rendering 290 FOUNDEt:. CORINITIg. 291 FOUNDER. Founder, or larainitis, is an inflammatory condition of the laminoe of the feet, which are the most sensitive parts of these important appendages. Founder is said to be produced by Tarious causes, such as hard driving, watering when warm, standing in a draught of air, or upon plank floors, and many others. The author, however, views it in a diS*erent light, attributing^ its existence principally to one general cause, namely, contrac- tion of the hoof, the causes before named being the immediate or exciting causes. This view is sustained by many facts. Founder does not occur in one case out of fifty in a healthy, open foot ; nor are the hind feet often involved, as they are rarely in a contracted condition. The symptoms are a full, quick pulse, from sixty upwards; accelerated respiration ; the fore feet are hot and tender, the animal for relief throwing his body back upon the hind legs, extending th^ fore legs until he rests upon the heels, and Boraetimes lying down, particularly if the hind feet arc involved; the animal also manifests much pain. If the animal is in full condition, two quarts of blood should be taken from each of the fore feet ; an active purging ball should be given, followed by one-drachm doses of bella- donna made into pills every four hours ; poultices of flaxseed meal should be applied to the feet for several days ; injections of soap and water, also ought not to be neglected. By this treatment the animal is usually well again in a week, or even less; but if the disease is neglected until it becomes chronic, the animal will ever after remain unsound, though he may bo rendered useful. From the alteration or disorganization of structure that takes place, there can little be done in the chronic stage except careful shoeing, which the smith should understand. PUMICED FOOT. This is called by horsemen a faning of the sole. It is pre- ceded by founder, and is, in reality, one of the termination, of that disease, arising from the slow, continued inflammation of chronic founder, which causes ab.sorption of the outer ed-^o of the coffin bone, the latter thereby gradually losing its con- cave surface, and becoming convex. The sole, yielding to this gradual change, becomes flat, or, in some instances, con- Te.v. Very little can be done in such cases by way of treat- ment ; yet by careful shoeing the animal may be rendered use- ful, although never sound. CORINITIS. This is an inflaiiimation of the coronary ligament, situated within the upper part of the hoof and between the hoof and the hair. This ligament secretes the horn forming the wall or crust of the hoof, and when diseased ceases to perform its function, or performs it f ery imperfectly ; as a consequence, tlic coronet, or upper margin of the hoof, is contracted, which causes the soft parts to bulge out in such a manner that it has often been mistaken for ring-bone. This contraction often causes lameness. The most frequent causes are, standing npon plank floors, hard driving, and the neglect to apply softenin- applications to the hoof. " For treatment, apply a flaxseed poultice for several days, and f 292 NAVICULARTHRITIS. then a fly blister well rubbed in around the upper margin of the hoof; afterward use the hoof ointment once a day, until the coronet comes up full. NAVICUIiAKTHRITIS. Coffin-joint lameness, as it is generally termed, is a dis- ease of very common occurrence, and often troublesome to manage. This joint is formed by the union of three bones: the OS pedis, or coffin-bone, situated immediately within the hoof; the coronary, or small pastern bone, the lower half of which is situated within the upper part of the hoof, ^ called the coronet, and uniting with the OS pedis; and the navicular, situated be- S tween and behind the two, uniting with both, and forming the navi- cular joint. This joint is protected THB FAMOUS TEOTTIICU MARE, FLORA TEMPLE. BgaiUSt lujliry frOOl concussion by the fatty frog, the sensible frog, and the horny frog, situated beneath it, and forming a soft elastic cushion on which it may rest. So long as the foot remains in a healthy condition, there is little danger of the occurrence of this dis- ease. Even though the foot be strained very considerably, and a high degree of inflammatory action be produced, this disease will hardly arise, unless the inflammation becomes chronic. The author regards its origin as mainly due to a contracted condition of the feet, which, in fact, is the predis- posing cause. 293 OSSITICATION OP THE LATERAL CARTILAGES. Rarely, indeed, is navicular-joint lameness found existing in feet that have open heels and elastic frogs. If from any cause these frogs lose their moisture, they also lose their elasticity and the foot therefore strikes the ground with ajar; inflamma' lion of a chronic character sets in ; the synovia (joint-oil) be- comes absorbed ; and caries of the bones is established which destroys their articular surfaces and causes excessive lameness Occasionally, owing to some new injury, acute inflammation sets in, causing new depositions of bone to be thrown out and uniting the three bones together; which union is called anchy. losis. Tins condition may be known by stiffness, and the animal walking upon the toe. The symptoms of this disease have been confounded with those of another disease of the foot, which has been discovered by recent investigations. The horse is found to go lame upon coming out of the stable, which wears off after traveling some distance; one foot is observed in advance of the other when the animal is at rest ; as the disease advances, the lameness becomes more frequent, until at last it is permanent. Various kmds of treatment have been resorted to, but with little success, such as blistering, firing, etc. Of late years, the frog seton has been introduced with very decided benefit. Should tin's, too, fail, there is no hope but in the operation of nerving, ^vhich should only be performed in certain cases mentioned binder the head of neurotomy. OSSIFICATION OP THE LATEHAL CARTILAGES. This is a transformation to bone of two projections of car- t»J«??e, or gristle, springing from each side of the coffin bone posteriorly, and known as the lateral cartilages. This disease \ 294 SPRUNG OR BROKEN KNEES. was at one time called ring-bone, but the ring-bone of the present day is quite a different disease. It arises from con- cussion, and will rurely be found in any but contracted feet. The treatment in these cases is only palliative, as the dis- ease cannot be eradicated by any course of medical treatment. The first endeavor should be to expand the heels by applying poultices to the feet, together with the hoof ointmeiii. WIND GALLS. Wind galls are puffy swellings about the joints, found abovft the fetlock on both the hind and fore legs. They are techni* cally known as bursal enlargements, that is, a distended con- dition of the bursce or synovial sacs, which contain tho synovia, or joint oil. The animal suffers no inconvenience, apparently, from their presence upon his limbs, they evidently causing no pain. It is seldom that any treatment is resorted to, except in the case of a very valuable animal. Blisters are commonly ap- plied, but they are not attended with any permanent benefit. The application of cold water and compresses, secured by means of bandaging the legs, has proven the most efRcacious. BPKUNG OR BROKEN KNEES. This trouble does not always result from an injury of tho leg, or strain of the tendons ; it is more often found in horses that have bad corns in the feet, or troubled with navicular disease, than in any others. The animal raising his heels to prevent pressure upon the tender parts, bends the knee, which bending becomes finally, from the altered position of the limb^ STRAINS OP THE KNEES. £95 a permanent deformity. Horses with sprung kuces are unsafe for saddle purposes, owing to their consequent liability to Respecting the treatment, it may be said that six out of every ten spruug-kaeed horses will be found to have corns. If these be of recent growth, there is a fair prospect of straightening the limbs by removing the corns as directed under the head of that disease ; by the removal of these the heels are brought to the ground, an* the limb becomes straight Under any other circumstances all treatment proves useless. BHEAKIWQ DOWJf. This accident occurs in rnuning, jumping, racing, etc. It IS sometimes called a strain of the back sinews, and lets tho animal down upon the fetlock, in consequence of a rupture of the ligament of the pastern. Horses meeting with this acci- dent are of little value ever after, as they always remain weak m the fetlock. Unless the animal is quite young and valuable, the treatment would cost more than Ihe animal's value. The Trench treat these cases very successfully by the application of instruments which keep the limb in its proper position until the parts have again healed and become strong. This is the only course to be pursued with any possible chance of a sue cessful termination of the case. STEAIWS OF THE KNEES. Strains of this joint occur in young horses while being broken into harness more often, probably, than at any other period of the animal's life. This results from the tendernesa 4 295 SHOULDER STRATJT. IP of the parts at that lime, not one in twenty having them having arrived at maturity. These strains ofictt prove trouWesom© to manage, and occasionally leave a stiff knee as the result. Treatment — Bleeding from the plantar, or plate rein ; warm fjmentations to the part ; when the inftamraation is reduced, apply once a day for several days tlie following ointment; iodine ointment, one ounce ; bloe, QX mercurial oiutment, half an ounce ; mix well together. ©TRAIN OF THB HIP JOINT, This occurs in falling, slipping, getting up, etc. The symp- toms are a dragging motion of the limbj the lameness passing oflf after the animal gets warmed up, and returning upon his becoming again cool, the horse being thea even more stiff a&d lame than before leaving the stable. For treatment, apply cold water ; a purging ball and rest are all that are requisite to effect a cure. Careful usage foif Boiae time after will be very necessary. SHOULDER STRAiri. This, which is of rare occurrence, arises from .severe blows, or concussions ; slipping so as to throw the legs apart forcibly; falling in the shafts of a heavily laden cart, etc. The symp- toms are usually well marked ; the horse is quite lame, both ivhen walking and trotting ; the leg drags with the toe on tho ground, having an outward or circular motion. Local bleeding is generally useful by way of treatment; three or four quarts may be taken from the plate vein, which runs down the inside of the leg. If, however, the animal is in a debilitated condition, bleeding should Bot bo practised. 6WEENIK. 29T Foment the shoulder well with hot water frequently ; a seton will ofien be found beneficial. After fomenting two 'or threo dnys, use the following liniment; laudanum, one ounce ; spirits of camphor, one ounce; tincture of myrrh, one ounce ;' castile soap, one ounce; alcohol, one pint. Or, sweet oil, one pint; spirits of hartshorn, three ounces ; shake well together. OPEN JOINTS. These are generally the result of a punctured wound; the capsular ligament that surrounds the joint and confines the joint oil within its proper limits being thereby penetrated. These accidents are often attended with serious results, from the inflammation that is likely to arise from such an injury. For treatment, efforts should first be made to close the wound, that the escape of the oil which lubricates the joint may be prevented. If the wound is small, it may be closed by means of a I ot iron ; if large, shave off all the hair around the opening, apply a piece of linen cloth well saturated with collodion, and bandage the part. Care must be taken to have the skin around the wound perfectly dry. or the collodion will not adhere. Slioemaker^s wax, or common glue, applied in the same way, will frequently answer the purpose. Tho animal must be kept perfectly quiet, his bowels opened, and he be kept upon his feet for several days; if, however, the coUo- dion adheres well, this is not of so much importance. B WEENIE. This imaginary disease has been the occasion of the infliction of much cruelty and unnecessary torture upon the horse. No I i I j 298 OSTITIS. CAPULET AND CAPPED HOCK. 299 respectable veterinary author recognfzes any such disease. The symptoms which accompany its supposed existence are but sympathetic effects, or atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder. The attention of the horse-owner is directed to a wasting away or lessening of these muscles, which from want of action naturally become smaller or contracted; upon the animal's regaining the natu cles are again developed, as arm by the constant mer. Cases called the result of injury as the knee, When the M the foot ground, it^ ed upon is not i n THE EQUESTRIENNE. ral use of the limb, the mus- the muscles of the smith's use of the sledge ham- sweenie are invariably in some remote parts, the foot, etc. — animal picks up ^clear from the may be depend- that the injury the shoulder ; if however, the leg drags with the toe on the ground, the injury may be looked for in that locality. It is, however, more easy to decide a case of shoulder lameness than any other to which the limb is liable. OSTITIS. This is an inflammation of the bone, occasioning lameness of an obscure nature, and is one of the most difficult of all cases of lameness to detect. Where it occurs in the cannon bone, it is often mistaken for a thickening of the integuments. Treatment — Cold bandages, lead water, rest, with daily half-drachm doses of iodide of potassa dissolved in a pail of , water, will usually prove successful if the treatment be per- Bcveringly adopted. CAPCriiET AND CAPPED HOCK. There arc generally serous abscesses, produced by blow?, bruises, strains, or injuries from any cause. Capulet is an en' largement at the point of the elbow, and is generally caused by lying on the heels of the shoe, which bruise the part. Capped hock is found at the point of the hock joint, and is usually caused by kicking against the sides of the stall. By way of treatment, first open the part; if it contains fluid which will be known by the soft elastic feeling, throw in witli a syringe an injection of the tincture of iodine diluted with alcohol ; a solution of the sulphate of zinc may in incipient cases answer the purpose. If fluid is not formed, blisters will often succeed. In cases of capulet, have the heels of the shoes shortened, or bind the feet at night to prevent injury. CAKIES OP THE BONES. This is, perhaps, the most common of all the diseases to which the horse is subject, and its frequency can only be ac- counted for, by the abuses to which he is subjected. It gene- rally arises from a low, inflammatory condition of the joints, these parts being principally affected ; an ulceration of the heads of the bones is established, generally in young horses, which is tailed, from the destruction which it occasions, caries, or decay It will usually be found preceding spavin, ring-bone, stiff back l^nd other anchylosed conditions of the bones, and can best be illustrated under the heads of Spavin and Ring-bone. ll 4 300 BONE SPAVIir. fi BONE SPAVIN. This is a disease of such common occurrence that almost all horsemen think they fully understand its nature, pathological condition, and treatment. It is generally regarded by vetert- nary authors as a very serious injury, destructive to the utility of the animal, and very frequently reducing his value essentially in consequence of the blemishes. Where, however, there are no outward blemishes, as is the case in four out of every five spavined horses, the price of the animal is not affected, unless he is lame, since the disease is not discovered. •There are, at this day, thousands of spavined horses traveling our roads, in not one of whom would the most experienced horsemen the world ever produced be able to determine the fact so long as the animal lives. In all such cases no external enlargement is found, but, on the contrary, the limb is clean and smooth. In the absence of enlargement, or spavin-bunch, as it is sometimes called, on the inside of the hock-joint, horsemen are unwilling to believe that spavin exists. The books, indeed, teach us to look there, and there only, for it ; but the author's experience teaches him that the enlargement, where any exists, appears almost as often upon the front part of the hock as it does upon the inside. Spavin generally arises from a strain, jar, or blow upon the hock-joint, causing an inflammatory condition of the cartilagi- nous cushions which cover the articular surfaces, or points of union, of each bone, or of the ligaments which surround the joints and bind the bones together ; sometimes, indeed, both are involved. As this inflammatory condition is the exciting cause, spavin, or ulceration of the parts, speedily follows thi BONE SPATIPf. SOI neglect to remove it. When the inflammation is acute, tho synovial fluid, or joint-oil, is soon absorbed; the cartilages of the joint are turned to bone, and uniting, one with the^other, form one solid mass, destroying the elasticity as well as the mo- bility of the parts involved, and constituting what is called anchylosis of the hock-joint. This anchylosis, or union of bone, is not always general, there being in many cases but two, three' or four of the bones involved. When these changes are con' fined to the cartilage, external enlargement, or spavin-bunch is never found. This the author calls spavin without any external indication. ., When, however, the ligaments surrounding the joint are con- rerted into bony substance, external enlargement in all cases exists. When a low, inflammatory action is found going on within the joint, it is an evidence of ulceration, in which, in- Etcad of new bone being thrown out, as in the acute stage,' the natural bone is gradually decaying or rotting away. Hence arises the difficulty often experienced in the treatment of this disease. As symptoms, the horse is very lame on leaving the stable, but when he is warmed up the lameness passes off; the leg is drawn np quickly with a kind of jerk ; and there is a peculiar Lard tread, which can only be distinguished by close observa- tion. W^iere the bones are all united together, whether there is external efPargement or not, there is a peculiar twist of tho heel outwards, which is more readily observed in the walk, and which the author has always found an infallible symptom of complete anchylosis. Both spavin and ring-bone are incurable diseases. The lameness may be removed, but the disease, when once estab- I S02 BONE SPAVIN. SPLINT. 333 iM 'II lislied, cannot, because the elasticity, mobility, and function of the joint are all destroyed in proportion to the extent of the disease. The spavined animal, therefore, comes down with a hard, jarring tread. The removal of the lameness depends upon perfect union or solidifying of the diseased bones. la the acute inflammatory cases, nature herself unaided works this change, '^^and the animal re- covers from the ^^ lameness with a stiff joint ; but in the second, or ul- THE HIQH-BRED PACINQ HARE POCAHONTAS. cerative stage, assistance is required. We, therefore, en- deavor to excite an active inQammation in the joint in order to overcome this ulcerative process, and induce new deposits of bone to be throw^n out. Many modes have been adopted to secure the desired end, some of which are of a most barbarous character. Sharp instruments have been struck with con- siderable force into the joint, creating a tremendous fire, which soon checks the ulceration. This practice, although often successful, is unnecessarily severe, and cruel in the ex- treme. All kinds of caustic applications have been used, many of which have destroyed both the disease ^d the animal. Blistering the parts, the action being kept up for three or four weeks, often proves successful ; firing is also practised ; setons in the hock are frequently used with advantage. The follow- ing ointment is recommended ; bin-iodide of mercury, one drachm ; lard, two ounces ; mix well together. Shave off the hair, and rub the part once a day for six or eight days • then wash the parts well with proof spirits. If the desired' effect is not produced, repeat it. RIWG-BOJNrE. This is a disease of the same nature as spavin, its locality alone g.vu.g it a different name ; the same alterations of strac- lure takes place ; the same termination follows, and the same treatment is indicated. Contraction of the coronary ligaments >s sometimes mistaken for ring-bone, and the poor beast is severely tortured in consequence. Contraction of this liga- n.ent produces a bulging of the soft parts around the coronec causing the hair to turn downward and inward upon the hoof' giving It much the appearance of ring-bone. As in all such cases the heels are pressed close and painfully together, thera >s great necessity of distinguishing between the two before any application is made. SPLIITT. This is an exostosis, or bony enlargement, arising from blows npon, or strains of, the splint bones, which are situated one on each side of the cannon bones and posterior to them. Splints are so common that few horses reach the age of eight years without having them, although they are not always visible to the eye at that period, having perhaps spread over a largo «"rface of bone, or become flattened ; which circumstance has g'ven nse to the opinion among horsemen that old horses are «ot affected with splints. This, however, is a mistake ; since asphnt once formed is never afterward removed during the of the animal. The nature of a splint is very similar to 804 CURB. that of a spavin, but its course is somewhat diCfereiit. When the injury is first received, the enlargement becomes quite prominent ; but, as time advances, it generally disappears from view, even without the aid of man, spreading itself between the cannon and splint bones, thus lessening its size externally. Splints are not regarded as unsoundness, unless they cause lameness, which rarely occurs, particularly if they are situated near the middle of the bone ; but if they are situated either at the upper or lower portions, or heads, lameness is almost always the result. This is easily explained ; the bone, it will be ob* lerved, curves from above downward and outward, so that the lower extremity sets off from the body of the cannon bone; the upper heads, where it unites with the bones of the knee and hock, slant or bevel inward, and as the weight of the animal is thrown upon them, the upper heads are forced out- ward, while the lower ones are thrown inward. By this simple arrangement a rocking motion of these bones takes place, so that at the centre there is very little mobility, and if the injury is above, it causes lameness in consequence of tension ; if below, from pressure ; but, if it is in the centre, it seldom causes lameness at all, though the injury is greater. When lameness occurs, the union of the bones should be hastened by increasing the inflammatory action ; this is best done by active blistering, which soon removes the lameness. CURB. This is a swelling on the back part of the hock joint below the cap, generally arising from a strain, or breaking down of the hock. Some horses naturally have what are called curb- BLOOD SPA\^N, ETC. 3^5 hocks, though they are not always attended with any serious disadvantages. There is a nr«H!o„ •.• senoiis b mere is a predisposjtioa to weakuew which renders them suspicious. ' If the curb arises from recent injury, a little blood may with advantage ^ taken from the sephena vein running up the Lsida of the t .g ; cold water applications should belp' „;„; pa«s ; cloths wet with tinctu. of arnica, half a pi„t to a gallop of «.ter are very useful ; o, the following oiutment Ju be found of serv.ce: dry iodine, one drachm; iodide of potasl one r.ehm ; lard, one ounce , mi. well together, and us^: 8TRINCJ HALT. Th^disease has never beea very satisfactorily accounted for hy veterinary authors. It consists in a sudden spasmodic ra.s.ng of the hind limb, though it is said to have'o^ uTea^: l.e ^re legs. The author has found, upon an examination a^t " each Of the hock-joint of several animals affecU^d wich ^ OS calcu, or bone forming the cap of the hock, where tha />.r/o.a„s.e„^. plays over; inotherca^ the tendon has beet ou-ul almost entirely surrounds, with a bony case, which inter" f^red very materially with its action. He is i„e,i„«i. there^r to regard these as the general causes of the disease No treatment as yet practised has proved succesrful ; though there are recorded isolated cases of spontaneous cun,. T .^ constuute one disease, occasioned by an over sec "io» jomt 0.1 ,n the hock join, which cans, a distention of tha Hf - 306 FRACTURES. f II capsular ligament, ov bursa, presenting soft pnfiy swellings about the joint Blood and bog spavin appear on the front and inside of the joint ; while thoroughpin extends through from one side of the joint to the other. These diseases are so common and BO well marked as not to be easily mistaken. The causes are violent exercise, throwing the animal upon his haunches, run- ning, jumping, etc. As it seldom causes lameness, treatment is rarely needed ; if requisite, blistering, bandaging with compresses, and rest are the most successful. FRACTURES. Experience has established the fallacy of destroying eyery horse that meets with a fractured limb. Fractures may occur in any bone of the body, and yet a perfect union of the parts may take place, provided the fracture is a simple one ; com- pound fractures, even, are occasionally united. For treatment, the animal should first be placed in the most comfortable position, and the parts adjusted as nearly as pos- Bible, retaining them by proper bandages, splints, etc. Should the fracture be in the small or lower part of the leg, sole leather, softened in water and moulded to the limb, retaining it in place by bandages, forms a very good splint. Fractures of the skull sometimes require the operation of trephining, (explained under the head of Surgical Cases,) in order to replace the parts perfectly; after which the bowels should be opened, and the animal kept on moderate diet. Fractures of the pelvis, or haunch bones, will, in nine cases out of ten, become united by proper management, no matter how bad the crushing, and the animal may again be rendered DISEASES OP THE HEART, SOT serviceable. The author never hesitates to treat fractures of these bones in horses that are of sufficient value to warrant it Indeed, union of the parts in such fractures will often take place, even if the animal be turned into a field without any treatment; though, perhaps, more deformity will be left than if proper care had been exercised. The horse, if active and high-strung, should be kept upon his feet by tying up the head short for several days, and then the slings may be placed under him ; if this is done at first, the animal being full of fire throws himself off his feet, and all efforts to remedy the fracture will prove a failure. From six to eight weeks, according to the age of the animal, are necessary to complete the union of the parts. Some practical knowledge is requisite, in order to discrimi- nate cases of fracture of the limbs that are likely to be success- fully treated ; but fractures of the haunch bones rarely fail to unite, with proper management. Th^ animal should be kept on bran mashes, gruel, and green food during the treatment. -< ^■♦•4 DISEASES OF THE HEART. Diseases of the heart are less understood by the members of the veterinary profession generally than any other class of dis- eases (with, perhaps, one or two exceptions,) to which horses are subject. This want of information in this country, is attri- billable to the comparative infancy of veterinary science, Iho obscurity of the symptoms by which these diseases are charac terized, the consequent confounding of them with other diseases, 808 rERICARDITIS. I f and to the comparative silence of veterinary authors upon this important subject. ^ Diseases of the heart in this animal are not suspected by the farrier, (shoeing-smith) or horseman ; yet they are by no means of unfrequent occurrence. During the session of the Veterinary College of Philadelphia for 1859-60, the author had then op. portunities of presenting to the class well-marked cases of disease of this organ, as also one very interesting case of rupture of the heart, or rather of the aorta, or great artery leading from the heart, at the point where it leaves that important organ. The latter case was that of a bay mare which had been used in an oyster cart ; she ate her feed at night as usual, in apparent good health, and was found dead in her stall the next morning. PERICARDITIS. This disease, as its name implies, is an inflammation of the pericardium, the bag or sac which surrounds the heart, and known to butchers as the heart-bag. After death arising from pleuritic affections effusions are quite commonly found within this sac, which are attributed to the sympathy existing between the pericardium and the pleura. The fluid is sometimes of a bright yellow color, while at others it is of a turbid character with considerable lymph floating in it, which collects in a mass forming a thick layer upon the internal surface of the sac, causing considerable thickening of its walls, and extending over the heart in like manner ; adhesions between the two sometimes take place. Percival mentions an instance in which this col- lection was converted into a substance of the nature of gristle of considerable thickness. This disease rarely exists alone, but is of a secondary character. ^ PERICARDITIS. gQ^ The attendant symptoms are palpitation of the heart quick- ened respiration, sometimes accompanied with a drv'cou^h with a pulse quick, rising to sixty or seventy a minute, full' hard, and strong. "Mr. Pritchard, V. S., Wolverton " sav^ Mr. Percival, '' with laudable zeal for the promotion of our art so long ago as the year 1833, furnished the veterinarian with some practical communications on this subject, which we shall find It advantageous to revive upon the present occasion His observations relate particularly to the type termed IlyJrops Pencardn, which implies the stage of pericarditis when effu- sion is likely, or has taken place, and the membranous sac is sup- posed to contain watery fluid, and probably lymph as well. The symptoms of this af- fection, apart from ^ pleurisy and pneu* THE E,D 0. PEKicARDiTis. m o u i a , Mr. Prit- chard informs us, are well-marked. They are palpitation of the heart, the carotid arteries (passing up the neck) beating forcibly and being readily recognized in applying the finger to their course in the neck. There is a good flow of blood through the jugulars ; a copious return of blood through the neck, when the state of the pulse is considered ; the surface of the body and the extremities are warm ; and these latter symptoms con- tinue within one or two hours of the horse^s death. * * * In addition to the above symptoms, there is such an expression of alarm and anxiety in the countenance of the animal w no other malady produces.^ -*.tf«WMiMiMM&«teriilM •^■.^■MBiMa^ 310 ENDOCARDITIS. OSTEO-SARCOMA. 11 I! ill There is no treatment as yet known by which this disease can be reached. CARDITIS. This is an inflammation of the muscular structure of the heart comparatively rare, or at least supposed to be so. In this affection the animal will be found lame, generally in the off fore-leg, but upon examination no cause will be found sufficient to account for it. This lameness may appear and disappear several times previous to the attack's manifesting itself in a more positive form, leaving the impression that the lameness was rheumatic. We next find the animal refusing his feed; his heart palpitates violently ; he occasionally gasps, and gnashes his teeth ; pulse full, hard, and quick ; there is a wild expression of the eyes ; respiration quickened ; mouth hot and dry ; and the temperature of the legs varies from moderate to cold. For treatment cold water should be frequently given ; take one drachm of white hellebore, and divide it into five powders; give one of these on the tongue every three or four hours* Bleeding has been recommended ; but the author has not wit- nessed any advantages from it, and therefore would on no ac- count advise it. ENDOCARDITIS. This disease, called also palpitation of the heart, or, more commonly, thumps, is an inflammation of the lining membrane of the heart, and is generally associated with pericarditis ; the inflammation readily extending itself from one part to the other in consequence of their proximity. The symptoms are a violent pa^itation of th^ bearti whicb 811 can often be observed at the distance of several yards from the animal ; pulse full and hard, but not quickened. Although this disease is regarded as incurable, we can still palliate the symptoms so as to allow of the animaPs return to work the next day. i For treatment, give one of the following powders every three hours ; of nitrate of potassa one ounce ; pulverized digitalis two drachms ; mix, and divide into five powders. Subsequent attacks may be warded off by keeping the bowels regular -<•>•» DISEASES OF THE HEAD. OSTEO-SARCOMA, This disease, called commonly Big Head, is not mentioned by veterinary authors in Europe, and so far as the author can learn, seems to be peculiar to the Western and Southern States. It appears, from the rather unsatisfactory accounts at the author's command, to originate in the osseous, or bony, struc- ture of the face. The bones become much swollen, and are represented as presenting a soft, spongy, or cellular appearance, the cells being filled with a substance like jelly. This appear- ance, however, does not correspond externally with several specimens in the author's possession, in which the external sur- face of the bones appears to be perfect, but very thin, and very much enlarged. The symptoms are a swelling of the bones of the face from the eye to the nose ; puffy swelling about the limbs j sUffnesi Z12 INFLAMMATION OP THE BRAIIf. MiiSRI^. i ' i about the joints; pulse slightly accelerated, and soft; coat rough and staring, with considerable debilitj. The treatment nsaallj practised has been to make an incision through the skin and insert a small quantity of arsenic into the wound ; or else to score the face with a red-hot iron j which latter mode is said to huTe effected a perfect cure in many cases. Neither of these operations, however, strikes ns as being very sci- entiOc. The author's friend, G. W. Bowler, of Cincinnati. Ohio, has had some experience in tiie treatment of this disease, and has been very successful. The course pursued by him is to rub the swollen parts well once a day with the following ointment : of mercurial ointment one ounce, and of iodine ointment two ounces ; mix well together for use. Give internally at the same time one of the following powders night and morning : calomel one ounce; iodide of potassa two ounces; pulverized gentian root one and a half ounces ; to be made into twenty powders. The animal must be kept in a dry, well ventilated stable, and the body kept warm so long as this medicine is given. 913 INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. This disease, known also as phrenitis, or, more generally, mad staggers, arises from various causes, such as blows, over- feeding and little exercise, too tight a collar, etc., etc., A heaviness of the head is first noticed ; an unwilling- ness to move about ; the lining membrane of the eyelids miicli reddened; appetite indifferent or lost; a peculiar dullness of the eyes; and finally, delirium or madness. The animal be; comes unmanageable ; beslavers all that comes within his reach, whether man, horse, or anything else ; and plunges violently tbout the stalls or wherever he may chance to be. As this disease Is occasioned by a determination of blood to the head, it is necessary to use the lancet ; this should be done freely, and that too before the delirious stage comes on, other, wise it cannot be done properly or beneficially. Cloths wet in cold water should be applied to the head ; or, what is better, bags of broken ice. Open the bowels with the following, made into a ball : Barbadoes aloes one ounce ; pulverized ginger one drachm; pulverized gentian root two drachms; mix with mo. lasses sufficient to form the ball. Give also injections of castile Eoap and water. Give no food for twenty-four hours ; but small quantities of water may be frequently given. After the recovery of the animal he should be fed very sparingly, and not exposed to the hot noondny snn. If the occasion of the attack be a tight collar, the remedy is simple and easj ; if from orer-feeding, the qnantily of food should be lessened ; but little is to be expected by way of treatment. MEOBIMS. This is a sudden determination of blood to the head, generally attacking horses while at work, or in harness upon the road. Those of a plethoric character are most snbject to these attacks. The horse suddenly stops in the road, shakes his bead, and sometimes goes on again ; at other times he falls in a state of unconsciousness, the whole system appears conrulsed, with the eyes wild in appearance and constantly rolling. Bleeding upon the appearance of the first symptoms gives almost immediate relief; after which the bowels mnst be opened, for which purpose give one and a half pints of linseed oil, or tte ftloei ball will answer ; brao mashes should be given for a su EPILEPSY. few days. These attacks may be prevented in the case of horses subject to them by moderate feeding and driving, and in warm weather by keeping the forehead shaded by a canvas or cloth hood elevated on a wire framework about two inches from the forehead so as to protect the brain, and admit a free passage of air between the two. The author believes tliat he was the Gret to introduce this hood, which can be attached to the bridle, and made as ornamental as may be desired. The use of hoods of this kind in very hot weather would prevent the frequent falling of horses in our streets from over-heating ; as the heat of the sun principally affects the brain in all these cases. VERTIGO. This disease generally arises from water in the cranial case, causing pressure upon the brain. The animal is generally attacked in harness, as in the preceding disease ; this arises from the fact that the exercise causes the vessels of the brain to be- come more active, fuller, and more distended with blood, and consequently there is greater pressure upon this sensitive organ. The symptoms are similar to those of megrims, with, perhaps, the addition of rearing, dropping suddenly as though struck with death, and rising in a few moments as if nothing had hap- pened, etc. The treatment mainly consists in keeping the bowels in good order J working moderately ; giving no corn, and but little hay. EPILEPSY. This disease takes its name from the suddenness of its attack. The animal is apparently in a perfect state of health, when sud- denly he falls to the ground, generally (as in the two preceding «TOMACH STAGOERS. 815 cases), while in harness, without any manifest cause. He re- mains in this condition for a short time, and then appears as well as ever; although occasionally a considerable degree of stupor is manifested for some time after. It may be occasioned by blows, wounds, and other injuries about the head ; water in the brain ; tumors ; violent derange- ment of the nervous system j worms ; constipation of the bowels ; plethora, etc. The same course of treatment should be pursued as in vertigo ; these diseases in their symptoms, causes, etc., being so intimately connected as scarcely to be distinguishable from each other. STOMACH STAGGERS. This disease arises principally from over-feeding. The animal appears dull and sleepy, with a disposition to pitch forward ; stands with his head resting against a wall, manger, or the likei or, if at pasture, against a tree ; if he is led out of the stable, this will be observed as an involuntary action, in consequence of which the head is often much cut and bruised by coming in contact with hard or rough substances ; there is constipation of the bowels ; pulse scarcely changed from. the usual standard ; as the attack is severe, the breathing becomes more and more labored. Blaine regards these symptoms as the first stage of mad stag, gers; but this the author deems a mistake, as animals that aie from this disease, having presented the above symptoms, scarcely have any very marked change in the cerebral region, or the brain. From the mode of treatment recommended by European Authors of high repute, the author infers that the attacks are W Ml 816 BTOMACn STAGGERS* less severe in this country than in Europe, or else that the severe treatment there practised is more injurious than the disease itself. The whole cause of the disease being apparently in the distended condition of the stomach from the presence -^ of undigested food, all food j should be removed from the manger, and none given for forty-eight hours. Give in- ternally the following ball: Barbadoes aloes one ounce; pulverized ginger two drachms ; croton oil six drops; mix with molasses, and give in the usual manner. Injec- tfons of soap ond water should be given, until the bowels are opened ; or, what is far preferable when convenient, tobacco-smoke injections. Two drachms of the extract of belladonna dissolved in a pail of water, given tQ drink once a day for a week, will prove beneficial. Bleeding in these cases is, as a general rule, unnecessary and uncalled for. Food should now be given very sparingly ; and no corn should be given at any time to the animal after such an attack, in consequence of its tendency to heat the blood, and produce a plethoric conditioQ of the system. AMAUROSIS. SIT BATIXO SCE5B. DISEASES OF THE EYE. AMAUROSIS. la this disease, called also Gutta Serena, or, more generally^ Glass Eye, we find the eyes bright and clear, with a peculiar glassy appearance about them not observed in an eye where vision is perfect ; although no alteration in the structure of the eye has taken place, yet the horse is partially or totally blind. A mere examination of such eyes would not enable us to pro. Bounce upon the blindness of the animal ; but if he be taken from a dark stable to a strong light, it will readily be detected, as the light causes no change to take place in the pupil. This disease is regarded as paralysis of the optic nerve ; in some cases yielding readily to medical treatment, and in others proving incurable. Horses are often sold with this disease upon them as perfectly sound, and the first intimation which the purchaser receives of his horse's being blind is his running against a wall-fence, post, or any thing that may chance to be in his way. It sometimes makes its appearance very suddenly; occasionally it exists in a temporary form as a sympatl.ctic affection, as in apoplcx-y ; it also at times occurs during the period of gestation, etc. Constitutional treatment only is likely to succeed in these case?. A physic ball should be given to open the bowels, composed of Barbadoes aloes six drachms ; pulverized ginger one drachm ; pulverized gentian root two drachms ; mix with molasses. After the ball has operated (which should be in twenty-four hours, if the aloes are good), give morning and evening half a drachm IP ' 818 MEiMBRANA NICTITANS. SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA. of nux vomica mixed in the feed. The author has never wiu nessed any beneGcial results from bleeding, although it is re« commended by some writers. 819 INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANA NICTITANS. This affection is commonly called the haw, or hooks. The membrane affected is somewhat triangular in form, concave on the inner side, and convex externally. It is mainly composed of cartilage, or gristle, and is situated between the eye ball and the side of the orbit, at the inner corner of the eye. In a per- fectly healthy condition but a very small portion of this mem- brane is visible ; but when in a state of inflammation it bulges out very considerably. A portion of the membrane covering it becoming, as it were, folded upon itself presents a hook- like appearance, which has been regarded by farriers as a foreign substance, to which the name of *' hooks" has been given, and its removal with the knife recommended by thera. It so happens, however, that this membrane is placed in the eye, or attached thereto, to serve a useful purpose : that of cleansing the eye from dirt, or any foreign substance that may chance to get into it, which is accomplished by throwing it over the ball of the eye, and removing any obstruction. In- jury must result from cutting away any portion of this mem- brane, as its function is in part destroyed ; since the animal can no longer throw it over the ball of the eye with the same facility as before the operation was performed. In point of fact, wherever the hooks, as they are called, are cut out, it will be observed that whenever any foreign substance gets into the eye, the animal makes a spasmodic effort to throw this mem- brane over the eye ball, often failing to accomplish it; and thus the eye is rendered more liable to i..j,„y ever after Whenever this membrane becomes tumeQed, instead of cut- tmg It out, open the bowels, and apply cold water to the eye several times a day. If „,„ch i„aammation exists, bleed from the small vein just below the eye, the course of which vein in all thin-skinned animals is quite distinctly marked. SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA. This disease arises sometimes from a blow inflicted by a pas- «onate groom, or from some other external injury, or from a fore.g„ body entering the eye, causing such an irritation in that delicate organ as sometimes to terminate in blindness. The symptoms are considerable swelling and inflammation of the eye lids, their under surfaces being very much reddened, and the vessels highly injected with blood; there is also a cloudy appearance over the cornea, or transparent part of tne eye. For treatment, if the animal is in a plethoric condition, take "^ or e,ght quarts of blood from the jugular vein, regulating ^^ jantuy by the action on the pulse ; otherwise genera! bleedmg should not be undertaken. The bowels should be reely opened with Barbadoes aloes, si., drachms; pulverized d. ohm, made mto a ball. Bathe the eye freely with cold wa er ; after which apply with a syringe either of the following 2''es: laudanum, si.x drachms; rain, or distilled water, on: P t; mu the two, and shake well before using :_or, take "alf an ounce of the extract of belladonna dissolved in one • f ■ fi ■I 320 BFSCmC OPHTHALMIA. CATARACT. pint of rain water. Give internally one drachrar of powdered colchicura morniug and evening, in a bran mash; no graia should be given during the treatment ; corn should be especially avoided. BPECIPIO OPHTHALMIA, Inflammation of the eye, or specific ophthalmia, is known to horsemen as moon-blindness, from the influence wliicli the moon is supposed to exert upon it. This, however, is one of the many popular delusions which fill the pages of many use- less works on farriery. When a horse is once attacked with this disease, he is ever after liable to subsequent attacks, at intervals varying from one to si.x months, and generally ter- minating in blindness. This termination may, however, be warded off for a long time by proper management -, each sub- sequent attack rendering such a termination more and more certain, from the increased alteration in the structures of the eye. The horse may appear perfectly well, and the eyes clear and bright one day, and the next morning usually one eye will be found closed, more particularly if it is exposed to a strong light; little or no swelling will be observed ; the lining raera- brane of the eye lid is quite red, and the eye exceedinglj watery and tender. The causes of this disease are mainly attributable to heredi- tary predisposition, or to confinement in dark stables, and sudden exposure to strong light. Badly ventilated stables, in consequence of which the eyes arc continually exposed to the strong fumes of ammonia arising from the urine, as also hard work iu a small collar, are supposed to be excit-ng causes. 32] Those cases require prompt attention, i„ order to ward off he senous consequences which otherwise are in store for the un- fortunate an.mal. The bowels should first be opened wit I purg.ng ban recommended in simple ophthalmia. Giv ^as e o„„. and when the bowels are opened, give one th following powders night and morning on the tongue - pulverized colchicnm, one and a half ounces ; sahpet^ two ounces; ..wue into twelve powder. These wil/ last I bright. Use as an injection for the eye, tincture of opium one ounce; rain, or distilled water, one pint.-or, if „,ore con-' venient mi., half an ounce of the extract of belladonn one pint o water, and use in the same manner. If the animal .n a plethoric condition, bleeding will be found advan- ^ eous ; he quantity to be regulated by the condition of the Hs . Place the animal in a cool, well-ventilated location free from any ammoniacal gases. CATAEACT. opihalm-""' "'"' " °" ""' ''" ^^^'"-"°- of specific I Klications of cataract noticed are one or more white pots making their appearance within the eye. gradually en- argmg, and at last blending with each other nnUI the anin 1 ocomes totally blind. Xot much can be do.e in such ^ llth H " " ''' """""^ '' ""^ ''P'^^"^-" P-'-d pen he hnman eye. and known as "couching," is hardly ad- --bie, as the horse is forever after unsafe, being very apt to i I ll M. PI S22 POLL EVIL. ahj at almost every object which he encounters, in consequence of his sight being but partially restored by the operation. WALL EYE. This peculiar appearance of the iris in some horses is not the result of disease, but is occasioned bwtbe absence of what is called the pigment, which gives color to the eye. This pigment is secreted upon the inside of the iris, and where it does not exist, the iris, or that part of the eye which surrounds the pupil (so called from its brilliancy) remains white. Percival says : " It is a remarkable fact that this variety of hue in the iris corresponds with the color of the hair ; bay and chestnut horses have hazel eyes ; brown horses have brownish eyes ; and very dark brown or black horses, eyes of a still darker, dusky brown shade. This curious relation is still more observable in human beings ; the diversity of colors and hues in their irides being infinitely greater than any thing we behold among any one species of animals. Cream-colored and milk-white horses have wall eyes, and albinos have red eyes ; in both which instances the iris is said to be destitute of any coloring matter whatever." MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. POLL EVIL. This disease arises from blows inflicted upon the poll, or back part of the head, of animals whose blood is impure, or in ft morbid condition. Horses going in or out of stables with I'OLL EVIL. 323 w orways .^equentfy strite their polls; p„i,i„, fc„ek „po„ the halte, aud blows i.fl.cted by passionate groo.s ll -on, the excfting causes of this .nch dreaded eo„ pli 1 same .jnries inflicted npon an ani.al in perfect he tU Beldo. cause any essential trouble ; but .hen L blood L ..»orb,d condition, fistulous abscesses are for.ed, which a seldom curable by merely local treatment, even wh „ ted ease is treated iu its earliest stages The author has no faith in the seton, so highly recommended -^ case, but depends principally upon'constitu t od f : •" '"^ ^"^"°''"°" ''^ -"^'fo" of the b on T :: ""'""'^ ''''''''' "^ ^ ^-'"'^ »-• This may ..e of L :il'^°'%"^^ "' '''''''-' -dicines. given ia u^ s s 7' «-''^-— pulverized, four P ds- : """' """•^ "'^^'' -« -^ - l-lf It t'wir T ""'''''"' " "' ^^ ^°™ ^ "•-' ^-' 0- Zn e I ' '•'''• '"'^"'"■"^ "'°^^' ^■^''' ounces ; soft soap e,ght ounces ; linseed meal, one and a half pounds mi. and dose as before • or th» r .ii • ' ^ pounds; sesqui-sulphuret of antimony in powder, one pound : dose, a table- Kpoonful twice a day in tlie feed. The sesqui- Bulphuret of antimony filiould never be pur- chased in a powdered "" RrNNixo stalliox americait bclips, «-on, but should always be procured in conical masses. I ^^1 •f .1 4.; li I' ! 324 MELANOTIC TUMORS. If the abscess is soft and pointing, it should be ot^enedj and a solution of zinc, two drachms to a quart of water, injected into the opening once or twice a day. A saturated solution of corrosive sublimate is sometimes used advantageously though the zinc is much safer in the hands of inexperienced persons. The nux vomica, in half-drachm doses, is also used as an internal remedy with good efifect. FISTULA OF THE WITHEKS. * This is precisely the same as poll evil, its location alone giving it a different name, and requires the same course of treatment. Its location is upou the raised part along the back, and over the shoulders, known as the withers, and it is caused by bruises from the forepart of the saddle, and other causes. MELANOTIC TUMORS. Swellings are generally termed tumors ; but tumors proper are swellings in any part of the animal not attended by in- flammation, comprehending bony, fatty, fibrous, melanotic, etc. For their removal an operation is generally requisite, which should be left to the veterinary surgeon. Melanotic, or black tumors are, however, peculiar to gray horses, and operations upon this class would be of little use, as the entire system is usually filled with them ; where one is seen, manj more may be suspected. The author presented to the Boston Veterinary Institute, some years ago, a large cluster, fifty or sixty in number, taken from the abdominal cavity of a gray xiorto, aii uniied together by membranous attachments j and GLANDERS. there could not have been Ipco fu GLANDERS. This fatal and much drpnriorj ^- , continues so to do U , a •! ''°'^^' '""^ «"» ferent diseases art oft r '''' ""^'^^'""^ ' ^^^ - «^'r- detected b! I '" ''' "'"' ''' ^'"-h -"a^ bo utiectea by the competent practitionpr „„ • , condemned until thp «. P''»cft'oner, no mnmal should be cannot wel. be mist Lf^ "I- '""''" *° ^"•"^^^^' ^''^^ -nifested them™: The '"'''' ' ^""^ ^-'"P^^' ^^^^ moved and kept fZ ,f ":""''' ""''""' ''^^'^ ^'^ ^^^ The author a d^^i^ 7T ^"""" ''"' ""^ ^'"- -e.e or r..ade,prtL:: ;r:;: :; --7 -"-eet;.Ti::;rr:thten:r"7 quently been killed as g,a„dered • Id . "''" '"'■ --'.came under ..AJSsX IC: T ^''' ^^ billed as glandered. the cause of tie 1 ,;""""' "'" 2Iling up of the fmntni • , difficulfj was the fa P the frontal sinuses hy bony deposits it IS necessary for the attendant to use fl,» . , . ^^'- a^out a g,.ndered horse, as t .e is L t^er'"" -n-cated from the anima, to man by inoeutti t "^ -^ty-seven cases reported i„ the VcLinar „ o ' T , occurring in man hnf ♦ i, ciennanan of London as S man. but three recovered, notwithstanding th. H ^ t I 326 GLANDERS. i! Utmost exertions of the ablest physicians that could be pro cured. The most common cause of this disease is the impure air of close, ill-ventilated, and filthy stables, ^vhich acts injuriously upon the organs of respiration, destroys the constitution, dc, bilitates the system, and renders it susceptible to the attacks of disease. Neglected catarrh, also, sometimes terminates iii glanders ; hard work and bad provender, together with sudden changes from exposure to cold and wet weather to hot stables, are likewise reckoned among the causes. The symptoms are, discharges from one or both nostrils, of a glossy, thick, gluey nature, frequently sticking about tho nostrils in considerable masses. This is a peculiarity which other discharges do not possess. This discharge is not always copious, as is generally supposed. The Schneiderian membrane of the nose changes to a dusky, or dirty yellow, or leaden hue; ulcers appear upon the membrane; a peculiar raising of the nasal bones will be observed, which the author has never noticed in any other disease ; the discharge is sometimes mixed with blood, and is often fetid ; and one or both of the submaxillary glands are swollen and adhere to the jaw bone. Too much reliance, however, should not be placed upon thia swelling, as it frequently accompanies other diseases ; but the character of the discharge, and the raising of the nasal bones are peculiarities not easily mistaken when the disease is de. veloped. As all the other symptoms will be found accom- panying other diseases, too much care cannot be exercised in deciding upon a case of this disease previous to a full develop- ment of the symptoms. All treatment thus far has proven a failure. FARCY, •>07 FAHCY. This is rogarded by the author as an bcipient sta^e of glanders, or as a type of the same disease, and with proper management is curable. Experiments prove that the virus from a farcied horse will produce glanders by inoculation in a sound one, and that the glandered matter will i„ like manner produce farcy. There are two distinct varieties or stages of farcy: one, which is called button farcy, is altogether super- ficial, being confined to the lymphatic vessels of the skin and readily yields to medical treatment; the other variety make. .U appearance in the extremities, generally upon the inside of the h,nd legs, which become completely engorged , but the swelling is very different from the ligamentary thickening or from .edema, being very uncen or lumpy, excessively tender and painful to the touch. Small abscesses are formed, which at' first discharge a healthy p„s, but soon ulcerate, aod discharge a thm, sanious matter. These abscesses, or tumors, first make their appearance on the inside of the hind legs, and then oa the fore ones in like manner; the neck and lips come next i« torn, and they may afterward appear in all parts of the body when glanders will begin to manifest itself. By way of treatment, good wholesome food is all important Sulphate of copper in two-drachm doses, combined with one or two drachms of pulverized gentian root, will often prove successful ; corrosive sublimate, also, in ten or fifteen grain doses, night and morning, has often been advantageously used; the doses may be increased to a scruple, or even half a drachm, if the animal bears the medicine well. If the animal «s much debilitated, give calomel in half-drachm doses instead i 328 SCARLET FEVER. of the sublimate, or the sulphuret of mercury may be snb- Btituted. The use of arsenic has also been attenilecl with good success, but the author has been more fortunate with the muriate of baryta in half-drachm doses, than with any other preparation in use. All the tumors should be opened, and caustic carefully applied to each ; sulphate of copper, nitrate of silver, the per-manganate of potash, or the red-hot iron, are the best applications. The following ointment should be rubbed along the corded vessels once a day : blue ointment, two ounces; hydriodate of potash, two drachms; lard, two ounces ; mix well. Or, the red oxide of mercury, two drachma to the ounce of lard is very good. MANGE. SCAHLET FEVER. This disease, otherwise called scarlatina, has too frequently been confounded with farcy, notwithstanding the two diseases present very different symptoms. It is easily managed, yield- ing readily to medical treatment. For several days previous to any very noticeable symptoms being manifest, the animal is off his feed, dull and mopy, with mouth hot and dry ; slight or copious discharges from the nose, mixed with blood ; the Schneiderian membrane highly colored, and presenting numerous scarlet blotches, irregular in form, and containing a thin, reddish fluid; these blotches sometimes present a pustular appearance, but upon passing the finger over them, nothing of that character can be dis- covered ; the whole body is covered with similar spots, which sometimes require close examination to discover them ; in other cases, little pustules are formed, which break, and dis* 323 charge a thin sanious fluid of a reddish color and gluey nature; sweHings of the legs, sheath, and belly, are usually attending symptoms; the respiration is quick; the pulse is full and accelerated, and there is a disinclination to move For treatment, the extract of belladonna alone appears to be a specific in this disease. It should be given in doses of from one half to two drachms, dissolved in a pail of water and given to the animal to drink. No hay should be placed be, fore h.m ; soft mashes only should be allowed, until he is convalescent. This treatment, so sin.ple yet so effective, has been pursued by the author's friend. Dr. Bowler, of Cincinnati, and himself, for the last ten years, with uniform success, not a single case having been lost. It is true that the disease is not of very common occurrence ; yet during that period the author nas had over thirty cases. MANGE. Diseases of the skin are less numerous i„ the horse thau perhaps, most other animals ; a circnmstance doubtless arising from the great care taken of our better class of horses to keep I>e sk.n clean, thereby promoting its healthy action. Mange s .dent.cal with the itch in the human body, and is an infec- t'ous d.sease. the intolerable itching being caused by minute insects, called acari. They are first observed with the aid of a powerful microscope along the mane and the root of the tail causing a scurfy appearance of the skin. This appearance rap.dly extends to the neck and body; spots denuded of hair W.1 appear, which gradually run into continuous scabby patches. As the disease advances, it thickens aud puckers f 1^ 330 MANGE. 'f i } the skin, particularly of the neck, withers and loins. This dis- case is easily cured if properly managed. The natural history of these insects is not well known. They live only upon, or beneath, the skin of animals. There appears to be a distinct variety, peculiar to each species of animals. They live for a considerable time after bein'- ^^ thj Warts. •». or drop off- if I "^ ""'■•"''•" e«»"'lly mbked tl'e neck on each sido ti • ^ ^ '^'■°""<* ''•matures bein,ll/'X'r"" '"' ''''''''''' '"^ -tire,, .estro, .ar. r t Z^T'^' 1 ^''''' "'" »ith a knife. ' ^ ""^y ^ •*"<''«'» SIT-FASTS. Several davslrr '" "^ '■""°''' ■ '"' ''^ P«"'''--"ff for 11 f] M 1 1 338 MALLANDERS AND SELLENDERS. of myrrh applied two or three times a day will generally effeci a cure after the dead skin is removed. WARBIiES. These arise from bruises, which cause superficial swellings that sometimes suppurate. They should be freely opened and the matter well washed out. A solution of sulphate of zinc, or alum-water, is all that is required to effect a cure. SADDLE OB HARNESS GALLS. These are bruises caused by friction and moisture, occurrin^^ most frequently in warm weather ; the parts are rubbed raw, and sometimes bleed. The treatment is simple and effectual. Bathe the parts several times a day with one pint of water aud half a pint of tincture of myrrh. MALLANDERS AND SELLENDERS. These are scurfy eruptions of the back part of the knee joint and the front part of the hock joint. They sometimes occasion much pain, and lameness in consequence. They con- stitute but one disease, the names having reference to the fore and hind extremities; mallenders being applied to eruptions upon the fore extremities, aud sellenders to those upon the hind ones. For treatment, wash the parts well with castile soap and water, and apply the following : lard, four ounces, and Goulard's extract, one ouuce, well mixed. SURGICAL CASES. 339 ULCERATION OF THE UDDER bv'l" -IP ""'*"" "'^'"' '^ '''' ''^'^''^ -^-^^ - -used by the m,lk. coagulating in the bag, and causing inflamma- ion and suppuration. The udder becomes swollen, hot ender hard, and knotty. A flaxseed poultice should at onc^ beapphe when the abscess will soon be brought to a head, ts soft feehng. It should then be lanced, and the udder bathed twice a day with lard melted as hot as the animal can bear. Sometimes it becomes necessary to inject a solution of te sulphate of zinc into the opening ; but in ordinary cases the hot lard is sufficient, if properly applied. INFLAMED VEINS. The jagular or neck vein sometimes becomes inflamed ia consequence of being injured by a bungling bleeder. A swell- i..g IS first noticed, followed by a gaping in the incision in the neck, from which an acrid fluid oozes. I For treatment, bathe the part well with cold water, into Which a small portion of tincture of myrrh is thrown, and with tt purging ball a cure is soon effected. -♦ p- SURGICAL CASES. It frequently becomes necessary, in order to reliere the animal from some painful disease, to resort to operations in "nrgeryj this, in i^act, has of late years become an important 340 fiUaaiCAL CASES. h .' branch of veterinary practice. When it becomes necessary to use the knife, the animal should be spared all useless torture. In severe operations, humanity dictates the use of some anses- thetic agent to render the animal insensible to pain. Chloro- form is the most powerful of this class, and may be adminis- tered with perfect safety, provided a moderate quantity of atmospheric air is inhaled with or during its administration. Sulphuric ether acts very feebly upon the horse, and cannot therefore be successfully used. Chloric ether answers a very good purpose, but pure chloroform is preferable. In minor operations, the twitch, the side-hobble, or the foot-strap, is all that is necessary. When a horse is to be cast for an operation, force must be used for its accomplishment. The patent hob- bles have been preferred for that purpose by veterinary sur- geons generally, though the author prefers a modification of the cast-rope and the patent hobbles. This improvement con- sists in having a heavy, well-padded leathern collar, each layer burned in with rosin, after the style of the old-fashioned fire- buckets ; at the bottom of this collar a strong ring is attached, secured by an iron band ; through this ring the rope is passed; around the body a strong leathern band is buckled, which connects with the top of the collar by a cross strap, which keeps it in place ; a hobble band is placed upon each hind fetlock, through the D of which the rope is passed ; on each Bide of the collar a strong ring is firmly secured, through which the rope also passes, the ends of which are then pulled upon by one or two men on each side, and the animal let quietly down. The author is convinced by experience that this ar- rangement is far preferable to any hobble arrangement yet seen. It is a mistaken idea that horses must be cast for every Uttle operation; ia truth, but few operations require it. BLEEDINO. 841 BLEEDIU-O. Blo«dI.,„.s in former „„„ „, „,„,., „ , ... /, , ' °*''^' "P"" that pulse must decide the anan- t^y of ,ood to be taken. The pu.se wi,, be found fo oil e ront margin of the masseter musCe. which muscle Zl ^ sh, pans Of the head upon each side, called the cheeks. By following the front part of thi, muscle downward with the thumb, untl near the base of the lower jaw, and then passing forefingers under, or inside of the jaw, the pulse will be readily felt ; or, to point its location out with more certiint,r ir „„ • pernendionl-,.! r "'Y^'^'^t^' '^ ^^ ""ng.nary line is drawn r pendicu arly from the front part of the ear downward it w. I cross the point where the pulse is located and felt n a healthy condition the pulse beats from thir'ty-si. to or 7 ;-s a minute; variation above or below this L d. d d, atcs a morbid condition of the system. This fact sho d or„ .„ „,i„a .•„ the description of any disease. When ^■eedmg ,s necessary, the neck never should be corded Z -ch .njury has at times been caused by this practic . \ ^^ - requeue is to .iso the jugular vela by pressing „po 1 342 NEUROTOMY OR NERVINa. ill 11',- it with the fingers of the left hand, using the lance with the right. The old-fashioned mode of bleeding with the fleam and blood-stick is a bungling operation, frequently requiring several trials before bringing blood, the result of which is an inflamed vein. A more convenient, a more certain, and a more satisfactory method is by using a spring lance, made for the purpose, which never fails in bringing blood upon the first trial. It is so contrived as to straddle the vein of the neck, which keeps it firm, and prevents its rolling, so that it is im* possible to miss bringing the blood when it is once placed upon the vein and sprung. By this method of bleeding, the covering of the eye and the cording of the neck are unnecessary, and the operation can easily be accomplished by one person. After the vein has been opened, the blood-pail pressed against the vein will cause the blood to flow freely. When the desired quantity has been drawn, the vein must be carefully closed by passing a pin through the centre of the opening, taking up the skin upon both sides, and tying with hair from the mane or tail. The pin may be removed in about twenty-four hours. NEUROTOMY OR NERVING. This is one of the most important operations in reterinary practice, and one that has been much abused, not only in Europe, but even more so in the United States. Its useful- ness was first demonstrated by Assistant Professor Sewell, of the Veterinary College of London. The operation consists in cutting out a portion of the metacarpal nerves on each side of the legs, thus destroying the sensibility of the foot. From the instantaneous relief experienced by the auimal in all case« NEUROTOMY OR NERVING. 543 Of foot lameness, no matter from what cause, an opportunity has been afl^orded to dishonest persons for imposing upon the public by availing themselves of this practice ; an opportunity, it need not be said, which has been freely used, and thus a valuable operation has been brought into undeserved disrepute. The cases likely to be benefited by this operation are few, and should be selected with great care ; otherwise the loss of the animaPs hoof may be, and often is, the termination of the case. t This operation j? recommended by veterinary authors in incurable cases of lameness of the navicular joint ; but suffi. cient caution is not impressed upon the mind of the reader, to enable him to guard against the fatal results which too often follow. In deciding upon a case for this operation, an animal should be selected with a foot as free from contraction as possible ; free from corns ; comparatively free from inflammation ; with a concave ground surface ; open heels ; hoof free from rings or roughness ; and no bony deposits within the hoof. In such a case, the operation may be performed with success. A horse that has been foundered should not, under any circumstances, be operated upon, as ossification of the laminse frequently foN lows such an attack ; nor a horse affected with ossification of the lateral cartilages, corns, or badly contracted hoof; for these are the cases where loss of the hoof is likely to follow, rendering the animal useless. After the operation has been performed, care should bo taken in driving the animal ; for it should be remembered that no matter what accident may happen to the foot, the animal is unconscious of pain. The feet should be frequently exam- li 844 NEUROTOMY OR NERVINa ined to see whether the horse has picked up a n&il, or other wise injured the foot ; for such injuries would otlierwise re- main undiscovered until too late to save the animara life or usefulness. The smith should be informed of the opera- tion, in order to guard against pricking the animal's foot in Bhoeing. It is necessary previous to the operation that the feet should be perfectly cool, which condition may be obtained by frequent bathings with cold water for several days previous. The horse is cast, the foot to be operated upon loosei^ed, and brought for- ward by an assistant, it resting upon a bed of straw. A verti- cal incision is made about two inches above the fetlock, between the cannon bone and back sinew, raising up with the forceps the cellular membrane, and carefully dissecting out the nerve. The precaution should be taken of placing the finger upon it, as the artery has been taken up and cut off before the mistake was discovered. Having fairly exposed the nerve, pass a curved needle armed with strong thread under it, and by carefully drawing it up and down the nerve may be readily separated. A sheathed knife is then passed under the nerve, and by a quick motion the nerve is severed at the upper part. After the strug^ gles of the animal cease, the cut nerve may be raised with tho forceps, and from one-half of an inch to an inch removed. This second cut causes no pain. The wound is then closed by three single stitches. After operating upon both sides in like manner, the animal is allowed to rise. Bandages should then be placed upon the leg, and kept saturated for several days with cold water. TREPHINIIfO. 845 lilTHOTOMY. Operation, for ,tone in the bladder of the I.orse hare been pracfsed since 1774, and in „,any cases very successfully I„ perfor..ng this operation, an ordinary scalpel, a probe-poin.ed b-sloury, a fluted whalebone staff, and a pair of curved forceps are necessary. The ani,„al should be placed npon his back .i'h the h,nd legs drawn well forward ; a whalebone staff is passed up the urethra, which n,ay be felt a little below the anus, „„ 3nc,s.on, one and a half or two inches in length is n,ade directly »pon ,t obliquely to one side, cutting through the urethra and he neck of the bladder; the forceps are next introduced, and the stone remored ; after which the parts are carefully closed by means of the quill suture, which in this operation is far su- penor to the interrupted one, as it more effectually prevents the dnbbhng of urine through the wound, which always occurs with t e .nterropted one. and therefore causes a more speedy union Of the parts. TBEPHINING. This operation consists in cutting out circular pieces of bono w.th a circular saw, called a trephine, and is most generally performed «, cases of fracture of the skull, or face. The bone removed must be from the sound part contiguous to the frac- ture, so as to enable an elevator to be passed inside of the cra- «.al case, for the purpose of pushing back the broken bone to ns proper place, and removing all detached pieces. Tl.i, ope ration ,s also performed in cases of ozena, by removing a piece Of bone over the frontal sinuses, situated immediately between the eyes, >n order to expose the diseased parts at once, that they n>«7 bo washed with proper injections. 1 y 346 I TAPPING THE CHEST. TENOTOMY. This operation is practised for the purpose of strengthening crooked legs or sprung knees. It consists in dividing the flexor tendons, in order to bring the limb straight. There are but few cases, however, in which the operation would be of much service, and therefore care must be exercised in selecting such cases as are proper. It would hardly be proper in a young horse, as other means less objectionable often succeed. In old horses it would not be prudent, as their limbs are generally stiff and permanently set ; nor would it be successful in cases where an- chylosis or stiff joint existed, as is often found in connection with crooked legs and sprung knees. COUCHING. This is an operation upon the eye for the purpose of remov- ing a cataract from the axis of vision. A couching needle is passed through the sclerotic coat of the eye a little behind the cornea, passing it upward behind the iris to where the cataract is located, pressing it downward into the vitreous humor behind the iris, where it remains. This operation has not been very successful in the horse, by reason of the imperfect restoration of the sight thereby afforded, which causes them in almost every instance to shy at every object which they encounter, thus ren- dering them dangerous upon the road. TAPPING THE CHEST. This operation consists in passing a round, pointed instra- ment, sheathed with a cauula, into the chest, ia order to draw AMPUTATION OP THE PENIS. g^-j Off any accumulation of fluid that may have taken place in the viscus. The instrument is passed, after first making a small in- cision through the skin, between the eighth and ninth ribs but not too low down. It is pushed gently forward until it pene- trates the pleura, or lining membrane of the chest. The stellet IS then withdrawn, and the canula is kept In place until the fluid ceases to run. If, however, a large quantity exists, all of it should not be taken away at one time ; for the pressure upon the lungs having been so great, if such sudden relief is afforded nature, unable to accommodate herself to so rapid an alteration gives way, and the animal consequently dies. It should there- fore be taken away at one, two, or three tappings, as occasion may require. Good wholesome food should be allowed ■ PEKIOSTEOTOMY. This operation is most generally performed for painful splints It consists in cutting though the periosteum, or membrane covering the surface of all bones, over the splint or node, which immediately gives relief. This operation requires the aid of an experienced man. AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS. This operation is occasionally called for in the horse, particn- arly m cases of paraphymosis, or protrusion of the penis, that Imve resisted all other modes of treatment. The operation as performed in England, is unnecessarily tedious, and not as sue cessful as it should be. It is only requisite in performing this operation to place a tv^itch npon the animal, and while he is •tandmg to take the penis in the left hand, and with an ampu- ■^ "if 848 (ESEOPHAGOTOMT. HERNIA. 349 tating knife in the right to sever it at one stroke. The he- morrhage, although considerable, need not occasion any alarm. A piece of cotton or soft sponge, saturated with spirits of tur penline or any other styptic, and placed in the sheath, will soon cause the hemorrhage to cease. Fear of hemorrhage, may deter some persons from performing what may appear a bold operation ; but the author has not known a single operation performed in this way to have a fatal termination ; whereas with the English mode of operating it frequently docs so, beside, even if it is successful, rendering the animal useless for a muck greater period of time. CESOPHAGOTOMY. This operation is occasionally resorted to where any foreign substance, as an apple, potato, carrot, and the like, has lodged in the oesophagus, or gullet. Where such obstructions exists gentle manipulations with the hand should first be resorted to ; if these are not successful in removing them, the probang is called for, and in case of failure thus to dislodge them, this operation is the only remaining resort. It is not necessary to cast the animal. Cut down directly upon the swollen part of the throat, and re- move the obstruction. The wound may then be closed by means of the interrupted suture ; that is, by single stitches, at proper distances apart, allowing the ends to hang out of the external wound, which may be closed in the same manner. The animal should be kept on gruel for several days. If the gruel is seen to ooze out of the wound when he is swallowing, it should be carefully washed away with cold water. The parts should be syringed with a weak solution of sulphate of zinc, chloride of cine, or tincture of myrrh. HERNIA. By the term hernia surgeons understand a rupture, or protru- sion of some of the viscera out of the abdomen, forming a soft tumor. In human practice there are hernias occurring in all the viscera of the body ; but in the equine race they are confined, with rare exceptions, to the abdominal viscera, the inguinal hernia being the most common. This appears in the groin, and is a protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal ring, which in the stallion frequently passes down into the scrotum, or bag, constituting scrotal hernia. These hernias sometimes occur during castration in consequence of the violent struggles of the animal. In such cases it is best to administer chloroform at once in order to quietthe animal and prevent violent strugglings. The animal should be put upon his back, and one hand passed up the rectum, and one or two fingers of the other placed upon the scrotum, when by careful manipulations the intestine can gene- rally be replaced. If, however, a reduc- __ tion cannot be elTected, be n ecessary. The hernia should be exposed by cutting through the integument a little upon one Bide, and coming down upon the hernia, the finger is placed upon it, and a reduction effected by careful manipulation. Care should be taken that the nails upon the hand are trimmed close, in GOOD FOR HBAVr DRAFTS. M 350 KOWELING. naiNo. 351 order to prevent wounding the intestine. The wound should then be closed by means of the interrupted suture. A folded cloth should then be applied to the part, and retained by means of a continuous bandage crossed between the legs from side to side in the form of the figure 8. Sometimes the intestine becomes strangulated, constituting strangulated hernia, the reduction of which requires an operation as before mentioned. If, however, it is found impossible, then to reduce it, the finger should be passed through the opening, if possible, and a probe-pointed bistoury following upon it, enlarge the opening and replace the intestine. The same treatment as before indicated will be ne- cessary. Tlie symptoms of strangulated hernia are very similar to those of acute enteritis, or inflammation of the bowels. These may be regarded as the only hernias to which the horse is liable. • KOWELING. Kowels were formerly much used, but of late years the seton has superseded them. The rowel consists of a round piece of sole leather, cut out in the centre wound round with tow, which is saturated before using with digestive ointment. The skin is cut through, and dissected upon each side sufficiently to admit the rowel. This is used principally under the jaws and in the breast. The seton answers the same purpose, and is much more convenient. It consists in arming a needle made for the pur- pose with tape and passing it through the part desired, the Beton being saturated with the same ointment as the rowel. PIBIKO. The object in firing a horse is to produce an external inflam- mation where counter-action is required, as in spavin, ringbone, curbs, etc. The operation may be performed upon the animal while standing, by placing a twitch and side line upon him ; but if the surface to be fired is extensive, and the animal high strung, it is better to cast him, particularly where a number of oblique, vertical, or horizontal lines are to be drawn. Firing is not practised at the present day to the extent that it formerly was, and when it is practised every endeavor should be made to prevent, as far as possible, the blemishes which always follow the operation. Various forms of irons liave been adopted to accomplish this end. The author gives the preference to the feathered iron, which is brought down to a very fine edge, and, opinions are entertained by veterinary surgeons as to the ad- vantages resulting from deep firing as compared with those accruing from surface firing. In the author's judgment, if firing is resorted to at all, it should be done efTcctually. His attention has recently been called to a firing iron devised by A. Maillard, Esq., of Bordentown, New Jersey, which is the best adapted in' Etrument that has ever passed under his notice. It consists of two pieces of iron, octagonal in form, about one and a half inches long by one and a quarter wide, one piece containing five round-pointed projections, placed one at each corner and one at the centre, and the other four points, so arranged as, when fitted together, to fill up the intermediate spaces of its opposite ; both irons being used alternately on the same parts without ex' tending the surface fired. This iron will probably supersede any iron in use, and thanks are due to the inventor for his in- !i 1*1 S52 TRACHEOTOMY. gcnuUy 5n producing it. rointed instraments have been befor. used, but far inferior in their arrangement. THACHEOTOMT. Tins operation is oecasionally called for in cases of strangles. M>en the swelling threatens snlfocation. as it is often the only „eans of saving the animal's life. It consists in muk.ng a lon- gUudinal incision throngh the skin immediately over the wn.d- Le and below the laryn.x, cutting through the cart.lag.nous rings (two or more, as occasion requires), and inserting >n the opening a tube of silver made for the purpose, through wh.eh the aniLl breathes, instead of through the nostrils. A c.rcular piece is sometimes cut out ot the windpipe in order to adm.t the Lbe more freely, which is certainly the better mode of perform- in. the operation. In a case of emergency, a p.ece of elde ,vi"'lh the pith pushed out will answer temporary purposes. I should be well secured from slipping into the windpipe by mtSiM of a piece of string. n The Horse Tamed. mm^^it TMmMMs. p The 'hip a RArey's method of taming horses. 365 part of your arm, and reaching out very gently with the butt end of it, rubbing him lightly on the neck, all the time getting a little closer, shortening the whip by taking it up in your hand, until you finally get close enough to put your hands on him! If he is inclined to hold his head from you, put the end of the halter-strap around his neck, drop your whip, and draw very gently; he will let his neck give, and you can pull his head to you. Then take hold of that part of the halter which buckles over the top of his head, and pass the long side, or that part Which goes into the buckle, under his neck, grasping it on the opposite side with your right hand, letting the first strap loose —the halter will be sufficient to hold his head to you. Lower the halter a little, just enough to get his nose into that part which goes around it ; then raise it somewhat, and fasten the top buckle, and you will have it all right. The first time you halter a colt you should stand on the left side, pretty well back to his shoulder, only taking hold of that part of the halter that goes around his neck ; then with your two hands about his neck •you can hold his head to you, and raise the halter on it without making him dodge by putting your hands about his nose. You should have a long rope or strap ready, and as soon as vou have the halter on, attach this to it, so that you can let him walk the length of the stable without letting go of the strap, or without making him pull on the halter, for if you only let him feel the weight of your hand on the halter, and give him rope when he runs from you, he will never rear, pull, or throw himself, yet you will be holding him all the time, and doing more toward gent- ling him than if you had the power to snub him right up, and hold him to one spot ; because he does not know anything about his strength, and if you don't do anythin- to make him pull, he 366 rarey's method of taming horses. will never Ivnow that he can. In a few minutes you can begin to control him with the halter ; then shorten the distance be- tween yourself and the horse by taking up the strap in your hand. As soon as he will allow you to hold him by a tolerably short Btrap, and to step up to him without flying back. You can begin to give him some idea about leading. But to do this, do not go before and attempt to pull him after you, but commence by pull- ing him very quietly to one side. lie has nothing to brace either side of his neck, and will soon yield to a steady, gradual pull of the halter ; and as soon as you have pulled him a step or two to one side, step up to him and caress him, and then pull him again, repeating this operation until you can pull him around in every direction, and walk about the stable with him, which you can do in a few minutes, for he will soon think when you have made him step to tiie right or left a few times, that he is compelled to follow the pull of the halter, not know- ing that he has the power to resist your pulling ; besides, you have handled him so gently that he is not afraid of you, and you always caress him when he comes up to you, and he likes that, and would just as lief follow you as not. After he has had a few lessons of that kind, if you turn him out in a field, he will come up to you every opportunity he gets. TAMiNO THE HORSE. (See page 368.) KAREY'S METHOD OF TAMING HORSES. S67 Toa should lead him about in the stall some time before you "J on. „.„di„„ „.;.'" '""■ , ^'"'' '"<'"'■> »»' even b. How TO Tie up a Oott tp 1,; • , ^OLT.— If you want to tie up vour colt nnt j: : '""*'"' "'"■' "•"■ "■■«'• "-""».'« i.o » , ; connected by a bar or soracthinj? of that tinr] f. .i ranu.on behind it; so that, after the colt .^ in can ^o f enouffh hnr>?' frv + i "t cannot go far then b t I " ''"'""'' ''''^'^"•'*'-'^ P"" - the halter- b. or h.m to pull ou the halter, the partition behind prev L J"g hira from go ne back nnri th^ i u • I'revent- I'im ererv tin,! I ! ' ' ''""" "' "'^ «"'r« checking m erery time he turns to the right or left. In a stall of thi! ^.nd you can break any horse to stand tied with a uZ^^ ZT' T'^ ^'-^ -" ^"owin, anything abou u it!' ror you have broken your horse to lead, and have ta 1 you bach hun to anything), you can hitch him in any kind of 868 rarey's method of taming horses. a stall, and if you give him something to eat to keep him up td his place for a few minutes at first, there is uot one colt in fif:j that will pull on his halter. How TO Tame a Horse. — Take up one fore-foot and bend his knee till his hoof is bottom upward, and nearly touching his body; then slip a loop over his knee, and up until it comes above the pastern-joint, to keep it up, being careful to draw the loop together between the hoof and pastern-joint with a second strap of some kind to prevent the loop from slipping down and coming off. This will leave the horse standing on three legs ; you can now handle him as you wish, for it is utterly impossible for him to kick in this position. There is something in this operation of taking up one foot, that conquers a horse quicker and better than anything else you can do to him. There is no process in the world equal to it to break a kicking horse, as there is a principle of this kind in his nature that by conquer- ing one member, you conquer, to a great extent, the whole horse. This will conquer liira better than anything you could do, and without any possible danger of hurting himself or you either, for you can tie up his foot and sit down and look at him until he gives up. When you find that he is conquered, go to him, let down his foot, rub his leg with your hand, caress him, and let him rest a little ; then put it up again. Repeat this a few times, always putting up the same foot, and he will soon learn to travel on three legs, so that you can drive him some distance. As soon as he gets a little used to this way of tra- veling, put on your harness, and hitch him to a sulky. If ho Is the worst kicking horse that ever raised a foot, you need not be fearful of his doing any damage while he has one foot up, rarey's method or taming horses. 369 for he cannot kick, neither can he run fast enough to do any harm. And if he is the wildest horse that ever had harness on, and has run away every time he has been hitched, you can now hitch him in a sulky, and drive him as you please. If he wants to run, you can let him have the lines, and the whip too, with perfect safety, for he can go but a slow gait on three legs, and will soon be tired, and willing to stop ; only hold him Tn'ough to guide him in the right direction, and he will soon be tired and willing to stop at the word. Thus you will effectually cure him at once. of any further notion of running off Kicking horses have always been the dread of everybody; but by this new method you can harness them to a rattling sulky, plough, wagon, or an3itliing else in its worst shape. They may be frightened at first, but cannot kick, or do anything to hurt them- selves, and will soon find that you do not intend to hurt them and then they will not care anything more about it. You can then let down tlie leg and drive along gently without any further trouble. By this new process a bad kicking horse can be taught to go gentle in harness in a few hours^ time. How TO Make a Horse lie down.^To make a horse lie down, bend his left fore-leg and slip a loop over it, so that he cannot get it down. Then put a surcingle round his body, and fasten one end of a long strap around the other fore- leg,' just above the hoof. Place the other end under the before-described surcingle, so as to keep the strap in the right direction ; take a short hold of it with your riglit hand ; stand on the left side of the horse, grasp the bit in your left hand, pull steadily on the Btrap with your right; bear against his shoulder till you cause him to move. As soon as he lifts his weight, your pulling will raise the other foot, and he will have to come on his knees. 24 i ' ' I ■*'WKlSiS%«tv','Jt*!^ 370 raret's method op taming horsesl rarey's method of taming horses. sn Keep the strap tight in your hand, so that he cannot straightcB his leg if he rises up. Hold him in this position, and turn his head toward you ; bear against his side with your shoulder, not bard, but with a steady, equal pressure, and in about ten minutes he will lie down. As soon as he lies down, he will be CO mpletely con- quered, and you can handle him as you please. Take off the TBACffiKQ THE HORSE TO LIE Dowv strapsj Bttd straiglitcn out his legs ; rub him lightly about the face and neck with your hand the way the hair lies ; handle all his legs, and after he has lain ten or twenty minutes, let him get up again. After rest- ing him a short time, make him lie down as before. Kepeat the operation three or four times, which will be sufiBcient for one lesson. Give him two lessons a day, and when you have reached four lessons, he will lie down by taking hold of one foot. As soon as he is well broken to lie down in this way, tap him on the opposite leg with a stick when you take hold of his foot, and in a few days he will lie down from the mere motion of the stick. To Accustom a Horse to Strange Sounds and Sights — It is an excellent practice to accustom all horses to strange sounds and sights, and of very great importance to young horses which are to be ridden or driven in large towns, or used as chargers. Although some horses are very much more timid and nervous than others, the very worst can be very / much improved by acting on the first principles laid down in the introduction to this article— that is, by proving that the strange sights and sounds will do them no harm. When a railway is first opened, the sheep, the cattle, and especially the horses, grazing in the neighboring fields, are terribly alarmed at the sight jf the swift, dark, moving trains, and the terrible snorting and hissing of the steam engines. They start away— they gallop in circles— and when they stop, gaze with head and tail erect, until the monsters have dis- appeared. But from day to day the live stock become more accustomed to the sight and sound of the steam horse, and after a while they do not even cease grazing when the train passes. They have learned that it will do them no harm. The same result may be observed with respect to young horses when first they are brought to a large town, and have to meet great loads of hay, omnibuses crowded with passengers, and other strange or noisy objects ; if judiciously treated, not flogged and ill-used, they lose their fears without losing their high courage. To accustom a Horse to a Dr^m.—PIace it near him on the ground, and without forcing him, induce him to smell it again and again, until he is thoroughly accustomed to it. Then lift it up, and slowly place it on the side of his neck, where he can see it, and tap it gently with a stick or your finger. If he starts, pause, and let him carefully examine it. Then commence again, gradually moving it backward until it rests upon his withers, by degrees playing louder and louder, pausing always when he seems alarmed, to let him look at it and smell, if needful. In a very few minutes you may play With all your force, without his taking any notice. When ^1 872 rarey's method op taming horses. rarey's method op taming horses. 373 this practice has been repeated a few times, your horse, how« ever spirited, will rest his nose nnmoved on the big drum, while the most thundering piece is played. To teach a Horse to bear an Umbrella — Go through the same cautious forms, let him see it, and smell it, open it by degrees, gain your point inch by inch, passing it always from his eyes to his neck, and from his neck to his back and tail ; and so with a riding-habit ; in half an hour any horse may be taught that it will not hurt him, and then the difidculty is over. To fire off a Horse^s back. — Begin with caps, and, by de- grees, as with the drum. Instead of lengthening the reins, stretch the bridle hand to the front, and raise it for the car- bine to rest on, with the muzzle clear of the horse's head, a little to one side. Lean the body forward without rising in the stirrups. Avoid interfering ivith the horse^s mouthy or exciting his fears by suddenly closing your legs either be^ fore or after firing — be quiet yourself and your horse will be quiet. The colt can learn to bear a rider on his bare back during his first lessons, when prostrate and powerless, fast bound by straps. The surcingle has accustomed him to girths, he leads well, and has learned that when the right rein is pulled he must go to the right, and when the left rein to the left. You may now teach him to bear the bit and the SADDLE, if you have not placed it upon his back while on the ground. How TO Accustom a Horse to a Bit. — You should use a large, smooth, snaffle bit, so as not to hurt his mouth, with a 6ar to each side, to prevent the bit from pulling through either way. This you should attach to the head-stall of your bridle, and put it on your colt without any reins to it, and let him run loose in a large stable or shed, some time, until he becomes a little used to the bit, and will bear it without trying to get it out of his mouth. It would be well, if con- venient, to repeat this several times, before you do anything more with the colt ; as soon as he will bear the bit, attach a single rein 1 0 i t. You should also have a halter on your colt, or a bridle made after the fashion of a halter, with a strap to it, so that you can hold or lead him about without pulling at the bit much. He is now ready for the saddle. The Proper Way to Bit a Colt.— Farmers often put bit- ting harness on a colt the first thing they do to him, buckling up the bitting as tight as they can draw it, to make him carry his head high, and then turn him out in a field to run half a day at a time. This is one of the worst punishments that could be inflicted on the colt, and is very injurious to a young horse that has been used to running in pasture with his head down. Colts have been so seriously injured in this way that they have never recovered. BTECUOLES OP THE VICIOUS HORSE AUAIN.ST LTlIfO DOTTX. ^1 3T4 rarey's method op taming horses. RAREY'S METHOD OP TAMING HORSES. 315 A hors» should be well accustomed to the bit before yo| put on the bitting harness, and when you first bit him you should onjy rein his head up to that point where he naturally holds it, let that be high or low ; he will soon learn that he cannot lower his head, and that raising it a little will loosen the bit in his mouth. This will give him the idea of raising his head to loosen the bit, and then you can draw the bitting a little tighter every time you put it on, and he will still raise his head to loosen it ; ty this means you will gradually get his head and neck in the position you want him to carry them, and give him a nice and graceful carriage without hurting him, making him mad, or causing his mouth to get sore. If you put the bitting on very tight the first time, he cannot raise his head enough to loosen it, but will bear on it all the time, and paw, sweat, and throw himself. Many horses have been killed by falling backward with the bitting on ; their heads being drawn np strike the ground with the whole weight of the body. Horses that have their heads drawn up tightly should not have the bitting on more than fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. How TO Saddle a CoLT.—The first thing will be to tie each stirrup-strap into a loose knot to make them short, and pre- vent the stirrups from flying about and hitting him. Then double up the skirts and take the saddle under your right arm, so as not to frighten him with it as you approach. When you get to him rub him gently a few times with your hand, and then raise the saddle very slowly, until he can see it, and smell and feel it with his nose. Then let the skirt loose, and rub it very gently against his neck the way the hair lies, letting him hear the rattle of the skirts as he feels them against him ; each time getting a little further backward, and finally slipping it over his shoulders on his back. Shake it a little with your hand, and in less than five minutes you can rattle it about over his back as much as you please, and pull it off and throw it on again, without his paying much atten- tion to it. As soon as you have accustomed him to the saddle, fasten the girth. Be careful how you do this. It often frightens the colt when he feels the girth binding him, and making the saddle fit tight on his back. You should bring up the girth very gently, and not draw it too tight at first, just enough to hold the saddle on. Move him a little, and then girth it as tight as you choose, and he will not mind it. You should see that the pad of your saddle is all right be- fore you put it on, and that there is nothing to make it hurt him, or feel unpleasant to his back. It should not have any loose straps on the back part of it, to flap about and scare him. After you have saddled him in this way, take a switch in your right hand to tap him up with, and walk about in the stable a few times with your right arm over your saddle, takino- hold of the reins on each side of his neck with your right and left hands, thus marching him about in the stable until you teach him the use of the bridle and can turn him about in any direction, and stop him by a gentle pull of the rein. Always caress him, and loose the reins a little every time you stop him. You should always be alone, and have your colt in some light stable or shed, the first time you ride him ; the loft should be high, so that you can sit on his back without endangering your head. You can teach him more in two hour's time in » 1 I i i #% 376 RAREY^S METHOD OF TAMING HORSES. RAREY'S METHOD OP TAMING HORSES. 37T stable of this kind, than you could in two weeks in the commoD way of breaking colts, out in an open place. If you follow my course of treatment, you need not run any risk, or have any trouble in riding the worst kind of horse. You take him a step at a time, until you get up a mutual confidence and trust between yourself and horse. First teach him to lead and stand hitched; next acquaint him with the saddle, and the use of the bit ; and then all that remains is to get on him without scaring him, and you can ride him as well as any horse. How TO Mount the Colt.— First gentle him well on both sides, about the saddle, and all over until he will stand still without holding, and is not afraid to see you anywhere about him. As soon as you have him thus gentled, get a small block, about one foot or eighteen inches in height, and set it down by the side of him, about where you want to stand to mount him ; step up on this, raising yourself very gently ; horses notice every change of position very closely, and if you were to step up suddenly on the block, it would be very apt to scare him ; but by raising yourself gradually on it, he will see you without being frightened, in a position very nearly the same as when you are on his back. As soon as he will bear this without alarm, untie the stirrup- strap next to you, and put your left foot into the stirrup, and stand square over it, holding your knee against the horse, and your toes out, so as not to touch him under the shoulder with the toe of your boot. Place your right hand on the front of the saddle, and on the opposite side of you, taking hold of a portion of the mane and the reins, as they hang loosely over his neck, with your left hand ; then gradually bear your weighs on the stirrup, and on your right hand, until the horse feels your whole weight on the saddle ; repeat this several times, each time raising yourself a little higher from the block, until he will allow yon to raise your leg over bis croup, and place yourself in the saddle. There arc three great advantages in having a block from which to mount. First, a sudden change of position is very apt to frighten a young horse who has never been handled ; he will allow you to walk up to him, and stand by his side without scaring at you, because you have gentled him to that position ; but if you get down on your hands and knees and crawl to- ward him, he will be very much fright- ened ; and upon the same principle, he would be frightened at your new position if you had the power to hold yourself over his back without touching him. Tho first great advantage of the block, then, is to gradually gentle him to that new position in which he will see you when you ride him. Secondly, by the process of leaning your weight in the /stirrup, and on your hand, you can gradually accustom him to your weight, so as not to frighten him by having him feel it all at once. And, in the third place, the block elevates you so that you will not have to make a spring in order to get upon the horse's back, but from it you can gradually raise yourself into the saddle. When you take these precautions. 8UBHI5.SI0X OF THB HORSE. '; I 8T8 rarey's method op taming horses. rarey's method of taming horses. 379 there is no horse so wild but that you can mount him without making him jump. When mounting, your horse shouM always stand without being held. A horse is never well broken when he has to be held with a tight rein when mounting ; and a colt is never so safe to mount as when you see that assurance of confidence, and absence of fear, which cause him to stand with- out holding. An improved plan of mounting is to pass the palm of the right hand on the off-side of the saddle, and as you rise lean your weight on it ; by this means you can mount with the girth loose, or without any girth at all. How to Ride a Colt. — When you want him to start do not touch him on the side with your heel, or do anything to fnghten him and make him jump. But speak to him kindly, and if he does not start pull him a little to the left until he starts, and then let him walk off slowly with the reins loose. Walk him around in the stable a few times until he gets used to the bit, and you can turn him about in every direction and stop him as you please. It would be well to get on and off a good many times until he gets perfectly used to it before you take him out of the stable. After you have trained him in this way, which should not take you more than one or two hours, yon can ride him any- where you choose without ever having him jump or make any effort to throw you. When you first take him out of the stable be very gentle with him, as he will feel a little more at liberty to jump or run, and be a little easier frightened than he was while in the stable. But after handling him so much in the stable he will be pretty well broken, and you v/ill be able to manage him without trouble or danger. ..i 1 When you first mount him take a little the shortest hold on the left rein, so that if anything frightens him you can prevent him from jumping by pulling his head round to you. This operation of pulling a horse's head round against his side will prevent any horse from jumping ahead, rearing up, or running away. If he is stubborn and will not go, you can make him move by pulling his head round to one side, when whipping would have no effect. And turning him round a few times will make him dizzy, and then by letting him have his head straight, and giving him a little touch with the whip, he will go along without any trouble. Never use martingales on a colt when you first ride him ; every movement of the hand should go right to the bits in the direction in which it is applied to the reins, without a martin- gale to change the direction of the force applied. You can guide the colt much better without it, and teach him the use of the bit in much less time. Besides, martingales would prevent you from pulling his head round if he should try to jump. After your colt has been ridden until he is gentle and well accustomed to the bit, you may find it an advantage, if he car- ries his head too high or his nose too far out, to put martingales on him. You should be careful not to ride your colt so far at first as to heat, worry, or tire him. Get off as soon as you see that he is a little fatigued ; gentle him, and let him rest ; this will make him kind to you, and prevent him from getting stubborn or mad. To Break a Horse to Harness.— Take him in a light stable, as you did to ride him; take the harness, and go through the same process that you did with the saddle, until you get him 880 RAREY'S METHOD OF TAMING HORSES. familiar with it, so that you can put it on him, and rattle it about without his caring for it. As soon as he will bear this, put on the lines, caress him as you draw them over him, and drive him about in the stable till he will bear them over his hips. The lines are a great aggravation to some colts, and often frighten them as much as if you were to raise a whip over them. As soon as he is familiar with the harness and lines, take him out and put him by the side of a gentle horse. Always use a bridle wnthout blinkers when you are breaking a horse to harness. Load him to and around alight gig or phaeton ; let him look at it, touch it with his nose, and stand by it till he does not care for it : then pull the shafts a little to the left, and stand your horse in front of the off- wheel. Let some one stand on the right side of the horse, and hold him by the bit, while you stand on the left side, facing the sulky. This will keep him straight. Run your left hand back, and let it rest on nis hip, and lay hold of the shafts with your right, bringing them up very gently to the left hand, which still remains sta- BREAKIXa THE HORSE TO HARNESS. tlOUary. VO not let anything but your arm touch his back, and as soon as you have the shafts square over him, let the person on the op- posite side take hold of one of them, and lower them very gently KEUROTOMT OR NERVING. 381 to the shaft-bearers. Be very slow and deliberate about hitch- ing; the longer time you take the better, as a general thing. When you have the shafts placed, shake them slightly, so that he will feel them against each side. As soon as he will bear them without scaring, fasten your braces, etc., and start him along very slowly. Let one man lead the horse, to keep him gentle, while the other gradually works back with the lines till he can get behind and drive him. After you have driven him in this way a short distance, you can get into the sulky, and all will go right. It is very important to have your horse go gently when you first hitch him. After you have walked him awhile, there is not half so much danger of his scaring. Men do very wrong to jump up behind a horse to drive him as soon as they have him hitched. There are too many things for him to com- prehend all at once. The shafts, the lines, the harness, and the rattling of the sulky, all tend to scare him, and he must be made familiar with them by degrees. If your horse is very wild, one foot had better be put up the first time you drive him. With the leg strapped up, the lighter the gig the better, and four wheels are better than two. A WARRANTT. 383 WARRANTY. In tlie purchase of a horse the buyer should take with the receipt what is termed iu law a warranty. The best way of expressing i^ is in this form : Philadelphia, August 1, 18 — , Received of William Ingalls three hundred dollars, for a black mare, warranted only live years old, sound, free from vice, and quiet to ride and drive. $300. EDWARD RIDDLE. A receipt, which includes simply the word ** warranted," extends merely to soundness. *' Warranted sound," has no greater extent ; the age, freedom from vice, and quietness to ride and drive should all be especially named. This warranty embraces every cause of un- soundness that can be detected, or that is inherent in the constitution of the animal at the time of sale, as well as every vicious habit which he has previously shown. In order to establish a breach of the war- ranty, and then be enabled to return the horse or recover the price paid, the purchasei must prove that it was unsound or viciously disposed at the time of sale. In case of cough, the horse must have been heard to cough previously to the purchase, or as he was led home, or' as soon as he had entered the stable of the purchaser. Coughing, even on the following morning, will not be sufficient ; for it is possible that he might have caught cold by a change of sta- bling. If he is lame, it must be proved to arise from a cause that could not have occurred after he was in the purchaser's possession. No price will imply a warranty, or be deemed equivalent to one ; the warranty must be expressly stated. A fraud in the seller must be proved, in order that the buyer may be enabled to return the horse or maintain an action for the price. The warranty should be given at the time of sale. A warranty or a promise to warrant the horse, given at any period. previous to the Bale, is of no effect ; for the horse is a very perishable commodity, and his constitution and his usefulness may undergo a considerable change in a few days. A warranty after the sale is also of no effect, as it is given without any legal consideration. In order to complete the purchase, there must be a transfer of the animal, or a written memorandum of agreement, or the payment of some sum, however email, as earnest-money. No verbal promise to buy or sell is bind- ing without one of these accompaniments ; and th© moment either (382) of them is effected, the legal transfer of property, or its delivery, is made, and whatever may happen to the horse, the seller retains, or is entitled to,*the money. If the purchaser exercises any act of ownership — as by using the animal without leave of the seller, or by having any operation performed upon him, or medicines given to him — lie makes him his own. If the horse should afterward be discovered to have been un- sound at the time of warranty and sale, the buyer may return him. Although not legally compelled to give notice to the seller of the discovered unsoundness, it is best that snch notice should be given. The animal should then be tendered at the house or stable of the seller. If he refuses to receive the animal, humanity dictates that he should be sent to a livery stable, in preference to tying him up in the street ; an action can be maintained, after the horse has been tendered, for the necessary expenses of keeping him as well as for the price paid. The keep, however, can be recovered only for the time that necessarily intervened between the tender and the deter- mination of the action. It is not legally necessary to return the animal as soon as the unsoundness is discovered. The animal may be kept for a reasonable time afterward, and even proper medical means may be resorted to for the removal of the unsoundness ; but courtesy, and indeed justice, will require that the notice should be given as soon as possible. Although it is laid down, upon the au- thority of an eminent English judge, that ** no length of time elapsed after the sale, will alter the nature of a contract originally false, ' ' yet there are recorded cases in which the buyer was prevented from maintaining his action, because he did not give notice of the un- soundness within a reasonable time after its discovery. What wilj constitute this reasonable time, depends upon many circumstances. It was formerly supposed that the buyer had no right to have the horse medically treated, and that he would vitiate the warranty by so doing. The question, however, in such a case would be, whether the animal was injured, or his value lessened, by such treatment. It maybe remarked that it is generally most prudent to refrain from all medical treatment, since the means adopted, no matter how skillfully used, may have an unfortunate effect, or what is done may be misrepresented by ignorant or interested observers. Wlien a horse is returned, and an action brought for the price, St is indispensable that in every respect, except the alleged un- Boundness, the animal should be as perfect and valuable as whexi ke was bought. 384 WAERANTY. I The purchaser may, possibly, like the horse, notwithstanding hit) discovered defect; in which case he may retain him and bring an tuition for the depreciation in value on account of thill unsoundness. Few, however, will do this, because the retaining of the animal will give rise to a suspicion that the defect is of no great consequence, and consequently will occasion much cavil about the amount of damages ; the suit terminating, probably, in the recovery of slight, if any, damages. Where there is no warranty, an action may be brought on the ground of fraud; but as this is very difficult to be maintained, few persons will hazard it. It will in such a case, be necessary to prove that the seller knew the defect, and that the buyer was imposed upon by his false representations ; and that, too, under circum- Btances in which a person of ordinary carefulness and circumspection might have been imposed upon. If the defect was palpably evident, the purchaser has no. remedy, for he should have exercised more caution ; but if a warranty was given, it covers every unsoundness, evident or concealed. Although a person should ignorantly or carelessly buy a blind horse, warranted sound, lie may return it — the warranty is his protection, and prevents him from examining the horse as closely as he otherwise would have done ; but if he buys a blind horse, supposing him to be sound, and without a war- ranty, he is without any remedy. The law supposes every one to exercise common circumspection and common sense. A person should liave a more thorough knowledge of horses than most possess, together with perfect confidence in the seller, who Ventures to buy a horse without a warranty. If a person buy a horse warranted sound, and discovering no defect in him, sells him again, relying upon his warranty, and the unsoundness is discov- ered by the second purchaser, and the liorse returned to the first l>uyer, or an action commenced against him, the latter has his claim upon the first seller, and may demand of him not only the price of the horse, or the difference in value, but all expenses which may necessarily have been incurred. Exchanges, whether of one horse absolutely for another, or where a sum of money is paid in addition by one of the parties, stand upon precisely the same ground as simple sales. If there is a warranty upon either side, and that is broken, the exchange is vitiated ; if ih^re is no warranty, deceit must be proved. i I ■V M.. "^t . TUE END.