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Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at
Tufts University
200 V\/estboro Road
North Grafton. MA 01536

^.1

, IN \ ',

THE NEW

AMEEICAN POCKET FAERIER

AND FARMER'S GUIDE

IN THE CHOICE AND MANAGEMENT OV

HORSES, NEAT CATTLE, SHEEP AND SWINE:

INCLUDING

A DESCRIPTION OF THEIR INTERNAL STRUCTURE

THEIR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM, THE DISEASES

TO WHICH THEY ARE LIABLE, WITH

THEIR CAUSES, SYMPTOMS,

AND MOST APPROVED

METHODS OF

CURE :

FROM THE WRITINGS OF

rOUATT, LAWRENCE, HINES, WHITE, CLATTER,

AND OTHERS.
TO WHICH IS ADDED

A VARIETY OF AGRICULTURAL

AND

MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS.

PHILADELPHIA :

JOHN B. PERRY, 198 MARKET STREET.

NEW YORK :

NAFIS & CORNISH 278 PEARL STREET.

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by J. B.
Perry, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court in the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania.

Stereotyped hy S. Douglas Wyetk,
JV0. 7 Fear St., Philadeiphia.

PREFACE.

In presenting to the public a comprehensive book on
Farriery and the treatment of Cattle, we have deter-
niiiied to make the work complete; to embrace in it
every subject useful to the farmer, the grazier, the
dealer in horses, and others. Horses, neat cattle,
sheep, and swine, — the management of them, the dis-
eases to which they are subject, and cures for them,
— all will be found in this book, carefully selected
from the writings of Small, Youatt, White, Lawrence,
Hines, Clayter, etc. As a book of advice and refer-
ence in regard to useful matters, we have so arranged
it under different heads, that the reader by running his
eye down the Contents will be enabled at once to find
any particular subject upon which he may wish to
inform himself.

" Ten minutes advice" is a short treatise compil-
ed to guard the unwary from deceptions in. the pur-
chase of a Horse, as well as to refresh the memory
of gentlemen already acquainted with the requisite
qualifications of that noble animal. The remarks are
drawn from long, and, in some instances, dear-bought
experience, in the snares with which jockies and grooms
beset those who are under the necessity of dealing
with them. Having premised thus much, it is proper
that we should introductorily remark, as a general
guide, viz :

That a large shin-bone, that is, long from the knee
to the pastern, in a foal, shows a tall horse.

IV PREFACE.

Double the space in a foal, new foaled, between the
knee and withers, will, in general, be the height of
him when a complete horse.

Foals that are of stirring spirits, wanton of disposi-
tion, active in leaping, running and chasing, ever lead-
ing the way and striving for mastery, always prove
horses of excellent mettle ; those of a contrary dispo-
sition are most commonly jades.

There is one general rule which experience has
proved to be a good one, and that is — No Footy No
Horse.

A horse's ability, and continuance in goodness, is
known by his hoofs. If they are strong, smooth,
hard, deep, tough, upright, and hollow, that horse
cannot be a bad one.

The pocket farrier, commencing at page 39,
contains a series of directions how to use a horse on a
journey, with receipts and cures for the different dis-
eases to which he is liable. The prescriptions have
not been hastily jumbled together, but are experiment-
ally efficacious, and have been proved by a practice
of thirty years. By consulting these pages you will
at once see, l5^. What methods are best to be used if
your horses fall lame ; 2d. What medicines are proper
to give them when sick, — and ^d. How to direct the
operations, and escape the impositions, of ignorant
men.

Annexed to these, the reader will find directions for
the management of Cows, Calves, Sheep, Swine, Agri-
cultural Receipts, the management of the Dairy, Fruit-
trees, Flax, Hemp, the improvement of waste lands,
and miscellaneous useful information.

Philadelphia, June, 1845.

SKELETON OF A HORSE.

DESCRIPTION

SKELETON OF A HORSE.

A The Head.

a The posterior maxillary or under jaw.

6 The superior maxillary or upper jaw. Opposite to the letter is a foramen

through which pass the nerves and blood vessels which chiefly supply the

lower part of the face.
c The orbit, or cavity containing the eye.
d The nasal bones, or bones of the nose.

e The suter dividing the parietal bones below, from the occipital bones above.
/ The inferior maxillary bone containing the upper incisor teeth.
B The Seven Cervical Vertebrae, or bones of the neck.
C The Eighteen Dorsal Vertebrae, or bones of the back.
D Tlie Six Lumbar Vertebrae, or bones of the loins.
E The Five Sacral Vertebrae, or bones of the haunch.
F The Caudal Vertebrae, or bones of the tail, generally about fifteen.
G The Scapula, or shoulder blade.
H The Sternum, or fore part of the chest.
I The Costae or ribs, seven or eight articulating with the sternum, and called

the tfue ribs, and ten or eleven united together by cartilage, called the falsa

ribs.
3 The Humerus, or bone of the arm.
K The Radius, or bone of the fore-arm.

L The Ulna, or elbow. The point of the elbow is called the Olecranon.
M The Carpus or knee, consisting of seven bones.
JN The metacarpal bones. The larger metacarpal or canon or shank in front,

and the smaller metacarpal or splent bone behind.
g The fore pastern and foot, consisting of the Os Suflfraginis, or the upper and

larger pastern bone, with the sessamoid bones behind, articulating with the

canon and greater pastern ; the Os Coronae, or lesser pastern ; the Os Pedis,

or cofRn-bone ; and the Os Naviculare, or navicular, or shuttle-bone, not

seen, and articulating with the smaller pastern and coffin-bones.
h The corresponding bones of the hind feet.
O The Haunch, consisting of three portions^ the Ilium, the Ischium, and the

Pubis.
P The Femur or thigh.
Q, The stifle joint with the Patella.

R The Tibia or proper leg-bone — behind is a small bone called the fibula.
S The Tarsus or hock, composed of six bones. The prominent part is the Os

Calcis point of the hock.
T The Metatarsals of the hind leg.

1

TEN MINUTES' ADVICE

HOW TO BUY A HORSE.

It is a common observation that in the art of horse-
manship, by far the most difficult part is that of giving
proper directions for purchasing a horse free from fault
and blemish. The deceptions in this branch of traffic
being looked on in a less fraudulent light than they
seem to deserve, and of consequence are more frequently
practised, it shall therefore be our business, in the follow-
ing brief remarks, to show, in the best manner we are
able, the imperfections which, from either nature or mis-
chance, every horse is liable to.

IN THE STABLE.

See the horse you are about to purchase, in the stable,
and without any person being in the stall with him, and
if he has any complaint in his legs he will soon show it,
by altering the situation of them, taking up one and set-
ting down the other; and this denotes his being foundered
or over-worked.

On ordering him out, let no one be the last in the
stable but yourself; you should also, if possible, be the

7

8 THE NEW POCKET FARRIEK.

first in, lest the owner, or some of his quick emissaries,
take an opportunity to fig him ; a practice common
among dealers, in order to make the tail show as if
carried very high, when, in reahty, the day after, he will,
in appearance, be five pounds worse.

THE EYES.

This is the proper time to examine his eyes, which
may be done in a dark stable, with a candle, or rather
IB the day time when he is led from the stall ; cause the
man who leads him to stop at the stable door just as his
head peeps out, and all his body still within. If the
white of the eye appears reddish at the bottom, or of a
colour like a withered leaf, I would not advise you to
purchase him. A moon-eyed horse is known by his
weeping, and keeping his eyes almost shut at the
beginning of the distemper : as the moon changes, he
gradually recovers his sight, and in a fortnight or three
weeks sees as well as before he had the disorder.
Dealers, when they have such a horse to sell, at the
time of his weeping always tell you that he has got a
bit of straw or hay in his eye, or that he has received
some blow : they also take care to wipe away the
humour, to prevent its being seen ; but a man should
trust only himself in buying of horses, and above all,
be very exact in examining the eyes. In this he must
have regard to time and place where he makes the
examination. Bad eyes may appear good in winter,
when snow is upon the ground ; and often, good ones
appear bad according to the position of the horse.
Never examine a horse's eyes by the side of a white
wall, where the dealers always choose to show one that
is moon-eyed.

THE NEW POCKET FARBIER. 9

The moon-eyed horse has always one eye bigger than
the other, and above his lids you may generally dis-
cover wrinkles or circles.

If you observe a fleshy excrescence that proceeds from
the corner of the eye, and covers a part of the pupil,
and is in shape almost like the beard of an oyster, though
seemingly a matter of no great consequence, yet it is
what I call a whitlow in the eye, and if suffered to grow,
it draws away a part of the nourishment of the eye,
and sometimes occasions a total privation of sight : on
the contrary, if the eyes are round, big, black and
shining ; if the black of the eye fill the pit, or outward
circumference, so that in moving, very little of the white
appears, they are signs of goodness and mettle.
Large eyes are in general esteemed the best, but be
sure to observe that the chrystaline be thoroughly
transparent, for without that, no kind of eye can be said
to be good. ■

The eye that is of a long oval figure is almost always
weak, especially if the corners are narrow for a
considerable way. -

We may here observe that no animal is so subject to
blindness as the horse. This arises from the great heat
of his blood, and the constant feverish state in which
his great exertions keep him, which occasions inflamma-
tion, and thickening of the extremely thin membrane
that covers the eye.

Most people, in examining a horse's eyes, lead him
under a shed and look sideways through the eye to-
wards the light, to ascertain whether it be clear and
transparent as it ought; but the best way is to make
the observation when he first comes out of a dark stable
into strong daylight; for if he has any weakness in his
eyes, he will contract or wrinkle his brow and look up-
ward to receive more light ; and if, at the same time, the

10 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

pupil of the eye appears large, or does not contract, it is
a bad sign ; for that reason it is best to observe a horse's
eyes first in the shade, taking notice of the dimensions of
the pupil, for if that lessens on his coming into a stronger
light it is a sure sign that his sight is good and likely to
continue so.

Upon the whole, that eye is generally good where
the eyeHds are thin, the eye transparent and sprightly,
and when the horse has a bold resolute look, and takes
notice of the different objects that present themselves
before him without fear.

One of the best signs of a good horse is the eyes
wide apart.

COUNTENANCE.

After having carefully satisfied yourself as to his
eyes, let him be brought out, and have him stand naked
before you ; then take a strict view of his countenance,
particularly with regard to the cheerfulness of it, this
being an excellent glass to observe his goodness and best
perfections. Be careful you are not deceived by the
marks in his face, as frequently a good-looking star is
made of cat's skin. If his ears be small, sharp, short,
pricked, and moving ; or if they are long, but yet well
set on, and well carried, it is a mark of goodness ; if
they are thick, laved, or lolling, wide set, and unmoving,
they are signs of dulness, and of an evil nature.

The whole substance of the ears should be thin and
delicate. They ought to be placed on the very top of
the head, and their extremities or points when pricked
up should be nearer than their roots. When a horse
carries his ears pointed forwards he is said to have a
bold, hardy, or brisk ear ; and it is a perfection in a

THE NEW POCKET FARRIEE. 11

5ars when he is travelling to have them firm,
mark every motion of his feet by a slouch of
his ears like a hog. '

A lean forehead, swelling outward, the mark or feather
in his face set high, with a white star or ratch of an in-
different size, and even placed, or a white snip on the
nose or lip, they are all marks of beauty and goodness ;
on the contrary, a fat, cloudy, or frowning countenance,
the mark in his face standing low, as under his eyes, if
his star or ratch stand awry, and instead of a snip, his
nose be raw, and unhairy, or his face generally bald,
they are signs of deformity.

THE STRANGLES.

This is a distemper to which colts and young horses
are particularly liable. It begins with a swelling
between the jaw-bones, which frequently extends to the
muscles of the tongue, and is generally attended with
great heat, pain, and inflammation.

In purchasing a horse, handle his cheeks or chaps,
and if you find the bones lean and thin, the space wide
between them, the thropple or wind-pipe big as you can
gripe, and the void place without knots or kernels, and
the jaws so great that the neck seems to couch within
them, they are all signs of great wind, courage, soundness
of head and body ; on the contrary, if the chaps are
fat and thick, the space between them closed up with
gross substance, and the thropple little, they are signs
of short wind and much inward foulness: should the
void place be full of knots and kernels, beware of the
strangles or glanders, the former of which may be easily
discovered by the swelling between the two nether jaw-
bones, which discharges a white matter. There is also

12 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

a disorder which is called the Bastard Strangles, which
appears sometimes like, and sometimes different from the
true strangles. » The bastard strangles are what proves
the horse has not thrown off his true strangles, but that
some foul humours are still left behind ; this disorder
may come at four, five, six, or even seven years of age.
A continual languor at work, and seemingly perpetually
weary, without any visible aihnent, is a certain sign that
he is not clear of this disorder, which sometimes will
affect the foot, the leg, the ham, the haunch, the shoulder,
the breast, or the eye, and without care in this latter
case, may corrupt the pupil of the eye, as the small-poy
does in men.

MORE FOUNDERING.

There is also another disorder, much like the strangles*
which is called Morefoundering, (the word is of French
origin) and is used by farriers to distinguish those colds
which a horse takes by being suffered to cool too sud-
denly after violent exercise — and may be known by a
running at the nose.

GLANDERS.

A distemper in horses which too generally proves
fatal, notwithstanding the many boasted remedies that
are prescribed for its cure. In fact all horses that are
said to die of the glanders, are victims to a pulmonary
consumption, the lungs of all such being found diseased
or destroyed.

This disease is known by a flux or running of corrupt
matter from the nostrils, which is of different colours,

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 13

according as the disease is more or less inveterate, white,
yellow, green, and sometimes almost black, and very
fcctid, in which case it may be concluded that the bones
are become foul.

In buying a horse, feel if he has any flat glands
fastened to the nether jaw, which give him pain when
you press them, and remember that a running at one
nostril is worse than at both.

VIVES.

When the jaws are strait, that the neck swells above
them, it is a sign of short wind ; but if the swelling be
long, and close by his chaps, like a whetstone, then be
sure he has the vives, which only differs from the
strangles in this, that the swellings of the kernels under
the ears seldom gather or come to matter.

When these swellings appear in an old or full aged
horse, they are signs of great malignity, and often of
an inward decay, as well as forerunners of the glanders.

This is a distemper most frequent in high mountainous
countries, especially to horses that are not used to the
crudities produced in the stomach by the spring and
fountain waters that rise in hilly grounds. Standing
waters or those of very little current, are the least
dangerous, and seldom cause the vives, but very deep
wells are bad.

► NOSTRILS.

If his nostrils be open, dry, wide, and large, so as

upon any straining the inward redness is discovered , if

his muzzle be small, his mouth deep, and his lips equally

meeting, they are signs of health and wind ; but should

2

14 THE NEW POCKET FARRrEE.

his nostrils be strait, his wind is then little. Should you
find the muzzle to be gross, his spirit will be dull.
Nothing contributes more to a horse's breathing easy,
and with freedom, than the wideness of his nostrils.

THE MOUTH.

If a horse's mouth be shallow he will never carry the
bitt well, and if his upper will not reach his under lip,
old age and infirmity mark him for carrion. When the
mouth is cloven too much, there is a good deal of
difficulty to bitt a horse so that he may not " swallow it,"
as horsemen term it. The compliance and obedience
of a horse in the manege, is owing, in a great measure,
to the tender, or quick sense of his mouth, which ren-
ders him fearful of being hurt by the bitt. A horse
that has a very fine mouth will stop if his rider merely
bends his body backward and raise his hand, without
waiting for the check of the bridle.

AGE.

Respecting the age of a horse that is fit for work, he
should have forty teeth ; twenty -four grinders, which
teach us nothing, and sixteen others, which have their
names, and discover his age. As mares usually have
no tusks, their teeth are only thirty-six. A colt is
foaled without teeth ; in a few days he puts out four,
which are called pincers, or nippers ; soon after appear
the four separators : Next to the pincers, it is sometimes
three or four months before the next, called corner teeth,
push forth. These twelve colt's teeth, in the front of
the mouth, continue, without alteration, till the colt is

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 15

two years, or two years and a half old, which makes it
difficult, without great care, to avoid being imposed on
during the interval, if the seller finds it his interest to
make the colt pass for either younger or older than he
really is ; the only rule you have then to judge by is his
coat, and the hairs of his mane and tail. A colt of
one year has a supple, rough coat, resembling that of a
water spaniel, and the hair of his mane and tail feels
like flax, and hangs like a rope untwisted ; whereas a
colt of two years has a flat coat, and straight hairs, like
a grown horse.

At about two years and a half old, sometimes sooner,
sometimes later, according as he has been fed, a horse
begins to change his teeth. The pincers, which come
the first, are also the first that fall ; so that at three years
he has four horse's, and eight colt's teeth, which are
easily known apart, the former being larger, flatter, and
yellower than the other, and streaked from the end quite
into the gums.

These four horse pincers have, in the middle of their
extremities, a black hole, very deep ; whereas those of
the colt are round and white. When the horse is
coming four years old, he loses his four separators, or
middle teeth, and puts forth four others, which follow
the same rule as the pincers. He has now eight horse's
teeth, and four colt's. At five years old he sheds the
four corner, which are his last colt's teeth, and is called
a horse.

During this year also, his four tusks (which are
chiefly peculiar to horses) come behind the others ; the
lower ones often four months before the upper ; but
whatever may be vulgarly thought, a horse that has the
two lower tusks, if he has not the upper, may be judged
to be under five years old, unless the other teeth show
the contrary ; for some horses that live to be very old

16 THE NEW POCKET PARKIER.

never have any upper tusks at all. The two lower tusks
are one of the most certain rules that a horse is coming
five years old, notwithstanding his colt's teeth may not
be all gone.

Jockies and breeders, in order to make their colts
seem five years old when they are but four, pull out
their last colt's teeth ; but if all the colt's teeth are gone,
and no tusks appear, you may be certain this trick has
been played. Another artifice they use, is to beat the
bars every day with a wooden mallet, in the place where
the tusks are to appear, in order to make them seem
hard, as if the tusks were just ready to cut.

When a horse is coming six years old, the two lower
pincers fill up, and, instead of the holes above-mentioned,
show only a black spot. Between six and seven the two
middle teeth fill up in the same manner; and between
seven and eight the corner teeth do the like ; after which
it is said to be impossible to know certainly the age of
a horvse, he having no longer any mark in the mouth.

You can indeed only have recourse to the tusks, and
the situation of the teeth, of which I shall now speak.

For the tusks you must with your finger feel the
inside of them from the point quite to the gum. If the
tusk be pointed flat, and has two little channels within
side, you may be certain the horse is not old, and at the
utmost only coming ten. Between eleven and twelve
the two channels are reduced to one, which after twelve
is quite gone, and the tusks are as round within as they
are without; you have no guide then but the situation
of the teeth. The longest teeth are not always a sign
of the greatest age, but their hanging over and pushing
forward, as their meeting, perpendicularly, is a certain
token of youth.

Many persons, whilst they see certain little holes in
the middle of the teeth, imagine, that such horses are

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 17

but in their seventh year, without regard to the situation
the teeth take as they grow old.

When horses are young, theij* teeth meet perpendicu-
larly, but grow longer, and push forward with age;
besides, the mouth of a young horse is very fleshy within
in the palate, and his lips are firm and hard : on the
contrary, the inside of an old horse's mouth is lean both
above and below, and seems to have only the skin upon
the bones. The lips are soft and easy to turn up with
the hand.

All horses are marked in the same manner, but some
naturally, and others artificially. The natural mark is
called Begue, and some ignorant persons imagine such
horses are marked all their lives, because for many years
they find a little hole, or a kind of void in the middle of
the separators and corner teeth ; but when the tusks are
grown round, as well within as without, and the teeth
point forward, there is room to conjecture in proportion
as they advance from year to year, what the horse's age
may be, without regarding the cavity above mentioned.

The artificial manner is made use of by dealers and
jockies, who mark their horses, after the age of them is
known, to make them appear only six or seven years
old. They do it in this manner : They throw down the
horse to have him more at command, and, with a steel
graver, like what is used for ivory, hollow the middle
teeth a little, and the corner ones somewhat more; then
fill the holes with a little rosin, pitch, sulphur, or some
grains of wheat, which they burn in with a bit of hot
wire, made in proportion to the hole. This operation
they repeat from time to time, till they give the hole a
lasting black, in imitation of nature ; but in spite of all
they can do, the hot iron makes a little yellowish circle
round these holes, like what it would leave upon ivory ;
they have therefore another trick to prevent detection,
2*

18 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

which is to make the horse foam from time to time, after
having rubbed his mouth, lips, and gums with salt, and
the crumb of bread dried and powdered with salt. This
foam hides the circle made by the iron.

Another thing they cannot do, is, to counterfeit young
tusks, it being out of their power to make those two
crannies above mentioned, which are given by nature.
With files they may make them sharper or flatter, but
then they take away the shining natural enamel, so that
one may always know, by these tusks, horses that are
past seven, till they come to twelve or thirteen.

[from the AMERICAN FARMER.]

AGE BY FEELING.

A wonderful discovery recently made in an old Horse^s age I!

Since the age of that noble animal, the horse, after a
certain period of life, (that is to say) after the marks in
his incisors and cuspidati are entirely obliterated, to be
able to ascertain his age, with any tolerable degree of
certainty, appears to the generality of " horse age
Judges,"" to be a subject of very much uncertainty, I
now take the liberty of laying before*the public, through
the mediunn of your paper, an infallible method (subject
to very few exceptions) of ascertaining it in such a man-
ner, after a horse loses his marks, or after he arrives to
the age of nine years or over ; so that any person con-
cerned in horses, even of the meanest capacity, may not
be imposed upon in a horse's age, from nine years of
age and over, more than three years at farthest, until
the animal arrives at the age of twenty years and up-
wards, by Just feeling the submaxillary bone, or the
bone of the lower Jaw,

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 19

This method I discovered, by making many anatom-
ical observations on the skulls of dead horses and re-
peated dissections. In order, therefore, to elucidate the
above, I must in the first place beg leave to remark ; that
the submaxillary bone, or the lower javi^ bone of all
young horses, about four or five years of age, immedi-
ately above the bifurcation, is invariably thick and very
round at the bottom; the cavity of said bone being very
small, contains a good deal of marrow, and generally
continues in this state until the animal arrives at that
period which is generally termed an " aged horse," or
until the animal acquires his full size in height or thick-
ness ; or according to sporting language, is completely
furnished, with very little variation. But after this
period, the cavity as aforesaid becomes larger, and more
marrow is contained therein. Hence the submaxillary
bone becomes thinner and sharper a little above the bi-
furcation.

This indelible mark may always be observed in a
small degree in horses above eight years of age ; but at
nine years old it is still more perceptible. It continues
growing a little thinner and sharper at the bottom until
twelve years of age. From thence until fifteen, it is
still thinner, and about as sharp as the back of a case
knife near the handle. From this period until the ages
18, 19, 20, and upwards, it is exceedingly so ; and is as
sharp, in many subjects, as the dull edge of that instru-
ment. ^

RULES.

1st. Put your three fingers about half an inch or an
inch immediately above the bifurcation, and grasp the
submaxillary bone, or the lower jaw bone. If it is thick
at the sides, and very round indeed at the bottom, the
animal is most certainly under nine years of age.

20 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

2d.. If the bone is not very thick, and it is perceiva-
bly not very round at the bottom, he is from nine to
twelve years old, and so on. From twelve to fifieen,
the bone is sharper at bottom, and thinner at the sides,
the bottom is generally as sharp as the back of a case
knife; and from 15 to 18, 19, 20, and upwards, with-
out many exceptions, the bone, when divested of its
integuments, is as sharp as the dull edge of that instru-
ment.

3d. Allowances nnust always be made between
heavy, large western or wagon horses, or carriage
horses, and fine blooded ones. By practising and
strictly attending to the above rules, upon all descrip-
tions of horses, the performer in a little time will become
very accurate in the accomplishment of his desires,
more especially if he attentively observes the lower jaw
bone of dead horses."

THE BARBS, THE LAMPAS, GIGGS UPON
THE LIPS, AND GAGG-TEETH.

As the defects of the mouth may destroy a horse
without any distemper, it will here be proper to give
information as follows :

For the barbs, look under the horse's tongue, and see
if he has not two fleshy excrescences on the under palate,
like little bladders. It seems to be a mere trifle, but
these, however, will hinder a horse from drinking as
usual ; and if he does not drink freely, he eats the less,
and languishes from day to day, perhaps, without any
one's taking notice of it.

The lampas is known by opening the horse's mouth,
and looking at his upper palate, to see if the flesh comes
down below the inner teeth : this gives him pain in

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 21

eating his oats, and even his hay, when it is too harsh ;

though he can very well manage bran, grass, or kind
hay. The lampas causes a horse to look rueful and fall
away.

When you have looked into the horse's mouth, with-
out finding either the lampas or the barbs, turn up his
lips both upper and under, and perhaps you may find
what are termed giggs, consisting of small swellings or
pustules on the inside of the lips, which will sometimes
increase to the size of a large walnut, at which advanced
state they are so painful that the horse will let his meat
fall out of his mouth, or keep it there unchewed, sooner
than attempt lo eat it. This defect may be felt with the
finger, and is what hinders horses from eating as usual ;
and this is what is called giggs upon the lips.

Gagg-teeth does not often happen to young horses,
though sometimes it is met with ; and is to be discovered
by putting the colt's-foot into the mouth, and looking at
the large grinders, which in this case appear unequal,
and in eating catch hold of the inside of the cheeks,
causing great pain and making them refuse their food.

THE BREAST.

The breast of a horse should be full and large, and
you should look from his head down to his breast, and
see that it be broad, outswelling, and adorned with many
features, for this shows strength : the little, or small
breast shows weakness, as the narrow one is apt to
stumble.

THE ANTICOR, OR ANTICOW.

This is a malignant swelling in the throat and breast

22 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

of a horse, extending in some cases to the very sheath
under the belly, and is mortal to horses if they are not
soon relieved.

In going to purchase, put your hand between his
fore-legs, and you can very readily feel if he has or has
not such a swelling. Anticor proceeds from different
causes, viz. the remains of an old distemper which was
never perfectly cured, or after which the horse was too
soon put to labour; from too much heat contracted in
the stable, by being kept up a long time without airing,
or from having lost too large a quantity of blood in what
part soever the vein was opened. When you touch a
swelling of this kind, the impressions of the fingers
remain for some time, as if you had made them in a
bit of puff paste, filling up again by degrees as the paste
would rise. This swelling contains bloody water, that
insinuates between the flesh and the skin, and proves
that all the blood in the veins is corrupted.

THE THIGHS AND LEGS.

See that the fore-thighs be rush grown, well horned
within, sinewed, fleshy and outswelling; those being
signs of strength, as the contrary are of weakness. If
his knees bear a proportion to each other, be lean,
sinewy, and close knit, they are good ; but if one is
bigger or rounder than the other, the horse has received
mischief; if they are gross, he is gouty, and if he has
scars, or the hair be broken, beware of a stumbling jade,
and perpetual fallen

The hind parts, from the hip-bone to the hock, should
be of great length ; the hind legs should be full of sinew,
clear of knots, and rather crooked than straight in the
hock. Be careful to avoid buying a horse knock-kneed,

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 23

or with feet turned in or out, for a horse of this make
never can be sure footed, and he moves ugly.

SPLINTS.

This may be looked upon as a disorder of the fore-
legs, though occurring on the hind ones at times.

Look down his legs to his pasterns, and if you find
them clean, lean, flat, sinewy, and the invvard bouglit
of his knee without seams, or hair broken, it shows a
good shape and soundness ; but if on the inside of the
leg you find hard knots, they are splints, of which there
are three sorts. The simple splint, which appears with-
in the leg under the knee, remote from the great nerve
and the joint of the knee, ought not to hinder a man
from buying a good horse, for it gives him no pain, is
only disagreeable to the sight, and goes away in time of
itself All the three sorts of splints are known by the
same rule ; for whenever you see a tumour upon the flat
of the leg, whether within or without, if it be under the
knee, and appears hard to the touch, it is a splint ; and
when it is situated as above described, it signifies no-
thing ; but when it comes upon the joint of the knee,
without any interval, it loses the name of splint, and
may be called a fusee ; it then, as one may easily con-
ceive, makes the leg of a horse stifle, and hinders him
from bending his knee ; consequently it obliges him to
stumble, and even fall, and after a violent exercise
makes him lame. Rest alone cures the lameness, but
not the fusee.

The third kind of splint, whether within or without,
is when you feel it between the nerve and the bone, and
sometimes even at the end of the nerve ; this is called a
nervous splint, and is the worst of all the kinds ; besides

24 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

that, the horse is never here so firm footed, but that he
limps at every little degree of labour.

OSSLETS.

There are also three kinds of osslels, which are of
the same nature as splints, and some persons take them
for the same thing ; but there is this difference however
between them, that splints come near the knees, and oss-
lets near the fetlocks. Their seat is indifferently within
or without the leg.

The first is the simple osslet, which does not grow
near the joint of the fetlock or the nerve.

This need not hinder any man from buying a horse,
because it puts him to no inconvenience, and very often
goes away of itself without a remedy. The second is
that which descends into the fetlock, and hinders the
motion of that joint; this occasions a horse to stumble
and fall, and with a very little work to become lame.
The third has its seat between the bone and the nerve,
and sometimes upon the nerve ; it so much incommodes
a horsey that he cannot stand firm, but limps on every
little occasion.

WINDGALLS.

There are also three kinds of windgalls, which ap-
pear to the eye much like osslets, but are not, however,
just in the same places ; nor do they feel like them, for
osslets are hard, but windgalls give way to the touch.
Some horses are more liable to these than others, and
that for several reasons. Some proceed from old worn-
out sires, and others by being worked too young. A
simple windgall is a little tumour, between the skin and

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 25

the flesh, round the fetlocks : when it appears at a good
distance from the large nerve, it does not lame the
horse ; and if he has but age on his side, that is, be
under ten years old, at most, he will be as useful as be-
fore, provided the work you put him to, be not of the
most laborious kind ; however, a horse is much better
without, than with even this sort of simple windgall,
which consists of thin skins, full of red liquid, and soft
to the touch. The nervous windgall answers the same
description, only, as the simple ones come upon the fet-
lock, or a little above it, upon the leg bone, in the very
place of osslets, nervous ones come behind the fetlock,
upon the great nerve, which makes them of worse con-
sequence, for they never fail to lame a horse after much
fatigue. These windgalls may happen upon any of the
legs, but some of them are more dangerous than others,
m proportion as they press the nerve, and are capable
of laming the horse ; and take notice by the way, that
windgalls are more troublesome in summer than in
winter, especially in very hot weather, when the pores
are all open. The third sort is the bloated windgall,
and is of the worst sort when they come over the hind
part of the fetlock, between the bone and the large
nerve, and make the horse so lame at every little thing he
does, that he can scarce set his foot on the ground : they
appear on both sides the leg, without as well as within ;
and when you touch them with your hand or finger,
they feel like a pig's or cow's bladder full of wind. If
under his knees there are scabs on the inside, it is the
speedy or swift cut, and in that case he will but ill en-
dure galloping; if above the pasterns, on the inside,
you find scabs, it shows interfering ; but if the scabs be
generally over his legs, it is either occasioned by foul
keeping, or a spice of the mange.

It is seldom that a horse is found entirely clear of
3

26 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

windgalls, particularly about the hind legs, if he be
much used.

THE PASTERN AND PASTERN-JOINT.

Take care that the pastern-joint be clear and well knit
together, and that the pastern be strong, short and up-
right ; for if the pastern-joint be big or swelled, beware
of sinew strains ; if the pastern be long, weak or bend-
ing, the limbs will hardly be able to carry the body
without tiring. Indeed the experience of every one will
tell you that horses with long pasterns cannot travel near
80 well as those with short ones.

HOOFS.

The hoofs should be proportioned to the size of the
horse, black, smooth, tough, nearly round, deep, hollow,
and full-sounding; for white hoofs are tender, and carry
a shoe ill, and a brittle hoof will carry no shoe at all :
a flat hoof, that is pumiced, shows foundering ; and a
hoof that is empty, and hollow-sounding, shows a de-
cayed inward part, by reason of some wound or dry
founder, if the hair lie smooth, and close about the
crown of the hoof, and the flesh flat and even, then all
is perfect ; but should the hair be there rough, the skin
scabbed, and the flesh rising, you may then be appre-
hensive of a ring bone, a crown scab, or a quitter bone.

Some horses' hoofs are not round, but broad, spreading
out of the sides and quarters ; such have, for the most
part, narrow heels, and will at length come to be flat-
hoofed, neither will they carry their shoes long, nor
travel far, being apt to surbate or founder. Horses with
crooked hoofs are splay-footed, and consequently go with

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 27

their joints so close together, that they cannot travel
without cutting or interfering, or, what is still worse,
without striking one leg so hard against the other as to
produce lameness.

CIRCLED FEET.

Circled feet are very easy to be known : they are,
when you see little excrescences round the hoof, which
enclose the foot, and appear like so many small circles.
Dealers who have such horses, never fail to rasp round
their hoofs, in order to make them smooth ; and to con-
ceal the rasping, when they are to show them for sale,
they black the hoofs all over ; for without that, one may
easily perceive what has been done, and seeing the mark
of the rasp, is a proof that the horse is subject to this
accident. As to the causes, it proceeds from the remains
of an old distemper, or from having been foundered ;
and the disease being cured without care being taken of
the feet, whereupon the circulation of the blood not
being regularly made, especially round the crown, be-
tween the hair and the horn, the part loses its nourish-
ment, and contracts or enlarges itself in proportion as
the horse is worked. If these circles were only on the
surface, the jockies' method of rasping them down
would then be good for nothing ; but they form them-
selves also within the feet, as well as without, and
consequently press on the sensible part, and make a
horse limp with ever so little labour. One may justly
compare a horse in this situation, to a man that has
corns on his feet, and yet is obliged to walk a long way
in shoes that are too tight and stubborn : a horse there-
fore is worth a great deal less on this account.

28 THE NEW POCKET FABRIEE.

BOW LEGGED.

After having well examined the feet, stand about three
paces from his shoulders, and look carefully that he h,
not bow legged, which proceeds from two differen
causes ; first, from nature, when a horse has been go
by a worn out stallion ; and secondly, from his having
been worked too young ; neither in the one case nor the
other is the horse of any value, because he never can
be sure-footed ; it is also a disagreeable sight if the knees
point forwards, and his legs turn in under him, so that
the knees come much further out than the feet ; it is
what is called a bow legged horse, and such a one ought
to be rejected for any service whatsoever, as he never
can stand firm on his legs ; and how handsome soever
he may otherwise be, he should on no account be used
for a stallion, because all his progeny will have the same
deformity.

THE HEAD.

Stand by the horse's side and take particular notice
that his head be well set on ; for if thick set, be assured
it will cause him to toss up his nose for want of wind,
which causes a horse to carry his head disagreeably
high, and occasions a ticklish mouth.

His face should be rather of the Roman order than
straight.

The head of a horse should be narrow, lean, and
not too long.

THE NECK AND THE MANE.

The neck of a horse is a part that adds greatly to his
beauty or deformity.

THE NEW POCKET FAHRIER. 29

His neck should be small at the setting on of his head,
and long, growing deeper to the shoulders, with a high,
strong, and thin mane, long, soft, and somewhat curling.
The upper edge should form the half of an arch,
gradually falling in height and shape from the head to
the shoulders. A well-shaped neck contributes greatly
to the horse's going light on the hand, as a coarse ill-
shaped one does to making him go heavy.

Much hair on the mane shows dulness, as too thin a
mane shows fury ; and to have none, or if it be shed,
is a proof of the worm in it, the itch, or manginess.
The mane should be moderately thin, and in length half
the width of the neck.

To have a short thick neck, like a bull, to have it
falling on the withers, shows want of strength and
mettle.

THE POLL-EVi;..

This is a large bigness or swelling in the nape of the
neck, and the gentleman going to purchase can easily
see by the size of the horse's neck whether he has it or
not. It proceeds from some blow, bruise or external
injury, and its consequences are much to be dreaded.
John Hinds, a distinguished English farrier says, " the
most prolific cause of poll-evil I am inclined to attribute
to the low stable door-way, whereby the animal gets
many a trivial hit at going in and coming out."

THE SHOULDERS.

The shoulders of a horse should be sharp and narrow
at the withers, and thrown far back, for experience has
proved that such as have low shoulders with high rumps,
3*

30 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

never show to advantage, and seldom make good saddle
or race horses.*

In showing a horse, a dealer, or jockey, will generally
place him with his fore feet on a higher ground than his
hind ones, in order that the shoulder may appear further
in his back, and make him higher in sight than he really
is ; but be sure to cause him to be led on level ground,
and see that his shoulders lie well into his back ; for an
upright shouldered horse carries his v/eight too forward,
which is disagreeable, and unsafe to the rider. Have
his fore legs stand even, and you will then have it in
your power to judge of his shoulders. If you do not
observe this, the dealer will contrive that his near leg
stands before the other, as the shoulders, in that position,
appear to lay further in the back. If his knees stand
nearly close, and his toes quite in a line, not turning in,
nor yet turning out, be assured he will not cut ; if he
takes his legs up a moderate height, and neither clambers,
nor yet goes too near the ground, he will most likely
answer your purpose.

BACK, BODY, &c.

Observe that the chine of his back be broad, even
and straight, his ribs well compassed, and bending
outward, his fillets upright, strong, short, and above an
handful between his last rib and his buckle bone ; his
belly should be well let down, yet hidden within his ribs,
and his stones close thrust up to his body, those being
marks of health and goodness. Be careful in observing
that he has no swelling in his testicles, a disorder that

* Eclipse is the only instance, we believe, on record to the
contrary. " The shoulder of Eclipse was a low one."

THE NEW POCKET FARRIEK. 31

usually proceeds either from some strain in working, or
from the horse's having continued too long in the stable,
or from his putting one leg over any bar, and being
checked by the halter, or, in a word, from any other
accident that confines a horse, makes him kicH or fling,
and bruise his cods, and there is no other way of
knowing this distemper, but by some outward swelling
upon the part.

The coming down of the testicles proceeds from the
same causes, with this difference only, that it is a long
time of discovering itself; whereas the other may come
in one night. If his chine be narrow, he will never
carry a saddle well ; and to have it bending or saddle
backed, shows weakness. If his ribs be flat, there is
but small liberty for wind. Should his fillets hang low,
or weak, he will never climb a hill, or carry a burden
well. A belly that is clung up, or gaunt, and stones
hanging down loose, are signs of sickness, tenderness,
foundering in the body, and unaptness for. labour. His
buttocks should be round, plump, full, and in an even
level with his body : the narrow, pin buttock, the hog or
swine rump, and the falling and down-let buttock, shows
an injury in nature. The horse that is deep in his
girthing place, is generally of great strength. His
hinder thighs or gastains, should be well let down even
to the middle joint, thick, brawny, full, and swelling, this
being a great sign of strength and goodness ; lank and
slender thighs show disability and weakness. From the
thigh bone to the hock it should be pretty long, but short
from the hock to the pastern. Observe the middle joint
behind, and if it be nothing but skin and bone, veins
and sinews, rather a little bending than too straight, it
is perfect as it should be ; on the contrary should it have
chaps or sores on the inward bought, or bending, it
is a fallender.

32 THE NEW POCKET FAKRIER.

A narrow-chested horse can never have a good body,
nor breathe well, and such horses as have straight ribs,
and are at the same time great feeders, will soon distend
their bellies to such a degree that it will be impossible
for their entrails to be contained within their ribs, but
they will press down, and form what is called a cow's
belly. A man should never purchase a light-bellied and
fiery horse, because he will quickly destroy himself;
but in this case, care should be taken to distinguish
between fierceness and vigour. Light-bellied horses are
apt to be troubled with spavins.

SPAVINS.

A permanent cure of the spavin can rarely be made,
and we consider a spavined horse as a ruined one.

A spavin is a lump or' swelling on the inside of the
hock, that benumbs the limbs and destroys the free use
of the hind legs. It makes the horse go extremely
lame, and causes him much agony.

Should the joint be generally swelled all over, he
must have had a blow or bruise ; if in any particular
part, as in the pot, or hollow part, or on the inside, the
vein full and proud, and the swelling soft, it is a blood
spavin ; you cannot therefore take too much care in ex-
amining the hocks of delicate horses, for let the swelling
appear ever so small upon the flat of the lower part of
the hock, within side, though the horse may not limp,
you ought to be apprehensive that in time, and with but
little labour, the spavin will increase on him.

The fat spavin comes almost in the same place as the
other, but is larger.

A third kind is the ox spavin, and this is thought the
worst of the three. If the swelling be hard, it is a bone

THE NEW POCKET FARRIEK. 33

spavin ; you should examine a horse thoroughly, there-
fore, before you buy him, and, in particular, see if all
the joints of his legs move with equal freedom. Most
horses that have the bone spavin are very apt to start
when you go to take up their legs, and will hardly let
you touch them with your hand ; examine them well,
therefore, wiih your eye, and see if between the fetlock
and the crown, the leg descends even and smooth ; for
if you see any protuberance between the flesh and the
skin, that looks like a sort of knot or kernel, you have
found the defect.

In purchasing a horse, much regard should be paid to
his bringing up his hind parts well, for a spavined horso
never makes a full step with the leg that is aflfected.

A CURB.

If you observe the swelling to be exactly before the
knuckle, it is a curb, which is an accident that may
happen in different. manners; such as a strain in work-
ing, slipping his foot in a hole, or in marshy ground,
&c., out of^ which he pulls it with pain, and by that
means wrenches his hock, without dislocating any thing,
and yet, without speedy care he may be lamed.

A RAT'S TAIL.

There is also a defect which is more common in the

ind than the fore legs, though the latter are not quite

xempt from it, and it is called the Rat's Tail, and is

thus known. When you see, from the hind part of the

fetlock, up along the nerves, a kind of line or channel

that separates the hair to both sides, this is a rat's tail ;

34 THE NEW POCKET FARRIEB.

and in summer there appears a kind of small dry scab
along this channel ; and in winter there issues out a hu-
midity, like the water from the legs. A horse may work
notwithstanding this disorder, for it seldom lames him ,
it sometimes occasions a stiffness in the legs, and makes
them trot like foxes, without bending their joints. The
hind legs should be lean, clean, flat, and sinewy ; for if
fat, they will not bear labour; if swelled, the grease is
molten into them ; if scabbed above the pasterns, it is
the scratches, and if he has chaps under the pasterns he
has what is generally called the Rains. If he has a
good buttock, his tail cannot stand ill, but will be broad,
high, flat, and couched a little inward.

A WALK AND TROT IN HAND.

Having with care examined the horse, let him be run
in hand a gentle trot ; by this you will soon perceive if
he is lame or not. Make the man lead him by the end
of the bridle, as in this case you cannot be deceived by
the man's being too near him. The far fore leg, and
near hind leg, or the near fore leg, and far hind leg,
should move and go forward at one and the same time ;
and in this motion, the nearer the horse takes his limbs
from the ground, the opener, the evener, and the shorter
is his pace.

FORGING

If he takes up his feet slovenly, it shows stumbling or
lameness ; to tread narrow, or cross, shows interfering,
or failing ; to step uneven, shows weariness, and if he
treads long, you may be apprehensive he forges, by
which I mean, that when he walks, or trots, he strikes

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 35

the toes of his hind feet against the corners of his shoes
before, which occasions a clattering noise as you ride ;
and this proceeds generally fronn the weakness of his
fore legs, he not having strength in them to raise them
up sufficiently quick to make way for the hind ones. A
horse of this kind is not near so serviceable as the horse
exempt from it, and the dealers, to get rid of him, will
make abundance of pretences : if he has been just
shoed, they will say the farrier has put him on too long
shoes; if his shoes are old, they will tell you he is just
come off a long journey, and is much fatigued ; you
must not therefore be over credulous to any thing a
jockey or dealer affirms, for what they say in this man-
ner, is too often with intent to deceive ; and it is very
certain that a horse who forges can never be sure-footed,
any more than one who has tottering or bow-legs.

WALK AND TROT MOUNTED.

On his being mounted, see him walk. Observe his
mouth, that he pulls tair, not too high, nor bearing
down ; then stand behind him, and see if he goes nar-
rower before than behind, as every horse that goes well
on his legs goes in that manner. Take notice that he
brushes not by going too close ; a certain sign of his
cutting, and tiring in travelling. Have nothing to do
with that horse who throws his legs confusedly about,
and crosses them before; This you may observe by
standing exactly before or behind him, as he is going
along. In his trot he should point his tore legs well,
without clambering, nor yet as if he were afraid ; and
that he throws well in his hind legs, which will enable
him to support his trot, and shoot his fore parts fore-
wards.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

A CANTER OR GALLOP.

In his canter, observe he does not fret, but goes cool
in this pace; and in his gallop, he should take his feet
nimbly from the ground, and not raise them too high,
but that he stretches out his fore legs and follows nimbly
with his hind ones, and that he cuts not under his knee,
(which is called the swift or speedy cut) that he crosses
not, nor claps one foot on another,''and ever leads with
his far fore foot, and not with the near one. If he gal-
lops round, and raises his fore feet, he may be said to
gallop strongly, but not swiftly ; and if he labour his
feet confusedly, and seems to gallop painfully, it shows
some hidden lameness ; for in all his paces, you should
particularly observe that his limbs are free, without the
least stiffness.

TOTTERING LEGS.

Now that he has been well exercised in those different
paces, it is your time to examine for an infirmity, not
easily discovered, and that is what we call Tottering legs ;
you cannot perceive it till after a horse has galloped for
some time, and then, by letting him rest a little you will
see his legs tremble under him, which is the disorder we
nnean : however handsome soever the legs of such a
horse may be, he never can stand well on them ; you
are therefore not to mind what the jockey says when he
talks of the beauty of the limbs, for if you oblige him
to gallop the horse, or fatigue him pretty much, (which
is commonly done in order to try the creature's bottom)
you will in all likelihood discover this defect, unless you
suffer the groom to gallop him to the stable door and

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 37

put him up in a moment, which he will certainly
endeavour to do, if he is conscious of it, while the
master has another horse ready to show you, in order
to take off your attention from what he is afraid you
should see.

Thus having to the best of our judgment, gone
through every requisite observation relative to the
purchase of a horse, studiously avoiding its being drawn
into an unnecessary length, yet at the same time being
as careful to avoid an affected brevity ; the gentlemen
to whom many of our observations are familiar, will
please to observe, that we have endeavoured, as much
as possible, to write for the information of the person
entirely unacquainted with the qualifications which form
a complete horse ; in the purchase of which, the person
should particularly consider the end for which he buys,
whether for running, hunting, travelling, draught, or
burden; and it is therefore almost unnecessary to
remind him, that the biggest and strongest are fittest for
strong occasions, burdens, draught or double carriage,
as the middle size is for hunting, pleasure, general em-
ployments, and the least for summer hackney.

g«a-»^.^^^<v^».«

THE AGE OF A HORSE BY HIS TEETH.

Two and a half years old.

Rising three years.

POCKET FARRIER,

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

If you meet with a horse you like and are desirous
of buying him ; do not fall in love with him before you
ride him, for though he may be handsome, he may start
or stumble.

TO DISCOVER A STUMBLER.

If you g-o to buy of one that knows you, it is not
unreasonable to desire to ride him for an hour. If
refused, you may expect he has some faults ; if not,
mount him at the door of the stable where he stands ;
let him neither feel your spurs, nor see your whip ; mount
him easily, and when seated, go gently off with a loose
rein, which will make him careless ; and if he is a
stumbler, he will discover himself presently, especially
if the road in which you ride him be any way rough.

The best horse indeed may stumble, (a young one of
spirit, if not properly broken in, will frequently ; and yet,
if he moves nimbly upon the bit, dividing his legs true,
he may become a very good saddle horse) the best horse,
I say, may stumble, but if he springs out, when he
stumbles, as if he feared your whip or spur, depend upon
it, he is an old offender. A horse should never be struck
for stumbling or starting : the provocation, I confess, is
great ; but the fear of corrrection makes him worse.

39

40 THE NEW PO* ^ET FARRIER,

In the purchase of a horse, examine four things, his
teeth, his eyes, his legs and his wind.

TO KNOW HIS AGE.

Every treatise on farriery has instructed us to know
a horse's age, by the mark in his mouth ; but not one
in five hundred (a dealer excepted) can retain it in his
mind. Let this then be sufficient : with your finger and
thumb, raise his upper lip, and if his teeth shut close,
you may suppose him young ; but if they point forward,
and the upper and under edges do not meet even, you may
suspect he is old. And the longer his teeth are, (the
gums being dry and shrunk from them, looking yellow
and rusty) the older he is.

There are some exceptions to the above rule, but by
a due attention you will seldom be deceived.

You may indeed examine his tush, and if it be pointed
and grooved, that is, hollovvish on the inside, he cannot
be judged to be above seven years old. Crafty jockeys
will sometimes burn holes in the teeth, to make them
appear young, which they call bishoping, but a discern-
ing eye will soon discover the cheat. Mares have no
tushes, so that it is more difficult to know their age, but
if the roof of the mouth be fleshy, and almost as proud
as the teeth, she is young.

EYES.

If a horse's eyes are lively and clear, and you can
see to the bottom, and the image of your face be
reflected from thence, and not from the surface of the
eye, they are good ; but if muddy, cloudy or coal black,
they are bad.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 41

LEGS.

If his knees are not broken, nor stand bending and
trembling forward, (which is called knuckling) his legs
may be good ; but if he steps short and digs his toes in
the ground, it is a sign he will knuckle. In short, if the
hoof be pretty flat and not curled, you need not fear a
founder.

WIND.

If his flanks beat even and slow, his wind may be
good ; but if they heave double and irregular, or if
(while he stands in the stable) he blows at the nostrils,
as if he had just been galloping, they are signs of a
broken wind. Deceitful dealers have a draught which
they sometimes give, to make a horse breathe regularly
in the stable : the surest way to judge of his wind, is to
give him a good brushing gallop, and it is ten to one, if
his wind be broken or even touched, that he will cough
and wheeze very much, and no medicine can prevent his
doing so.

REGIMEN FOR A BROKEN WIND.

This is a disease in every respect similar to the asthma
in the human species. The symptoms are a hollow
cough, which is increased by exercise, and attended with
a wheezing, or difficulty of breathing, and a working of
the flanks. This disorder is commonly brought on by
voracious feeding, which distends the stomach inordi-
nately; by violent exercise when the belly is full; by
being driven into water when he is sweated and hot ;

or from a cold, not well cured. Horses that eat their
4 *

42 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

litter, and what other hard substances they come near,
are predisposed to broken-wind, by the great distension
of the stomach and inability of inspiring a sufficiency
of air to fill the lungs.

Cure there is none for broken-wind, but a horse that
has it may be rendered very useful by proper attention
to regimen. Of course, particular care should be taken
to avoid exposing hinti to fresh cold, and not push him
too hard on a full stomach. The horse should have
good nourishment, but condensed in bulk — not quantity
enough to distend his bowels, but rich and nutritious,
what there is of it. Water should be given him
sparingly. Give him rather plentifully of corn, but
little hay, and that little wet with water.' Some advise
that water given him should every day be impregnated
with half an ounce of salt-petre and two drachms of
sal-ammoniac.

When the cough is particularly troublesome, or the
animal seems to labour much in respiration, give the
followino;. Dried squills, powdered, 1 drachm ; gum
ammoniacum, 3 drachms; opium, 10 drachms; with
mucilage sufficient to form the ball.

Broken-winded horses have been greatly relieved by
drinking daily a bucket of water poured off from quick-
lime. A horse supplied with water thus prepared, and
kept in the stable five or six weeks, will recover his wind
in a great degree and his cough will be much abated.

A DRAUGHT HORSE. ^

A horse with thick shoulders and a broad chest, laden
with flesh, hanging too forward, and heavily projecting
over his knees and feet, is fitter for a collar than a
saddle.

THE NEW PQCKET FARRIER. 43

A SADDLE HORSE.

A horse with thin shoulders, and a flat chest, whose
fore-feet stand holdly forward and even, his neck rising
semicircular from the points of those thin shoulders to
his head, may justly be said to have a light forehand
and' be fitter for a saddle than a collar. As most horses
in the hands of farmers are drawn while they are
young, which, notwithstanding their make, occasions
them to move heavily, if you desire a nimble-footed
horse, choose one that has never drawn.

In buying a horse enquire into four other things, viz.
biting, kicking, stopping, and starting.

STARTING AND SHYING.

Starting is when a horse grows wanton or skittish,
and takes every object he sees to be different from what
it is. It is one of the worst habits a horse can have,
and tends to reduce his value much, for as good a rider
as a person may be, he cannot be on his guard against
a starting horse.

If you would ascertain that a horse starts, mount him
yourself, ride first slowly and then fast towards and
along by objects that you discover are offensive to his
eye, and you will soon assure yourself whether or not
he has this bad habit.

Horses that have been kept pampered in the stable for
some time, without regular airings or exercise, are liable
to start when first ridden out, but are in general easily
cured.

Some horses will observe particularly all objects they
meet, and sidle a little, or shy from it, but a starting

44 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

horse that all at once leaps from one side to the other, is
neither safe nor agreeable, and we would advise the
owner of such an animal, if he has any consideration
for his own neck, to get rid of him as soon as possible,
for whoever undertakes to break a horse of this trick
endangers his life to an imminent desrree..

When riding a horse of this kind, however, in all
cases treat him with the utmost gentleness ; neither beat
him nor speak harshly to him during his fright, but
make him advance gently to the object — this treatment
will in time (with some horses) give them confidence
and free them from their foolish fears.

TO CURE THE SPLINTS.

The splint is a fixed hard excrescence or knob, grow-
ing upon the flat of the in or outside (and sometimes
both) of the shank bone ; a little under, and not far from
the knee, and may be seen and felt.

Splints when buried within the tendons are apt to
lame a horse seriously ; but, if situated on the plain
bone, unless very large, they seldom do injury ; and if
a splint be early attended to it is not very difficult to
remove.

Some practitioners rub the splint with a round stick
till the part is almost raw, and then touch it with oil of
origanum. Others lay on a pitch plaster, with a small
quantity of sublimate or arsenic, to corrode and eat the
substance away. Others again use butter of antimony,
or oil of vitriol, and some tincture of cantharides. All
of which methods have at times succeeded ; but they are
most, if not all, apt to leave an ugly scar behind, with
the loss of all the hair on the part. Blaine recom-
mends the swelling to be rubbed night and morning for

THE NEW POCKET PARRIEK. 45

five or six days, with a drachm of mercurial ointment,
rubbing it well in ; after which apply a blister, and at
the end of a fortnight or three weeks another.

THE SPAVIN.

The Spavin is of the same nature, and appears, in
like manner, on the instep bone behind, not iar below
the hock.

The destruction of the horse has often occurred by
letting out the contents of these tumours. This must
not be, but the sides of the tumours must be strengthened
by pressure or by stimulants. The best stimulant is the
strong liquid blister of the Veterinary Pharmacy, as —
Spanish flies, in gross powder, 1 oz ; oil of origanum,
2 drachms ; oil of turpentine, 4 oz ; olive oil, 2 oz ;
steep the flies in the turpentine three weeks, strain off
and add the oil. Bandages assist greatly, when well
applied.

WINDGALLS.

'V/indgalls are several httle swellings just above the
fetlock-joints of all the four legs ; they seem, when felt,
to be full of wind or jelly, but they never lame a horse;
the splint and spavin always do. They all three pro-
ceed from one and the same cause, which is hard riding,
travelling too f^r in one day, or carrying too great a
weight when young.

Blistering is the general remedy applied to these. In
most cases, where there is no greater inconvenience
arising from them than what is visible to the eye, it will
be better to let them alone, as there have been many in-
stances of horses being totally lamed and rendered until
for service by wounding the tendons in an operation.

46 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

SETTING OUT OxN A JOURNEY.

Having premised thus much of the qualities necessary
to a good horse, we now proceed to give such directions
in regard to a journey on horseback as will be found to
be of the utmost importance to the traveller.

Whenever you intend to travel, hunt, or only ride out
for the air, let your horse's feet be examined some time
before, to see that his shoes are all fast and sit easy oa
his feet, for on that depends the pleasure and safety of
your journey.

DIRECTIONS FOR MOUNTING.

Before you mount, look round your horse, to see if
his bridle, curb, saddle, and girths are all fitted in their
proper places. Always accustom your horse to stand
firm and without a motion, till you are fixed in your
seat and your clothes be adjusted.

DIRECTIONS FOR GOING. ^ ^

When you would have him go, teach him to move, by
pressing close your knees, or speaking to him, without
using whip or spur ; for a horse will learn any thing,
and a good quality may as easily be taught him as a
bad one.

CORRECTION ILL-TIMED.— CORRECTION
WELL-TIMED.— AN EASY REIN.

Most men whip and spur a horse, to make him go
faster, before they bid him ; but it is cruel treatment, to

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 47

beat a generous creature, before you have signified your
mind to him, (by some token which he may be taught
to understand) who would obey you if he knew your
pleasure; it is time enough to correct him when he re-
fuses, or resists you. Do not haul his head about with
too tight a rein, it deadens his mouth ; besides, he will
carry you. safer, and take better care of his steps with
an easy hand, than a heavy one ; much depends on the
quietness of the bridle hand. Keep in your elbows
steady, and you cannot hurt his mouth. Again, nothing
discovers a bad horseman (even at a distance) so much
as throwing his legs and arms about ; for it is easier to
the horse and rider, and he can carry you further by ten
miles a day, when you sit as steady upon him as if you
were a part of himself.

CUTTING.

If he cuts either before or behind, look that his shoes
stand not with an edge beyond the hoof, and feel that the
clinches of the nails lie close ; but if cutting proceeds
from interfering, that is, crossing his legs in his trot, it
is a natural infirmity and can only be a little helped by
care. Horses will sometimes cut, when leg-weary,
which they will recover of by rest. If you would not
have a horse that cuts, buy not one who stands with his
toes turned outwards, nor one who, in trotting, carries
his legs too near each other.

LAMENESS.— A POULTICE.

If (as he stands in the stable) you observe him to
point one foot forwarder than the other, either before oi
behind, seeming to bear no weight on it, you may rea-
sonably conclude he is not easy : if the shoes is the

48 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER,

cause, the farrier can remove it presently, but if the foot
is not hurt by some unknown accident, make a poultice
of any sort of greens^ such as lettuce^ cabbage, marsh-
mallow leaves, turnip tops, or turnips themselves, the
best of all ; boil them tender, squeeze the water out,
chop them in a wooden bowl, with two or three ounces
of hog\s lard or butter ; put this poultice into a cloth,
and tie hi* foot in it all night, as hot as you can.

In the morning, when the farrier comes to take off his
shoe, he will find his hoof cut soft and easy, so that he
will soon discover (in paring with his buttrice) whether
he is pricked or bruised.

GRAVELLED.

A misfortune that sometimes happens to a horse on a
journey : it consists in little pebbles getting between the
shoe and the hoof and settling there, so as to get to the
quick and fester. The only way to cure it is to takeoff
the shoe, and then draw the place with a drawing-iron
till you come to the quick; this done, pick out the
gravel and squeeze out the matter and blood that is
■found collected there. Then wash the parts well with
simple tincture of myrrh, and stop up the hole with
hurds wet in the same. After which let the shoe be
carefully put on again, and in two or three times thus
dressing, he will get well. But do not travel, or work
him, before he is so, nor let his foot go into the wet,
which would greatly retard his cure.

PRICKED.

A horse's foot is pricked by having a nail driven too
far into it at the time of shoeing, so as to reach the
quick, or press the vein, and cause lameness. When a

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 49

horse is pricked in the foot, whether it be by the negli-
gence of the farrier in driving the nails, or from any
other accident, they should be drawn out immediately
on the discovery thereof; otherwise the wound will fester
and break out into an open sore. It is easily discerned
that a horse is pricked by his going lame, but with more
certainty by trying round the hoof with a pair of pin-
cers, for when you come to the aggrieved place he will
cringe and draw away his foot. The shoe should at
once be taken off, and the horse turned out to grass, if
possible, without applying anything external to it. But
if turning him out cannot be complied with, rub fre-
quently on his foot a little ointment of elder.

LAME IN THE HEEL OR HOOF.— THE CURE.

If your horse is lame with a hole in his heel, or any
part of his hoof, be it ever so deep, occasioned by an
over-reach of his hind-foot, or a tread of another horse,
though gravel be in it, put his foot into the aforesaid
poultice, [Seepage 53.] and repeat it mornings and even-
ings, till it is well ; for it will suck it out, fill it again with
sound flesh, and make the hoof grow over it, much
sooner than any othei" method or medicine whatsoever.

CUTS, TREADS, AND BRUISES CURED.

All cuts, treads anH bruises are cured by this poultice ;
not only quick and sure, but without leaving any mark.

THE HORSE-OINTMENT.

Into a clean jripkin^ that holds about a quart, put the
bigness of a pullet'' s egg of yellow rosin ; when it is
melted over a middling fire, add the same quantity of

50 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

bees* wax ; when that is melted, put in half a pound
of hog^s lard ; when it is dissolved, put in two ounces
of honey ; when that is dissolved, put in half a pound
of common turpentine ; keep it gently boiling, stirring
it with a stick all the time ; xKhen the turpentine is dis-
solved, put in two ounces of verdigris ; you must take
off the pipkin, (^else it will rise into the fire in a mo-
ment) set it on again, and give it two or three wambles
and strain it through a coarse sieve, into a clean vessel
for use, and throw the dregs away.

This is an extraordinary ointment for a wound or
bruise in flesh or hoof, broken knees, galled backs,
bites, cracked heels, mallanders, or when you geld a
horse, to heal and keep the flies away ; nothing takes
fire out of a burn or scald in human flesh so soon ; I
have had personal experience of it. I had it out of
Degrey, but finding it apt to heal a wound at the top,
before the bottom was found, I improved it, by adding an
ounce of verdigris.

HEAT-BALLS.

U, upon a journey, any little bumps called -heat-balls
should rise on your horse's shoulders or any part of
him ; upon coming to your inn, order the hostler to rub
them often with hot vinegar, which will disperse them.
They are owing to the heat of the body in hard riding.
If they are not dispersed, they will burst and look ugly,
and it will be some time before the hair comes on upon
the part again.

SWELLED AND CRACKED HEELS.— CURE.

If his legs and heels should swell and crack and be-
come stiff and sore, so that he can hardly be got out of

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 51

the stable in the morning, and perhaps did not lie down
all night ; you may travel on, but wali^ him for the first
mile or two, very gently, till the swelling falls, and he
begins to feel his legs.

When you end the day's journey, wash his sore legs
with warm water, and a great deal of soap ; or foment
his heels, (first cutting away the hair very close) with
old urine, pretty warm, for a quarter of an hour, by
dipping a woolen cloth, or an old stocking, into the urine,
squeezing it, and then applying it to the part affected,
having first well washed it with the urine. You may
then prepare the poultice, as in page 53, and tie it on
hot, as soon as it can be got ready, letting it stay on all
night. Feed him as usual, and offer him warm water
in the house. About nine or ten o'clock (that is, an
hour or two after he is put up for all night, and fed) give
him a ball composed of half an ounce of ethiops min-
eral. Ditto of balsam of svlphur terih. Ditto of
diopente or powdered aniseeds mixed and made into
a hall ivith honey or treacle. You may give him a
pint of warm ale after it. '

Do not stir him out of the stable on any account
whatever, till you mount him the next morning for your
journey, and give him a draught of warm water in the
stable before you set out (that being proper on account
of the ball.) When you are on the road, he may drink
water as usual.

The next night omit the ball, but contixiue the poul-
tice.

The third night give the second ball.

GREASING HEELS.

The fifth night give the third ball, and still continue
the poultice till his heels are well: but if you can get

52 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

no sort of poulticing, then, melt hog's lard, or butter,
and with a rabbit's foot or a rag, grease his heels with it
very hot.

if he is a young horse, and the distemper new, you
will hear no more of it ; but if he is old, and hath had
it a long time on him, it will require further repetition.

N. B. During this operation, you must not gallop
on the road, but ride moderately, for sweating will re-
lard the cure. You must consider, that wet weather,
and wet roads are by no means proper for this regimen.

TraveUing indeed is an improper time for this cure,
except in cases of necessity ; if you can give your
horse rest, his heels will get well sooner by turning him
out to grass, and renewing the poultices ; but he should
be kept in the stable while he takes the medicine.

If the greasy poultice does not effect a cure, which
may sometimes be the case ; after fomenting the legs with
urine, anoint his heels well with the following ointment
warm every night. Take ten eggs, boil them very hard,
put them in cold water ; when cold, separate the yolks
from the whites, put all the yolks into a frying pan,
bruise them with a spoon over the fire, till they turn
black and yield a fetid oil, lohich decant off, and mix
it, while warm, with two ounces of honey, and two
ounces of white lead in powder, and then keep it for
use. It should be beaten into a horse's hoof, with a
fire shovel. The heels in the day time should be con-
stantly well rubbed. — This ointment exceeds any thing
that can be applied for a burn or scald in the human
body, if applied soon after the accident, and the part
affected be anointed for an hour after, by times, with a
feather.

I have often cured a horse of greasy heels by giving
him only an ounce and a half of saltpetre pounded fine,
or dissolved and mixed with his corn, morning and even-

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 53

ing. But this must be continued for a month or more,
till his legs are well ; but they should be kept washed
as above. If you give a horse five or six pounds of
saltpetre, in this manner, it will not hurt him, it will
free hinn from all sorts of humours, and put him into
excellent spirits.

MALLENDER, AND CURE.

The mallender is a crack in the bend of the knee, it
oozes a sharp humour like that at the heels or frush ; a
horse dare not step out for fear of tearing it wider ; it
is so painful it takes away his belly ; it makes him step
short, and stumble much.

The same method, medicine, greasing and poulticing,
which you used for swelled or cracked heels, will cure it.

SELLENDER, AND CURE.

The sellender is a crack in the bend of the hock ;
and must be cured with the same things, and after the
same manner.

SORE BACK, AND CURE.

If the saddle bruises his back, and makes it swell, a
greasy dish-clout laid on hot, and a cloth or rag over
it, bound on, a quarter of an hour (with a surcingle) and
repeated once or twice, will sink it flat. If it is slight,
wash it with a little water and salt only : but you must
have the saddle altered, that it press not upon the tender
part, for a second bruise will be worse than the first.
If his furniture does not fit and sit easy, it will damp
him ; but if nothing wound or hurt him, he will travel
with courage.

5*

54 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

ADVICE FOR WATERING.

Make it a standing rule to water on the way before
you arrive at the baiting place, be it noon or night; if
there is no water by the way, do not (when once you
have entered the stable) suffer any man to lead him out
to a river or horse-pond, to wash his legs or drink, but
give him warm water in the house.

If you ride moderately, you ought to let your horse
drink at any time on the way ; you may trust him, he
will not take harm, but always refresh himself; but if
he has been long without water, and is hot, he will then
overdrink himself, and it may spoil him, because a load
of cold water greedily swallowed while he is hot, will
certainly chill and deaden the tone of the stomach ; but
two or three go-downs are really necessary to cool his
mouth, and may be allowed him at any time on the
road.

DIFFICULTY OF STALING.

Sometimes a horse cannot stale, and will be in great
pain ; to ease him, take half an ounce of aniseeds
beaten fine in a mortar^ one handful of parsley roots,
boil these in a quart of old strong beer, and strain it
off, and give it him warm.

Staling (a suppression thereof) may be brought on a
horse by being kept high and having too little exercise,
as well as by hard travelling. The signs of this com-
plaint are as follows, — the creature will roll and tumble
about with the violence of the pain under which he
labours, and while on his legs will continually be strain-
ing and putting himself in a position to stale, but with-
out being able to do anything more than void a few
drops, or perhaps none at all.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 55

DIABETES.

A morbid copiousness of urine, or making water in too
great quantities, which disorder is very common in horses,
and frequently terminates in their death. It is generally
the result of old disorders, such as surfeits and excessive
hard driving. The horse soon loses flesh and appetite,
his hair grows rough and staring. A horse thus affected
should not be allowed too much water. If the following
remedy is applied when the disease first makes its
appearance, by proper attention the cure will be almost
certain. One drachm of opium, two drachms of
asafcetida, two drachms powdered ginger, one ounce
powdered red oak bark, with enough of any kind of
syrup to make two balls for one dose, which must be
given to him three times a week, and especial care taken
not to let him drink much water.

Some persons use the following receipt : one ounce
gum arabic, one pint of red wine, and a pint of v^ter,
mixed and given as a drench three times a week.

Moderate exercise and nourishing food will assist
much in effecting the cure.

SURFEIT AND MANGE.

The surfeit is common among horses that have not
been judiciously treated. Sudden changes from warmth
to cold frequently cause it. Over-feeding also pruauces
it. When a horse is surfeited, his coat will staie and
look rueful, notwithstanding all proper care has been
taken to keep him clean, and the skin will be found full
of scales and scurf, lying thick like meal among the
hair, and constantly supplied with a fresh succession oa

fl6 THE NEW rOCKET FARRIER.

that being cleared away ; the horse is disturbed by a
constant itching; the hair of both the mane and tail
rubs off, and the Httle that remains stands erect.

Svrfeit, when it first appears is easily removed by a
cooling purgative; but if the pulse be high he should
be bled also. Promote perspiration by means of a dia-
phoretic. If the animal be fat he must be reduced.
Give a mash of one gallon of bran, a table spoonful
of saltpetre, a table spoonful of sulphur, and a quart
of hot sassafras tea, well mixed together, three times
within a week. When the mash is taken, be careful not
to let him drink for six hours. Change his litter fre-
quently, keep his stable clean, and do not permit him to
get wet. An ointment of hog's lard and sulphur applied
once a day on the places where the surfeit appears
worst, will be found to be of great benefit. Remember
that his food during this treatment must be light and
easily digested, and fail not to observe towards him the
kindest treatment.

The Mange sometimes succeeds an ill-cured surfeit ;
and is moreover an original disease, arising from beast-
liness, hard living, ill-usage, and the consequent depra-
vation of the humours. It partakes of the nature of
itch in man, is communicable by means of the touch, by
using the same harness, clothing, &c., and probably by
standing in the same stall that a diseased horse may
have left. The horse, as he is with the surfeit, is con-
stantly rubbing and biting himself.

There are at present a variety of prescriptions in use.
The following is effectual. Bleed copiously, and during
a week give him three mashes like that for the surfeit ;
and rub the part aflTected twice a day with an ointment
of hog's lard and brimstone in equal parts. Keep his
stable scrupulously clean and furnished with a nice bed
of straw.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 57

HARD RIDING.

If you ride hard, and go in hot, your horse will be
off his stonnach ; then is your time to guard against a
surfeit, which is always attended with the grease, the
farcy, or both; the symptons are staring ojf the coat,
and hide-bound.

Staring of the coat will appear the very next morning.
To prevent which, as soon as you dismount rub him
well, cover him, pick his feet, throw a handful or two of
beans before him, and litter him deep. Go immediately
and boil, for a cordial, half a pound of aniseeds in a
quart of ale, pour it upon half a pound of honey, into
a bowl or bason ; brew it about, till it is almost as cold
as blood, then give it (with a horn) seeds and all.

To cure him, feed as usual, but keep him warmly
clothed ; give him warm water that night, and next
morning. A mash will do well that night, and lest the
cordial should not have force enough to carry off the
surfeit, you must give him (after all, and just before bed
time) one of those balls directed in page 51.

To prevent stiffness : supple and wash his legs with
greasy dish-wash, or water and soap, as hot as a man
can bear his hand in it, with a dish-clout, and by no
means take him out of the stable that night. Grease
Jiis hoofs, and stop his feet with the following ball ; it is
safe and innocent : two or three handfuls of bran put
into a little saucepan with as much grease of any kind
as will moisten it. Let it cool, and put a ball of it
into each fore foot.

Cover each ball with a little tow or straw, and put a
couple of splints over that, to keep it in all night. This
do every night if you please throughout your journey, it
IS good at any time if he lie still ; but these balls are

58 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

not necessary in the winter, or when the roads are full
of water.

Ever avoid all stuffings made of cow-dung, clay and
urine, which you will find ready mixed in a tub, in the
custody of almost every hostler; such cold stuffings
benumb the feet to that degree, that the horse fumbles
and steps short for two or three miles, till he gets a little
warmth and feels his feet again.

HIDE-BOUND.

A horse is said to be hide-bound when the skin sticKs
so closely to the back and ribs that it cannot be laid hold
of, or raised by the hand without great difficulty.

The treatment in this case should be plenty of light
food and a stable kept perfectly clean, with strict atten-
tion to keeping him supplied with a fresh litter. Bleed
him, take from his neck half a gallon ; and at night
give him a mash made the same as that given for, the
surfeit and mange.

On the second day, take two spoonfuls of copperas ;
one quart of warm sassafras tea ; and one tea spoon-
ful of saltpetre ; mix and give them as a drench. Have
the horse rubbed well, and he will be entirely relieved in
a few days.

THE SHOULDER-SLIP.

The shoulder wrench or slip may happen to a horse
in various ways, as by stopping and turning too suddenly
upon unlevel ground, or by sliding or slipping down,
either in the stable or the field, or by running suddenly
through a door or gate, &c. If, while on the road, you
wrench his shoulder, mix two ounces of the oil of spike

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 59

with one ounce of the oil of stvallows^ and half an ounce
of turpentine, and, with your hands, rub a little of it
all over the shoulder. It will be best to warm the oils
well with a broad-mouthed fire shovel, or plate of iron,
hot. Then bleed him, and let him rest two days.
This will cure a slight strain. Should he continue lame,
you may travel on, but slowly, and he will grow well
upon the road ; but repeat the oils.

STIFLE.— THE CURE.

If you strain your horse in the stifle, a little bone
upon the thigh bone, above the inside bend of the hock ;
(you find such another in a leg of mutton) the turnip
poultice will infallibly cure it, but you may rub in the
oils first, as ordered for the shoulder-sHp. By its situa-
tion, you will find a difficulty to keep the poultice on, yet
it may be done with a few yards of list.

If it is not well, or very much mended, in two or
three days, examine the hip, perhaps you may find it
there ; but this may be cured by oiling, as in a shoulder-
slip, for the poultice cannot be fastened on there.

A CLAP IN THE BACK SINEWS..

When lameness arises from a clap in the back sinews,
■which is a relaxation of the sinews from a strain, take a
spoonful or two of hog's lard, or rather goose-grease,
melt it in a saucepan, and rub it into the back sinew
very hot, from the bend of the knee to the fetlock ;
make (as you are directed in page 53) a turnip poultice
and tie it on hot, from the fetlock to above the knee,
and let it stay on all night ; thus, first tie the cloth

60 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

about the fetlock, then put in the pouUice, and raise the
cloth and the poultice together, till you get it above the
bend of the knee ; twisting the list or string round his leg
as you rise, and fasten it above the knee ; take it off in the
morning, and put on a fresh one ; at night do the same.
Two or three of these poultices will cure a new strain ;
five or six, an old one.

HOW TO KNOW A SHOULDER-SLTP, FROM A
STRAIN IN THE BACK SINEWS.

This lameness, by ignorant farriers, is frequently
taken for a shoulder-slip ; and in consequence of this,
they proceed to blowing, boring, and rowelling, and thus
make your horse useless for a long time. Be not im-
posed on ; be sure it is in his shoulder, before you admit
the operation.

If it is in his shoulder, he will drag his toe on the
ground, as he walks.

If in the back sinew, he will lift it off and step short,
though downright lame.

There does not happen above one shoulder-slip, to
fifty back-sinew strains.

A COLD— A RUNNING OF THE EYES AND
NOSTRILS.

You may know if your horse has caught cold by a
running at his eyes, and a little gleeting at his nostrils ;
though it is impossible to know exactly how he came
by it ; (for standing near a hole, a window or door, a
damp new-built stable, and many other ways may do it)
yet I would warn you against one practice in particular,
too much in use, which seldom fails to give a horse cold.

THE NEW POCKET FAERIER. 61

That is, taking him out of a warm stable, and riding
him into a river or horse-pond, at an unseasonable hour,
either too late or too early. A horse should never be
taken out of a warm stable on a journey, till you mount
him for travel.

A CAUTION TO PREVENT FOUNDEPwING ON
THE ROAD. .

It is the opinion of most grooms, that a horse heats
his legs and feet upon a hard road, especially if he is a
heavy horse, or carries a great weight, and that he
should be refreshed and cooled by washing. To which
I agree ; but then it must be with warm water, for that
cools best. This will not only open the pores, and
make his legs perspire, but it will clear his fetlock joints
best of any gravel that may get in within the wrinkles, and
thus fret and inflame his legs ; cold water naturally con-
tracts the skin, and binds any gravel, there may chance
to be, the firmer. Stop his feet also with the ball directed
in page 57, but make it pretty warm.

Note — A horse in this case ought to have a large
stall, that he may stretch his legs. Young horses re-
quire larger stalls than old ones ; for an accustomed
old horse will ease himself in a stall of five feet wide,
as well as in one of two yards.

A COUGH.— THE CURE.

If (after a day or two) you perceive a running at his
eyes, and a little gleeting at his nostrils, you may expect
to hear him cough. In that case, take a pint of blood
from his neck, in a morning, (a horse will travel not-
withstanding, if you do not exceed it) and at noon give
an additional feed, to make amends for the loss of blood.
6

62 THE NEW POCKET FARRIEB.

At night give him a mash, over and above his usual
allowance. The next night give him the aniseed cor-
dial as before.

If his cough continues three days, you must take
another pint of blood from his neck, and try to remove
it with abler medicines. Therefore, to keep it off his
lungs, give him, just before you go to bed, — Liquorice
poivder^ an ounce. Sweet oil, a spoonful. JBthiops
mineral, an ounce. Balsam of sulphur, half an ounce.
Made into a ball with a little honey.

Clothe and keep him warm. Repeat the ball next
night, which will be sufficient to cure any new-gotten
cold or surfeit.

KNOTTED BETWEEN THE JAWS.— CURE.

Feel between his jaws, and if his kernels are swelled,
do not let the farrier cut them out with a pair of red-hot
scissors (as some of them do) but dissolve them with
two or three or more turnip poultices, and continue the
aniseed cordial till he is well.

If the almonds of a man's ears were down ; that is,
if the glands were swelled, and a surgeon proposed to
cut them out for a cure, you would treat him with great
contempt for his ignorance. It is the same with respect
to a horse.

Note. — The horse's throat ought to be kept warm
with cloths, till the swelling is either dissolved or come
to a head ; if the latter, any common farrier may open
the tumour with a sharp pen-knife, and when the matter
has free discharge, the wound will easily heal, by the
use of the horse ointment applied warm.

I will next mention the eyes, for it is as bad. for a
horse to be blind as to be lame.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 63

A COLD IN THE EYES.— ITS TREATxMENT.—
A CAUTION IN BLEEDING.

When a horse has got cold, it sometimes falls into his
eyes, which you may know by the symptoms before-
mentioned in paffe 60 ; (a running or a thick glare upon
them) put your hand to his nostrils, and if you find his
breath hotter than usual, it will then be necessary to
take a little blood from his neck.

It is a common thing with some farriers to take two,
three, and sometimes four quarts of blood away at one
time. I am very much against that practice ; because
you rob a horse of more animal spirits than you can
restore in a long time, without much rest and high-feed-
ing; the latter of which is diametrically opposite to the
cure.

Therefore, a_ pint or quart at most (unless it is very
thick and very hot) will be sufficient ; it is safer to take
a gallon at five or six bleedings, than two quarts at
once, for the reason above. Let me advise you also to
take it by measure, I mean in a pint or quart pot ; for
when you bleed at random upon the ground, you never
can know what quantity you take, nor what quality his
blood is of. From such violent methods used with igno-
rance, proceed the death of half the horses in the nation.

What proof must a farrier, a groom 'or a coachman
give of his skill, to administer to a horse a comfortable
drink (as they call it) composed of diapente, long pep-
per, grains of paradise, and the rest of the hot ingre-
dients, at a time when his blood is boiling in his veins ?
It is like giving a man burnt brandy in a fever. I say,
by knowing the true state of your horse's blood, you
can better judge what medicines are most proper to give
him.

64 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

Therefore, a pint of blood, for the first time, is enough,
and you may repeat that, as you see occasion ; but you
cannot easily restore (as I said) the blood and spirits
you have been too lavish of.

A POULTICE FOR THE EYES.

After you have taken a pint of blood, get a quartern
loaf, hot out of the oven, cut away the crust, and put
the soft inside into a linen hag large enough to cover
his forehead and temples ; press it fat, and bind it on
by way of poultice, as hot as may be, without scald-
ing ; at the same time, fasten something of a cloth
about his neck to keep his throat warm. Let the poul-
tice stay on till it is almost cold, and repeat it once or
twice ; then prepare the following eye- water.

EYE-WATER.

Into half a pint of rose or spring water, put one
drachm of tutty, finely prepared, one drachm of white
sugar-candy poivdered, and half a drachm of sugar of
lead. With a feather put a drop into each eye, morn-
ings and evenings.

The next day (if needful) repeat the poultice ; and
for want of a hot loaf at any time, make a poultice of
bread boiled in 'milk, continuing the eye-water every
day. You may use the turnip poultice, but you must
not put grease into it.

Never let grease or oil come near the eyes.

A FILM.— THE CURE.

If a film grows over the eye, put a scruple of white
vitriol and a scruple of roche-alum, both finely powdered,

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 65

into half a quartern of spring- water ; and with a feather
put a drop into each eye mornings and evenings, and it
will eat it clean off in three days or thereabouts ; but be
not prevailed on to blow flint and glass (pounded together)
into the eyes ; because the sharp points of the glass wound
all the tender blood-vessels, and cause an inexpressible
painful inflammation, not much inferior and full as in-
significant as the farriers' way of burning a thousand
holes in his skin with a red-hot poker, to cure the farcy.

Gelding and docking are but little helps to bad eyes.

Blistering the temples, cutting out the haws, and taking
up the veins, weaken the optics and hasten blindness.

OBSERVATIONS ON WASHY HORSES.

It is observed, some horses carry a good belly all the
journey, others part with their food before it is well
digested, and scour all the way ; which makes them so
thin and lank, that they are ready to slip through their
girts; they are called washy. Such horses must be
chiefly f^d with dry meat, that is, oats and beans, and
but seldom with bran. They also will eat as much or
rather more than other horses, and you should feed them
oftener, for being too soon empty they require it ; and
if you will allow them enough, they will perform a tole-
rable good journey ; but I do not recommend such a
one.

REMEMBER TO FEED.

If you do not gallop your horse off his wind, I will

venture to say, it is not the journey tjiat hurts him, but

your neglect of him when you dismount. Consider he

is tied up, and can have nothing but what is brought to

6*

66 THE NEW POCKET FARHIER.

him, for he cannot help himself; and if you do not cause
him to be properly attended, a dog that wanders about
fares better than the horse that carried you so well ; and
since he cannot ask for what he wants, you must supply
every thing.

DIRECTIONS FOR FEEDING.

When you end the day's journey, fill your horse's
belly as soon as you can, that he may go to rest, and
he will be the fresher for it in the morning. It is an
old observation, that young men eat and sleep better
than old ; but old horses eat and sleep better than young.

Give two or three little feeds instead of a large one ;
too much at once may cloy him.

A CORDIAL FOR FAINTING ON THE ROAD.

If you perceive your horse travel faintly, you may
give him at any time a pint of warm ale with a quartern
of brandy, rum or gin in it, or an ounce of diaoente in
it. Diapente will comfort his bowels, drive out cold and
wind, and may cause him to carry his food the longer.

THE GRIPES.

This is a disorder to which horses are very subject,
and if improperly treated is not unlikely to prove fatal.

The attack is sudden, and is never preceded, and
seldom accompanied, by any symptoms of fever. The
horse lies down and rolls upon his back.

Some horses are naturally disposed to colic, whilst
others, with even improper treatment, are never attacked
with it. If your horse becomes restless, frequently
pawing, making many fruitless attempts to stale, and

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 67

voiding his excrement in small quantities, and looking
round towards his flanks, groaning, kicking at his belly,
and other marks of great agitation, you may be sure he
has an attack of the gripes.

Do not bleed him (unless his breath is very hot) but
clothe him warm immediately, and (with a horn) give
him half a pint of brandy^ and as much sweet oil
mixed ; then trot him about until he is a little warm,
which will certainly cure some horses. If it does not
yours, boil one ounce of beaten -pepper in a quart of
milk, pyt half a pound of butter, and two or three
ounces of salt, into a bowl or basin, and brew them
together, give it rather warmer than usual ; it will
purge him in half an hour or thereabouts, and perhaps
remove the fit. U it does not, omit half the pepper, and
give the same in quantity and quality by way of clyster,
adding (as it cools) the yolks of four eggs.

If this has the good effect that is wished for, you must
nurse him up till he gets his strength again ; but if
neither will do, boil a pound of aniseeds in two quarts
of ale, brew it upon a pound of honey ; when it is
almost cool enough, put in tiDO ounces of diascordium,
and give it (with a horn) at three doses, allowing about
half an hour between each dose.

If his fit abates, give him time to recover himself.

WORMS OR BOTTS.

If all this does not give him ease, and if you have a
suspicion of worms or botts breeding in his guts, (which
indeed may be the cause) for they sometimes fasten in
the passage from the stomach into the great gut, and stop
it ; and so torment him till he dies ; (I have seen it in
dissections,) then give him two ounces of j^thiopa

68 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

mineral made info a ball, tvith an ounce of the powder
of aniseeds, and a spoonful of honey.

N. B. But you must not give this to a mare with
foal. You may bleed her in the roof of the mouth.

Dr. Morgan, of New Jersey, has the following remedy
for botts. Take a table spoonful of unslaked lime, and
let it be given with the feed of the horse, at night and
morning, regularly, for three, four, or five days, and it
will completely expel them.

Dr. Loomis, of North Carolina, has a drench, com-
posed of half a pint of new milk, a gill of molasses,
an ounce of copperas, two spoonfuls of common salt,
and half a pint of warm water. Give this to the horse
once or twice a day for a few days, and it will cure him.

THE STAGGERS, OR APOPLEXY.

Do not let your horse stand too long without exercise,
it fills his belly too full of meat, and his veins too full
of blood. From hence the staggers, and many other
distempers.

Upon an attack of this, the horse drops down suddenly,
and lies without sense or motion, except a working of
his flanks, which is occasioned by a motion of the heart
and lungs, and which never ceases entirely while any
spark of life remains. The previous symptoms are,
drowsiness, moist watery eyes, which sometimes appear
full and inflamed, a disposition to reel, feebleness, want
of appetite, an almost continual hanging down of the
head ; when the horse thus falls down, the case is
desperate indeed ; few, if any, recover.

There are many distinctions of this disease, as, the
sleepy staggers, mud staggers. The mad staggers is
that affection of the brain, which causes the animal to

THE NEW POCKET FARHIER. 69

kick, to tumble, and plunge about. This and the sleepy
staggers are both occasioned by a diseased stomach,
brought on by inflammation of that organ, or simply by
the retention of a great mass of indigestible food there
and in the intestines. Constipation attends every species
of staggers, and in some cases the hardened dung may
be felt by feeling at the proper part. The breath is
oifensive, the respiration impeded, and the pulse high
and sharp in mad staggers^ whilst in the sleepy it is
slow, heavy and full, without vibration. When these
latter symptoms continue a long time, the blood deter-
mines towards the head, and the pulse increases, if the
animal be one in good condition.

The remedy is to bleed and purge.

Farm horses that live much in the straw yard, and
A^ork hard on bad hay, will sometimes stand still at once,
as if struck motionless, in the midst of their work,
which is a sure sign that some great leading function has
been suspended for the moment by reason of great
exertion. The driver has nothing more to do in this
case than to let the tired creature rest for the space of a
minute or two, and then proceed in his work more
leisurely. Prevention is better than cure.

In all ordinary cases of staggers, simply opening the
bowels will effect a cure nine times out of ten.

GRAZING.

Thin skinned horses that have been well kept and
clothed should never be turned to grass above three
months in the year, viz. from the beginning of June to
the end of Avgust.

Thick skinned horses have strong coats, which keep
out the weather, and (if well fed) will lie abroad, and

70 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

endure hard hunting all the year, belter than stable
horses. For, walking about to feed, prevents stiffness in
their limbs ; and treading in the grass keeps their hoofs
nioist and cool: but they should have a hovel to come
to at night, or when it snows or rains.

Never purge a horse just taken from grass ; it dis-
solves or loosens some tender fat or humours which fall
into his legs or heels. But after six days you may ble'^d
him once, under a quart ; and at night give him the
aniseed cordial, see page 57, which is a gentle opener.

NO COLD WATER WITH PHYSIC.

If you needs must purge your horse (for which I
would have a good reason given) let him not touch cold
water within or without, till the day after it has done
working; but you cannot give him too much warm water.
I wish he would drink enough, for the sake of dilution.

A PURGE.

Aloes, one ounce. Jalap, two or three drachms.
Oil of cloves, ten drops: made into a ball with honey.

CAUTION AGAINST COLD WATER.

Some obstinate grooms will work it off with cold wa-
ter ; and tell you the sicker he is, the better the purge
works. I deny it; for cold water checks the working
of all phvsic, and causes gripings. Make that groom
drink cold water gruel with his next pills, and that uill
convince him.

A puro;e may work the first day, but commonly does
not till the second. I have known one lie two, nay three
days in a horse, and work well off at last.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 71

Sometimes it works by urine only, and then the purge
steals off unobserved by his keeper ; upon which, he
makes haste to give him a second, which (he says) is to
carry off the first purge that has not worked with him.
Atler giving the second, he takes him out of a warm
stable, and trots him abroad (be the weather hot or cold)
till he warms him and opens all the pores of his body
to make the physic work. I do not think it possible for
a horse with a purge or two in his belly to escape catch-
ing cold by such a method, and must impute great inju-
ries to it ; for by such carelessness, and the want of
better understanding, some horses lose an eye, others
have irrecoverable lamenesses settled in their limbs, and
many die. Then they tell you his liver was rotten, and
his lungs (upon opening) all inflamed.

PURGE WITHIN DOORS.

How can any gentleman be satisfied for the loss of a
good horse with such an ignorant account, so contrary
to the rules of physic and even common sense ? An
understanding man, when he has given his horse a purge,
will not stir him out of the stable till it has done working;
for there is really no need of exercise during the opera-
tion, because every purge will carry itself off, if you
keep him warm, and supply him with warm mashes, and
as much warm water as he pleases to drink, and as often.

TO STOP VIOLENT PURGINGS.

When a purge works too long, or too strong upon
him, which will weaken him too much, give him an
ounce of Venice molasses, in a pint of warm ale, and
repeat, if needful, to blunt the force of the aloes.

All the keepers at Newmarket bleed and purge the

.72 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

running horses pretty often ; and all the gentlemen in
England agree with them in doing so. The reason
oiven for it, is to carry off the hupnours which cause
their legs to swell and grow stiff, and to clean them.
The reason is good, because no horse is fit to run that
is not clean ; but bleeding and purging weakens both
man and beast ; besides the hazard of a horse's life in
every purge (as I have demonstrated.) Would it not
therefore be a good amendment to get quit of those
superfluous humours another way, so as to prevent stiff
and swelled legs without bleeding and purging ? Would
not a horse come into the field with better advantage,
who, instead of bleeding and purging, only once a week
takes a medicine that effectually cleans his body ; keeps
his legs from swelling and stiffness ; mends his wind
by opening his lungs, and preserves him in his full
vigour? I am sure all this can be done with very little
bleeding, and no purging ; which I would willingly
insert here, did it properly belong to this treatise, which
(as I said) is intended only for the use and convenience
of travellers.

IF A HORSE LOOKS ILL.— THE LAMPAS—
THE CURE.

if your horse (who once looked fat and sleek) is
brought to you with a staring coat and hollow flank,
open his mouth, look on the roof, and if the gums next
his fore teeth are swelled higher than his teeth, it will
hinder his feeding and make him fall off his flesh. Let
a smith burn it down with a hot iron ; that is a complete
cure for the Lampas.

U that is not the cause, you should never cease
enquiring till you have found it, for the horse cannot
speak ; and if the groom is in fault, he will not tell.

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 73

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAY AND OATS.

If you suspect that the groom does not give him your
allowance, it behooves you to take care, that you have
thirty-six trusses in each load of hay, as well as eight
bushels in every quarter of oats ; and that they are not
brewed j for there are some men that can turn oats into
ale.

A CAUSE OF BROKEN WIND.

If a groom gallops his horse when he is full of water,

he will tell you it is to warm the water in his belly ;
from hence often comes a broken wind. Make that fellow
drink a full quart of small beer or water, and force him
to run two or three hundred yards upon it: I believe it
will cure him of that opinion.

BAD GROOMS.- HOW TO DETECT THEIR
TREATMENT OF YOUR HORSE

If a horse in his stall (when the groom comes towards
him) shifts from side to side, and is afraid of every
motion the man makes about him, it is a shrewd sign
that the groom beats him in your absence ; and a fellow
that will beat a horse, will sell his provender.

ROWELS.

A rowel is a kind of issue made in a horse for inward
strains, hard swellings, &c. But there is a wrong
judged custom amongst farriers concerning them. If
a horse is sick, they bleed him, right or wrong, give him
a drench and put a rowel under his belly; without
7

74 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

enquiring of his master or keeper, what usage he has
lately had which might occasion the illness. Rowels
are absolutely necessary in some cases, but are absolutely
unnecessary in others, and serve only to disfigure and
torment a horse.

The rowel in the navel for grease is very wrong;
because rowels in a horse that is greased, promote too
great a discharge from the blood and animal spirits,
which weakens him to a degree of irrecoverable poverty.
I have put five rowels in a horse at one time, thinking
(by them) to let the grease run off; but the more the
rowels ran, the more he ran at the heels, till the texture
of his blood was so broken, that I could not recover him.
This convinced me it was the wrong way to cure the
grease. I have heard it said amongst learned physicians,
that too many setons or issues will draw a man into a
consumption. In my opinion, rowels will do the same
thing by a horse, as they are of like nature and effect.

GLANDERS AND FARCY.

The glanders is the opprobrium medicorum, for
hitherto no attempts have succeeded in the cure of more
than a few cases. By some peculiar anomaly in the
constitution of the horse, although conclusive proofs are
not wanting that this and farcy are modifications of one
disease, and can each generate the other ; yet the one
is incurable, while the other is cured every day.

The marks of glanders are a discharge of purulent
matter from ulcers situated in one or both nostrils, more
often from the left than the right. This discharge soon
becomes glairy, thick and white-of-egg-like: it afterwards
shows bloody streaks, and is foetid. The glands of the
jaw of the affected side, called the kernels, swell from

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 75

an absorption of the virus or poison, and as they exist
or do not exist, or as they adhere to the bone or are de-
tached from it, so some prognosis is vainly attempted by
farriers, with regard to the disease; for in some few
cases these glands are not at all affected, and in a great
many they are not bound down, by the affection, to the
jaw. As there are many diseases which excite a
secretion of matter from the nose, and which is kept up
a considerable time ; so it is not always easy to detect
glanders in its early stages. Strangles and violent colds
keep up a discharge from the nostrils for weeks some-
times. In such cases, a criterion may be drawn from
the existence of ulceration within the nose, whenever
the disease has become confirmed. These glanderous
chancres are to be seen on opening the nostril a little way
up the cavity, sometimes immediately opposed to the
opening of the nostril ; but a solitary chancre should not
determine the judgment. The health often continues
good, and sometimes the condition also, until hectic takes
place from absorption, and the lungs participate, when
death soon closes the scene.

The following method is recommended as the best.

Dissolve one pound of glauber salts in warm water,
set it in a bucket in his manger, and he will drink it;
take half a gallon of blood from his neck vein ; give a
mash of two quarts of wheat bran scalded with sassafras
tea, after which offer him lukewarm water, to drink,
and do not suffer him to drink any other kind for that
day ; next morning take the same quantity of blood as
before, give a mash as before, with the addition of half
an ounce of saltpetre dissolved in it ; let his food be wet,
and of- a weak kind — a run at grass after the first two
days would be of service.

The farcy is a disease more easily cured than the

76 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

glanders, of which our daily experience convinces us ;
farcy, or farcin, attacks under distinct forms, one of
which affects the lymphatics of the skin, and is called
the bud or button farcy : the other is principally confined
to the hind legs, which it affects by large indurations,
attended with heat and tenderness. A mere dropsical
accumulation of water in the legs sometimes receives
the name of water farcy; but this has no connection
whatever with the true disease in question : farcy is very
contagious, and is gained from either the matter of farcy
or from that of glanders.

Treatment of farcy. — The distended lymphatics or
buds may often be traced to one sore, which was the
originally inoculated part, and in these cases the destruc-
tion of this sore, and that of all the farcied buds, will
frequently at once cure the disease, which is here purely
local. But when the disease has proceeded farther, the
virus must be destroyed through the medium of the
stomach ; although even in these cases, the cure is
rendered more speedy and certain, destroying all the
diseased buds, by caustic or by cautery. Perhaps no
mode is better than the dividing them with a sharp firing
iron ; or if deeper seated, by opening each with a lancet,
and touching the inner surface with lapis infernalis.
The various mineral acids may any of them be tried as
internal remedies w>th confidence; never losing sight
of the necessity of watching their effects narrowly, and
as soon as any derangement of the health appears, to
desist from their use; oxymuriate of quicksilver
(corrosive sublimate) may be given in daily doses of
fifteen grains ; oxide of arsenic may also be given in
similar doses. The subacetate of copper (verdigris)
may also be tried, oflen with great advantage, in doses
of a drachm daily. It remains to say, that whatever
treatment is pursued will be rendered doubly efficacious

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 77

if green fodder be procured, and the horse be fed wholly
on it ; provided the bowels will bear such food ; but if
the medicines gripe, by being joined with green food,
add to the diet bean-meal. When green meat cannot
be procured, carrots usually can; and when they cannot,
still potatoes may be boiled, or the corn may be speared
or malted. As a proof of the beneficial effects of green
meat, a horse, so bad with farcy as to be entirely
despaired of, was drawn into a field of tares, and nothing
more was done to him, nor further notice taken of him,
although so ill as to be unable to rise from the ground
when drawn there. By the time he had eaten all the
tares within his reach, he was enabled to struggle to
more ; finally he rose to extend his search, and perfectly
recovered.

POLL EVIL.

An abscess near the poll of the horse, formed in the
sinews between the noil bone and the uppermost vertebrse
of the neck. If this malady originates in blows (as it
generally does) the best way will be to bathe the swell-
ing as soon as it is perceived, frequently, with hot vine-
gar, and if the hair is fretted off with a kind of acrid
humour oozing through the skin, make use of two parts
of vinegar and one of wine. But if there be an itching,
with great heat and inflammation, the safest way is to
bleed freely, and apply a red oak poultice, which
method of proceeding, with the assistance of two or
three doses of purgative physic, will disperse the tumour
and arrest the disease. If, however, in spite of this pre-
caution, the swelling increases, and has all the signs of
containing matter, the only way left is to bring it to a
head as soon as possible, that it may be discharged either
by the tumour bursting of itself, or being opened with a
7*

78 THE NEW POCKET FARHIER.

knife. In the latter case, however, great care should
be taken by the operator not to injure the tendinous liga-
ments which run along the neck, under the mane.
When matter lies on both sides, the opening must also
be on each side, that the ligament may remain undivided.
The following poultice should be used in bringing the
tumour to a head ; marsh-mallows, corn-meal, hog's
lard, and oil of turpentine. If the matter flows in great
quantities, resembling melted glue, and is of an oily con-
sistence, the cavity of the wound should be carefully
examined by the finger or probe, and further laid open
by the knife and dressed with spirits of turpentine, honey
and tincture of myrrh, until a light and thick-coloured
matter appears. Cleanse the sore well with a sponge
dipped in soap-suds ; then take half an ounce of verdi-
gris, four ounces oil of turpentine, two ounces blue stone
and half an ounce green copperas, which mix together
and hold over a fire until the mixture is as hot as a
horse can endure; then pour it into the abscess and
stitch it up. This must remain several days, without
any other application except bathing with spirits of wine.
When the matter becomes of a whitish colour" and de-
creases in quantity, a cure is rapidly advancing.

RAT'S TAIL.

This is a malignant kind of disease in horses, re-
sembling scratches. It proceeds sometimes from too
much rest, and the keeper's negligence in not rubbing
and dressing them well ; also by reason of being highly
kept and not properly exercised. This disease makes
its appearance on the back sinews, and may be known
by the part being without hair, and from two or three
fingers' breadth below the ham to the very pastern-

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 79

joint. Sometimes the scabs are dry, at other times
watery. The moist sort generally is cured by drying
applications ; and the dry hard sort mostly yields to
strong mercurial ointment.

Coach horses of a large size, that have their legs
loaded with flesh, hair, &c., are more frequently attacked
by this than horses with legs of a different description ;
but they may easily be cured by paying attention to the
following directions — in the first place, ride the horse
pretty smartly till he is warm, which will make the
veins swell ; then bleed him freely in the fetlock veins
on both sides. Next day wash the sores well with warm
water, and clip away all the hair from about the affected
parts, and apply this ointment : green copperas and ver-
digris, of each four ounces ; of common honey, half a
pound ; well mixed together.

ANTICOR

Consists in an inflamed swelling of the breast near
the heart, and the name is extended to any other swelling
from this part back under the belly, even to the sheath,
which also swells : in this event anticor is decidedly
dropsical.

The cause of it is full feeding without sufficient exer-
cise. Hard riding or driving, and subsequent exposure,
or giving cold water to animals that are fleshy in the
forehand, combined with a vitiated state qf the blood,
produce those extended swellings that partake somewhat
of the nature of swelled limb in grease, and yet ter-
minate in abscess when the case is a bad one.

The symptoms are an enlargement of the breast, that
threatens suffocation. The animal appears stiff about
the neck, looks dull and drooping, refuses his food, and
trembles or shivers with the inflammation, which may

80 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

be felt. The pulse is dull and uneven. If the disease
owes its origin to dropsy, each pressure of the finger
will remain pitted a few moments after the finger is
withdrawn.

To repress the swelling, bleed copiously; give purga-
tives and clyster him; give bran mashes, and let the
chill be taken oflT his water. Foment the throat and
breast with bran mash or marshmallows, every four or
five hours; and when these have reduced the symptoms,
give an alterative ball of 2 drachms tartar emetic, and
half an ounce Venice turpentine, mixed with liquorice
powder enough to make the ball for one dose. Give
one every eight-and-forty hours.

If the swelling depend upon dropsy, let a fleam or
horse-lancet be struck into the skin at four or five places
distant from each other, and in the lowest part of the
swelling. From these punctures a watery discharge
will take place, that relieves the patient hourly, and the
issue of the matter is to be promoted by keeping open
the sores with a seton, the tape being daily saturated in
a mixture of 2 oz. spirits of wine, and 1 scruple corro-
sive sublimate. This will keep open the orifice until the
offensive matter has run oif, and is succeeded by the more
healthy issue of thicker consistency and nearly white.
On this appearance the seton is to be withdrawn, and
the parts dressed with digestive ointment, the animal
physicked once or twice with a moderate purging hall
or six or seven drachms of aloes, and the cure will com-
plete itself with the ordinary dressings.

THE STRANGLES.

. This, as the name imports, is first indicated by a
coughing and difficulty of swallowing, as if the animal
would die of strangulation. It is a disorder of youth,

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 81

(like our hooping-cough), is inherent to the nature of
the animal, (as is our small-pox) once only, and its
virulence may be abated by inoculation. It is sometimes
attended with high fever; the appetite fails, the horse
dwindles away very fast and wears a dejected look.

The symptoms are — a swelling commences between
the upper part of the two jaw-bones, or a little lower
down towards the chin, and directly under the tongue.
A cough, and the discharge of a white thick matter,
follow; with great heat, pain, and tension of the
tumours, and of all the adjacent membranes, to such a
degree that the animal can scarcely swallow. The eyes
send forth a watery humour, and the lid is nearly closed :
this is mostly the case when it happens that the two
larger glands under the ear are affected also, which
frequently happens.

This disorder is seldom fatal ; but when this does
occur, the animal dies of suffocation ; he stands with his
nose thrust out, the nostrils distended ; the breathing
is then exceedingly laborious and difBcult, and accompa-
nied by rattling in the throat.

For this last mentioned extreme case, no other remedy-
is found than making an opening in the windpipe, through
which the animal may breathe.

On the contrary, the disorder being constitutional, that
is to say, an effort of nature to relieve itself of noxious
matters, the treatment is very simple. Horses that may
be in good condition at the time of the attack, and withal
highly feverish and full of corn, will only require open-
ing medicine ; whilst a brisk purgative might do" harm
by lessening the access of matter to the tumour. Give
the following laxative ball : — Aloes and Castile soap,
each 3 drachms ; Ginger 1 scruple ; mixed for one dose.
If difficulty of swallowing is already perceivable, a
laxative drench must be given instead, viz. Castor oil 6
oz, water gruel 1 qt, and salts 6 oz, mixed.

82 THE NEW POCKET FAHRIER.

The essence of this disease consists in the formation
and suppuration of the tumour under the jaw, and our
principal aim should be to hasten it to a head, to do
which it should be actively blistered. A blister not only
secures the ripening of the tumour, but hastens it by
many days. Do not be premature in using the lancet,
but give time for the whole matter to collect ; when this
period arrives, the swelling will be soft and yielding — it
should then be deeply and freely lanced. It is bad to
let the swelling burst of itself, because a ragged ulcer is
formed, very slow to health and difficult of treatment.
If the incision is deep enough no second collection of
matter will form. Suffer that already formed to ooze
slowly out, without, however, any pressure of your
fingers. It should be kept clean, and you should daily
inject into the wound a small quantity of friar's balsam.

If after this there is much fever and an affection of
the chest, bleeding, should be resorted to; but in most
cases bleeding will be unnecessary — not only so, but
injurious, — because it will retard the suppuration of the
tumour and increase debility. Nitre, tartar emetic, and
cooling medicines should be administered ; and he should
have green food, such as fresh-cut grass or tares, if they
are to be had, and bran mashes ; if riot to be had, such
as is light and not difficult to digest. If the complaint
lasts long and extreme debility is produced, malt mashes
should be substituted for bran.

VIVES.

This disorder bears a near affinity to the strangles.
The symptoms are swellings or kernels under the ear,
that occasion manifest pain when touched ; the animal
coughs more than one which has the strangles, and a
difficulty of swallowing soon is evident. Stiffiiess of the

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 83

neck follows, and the horse makes frequent efforts to
swallow the saliva, but is unable.

The cure of the vives that arises from a simple is
very easy, but not so that which is connected with a
general bad habit of the body. Oftentimes it happens
that the vives depend upon glanders or farcy, and will
only subside when the virulence of these is reduced.

Foment the part with warm water, and after it has
been well dried, clothe the head so as to keep otf the air.
Much of the pain and tension of the tumour will be
alleviated by this treatment, even, and a slight attack will
be entirely removed by following it up with fomentations
of marshmallows ; or anoint the parts with ointment of
marshmallows, and cover the head with clothing. A
bread poultice affords relief, and bleeding in stubborn
cases is often necessary, with purgatives. The body, in
fact, should be opened, whether we bleed or no : always
leave open the main road for such humours to escape
by. This alone will carry off a recent attack, provided
the head clothing be kept on at the same time, nature,
performing the remainder by absorption. Low diet, a
plentiful supply of water gruel, and bran mashes, to
which an ounce of nitre may be added daily, will reduce
that thickened state of the blood which ever attends this
species of tumour.

False vives, or imperfect ones, that are hard and in-
sensible, sometimes cause a good deal of needless trouble.
They neither come forward nor recede, do not seem to
cause any particular pain, but still continue an eye-sore
and give reason to apprehend disagreeable consequences ;
and always prevent an advantageous sale of an animal.
Stimulating embrocations are well calculated for reducing
these hard tumours, and the blistering liniment, made
of cantharides and oil, never fails.

84 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

BARBS.

Barbs are excrescences or knots of superfluous flesh,
found under the tongues of horses, and are to be easily
discovered by drawing them to one side. The cure is
to be effected by cutting them close off", and afterwards
washing the part with salt and water or brandy, nor
should the cure be postponed or neglected when a dis-
covery has been made of the disease, for though it may
appear as a trifling matter, it will hinder a horse from
drinking, and if he does not drink freely, he cannot eat
heartily, but will languish from day to day without any
one perhaps taking any notice of it.

GIGGS UPON THE LIPS.

Giggs, otherwise called Bladders, or Flaps ; are a
disease in the mouth of a horse, consisting of small
swellings or pustules with black heads, on the inside of
his lips, under his great jaw teeth, which will sometimes
increase to the size of a large walnut, at which ad-
vanced state they are so painful, that the horse will let
his meat fall out of his mouth, or keep it there unchewed,
sooner than attempt to eat it. These bladdders are gen-
erally produced from foul feeding, and are to be cured
by opening them with a sharp knife, and thrusting out
the kernels, or corruption, and afterwards washing the
place with vinegar and salt, or with alum water. But
if they should degenerate into the canker, it will be the
best way to dress them two or three times with honey
of roses, and spirits of vitriol, mixed in such proportions
as to be pretty sharp of the latter ingredient.

RINGBONE.

A hard swelling on the lower part of a horse's pas-

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 85

terns, that generally reaches half round on the fore part,
and derives its name from the resemblance it bears to a
ring. It often arises from bruises, strains, &c., and,
when it comes behind, which is sometimes the case, from
the animal's being put frequently upon his haunches
while too young, for in that attitude a horse throws the
weight of his body as much (or more) upon his pasterns
than upon his hocks.

When a ringbone appears distinctly round the pas-
tern, and does not run down the coronet, so as to affect
the coffin joint, it is" easily cured ; but if it takes its rise
from some strain or affection of the joint itself, or if a
callosity is formed under the round ligament that covers
the joint, the cure is at best doubtful, and frequently im-
practicable, as in this case it too frequently degenerates
into a quittor, and forms an ulcer upon the hoof. Those
ringbones that appear on colts, &c., will frequently go
away of themselves, without any application at all, and
when the substance remains, a blister or two will in gen-
eral remove it, except, by being let alone too long, it has
acquired a great degree of hardness and callosity, in
which case it will perhaps require both blistering and
firing.

To ensure the success of the last mentioned operation
on ring bones, it should be performed with a much thin-
ner instrument than what is commonly made use of for
that purpose, and the lines or rases should be made at
little more than a quarter of an inch distance, crossing
them obliquely ; and when this is done, a mild blister
should be applied over the whole, and the horse turned
out to grass.

FISTULA.

A kind of ulcer, which is long, narrow, and winding,
and generally has a callous inside. The seat of a

86 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

fistula is in the cellular membrane, and is known to be
present when there is a small aperture or opening on
the surface of the body, from which a sanious or other
matter, either flows spontaneously, or may be pressed
out ; its depth and direction is discovered by introducing
a probe, or if its directions are various, as is sometimes
the case, warm water may be injected therein, which
will show the course it takes, if that is near the skin, by
elevating it ; and if it is too deeply seated to be thus ob-
served, the quantity of water thrown in will be a criterion
whereby to judge of the size of the cavity. The probe
will indeed discover whether or not the sinus runs upon a
bone, or if the bone be carious, which water will not do.
The various parts in which these ulcers are seated, and
the different circumstances which attend them, constitute
the chief difference betwixt one fistula and another. As
to prognostics, the thicker the cellular membrane is, or
the more strata, or layers of muscles one over another,
the more mischievous a fistula will prove. While it is
simple, and extends no farther than it can be wholly
come at by a knife, it may be easily cured, but when it
is situated in parts that render the use of the knife
hazardous, or when it is complicated with a caries of the
bone, the cure is often difficult if not impossible. When
fistulas which are not yet become callous, are compli-
cated with ulcers, the most expeditious relief is obtained
by laying them open to the bottom, if it can be done
without running any great risk, after which they are to
be cleansed and healed as simple wounds. Another
method of effecting a cure, is by pressing their bottoms
towards their orifices by the help of a proper compress,
which must be applied to its bottom after the ulcer is
cleansed, and proper applications have been put into the
fistula. Some practitioners reprobate all kind of injec-
tions, but when they lie so deep that their lower parts

THE NEW POCKET FAREIER. 87

cannot be cleansed by any other means, detergent injec-
tions must of course be used, such as a decoction of
birtwort mixed with honey, or with the simple tincture
of myrrh. These, or something else of a like nature,
must be injected warm at every dressing, and retained
for a little time, at the same time compressing gently the
bottom and orifice of the fistula, that the peccant matter
may be the more effectually washed away ; and this
method must be continued until the bottom of the fistula
begins to be conglutinated ; then dress with some mild
digestive, to which is added a little of the balsam of Peru
or capivi.

Should this method fail of effecting a cure, the man-
ual operation must be attempted, but even this is not to
be depended on, unless you can make the incision to the
very bottom of the ulcer. Nothing is better adapted to
perform this operation than the knife, but whatever
instrument is made use of, the skin and flesh that cover
the diseased part, must he divided to the bottom ; for
when fistulous ulcers are laid thoroughly open, the cor-
rupted matter is not only better discharged, but proper
medicines are more commodiously applied. If, upon
making the incision, a large quantity of blood is dis-
charged, you may fill the wound with dry lint, and
when the callosities are either pared away with the knife,
or wasted by the use of eschorate medicines, the cure
will be effected in the same manner as other sim|)le
wounds. As for the corrosive injections, which are re-
commended by some authors, they can be of no use
whatever. Indeed, any person who is acquainted with
the manner in which such things operate on the body,
will be convinced, that instead of being serviceable, they
must aggravate the disease, by making the callosity and
hardness of the sides greater and more difficult to be
removed.

88 THE NEW POCKET FABRIER.

THE YELLOWS OR JAUNDICE.

A distemper with which horses are frequently affected.
It is known by a dusky yellowness of the eyes ; the
inside of the mouth and lips, the tongue, and the bars
of the roof of the mouth looking yellowish at the same
time. The horse is dull and droops his head ; his
excrements are hard and dry and of a pale yellow, or
pale green colour ; he stales with pain and difficulty, and
his urine is of a dark brownish colour, and leaves on the
ground an appearance of blood.

Young horses and fat ones are easily cured.

Purge him ; give him bran mashes, green food, and
succulents, according to the season. Bleeding is seldom
necessary or proper, which the state of the pulse will
show.

STRING-HALT.

String-halt, in horses, is a sudden twitching or snatch-
ing up of the hind legs much higher than the other, to
which imperfection the most spirited and mettlesome
horses are . unfortunately the most subject. It is
generally brought on by sudden colds after hard riding
or severe labour, particularly by washing a horse, while
he is very hot, with cold water, a practice that cannot be
sufficiently reprobated. It may likewise be occasioned
by a blow or bruise near the hock.

The opinions of authors about the cure of this com-
plaint are various ; some recommend cutting a tendon
which lies under the hinder vein of the thigh; others
the use of liniments, ointments, fomentations, &c. ; but
in general the cure is difficult, and seldom effected.

THE NEW POCKET FARBIEB. ' 89

RUNNING THRUSH.

Running Thrush, in horses, is an ulcerated or varicous
state of the frog, attended with a discharge of acrid
corrosive ichor, which sometimes quite destroys it. This
complaintis generally occasioned by inattention, and in
Its earliest stages is by no means hsrrd to be cured. In
all cases it will be prudent, and even necessary, to pare
away as much as possible of the diseased parts, and
wash away any filth that may be lodged on the adjoin-
ing ones, with a lather of soft soap and water, after
which the feet should be constantly stopped with cow-
dung, or something of a similar nature. Should the
complaint not give way to this treatment, there may be
reason to apprehend that it is owing to a vitiated state
of the fluids, in which case a few doses of alterative
physic may be useful ; but, perhaps, turning the horse
out to grass for a month or two, if the season admits
thereof, is by far the best method of attempting the cure.

CORNS.

Causes. — An entire series of disorders, as canker,
sand-crack, corn, and founder, may be referred to the
same original causes ; namely, a heated or inflammatory
state of the blood, which accident may concur to bring
forward in one or other form, according to circumstances.
Distortion and undue pressure on the sensible sole
occasions that irritation which brings on inflammation of
its edge, where the shuttle-bone, or heel-hone, presses
down upon it at every step, and causes the utmost
bending that the minute elasticity of the hoof allows of;
but contraction of the heel, which accompanies hot,
brittle, and inelastic hoof, prevents its bending duly and

90 THE NEW POCKET FAERIER.

truly, and lateral pressure upon the quarter follows.
The sole being thus unduly pent up, the circulation is
obstructed in its passage to and from the cavity of the
coffin-bone, and a deposit of blood, which soon becomes
offensive matter, is the consequence. Bad shoeing,
whereby the heels are pinched, also when the ragged
hoof is left, which may have contained particles of sand,
will cause irritation, and end in corn, or jigg.

Symptoms. — The mischief thus commenced within,
shows itself between the bar and the crust, or wall of
the hoof, in a foxy or dirty-red tumour, with greatly
increased heat. Lameness, in a degree proportioned to
the badness of the corn, is usually the first symptom
that directs our attention to the sole. Figg is but an-
other name for the same kind of corn when situated
close to the bar of the frog, a little farther back in the
hollow of the sole. Pain, very acute on the touch;
or, when the horse treads on a hard substance, he issues
a moan, or grunt : it is that sound in which his voice is
aptly likened to the complaint of the human sufferer.

Cure. — Although oftentimes very troublesome, return-
ing again and again when the farrier apprehends he
has cured it radically, yet no affection is easier of a
partial remedy, or effected by more ordinary means.
Deceived by the name, perhaps, resembling the hard
excrescence called a corn on the human foot, they pro-
ceed at once to " pare the corn out to the quick, till the
blood starts ;" but they heedlessly put on the same shoe
upon the same thick heel and hard hoof which first
brought about the malady, and the lameness returns.
Let the heel of the shoe be cut off on the side that is
afflicted, or if both sides have corns, a bar shoe is re-
commended as giving pressure to the frog. The heels
are then to be rasped away free from any contact with
the shoe ; if they are thick and hard, this will give them

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 91

play — if thin and tender, they will thus be freed from
pressure. The thick heel is most commonly affected,
and should be softened by an extensive poultice that is
to cover the whole foot, after the corn has been pared
and treated with butter of antimony. Tar is then a
very desirable application, or Friar^s balsam; and if
inflammation is again discovered, poultice the foot once
more. Fire is applied by some, but the hoof is per-
manently injured by the actual cautery ; and whatever
good is achieved is thus counterbalanced by the evil.
Vitriolic acid mixed, carefully^ with tar, in the propor-
tion of one-tenth of the former to nine-tenths of the latter,
will promote the absorption upon which the cure depends.

But in some desperate bad cases the matter has already
formed within, most offensively, and discharges at the
coronet by means of that curious process of nature
which affords the coronet the material for forming new
horn to supply the wear and tear of the hoof. Upon
paring away the horny sole, which now becomes neces-
sary, the offensive matter will be found to have spread
itself underneath the sensible sole, which will ooze forth
and give immediate relief to the coronet. Let so much
of the horny sole as lies loose from the sensible sole be
pared away, and a dressing of tar, or of Friar's balsam,
be applied as before directed ; and if inflammation is again
discovered, apply a bread poultice; should the growth
of horn be found too luxuriant, discontinue the tar.

Where it has been necessary to remove much of the
corn, the horse should be suffered to remain in a loose
place, or be turned out to grass until the horn is re-
generated.

A FEVER.— A CURE.

Would you know when a horse is in a fever ? There
is a pulse a little above the knee, in the inside of his leg,

92 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

which may be felt in thin-skinned horses, but the best
and surest way, is to put your hand to his nostrils, and
discover it by the heat of his breath.

Fever is a disease that frequently attacks horses, the
symptoms of which are, extreme restlessness, the crea-
ture ranges from one end of the rack to the other, his
flanks beat, his eyes e^re red and inflamed, his tongue
parched and dry, his breath hot and strong, he loses his
appetite, and nibbles at his hay, but without chewing it,
and is frequently seen to smell at the ground. The
whole body is hotter than common, though not parched,
as in some other disorders ; he dungs often, but little at a
time, and that is generally hard and in little bits. When
he stales it is frequently with difl[iculty, and his urine is
high coloured ; he appears thirsty, but drinks only a
small quantity at a time, though often, and his pulse
beats full and hard, and fifty or .more strokes in the
space of a minute. The first thing to be done when the
disorder is clearly ascertained, is to bleed to the quantity
of two quarts, if the horse is strong and in good condi-
tion, after which give him a pint of the following drink
four times a day, or an ounce of nitre made into a ball
with a little honey may be given twice or three times a
day instead of the drink, if it should be better approved
of, and washed down with three or four horns of gruel,
or some other diluting liquor :

Take baum, sage, and chamomile flowers, of each an
handful, liquorice root, sliced thin, half an ounce, salt
prunel or nitre, three ounces ; infuse the whole about an
hour in two quarts of boiling water, then strain off the
liquor, and squeeze into it the juice of two or three
lemons, and sweeten it with a little honey.

As the principal ingredient to be depended on in this
drink is the nitre, it might, perhaps,' in some respects, be
as well given in water alone ; but as a horse's stomach

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 93

is soon palled, and he requires medicines that are some-
what palatable, the other things may in some respects
have their share of utility. Some recommend for the
same purpose, to dissolve two ounces of cream of tartar,
and one of sal ammoniac in two quarts of water, which
is afterwards to be mixed with a bucket of common
water, and given the horse for his drink, adding a hand-
ful of bran or barley-meal, to take off the unpleasant
taste, and render it more palatable. The following drink
is also good in fevers :

Take Russian pearl ashes, one ounce, distilled vine-
gar a pint, spring water a quart, honey four ounces,
and when mixed, give a pint three or four times a day.*

This neutralized mixture, and the nitre mixture before
prescribed, may be taken alternately ; they are both effi-
cacious medicines, and in some cases may, with propri-
ety, be joined to the camphorated julap. While horses are
taking these medicines, their diet should be scalded bran,
given in small quantities at a time; and should they
refuse that, let them have raw bran sprinkled with
water, and a handful of picked hay may be put into the
rack, which they will frequently eat, while they refuse
every other species of food. Their water should not be
much warmed, but should be given them often, and in
small quantities. Their clothing must be light, as too
much heat and weight on a horse that has a fever would
be improper. If in a few days the horse that is thus
treated begins to eat his bran, and pick a little hay, this
method only need be pursued, and in a few days the
danger will be over. But if he refuses to feed, and the
other symptoms still continue the same, or rather in-
crease, it will be necessary to take away more blood ;
after which, the drinks may be continued with the addi-
tion of about three drachms of saffron, avoiding at
present all hotter medicines : the following clyster may

94 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

likewise be given, every day or oftener, if there should
be occasion, particularly if his dung be hard and dry :

Take marshmallow leaves, two handfuls, half as
many chamonnile flowers, and fennel seed, an ounce ;
boil the ingredients in three quarts of water, till it comes
to about two, then strain it off, and add four ounces of
honey or treacle, and a pint of linseed oil.

Two quarts of water-gruel, or fat broth, with the
treacle and oils may be substituted in the place of the
above, to which a handful of salt may be added, and
these sort of clysters are much more proper in such
cases, than those which consist of strong cathartic in-
gredients. The following opening drink is sometimes
very effectual, and may be given every other day, when
the clyster should be omitted :

Take cream of tartar and glauber's salts, of each
four ounces, dissolve them in barley-water or gruel ; an
ounce or two of the lenitive electuary, or a drachm of
jalap in powder, may be added to quicken the operation,
where the case is urgent.

The diet should be very regular, and no kind of corn
should be given, but let scalded or raw bran sprinkled
with water be the principal food, with now and then a
little hay, which should be picked and given out of the
hand, if the horse cannot lift his head to the rack, as is
frequently the case. After he has been treated in this
manner for about a week, and the fever begins to go off,
he may have a cordial ball given him once or twice a
day, with an infusion of liquorice root sweetened with
honey, to which may be added (when he is troubled
with tough phlegm, or a dry husky cough) a few ounces
of salad oil, and syrup or oxymel of squills.

There is every reason to expect that a speedy reco-
very will be effected when the fever is found to abate,
the mouth to be less parched, and the grating of the
teeth but little he^.rd ; when the horse begins to eat, and

THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 95

lay himself down, when his skin feels kindly, and his
eyes appear lively. But, on the other hand, if the ap-
petite gets no better, or if worse, and the heat continues
to increase, the case is dangerous. Sometimes there is
a running at the nose, which is generally of a reddish
or greenish dusky colour, and a clammy consistence,
sticking to the Jiairs within the nostrils. Now, whenever
this running becomes clear and watery it is a good sign,
but if it continue thus tough and ill coloured, the horse
at the same time sneezing frequently, his flesh continu-
ing flabby, and he feeling hide bound, or if his weak-
ness increases, and the joints swell, the kernels under
the jaws feeling loose, though they are swelled, or if the
tail is lifted up with a kind of convulsive quivering mo-
tion, you may conclude that death will soon step in to
his relief.

Intermitting fevers will rarely admit of bleeding, at
least the quantity of vital fluid taken away should not
be great ; the best way of attempting the cure being to
give an ounce of Peruvian bark in fine powder every
fourth hour during the absence of the fever, and should
that run oflT with a purging, a little diascordium, or other
gentle astringent may be added to prevent that effect.
In case of any other fever's coming to intermit regu-
larly, it may be treated in the same manner as though it
had been a regular intermittent from the beginning.

The low, or putrid kind of fever, seldom admits of
bleeding; but if from any symptoms that appear at the
time, it should be thought necessary, the utmost caution
and circumspection should be used, as the symptoms
which seem to call for this evacuation will soon subside,
from the nature of the disease itself. However, if the
horse is young and vigorous, and his vessels appear
filled with rich dense blood, a little may with propriety
be taken away in the beginning of the disease.

96 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER.

Whether or not it is thought necessary to take away
blood in the beginning of epidemical and contagious
fevers, the following cordial saline mixture should be
given as soon as the disorder manifests itself to be of
that description ;

Take mindererus's spirit four ounces, camphorated
julap a pint,' Virginian snake-root, half an ounce, and
saffron reduced small, three drachms, to which add a
pint of weak cinnamon, water, and give half of it night
and morning.

If, notwithstanding the use of this medicine, his com-
plaint appears to gain ground, let the following cordial
ball be added to each dose of the mixture :

Take bark finely powdered, an ounce, Virginian
snake-root half an ounce, camphor a drachm, and with a
sufficient quantity of honey make a ball.

If the horse is costive, laxative clysters should now
and then be given, or in their stead some gentle purges,
to clear the bowels from any putrid matter that might
lodge there and feed the disease: but if a purging comes
on, and seems to weaken him much, it must be checked
with opiates, and gentle astringents ; though, if it is
moderate, it may as well be let alone, such gentle evac-
uations being frequently efforts of nature to carry off
the disease. Many more prescriptions for fevers might
have been selected from various authors, for the cure of
fevers, but the above seem to be the best adapted for the
purpose : where the methods here recommended fail, or
where any other ingredient is thought necessary, the
judicious practitioner will find a variety of drugs de-
scribed in the course of the work, and their natures and
properties explained, so that he may vary his medicines
in such a manner as circumstances may require, and
indeed every practitioner that pays a proper regard to
the subject, will find such a method of proceeding fre-
quently necessary : nothing being a more positive proof

THE I?EW POCKET FARRIEK. 97

of ignorance and stupidity, than to suppose the same
disorder will, in different constitutions, always submit to
the same mode of treatment.

The following fever powders are used: 1. Two
drachms of tartar emetic and five drachms of nitre. —
2. Two drachms of antimonial powder, and four drachms
each of cream of tartar and nitre.

The following fever drink can be recommended : one
oz. spirits of nitre, six oz. minderus spirit, and four oz.
of water.

SWELLED NECK.-^CURE.

If a farrier, in bleeding, miss the vein, do not let him
strike his fleam a second time into the same place ; be-
cause it sometimes makes the neck swell, and proves
troublesome to cure ; and as the extravasated blood in-
fallibly makes the neck swell, and the jugular vein rot
quite away from the orifice up to the jaw-bone, and
downward almost to the shoulder, (which may prove the
loss of your horse ;) he should take care, in the pinning,
that he leaves not a drop of blood between the flesh and
the skin.

Note. — The nearer the throat you bleed him, the bet-
ter. The vein is not so apt to swell into a knot, as if
bled lower.

The turnip poultice makes the best cure ; but if the
neck should happen to be extremely bad and a tumour
should form, when you feel matter fluctuate under your
finger, it is best to open it and give a free discharge, and
dress it with the horse-ointment, keeping the neck ele-
vated.

A horse after bleeding should not eat hay for half a
day, lest the motion of the muscles should bring on an
inflammation and swelling.
9

98 THE NEW POCKET FAKRIER.

DOCKING.

It seldom happens that we dock a horse upon a
journey, but permit me to give a caution on that subject
here. In docking a horse, never put under his tail the
knife or instrument which is to cut it off; because then
you must strike the tail, which will bruise it, and it will
be apt to mortify ; but lay his tail next the block, and
(at one blow) drive the knife through a joint, if possible;
stand prepared with a hot iron to sear the end of the
dock and stop the bleeding.

FLIES— HOW TO KEEP THEM OFF.

Rub your horse every morning with walnut leaves : it
is certain to secure them from fli(^s and other insects.

I have now mentioned most of the common accidents,
and have taken care, that under some of those heads,
you may find a great deal of help by the analogy they
have to one another : and having added more than is
necessary on a journey, I beg leave to end.

There is no drug or composition put in here, but what
is very cheap, and may be had almost in every country
village you travel through; so I hope I have left no
difficulty on any body. But if I should be condemned
by some, for presuming to leave the beaten paths of all
the well known authors that wrote before me, how could
I answer to others, had I neglected an improvement
which may tufn to the general good of man and beast?

I have read all I could find, and have tried their
receipts with great attention and expense ; and can say,
it was experience alone that led me into the knowledge
of contracting overgrown receipts, hastening cures, and
moderating costs.

OF THE MANAGEMENT OF COWS

BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER

CALVING.

Breeding is an important process in the animal eco-
nomy ; and in most of the domestic animals it is en-
couraged by mankind as a source of profit. To none
can this remark be more applicable than to the cow ;
for not only does she produce an offspring whose worth
is a matter of consequence ; but she also continues to
enrich her keeper by abundantly yielding her rich lac-
tiferous store — converted by his interest from being the
source of nourishment to her progeny into a source ot
profit to himself.

This same feeling, of making the most of the ani-
mals in his possession, oflen urges the inconsiderate
owner to attempt to outstrip, or rather, to force nature ;
but the attempt in such case recoils on himself — for in-
stead of obtaining' the daily golden egg, he too oflen
finds his premature haste has destroyed his bird, eggs
and all.

These remarks apply with greatest force to those
inconsiderate persons who, anxious to anticipate their
most sanguine hopes, injure their stock by putting their
heifers prematurely to breed, and who, did they but
endure another season of necessary delay, would give
time for nature to perfect her work of maturity, and
ensure a healthy offspring; but those persons, by an
injurious and injudicious haste, destroy the stamina of

100 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

the animal's constitution, entail a' feeble and unhealthy-
issue, exhaust the powers of the devoted animal, and
not only shorten her life, but occasion many and seri-
ous disorders.

Heifers should not on any account be put to bull
before they have passed the second year of their exis-
tence ; indeed if three years be allowed, the much
better condition of the calves will amply repay the one
year's delay. Cows may be expected to produce a
calf every year, but if an occasional year be allowed
to pass without their breeding, it will much improve
their condition ; as over breeding, like over working,
exhausts the powers of the animal's constitution. The
general rule with regard to milch cows, is, not to put
them again to bull before they cease to give milk ;
cows that are not in calf are generally in heat every
three weeks ; at which time, and at the moment they
are most in heat they should be put to the bull, as they
will conceive more readily. There are cows which
continue in heat only a very short time: with such
this attention is the more necessary. They are known
to be in heat by the following signs ; they are con-
tinually lowing, and mounting each other, or upon the
bull ; they are restless, and often running about ; there
is also an elevation of the tail, a swelling of the gen-
ital parts, and a slight discharge of white glairy mat-
ter from the shape. After they have taken the bull,
they should be taken away, and not brought to him
again, unless they are again in heat.

There are cows that never conceive, but yet con-
tinue to be in heat about every third week ; and it has
been observed, that weak, flat sided cows, or such as
are consumptively disposed, are often in heat again,
after being bulled. Various reasons may be assigned
to account for these circumstances ; but as they arc

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 101

rather hypothetical than practical, we shall merely
observe what experience has proved, that cows which
are kept from breeding for several years sometimes
fall into a consumption ; and become thereby ever
afterwards incapable of producing issue, although more
and oflener inclined to receive the bull.

The cow goes nine months with calf; some give
milk during the whole time ; others lose it about the
seventh or eighth month: it is, however, adviseable,
as a general rule, to cease to milk them at seven
months, unless the udder should swell ; in this case
only half the quantity in the udder should be drawn
off, and that more from relief to the animal than from
any service to which the milk can be applied ; as it is
now of little value, and necessary to the nourishment
of the foetal calf.

Cows that are with calf should be kept in fields
where the ground is nearly level, and where there are
no large ditches ; as abortion is often a consequence of
their leaping over ditches, or slipping on very hilly or
steep ground, when driven into the stable at the time
the fields are laid up, or in situations where it is neces-
sary to employ dogs to keep them.

Pregnant cows, and especially such as are near calv-
ing, ought to be fed with better and more substantial
food than usual. Grain of any kind is now useful,
but it must he bruised^ or crushed; barley and oats are
the best kinds. Some good soft fragrant hay of the
second crop, or skimmings, should be reserved for this
purpose.

When pregnant cows are kept together in the same
pasture, they should be carefully watched, as they are
very apt to quarrel and hurt each other, and even to
cause warping or slipping the calf.

Cows are more liable to abortion than any other do-
9*

102 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER *

mestic animal ; perhaps this may result, in a great
measure, from the want of exercise, the great size of
the rumen, or first stomach, and the hardness of the
third ; it is also sometimes caused by the stomach being
too much distended with improper food ; straw and bad
hay being very injurious, and, if not always the cause
of abortion, is generally productive of difficult labour.
Impure or unwholesome water, fog-grass, coarse tough
grass in wet situations, too much exposure to cold and
wet, fighting with each other, and leaping over emi-
nences or ditches, are all likely to produce abortion :
too much care cannot, therefore, be used in looking
after pregnant cows, in order to secure them against
either of these accidents. Above ail, give them suffi-
cient gentle exercise, treat them kindly and soothingly,
and feed them with food that is easy of digestion, and
which contains a good deal of nutriment in a small
bulk ; giving it them a little at a time, and that little,
often. Straw, chaff", and bad hay, afford but little
nourishment, load the stomach and bowels, impede the
gradual growth of the calf in the womb; and when
the calf has acquired a moderate size, the pressure of
a loaded stomach causes its death, and sometimes en-
dangers the life of the mother also.

The approach of calving is known by the cow bel-
lowing, the enlargement of the udder, the restlessness
of the animal, and the falling of the flank and croup.
The cow should then be constantly watched, that she
may have assistance, if necessary, at tKe time of
calving.

The most common manner in which the calf comes
forth from the womb, or the natural presentation, as
it is termed, is with the head and two fore-feet fore-
most. From the causes before noticed, however, this
natural presentation is often changed ; sometimes the

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 103

hind legs and tail present : in either of these cases
the calving may take place without assistance. But
if only a single leg present itself, or the head only,
or any other single part, the cow should not be left
to her own unavailing efforts to expel the calf, but
the veterinary surgeon or experienced dairyman should
be immediately called in, to give the necessary assist-
ance.

Never, however, be in too much haste in affording
manual assistance for the delivery, as there is oflea
mischief done by violent and ill-timed interference.
Violence of any kind should indeed always be avoided :
when the presentation is natural, the efforts of nature
and the labour pains are generally sufficient for the
expulsion of the calf; and where unnatural, more
effectual service is rendered by care and prompt assist-
ance than any kind of violence can afford. Besides,
violent efforts of extraction often prove fatal to the cow,
or cause a prolapsus, or falling down of the womb, and
is infallibly fatal to the calf. When the calf-bladder
appears, it should be sufficient to break it, and let the
water flow out of its own accord ; and then the only
assistance proper is, to draw the calf very gently at
those times that the labour pains are observed to be
on, hut at no otfier period.

It is of importance, also, to abstain from giving the
cow any kind of heating drench, such as wine with
sugar and nutmeg, which are often given to hasten the
discharge of the after-birth; but which rather retard
it by the irritation they excite : drenches should only
be given when the animal appears very enfeebled, and
then only by the advice of a competent judge.

If the labour be tedious, and continue for some time,
unaccompanied with any other more unfavourable
symptoms, it will be sufficient to give small quantities

104 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

of nourishing food, such as oatmeal gruel, warm, and
a little salted. Take care that there be an ample al-
lowance of litter, that the calf may not hurt itself in
faUing, for cows almost always calve standing. Calv-
ing often happens in winter ; it is then necessary to
cover the cows, and not let them go out for some
days, and especially not to expose them to cold and
rain.

Cows being in a good condition during the period
they are with calf, may be considered as a presage of
a fortunate delivery ; it also indicates good manage-
ment on the part ' of the proprietor, and renders any
particular assistance seldom necessary. By good con-
dition, we do not mean full of flesh, by feeding to sa-
tiety ; on the contrary, we mean that healthful habit
which invariably results from giving them a proper
quantity of good food, such as is m«st easy of diges-
tion, and which contains a sufficiency of nutriment in
a small compass, and by allowing or gently urging
them to moderate exercise.

Immediately after calving, the cow should have a
little warm wafer, in which a few handfuls of meal
have been stirred ; when the thirst is considerable,
which is often the case, a little more of this thin gruel
should be given in half an hoi»,r, and repeated from
time to time, taking care not to load the stomach.

It is a common practice, as soon as cows are deliver-
ed, and the umbilical cord, or naval-string is broken,
to attach a small weight to it, to prevent its return into
the womb. Though this is, perhaps, seldom neces-
sary, it may, nevertheless, sometimes facihtate the ex-
pulsion of the after-birth, and prevent its being retained
too long. It may, therefore, be done, especially in
feeble cows, which, when exhausted by calving, make

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 105

but weak efforts for the expulsion of the after-birth or
cleansings.

The after-birth, or 'placenta^ is a large bladder which
encloses the calf in the womb ; and being a body for-
eign, after delivery, to the cow herself, it cannot re-
main without the most serious consequences to her. A
quick expulsion of the after-birth, however, although
very desirable, is not an essential condition of a good
or natural calving. In general, when cows go their
full natural time, and the delivery happens without
accident, the after-birth comes away with scarcely any
effort of the cow, in about from two to fifteen hours,
more or less. These efforts are not always the same ;
they resemble labour pains in some measure, being
weak at first, then gradually increasing, becoming
longer and more considerable ; at last a more violent
and prolonged effort than those preceding accomplishes
the discharge, or cleansing, as it is termed.

When the animal is in health, the cleansing should
be left entirely to nature ; and on no account^ with-
out the most positive advice^ and that of an experi-
enced person^ should the hand he introduced^ in order
to hasten tJie discharge. Cases might be enumerated,
where days, even a week, have passed, without the
cleansing being expelle<1, and not the least danger re-
sult to the animal ; notwithstanding that in the latter
instance, the proprietor used the most earnest entrea-
ties, that the veterinary surgeon who attended should
draw it off. It is sufficient to pull the umbilical cord
which hangs out of the part, gently, whe?iever there is
a labour pain, but not to continue to draw it after the
pain has ceased ; and the force with which it is drawn
should accord with, or be in proportion to, the effort
which the animal makes : if it is too weak, it will be
of no use, and if too violent, there is danger of break-

106 EVEKY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

ing the cord, and losing this resource for assisting na-
ture in the discharge of the after-birth, while, at the
same time, it tends to weaken the cow. It is only
when the animal appears ill and depressed, and when
the natural efforts are evidently insufficient, that it
becomes necessary to introduce the hand for the pur-
pose of drawing off the after-birth ; but this must, be
done with great care^ and should not be attempted ex-
cept by an experienced person.

It is improper to administer any heating drench,
such as that composed of urine, wine, savin, and rue,
(given as cleansing drenches,) by some ignorant peo-
ple, as they often excite fever and inflammation of the
uterus ; there are very few cases indeed in which it is
at all safe to give them, nor should such ever be em-
ployed except when prescribed by an experienced
veterinary practitioner. Inflammatory affections of
the intestines and womb, are invariably the result of
such bad management in or after calving ; and if we
would prevent these, we must be content to follow
nature and reason, and not be always striving to force
the one, and outrage the other.

Gentle walking exercise, when the weather is fa-
vourable, often repeated j and brushing the body, es-
pecially the loins and under the belly, with a whisp
of hay or straw, or a piece of cloth, will promote the
expulsion of the after-birth.

When cows are weak, or too long in cleansing, the
only thing to be given is toast and weak wine, good
cider, or perry. If wine be preferred, mix it with an
equal quantity of water. This toast should consist of
four pints of wine and water, and about a pound and a
half of bread toasted : cows generally eat this freely :
an infusion of two handsful of camomile flovvers in
two quarts of water, with the addition of half a pint

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 107

of wine, if there appear to be occasion for it, and
given as a drink every two or three hours, is sometimes
given with success. Some hours after, half a pailful
of warm water with a little meal or fine bran stirred
into it. This blanchech water, as it is termed, should
be continued for five or six days, and if the cow be
very weak, and there is great difficulty in restoring
her, the wine or cider toast may be given for a few
days.

It is necessary, also, in such cases, to administer
clysters, daily, of red wine and water, or of an infu-
sion of camomile flowers in water. And some of the
same liquor may be injected into the womb. These
clysters and injections give that tone or strength to the
uterus, and parts connected with it, which is required
for the expulsion of the after-birth.

It is of importance not to confound the weakness
which is the consequence of the exhaustion of vital
power or strength with that which results from oppres-
sion only. In the former case, all the external parts
are relaxed and cold ; the eyes are pale, there is but
little heat in the mouth and vagina ; the muzzle is
cold and moist, the pulse small and weak, and the res-
piration slow ; in this case, the strengthening toast
and wine beforementioned is necessary ; but in the
second case, on the contrary, the breath from the
mouth and nostrils is hot ; the eyes are red and rather
fierce ; the mouth hot, dry, and parched ; the muzzle
dry ; the thirst excessive ; breathing very quick ; the
vagina red and inflamed; the skin dry and tight; the
pulse hard and quick ; this is a real inflammatory
fever, which can only be subdued by bleeding, cooling
drinks with nitre, acidulated drinks with honey, and
by emollient clysters. These are the only means that
can^be employed under such circumstances to promote

108 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

the discharge of the after-birth. Some persons suffer
the cow to eat the after-birth: this we consider an ab-
surd custom, and best prevented. •

It sometimes, but very rarely happens, that cows
have two calves, which they do not bring forth at the
same time, but after some interval. After the first is
born, it may be known that another is in the womb,
by the cow continuing very restless or agitated, look-
ing continually round to her flanks, having labour
pains, and appearing to pay little or no attention to the
calf already born. If she continue a considerable
time in this state, it will be necessary to assist nature
by giving the animal a pint of strong warm ale ; and
by irritating the nostrils with a pinch of snuff, or by
tickling, so as to excite sneezing. If those means fail,
the veterinary surgeon should be called in.

It sometimes happens that toward the latter end of
gestation, or immediately after calving, the vagina
comes out, and sometimes the womb follows it ; this
is generally caused by using improper force in ex-
tracting the calf, or after-birih. In this case, it is ne-
cessary to call in the aid of a person who has been
accustomed to put back the parts ; as it is an opera-
tion not easily performed by an inexperienced person.
When the vagina only comes out, it will generally be
sufficient to raise the hind part of the cow considerably,
by means of litter, or otherwise, and keep the foreparts
as low as they can be.

HOW TO EXTRACT A CALF WHEN IT PRE-
SENTS IN A WRONG POSITION.

Farmers and dairymen, or other persons who have
the care of milch cows, ought to be well acquainted

AND CATTLE DOCTOR, 109

with the manner in which a calf should present itself,
when in a natural or proper position.

When the calf is presented with the head and fore-
feet first, and its back towards the cow's back, it is
termed a natural position ; all others are unnatural, and
are attended with more or less danger both to the cow
and the calf, unless immediate and skilful assistance be
rendered.

Sometimes, however, this assistance may not be at
hand when wanted. In this case the best that can be
obtained must be resorted to. We shall, therefore,
give a few of the most common wrong positions, with
directions how best to avert any danger therefrom.

1. — When the waters are broke, and only tJie Jwad
and one foot presejited, lay hold of the calf's head, and
wait till the throes are off, then gently push it back,
and rectify the other foot : It may be then extracted
without danger.

2. — IftJw head only present itself, and both feet are
left behind, — the head must as in the former case be
pushed back with a gentle hand as soon as the throes
are off, and the feet properly placed with the utmost
care, or you will wound and tear the arteries.

3 — If all tJie four feet be turned luhere tJie back ought
to be, towards tJie top of tJie uterus, in this situation it
will be impossible to extract the calf until it be put in
a proper position. The hind parts of the cow must
be raised with straw, or with bags of that or other
soft material that is soft and easy to lie on, and pro-
perly placed under her. By this means the person
will be very much assisted in putting the calf in a
suitable posture for extraction ; afterwards wait the
return of the cow's throes, and then give nature your
best assistance. In operations of these kinds, every
tiding depends upon the management and activity of the
10

110 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

person employed in pulling the beast in a favourable
position.

4. — Wlien the hind legs makes the first appear-
ance,— it will be found better to extract the calf in
this position, with care, than to attempt to turn them.
• 5. — TJie shoulder sometimes first presents itself . —
This is a difficult case, and requires the hand to be in-
troduced in search for the fore legs : or the hind legs
may be brought forward, if they appear most conveni-
ently placed : but this must be left to the care and
judgment of the party employed.

These are the most usual cases of unnatural presen-
tations : and may, with care and a little experience, be
surmounted ; but when tJie calf is dropsical in the
head, which may be known by the largeness of that
part, and the wasting away of the others, or if it be
dead, instrumental aid will then be necessary, and
prompt and experienced assistance must be obtained :
it will be worse than useless, therefore, to give any
directions in cases where the slightest error would be
fatal, and where no other aid than that of the most
experienced veterinary surgeon can be of the slightest
avail.

HOW TO TREAT THE NAVAL STRING
AFTER EXTRACTION.

When the calf is taken from the cow, and been pro-
perly cleaned, either by the animal licking it, or with
a clean linen cloth, let the umbilical cord or naval
string be properly secured, with a ligature in the fol-
lowing manner : —

Tie a waxed thread of several thicknesses, several
times round the naval string, about two inches from
the body ; secure it with a double knot, then take a

AND CATTLE DOCTOB. Ill

pair of scissors, and clip it off a little below the tied
part. Be careful not to tie the thread so tightly, that
it cut the naval string, or it will cause an effusion of
blood which may prove difficult to stop, and perhaps
endanger the life of the young animal. If the ani-
mal's strength appear exhausted, the following restora-
tive drink will be found servicable :

RECIPE No. 2.

Peruvian bark in powder, 2 drams ;

Ginger, fresh powdered, 2 drams ;

Mix, and give it in half a pint of new milk.

THE FALLING DOWN OF THE CALF-BED.

This is a complaint, or rather an accident, of fre-
quent occurrence among cows, at the time of calving,
and consists in the calf-bed being turned inside out, and
falling down. It frequently proceeds from the force
employed in extracting the calf in laborious parturi-
tion and drawing away the cleansing immediately
afterwards, before the womb has had time to contract,
or lessen itself.

In these cases it will be proper to support the calf
when just out of the shape, and then tie the naval
string a few inches from the naval, with a little thick
twine, and to let the cleansing be subsequently expelled
by the throes of the beast.

We would advise the adoption of this plan \fi labo-
rious parturition, where no manual force has been
used. For when a cow has once had this complaint,
she is always liable, at any future period, either to
slip her calf, or to a recurrence of the accident.

Cows that rise considerably on the small of the

112 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

back, in the form of a curve, and begin to lower to-
wards the tail, with the hip, rump, and sirloin for the
most part straight, are the most liable to this com-
plaint. Cows thus formed denote great weakness in
those parts ; and, without great care and proper man-
agement at the time of calving, are almost sure of
having this complaint.

By observing the following rules, this may, gener-
erally, be prevented.

The floor or pavement of the cow-house should be
made level at the time of calving ; and it will be
greatly to the advantage of some cows, if they be
placed so that they stand higher behind than before
for a considerable time before calving ; as that posi-
tion will enable them, when down, to rise with more
ease, and with less danger of straining themselves.

If the falling-down of the calf-bed be suspected, the
cow ought to be carefully watched, particularly at the
time of calving, and it should be prevented, as far as
possible, by the means above mentioned.

Treatment. — As soon as the falling down of the
calf-bed takes place, care should be taken to have in
readiness a clean sheet well-aired, to put underneath
and around the calf-bed, if she lay down ; or to sup-
port it, if standing ; and likewise to protect it from
particles of dirt, or straw adhering to it, as also from
the effects of air. Then, if any portion of the cleans-
ing adheres to the womb, it must be removed in the
gentlest manner possible, lest you tear the calf-bed.
Then *bathe the exposed parts with diluted spirits of
wine, or any kind of spirits will do, if they can be
procured almost immediately ; if not it will signify
very little. As soon as the parts have been bathed,
endeavour to return them to their natural position by
the method folio win 2 :

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 113

The calf- bed is to be raised, and the person who re-
places it should clinch his hand, or have a large sponge
in it, and press gradually in the middle part of the
womb, until it is retm-ned into its proper situation. He
must throw it forwards, as far as he can possibly
reach, and turn his hand round to feel that it is pro-
perly replaced, and hold it there for some time ; which
will stimulate the womb to contract, and prevent it, in
in a great measure, from falling down again.

When the calf- bed is properly replaced, the follow-
ing strengthening drink may be given to the animal,
to assist her, and remove those violent after pains, to
which cattle in this state are particularly liable.

RECIPE No. 3.

Gentian, fresh powdered, 1 ounce ;
White ginger, ditto, 1 ounce ;

Aniseeds, 'ditto, 2 ounces ;

Solid opium, cut small, 1 dram ;

Treacle, 4 table spoonsful.

Pour a quart of hot ale upon the ingredients, in a pitcher ; and
give it to the cow when new- milk warm.

This drink should be repeated once a day, or every
other day, for two or three times. Warm meshes, and
proper management, must strictly be attended to.

ABORTION, OR SLIPPING OF THE CALF.

Abortion, or slinking or slipping the calf, is a mis-
fortune to which cows are particularly subject, in the
early periods of gestation ; and occasions not only a
serious loss to the owner, but produces a weakness in
the cow herself, which is often injurious to her con-
stitution to the latest period of her existence.

Some few of the causes to which slipping the calf
is generally attributable, have been already given ; we
10*

114 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

shall add one or two more, equally producive of this
misfortune. Cows are most liable to slink their
calves towards the latter end of the year, while feed-
ing on fog, or autumnal grass, or on low marsh and
fenny ground. Tn such situations, the air towards the
end of autumn becomes too moist for the right per-
formance of the animal functions; the body in conse-
quence becomes relaxed and debilitated, the perspira-
tion diminished, and the blood watery, which fre-
quently produce a preternatural determination of blood
to the calf-bed, that impairs the healthy actions of that
organ, and occasions abortion. It appears to originate,
in these instances, from the same causes as the red
water does ; only in the one, the calf-bed is affected ;
in the other, the kidneys.

At other times, it has proceeded from the smell of
carrion, either exposed on the pasture, or buried too
slightly in the earth. The sense of smelling in horned
cattle is remarkably acute ; any very disagreeable scent
annoys them sadly, and, if it be not removed, will pro-
duce abortion.

Treatment. — Cows that are in danger of slipping
their young, should be taken from the pasture or stable
the over night, and from two to three or four quarts of
blood should be taken from each beast, which, unless
the weather be damp, ought to stand in the open yard,
or open shed, till next morning: then give the follow-
ing purging drink :

RECIPE No. 4.

Epsom salts, 1 pound ;

Nitre, 2 ounces ;

Ginger and aniseeds, in powder, 1 ounce, each ;
Treacle 4 ounces.

Pour three pints of boiling water upon the ingredients, and give
when neifr-milk warm.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 115

After it has operated give her the following :

RECIPE No. 5.

Alum, in powder 4 ounces ; ^

Nitre, 1 ounce ;

Grains of paradise, and aniseeds,

fresh powdered, 1 ounce each ;

Solid opium, cut small, ^ a dram ;

Treacle, 4 table spoonsful.

Mix for one drink.
Put the drink in a pitcher, and pour a quart of boiling water on
it; cover it down till new-^nilk warm, and then give it the
beast.

Repeat this in about eight or ten days, and there is
little doubt of its producing the desired effect.

Some cows are constantly a bulling every two or
three weeks, during summer ; a better drink cannot
be given to put a stop to this than No. 2, and also to
make her hold to the bull. It should be given to her
about two hours after bulling : it strengthens and
braces the parts of generation : if she be in good con-
dition, let two quarts of blood be taken from her.

If a cow should slip her calf, separate her immedi-
ately from the herd, or she may possibly affect them ;
and give her the following drink :

RECIPE No. 6.

Spermaceti, 2 ounces ;

Spirits of turpentine, 1 ounce;

The yolk of one egg.
Beat them in a marble mortar till well incorporated; then add
Grains of paradise, and carraway

seeds, fresh powdered, 1 ounce, each ;

Treacle, 4 ounces.

Mix the whole in a quart of warm gruel, add a wine-glass full
of gin, and give it new -milk warm. Repeat this drink every
third day for about three times.

116 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

ON THE

MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CALVES,

AND THE

TREATIIENT OF COWS AFTER DELIVERY.

Care should be taken that the cow, after the extrac-
tion of the calf, should have a suitable place to lie
down in ; and one that will also easily enable her to
lick her calf, which not only the better excites her ma-
ternal feelings, but the friction of her tongue puts the
young animal in motion, and enables it to rise much
sooner than it otherwise would. If she should shew
any aversion to this action, which she should, and
generally does do, very shortly after calving, it will be
necessary to sprinkle on the calf a little salt, rubbed
up with crumb of bread, or bran.

It is a prejudice very generally entertained, that the
first milk is injurious to the calf, on account of its
supposed bad quality. This is acting contrary to na-
ture, which has provided at first serous and yellowish
milk, termed beestings, of a laxative or opening
quality, in order to carry off from the stomach and
bowels of the calf an injurious dark, viscid matter,
termed meconium^ which has collected in them while
in the womb. It is therefore essential that the calf
have instant and free access to the cow. If the calf
does not readily take the teat, put it into its mouth ;
but do this gently and with great care.

If, however, the first milk of the cow should not pro-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 117

duce the desired evacuation from the bowels of the
calf, recourse must be had to medicine ; the following
will be suitable for this purpose :

RECIPE No. 7.

Castor oil, 1 ounce ;

Prepared kali, ^ a dram ;

Ginger in powder, 1 tea spoonful.

Mix, and give it in half a pint of warm milk.

This drink may be repeated the next day, if the
bowels are not sufficiently open.

The diet and treatment of cows, at the time of calv-
ing, must be regulated according to the season of the
year. It is, however, considered of consequence to
the dairy, that cows should not drop their young too
early in the season ; as when that happens, they fall
off their milk in the autumn, when from its superior
richness, it is more valuable than at any other time.
From the end of March to the end of April is con-
sidered the best time in the northern districts ; as the
cow soon gets into condition upon the early grass, and
yields a greater quantity of milk in the course of the
season than those that calve either much earlier or
later; but in the southern parts, the advantage is
found in calving much earlier. But as nature will not
always be confined by any rule which man can lay
down, he must act accordingly.

If It be in winter, or early in the spring, they should
be housed as soon as possible; for new-born calves
are particulurly fearful of cold, and must be guarded
from its intensity ; not to the degree of confining them
in close, hot stables, and injuring them by the reverse
of too much heat. Warm water, and meshes of

118 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

scalded bran, mixed with a little ground corn,, should
also be given to the cow, twice or three times a day.

If the calving be in summer, the cow and calf re-
quire to be kept under a shade, where they can be
protected from the sun in the day, from the cold in the
evening, and from damps and fogs at all times; and
the cow must be treated with meshes and warm water,
for two or three days, the same as in winter, but wil
not require so many of them.

If the calf be intended for the butcher, it may be
taken from the cow after about a week or ten days,
and fed the remainder of the time by hand as here-
after directed; but this time of taking the calf away
must be determined by the state of the cow's udder ;
for unless that be free from kernels and indurations,
the calf must be allowed to suck, as the jolting of its
head is the means of healing or restoring the udder,
and preventing the downfall, or inflammation in this
part, which might cause much trouble, and even en-
danger the life of the cow.

But if the calf is intended to be reared, it should
not be weaned until at least six weeks or even two
months old, whether male or female. For such, there
is no food like the cow's milk ; and if she does not
yield a sufficient quantity, that of another ought to be
had recourse to. It is an incontrovertable fact, that
the longer a calf sucks, not only the larger and stronger
will it become, but it will also acquire a much better
form, and more robust health.

Calves which come early should be preferred fo^
rearing. Those which come late, do not acquire suffi-
cient strength to bear the cold of winter ; they lan-
guish, and are reared with difficulty. Calves should
not be weaned too suddenly, but by little and little.
The less they are able to eat, the more they should bo

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 119

allowed to suck ; or after awhile they may be brought
to take it from the pail. This is done by placing the
hand in the milk, while the fingers are raised above
the surface of the milk, for the calf to lay hold of with
its mouth, which it does very readily, and sucks up the
milk with great ease.

When they are completely taken away, they should
be fed with a little bran, and some of the best soft
fragrant hay of the second crop ; they should be al-
lowed plenty of the skimmed milk, and now and then
a little water, in which barley has been boiled and
broken up, or a little buttermilk, occasionally. There
is at first some difficulty in bringing them to drink, but
a little perseverance will accustom them to it.

Moderate warmth and dry lodging are of the utmost
consequence to young calves ; and if we would turn
them to any good account, they must not be stinted
either in these or in their food. Some persons feed
calves that have been weaned, only twice or thrice a
day : this is not enough : give less at a time, but more
frequently ; and take care that they have enough. In
summer, skimmed milk, thickened with oat or wheat-
meal ; and in winter, carrots, or Swedish turnips,
sliced, will make them excellent food, adding at all
times a little good sweet hay.

As soon as they are fit to follow the mother, let them
out ; nothing does them more good than exercise, and
there is nothing, perhaps, more injurious than keeping
them too long in a stable.

Calves that acquire a habit of sucking themselves,
may be prevented by separating them. This is the
only effectual method. They sometimes also contract
a habit of licking themselves, and swallowing the hair
which forms balls in their stomach ; and being indi-
gestible, are the cause of many serious diseases. Of

120 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

these habits they must be broken ; or they will, in
spite of the best care and keep, lose flesh, become
covered with lice, and subject to worms, as well as to
a disease similar to farcy.

Calves cannot be kept too clean or have fresh litter
too often ; for besides the evils already mentioned, if
they are suffered to lie on their own dung and urine,
they will become mangy, and scarcely ever thrive.
They are subject to several disorders, as the diarrhoea,
or dysentary, costiveness, hoose, &c., but these we
shall describe in their proper place. As a means,
however, of preventing the greater number of these
diseases, we would advise the adoption of a few simple,
but useful rules.

1st. — Let the XPyng calf suck the first milk. This
will cleanse its bowels, and prevent costiveness.

2nd. — Let it suck from the mother at least two months
before it is weaned, and then wean it gradually,

3rd. — Let its first food be such as is easy of digestion,
and let it have plenty of sweet skimmed milk
and good hay.

4th. — Keep it very clean, well rubbing it occasionally
with a whisp of hay or straw.

5th. — Keep its stable clean, and perfectly free from all

impurities.

6th. — Let it have gentle exercise ; the best will be in
following the mother in the meadow or pasture.

7th. — Do not stint it, either in good food or good drink,
and change its litter often enough to keep it
clean, sweet, and dry.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 121

DISEASES
TO WHICH CALVES ARE SUBJECT.

It is an observation founded on experience, that calves
born in the open air, suffer much less from weakness
or illness, than those that are kept, from the moment
of their birth, in closely confined barns, or sheds.
Those brought up by hand, are also much more deli-
cate than those which are allowed to suck and follow
their mothers. Calves and lambs require exercise and
fresh air ; and where they are not restrained, nature
directs them to take a ^re^t deal ; and it is surprising
to see how long a calf will run about, and with what
vigour it plays and frisks, if left at liberty. Free, un-
constrained, and plenteous exercise, out of doors, evi-
dently makes them thrive, and, indeed, seems essential
to their very existence.

Where the cow is much weakened in calving, or
long in giving milk, or if the weather be cold, it will
be necessary to warm a little before the fire in a pan
until it is about blood warm, and then to give it in this
state to the calf, a little at a time ; about a pint and a
half, four times in every twenty-four hours. If cold
milk be given to a calf, it occasions a trembling; and
the cords, or some other malady, inevitably succeed.

Calves are subject to several disorders during the
time of sucking, when weaning, or while they are fat-
tening for the butcher. These disorders, or rather
symptoms, have obtained different names, as cords,
diarrhcEa, costiveness, &c., but they are really, evi-
dence of one disorder only — indigestion.
11

122 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

I. CORDS.

Cause. — Calves sometimes are of a sickly or weak
constitution, and require care as to the quantity of
milk they take at each time ; for if they exceed a
proper quantity, their stomachs become disordered ;
and the acid formed on the stomach for the purpose
of effecting a change in the milk necessary to diges-
tion and the formation of chyle, is increased in quan-
tity, and altered in quality. In consequence of this,
the milk, instead of being changed very gradually, is
coagulated, and large indigestible curds are formed
from it. This produces almost all the early disorders
of calves.

Symptoms. — Extreme weakness, disrelish of food,
sometimes accompanied with griping pains. When the
disorder has arrived at a certain height, the muscles
are affected with spasms, and drawn into cords^ as it
is termed ; that is, they contract with violence, and
feel hard and knotted in several parts. These curds
frequently remain in the stomach a considerable time,
and are sometimes so compressed, as to be absolutely
formed into cheese, perfectly solid, and smelling like
new cheese, a little sourish. Hence arises the obsti-
nate costiveness. Flatulency now takes place, the calf
becomes blown up, and affected with flatulent colic.
This, if not checked, resolves into confirmed diarrhoea,
and terminates in inflammation, from which death
generally ensues.

Cure. — First attack the morbid acidity in the
stomach. This is to be done by the following
medicine ;

1

AND CATTLE DOCTOK. 123

RECIPE No. 8.

Unslacked lime, a piece the size of a pigeon's egg ;
Water sufficient to slake it;
Boiling water, one pint ;
(^ Subcarbonate of potash, (salt of tartar,) two ounces.

Put the lime into a jug with a cover, pour cold water on it;
when slaked add the boiling water, stir it up, and cover it up
close.

Into an eight ounce (or half pint) bottle, put the subcarbonate
of potash, and fill it up with the lime-water, having first shaken
the jug so that it may be a little thick. Keep the bottle well
torked, and mark it " Solution of Potash.''^

This is the best thing that can be given for correct-
ing the acidity of the stomach. Let it be administered
in the following manner :

RECIPE No. 9.

Solution of potash (as above) two teaspoonsfxil ;
Epsom salts, two ounces ;

Thin gruel, or warm water, half a pint.

Dissolve the salts in the gruel, or water ; add the solution of
potash, and give it daily, until the curd is carried from the
stomach, and the acidity destroyed.

If the disorder be accompanied with griping pains,
give with it one of the following cordials :

RECIPE No. 10.

Tincture of opium, a tea.spoonfiil ;

Brandy, a table-spoonful.

Or,

Anodyne carminative tincture, a table-spoonful.
This will very soon relieve the griping pains, with-

124 EVERY MAN HIS OWN PARKIER

out preventing the laxative from operating. When the
calf is relieved, feed it carefully for a few days ; .and
if its bowels be loose, gruel made of arrow-root, or fine
wheaten flour, should be given with a little of the solu-
tion of potash, or powdered chalk, in each feed. This
should be left off gradually.

Remarks. — Calves brought up by hand, even if not
of delicate, weak constitutions, are liable to all these
affections, merely from being improperly fed, that is,
from having too much milk at a time, from that milk
not being sufficiently fresh, or being in a bad state
from a disordered stomach of the cow, she being fed
on bad hay or stale grains. An intimate connexion
exists between the udder and the cow's stomach, and
the milk is very liable to become altered in quality as
well as quantity, by feeding her upon bad hay : we
cannot, therefore, wonder at this. There is an acid
formed in the stomach of the cow, and of all animals,
when that organ is weakened in a certain degree,
which by irritating the fourth stomach, will disorder
one or more of the quarters of the udder, and spoil
the milk in that quarter. To cure these disorders is
one thing, and requires much trouble ; to prevent them,
another, of less trouble, but of infinitely more import-
ance. The prevention, then, is simply good, whole-
some food, and pure water. In Scotland, particularly,
where there is but little grass, and plenty of bad hay,
this disease has at times been very prevalent, and
proved very destructive.

II.— DIARRHCEA, OR DYSENTERY.

This disease attacks young calves from the age of
two to six weeks old ; it makes them thin, and some-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 125

times settles into a dysentery, which often terminates
fatally.

Cause. — Change of diet, particularly when stinted in
good food ; some careful housewives being so thrifty as
not to allow them a sufficiency of proper subsistence,
which nature requires at so early an age.

Sjjmptoms. — Great weakness ; loathing of food ;
with continual purging ; every thing taken into the
stomach acidifies, or becomes sour, and coagulates
therein. In the last stage of the disease, the stools
become fetid and bloody ; a large portion of the de-
fensive mucus of the intestines is mixed with them ; if
unchecked, a gangrene or mortification ensues, and
terminates in the death of the animal.

Remedy, — Give, in a little gruel, the following :
RECIPE No. 11.

Tincture of rhubarb, one tablespoonfiil ;

Laudanum, one teaspoonful.

Or,

RECIPE No. 12.

Dover's powders, two scruples ;

Compound cinnamon powder, three scruples ;

Prepared chalk, two drams.

Mix for one drink, and give it morning and evening as long ai
the purging continues.

If there be a continual motion to dung, add to this
a teaspoonful of laudanum ; or,
11*

126 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

RECIPE No. 13.

New-laid eggs, with their shells, two;
Milk, one pint.

Mix, and give it new-milk-warm, two or three times a day, until
the scouring ceases.

If these means fail, an ounce of diascordium elec-
tuary should be given every morninj^ ; and if, notwith-
standing all that you have done, the excrement becomes
bloody and fetid, give one of the following, every
morning, for a few days : —

RECIPE No. 14.

Or,

Diascordium electuary, one ounce ;

Good red wine, a wine-glass ftdl.

RECIPE No. 15.

Diascordium electuary, one ounce ;
Elder-flower water, a wine-glassful;

Crude sal-ammoniac, half a dram.

Dissolve the sal-ammoniac in the elder-flower water, and then
add the electuary : mix, and give.

If feverish symptoms accompany or appear in this
complaint, or if the calf lie down, kick at its belly,
and appear in pain, take away half a pint of blood,
or more, if the age of the calf will allow it, and give
the following purgative, with a teaspoonful of lauda-
num therein.

RECIPE No. 16.

Glauber salts, three ounces ;

Powdered ginger, half an ounce;

Aniseeds, fresh powdered, half an ounce ;

Treacle, two tablespoonsftiL

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 127

Put me whole into a pitcher, and pour upon it a pint of boiling
water ; cover it down, and give it when new-milk warm. This
is sufficient for a calf about six weeks old.

Remarks. — The time of change of diet with calves
is a critical and trying period : care should, therefore,
be taken to change it very little for the first fortnight;
and in every subsequent change to inure it by de-
grees : or a dysentery may be expected, which if not
timely checked, will inevitably prove fatal.

III.— COSTIVENESS, OR OBSTRUCTION IN
THE BOWELS.

Calves are liable to this complaint from the .first
moment of their birth ; and also at every subsequent
stage ; in every one of which its life is in danger, un-
less timely relief be given.

Cause. — Not allowing the calf to suck the first milk
from the mother ; or the mother being fed upon too
dry meat, will induce this complaint in the first few
weeks of the calf's existence ; but in a more advanced
age, it may result from improper feeding, exposure to
damp, change of diet, or labouring under some latent
internal disease.

Symptoms. — In very young calves, not bemg able
to dung, or even sometimes to void urine ; they cease
to suck, stamp, with their hind feet, become short-
breathed, and generally die in a short time. In older
calves, nearly the same symptoms occur ; which, if
not timely checked, resolve into inflammation, the
complaint becomes more serious, and terminates
fatally.

128 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

Remedy. — If the calf be very young, draw the dung
out of the fundament with the finger, the finger being
first oiled, and introduced carefully, and the hard ex-
crement taken out gradually : >vtlen this has been
done, one or two clysters should be thrown up, com-
posed of infusion of mallows or camomile,* and a
little sweet oil. If this be not effectual, the previous
purgative drink. No. 16, may be given at twice, half
the quantity prescribed at each time, morning and
evening. Of course, if the calf be six weeks old, it
may be given as there directed, at once ; but if it be
eight weeks old, then the following should be given :

RECIPE No. 17.

Glauber salts, four ounces ;

Rhubarb, powdered, two drams ;

Ginger, carraway, ? f l, S one-third of

and aniseed \ ( an ounce;

Treacle, three tablespoonsful.

Put the whole into a pitcher, pour a pint of boiling water upou
the higredients, and give when new-milk warm.

If the case be inflammatory, then the following may
be substituted : —

RECIPE NO. 18.

Castor oil, four ounces ;

Rhubarb, powdered, two drams;

Prepared kali, one dram;

Ginger, fresh powdered, a quarter of an ounce ;

Aniseeds, fresh powdered, a quarter of an ounce j

Treacle, two tablespoonsful.

Mix, and give it in a pint of warm gruel.

\
• Infusion of camomile, or of other herbs, is made in the
same way as you make tea, merely by pouring boiling water on

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 129

In » more advanced age, the salts or the castor oil
should be increased ; the other ingredients may remain
he same. ^

After purging gi^ the following cordial drink, which
will not only invigorate the system, but produce a
healthful tendency in the blood.

RECIPE No. 19.

•

Aniseeds, fresh powdered one ounce ;

Carraway-seeds, ditto. one ounce ;

Coriander-seeds, ditto. half an ounce ;

Ginger, ditto. half an ounce ;

Grains of paradise, ditto. half an ounce ;

Treacle, two table-spoonsful ;

Fresh butter, a lump the size of a walnut.

Put the ingredients into a pitcher, and pour upon them a pint
of boiling ale. Cover all down till new-milk warm, and then
give it.

This will be found an excellent drink to remove
indisposition and flatulency in the stomach ; it also
strengthens the stomach, and by promoting the diges-
tive process — the best method of preserving health
in young animals — restores the appetite, and secures
health.

IV.— HOOSE, or COUGH.

Cause. — Exposure to cold, moist atmosphere, or an
insufficiency of wholesome food. It generally attacks

the herb, and suffering it to stand awhile, covered closely, to ex-
tract the principal strength of the herb. If the quantity be more
than the tea-pot will contain, a clean jug will answer the same
purpose, the top being covered over with a doubled cloth. When
the infusion cools to about new-milk warmth, it may be poured
off for use.

13ft EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

young calves during the first year ; is not very difficult
to cure, if attended to early ; but if neglected at this
period, almost invariably terminates fatally.

Symptoms. — A continual ticklish sensation in the
throat, caused by very small worms being engendered
in the branches of the windpipe, and clustering to-
gether in a thick, whitish fluid, cause the young ani-
mal to be in an almost constant stateiof hoosing or
coughing ; by which the digestive powers become so
much impaired, as. to render the chewing of the cud
impracticable ; if this disorder be not subdued by
proper medicines, the animal languishes and pines
away, as if in a consumption.

Remedy. — The following ball and drink will, if early
administered, generally remove this complaint.

RECIPE No. 20.

Calomel, eight to twelve grains ;

Gentian, in powder, two drams ;

Syrup enough to make it into a ball.
Give it in the morning, fasting, and let the calf be kept from food
for two hours : half a pint of gruel should be administered at
the time of giving the ball, to wash it down.

If the hoosing continue, repeat the ball in about four
or five days. After each ball, give the following pur-
gative drink :

RECIPE No. 21.

Epsom salts, four ounces ;

Ginger, in powder two drams.

Pour a pint of boiling water upon these, and give it when new,
milk-warm.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 131

The following is also an excellent drench, which
may be poured into the calfs nostrils.

RECIPE No. 22.

Oil of turpentine, a table-spoonful ;

Sweet oil, a tea-spoonful ;

Warm water, a quarter of a pint.

v.— CANKER IN THE MOUTH.

Cause. — Heat of the body, induced probably by
costiveness; and, like most other disorders to which
calves are subject, it arises from improper food, or that
which is not easy of digestion.

Symptoms. — The mouth is so affected, that the
young calf cannot eat properly. The inside of the
cheeks and gums are tender, red, and ulcerated, and
the teeth loose. It is sometimes accompanied with
fever, and then internal remedies must be applied.

Remedy, — The following mixture is generally a
cure for this complaint :

RECIPE No. 23.

Burnt alum, half an ounce ;

Rock alum, half an ounce ;

Common salt, half an ounce ;

Armenian bole, in powder, half an ounce ;

Honey, two ounces.

Pour a pint and a half of hot vinegar upon these ingredients in
a covered jar : close it down, and when cold, put it into a
bottle for use.

The mouth must be well washed, two or three times

132 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

a day, with this mixture, in the following manner : —
round one end of a cane or stick, two feet long, fold
a small lump of Imen, or fine tow : secure it well with
strong thread : then shake the bottle well : pour some
of the mixture into a pot ; dip the end of the cane or
stick into the gargle mixture, and apply it all over the
mouth.

If feverish symptoms appear, administer the purga-
tive drink, No. 16, page 126 ; and, after that has ope-
rated, give the cordial drink. No. 19, page 129; and
repeat if necessary.

VI.— INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS.

Cause, — Though indigestion, from improper feed-
ing, is the cause of most of the disorders of calves,
yet sometimes they thrive too quickly, or form so
much blood, as to be attacked with iiiflammatory com-
plaints. This is not often the case during the time
they are fed on milk, but frequently when about one
year old.

Symptoms. — Heaviness, hanging of the head and
ears, watery eyes, cough, loss of appetite, and quick
and difficult breathing, or rathe? wheezing.

Remedy. — Bleed freely, even to fainting, and after-
wards give the following saline drought :

RECIPE No. 24.

Epsom salts, six ounces ;

Water, one quart.

Mix, and give it either at once or twice, according to the age or
constitution of the calf.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 133

This may be repeated, if necessary ; and if the cos-
tiveness be not removed, give the following clyster :

RECIPE No. 25.

Table salt, four ounces ;

Warm water, two quarts.

Observations. — When calves are about a year old,
great care must be taken to prevent these inflamma-
tory diseases, by keeping them on the barer pastures.
This is more effectual than all the medicinal preven-
tives. Thousands of calves have been destroyed by
forcing them, as it is termed ; that is, by keeping them
too well. Moderation in food is particularly essen-;
tial. Writers on cattle medicine generally recommend
drenching and bleeding, when young stock are turned
into good pasture: this is very good advice; but we
will give better — keep tlvem out of it; for certainly
prevention is much better than cure. Neat cattle at
all ages, are, from going too suddenly into good pas-
tures, very susceptible of inflammation ; and calves in
particular suffer from too hasty a change. They re-
quire good feeding, but that feeding must be of the
nutritious^ rather than of the succulent^ kind.

We have thus been very explicit in the treatment
and disorders of calves, because we consider that, by
care and attention in their early days, a good consti-
tution may be secured, and the greater part of the
disorders which affect their more mature years, alto-
gether prevented. Before we close this part of our
subject, however, we have one more remark to make
on the treatment of the cow after calving : —

Some cows, from an abundance of milk, are liable
to a swelling of the udder after calving. It is neces-
12

134 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

sary, in such cases, ti draw off the milk several times
a day, if the calf does not suck a sufficient quantity,
and wash the udder with warm water, or with a de-
coction of marsh-mallows. These means are gener-
ally sufficient ; and there is no danger of their causing
inflammation and abscess — diseases which require
considerable time and trouble to cure, and which are
oftentimes brought on by the application of butter,
lard, or some rancid ointment ; which are too gener-
ally the applications made use of on this occasion.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR^ 135

OF THE.

INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE COW,

AND THE ECONOMY OF

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

In. the brief outline we are about to give of the inter-
nal structure of neat cattle, we shall not enter into an
anatomical dissertation ; but merely describe so much
of the digestive system as will enable the reader to
comprehend the ruminating process ; by which means
he will not only be the better qualified to prevent many-
complaints to which neat cattle are subject from im-
proper treatment, but he will also be the better ena-
bled to understand the symptoms of the complaints
with which they may be attacked, and to adopt, with
greater probabilities of success, the prescribed methods
of cure.

Neat cattle belonpj to the ruminatinor tribe of ani-
mals ; that is, they masticate or chew their food a
second time, and then in a more perfect manner ;
thereby obtaining from it every possible particle of
nourishment.' For this purpose they are furnished
with four distinct stomachs, into which their food
passes in the several stages of digestion. These will
be more fully explained.

When neat cattle first swallow their food, it passes
down their throats in very coarse and large mouthfuls ;
when they have taken enough in this state, they lie

SKELETON OF AN OX.

138

DESCRIPTION

SKELETON OF AN OX.

a The upper jaw-bone.
h The nasal bone, or bone of the nose,
c The lachrymal bone
d The malar, or cheek-bone,
c The frontal bone, or bone of the forehead.
/The horns, being processes or continuations of the frontal.
"■ The temporal bone.

A The parietal bone low in the temporal fossa.

i The occipital bone, deeply depressed below the crest or ridge 07 the hcttd.
j The lower jaw.
k The grinders.

I The nippers, found on the lower jaw alone,
m The ligament of the neck, and its attachments,
n The atlas.

0 The dentata.

y The orbit of the eye.

g The vertebrae, or bones of the neck.

r The bones of the back.

s The bones of the loins.

t The sacrum.

u The bones of the tail.

V Sf w The haunch and pelvis.

X The eight true ribs.

y The false ribs with their cartilages.

i The sternum.

1 The scapula, or shoulder-blade.

2 The humerus, or lower bone of the shoulder.

3 The radius, or principal bone of the arm.

4 The ulna, its upper part forming the elbow.

5 The small bones of the knee.

6 The large metacarpal or shank bone.

7 The smaller splint-bone.

8 The sesamoid bones.

9 The bifurcation at the pasterns, and the two larger pttstenu to each iboL
lO The two smaller pasterns to each foot.

n The two coffin-bones to each foot.
12 The navicular bones.
1.3 The thigh-bone.

14 The patella, or bone of the knee.

15 The tibia, or proper leg-bone.

16 The point of the hock. •

17, 17 The small bones of the hock,

18, 18 The metatarsals, or larger bonea of the hind leg.

19, 19 The pasterns and feet. ^

137

138 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

down to ruminate, or, as it is termed, to chew the cud
at their ease. To render this process easily to be un-
derstood, we shall briefly describe the four several sto-
machs.

The first stomach, called the ru7nen, or paunch, is
a very large receptacle for the food, where it is re-
tained until the animal ruminates. There is a place
in the paunch contiguous to where it joins the second
stomach, which seems to act as a valve, and prevent
the escape of air during the maceration of food in it.
It is to this stomach that the food passes on being first
swallowed by the cow.

The second stomach, called the honey-comb^ or bon-
net, is much smaller than the paunch, and in its in-
ternal structure resembles that of the honey-comb ;
from whence it takes its name, It is situated rather
to the right side of the gullet, near to the midriff, or
skirt, and on the upper and fore part of the paunch.
The honey-comb is internally covered with a sort of
net-work, which seems to act as a grate or strainer to
keep back any hard or foreign bodies that may have
been swallowed ; pins, nails, and bits of wood and
stick, having been found therein, entangled in the
grate-like entrapment. This stomach seems designed
as a receptacle for the more fluid parts of the food, as
well as to moisten and press on the ruminated morsel
in its progress to the third stomach.

The third stomach, termed many plies ^ ox manifolds^
is situated on the upper and right side of the paunch,
and is generally found filled with food. It then ap-
proaches in shape to the globular form ; but after a
fast of twenty-four hours, or more, bears more resem-
blance to that of a. kidney. This part of the system
mav be considered as a strong muscular bag, supplied
internally with numerous leaves, from whence it de-

AND CATTLE DOCTOH. 139

rives its name, and between which the food passes to
undergo a further preparation.

The fourth and last stomach, called the maw, re-
sembles the pouch of a bagpipe in form, with its right
and smaller extremity connected with the intestine.
It is in this 7naw that the digestive process is comple-
ted— the former three being only preparatory. This
stomach is very capacious, being thrown into large
plaits or folds, from whence a peculiar fluid, called the
gastric juice, is secreted, which mingling with the
ruminated food, converts it into a substance which then
takes the name of chyme; this chyme is conveyed into
the smaller intestines, and in its passage yields the
nutritive principle necessary for the sustenance of the
animal. The fourth stomach derives, from the gastric
juice, the property of curdling milk ; the maw of
calves, when dried, is called rennet.

The digestive process is that change which the food
undergoes in the four stomachs and intestines, and by
which a fluid is separated from it for the nourishment
and growth of the body.

Grass, hay, or any other kind of food that the ani-
mal eats, passes directly, without much chewing, into
the paunch, where it is retained until a sufficient
quantity be collected. The food, while in the paunch,
mixes with a fluid secreted in this receptacle, in which
it is macerated, and thereby undergoes a peculiar
change, which destroys its texture, and converts it into
a pulpy mass.

When the animal lies down to ruminate, or chew
the cud, as it is termed, the paunch contracts, and by
that action propels some of its contents into the honey-
comb, and from thence a portion of it is transmitted,
by a voluntary act of the beast, through the gullet
into the mouth, to be more intimately mixed with

140 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

the saliva, and more perfectly masticated by the
grinders.

The beast having chewed the cud, swallows it, and
it now passes into the maniples, to be reduced to a
still finer pulp, and incorporated with the fluid secreted
in that stomach. The alimentary mass is gradually
pressed from the manyplies into the true digesting sto-
mach, the maw, in which it undergoes a change thai
is absolutely necessary to the separation of the nutri-
tious part from it. The food, after being detained
some time in the maw for this purpose, is expelled into
the intestines, and in them the digestive process is
completed.

In the intestines it becomes intimately mixed with
the bile and other secretions, which produce a further
decomposition in it, the result of which is the separa-
tion of the nutritious from the excrementitious part,
which action is going on throughout the long track of
the intestinal gut, or canal.

The nutritious fluid extracted from the food, is of a
white, or milk-like colour, and is termed chyle. This
chyle is taken up by myriads of minute vessels, and
conveyed at length to the left jugular vein, and there
it mixes with the mass of blood to supply that waste
which the body is continually sustaining from the ne-
cessary actions of life ; while the excrementitious part
is propelled along the intestinal canal, and at last ex-
pelled the body.

THE UDDER.

The connexion subsisting between the fourth sto-
mach and the udder of the cow, is so intimately blend-
ed, that the one cannot be affected without the other
being materially influenced : hence we may see the
necessity there is of feeding cattle properly, and in

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 141

ittending to their health, if we would avail ourselves
of the profit to be derived "from their produce.

If we examine the udder of a milch cow, we shall
find it composed of cells of different sizes, becoming
larger as they approach the teats. In a cow that has
had several calves, we find two large veins proceeding
from the udder, and passing up under the belly.
These are remarkably large, when the udder is full
of milk, and are commonly called Die milk veins by
dairymen. In consequence of the fourth stomach
being so intimately connected with the udder, it par-
takes of its sympathies, and is affected by whatever
disarranges that part of the system ; so that if the
fourth stomach be disordered, the milk in one or more
of the quarters will be spoiled.

The udder consists of four quarters, or divisions,
each having an excretory duct, or teat, at the extre-
mity of which there is a contrivance for confining the
milk, but in a limited degree ; for if the milk be suf-
fered to accumulate in the udder by neglecting to milk
at the proper time, it will at length force its way, but
imperfectly, through the teat, and be seen passing oflf
in drops or in a small stream. This voluntary act
of nature, is, however, a source of pain and injury
to the cow ; and should be prevented by timely assist-
ance.

142 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARBIES

THE DISORDERS

TO WHICH

NEAT CATTLE ARE SUBJECT;

WITH THE

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND METHODS OP CURE.

OBSERVATIONS.

As soon as a calf is weaned, it should either be per-
mitted to run in the best pasture, or confined in the
barn, and fed by hand, and be carefully fended and
kept warm, and live upon the best fodder through the
first winter. Afterwards it will become so hardy it
will require' less care. But cattle should be frequently
looked to and examined ; that so if they be overtaken
with any sickness, hurt, or lameness, suitable remedies
may be seasonably applied. And in order to do this,
they should be accustomed to come home, and be shut
up in the yard every night. By this method, a farmer
will save a much larger quantity of dung. And in
case of an uncommonly cold storm, the cattle may be
housed with very little trouble, as the yard is contigu-
ous to their house.

Cattle, from one year old to three, will usually get
a living in summer, and even thrive, upon the com-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. . 143

mens, or in the meanest, and most bushy pastures.
And in winter the poorest fodder will keep them alive.
And as our farmers know these things, they are very
apt to treat their young cattle in this manner. Those'
which are so treated, may oftentimes become as hardy
cattle as any ; but they will be small, and therefore
not so profitable. Farmers in genera]|[^re too ambi-
tious to keep a large stock of cattle. A necessary
consequence of which is, that they are pinched in their
food, and never come to their full growth. Another
ill consequence is, their growing unruly and mischie-
vous through hunger, learning to leap over fences, or
break through them.

It would certainly be more conducive to the interest
of farmers, to keep smaller stocks of cattle than they
do ; for then they would be able to feed them to the
full. Their oxen would be much larger and stronger
than they are, and their cows would give plenty of
milk, and bring large calves ; not to say how much
they would save in taxes, by reducing their number of
rateable cattle.

Farmers should allow their young stock the best of
pasture. This would keep them out of mischief, pre-
vent their learning bad tricks, and prevent many ill
accidents which befal them. And it would be no small
advantage always to know where to find them. But,
in the common method of treating them, it is too
common a case for them to straggle so far from home,
that the owner entirely loses them ; or else spends as
much time as they are worth, in seeking after them.

If a young stock were well fed at all seasons, the
heifers would commonly have calves at two years old,
which is no small advantage, and steers would be fit
for labour earlier in proportion. And when they come
to be killed offj the quantity of beef would make

144 EVEBY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

amends for their being so fed as to be well grown. If
the farmer's view in increasing his stock, be to make
as much dung as possible, he should be reminded of
"what he ought to know already, that the dung of a
small stock would be equal to that of a large one, if it
consume the same quantity of fodder. If a farmer
make this obj^tion to pasturing his young flock, that
his farm is not large enough to admit of it ; he may
find an answer by turning to the article. Mowing
Ground, where diminishing their number of acres,
and increasing that of pasture ground, is recommended,
and sufficient reasons assigned.

In the winter cattle should be housed, to defend them
from the inclemencies of the weather. For though,
nature furnishes them with a thicker covering of hair
in the winter than in the summer, the difference is not
near so great as that of the weather in this climate.
Working oxen and milch cows will suffer more than
the rest by lying abroad. If the farmer cannot con-
veniently house all his cattle, those should be left out
which are between the age of one and three years.
And those that lie out should have a shed, open only
to the south and west, to shelter themselves under in
stormy weather.

The injuries which cattle receive from each other,
when they are lodged together in a yard, is an addi-
tional reason for tying them up in the barn. To which
it may be added, thait a great part of the fodder that
is given them is wasted, even when it is given them in
racks ; much more when it is thrown upon the ground.
They trample it into the dung with their feet, which id
no inconsiderable loss.

Cattle will bear to be cold much better than to be
wet. If they be lefl out in a cold storm of rain, it
pinches them exceedingly ; so that they will not look

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 145

SO well again for several days after it. The sides of
the house where they are lodged, need not be very
tight. It might be apt to make them too tender. It
will certainly abate the freshness of the air they
breathe in, and hurt the agreeable flavor of their fod-
der. But the covering of their house should be per-
fectly tight. No window should be open, through
which snow or rain may drive in upon them. The
floor they lie on should have a gentle descent back-
ward, that they may be wetted as little as possible by
their stale ; and they should always have straw or
litter under them, not only to soften their lodging, but
to lay them the more warm and dry, and absorb the
wetness. The better they are littered, the more ma-
nure will the owner make for his farm. This is an
object of high importance.

It would be a good method for cattle that are tied
up, to fodder them in racks. They would not be so
apt to rob one another ; nor to get their fodder under
their feet ; nor to render it unpalateable by their
breathing upon it.

Where salt hay can be had, cattle should now and
then be treated with a little of it. It will so increase
their appetite, that they will eat poor meadow hay and
straw with it, or after it. But farmers who are far
from the sea, and not furnished with salt hay, should
now and then sprinkle some of their meanest fodder
with salt dissolved in water, which will answer the
same valuable purpose. And at no season of the year
should cattle be kept for any long time, without salt.
They are greedy, after, and it conduces to keep them
in health.

, As to summer feeding, it is not fit that a whole
stock go promiscuously in the same pasture. Some
would be overmuch fed, and some not enough. A
13

146 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

farmer's pasture grounds should be made into a num-
ber of separate enclosures ; the greater number the
better. Milch kine and cattle fattening for slaughter
should have the first of the feed in each inclosure ;
then working oxen ; afterwards young stock, horses
and sheep. When each kind have had their turn, for
two or three days or perhaps a week, the apartment
may be shut up, till it be sufficiently grown for the
milch cows. By such a rotation much may be saved ;
but little of the grass will be wasted by trampling ;
and what one sort leaves another will eat ; so that
none of the grass will be lost.

Oxen should not live to be more than eight years
old, nor cows more than ten or eleven. When they
are kept longer, they do not fatten so easily ; and the
beef is not so good. Cattle to be fattened should have
the best of pasture during the whole grass season, or
they will not be fat so early as December; and they
should lose a little blood, when they are first turned
to grass. In autumn, when grass grows short, or is
corrupted by frosts, their fattening should be promoted
by feeding them morning and evening with the stalks
of Indian corn, pumpions, potatoes, or carrots ; and
especially with ears of corn, if the owner can aflx)rd
it. Indian meal is supposed to be still better to com-
plete their fattening. Oil cakes from linseed mills are
much recommended in English books, as conducing to
the speedy fattening of cattle.

Cattle are apt to be hoven or swollen in consequence
of having eaten too much green succulent food. The
common remedy for this disorder has been to stab the
infected animal with a pen knife or other sharp in-
strument, under the short ribs, and put into the orifice
a tube of ivory,, elder, a quill, or something of the
kind, to give vent to the confined air. The wound is

AND CATTLE DOCTOR, 147

then dressed with some sort of adhesive plaster, and
thus, in general the cure is easily effected. This,
however, is a rough and dangerous remedy, and we
therefore give place to others more safe and gentle.

The 23d volume of the Annals of Agriculture an-
nounces the following recipe for hoven cattle, which it
assures us will effect a cure for hoven cattle, in the
most desperate cases in half an hour. Take three
quarters of a pint of olive oil ; one pint of melted
butter, or hog's lard ; give this mixture by means of
a horn or bottle, and if it does not produce a favoura-
ble change in a quarter of an hour, repeat the same
quantity, and walk the animal gently about. For
sheep, attacked with this malady the dose is from a
wine-glass and a half to two glasses.

Besides these remedies, flexible tubes, and canes,
with knobs at their ends, have been used to force a
passage from the mouth to the stomach, to let the
confined air escape upwards from the trunk of the
animal affected. Descriptions of these instruments
may be seen in the second American edition of the
Domestic Encyclopasdia, volume I. pp. 409, 410. The
following simple remedy we have been assured is ef-
fectual. Make about a pint of lye either with hot em-
bers thrown into a sufficient quantity of water, or by
dissolving therein about an ounce of pot or pearl ash,
and turn it down the throat of the ox or cow affected.
A proportionably less quantity will answer for a sheep.
This is said to give immediate relief by neutralizing
the carbonic acid gas in the stomach of the creature,
which causes the swelling, and other symptoms of the
complaint to subside.

When oxen are long and hardly driven, in muddy
roads, particularly where the soil is calcareous, they
are liable to soreness between the claws. This will

148 EVERY MAN HIS OWN PARKIER

make the beast lame, and when discovered, the part
should be cleansed, and healed with some proper oint-
ment. Sometimes from inattention to this, the part
becomes horny ; in this case the hard parts must be
cut away, and the wounded flesh cured.

A general indication of health in neat cattle is a
moist or wet nose, and when this is found dry it is a
certain symptom of diseases of some kind or other.

Symptoms. — When an animal is at all lame, its
foot should be carefully felt. The first indication is
usually an uncommon degree of warmth, and a soft
and puffed feel of the parts immediately connected with
the slit between the hoof, either before or behind the
foot and generally just above it. If in the hind foot,
and not easily handled, a fullness may generally be
perceived, by standing behind the animal and carefully
comparing the appearance of the two feet, between the
dew claws and the hoofs (for it very rarely commences
its attack in more than one foot.) In the fore foot it
generally swells forward ; and in taking up the foot,
the slit between the hoofs will have an appearance of
dryness, easily distinguishable to a person used to
cattle ; and the animal frequently licks the front part
of the foot. Instances often occur of sudden and ex-
treme lameness, without any appearance of heat or
swelling in the foot ; and these are often the worst
cases ; but one symptom rarely fails to accompany the
disease, which is extreme restlessness and appearance
of anguish, attended with loss of appetite and flesh;
but without in the least affecting the brightness of the
eye, and, perhaps, sometimes, unnaturally increasing
it ; but the eye has a peculiar cast. As a general rule
it is safest to attribute all lameness of the foot, which
cannot be traced to a sufficient cause, to the hoof ail.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 149

Lameness of the foot can generally be distinguished
from that of the leg, hip or shoulder, by making the
animal step over a stick or rail, and carefully watching
its motions.

Remedies. — The foot should be carefully washed
and cleansed, and thoroughly examined, to be sure
that the lameness does not arise from a nail casually
run into the foot, or a prick in shoeing, or from a
wound from a stump or other substance between the
hoofs (a case frequently occuring.) If no appearance
occurs of any break in the skin, while the foot is still
wet, apply, as nearly as may be, to the centre of the
slit, between the hoofs from one to three grains of cor-
rosive sublimate (reduced to a fine powder) the dose to
be proportioned to the size of the animal and the vio-
lence of the attack. Care must be used that the
powder is put completely in this slit, for it is very strong
poison, and the animal, as soon as at liberty, will begin
to lick the foot, if a sore one. The moisture left by
the washing, makes the powder adhere : and the effect
is produced in a very short time. Some prefer mixing
the powder with hog's lard, which answers ; but it is
thought less powerful : it has one advantage, however,
as being less dangerous to keep in a house (for no one
takes salve inwardly.) Where corrosive sublimate
cannot be obtained, any other violent stimulent may
be applied. Common salt is often effectual in very
slight attacks ; but it is of the greatest importance to
lose no time. The application is to be repeated every
twenty-four hours, till a cure is effected, or till the
foot shews unequivocal signs of a gathering which will
break.

13*

150 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

INFLAMMATORY FEVER, OR GENERAL IN-
FLAMMATION; CALLED ALSO QUARTER
EVIL, BLACK QUARTER, OR SPUD.

This disease frequently happens to young cattle,
generally between the first and third year, most com-
monly about the second year of their age. It appears
to be occasioned by feeding them too hastily ; by put-
ting them, when in a lean state, into rich succulent
pasture.

The animal when seized with this complaint, be-
comes suddenly listless and stupid ; he hangs down his
head, refuses his food, and appears to move with diffi-
culty. Swellings soon appear in diiferent parts of the
body, which, when pressed by the finger, make a
crackling noise. Sometimes the joints are particularly
affected ; at others, the swelling appears on the back,
shoulder or belly.

The disease attacks rather suddenly, and oflen
proves fatal, particularly when proper remedies are
not speedily employed. Bleeding is the first remedy,
and must be proportioned to the age and strength of
the animal ; perhaps from three to four quarts will
generally be found sufficient. The blood should al-
ways be measured. The following purgative should
then be given.

Aloes,

3 drams ;

Potash,

2 drams ;

Sulphat of Soda (Glauber Salts)

6 ounces ;

Warm Water,

1 pint.

Mix for a dose.

This dose will generally be found sufficient for an
animal of two year's old. Should the disease occur

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 151

in situations, where these medicines cannot be pro-
cured, give from four to six ounces of common s!ilt in
a pint of water; the addition of four ounces of castor
oil, sweet oil, or even linseed oil ; will make it more
efficacious. Should the animal be relieved, by this
treatment, considerable weakness may follow : for
which give the following twice a day :

Powdered Caraway seeds, 1 oynce ;

Ginger, 2 drams.

To be given in a pint of oat-meal gruel (or any other gruel) or
ale.

The swollen parts, particularly if the joints are
affected, should be rubbed with the following lina-
ment;

Take of linseed oil, 4 ounces ;

Oil of turpentine, 2 ounces ;

Liquid ammonia, or spirits of sal ammoniac. 1 ounce.
Mix.

Mr. Lawrence has very properly advised that a
piece of short or inferior keep should be reserved as
a digesting place, where cattle may occasionally be
turned, to empty and exercise themselves. This is
better than bleeding, or any medical preventive; and
as this disease frequently proves fatal, preventive mea-
sures should never be lost sight of.

MURRAIN OR PEST.

These terms correspond with that of plague in the
human species, (and the diseases are said to have a
similar origin, to wit, in putrid miasmata,) and like
the plague is attended with boils or buboes. The

162 EVERY JIAN HIS OWN FARRIER

plagi^e of horned cattle is said to be of a peculiar na.
ture, and not communicable to other animals. Yet in
a contagious disposition of the air, it may chance that
various species of animals may be affected at the same
time. The infection is first denoted by a decrease of
appetite, difficulty of swallowing, shaking the head,
hanging down of the ears, and dulness of the eyes.
Constant diarrhoea, or scouring, foetid breath, nause-
ous steams from the skin, infecting the surrounding
air. The blood is florid, hot, and frothy, and the
urine high coloured. Roof of the mouth ulcerated.
Tumours or biles are felt under the fleshy membrane
of the skin ; eruptions all along the limbs, and about
the bags of the cows. Milk dries up suddenly. The
animals groan much, and are worse towards evening,
mostly lying down. These symptoms continue in-
creasing until the seventh day, in which, generally,
although sometimes protracted to the ninth, the crisis
or turn takes place.

Dr. Darwin proposes, when this distemper makes
its appearance, to slaughter all the cattle within five
miles of the infected place, which appears to be a very
harsh mode of proceeding ; and although " death's a
cure that never fails," such a remedy is commonly
thought to be as bad as the disease. Mr. Lawrence
advises, on the appearance of the distemper, to place
the whole herd under the best shelter that circumstan-
ces will allow ; to separate those which are in the
most advanced stage of the disease, and slaughter such
as good judges shall deem to be in a state too danger-
ous for any attempt to cure, and bury them pretty
deep in the ground. In a disease so highly putrid,
bleeding should be moderate, yet in the beginning, he
thinks it will be necessary, as also setons and rowels.
" If costiveness prevail, the body must be kept opea

AND CATTLE DOCTOK. }$3

by clysters, or the most moderate purges, but a scower-
ing is the most usual symptom. The sick-house must
be sufficiently airy, yet well defended from wet and
cold. Acid fumigations will purify the atmosphere of
the house, and probably the fumes • being inhaled by
the beasts will have a favorable effect."

The emphysema^ windy abscess, or puffing up of
the hide, filled with a thin putrid matter, and foul air,
which nature furnishes in the last sta|||, as a means
of throwing off the disease, must be opened at full
length, wherever situated, and the matter discharged.
The cavity to be filled with pledgets of tow, dipped in
tincture of myrrh, or of an ointment composed of
powdered turpentine and yolk of eggs. Poultices of
oatmeal, stale beer, &c., may be necessary to bring
the ulcers to a proper digestion. Nitre has, of late,
been successfully used in gangrenous ulcers, the cavi-
ties being filled with it. The approach of mortifica-
tion is indicated by the dark and flabby appearance of
the inside of the mouth, coldness, insensibility, black-
ness and an ill scent of the dung, sanious and foul
discharge from the mouth and nose, and dullness of
the eyes. On the return of health, mild, cleansing
purges will be necessary, but the danger of mortification
must be fairly passed. The recovered beast must not
be suddenly exposed to the air, but only turned out a
few hours in the middle of the day, particularly
throughout winter. Sudden exposure has subjected
many convalescents to a vertigo of giddiness, and con-
sumption.

M. Sauvages, the celebrated professor of medicine
at Montpelier, was an accurate observer of this disor-
der, when it raged with great violence in many parts
of Europe. He calculated that of twenty who were
attacked by it nineteen died ; that no certain remedy

154 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

had been discovered, or any effectual mode of pre-
ventive, except separating the healthy from the sick ;
he recommends, however, bleeding and purging at the
commencement of the disorder, with setons in tne
dewlap. After the operation of the purgative, he con-
siders opiates, aromatics, &c., such as caraway seeds,
ginger, cascarilla, &c., as the most proper medicine.

A writer in the Gentleman's Magazine, quoted with
approbation, ^ Dr. W. Peck, a late learned and judi-
cious writer on veterinary medicine gives the following
directions to prevent and cure the disease.

First. Avoid infection with the utmost diligence.
Secondly, Trust to none of the celebrated remedies
that may be propos'ed to you, unless founded on expe-
rience; most that have been offered by farriers are
known to be ineffectual, and many of them extremely
injurious. Thirdly. If your cattle are attacked, bleed
plentifully, repeatedly, and keep their bodies open.
Fourthly. Give them no dry food from the commence-
ment of the attack till the fever abates ; let their
mashes be thin, given warm, and very often, a little
at once ; keep them dry and warm. Fifthly. Give
no warm spicy drenches, at the commencement of the
disease.

CATARRH, OR COLD; EPIDEMICAL COLD;
DISTEMPER.

Colds are very common, particularly in wet or cold
weather ; and though they are often thought of too
little importance to require particular attention, yet, by
neglecting them, and suffering the animal to continue
exposed to the weather, the most serious consequences
may ensue. From such neglect we often find that the

AND CATTLE DOCTOK. ~ 155

animal decays in flesh and strength, becomes hide
bound, and has a rough staring coat ; at length tuber-
cles form in the lungs, the mesenteric glands become
enlarged, obstructing the passage by which nutriment
is conveyed to the blood : this is succeeded by atrophy,
consumption and death. It is highly important, there-
fore, to attend to this disorder as soon as it is dis-
covered ; and it is asserted that more good may be
done by nursing, placing the animal in% warm situ-
ation, giving him warm nourishing fluids, such as
gruel, infusion of malt, &c., than from any medical
prescriptions.

Colds are, at some seasons, so prevalent, as to be
considered epidemic and infectious. On such occa-
sions they generally occur with great violence, and are
accompanied by fever, and soon after the attack, by
considerable debility.

On the first attack, the animal appears dull and lan-
guid ; the eyes are watery, and sometimes partially
closed ; the appetite is diminished ; and most com-
monly, it is attended with cough. Swellings under or
below the ears, difficulty in swallowing, and a dis-
charge from the nostrils are not unusual symptoms of
the complaint. When catarrh prevails to this degree,
it is generally named influenza or distemper, and has
been thought contagious, but this opinion has not been
proved to be true.

With respect to the treatment of this disease Dr.
White observes that the hot stimulating drenches
commonly recommended, are decidedly improper.
Bleeding at the commencement of colds is generally
proper ; the only circumstance which indicates its im-
propriety, is considerable weakness and low condition.
The quantity of blood taken should seldom exceed two
quarts. If the animal is costive, give a laxative drink ;

156 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

but if he purges or scours, give the following powder
in gruel :

Powdered ginger.

3 drams ;

Antimonial powder,

2 drams ;

Camphor,

1 J dram ;

Tincture of opium,

J ounce.

To be repeated after eight or ten hours, should it be
necessary. If there is any difficulty in swallowing,
and particularly if it be considerable, the following
linament should be rubbed about the throat :

Take of oil of turpentine and any common oil,

of each, 1 ounce;

Liquid ammonia, commonly called spirits of sal
ammoniac, ^ ounce ;

Mix.

In common colds, however, says Dr. White, " I am
inclined to believe that if the animal were placed in a
comfortable situation, and well attended to, medicine
would be unnecessary. Even bleeding, in common
slight colds, is seldom required ; but should the ani-
mal, by a change of situation, become hot and feverish,
should the eyes look red and the flanks move quickly,
he should be bled freely; and if in any degree costive,
the laxative (hereafter mentioned) should be given.
When there are no feverish symptoms present the
laxative should be mixed with some cordial medicine,
such as an ounce of caraway seeds, and three or four
drachms of ginger.

When the influenza, or distemper, has not been
attended to, or has been improperly treated, at an early
period, the animal becomes extremely weak, and every
means must he employed to recruit his strength. On

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 157

such occasions a tonic, such as the first mentioned
prescription, may be given twice or three times a day,
which in conjunction with a warm nourishing diet, and
careful attendance, may ultimately effect a recovery.

If the animal should become costive, a mild laxative
will be proper ; about half a dose will be sufficient.
If grass can be conveniently procured, when the ani-
mal is kept under cover a moderate quantity will be
useful. In favorable weather, the field is the best
place ; but a shelter and warm situation should be
chosen.

LAXATIVE.

Sulphate of soda (glauber's salts) 1 pound ,

■ Gruel, 1 quart;

Powdered caraway seeds, 1 ounce.

Mix for one dose.

Whenever the disease appears to be epidemic, pre-
ventive means. should be adopted, which is more par-
ticularly necessary when rain and cold winds prevail.
Catarrh or cold is often an insidious complaint, and,
if neglected, may produce very serious consequences.

Whenever caraway or any of the aromatic seeds
are employed, they should not be purchased in powder,
as they do not keep well in this form.

Mr. Lawrence observes that " the influenza or epi-
demic cold arises from frequent changes of the air,
and the prevalence of north-east and easterly winds.
As a great number, whether of men or animals, may
be seized with this species of catarrh, at the same time
and for the same cause, it has been supposed conta-
gious, which indeed, may probably be the case in its
inveterate and putrid state. This disorder is most
prevalent in the spring, which succeeds a mild winter,
14

158 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARBIEB

when particular care should be taken that cattle are
not exposed to currents of air from the north-east. I
have known a whole fold-yard of oxen, horses and
cows, dangerously affected in one night."

Mr. Lawrence advises "if the animal shivers with
cold, and has cold breath, give a quart of warm ale,
(beer or warm water would answer probably as well,)
in which is infused a table-spoonful of grated ginger,
two of spirits of hartshorn, and one of laudanum, re-
peating It in six hours, if the chilly symptoms con-
tinue, allowing warm water and a deep bed of straw.
If feverish heat comes on, give nitre in warm water :
when fever becomes predominant, bleed two quarts,
unless the animal be a milch cow, which never ought
to be bled but in extreme necessity, and one ounce -of
cream of tartar, in three pints of warm gruel, sweet-
ened with honey or treacle, (molasses.) On recovery
of the beast, accustom it to the air by degrees, and
notwithstanding having been nursed in the house, it
will again become equally hardy as before."

PERIPNEUMONY, PLEURISY, OR INFLAM-
MATION OF THE LUNGS.

This disease most commonly occurs to working
cattle from over exertion, or from being suffered to
drink largely of cold water, immediately after work-
ing hard, and when in a state of perspiration. P
symptoms are shivering, loss of appetite, an appeal
ance of anxiety or depression, an increased motion of
the flanks, or quickness of breathing, cough, opening
the mouth, a discharge from the mouth and nose of
a glutinous nature, the inside of the nose red, eyes
dull, pulse hard, mouth harsh and dry, skin stiff,
cold extremities, body full as if swelled with herbage,

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 159

holds its head low and moves with difficulty, costive,
on lifting the upper eyelid its under surface will be
found unusually red, sometimes approaching to orange.
If the disease happens to a milch cow, she soon looses
her milk, and the ears, legs, and horns are generally
cold.

Dr. White says, " early bleeding is the grand spe-
cific in this complaint ; but it must not be done sparingly.
A cow or ox in tolerable condition, may lose from four
to six quarts with advantage; and, if the symptoms
do not abate in four or six hours, the operation should
be repeated, to the extent of three or four quarts, un-
less the animal faint ; whenever this occurs, on any
occasion, the bleeding of course must be stopped.
Faintness, however, when the disease is really inflam-
mation of the lungs, is by no means an unfavorable
effect of bleeding ; it is proof that the operation has
been carried to its full extent, and a recovery is most
likely to happen. A large seton should be put in the
dewlap, and moistened with oil of turpentine ; and the
sides should be well rubbed with the following embro-
cation :

Take of flower of mustard, 4 ounces ;

Oil of turpentine, 2 ounces ;

Water of ammonia, 2 ounces.

The whole to be mixed with as much water as will bring it to

the consistence of cream.

Immediately after bleeding, give the following drink :

Take of camphor, 2 drams ;

Nitre, 1^ ounces;

Powdered caraway seeds, 1 ounce.

To be given in a pint of gruel.

«* Should the animal be costive, a clyster should be

160 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

administered, consisting of about three or four quarts
of warm water, and half a pound of common salt.
A pint of castor oil, also, may be added to the above
drink ; if this cannot be procured, sweet oil, linseed
oil or even melted lard may be substituted.

" It is a bad plan to take only a small quantity of
blood daily, or every other day as has been advised ;
for though it may sometimes retard the progress of
inflammation, yet the animal will eventually be des-
troyed by it. Stimulating or heating medicines are'
highly pernicious.

" Inflammation of the lungs is a term, that has un-
fortunately been too often applied to diseases of a
different kind ; and it is from this error perhaps, that
strong stimulating medicines have been recommended
on such occasions. There is an affection of the lungs
and parts connected with them, which will not admit
of the copious bleeding I have recommended ; but the
symptoms are widely different. There is not that
difficulty and quickness in breathing ; the pulse is
weak but not much quicker than usual ; the kerneUi
or glands about the throat are often swollen ; some-
times there is considerable difficulty of swallowing,
which is particularly seen when the animal attempts
to drink ; in short this is nothing more than a severe
degree of catarrh or cold ; but, even in this complaint,
moderate bleeding is necessary, and powerful stimu-
lants are exceedingly pernicious. When the disease,
however, has not been discovered for some days, and
the animal appears much weakened by it, bleeding is
of course improper."

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH.
" The complicated structure of this organ, in ru-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 161

minating animals, renders it peculiarly liable to dis-
ease ; inflammation, however, does not appear to occur
frequently as a primary disorder, but is more com-
monly a consequence of some offensive matter lodged
in one of the four stomachs, or from the animal's feed-
ing so greedily, as to weaken the organ, and prevent
its performing its functions. In either of these cases,
the principal object is to get rid of the offensive matter,
by invigorating the weakened stomach, and enabling
it to expel the matter by which it is oppressed. Should
inflammation attack the stomach, independently of this
cause, that is, without any hurtful matter having been
swallowed, or any improper accumulation of food, the
principal remedies would be plentiful bleeding and
abstinence from food. — Whitens treatise on veterinary
medicine.

Dr. Peck says that the symptoms of this disorder are
violent pain in the stomach ; large blisters rise some-
times on the inside of the mouth ; the animal is very
restless, and appears to have the pain increased by
every thing that is swallowed, which frequently brings
a cough ; the body feels clammy with sweat ; diffi-
culty of breathing. He attributes the cause to over-
loading the stomach ; cold water ; acid matter, or
poisonous substances ; not sufficient water in dry sum-
mers. The treatment recommended by this author is
to bleed freely every day, if necessary; keep the body
open with castor oil, &c., afterwards give febrifuges
(such as glauber's salt, nitre, salt of* tartar, spirits of
nitrous ether) as in other cases of inflammation.
When the animal is recovering, give it food sparingly,
a little warm, such as scalding malt with warm
water, &c.

14*

162 EVERY HAN HIS OWN FARRIER

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

The principal symptom of this disease is a griping
pain, which causes the animal to lie down frequently,
and rise with difficulty. He frequently turns his head
towards his belly, and endeavours to strike it with his
hind foot ; the body is full ; the eyes dull ; the pulse
strong and quick. The quickness of the pulse forms
a distinction between this complaint and the gripes, in
which latter disorder, the pulse is sometimes hard, but
seldom quickened. When the pain is violent, a copi-
ous perspiration takes place. When proper remedies
are not employed, the disease terminates in mortifica-
tion and death. In the treatment of this complaint,
the circumstances of the case must be carefully at-
tended to. If the pulse is much quicker than natural,
the under surface of the eyelid unusually red, and the
breathing disturbed, let a large quantity of blood im-
mediately be taken away, even five or six quarts ; and
then, unless the bowels are unusually open, give the
following drink :

Sulphate of magnesia (epsom salts,) 8 ounces ;
Castor oil, 1 pint ;

Gruel, 1 pint.

Dissolve the salts in the gruel, and add to them the oil, for one
dose.

The operation of this drink should be assisted by
clysters. When all the above symptoms, however,
are not observable ; if the under surface of the eyelid
is not redder than usual, or if it is rather pale ; if the
pulse is nearly in its natural state ; and particularly if
the animal is rather loose, or scours, the bleeding should
be moderate ; and if the animal be rather weak and in

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 163

low condition, it had better be omitted. The following
anodyne drink is to be given :

Tincture of opium, i ounce ;

Spirit of nitrous ether, 2 ounces;

Water, 1 pint.

Mix for one dose.

When the animal has been kept sometime on dry-
food, and is apparently costive, relief can only be ob-
tained by some laxative drink, like that first above
mentioned, and clysters. Bleeding, however, must not
be omitted, particularly if the pulse is quickened, the
under surface of the eyelid redder than natural, and
the breathing disturbed. If the laxative prove in-
effectual in removing costiveness, it should be re-
peated.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.

" The structure of this organ in horned cattle and
sheep, is different from that of the horse; the latter
has no gall bladder, but in the former there is one of
considerable size. It is on this account, perhaps, that
cattle are more subject to diseases of the liver than
the horse. I do not believe that inflammation of the
liver often occurs in so acute a form as to require
bleeding largely ; it is more commonly of a cronic or
slow kind, causing a defective action in the organ, in
consequence of which an unhealthy kind of bile is
formed, which* plugs up the ducts of the liver, and
causes a derangement in the organs connected with
it." — White's Treatise.

The symptoms of this disorder, according to Dr.
Peck, are difficult breathing ; swelling about the short

164 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIEI^

ribs ; pulse harcl, full and frequent, thirst ; yellowness
of the eyes ; costiveness, &c. Fat beasts are most
subject to this complaint in hot weather, by being over
heated in driving, or running about* the pasture ; by
being exposed to severe cold, when hot. The treat-
ment recommended by Dr. Peck, is to bleed according
to the symptoms ; give cathartics, (purges) clysters,
febrifuges, &c.; Diet, mashes made of scalded bran
and malt; blister the sides of the belly, and rowe'
underneath.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.

The following are the symptoms of this disorder :
quick pulse, loss of appetite, the animal is frequently
endeavoring to stale, and voids only a small quantity
with much difficulty and pain ; pressure on the loins
gives pain, and causes the animal to shrink or give
way to it ; there is generally, considerable stiffness in
the hind parts, observable when the animal attempts
to walk : the urine is commonly of a dark red color.
This disease is, however, very different, from that
named red water, (to be treated of hereafter,) and
unless properly treated at its commencement, often
terminates fatally. Dr. Peck says, the symptoms that
are of a favorable nature, are, urine high, or a coffee
color, discharged in large quantities ; afterwards copi-
ous, thick, and mixed with mucus. The unfavorable
are, sudden cessation of pain ; urine dribbling away
in small quantities, of a black and foetid colour and
smell. The disorder is caused by violent blows across
the loins, small stones or gravel being lodged within
the kidneys ; violent motion or hard driving in hot and
sultry weather.

Let the animal be bled freely and take a pint of

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 165

castor oil. If the dung is at all hard, or deficient in
quantity, let clysters or warm water, with a little
sweet oil, be employed. The liniment or embrocation,
directed for inflammation of the lungs, (see page 159,)
should be rubbed on the loins ; after which, let them
be well clothed, or covered with a fresh sheep or lamb's
skin.

When the pain and difficulty, or rather the almost
constant straining to stale continues, afler the castor
oil has operated, and the bowels have been sufficiently
opened, an anodyne clyster may be administered, con-
sisting of about one ounce and an half of tincture of
opium, in one quart of gruel ; or, from one drachm to
two of crude opium, dissolved in warm water, and
mixed with gruel.

If the animal is very thirsty, he should be restrained
from drinking ; and what he takes should be impreg-
nated with some mucilaginous substance ; an infusion
of linseed, or decoction of marsh mallows is very
proper.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.

This disease is a kind of madness, attended with
ravings and constant watchings ; slow respiration : a
strong pulsation in the temporal arteries, and some-
times irregular ; running at the nose ; the animal ap-
pears in a very fierce state, as if seized with a turbu-
lent kind of madness ; the eyes appear much inflamed
and ready to start from the orbits; the beast falls
down of a sudden, and rises again with the same
volatility, until nature is quite exhausted ; a constant
trembling and starting of the tendons ; a dry and harsh
skin ; a suppression of the urine ; grinding of the

166 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

teeth and a total want of rest ; these last are unfavor-
able symptoms.

The cause of this disorder is found in too great an
efflux of blood pressing on the temporal arteries ; from
which an increased action takes place ; wounds or
contusions on the head ; suppressions of the natural
evacuations.

The cure should be sought by bleeding freely, ac-
cording to the violence of the symptoms and the
strength of the animal, in the jugular vein; keep the
bowels open with castor oil, and other purging medi-
cines. Blister the side of the neck with flies and
spirits of turpentine.

From what has been said of the treatment of dis-
eases, caused by inflammation of the internal organs
of the body, it will be seen that they are all of a dan-
gerous nature, and require the earliest attention ; that
they are generally the consequence of improper man-
agement or neglect, and may therefore, most commonly
be prevented ; and that the most essential remedy is
early and copious bleeding, with laxative medicine.

FOG SICKNESS, HOVEN OR BLOWN.

" We come now to treat of a class of diseases still
more important, with respect to horned cattle, than the
foregoing ; that is, obstruction, or imperfect action, in
the organs subservient to digestion. Under this head
will be brought Fog Sickness, Hoven, or Blown;
Ctripes, or Flatulent Colic ; Indigestion, loss of the
Cud; and Jaundice, or Yellows, These diseases,
however, will be belter understood, if we give in the
first place, a short description of the cow's stomach.
All animals, which ruminate, have more than one sto-
mach ; in the cow there are four ; the first is consider-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 167

ably larger than the rest, lies on the left side, and is
commonly called the paunch. The food, having been
sufficiently macerated in this stomach, is forced up
gradually into the mouth, where it undergoes a com-
plete mastication, which is termed chewing the cud.
The food is then again swallowed, and conveyed to
the second stomach, for the gullet opens indifferently
into both. It ends exactly where the two stomachs
meet ; and thefe is a smooth gutter, with rising edges,
which leads into the second stomach, and thence to
the third and fourth : the animal however, has power
to direct it into which it will. The second stomach is
named bonnet, or king's hood. Its internal surface
consists of cells, resembling a honey-comb ; where the
food undergoes a farther maceration, and is then con-
veyed to the third stomach, called manyplies ; because
its internal surface rises up into many folds. Some
of those folds are longer than others, and on their sur-
face small glands may be seen, something like millet
seed. From this it passes into the fourth or red sto-
mach, commonly called the caul. This much resem-
bles the human stomach, or that of the dog ; only the
inner folds are longer and looser.

Here the food is perfectly digested, and prepared for
the nourishment of the animal. When cows or sheep
are turned into a fresh pasture, of a different kind from
that they have been accustomed to, they sometimes eat
so greedily, that the stomach is incapable of contract-
ing, or forcing back its contents into the mouth. When
this happens, the food undergoes a kind of fermenta-
tion, in consequence of which a great deal of air is
generated, and the paunch so excessively extended,
that, if the animal is not relieved, it will either burst
or destroy him by suffocation. An instrument has
been invented by Mr. Eager, for giving vent to the

168 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

confined air, which is very simple and appears to have
answered the purpose completely. It consists of a
cane six feet in length, with a round knob of wood,
perfectly secured at one end. An assistant is to lay
hold of the cow's horn with one hand, and the part
which divides the nostrils with the other. The opera-
tor is to take the tongue in his left hand, and with his
right he is to force the instrument down the gullet.
As soon as it enters the paunch a great deal of air will
rush out. The instrument may remain in the stomach,
without injuring the animal, until the air is perfectly
evacuated.

" It sometimes happens that the distention of the
paunch takes place so suddenly, and in so dangerous
a degree, that no tim6 is allowed for using the instru*
ment ; in this case a sharp pointed pen-knife may be
plunged mto the paunch through the skin, by which
the confined air will immediately escape.

There is no difficulty or danger in the operation ;
nor is any other instrument required than a sharp
pointed pen-knife. Should the opening be plugged up
with the contents of the paunch, they may be removed,
or the orifice kept open with a probe or feather. When
all the air has escaped, let the wound be closed with
any kind of sticking plaister, or pitch. This opening
is to be made on the left side, between the haunch bone
and the last rib." — Whitens Treatise.

Clayter, an English writer on Farriery, directs this
last mentioned operation to be performed in the follow-
ing manner.

"Take a sharp pen-knife and gently introduce it
into the paunch between the haunch bone and the last
rib on the left side. This will instantly give vent to a
large quantity of foetid air ; a small tube of a suffi-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 169

cient length may then be introduced into the wound,*
and remain there until the air is sufficiently evacuated ;
afterwards take out the tube, and lay a pitch plaister
over the orifice. Wounds of this kind are seldom at^
tended with danger ; when it has arisen, it has been
occasioned by the injudicious operator introducing hia
knife into the wrong part. After the wind is expelled,
and the body has been reduced to its natural state, let
a cordial drench be given.

Dr. Monro, Professor of anatomy at Edinburgh, in-
vented an instrument, which was intended to answer
the same purpose with the invention of Mr. Eager,
above mentioned. It consists of an iron wire about
one sixteenth of an inch in diameter, twisted round a
rod three eights of an inch in diameter, and made of
polished iron, in order to give it a cylindrical form;
the wire, after being taken off* the rod, should be cov-
ered with smooth leather.

To the end of the tube, which is intended to be
passed into the stomach, a brass pipe two inches lon^,
of the same size, or rather bigger than the tube, is to
be firmly connected ; and to prevent the tube from
bending too much within the mouth or gullet, an iron
wire, one eighth of an inch in diameter, and of the
same length as the tube, is put within, but afterwards
withdrawn, when the tube has entered the stomach, as
Dr. Monro has ascertained that the distance from the
fore teeth to the bottom of the first stomach of a large
ox, is about six feet, the tube ought to be at least two
yards long, that it may operate efliectually in the lar-
gest oxen. When the instrument has been introduced
into the stomach, it may remain there for any length
of time, as it does not obstruct the respiration of the

* This may be of elder, sumach, or a turkey, or goose quill.
15

170 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

animal : the greater part of the condensed air will be
speedily discharged through the tube : and should any-
ardent spirits, or other liquor calculated to check the
fermentation, be deemed necessary, it may be safely
injected through this pipe. In short the flexible tube
here described, has been found of infinite service in
saving the lives of cattle and especially of sheep, when
subject to similar disorders, or any other swelling pe-
culiar to those creatures. (See Domestic Encyclope-
dia, Art. Cattle.)

The 33d vol. of Mr. Young's Annals of AgricuU
ture, announces the following recipes as a specific for
this disease, even in the most desperate cases ; effect-
ing a cure within the short space of half an hour.
Take three quarters of a pint of olive oil, and one
pint of melted butter or hog's lard ; give this mixture
by means of a horn or bottle ; and if it does not pro-
duce a favorable change in a quarter of an hour, re-
peat the same quantity and walk the animal gently
about. For sheep attacked with this malady, the dose
is from a wine glass and a half, to two glasses.

The following simple remedy we have been told is
effectual, but cannot say to what extent it may be re-
hed on. Make about a pint of lie, either with hot
embers thrown into a sufficient quantity of water, or
by dissolving therein about an ounce of pot or pearl
ash, and turn it down the throat of the ox or cow af-
fected. A proportionably less quantity is said to an-
swer for a sheep. This medicine, we are informed,
operates by neutralizing and absorbing the carbonic
acid gas in the stomach of the creature, which causes
the swelling and other symptoms to subside. We
wish this remedy might be tried, and its results made
public. We suspect, however, that in extreme cases,
it will be necessary either to make an incision, or

AND CATTLE DOCTOR.

171

make use of Dr. Munro's flexible tube, or Mr. Eager*s
cane with a knob of wood at its end. Where tl^e
danger, however, does not appear to be imminent,
there is Httle doubt but that either the oil and lard,
or the lie, as mentioned above, would prove effectual.
When the animal has obtained relief by the means
mentioned above, one of the following drinks, is by
Dr. White recommended to be given.

No. 1.

Powdered ginger,
Spirit of nitrous ether,
Oil of peppermint.
Warm water,

^ ounce;
2 ounces ;
30 drops;
1 pint.

Mix for one dose.

No. 2.

Powdered caraway,

Ginger,

Warm ale, or warm water,

1 ounce ;
1 dram;
1 pint.

Mix.

No. 3.

Powdered gentian,
Oascarilla bark.
Warm ale, or water,

1 ounce ;

2 drams ;
1 pint.

Mix.

An infusion of camomile flowers and ginger is also
a good stomachic in such cases.

When cattle have suffered a severe attack of this
disease, the stomach is generally weakened by it ;
great care therefore, is necessary, in order to prevent
a return. For several days after, they should be fed
rather sparingly, or not be allowed to eat much at one

172 EVERY MAN 5IS OWN FARRIER

time; and every morning and evening for three or
four days, may take one of the above drenches.

Sheep are liable to a similar disease, and may be
relieved by the same remedies. The instrument, how-
ever, employed for sheep, need not be more than three
feet in length : it should also be smaller and more
flexible. It has been said that a common cart whip,
may on emergencies, be made to answer the purpose,
if used with dexterity.

Any one, unaccustomed to handle cattle, would find
some difficulty in using Mr. Eager's instrument ; but
if the horn be held firmly with the left hand, and the
part which divides the nostrils be grasped firmly with
the right hand, the animal will generally submit quietly
to the operator.

GRIPES, OR FLATULENT COLIC.

Tntfe disease, in horned cattle, is generally the eflfect
of costiveness, or a retention of food in the third sto.
mach-

Sometimes, however, it happens, when the bowels
are in a lax, or natural state. Cows that are fed upon
grains are very liable to this complaint ; such, also, as
are kept upon dry food are often attacked by it. When
colic takes place, independent of costiveness, it is
generally occasioned by feeding greedily upon fresh
succulent grass, or by drinking cold water when heated
by exercise, and comes on rather suddenly ; but when
it is caused by costiveness, the attack is generally more
gradual.

The symptoms are at first, an appearance of rest-
lessness in the animal, often lying down, groaning, or
striking against the belly with the hind feet or horns.
The body is often swollen, which is most observable

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 173

on the left side. The pulse is generally in its natural
state. If proper remedies are not administered, the
pain becomes more violent, and at length inflammation
takes place, which is indicated by the pulse becoming
very quick, and the ears, horns and feet cold ; when
this happens the disorder most commonly terminates
in death. When the colic appears to arise from cos-
tiveness, purging medicines are of course the essential
remedy ; but they should be combined with aromatics,
or stimulants, as in the following prescription ; and if
the animal is in good condition, or the inner surface
of the eyelid is unusually red, it should be bled freely ;
but if the complaint is attended with looseness, or the
bowels are in their natural lax state, particularly if the
animal appears rather weak, and the inner surface of
the eyelid pale, the following carminative drink should
be given, and no blood taken away. When the purg-
ing drink is found necessary its operation may be pro-
moted by clysters. It may not be unnecessary to
observe that when the colic is caused by feeding greedily
on grains, or any other kind of food, the cow must be
fed cautiously for several days after, and take the sto-
machic drink, hereafter mentioned, once or twice a
day, in order to restore the tone or energy of the sto-
mach. On the other hand, should the disease have
been occasioned by costiveness, or feeding upon dry
food, the state of the bowels must be attended to after
the animal has been relieved by the operation of the
purgative drink : as the tendency to costiveness will
probably continue, unless it be removed by a change
of food. When this cannot be done, some salt should
be mixed with the food if the animal will eat it ; if not
he should be drenched with three or four ounces of
salt dissolved in water daily; this will serve to open
his bowels in a slight degree, and increase his ap-

174

EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

petite for water, with which he should be freely sup-
plied.

PURGING DRINK.

Barbadoes aloes, - ^ ounce ;

Carbonate of potash, or common potash, 3 drams;

Powdered ginger, J ounce ;

Water, 1 pint;

Oil of turpentine, 1 ounce;

Linseed oil, 8 ounces.
Mix for one dose.

When the above medicine cannot be procured in
time, the following may be substituted for it.

Common salt, J pound ;

Sweet oil, linseed oil, or any kind of oil
which is not very rancid, or even

melted hog's lard, J pound ;

Flower of mustard, ] ounce ;

Water, 1 quart.
To this a glass of spirit may be added.

STOMACHIC DRINK.

Powdered ginger, i ounce;

Powdered gentian, 1 ounce ;

Carbonate of ammonia, (volatile salts,) 2 drams;

Infusion of camomile flowers, 1 pint.
Mix for one dose.

CARMINATIVE DRINK.

Oil of turpentine.
Tincture of opium.
Spirit of nitrous ether.
Water,

Mix for one dose.

1 ounce ;
6 drams ,

2 ouuces;
1 pint.

White's Treatise,

(

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 175

INDIGESTION OR LOSS OF THE CUD.

Mr. Lawrence says that in this disease, " the beast
mourns, and has no appetite, or drops its food without
attennpting to swallow it. Probably from defective
irritability in the fibres, or contracting muscles of the
rumen or cud-bag, the animal is unable to throw up
or ruminate, of course the bag remains loaded and
obstructed. The intention is to remove the obstruc-
tion and re-invigorate the animal fibres, Let the ani-
mal fast some time, then give a warm bran, or pollard
marsh, with good hay and warm water with salt. This
treatment alone may succeed with patience, even
should the maw be obstructed by acorns or crab-
apples. An aloes tincture made with brandy and
ginger or capsicum (red pepper) might be of use in
this case. After conquering the obstruction, bitter in-
fusions made of camomile, hardbound, oak bark, &c.,
in beer, may be required, as restoratives, although
perhaps good dry nourishing feed will have an equally
good effect.

It is remarked by Mr. White that " the earlier stages
of this complaint are not marked by very striking
symptoms. The animal has a dull, or languid appear-
ance ; and generally, a rough unhealthy coat and tight
skin. The appetite is diminished, and at length he
ceases to chew the cud. The eyes and mouth have
generally a yellow appearance.

" To cure this disease, it should be attacked at an
early period ; for when the liver has become affected
in a considerable degree, it terminates fatally. Should
there be any appearance of costiveness, the following
warm laxative is first to be given ; more commonly,
however, the bowels are in a loose state, and the dung

176 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FAHRIER

has an unhealthy appearance ; in this case, let the
tonic drench be given morning and evening, and let
the animal be kept in a warm sheltered situation. It
may be necessary to repeat, that this, like most other
internal diseases of cattle, may generally be removed
by timely attention ; but in attempting a cure after
they have existed some time, a great deal of unneces-
sary expense is often incurred.

WAUM LAXATIVE.

Barbadoes aloes, ^ ounce ;

Castile soap, 6 drams ;

Ginger, 3 drams ;

Cascarilla bark, 2 drams ;

Warm water, 1 pint.
MLr.

After the operation of the laxative, the tonic drench
may be given, should it be found necessary.

TONIC DRENCH.

Cascarilla bark and ginger of each, 2 drams;
Soda, 2 drams;

To be given in a pint of ale, beer, or warm water.

JAUNDICE OR YELLOWS.

This disease may be known, principally, by yel-
lowness of the eyes and mouth ; a dull or languid ap-
pearance ; and debility ; a loss of appetite too is a
common symptom. Jt may be distinguished from the
former disease by the costiveness, which uniformly
attends it, and by the animal appearing to be in more
pain. At the commencement of the disorder a cure

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 177

may generally be accomplished, by giving the warm
laxative, directed for the foregoing complaint, and re-
peating it after an interval of five or six days, giving,
in the intermediate time, the following drink, every
morning and evening.

Castile soap, J ounce ;

Venice turpentine, J ounce;

Ginger, 3 drams;

Powdered gentian root, 1 ounce.

Rub the soap and turpentine together, in a mortar, until they
are incorporated ; then add, gradually, a pint of water, and
afterward the ginger and gentian.

Jn the more advanced stage of this disorder, the liver
is generally so injured as to render a cure impossible.
— Whitens Treatise.

Mr. Lawrence observes that " this disease in cattle
originates in hepatic, or liver obstruction from cold ;
however, always from obstruction, which is most ef-
fectually opened by mild mercurial purges, notwith-
standing the beast may appear weak and hide bound.
The yellow tinge in the eyes and mouth, and upon the
urine, sufficiently indicate the disease. Take the pa-
tient to the house, the earlier the better, and if he re-
main weak after two or three days, give steel beer,
milk warm, a pint twice a day for a week, and good
keep. One gallon good beer, three or four ounces iron
filings, infuse in a stone bottle corked up three or four
days ; shake daily. Hard labour during great heats
was said by the old writers to produce the Gall or
Overflow of the Gall, which often terminates in the
yellows,"

178 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

DIARRHCEA, LOOSENESS, SLIMY FLUX, OR
SCOURING ROT.

This disorder consists in a frequent discharge of
dung, of an unusual colour, thin and slimy. The ani-
mal gradually looses flesh, but continues for some time
to feed well and ruminate. At length the excrements
become of a darker color, and frothy, and in the latter
stages have the appearance of half-chewed food, the
digestive power being entirely lost. It is said that
when animals have been long affected with this dis-
ease, they feel a great degree of pain and distress when
grasped on each side of the backbone, just below the
shoulders ; and this is sometimes considered, by deal-
ers in cattle, as a mark of a beast's being tainted with
the scouring rot.

The fatal symptoms are the dew-lap hanging down
and having a flabby appearance ; the dung running
off*, with a putrid and offensive smell, and as it falls
to the ground, rising up in bubbles ; the hair all over
the body appearing pin-feathered, or ereot, as if the
animal was enduring a severe cold.

The causes of this complaint are exposure to cold
and rain, particularly when the animal has been over
driven or heated by working immediately before such
exposure. Drinking plentifully of water, under simi-
lar circumstances, will also produce this disease.
Want of nourishment, particularly in cows that are
constantly milked, often causes this disease. Perspi-
ration suppressed by any cause ; putrescency of the
aliments may also bring on this complaint. It often
attacks cattle which have been kept short during the
winter, and when they are out to grass in the spring,

AND catAe doctor. 179

they are seized with a diarrhoea, particularly if the
weather is wet or cold, and grass plentiful.

Mr. Lawrence says, " if, on the first appearance of
the scouring, cattle are taken in, and kept on dry food,
it will generally supersede the use of medicine."
" This," says Mr. White, is certainly necessary ; but
is not, I believe, sufficient to eradicate the disease ; and
though it may suppress it for a time, yet the scouring
generally returns, when the animal is again sent into
the pasture. The immediate cause of the disorder
appears most frequently to be an unhealthy action of
the liver, which seems to form bile of an acrid or
hurtful quality, by which the bowels are constantly
irritated. I would advise, therefore, in the early sta-
ges of the complaint, to give the following drink for
three successive mornings, which will rather increase
the scouring at first ; and, when the effect of the medi-
cine has ceased, let the astringent drink be given every
morning and evening."

FIRST DRINK FOR SCOURING.

Epsom salts,

Nitre,
Camphor,
Coriander seed,

1 pound;

2 ounces ;
J ounce ;
2 ounces'.

Mix for one dose.

This dose should be repeated for three mornings fol-
lowing, unless it cause sickness or griping, or increase
the scouring in a considerable degree. On the fourth
morning, begin with the astringent drink, or earlier,
should the above medicine produce its effect before the
three doses have been taken. During the time the
cow is taking the former medicine, she should be sup-

180

EVERY MAN HIS. OWN FAERIER

plied with warm fluids, of which thin gruel is the best,
and must not be exposed to a cold air.

ASTRINGENT DRINK.

Take of starch,

Mix in the usual way, that is, as it is em-
ployed for stiffening clothes, with three
pints or two quarts of water, so as to
make a thick mucilaginous fluid ; to
this add.

Tincture of opium.

Ginger,

Catechu, or terra topponica.
Mix.

2 drams ;

3 drams ;
J ounce.

Or the first drink for scouring may be

Common salt,

Flour of mustard,

Water,

Oil, or melted lard,

8 ounces ;

2 ounces ;

1^ ounces;

i pound.

Mix.

This will increase the discharge for a short time ;
afterwards, the dung will gradually become of a more
natural consistence. But should the scouring con-
tinue, give the astringent drink already prescribed, or
the followinsf :

Powdered catechu.
Tincture of opium.
Powdered ginger.
Warm ale, beer or water.

6 drams ;
§ ounce ;
2 or 3 drams ;
l^ pint.

Mix.

The powder or tincture of galls, would also be found
a powerful astringent.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 181

With respect to the scouring, or diarrhoea in calves,
which is not an unfrequent complaint, a different treat-
ment is to be pursued. They may generally be cured
by the following drink, given morning and evening :

Take of the above starch mixture, 1 pint ;
Powdered chalk, or what is called prepared

chalk, 3 drams ;

Powdered ginger, 1 dram ;

Tincture of opium, 1 dram.
Mix.

Lambs are subject to a similar disease, and may be
cured by the same means, only lessening the dose.

In the diarrhoea, which arises from exhausting s^
cow by constant milking, when she is not sufficiently
fed, or is supplied with food of a bad quality, the
remedy is sufficiently obvious. But, in this case, it
too often happens, that the constitution is worn out,
before it is thought necessary to alter the poor ani-
mal's condition. Whenever this change is made it
must not be done too hastily, as other diseases might
thereby be produced.

When the scouring has ceased, the cow should be
brought back to her usual state gradually. At first
she should be turned out for a few hours in some dry
pasture, when the weather is favourable ; and her drink
should be given less warm. This precaution is highly
necessary, as the affected parts do not immediately re-
cover their strength after the scouring has ceased.

The Complete Grazier directs that the beast taken
with this disease should be immediately housed and put
to dry food, which treatment, in the earlier stages of
the disorder, will, generally, effect a cure. Should
this, however, fail, it is advised, in that work, to boil
a pound of mutton suet in three quarts of milk, till the
16

182 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

former is dissolved, and give it to the beast in a luke-
warm state ; or, in obstinate cases, to boil half a pound
of powdered chalk in two quarts of water, till it is re-
duced to three pints ; add four ounces of hartshorn
shavings and of cassia, and stir the whole together.
When cold add a pint of hme water and two drachms
of the tincture of opium ; keep the whole in a corked
bottle, and, after shaking it before using, give one or
two hornsful, two or three times a day, as the nature
of the case may require.

RED WATER OR BLOODY URINE.

In this disorder the urine appears as if it were
mixed with blood. As the disease advances, the urine
becomes of a darker color, and at length resembles
foul coffee ; the animal loses strength rapidly, and
sinks under the disorder. Cattle attacked by this dis-
ease seldom live beyond the tenth or twelfth day, un-
less it is put a stop to by proper remedies. It is gen-
erally attended with costiveness ; and if this is not the
case at first, it almost always happens in the course
of the disorder, unless prevented by laxative medicine.
It is caused by weak relaxed vessels ; thin blood ;
cold ; change from a poor to a rich pasture ; scarcity
of water in a long and dry summer ; blows across the
loins ; some animals appear to have the disease heredi-
tary.

Dr. White recommends, in the first place the follow-
ing mild laxative :

Epsom salts (sulphate of magnesia) or

common salt, 4 to 6 ounces ;

Nitre, 1 ounce;

Whey or thin gruel, 1 pint ;

Oil, or melted lard (but castor oil is
preferable) 6 to 8 ounces ;

Mix.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 183

After the laxative, should the disease continue, the
following drink may be given :

Alum, 1 ounce;

Dissolve it in a pint of hot water, and add —

Oil of turpentine, bounces;

Powdered catechu, or terra japonica, 1* ounce;

Mix.

When red or bloody water is caused by strains or a
bruise in the loins, it is distinguishable by the tender-
ness of the part, the animal giving way when it is
pressed upon, and by stiffness in the motion of the
hind parts. In this case, also, a laxative may be
given ; and, if the injury is considerable, the loins
should be fomented with hot vinegar, and afterwards
covered with a fresh sheep's skin.

Whenever the animal is observed to be frequently
endeavoring to stale, voiding only a small quantity
with much pain and difficulty, turpentine and all other
diuretics, are improper ; and decoction of marsh mal-
lows are most likely to afford relief.

The Farmer's Assistant asserts that this disorder has
been very rarely known in this country.

FOUL IN THE FOOT, OR HOOF AIL.

Dr. Peck, an English writer, has given the follow-
mg account of this disorder and its treatment.

" Symptoms. — A hard crack first appears between
the claws, or hoofs, attended with considerable inflam-
mation ; afterwards a foetid and offensive matter ia
discharged, similar to that of the grease in a horse's
heels ; sometimes it appears in the form of a large

184 EVERY MAN HIS OWPf FARRIER

tumor upon the cornet, between the hair and the hoof^
attended with violent pain and inflammation.

" Treatment. — Wash the part from all dirt, and if
between the claws take a rope of a proper thickness,
and chafe the part afflicted,* and afterwards dress the
parts with the muriate of antimony (butter of anti-
mony) or sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol.) Let the ani-
mal stand in a dry place for an hour, repeat the
application every day. If the part be much affected,
rub it with some stimulating ointment, and if the tu-
mour be likely to suppurate, linseed poultices as oft as
is necessary should be applied, and repeated till the
inflammation has subsided ; then dress the wound with
lint and mild astringent ointment. Due regard must
be paid to existing symptoms. A few doses of sodse
sulphas (glauber's salt) will cool the body and accele-
rate the cure.

Edward Skellett, Professor of the Veterinary art,
an English writer of reputation, says that this disorder
" proceeds from two causes ; the one from accident,
and the other from a morbid state of the system. Its
situation is betwixt the claws of the cow, either in the
fore or hind feet, but more frequently in the former.
It is always attended with a swelling, the discharge
from which, when it breaks or cracks, has a very of-
fensive smell.

The accidental foul proceeds from gravel, flints,
bones, or any other hard substances getting between
the claws, produces great pain and inflammation. The
first step to be taken for its cure is to remove the hard
substance, and clean the wound out ; then the follow-

* This practice is condemned by other writers as cruel and
unnecessary .|

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 185

ing ointment is to be applied to the part, spread on tow,
and bound on with cloth and string.

Soft soap, 1 pound ;

Common turpentine, 1 pound.

♦*MeIt over a slow fire till the two articles are completely uni-
ted. The dressings may be repeated two or three times, which
never fails to complete a cure.

*' The joint foul begins with great pain, attended
with inflammation and swelling betwixt the claws, and
even up to the fetlock joint. The claws are extended
outwards from the swelling betwixt them, and the ani-
mal is very feverish. The attack of the disease is
very sudden.

" In this case bleeding will be proper ; after which
give a dose of epsom salts ; then apply a plaister of
soap betwixt the claws. It must be repeated every
two or three day^ till a large core comes out, which
is always the case in this disease before a cure can
be completed. The wound may then be dressed with
the following digestive ointment, in order to heal it.

Take of tar, 1 pound ;

Common turpentine, 1 pound.

** To be put into a pipkin over a slow fire till it is completely
dissolved, then take it firom the fire and add to it four ounces
of turpentine which should be stirred well together till it is
incorporated."

This disorder, or something very similar, has been
prevalent in the United States, and particularly in the
State of Maine. A communication on the subject is
published in the Massachusetts Agricultural Reposi-
tory, Vol. 4, No. 4, page 348. In this it is said that
the immediate occasion of the Hoof Ail, "is a stoppage
16*

4
186 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

of the issue between the claws or hoofs, which exist
in all ruminating animals, and which are very much
like the issues so generally known in the back part
of the fore legs of pigs ; the stoppage of which pro-
duces disease, and eventually death, unless remedied.

The hoof ail indiscriminately attacks thin and fat
cattle, and very considerable impressions are enter-
tained that it is contagious ; therefore till the contrary
is proved, it is safer so to consider it.

From a very careful comparison of eases (from
memory only) it appears to affect cattle who are in a
feverish state, from various exciting causes ; as over
work ; sudden changes from hard work to rest, and
higher feeding, (a practice very common with farmers
after working their cattle hard all winter, as a prepa-
ration for their spring's work ;) being out in a storm ;
or being driven much, and kept long in the mud. In
cows and young cattle, it seems to take either those
that are brought from worse keeping to better ; or the
finest and best cattle in the yard. But all these obser-
vations may be erroneous ; for the disease often ap-
pears suddenly, without any apparent cause ; affecting
individuals of the same stock tied in different parts of
the barn, and in entirely different cases as to condi-
tion, exposure, &c. &c. It however, very frequently
goes through a whole stock, though it does not appear
to follow in regular succession, according to proximity
in the stable or in the yoke. This may arise, either
from contagion or the same exciting causes, operating
on the whole. In short, it is a disease very terrible
in its effects at times, and which does not appear to be
understood. As very few cases of perfect recovery
take place in a violent attack, and, as in all cases
the recovery is very tedious, we should rather pre-
vent than cure; for which end we must carefully

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 187

watch for the symptoms, and without delay apply the
remedy.

Symptoms. — When an animal is at all lame, its
foot should be carefully felt. The first indication is
usually an uncommon degree of warmth, and soft and
puffed feel of the parts immediately connected with
the slit between the hoof, either before or behind the
foot, and generally above it. If in the hind foot, and
not easily handled, a fulness may generally be per-
ceived, by standing behind the animal and carefully
comparing the appearance of the two feet, between the
dew claws and the hoofs, (for it very rarely com-
mences its attack on more than one foot.) In the fore
foot it generally swells forward ; and on taking up the
foot, the slit between the hoofs will have the appear-
ance of dryness, easily distinguishable to a person
used to cattle ; and the animal frequently licks the
front part of the foot. Instances frequently occur of
sudden and extreme lameness, without any appear-
ance of heat or swelling in the foot ; but these are
often the worst cases ; but one symptom rarely fails
to accompany the disease, which is, extreme restless-
ness, and appearance of anguish, attended with loss
of appetite and flesh ; but without, in the least, affect-
ing the brightness of the eye, and, perhaps sometimes
unnaturally increasing it ; but the eye has a peculiar
cast. As a general rule, it is safest to attribute all
lameness of the foot, which cannot be traced to a suffi-
cient cause, to the hoof ail. Lameness of the foot can
generally be distinguished from that of the leg., hip, or
shoulder, by making the animal step over a stick or
rail, and carefully watching its motions.

Remedies. — The foot should be carefully washed

188 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

and cleansed, and thoroughly examined, to be sure
that the lameness does not arise from a nail casually
run through the foot, or a pinch in shoeing, or from a
wound from a stump or other substance between the
hoofs, (a case frequently occurring.) If no appear-
ance occurs of any break in the skin, while the foot is
still wet, apply, as nearly as may be, to the centre of
the slit, between the hoofs, from one to three grains of
corrosive sublimate (reduced to a fine powder) the
dose to be proportioned to the size of the animal, and
the violence of the attack. Care must be used that
the powder is put completely into this slit, for it is a
very strong poison, and the animal as soon as at
liberty, will begin to lick the foot, if a sore one.*
The moisture left by the washing, makes the powder
adhere ; and the effect is produced in a very short
time. Some prefer mixing the powder with hog's lard,
which answers ; but is thought less powerful : it has
one advantage, however, as being less dangerous to
keep in a house (for no one takes salve inwardly.)
Where corrosive sublimate cannot be obtained, any
other violent stimulant may be applied. Common
salt is often effectual in very slight attacks, but it is
of the greatest importance to lose no time. The appli-
cation is to be repeated once every twenty-four hours,
till a cure is effected, or till the foot shows unequivocal
signs of a gathering which will break. It is supposed
that the corrosive sublimate, by stimulating the parts,
removes the obstruction, and enables nature to resume
the natural discharge from the issue, of a matter, which
(as soon as pent up in the foot) causes inflammation
and suppuration, and at last, forms an abscess, at all

* Might not a rag or bit ofleather be so fiistened with a string
as to prevent any danger of this sort ?

AWD CATTLE DOCTOR. 189

times very difficult to heal, and which, when large,
takes off one or both hoofs^ which are never properly
replaced. It must, therefore, be considered as an ob-
ject of the first importance to restore the secretion and
discharge, without allowing a suppuration. This done,
the cure is effected ; and, since the course has been
followed, no bad case has occurred in a very consider-
able stock of cattle, and the men attending them are
quite familiar with the cure. If, from want of atten-
tion, or the violence of the attack, the gathering is
formed, and breaks, it must be treated like any other
tedious ulcer, and without any violent or harsh mea-
sures.

The animal should be kept quiet, fed well, and occa-
sionally purged. As soon as the discharge has ceased,
a salve of the flower of zinc, and hog's lard appears
to be the best dressing.

It cannot be too strongly impressed on the minds of
those who have the care of cattle that not a moment
is to be lost; and that the corrosive sublimate pro-
duces no other inconvenience than pain for a ^ew mi-
nutes, even if it should be applied in a case of lame-
ness, which afterwards proves to have arisen from
other causes.

An account appeared last season, of the cure being
effected by cutting off the point of the hoof with a
chisel, till it bled considerably. Of the efficacy of
this remedy, no opinion is given, as it has never been
tried here ; but the impression is not favourable, as it
must occasion temporary lameness, and, in unskilful
hands, proves something more than temporary.

All such barbarous modes of treatment as hair ropes
drawn backwards and forwards between the hoofs ;
hot irons ; cutting out the part affected, and pouring
into the wound, so made, hot pitch and other ingredi-

190 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

ents ,* scraping out the wound, and applying spirits of
turpentine; in short all remedies of torture, should
be at once discarded, and a sinrjple mode of ascertain-
ing the cause, and then removing the evil in the most
expeditious and humane manner be substituted. ,

No inconvenience is known to occur from keeping
an ox at work, if the lameness is not so great as to
impair his condition ; and it generally yields to three
or four applications in the foot where it began ; but
frequently it must be followed round all the feet in
succession.

We have been the more particular in our description
of this disorder, and the remedies recommended on
account of its alleged frequency in the United States.
If the simple and cheap remedies recommended by
Dr. Skellett, viz., soft soap, common turpentine, tar,
and spirits of turpentine will answer the purpose,
attributed to them by that writer, the discovery will be
highly valuable.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COWS, WHEN
THEY ARE NEAR THE TIME OF CALV-
ING.

The diseases, which most commonly occur at this
time, are strangury, or difficulty in voiding urine, and
costiveness ; and these it may be highly necessary to
attend to, as they may, if neglected, be the cause of
the cow slipping her calf. When strangury is accom-
panied with costiveness, which is generally the ^2ase,
and is often the cause of the complaints, the bowels
must be opened by a laxative composed of a pound
of epsom salts dissolved in a quart of gruel, a clyster
should also be given, consisting of two quarts of warm
water, and four ounces of linseed oil. This may be

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 191

repeated two or three times in the course of two hours,
if found necessary. Should the strangury continue
after the bowels are emptied, give the following drink.

Take of camphor, 2 drams ;

to be powdered and mixed with spirits of

nitrous ether.
Tincture of opium, J ounce ;

Gruel in which one ounce of nitre has been

dissolved, • 1 pint.

Mix.

Many cows have been lost by allowing them to be
too fat at the time of calving; they are then said to
die of the milk fever. It is advisable, therefore, when
a cow, far gone with calf, is in too good condition, to
reduce her by changing the pasture, which is prefer-
able to bleeding or physic ; but if she has approached
too near her time to admit of this change having any
effect, then bleeding will be proper. When a cow, in
high condition, appears to be ill and feverish soon after
calving, let her be bled to the extent of three quarts,
and take a pint of castor oil. Should the fever con-
tinue, and particularly if it appears to increase, the
animal expressing great uneasiness, with a wildness in
her appearance, great redness of the upper eyelid, and
quick motion of the flanks, the bleeding must be re-
peated. Many cows have been destroyed by the stimu-
lating medicines that are commonly recommended and
given. — Whitens Treatise.

Dr. Skellett recommends a similar treatment of the
strangury in cows, and adds " The cow should have
plenty of diluting liquors, such as warm water, gruel,
&c., and mashes made of bran, or pollard, with a little
malt. In two or three hours after she has had the
drink and clyster, it will be necessary to drive her

192 EVERT MAN HIS OWN FARRIEB

gently about for a quarter of an hour, as it greatly
assists the operation of the medicines.

To prevent this disease, the animal ought to have
air and exercise daily, and such food given her as is
of a laxative nature, which will be of the greatest
utility in her latter months of gestation."

INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING OF
THE) UDDER.

This disease attacks cows about the time of calving,
and is sometimes so considerable as to cause an ab-
scess to form. As soon as it is observed, let the ani-
mal be bled freely, and take a pound of epsom salts
dissolved in a quart of gruel, to which a little castor
or linseed oil may be added. The swollen udder
should frequently be fomented with a decoction of
mallows or elder. The best method of doing this, is
to dip large woollen cloths in the hot decoction, and,
after wringing them, let them be applied so as to cover
the whole udder : this process should be continued for
some time, and repeated several times a day. When,
by these means, the inflammation has been removed,
Bome degree of hard, but not painful swelling may re-
main ; to disperse this, the following Hniment may be
rubbed on the part once or twice a day ;

LINIMENT.

Take of linseed oil, 4J ounces ;

Spirits of turpentine, 1 ounce;

Liquor of ammonia, i ounce.
Mix.

Inflammation of the udder sometimes occurs in con-
sequence of catching cold, or a chiU, as it is more

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 193

commonly termed ; in this case, the appetite is dimin-
ished, the cow stares, the breathing is quickened, and
there is some degree of fever. Here bleeding is
generally necessary at first, and the following warm
laxative :

Common salt, 6 to 8 ounces ;
Oil of lard, Bounces;

Flour of mustard, 1 ounce ;

Whey or water, 1 pint

Mix.

The animal should be taken under cover, and fed
with warm mashes of bran or malt. One ounce of
nitre may be put into her water, morning and evening.

This inflammation is generally confined to one or
two quarters of the udder, but sometimes spreads over
the whole. The milk drawn from the infected quarter
is of a yellowish or whey colour, and contains small
flakes or curds. When the inflammation is not sea-
sonably checked, it often proceeds to suppuration. If
the matter be suflered to accumulate, a large abscess
will form, and the gland, or quarter will be so disor-
ganized as to be incapable ever after of forming milk.
It is 'probable, however, that, when this happens, the
other three quarters will have their capacity for form-
ing milk gradually increased. Whenever matter has
been formed in the udder, and can be distinctly felt, it
is proper to open it in the lowest part, that the matter
may flow ofl" freely. When this has been done, the
part should be kept clean, and no matter allowed to
lodge in the cavity, which should be syringed with
warm water. To get rid of the matter, it sometimes
becomes necessary to make an opening in the teat, a
little above its extremity, or the orifice. There is no
occasion for cramming tents into the cavity, or daub-
17

194 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

mg the udder with filthy ointments ; it is quite sufficient
to bathe and syringe with warm water two or three
times a day, which will prevent the accumulation of
matter ; and if the healing process goes on languidly,
a mixture of spirit and water, or a solution of white
vitriol may be injected.

Cows that are near calving should be attended to
with reference to their complaint ; and if it is observed
to be coming on, they should be bled, and milked.
They should be kept in a bare pasture, or put into a
cow house and be allowed but little hay, and a little
of the liniment above mentioned, or some other emol-
lient ointment made use of to soften the udder.

What by some is called the Snarled Bag, or Swelled
Udder, requires no other treatment than rubbing the
part with elder ointment, and as the complaint is merely
temporary, from the extension of the milk vessels, and
is, in fact, a proof of a good milker, it will soon yield
to this application.

WOUNDS OF CATTLE.

The wounds of cattle are most commonly caused
by goring each other with their horns, or by breaking
over fences ; and, when deep or extensive, are gener-
ally followed with considerable inflammation. The
treatment of these wounds, though represented by far-
riers as an intricate and mysterious branch of the art,
is, in fact, extremely simple. When the wound is
considerable, and some important parts have been in-
jured, the irritating treatment commonly adopted by
farriers, often destroys the animal ; and in slighter
wounds, their stimulating applications rather tend to
retard, than promote recovery. In deep and extensive
wounds, atfecting important parts, every method must

ATCD CATTLE DOCTOR. 195

be employed, as early as possible, to prevent a fatal
inflammation from taking place. Bleeding is the first
remedy ; and immediately after, let a purgative or
laxative drink be given, receipts for which may be
found under the head, Gripes, and other diseases.
On no account should the wound be probed, or have
any tents crammed into it ; nor should any stimula-
ting mixture be applied. The emollient fomentation
(a decoction of mallows and elder) directed for swollen
udder, is the only application that can be used with
advantage, until the inflammation has subsided ; the
fomentation should be continued for a considerable
term, and repeated frequently.

When the inflammation occasioned by the wound,
has been removed it will be proper to examine it with
a probe, to ascertain whether any matter be confined
or not ; as in that case, it may be necessary to enlarge
the original wound, to give it vent, or make an open-
ing in another more depending situation, that it may
run ofl* freely. Some stimulating application may also
be proper at this period, such as a solution of blue
vitriol, or

Tincture of myrrh, 2 ounces ;

Corrosive sublimate, 12 grains.

One part of oil of turpentine to two parts of sweet oil form a
good digestive, as it is termed. And, if an ointment is pre.
ferred —

Take of hog's lard, 8 ounces ;

Bees' wax, 1 ounce ;

Common turpentine, 6 ounces.

Melt them together ; and, when taken from the fire, add one
ounce of powdered verdigris ; continue stirring the mixture
until it is cold.

196 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

With respect to sewing up a wound, as it is called,
there are circumstances which sometimes render it
highly improper ; in deep wounds, for example, where
the external opening is not very large, or in wounds,
where the divided parts have receded from each other,
and there is difficulty in bringing them together ; in
the former case, the matter would be confined ; in the
latter, much irritation would be caused by the stitches.
In both cases, the inflammation would be considerably
increased ; but in superficial wounds, and where a flap
of skin is separated, it will be proper to stich it up ; but
on no account, should there be any stimulating fluid
introduced, such as tincture of benzoin (frier's balsam)
as Dr. Clater advises. It would be sufficient, should
there be any dirt, or other matter, about the wound,
to wash it ofl* with warm water. Wounds of the belly,
through which the bowels press out, are highly dan-*
gerous, and require the most delicate management.
The first thing to be done, when this accident happens,
is to put back the bowel into the belly as tenderly as
possible ; but if any dirt, hair, or other matter be ob-
served on the intestine, it must be carefully washed
off* with warm water. When the bowel has been re-
placed, the wound must be stitched up, by means of a
crooked needle and threads doubled, or small twine,
well waxed (with bees wax ;) a bandage is then to be
applied. The animal is to be kept at rest, on a spare,
open diet, of grass, or bran ; and, if in any degree
costive, a dose of castor oil may be given. The treat-
ment of the wound is of little importance : the great
object is to keep the bowel in its situation. It some-
times happens, that a great deal of air gets into the
intestine, after it has escaped from the belly, and sO
distends it as to render it difficult if not impracticable,

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 197

to replace it through the original wound. When, after
a careful, and patient trial, this is found to be the case,
the wound is to be enlarged, so as to allow the bowel
to be replaced. This must be done cautiously, the
knife being guarded by the forefinger.

Bleeding from wounds seldom proves dangjerous in
cattle, and, if left to nature, generally stops in a
short time ; indeed it is the best plan not to meddle on
these occasions : for, though the bleeding may appear
formidable to persons not accustomed to such sights,
it is really not dangerous ; and unless some large ves-
sel has been wounded, which bid defiance both to
styptics and to pressure, it may safely be left to nature.
Should it be thought necessary, however, to stop the
bleeding, the most effectual mode of doing it, next to
that of tying the blood-vessel, is pressure, by putting
bolsters of tow or sponge to the bleeding part, and
supporting it firmly with bandage. During the pro-
gress of the wound towards healing, the new flesh often
rises above the surface, or appears to be produced too
luxuriantly, to check this, a little powdered blue
vitriol, mixed with bole, may be sprinkled on the part."
— Whitens Treatise,

GRAIN SICK.

The first symptoms of this disease are a dull, heavy
appearance of the eyes of the animal ; she frequently
shifts about from one side to the other, and when let
loose, or driven about, complains very much. On
examining her, a fulness may be perceived betwixt the
hip and ribs, on the opposite side to the milking one,
if pressed with the hand ; this fulness will be felt to
consist in the extension of the stomach. As the dis-

198 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

ease advances a loss of milk ensues, and a .total dis-
like to any food.

This disease is caused by a surfeit of grain, and its
remedies are bleeding and purging ; the first to relieve
the urgent symptoms, the second to remove the cause
of the malady. The quantity of blood, according to
Dr. Skellet, should not be less than from two to three
quarts ; but as he prescribes for large cows, in the
vicinity of London, perhaps a smaller quantity would
be preferable for animals of but middling size. The
purging drink recommended by the same author is as
follows.

Sulphur from 8 to 12 or 16 ounces, propor-
tioning it to the strength of the animal.

Nitre,

3 ounces ;

Tumeric or Cummin seeds, of each

1 ounce.

Mix.

When this has operated in unloading the stomach,
the weakness of that organ, the loss of appetite which
ensues, and the deficiency of milk connected with it,
will be repaired by medicines of an aromatic and bra-
cing nature, such as coriander, ginger, aniseed, &c.
Diluent liquors and mashes form the proper food for
some days.

STRAINS AND BRUISES.

When these accidents occur in a considerable de-
gree, or if an important part has been injured, bleed-
ing is highly proper. As inflammation is the common
effect of these injuries, fomentations are at first the
most proper applications ; and, when the inflammation
has subsided, the linament recommended for swollen

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 199

udder* may be rubbed on the part two'or three times a
day. When any part of the limbs has been strained, so
as to occasion lameness, and it continues after this plan
has been tried, it will be advisable to have recourse to
a blister, which will be found more eifectual than the
most celebrated strain oil.

In slight bruises from the pressure of the yoke, or
other causes, the following lotion is useful :

Gourlard's extract, i ounce ;

Vinegar, 4 ounces ;

Water, 1 pint.
Mix.

WARTS, OR HORNY EXCRESENCES.

These are affections of the skin which m cows do
not go deep ; they destroy the roots of the hair, where-
ever they form, and are of a firm and horny texture,
and readily give way when pulled or roughly handled,
which occasions them to bleed, and shows their con-
nection with the vessels of the skin. They readily
yield to emollient ointments, particularly to goose
grease, which should be frequently rubbed on them till
the excrescences fall off.

SWELLINGS ON THE JOINTS AND BONES.

Swellings on the joints and bones are generally very
painful to the touch, attended with inflammation and
fever. If the swelling comes on suddenly, and its in-
crease is rapid, it generally terminates in suppuration.
If situated on the joint, a discharge of the liquor of
the joint, or joint oil, is the consequence, which is

• See N. E. Farmer, No. 30, p. 233.

200 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

dangerous and troublesome to cure. On the contrary
if the swelling comes gradually, with little pain, and a
hard callous substance is felt, and if early attempts are
not made to stop its progress, it will end in a stiff joint,
and all attempts to cure it will be in vain.

This disease generally proceeds from kicks or blows
with stools, &c., or violent strains.

When the swelling comes on rapidly, with much pain
and inflamrftation, bleeding and purging should be im-
mediately recurred to. The purge should be.

Epsom salts, • 1 pound ;

Nitre, 2 ounces ;

Ginger, 2 ounces ;

Fomentations should be applied twice or three times
a day. The following is recommended by Dr. Skellet :

Take of wormwood and southernwood, of each,

two handfuls,
Poppy heads, four or five handfuls,
Elder flowers, a handful,

Cammomile flowers, 4 ounces ;

Bay and juniper berries, of each, 1 ounce ;

Crude sal ammoniac, and potash, each 2 ounces.

Boil these materials in four quarts of spring water
till reduced to three. Then foment the swelling with
flannels, as hot as possible, for a quarter of an hour
or more ; after which, the flannels are to be bound
over the part till the time of fomenting again. Thig»
operation may be repeated for two or three days, at
which period the inflammation will probably be on the
decline, when the following method must be adopted.

Take of Spanish flies in fine powder, 2 drams ;

Spirits of ammonia, 4 ounces.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 201

Mix together, and rub a little of the mixture into
the part affected ; after which a flannel roller is to be
slightly put on, and kept on till a profuse discharge or
blistering takes place, which will form into a crust,
which should not be rubbed off.

If suppuration has already began, or the disease so
far advanced that it cannot be avoided, it should be
brought to a head as soon as possible ; after which the
following balsam may be applied once or twice a day.

Take of compound tincture of myrrh, 2 ounces ;

Blue vitriol water, ^ ounce.

The vitriol water may be made by dissolving ten
drachms of blue vitriol in powder, in a pint of hot
water ; the balsam to be well skaken together previous
to using it. Should there be any discharge of the joint
oil it may be necessary to proceed as hereafter will be
directed, under the head. Loss of joint oil. When the
scurf falls off, which the blistering has produced, and
there remains any lameness, the following plaster
should be applied.

Take of black and burgundy pitch, 1 pound ;

Oxycroceum and Paracelsus, 4 ounces ;

Bole armenian and dargon's blood, 4 ounces ;

Mix.

When this swelling comes on gradually with little
pain, and is of a hard, callous, or bony nature, fomen-
tations will be of no use. But the hair should be
first cut off the part affected, and some of the under
mentioned blister rubbed well into the swelling with a
knife or spatula ; and it may be repeated for two or
three successive mornings, or till a plentiful discharge
is produced.

202 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

Take of quicksilver, 1 ounce ;

Goose grease, 2 or 3 drams.

To be rubbed together in a mortar till the quick-
silver is completely killed; then add the following in
fine powder.

Take of Cantharides,

2 drams ;

Sublimate,

1 dram ;

Oil of Origanum,

2 drams ;

Marsh mallow ointment.

2 ounces ;

Goose grease,

1 1 ounces ;

Tar,

2 ounces ;

Oil of vitriol.

1 dram ;

Spirits of ammonia.

1 ounce.

Mix all well

together.

After this operation, and the scurf has fallen off, if
there should remain any hardness, and the animal is
still lame, the blister may be repeated, which seldom
fails to produce a perfect cure. If the animal seems
weak in that part, after the above process, which is
sometimes the case, the plaister of burgundy pitch,
&c., before recommended, will be proper, in order to
strengthen it.

SOFT SWELLINGS.

Frosi bruises and other accidental injuries in getting
up and lying down, cows are subject to soft or oede-
matous swellings of the joints, which are without any
pain, heat or inflammation. They enlarge often to a
considerable size, and yield readily to the pressure of
the finger. Though this complaint is never attended
with danger, it is troublesome to the animal from its
size, and even difficult to remove, if it has been of long
continuance. Its management depends on making an

AND CATTLB DOCTOR. 20S

opening into the swelling in the first instance, which
may be done by running a hot iron into the lowest or
most depending part of it, making two or three open-
ings in this way where the fewest blood vessels are
situated ; and this operation requires particular cau-
tion, that the discharge may gradually come away,
and that no vessels may be injured, from the danger
of producing an internal hemorrhage, which would
occasion a new increase of swelling and inflammation,
instead of lessening the disease. When the openings
into the swelling are properly made, and a gradual
evacuation takes place, then the orifices are to be
plugged up, within twenty-four hours, with a caustic
composed of a small quantity of corrosive sublimate,
in powder, placed on tow, which is to be first wetted,
that the powder may adhere to it. The effect of this
will be to cause a sloughing of the coats of the swell-
ing, when a core to a certain extent will be brought
out, by which means a suppuration will ensue, and the
swelling be gradually reduced during its progress.
The swelling is to be rubbed at the same time with the
following mixture :

Linseed oil, 8 ounces ;

Oil of turpentine, 2 ounces ;

Oil of vitriol, 1 ounce.

Though the parts never regain entirely their natural
size, yet by these operations, the animal will be ena-
bled to move the joint without any inconvenience.
After the wounds are healed, the remaining callous or
swelling should be blistered two or three times, in order
to make the joint more pliable. The blister most proper
for the purpose is composed of Spanish flies and spirits

204 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

of ammonia, as directed under the head " Swellings on
the joints and bones."

LOSS OF JOINT OIL, OR SYNOVIA.

Wounds, or punctures of the joints, often penetrate
so deep as to pierce through the tendons and ligaments,
occasioning a loss or discharge of the natural secre-
tion of joint, viz. : Its oil, or synovia ; the same acci-
dent may happen from any injury exciting inflamma-
tion, and that inflammation passing on till it produces
an opening into the joint. This disease is always an
alarming one, and the principle of cure is to produce
the process of healing as quickly as possible, by exci-
ting active inflammation ; this may be done after the
first effects of the injury have subsided, in consequence
of bleeding, purging and fomenting, in the usual man-
ner, and then applying the volatile blister to the joint,
composed of Spanish flies, in powder, two drams, and
spirits of ammonia, four ounces ; at the same time the
orifice is to be plugged with a tent, dipped in the fol-
lowing composition :

Sweet spirits of nitre, 3 drams ;

Butter of antimony, and extract of lead, each 3 drams.

The blister and caustic may be occasionally re-
peated ; the mixture every twenty-four hours, till the
effusion of joint oil is completely stopped; then the fol-
lowing balsam may be applied once or twice a day, in
order to heal up the wound :

Tincture of myrrh, 2 ounces;

Blue vitriol water, J ounce.

" The vitriol water may be made by dissolving ten

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 205

drachms of blue vitriol, in powder, in a pint of hot
water ; the balsam to be well shaken together previous
to using it. The blister is to be well rubbed on the
joint, till a plentiful discharge takes place from the
surface, when it becomes no longer requisite. By this
treatment a cure is generally effected, unless when the
bones are materially injured along with the soil parts,
and then any plan of cure will prove ineffectual.
When weakness of the joint prevails, afler the run-
ning of the joint-oil is stopped, which is generally the
case, a plaster of pitch, &c., as recommended above,
should be applied." — SkelleCs Treatise,

MANGE.

This is a cutaneous disease, which is very conta-
gious, for so many cows as come in contact with one
labouring under the disorder, will be sure to catch it.
Its symptoms are, a scarf on the external part of the
body, which is always attended with an itching. This
the animal shows, by having a continual inclination to
rub the affected part or parts against any thing she can
get at. Some say that it is caused by a kind of ani-
malculse, which burrows in the skin. It generally at-
tacks those animals which are low in flesh, and have
been fed on poor forage.

The first step in order to cure this disease, is to take
a currycomb and gently curry off the scurf, in order
that the medicine may have the better effect. Afler
this the following application is to be rubbed on the
parts affected, which may be repeated every three or
four days till a cure is effected ; and it seldom requires
more than two or three applications :

206 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

Flowers of sulphur. 1 pound;

Spirits of turpentine, J pint

Train oil, enough to make it into a thin
liquid.

HORN DISTEMPER.

This is a disease which has its seat in the horns.
Cows are more subject to it than oxen, and it does not
attack bulls ; and steers and heifers, under three years
old, it is said, are not subject to it. The distemper
causes the pith of the horn to be gradually consumed.
It is most commonly confined to one horn only, but
sometimes appears in both. It is occasioned by poor
keeping, by which the blood becomes thin and reduced,
and does not circulate properly in the extremities. It
is discovered by the sluggishness of the animal, loss
of appetite, a coldness of the horn, and a disposition
to lie down.

To cure this disease, the horn should be bored with
a nail gimblet in such a manner as to effect the dis-
charge of the matter which has become purulent. The
hollow part should be well cleansed by vinegar in which
a portion of salt has been dissolved, to be injected by a
syringe. Dr. Deane recommended the injection of a
mixture of rum and honey, with myrrh and aloes.
Stimulating medicine, such as ginger, spices, &c.,
have been given, but these are injurious until tho
bowels have been evacuated. Laxatives, however,
such as sulphur, glauber's salts, &c., prove servicea
ble ; and after the bowels are evacuated, and the horn
well cleansed, good keeping will be necessary to efCes^i
the cure.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 207

TAIL SICKNESS.

This is a distemper attended with weakness and
sluggishness to which horned cattle are liable in the
spring. The end of the tail becomes hollow, and re-
laxed, but not, as some have asserted, destitute of
feeling. A cure is easily effected by the amputation
of a small piece of the tail, which will be attended
with a discharge of some blood. But when the tail is
but little affected, and near to the end, a slit of an inch
or an inch and a half, in the end of the tail, is prefer-
able to amputation.

ULCERS.

An ulcer is " a solution of the soft part of an ani-
mal body, together with the skin." The symptoms of
an ulcer, which is in a way to be healed, are granula-
tions, or little eminences, arising from the surface, of
a florid or reddish colour, small in size, and pointed
at the top ; the discharge, white and thick. This will
generally be effected by giving the animal perfect rest,
using mild and simple ointments, such as are composed
of oil and bees' wax, or hog's lard, which is not rancid.
Turpentine and lard melted together make a good
ointment. The following has likewise been recom-
mended :

Goose gfrease, ] pound ;

Hog's lard, 2 pounds ;

Red lead, 3 ounces ;

Pulverised alum, 1 pound.

The goose grease and lard are to be melted over a
slow fire ; the lead is then to be added in fine powder,
which is to be constantly stirred till it becomes cold, in

208 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

order that it may be well incorporated. A little sul-
phur and nitre may be given by way of alternative.

If the ulcer assumes an inflamed state, and the sur-
face is covered with a brown transparent matter, the
bllowing fomentation will prove useful.

Cammomile flowers, J pound ;

Wormwood a large handful,

Bay and Juniper berries, each 4 ounces ;

Beer or ale grounds, emptins or yeast, 6 quarts ;

Vinegar, . 1 quart.

The whole to be boiled for a quarter of an hour.

Leeches applied to the edges of the ulcer will be ser-
viceable, and purges of glauber salts or epsom salts.

If the ulcer becomes black and foetid, with a cessa-
tion of every inflammatory symptom, and there ap-
pears to be danger of mortification, give an ounce of
Peruvian bark every four hours j a little opium may
be joined with it. Fomentation with hot vinegar will
be found useful, When the parts suppurate, cut off
the dead matter with a knife, and afterwards dress
with some simple ointment.

If there is too rapid a growth of fungous matter, or
what is called proud flesh, it may be well to rub in a
small quantity of the following caustic over the whole
surface of the preternatural growth, with a spatula.

Soft soap, 1 ounce ;

Arsenic, i ounce ;

Oil of vitriol, J ounce ;

Spirits of lavender, ^ dram.

The soap and arsenic to be mixed first, and then the
vitriol added by -degrees. The whole may then be
covered with the digestive ointment of tar and turpen-
tine, prepared as mentioned in a former receipt. By

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 209

these means part of the growth will become dead in a
few days, which may be cut or pared off, and the same
caustic application made to the remaining part till the
whole is destroyed.

In ulcers in fleshy parts there is often a preternatu-
ral callous, or hardened growth. This must be de-
stroyed before a cure can be completed. In this case,
the before mentioned caustic must be applied, but used
with caution. The hard part is to be rubbed with it
for half the extent of the swelling, beginning at the
orifice. The dead parts are then to be cut away every
two or three days, and the application is to be repeated
till the cure is complete.

ON SHEEP.

For the foot-rot in sheep. — Take a piece of alum, a
piece of green vitriol, and some white mercury — the
alum must be in the largest proportion ; dissolve them
in water, and after the hoof is pareti, anoint it with a
feather, and bind on a rag over all the foot.

Another. — Pound some green vitriol fine, and apply
a little of it to the part of the foot affected, binding a
rag over the foot a? above. Let the sheep be kept in
the house a few hours after this is done, and then turn
them out to a dry pasture. This is the most common
way of curing the foot-rot in Middlesex.

Another. — Others anoint the part with a feather dip-
ped in aqua fortis, or weak nitrous acid, which dries it
at once. Many drovers that take sheep to Smithfield,
19*

210 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

©any a little bottle of this about with them, which, by
applying to the foot with a feather, helps -a lame sheep
by hardening- its hoof, and enabling it to travel better.
Some may think aqua fortis is of too hot a nature, but
such a desperate disorder requires an active cure,
which, no doubt, is ever to be used cautiously.

Another. — Spread some slacked c[uick lime over a
house floor, pretty thick, pare the sheep's feet well,
and turn them into this house, where they may remain
for a few hours, after which turn them into a dry pas-
ture. This treatment may be repeated two or three
times, always observing to keep the house clean, and
adding a little more quick lime before putting them in.

The foot must be often dressed, and the sheep kept
as much as possible upon dry land. Those animals
that are diseased should be kept separate from the
flock, as the disorder is very infectious.

Prevention and cure for the fool-rot in sheep. — On
suspected grounds, constant and careful examination
ought to take place ; and when any fissures or cracks,
attended with heat, make their appearance, apply oil
of turpentine and common brandy. This, in general,
produces a very beneficial effect, but where the disease
has been long seated, and becomes, in a manner, con-
firmed— after cleaning the foot, and paring away the
infected parts, recourse is had to caustics, of which
the best seem to be sulphuric acid, and the nitrate of
mercury. After this, pledgets are applied, the foot
bound up, and the animal kept in a clean, dry situation,
until its recovery is eflfected. But* it often happens,
where the malady is inveterate, that the disease refuses
to yield to any, or all of the above prescriptions. •

The following mode of treatment, however, if care-
fully attended to, may be depended upon as a certain
cure. Whenever the disease makes its appearance, let

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 211

the foot be carefully examined, and the diseased part
well washed, and pared as nigh as possible, not to
make it bleed ; and let the floor of the house, where
the sheep are confined, be strewn three or four inches
thick with quick lime, hot from the kiln ; and the
sheep, after having their feet dressed in the manner
above described, to stand in it during the space of six
or seven hours.

In all cases, it is of great importance, that the
animal be afterwards exposed only to a moderate tem-
perature— be invigorated with proper food — and kept
in a clean, easy, dry pasture ; and the disease will be
effectually remedied in the course of a few days.

To prevent sheep from catching cold after being
shorn. — Sheep are sometimes exposed to cold winds
and rains immediately after shearing, which exposure
frequently hurts them. Those farmers who have
access to the sea, should plunge them into the salt
water, those who have not that opportunity, and whose
flocks are not very large, may mix salt with water and
rub them all over, which will in a great measure pre-
vent any mishap befalling the animal, after having
been stripped of its coat.

It is very common in the months of June and July,
for some kinds of sheep, especially the fine Leicester
breed, which are commonly thin-skinned about the
head, to be struck with a kind of fly, and by scratch-
ing the place with their feet, they make it sore and
raw. To prevent this, take tar, train oil, and salt, boil
them together, and when cold, put a little of it on the
part affected. This application keeps off the flies, and
likewise heals the sore. The salt should be in a very
small quantity, or powdered sulphur may be used in-
stead of it.

To cure the scab in sheep. — Take 1 pound of quick-

212 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

silver, half a pound of Venice turpentine, 2 pounds of
hog's lard, and half a pound of oil, or spirits of tur-
pentine. A greater or less quantity than the above
may be mixed up, in the same proportion, according
to the number of sheep affected. Put the quicksilver
and Venice turpentine into a mortar, or small pan,
which beat together until not a particle of the quick-
silver can be discerned ; put in the oil, or spirits of
turpentine, with the hog's lard, and work them well
together until made into an ointment. The parts of
the sheep affected must be rubbed with a piece of this
salve, about the size of a nut or rather less. When
the whole flock is affected, the shepherd must be care-
ful in noticing those that show any symptoms of the
disorder, by looking back, and offering to bite or
scratch the spot ; and if effected, he must immediately
apply the ointment, as it is only by paying early and
particular attention, that a flock can be cured.

2'o prevent the scab. — Separating the wool, lay the
before-mentioned ointment in a strip, from the neck
down the back to the rump 5 another strip down each
shoulder, and one down each hip ; it may not be un-
necessary to put one along each side. Put very little
of the ointment on, as too much of it may be attended
with danger.

To destroy maggots in sheep. — Mix with one quart
of spring water, a table spoonful of the spirits of tur-
pentine, and as much of the sublimate powder as will
lie upon a shilling.

Shake them well together, and cork it up in a bot-
tle, with a quill through the cork, so that the liquid
may come out of the bottle, in small quantities at
once. The bottle must always be well shaken when it
is to be used. When the spot is observed where the mag-
gots are, do not disturb them, but pour a little of the

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 213

mixture upon the spot, as much as will wet the wool
and the maggots. In a few minutes after the liquor is
applied, the maggots will all creep to the top of the
wool, and in a short time drop off dead. The sheep
must, however, be inspected next day, and if any of
tl^e maggots remain undestroyed, shake them off or
touch them with a little more of the mixture.

A little train oil may be applied after the maggots
are removed, as sometimes the skin will be hard by
applying too much of the liquid. Besides, the fly is
not so apt to strike when it finds the smell of the oil,
which may prevent a second attack.

This method of destroying maggots is superior to
any other, and it prevents the animal from being dis-
figured by clipping off the wool, which is a common
practice in some countries.

Cure for scab in sheep. — The simplest and most ef-
ficacious remedy for this disease was communicated
to the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, kc, by
the late Sir Joseph Banks ; and is as follows :

Take 1 lb. of quicksilver, half a pound of Venice
turpentine, 4 lbs. of hogs' lard.

Let them be rubbed in a mortar till the quicksilver
is thoroughly incorporated with the other ingredients.
For the proper mode of doing which, it may be right
to take the advice or even the assistance of some
apothecary, or other person used to make such mixtures.

The method of using this ointment is this : Begin-
ning at the head of the sheep, and proceeding from be-
tween the ears, along the back, to the end of the tail ;
the wool is to be divided in a furrow, till the skin can
be touched, and as the furrow is made, the finger,
slightly dipped in the ointment, is to be drawn along
the bottom of it, where it will leave a blue stain on the
skin and adjoining wool.

214 EVERY MA^ HIS OWN FARRIER

From this furrow, similar ones must be drawn down
the shoulders and thighs to the legs, -as far as they are
woolly ; and if the animal is much infected, two more
should be drawn along- each side, parallel to that on
the back, and one down each side, betweien the fore
and hind legs. ,

Immediately after being dressed, it is usual to turn
the sheep among other stock, without any fear of the
infection being communicated ; and there is scarcely
an instance of a sheep suffering any injury from the
application. In a few days the blotches dry up, the
itching ceases, and the animal is completely cured.
It is generally, however, thought proper not to delay
the operation beyond Michaelmas.

The hippobosca ovina, called in Lincolnshire, Sheep-
fagg, an animal well known to all shepherds, which
lives among the wool, and is hurtful to the thriving of
sheep, both by the pain its bite occasions, and the
blood it sucks, is destroyed by this application, and the
wool is not at all injured. Our wool-buyers purchase
the fleeces on which the stain of the ointment is visible,
rather in preference to others, from an opinion, that the
use of it havijig preserved the animal from being vexed,
either with the scab or faggs, the wool is liable to the
defects of joints or knots; a fault observed to proceed
from every sudden stop in the thriving of the animal,
either from want of food. Or from disease.

To cure the water in the heads of sheep. — Of all the
various operations by which this distemper may be
eradicated, I must, from experience, give the preference
to one which will, perhaps, astonish such of your
readers as form their opinions more from theory than
practice. A number of medical men have already con-
troverted the fact; and, with the utrnost presumption,
disputed my veracity to my face? after I had witnessed

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 215

•

its efficacy in a thousand instances. It is no other than
that of putting a sharpened wire up the nostril quite
through the middle of the brain, and by that means
perforating the bag which contains the fluid causing
the disease. This is, of all other methods, the most
certain to succeed : but it has this unpleasant append-
age annexed to it, if it do not cure, it is certain to kilL

This method of cure is not only the most expedient,
but it is in every shepherd's power, and one which he
can scarcely perform amiss, if he attend to the follow-
ing plain directions.

The operation must be performed with a stiff steel
wire, such as is used for knitting the coarsest stockings.
It must be kept clean, and free of rust, oiled, and sharp-
ened at the point. Care must be taken, however, that
its point be only one-eighth of an inch in length, for if
it is tapered like a needle, it is apt to take a wrong di-
rection in going up the nostrils, fix in the gristle below
the brain, and torment the animal to no purpose. If
blunt in the point, it often fails to penetrate the bladder,
which is of considerable toughness, shoving it only a
little to one side ; the safest way, of course, is to have
the point of the wire sharp and short.

The shepherd must first feel with his thumbs for the
soft part in the skull, which invariably masks the seat of
his disease. If that is near the middle of the head above,
where in two cases out of three, at least, it is sure to be,
let him then fix the animal betwixt his knees, hold the
head with one hand, laying his thumb on the soft or
diseased part, and with the other hand insert the wire by
the nostril, most on a parallel with the seat of the dis-
temper, aiming directly at the point where his thumb
is placed. The operation is* performed in one second,
for if he feels the point of the wire come in contact
with his thumb, let him instantly set the animal to its

216 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

feet ; and if the weather is at all cold, let it stand in
the house over night.

If the disease is seated exactly in that part where the
divisions of the skull meet, and consequently in a right
line with the top of the nose, he must probe both nos-
trils ; when, should he miss the bulb on one side, he
will be sure to hit it on the other. If the seat of the
disease cannot at all be found, and if the animal have
all the symptoms of the malady, the water is then in-
closed among the ventricles in the middle of the brain,
and must be treated as above. Nothing can be done
in the last case, save with the wire ; but it is hard to
cure them when so affected. I have found, on dissec-
tion, the fluid contained in many little cells in the
centre of the brain ; and though the wire had pene-
trated some of those cells, it had missed others.

By this simple operation alone, I have cured hun-
dreds; and though I never kept an exact register, I
think I have not known it to fail above once in four
times at an average, in all the instances which have
come under my observation; and some of these I knew
to be injudiciously performed, the disease not being
seated in a point which the wire could reach. I have
at times cured a dozen, and ten in regular succession,
without failing once, and I have again, in some cold
seasons of the year, killed three or four successively.

Sir George M'Kenzie has insinuated, in his book on
sheep, that I was the inventor of this mode of cure —
but it is by no means the case.

The practice, I understand, has been in use among
shepherds for ages past; but they were often obliged
to perform it privately ; their masters, like the pro-
fessors about Edinburgh; always arguing, that the
piercing of the brain must necessarily prove fatal.
Sir George has, however, misunderstood my account

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 217

in this matter, in the Highland Society's Transactions ;
I did not mean to insinuate that it was with pleasure I
discovered the art^of curing them in this way, but
only my success in that art. I mentioned in these
Transactions, that when I was a shepherd boy, for a
number of years I probed the skull of every sturdied
sheep I could lay my hands on, without any regard
to whom they belonged, and likewise took every
opportunity of visiting my patients as often as possible ;
and as the country around me swarmed with them
every spring and summer, my practice, of course, was
of prodigious extent. It was several years before I
was sensible of failing in one instance, which, how-
ever, it was often impossible to ascertain, they having
left the spot sometimes, before I could again go that
way : but many a valuable young sheep I cured to dif-
ferent owners, without ever acknowledging it, having
no authority to try such experiments.

The following symptoms, after the operation, may
be depended on. If the animal becomes considerably
sick, it is a good sign that it will recover.

If it continues to grow sicker, and abstains from
feeding for the space of two days, it is likely to die ;
and if in a condition to be fit for family use, ought to
be killed forthwith. The flesh of the animal is none
the worse for this disease ; on the contrary, it is uni-
versally supposed by the country people, that their
flesh is sweeter, more delicate and palatable, than any
other. This, I suppose, must be owing to their tender
age, it being unusual to kill any sheep so young, save
lambs.

The first symptom of recovering is their bleating

If once they begin to bleat occasionally, they are surs

to recover, however stupid they may appear at that

time. It seems that thev are then becoming sensible

19'

218

EVERY 3fAN HIS OWJf FARRIER

of the want of society, the only thing which causes
sheep to bleat, and which for a long time previous to
that, they had totally disregarded. ^

J must mention here, that the most successful curei
of this distemper J ever knew, performed the operation
in a different manner from the one practised by me,
and above recommended, instead of a wire, he car-
ried always a large corking pin in his bonnet, and, like
me, tapped every sturdied sheep he found, but always
above, putting the point of the pin through the skull
at the place where it was most soft, in. the same man-
ner as the trocar is used. As this does not at all en-
danger the sheep's life, I frequently tried this plan pre-
vious to that of probing with the wire; but, as far as I
can recollect, I never cured one by that means.

I remember of once conversing with him on the
subject, when he told me that he seldom or never failed
of curing them upon their own farms; but that, in
sundry neighbouring farms, he rarely cured any. From
this, it would appear that on different soils, the animals
are differently affected. I am now convinced that he
must generally have inserted the pin so far as to pene-
trate the bottom of the sac, which I never had the
sense to try, and which, if we reason from analogy,
must prove as effective and less hazardous than the
other; for it appears to me, that in order to ensure a
recovery, it is necessary that the bottom, or lowest
part of the sac, be penetrated.

Undoubtedly, the best mode of curing this disease
would be, to extract the sac, and all that it contains,
entirely. There is little doubt that, if this were per-
formed by gentle and skilful hands, it would prove the
most effectual cure; but as it is, I can attest that it
seldom proves successful. The shepherds have not
skill and ingenuity sufficient to close the skull properly

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 219

Up again, or sow it in such a manner as is requisite to
defend it from external injury ; of course, 1 would
rather recommend the mode in which they cannot
easily go wrong, and which I have seen prove most
beneficial, when performed by men of like acquire-
ments with themselves.

To prevent the '"• sturdy^'''' or water in the heads of
sheep. — With regard to tlie causes inducing water in
the heads of sheep, there is but one opinion entertained
among shepherds, which is, that it is occasioned by a
chilness in the back of the animal, on account of its
being exposed to the winds, and the sleety showers of
winter. These cause it to acquire a kind of numbness
and torpidity, which, if often repeated, are apt to ter-
minate in an affection to gid(Uness, and finally in a
water in the head.

That this disease is occasioned solely by a chilness
in the back, appears from the following facts :

1. It is always most general after a windy and sleety
winter.

2. It is always most destructive on farms that are
ill-sheltered, and on which the sheep are most exposed
to those blasts and showers.

3. It preys only on sheep rising their first year, the
wool of which separates above, leaving the back quite
exposed to the wet and to the cold.

4. If a piece of cloth or hide is sewed to the wool,
so as to cover the back, such a sheep will not be
affected with the disease. The experiment is a safe, a
cheap, and an easy one; and, exclusive of its good
effects in preventing the fatal disease under considera-
tion, it is the most beneficial to a young sheep that is
not over high in condition, and administers the most
to its comfort during the winter, of any other that I know.
It keeps the wool from opening, and the sheep always
dry and warm in the back, which, exposed to cold,

220 EVERY MAN KIS OWN FARRIER

either in man or beast, it is well known, affects the
vitals materially. When thus shielded the young sheep
will feed straight in the wind, on the worst days,
without injury, and, indeed, without much regarding
the weather. This covering keeps them from the
rain, prevents them from being shelled and loaded with
frozen snow, and from destruction by cold, by leanness,
and the water in the head. The expense attending it
is so trifling, that it is scarcely worth mentioning. One
pair of old blankets, of the value of four or five shil-
lings, will furnish coats for forty sheep ; and if these
are carefully taken off on the return of spring, and laid
aside, they will serve the purpose for two or three
successive years. — Farmers'^ Magazine.

Practice of the Spanish Shepherds. — The first care
of the shepherd on coming to the spot where his sheep
are to spend the summer, is to give to his ewes as
much salt as they will eat. For this purpose he is
provided with twenty-five quintals of salt for every
thousand head, which is consumed in less than five
months ; but they eat none on their journey or in
winter. The method of giving it to them is as follows :
The shepherd places fifty or sixty flat stones about five
steps distant from each other; he strews salt upon
each stone, then leads his flock slowly through the
stones, and every sheep eats at pleasure. This is fre-
quently repeated, observing not to let them eat on
those days in any spot where there is limestone. When
"they have eaten the salt, they are led to some argilla-
ceous spots, where, from the craving they have acquired,
they devour every thing they meet with, and return
again to the salt with redoubled ardour.

Pelt-rot. — hi this disease the wool falls ofl^*, but the
skin does not become sore, but is merely covered with
a white crust.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 221

Cure. — Full feeding, warm keeping, and anointing
the hard part of the skin with tar, oil and butter, mixed
together.

Tick. — As these occasion a constant scratching, they
pro\% injurious to the wool, and they sometimes occa-
sion the death of lean sheep.

Cure. — Blow tobacco- smoke into ev^ry part of the
fleece, by means of a bellows. I'he smoke is taken
into the bellows, the wool is opened, the smoke is
blown in, and the wool is then closed. This is re-
peated over every part of the body, at proper distances.
It is quickly performed.

Staggers. — A disease of the brain, which renders
them unable to stand.

Cure. — Dissolve assafoetida in warm water, and put
half a spoonful in each ear of the sheep. It is a speedy
remedy.

Colds. — The principal indication of this is the dis-
charge of mucus from the nose. Good feeding, to-
gether with some pine boughs given them occasionally,
will cure this complaint. If pine boughs cannot be
had, spread some tar over a board, and over this spread
some salt, which will induce the sheep to lick up all
the tar, and this will effect a cure. Whenever this,
however, becomes habitual with old sheep, they should
be killed oft'.

Purging. — If any are severely afflicted in the spring
with this, which sometimes happens after being turned
out to grass, house them, give them a dose of castor-
oil, feed them with dry food, and give them some crusts
of wheat bread. A slight purging will not hurt them.

Hove. — Sheep, like neat-cattle, when put into clover-
pastures, sometimes have their stomachs distended by
wind, so that they will die if not relieved. The swell-
ing rises highest on the left side, and in this place let the
knife be inserted, or other means used to the same effect.

222 EVEIIY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

Pining. — When the excrement of the lamb becomes
so glutinous as to fasten the tail to the vent, it must be
washed clean, and have the buttocks and tail rubbed
with dry clay, which will prevent any further adhesion.

•Sometimes it may be found necessary to bleed S|^oep,
to allay some inflammatory disorder.

Daubenton recommends bleeding in the lower part
of the cheek, at the spot where the root of the fourth
tootli is placed, which is the thickest part of the cheek,
and is marked on the external surface of the bone of
the upper jaw, by a tubercle sufficiently prominent to
be very sensible to the finger, when the skin of the
cheek is touched. This tubercle is a certain index to
the angular vein which is placed below.

The method of bleeding, after finding the vein, it is
hardly necessary to describe.

Philip de Castro, a Spanish sheplierd, has written a
short treatise on the diseases of sheep in Spain, and of
their management there ; and he recommends that
bleeding should be performed in a vein in the fore part
of the dug. The essay of this shepherd is believed to
be worthy of some further notice.

He says the merino sheep of Spain are subject to the
following diseases :

The Scab. — Cured by juniper oil, when the weather
is wet, or by a decoction of tobacco in dry weather..

BasguiUa. — Occasioned by too much blood. Cured
by bleeding in the dug, as before mentioned.

Moderez. — (Lethargy) occasioned by pustules formed
on the brain. The sheep keep turning, while feeding,
to the si;le where the pustules are formed. Few re-
cover, and the disease is infectious. Some get well in
part by pricking the part affected with an awl; but
those attacked with this disorder should be killed off.

Smallpox. — Being blisters, which first appear on the
flanks, and spread over the body. It is produced by

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 223

drinking stagnant waters. The diseased sheep are to
be kept apart from the rest, as the disease is infectious,
and when the blisters break anoint them with sweet
oil.

Lastly, Lameness. — This appears to be the same as
is described by Mr. Livingston.

He observes that the legs of sheep are furnished
with a duct which terminates in the fissure of the hoof;
from which, when the animal is in health, there is se-
creted a white fhiid ; but when sickly, these ducts are
stopped by the hardness of the fluid.

He adds that he had, in some instances found the
sheep relieved by pressing out the hardened matter
with the finger from the orifice of the duct in each foot
Perhaps it may in some cases be proper to place their
feet in warm w^ater, or to use a probe, or hard brush,
for cleansing this passage.

He concludes by observing, that probably the ill
health of sheep, in wet or muddy pastures, may in
some measure be ascribed to the necessity of keeping
these ducts free and open.

Frequently changing flocks of sheep from one farm
to another, where the pastures are equally good, is
very beneficial to them. We know a flock which, for
several years past, have been pastured on different
farms, by being let out to different farmers on shares,
which are much the finest looking sheep to be found
any where in the neighbourhood where they belong.

The farmer who would rejoice to see our country
so far independent, as to become stocked with woollen
fabrics of our own making, must feel himself impelled
by his patriotism to endeavour to afford his share of
supplies of wool, which are so needful to our infant
manufactories; and he who is insensible to a love of
country, may still find a powerful incentive to the
raising of sheep in consulting his own interest.

'«J24 EVERY MAN HIS OWS FAKRIER

The raising of merino sheep, in particular, is un-
doubtedly very profitable ; and the nearer the farmer
brings his breed to that of the full-blood, the greater
will be his profit. Like every thing, however, which
innovates upon ancient usages, the merino has its pre-
judices to encounter; and the savage who first intro-
duced the use of his bow and arrow to his countrymen,
no doubt had the same. But let the sensible and spi-
rited farmer persevere, and in the end his merino flock
will afford him a rich harvest ; the pleasure and profit
of which his weaker neighbour must forego, as a tax
on his prejudices.

ON SWINE.

Of the Diseases in Swine. — A hog is a very bad crea-
ture to doctor; therefore, to prevent their diseases,
should be an object of our attention.

Keep him well if you can, but not so as to burden
him with fat in hot weather ; keep his body open, and
there will be little danger of his being sick. Brim-
stone, in small doses, is excellent for a hog; antimony
is also good ; but if you can get neither, chamber ley
put in their swill will answer a good purpose. It is
necessary to keep a hog's issues open. The practice
of feeding store, hogs three times a day is not good :
whereas, if the)^ are fed only morning and night, they
keep their appetite, eat their food clean, and grow the
faster.

To cure the measles in swine. — It sometimes hap-
jjens, though seldom, that swine have the measles :
while they are in this state, their flesh is very unwhole-
some food. This disorder is not easily discovered
while the animal is alive, and can only be known by

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 225

its not thriving or fattening as the others. After the
animal is killed and cut up, its fat is full of little ker-
nels, about the size of the roe or eggs of a salmon.
When this is the case, put into the food of each hog,
once or twice a week, as much crude pounded anti-
mony as will lie on si shilling. This is very proper,
for any feeding swine, even though they have no dis-
order. A small quantity of the flower of brimstone,
also, may be given among their food when they are
not thriving, which will be found of great service to
them. But the best method of preventing disorders in
swine, is to keep their sties perfectly clean and dry,
and to allow them air, exercise and plenty of clean
straw.

Another. — Rub them all over with a stiff brush
dipped in cold water, then boil parsley 'roots and rue
in salt water and give it them to drink.

Rupture in swine. — When a number of swine are
bred, it will frequently happen that some of the pigs
will have what is called a " rupture ;" i. e., a hole
broken in the rim of the belly, where part of the guts
come out and lodge betwixt the rim of the belly and
the skin, having an appearance similar to a swelling in
the testicles. The male pigs are more liable to this
disorder than the female. It is cured by the following
means :

Geld the pig affected, and cause it to be held up
with its head downwards ; flay back the skin from the
swollen place, and, from the situation in which the
pig is held, the guts will naturally return to their pro-
per place. Sew up the hole with a needle, which
must have a square point, and also a bend in it, as the
disease often happens between the hinder legs, where
a straight needle cannot be used. After this is done,
replace the skin that was flayed back and sew it up,
when the operation is finished. The pig should not

226 EVERY MAN HIS OWN PARKIER

have much food for a few days after the operation,
until the wound begins to heal.

For a fever, — Let them bleed in the tail, and give
them, thrice a day, water wherein pepper and parsnip
roots have been boiled.

For the swine pox. — Take an t)unce of nitre, pound
it, and dissolve it in a pint of cider ; add to it half a
pint of sweet oil and one spoonful of honey, to be
given to the swine lukewarm.

For catarrhs. — Take two ounces of coriander seed,
one of ginger, three of honey, and half an ounce of
tumeric ; let it be powdered fine and boiled in three
quarts of new milk, then let the hog drink it.

Of drenches. — It is a practice among people in
general, when their hogs are sick, to put a rope in their
mouths and h*ang them up to drenching. This is a
very bad practice ; for while you are pouring your
medicine down, the hog will squeak, and ten to one
the liquid goes down the windpipe and chokes him.
If you can give your hog his medicine in milk or some
other food, that he will drink, it is well ; if not, do
not force it down in the manner of drenching, but give
it to him in the form of a glyster. This is always
safe, and as effectual as any method whatever.

Issues. — The issues in a hog are places on the in-
side of their legs, which are porous, like a pepper-box
top. Here, it seems, is the most immediate outlet for
the superfluous fluid of the body ; when these get
stopped (as hogs are fond of filth and mire) the hog
loses his appetite, and becomes sick; then to drench-
ing and choking as before hinted ; whereas, if his
issues were rubbed and picked open, he would imme-
diately recover.

Fattening of Swine. — The Hon. Mr. Peters, of Penn-
sylvania, has asserted that fatting hogs should always
be supplied with dry rotten wood, which should be

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 227

kept in their pen, for the animals to eat as their appe-
tites or instincts may direct. It has been suppose^],
likewise, that swine thrive better when they can obtain
fresh earth, which they are observed often to swallow
w ith greediness. The probability is that nature directs
these creatures to the use of such substances as ab-
sorbents to correct the acidities of their stomachs.
Charcoal, it is said by some, will answer a similar if
not more valuable purpose ; and that if swine are sup-
plied with this last mentioned substance they show but
little inclination for rooting, and are much more quiet
in their pens than under ordinary treatment.

Mr. Peters, and sortie other eminent agriculturists,
have asserted that food for swine is much the best for
fattening them, when it has been soured by fermenta-
tion, and it is even supposed that one gallon of sour
wash will go as far as two of sweet for this purpose.
And an English writer tells us that " the best method
of feeding all kinds of grain to hogs, is to grind it to
meal, and mix it with water, in cisterns made for the
purpose, in the proportion of five bushels of meal to a
hundred gallons of water •, the mass to be well stirred
several times each day, until it has fermented and be-
come acid, when it will become ready for use. In this
way two or three cisterns must be kept for fermenting
in succession ; and the profit will pay the expense."

Hogs cannot be fattened so cheaply in very cold as
in temperate weather, unless they are guarded with
great care against the inclemency of the season. In
the winter too, acid or fermented food cannot so well
be procured for them, as the low temperature of the
air will stop fermentation, if not freeze the wash under
ordinary circumstances. The food for swine may be
fermented by being kept in an apartment kept
at near summer heat by a stove. The "wash may
also be kept warm by steam* introduced according

228 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

to RumfortPs plan. But heating liquids by steam
is • not so easy a process as would seem at the
lirst thought. There must be a large [that is large in
proportion to the quantity of liquid to be warmed] and
strong boiler, with two safety valves, one opening out-
wards to let out the steam, if by the sudden increase of
heat it should acquire so much elasticity as to endanger
the bursting of the boiler ; and one valve opening in-
wards to prevent the sides of the boiler from being
collapsed, or crushed inward, or the liquid from being
forced out of the cistern through the steam tube into
the boiler by the weight of the atmosphere. Then
there must be steam tubes rising- some height above the
surface of the wash in the cistern, and descending,
vertically, to near its bottom. The steam must be so
elastic as to overcome not only the pressure of the
atmosphere, b#t also the additional pressure of that
part of the liquid in the vessel, containing the wash,
which lies above the opening or end of the tube where
the steam is discharged into the vessel.

Various means may be used to give the wash a tem-
perature conducive to fermentation. Water-tight tubes
filled with hot air, from a furnace or a stove, might
answer the purpose by being carried through the cis-
tern containing the wash to be fermented. But for
common farming purpose, we believe it will be best
either to keep up a moderate degree of heat in the room
or cellar in which the wash is kept for fermentation,
by means of stoves, or to make use of kettles or cal-
drons set in brick in the common way, in which, after
the materials have been well boiled, the liquid must be
kept of a proper temperature for fermentation, by oc-
casionally heating them. Wooden vessels, or circular
rims of wood, may be so adapted to the tops or rims
of these kettles, that the whole will contain three or

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 221)

four times the quantity, which the kettles alone would
hold. ]n these, roots and other food might be steamed
and fermented, at the will of the owner or superin-
tendant of the process. Where fermentation is the
object, it may be w^ell to mix with the sweet wash a
little of that which is already soured, to serve as yeast
or leaven.

The following system of rearing and fattening swine
on an arable farm is recommended by a writer in the
Farmer's Magazine. Upon a tillage farm consisting of
three hundred acres, whereof two hundred are kept
under the plough, he is of opinion that a considerable
sum may be annually gained from keeping swdne, were
the arrangement made in a systematic manner. One
main advantage of such a branch of. rural economy
arises from little or no capital being required to carry
it on, while the trouble and outlay attending it scarcely
deserve notice. With the addition of one acre of broad
clover, and one acre of tares, for the summer and
autumn months, and the like extent of ground for
turnips and yams during the winter and spring months,
this stock of swine may be amply supported.

Were two breeding sow^s kept on a farm of the size
mentioned, and their produce reared by the farmer, it
may be calculated that forty swine, weighing seven or
eight stone each, would be annually fed off, in the
months of January and February each year, the time
when pork is most in demand. That such a number
of swine can be supported and fed upon the ofials of a
three hundred acre farm, and other auxiliary articles
specitied, may be pronounced a certain fact.

The breeds he recommends are the hardy smaller
sized varieties, but not the Chinese, or any of the pot-
bellied sorts ; because he has found that such breeds
will thrive and grow fat where larger and finer breeds
would starve.

230 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

In fattening for bacon and flitches the larger breerJs
are chosen ; and in breweries, distilleries, oileries, and
dairies, fed on grains, oil-cake, and milk ; but where
arable farmers keep swine of this description, as is the
practice in some of the western counties, the method
is to rear chiefly on raw potatoes and Swedish turnips,
and to fatten on these roots, boiled or prepared by
steam, with a mixture of oat, barley, or bean and pea-
meal. Their troughs should often be replenished with
a small quantity of food at a time, and kept always
clean ; and their food changed occasionally, and
seasoned with salt. If proper care be taken, says a
late writer, a feeding pig should not consume more
than six Winchester bushels of oats made into meal.
It ought to be shelled before it is ground, the same as
for family use, but need not be sifted.

In fattening sucking pigs all that is requisite is to keep
the mother well lodged and nourished. Weaned pigs
when to be fattened are kept constantly on whey, or
skimmed or butter-milk, with frequently an addition
of peas or beans, or barley-meal. Such good keeping
not only makes them increase rapidly in size, but ren-
ders them fit for the butcher at an early age. Swine
are sold to the butcher at different ages, and under dif-
ferent names ; as pigs when a few weeks old ; as
porkers at the age of five or six months ; and as full
grown hogs at from eighteen months to two years old.
The young pigs are commonly roasted whole ; the por-
kers are used as fresh or pickled pork ; and the full
grown hogs are for the most part converted into ham
and bacon. The demand for porkers, which for Lon-
don in particular is very great, and which continues
almost throughout the year, is chiefly supplied from
the dairies within reach of that metropolis.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 231

Of airing Pork and Bacon,

The curing or pickling of pork is carried on to a
considerable extent at many of our sea-ports. The
carcase is cut in pieces, and packed in casks or kits,
made for the purpose, containing from one to two hun-
dred weight. Salt is dissolved in water till the mix-
ture be strong enough to swim an egg ; it is then boiled,
and, when cold, poured upon the pork : when the end
of the cask is fixed in, the article is ready for being
sent to market. Henderson, a late writer, has given
particular directions for the curing of bacon, founded
upon a long course of experience, which, therefore,
deserves to be more generally known.

The curing of bacon is thus described by Hender-
son, after much experience. After the carcase has
hung all night, lay it upon a strong table, or bench
upon its back ; cut off the head close by the ears, and
cut the hinder feet so far below the hough as will not
disfigure the hams, and leave plenty of room to hang
them by ; then take a cleaving knife, and if necessary,
a hand mallet, and divide the carcase up the middle
of the back bone, laying it in two equal halves : then
cut the ham from the side by the second joint of the
back bone, which will appear on dividing the carcase;
then dress the ham, by paring off' the flank or skinny
part, so as to shape it with a half round point, by
clearing off* any top fat that may appear ; the curer
will next take off the sharp edge along the back-bone
with his knife and mallet, and slice off the first rib
next the shouldex, where he will perceive a bloody
vein, which he must take out, for if it is lefl in, that
part is apt to spoil. The corners must be squared off
where the ham was cut out.

232 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

In killing a number of swine, what sides you may-
nave dressed the first day, lay upon some flags or
boards, piling them up across each other, and giving
each pitch a powdering of saltpetre, and then covering
it with salt : proceed in the same manner with the
hams, by themselves, and do not omit giving them a
little saltpetre, as it opens the pores of the flesh to re-
ceive the salt, and, besides, gives the ham a pleasant
flavour, and makes it more juicy. Let them lie in this
state about a week, then turn those on the top under-
most, giving them a fresh salting : after lying two or
three weeks longer, they may be hung up to dry in
some chimney, or smoke house ; or, if the curer
chooses, he may turn them over again without giving
them any more salt, in which state they may lie for a
month or two without catching any harm, until he has
convenience for drying them. Henderson practiced
for many years the custom of carting his flitches and
hams through the country to farm houses, and used to
hang them in their chimneys, and other parts of the
house to dry, some seasons, to the amount of five hun-
dred carcases ; this plan he soon found was attended
with a number of inconveniences, and therefore he in-
vented a smoke house.

Henderson's smoking house is about twelve feet
square, and the wall, about seven feet high . one of
these huts requires six joists across, one close to each
wall, the other four laid asunder, at proper distances.
To receive five rows of flitches, they must be laid in
the top of the wall ; a piece of wood strong enough to
bear the weight of one flitch of bacon, must be fixed
across the belly end of the flitch, by two strings, as the
neck end must hang downwards ; the piece of wood
must be longer than the flitch is wide, so that each end
may rest upon a beam ; they may be put so near to

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 233

each other as not to touch ; the width of it will hold
twenty-four flitches in a row, and there will be five
rows, which will contain one hundred and twenty
flitches ; as many hams may be hung at the same time
above the flitches contrived in the best manner we can.
The lower end of the flitches will be within two and a
half or three feet of the floor, which must be covered
five or six inches thick with saw-dust, and must be
kindled at two different sides ; it will burn, but not
cause any flame to injure the bacon. The door must
be kept close, and the hut must have a small hole in
the roof, so that part of the smoke may ascend. That
lot of bacon and hams will be ready to pack up in a
hogshead, to send oflf in eight or ten days, or a little
longer, if required, with little less of weight.

After the bacon is salted, it may lie in the salt-house
as described, until an order is received, then imme-
diately hang it up to dry. Henderson found this
smoke house to be a great saving, not only in the ex-
pense and trouble of employing men to cart and hang
it through the country, but it did not lose nearly so
much by weight this process.

In the disposal of bacon, whatever is shipped for
London market, or any other, both bacon and hams,
must be packed into a sugar hogshead, or something
similar, to hold about ten hundred weight. Bacon can
only be cured from the middle of September, until the
middle of April.

20*

234 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

AGEICULTURAL

AMD

MISCELLANEOUS EECEIPTS.

OF GARDENS.

A KITCHEN garden, well stored with vegetables, is
highly important to the former, as the use of these su-
persede the necessity of consuming much meat ; a
practice equally consistent with economy and good
health. When we perceive that the food of the cotta-
gers of Ireland, is principally milk and potatoes ; that
these are a race of people which are healthy, robust,
well-made, with strong, quick, and ardent powers of
mind ; and when we perceive that those savage na-
tions which, for want of other food, are obliged to sub-
sist entirely on fish or other meat, are generally the
most stupid, squalid, and ill-made ; we certainly can-
not draw conclusions in favour of eating great quan-
tities of flesh.

It is advisable to have a close high fence round your
kitchen and fruit-gardens. This, in the first place,
renders every thing within it secure from pillagers ;
and also serves to keep out fowls. Another benefit,
consists in keeping off the strong cold winds of the

AND CATTLE DOCTOK. 235

spring, which are very injurious to the young plants,
and also to the fruit, which is then about putting forth.

Dung that is old, and destitute of the seeds of weeds,
ought only to be used in manuring a kitchen-garden,
and the ground ought not to be ploughed, but deeply
dug, for all vegetables which root deeply in the ground.
Nothing further need be said, with regard to a kitchen-
garden, than that a loose mellow soil, with a southerly
exposure is the best ; that it ought to be kept rich ; that
as fast as weeds rise, they ought to be extirpated ; and
that no weeds ought to be suffered to go to seed within
the garden.

If the garden be of a wettish or stiff soil, it will be
greatly benefitted by being thrown up into high ridges
in the fall ; at the same time, this will assist in des-
troying the seeds of weeds ; but particularly in des-
troying insects which may be breeding in the soil.-

To destroy Insects.

In some seasons the vegetables in our gardens are
almost annihilated by worms of several species. Fall
ploughing, or spading the ground just before frost sets
in, and strewing the ground with fine salt in the spring
some time before the seeds are sown, are said to be
sovereign remedies against these petty but powerful
depredators.

Some vegetables are offensive to all insects ; such
as the elder, especially the dwarf kind, the onion,
tansy, and tobacco, except to the worm that preys on
the plant. The juice of these may therefore be ap-
plied, with effect, in repelling insects ; and sometimes
the plants themselves, while green, or when reduced to
powder, particularly the latter, when made into snuff.

Set an onion in the centre of a hill of cucumbers,

236 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

squashes, melons, &;c., and it will effectually keep off
the yellow striped bug, that preys upon those plants
while young.

No doubt a plant of tobacco, set in the same way,
would answer a similar purpose ; or, perhaps, to sow
a few tobacco or onion-seeds in the hill, when planting,
would have the same effect ; and the growing plants
from these seeds could be taken away, when no longer
wanted as protectors.

Of other substances, sulphur is perhaps the most
effectual, as every kind of insect has an utter aver-
sion to it.

Powdered quick-lime is deadly to many insects, and
perhaps offensive to all.

The same may be observed of soot, wood-ashes, and
other substances which are strongly alkaline ; and
also of common salt finely powdered, brine, old
urine, &c.

Calomel is also deadly to insects ; and camphor, and
terebinthene substances are offensive to them.

Afler premising thus much, we shall now speak of
insects separately, and begin with the

Canker-worm.

The female of this insect comes out of the ground
very early in the spring, and ascends the tree to de-
posit her eggs, which she does in suitable places in the
bark ; where they are brought forth, and the young
brood live on the leaves of the tree.

The only effectual remedy is, to prevent the insect
from ascending the tree ; and this may be done in va-
rious ways ; but the easiest, perhaps, is as follows :

First scrape off the shaggy bark round the body of
the tree, to the width of two or three inches ; then

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 237

make up a mixture of oil, or blubber, with suitable
proportions of sulphur and Scotch snuff; and with a
brush lay this on the scraped part, forming a ring
round the tree an inch or two wide ; and no insect will
ever attempt to pass this barrier, as long as the compo-
sition has any considerable moisture left in it.

Let it be repeated when it inclines to harden ; though
perhaps this is not necessary. Let it be done early in
the spring, before the insect comes from the ground.

Another method, which it is believed will be found
equally effectual, though attended with more trouble,
is to scrape off the shaggy bark from the body of the
tree ; and then whitewash that part well with lime and
water Snd a little sulphur added.

In place of this, however, Mr. Forsyth directs that
the body of the tree be covered with a composition of
old urine, kept some time for the purpose, soap-suds,
fresh cowdung; and this he says will keep off all in-
sects. Let it be laid on plentifully.

Another method, we have heard recommended is to
fasten a strip of sheepskin, with the wool outwards,
round the body of the tree, taking care that no place
be left for the insect to creep up between the strip and
the bark. The wool should be frequently combed to
keep it loose.

A streak or ring of tar made round the body is also
effectual, as long as the tar remains soft ; but, as it
soon becomes so hardened on the exterior, that the in-
sect can crawl over, it requires to be repeated very
frequently. Perhaps such a ring of tar and «il, or
blubber, mixed together, would answer better.

Lastly, a strip of oiled paper put round the tree,
with the lower edge projecting out considerably, forms
a barrier which the insect cannot pass. Let the lower
edge of the paper be kept well oiled.

238 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

In regard to all insects which are injurious to trees,
hy climbing them, and committing depredations upon
them, in various ways, we believe, from the most cor-
rect information we have been enabled to obtain, from
various sources, that, by taking the earth away from
the roots of the trees, very early in the spring, and
destroying whatever may appear to be the abode of
any insects ; and then returning the earth back, mixed
with a small quantity of sulphur, sprinkling some of
this upon the surface, will keep every insect from as-
cending any such tree.

The effect of sulphur, for this purpose, is very du-
rable. Probably one operation of this kind will last
for several years ; though, on this point, we hfive no
particular information. Other repellants of insects
may be found repellants only for a time, more or less
limited ; but perhaps may answer the purpose for one
spring ; such as quicklime, fine salt, old urine, strong
soap-suds, a strong decoction of tobacco, onions, <fec.

Let either of the four last mentioned ingredients be
applied, boiling hot, to the roots, after first taking the
earth away, as before mentioned.

Curculio.

This is a bug, about the size of that which eats into
the pea, and has proved very troublesome to most of
the smooth-skinned fruits, and even to peaches, apples,
and pears, in different parts of the country contiguous
to PhUadelphia. It has also made its appearance about
Albany.

It ascends the trees in the spring, and as the fruit
advances it makes a wound in the skin, and there de-
posits the embryo ; from which a maggot is first pro-
duced. This preys upon the fruit until it dies and falls

AWD CATTLE DOCTOR. 239

off; when the maggot makes its way into the earth, and i
IS there changed into a bug, which is ready to ascend
the tree the next spring, and make its deposit in the
fruit, as before.

One method of keeping this and all other insects
fr9m trees, as practised by Col. Nichols, near Easton,
is to tie a small bag of common salt round the tree.
A ring put round the tree, of a mixture of grease, or
blubber mixed with salt and some of the other ingre-
dients before mentioned, would perhaps answer a better
purpose, and be attended with less trouble.

A recipe of his, which he says he has practised on
peach trees with advantage, in regard to their health,
is; —

" Take away the dirt from around the root, and
where you find gum issuing out, there you will also
find a white maggot, which is carefully to be taken
away ^ then wash the body and roots with strong
brine, which you will repeat now and then in the
spring and summer."

We will mention two other methods, which are
said to be infallible, for keeping all insects from trees ;
One is, bore a hole in the body of the tree, and fill the
hole with mercurial ointment (unguemtum coeruleum)
and cork it up tight.

The other is, bore a hole ii\the north side of the
body of the tree, and fill it with spirits of turpentine,
and cork it up, as before. Where the latter article is
put into the hole, it should be bored slanting down-
wards, to keep this liquid from running out before the
cork can be put in.

If these remedies are efl?ectual, and we have con-
siderable confidence in them, it must be owing to the
essence of either of these substances becoming diffused

240 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

throughout the tree, and thus rendering it noxious to
insects.

Caterpillars,

The above directions, for keeping Canker-worms
from trees, are equally applicable to these insects.

Grubs,

Large maggots produced from the eggs of a spe-
cies of the butterfly, very injurious to Indian corn,
while young, by eating the roots. Frequent plough-
ings, manuring the land with lime, soot, ashes, or salt,
all tend much to keep them out of the soil.

Top or spindle worm.

White worms, resembling grubs, found Hn the
central hole which is formed by the leaves of Indian
corn ; and they there eat off the stem which forms the
top of the plant. They are mostly to be found near
barn-yards, and in rich spots.

They are discovered by their excrement appearing
on the leaves. Sprinkling 'the corn with a weak lye
of wood-ashes will extirpate them.

Bhjck Worms,

AsH-coLOURED worms, with black stripes on their
backs. When full grown, they are of the thickness
of a goose-quill, and about an inch and a quarter long.
They hide in the soil by day, and commit their depre-
dations by night. They eat off young plants above
ground, and frequently endeavour to draw them under.
It is said that manuring the ground with salt will drive

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 241

them from it, and that lime and ashes will also have
nearly a similar effect.

Red Worms.

These are slender, about an inch long, with a haid
coat, and pointed head. They eat off wheat, barley,
and oats, above the crown of the root; and they also
eat through turnips, potatoes, 6z;c. No positive remedy
is known, unless it be manuring with the manures be-
fore mentioned, which are offensive to all insects.
Summer-fallowings are also recommerided, as depri-
ving them of their requisite food.

Palmer Worms.

About half an inch in length, with many legs, and
very nimble. They give to apple-trees the same ap-
pearance that the canker-worm does.

Mr. Dean says, that great numbers of them appeared,
in the year 1791, in Cumberland, Massachusetts, and
ate off all the leaves of the trees, except the membrane-
ous parts ; but that next year they disappeared. They
let themselves down from the trees by threads, similar
to the spider.

No remedy known.

Timber-worms,

The smaller kind merely eat into the sap of wood,
and turn it into powder-post, as it is commonly called.
Felling timber about the middle of winter, the time it
has least sap in it, will obviate this difficulty.

The large Boring-worm takes its residence chiefly
in pine timber. If the trees be scorched in a light
21

242 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARBIER

flame, says Mr. Deane, or steeped in salt-water, it will
destroy these worms, or prevent their entering the
wood.

Hessian-fly.

Well known for its ravages in wheat. Remedy:
Immerse the seed- wheat ten or fifteen seconds in boil-
ing hot water ; cool it suddenly ; dry it, with lime or
gypsum sprinkled upon it, and sow it immediately.
This process will assist its growth, in addition to its
killing the nits of the fly, which, by a good glass, are
said to be disqernible near the sprouts of the grains
that are infected. This remedy stands well attested
by several publications, and is believed to be effectual.

Maggots. '

Troublesome to the roots of cabbages, turnips, and
radishes. Give the ground a previous manuring with
salt, which it is believed will be found effectual. Some
weak brine applied to the roots of the plants, just afler
a rain, is also recommended. It should not be too
strong, lest it injure the growth of the plants.

Yellow -striped bug.

Formidable to the young plants of cucumber, &c.
In addition to what has already been said, of the re-
medies for keeping off these intruders, we would re-
commend sprinkling the plants with a little sulphur, or
Scotch snuff, which it is believed will be found equally
efficacious.

Tkirnip-fly.
This insect eats the seed-leaves of the young turnip-

AND CATTLE DOCTOB. 243

plants, and thus destroys them. One remedy is to
sow the ground with a mixture of old and new seed,
and, as these will come up at different limes, a part of
the one or the other will stand a better chance of es-
caping.

Sowing a suitable proportion of tobacco seed with
the crop will, no doubt, answer every purpose for keep-
ing off this insect. But as common salt is found to
be an excellent manure for this crop, we would recom-
mend about three or four bushels of this article, made
fine, with as many pounds of sulphur, and perhaps one
or two of Scotch snuff, well mixed together, to be sown
on the ground, just as the plants are coming up ; and
this, we venture to say, will be found effectual in keep-
ing off these insects.

Garden-fiea,

Very destructive to young cabbage plants, while in
the seed-leaf. Remedy: Sow some onion or tobacco-
seeds with the seeds of the plant ; or sprinkle some
sulphur or snuff on the growing plants. Soapsuds
sprinkled over them is also good.

These infest cabbages, particularly ; but are de-
stroyed by the frosts. They are easily extirpated by
smoke, particularly that of tobacco.

Weavel.

A LITTLE black bug, very destructive to wheat either
m barns or granaries. On thrusting your hand into a
bin of wheat infested with them, considerable warmth

244 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

will be felt ; but, as they are usually collected together,
every part of the heap or bin should be examined.

Sulphur snuff, put up in little papers, or bags, and
properly distributed among the wheat, in the bin, will
keep them out, or drive them out when they have got
possession.

Grass-hoppers,

Prodigious quantities of these are sometimes gene-
rated in upland-mowing grounds. Upland pastures do
not produce so many, owing probably to the feet of the
cattle destroying many, before they are brought forth.
Low wet meadows or pastures seldom produce many of
them. The only known remedy against them, and it
is sometimes very inadequate, is to destroy them by
raising large flocks of turkies and other poultry, which
feed on them.

Lice on cattle, and ticks on sheep, may be added to
the catalogue of destructive insects.

Where colts and young neat-cattle become lousy, by
reason of poor keeping, or otherwise, the lice are to
be destroyed by oiling the creature, or washing it with
a decoction of tobacco ; and they should have better
keeping, to prevent a return of the lice.

And where a sheep becomes full of ticks, which will
sometimes kill the animal if not removed, they may be
destroyed by a fumigation of tobacco smoke, as is de-
scribed under sheep.

But the easiest method is to part the wool of the
animal on each side of its spine from its head to its
tail, and drop in some Scotch snufl* along in each open-
ing, and this will soon free the sheep of its vermin.
Where it requires immediate relief, however, recourse
should be had to the method first-mentioned.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 245

TO MANAGE A DIARY.

Directions to tlie cow feeder.

Go to the cow stall at 6 o'clock in the morning, win-
ter and summer ; give each cow half a bushel of the
mangel-wurzel, carrots, turnips, or potatoes, cut ; at
7 o'clock, the hour the dairy maid comes to milk
them, give each some hay, and let them feed, till they
are milked. If she refuses hay, give her something she
will eat, such as grain, carrots, &c., during the time
she is milking, as it is absolutely necessary the cow
should feed while milking. As soon as the woman
has finished milking in the morning, turn the cows in
the airing ground, and let there be plenty of fresh
water, in the trough ,• at 9 o'clock give each cow 3
gallons of the mixture, as follows : to 8 gallons of
grain add 4 gallons of bran or pollard ; when they
have eaten that, put some hay into the cribs ; at 12
o'clock give each 3 gallons of the mixture as before ;
if any cow looks for more, give her another gallon ;
on the contrary if she will not eat what you gave her,
take it out of the manger, for never at one time let a
cow have more than she will eat up clean. Mind and
Keep the mangers clean, that they do not sour. At 2
o'clock give each cqw half a bushel of carrots, man-
gel-wurzel, or turnips ; look the turnips, &c. &c., over
well, before giving them to the cows, as one rotten tur-
nip will give a bad taste to the milk, and most likely
spoil a whole dairy of butter. At 4 o'clock put the
cows into the stall to be milked ; feed them on hay as
you did at milking-time in the morning, keeping in
21*

246 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FABRIER

mind that the cow whilst milking must feed on some-
thing. At 6 o'clock give each cow 3 gallons of the
mixture as before. Rack them up at 8 o'clock. Twice
in a week put into each cow's feed at noon, a quart
of malt-dust.

The daily expense of subsisting each cow on the
above feed will be about two shillings.

Directions to the diary-maid.

Go to the cow-stall at 7 o'clock ; take with you
cold water and a sponge, and wash each cow's udder
clean before milking ; dowse the udder well with cold
water, winter and summer, as it braces, and repels
heat. Keep your hands and arms clean. Milk each
cow as dry as you can, morning and evening, and
when you milk each cow as you suppose dry, begin
again with the cow you first milked, and drip them
each ; for the principle reason of cows failing in their
milk is from negligence in not milking the cow dry,
particularly at the time the calf is taken from the cow.
Suffer no one to milk a cow but yourself, and have no
gossiping in the stall. Every Saturday night give an
exact account of the quantity of milk each cow has
given in the week.

•
To choose a milch cow. *

As to a choice of breeds for a private family, none
in England, (says Mr. Lawrence,) probably combine
so many advantages as the Suffolk dun-cows. They
excel both in quantity and quality of milk ; they feed
well after they become barren "i they are small sized,
and polled or hornless'; the last a great convenience.
The horns of cows which butt and gore others, should

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 247

be immediately broad tipped. There is a breed of
polled Yorkshire or Holderness cows, some of them
of middling size ; great milkers and well adapted to
the use of families, where a great quantity of milk is
required, and where price is no object, and food in
plenty. If richer milk and a comparison of the two
famous breeds be desired, one of each may be selected,
namely, the last mentioned, and the other of the mid-
land county, or long horned species. Colour is so far
no object, that neither a good cow nor a good horse
can be of a bad colour ; nevertheless, in an ornamen-
tal view, the sheeted and pied stock of the Yorkshire
short horns, make a picturesque figure in the grounds.
The Alderney cows yield rich milk upon less food
than larger stock, but are seldom large milkers, and
are particularly scanty of produce in the winter sea-
sons. They are, besides, worth little or nothing as
barreners, not only on account of their small size, but
their inaptitude to take on fat, and the ordinary quality
of their beef.

To determine the economy of a cow.

The annual consumption of food per cow, if turned
to grass, is from one acre to an acre and a half in the
summer, and from a ton to a ton and a half of hay in
the winter. A cow may be allowed 2 pecks of car-
rots per day. The grass being cut and carried, will
economize it full one third. The annual product of a
good fair dairy cow, during several months after calv-
ing, and either in summer or winter, if duly fed and
kept in the latter season, will be an average of seven
pounds of butter per week, from five to three gallons
of milk per day.

Afterwards, a weekly average of three or four

248 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

pounds of butter from barley, half the quantity of
milk. It depends on the constitution of the cow how
nearly she may be milked to the time of her calving,
some giving good milk until within a week or two of
that period, others requiring to be dried eight or nine
weeks previously. I have heard (says Mr. Lawrence)
of 20 lbs. of butter, and even 22 lbs. made from the
milk of one long-horned cow in seven days : but I have
never been fortunate enough to obtain one that would
produce more than twelve pounds per week, although
I have had a Yorkshire cow which milked seven gal-
lons per day, yet never made 15 lbs. of butter in one
week. On the average three gallons of good milk
will make a pound of butter.

POULTRY.

To manage young chickens.

The chickens first hatched, are to be taken from
the hen, lest she be tempted to leave her task unfin-
ished. They may be secured in a basket of wool or
soft hay, and kept in a moderate heat, if the weather
be cold, near the iire. They will require no food for
24 hours, should it be necessary to keep them so long
from the hen. The whole brood being hatched, place
the hen under a coop abroad, upon a dry spot, and,
if possible, not within reach of another hen, since the
chickens will mix, and the hens are apt to main and
destroy those which do not belong to them. Nor
should they be placed near young fowls, which are
likely to crush them, bemg always eager for their
small meat.

The first food should be split grits, aflerwards tail

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 249

wheat, all watery food, soaked bread, or potatoes, being
improper. Eggs boiled hard, or curd chopped small,
is very suitable for first food.

Their water should be pure and oflen renewed,
and there are pans made in such forms, that the chick-
ens may drink without getting into the water, which,
by wetting their feet and feathers, numbs and injures
them ; a basin in the middle of a pan of water, will
answer the end ; the water running round it. There
is no necessity for cooping the brood beyond two or
three days; but they may be confined as occasion re-
quires, or suffered to range, as they are much bene-
fitted by the foraging of the hen. They should not
be let out too early in the morning, whilst the dew lies
upon the ground, nor be suffered to range over wet
grass, which is a common and fatal cause of disease
in fowls. Another caution requisite is to guard them
against unfavourable changes of the weather, particu-
larly if rainy. Nearly all the diseases of fowls arise
from cold moisture.

For the period of the chickens quitting the hen, there
is no general rule ; when she begins to roost, if suffi-
ciently forward, they will follow her; if otherwise,
they should be secured in a proper place, till the time
arrives when they are to associate with the other young
poultry, since the larger are sure to overrun and drive
from their food the younger broods.

To fatten poultry.

An experiment has lately been tried of feeding
geese with turnips cut in small pieces like dice, but
less in size, and put into a trough of water ; with this
food alone, the effect was that 6 geese, each when leart

250 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

weighing only 9 lbs., actually gained 20 pounds each
in about 3 weeks fattening.

Malt is an excellent food for geese and turkeys,
grains are preferred for the sake of economy, unless
for immediate and rapid fattening ; the grains should
be boiled afresh.

Other cheap articles for fattening are oatmeal and
treacle ; barley-meal and milk ; boiled oats and ground
malt.

Corn before being given to fowls should always be
crushed and soaked in water. The food will thus go
further, and it will help digestion. Hens fed thus have
been known to lay during the whole of the winter
months.

Cure of dropsy in the crops of young turkeys.

This kind of dropsy is announced by a dull look,
paleness of the head, loss of appetite, and aversion to
food. The birds allow themselves to be approached
and seized with facility, and they are without strength.
Very soon a slight swelling of the crop is added to
these symptoms, which, in ten days, becomes very
considerable. I have taken nearly a pint of water
from one. By pressing upon the crop of some of
them, a certain quantity of matter is discharged by
the bill, but never enough to entirely ease the crop.
All these symptoms increase, and the bird dies at the
end of 15. or 18 days' illness.

I sought after the cause of this disorder, and it was
easy to find that it was occasioned by the stagnant
water of which these animals drunk ; in the course of
the year the heat had been great, and there was little
rain. The heat had hatched a vast swarm of small
red worms, resembling ascarides. It is quite certain

251

that these insects must have been swallowed by the
turkeys, and from this cause, and the bad quality of
the water which they had drunk, a great degree of in-
flammation in the crop would ensue, with a stoppage
of the passage which conducts to the gizzard. I divi-
ded the turkeys into three classes ; for those who were
still sound, I ordered grain and good water ; with all
that were diseased I practised the operation of tapping
with a lancet, in the lowest part of the crop, I in-
jected at the opening, by means of a small syringe^
a slight decoction of Jesuits' bark, mixed with a little
brandy, which was repeated twice in the course of the
day. Next day the wound was better marked. I made
again the same injection, and two hours after, I forced
them to eat a little of the yolk of an egg, mixed with
some crumbs of bread. At the end of three days, the
wound in the crop was closed, which I might have pre-
vented, but finding a natural opening in the bill, I made
them take, during eight days, in their drink, the same
substances which had been injected ; and they were,
by degrees, put upon their usual diet. I need not add,
that clear water was given them instead of that of the
standing pools. Ten of these animals had died before
my arrival ; two perished during the treatment, and
the rest of the flock, which might be about forty, either
escaped the disease or were cured.

GRAFTING.

Mr. Forsyth describes several methods of grafting :

1. Grafting in the rind, which is proper only for
large trees.

252 EVEIWr MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

2. Cleft grafting, which answers well on small
stock or limbs, and has been mostly practised in this
country.

3. Whip-grafting, or tongue-grafting, which is also
proper for small stocks only ; and, as Forsyth says,
is the most effectual of any, and the most in use in
Great Britain.

4. Inarching, or grafting by approach. This is
done where the stock to be grafted on, and the tree
from which the graft is taken, stand so near together
that they may be joined.

Forsyth says, that grafts, or scions, should be cut
off from the trees before the buds begin to swell ; that
they should be laid with the cut end downwards, and
buried half their length in earth, having the tops cov-
ered with litter, to prevent their drying too much ; that
they should be all of the growth of the former year ;
that they should always be taken from healthy, fruitful
trees ; for, if taken from sickly ones, the grafts often
partake of the distemper ; that, if taken from young
luxuriant trees, they may produce luxuriant shoots ;
but will not be so productive, as those taken from fruit-
ful trees ; that those which are taken from lateral, or
horizontal branches are to be preferred to those of the
strong and perpendicular shoot ; and that none should
be taken from the sprouts of trees.

Mr. Forsyth prefers the whip-grafting, for common
cases ; but, for these, Mr. Deane prefers the cleft-
grafting. This, he says, is most commonly practised
in this country, and is attended wdth success. It is
done on the stocks in the nursery, or on the small
limbs of trees. The proper season for it is just before
the leaves begin to open. The head of the stock must
be cut off sloping, and a slit made sloping the opposite
way, deep enough to recieve the scion, which should

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 253

be cut like a wedge, with the outside thicker than the
inner.

The rind of the scion must exactly join the rind
of the stock. The slit should be opened by a wedge
of hard wood ; the scion should then be gently put in
its place and the stock closed. After this, the whole
must be daubed round closely with a mortar made of
a mixture of loom and fresh horse-dung, so as com-
pletely to exclude the access of air ; and this mortar
must be surrounded with a winding of tow, or old
cloths, to prevent the rains from washing it away.
The scion should be covered nearly to the top with
this mortar ; and it should also extend two or three
inches downwards round the stock.

In place of this mortar, Forsyth recommends a
plaster made of pitch, turpentine, and beeswax, which
is in like manner to be daubed closely round so as to
exclude the external air. The mortar, however, if
well made, and well applied, will answer very well.
It should be composed of fine loam, not clay ; because
clay will contract and crack open, when dried.

Cleft-grafting may be successfully performed on
trees, where the fibre of the outer bark runs round ;
such as the peach, plumb, cherry, &c., by first cut-
ting through that bark, with a knife, at the place
where the cleft is to be made, and in the same direc-
tion it may be expected to run ; when the rest of the
operation may be as easily performed as on other
trees.

Whip-grafting is performed by cutting off the head
of the stock sloping; then making a notch in the slope,
from the upper part downward, a little more than
half an inch deep, to receive the scion, which must be
cut with a slope upward, and a slit made in this like
a tongue, which is to be inserted into a slit made in a
22

254 EVERY MAN HIS OAVN FARBIER

slope of the stock ; and the scion is then set in, so that
the rinds of each join exactly together. The scion is
then fastened by a ligature to keep it steady, and then
surrounded with mortar, or the plaster, as before.

Grafting in the rind is performed by cutting off the
stock square ; slitting down the bark a small distance,
and raising it up, so that the end of the scion may be
inserted between it and the wood : the scion is made
with a shoulder, cut in about half its thickness, and
the other half is sloped off gradually, so as to give it
the form of a wedge ; the cut side being flat and the
bark-side being untouched. This wedge or tongue is
inserted under the bark, with the shoulder fitted to the
stock ; the raised bark is then pressed close and bound
round, and the plaster is applied, as before mentioned.
It is usual, in this case, to insert three or four scions
in one stock.

Mr. Preston, of Pennsylvania, says he has grafted
scions which came from Holland, which were appa-
rently dried, and they grew ; but that he failed in other
instances, where the bark of the scions appeared to
have become somewhat rotten.

He was also successful in grafting scions of the
appletree, as late as the 20th of June, when the leaves
of the trees were full grown.

Management of Bees.

Swarming depends on the increase of bees, and a
queen being ready to lead them. Their breeding
begins sooner or later according to the forwardness
of the spring, the fruitfulness of the queen, and the
populousness of the hive. When bees carry in farina
or pellets on their thighs, it denotes they have com-
menced breeding, which may be as early as February,

ft

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 255

and not finish till October ; and when their numbers
are much increased they show indication of swarming,
by their clustering in great quantities below the rest-
ing board.

They never rise but on a fair day, and sometimes
will settle, and for some cause return to the stock,
probably for want of a queen being with them. Some
hives will cast three times, but mostly only twice. The
second cast may be expected within three or four days,
and never later than ten days after the first. Should
a stock overswarm itself it will perish, unless strength-
ened ; this may be ascertained by observing the
quantity of bees afterwards seen to enter. It is ne-
cessary in the swarming season from April to July,
particularly in May and June, to observe the hives
on a fine day ; in general the bees issue forth about
noon — from nine to two o'clock or about three in the
afternoon.

/
To hive hees.

Bee keepers should have spare hives by them, pre-
pared to hive the bees as soon as they are settled : for
should the sun shine hot on the swarm it may take
another flight and may possibly be lost entirely. The
manner of hiving them must be regulated by the na-
ture of the place on which they settle. The custom
of preparing hives varies ; a clean new hive only re-
quires the loose straw to be rubbed off with a cloth ;
if any dressing be used, fennel dipped in ale and sugar
will best answer the purpose. Have ready a cloth
whereon to place the hive, and a wedge to raise it ; if
the swarm should settle on a branch, shake the best
part of it into the hive, place it on the cloth on the
ground, and continue to disturb the swarm where it

256 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

settled, and the hive being left underneath, they will
all go in ; or cut the branch off, and gently place it in
the hive. Should the bees settle on the ground, place
the hive over them ; and though bees are not apt to
sting at this time, the hiving should be performed
quietly. Avoid talking and breathing on them, and
if any of them are crushed, they will resent it; there-
fore, to prevent abcident, invariably use the bee dress,
which will give confidence. All swarms are to be
sheltered and left near to where they settle till the
evening ; thence to be removed very gently to the ap-
pointed place.

To unite swarms^ and reinforce stocks.

It is essential when there are weak swarms of bees,
that they should be strengthened. The idea, so preva-
lent, of the greatest number of hives producing the
most honey and wax, is erroneous ; for the great part
of the bees are necessarily employed in rearing the
young, and therefore the number of those who are
occupied in collecting honey is not near so great as
has been imagined ; for every swarm, the least as well
as the greatest, is provided with a queen, equal in
fecundity to the queen of the large stock, and as the
brood she brings continually demands the labour and
attendance of nearly half the bees, this circumstance
renders the other moiety, from the smallness of their
number, unable to accumulate a large quantity of ho-
ney in the short time it mostly abounds, and therefore
honey cannot be obtained in glass hives or otherwise,
but from a strongly-peopled hive.

Hive the swarms or casts in the usual way, and at
about eight o'clock the same evening spread a cloth
on the ground, near to the hive required to be rein-

AND CATTLE DOCTOH. 257

forced ; bring the new swarm, and strike it down
rather hard, flat on the ground. The bees will then
fall in a cluster ; quickly place over them the stock to
be reinforced ; in ten minutes they will have united
and become as one family, to be removed ^the same
evening to its former situation.

Or, each cast or swarm may be hived separately.
In the evening, turn the crown of the hive into a pail,
and set the other hive exactly over it ; in the morn-
ing, the bees from the bottom hive will have ascended.

The system of uniting, so very important, is but
little practiced, and has been overlooked by many
cultivators ; but it is absolutely necessary to have the
hives well peopled and completely sheltered from wet,
which are the principal and main objects to be parti-
cularly attended to in the art of bee keeping ; and the
advantages of uniting swarms will be found particu-
larly beneficial in working the glasses with the newly
invented double-topped hives.

To feed bees.

With the aid of feeding it is perfectly easy to bring
any hive of bees through the winter ; but to ensure the
success of a very light stock, it is essential to keep it
always warm and dry. Feeding is absolutely neces-
sary when more honey has been taken than the hive
can afford, by means of small hives or glasses. Such
stocks as are intended to be kept through the winter
should weigh twenty pounds or upwards, at the end of
September, but casts and late swarms seldom attain
this weight, unless two or more should have been
united. The composition for feeding consists of moist
sugar and new beer, the proportion of one pound of
sugar to a pint of beer, simmered to the consistency
22*

258 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

of treacle : to be inserted into the hives, by means of
small troughs, at night, and removed the next morning
early. Should a hive be very poor and weak, it is
better to feed in larger quantities each time.

To manage honey.

To judge of the best honey, it should bo of a bright
pale colour, thick, and a little aromatic. To obtain it
from the combs in its pure state, it must be left to run
from them without pressing. The colour shows
whether it is fine or inferior. If wanted to press some
in the comb, choose the fairest and such as have not
been broken ; wrap each comb in white paper, such as
lines the blue cover of loaf sugar. Set it edgeways
as it stood in the hive, and it may be preserved many
months. The combs meant to be drained, must be
cut in slices. Lay them on a hair-search, supported
by a rack over the jar, in which the honey is to re-
main : for the less it is stirred after draining, it keeps
the better. Fill the jar to the brim, as a little scum
must be taken off when it has settled. A bladder well
washed in lukewarm water, ought to be laid over the
double fold of white paper with which it is covered.

To take the honey without destroying the bees.

The following easy method of taking the honey
without destroying the bees, is generally practiced in
France. In the dusk of the evening, when the bees
are quietly lodged, approach the hive, and turn it
gently over. Having steadily placed it in a small pit, "
previously dug to receive it, with its bottom upwards,
cover it with a clean new hive, which has been pro-
perly prepared, with a few sticks across the inside of

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 259

it, and rubbed with aromatic herbs. Having carefully
adjusted the mouth of each hive to the other, so that
no aperture remains between them, take a small stick,
and beat gently round the sides of the lower hive for
about ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour, in which
time the bees will leave their cells in the lower hive,
ascend, and adhere to the upper one. Then gently
lift the new hive, with all its little tenants, and place
it on the stand from which the other hive was taken.
This should be done some time in the week preceding
midsummers' day, that the bees may have time, before
the summer flowers are faded, to lay in a new stock
of honey, which they will not fail to do for their sub-
sistence through the winter.

To manage bees generally.

The best situation for bees is to the north, with a
range of hills wooded on the summit, and toward the
base, enriched with heather, skirted to the east with a
stream from the rocks. To confine this rivulet, the
bee-master should sow the sandy beach with the seed
of furze, and cover it with a light surface of earth.
The furze would soon vegetate; and blooming, in the
course of three years, overpay his labour, by providing
the bees with pasture on soil otherwise barren, and the
margin of the brook would gradually rise to restrain
its encroachment on fertile lands. Suppose a white
clover field to the south of the hills, and south from
the field a large garden, where hardy winter greens
have been allowed to flower, as early food for the
bees. White mustard should also be sown very early
in patches near the hive ; but not nearer than one
yard. A few dwarf flowers may come within two
feet, but tall grown ones would assist insects to get

260 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

up. To the west, it would be desirable to have a
shrubbery, a wood, a broomy common, or heather
moor.

The stations for the hives must be six yards
asunder, and never nearer than three yards. The
board on which they are placed ought to be of one
piece; or if joined, the under side of the joining should
be lined with a thinner board fixed closely with wooden
pins. The edges of this rounded standard should pro-
ject four inches all round from the hive. Place it on
three wooden pillars sixteen inches long, ten inches
above the ground, but six inches of its length should
be firmly thrust into the earth, in all its length to be
sixteen inches. The pillar in front should be an inch
shorter than the other two, and the three pillars should
be within twelve or fourteen inches of the outer edge
of the board, to exclude rats and mice. For the same
reason no tall growing plant, no wall, nor any means
for ascent should be within three or four feet of the
hive. In fine weather, the entrance to the hive must
be four inches long, and an inch and a half in depth.

In the beginning of the fine season, when the bees
can get food, or have stores remaining, the bee-master
has nothing to do but to keep the ground about the
hive clear from weeds, and from whatever might ena-
ble vermin to climb there. Yet as a thriving stock
inclines very soon to swarm, the hives must be fre-
quently looked after, from eight in the morning till
five in the afternoon. The symptoms are generally
thus : The little city seems crowded. with inhabitants. —
They are continually in motion during the day ; and
after working time, they make loud noises. The
drones may be seen flying about in the heat of the
day, and the working bees go with a reeling motion
and busy hum. When the bees come regularly out

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 261

of the hives,* let no noise, no interruption incommode
them ; but if they fly along, as if they were unsettled,
some tinkling noise or the loud report of a gun, will
make the fugitives repair to the nearest lodgings. If
there is an empty hive with combs and some honey
in it, they will readily go there. If a new hive is
used, remember to smooth it well within, and singe.
ofT loose straws. Perpendicular sticks should never
be employed. Four cross sticks at equal distances
will support the combs. Old hives do very well for
late swarms that are not to be preserved through the
winter ; but box hives are best for them, as the bees
work fastest there. They are not, however, fit for
being kept through the cold seasons.

It is to be observed that great haste in forcing a
swarm into the hive may disperse them. Give them
time to settle undisturbed, though keep a steady eye
on their motions : but whenever they gather into a
cluster, lose no time in placing the hive over them.
If the swarm rest on any thing that can be brought to
the ground, spread a clean linen cloth : lay two sticks
on it, two feet asunder ; lay the body on which the
swarm have fixed, gently on the sticks ; covering it
with the hive by a motion the least perceptible ; and
taking care that the edges of the hive rests upon the
sticks. Cover hive and all with a cloth; for the sun
might allure the bees to rise again. When they have
gone into the hive, cover it with its own board, and
carry it cautiously to its station. Bees are apt to
leave their hive even after they begin to work, so they
must be watched till evening, and throughout the
ensuing day. Whenever they are sure to remain, fix
the hive to its board with a little lime round the edges ;
and crown it with green sods to keep out too great
heat or rain.

263 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

If a hive divides into two swarms, it isi a sign that
each swarnn has a queen. Put each into old hives or
boxes ; but they must be kept separate. If a cluster
of bees about the size of a small plum are seen to-
gether, the queen will generally be found there.
Separate them, and with a drinking glass turned down,
you may seize the queen. Put her, and a score or
two of her subjects into a box full of holes, large
enough to admit air, and yet not to allow the bees to
escape. Feed her with honey combs, and keep her in
reserve in case of the death of a queen in one of the
hives. When a hive ceases to work, it is a sure sign
the queen is no more. Then the bee-master may wait
an hour and not see a loaded bee enter the habitation.
But if the spare queen be taken late in the evening,
wetting her wings to prevent her escape, and intro-
duce her to the desponding society, they will receive
her gladly, and begin to work.

If a hive fights among themselves, be. assured there
are two queens : and they will destroy each other, if
one is not taken away to keep.

When bees are to swarm a second, or more times,
they do not come out in clusters : but they make a
sound called bellings, which may be heard ; ceasing
for a little, and renewed again and again. If there
are different tones, it is certain there are several young
queens in the hive. It is only by putting the ear close
o it, that the sound can be heard distinctly.

PRESERVING MEATS, &c.

If meat be intended merely for family use, and to
be used in two or three months, the following pickle

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 263

deserves to be recommended : — Water, one gallon ;
salt, nineteen ounces ; saltpetre, one ounce and a half;
sugar, half pound.

The Russians are fond of the flavour of juniper
berries, and add a pound of bruised juniper to a gallon
of pickle.

A tea-spoonful or two of cayenne pepper to the
gallon, greatly increases the preserving power of the
pickle.

To cure gammons, first sprinkle them as soon as
they are cut and trimmed, with a little (Liverpool)
salt. Let them lay together for twelve hours : take
them out of the tub, drain and wipe them ; then rub
them separately with a mixture of twelve parts of
common salt and one part saltpetre, well dried and
then ground fine. Rub in this mixture well ; lay
them in the pickling tub, and the next day rub them
again with a similar mixture. The day after fill up
the tub with a brine made in the proportion of 18 oz.
salt, 1 lb. molasses, and 1 oz. saltpetre, to the gallon
of water. In this pickle ^ey may stay for a fort-
night. Then take them out, drain, wipe and smoke
them.

If they are suffered to make their own brine by
means of dry salt and saltpetre entirely, they will loose
too much of the juices of the meat, and becomes hard«
and dry.

I have successfully cured beef in summer thus :

I killed an ox in the middle of August, at nine o'clock
in the evening ; it was cut up at 3 o'clock in the morn-
ing. The pieces were quickly rubbed with a mixture
of ten parts of salt, and one part of saltpetre, and
put into a barrel. In the mean time a brine composed
of 1^ lbs. of salt, 2 oz. of saltpetre, and half an
ounce of common pepper, to the gallon of water, was

264 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARBIER

ready over the fire, and when the beef was all packed
in the barrel, it was poured on boiling hot. This pre
vented and destroyed all fly-blows. In a week, the
pieces were taken out, drained and wiped ; the pickle
was boiled over again, scummed, and again poured
boiling hot on the meat when re-packed. The process
answered the purpose perfectly.

A method of preserving cream.

Take twelve ounces of white sugar, and as many
grains of finely powdered magnesia, and dissolve them
in a small quantity of water, over a moderate fire.
After the solution has taken place, 12 oz. of new
cream should be immediately added, and the whole
uniformly mixed while hot. Let it then gradually
cool, and pour it into a bottle, which must be carefully
corked. If kept in a cool place, and not exposed to
the air, it may be preserved in a sweet state for several
weeks, and even months.

To prevent bottled cider from bursting.

Make a strong frame of plank, say, 1^ or 2 inches
thick and nine deep, by locking it together edge-wise,
f lace it in the cellar, and sit the bottles of cider in it,
(after being well corked) as close as possible, until it
is entirely filled, except the space for one bottle, which
must be left; to commence taking them from, when
wanted for use. Then put clean sand on them, and
settle it between the bottles, by throwing on alternately
water and sand, until the sand is well settled halfway
up the neck of the bottles. In that situation the bot-
tles will be preserved, filled with the very best cider
for any length of time.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 265

By placing ice on the sand over the quantity of
bottles proposed to be used a day, it will be as if put
into ice water.

To prevent Skippers in Bacon,

Take of red pepper finely powdered one table
spoonful for every joint of meat, and rub it on the
meat with the salt, when it is first cut up. It has
been often tried, and was never known to fail in pro-
ducing the above effect.

Extirpating Rats and Mice.

Lay bird lime in their haunts ; for though they are
nasty enough in other respects, yet being very curious
of their fur, if it is but daubed with this stuff, it is so
troublesome to them, that they will even scratch their
skins from off their own backs to get it off; and will
never abide in the place where they have suffered in
this manner.

To make a Pickle or Brine for Beef,

To eight gallons of water add half a pound of salt-
petre, one pound of brown sugar, and one quart of
molasses, with as much fine salt as will make it float
an egg light, taking care that the salt dissolves lest it
be too strong — skim it well and it is fit for use.

Your beef or tongues should be put in cold water
and remain 24 hours, then drained for an hour or two,
previous to being put into the pickle.

Beef tongues, veal, or mutton for smoking should
not remain longer in pickle than ten days.
23

266 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

This pickle need not be boiled, (which operation
tends to harden the meat) but will remain perfectly
sweet till spring, when, after your beef is used or taken
out, it will be found the very best in which to cure
shad, giving them a delicious flavour, and fine red co-
lour throughout.

This receipt is offered with confidence to the farmer,
as one of the very best ever adopted. And it is the
opinion of the writer, will answer fully as well for
pork, with the exception that the latter should not be
soaked in water.

Manner of preserving Eggs perfectly fresh for twelve
Tuonths,

Having provided small casks like oyster barrels,
fill them with fresh laid eggs, then pour into each cask,
the lumps being taken out, as much cold thick lime
water as will fill up all the void space between the
eggs, likewise completely cover them. The thicker
the lime water is the better, provided it will fill up all
the interstices, and be liquid on the top of the cask.
This done lay on the head of the cask lightly. No
farther care is necessary, than merely to prevent the
lime from growing too hard, by adding occasionally a
little common water on the surface, should the lime
appear to be growing hard, and keeping the casks from
heat and frost.

The eggs, when taken out for use, are to be washed
from the adhereing lime in a little cold water, when
they will have the appearance and qualities of fresh
laid eggs, the lime preserving them from shrinking or
putridity.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 267

2b preserve hams, or other smofced meat, through
the summer.

Wrap up the meat in tow, of either flax or hemp,
after shaking out the loose shives, and pack it in a
tierce or barrel, taking care that there be next the
tierce and between every piece of meat, a thick layer
of tow packed in as close as possible ; then set it
away in a dry cellar or upper room. It is enough
that the barrel or tierce be sufficient to keep the mice
out, as no fly or insect will enter the tow.

Tow and flax are such bad conductors of -heat, that
a piece of ice will be preserved a long time wrapped
up in tow. Cut straw also answers extremely well to
keep hams in. Ashes are apt to communicate a bad
taste to meat. Care should be taken to* prevent the
flies from having access to the meat before being
packed away.

Preservation of butter.

One part of loaf sugar, one part refined salt-petre,
two parts of the best pure salt are to be pulverised to-
gether and kept for use, one ounce of this to be mixed
thoroughly with 16 ounces of the butter as soon as it is
freed from the butter milk ; it is then to be put into a
close and perfectly clean dry vessel, from which the
air is to be carefully excluded, and it will remain good
for many years.

To cultivate hemp. — The soil.

The soils most suited to the culture of this plant,
are those of the deep, black, putrid, vegetable kind,

268 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

that are low, and rather inclined to moisture, and
those of the deep, mellow, loamy, or sandy descrip-
tions. The quantity of produce is generally much
greater on the former than on the latter ; but it is said
to be greatly inferior in quality. It may, however, be
grown with success on lands of a less rich and fertile
kind, by proper care and attention in their culture and
preparation.

To prepare the ground.

In order to render the grounds proper for the recep-
tion of the crop, they should be reduced into a fine
mellow state of mould, and be perfectly cleared from
weeds, by repeated ploughing. When it succeeds
grain crops, the work is mostly accomplished by three
ploughings, and as many harrowings; the first being
given immediately after the preceding crop is removed,
the second early in the spring, and the last, or seed
earth, just before the seed is to be put in. In the last
ploughing, well rotted manure, in the proportion of 15
or 20, or good compost, in the quantity of 25 or 33
horse cart loads ; as without this it is seldom that good
crops can be produced.

The surface of the ground being left perfectly flat,
and as free from furrows as possible; as by these
means the moisture is more effectually retained, and
the growth of the plants more fully promoted.

Quantity of seed, ^c.

It is of much importance in the cultivation of hemp
crops, that the seed be new, and of good quality,
which may in some measure be known by its feeling
heavy in the hand, and being of a bright shining
colour.

The proportion of seed, that is most commonly em-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 269

ployed, is from two to three bushels, according to the
quality of the land : but, as the crops are greatly in-
jured by the plants standing too closely together, two
bushels, or two and a half, may be a more advantage-
ous quantity.

As the hemp plant is extremely tender in its oariy
growth, care should be taken not to put the seed into
the ground at so early a period, as Ih^ it may be
liable to be injured by the effects of frost ; nor to pro-
tract the sowing to so late a season, as that the quality
of the produce may be affected. The best season, on
the drier sorts of land, in the southern districts, is, as
soon as possible after the frosts are over in April, and,
on the same descriptions of soil, in the more northern
ones, towards the close of the same month, or early
in the ensuing one.

Method of sowing.

The most general method of putting crops of this
sort into the soil is the broadcast, the seed being dis-
persed over the surface of the land in as even a man-
ner as possible, and afterwards covered in by means
of a very light harrowing. In many cases, however,
especially where the crops are ta stand for seed, the
drill method in rows, at small distances, might be had
recourse to with advantage : as, in this way the early
growth of the plants would be more effectually pro-
moted, and the land be kept in a more clean and per-
fect state of mould, which are circumstances of im-
portance in such crops. In whatever method the seed
is put in, care must constantly b# taken to keep the
birds from it for some time afterwards.

This sort of crop is frequently cultivated on the
same pieces of ground for a great number of years,
23*

270 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIES

without any other kind of intervening ; but, in such
oases, manure nnust be applied with almost every crop,
in pretty large proportions, to prevent the exhaustion
that must otherwise take place. It may be sown after
most sorts of grain crops, especially where the land
possesses sufficient fertility, and is in a proper state of
tillage.

After culture.

As hemp, from its tall growth and thick foliage, soon
covers the surface of the land and prevents the rising
of weeds, little attention is necessary after the seed has
been put into the ground, especially where the broad-
cast method of sowing is practised ; but, when put in
by the drill machine, a hoeing or two may be had re-
course to with advantage in the early growth of the
crop.

In the culture of this plant, it is particularly neces-
sary, that the same piece of land contains both male
and female, or what is sometimes denominated simple
hemp. The latter kind contains the seed.

When the crop is ripe, (which is known by its be-
coming of a whitish yellow colour, and a few of the
leaves beginning to drop from the stems ; this happens
commonly about thirteen or fourteen weeks from the
period of its being sown, according as the season may
be dry or wet, the first sort being mostly ripe some
v;eeks before the latter ;) the next operation is that of
taking it from the ground, which is effected by pulling
U up by the roots, in small parcels at a time, by the
,'mnd, taking care to shake off the mould well from
them before the handsful are laid down. In some dis-
tricts, the whole crop is pulled together, without any
distinction being made between the different kinds of

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 271

hemp ; while, in others, it is the practice to separate
and pull them at different times, according to their
ripeness. The latter is obviously the better practice ;
as by pulling a large proportion of the crop before it
is in a proper state of maturity, the quantity of produce
must not only be considerably lessened, but its quality
greatly injured by being rendered less durable.

After being thus pulled, it is tied up in small parcels,
or what are sometimes provincially termed baits.

Where crops of this kind are intended for seeding,
they should be suffered to stand till the seed becomes
in a perfect state of maturity, which is easily known
by the appearance of it on inspection. The stems are
then pulled and bound up, as in the other case, the
bundles being set up in the same manner as grain, until
the seed becomes so dry and firm as to shed freely.
It is then either immediately thrashed out upon large
cloths for the purpose, in the field, or taken home to haVe
the operation afterwards performed.

Process of grassing hemp.

Thb hemp, as soon as pulled, is tied up in small
bundles, frequently at both ends.

It is then conveyed to pits, or ponds of stagnant
water, about six or eight feet in depth, such as have a
clayey soil being in general preferred, and deposited in
beds, according to their size and depth ; the small
bundles being laid both in a straight direction and
cross-wise of each other, so as to bind perfectly to-
gether ; the whole being loaded with timber, or other
materials, so as to keep the beds of hemp just below
the surface of the water.

It is not usual to water more than four or five times
in the same pit, till it has been filled with water.

272 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

Where the ponds are not sufficiently large to contain
the whole of the produce at once, it is the practice to
pull the hemp only as it can be admitted into them, it
being thought disadvantageous to leave the hemp upon
the ground, after being pulled. It is left in these pits
four, five, or six days, or even more, according to the
warmth of the season, and the judgment of the ope-
rator, on his examining whether the hempy material
readily separates from the reed or stem ; and then
taken up and conveyed to a pasture field, which is
clean and even, the bundles being loosened, and
spread out thinly, stem by stem, turning it every se-
cond or third day, especially in damp weather, to pre-
vent its being injured by worms, or other insects. It
should remain in this situation for two, three, four,
or more weeks, according to circumstances, and be
then collected together when in a perfectly dry state,
tied up into large bundles, and placed in some secure
building, until an opportunity is afforded for breaking
it, in order to separate the hemp. By this means the
process of grassing is not only shortened, but the more
expensive ones of breaking, scucthing, and bleaching
the yarn, rendered less violent and troublesome.

After the hemp has been removed from the field, it
is in a state to be broken and swingled, operations
that arc mostly performed by common labourers, by
means of machinery for the purpose, the produce being
tied up in stones. The refuse, collected in the latter
processes, is denominated sheaves, and is in some dis-
tricts employed for the purposes of fuel. After having
undergone these different operations, it is ready for the
purposes of the manufacturer.

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 273

Fruit trees.

The seeds of a nursery should be planted in rows
five or six feet apart, that carrots, potatoes, or bush
beans may be planted between them. This will be an
inducement to keep the nursery clean. Cherries,
peaches, plumbs, and other stone fruit, should be
planted while the stones are moist, or with the meat
on them. In this way they come up with more cer-
tainty. It is a good practice to plant the seeds in
beds, and to remove the young trees to the nursery.
This will give an opportunity of early removing the
tap root, and of increasing and directing the lateral
roots. The dwarfs in a nursery are not worth culti-
vating, and ought to be removed ; there are commonly
enough thrifty trees without them.

In taking up trees, care should be used not to injure
the roots. The tap roots should be cut off, the broken
roots pruned with a sharp knife, and the lateral roots
should be carefully preserved, and should have suffi-
cient room in the ground to spread. The trees when
set out should have the same aspect, as when standing
in the nursery. It is useful to place a small quantity
of hay or straw around them, to prevent the sun from
taking up too much of the moisture, and to keep the
ground from becoming dry and hard. This should
be removed before snow falls, lest it harbour mice.

On dry land, not exposed to be moved by frost,
transplanting is safest and best in autumn ; otherwise
in the spring. Trees are more thrifty, will bear
sooner, and more plentifully, near fences, and will less
incommode the cultivation of the field.

In forming the head of the tree, all the limbs, which
will be likely to rub across other limbs, should be

274 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

early removed. By neglecting to do this in season,
the tree may be injured by causing large wounds. By
pruning when the circulation is most active, the wounds
will soonest be healed.

It is safest, when the wounds are large, to cover
them with some kind of plaster to keep out the water
and air, and prevent rotting. Mature trees, it is said,
will produce more and fairer fruit by being pruned
when in blossom.

When mice have injured the bark, it is useful to
cover the wound with dirt, or some kind of plaster.
When entirely girdled, the tree may be preserved by
connecting the under and upper lips of the bark with
a suitable number of scions. It is a good preservation
against injuries by mice, to tread down the snow, when
it first falls, for a foot or two about the tree."

How to produce the best of Fruit,

Take a scion from a tree, the growth of the pre-
ceding year, of the choicest fruit to be found — cut this
scion into pieces of two, three or four inches in length,
dip the ends cut into warm rosin so as to prevent the
sap issuing out — plant the pieces in soil suitable for an
orchard. A number of shoots will spring up ; from
these select the most thrifty for growth, lop down the
remaining shoots and cover them faithfully with earth,
and in a short time they will become roots to nourish
and hasten the growth of the tree. An orchard may
be produced in this manner at least two years sooner
than from the seed.

Recipe for making good yellow Butter.
A gentleman from Scotland has lately called at this

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 275

office, and requested us to promulgate the following
recipe for the benefit of those farmers who supply our
market with butter. — He was led to make the su^ores-
tion in consequence of having noticed that our butter
made after the cattle are put to hay, is almost univer-
sally white. He says that in his country the dairy
women avoid this by grating some orange carrots, the
juice of which, after being strained, is mixed with the
cream previous to churning. Butter thus manufac-
tured acquires not only a beautiful yellow colour, but
a flavour which adds greatly to its value. The quan-
tity of carrot juice necessary to be used for this pur-
pose may easily be ascertained : indeed the judgment
of the manufacturer cannot fail to suggest very
nearly the quantity necessary to give a proper colour.

Art of dressing Flax so as to resemble Silk, as praC'
ticed in Germany.

Take one part of lime, and between two and three
parts of wood-ashes ; pour over them a due proportion
of water to make a strong and sharp lie after they
have stood together all night, which must be poured
off' when quite clear. Tie handfulls of flax at both
ends, to prevent its entangling, but let the middle of
each be spread as open as possible, in a kettle, on the
bottom of which has first been placed a little straw
with a cloth over it.

Then put another cloth over the flax, and so con-
tinue covering each layer of flax with a cloth till the
kettle be nearly full. Pour over the whole the* clear
lie, and after boiling it for some hours take it out, and
throw it in cold water. This boiling, &c. may be re-
peated, if judged requisite.

The flax must be each time dried, hackled, beaten,

^76 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

and rubbed fine ; and, at length, first dressed through
a large comb, and then through a very fine one. By
this process the flax acquires a beautifully bright and
soft thread. The tow, which is beaten off, when pa-
pered up and combed like cotton, is not only used for
many of the same purposes, but makes an excellent
lint for wounds.

Mode of ivhiteiiing Straw.

In 1806, a new method of whitening straw was dis-
covered in Germany. This consists in steeping it in
muriatic acid saturated with potash.

The straw, thus prepared, never turns yellow, is of
a shining white, and acquires great flexibility.

Preserved Strawberries.

To one pound of ripe strawberries put one pound
of powdered loaf-sugar, laying alternately on a deep
dish-layer of each. Let them remain thus for twenty
four hours, then boil them in a syrup till they are all
of a colour. In order to determine when they are
done enough, cut one of them open.

Then, taking them out, boil the syrup to the con-
sistence of a jelly, let it remain till cool, then put in
your strawberries, and let them boil up once ; take
them off*, and when cool, put them into a pot for use.

Hop- Beer.

For a half barrel of beer take half a pound of
hops and half a gallon of molasses ; the latter must
be poured by itself into the cask. Boil the hops, add-
ing to them a teacupfull of powdered ginger, in about
a pailful and a half of water, that is, a quantity suffi-

AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 277

cient to extract the virtue of the hops. When suffi-
ciently brewed, put it up warm into the cask, shaking
it well in order to mix it with the molasses. Then fill
it up with water quite to the bung, which must be left
open to allow it to work. You must be careful to keep
it constantly filled up with water whenever it works
over. When sufficiently wrought to be bottled, put
about a spoonful of molasses into each bottle.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED REGARDING THE
IMPROVEMENT OF WASTE LANDS.

In the cultivation of wastes, the following rules are
laid down by the most successful improvers.

1. Not to put in practice any scheme of improve-
ment, without the fullest deliberation, nor without the
command of an adequate capital.

2. Not to begin on too great a scale, nor until, by
experiment it be found, that the design is suitable to
the soil, situation and climate.

3. When the intention is to cultivate peat-moss, not
to begin cropping, till at least one season after the
drains are completed, and the soil thoroughly reclaimed
from superfluous moisture. In flow or spongy mosses
a longer time is necessary, and it is desirable to ex-
pose the soil to the action of the atmosphere, during
the frosts of winter.

4. To plough or delve peat-moss in autumn, that it
may be effectually exposed to the winter frost and
rains, and not to the summer's heat, which hardens it,
and prevents its decomposition.

5. Whatever is done, to do it eff'ectually ; not to

24

278 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER

think of laying on four acres, the manure necessary
for three, nor the lime, chalk, earth, clay, sand or
gravel, upon two acres, that should be employed in
covering only one.

6. To carry on the improvement of waste lands,
without encroaching upon the dung necessary for the im-
proved part of a farm, as dung ought never to be brought
from a good soil to lay on a bad one. Unless dung
therefore can be procured from a neighbouring town
or village, it will be better to leave the lands in their
natural state, except in cases where the soil, by being
pared, burnt, limed, or marled, or covered with chalk,
clay, earth, &c. will pay the expense of the improve-
ment.

7. The last rule is, to lay down land, improved
from waste, more especially in high and bleak situa-
tions, as soon as possible into grass, and to retain it
in that state as long as it is tolerably productive. For
though grain and roots may be cultivated on waste
lands, when properly improved, yet grass pastured,
particularly by sheep, is principally to be depended on
for improving all weak soils, in barren districts. In
such cases, it is from grass alone that remuneration
can be looked for by the improver of waste lands.
Even though soils of this description do not produce
grass in much abundance, or of good quality, yet when
in pasture they produce something, and a stop is put
to farther expenditure.

INDEX

OF TBS

AMERICAN POCKET FARRIER

AND FARMERS RECEIPT BOOK,

CONTAINING

TEN MINUTES ADVICE HOW TO BUY A HORSE;

WITH
DIRECTIONS HOW TO USE HIM ON A JOURNEY.

Pa?e

Page

Age,

14,40

Cold, running at the eyes

Anticor,

21, 79

and nose, - - 60

Apoplexy #* staggers, 68

Cold water, caution against,
70

Back sinews,

59

Corns, - - - 89

Barbs,

20,84

Correction ill-timed and

Back and body.

30

well-timed, - 46

Back, a sore.

53

Countenance, - 10

Bow-legged,

28

Cough, - - 61

Breast,

21

Cracked heels, - 50

Buy, try before you

39

Cutting, , - - 47

Bleeding, caution, cause.

Cuts, treads and bruises

63,67

cured, - - 49

Botts or worms,

67

Curb, - - - 33

Broken wind.

41,73

Easy rein, - - 46

Canter,

36

Eyes, - - 8,40

Circled feet, -

27

Eyes, cold in, and treat-

Clap in the back sinews, 59

ment, - 60, 63

279

280

INDEX.

Paze

Eyes, a poultice for tlie, 64
Eye water, - - 64

Fainting, a cordial for, 66

Farcy and glanders, 74

Feed, remember to, 65

Feeding, directions for, 66

Fever, the cure, - 91

Film, the cure, - 64

Fistula, - - 85

Flies, how to keep off, 98

Forging, - - 34

Foundering, to prevent, 61

Gagg-teeth, - - 20
Gallop, - - - 36
Giggs on the lips, 20, 84
Glanders, - 12,74

Going, directions for, 46
Gravelled, - - 48
Grazing, - - 69

Greasing heels, - 51
Gripes, - - 66

Grooms, how to detect bad, 73

Hoofs, - - 26,49
Heel, - 49, 50, 51

Head, - " 28

Heat balls, - 50

Horse ointment, - 49

Hard riding, - 57

Hide bound, - 58

Hay and oats, take care
of your, - 73

Jaundice, - 88

Journey, setting out on a, 46
Jaws, knotted between

the, - - 62

Pair*
Lampas, cure for it, 20, 72
Legs, - 22, 41

Lameness, - 47, 49

Mane,

Mallender,

Mange,

Morefoundering

Mouth,

28
53
55
12
14

Mounting, directions for, 46

Neck,
Nostrils,

Oats,

Osslets,

28,97
13,60

73
24

Pastern and pastern-joint, 26
Pricked, - - 48

Purge, - - 70,71

Purgings, to stop violent, 71
Pollevi], • - 29,77

Rat's tail, - * 33,78

Rowels, - - 73

Ringbone, - - 84

Running thrush, - 89

Salender, - - 53

Stable, a horse in the, 7

Saddle liorse, - 43

Starting and shying, 43

Strangles, - 11, 80

Splints, cure for, 23, 44

Spavins, - 32, 45

Shoulders, - - 29
Shoulder slip, how to

know a, - 58, 60

Stifle, - - - 59

INDEX.

281

Tage

Page

Staling, difficulty of,

54

Trot in hand, - 34

Surfeit and mange,

55

Trot mounted, - 35

Staggers, or apoplexy.

68

Stringhalt,

88

Vives, - 13, 82

Stumbler, how to dis-

Windgalls, - - 24

cover a, - -

39

Walk in hand, - 34

Swelled and cracked

Walk mounted, - 35

heels.

50

Watering, advice for, 54

Sore back.

53

Wind, broken wind, 41, 73
Worms or botts, - 67

Thighs,

22

Yellows or Jaundice, 88

Tottering legs,

36

The management of Cows, before, during, and after

calving, ----- 99

How to extract a calf when it presents in a wrong

position, ----- 108

How to treat the navel-string after extraction, 110

The falling down of the calf-bed, - - 111

Abortion, or slipping of the calf, - - 113

The management of young calves, and the treatment
of cows after their delivery, - - 116

DISEASES TO WHICH CALVES ARE SUBJECT,

Cords, symptoms, cure, 122
Canker in the mouth, 131
Costiveness, or obstruc-
tion of bowels, 127

Of the internal structure of the cow

121

Diarrhcea, or dysentery, 124
Hoose, or cough, - 129
Inflammatory disorders, 132

135

THE DISORDERS TO WHICH NEAT CATTLE ARE SUBJECT,
WITH THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND METHODS OP
CURE, - - - . -

Black Quarter, - 150
Bowels, inflammation of

the, - - 162

Brain, - - - 165
Blown, - - 166

BJoody urine,

Bruises,

Bones, swelling in the,

24*

Catarrh, or cold.

142

182
198
199

154

282

tlTDfiX.

Page

Colic, - - 172

Cud, loss of, - 175

Cows near calving, 190

Distemper,
DiarrhoBa,

154, 206

178

Epidemical cold, 154
Excrescences, horny, 199

Fever, inflammatory, 150

Fog sickness, - 166

Flatulent colic, - 172

Foul in the foot, 183

Gripes, - - 172

Grain sick, - 197

Homey excrescences, 199

Horn distemper, - 206

Hoven, - - 166

Hoof ail, . - 183

Inflammation of the

lungs, - - 158

Inflammation of the

stomach, - - 160

Inflammation of the

liver, - - 163

Inflammation of the

kidneys, - - 164

Inflammation of the

udder, - - 192

Page

Liver, inflammation of

the.

163

Lungs, inflammation of

the.

- 158

Loss of the cud.

175

Looseness,

178

Loss of joint oil,

204

Murrain or pest,

151

Mange,

- 205

Observations,

. 142

Pest,

- 151

Peripneumony or

P^®"* ,.«

risy,

158

Quarter evil, - 150

Red water, - - 182

Slimy flux, or scouring

rot, - - 179

Strains and bruises, 198

Soft swellings, - 202

Spud, - - - 150
Stomach, inflammation

of the, - - 100

Swellings of joints and

bones, - - 199

Swelling of the udder, 192

Synovia, - - 204

Indigestion, -

175

Tail sickness,

307

Jaundice,

17.6

Ulcers,

.207

Joints, swelling of the.

199

Udder, swelling of the,

192

Joint oil, loss of.

204

Warts,

199

Kidneys, inflammation

Wounds of cattle.

194

of the.

164

Yellows,

176

INDEX.

283

THE DISEASES OF SHEEP AND CURES FOR THEM

Foot-rot, - - 209
Prevention and cure, 210
To prevent from catching

cold after shearing, 211
To cure the scab, 211

To destroy maggots, 212
Water in the head, 214

To pre vent the "sturdy," 219

Practice of the Spanish

shepherds,
Pelt-rot,
Tick, staggers, colds,

purging, and hove,
Pining, small-pox.

209

220
220

221
222
223

THE DISEASES OP SWINE AND CURES FOR THEM,

Drenches, - - 226
Fever, - - 226

Fattening of swine, 226

Food proper for fattening, 227
Best weather to fatten in, 227
Issues, - - 226

To fat sucking pigs, 230
How to cure pork and
bacon, - - 231

224

Economy,

.

229

Liquids,

•

228

Measles,

.

224

Rupture,

• "

225

Swine-pox,

226

Catarrhs,

• •

226

To fat weaned pigs.

230

How to pack

bacon anc

hams.

-

233

AGRICULTURAL AND MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS,

Of Gardens, . - . -

Black worms,
Red worms.
Palmer worms.
Timber worms,
Cankerworm,
Curculio,
Catterpillars,
Grasshoppers,
Grubs,

234
234

240

Garden flea.

243

241

Hessian-fly,

242

241

Insects, to destroy.

235

241

Lice, - . -

243

236

Maggots,

242

238

Top or spindle worm.

240

240

Turnip-fly,

242

244

Weavel,

243

240

Yellow-striped bug.

242

284

INDEX.

HOW TO MANAGE A DAIRY,

245

Directions to the cow-
feeder, - - 245

Directions to the dairy-
maid, - - 246

How to choose a milch
cow, - - 246

Grafting",

To cure dropsy in young"
turkeys, - 250

The economy of a cow, 247

How to manage young-
chickens, - 248

To fatten poultry, 249

251

MANAGEMENT' OF BEES,

254

To hive bees,

255

To unite swarms,

256

To reinforce stocks.

256

To feed bees.

257

To manage honey.

258

To manage bees gene-

To take honey without

rally.

259

destroying the bees,

258

PRESERVING

MEATS, ETC.

262

A receipt for pickle.

262

To cure beef,

263

To prevent skippers in

To make a pickle or

bacon.

265

brine for beef.

265

To preserve hams, or

A method of preserving

other smoked meat

cream,

264

through the summer.

267

Receipt for making good

Preservation of butter,

267

yellow butter,

274

Manner of preserving

To cultivate hemp — the

eggs perfectly fresh

soil.

267

for twelve months.

266

To prepare the ground.

268

To prevent bottled cider

Quantity of seed, etc..

268

from bursting,

264

Method of sowing.

269

Extirpating rats and

After culture.

270

mice.

265

Process of grassing

Fruit trees.

273

hemp.

271

How to produce the best

Dressing flax to resem-

fruit,

274

ble silk, - -

275

Preserved strawberries.

276

Mode of whitening

Hop-beer,

276

straw, -^ -

276

Rules to be observed regarding the improvement of
waste lands, - . - - 277

1

Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine
Cummings Sr.hOGi of Veterinary Medicine at
Tufts Univeroily
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton. MA 01536

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