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GIFT OF FAIRMAN ROGERS
Digitized by the Internet Archive
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http://www.archive.org/details/treatiseondiseasOOdunb
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A TREATISE
/
ON THE
ESPECIALLY TO THOSE OF THE FOOT,
SHOWING THAT NEARLY EVERY SPECIES OF
LAMENESS ARISES FROM CONTRACTION
OF THE HOOF,
WITH A
PRESCRIBED REMEDY THEREFOR,
DEMONSTRATED BY A MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE MOST CELEBRATED HORSEMEN IN THE UNITED
STATES AND ENGLAND,
/
ALEXANDER DUNBAR,
ORIGINATOR OF THE CELEBRATED "DUNBAR SYSTEM" FOR THE
PREVENTION AND CURE OF CONTRACTION.
WILMINGTON, DEL. :
JAMES & WEBB, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS,
No, 224 Market Street.
187I.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by Alkxanokb
DcNBAR, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
/1^
IftfDEX. ..
PAGE.
Introductory, ------- i
CHAPTER I.
Dunbar on the Horse, ------ g
Instructions in Horse-Shoeing, - - - - - lo
Testimonials in favor of Dunbar's system, - • - 1 1
" Lady Rysdyke" presented by Wm. M. Rysdyke, Esq., to Alexan-
der Dunbar, - - - - - - - 15
Cut of Rysdyke's " Hambletonian," - - - - 17
Cut of portions of Hoof removed from "Old Hambletonian," - 17
CHAPTER n.
Lady Rysdyke and Old Hambletonian, - - - - 19
CHAPTER HI.
Testimonial of Robert Bonner in favor of the " Dunbar System," 25
How I obtained the knowledge of the "Dunbar" System, - 25
Letter of Hon. R. Stockett Matthews, - - - - 36
Letter of Lieut. General Grant, . . . . ^6
First acquaintance with Messrs. Bruce, editors of "The Turf, Field
and Farm," ------- 37
The Evils of Horse-Shoeing, or Difficulties of the Blacksmith, 38
Roberge's Patent Horse-Shoe, - - - - - 43
Dunbar's Objections to the "Rolling Motion Shoe," - - 44
CHAPTER IV.
Alexander Dunbar versus Frank Forrester, - - -51
^\^lb
IV INDEX.
CHAPTER V.
PAGE.
The Foot of the Horse — Doctor's Differ, - - - 6i
Dunbar Explains his Position, - - - - - 63
Dunbar's Answer to G. W. B., - - - - - 70
G. W. B. on Contraction, ------ 71
Dunbar overhauls G. W. B, on Contraction, - - - 72
The Fight goes on — G. W. B. to the Front, - - -.78
Dunbar has his say, - - - - - - 81
G. W. B. to Dunbar, ------ ^2
Dunbar to G. W. B., - - - - - - 93
Dunbar makes his position clear, - - - - - 96
CHAPTER VI.
Alexander Dunbar on the Frog of the Foot, - - - 99
Letter of General Grant, - _ - _ _ loi
Letter of Quarter Master General Meigs, - - - - 102
On the growth of the Hoof, ----- 102
Opinions of practical men through the Press, - - - 104
Dunbar in the President's Stable, - . _ _ J04
Horse Shoeing, ------- 106
Letter of L. Jewett, .-.-.- 107
CHAPTER Vn.
Mr. Bonner and Professor Gamgee, - - - - 109
Letter of George Wilkes to General Grant, - - - 112
Mr. Dunbar's system of treating the horse's foot — From Wilkes'
Spirit of the Times, - - - - - - 113
CHAPTER Vni.
On Dexter, - - - - - - - 117
Letter from Robert Bonner, - - - - - 122
Letter from Major General Custer, . . - - 122
Letter from Major General Meigs, ----- 123
Letter from A. Welch to Hon. E. M. Stanton, - - - 124
CHAPTER IX.
On Breeding, - - - - - - - 125
" Wilmington Commercial" on Dunbar's treatment of Horses' Feet, 131
An article from a "hidden hand," - _ _ - 123
INDEX. V
PAGE.
CHAPTER X.
Dunbar on color — Curious it true, ----- 135
The Vision Theory, - - - - - - 140
CHAPTER XL
Important Letters, - - _ . - - 143
Letter from General Grant to Major General Meigs, - - 143
Letter from Sir Frederick A. Bruce to the Right Honorable, the
Earl of Longford, K. C. B., - - - - 143
Letter from Robert Bonner to Hon. E. M. Stanton, - - 144
Letter from Lieutenant General U. S. Grant to Hon. R. C. Schenck, 145
Letter from M. C. Meigs, Quarter Master General, - - 145
Letter from A. Dunbar to Hon. R. C. Schenck, - - - 146
Letter from General U. S. Grant to Hon. R. C. Schenck, - 146
Letter from General U. S. Grant to Hon. E. M. Stanton, - - 147
Bleeding, - - - - - - - 148
Letter from Cornelius Vanderbilt to Hon. E. M. Stanton, - 154
Letter from John P. Hatch, U. S. A. to James A. Ekin, Deputy
Quarter Master General, - - - - - I54
CHAPTER Xn.
Expose of the Bonner Attack, - - - - -155
Letter of J. B. Ayres to " Turf, Field and Farm, - • - 158
Ayres on Dunbar and Roberge, - - - - - 158
Explanation of the Lee and Dunbar Article, - - - 159
Treatment of the Foot, - - - - - - 161
A. Dunbar to Turf, Field and Farm, - - - - 162
Lee and Dunbar— No connection between the two, - - 165
What is Joint Oil? ...--. 171
Lee and Dunbar — Hear both Sides, - - - - 174
CHAPTER Xni.
Important Correspondence, ----- 181
Letter from L. M. Hoyt to George Lobdell, - - - 181
Letter trom B. G. Bruce to Matthew Dawson, New Market, England, 184
Letter from B. G. Bruce to J. B. Pryor, New Market, England, 184
Letter from Wm. D. Andrews & Bro., . - - - 184
Letter from R. Stockett Matthews, - - - - 185
VI INDEX.
CHAPTER XIV.
PAGE.
The Tooth Rasp, - - - - - - - 191
Letter from James McGuire, U. S. Cavalry, - - - ig6
On the Impediments to Progress, - . . . . i^g
Bots, - - - - - - - - 199
The Horse's foot, the way to shoe it, &c., by W. J. Cullen, - 206
Letter from M. C. Meigs, Quarter Master General, - - 210
CHAPTER XV.
Patent Stable-floor, - - - - - - 211
Description of combined Collar and Hames, - - - 212
Draught, - - - - - - - - 214
Patent Hames, - - - - - - - 217
Testimonials in favor of the Patent Hames, - - » 218
From John Ulman, - - - - - - 218
From Thomas J. Clark, - - - - . - 218
From J. A. Dupont, Brvt. Col. U. S. A., - - - 219
Letter from L L. Rathbone, . . . . - 219
Letter from David McCauley, ----- 220
On driving, - - - - - - - 221
Stifle, -------- 223
CHAPTER XVI.
Miscellaneous Letters, ------ 225
Letter from M. C. Meigs, ----- 225
Letter from L. H. Rucker, Bvt. Capt., U. S. A., - - - 225
Letter from Wm. A. Thompson, Lieutenant Commanding *'H."
Troop, ------- 225
Letter from T. W. Porter, Captain and A. O. M. U. S. A., - 226
Letter from J. F. Wade, Maj. 9th, Cavalry Bvt. Col., - 226
Letter from John S. Pond Bvt. Captain, U. S. A., - - 227
Letter from N. H. Davis, U. S. A., - - - - 227
Letter from R. A. Dupont, Light Battery "F." 5th Artillery, 228
Letter from N. H. Davis, Assistant Quarter Master (icneral U.
S. A., - - - - - - - 229
Letter from W. A. Thompson, Lt. 4th Cavalry, - - 230
Letter from W. B. Lane, U. S. A., - - - - 230
Letter from J. Carter Marbury, Soliciter, Washington R. R. Co., 230
Letter from L. Loury Moor, Captain, Quarter Master General's
office, ------ 231
INDEX. VII
PAGE.
Letter from C. Baker, Captain and Acting A. Q. M., - - 231
Letter from J. W. Thompson Prest. Metropolitan Rail Road Co.,
Washington D. C, - - - - - 231
Letter from A. K. Gage, Civil Inspector of Horses, - - 232
Letter from Charles Knapp to Lieutenant General Grant, - 232
Letter from Brigadier General McFerran, - - - 233
Letter from Thomas McSpeden to Hon. Nelson Taylor, - 233
Letter from A. J. Hollowood, ----- 234
Letter from S. V. R. Wells, - - - - - 23 S
Letter from G. A. Hall, M. D., - - - - 235
Letter from George Gates, Inspector and Thomas Grimby ist.
Lieutenant 8th Illinois Cavalry, - - _ - 3^5
Letter from Alexander J. Perry, Bvt. General, - - - 236
Letter from N. Goetz, Superintendent of Hob. and W. H. R.
R. Co., -----. 236
Letter from D. T. Bonn, President of Hob. W. H. R. R. Co., - 236
Letter from W. S. Wood, . - . _ _ 236
Letter from John O. Brian, Treasurer 2nd Avenue R. R., - 237
Letter from Ed. Ball, ist Lieutenant 2nd U. S. Cavalry, - 237
Letter from Erastus Wells, President Missouri R. R. Co., - 238
Letter frem'Alfred W. Henry, Supt. Bellfontaine R. R., - 238
Letter from G. W. Alexander, Superintendent, - - - 238
Letter from Thomas C. Robbins, Supt. Covington City Railway, 238
Letter from Edward Johnson, _____ 239
Letter from Thomas C. Robbins, Covington City R. R., - 239
Letter from R. Johnson, Superintendent B. R. R. Co., - - 239
Letter from Wm. A. Thompson, 2nd Lieutenant 4th U. S. Cavalry, 240
Dr. Joseph B. Coleman's Circular, - - . - 241
(i
km :
INTRODUCTORY.
It is probable, that some may believe, that the writer
and compiler of the following work is not well informed;
not having trodden the regular pathway through vet-
erinary science. Yet had he followed in the footsteps
of his predecessors, his time would have been taken up
in comprehending, and imitating, that which has been
already written, instead of originating his new, and bet-
ter system. The only regret to beexpressed Is, that so
much suffering has been caused by error, and that this
simple system, had not been sooner discovered, when
it was so greatly needed.
May we not be excused, if we say, it makes the
blood boil^ and the heart quiver with indignation, when
we see men, instead of honestly acknowledging their
errors, cling to their old prejudices, though broken from
under them by piece-meal.
Is it right, that men of science, the appointed guar-
dians of this noble animal, the horse, should be suffered
to continue a system through pride, or the sake of gain,
without rebuke and exposure, when remonstrance has no
A
2 INTRODUCTORY.
effect ? Dr. C. C. Grice, if I have been rightly informed,
called at the Field, Turf and Farm Office, to object to
the publication of articles similar to one I had written
(See page 84) concerning Professor Gamgee, wherein I
quoted a statement made by him, that only three per cent,
of his pupils were practically useful, and to these com-
petent ones, he invariably returned their fees, and pro-
cured them situations with agricultural societies.
The Editor replied, that all that had been asserted
in the article was correct ; and that the operation had
been performed under Mr. Dunbar's supervision.
Dr. Grice then remarked that even if it was true, he
should not have published it, as it was ruinous to their
business.
Why such obstinacy ? Are the injuries created
by ignorance to become temptations to gain ? or, are the
yieldings so prolific ?
Their mistakes or blunders, are, indeed, numerous,
and should be humiliating, at least such cases as that of
" Brother Jonathan."
I have often been asked, why not write a book, giv-
ing the precise information. It would certainly be inval-
uable, because it would the more speedily disseminate
the requisite knowledge, could it be done, but my system
cannot be thoroughly described in this way, even were
it written in the plainest language; otherwise, spectators
could learn it.
INTRODUCTORY. 3
But from what I shall write, If carefully studied
many wrongs and mistakes may be corrected by those
who have clear heads, such only, as I dare trust to teach
my youthful science.
Curious enough, ihat with all the convincing proofs
of my ability to teach how to remedy the varied diseases
of the feet, that few of those persons, whom I have con-
sented to teach, take instruction, except they have at
least, one lame horse at the time; although endorsed by
men of standing, that it is much better as a preventive,
as also an aid in purchasing horses, and in judiciously
controlling the groom, coachmen, &c., for nothing is so
intimately connected with the health and good condition
of one's favorites, as sufficient knowledge in the owner
to control and direct, understandingly, all subordinates
who have the care of them.
After my return from Europe, it is my intention to
write up the system as clearly as possible, with the
knowledge I may acquire while there, giving practical in-
struction in connection.
My great aim heretofore has been, to protect the
system. This I could not have done, had I taught care-
less or incompetent persons, for in doing so, my system
would soon have come into disrepute, through their mis-
application of it. A written description of my system,
at present, would be ruinous.
To introduce one mistake, in connection with any
new innovation, would be chronicled to the ends of the
4 INTRODUCTORY.
earth, while every success is only what is expected, and
though many cures that I have accomplished were, when
undertaken, looked upon as miraculous if completed,
yet, when performed, are only looked upon as matters
of course. For instance. General Meigs, Quartermaster
General, said, if I cured a pony of his with sprung knees
he would pronounce it a miracle. When I had accom-
plished it, in much less time than I had promised him, he
too, looked upon it as a matter of course.
He imposed this test on me after the Military Com-
mittee had been satisfied b}^ examining- my specimens, and
the reports of gentlemen, beyond suspicion, certifying to
its merits from having witnessed the results of a thorough
application of it on both railways, (he being well acquaint-
ed with the Presidents of both roads,) besides, Congress
having passed an act, authorizing the Secretary of War
to contract with me for the use of my discovery. Yet, in
the face of all this, he treated me as if he owned the
whole country, and as though all who had recommended
it previously were not capable of understanding it, or were
not reliable. He too thought I could describe it in writ-
ing, and get it copy-righted, but he now knows, that
neither the patent, nor copy-right laws could apply it
judiciously. It must be carefully sustained by competent
men, of artistic ability. I have refused to teach those
whom I thought incapable while introducing it, for, if
incompetent, their mistakes would do me more harm
than their money would do me good.
INTRODUCTORY. 5
The foot of the horse, though a small thing, is very
complicated, and Veterinary science has done very little
more than understand the anatomy of it, the material
and the complication. Nature has little to do with the
foot of the horse in a domestic state, its functions are so
very much changed by shoeing and labor. The parts of
the hoof most useful in the bare-foot, have become most
injurious when shod. The least malformation affects the
whole complication, the growth is so singular and
irregular. There is no man that has written a useful par-
agraph on the treatment of the foot that I have seen, and
I have seen almost everything that has been written upon
it, and not one author, either in Europe or America, has
ever written intelligently or instructively upon the sub-
ject with reference to its changed condition. On the
contrary, in this work, I propose giving a brief history of
my success in the treatment of the horse's foot, thereby
opening a new channel for thought, rather than compiling
a number of meaningless recipes.
That which has been written on Anatomy and Physic,
on the whole, with the exception of the foot, is, perhaps,
as good as anything that I could say, but when my infant
system shall have become a strong youth, I will then
write my views as plainly as I can, for then a few mistakes
made by incompetent operators, would not have the fatal
tendency they would now. No person, I am sure, ever
understood my system previously to my discovery of it,
for had they, they would not have ceased using it. Besides
if even partially understood, one could not forget any
6 INTRODUCTORY.
part, but would most certainly keep improving. Those
persons, " Spooner" and others, who have spoken against
cutting out the heels, no doubt meaning a part of the
frog as well as the hoof, were so tar right in condemning
the practice ; for where that alone is done, without proper
fittino; of the shoe and drivino^ of the nails, without
judicious application and proper exercise, it is injurious,
and is similar to destroying the abutments of an arch in
masonry.
From my other articles you will observe that I have
described the sole of the hoof as the only part of the
foot having the power, that is, when its functions are
retained by proper treatment, to resist the encroachment
of the wall or sides of the hoof. The frog, so much
resembling the open space of an arch, has neither the
power from its locality and connection, nor the ability in
material, to force a substance greater in quantity, stronger
in quality, and much more strongly fortified by position
and shape. Lift the foot so that the toe will be uppermost,
and the sole or base in a perpendicular position, and you
will observe that the sole resembles as much as anything
possible, an arched bridge, the frog representing the open
space.
Those who denounce my system, while ignorant of
its complication and merit, and have based their opinions
upon the errors of others, are much less censurable than
those who have witnessed its effects and say it is good,
but that their father, grandfather or somebody else, used
INTRODUCTORY.
/
it heretofore to their knowledge, and very successfully
too. Common sense teaches that there is no truth in
the statement, else they would have improved upon it
instead of retrograding or forgetting it altogether, since
the condition of their horses feet controvert the statement.
I have heard many persons say, while witnessing my
operations, that they had seen different individuals per-
form in a similar manner, when their surprise and alarm
even at seeing a few drops of blood, during my treat-
ment of the horse's foot, made their statement a ques-
tionable one. My method of operating being so different
from the authorized one, that a" person conversant with
it need show no alarm, for after their first exclamation
and nervous shock is over, like Mr. John Richards and
Professor Gangee, they are all attention.
Others declare it novel in the most hearty and em-
phatic language, and in a litde time adopt it as their own.
with the excuse for doing so that they too had a few
thoughts upon the subject, which transformed it into an
entirely new system they unblushingly call their own.
This they do ior awhile until they really believe it to be
so, and then have the hardihood to publish it as such.
The condition of the horses feet in the locality in
which they operate, is the only truthful test. If their
statements were correct, there would be no deformities or
surplus material of hoof for me to work upon. It is
therefore, idle and useless for men to deprecate its utility,
INTRODUCTORY.
whose only object in doing so is to foster their long cher-
ished, over weaning conceit. Innocent as they may think
themselves in this respect, they cling to their vanities
even after their prejudices have slipped from them, and
on it alone collect and cling to as much as possible, oi the
ruins of their old, tumble-down, erroneous hobby, despite
all their assertions, professedly, to the contrary.
DUNBAR ON THE HORSE.
CHAPTER I.
[Report from War Department after one year's experience of my system.]
INSTRUCTION IN HORSE-SHOEING.
Under the joint resolutions of 28th July, 1866, the Secre-
tary of War contracted with Alexander Dunbar for one year's
services in teaching his mode of treatment of the horse's foot
to the farriers of the Army.
Mr. Dunbar traveled extensively, visiting and teaching
at many military posts, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to the
frontier of Texas. His year's service was completed on the
24th of August, 1869, and he was paid the sum of $25,000
besides his traveling expenses, in accordance with the terms
of his contract.
A report of his operations, based upon such incomplete
information as was transmitted to this office, was submitted
to the War Department on the 27th August, 1869. Those
officers who have taken an interest in the subject, report very
favorably of the result. At Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania,
the depot of the Cavalry of the Army, a school for instruction
of smiths, under this system, has sent some thirty farriers to
the Cavalry Regiments, competent to apply the system.
The Commanding Officer at Carlisle, General J. P. Hatch,
B
lO INSTRUCTION IN HORSE-SHOEING.
reports the system entirely successful, and that a large number
of contracted and otherwise diseased feet have been success-
fully treated, and that the proportion of horses on the sick
report, unfit for service, is reduced to one-half what it was be-
fore Mr. Dunbar's instructions were given at that place.
Quartermaster General's Office,
Washington, D. C, May 5, 1870.
The following extracts from a Report of Brevet Brigadier General John
P. Hatch, Mgyor 4th U. S. Cavalry, commanding Carlisle Barracks, Pa.,
relating to Mr. Alexander Dunbar's system of horse-shoeing, addressed to
the Quartermaster General, through the Adjutant General of the army,
under date of March 31, 1870, are pubHshed, with the approval of the Sec-
retary of War, for the information of all commanders of military posts and
officers of the Quartermaster's Department :
M. C. MEIGS,
Quailirmni.td- Gciurul, Biivit Mij'or Gintral V. S. A.
[Extracts.]
" I have the honor to report that after more than a year's trial, at this
depot, of the system of horse-shoeing introduced by Mr. Alexander Dunbar,
it has pro\ed entirely successful.
" At the time of Mr. Dunbar's arrival, the feet of the horses at the de-
pot were, from bad shoeing, in a most wretched condition. Many of the
horses were unsafe as troop horses, and others unable to do the duty re-
cjuired of them.
' ' At the present time I do not doubt that their feet would compare
favorably with those of any hundred horses in any service in the world.
" Since the opening of a school for blacksmiths under the control of
Mr. John Kiernan, in the month of August of last year, twenty-seven in-
structed blacksmiths have been sent to regiments, and nineteen men arc
now under instructions.
--■.- ***********
" The following cures have been effected since Mr. Kiernan took charge
of the school :
" Fourteen quarter and toe cracks; four bruised and sensitive soles;
seven cases of thrush ; four corns ; two cases combined corns and hoof-bound,
and one bruise.
" A large number of contracted feet have been under treatment and are
doing well, with prospect of permanent cure. The treatment — a peculiar
TESTIMONIALS IN FAVOR OF DUNBAR'S SYSTEM. FT
method of shoeing which docs not interfere with the use of the horse — re-
quires time.
■' The average percentage of horses on the sick report is only one-half
of that previous to the introduction of the Dunbar svstem.
(Signed) JNO. F. HATCH,
■■ Mcjoi- 't'li Ciivdlry.
Bvt. Brio. General U. S. A. CmirnKnHiiiKj."
LETTER OF JOSEPH B. COLEMAN, \'. S.
To Alexander Uunbar, Esq.,
Dear Sir : —
Understanding that you intend shortly to visit Europe, with the
\iew of introducing there, your system of treating the foot of the horse both
prophylactically and curatively, I deem it no less a duty than a pri\ ilege,
and as a close and critical observer of your "modus operandi," that I should
bear my mite of testimony, to the efficiency of that system, as far as I have
had opportunities forjudging it, which have not been few nor far between.
When I first had the honor of an introduction to you, and witnessed
the application of your method of treatment, in a case of extreme lameness,
of a valuable mare, arising, obviously, from severe contraction of the heels
of the fore feet, I confess I was not a little astonished at the free use made
of the drawing knife, and the confidence and boldness with which its mo\-e-
ments were directed.
It appeared to me that the remedy was likely to prove worse than the
disease, and I certainly predicted its utter failure in fulfilling the purpose
intended.
I watched the cure, however, with a keen professional eye, and I am
bound to acknowledge, that I saw the same mare within a fortnight after-
ward, tripping along gaily over the ice-glazed pavement, not a movement
giving indication of the existence of pain, tenderness, restraint or lameness
whatever.
One of my College Preceptors, used to say to his pupils somewhat fre-
quently; "when once you get hold of a fact, never let it go; stick to it in
spite of everything. "
Now here, I thought was a fact, and the fact was as obstmate in stick-
ing to me, as I was disposed to stick to the fact.
Then arose the question; Is this improvement destined to be a per-
manent one, or is it but of a transient value ?
The answer to this leads me to the second fact, which is; that for sii;
12 TESTIMONIALS IN FAVOR OF DUNBAR'S SYSTEM.
months, I have watched this particular case, as well as many similar cases
in the course of my practice, in this city, and I am not aware of a single in-
stance in which the application of your system has not proven itself of im-
mense permanent, as well as of immediate, benefit. I can, therefore, no longer
hesitate to recommend its adoption in a variety of chronic foot lamenesses,
and particularly in those where the causes are said to be occult, and appear
inscrutable to ordinary professional observation.
In the interests of truth and of justice to you and myself, I must regret
that a tone of invidiousness and professional jealousy should pervade the
remarks of some of my professional brethren, who have thought proper to
assail you rather than your system. That system I consider at once, simple,
efficient, scientific and humane ; and I have had, and can have, no sympathy
with those who indulge in petty, caviling remarks upon non'-essential matters,
while the great question remains unanswered, and who, moreover, fail to
show a more excellent way.
If the tactics of such were adopted in another field of warfare, they
would be found to consist, rather, in hovering about, and annoying the out-
posts of the enemy, instead of advancing to the assault of the chief position.
Sincerely hoping that your trip may be a prosperous and agreeable one,
and that you will return laden with those honors and rewards to which you
are so eminently entitled,
I have the honor to remain, dear sir,
Yours, very faithfully,
JOSEPH B. COLEMAN,
M.R.C. V.S. England.
LETTER OF S. B. BISHOP, V. S.
Washington, D. C, Oct., 14, 1864.
1 have examined Mr. Dunbar's specimens of diseased feet, and frankly
confess that he is in advance of the veterinary practice on the the hoof.
His reasoning is practical, and I doubt not his system will be a boon
to the horse and a great benefit to his owner.
Signed, S. B. BISHOP, V. S.
Member of the Royid Veterinary College of London and member of the Veterinary College of
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dr. Bishop's opinion was asked and given in the office, and in the pres-
ence of George (iideon Esci., President of the Washington and Georgetown
Railway Company, before purchasing my system for the use of the Com-
pany.
LETTER OF ROBERT GORIE, V. S.
Glanford, JULY 14, 1863.
I certify that I have tested and purchased Mr. Dunbar's treatment of
TESTIMONIALS IN FAVOR OF DUNBAR'S SYSTEM. 1 3
horses feet, and after an experience of eighteen years as a Veterinary Surgeon,
six years in Scotland and tweh^e years in America, I say it is the best that
has been discovered.
Signed, ROBERT GORIE, V. S.
Washington, D. C, September 30th, 1864.
Capt. C. H. Tompkins, U. S. A. A. O. M.
Captain :
I have the honor to report the resuU of my examination of speci-
mens of diseased horses feet shown me by Mr. Dunbar.
I respectfully submit the following report :
From what I saw and learned of his treatment of diseased feet, as also
his method of shoeing as a preventive, I am sure it would be of immense
value and benefit to the service, and save the horse from much suffering.
I am now satisfied that the present system of shoeing is the cause of almost
all the diseases the foot is subject to. My knowledge of horses in their wild
state, during my stay on the Pacific Coast, together with what Mr. Dunbar
has shown me, convinces me of the necessity of a better system.
Signed, L. H. BRALY, V. S.
WM. M. RVSDYKES LETTER.
^5
"LADY RYSUYKE." PRESENTED BY WM. M. RYSDYKE, ESQ., TO
ALEXANDER DUNBAR.
Chester, JV. Y ., March 23, i<
(RO(hE<kT 'BOJ\'J<!E(R, Esq.,
(Dear Sir : —
Will you be kind enough to present this young
ally to Mr. (Dunhar as a practical acknozvledgment of
his skill made manifest on my horse, the celebrated
Hambletonian.
In a moment he showed me that his defect tvas ex=
ternal, removing the cause immediately without destroy=
ing a hair.
Said, filly is a brown, with four white feet, and a
star, foaled in J idy, 186 j, sired by Hambletonian, dam
by Long Island (Black Hawk, grand=dam by imported
(Bellfounder.
Yours Truly,
WM. M. RYS(DYKE.
RYSDVKES HAMBLETONIAN.
17
THE CELEBRATED RYSDVKES IIAMBLETOXIAX.
I'ORTIOXS OF HOOF REMOVED FROM OLD HAMBLETOXLAN
CHAPTER II.
LADY RYSDYKE AND OLD HAMBLETONIAN.
Before treating the celebrated old Hambletonian, the
late Mr. Rysdyke (who by the way was a self-made man, of
good family, his father being a Lutheran Minister) showed
me all the stock on his place, both those of his customers, as
also his own. He asked me which I thought the most prom-
ising as a trotter, among the young stock. I selected the
young "Lady," as her frame was compact, and well set,
muscles strong and well arranged, nervous temperament,
agile and quick in action, with eyes like the gazelle, one en-
circled with a broad rim of white, the exact counterpart of
Dexter.
At this time, 1 had not the shadow of a thought, of ever
possessing her, much less as a token, or "souvenir" of my
ability in rescuing her noble sire, the celebrated Old Ham-
bletonian, from an untimely death.
As nearly as I can remember, Old Hambletonian had
been useless for about sixteen months. While there are
many who are aware of the large revenue this noble animal
brings his owner, there may be some, who, would not, for a
moment, suspect, that a horse could be worth $500 per day
to his owner, through the larger portion of the year. There
was a time, however, when Old Hambletonian's service, was
worth only four dollars.
Under these circumstances, Mr. Rysdyke became very
anxious about the health and condition of the horse, as he
seldom laid down, and when he did so, he required assistance
to rise.
20 LADY RYSDYKE AND OLD IIAMBLETONIAN.
If my memory serves me right, he had not lain down from
ten to sixteen days and nights, for the reason that, when
down, he could not get up alone, he had become so feeble
and stiff in the legs, which was supposed by experts, to be
rheumatism.
Though apparently having good feet, indeed, Mr. David
Bonner asserted, that "they were as good as any in Orange
County, "yet the coffin bones were moved up in the hoof an
inch or more above their proper position, as the pieces, or
fractions sawn from the hoofs and exhibited on this Plate,
will attest to those who understand my system.
After having treated him, (which was a tedious and diffi-
cult job, as he could scarcely stand quiet a half a minute,
while treating any one foot, until after having gotten one
shoe on, when he could stand as well as any horse ) I desired
the groom to lead him out.
This the old gentleman, Mr. Rysdyke objected to, saying
"he would certainly fall down, and then as he could not get
up without help, all the neighbors would know how bad he
was. '"
I persisted, as I knew the horse was rusting away for
want of exercise, being weak and debilitated from long and
close confinement in a stable or room illy ventilated, with a
chilling and malarious atmosphere under and around it, though
extravagantly finished. The horse being old, his blood was
thin and chilled, and he required fire to dry the damp atmos-
phere ; neither was he sufficiently clad, considering his age
and the torpid condition of his system generally.
As I still persisted, the old gentleman remonstrated fur-
ther, even regretting the license he had given me, and started
with his cane, at a brisk walk from the place, quite forgetting
his rheumatism, declaring he " would not witness the humilia-
ting scene that would follow. "
His assertion was nearly verified, for Old Hambletonian
had the narrowest of escapes from falling, in turning, after
having come out of his stable.
LADY RYSDYKE AND OLD HAMBLETONIAN. 21
I then followed him, whisking a rawhide within his hear-
ing, very much to the annoyance of the old patriarch, or sire
of famous trotters.
Old Hambletonian, in his more youthful days, permitted
no indignities ; neither groom nor blacksmith, dare touch or
handle his hind legs, in the light of day. His distinguished
owner, though, won his affection by caressing him in the dark ;
and in this way, by patience and perseverance, accomplished
that, which, in no other way, could have been done, except,
by violence ; and that must have been of two severe a charac-
ter, to risk it, on so spirited, noble and valuable an animal.
No wonder the old gentleman refused to witness a scene
he was so fully persuaded would follow.
The poor, debilitated, decrepid, swaying old frame, that
had once been as agile as the gazelle, as noble and po\\'erful
as the lion, as quick and as much on the alert, as the tiger,
though weak and feeble, yet his eye, bright and piercing, as
the lynx, reflected the indignity, of being controlled by a whip
in a strangers hand.
He who, by his merit, had raised his owner from almost
obscurity and want, to the envious position he then held of
opulence and distinction, no wonder he could not bear to wit-
ness his faithful old favorite, whom he looked upon more as
his patron than servant, down on the open lawn, where, in
order to raise him, must have necessitated the use of both
block and tackle ; but to his satisfaction, and my great grati-
fication, he was happily disappointed.
The old gentleman had at this time reached a high
knoll, between a quarter and half a mile from the place, dis-
gusted with his late arrangment in giving the control of the
horse entirely into my hands.
Turning on the summit of this knoll, he cast a timid, in-
quiring look back to Old Hambletonian, when, to his sur-
prise and delight, he observed him stepping much more
actively than even I had hoped for.
In a short time. Old Hambletonian began to travel with
22 LADY RYSDYKE AND OLD HAMBLETONIAN.
much more ease, coveriiii^" the tracks made by his fore feet,
though at first he could not have stepped farther than six-
inches at a time. I followed him with the whip, whisking it
behind him, while we made a walk on the grassy sod of the
lawn surrounding two rows of dwarf pear trees, an excellent
w^alking ground for the exercise then required.
The pressure of the excessive material in the frog, sole
and bars having been properly disposed of by the operation,
the flex or tendon, with its concomitants, being again irt pos-
session of the space designed for it in its normal condition,
enabled him to increase the distance of his step at every effort;
each contracted tendon commenced to relax, the partially
dry, and decayed ligaments assumed their native functions,
the rusty joints begun to play naturally, as of old, incited by
the action of the tendon, ligaments, &c., creating an increas-
ed secretion of lubricating matter to such joints and mem-
bers of the body as required it.
The noble old horse, with head erect, and ears accom-
panying the strained effort of his eye, following some moving
object in the distance, until with aloud and thrilling neigh he
looked his youthful self again on recognizing his old master,
who, (with heaving breast, panting breath and tearful eye, his
cane under his arm, which he afterwards told me he had for-
gotten to use, in his pleasure and excitement, from the time he
had left the summit of the knoll,) seized my hand with both of
his, and declared " the change 1 had wrought so suddenly in
the horse was more than a miracle."
The horse having been returned to the stable, we repair-
ed to the house where dinner was awaiting us ; when we were
about to partake of it, he suddenly jumped up from his chair
and asked me to return with him to the court or barn-yard.
He pointed to the filly, and asked me again, if I "thought her
better than any of the others." I replied that "I did, as a
trotter." "Better" he continued "than Ajax .^ " a favorite
stallion colt. I said "yes." He turned to me, his counten-
ance radiant with a happy expression, and said in a voice intre-
LADY RVSDYKE AND OLD HAMBLETONIAN. 23
mingled with tears. " will you accept of her? it is the best way
I have of expressing my gratitude." I could not understand
him, and asked him to repeat what he had said, which he did
in a more plain and settled voice. I hesitated a moment, be-
ing somewhat surprised, and said I would accept her on one
condition ; that I should name her after his wife, which I after-
ward did, registering her name as "Lady Rysdyke," with her
pedigree, in " Wilkes Spirit of the Times." He also presented
her to me formally, through Mr. Bonner, that I might publish
it when registering her name, which I did at that time.
To return to my story. After having given him the nec-
essary instructions how to exercise him, b}' drawing him in
harness, which had not been done for about twenty years, he
was soon able to get up a "scrape" as I had directed. I also
ordered him clay and the bark of black willows to eat, in order
to restore his debilitated constitution, as the defects in his
feet were not all that troubled him.
Mrs. Rysdyke, also, aided much in bringing him to his
present healthy condition, by the use of herbs, and little at-
tentions so greatly needed, in conjunction with her husband,
who was a very capable man, and of course gave him the
best of care.
Old Hambletonian was soon full}- restored, and continued
to yield his usual revenue.
The Filly is now four years old, and when more fully ma-
tured, I purpose taking her to Europe, where I trust she will
do honor to her famous sire, as also to this continent.
CH AFTER III.
LETTER OF ROBERT BONNER.
New York January 3. 1868,
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
I take pleasure in stating that, having practiced Mr. Dunbar's system
of treating the horses foot, for about two years, I find it to be all that Mr.
Dunbar claims for it. He is the only man so far as I know, and I have studied
everything upon the subject, who really understands the whole philosoph)- of
the horses foot. In my stable I have not one horse that is unsound ; but
before I became acquainted with Mr. Dunbar's system I parted with several
lame horses that if I had them now I could cure by adopting Mr. Dunbar's
treatment. I carry out his system of paring the feet on all the horses that I
own ; and Dexter's foot is to-day at least half an inch wider at the heels than
it was when I purchased him.
ROBERT BONNER.
HOW I OBTAINED THE KNOWLEDGE OF
THE "DUNBAR" SYSTEM.
As the multitude of persons who have become somewhat
acquainted with my treatment of the horse, have invariably-
asked me from what source I gleaned the knowledge of my
system, it may not, therefore, be uninteresting to the public,
to herein give a brief sketch of the manner with which it has
been obtained.
At the early age of seven years having an inherent love
for the horse, an elder brother purchased me a beautiful, fine ,
symmetrical donkey, bridle, saddle and spurs. After having
D
26 THE DUNBAR SYSTEM.
become an expert rider without spurs, I attempted to ride my
donkey with them ; the result was she unhorsed me thirteen
times in succession, when with bleeding hands and bruised
knees, I had to acknowledge myself conquered ; a thing I
rarely do.
At the age of eleven we emigrated from Europe and set-
tled in the back-woods of Upper Canada, then, almost a wil-
derness. Our family being large and industrious, and especially
fond of the horse, we were among the first to introduce its use
into those back regions, the labor of oxen having been hith-
erto available. Being the youngest, it fell to my lot to run of
errands, as my strength was not sufficient for the heavy labor
of clearing the forest. As we were industrious, prosperity
followed our efforts, and I was soon the possessor of a beauti-
ful Indian pony mare, as quick as a cat and as finely formed
as a thorough bred.
Like the Texan, I nearly lived in the saddle. Our horned
cattle increased in number, and it was my business to trace
them to their resorts both morning and evening, and bring
them up for milking. The pony not having been shod, and
traveling so much amongst roots, the wall of her feet would
break unevenly, sometimes breaking the crust above the sole,
which would cause her to limp, did she happen to step on a
root or other hard substance, when coming in contact with
the exposed part. ^
In order to prevent this, I commenced paring the wall,
keeping it level, which gave me my first idea of a proper
shaped foot, and of the necessity of attending to colt's feet
while young.
When scarcely twenty-one, I was alone on the homestead,
and in possession of the best, or at least fastest, horses then in
the county, of which at this time there was a great number.
About this time my wife's father let me have a well-bred
mare, and while riding a journey of about one hundred and
sixty miles, I found, in descending the first hill or heavy grade,
she was sore or slightly lame. At the first house I came to.
THE DUNBAR SYSTEM. 2/
I asked for the loan of a chisel or sharp and strong knife. I
could get neither, but perceiving a saw, I asked for, and got
the use of it. On examining the feet, I found they were con-
tracted, and out of shape. I studied a few moments, and
came to the conclusion, that while sawing through the hoof,
it being insensitive, I could not hurt her until I reached the
sensitive part. This idea I arrived at from boring with a gimlet
through a cow's horn, as it never hurt until the quick was
reached ; a mode of practice we had for curing a disease called
hollow horn in cattle ; we injected a salt water lotion into the
empty or hollow horn, a disease the most prevalent in new
countries.
But to my subject. I sawed carefully under the shoe and
was surprised how far the saw went in ; several times I took
it out and examined the teeth, expecting to find blood or
sensitive hoof. On reaching the quick, the mare immediately
gave notice by moving, so that I had no further trouble ; but
run the saw in, three different places, under the shoe, under
each heel of the fore feet. The mare traveled, I fancied at
least, some better. At length after traveling some five or six
miles, I came to a blacksmith's shop, such as it was ; he had
no cutting knife, but a very dull butteris with which he tried
to "trim out them cracks." that I had made, as he called them ;
they, having become well filled with mud and thoroughly sat-
urated with water, so that he did not suspect the work of the
saw on them ; had he done so, the knowledge would have de-
prived me of his service, as he seemed much unwilling to do
anything that I asked him except to trace up " them sing'ler
cracks." He had not shortened the toe, though I urged him
to do so, for on seeing a slight coloration of blood through the
first cut I made, he refused to do any more, declaring he did
not care for the trifle he would make by shoeing her, he would
not, he said, ruin my horse ; and had I not been considerably
civil he would no doubt have left me to go on my way with-
out shoes.
I had not ridden further than three miles when I came to
another shop. I had studied all this distance about my under-
28 TIIK DUNBAR SVSTi:M.
taking and resolved to bring the hoof to as natural a shape as
possible. He, not knowing what the other blacksmith had
done, reduced the length of the hoof a great deal, but like the
other, refused to do all 1 wanted on the same grounds, namely,
that I would ruin the horse.
I wonder now how I was so bold then, and reckless of
the hoof; perhaps for this reason, that I had never read a page
on horse-shoeing ; had I done so. I have no doubt I never
would have dared venture beyond the prescribed limits.
After returning home, the first thing 1 did was to get a
horse-shoeing or toe-knife and rasp, and went to work m}'self
The temptation was so strong to use my new implements,
that I did not stop until there was but \'ery little hoof left of
either sole or frog. I put the mare on pasture — she became
very sore ; this arose from the clay packing in the commis-
sures, pressing up the then thin and almost bare flesh or sensi-
tive laminae but 1 did not then understand what I do now.
I had one satisfaction, that if the mare was ruined no person
was aware of what I had done, — not even my wife.
I took a look into m}' father-in-law's " P'arrier Book," and
there 1 learned that the expense of my experiment was the
ruination of my mare. I borrowed the book, compared theor}'
with my practice ; it was evident my work was ruinous ; every
opportunit)' that I had, unperceived, I would go to the mare
in order to learn what was the bar and the integral parts by
their technical names. On each visit I cleaned out the ma-
terial that had collected in the commissures. To my great
astonishment the mare began to improve, slowly for a few
days, but what was that, as she was not lame, that is, she did
not bob her head, but seemed a little stiff' or sore in going
down hill ; that was before I meddled with her ; but after my
own paring, she was so crippled that she could scarcely go
about to get food. I had pared injudiciously in one sense, in
another I had not ; for there was not a ravine or crevice of
the foot that I did not leave bare of hoof, in my anxiety to
discover the cause of malformation in the foot ; a mania had
THE DUXP.AR SYSTEM. 29
seized me, and I could not stop nor rest, while a particle of
hoof remained, either on sole or frog.
Many years afterward, I learned that the great cause of the
mare's acute lameness, was, in the packing of the commissures,
and pressing of the sensitive sole and frog lamina; against
the flex or tendon, on the one side, and the foot being open
and expanded, on the other ; the foundation having been de-
stroyed by my paring, the whole structure descended in the
hoof, thus disturbing or disarranging the connection of the
laminae and cartilage called dove-tailing. As in chronic
cases of contraction, the coffin bone is forced from a half, to
three quarters of an inch up out of its original position in
the hoof — therefore, this disarrangement of the whole com-
bination, and settling down to its normal and proper place,
causing great fever, produced the excessive soreness that so
alarmed me.
But more upon this subject of the lamina, and its ramifi-
cations, in another place.
The mare improved from da\' to da)', until the hoof ex-
panded, the new bars assumed a different shape, and the form
of the foot, was radically changed. I let her run for a month
or six weeks, until she became active and playful as a colt.
I then took her to have her shod. To my surprise, her hoofs
were nearly an inch wider at the heel than the last shoes she
had worn. This was a new puzzle to me, for though the mare
had evidently improved, the impression remained from my
reading, that the treatment was wrong, and I never intended
to risk an experiment in opposition to the established theory,
as my ambition had not been to make a reputation, but sim-
ple curiosit}'.
I then continued to study this work pretty closely, and
became the more convinced, that it was unnecessary for me
to meddle with horses' feet. However, on again riding the
mare, I found her gait not only improved down hill but on
the level ; also that the treatment had doubled her value, and
added materially to her years of usefulness.
30 THE DUXP.AR SYSTEM.
I had not meddled again, until a circumstance made it
necessary for me to take a crippled horse from a debtor who
had nothing else to give. His feet were much deformed, and
\'ery lame. I was then living in the town of Guelph, and had
the opinion of a Veterinary Surgeon, as also of an expert
blacksmith. I had Irim treated by their combined skill, with-
out any promise of success, as he was pronounced incurable
by having that fatal disease, called the " Navicular." After
testing him by use some time, my old curiosity for experi-
menting returned, and 1 treated him almost similarly to the
other one. I scarcely expected success. I sent him to the
country, and therefore seldom saw him. He too, was very
lame from the same cause, and I suppose suffered more from
the fact, that there was no one to pick the clay out of his feet.
I had him shod. He was greatly improved ; a well-broken,
excellent, settled horse. I parted with him the first time I
rode him, in exchange for an excellent mare, in which his
value was quadrupled to me. I never saw him afterward, but
learned through him, that the disease called " Navicular " or
what was mistaken for it, was not incurable.
I was then led to question the authority of the only
" work" I had ever read on the horse. My faith in the science
having been somewhat shaken, I felt more at liberty to think
for myself. I then got the foot and leg of a horse, sawed it
through the center, from the knee down, learned from that
how to tell whether a horse is troubled with what is termed
" Navicular disease " or not. The bone being the structure
on which the weight rests, and that, being sustained by the
tendons, especially the flexor, which is placed under, and sus-
taining the joints or structure in a similar sense to the leather
springs in the old time-worn mail stage.
In working the joints, I found that on an inclined base, for
the sole of the hoof that the greater strain was placed on the
tendon and joints ; on the contrary in descending, the tendon
is partially relaxed and the bones and joints thrown in a
straighter and stronger position, so that, if a horse that is
pronounced incurable with " Navicular disease," can travel up
THE DUNBAR SYSTEM. 3 1
a hill easier than he can go dimni it, he has no Navicular dis-
ease ; notwithstanding all that may be said, by Professionals
to the contrary.
I then bought several lame and sore horses, and on an
average more than doubled their value, by this treatment of
the feet. I collected several specimens of diseased parts ;
would purchase a diseased horse, and kill him ; (all horses
were then cheap,) so that those defective ones were not ex-
pensive. I have met with some cases of flat or pumiced
feet, where the front part of the coffin-bone has been worn
away an inch or more ; others where the wing of the coffin-
bone was destroyed by pouring acids in what is called the
seat of corn, and where a piece was worn out of the coffin-
bone, where the clip was pressed too closely.
About this time, I began to devote my attention, as con-
tractor, to building Steam Railways. My first contract being
a heavy one, having as much as forty-three feet of cutting,
and the engineers knowing me to be inexperienced in this
branch of business, fearful that I would bring ruin on myself
through my ignorance as contractor, determined to discourage
me in time by giving short estimates. Not being aware of
their intention, I was driven to my wits' ends in order to meet
the demands and expense of providing material. I was thus
necessitated to mend up any horses that would get lame , in-
stead of the usual way of disposing of them, as it was an omen
of straitened circumstances.
In this way I was led into a business of exchanging with
other contractors, as they found they could get more from me
for their lame horses, than they could by public sale.
By this means I became more expert in treating the
foot. I purchased a mare from a teamster that had been
thrown idle for a length of time with her feet. She was
beautiful, and in excellent condition. I treated her feet. She
improved so much that I moved her from a cart pit to .the
iron track. I had been ordered to increase my force, which
was inconvenient for me, and to add to the misfortune, this
32 THE DUNBAR SYSTEM.
mare had caught her foot fast in the iron, destro}'ing the outer
quarter of the hoof. The wall was broken in strips of about
three quarters of an inch, as regular as if it had been done,
so by the cogs of machinery. The foot had been treated and
bandaged by my farrier before I was aware of it, and when I
questioned him as to when she would be to work, he answered
"perhaps in a month ;" but his countenance said " never." This
was a shock to me, as she was the best looking beast on my
work, and as I had just had the order to increase the force, I
ordered him to unbind the foot. This he demurred at doing,
stating he "would let well enough alone," as he had really
carefully bandaged it. After having examined it, I ordered
him to cut off the wall where it connected with the frog at
the heel, which he almost refused to do. I explained to him
that hoof alone, like the human nail, had no healing properties ;
and when severed from any part could never unite again, and
would only continue as an annoyance to the new growth of
hoof. He at length cut off the pieces, which were only at-
tached by two strips of lamina similar to tape. He shrugged
his shoulders and said " Boss I believe you're right." I had
him take off each strip in succession, until the wall was com-
pletely severed, from coronet to sole, from the connection with
the heel at the frog to about half an inch above the wing of
the coffin-bone. The sole was also fractured, and I always
wonder how the wing of the coffin-bone escaped. I had the
sole stripped off, and then carefully bandaged the part. The
mare became easier. This induced me to have a shoe tacked
on the good side of the foot, and around the toe, leaving it to
project over the injured part, and below the bandage. I
ordered the mare to be brought out in the morning, and place
her in a cart, allowing her to stand in a cart pit of the short-
est run ; of course being very lame, in order that she would
count one, the engineer being aware that the shortest run of
my cart pits, was, practically speaking, my hospital ; and in
fact none better was ever yet invented, as they stood, while
remaining to have the cart filled, on fresh, cool earth, travel
on it as the embankment is kept continually fresh by the
THE DUNBAR SYSTEM. 33
droppings from the carts, and the dumping ground is conse-
quently fresh. It was not my intention to keep the mare at
work, but she limped along with more ease than we expected
and so continued. After a few days she could walk with
greater ease, and in two weeks walked and worked well.
A rain storm having set in I had the bandage and shoe
removed. The change in the shape of the foot astonished
me. The sole which grows the fastest was of sufficient thick-
ness to protect the sensitive part from external injury. On
the outside, or where the wall had been, was a thin coating or
wall, the lamina; transformed to hoof through which was ap-
parent the grain or color of the flesh, resembling the grain of
timber ; — the sole also was of a similar color- — the remnant of
an old chronic corn. The new side of the hoof was of a dif-
ferent shape, fully a half inch wider than it had been. The
bar which in the contracted foot forms an acute angle from
what is called the seat of corn, in this new growth, was nearly
a right angle. The new growth coming from the coronet was
strong with a natural curve ; in fact the whole complex thing
proved diametrically opposite to all the teachings of Veteri-
nary science. To this accident may really be attributed the
origin of this new system called by my name ; for, from my
first experiment, after reading the first Veterinary work, I
never dared meddle either with the bar or the frog, notwith-
standing the success of my first experience, yet the undue love
of antiquity, and the authority of names, had so bound and
deterred me from adopting that which my judgment had
shown me to be right, that not until this second accident, did
I dare venture to raise my hand and voice against the estab-
lished practice, so ruinous to the horse's foot.
I studied night after night in order to reconcile science,
as described by Youatt and others, in connection with the
nature and functions of what is termed the bar in the horse's
foot. They describe, that the taking away of the bar, is the
forerunner or cause of contraction.
In the case above, the bar, the sole, the wall and all, hav-
ing been gone, the foot became wider. I could only account
E
34 THE DUNBAR SYSTEM.
for their mistake which would invariably follow, that the cut-
ting out of the bars, with their method of nailing, the horse
having only one lame foot and therefore not necessitated to
bear his weight upon it, the foot will contract ; especially, if
through neglect or lack of knowledge, the foot is not kept
poulticed, or, at least, moist.
Arriving at this conclusion, I found I had mastered the
difficulty, and since that time have only referred to books
in order to detect errors in them, to enable me to sustain my
system in competition with those who still adhere to the old
and authorized method.
A little after this time, I made a business call at Guelph,
as my nephew," desired me to look at a valuable and favorite
mare of his, that was lame, with what was supposed to be,
" Navicular disease." I prepared her foot, and led her to the
shop to be shod ; neither having proper tools, and not being
very handy myself, the mare's feet, were, in many places,
bleeding. The farrier who was an expert, came from Europe,
in charge of some thorough bred horses (imported by Sheriff
Grange,) a gentleman passionately fond of choice stock, and
on seeing the condition the mare's feet were in, looking wisely
remarked, " that the man who treated that mare's feet, should
be sent seven years to the Penitentiary."
After fitting the shoe, and when he was about to drive
the first nail, I stopped him, stating to him in return for his
wit, " that the man who made and fitted that shoe, should
serve seven years to the shoeing business, before he would be
capable of adapting a shoe to such a foot.
We then had a shoe put on at another shop, and the mare
at once grew better, and no one was more pleased, apparent-
ly, than the rejected Farrier, with the result.
I have rarely failed in anything I have undertaken to cure.
The secret of success is in knowing ivJiat you can cure. One
must not undertake to cure everything, as this is beyond the
power of man, but in all cases the horse can be helped.
*NoTE. — Samuel A. Dunbar, the only one whom I have authorized to teach my system,
in the United States, and Dominion of Canada.
THE DUNBAR SYSTEM. 35
One more case among the many of which I have made
no mention, and a circumstance attending it, decided me to
teach.
Through my railway contracts I was continually getting
emigrants upon my work through the emigrant agent at Ham-
ilton City.
A young Farrier and blacksmith, a pupil of Prof. Dicks
of Scotland, refused to operate, stating that my treatment
would ruin the horses, referring to his Professional abilit}'.
The cases were extreme ones. The one contracted and
the other a badly pumiced foot. Instead of reasoning with
him I gave him a strong dram of brandy, whereupon he
flourished his knife and said, " I am ready to cut the foot off
now, sir, if you wish it."
After treating the horses, I used to put leather under the
shoe at that time, as it made the horse travel easier. I did
not understand as I do now, the proper method of adjusting
the base of the hoof to the shoe. •
Three weeks after the operation, the young Scotchman
left, and I had not seen him for some eight or ten years, when
in traveling one day near Toronto he offered me a seat, call-
ing me by name. I failed to recognize him, when he remind-
ed me of the circumstance, stating that through the knowl-
edge he then gleaned, as he attentively watched the two horses
that he supposed at first had been ruined, until he saw such
surprising improvement that he left without giving notice, with
the intention of starting business for himself, which he did,
and through it had become wealthy. Was a councillor, and
on this present journey was acting as Delegate for the town,
which success he attributed to the knowledge he had obtain-
ed from me. He repeated the pride he had in his profes-
sional knowledge before meeting with me and treating my
horses, and then declared it was a sin I would have to answer
for, did I hide my knowledge from the public.
I never had a thought of teaching until then.
36 IMPORTANT L?:TTERS.
LETTER OF HON. R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS.
Baltimore March 6. 1871.
For more thrai two years I have made the "horse's foot" a subject of
both thought and study. My hbrar)- contains the best books on Veterinary
matters, and I have read everything on the subject which was accessible to
me. But neither my investigations, nor the experience of farriers, nor the
skill of Veterinarians, could or did protect me against the lamenesses incident
to shoeing and fast driving. I therefore embraced the first opportunity which
presented itself of learning from Mr. Dunbar, the principles and modes of
practice, in his system of treating the horse's foot.
In a few hours, — for my first interview with him was of some hours du.
ration, — throughout the whole of which, I opposed to him all that I could re-
call from the teachings and formularies of the recognized authorities. Mr.
Dunbar dissipated the errors, and enlightened the superstitions, which I had
cherished and used so long and so unavailingly.
With every portion of the foot before us, and indeed with plates from my
])ooks, and an admirable foot and leg \n papier Jiiac/ic, we continued our de-
bates for several evenings, and until I had been taught, not onl)- a new and
better way, but a more reasonable and simpler method of preventing con-
traction and its many causes, and of rclie\ing and curing its worse and
more serious results. «
I found him a plain, frank man, confident in the philosophical truth of
his conclusions, capable of explaining the mysteries of former charlantries,
and ecjual to the treatment of ca'fees pronounced incurable by others. He
demonstrated the reliability of his practice upon three of my horses, and has
given me so much confidence in the applicability of his valuable method to
the worst cases, that I would not hesitate to purchase a horse, — otherwise
sound, — crippled by bad feet, and their accompanying evils, and take the risk
of making them serviceable and ultimately sound. I must add that, although
I have seen a great deal of Mr. Dunbar, he daily discloses to me new matters
in the management of horses. To great originality of mind, he adds wonder-
ful acuteness of analysis, and a power of generalization which would have
rendered him useful and distinguished in any profession.
R. STOCKETT MATTHEW^S.
LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT GENERAL GRANT.
Head Quarters Armies of the LInited States, }
Washington D. C., November 23rd, 1866. ^
Alexander Dunbar,
Sir: — Explanation of your system of treating the
feet of horses, satisfies me, not only that it is the best treatment yet devised;
THE EVILS OF HORSE-SHOEI^■G. 37
but that almost all complaints, leading to lameness of the horse, though ap-
parently in the knee, hip, shoulder or elswhere, really exists in the foot. 1
have had your treatment applied with advantage, to four very valuable horses
of mine and have witnessed the effect of your treatment in some of the most
valuable horses in the United States. I do not hesitate to recommend your
treatment to all persons having a large number of horses, or a few very valu-
able, as well worthy of their attention.
Yours truly
U. S. GRANT.
Lt. Genl.
My fir.st acquaintance with Messrs Bruce, Editors of the
"Turf, Field, and Farm," arose through the following article
which appeared in their paper.
Alexander Dunbar, a gentleman who has given much study to the
foot of the horse, and who has studied with profit, has performed many won-
derful cures. Mr. Robert Bonner reposes the greatest confidence in him,
and always speaks of him in terms of high praise. In order that he may dis-
seminate knowledge in regard to t^e foot of the horse, and thereby reap some
benefit from the knowledge acc|uired through years of patient investigation,
it is proposed that Mr. Dunbar \isit Europe. And when he does go he \vil|
take with him letters of recommendation from |^resident Grant, Gen. Hatch,
Robert Bonner and other well knov,n gentlemen. We trust that Mr. Dun-
bar will be recei\ed with favor in Europe; but before he leaves this country
could he not be induced to deliver a series of lectures in order that his own
countrymen may profit by his knowledge.
Through the advice of a few friends, I decided not to lec-
ture, when a second article appeared, a copy of which we sub-
join.
Mr. Alexander Dunbar has thought over our suggestion of last week
and has decided not to lecture in this country until after his return from Eu-
rope. At earnest solicitation, howe\'er, he will teach his system to a select
number of gentlemen. A class is being formed for him in Brooklyn, and we
propose that another be formed for him in New York. Mr. Dunbar is a man of
great originality. His method of treating the foot of the horse is different from
all other known methods. He claims that everything that has been written
about the ecjuine foot is wrong, and he will prove his words by actual demon-
stration. He has imparted his system to Gen. Grant, Mr. Robert
Bonner and Mr. Ayres, and all of these gentlemen commend it most highly.
The United States Government paid him $25, 000 for his services for one
year. He is radical in his views, and yet his treatment is simple, is based
38 THE EVILS OF HORSE-SHOEING.
upon common sense. Radical as he is, no man in this countr\- is more strong-
I\' endorsed. When he goes across the Atlantic, he will take with him of-
ficial letters to all the courts of Europe. His system is invaluable to the
world, and out of common humanit)- to the horse, we should like to see it
practiced universally.
I objected, however, to teaching classes, except they were
gentlemen of my own selection, givingas a reason, that where
clubs were formed, there would undoubtedly be some incom-
petent, unreliable pupil through whom my reputation and use-
ful science, would be injured.
A club had been partially formed in Brooklyn, anoth-
er in Wilmington, but on becoming acquainted with my opin-
ion, relative to classes generally, they were abandoned, and
I concluded to teach in my old quiet way.
Col. S. D. Bruce asked me my views regarding the Rolling
Motion Shoe, which after having given, I found coincided with
his own. He then requested me to write an article upon it, as
he had attempted one, but had received a threatening letter,
from Mr. Robert Bonner, who was one of the patrons of the
shoe. Mr. Bruce, assured me at that time, that I was the only
person who could successfully point out its defects, and that it
was my duty to represent it in the right light, to the country
and the people, who had confidence in me, since I had so sat-
isfactorily discharged my duties to the United States Govern-
ment. (See Report of Secretary of War.) He desired meat
the same time, to express my views in as guarded a manner
as possible, as Mr. Bonner was so rash; which I therefore did
in an indirect way, on the several methods, or rather abuses
of shoeing under the heading:
THE EVILS OF HORSESHOEING;
OR', DIFFICULTIES OF THE BLACKSMITH.
" Hold on there, Andy, you blockhead!" shouted Mr. A. ,
the owner of a fine horse, to the blacksmith.
"Yes, Sir," was the response.
" Can you never learn anything .-* Dont touch that hoof
on the sides ! Open, the heels There, now, that's better-
THE EVILS OF HORSE-SHOEINC. 39
Shorten the toe ; pare away the frog at the point ; there, fur-
ther up to the cleft ! That will do ; now sec that you expand
the foot by nailing on the shoe."
"I wonder what blacksmith's brains are made of," he said
to a friend who stood near.
"Will that do Sir .■* " asked Andy, having followed ex-
pressly the directions given.
" All right ; that's a good job. I did not think you could
do it so well, And}'. My horse will be all right now, "
" Horse a little lame yesterday, neighbour A. "
" Worse to-day, " was the response. " ' Bout used up, all
through them d — d blacksmiths ; there's not one of ' em that
understands his business, and we have to lose by it. "
"See here, John," said owner B. ; "my horse has been
lame since you shod him last. "
"Well, Sir, " said the blacksmith ; " I did just as you told
me to do. Your horse has got navicular disease, so says vet-
erinary surgeon P. , and you should have had him shod as I
wanted you to. "
" I've no time to listen to lectures," said Mr. B. angrily.
" Nice thing, a man can't get a horse shod without standing
by himself to see it done right, or have his horse ruined, no
matter how valuable his time."
" Well Sir, I wouldn't shoe a horse o' mine the way you
made me shoe him, "said John persistently.
" It's no business of yours if I tell you to cut oft' the foot ;
I pay you for it, don't I ?" said B.
" All right, I'm ready, knife in hand."
" Don't touch that frog," said the owner ; " It's a wedge,
intended by Nature to keep the hoof from contracting. Don't
take a bit off the sole, nature will take care of herself Some
fools will cut away the frog, forgetting that it supplies the
hoof with moisture and other nutrition. Fit the shoe close;
there now."
"Is it all right to suit you ? " inquired the blacksmith.
40 THE EVILS OF HORSE-SHOEING.
" Yes John. That's a good job ! He'll be all right now ;
I'll bet my money."
Speeds' him. Can't come to time. Old acquaintance and
rival says :
" Your horse is not himself to-day .'' "
" No ! Had him shod a few days ago. He dont do well.
D — n these blacksmiths, they've got no brains ! "
" Halloa, there, Pat !" says owner C, " my horse has corns.
You didn't shoe him right the other day. He' goes limping
along so that I'm ashamed of him."
" I shod him accorthin' to yer dirictions, Sir," said Pat.
" You did, eh ! Well take offthat shoe, and see if you can't
do a little better this time. Pare out that ' seat of corn ; be
careful don't touch the bar, that's the strength of the foot. I'd
knock a man's brains out that ' ud touch the bar o' my horse's
foot. "
" I've got all out that I can find," said Pat.
" Pour in this acid now," said C .
" Be gad. Sir ! ye betther not be afther puttin' in that
d d stuff, now ! mind ye ! Dunbar says ye can no more con-
throl its action whin in there, nor ye can conthrol the lavvyin
Veshuvious ! or the waves of the say ! Shure an' he says it de-
sthroys the base o' the wing o' the coffin bone, yer honor, an'
spiles yer horse entirely ! "
" Never mind, pour in the acid ; put in some tow and tar.
All right ; that's a good job, Pat ! "
" Well, begorra ! " said Pat to himself, "we'll see him a
hoppen back in a few days with sorry a wing but one to his
coffin bone ! an' , be jabers ! I'll not be cryin' over it, for ivery
devil's son of ' em has his own way entirely; an' the blacksmith's
to blame for all ! Bad luck to 'em ! "
Three days after, the horse not being able to leave the
stable, neighbour says : "Horse no better, friend C .'' "
" No ; I got him shod lately by that boasting Pat Don-
nelly, who, like all the rest o' the blacksmiths, is a d — d fool !
for none of 'em have any brains ! "
THE EVILS OF HORSE-SHOEING. 41
" Look here, blacksmith," says owner D, " Are you fore-
man in this establishment ? "
" Yes, Sir ;" said a man with an air and consequence equal
to his avoirdupois of 225 pounds, " I am. Sir ! "
" Well, here's my horse ; I'm told you can set him right ;
First tell me how you set a shoe ? "
" Well, we set it 'cording to Nature ! Our shoe is good
enough to set any lame horse right ! We take away the outer
rim of the sole and wall of the hoof, and imbed the shoe there-
in. We never take off any other portion of the sole or frog.
Nature will do her own work, only give her time. "
" Well, yes," says the owner, " I've nothing to say, I've
tried all sorts ; do your best."
•if * -S * * * TC- * *
Horse shod " good enough ! " put in training — can't make
time — horse back to shop.
" Take off them shoes ! What's my bill } No long stand-
ing accounts here ! "
" D n the blacksmiths ! " muttered the owner, leading
his horse away.
" Hey, Monsieur ! "said Owner E, " my horse Napoleon,
iz lame in some tam place ! him stifle, or him hip, hock, pas-
tern, coffin joint, or some tam place ! I tink him have blood or
bone spavin, or curve, or thoroughpin, or ringbone, or ossified
cartilages, or some other tam thing ! in his tendons, ligaments,
muscles, liver, lungs, heart, blood, or von kidney, orsumting;
he is not right. I vonts you to put your active shoe on to him
vot rools dis vay an' dat vay, an' over an' over, an' only keeps
straight when on top of de leetle cobble stone. You put von
lively shoe upon him, an' make him right to vonce ; for me
wants to roll him up some gross hill."
" All right, myshoe will make him as well as he ever was,"
said the blacksmith.
" Veil me see if your shoe cure my horse Napoleon."
Tries the horse. No go ! Returns with him in great an-
ger to the blacksmith.
F
42 THE EVILS OF HORSE-SHOEING.
" Take off clem tarn shoes too inncJi active! Me cheval, he
roll down hill ; me vant him to roll up hill. Me try everyting ;
me give him good chance ; me push, me whip, me call him vid
oats, me try everyting. Me shout ' Le Prussian ! ' he make
one ' grande' try — he come down. Too much active shoe, too
lively ; too much motion. Take off dem ! How much for pay t
I tinks me gets William to put on de old shoe vid no preten-
sheuns to cure every ting ; me sure now no shoe goot
enough to cure my cheval vid one leetle ear-ache. Tam de ac-
tive shoe ! 'Mauvais,' on detam blacksmith vot ruined my
cheval ! "
Good reader, cannot a moral be drawn from all this .' Ev-
ery owner of a horse thinks he knows all about the equine foot,
, when in reality he knows nothing. In the meantime, the
laws of Nature are outraged in shoeing, and the horse is forced
to bear the weight of human stupidity. We aim to be kind
to him, but kill him with mistaken kindness. Clearly we
must find a new prophet. We follow the advice of old writers,
and are humiliated to discover that these directions outrage
common sense. We blame the poor blacksmith, when in re-
ality the blacksmith simply follows instructions. Certainly,
it is time that we entered upon a new school of philosophy.
There is much to learn and much to unlearn. Mr. Alexander
Dunbar, a gentleman of original ideas, is the champion ofa
new system. He is radical, but his views have been subjec-
ted to the severest tests. If we go to him we can be no worse
off than we are now, while it is claimed that he can throw a
flood of light upon the dark places in which we have been
groping, lo ! these many years. As mortals thirsting after
knowledge, let us bow and worship the rising star, and
then possibly both blacksmith and horse will bless us.
The first, Mr. A. represents one of my pupils, giving di-
rections in accordance with my system ; as much of it, as spec-
tators are every day privileged to see.
Character B. represents the most approved method, or
the one in general use.
roberge's patent horse shoe. 43
Mr. C. represents Youatt, more particularly.
Mr. D. shows us the "Good enough" method.
Character E. describes the effect of the Rolling motion
shoe.
Neither the Good enough, nor the Rolling motion shoe,
have been creditably sustained. The use of the first, has been
discontinued in all private shops, and on street railways ;
except the 3rd and possibly a few others, in connection with
my system. The latter the business of which, is now reduced
to nearly nothing, has been sustained alone by experiments,
outside of the patronage of the moneyed parties, interested
in the patent.
In retaliation for the above article, Mr. Bonner, we be-
lieve, indited an advertisement for the Rolling motion shoe,
after this wise.
ROBERGE'S PATENT HORSE SHOE &c.
New York, September, 1870.
The undersigned takes this method of informing the pubhc that he has
removed his blacksminh Shop to the above number, No. 223 West thirty-
second street, where he is now prepared to shoe horses, giving them his per-
sonal supervision, with his patent Rolhng-motion Shoe. Particular atten-
tion paid to horses that are sore, lame, knee-sprung, or in any way cramped
in traveling.
When Mr. Bonner's great horse Dexter trotted in 2:21 }( to a road wag-
on, he was shod with my shoe ; and when Commodore Vanderbilt's great
horse Mountain Boy beat Lady Thorne at Waverly, N. J. , he was shod with
my shoe ; and when Mr. Bonner's great five-year-old Joe Elliot trotted on
the Fashion track in 2 : 19 1-2, he also had on the Rolling motion.
The undersigned is at liberty to refer to Mr. Bonner and to Mr. Low,
No. 20 East Twenty-second street; Mr. Sterritt, Nos. 158 and 160 East
Twenty-seventh street ; Mr. Isaac Smith and many other private gentlemen.
He can also refer to the proprietors of three large livery stables, for whom
he has shod and cured lame horses ; Mr. Ebbitt, corner of Seventh avenue
and Twenty-second street ; Mr. Tallman, corner of Broadway and Thirty-
eighth street, and Mr. Dixon, in Fifty-eighth street.
DAVID ROBERGE.
44 DUNBAR S OBJECTIONS
Believing that Mr. Bonner had written the advertisement,
Col. Bruce with several other gentlemen desired me to write
my objections to the Rolling Motion Shoe, a copy of which I
here insert.
DUNBARS OBJECTIONS TO THE ROLLLNG
MOTION SHOE.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — In accordance with
the request of many friends, I give you my views on what is
called the "Rolling Motion Shoe." I doit more freely from
the fact of an advertisement which has lately appeared in your
paper headed " Roberge's Patent Shoe. "'
It should be called " Bonner's Shoe," since the best feature.^
of it, (if it has any,) were arranged by him through the knowl-
edge he had obtained from me ; and if questioned upon the sub-
ject he would not, I am sure, acknowledge the shoe as strictly
Roberge's conception. In fact, Mr. Bonner stated in a letter,
dated July i, 1869, written me when I was instructing the offi-
cers, farriers and blacksmiths of the United States army at
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in speaking of the " Rolling Mo-
tion Shoe," "I want you to try it before you condemn it ; I think
I can do more with it than the inventor can, because the in-
formation which I have obtained from you gives me a better
knowledge of the foot than the inventor has. I am very much
mistaken if it is not the best shoe ever invented. Still I would
not give much for it if I had not the knowledge that I obtain-
ed from you of the foot. "
I wrote Mr. Bonner in reply, immediately upon receipt of
his letter, that the " rolling motion shoe" could not be good
for general purposes. I asked him to have the heel of ///.$• boot
shaped after the French style, and the ball similar, like the
old English pattens, and then walk (wer cobble-stones, loose
sand, wet clay or fresh snow.
TO THE ROLLING MOTION SHOE. 45
I will now quote an extract from Roberge's advertisement:
"When Mr. Bonner's great horse Dexter trotted in 2 :2i | to
a road wagon, he was shod with my shoe ; and when Commo-
dore Vanderbilt's great horse Mountain Boy beat Lady Thorne
at Waverly, N. J. , he was shod with my shoe ; and when Mr.
Bonner's great fiv^e-year-old Joe Elliot trotted on Fashion
track in 2 : 19.^, he also had on the ' rolling motion shoe. "
Roberge says : "Mountain Boy beat Lady Thorne with
the rolling motion shoe at New Jersey."
A " dead beat" I should say ; so much so, that all her
friends and backers were astounded, and winced under the un-
expected pressure on their purses. What was his time.-' Why
does he not give his time ? and what was Lady Thome's .'' Did
it compare with her usual trotting record ? Does the Moutain
Boy continue to wear these wonderfull}' speedy shoes ? Was
it for the want of, or through the aid of these same rolling
active shoes that caused him, throughout the balance of the
season, to exhibit the " red flag," or, in other wcmtIs, bleed at
the nose when speeded .''
Joe Elliott made his great feat in 2 : igh with the rolling,
tumbling, motion shoe, the only shoe he ever fell down with
while speeding. I never touched Joe Elliott's feet, nor would
L because of that shoe ; but I could straighten him more with
one shoeing, in the same way that I did Mr. Ayre's horse, men-
tioned by him, in a letter lately published in your paper, than
they could with their united efforts and their rolling motion
shoe, in an age.
I treated Winficld's (Joe Elliot's sire) hind feet, and I
have no doubt, his former oAvner would scarce believe now,
that the shoes he had on him when he sold him were ever on
his feet, as the shoes he wears now are so much larger, and
natural in their shape ; and had the foremost feet of Joe Elli-
ott been treated similarly to the hindmost ones of his sire, and
shod with the hand-made shoe, or the Burden manufactured
one, Joe Elliot would never have fallen upon the track ; but
no piece of iron, in anj' shape, can restore a malformed foot.
46 DUNBAR'S OBJECTIONS
" Mr. Bonner's great horse Dexter," according to Roberge,
"made his 2:21 f attached to a road wagon with the rolling
motion shoe ;" but Dexter made his best record time, of 2 : 17^
without either the rolling motion shoe, Mr. Bonner or Dunbar's
aid ; but Dunbar cured him of his lameness, notwithstanding
Mr. B. himself, after he came in possession of him, believed,
with many other horsemen, that his defect was a natural one,
or in horse parlance, "a way of going that he had ;" or if not
that, he said Doble and others thought it was caused by some
defect in his mouth.
I soon corrected that defect by simple treatment of his
feet, which widened them greatly — one fore foot and both hind
ones — so much so, that many expert horsemen reasoned that
he could never trot in 2:40 again, owing to the additional
width of foot ; yet he now speeds without boots, though before
my treatment, he wore them up to his knees.
No man who risks his money, nor a practical trainer, would
dare risk his reputation or that of a celebrated horse, on the
rolling motion shoe — neither Doble, Burr nor Mace, as well as
others.
And whatever time either Dexter or Joe Elliott made
with that "tumbling shoe," and that \'ery "light, ne^^■ road
wagon," they can do much more, with a proper shoe, and
must necessarily be better horses than their owners either
know or believe them to be.
But to my subject. The rolling motion shoe — its onl\'
merit, if it has any worth mentioning, is, as an accommodation
to a horse, defective in his extensor tendon, and that only in so
much of the toe of the shoe as can be taken off, so that the
horse will have so much less hoof and shoe to come in contact
with the road ; besides taking away a hitherto deformed and
overgrown hoof; so that in bringing ,'t forward, saves the horse
from dragging it and stumbling, when the power to lift it is
partially destroyed.
It cannot cure him though, as the defect is in the front of
the foot, at the coronet, caused by the changed position of
TO THE ROLLING MOTION SHOE. 47
the coffin bone, together with the tightening of the coronet.
The shoe, therefore, does not affect the locaHty of the disease
any further than in the dragging process.
There would be as much sense in accrediting a shoe the
power of curing the ear-ache, as there is in curing that of a
defective " extensor tendon."
Miles runs into the same error. He says in paragraph 23
and page 463, in Frank Forrester's work, called "The Horse
of America"^" We all know that horses go better and stumble
less in old shoes, than they do in nctv ones, because the toe is
worn away."
From this he infers that all horses are stumblers when
traveling in new shoes. This is a grave error ; for no horse
stumbles through having new shoes, except those having de-
fective extensor tendons ; and, because of this error, the old
shoe, long since rejected, with turned up toe, known as the
French shoe, was put in general use, when it should (if used
at all) have been put on defective feet only.
Mr. Bonner's fatality in adopting this shoe, arose, through
a description I gave him, of a shoe I put on Gen. Meigs' knee-
sprung, stumbling, or rather, tumbling pony : as, also, a de-
scription of the extra exertion thrown upon the flexor and
suspensory tendons, through the change in the position of the
structure in the hoof Those only whom I have taught will
understand this.
No horse needs boots if the structure of his foot is in its
proper place in the hoof; neither would race-horses break the
lieaments that connect the sesamoid bones, and cause what
is termed breaking down, or straining of the flexor tendon.
This shoe was arched in the toe, similar to a bridge, and
its only merit was in taking so much hoof and iron out of the
way of the horse, when bringing the leg forward. After I
had cured the parts aftected, I dispensed with the shoe. It is
a most singular and curious place for a journal, the foundation
of a structure. Machinery would not work well on a rolling
48 DUNBAR'S OBJECTIONS
motion foundation, or, when the joint of the leg becomes
ossified.
I quote an extract from a letter of M. C. Meigs, Quarter-
master-General United States Army, relative to this: "The
pony is aged, and was much given to stumbling and falling.
Since Mr. Dunbar's treatment, his feet are much wider, his
knees almost straight, and I have lately ridden beside him for
a long distance, at a pretty rapid pace, without discovering
any lameness, unsoundness, or disposition to stumble or fall.
Mr. Dunbar has wonderful skill." &c.
Gen. Meigs is the most difficult man to please in the army,
or the world. I heard an experienced gentleman say of him,
in speaking of his honesty, that " he was so straight that there
was danger of his falling over the other way, like the Irish-
man's chimney."
When the joints of the leg become ossified, so that there
is no more action in the leg, then it might substitute the
other joints by its rolling-like motion. Set a house upon a
similar foundation, the walls would crack and it would soon
become a ruin; or, had you ever been on the topmast of a
packet ship, I mean a sailing four-master, in a heavy sea, with
a three-quarter head wind, you would get a better idea of the
"rolling motion shoe" than you could, even by walking on
cobble-stones, etc. Only remember, in applying the figure of
the ship that the body or bulk of the horse is uppermost.
I removed a large callous from Mountain Boy's leg, above
the knee, caused by a speedy cut. I also cured him of lame-
ness with my pocket-knife when he was sent from Newburg.
I never treated his feet with the aid of a blacksmith, for reasons
which I am not at libcrt}' to mention ; but I now regret that
I did not throw in my mite in aiding the "Commodore" (who
treated me well) in developing the speed of his fine horse.
I also treated Pocahontas, when she was sent from the
track by Mace, for " hitching," and had I not done so she
would be worthless, as a trotter.
Why was not she, too, included among the great horses
TO THE ROLLING MOTION SHOE. 49
SO much benefited by the " rolHng motion shoe?" why not take
credit for her as well as the others ?
I do not believe that there was ever a shoe put on one of
Mr. Bonner's horses, strictly in accordance with the concep-
tion of the patent, or under the supervision of Roberge.
Roberge, by Mr. Bonner's recommendation, put the "rol-
ling motion shoe" on President Grant's horses. The shoes
were taken off within a few days, and replaced with the
" Burden" shoe. I was in Louisiana at the time, therefore had
nothing to do with the rejection of them. The President is
fully competent to judge in this matter, as much so as any
man that I have taught my system to.
We look on Roberge's advertisement as a perversion of
truth in attributing to the " rolling motion shoe" the credit of
increasing the speed of these three celebrated horses.
For, as Mr. Bonner can beat the inventor of the "rolling
motion shoe" with his own invention, just so sure could Dexter
and Joe Elliott beat any time they have ever made with that
" lively" shoe, if their feet are properly treated, their w^ind
commensurate with their strength and agility, and then pro-
perly driven.
Alexander Dunbar.
CHAPTER lY.
Col. Bruce then requested me to write the following,
which appeared Nov. ii, 1870, in the -'Turf, Field and Faring
ALEXANDER DUNBAR v. FRANK FORRESTER.
THE HORSES FOOT OVERHAULED.
I have been requested by the editors of the TuRF, Field
AND FARM, to review such objections to the authorized sys-
tem of horse-shoeing and treatment of defective or malformed
feet, as Henry William Herbert refers to through William
Miles, Esq., page 455, headed "Treatise on Horse-shoeing,''
in the work styled " Frank Forrester's Horse and Horseman-
ship of the United States, and British Provinces of North
America." While we acknowledge there are a few good
things written on what is called veterinary science, it would
be much better for the horse were all destroyed, than that
they should control the judgment of the men of the nine-
teenth century. The undue love that we have for antiquity
and authority prevents us from using our own judgment, and
has made blacksmiths to be used as machines by each and
every person, groom, &c., owning, training or taking care of
a horse, the acknowledged system being defective. Were it
good, the blacksmiths would be experts, (as in every other
branch of science or mechanism.) Fancy a novice dictating
to a professional in a similar point of view ! How soon would
he be told to mind his own business. Such conduct would
not be tolerated by any practical and intelligent operator in
remedying defects in the feet. Blacksmiths necessarily know
all that the veterinary surgeons do, at least those who have
52 DUNBAR V. FORRESTER.
taken the trouble to study the anatom\' of the horse's foot as
they do the work under their immediate direction. H. W.
Herbert says that the system of shoeing advocated by Wm.
Miles in the second paragraph of page 455 of his book is in-
disputabl}' correct, &c.
In the fifth paragraph he says, I Avill only add ; "I sub-
mit this system of shoeing as the best possible, and urge its
adoption on all my friends who are also friends of the horse.''
In opposition to this, I quote the language of a sporting edi-
tor in reply. At the time I gave him an inside view of my
system, he exclaimed, " How we have been abusing and ruin-
ing the horse in our ignorant knowledge toward him. The
whole authorized system is a mistake, and it would be well
for the horse, at least in late years, when there have been so
many able horsemen, had Mr. Miles never taken up the pen
to be handed down to the men of the present age by H. W,
Herbert through Frank Forrester's work on Horse and Horse-
manship, &c., for every feature of it is wrong." We proved
the correctness of this when we treated the celebrated trot-
ting horse Brother Jonathan in the presence of Prof. Gamgee,
Principal of the Prince Albert Veterinary College, of London,
England. After treating the horse, we asked the Professor if
he could advise or add any more to our method of treating
or "ruining" the horse according to his views, or any other
author who has ever written on the subject ; and if so, we
would carry it out more fully or ruin him completely. My
system is diametrically opposite to everything that has been
written. The result of my treatment can be ascertained from
Mr. John Richards, proprietor of the Belmont Hotel, who
owned Brother Jonathan. I likewise operated on Dexter,
President Grant's mare, Old Hambletonian, and a host of
others. In the seventh paragraph Miles says: "Nailing an
iron shoe to a living horse's foot is a very unnatural thing to
do." Not nearly so difficult, one w^ould suppose, to under-
stand, though, as the question, " How a man can be born
when he is old .''" Yet it seems to be as much mystified,
though, from the material m the hoof, it should be much easier
DUNBAR V. FORRESTER. 53
to solve. The only difficulty lies in the growth of the hoof,
for with the shoe on, the provision made for wear in the naked
foot becomes the bugbear in shoeing, and when I pointed out
the evils accruing through this change, and the adaptation of
the hoof in its growth to the changed position, as it were
bending art to nature, the Surgeon-General of the United
States Arm}', in an exclamatory way, cried out, " I am con-
vinced you are the scientific man of the age, for since I have
given my unfavorable report, I have studied many veterinary
works, and none have detected that which you call the secret
of your system." Though in a report to the Secretary of
War, only a short time before, he said "that all secret things
had no money value in them except to the discoverer, and
those that speculated in them." The key to my secret as a
preventive, is in the growth of the hoof, and nothing can be
more foreign to the growth of the hoof than the method de-
scribed by Miles, in fitting the shoe to a level surface, as I
will, in a short time, more fully explain. In the eighth para-
graph, in regard to preparing the foot, Miles says; "The
horse is sure to stand quieter on a shod foot than upon a bare
one." No person that I have taught will agree with him on
that point. By using the knife or rasp on those parts of the
hoof with the shoe off, the horse will stand much easier and
longer on the bare foot than on a shoe that has remained a
month or longer. Tearing off the shoe. Miles says, "splits
the crust." On the contrary, it separates the wall from the
sole, which is much worse. Miles "shortens the toe, &c., &c.
Lower it and pare the toe down nearly even with the sole and
then you can get at the dead horn in the corners more easily,
&c., &c.; or, in other technical phrases, cut out the seat of
corn." I assert that, by such a course, in ninety-nine cases out
of one hundred, you create the very disease you intend to pre-
vent ; for you make a mortar of the cavity, especially on the
inside, with your long lever of shoe, with only two nails, to
grind the gravel and force it into the cavity, bruising and cre-
ating the disease called corn ; when, instead, if there were no
bar, no cavity, there could be no corn, if the shoe was proper-
54 DUNBAR V. FORRESTER.
ly set, neither would there be half as many nails picked up if
the commissure were kept open. Miles says : " Be sure you
never touch the frog with the knife." Miles says further :
" The bars are placed where they are to keep the heels from
closing in upon the frog." Rather, bar i^ an improper name
for that part, as its whole tendency is to contract, instead of
brace, bar or keep apart. Nature has an inclination to con-
tract or keep the bare foot together. In his wild and natural
state, the feet of the horse are fully two-thirds of the time in
wet or moisture, either from rain, clew or moisture retained
by surplus vegetation, so that the hoof wears easy, and
would be too weak or elastic under great strains or exertion,
such as stopping suddenly when running, when surprised, &c.,
leaving an impression as is often seen either in the court-
yard or in a clay pasture-field after rain. It acquires this
gradual restraining power without the shoe ; but with the
shoe on, preventing wear and expansion, together with the
changed condition in stabling on hard, dry floors, and fever
occasioned by labor,, the foot must contract, and in doing so
the bar becomes curved, pressing against the inner parts of
the wings of the coffin bones. It was in that part of the foot
that Mr. R. Bonner's Auburn horse was affected. Any prac-
tical man can satisfy himself of the truth of my statements
by giving attention to the following : After paring the hoof
at any place, the nearenyou get to the sensitive part the soft-
er the material is, and however soft, after being a short time
exposed to the air it becomes harder. This every blacksmith
knows. When you pare clown the heel or quarter so that the
ball is level, and pare out the seat of corn or cavity between
the bar and wall, thereby forming a new bar, the material, as
I before said, becoming softer the nearer you get to the sensi-
tive part. Leave it exposed to the air for one hour, and you
will find the surface has become so hard that the knife will
glance off of it. Is there any substance that can get dry and
hard without contraction, vegetable or animal ? Take the
paring of the hoof in your fingers, if thin, and you will find
them get dry and hard, immediately contracting and curling
DUNBAR V. Forrester. • 55
in the degree they are exposed to the air ; or take a piece of
the frog, however soft, and shape it in any way you choose, it
will become as hard almost as the wall of the hoof, the frog,
&c., &c. Miles acknowledges contraction a disease, while
Gamgee, Principal of the Prince Albert Veterinary Surgeon's
College, London, and who professes, with the aid of his
father, to have shouldered the whole responsibility ; McClure,
styling himself gold medalist, &c., of Philadelphia, — both of
thdm declare contraction an "imaginary disease, as all inter-
nal parts of the foot work in perfect harmony, with change or
malformation of the foot." This same idea is carried out by
Miles, though not in so direct a form. On page 466, and
third paragraph on that page, he says: "You bring in the
heels, and let the shoe strictly follow the form of the foot,
whatever that form may be." Next paragraph : " — navicular
joint, which rests upon the frog." If this is not a mistake in
type, it must be gross ignorance, for the navicular rests in no
place upon the frog, the flexor tendons occupying the space
between them, bracing and sustaining the joint, the frog aid-
ing as an auxiliary, when in good condition, acting as a chair,
sofa, lounge or easy restiug place for the lower base of the
tendon. On the contrary, when in bad condition, leaving an
uneven, and, of course, an uneasy base — four or five of the
many defects having their origin in contraction. Notwith-
standing all that those great lights have said to the contrary,
the two tendons, the suspensory and flexor, act as a parting
foundation, the whole structure or bone resting on them, sim-
ilar to leather springs in a wagon, the base of the suspensor
connecting with the top of the cornea bone. The flexor con-
nects at the base of the coffin bone, near the part where the
ligaments that connect the navicular with the coffin bone.
The flexor, or main-spring passes under the navicular, which
is passive, acting similar to the patela in the stifle, next sus-
tains the small pastern joint, at the top of the cornea bone,
passing over the sesamoid up the leg until it takes the form
of muscles, taking the outside of the leg, passing over the
humerus and under the scapula, along the upper part of the
56 DUNBAR V. FORRESTER.
neck until it connects with the head, &c. This flexor tendon
sustains the joint or structure, aided by the suspensory and
ligaments, and never requires the aid of the frog and lateral
cartilages, except when in extreme action, similar to over-
taxed springs, so that the frog is not in a position, from its
locality, to bear the weight of the horse, and is seldom reach-
ed by the tendon when in good condition. But if the foot
is contracted, it is forced up at particular places, (Avhich I will
explain at a future time.) This brings it nearer, and affects
the tendon, similar to pegs in a boot, or an uneven seat.
Paragraph twenty-one, page 463, "Fitting the shoe," means
making the shoe fit the foot, and not making the foot fit the
shoe, so that if a foot is malformed. Miles' advice is to fit
the shoe to the malformation. I take the opposite course,
and make a proper shoe, suitable to the class of horse, and
bring the foot to the shoe by nailing, as I have done on
Dexter's feet. If a handsome and good foot can be malform-
ed by bad treatment, why not change even a naturally bad
shaped foot to a good one by similar contra treatment. No
difference when you know how. Twenty-second paragraph,
page 143 ; "Look at the old shoe, and see how much of the
old shoe is worn away, because just so much of the new shoe
should be turned away from the ground, out of the line of
wear. " What nonsense ; apply this to our own shoe.
Twenty-third paragraph: "We all know that horses go
better and stumble less, etc." Then all horses are stumblers,
and not those only, as I supposed, who have the base of the
extensor injured by the tightening of the coronet. Twenty-
fourth paragraph : "A strong foot ^ ''''' " but a
flat foot is always weak at the toe, and will not bear much."
Then why put any bearing on it .^ Change its position, etc.
Twenty-ninth paragraph: "But you may depend upon it,
nature has made no mistake about it * "' * " You may
also depend upon it that there is a much greater burden laid
upon nature than she is able to bear. What has nature or
chance to do with breeding a horse like Dexter ? In nature
his sire would likely have been his brother or father. Is
DUNBAR V. FORRESTER. 57
pedigree the result of nature ? What has nature to do with a
horse bred in a domestic way, or with the lady or gentleman
that graces Broadway and resides in Fifth Avenue ? Who
would look for beauty, merit, or value in the natural horse or
in the uncivilized human being? Then what control has
nature over pedigree ? The system of pedigree is -nearly as
perfect through education and position in the human race, as
it is by arrangement and record in the equine. There is
scarcely anything natural left in either the one or the other
in this period of time ; nature and art are co-laborers. "But
I shall prove to you, ''• •• •'■ •• in speaking
of the evil of the open-heeled shoe. " ^ -
The horse is seldom hurt by stepping on anything when the
sole and frog have sufficient material to protect the sensitive
parts. Bruises arise more frequently from retaining a foreign
substance ; stones, glass, pieces of iron, crockery, nails, etc.
I don't advocate projecting heels ; yet they do less damage
than those that hug the frog, as in paragraph 33, page 62 :
" 'let the shoe follow the form of the foot, whatever that form
may be.' " Dexter's shoe, in which he made his best record
in public, fits now inside the others ; with the same shoe he
had to be booted on nearly all his legs. He now speeds
without any boots, yet with so much wider feet. I will not
solve that problem for you now, but may in a little work I
intend to write at no distant day. Paragraph 33 : " The
part of the foot that needs protection from injury more than
other is the navicular joint, which rests upon the frog, etc."
Perfect nonsense, as the tendons run between, and it is im-
possible for the navicular to ever get within an inch of the
frog, as in its action it moves upward toward the small
pastern joint. Paragraph 35 : "I have often seen shoes so
wide " " "." Then a small stone could not stick in it.
The foot suffers no more from stepping on a stone or hard
substance, if it is not retained, than Paddy's or a High-
lander's, and these can run on thorns or fresh macadamized
roads without injury. Paragraph 37 : "The chances are very
much against these fitting like two planed boards " * *."
H
58 DUNBAR V. FORRESTER.
Nothing could be more injurious than such a mode of shoeing,
neither am I at liberty to explain why, just now.
Paragraph 23 : Wear on the toe of the shoe is caused by
the shoe getting off of the ground or road, and not coming
in contact with it, as Miles says ; and when it is necessary to
rasp away the toe of a new shoe, or to arch the toe as I did
the shoe of Gen. Meigs' knee-sprung, stumbling pony, or
when this tumbling or rolling motion shoe is useful, that is
when the extensor tendon is defective through the coronet
being tightened by contraction. Though a shoe cannot cure
it, yet it may accommodate the diseased part. Thirty-fourth
paragraph, pages 466 and 467 : Miles says, " the part of the
foot that needs protection from injury more then any other, is
the " navicular joint," which rests upon the frog ; this is
absurd, as the flexor tendon lies between the joint and frog,
occupying from three-fourths to one inch of space ; for that
portion of the frog is of little consequence, the sole being
almost closed under it, at that particular part under the
navicular bone. Besides', the advice that he gives in connec-
tion, is injurious. Page 469, thirty-ninth paragraph. Miles
says : " For the crust must bear all round, before you can say
that the shoe fits the foot as it ought to do." Awful ! To fit
the shoe to the crust, though it be separated from the wall.
Page 477, sixty-fifth paragraph. Miles says : " Pare out the
foot, but leave the frog alone." Pare out the foot ? how and
where ; and leave the frog even if there is a surplus, or if
malformed ? Miles says, " nail on with five nails." He could
not shoe for me, especially were I traveling in Texas. Miles
must know nothing of hogwallows. There is no more danger
of driving eight nails than five, when properly driven ; besides,
it is nonsense to think the hoof does expand under pressure,
when contracted even partially, either with shoes or without
them. Sixty-fifth paragraph, Miles says : " Hammer down
the clenches without rasping them, and only rasp below
them." Why rasp below them, if it makes the hoof brittle ?
Page 479, sixty-ninth, paragraph. Miles says: "I think I
may consider that I have now proved beyond dispute, that a
DUNBAR V. FORRESTER. 59
fore shoe can be kept on by three nails * * ""." Miles had
much better have studied law. For could he have proved to
his clients beyond dispute that he could make these cases
clear, though as critical in their way or as hard to be believed
as the story endorsed by his friend, in the sixty-seventh para-
graph, and the Prussian hussar with the three nails, his for-
tune would more speedily have been made.
Alexander Dunbar.
CHAPTER V.
THE FOOT OF THE HORSE— DOCTORS
DIFFER.
Novembp:r 1 8, 1870.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — On reading the
Turf, Field and Farm, I could not resist smiling at the re-
marks of your correspondents in reference to shoeing, and
lame horses. It is true we have had hundreds of ridiculous
theories propounded to us by professional men, black-
smiths, grooms, and the like. But I am inclined to think
your correspondent bears the palm from them all. Of course
men who know everything and know that all the rest of man-
kind are fools, have generally some object in view when they
advance one of these wild theories. How often do we see
this class of men traveling around the country with some
wonderful receipt for taking off spasms, ringbone, &c. Yet,
notwithstanding the advice given, and the experience of parties
whose valuable animals have been ruined for life, there are
always suckers to be picked up who are willing to have their
eye-teeth cut at the cost of a few dollars. And strange to
say, but not the less true, we invariably find a considerable
portion of moneyed men mixed up with these greenies, which
has the effect of enticing others to take the hook already set
for them, as they cannot think it possible that such influential
men as Mr. B. or Mr. C. could be thus imposed upon ; and to
make the thing still more plausible, these moneyed greenies
are often foolish enough to endorse the actions of these men
by offering to bet so and so on their extraordinary abilities.
Your correspondent has made the wonderful discovery
62 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
that "he knows it all," that all the writing on veterinary
science has been in vain — all, with the exception of your cor-
respondent. The man who cuts the hole in the bottom of the
bucket to stop it from leaking, the man who has discovered
the new disease — contraction.
What a set of ninnies men must have been to have over-
looked this thing so long, and to suppose that contraction
was merely an effect, and to be thus instructed by an outsider.
Gentlemen of the veterinary profession, I am ashamed of you.
Your correspondent makes some allusion to the navicular
disease being the great bugbear of veterinary surgeons. I must
give the gentlemen credit for that remark ; for he never made
use of a truer expression in the whole course of his life. It is
the bugbear of the profession, and if your correspondent was
enabled to understand the pathology of that disease, he also
would think it a bugbear ; but until he has thoroughly studied
that profession, under the instruction of some good patholegist,
he will still remain in ignorance of its importance.
Your correspondent is like a great many other stablemen
whose great bugbear is contracted hoof. Now, if he will just
consider the matter over in a quiet sensible manner, he will
at once discover that he has all along been laboring under a
grand mistake, and that instead of putting the horse in front
of the cart he has all the time been putting him behind ; just
the same as he has been fancying that contraction was a
disease, while all the time it has been merely a result arising
from a diseased condition of the inner structure of the foot.
If your correspondent does not thoroughly understand
my meaning, I will endeavor to explain it to him in such a
manner that he, in all probability, will. No doubt he has
often heard of an imaginary disease called by stablemen
sweeny, which is supposed to be a disease, while all the time —
in the same manner as contracted hoof — it is not a disease,
but is merely an effect produced, as a general thing, by chronic
laminitis and navicular throtis ; the constant pain from which
causes atrophy or wasting of the muscle of the shoulder, aris-
ing from sympathy and imperfect action.
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 63
Thus it is in all cases of contracted hoof, the inner struc-
ture of the foot has suffered from disease for a considerable
time ; the consequence is, that all the parts adjacent become
to a certain extent atrophied — that is, they become wasted or
lessened in bulk, arising from continued pain. Every part of
the foot becomes involved, to a greater or lesser extent ; even
the nerves themselves are lessened in all severe cases of
laminitis or navicular throtis. Next let us ask the question,
What is the result of all this wasting.^ The answer is — The
hoof being firmly attached to the foot by means of a large
number of insensible Iamina.% which are dove-tailed into the
sensible lamin.ij of the foot, the hoof must naturally adapt it-
self to the changes which are taking place within the foot.
Consequently as the parts become lessened in their capacity,
the hoof ^conforms to that lessening or change of shape, and
assumes that contracted appearance on its outer surface.
This then is the top and bottom of your correspondent's
great bugbear, contraction, which all the shoes that ever were,
or ever will be invented, will never cure — notwithstanding all
the wonderful cures represented by your correspondent.
And before closing these short remarks, I would give
your correspondent a few words of advice, which he will do
well to profit b}' ; especially will they benefit him when he
ever attains to that position that he is enabled to practice it,
and that is : "Remove the cause, the effect will cease."
G. W. B.
DUNBAR EXPLAINS HIS POSITION.
December 2, 1870.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — Under the heading,
"The Foot of the Horse— Doctors Differ, " " G. W. 1^. " attacks
me personally, together with my friends. Instead of sustain-
ing the points I have assailed in " veterinary science " by
sound logic, he occupies nearly a full column of your valuable
64 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
paper in pouring- invectives against gentlemen, for the only
reason that they have endorsed my system ; such epithets as
suckers, greenies, monied greenies, &c., &c. Such language
applied to the President of United States, Congress, the Mili-
tary Committee, the Surgeon General, the Quartermaster
General, Gen. John Hatch, late of Carlisle, Pa., and other
Generals, besides different officers, farriers and blacksmiths
connected with the army, that I have taught ; also gentlemen
civilians, men of great executive ability, such as Robert Bon-
ner, Esq., Commodore Vanderbilt, Wm. Andrews, Esq., and
Mr. Ayers ; also the Presidents, Doctors, and Superintendents
of numerous street railroad companies — all men of superior
ability in their varied callings, else they could not hold such
positions. Yet because they are not of the brotherhood of
veterinary science, they must not venture an opinion — not
even state what they have seen.
Quartermaster General's Office, ?
Washington, D. C, May 5, 1870. \
The following extracts from a report of Brevet Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch,
U. S. Cavalry, commanding Carlisle Barracks, Penn., i-elating to Mr. Alex.
Dunbar's system of horse shoeing, addressed to the Quartermaster General,
through the Adjutant General of the army, under date of March 31, 1870,
are published with the approval of the Secretary of War, for the information
of all commanders of military posts and officers of the Quartermaster's De-
partment.
M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster General,
Brevet Major General, U, S. A.
extracts.
"I have the honor to report that after more than a year's trial at this
depot, of the system of horse shoeing introduced by Alex. Dunbar, it has
proved entirely successful. "
"At the time of Mr. Dunloar's arrival, the feet of the horses at the depot,
were, from bad shoeing, in a most wretched condition. Many of the horses
were unsafe, as troop horses, and others unable to do duty required of them."
"At the present time I do not doubt that their feet would compare favor-
ably with those of any kindred horses in the world. " "* * *
"The treatment — a peculiar method of shoeing, which does not interfere
with the use of the horse — yet requires time. "
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 65
"The average percentage of horses on the sick report, is only one-half
of that previous to the introduction of the Dunbar system. "
Signed, John P. Hatch, Fourth Cavalry,
Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A., Commanding.
G. W. B. rants in this way : "First, the man who cuts the
hole in th,^ bottom of th; bucket to keep it from leaking;
second, the man who has discovered the new disease, contrac-
tion ; third, what a set of ninies men must have been to have
overlooked this thing so long, and to be thus instructed by
an outsider. * - -■ Gentlemen of the veterinary
profession, I am ashamed of you. "
From what source he has learned so much of my system
as to assert that I cut the bottom out of the hoof I know not-
Both he and his informant, if he had any, are misinformed.
No person can be more careful of the foundation of the struc-
ture than I am, and I think none set more value on the sole
than I do, knowing that it is the only part of the hoof that
has the power, and possesses the shape, to resist the encroach-
ment of the wall in its course of contraction. The sole repre-
sents an arch in masonry, and the space occupied by the frog,
a slight resemblance to the open space or span in a bridge ; it
might as well be open as to have the frog in it, as to any power
it has to resist contraction. Therefore his figure of the bucket
is in keeping with his wit.
Second, "The new disease, contraction."
The little that I have written on the subject of horse-
shoeing, with the mighty responsibility devolving upon him
as the champion of veterinary surgeons, together with the
importance of the subject, a subject of so much consequence
that millions of the country's wealth is invested in horses, and
how much affection is lavished on that class the acknowledg-
ed luxury of both ladies and gentlemen — -yet my effort is a
fraud, followed up for a purpose, and the whole conglomera-
tion has had the wonderful effect of simply causing this great
man to smile. Too much powder wasted on a dead duck.
Third, " What a set of ninnies, ere. " " * -'
He is ashamed of them. Is he not too hard ? Perhaps
I
66 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
he has not considered the extent of their ability, and there-
fore expected too much of them.
After following him struggling through nearly a full
column of your paper, pouring out invectives, and trying to be
witty, he next exhibits his bad taste by offering his advice.
Poor fellow ! he comes at last to the point where he at-
tempts to teach and advise me.
" The hoof, " he says " being firmly attached to the foot
by means of a large number of 'insensible lamins' of the foot."
" Insensible. " ^ How meaningless. There is no such
material in the foot.
Again : "Which are dovetailed into the sensible laminae
of the foot. "
There is no such thing as dovetailing of lamina;. There
is no second laminae. The cartilages that coat or cover the
coffin bone, representing the stocking of the human foot,
(a ribbed one, if you please,) this connects with the sensitive
laminae, which is a part of the hoof, and changes to hoof al-
most immediately on being exposed to air.
How is it that the coffin bone ascends and descends in the
hoof.'' The first in contraction, the second in pumice.
How does this change affect the dovetailing, when the
point of the coffin bone, where the objective end of the ex-
tensor tendon connects, varies its position between the two
extremes ( contraction vs. pumice ) over an inch .'' He says :
The hoof must naturally adapt itself to the changes which are
taking place within the hoof, (or foot as he calls it.) As the
parts become, in their capacity, &c. The hoof conforms to
that lessening or change of shape, and assumes that contract-
ed appearance on its outer surface.
All perfect nonsense !
What power is there in the foot to draw by the dovetailed
attachment. How is it, when the wall is separate from the
sole, and the laminae and cartilages severed ? Almost in
every case the hoof presses the closest when separation has
taken place. It hugs closer without the dovetailing, when-
ever the wall is separate from or extends below the sole. It
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 67
becomes hard in the degree it is exposed to the air, and, of
course, in getting dry and hard, must contract, and thus
presses against ths sole with much more power than if con-
nected by dovetailing ; for in the degree the hoof has moisture,
it expands, whether from external or internal moisture. On
the contrary, when it is dry it contracts, forcing the internal
parts before it — malforming even the coffin bone by compres-
sion— and creating enlargement of the wing, as also causing
the cartilages to ossify, by reason of the tightening of the
coronet. I cannot explain more fully, for it is not my inten-
tion to have the knowledge I have obtained drawn from me
in this way. I have only consented to raise objections, and
open a channel of thought for others who are no doubt as
capable as I am to make progress, were they relieved from
the thraldom that has bound them so long.
Are the new boots that create bunions on the human feet
so drawn to that grinding, burning process by the shrinking
of the foot .'' With a new boot go close to the fire, or expose
it to the heat of the sun, and how soon this squeezing, burn-
ing process commences. On the contrary, go out in rainy or
wet weather ; the leather stretches and gives room for the
foot, and if kept on until it is properly dried, thereafter has
ease in the boot.
If the internal part of the horse's foot draws or shrinks
from the hoof, how is it that the cartilages become ossified,
and the wings of the coffin bones become enlarged exactly
similar to the bunions of the human feet .''
Contraction is a disease, caused by the hoof being kept
too dry, and by the erroneous instructions given by authors
in the driving of nails, and by their method of dressing the
sole, destroying its power to resist the encroachment of the
wall.
Contraction is a disease. It causes thrush, scratches,
ossified cartilages, enlargement of the wing of the coffin bones,
sprung knees, knuckling, and, besides, six or seven defects
on the inside coating of the wall, sole and frog. Though
68 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
simple, they are erroneously supposed to be what is called
navicular disease.
Contraction has little or no power to injure the navicular
bone. It is protected on the ends by the wings of the cofifin
bone, and under by the flexor tendon, and above by the coronal
and cofifin bone : there is much more danger of coronal and
suffragineal joint or small pastern, as there is no third bone
participating, like the sesamoids in the long pastern — the nav-
icular in the cofifin joint — the base or objective end of the sus-
pensory tendon substituting those bones. It is the weakest
and most important joint, and from the severe action and the
locality suffers more than any other joint. It is the receptacle
of ringbone, and often from this reason. The suffraginal or
long 'pastern bone is so much longer than the coronal, and
only supported by that ligament. It is not much wonder that
it suffers.
Contraction is a disease, and I can cure it, and in doing
so cure all of those other baby defects caused by it, except
where ossification has set in, and even in that case I can help
it — that is, where there are no joints. Cartilages, or the wings
of the cofifin bone, I can help very much.
Contraction is a disease, and I can cure it either with
shoes or without them. I have no connection with any par-
ticular shoe, but prefer the plain hand made, next the Burden
manufactured shoe.
I teach none but men of standing or men of ability. I
care not what their calling is, so that they have an artistic
eye or mechanical genius ; the less they profess to know about
the foot the less prejudices they have to surmount.
I teach only because I detest the name of horse-doctor,
and never shall appropriate it by practicing ; besides one
operation seldom cures a horse, and no person is better calcu-
lated to follow it up than the horse's owner ; a groom, also,
gives a horse much better attention when he knows his em-
ployer is capable of directing him.
He raves again about sweeney, connecting it with chronic
A CONTROVERSY. ity^S*' CONTRACTION. 69
laminitis and navicular throlis. What proof does he give of
of its connection with these parts ? A house steward, butcher,
or cook, I fear, would smile at him Were he to make such a
statement relative to beef &c., &c. The flexor tendon, the
only one that reaches the navicular bone, does not touch the
outside of the scapula, or shoulder-blade. It crosses the hu-
merus bone, passing- under the scapula, comes out within
about three inches of the crest, following close to the vertebrae
of the neck, until it connects with the jaw. But pray in what
place does it connect with the laminte ? Let any person put
his hand upon his own shoulder-blade, in the same place that
Sweeney locates on the horse, and at the same time work his
arm, and he will find that the muscles of the arm pass under
the scapula, and act in the same way they do in the horse.
Stveeney is a disease just as much as fistula is ; they
might be called twins, and, to use a vegetable term, the only
difference between them is, the one is a dry rot, while
the other is a very wet one. A tree may have decayed
branches, while the roots are perfectly sound, and many of
the roots may be unsound, while the branches are healthy.
Should the horse's leg be amputated, what would be the con-
sequence then ?
I cannot take your correspondent's advice in seeking in-
formation from such a source as he has recommended. There
would be as much reason in offering me lodging in a lady's
thimble, as there is in sending me to a veterinary college to
get information on the horse's foot.
The horse's foot is no bugbear to me. I have none ; but
the only reply I offer to his wit is, that I am unable to calcu-
late how much larger hat he would require to contain his vani-
ty, than it would take for his head .''
Alexander Dunbar.
P. S. — In an extract quoted from Land and Water, London,
I observe : "Navicular bone, one of the most important in
the complicated structure of the horse's foot, is slowly decay-
ing like a rottiner tooth. " '^' " The shoes are
■JO A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
hammered on by the brawny blacksmith, (they are .sure to
abuse the blacksmith, ) and limp as he may, the suffering
horse is rattled recklessly over the stones." More nonsense.
A horse in such a state could do nothing ; and, if forced
to exert himself in such a way, the lubricating material being
destroyed, the face of the bone would crush and bruise, if not
sever, the tendon, almost as quick as a saw would cut it. A
horse with the coffin, cornea, and navicular bones or joint
ossified, must as necessarily remain idle in the stable a length
of time, as the door must remain stationary that ceases to
act through rust in the hinges.
A. D.
AN ANSWER TO G. W. B.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — G. W. B. says :
" Your correspondent has been fancying that contraction
was a disease, while all the time it has been merely a result
arising from a diseased condition of the inner structure of the
foot. " "It is not a disease, but is merely an effect produced
as a general thing, by chronis laminitis and navicular throtis.'"
"What is the result of all this wasting.^" "Remove the
cause and the effect will cease. "
If contraction is the result, and the horn of the hoof
grows smaller in consequence of the diseased condition of the
vascular parts which have become atrophied, I would like
very much to know how those parts are to be restored to
their natural condition while being compressed by the hard
unyielding hoof ; and if some means are not resorted to in
order to expand the hoof, and relieve the vascular parts from
this unnatural pressure, they must always remain in a diseas-
ed condition.
If contraction is not a disease, it is most certainly an
alteration of the natural structure, and the horse cannot be
considered sound while this alteration exists ; remove the
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 7I
contraction and there is hope for restoring the vascular parts
to their normal condition-.
" Remove the cause and the effect will cease."
How would that operate in case of sprain. Teach that
to the Faculty, but not to thinking people.
G. W. B. says, " contraction is caused by a previous
disease. " Remove the disease, and the hoof would expand
without any aid. What a " ninn}'" a man must be to write
such nonsense ; he evidently belongs to that class of veter-
inary surgeons who crossed the ocean armed with a diploma,
which was obtained on the express condition that' they never
countenance any innovations on the teaching of the Faculty,
or admit the possibilities of any new discoveries for the treat-
ment of disease, however many we may have in the Mechanic
Arts and Sciences.
" The Modern Horse Doctor," by George H. Dodd, page
21, reads : " We live in an age when the little we know of
the veterinary art is a mere item of what we should know,
&c., &c."
Prof. A. S. Copeman, veterinary surgeon, closes an article
on chronic laminitis as follows : " Hence nearly all our
thoughts, ideas or conjectures may be as remote from the
truth, and an early future show this vague and erroneous, as
we now know those of the author of the Classical Fanner,
published in 1788, to have been."
In conclusion I will say remove the contraction or defor-
mity of the hoof, and in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred,
nature will restore the vascular parts to their original and
natural condition. R- B. YOUTT.
G. W. B. ON CONTRACTION.
December 9th, 1870.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — It is scarcely re-
quisite that I should make any remarks in answer to your cor-
72 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
respondent — who, no doubt, supposed he had annihilated the
theory which I laid down in the previous number of the TURF,
in reference to contraction, for the reason, that he still keeps
harping on that same old idea.
He says : " If contraction is not a disease, it is most
certainly an alteration of the natural structure, and the horse,
cannot be considered sound while this alteration exists ; re-
move the contraction, and there is hope for restoring the
vascular parts to their normal condition."" Why, any simple-
ton knows this, but your correspondent has never considered
that when the inflammatory action and pain in the feet is sub-
dued, and which was the exciting cause of the atrophy of the
parts, that they will again commence to regain their former
capacity. And that as this approach to a normal condition
proceeds, the expansion of the hoof will take place in like
proportion to the inner structure.
He also says : " Remove the contraction, and there is
hope for restoring the vascular parts to their normal con-
dition. "
Now, he has never considered that by attempting any-
thing so ridiculous, he is but increasing the disease, as it is a
well-known fact, that every violation of natural law receives
its own punishment in some form or other. And so it is with
the contracted hoof, which by a natural law conforms to the
altered structure of the foot. But, as I before remarked,
remove the cause, the effect will cease. I am inclined to
think your correspondent is one of those who get to the feet
by way of the shoulder. G. W. B.
DUNBAR SHOOTS TO THE RIGHT AND THE
LEFT.
HE OVERHAULS G. W. 13. ON CONTRACTION.
I^DiTORS Turf, Field and Farm. — I cannot understand
this man. His language seems meaningless. He either mis-
takes, or willfully and ignorantly addresses his reply to me,
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 73
instead of to a gentleman who wrote a very sensible article,
sustaining- my arguments, and of whom I have no other
knowledge, than through his letter that accompanied the
article shown me by you.
Who is this " G. W. B. .^" — this champion who is so elated
with himself that he openly confesses himself ashamed of his
brother professors, because they would submit to an outsider
thinking too loud, or thinking at all, on what belongs solely
to the Veterinary Brotherhood.
In his first paragraph he exhibits as much vanity as he
did in his former article. He charges this "gentleman" as
" still harping on that same old idea, " though he had written
but one article. How then does he apply the language, "still
harping on that same old idea " to him ? We trust this gen-
tleman will reply to the nonsense of " G. W. B. " with his
former good sense.
I am not in a position to contend. I have neither the
time nor the ability to write, as I should like to do ; neither
can I contend to advantage, as I will not have the knowledge
of my system drawn from me in this way.
But while I am willing to throw in my mite toward
clearing away the mist of prejudice, and open a new and clear
channel for thought, I dislike bitter contention, where invec-
tive, sarcasm and stale wit, are made use of, as substitutes
for sound logic. Besides, those who know not that I do not
practice, must necessarily come to the conclusion, that in-
stead of reasoning through your paper for the sake of infor-
mation, it is a strife in a business point of view. On this
point, I wish particularly to be undej^stood, as I am not a
doctor, and have never yet appropriated the title to myself,
and having so much patronage since I consented to teach, I
shall not have occasion to instruct but a very few more gen-
tlemen at present in this country.
In the second paragraph, he says, quoting the mistaken
author : " If contraction is not a disease &c., why any sim-
pleton knows this &c. "
J
74 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
Here is more than a frank acknowledgment of the
author's assertion ; so much so, that he allows no credit to
the understanding of the author, as " any simpleton" he says
" knows it."
I repeat it, I cannot understand this man. He cannot be
classified with either of the above ; since he ridicules the
former, and yet is incapable of undertanding what he ac-
credits to the " simpleton."
IS HE LUNY ?
Hear him again on the same statement :
In the second paragraph the quotation reads, " Remove
the contraction, &c." In the third he quotes the same
language exactly. In the second he ackowledges, stating
that a " simpleton is competent to judge in the matter. ' In
the third, he says : " By attempting anything so ridiculous,
he is but increasing the disease.
In the first paragraph, he says a " simpleton understands
that Mr. Youatt is right," while in the fourth paragraph that
"any attempt would be ridiculous, and but increase the
disease.
Why .'' Does he mean to say there is no means of expan-
sion without increasing the disease ? I can unloose the hoof
nearly as easily as a man can release his foot from pressure in
a tight boot.
He says : " Remove the cause, the effect will cease."
All that is in him, scientifically, seems to be condensed in this
statement.
He says : " By attempting anything so ridiculous, he is
but increasing the disease. Professor Gamgee was of the
same opinion, until he witnessed the expansion of the foot by
nailing alone, to the extent of one-eight of an inch. I can
change a foot to almost any shape. I can compress or ex-
pand almost any part, by nailing, to the extent of an eighth
of an inch, that is, if the foot is straight or square — mule-like
— on either side. I can, by nailing, as I did on Dexter's bad
foremost foot, change it even to a better shape than its
normal condition.
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 75
There is more bungling' about " nature, normal condition,
natural law," &c., all misapplied and worse understood, so
much so, I cannot account for it — which are excuses for
ignorance.
The only excuse I can make for so much ignorance,
sugar-coated and made palatable, is in the fact that men
generally take it for granted that whatever is written, backed
by the authority of some respectable author, must not be
questioned, or they will be brought to task, as I have been
by him, when he cries out " Shame on the veterinary sur-
geons ! to let an outsider discover anything, even if it is
good ! Yes, rather wipe it out of existence, than that it
should be made useful by emanating from any other source
than through the Fraternity."
Through this undue respect for antiquity, and the authori-
ty of names, men generally, without questioning or examin-
ing conclusions, endorse opinions as the head of a department
signs bills, checks and documents,' &c.
Who that has read the New England story of " Nor-
wood," by the Rev. H. W. Beecher, but would be led into
the same error as his patron was, when in his editorial notice
he declared it to be the " best story ever written by mortal
pen.
Now, look at it for a moment with the same critical eye
that is necessary to detect malformation in a horse's foot, and
you will find it much more glaring than the most prominent
distortion of the hoof ; yet because it is the creation of one of
the most eminent, distinguished and popular orators and lec-
turers of the day, no person, at least of that class who read
it solely for the sake of the plot, would ever detect its defor-
mity, any more than " G. W. B." can understand how a
contracted hoof can be brought back to its normal condition,
without increase of the disease, since the Faculty have not
taught him.
It is not advisable, however, to expect too much from
certain intellects. The plot or base of the Norivood Novel
yd A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
teaches irreverence in youth, as in the case of the father of
the hero of this story ; so much so that if those who read it
understood it, it would not occupy a very prominent place in
the library of the family. Here a youth, at the age of eigh-
teen, has the audacity and lack of interest in the family
generally to offer to purchase his time for the balance of his
minority. In doing so he indirectly presumes that his father,
being so incompetent, their united effort would not be a suc-
cess, the father only being a stumbling block, so much so that
the son could afford to give three hundred dollars for the
balance of his minority, and save more than they could with
their united effort. Else his irreverence and selfishness took
another course, insomuch that he did not wish to aid in the
effort required to raise a large honest family. Thus the story
gives the youth the license to question the ability of the
parent, makes him restless under restraint, selfish and avaric-
ious, destroying the unity of the family, w"hich is strength,
and prematurely creating- an individuality which is destruc-
tive to an individual, a nation, or a family.
I use this argument as the best application to the case of
this " G. W. B." who is continually stumbling through
science, under the authority of a diploma, a mere theorist,
&c.
A short time ago I accepted an invitation from Mr.
Edwin Thorne to visit Thornedale and give him instruction
in my system. Thornedale is a place that has benefited this
whole country- — a homestead of over a century's occupancy
by the honorable family whose name it bears — a place that
has been the receptacle of many imported animals, and the
birthplace of others that have been purchased and exported
to some of the best breeders in England ; and as the blood
of the celebrated Old Hambletonian has been infused into
the trotting stock of this country, so the pure, imported
blood has been mixed with the best herds, and of course has
grearly benefited them, besides the honor of supplying Europe
with American bred stock, which Mr. Thorne so richly
deserves. It is the home of both Nicotine and Thornedale
A CONTROVEPSV ON CONTRACTION. "]■]
besides a hundred others. The first, a symmetrical and pow-
erful young horse ; the second, the best and most regular
gaited horse that I have ever seen ; and if he does not pro-
duce the very best of stock, we cannot judge much from
appearances. 'Tis true, his head and neck are not as fine as
some others on the place, or in the country, but to a practical
man his whole fore part will compare favorably with his grand
old grandsire, Old Hambletonian.
Mr. Thorne acquiesced in the statement of a gentleman,
that there was more veterinary science concentrated in my
small valise, than in all the colleges and all the works that
have ever been written in connection with the foot.
But to conclude with " G. W. B." In his article intend-
ed for me, but really in reply to Mr. Youatt, he concludes in
these now familiar words, " remove the cause, the effect will
cease."
" Remove the cause''* What is it } The contraction of
the hoof is the cause ; which is exactly the same that causes
the human foot when a new boot or tight shoe is worn, to re-
quire more room because of the pressure which inflames ; and
just as the same boot becomes too small for the foot
that it inflamed, so the hoof becomes too small for the inflamed
horse's foot. Replace the small shoe upon the human foot by
a large and easy one and the inflammation will cease. Give
the horse's foot similar room by expansion of the hoof and
you produce a similar effect. Is it the sJiriiiking of the human
foot, or \.\\& pressure of the new or small boot that causes the
inflammation ; and how will you remove the cause unless you
expand the boot .''
Did " G. W. B." know how to perform this, as I do, he
might continue to repeat the familiar expression : " Remove
the cause, which is contraction, and the efl'ect which, in its
primary state is inflammation, will cease." If the "cause,"
which is ignorance in " G. W. B." was " removed " the foolish
letters which he has been palming off for knowledge of the
horse's foot would " cease."
Alexander Dunbar.
78 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
THE FIGHT GOES ON— G. W. B TO THE
FRONT.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — I stated in my last
communication that it was not my intention to make any
further replies to your correspondents on the subject of con-
tracted feet. But as one of your correspondents, in last week's
edition, Ji7'rs so many shots to the right and left, I concluded
to make a short reply to his last and former letter. In the
former one he remarks that I attack him personally, together
with the friends he has taught, naming a number of superan-
uated old gentlemen who hold high office, and whom I have
no doubt are just about as capable of judging in regard to the
diseases affecting the foot of the horse as their eminent teach-
er. He also feels indignant that I should occupy a column
and a half of the TURF, &c. Of course all the soace should
be kept for the brilliant thoughts which emanate from that
immense brain, which, from his remarks, I should suspect of
being in atrophied condition, and that the cranium must be
in a contracted condition, as seen in the hoof of some horses.
He says there is no such thing as sensible or insensible laminae,
but the}-e is sensitive lamina;. Poor man ! I am sorry for him;
but as he does not understand the correct meaning of the
words, I refer him to Dunglison's Medical Dictionary.
He next compares a horse's foot to a man wearing a tight
boot. What nonsense ! Then follows all about what he can
cure. In fact, a repetition of the very words used any Satur-
day evening, on the corners of the street, by numerous itiner-
ant venders of wonderful preparations warranted to cure every
disease man is heir to. He says he teaches none but men of
standing and ability ; and the less they know, &c., the better
he likes them. Of the latter I have not the slightest doubt.
He detests horse doctors. I have no doubt but he does. All
such men do. Sweeney, he says, is a dry rot. How extreme-
ly funny it is to read such remarks, when coming from a man
supposed to be endowed with an ordinary amount of common
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 79
sense. Science he looks upon as a humbug ; education a farce.
The Professor of Chemistry could never teach this great man
anything. It is natural with him to knov/ it all. Yet he says
Nature is a humbug, or something to that purpose. The
world holds many such men as he.
Your other correspondent, who was pleased to be ex-
tremely complimentary in his remarks, I found harping on the
same old idea. Consequently I did not see the necessity of
firing two shots, when I could as well hit the mark with one.
In your correspondent's last effusion he is said to be shooting
to the right and the left. Well, I think he is ; but his shots
remind me forcibly of small boys blowing soap and water
through an old tobacco pipe, causing large bubbles, filled
with air to emerge from the bowl, which as they ascended
looked very pretty to the juvenile eye, but as we approached to
grasp them, would burst, and forever fade from sight.
He says he cannot understand me. Poor fellow ! I am
sorry for that ! But I can assure him that I can thoroughly
understand him, although I am. afraid he never will under-
stand me. He furthermore remarks that he has neither the
time nor the ability to write as he should like to do. I have
no doubt of it. There are many in the same predicament.
Again, he says that he is afraid the knowledge of his system
will be drawn from him. I don't think he need have any fears
on that score, as the parties whom he seems most to fear are
about to steal his knowledge, are in no way anxious to pos-
sess it. While the knowledge he imparts to those( whom
he says he likes the best) who the less they know the better
he likes them, is of small importance to any one. He says he
shall instruct but a few more gentlemen*^t present in this
country. I think he had better do all he can here, as it is
extremely improbable he will ever have such an opportunity
offered him in any other country. Once again, he is fearfully
troubled, because he cannot understand me. He wonders if
I am a luny. I cannot exactly reconcile myself with that
idea, but I feel pretty well convinced, judging from his re-
marks, that he is considerable of a " spoony." Another ridicu-
80 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
lous remark he makes use of is, " I can unloose the hoof
nearly as easily as a man can release his foot from pressure
in a tight boot." Did ever a man hear such a pack of fool-
ishness come from the mouth of a sane man.
My attention was once called to a circumstance where a
horse was suffering from an attack of that terrible disease,
" tetanus," vulgarly termed " lock-jaw." The gentleman in
charge of the patient was by trade a worker on horse-shoes,
but, like your correspondent, he professed to know it all.
The effects of the disease caused the animal's jaws to remain
firmly fixed, so that it was impossible for the animal to open
his mouth. The knight of the anvil was a firm believer in
Dunbar's theory of removing the contraction, and the disease
w ould cease. Consequently, as Dunbar was not present, he
concluded to procure an iron crowbar, with which, and the
assistance of a couple of chums, he proceeded to remove the
contraction by forcing open the animal's jaws, in w^hich he
was entirely successful, but the horse forgot to live in order
to demonstrate the fact that the way to cure the disease was
to remove the contraction. Again he says : " There is more
bungling about Nature." etc. I never knew Nature to bungle
any of her work. To me her works are always beautiful and
not susceptible of being improved upon. But I must acknowl-
edge that many of her works are spoiled by bunglers, who
try to repair, but who really increase the difficulty. He also
remarks that most people take it for granted that whatever
is written, backed by the authority of some author, (or, for
instance, some great man he has named, ) must not be ques-
tioned. Now there he is entirely at fault. Take, for instance
that which he hiir .df has written. I, for one do not believe
one word of it ; why .'' Because I know it all to be false.
Following this is some reference to a novel by Rev. Mr.
Beecher. What do we want to know about Beecher's novels ?
That which we are talking about is the foot of the horse. The
Rev. Beecher, I don't suppose, knows any more about the foot
of a horse than does the old gentleman at Washington. He
again commences a rigmarole about tight boots on men's
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 8 1
feet, and how ignorant every one is but himself. In eonelu-
sion, and trusting that I may not be called upon to give him
any further information on this subject, I would advise him
to practice that which I laid down as a rule for his guidance.
Remove the cause, the effect will cease. And do not follow
the theory of the man who removed the cause witn a crowbar.
G. W. B.
DUNBAR HAS HIS SAY.
December 30th. 1870.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm.^I regret having oc-
casion to again trouble you by asking you to insert this in reply
to G. W. B. His only refrain is : " Remove the cause, the
effect will cease." Has he shown how to remove the
" cause ? " No ; has he not rather convinced every man who
has read his effort that he has mistaken the " cause " for the
"effect.?"
How much information have those who read your valu-
able paper gleaned from G. W. B.'s defense of what he calls
my assault upon " science " and " learning ? " Take from his
letters the abusive and scurrilous epithets applied to those gen-
tlemen holding important positions, both private and public,
who understand and have endorsed my system, and how
much information is left in them for your readers ?
I have said nothing against either science or learning.
I have against error in connection with ^e horse's foot. If
error is science, then I have committed the grievous offense.
'Tis true that I have said it would have been better for the
horse in this age, ( when laymen are so competent,) had there
never been anything written on veterinary science, as all that
has been said and done in connection with the foot is so er-
roneous that the good in other branches ( of which there is
much) is more than counteracted ; the feet being of so much
K
82 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
importance and so much more susceptible of disease than any
other member of the body ; the feet, with the teeth only,
having no accommodation for inflammation when assailed by
such disease ; and under such circumstances the contact with
the road necessarily increases the labor of the animal, sub-
jecting him to an increase of the evils he has become heir to,
through labor and injudicious treatment.
Proof positive of this is in the report of Gen. John
Hatch, commander at the Cavalry Barracks, Carlisle, Pa.
After more than a year's experience, he remarks that since
the introduction of Mr. Dunbar's system, there are but " one-
half of the number of horses on the sick list" from any cause
Who can make a correct estimate of the value of my
system to the government .'' Of the horses reported sound he
says : " They would compare favorably with those of any
cavalry horses in this country or in the world." He also says
that before the introduction of my system, the condition of
the feet was such that they were unsafe 'for army purposes ;
yet at that time they were under the supervision of an
European veterinary surgeon, as the army horses were at
every post I visited when giving instruction under my con-
tract with the government.
I should be sorry to think that there were no other men
belonging to the profession more competent to defend it than
G. W. B. He has taken all the responsibility of veterinary
science on his shoulders for this continent, like Professor
Gamgee and his father have done in England and on the Con-
tinent, with the exception of France.
Now, if there are none more capable, is it any great
wonder that horse shoers are so bewildered, and submit to be
dictated to by every amateur, so unlike in this respect every
other trade and profession .'' Authority compels them to take
instructions from such men as G. W. B. , and if they venture
an opinion, however good, they are stigmatized as outsiders,
and of course punished by being discountenanced, &c. , &c. ,
his patronage being given to another person; perhaps a rival.
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 83
Behold, how sensitive ! He attributes to a man speaking
his own language, " vulgarity," because he does not ape a for-
eign one. Observe his quotation, " Tetanus," vulgarly called
"lockjaw." Is it not better, I ask, for a person to call things by
their proper name in his own language, (who has had no
classical education,) than to use a word of Latin now and
then— a language that few fully understand ? The rebuke is
a cover for the ignorance of such men, who shield themselves
by mystifying through technical phrases, arguing with invec-
tives, &c., &c., and falling back upon Nature, placing burdens
upon her she is not able to bear.
It is not enough that veterinary science describes the
anatomy of the foot, and that veterinary surgeons understand
it ; there is more in treating the foot when wrong than in be-
ing able to name the material, and to understand the nature
of the material.
Robert Bonner, Esq., understood ajl this better than any
man I ever met with, when first I made his acquaintance
Yet in a letter to the late E. M. Stanton, Esq., ex-secretary
of war, he (Mr. B.) said, " I have in my possession every work
on the horse's foot that can be procured that I know of, both
in this country and Europe, and knew more about the horse's
f(fot before I ever saw Mr. Dunbar than all the veterinary
surgeons I ever saw or read of, yet I am free to confess that
nine-tenths of all I know, that is, that part the most useful, I
have learned from Mr. Dunbar."
Robert Bonner, Esq., has courage enough to acknowledge
either a fault or an error when convinced, (though I know it
to be uphill work sometimes.) Would that G. W. B. had a
little of his stamina.
The shoeing, harnessing and saddling of horses require
more attention and skill than they generally get ; more than
is required in performing any of the other offices in connection
with them. Yet they are the most neglected, almost invari-
ably left between the groom and the blacksmith. And while
there are good and intelligent men of both kinds, the major-
ity of them are mere eye servants.
84 A controvp:rsy on contraction.
The draft when too high, increases the labor of the hind
feet ; when too low, it similarly affects the fore feet ; so that
in either case, the feet, with the whole system, become more
susceptible of disease. Keep the feet and the draft right,
and there will be little or no trouble with the horse, if other-
wise properly taken care of. The result of such treatment
would be consonant with the report of Gen. Hatch.
Professor Gamgee was much more irank and reasonable
than G. W. B. He had a better opportunity, though he saw
what G. W. B. has been guessing at. From the letter written
in our strife with Gamgee we quote a part of the concluding-
paragraph.
" There were not over three out of every hundred of my
students that were practically useful ; and to those I invaria-
bly returned their fees, besides securing to them engagements
with agricultural societies."
The worthless ninety-seven nevertheless received certifi-
cates or diplomas of competency, and were sent broadcast on
the business world. What a deplorable state of things ! If in-
deed such is veterinary science, with which of the parties is
G. W. B. classified ? If among the three per cent, gentlemen,
then we must not expect too much from the others.
I reall\ have not the time to give you my views now, as
requested, on breaking down in the tendons of a race horse.
There should be few occasions for such a calamity. I dont
think a horse could break down if his feet were in proper
order. Alex. Dunbar.
In his reply to Dr. Dunbar, this week, G. VV. B. is more
facetious than logical. The effort to brush away the certifi-
cates of men in high official position by simply calling these
men "superannuated old gentlemen," is very lame, to say the
least of it. Will G. W. B. please tell us /loiu he knows that
Dunbar's theory is false .'' Has the doctor ever explained his
theory to him .'' To our personal knowledge, there are many
gentlemen of large ability who believe in Dunbar. They have
learned the system, and they say it is plain to common sense.
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 85
We have no desire to favor either side in this controversy,
but \\ ould simph' remind the gentlemen that wit is not log-
ic ; neither can facts be overthrown b}- slurring those who
testify to the truth.
DUNBAR ON CONTRACTION— HE TALKS
GOOD PHILOSOPHY.
Editors turf, field and Farm. — In the article signed
" Veterinarian," extracted from the IVcstcni Farmer, I find
that veterinarians differ on that now familiar subject — con-
traction. " G. W. B." declares it to be but the effect of
di.sease, while he of the Western Fanner says :
" Perhaps there is no more prolific source of lameness in
the horse than Contraction, which simply means a gradual
lessening of the entire hoof, chiefly in the heel, and especially
in the fore feet. It is commonly called, by good horsemen,
wearing in of the hoof, and pressing unduly upon the sensible
lamina of the foot, producing that peculiar lameness which so
much puzzles the uninitiated ; being to them an invisible cause.
Even the so-called horse doctors are completely puzzled by
this disease when looking for cause of lameness. There is no
possible criterion for fixing the style of lameness peculiar to
contraction, being sometimes very slight, while at other times
it is very acute, so much so that the patient is often pronoun-
ced foundered."
Mnrk the words, " and pressing unduly upon the sensible
lamina of the foot." The natural inference is that there are
two lamina;. This is a mistake ; there is but the sensative
lamina. " G. W. B." referred me to some dictionary on the
same point, I forget the author's name. " Sensible," I think
has a tinge of consciousness about it ; while sensitive means
that part of the hoof that has feeling. There is no second
lamina in the foot, notwithstanding all that has been said to
the contrary.
86 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
Strange as it may appear, that which so puzzles the "so
called horse doctors," and veterinariens, is made plain by my
system ; so much so that many of my pupils can detect any
of the effects of contraction, (so erroneously called the, dis-
ease, by " G. W. B.," ) almost as easily as if the hoof was
transparent.
Last week I instructed George Brown, Esq., of the firm
Alex. Brown & Co., of Baltimore ; a gentleman who, when I
first called on him, thought he could neither learn nor have
time to go to a blacksmith's shop. On the morning af-
ter I had given him his first lesson theoretically, I found him,
before he had taken his breakfast, after walking through five
inches of snow, at the blacksmith shop, where he had super-
intended the shoeing of three horses as intelligently as I could
have done ; besides I believe he could have kept eight black-
smiths working effectually among as many varied defects, all
having their origin in the disease, contraction. " Vet." in
Wcstej'Ji Farmer, says : " It is a good plan for horsemen to
allow their horses to go barefoot a few days occasionally. By
so doing the hoof expands, and so far does good as a preven-
tive."
It is not a good plan, and would have a similar effect upon
the horse that it has on the human foot when going without
shoes after being accustomed to their use ; neither will the
foot expand by being bare, if the contraction has become
chronic.
The writer adds :
" Its causes are numerous and various, but chiefly, in my
opinion, (which is founded upon practical observation) in the
shoeing. Sufficient attention is not paid to the nature of the
hoof to be shod. A thin shell hoof requires a light shoe. The
nails should be small and not too tightly clinched. This last
point is very important in all shoeing, yet a horse with a strong,
thick hoof may take a much heavier shoe and larger nails, and
these may be a little more tightly clinched.
His reference to liglit shoes and their thiri walls, and
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 87
heavy shoes and heavy walls, and tight chnching and loose,
only puzzles the poor blacksmith the more.
There is more in the proper adjustment of the hoof to the
shoe than in an}'thing else. It matters not so much whose
make, model or weii^ht of shoe — the principal thing is in aid-
ing Nature to retain her proper form in the hoof. It matters
not whether the nails are clinched tight or loose, if the -+ioof
is properly adjusted to the shoe. .Nails do more harm to the
hoof in taking off the old shoe, through the carelessness or,
perhaps, ignorance of the injury done by their being forced
through the hoof, tearing and enlarging the holes without
properly cutting the clinches, than either by driving or wear,
as also by twisting the shoe with the pincers, which separates
the wall from the sole. I have never blamed a blacksmith
for any thing in connection with shoeing but these two things,
because every other wrong he is taught to do by what was
heretofore considered the best authority.
Had I seen your judicious comment on " G. W. B.'s" last
letter, in which you remarked that " ^\ it was not logic ; neith-
er can facts be overthrown by slurring those who testify to
the truth," I should not have written my last.
I had not received my paper, and had only glanced at a
friend's, therefore, had no opportunity of noting your remarks;
but having got and perused his article in which there is so
much perversion, I feel it a duty to my friends to say a little in
reply, in order to more fully clear away the fog of error and
prejudice.
Can this man intentionally continue to insult the readers
of your valuable paper, by indirectly saying'that they are not
capable of detecting him in perverting the truth when quoting
extracts from my articles }
I will make a few quotations :
" He (Dunbar) detests horse doctors."
I do not " detest horse doctors," neither have I said so,
for there are good and true men among them ; and I have yet
to learn that error is sin. I said I detested the name of horse
doctor when applied to myself.
88 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTIX)N.
" Science he looks upon as a humbug ; education a farce."
The first, few men have a greater love for ; the second,
none feel more sensibly cheir lack of than I.
But more glaring still is the statement that I consider
Nature a humbug.
I neither said so, nor thought of such a thing, but simply
hinted that such men as G. W. B., in order to cover their
ignorance of the locality of ^disease, burden nature, bunglingly
too, instead of aiding her.
What power has Nature to burst the bond of contraction
in a hoof .^ No more than the tree has to burst an iron band
when strongly encircling it.
' Tis true she does it sometimes by a quarter-crack,
through over-exertion, when the wings of the coffin-bone are
too strong, and refuse to yield to the pressure of the hoof;
the wall on the side ol the hoof having been separated from
the sole, with the shoe resting only on the point of the heel.
When a hoof has become malformed did you ever see it
restored by Nature alone .'' Much oftener do we see some freak
of Nature adjusted by Art : crooked human feet, for instance.
The hoof, where it connects with the coronet, is as weak
and thin as the edge of a dull knife, and is exactly in shape
like the edge or beveled part of a chisel for about one half of
an inch from the coronet. The old hoof, being much thicker
and stronger at every other part than at the coronet, must
necessarily govern the shape of any new growth ; nature, thus
submitting to contraction, similar to a tree, with a strong iron
band encircling it. The result is obvious.
In reply to my statement that I could unloose the hoof,
he says, " Did ever man hear such a pack of foolishness come
from the mouth of a sane man .■'" and yet a more singular com-
parison I never heard than he makes use of in the next para-
graph, between a mule's jaw and a horse's foot ; each member
diseased, the one with lockjaw, the other with contraction.
How much sanity would you think a man possessed of, who
could draw such a comparison, under such circumstances ? The
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 89
one, in the last spasms of death, the other in a condition that
even G. W. B. should not be alarmed at, for could he not
remove the cause by a dose of Nature and the tincture of
Time ; consequently the " effect would cease T
Again, quoting another extract of mine, he says : " There
is more bungling about Nature, &c." " I never knew Nature
to bungle any of her work, &c."
Who said she did ? Not I ; and even if I did, has G. W.
B. never observed any of her freaks ? I simply hinted that
G. W. B. was a bungler, not Nature ; but like all his other
perversions, he continues to mistake the cause for effect.
Again, he says — " To me, her works are always beautiful,
and not susceptible of being improved upon."
How can he discern the real beauty of Nature when in-
capable of detecting errors so glaring in a science he professes
to understand, and especially while under the intoxicating
influence of the ^'Juniors" he has gained through his achieve-
ment in championing science and learning against what he
calls " my assault .''"
" Not susceptible of being improved upon .-'"
Does he mean to say that natural or wild fruit is better
or more beautiful than that of the most select grafting }
Does he mean to say that the crude block of marble is
more beautiful before than after the artist has shaped it in
accordance with his conception .'' The clay, before being
modeled by the artist or potter .^
Contrast the crude with the adjusted and adapted mate-
rial, and what then of Nature .'*
While I do not want to detract in the least from the
beauties of Nature, neither to damp the ardor of those who
intelligently love and admire her, there are thousands who
give too much time and attention expatiating eloquently upon
its beauties, who know no more about it really than G. W. B.
does of its power in connection with contraction in the horse's
foot.
L
go A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
If the artist who has cultivated an inert taste fails to
present a true expression of Nature through lack of symmetry,
shade, and color, then how can a person possessed of no
higher ability than G. W. B. be expected to have a true ap-
preciation of art ? It would be better for husbands and wives
of this class, instead of aping refinement by the culture of
flowers, to substitute Irish potatoes. On the latter, perchance,
there would likely be sufficient flowers to test their ability in
colors; besides, in the potato there would be economy, some-
what lessening the burden on the overtasked husband in his
efforts to sustain a family whose ambition had led them to
ape the fashions, having had their conceptions with the late
Empress of France.
How much of Nature do we find in a circle of twenty
miles } Scarcely in anything, either animal or vegetable.
In what else do you find Nature pure and simple ! Not
in anything other than the sea, the crude rock, the primeval
forest, or the canopy of heaven.
We find it not in our horses ; pedigree destroys that.
How, then, can the foot be natural, especially when foaled in
a stable, or field of which the alluvial soil or surface has been
destroyed by the plow ! Fancy the pulpy hoof making its
first impression, shaping the course of the heel, especially in
the thoroughbred, thus laying the foundation of what, in after
years, causes some of the best and most promising horses to
sever sesamoid bones, the real cause of this disease, in horse
parlance, called "letting down of the tendons."
When the first impression is made in bearing the weight
of the little body, the heels, not having been worn, bend un-
der, thus pressing the heel forward ; if on a plank, brick, or
any dry floor, road, or, perhaps, hard baked repeatedly-plow-
ed field, instead of the soft, long grass of the plains, pampas,
or marshy meadows. In the one, innumerable troubles have
their origin, the little hoof becoming dry and hard before a
sufficient proportion of the heel is worn away. It then breaks
unevenly, similarly to the wear of the human nail when suffer-
ed to break off instead of being pared evenly. A colt's foot
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 9I
bred in this wa}-, shoald be trimmed at least when two weeks
old. 1 would, and have done it, when possible, before the
colt has risen to walk.
The foot of the wild colt makes its first impression on
long, wet, or at least moist grass, or vegetable matter of some
kind, either old or new, besides covering several inches of
alluvial soil, as the little hoof does not become as hard, per-
haps, in a week, as the domesticated one does in a day, es-
pecially so where great care is taken in properly arranging
pedigree, which, of course, is the case where a gentleman
attempts to breed from a favorite, and it is through this cause
so many are disappointed in their fine-bred colts, where so
much has been expected — a prolific source, also of ringbone.
If the foal's hoof has time and material to wear the heel
sufficiently low before getting dry and hard, the hoof then
remains properly placed undci- the structure of the horse, and
not as is the case with the domestic horse ; for scarcely one
that has ever broken down, but an investigation of the heels of
the shoe would show that, instead of being, as they should be,
ii-rtmediately under and in a line with the suspensory tendon,
they are directly under the front of the mctacarpcl or shank-
bone, in front of the leg.
I have tried to excuse G. W. B. before, by referring your
readers to the novel, "Norwood, "written by the Rev. Henry
Ward Beecher, showing as gross blunders in the frame-work of
the story, as any of G. W. B., in connection with "Contraction."
And why should not G. W. B. make a flourish over his views
of the beauties of Nature, as well as cause and ejfect, on the
same ground that the reverend gentleman's patron does over
the natural philosophy, as defined in this New England story.
While we cannot believe G. W. B. possessed of a nature sus-
ceptible of sufficient refinement to detect real beauty in Nature,
no more than he has shown himself capable of detecting the
difference between cause and effect in contraction, yet we can
only excuse him when such eminent men as the author of
" Norwood." make mistakes — for instance : In comparing
92 ^ A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
the material of his favorite shade tree — the water elm, of New
England to the material in the Pilgrim Fathers. No very
high compliment to them, as the material in it is unfit for any
mechanical purpose, and is worthless as fuel, having none of
the qualities that characterized the Pilgrim Fathers, neither
that or any of the other species of elm, they being devoid of
both strength and elasticity.
And again, in alluding to the feathered tribe in the garden
scene, he says that the land or singing bird flies in the night
while migrating. This is a mistake, as no land or singing
birds fly in the night, except when alarmed, yet his mistakes
and blunders in a few things are covered by a distinguished
name w^ell merited, generally. And since this is the case, why
should," G. W. B." feel so sore over a progressive move in
the treatm.ent of o}ic member among so many of the horse,
though that " move " had its conception with an outsider.
I have not the time now to comply with your request to
give my views on "color in breeding." but will .do so at the
earliest opportunity.
Alexander Dunbar. .
G. W. B. TO DUNBAR.
February loth. 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — In the former
number of the TuRF, Field and Farm, Mr. Dunbar makes
a feeble effort to sustain himself in reference to the laminae of
the foot of the horse. He goes on to state that the lamina
to be insensible, must necessarily be a continuation of the
hoof or wall of the foot. He also states, "that what is sup-
posed to be 'insensible laminae, ' is cartilage. Now as far as
these laminae being composed of cartilage, are concerned, I
beg to differ with him. And as regards its not being insensi-
ble to pain, there can be no manner of doubt. Also, that its
being a continuation of the wall of the foot can readily be dis-
A CONTROVERSY ON CQNTRACTION. 93
proved. For if it were a part of the hoof or wall — it could not
be detached from it — which it most certainly can.
And if it were a sensible structure, it would naturally be-
come decomposed and separated when macerated, as we find
to be the case with the other structures. But such is not the
case. For after the hoof has been separated from the coffin
bone it becomes dry and retains its position.
Yet, notwithstanding this, the lamina CAN be separated
from the wall, showing positively that it is NOT a combination
of the wall, but is composed of a horny substance which is
attached to the wall. An ordinary observer would naturally
suppose on examining the hoof that these laminae or plates
were but a continuation of the wall ; but careful examina-
tion with a powerful glass will at once discover the error, in
proof of vvhi.ch I enclose for your inspection a portion of the
insensible laminae which I have detached from the wall of
the foot of a horse. The convex surface is that portion which
was attachad to the hoof; the concave surface that to which
the sensible lamin.Te were attached. It is composed of a horny
substance, and I think is sufficient evidence that Mr. Dunbar's
theory will have to fall to the ground. G. W. B.
DUNBAR TO G. W. B.
February 24th, 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — While the tone of
G. W. B.'s last letter is much more respectful than his former
ones, yet he still continues to pervert the truth, or misquote
my statements.
One of G. W. B.'s quotations from my last letter reads
thus : "Mr. Dunbar states, that what is supposed to be in-
sensible lamincE, is cartilage." Which should read: "J. B.
Coleman mistakes cartilage for what he calls sensible
laminai." Can G. W. B. really mistake " sensible" for " in-
sensible .''"
94 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
On more than one occasion 1 have stated that there is
but one lamin.e ; and that Laminrt was the internal of the ex-
ternal part of the hoof — whether it was wall, sole, or frog.
Why then continue bringing up a point long since disposed
of, as far as my opinion goes ?
Again, he misrepresents my ideas thus : " Now, as far
as these laminae being composed of cartilage are concerned,
I beg to differ with him."
I never said that lamina:^ were composed of cartilage.
Cartilage is simply flesh, and though dried, remains flesh. On
the contrary, lamina; are hoof of a fleshy nature, but when
dried, becomes hoof.
Destroy the nail of the human finger and let the least
particle of the laminae remain, and almost immediately as it
becomes exposed to the air, it becomes nail, separating as
such from the flesh.
He mixes " sensible "' with "insensible" in such a way
that I fail to understand him. I wqsh to be understood as
having no knowledge of any other than laminae that is sensi-
tive, and hoof in degree.
G. W. B. says : " That the lamina being a continuation
of the wall, can easily be disproved ; for if it were a part of
the hoof or wall, it could not be detached from it. which it
most certainly can."
On the contrary, the whole wall of the hoof can be sep-
arated or detached, one part from another, as Mr. R. Stockett
Mathews, a very able lawyer of Baltimore, a pupil of mine,
and one who understands the anatomy of the horse's foot as
well as any gentleman I ever met, can testify ; as the wall of
a favorite mare of his is split a little, and has been done so by
himself.
Any person can upset this old theory by rasping or cut-
ting away the wall until you have nothing left but lamina ;
when it soon changes to wall.
Mr. Michael Doyle, a very exi)ert and well-to-do black-
smith of Philadelphia, refused to drive a nail through a part
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 95
of the hoof of a horse that I was treating for a pupil o( mine
— John Sellers, Esq.,^ — on the ground that there was not room
for the nail, and that in attempting to drive it, his reputation
would suffer, because I had caused the wall to be cut away.
He drove it, though, and in about two weeks afterward,
seeing the result upon Mr. Seller's horse, he took all the wall
away of a certain part of the hoof of a horse of his own, and
some of the lamina.-, until there was nothing left but flesh —
that is, of the laminae nature ; such flesh as lies under the
shell of the horn of an ox or cow. Such flesh never, when
exposed to air, goes through a healing process, but changes
its nature to horn, as the lamina changes to hoof. The lam-
inae is as much hoof as the outside or enameled part of the
wall. The difference in cj^uality is onh' in the degree of
strength, growing weaker as it reaches nearer the sensitive
parts.
If G. W. B. will refer to either of the above gentlemen
before again committing himself by an exclamation about a
reasonable thing, such as : " Did you ever hear such non-
sense come from the mouth of a sane man .'" I will tell him
something that will appear more difficult for him to believe
than anything that I have told him yet.
What if I should say that I can, with the help of Nature,
turn lamiuct into wall in a week or tw^o, and have it retain
the grain, and almost the color it had when lamina;, clearly
perceptible through the natural enameling, and of a degree
of strength sufficient to hold a nail, without injury to the new
sensitive part .''
To do this you have onh' to rasp or cut away one side,
or the whole of the wall, to the lamina; — aye, and even a
part of the laminae, until the blood flows freely, and you will
find the laminae go through the process I have described, and
become wall ; and in time, also, become well enameled.
G. W. B., it seems, has reduced his objections down to a
unit ; which it is hoped is now fully explained away, as there
is no second lamiuce, notwithstanding all that has been
96 A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION.
said to the contrary : where the hoof connect^' with the car-
tilage, the lamincti — which is really sensitive hoof — ceases.
But why does G. W. B. raise this particular objection
alone, from my last article .' Why not answer the question
direct in plain English, that I put to J. B. Coleman, as to the
effect upon the laminaj, in the changed condition of the
coffin-bone, with its connections to the malformations of the
wall, sole, or frog, together with the raising of the sole, in a
commensurate sense, with the growth of the wall from the
coronet, as also the changed position of the coffin-bone be-
tween the two extremes, contracted feet, and flat, or pum-
iced ones.
You will not, 1 think, require from me a piece of lamina,
with a microscope to define either its quality, or to deter-
mine its location, after this explanation.
Why does G. W. B. hide himself behind these initials .''
Alexander Dunbar.
DUNBAR MAKES HIS POSITION CLEAR.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — My attention has
again been called to contraction through a conversation I had
to-day with J. B. Coleman, V. S., Member of the Royal Col-
lege of Veterinary Surgeons, England, a rare and learned
gentlman, lately arrived in this country.
He remarked that he had read my articles and commend-
ed them generally ; but was not satisfied on that point rela-
tive to the insensible laminae of the foot.
He still thought there were two laminae, and mentioned
some cases in England where horses' hoofs had been pulled
off, thus exposing the dovetailing.
I stated that he mistook cartilagr for what he called
"sensible laminae."
A CONTROVERSY ON CONTRACTION. 97
I asked him to describe the locality of the insensible
laminct.
This he attempted to do by describing the sensitive
lamina.'. I then remarked that insensible laminae was devoid
of feeling, and must be, therefore, a part of the hoof, and that
the sensitive lamina; was the internal of the external part of
the hoof, whether it was wall, sole or frog.
He then acknowledged that I was right, practically, but
theoretically — here he paused, in the throes of conviction.
I then asked him whether it had ever attracted his atten-
tion that the growth of the wall from the coronet disturbed
this dove-tailing of the laminae, since the sole of the hoof must
raise simultaneously with the growth of the wall ; or could
he account for the conformity of the sole to every change,
through deformity or malformation of the hoof and of the
laminct. accommodating itself to the changes of the coffin-
bone in its position, through extremely contracted feet, or flat
and pumiced ones ; the coffin-bone varying its position fully
an inch, through raising in the one, and descending in the
other.
I cannot explain this more fully, as it is a part of my
system, but leave the matter open for reflection.
The sole of the foot must raise in a commensurate sense
with the growth of the v\'all of the hoof from the coronet, else
in an o/t/ horse, the foot, in following the sole in its descent,
would force the wall or coronet, in time, up to the knee or
brisket.
By the way, I have treated Vauxhall for "letting down
of the tendons." He is now convalescing, and I am almost
confident of fully restoring him.
I would expatiate on his great qualities were it not that
Mr. Claybaugh gives me an interest in him, if successful.
Alexander Dunbar.
M
CHAPTER Yl.
ALEXANDER DUNBAR ON THE FROG OF
THE FOOT.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — There would be as
much reason in attributing to the basement floor of a house
the power of bearing the weight of the structure, as there is
in accrediting to the frog of a horse's foot the power so long
accorded to it.
1st. It is represented as a wedge, and as such is expected
to keep the hoof from contracting.
2d. It is expected to bear the weight of the horse.
3d. It is accredited the power of supplying the other parts
of the hoof with both moisture and nutrition. From what
source this knowledge has been acquired I know not.
As the basement floor of a house has little or no connec-
tion with the foundation, except as a dependent, neither has
the frog, in any other sense, with the wall of the hoof
As the foundation of the house bears the weight of the
structure, so the wall of the hoof, aided by the outer rim of
the sole, bears the weight of the horse, and is the external
foundation of his structure ; so that neither the floor in the
house nor the frog in the foot, from their position, can bear
any portion of either structure. Because the bones of the
horse are the frame, on which the weight rests ; for the outer
rim of the base of the coffin bone is the foundation of the in-
ternal part of the frame which rests internally on the inner
rim of the sole, where it connects with the wall, and extend-
insf no farther back in the hoof than about the middle of the
frog.
100 THE FROG OF THE FOOT.
The frog only connects with the wall or foundation at the
heel. The remainder, which is practically the whole, unites
with the sole, having no connection whatever directly with
the bones or structure of the horse, the terminus of the wings
of the coffin bone not reaching to within an inch or more of
that part of the wall where it connects with the frog.
On the contrary, the coffin bone is arched over the frog
to its point, said point the only part that is under the struc-
ture ; the rest, the greater part, being under the flexor tendon
and lateral cartilages, with the sensitive frog.
The base of the flexor tendon or lower objective end con-
nects with the coffin immediately under the point of the frog,
passing over the navicular bone, the latter being passive, sim-
ilar to the patela in the stifle, though with much less action,
sufficient to guard it from concussion, thus protecting it from
the danger attributed to it by any other, or even excessive
labor, notwithstanding all that has been said to the contrary
heretofore ; because the tendons occupy the space all the way
between the three bones forming the coffin joint and the frog.
The navicular, from its material and its position — the position
being passive — is much less susceptible to injury than either
the tendon or the more sensitive frog. The common and
generally accepted idea of representing the frog as a wedge,
and acting in the foot in the nature of a wedge, is, to be plain,
simply ridiculous ; for any person with the least mechanical
knowledge will tell you that a wedge must be harder than the
substance against which or in which it acts. If the wedge is
the softest of the two, it will yield, will be crushed to pieces
by the harder body, especially when this harder body is much
larger, jTbulkier, and firmer than the small substance which
seeks to rend it asunder. Then as the frog does not and can-
not act the part of a wedge in a horse's foot, it has no power
to prevent contraction. Neither can it bear the weight of the
horse, as from its peculiar construction it has no solid connec-
tion with the main structure, flesh being above it, and only
slightly joined to the wall at the points of the heel. This
being the form and nature of a frog, its mission is simply to
LETTER OF CxENERAL GRANT. lOI
protect the tender parts underneath, and constitute an easy
and somewhat springy base for the flexor tendon, when this
flexor tendon is in its lively and extreme action. The sup-
port of the frog is such that it might, in the violent exertion
of the horse, be termed an auxiliary of the flexor tendon.
When we make the frog a weight-bearing power of the horse,
or allow it to accumulate surplus material, we destroy its
springy nature and force it up against the flexor tendon, thus
cramping the action of this tendon between the coffin and
navicular joint, causing what is called grogginess, stumbling,
and the great bugbear of many veterinarians, navicular dis-
ease. It also destroys the free, graceful action of the horse.
Every time the frog comes in contact with the ground it is
raised by the force of contact, and condenses the space that
nature has given the machinery to work in. And when the
heels contract, the frog is forced against the flexor tendon by
the power of contraction. Therefore, the thicker and heavier
the frog, the more space it must necessarily occupy in a dis-
eased foot. According to the old idea, "the frog supplies
the foot witli moisture, and other nutrition." Now, it is a
plain principle of philosoph)^ that a thing cannot impart to
other members what it does not possess itself. There is no
moisture in the frog, no nutrition in it, since it is so slightly
connected with the foot as not to draw sustenance in large
quantity from the body of the animal. How then can this
almost lifeless frog supply the foot with moisture ? Truth and
reason assert the absurdit}' of the idea.
Alexander Dunbar.
LETTER OF GENERAL GRANT.
Washington D. C. Septembers. 1869.
Dr. Alexander Dunbar :
Dear Sir :
Learning that you are about visiting Europe for the pur-
pose of introducing \our system of treating the horse's foot, I take occasion
to say that, before recommending its adoption in the LJnited States service,
I02 LETTER OF QUARTER MASTER GEN L MEIGS.
I examined it clearly, and became thoroughly satisfied of its great value.
Now after a year of trial under your instruction in the Army, I am satisfied
that the system taught by you is destined to prove of inestimable value in
prolonging the period of usefulness of the horse. 1 hope to see the know-
ledge which you possess. (mi this subject, generally diffused.
Yours &c.
U. S. GRANT.
LETTER OF QUARTER MASTER GEN'L MEIGS.
Quarter Master General's Office,
Washington D. C. November 28. 1868.
Mr. Alexander Dunbar has treated the feet of three horses in my stable
which 1 have frequent opportunity to see used, using one of them myself
1 have no doubt that the result of his treatment has been an improve-
ment in the gait of all three, and then a pony also, dangerous to ride, some-
what knee-sprung and given to frequent stumbling and falling.
He superintended the shoeing of this pony, particularly paring out the
sole and giving also a thorough treatment of the legs.
I have lately twice ridden along side of this pony for several miles at a
pretty rapid pace without detecting any signs of unsoundness or disposition
to stumble or fall.
The pony is aged. The other horses were only slightly affected, feet
disposed to contraction from long use and stabling without a run at grass ;
they are easier and surer in their gait.
Mr. Dunbar has skill and knowledge which can be very useful to those
owning valuable horses.
M. C. MEIGS.
Qr. Mr. Genl., Brvt. Maj. Genl.
ON THE GROWTH OF THE HOOF.
As the wall grows and descends from the coronet, so the
sole must ascend in a corresponding manner, that is, when
the hoof has proper care ; but if the sole is kept dry, it wears
less, being harder, and growing thicker by contraction, forces
its way up faster than the wall grows or descends from the
coronet, thus forcing the coffin-bone up out""of its place, as
was the case with Rysdyke's celebrated Old Hambletonian.
THE GROWTH OF THE HOOF. IO3
The result is, that the internal part is forced up too high ;
wherefore, the sole must naturally grow more than double as
fast as the wall, for, should you level the base of both sole
and wall, including the angle, bar, or seat of corn, the internal
part or sole will protrude or press against the shoe by in-
creased growth, and' at the angle of the heel or seat of corn
as it is called, or the continuation of the wall, forming the
angle and inner side of the sole, and outer side of the com-
missure, erroneously called the bar, stay or strength of the
hoof.
This particular angle with its peculiarities of growth, is
the cause of nine-tenths of the troubles attributable to lame-
ness, in all parts of the horse.
While the groAvth of the wall, from the angle of the heel,
descends, that part or continuation of the wall, connecting the
sole with the frog, best known as the bar, has an upward ten-
dency, as well as the downward growth, which increases its
depth so much, when protected by the shoe, that it has here-
tofore baffled Veterinary Science, and its best efforts through
this ignorance, have been the most injurious feature in
shoeing.
I cannot, or rather will not, sa}' all that I might, here,
on the subject, as it is a very delicate and particular point, in
connection with my system, but, while I must continue guard-
ed in what I write, shall, at the same time, give information
worth ten times the value of the amount set upon my book.
At the angle or point of the heel, where the wall connects
with the frog, the growth must be of a very singular nature,
growing rapidly down at the heel, on the wall or outside,
while the inside wall, or bar so called, must accompany the
sole, as they are combined, and so become a part of the sole,
where, in its ascension it raises the frog, as the frog is entirely
dependent upon its motion, especially in its upward tendency,
the frog being connected to it by a flange of thin, weak
material of the froggy substance, hanging from it on both
sides, the space over said flange, being the upper part of the
I04 OPINIONS OF PRACTICAL MEN.
space, between what is called the bar, and the frog", known as
the commissure.
Those whom I taught previously to my transaction with
the United States Government, know nothing from me direct,
relative to the accommodation of the sole to the growth or
malformation, of the wall, as I did not myself, then under-
stand it. But all, or any of my pupils, previously to that
period, got good value for their money, and as I hold the
breaking of their obligation to me worse than perjury direct,
I trust there will be no more points given to outsiders.
OPINIONS OF PRACTICAL MEN THROUGH
THE PRESS.
Mr. David McCauley, of Washington, is an old pupil
and an admirer of Dunbar. He writes to us : "I am a horse-
shoer in the Quarter-Master's Department, and warmly advo-
cate Mr. Dunbar's system of shoeing horses. I have proved
it beyond a doubt. I am a practical mechanic, and not afraid
to apply the system as Mr. Dunbar taught me ; nor am I in a
hurry to get from under the horse like most of your common
blacksmiths. I make it a point to stick until the parts are
removed, which cause so much misery to the poor animal. I
have shod many unserviceable cripples according to the
Dunbar system, and have made sound horses of them." This
is good testimony from a practical man. If Dunbar's system
was more generally understood and practiced, an end would
be put to much unnecessary suffering.
DUNBAR IN THE PRESIDENT'S STABLE.
Washington, D. C, March i, 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm.— I wish to give you
a test of Mr. Dunbar's skill in veterinary science. Mr. D. is
OPINIONS OF PRACTICAL MEN. 105
rather fond of sport. He was at the Carnival on the 20th and
2 1st of last month, and I having occasion to visit the Presi-
dent's stables, found his (the President's) war horse, Cincin-
nati, undergoing treatment for a very severe wrench of the
pastern joint by a professed and experienced veterinary sur-
geon who practices largely here in our midst. The poor
animal was suffering for some days under his charge, with no
better result. He did nothing to alleviate the pain or reduce
the swelling. Mr. Dunbar arrived and immec^iately set to and
lanced the diseased leg. The next day there was a vast dif-
ference, as a large quantity of stuff came out. The President
stood by during the operation, and was highly pleased with
its success. The following day Mr. Doctor arrived and said
the discharge from the leg was joint oil, and his case was
doubtful. He immediately procured a liquid to stop the joint
oil, but Dunbar ordered that it should not be used, and
applied the lance a second time. The horse continued to
im.prove. He is now doing remarkably well, though he bears
quite hard on the diseased leg. The above is a very fine
horse, and one whose model has been taken for a statue. The
doctor as much as said the joint oil coming out would make
him unserviceable, and he thought it would be as well to
shoot him, as there w^as no hope of his recovery.
On the horse's foot it is my firm opinion that Mr. Dunbar
has not an equal on our American continent. It is all well
for men to say that practical knowledge of shoeing will enable ^
them to remove the parts which cause so much misery and
pain to the horse. If this be so it is Dunbar's teachings. We,
for a long time, were in search of some method that would
relieve dumb animals, and always failed until Mr. Dunbar's
system was introduced. It would really distress a man to see
the many valuable horses that pass over our streets, bobbing
their heads ; the principal cause of which is diseased feet.
I remain,
David McCauley.
N
I06 OPINIONS OF PRACTICAL MEN.
We wish that some of our owners of racing" stables would
take the time to talk seriously with Dr. Alexander Dunbar.
If we are not mistaken, he is able to instruct them how to
prepare and take care of the feet of the horse so as to guard
against the very common complaint, breaking down. The
doctor claims that the hoof of the running horse can be so
shaped by cutting and >shoeing, as to keep the most violent
strain off the tendons. If this be true it certainly is very im-
portant knowledge to racing men. Every year our best
horses are forced into retirement by the throwing out of one
or more tendons. There must be a cause for this weakness,
and it would be wise to go to the bottom of the cause and
thus guard against the effect. Dr. Dunbar's knowledge of the
equine foot can do no man harm, while we feel confident it
will prove of lasting benefit to both master and horse.
HORSE-SHOEING.
Harrisburg, Pa., March 20th, 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — The Dunbar system
of horse-shoeing has been the subject of much comment in
this city and vicinity for some time past, and the relative
merits of his mode of treating the horse's foot has been
thoroughly canvassed by the admirers of that noble animal
^ in these parts. Mr. John Kiernan, chief farrier in the United
States cavalry service, stationed at St. Louis, while on a visit
East, stopped in this city last week for a few days and gave
specimens of his skill and handiwork on a number of horses
owned here. Some very bad cases of contracted feet were
successfully treated.
The system was heartily endorsed by all of our citizens
who witnessed the mode of treatment, and so enthusiastic
were a number of gentleman who owmi valuable animals, that
an offer was made by responsible persons to furnish and fit up
a shop for Mr. Kiernan if he would remain permanently in
this city. For over four years Mr. Kiernan has been shoeing
OPINIONS OF PRACTICAL MEN. IO7
under Mr. Dunbar's system, and worked, the greater part of
the time, under his personal supervision, and when the sys-
tem was adopted by the government, Mr. Kiernan was
selected to fill the responsible position of chief farrier.
In Mr. Kiernan the government has secured the services
of a skillful and practical horse-shoer. All that have ex-
amined the system in this city, and witnessed its working
under Mr. Kiernan's skill, heartily endorse all that has been
said in regard to it in your valuable paper. Dauphin.
DUNBAR AGAINST THE WORLD.
New York, November, 1870.
Editors Tltrf, Field and Farm. — Some four weeks
ago I was in want of a cheap horse for farm work. I applied
to Mr. Shaw, in charge of the Second Avenue Railroad horses,
and among others I was shown a bay mare for $60, so lame
from contraction of the near fore foot that I considered her
worthless, and told Mr. Shaw so. He made the remark, " I'll
Dunbar her, and have more or take less. " The 1 3th of Septem-
ber I saw the mare, shown to me on the stones, as fine as silk
and sound as a rush, with price $200. Therefore, I say, " Dun-
bar against the deck." Success to Dunbar and his theory.
Respectfully.
L. Jewett.
GH AFTER VII.
MR. BONNER AND PROFESSOR GAMGEE.
New York, March 12th, 1868.
In the Daily Star of Thursday. March 5th, I noticed the
following" : —
A banquet in honor of Professor John Gamgee, of London,
was given at Delmonicos's last evening by the New York
College of Veterinary Science. Brief speeches were made
by several of the leading members of the College ; toasts
were drank, and a jolly good time indulged in by the large
and select party of Horse Doctors, who didn't "go home till
morning."
The phrase " Veterinary Science," brought to my mind an
operation I saw performed (on the day of the night which
" they did not go home till morning") on a knee-sprung horse,
in the presence of the above Professor Gamgee, and of a con-
versation, or rather argument which arose between Robert
Bonner, Esq., of the New York Ledger, and the Professor ; a
few gentlemen beside myself being present. The Professor
must either be proof against conviction, or have the faculty
of making himself happy under every circumstance, more
especially when he could do so in the company of the select
party of " Horse Doctors !" But I think had the genial party
heard a correct report of the result of the above discussion,
had they heard all that I did relative to their knowledge,
were they as ignorant of the exhilarating influence of the
juice of grape and cereals as Mr. Bonner proved them to be
of the diseases of the horses' feet, they never could have kept
up their hilarity till morning.
no MR. BON'MER AND PROFESSOR GAMGEE.
But Burns came to their aid by reminding them that the
juice would do them good, however much they might be
depressed.
'Twould make a man forget his woe,
'Twould brighten all his joy,
'Twould make a widow's heart to sing,
Though the tears were in her eye.
The operation was partly performed with a saw ; the
operator cutting through till the blood dropped freely. The
owner said he never saw such an operation, and would not
have permitted it had he not full confidence in Mr. Bonner.
The Professor said he never did either, nor ever wanted to see
such a one again ; I think he changed his mind speedily, as
he secured one of the keys taken from the foot. The good
result of the operation was perceptible immediately. The
operator was chided by his friends for drawing blood ; he
coolly replied, " does it effect the Professor .''" which it evi-
dently did, and stated that a delicate lady could bear to see
that much blood drop from a fowl ; a horse has much more to
spare. " Peerless" lost ten times as much, and never could trot
faster than she can to-day. He then said aside to his friends,
had I not done so I could never have broken through the non-
committal tactics of the Professor, or have gotten a frank
confession in the way he committed himself, by saying, when,
surprised, that he never saw the like before, nor wanted to see
it again ; the operator thus gaining a point.
The novel system is preferable, and if as good as reported,
the Professor is certainly committed as to its novelty. A
concession is worth a few drops of blood. Hefurther said, that
what was called veterinary science was not profound, that it-
consisted principally of a rehearsing of technicalities, and
mystifying, instead of an answering of direct questions, leav-
ing a heavier burthen on the blacksmith, and nature, than
either or both of them are able or willing to bear. The Pro-
fessor then, after acknowledging that Mr. Bonner had the
largest collection of veterinary works that he had ever heard
MR. BONNER AND PROFESSOR GAMGEE. 1 1 I
of, and was the best read man in veterinaries of both England
and this country whom he ever met, said, that the veterinary
colleges of England and the United States, in fact, of all
countries except France, had retrograded, until stayed by the
superior skill of his father and himself He complimented the
officers of the New York College, saying it was a shame they
were not better supported, but acknowledged that though
their intentions were good, in their practice they were defec-
tive. Here the operator remarked that they ought to be
equal to the Professor, as they had been in possession of his
works for some time, and it was strange if the united ability of
the w.hole faculty was not able to glean from them what is so
ably described, and that he himself could carry out the
English system without a further v\'ord of instruction than
what was written ; and if the New York faculty were incap-
able, the Professor's compliment was wasted ; if the}' are
capable, and have not applied it judiciously, they are culpable
and do not deserve sympathy ; but if they are capable, and
have applied it, and I believe they have, it shows that it comes
far short of satisfying the public.
Mr. Bonner then referred the Professor to his own and
his father's works, wherein they state that contraction is an
imaginary disease, and that the internal parts of the foot
worked in perfect harmony with the changed condition of the
hoof This Mr. Bonner disproved there and then, to the sa-
tisfaction of every bystander, as also many similar stagtements.
Mr. B. then made a strong assertion about his own superior
knowledge of the foot, and declared he would forfeit $10,000
could he not expand the foot an eighth of an inch without
any other pressure than properly nailing, which the Professor
contended could not be done.
I understand the Professor challenged Mr. Bonner on his
first introduction, to a contest on the feet of fifty horses, de-
claring that what he did he would do openly before the world ;
he would not touch one foot this morning though urgently
pressed to do so. Mr. Bonner then showed us his inimitable
stud of horses, their feet all in excellent condition. These
112 MR. BONNER AND PROFESSOR GAMGEE.
horses speak loudest for Mr. Bonner's knowledge, not only of
their feet but of the horse generally. Some think it impossi-
ble for a man to acquire so much knowledge in so short a
time ; the proof is in the fact, that among the oldest horsemen
we cannot find the same number of animals in as good
condition.
Therefore, for the country's good, for the benefit of the
world and the horse's sake, I most solemnly state that Mr.
Bonner knows more about the horse's foot than ten thousand
such professors. His knowledge is profound and practical ;
the Professor is beclouded and superficial.
I am wholly disinterested, but a lover of the horse, and
am as much a stranger to Mr. Bonner as I am to Professor
Gamgee. The latter, I trust, will come down, if not as easily
as I could wish, properly to understand and acknowledge this
new system, then let it be by jerks, in Mr. Bonner's own way.
Progression.
P. S. — The Professor further stated that the Veterinary
Colleges were not only ignorant until stayed by his father and
himself, but further yet, that not over three out of every hun-
dred of his own students were practically useful, and that he
invariably returned such his fees ; yet the other 97 received
diplomas of competency. What a deplorable condition this
state of things places the world in, in relation to Veterinary
Science. Has the metropolis of this great country been for-
tunate enough to secure one of those 3 per cent, gentlemen ?
If so, where is he to be found ?
LETTER OF GEORGE WILKES.
Office Wilkes Spirit of the Times. )
201, William street. >
New York 17th March 1867. )
Dear General :
Several of the friends of Mr. Dunbar who is now in Wash-
ington, in consideration of his secret in relation to the horse's foot, learning
that the matter has been referred to you, have solicited an expression from
me on the subject.
In compliance with that request, and in concession of what I believe to
LETTER OF GEORCiE WILKES. II3
be the merits of the matter, I have no hesitation in saying that Mr. Dunljar
is the only man I ever saw or heard of, who thorough!)- understands the
horse's foot. All the professors and authors who ha\e written on the subject
are mere theorists, and in my opinion never could have investigated the
subject practically. Their systems tend to lame horses ; and that is the
reason we have so man)- cripples all over the country.
A few years ago, not more than ten or fifteen, all practical printers,
machinists and printing-press manufacturers were of the opinion, that we
never could make a printing-press to " throw off" more than three or four
thousand copies an hour ; but Hoe came along with his rotary machine, and
startled all the machinists by demonstrating its capacity to take 20.000 im-
pressions of a given surface within the hour. Dunbar, in my opinion, is just
as far ahead of all the Veterinary professors and surgeons as Hoe was of the
old machinists, and further too, because the practice of the old veterinar)'
surgeons tends to lame horses, while the old printing men were right as far
as they went, only they were slow.
1 am impressed with the belief that the government ought to purchase
the right to use the s)'Stera at once, and they would purchase it, if they
knew half as much of its advantages as two or three of our most experienced
horsemen in this city.
Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
C.EORGE WILKES.
U. S. Gr.-'lNT, Lt. Genl.
FROM WfLKES SPIRIT OF THK TIMES.
MR. DUNBAR'S SYSTEM OF TREATING THE
HORSE'S FOOT.
Wc have recently received a number of letters from vari-
ous parts of the country requesting us to give a full description
of Mr. Dunbar's method of treating the horse's foot so as to
prevent and to cure almost all cases of lameness arising
therein. It is not possible for us to do as we have been re-
quested, for several cogent reasons. First, we are not suffi-
ciently informed as to the system to be able to describe it. We
have seen Mr. Dunbar operate upon very bad chronic cases of
contraction with capital effect : but we are unable to say exact-
ly upon what principle his novel and very thorough method
O
114 ARTICLE FROM GEORGE WILKES.
proceeds. That it relieves horses when appHed with skill and
understanding, we know ; and that is about all that we do
know. To infer that we can describe it, after having witnessed
one or two operations, is to suppose that the treatment is to
be in every case alike. This is a grave error. The operation
wdiicli will relieve lameness in one sort of hoof, would aggra-
vate it in another. The principles established by Mr. Dunbar's
success embrace some new truths of very great importance,
and brush away certain antiquated errors that have, in their
time, caused an immense amount of mischief. Nobody under-
stands the system in its full scope but Mr., Dunbar himself,
and therefore nobody but he can describe it. For him to do
so thoroughly would require a large volume, and then very
few would trust a man, who had no other knowledge of it than
that which might be derived from reading the book, to perform
the necessary operation on the feet of a valuable horse suffer-
ing from lameness. Mr. Dunbar can teach the proper applica-
tion of his method by practical operations. General Grant,
Mr. Bonner, General Meigs, Mr. Welch, and many other excel-
lent horsemen have been taught the primary principles of the
system by seeing Mr. Dunbar operate upon and speedily relieve
lame horses. So far as we are informed, the more he has
operated the more calls there have been upon him. He is not,
however, in public practice, and does not propose to offer his
services to the public at large. We cannot describe the system,
nor do we feel at liberty to give our notions of the operations
we have witnessed, but we can testify to the immediate and
salutary effect. The latest case within our knowledge was as
follows : A few days ago, at our instance, Mr. Dunbar went to
see a high-bred and valuable trotting mare. She belongs to an
eminent gentleman of this city, one in the foremost ranks of
those who conduct the vast and gainful operations of our foreign
commerce. He is a man remarkable for clear understanding
and strong sense. The mare had been suffering for a long time
from chronic lameness. Her agony had been such that he
almost made up his mind to have her killed, in order to put
her out of pain. In less than two minutes Mr. Dunbar had
made his examination of her feet and legs, and pronounced the
ARTICLE FROM GEORGE WILKES. II 5
fiat — " I can cure her!" He operated there and then upon
her feet all round, and before we left the estate, at nightfall,
the mare had walked off after her groom to the home paddock.
She is not now lame at all, and the case was treated this way.
It was very much like that of Hambletonian, and the relief
afforded was as prompt. Nothing could exceed the surprise
and delight of her owner. In our opinion, Mr. Dunbar's dis-
covery and his perfected method will work a complete revolu-
tion in the treatment of the horse's foot. To the governments
of the Great Powers which employ many horses, it would, we
think, be of incalculable value. It would be a very short-sigh-
ted and foolish policy for us to forego the benefit of it, and,
ignoring the truths now discovered, keep on with the old pot-
tering systems, which are either of no use at all, or positively
mischievous. As Mr. Dunbar has spent years of patient
investigation and experiment in this matter, he cannot'be
expected to throw it open to the world without remuneration.
That he will ever get anything like what it is worth we do not
believe, for we are of opinion that any great country could
save a million of money by its general application, in five years.
But of two things we are convinced : First, he ought to get
something ; second, the benefits of his discoveries ought to be
secured for the people of this country.
CHAPTER VIII.
ON DEXTER.
It may be inferred from the following, that I have en-
hanced the value of horses through my system, perhaps
more than Mr Bonner, since Dexter was purchased by my
advice, and as Fawsett, his former owner offered $50,000 last
season for him, besides which, he was to have $1000 commis-
sion, the horse being for a Mr. Smith ; ( this he told me him-
self, in presence of Mr. Claybaugh, of Baltimore, owner of
Moses and Aaron, as also of Vauxhall. )
Now, if Dexter at that time was worth $60,000 to Smith,
how much was he worth to his owner.
At $60,000, there would have been a clear profit to Mr.
Bonner of 27,000, and could we calculate how much less Mr.
Bonner would have given for him, had he been ignorant of
my system, we would then know the exact gain ; ( for he stated
in a letter to Edwin M. Stanton, late Secretary of War, that
he had parted with horses for lameness, at a nominal price,
which he could have had cured, as they were not so lame as
Dexter, when he bought him ; so, that, the knowledge of my
system has added directly to the value of Dexter, in dollars
and cents, more than thirty thousand dollars ; besides, in an
advertising point of view for the New York Ledger, no person
could calculate'his value.
In many places where I have been introduced as Mr.
Bonner's friend he was not known except through Dexter. I
will relate one instance : While at the country residence of
Mr. Trumbull Smith of New York City, I met a lady a neigh-
Il8 ON DEXTER.
bor, whose family owned and were very fond of the horse,
choice cattle, deer, and poultry, of every kind. When intro-
duced to her as Mr. Bonner's friend she said ; " I do not know
him." Mr. Smith remarked interrogatively "Do you not know
Mr Bonner, of New York.'" "No Sir.'" She replied. "Not
he, of the New York Ledger .'" " No," she persisted. "Can
it be possible you do not know Mr. Bonner, the owner of
Dexter.'" " Oh yes ! Oh yes!" she exclaimed, ' I know him
very well ; How I love that horse although I have never seen
him. "
Mr. Bonner would have bought Dexter at two different
periods before, which would have deprived him of the honors
he had since earned by increasing his public time.
If then, as I claim, I have added $27,000 directly to the
value of Dexter, in Mr. Smith's estimation, how much would
the aggregate be, could the indirect value be added, together
with the extra amount set on him in his owners estimation, so
much so that his attachment to him has not }'et been severed
by any amount of money. I have heard him say that he
would not take $100,000 in gold for him.
Pocahontas was sent from the track by Mace, lame in the
hind leg, or as they called it hitching ; and had I not treated
her, she never would have trotted again, since which he has
been offered $50,000 for her.
I treated her in the night. " Andy " well remembers the
circumstance. It was midnight when we completed the job.
I therefore assert that while Mr. Bonner paid the money for
his horses, it was through the confidence inspired by the
knowledge of my system which caused him to fill his stables
with such horses as he now owns. Would he have dared to
purchase such horses, as Joe Elliott or his sire, had it not been
for the knowledge I imparted to him.
Auburn he considered worth more money than Dexter,
when in Hiram Woodruft'"s hands, yet he would hardl)' have
sold for five hundred dollars at the time I first saw him, on
account of lameness. When I first saw Mr. Robert Bonner,
ON DEXTER. II9
he told me that the thing that came nearest his heart of all
things above ground, next to his own family, was the condi-
tion of Auburn's feet. At the time Mr. Bonner said that
there was nothing above ground lay so near his heart, except
his family, as Auburn, he had become discouraged buying fast
horses, and said he had regretted buying them, as it made a
slave of him ; besides, he could not keep them right. This
accords with his statement to Mr. Dana, of the New York
Sim, and others, that he never would have bought Dexter had
it not been for me.
His feet were then flat, but not yet pumiced, the wall sepa-
rate from the sole on the sides, hoof light color and brittle,
the bar having become curved, and pressed against the inner
side of the wing of the coffin bone ; the horse heavy and
terrific in his stride ; it became very difficult to treat him while
in use. I was so successful in the treatment, that the late
Hiram Woodruff said of his speed, while training him, that
he " never had driven a trotting horse before," although
Dexter had been styled the " King of Trotters" through this
man's agency in training him. Who can define the difference
in the speed of these horses } Notwithstanding Dexter's
great speed was then superior to any horse on record, yet
when compared with Auburn, in the estimation of Woodruff,
he did not deserve the name of a trotter. With the reputa-
tion that Dexter has since made, many would say that Wood-
ruff" must have been mistaken. This cannot be, for Mr. Bon-
ner remarked on this same subject, that he "would believe
Hiram Woodruff's word sooner than any minister of the
Gospel that ever preached from a pulpit."
Now, if Auburn was good value for the amount paid for
him, sore in his fore-feet, and at that time no prospect of rem-
edying them until his owner met. with me, what must he have
been worth at the time Hiram Woodruff made his statement,
when a second would have been worth thousands of dollars.
Yet this great horse lost his life when ten cents worth of one
ingredient would have saved him. How necessary it is that
gentlemen should glean all the knowledge they possibl}- can.
I20 ON DEXTER.
especially those who invest so much money and a large pro-
portion of affection, in valuable horses.
I first saw Dexter on the day Mr. George Alley sold him.
He was then lame. I told Mr. Bonner so, with whom I went
to the Long Island or Fashion Track to see him trot against
Ethan Allen. Mr. Bonner said that he was not lame, but
that it was " a way of going that he had." We came closer
to him, and his hoofs being white, the color caused by inflam-
mation was clearly perceptible in the hoof of the fore-foot,
opposite the wings of the coffin-bone. Mr. Bonner then asked
me if he should purchase him. I said " No !" for if he was at
the height of his speed, that he could be bought for much less,
as his feet would become more defective. Mr. Bonner then
expressed a desire to introduce me to Hiram Woodruff, to
which I objected. He then asked me to come within hearing-
distance, as he wished to ask Hiram a few questions ; to
whom he said, in his own peculiar way, "Hiram, dont you
think Dexter has a little more of that ' way of going' to-day
than he usually has ?" Hiram responded, " Yes, I had hard
work to keep him up in this last heat, and never could, had he
not been such a gamey little fellow, and if I am successful in
winning this race I shall never drive him again. He won the
race that day.
In both assertions Hiram was right, as he was sold that
day by Mr. Alley, and I believe Hiram never drove him again.
Mr. Alley offered him to Mr. Bonner, reminding him of some
previous conditional proposal, to which Mr. Bonner remarked
that his offer held good when he could fulfill the conditions ;
and had it not been for the statement of Woodruff", and my
advice, Mr. Bonner would probably have become the owner
of Dexter on that day, which would have deprived him of his
well-merited renown, at least that part of it which he has
since earned (as private time is not recorded) since Lady
Thorne and Goldsmith Maid, as well as others, have equaled
the time, since, that he had made at that period.
Dexter, when Mr. Bonner bought him, had not one good
foot. His best fore-foot had the wall separate from the sole
ON DEXTER. 121
on the sides and front, giving it the appearance of a very flat
pumiced one ; it being wired in or contracted at the heels,
reaching as far forward as the point of the cleft of the frog,
about opposite the wings of the coffin-bone. This binding or
contraction saved the whole foot from becoming entirely
pumiced. The other fore-foot was very badly contracted,
the coffin-bone having been raised fully three-quarters of an
inch in the hoof, and pressed forward in the hoof half an inch
farther than it should be, through the tightening of the coro-
net contraction of the wall, thereby destroying the action of
the coffin-bone. The position in the coffin-bone varying in
the two hoofs fully an inch at the points of the coffin-bone,
where the extensor tendon connects. Both hind-feet were
badly contracted and crooked, each leaning the same way,
similar to a child's boot, the one leaning in and the other leaning
out. These I both straightened and expanded.
Mr. Robert Bonner has told a reporter that "he would
never have bought Dexter, but for Mr. Alexander Dunbar,
who taught him how to get a horse's feet in sound condition."
" Alexander Dunbar, a gentleman well-known in this city,
(Washington) and a benefactor to his race as well as to the
equine species, has been the recipient of a compliment from
no less a noted turfman than Robert Bonner, E.sq., of New
York, and the owner of the world-renowned " King of the
Trotting Turf," Dexter. It was well-known to turfites that
when the famed Dexter first made his mark as a trotter, and
before he came into the possession of Mr. Bonner, his feet
were not in good condition, and that gentleman recently made
the remark that he never would have owned him had it not
been for the secret of caring for his feet imparted to him by
Mr. Alexander Dunbar, and now the pedal extremities of
Dexter are as sound as a dollar, as his lightning speed the
other day fully testifies. All credit to Dunbar, who has made
the hoof of the horse a study for years, and thus by his
122 LETTER OF ROBERT BONNER.
scientific knowledge, hands down his name to posterity as one
of the benefactors of mankind." — Sunday Herald, Washington,
September, 1870.
LETTER FROM ROBERT BONNER.
Ledger Office, 90 Beekman Street. }
New York, May 13, 1867. \
Mr. Dunbar :
Dear Sir : — Since I saw you I have imported quite a number
of works on the Horse; among others "Our Domestic Animals," by Prof.
John Gamgee, for many years Principal of the New Veterinary College, at
Edinburgh, Scotland, and during the past two years, Principal of the Albert
Veterinary College, London. From such high authority I expected to get
something new on the foot ; but you can well imagine my disappointment
when I tell you that, notwithstanding his work is spread out over four
volumes, and he claims to have mastered the subject of shoeing, &c., &c.,
yet he is, although a very intelligent man, as ignorant of the proper treat-
ment of diseased feet as one of our ordinary blacksmiths. My advice to
you is to go at once to the other side of the big pond and make Prof.
Gamgee's acquaintance. You can, I know, in half an hour convince him
that while he knows all about the anatomy of the foot, yet, that he is as
ignorant as the unborn child of the way in which it can be restored to its
natural elasticity and usefulness.
Dr. Carson, of Coleraine, Ireland, has written some very good articles
in the Edinburgh Veterinary Review, on the horse's foot. He is not
so high an authority as Prof Gamgee, yet he knows a vast deal more than
the great Professor. Sometimes he makes me almost think that he has had
some lessons from you, but when I proceed a little further, I find that he
gets off the track. My advice to you, therefore, is, to England.
Yours truly,
ROBERT BONNER.
LETTER FROM MAJOR GENERAL CUSTER.
Headquarters 7th U. S. Cavalry, )
Department of the Missouri. >
In the Field, near Fort Hays, Kansas, June 3, 1869. )
My Dear D(jctor :
Although you have asked for no expression of opinion
from me reuardinu the merits of vour method of treatment of the horse's
LETTER OF MAJOR GENERAL CUSTER. 1 23
hoof, I have deemed it but just, after attending your course of instruction
to the officers of this command, to express to you my unquaUfied approval
of, and admiration for, what seems to me, the only true method of treating
that most important, and I might add, hitherto, the most neglected member
of the horse, the hoof. Although your method is directly at variance with
the teachings of all prominent writers upon the horse, I do not hesitate to
say that, in my opinion, you are right, and they are wrong.
1 believe that the imparting of your discovery to the officers of the
army, and its adoption by them, will be the means of saving to the govern-
ment hundreds of thousands of dollars, besides materially promoting the
comfort of both horse and ridei".
Truly Yours,
Brevt. Major Gen'l G. A. CUSTER, U. S. A.
Dr. Alexander Dunbar.
LETTER FROM MAJOR GENERAL MEIGS.
(QUARTER-MASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE, /
Washington, D. C. Sept. nth, 1869. ^
Mr. Alexander Dunbar completed, on the 24th of August, 1869, a
year's service in teaching in the U. S. Army his mode of treating the horse's
foot, under an agreement made with him by the Seci'etary of War.
A Joint Resolution of Congress directed the Secretary to make such an
agreement with him. I have seen a number of letters from those who have
received instruction from him, testifying to their conviction, that he has un-
common skill, and that his system, which seems to be directly the reverse
of the teachings of Youatt and other writers and experts, is really more ad-
vantageous than theirs. He appears to use freely the knife and saw to re-
move from the sole and heels, horn, which they carefully preserve.
He treated a pony in my stable, aged, tender in the feet, and sprung
in the knees. This horse wore after his treatment, a much wider shoe than
before, and while he remained under my observation, seemed much less
liable to stumble than before. I think that other horses upon which he
operated under my observation were benefited by his treatment.
M. C. MEIGS, (Quarter-master Gen'l.
Brevt. Ma/or Gen'l., U. S. A.
124 LETTER OF A. WELCH.
LETTKR FROM A. WELCFL
Chestnut Hill, Pa., June i8th, 1867.
Dear Sir: — Mr. Dunbar has operated on several horses of mine, and
1 take plcasure^in stating that I consider his method of treating the horse's
foot worth as much as he asks for it from the go\ernmcnt. I would not
take $5,000 (five thousand dollars) for what he has done for one horse of
mine, and 1 know that every one who has been made acquainted with his
system is delighted with it.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
A. WELCH.
Hon. E. M. Stanton.
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CHAPTER IX.
ON BREEDING.
The proper material for the " walking ground ".should be
loose sand, from nine to twelve inches deep ; this strengthens
the muscle, and saves the feet.
The effort of walking in loose sand, brings moremuscle
into action, at the same time, than any m'ode of exercise in
general use.
A danseuse, in her exercise, increases the muscle and
strength of the legs, while the pugilist in the process of train-
ing, brings more muscles at one time into use, than any other
exercise or labor that a man can be put at ; while the gymnast
becomes equally strong and muscular. Yet, the process of
training does not call into action all the muscles simultaneous-
ly, as in the case of the pugilist ; for instance, in the trapeze
performer, the hands and arms are only brought in play while
in the act of swinging, the legs hanging, the muscles are re-
laxed ; on the contrary, while the legs only are attached to
it, then the hands and body are swinging ; in a word, with the
gymnast, one member, with the muscles, are exercised at a
time. Not .so with the pugilist or swordsman, almost ever}'
muscle and member of the body, are brought into action at the
same time. Just so with the colt or horse exercised upon
sand ; as there is no firm foundation for the foot, the whole
labor is upon the muscle, and therefore it develops accordingly.
The horse or colt should never, either in walking or trot-
ting, be required to stride far ; the step should be short and
quick : this will not only give power of rnuscle, but high and
lofty action ; besides the sand would, in a slight degree, substi-
tute a means the horse is entirely deprived of in a domestic
126 ON BREEDING.
state ; that is, friction on the coronet, from the foot, each time
it is drawn up, coming in contact with the long grass or veg-
etable matter, of any kind. Horses, when turned out, instead
of being turned out in the winter, chilling their blood, and
destroying their constitution, were they turned out in long
and strong matted early clover, the feet first being prepared
in accordance with my system, would get more good in one
month, than they would, otherwise, in years.
The principal cause of weakness on the sides of the hoof
has its origin in this want ; and I would rather have ten min-
utes of the" labor of the groom on the coronet, with a corn cob,
than an hour on the other parts of the body.
This, with the sand, is the only substitute that we have,
in the domestic state, for the long vegetation, in the normal
condition of the horse.
Friction and moisture are sufficient, and most natural,
in growing new hoof; a forced growth by stimulants, that is
liniments &c. does not produce as strong or as good material
in the hoof. There is as much difference in the material grown,
between the two methods, as there is between vegetables
grown in a hot-bed and the open air. (I used neither lini-
ments nor hoof ointment during the term of my contract with
the U. S. Government, for when used, they are generally
injudiciously applied.) I find that the hoof, when feverish,
grows faster than when natural, and instead of stimulating the
growth by liniments, the growth should be prevented, if possi-
ble, by cooling lotions and frictions, as before described.
The quality of the hoof grown, with and without suffici-
ent moisture, varies in its quality, as vegetables do, raised in
hot weather in the open air, similarly supplied.
Where a hoof has become brittle, you will produce better
material, by pricking around the coronet, using the corn cob,
and by giving to the horses sound hoof, very finely pulver-
ized, or any chemical substance that has similar properties in it,
in his feed. This does not improve the old hoof, but only the
new growth, especially that of the wall ; I would also advise
ON BREEDING. 12/
to feed good healthy bone-dust to horses theit are pastured
on low and alluvial soil, or fed with hay, grain or roots, pro-
duced from such soil.
Stallions and mares in the erotic season, should be exer-
cised in a similar manner, upon sand. They should not be
wearied ; both should get exercise in the morning before gra-
tifying their passion.
If the color or likeness of the horse is preferred, they
should get exercise together, the mare following the horse,
keeping him in view, which will leave the impress of his best
and most graceful action. If not wearied or angered, there
will be cheerful, active, energetic, affectionate qualities, com-
bined in the colt.
The horse or stallion, should have sufficient exercise
every evening, without wearying him, to not only strengthen,
but to do away with '' enmii," so that he will rest and sleep
better.
The mare should never be allowed to see the stallion
immediately after serving, as his muscles are relaxed, his spirit
languid, while his shape seems to be deteriorated ; in fact, the
style of the horse is entirely changed.
If the appearance, color or shape, of another horse would
be preferred, then as in the case of my father-in-law's, "'Hick-
07y" any shape or color can be almost certainly obtained, as
in the article, " Vision Theory,'' by E. H. of Chester, Penn-
sylvania, sustaining mine, on color.
The mare, while pregnant, should be worked and speeded,
of course ; carefully driven, but not at such a speed that she
would be twisted or checked by catching her up, in breaking ;
neither should she be driven so far as to weary her. Her
mind being upon this, will have its effect upon the colt.
All mares should be served with blinds on, so that the
horse cannot be seen after the act, and should be ridden four
or five miles, in a slow jog, else she should be fed some oats
thinly sprinkled on a board, one handful at a time for from
ten to fifteen minutes ; it will divert her attention from
straining, besides endowing the foal with a good appetite.
128 ON BREEDING.
This should especially be done with a mare, old, or hither-
to barren ; besides, in the latter case, she should be rubbed
with a stick or corn cob, over the lumbar vertebra of the back
or loins. This will prevent her from straining, but may also
entail on the foal a frisky or restless habit. Better a frisky
colt for the first, however, than none at all.
Leamington, is stinted to thirty mares ; this is nonsense.
A horse can serve three mares a day, without injury to him.
How many times does the horse at liberty, transfer his seed ?
I say transfer, because there are numbers of spirited horses,
that apparently go through the operation, without disposing
of any seed. This can be detected by their wanting to remain
on the mare, or trying to get to her again after having been
taken off.
If he serves the mare, he feels more or less languid, and
shows, sometimes, marks of displeasure, if he does not like her.
Whether is the cow, that is well milked three times a
day, well fed, having quiet and sufficient rest, better in every
sense, then the cow milked but once or twice, amidst almost
continued excitement.
The horse should be walked or jogged at a brisk, lively,
short-stepping gait, not sufficient to heat, but enough to set
his blood coursing through his veins, his spirits moderately
exuberant, not in the least dulled by exertion — as there must
be sufficient excitement created, to prepare him to mount.
The horse immediately after service should be taken to
his stall, and that should be in the quietest place. It should
be darkened, so that he could sleep for an hour or two, which
he would be sure to do if not disturbed by spectators &c.
He should, after rest, get his exercise on sand for the day.
Treat him in this way, and he will get three foals every
day, better foals, with a more suitable temperament, better
muscle, good appetite, and stronger constitution than he other-
wise would.
The healthy horse, limited to thirty mares, suffers more
through excitement in antici]:)ation of being gratified, than he
ON BREEDINC;. I29
would by serving three mares a day, with the time between
service properly arranged, with proper food and sufficient
time for rest.
This restlessness, caused by anticipation, is often transfer-
ed to the progeny, and is another source of transmitting the
speed to the head, instead of the feet.
The horse, like the cow, when attended to regularly, with
the proper quantity of rest, will produce more, and of a better
quality, than those kept amongst continued excitement.
Compare the milk of a restless, irregularly milked cow,
with that of one regularly milked ; the result will be obvious.
Just so with the male of any kind ; either human, fowl or
brute : if they do not get rest, which they are all disposed to
take, after gratification, it will wear them more and cause
them to look much more nervous and old, than three times
the exertion would do by taking proper rest, besides entail-
ing a better disposition and constitution on their progeny.
A great deal depends on the arrangement of the structure
of the horse and mare, that is, when no precaution is taken in
attracting the attention while gratifying themselves, as in
the case of the " Hickory Horse."
In mixing the French Canadian mare with the thorough-
bred horse, if you happen to get the chest and forelegs of
the marc, with the horse's shoulder, head, neck and lungs,
and hind part, you add to the speed and endurance of the
thoroughbred, in most cases, as a trotter, but in all cases, as a
road horse. On the contrary, if you have the chest of the
thoroughbred, with the shoulder, forelegs, neck, head, lungs,
and hindpart, the progeny is not as good as either the dam or
the sire.
Had Bruno the chest of his dam, there would be more
room for his liver, the sole cause of his deterioration of speed.
His liver becoming enlarged, condenses the space necessary
for its own occupation with that of the lungs, as in the case
with the human body, similarly affected.
O
130 ON BREEDING.
After having returned from giving instructions to the
officers and farriers of the United States Army, in accordance
with my contract with the government, which was in October
1869, Mr. Bonner asked me to go and see Bruno, as he was
not doing well. He was. then at the new Brooklyn track.
Bruno was drooping and dull, with a feeble appetite, hair dry,
weak, and defective in speed. His trouble was not all in his
feet. His liver was double the size it should have been. I
directed him to be bled, and ordered him quinine. He im-
proved immediately, his appetite became better, but not his
strength. Mr. Bonner seemed somewhat discouraged at this,
and asked me the reason. I replied that the strength never
does return fully, no more than it docs to a man after he has
had the ague, bilious fever, or any other disease in connection
with the liver. Mr. Bonner exclaimed with much concern,
"What ! will he never regain his strength, and be as well as
ever .-*" I remarked, " Bruno may, if well-cared for, regain
his usual strength in about tzvo years, but never will he be
capable of enduring all that he otherwise would, had he not
been troubled in this way. You may restore either man or
beast to his usual strength for a brief period, but to restore
him to his normal condition, or make him equal in durability
to that which he would have been, when matured, is an
impossibility." His feet were at this time very much out of
shape, and one foot in particular was decidedly crooked, and
when I pointed out its defects, he said, "I am ashamed of
myself for allowing a horse of mine to have feet grow in such
condition in so short a period of time. It will take me ten
years Sir, yet, to learn all yo7t know."
I had not seen him then for fifteen months, or during the
term I was engaged with the United States government. Mr.
Bonner made arrangements to have Bruno brought from the
track, where Dan Fifer was training him, and I treated the
crooked foot. He had the rolling motion shoe on. We did
it in the night. I was not aware that it was Roberge's man
that I was directing, until the foot had been treated. I did
nothing to the other foot, as I did not want Roberge to get
TREATMENT OF HORSE'S FEET. 131
any more points, as Mr. B. called the knowledge of my system.
Mr. Bonner told me that he had had a quarrel with " Andy,"
his former shoer, countryman, and school-fellow.
Mr. Bonner was greatly astonished at the bad condition of
the foot. After it had been treated, it was so much changed
in appearance, that he again said, he was ashamed of himself,
that he could not practice my system better. This I think
was the last thing I did for him.
The following article appeared in the Wilmington Com-
incrcial, Saturday, August 5th, 1871 :
THE DUNBAR TREATMENT OF HORSE'S FEET.
To the Editor of the Coniniercial :
An article appeared in one of the local exchanges reoard-
ing Bruno, in which it was stated that he had trotted a half
mile in 1.5^, which is the fastest time on record.
This horse a few years ago was purchased by Mr. Phife,
in a crippled condition, for $9,000, though he had been sold a
short time previously, when sound, for $22,000.
A short time after, he came into the possession of Mr.
Bonner, and, like Auburn, would have died had he not been
bled and treated for liver complaint under the supervision of
Mr. Dunbar. The horse had been drooping for a long time
and although Mr. Bonner exercised all of his own powers and
the best veterinary skill in the country, yet Bruno continued
to grow worse until after having advice from Mr. Dunbar, on
his return from teaching the officers and farriers in the United
States Army.
Mr. Bonner must have realized a large margin of profit
on both Dexter and Bruno, as he purchased them both in a
crippled state without any advance on Bruno.
By the way, this reminds us that Mr. Dunbar who taught
so many of our best citizens how to remedy defects in the
132 TREATMENT OF HORSES FEET.
horse's feet, is now in our city, and within the last week has
taught no less than eight pupils.
We quote an extract — from a letter dated January 3d,
1868 — written by Mr. Bonner, in which he says : " Mr. Dunbar
is the only man, so far as I know, — and I have studied every-
thing on the subject, — who really understands the whole philos-
ophy of the horse's foot. In my stable I have not one horse
that is unsound ; but before I became acquainted with Mr.
Dunbar's system I parted with several lame horses, that if
I had them now I could cure by adopting Mr. Dunbar's
treatment."
What a change ! Mr. Bonner makes a practice now of
buying speedy horses in an unsound condition, such as Major
Winfield, Joe Elliott, Dexter, Bruno, and the half of those
he was possessed of when he became acquainted with Dunbar
were useless for road or speeding purposes. Auburn and
Peerless wore bar shoes.
The knowledge Mr. Bonner received from Mr. Dunbar
must have increased the value of those hitherto lame horses
to more than $100,000, in the aggregate.
This must be very encouraging, indeed, to those of our
citizens who have received instructions, as they will, in accord-
ance with the value of their horses, profit in a similar ratio.
Mr. Dunbar has written a small work, which is being
published by our very popular and enterprising townsman,
William Warner, Esq., of the firm of Pusey, Scott & Co.
Mr. Dunbar is on his way to Europe, whither his second
son, a youth of nineteen, accompanies him to complete his
education.
From the improvements that Mr. Dunbar has been
making in light and heavy draught, his improved stable floor,
tooth rasp, and improved hay-baling machine, with his system
of treating the horse's foot, we believe it may be safely as-
serted in similar language to that used by President Grant in
describing the utility of the Dunbar system, after two years
experience in the United States Army, to Generals Logan
TREATMENT OF HORSE'S FEET. 133
and Rosecrans, that " Mr. Dunbar knows more about the
hor.se in general, has done more to enhance his value and
ameliorate his condition, than any man now living, or that
ever has lived."
The following article, the work of a "hidden hand," ap-
peared in the Turf, Field and Farm, of August 25th, 1871, in
reply to the above :
" Notwithstanding that Mr. Dunbar does not write the
best grammar in the world, we see by the Wilmington Ccnn-
vicrcial that he is to bring out a book ; and we understand,
from various sources, that the book is to contain no little
gossip of a personal nature. We trust that Mr. Dunbar has
sharply drawn the line between idle gossip and willful libel,
for libel is sometimes an uncomfortable thing to shoulder. It
is ver}' apt to get publishers into trouble. But we are at a
loss to understand what Mr. Dunbar can write that will cause
a book to sell. Certainly he is not going to tell all he knows
about the horse, for should he do that, his occupation, like
Othello's, would be gone. He may take the bread and butter
out of his own mouth, but we are not prepared to believe it,
at least, not just now. Therefore, it seems to us that Mr.
Wm. Warner, who professes to publish the book, has some
money to squander which he can put to no wise purpose.
Are there no objects worthy of charity in the State of Del-
aware .''"
If grammar is good medicine for horses, could not Mr.
Bonner have saved Auburn from death by a dose of what he
knows of the English grammar and dead languages, and
Bruno from two or more years of uselessness .-'
G H A PTER X.
DUNBAR OxN COLOR— CURIOUS IF TRUE.
January 17, 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — In accordance with
my promise, I now endeavor to give you my views on the
origin of colors in breeding.
While a youth in the backwoods of Canada West, among
the many difficulties of the early settlers was the want of prop-
er dye-stuffs with which to color their wool. This difficulty
was partially remedied by placing a black dog in the sheep-
cote at a certain season ; the dog had to be a strange one,
else he would attract the notice only of the most timid sheep,
and when a very black dog was found, it became much sought
after by those neighbors who wanted to increase the number
of their black lambs.
Persons accustomed to this mode of treatment could
calculate almost correctly, knowing the disposition of the
sheep, how many black lambs they would require and procure;
they would therefore only retain the dog a certain length of
time, sufficient to secure a proportionate number of black
lambs.
In our flock, without any effort on our part to secure them,
a very timid ewe had twins resembling two of our dogs ; dogs
the most unlike each other, both in shape and color imagina-
ble ; the one an Indian dog, mouse color, with hair coarse as
a Scotch terrier, in shape resembling rather the wolf than the
greyhound ; the other a bull-terrier, white, with the exception
of some black spots around the eye, almost covering the one
136 DUNBAR ON COLOR.
side of the face, the opposite ear, two parts black with the tip
white ; a black spot on the butt of the tail, and another at the
point of the pelvis bone, where it rests against the lumbar
vertebrae or back bone, behind the loins. Each lamb resem-
bled exactly, in shape, color and hair, the dogs ; the one with
fine, soft hair, the other with course.*
But as they grew older and matured, they became much
more sheep-like, and of course more like one another, losing
their resemblance, in shape, to the dogs.
While a young man I also bred a stallion, no mean one
either, as he took the first prize at the County Show. He
was blood bay, with bay legs to the pastern, had not a white
hair, except those which came by accident. At the age of
thirteen, he was purchased by an American gentleman, and
imported to this country.
When five years old he made a season at Gen. Jackson's,
who had a horse marked like Dexter, (the only difference, he
being a chestnut,) named Hickory, in honor of his owner's
cousin, President Jackson, of the United States.
Every foal gotten at that place was the color of the
Hickory horse, whatever the color of the dam.
This had its origin no doubt in the fact that the horse re-
mained a stallion until after five years of age, and though then
castrated, retained his propensity for the mare. When my
stallion was brought out of his stall into the court-yard to try
a mare, as usual with such horses on such occasions, neighing
*In the month of July, 1871, while on a visit to Canada, I telegraphed for my two
brothers and favorite nephew, JJaniel A. Dunbar, to meet me at my home. My brothens
are both (jlder than I, and my nephew only ton years my junior.
The hours we passed were the most enjoyable of any. I think, spent anterior to that
period. We sat it out through the "Wee sma hours," reviewing scenes, incidents and
follies of our youthful days, criticising each other on many points, one of which was, the
silly heading of the pieces, in the discussion between G. W. B. and myself, which I, of
course, disclaimed having any thing to do with.
They then drew my attention to the article I had written on the origin of colors, stating
that I had forgotten one of the most peculiar features in the two lambs resembling Nero
and Damsel, which was, that Damsel's ears were never cropped, and that one of them
always kept an upright position, similar to the fox, wolf, or cropped car of the bull-terrier,
while the other, lojipcd similar to the cars of the greyhound; this was the case with the
lamb that resembled Damsel in shape and (rolor; the one ear stood erect, while the other
remained lopped ; the one lamb, being nervous and irritable, while the other was docile
and peaceable.
DUNBAR ON COLOR. 1 3/
his salutation, Hickory, whose pasture-plot was adjoining,
would dash up as near as possible ; and when excited, fully
sustained the description Job gave of the ancient war-horse,
neighing, rearing, striking out with his foremost feet, trot-
ting, snorting, bounding, with head and tail erect, inclined
now to this side, then to that, with that majestic stride we
seldom see in harness ; snuffing the wind as though it was
created solely for his special purpose, only acting after all as
all such horses do when excited by similar circumstances,
thus attracting the whole attention of the mare while in the
act of copulation. The result was similar in effect to Jacob's
speculation with his father-in-law's sheep and cattle.
The varied colors of the mustang, or wild horse, that so
much resemble kine or horned cattle, are caused by inter-
mingling with the herds, among which some commotion
attracts the attention of the wild and timid mare, while in
the act of copulation.
In the case of the plumed or crested " turkey" exhibited
at the poultry show at New York City some short time ago,
there must have been an unsettled contest between either or
both, (most likely the hen turkey, ) with a Houdan, Poland,
or some other plumed or crested cock. Seeing the turkies in
the act of copulation it excited his ire, and caused him to
rush at them as I have often seen them do, seizing the female
turkey by the top of the head, and thus, figuratively speaking,
inoculating the impression, and so photographing his likeness
on her progeny as to produce the first crest or plume seen on
the turkey.
Any person anxious to test this philosophy need only to
take a dozen pair of pure white pigeons ; let them dye any
part of the male birds, the tail, points of the wings, top of
the head, or any other visible part, especially the strongest or
master male, and you will, before three months, have every
color, df dark, represented in their progeny, since this master
male bird invariably exercises his authority by rushing on any
of the others, if at all convenient, while in the act of copula-
tion, thus attracting at the time, the whole attention of the
R
138 DUNBAR ON COLOR.
female bird. These effects are also sometimes produced
throuo^h love.
There might be much said on this same subject in con-
nection with the human race ; for instance, the difference in the
color of hair and complexion in families born of the same
parents ; the difference in shape, size, strength and disposition.
I have known babes to resemble a servant maid much more,
when young, than either of the parents.
There has been a great deal of controversy lately in your
valuable paper relative to pedigree, power of endurance, Clay
in "colors," Clay in "sawdust," and Clay as bad material in
muscle, in horse parlance, for sticking power.
It is not enough that we have pedigree and fine blood ;
the majority of fine bred horses have more brain than physical
powers, thus accounting for horses of this class, and, with
too few exceptions, having more speed in their head than
in their feet.
As nature must furnish the artist with material and model,
in order that he can produce art, so it is necessary, generally
speaking, to have pedigree in horses ; though, with all the
advantages of pedigree, there is much more in locality, and
the largest quantity, of material ingredients in the soil on
which they are bred. Pedigree, with these advantages, united
to judicious training, good food when stabled, pure air and
sufficient exercise or labor to develop the muscle at the right
age, with proper care of the feet, gives us animals that can
scarcely fail to attain high speed. On the other hand, pedi-
gree without these is nothing. Why such a difference among
horses of eqij^l pedigree ? It must arise, pricipally, from those
causes which I have enumerated.
For instance, take a family often persons — of course equal
in pedigree — at a certain age, five of them — three boys and
two girls are apprenticed ; one as a tailor, the next as a
shoemaker, the third as a blacksmith ; one of the girls is made
a danseuse, the other a dairy maid. Contrast the legs of the
the tailor with those of the danseuse, or any of the others ; or
DUNBAR ON COLOR. I39
the blacksmith's, dairy maid's, or even the shoemaker's arms,
with those of the danseuse ; then compare the five accustom-
ed to work with the other five of the family, who, like petted
colts, have neither proper air, liberty, nor exercise. The re-
sult will be obvious.
Horses will trot in two minutes, and less, when breeders
understand more perfectly the proper soil to pasture their
colts and dams on. Likewise to select hay and grain from
suitable land, and the right material on which to give them
walking and jogging exercise, in order to strengthen and de-
velop their muscle without overtasking them. As also suita-
ble exercise or labor for the stallion in the stud season, and
the dam while carrying the foal.
Had old Hambletonian been judiciously worked or ex-
ercised through his long and celebrated career, as the sire of
famous trotters, there would have been twenty or more equal
to Dexter, as judged by his present time, where there are none
now.
The soil and air of Orange County and of Kentucky have
done as much, if not more, for breeders there, than pedigree
has done for others in less favorable parts, though all the
stock receive equal care.
The human family are also similarly affected by locality
and soil. Where the soil is alluvial or low, you rarely find so
able or energetic people, mentally or physically, as you do on
high or rolling land, having the largest proportion of mixed
material in the soil ; that is, where families retain a home-
stead for two or three generations.
Nature, in horses, and Providence, in connection with the
human family, are overtaxed. x'\s the artist must perfect his
work with no other aid from Nature than in furnishing material,
so with intellect in the human family. We got all in Adam
and Eve, leaving with us the power to cultivate it. Horses,
like the human family, are varied in their condition, yet they
have a similar origin. And to mould them for greater feats
than they have yet performed, is in the power of man.
140 THE VISION THEORY.
I had, a icw days ago, a very pleasant and speedy drive
with Mr. Sheppard, Esq., one of the firm of Alex. Sheppard
& Brothers, on the avenue, the paving of which with wood has
given occasion for the grand carnival to come off on the 21st
and 22nd of this month, here in Washington city. Should
you come, as I trust you will, Mr. Sheppard, no doubt, will
give you too a drive with his flyers. Mr. Alexander drives a
very stylish pair.
This Sheppard family are the most prosperous in the
District, and I question whether there is any more so in the
country, doing an industrious and legitimate business.
I have written to Mr. Goul to bring on the Flying Post-
master. He will make his mark in due time.
Alexander Dunbar.
THE VISION THEORY.
March, ist, 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — Mr Dunbar's article
on color in breeding is probably a little stronger in the state-
ment of facts than will be taken at par by many of the readers of
the Turf, Field and Farm, but I can support his views by a
few facts of very similar kind, and beg leave to offer them.
My brother had a red Durham heifer, and his neighbor
had a red Durham bull. They were of a variety of short-horns
that were among the earliest importations to the Eastern
part of Pennsylvania, and were pretty uniformly of one color.
When the heifer was in erotic heat she was led in a halter to
the line fence between the two farms and tied to a tree, while
the bull was being brought to the fence from, the other side of
the neighbor's field. In the same field with the bull was a
brindle ox with a Avhite face, some white on his belly, and
the brush of his tail white. A gap having been made in the
fence, it was a difficult matter to get the young bull through
it, because the older ox was master, and drove the bull away.
THE VISION THEORY. I4I
This all took place in plain view of the heifer, and all the cir-
cumstances were such as to strongly impress the appearance
of the ox on the minds of the bull and heifer. The offspring
of the connection that followed was a brindle calf with the
white marks of the ox, and entirely different from any of the
stock of its parents.
Happening to relate this fact among some friends, it
brought out the following from one of them, and half a dozen
others who were present confirmed the statement in its minu-
test particulars. There was, one Spring, a scarcity of shoats
in the neighborhood, and a smart fellow went down into
Maryland and brought up a lot of black Berkshires. They
were eagerly bought by the farmers, not only because shoats
were scarce just then, but also because they were of the new
and popular breed. They turned out to be what the English
call "a bad lot." They were of the miserable breed that is
found half wild in the woods of Maryland ; and as they grew
to hog's estate showed coarse bristles, heavy bones, long snouts
and restless dispositions. They were "a fraud. " A man one
day took his sow to a neighbor's boar and let them meet in
the road. -While there together, enjoying animal passion, one
of these black Marylanders joined the party. She was a sow,
and sympathizing with the enjoyments of the pair, to use the
expression of my informant, " went barking around. "
Now, the breeding pair were not only white, but they
were of that variety which originated here in Delaware and
Chester Counties of Pennsylvania, and are known everywhere
as Chester Whites. They have been white for so many gen-
erations that "the memory of man runneth not to the con-
trary ;" but the offspring of this particular pair were, part of
them, black, and not only black, but were of the same coarse
quality as the black sow that had so impressed her appearance
upon the minds of the white parents. These two cases are
authentic. I often hear of similar cases that I do not doubt,
but I do not offer them as evidence of the law which controls
such matters, because there is no use in stating anything for
facts that are not clearly reliable in all their particulars.
Chester, Penn. E. H.
CHAPTER Xr
IMPORTANT LETTERS.
LETTER FROM GENERAL U. S. GRANT.
Head Quarters Armies of the United States, f
Washington, D. C, February loth, 1866. I
I have examined Dr. Alexander Dunbar's method of treating diseases
of the horse's hoof, and the practical method devised by him of pre-
venting such diseases, by proper shaving, and am satisfied that the informa-
tion, if imparted to Army Farriers, would save to the Government thousands
of dollars annually.
More horses become useless from diseases of the hoof, probably, than
from old age and all other diseases combined ; though in ignorance, in the
majority of cases, the disability is attributed by Veterinary Surgeons,
to other causes.
I think his information on the subject well worth procuring for the use
of Government.
Signed, U. S. GRANT,
Lt. General.
To Maj. Gen. M. C. Meigs. Q. M. General.
True copy. JAMES A. EKINS,
Brcvt Brigadier General, in charge of Ut, Div. Q. M. G. 0.
LETTER FROM SIR FREDERICK A. BRUCE.
British Legation, }
Washington, D. C, Sept. 12th, 1866. \
My Lord :
Mr. Alexander Dunbar, a native of Canada, is about to
proceed to England, where he is anxious to have an opportunity of test-
ing his method of treating diseases in the feet of horses.
Mr. Dunbar is the bearer of numerous testimonials, from both officers
and civilians in this country, as to the efficacy of his cures ; and, on General
144 LETTER OF ROBERT BONNER.
Grant's recommendation Congress authorized the Secretary of War to em-
ploy his services for one year, in instructing some of the MiHtary Farriers in
his mode of treatment. At Mr. Dunbar's request 1 have furnished him with
this letter as a means of bringing his suggestions to the notice of Her
Majesty''s Govertimeiit.
I have the honor to be, My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,
SIR FREDERICK A. BRUCE.
The Right Hon. The Earl of Longford, K. C. B.
LETTER FROM ROBERT BONNER.
Ledger Office, 90 Beekman Street, \
New York, August 28th, 1866. ^
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton,
Dear Sir : — I take the liberty to in-
troduce the bearer, Dr. Alexander Dunbar, who, in accordance with a bill
passed by both houses of Congress, will have some official business with
you. The bill to which I refer, is as follows ;
"Mr. Wilson, from the committee on Military Affairs, reported the
joint resolution" authorizing the Secretary of War to contract with Dr.
Alexander Dunbar for his mode of treatment for diseases of horse's feet,
and to instruct the Farriers of the army in the use of the same, which was
passed."
I have, myself, made quite a hobby of the hores's foot for several years.
1 have probably devoted more time to the study of it, than any other person
in this city. Every work that I could obtain on the subject, whether pub-
lished in Europe or in this country, I have in my possession, and I am free
to say that Dr. Dunbar knows more about the horse's foot, than all the
authors who have ever written on it, and all Veterinary Surgeons with
whom I have conversed. I have tested it myself, on, at least, a dozen horses,
and I have invariably found it to work well, and every person in this city
who has tried it, and been initiated into the secret of the Dr. 's practice, is in
rapture with it.
I am sure it would be of incalculable benefit to all horses of the army
to have this new method of treating the foot adopted by the Govern-
ment. I can assure you that 1 would not myself be without my present
knowledge of the foot, most of which (that is really valuable) I have ac-
quired through Dr. Dunbar, for thousands of dollars, though before I saw
him I was in advance of the present veterinary practice.
It only requires a thorough knowledge of the horse to appreciate its
value.
Truly yours,
Signed, ROBERT BONNER.
LETTER OF LIEUT. GENERAL GRANT. I45
LETTER FROM LT. GEN. U. S. GRANT.
Head Quarters, Armies of the United States, f
Washington, D. C, July 19th, 1866. ^
Hon. R. C. Schenck, Chaiyman Military Committee of tJie House of
Representatives.
Dear Sir : — Dr. Alexander Dunbar has asked me for a letter ad-
dressed to your committee, expressing my views in relation to the advan-
tages of his system of treating the horse's foot, and the benefits that would be
derived by its introduction into the army. I have examined the system, and
also had the views of persons who have tried it,- they say with great success,
in horses of great value. There is no doubt in ni)' mind but what it pos-
sesses great inerit, and would save to the service immensely, in dollars, and
in additional efficiency, if it could be succesfuUy introduced. On this point
I would say that I do not see how it is to be successfully introduced, except
Dr. Dunbar should be required to give his time exclusively to teaching
Farriers in the army, such at least as might be sent to him, or he to them,
and they, in turn, to become teachers. One year is the least time 1 should
think necessary to accomplish this end.
1 have the honor to be, very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Signed, . U. S. GRANT,
Lt. General.
LETTER FROM M. C. MEIGS, O. M. G.
Quartermaster General's Office, ?
Washington, D. C., Aug. 30th, 1866. \
Dr. Alexander Dunbar,
Washington, D. C. Sir : — The Secretary of War has referred the
following papers for report :
A letter from Robert Bonner dated New York, August 28, 1866, intro-
ducing Dr. Alexander Dunbar, and certifying to the efficacy of his mode of
treating horse's teet, and one from C. Vanderbilt, same date, to the same
effect.
1 find that a jomt Resolution has been passed by Congress in the fol-
lowing words :
''That the Secretary of War be authorized and directed to contract,
on such terms as, in his discretion, he may think fair and reasonable,
with Dr. Alexander Dunbar, for the use, by the Government, of the alleged
discovery of the said Dunbar, of a mode of treatment of the diseases of the
horse's foot, and for his service for one year, in instructing the Farriers of
S
146 LETTER OF ALEXANDER DUNBAR.
the anny in such treatment. The amount agreed upon, to be paid out of
the fund already appropriated for the purchase of horses, or general support
of the army. Approved July 28th, 1866."
Have you any plans of operations, an)- proposition to make to the
United States, in reference to the objects of this law?
Very Respectfull)", your obedient servant,
M. C. MEIGS,
Qnuvtcr Master General, llrcrH Brigadier General, U. S. A.
LETTER FROM ALEXANDER DUNBAR.
Washington, D. C, July 27th, 1866.
Hon. R. C. Schenck, Cliainna)i of Military Co7iimiti€e of tlic House of
Representatives.
Dear Sir : — It would be unpardonable negligence on my part, were 1
not to furnish you with all the information in my possession, to enable you
to sustain the position in which you are placed, in relation to my bill, should
any objection arise to its progress. There are reports filed in the Cavalry
Bureau, from the Inspectors, both military and civil, at Geisboro, stating that
from the moment I explained to them the motion of the " Os Pedis,"
they refused horses that they otherwise would have purchased, and also
condemned many of those formerly chosen for the Shenandoah Valley,
adding thereby very much to the efficiency of Sheridan's Cavalry, and thus
placing you in receipt of one feature of the benefit accruing to the service,
through my system.
You have reports among my papers from Inspector Ball, of the Regular
service, Grimly, of the Volunteer service, and also Gates and Bates, of the
Civil service, which will sustain this assertion.
Signed, ALEXANDER Dun BAR.
LETTER FROM GEN. U. S. (iRANT.
Head Quarters Armies of the United Siafes, \
Washington, D. C, January 12th, 1867. \
Hon. R. C. '^^cy^ymcv., Chairman of Military Cominittee of the House of
Representatives.
General: — A bill passed Congress authorizing the Secretary of War,
to purchase from Dr. A. Dunbar, for the use of Government, his secret for
treating the horse's foot. No specific amount to be paid for this secret was
mentioned in this bill, nor the manner of communicating it to Army Far-
LETTERS OF (GENERAL V. S. GRANT. I47
riers. The Dr. now wants paid to him $100,000, to be used in estabUshing
a school in the cit)' of New York, to teach his art to all who wish to take
tuitions, and, as I understand, to teach all F^arriers in Government service,
free.
I wish to abstain from making direct recommendations for appropria-
tions that can be avoided, and will therefore only speak of what I think of the
merits of Dr. Dunbar's discovery.
Being naturally fond of the horse, 1 have examined into this matter
closely. I am satisfied that most of the lameness heretofore supposed to
exist in the joints, shoulder, hip, or back, exists in the feet, and that Dr.
Dunbar has discovered the remedy.
1 believe the av^erage time of the usefulness of the horse, particularly
when subjected to hard use, will be increased one half by an intelligent ap-
plication of his treatment. I have seen instances where many valuable
horses have been unserviceable for x^^^'S? arid by the application of Dr.
Dunbar's treatment have been fully restored in a few weeks. There is
nothing in this treatment that cannot be learned by any blacksmith in a
short time, nor is there anything in it that does not strike any one examining
it, as being something that ought to have been known before. The wonder
is, that so simple a remedy for most common defects, in so useful an animal
as the horse, was not cotemporaneous with his usefulness.
1 think Dr. Dunbar has in his possession a secret with which this
whole countr)- would be much benefited, by having it diffused until every
Farrier should become acquainted with it.
Dr. Dunbar can show strong letters from parties in New York, who
have tried his remedy, strongly recommending it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
General.
LETTER FROM GEN. U. S. GRANT.
Head Quarters Armies of the United States, )
Washington, D. C., June 29th, 1867. \
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
Dear Sir: — Having been asked to state specifically whether I regard
the secret possessed by Dr. Alexander Dunbar, for treating the "horse's
foot," as worth to government the amount asked by him, to wit: (one hundred
14''^ DUNBAR ON JiLKEDINC.
thousand dollars.) 1 will say that, taking a great interest in the horse, I
have examined his system closely, and believe it of the greatest importance
to the country that his information should be diffused speedily. The
amount asked for, bears no proportion to the annual benefits which would
follow an intelligent application of his system. The only question, in m\-
opinion, should be, as to the best method of introducing the information
possessed by Dr. Alexander Dunbar.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT, '
(ieneriiL
BLEEDING.
Bleeding, I think good in all cases of inflammation. The
only query in my opinion is, as to the quantity to be taken.
This modern change is too radical, from so mtich bleed-
ing, to none at all.
It is said that " bleeding shortens life." We should like
to have a scale given us, whereby we would know how much
certain quantities of blood taken, would shorten life. Say a
quart .taken from a man, twenty, thirty, forty or fifty years of
age, whether plethoric or thin. Also, how much at the differ-
ent ages it will shorten life, or how it would var}" in the two,
the man with too much, and the one with too little, blood.
Were the same amount of blood that falls from the nose
of the youth of both sexes, in many cases, between the ages
of eleven and seventeen, taken from them by the lance, what
would popular opinion say. Yet physicians and others look
upon bleeding at the nose as a very trivial matter."''
*Yet, at this age, if the authorized theory is correct, more blooil is required than at an.v
other period of life: that is, if the structure or material of the body is furnished solely
through the blood. _
We have known young pe*le at that age to bleed at the nose every day, and some
two or three times a day to exhaustion, which were it all collected for the term there would
certainly be nearly as much as the weight of the body; a pint being a pound.
If the youth at this age requires more blood than at any other period of life to furnish
the increase of material, from what source is it procured, when nearly all the blood es-
capes through the nose, the youth increasing more in size, and of course requiring a
larger supply of material. If thrn, as we have stated, the blood is nenrly all wasted
through the nose, from what source is this growth promoted?
DUNBAR ON BLEEDINfi. I49
1 know it will be said that the impurities of the blood
pass awa}- through the skin, kidneys, liver, lungs, &c., \'et
the means used to force the impurities from the blood, are
more exhaustive upon the system, than taking away surplus
and impure blood with the lance.
I have been bled seven times, and I would rather be bled
fift}' times than go throug-h any of the operations I have been
put through in order to purify the blood by medicines, and
other applications, either Allopathic, Homeopathic, or Hydro-
pathic, Turkish or Russian Baths, or as I might call all, or
any one of them, the Hydraulic power, created in the system
by nostrums, without an}' reflection, either upon the odor or
taste, nausea, pains, aches, loosening of the teeth, even to
salivation.
Here are two cases worthy of consideration. President
Grant's two young mares, one of which died, though treated
strictly in accordance with the modern faith. She was attend-
ed by Dr. Brale}', Veterinary Surgeon, and Dr. Norris, next,
I believe, in rank, in the Ignited States service, to Surgeon
General Barnes. The mare had been drugged to the full satis-
faction of both Doctors, and nursed by Mr. Richard Curtis, the
President's confidential groom.
The other has done well, although the attack was just as
violent, if not more so, without giving her a particle of medi-
cine internally, and I treated her by a method that Dr. Norris
said, even after the death of the other, he was utterly opposed
to : Dr. Braley taking the opposite course, inquired into all
that I did, and watched the case with the most careful attention.
I simply bled the mare, taking from her a stable-bucket
full of blood, though she was only two years old, but large, and
well matured,. having been highly fed and well attended since
the time she was w eaned, wdiich was prematurely, her dam hav-
ing died, (under Braley's care,) while she was of a tender age ;
We have never known a case of excessive bleeding at the nose but happens at the
time of the greatest draught of material, or when the most rapid development of the
structure requires more material, and we have never known any lack of growth caused by
loss of blood, but rather on the contrary; as bleeding generally ceases at maturity.
150 DUNBAR ON BLEEDING.
and through which calamity, she wears the name of " Little
Orphan." She is a very desirable filly, a well-bred Hamble-
tonian, and a very great favorite of the President. Besides,
she is a trotter, having been already trained in harness, suffi-
ciently to try her speed.
She stands nearly si.xteen hands "high, measures six feet
two inches where the girth encircles her, has as good accom-
modation for lungs as any horse can have, a long body, long
and large pelvis, well set, as is also the scapula, with peculiar
joints, all well adapted for trotting and endurance, a strong,
well shaped hoof, nearly black in color, with the exception of
a white mark on one hind foot, a good disposition, in fact
a mare that should please the most fastidious. The other was
much more fine in her structure, and beautiful ; bred between
his thorough bred trotting mare, and Rysdyke, Mr. A. Welch's
Hambletonian. •
I have used externally, first, vinegar alone ; then, smart-
weed alternately ; again vinegar, alum and saltpetre ; and as
a salve at night, sulphate of zinc, alum, saltpetre, and sulphur,
mixed with lard.
There is much speculation, relative to the disease ; Dr.
Braley calls it poison ; Dr. Norris agrees with him, thinks it is
from some poisonous vegetable matter in the pasture. So
much alarmed were they, that Dr. Norris took his mare from
the pasture, as did also General Michler.
The disease had its origin in an ulcer, caused b}' an
injury to the young mare that died, from getting her leg
into, and breaking, the iron support for the driver's foot, on
a sulky.
The filly running to pasture, they neglected cleansing
the ulcer; the pus, through the great heat, accumulating and
partially congealing, became putrid, and, therefore, poisonous.
Its locality, being at about the middle of the metatarsal bones,
a convenient place for the tail from which to lift the virus
to the sacrum or root of the tail, and to the vagina and
fundament, inoculating these parts, most likely through
some puncture, or bite of a fly, or a slight abrasion by rubbing
DUNBAR ON BLEEDING. 151
against a tree, the tail with every motion, conveying a fresh
supply of the infection. It was thought that perhaps a poi-
sonous f\}\ reptile, or vegetable might have come in contact
with the wound. This could not have been the case, as the
original wound showed no symptoms of increased inflam-
mation.
This filly conveyed the infection to the other, they being-
half sisters and always companions ; the one b}' the tail con-
veyed the infection to the other ; the latter, having been at-
tacked fully as violently as the former, and I think, much
more so.
I advised those attending the first one, to treat her as I
did the latter. This they refused, thinking, no doubt, that
my knowledge of the horse was entirely limited to the feet.
I could have cured her much quicker by giving her some
medicine, but 1 make it a practice to give as little as possi-
ble, especially when chey are in the hands of their owner's
grooms ; besides, I wanted to prove that I used no lini-
ments whatever, while bleeding is not to be solely discarded,
giving instruction, in connection with my contract, for the
reason given.
Though bleeding has been the principal thing in saving
that mare, yet. Dr. Norris says he is utterly opposed to
bleeding. It is singular how much opposition there is to
bleeding.
Nature must have been greatly in error in exacting so
much, monthly, from the opposite sex of our race.
They say it shortens life ; I think otherwise. Compare
the deaths and dates in our Cemeteries, when bleeding was
popular, with the present time, when the method has been
discarded, and you will find a preponderance to the credit of
modern treatment.
At the proximity of apoplexy, bleeding would be a pre-
ventive, if only bled ten minutes j^reviously to the time of
the threatened attack.
Inflammation and high fever, in a few attacks, will waste
152 DUNBAR ON BLEEDINC.
the system, and injure the constitution more, and make the
patient weaker, in a short time, than proper bleeding will do.
The blood does not accomplish all that has been accred-
ited to it. It does not supply all the members with nutri-
tion. It cannot bestow what it is not possessed of itself.
If it did so, the material grown would vary in quality in ac-
cordance with the good or bad condition of the food.
This is not the case. When a person becomes bilious,
the complexion reflects the disease in the color of the skin ;
while neither the material, nor condition of the nail in the
man, nor the hoof in the horse are changed thereby, neither
is the bone nor muscle ; besides, it is asserted that the blood
has power over the other members, it being, practically
speaking, the manufacturer of them ; yet inoculation of the
flesh affects the blood, and according to that logic, every
member is similarly affected in that portion of the material
grown, while remaining under such influence.
We believe when water becomes dirty, and unfit for use,
better cast it out, than attempt to filter it. Just so with the
blood ; when it becomes impure, it is better to cast it away
than to attempt purification ; as I said before, the process of
cleansing costs more than it is worth. In the filtering of the
water, the dregs or impurities remain in the charcoal and
sand ; but in the cleansing of the blood, how is it disposed of.*
If through the lungs, kidneys, pores of the skin, or any
other channel, the process is much more trying and objection-
able, as far as personal comfort is concerned. Too much of
any thing is burthensome, and troublesome, and where there
is a b'urplus of blood, it inconveniences and shortens, rather
than adds to the term of life. '
The liveh% active stream, has, through its action, almost
the power of purifying itself, while the sluggish torpid one.
■While I do not, pri-tend to thoroughly understand ihe functions of th ^ blood. I do
know that the " Little Orphan " filly would hiive died if treated as had been her deceased
sister ; and thous in I.'* of men and horses too, whose bones are resohln^' themselves into
dust, might be roamiug this oarlli, bustling witli life. h:id they been IiUmI in time, and that
judiciou.5ly.
DUNBAR ON BLEEDING. I 53
becomes more vitiated and sluggish for want of room or ac-
tion.
The lungs are represented as the filterer ; yet they are
not sufficient ; thereby necessitating the use of medicines, as
an auxiliary. Now, by what means, or through what passage
or channel do they dispose of the bad or most sluggish part
of the blood ? Does it become part of the material, or is it
disposed of in the draught ?
I fear the nature and functions of the blood are no bet-
ter understood than that of the horse's foot, or the process
of firing. Why fire for both contraction and relaxation ?
How do they reconcile the effect.
Firing in any case, simply gives easier access to the after
application.
Bleeding was too often bunglingly performed when prac-
ticed, hence the extreme change.
The theory and practice of what is considered by ex-
perts, in these three cases, the foot, (hoof) the blood and
firing, are in keeping with the teachings of quacks.
With my system of shoeing, my improved method of
draught, as also my stable floor, tooth rasp, and hay bailing
apparatus, the condition of the horse, one would think, would
be greatly improved.
While the horse is compelled, or as Fate, I fear, has
destined him, in a general way, to draw a more meagre
quality of brains beliind him, than those of his own, that is,
among the class of men who more especially drive heavy
draught horses, and take care of others, he yet requires
much sympathy from intelligent owners, sufficient, at least,
to make it a duty for every man, making pretensions to mo-
rality, science or philanthropy, to glean all the knowledge
possible relative to ameliorating his condition, as he shares
more evenly with us, the curse inflicted through our fallen
nature, than any other domestic animal.
T
154 LETTER OF CORNELIUS VANDERBILT.
LETTER FROM CORNELIUS VANDERBILT.
No. 25 West Fourth Street, }
New York Aug. 28th, 1866. ^
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
My Dear Sir : —
This will be handed )ou by Dr. Alexander Dunbar,
a gentleman whom I have every confidence in, in the way of his profession.
He has operated on some of my best horses, and brought them to a
state of soundness, which I hardly supposed to be possible.
I consider him No. i, in his profession, and think he can be of great
5er\ice to the Farriers employed by the United States.
His mode of treatment is sensible in every respect. 1 think he can sat-
isfy any unprejudiced mind, that his theory is correct.
Ver\' respectfully yours,
Siirned. CORNELIUS VANDERBILT.
LETTER FROM JOHN P. HATCH.
Cavalry Depoj', }
Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Feb. 5th, 1870. ^
Alexander Dunbar, Esq., Washington D. C.
Dear Sir : —
Your note of the3rdinst. was handed me by Mr. Kiernan,
previous to my leaving here. I intend to make, to the Quarter-Master
General, a complete report of the progress of the school established here,
for the instruction of blacksmiths.
It may, in the meantime, be satisfactory to you to know that your system
of horse-shoeing has, after a trial of one year, been found satisfactory in
every respect. I would be glad to compare the feet of the hundred horses
here, with those of any hundred, not only in our army, but in any army
in the world. We have sent to regiments over 20 horse-shoers instructed
in your system. They have generally met a satisfactory reception. In some
few instances the old prejudice has to be conquered by time. That your
\iews will ultimately be adopted by all intelligent writers on the subject, I
cannot doubt. Please give my kind regards to your son when you write
home.
Very truly yours,
JOHN P. HATCH,
U. S. A.
James A. Ekin,
Deputy Q. M. Oenl. Brevet Bripadier (ieneral, U. S. A .
CHAPTER XII.
EXPOSE OF THE BONNER ATTACK. .
I fear that my readers will find my explanation of Mr.
Bonner's attack upon me through Lee, and his purchase of Mr.
Ayres and the Braces, uninteresting to them. It has never
been my disposition to meddle with other people's business,
but where I am assailed so treacherously, and by those who
had made professions of the purest friendship and deepest in-
terest, I feel myself obliged, in order to defend my system, to
explain in this little work, the true causes for this uncalled for
assault, the perpetrators of which will carry as much guilt with
them to the fount in which all pollution is cleansed, as the
dastardly villain who assassinated Mr. Nathan.
The Bruces and Mr. Ayres first induced me to write against
the rolling motion shoe, the bone of contention between Mr.
Bonner and myself. I could not endorse the shoe to please
Mr. Bonner, though at one time I would have done anything in
reason, as well as many unreasonable things for him ; one of
which was the refusing to treat Commodore Vanderbilt's horse,
at his instigation. I remonstrated with him, for I wanted to
treat the horse, anci said to him that Dexter was worthy of a
sound opponent, that the better the horse, the more honor it
would be for him to excel.
While he acknowledged all that to be true, he declared
that if I did anything for the Commodore or any of his follow-
ers, that he would be down upon me to the full extent of his
power, stating that while he was a warm friend, he was a more
bitter enemy. This I well knew\from his low persecution of
156 EXPOSE OF THE BONNER ATTACK. ,
the Commodore. The Commodore's great offense was not so
much in driving a rival horse, but in a statement that his " ac-
quaintance with Bonner was a mere road acquaintance. "
I regret to say that I was compelled to succumb to his
threats, and continued under the ban until October last,'when
after I had gotten a patent for a snow-plough I asked Mr-
Bonner if he did not think I had better endeavor to get the
Commodore interested in it. He said very peremptorily " No !"'
I would bear such restraint no longer even to retain his friend-
ship ; so called on the Commodore with my snow-plough, and
found such reception as I might have expected — cool polite-
ness. This act on my part burst the bond of-friendship that
he said had bound us so closely together.
I opened my mind to Mr. Ayres, a warm friend of mine, and
for whom I held the highest regard, and to whom I went for
advice and aid if I needed it, always finding him equal to the
occasion.
Mr. Bonner had offended two others of his warmest friends,
Mr. Ayres and Mr. Fife. Mr. Fife had purchased some horses
for Mr. Bonner as a gentleman friend ; and in return, he insult-
ed him by slander, for which offense he was compelled to beg
pardon of Mr. Fife, in Mr. Bonner's own office.
Mr. Ayres was also sore against him, he having refused
him the use of the horse Winfield for a mare presented to him
by Messrs. William and George Andrews, as Mr. Ayres had
purchased both Joe Elliott and Winfield for Mr. Bonner in
the same way that Mr. Fife had bought others for him.
Mr. Ayres urged me to write against the rolling motion
shoe, not only because he believed it worthless, but to annoy
Bonner. From week to week he declared I was too easy, and
wished me to denounce him in plain and strong language.
Col. Bruce also urged me to do so.
On the day that Busby, of the TuRF, Field and Farm,
told me that Bonner wanted a reconciliation with me, Ayres
advised me not to be reconciled, saying "you have got Bon-
EXPOSE OF THE BONNER ATTACK. 1 5/
ner where Davy Crockett had the coon, that he had got to
his height and woidd have to come down if I would give it to
him a little hotter."
Not more than two hours after Busby had made proposals
for reconciliation, another met me with threats ; (as he remains
true I shall not mention his name,) but while reasoning^^with
him Mr. Ayres came up and said I was not half severe enough.
The other gentleman told me that there would be means used
to stop me. I asked " How," and added, that I had a good
record." He then told me in confidence, that a man iit the
position that Bonner was, with wealth and power at his co i-
mand, could not afford to be driven into a corner, that he could
control the press, a thing I then thought impossible. I said
he could not prevent me from writing a book. No, but he
would destroy me in another way, put me in the hands of
detectives, who would drug and then expose me in a police
court, with other contrivances that I do not wish to mention.
I asked Mr. Ayres advice ; he told me to be careful as to my
company, which I always have been, and to always look under
my bed and search my bed-room before retiring. Busby and
Bruce gave me the same advice.
When surprised by the treachery of the " Turf, Field and
Farm " of which explanation will be given in another place,
I went to New York, telling my friends both in Baltimore and
Wilmington, that I was not afraid of enemies while I had
honest old straight forward Mr. Ayres for a friend. He was
therefore the first person I called on. After hearing my com-
plaint, instead of, as in former times, giving me counsel, he look-
ed confused and said he could do nothing, as he sold his paper
to both parties and could not sacrifice his business. I was
astonished at this turn, for I knew that he had not been
selling paper to Mr. Bonner since the time he was refused the
use of the horse, and as he had told me that he did not care
for his custom, as Mr. Bonner annoyed him so, compelling him
to wait outside his office, or, perhaps, tell him to call again.
I did not think that he was leagued with Busby and Bruce
until I saw his late letter. Further comment is unnecessary
as the two letters will speak for themselves.
15'^ EXPOSE OF THE BONNER ATTACK.
DR. DUNBAR AND THE FOOT OF THE HORSE.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — Having read with
much interest that article in the last number of your valuable
paper on the frog of the horse, by A. Dunbar, I think your
readers should have been aware that the doctor was only rais-
ing objections, not giving even theoretical instructions. The
latter he does not intend to do, until after his return from
Europe. I mention this because I have been a pupil of the
doctor, and because I think that some of your readers cannot
understand why a man only objects without furnishing a rem-
edy. It would be well could he be induced to give us a few
more such articles. It would at least open a new channel for
thought. He treated a horse for me lately that was bent in
the knees, contracted, and had the scratches badly. I pur-
chased him with these defects, with the intention of curing
him, and in this way profiting by the investment, but not
having time to attend to him myself, I placed him under the
care of Roberge, and that " rolling motion shoe,/' for about
five months, without any good result. After the doctor treat-
ed him once the scratches left him immediately ; he became
much straighter, and stood much more solid on his feet ; but
the change in his gait was surprising. The doctor's system
has never been too highly spoken of Those who can get the
instruction, should, practically, before he leaves for Europe.
None who do so can ever regret it. It gives one an advantage
in buying, &c., as well as knowing how to take care of horses.
Respectfully, }^ours,
J. B. Ayres.
New York, Nov. 2, 1870.
AYRES ON DUNBAR AND ROBERGE.
March 17, 1871.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — Some three or four
months ago you published a card over my signature, in which
I stated that Dunbar treated the feet of a knee-sprung horse
EXPOSE OF THE BONNER ATTACK. 1 59
of mine, and that he not only made him apparently straighter
in his legs, but cured him of the scratches. But as I now have
a horse that has had the scratches for the last four months, and
I have shod him on the Dunbar principle, as near as I under-
stand it, I begin to think that it was not the shoeing that
cured the other horse, and that it might possibly be prex'ious
treatment that cured him of the scratches as well as straight-
ened his legs ; at any rate he did not get so straight, but
what I thought best to blister his legs and let him have a
Winter's run. When I take him up I shall try Mr. Lee's sys-
tem of shoeing, if he is in the city at the time. I tried the
rolling-motion shoes but could not see any improvement in
m}- horses. B}- what I have seen since, I am satisfied that, if I
had kept on using them I should have liked them. In fact, I
never disliked the shoes, but did dislike the bungling way
they were put on by incompetent workmen.
I once thought that Dunbar knew more about the horse's
foot than any man living, but I do not like the wa}' he speaks
of others who treat the feet of a horse. He says himself that
the way he used to treat the foot in some cases, he finds now
entirely wrong. This is an age of improvement ; no one man
can knoM' it all. He may yet find that he has made other
mistakes. I paid him for instruction when his ideas were new
and crude, and as he now admits them to be erroneous, I feel
that I have paid my money for something which I ha\'e not
got ; therefore I am dissatisfied. Can you blame me ?
J. B. Ayres.
EXPLANATION OF THE LEE AND DUNBAR
ARTICLE.
I again repeat it that I regret very much troubling
my readers with such matters ; but in order to retain the rep-
utation I have made, it is necessary that I should do so in this
way, as Robert Bonner claims the power, and we know that
he boasts of having the ability, of controlling the Press.
l6o THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
When in his confidence he has often shown me corres-
})ondence wherein he has compelled proprietors of newspapers,
editors &c., to take back, or alter statements to suit himself ;
and at one time compelled the President of the United States
(not Grant) to contribute to his paper, or do as much. He
also compelled Mr. Bancroft to change an article. I saw the
correspondence. From this, I immediately inferred that it
was Bonner who indited or inspired that editorial ; causing
me to ask who wrote the article. Besides, I was aware that
he had met Busby and asked him to his office, when before
this he would not have noticed him. This, Busby told me,
and wondered at it, especially when we were writing against
his hobby, the rolling motion shoe. I told Busby that
if he would manage cunningly that he would have a good
time, as Bonner did nothing straight-forward, and that
there was " something in the wind ;" not thinking it would
turn upon myself, adding that, undoubtedly. Bonner want-
ed information of him about "Humphrey," He remarked
that Bonner did not, at their interview, have much to say;
asked him a few frivolous questions and turned the conver-
sation upon me. He then swore Busby to secrecy, that he
should not let me know that he asked him to seek a reconcili-
ation, stating that he regretted the misunderstanding, and at
the same time spoke in his usual kind way of me.
The Bruces spoke of him in such a way that had it been
a few months sooner, I would not have listened to them ; but
now like the lady that was left by the railway cars, and out-
run by a fellow traveler who was also left, she put her hand
gently on his shoulder while he was pouring out curses and
invectives on the locomotive, saying "Thank you, gentleman,
thank you, these are exactly my sentiments."
I would differ less with them now than I did even then.
But to return to the editorial : I immediately knew that
they had been bought over, and sent the following article as
nearly as I can remember it, which was withheld from the
public.
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. l6l
We give the Editorial also, that our readers may judge
for themselves : since they, the Editors, have had the power,
and used it, to expunge any parts of my letters that were too
personal or uninteresting. I therefore objected to public criti-
cism, without public hearing.
I had objected to writing for Wilkes' Spirit of the Times,
some two years previously, on the grounds of incompetency ;
and it was only through an arrangement that they should ex-
punge anything objectionable in my letters, that I consented
to write, at their invitation, tor the Turf, Field and Farm.
TREATMENT OF THE FOOT.
Mr. Albert Lee, a gentleman who has acquired wonder-
ful skill in the treatment of the foot of the horse, has been in
the city some days operating with great success. He came
here from Boston to operate on the celebrated trotting horses,
Danvers Boy and Billy Barr. Afterward he was introduced
to Mr. Robert Bonner, and Mr. S. D. Bruce of this paper, who
were favorably impressed with his system. Mr. Bonner liked
it so well that he had him operate upon the feet of Joe Elliott,
Dexter, Peerless, Pocahontas, and Edward Everett. The feet
of all horses that have been driven much are more or less un-
sound, therefore if one has a scientific knowledge of the foot,
and practical skill, he can readily restore the feet to a condi-
tion of perfect health. And no one requires to be told that
when the feet of a horse are perfectly sound, the animal will
exert himself more freely and get over the ground more rapid-
ly. Mr. Lee was a pupil of Dunbar's six years ago, and while
he uses a part of the Dunbar system, he has a great many
ideas of his own ; in fact, his is entirely a new system. He
has an inquiring mind, and is frank to admit that he learns
something every da}'. He is progressive and eclectic ; that is,
he combines with his practice the good of all systems. The
practice of years has given him rare skill, and he operates
boldly and with the greatest confidence. His practice is guided
u
l62 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
by common sense, therefore it is convincing. Yesterday morn-
ing Mr. Lee held a reception at the stable of Mr. Walton, on
Thirty-ninth street, and he won the honest admiration of all
present. The subject provided for him had contraction in its
worst form, and the horse could not move without betraying
signs of pain. Among the gentlemen present were Mr. Van
Ness, Mr. Tallman, Dr. Bryden, of Boston, Mr. Roberge, Mr.
Walton, and others. The majority were inclined to be skep-
tical at first, but Mr. Lee performed his work so well, and
showed such intricate knowledge of the foot, that skepticism
was placed at a discount. He is a hard student, a student
who bows to the great law of Nature ; and he makes common
sense the basis of all science. He has operated upon a great
many horses in Boston, where his skill is recognized, and him-
self held in high esteem. His treatment has been so satisfac-
tory that great numbers of gentlemen are anxious to avail
themselves of his skill. The horses that he has operated upon
are doing well ; in fact they sc^m like new horses. Mr. Lee,
to our own knowledge, has had to refuse numerous applica-
tions for his services, as business has called him from the city.
But he will return to New-York in a few weeks, when we hope
to see more of him and his system. — Turf, Field and Farm.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — In your last num-
ber, you describe an operation performed by a Mr. Lee, who
states that he was a pupil of mine six years ago. This I de-
sire to correct, as I do not want such men classed among my
pupils. To the best of my knowledge I never taught him. I
did teach a person at Hornelsville, who owned a spotted
stallion with feet much bruised, especially the hind ones. After
having taught him, he drove me to the track, and there intro-
duced me to Lee as his partner in the driving or training bus-
iness. He paid me principally in counterfeits. The first place
that I had occasion to use money, I offered a ten dollar bill
of this same money to a person who detected the fraud. I said
THElLEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 163
I did not know the good from the bad. I then asked him to
examine the balance of the money, two-thirds of which, he
said, was counterfeit. I was on my way to Canada, and this
person wrapped it up and labelled it, and it remained so un-
til my return, some two months after. When I told the
hotel-keeper with whom I stopped, that I meant to arrest
the man for passing counterfeit bills, he advised me not to,
as he, my pupil, was a dangerous character, but that he would
help me, whereupon he took the numbers and description of
the notes to see what could be done. The man refused to
liquidate his indebtedness to me. I then said I would go to a
justice. He called me back and said, he had not so much
money, but would give me what he had, about two parts of
the amount that he had paid me with counterfeits ; he
asked for my address, promising to send me the balance,
which he never did. As this w^as the only case in which I had
any such trouble, I thought it a duty to my pupils to make
them aware of the fact, and since that time I have been
much more careful to whom I taught my system.
I am not at all jealous of Lee, as I do not consider him in
competition with me. I met him some two years since in
Syracuse. He then told me that he had been a pupil of mine
and asked me for some information. From the manner, in
which he put his questions I suspected him. I said I did not
remember teaching him. lam not good at remembering faces.
I asked him what kind of a horse he had, as I sometimes re-
member a person better by the horse. He described the spotted
one before mentioned. I remembered the counterfeit bills,
andsaid "I never taught you." I should never have noticed the
article had not his name been coupled with mine as my pupil.
Who wrote the article which says " Mr. Lee was a pupil
of Dunbar's six years ago, and while he uses a part of the
Dunbar system he has a great many ideas of his own, in fact
his is an entirely nezv system .?"
What logic ! What reply would he get on applying for a
f^patent, calling it "an entirely new system," when in the same
paragraph acknowledging it " a part of an old system with a
164 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
^reat many new ideas." He would be told that his "entirely
new system" was not patentable, as it had long since origina-
ted with one who knew how to apply it.
1 cannot imagine how Dexter or any other of Mr. Bonner's
horses required Lee's aid, for he always represented them,
while I aided him, as flying under their feet, being in such
good condition. He must be retrograding in knowledge in-
stead of gaining, else what use would he have for Lee.
Remember his bombast when inflated with overweening
conceit, in more than one article, when he replies to the Tri-
bune in reference to the scrub beating Dexter, he says, " my
system of shoeing," and again, " He knows more about the
horse's foot than any man living" &c."
He has learned too much ; some men's sculls are like
milk pans ; there is danger of crowding too much in, and
like the milk, especially when the weather is hot, the best runs
over.
We think Bonner must have gotten a little too much
"rolling motion" in his cranium, forcing the Dunbar system,
like the cream, out.
-DEXTER-A CORRECTION,
To the Editor of the N. Y. Tribume—
Sift:— I find the following statouient in one of live le^i ling elicoi-ial.s ofyoar paper this
morning :
Ue.xter was passed the other day in ILiiletn-lane, by a serab roadster. It does not fol-
low that Dexter s running d lys are over, or that the serub rjadstcr is a new Lady Flora."
This is ,1 mistake. I have a stable of trotting horses which is by common consent with-
out an cijual in the world. Six or sevea of their performances, as the record shows, are un-
rivalled. Dexter has trotted in public in 2 : 17J.it ; and I consider him a good deal better to-
d'ly than he wjs when he made that performance, especially his fore-feel, which, under
my syst -m of shocin?, have greatly expanded and improved. It is not true that he was
passed in Harlem-lane or anywhere else. All the truth about my horses, I am quite will-
in;? should be puijlished ; in fact. I feel that I have <a right to be just a little bit proud of it.
But what has prompted anybody to publishing the absurd fabrications about then^. to one
of which you — ol c lurse, i:iadvertentl}' — have given credence, 1 cannot imagine.
ROBERT BONNER.
We quote an e.xtract— from a letter dated January 3, ISoS— written by Mr. Bonner, in
which he says "Mr. Dunbar is the only man, so lar as I know, and 1 have studied every
tiling on the subject, who really understands the whole philosophy of the horse's foot. In my
stable I have not one horse that is unsound : but before I became acquainted with Mr. Dun-
bar's system I parted with several lame horses, that iff had them now I could Liire by
adopting Mr. Dunbar's treatment."
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 165
A second supply of Lee, with a little heavier sunstroke,
will drive the whole of mine, when, with all his vanity, he will
have to apply to some one else, as the use of the rolling motion
shoe made it necessary for him to resort to Lee. If Lee, as
he says, is a pupil of mine, he has broken his obligations to
me, and on the other hand, was a party to the counterfeit
transaction ; as such, I thought it not right in me to allow him
to impose upon my pupils, as they are gentlemen, and generally
friends to one another, similar to those persons belonging to
orders or societies.
This unpublished article was criticized in the following
manner.
LEE AND DUNBAR— NO CONNECTION BETWEEN
THE TWO.
Mr. Alexander Dunbar writes to inform us that we were
in error in stating that Mr. Lee was a former pupil of his.
Some one in the stable where Mr. Lee operated remarked to
us while he was at work that he had been. It appears, how-
ever, that our informant was mistaken : but we cannot see
what importance attaches to the point, as Mr. Lee does his
work, as far as we understand, not only in a difterent, but in
a very superior manner. It is quite likely whatever slight re-
semblance there may be between the two systems was equally
original with both men, just as other inventions have been
made contemporaneously with men in different part of the
world.
But most or all that the public care about the matter is
to know who can treat the horse's foot the best. On that
point opinion here just now seems to be pretty much all one
way ; and that in favor of Lee. It is a natural and almost in-
separable characteristic of inventors to imagine that they have
invented everything ; like the man out West who, when ask-
ed if he knew the Mississippi, exclaimed very indignantly ;
"Know the Mississippi! why I made the Mississippi." We
arc a little surprised that a man of the intelligence for which
l66 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
we have heretofore given Mr. Dunbar credit should be guilty
of the bad taste, not to say impertinence, of inquiring of us
who wrote our editorial of last week on the " Treatment of
the Foot." We will answer his singular question, however,
by the assurance that it was written by ourselves, after hav-
ing seen Mr. Lee's operation on a horse belonging to one of
the proprietors of this journal ; and we believe the opinions
therein expressed are fully concurred in by every one who has
seen the two men operate on any horse. One advantage at-
tributed to Mr. Lee's system is, that when applied to unsound
horses, it does not interfere with their work, but you can go
right on using them the same as usual, and without any inter-
ruption ; while, when applied to sound horses, it is the best
and easiest way to keep them sound. In Boston Mr. Lee's
operations have been very numerous, and the commendations
of his system in that city, as Dr. Bryden and other Bostonians
assure us, are proportionately numerous ; but then we judge
for ourselves.
We do not refuse to publish anything from Mr. Dunbar
pertinent to the subject, and written in decorous language ;
but in accordance with a rule pretty generally known, we
desire to exclude personalities, between correspondents, from
our columns.
I then went to New York and called at the office, hand-
ing Busby this article.
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — I now perfectly un-
derstand the uncalled for remarks in relation to myself in the
two last articles of your paper.
Uncalled for, as you had my fullest confidence. Why did
you not adjust the defects in that article you call the offen-
sive one, as you have done in all others heretofore.' How, un-
der the circumstances, did you so forget yourself.? If I did de-
serve to be rebuked, why not do it in a manner otherwise than
giving it to the public, exposing and condemning me without
a hearing.
So far was I from, suspecting that it was you, that had
not my eyes been opened by your last, I should have again
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 167
asked who wrote the article headed "Lee and Dunbar" so
schemingly twisted into " No connection between the two,"
for certainly I never could have believed you the author, es-
pecially after conveying to me the confidence Mr. Bonner re-
posed in you, when feeling for a reconciliation with me. Why
your allusion to " Mississippi T Did I not say I was not at all
jealous of Mr. Lee "■ I never taught him, though he told me
himself in Syracuse, that I had ; but on questioning him, he
afterward confessed that the knowledge he had gotten of my
system was through his partner whom I had taught. I told
you my object in writing was, that I did not want my name
coupled with his as my pupil, as I have, since teaching his
partner, been more careful as to whom I taught my system.
Contrast your pretended friendship with this your unkind
remark ; " But most of all the public cares about the matter
is, to know who can treat the horse the best." Now who
among the spectators ever saw me operate upon a horse, that
understood my system. Do I not operate every day before
the public } but who of them is any Aviser afterward unless
he is taught my system. In what way could I preserve the
secret of m}' system if spectators could understand it.
You do not understand my system, yet you presumptuous-
ly remark ; " We judge for ourselves." How could you judge,
never having seen me operate. From what source did you
get your knowledge of my system } Was there any other per-
son there besides Mr. Bonner who had any knowledge of it, or
ever saw me operate t And none understood better than
yourself, Mr. Bonner's present feelings toward me, and his
object in using Lee as an instrument to injure me.
There is not a man to whom I have taught my system
but would tell you, if asked, that one of the first questions I
ask when treating a horse is, whether he is wanted for present
use, and if not, how long can he be spared ; for I always vary
the treatment in accordance with the 'vishes of the owner in
relation to time. None understands this better than Mr. Bon-
ner, and none would have defended me sooner (were it not
his purpose now to injure me ) had any person assailed me
1 68 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
as you have done. Circumstances having changed, it is not
his interest to do so. Since he has bought Joe ElHott and
his sire, it is no longer his purpose to decry Mountain Boy,
but rather, on the contrary, to elevate him for his sire's sake ;
besides, he too has changed owners.
Mr. Bonner fancying that he had acquired all the know-
ledge that I could impart, and his envy of Mountain Boy
having ceased, together with our difference of opinion relative
to the rolling motion shoe, and other little matters, the mask
of friendship fell from his face. It only remains for him now
to punish the Commodore for the very cutting expression,
(the origin of his malice) that theirs "was only a road ac-
quaintance."
Now neither Mr. Bonner, Mr. Lee, nor you, Mr. Editor,
can cure a horse of contraction and continue working him.
You might as well say that a door was open, when doubly lock-
ed and bolted. He can be helped, and that immediately,
and improved in time, but you cannot cure him, if a bad case,
without a weeks rest at least. (See Mr. Ayers on that point.)
Are you disposed to be just .' If so, was there any more
impertinence in my asking who wrote the editorial (that call-
ed a system an entirely new one, though in the very paragraph
in which it was embodied, it was clearly acknow^ledged to be
mine improved ) than in the liberty you have taken with my
name, you having the power to either suppress or expunge
anything offensive or even uninteresting in the article, as you
had thereunto done, or acivised me of its defects.
There was nothing, I think, as personal or offensive in it as
the language used in G. W. B's letters to me. Yet you print-
ed them, wherein he called my patrons, those of the United
States Arm)', superannuated grannies ;" gentlemen such as
George Brown Esq. of Baltimore of the Banking Firm of Alex-
ander Brown & Sons, and gentlemen all through the country
of great executive abilit}', Railway Presidents &c., '' inonied
greenies ;" the chief magistrate of the United States, President
Grant, the 'U)ld man at WasJiington ;" and lastly, and least, of
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 169
course, myself, " a spooney. 'Tis true you rebuked him, but not
without first publishing his article. Why this treatment then
of me } Why make a scape-goat of me .^ Why such a cleans-
ing process of your " sanctum" entirely at my expense .''
I think some of your readers were favorably impressed
with m\' articles. You must be aware of it from the number
of letters addressed to me through your office ; but from the
sly cut you give about my former intelligence, they must labor
under the impression that I have written something unfit to
be read. Why not publish it and let them be the judges .^ I
will be as willing to apologize to any of your readers or parties
interested, if there is anything offensive or ungentlemanly, as
I have been willing heretofore that you should expunge any
parts from my articles that were neither proper nor interest-
ing. On the other hand, I shall willingly bear the responsi-
bility for anything personal that is just. I therefore most re-
spectfully ask that my article be printed, as it should be, after
such undue and premature criticism, in justice to your readers,
as well as to myself.
When next you write an article derogatory to my system,
or when testing Mr. Lee and his system as you call it, in my
absence, contrasting and condemning mine by what you call his,
please, if possible, have Mr. Thorne, Mr. Ayres, Mr. William
Andrews, Mr. Packer, Mr. Hall, or almost any other gentle-
men whom I have taught, present, and report what t/uy say,
instead of giving j/(?///' opinion without the requisite knowledge.
You know right well that I have often told you that, though
Mr. Bonner understood the anatomy of the horse's foot, that
he was not equal either to Mr. Ayers or Mr. Andrews ; Mr.
Bonner not having as good an eye to form, and no artistic or
mechanical genius. On the contrary with the other two
gentlemen mentioned, Mr. Ayers having followed a broad-axe
in his time, and Mr. Andrews being a successful inventor and
manufacturer, and if I have been rightly informed, at present
worth millions ; their practical, with their superior, natural
ability, gives them the advantage.
V
I/O THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
I set great value upon the letters and printed articles of
Mr. Bonner, and have not forgotten the very flattering way he
used to speak of my ability, before he was sick, when slightly
assailed by sun-stroke, but his writings, sayings and doings,
since then, I do not care much about.
What a pity you did not think of the question you put
to G. W. B. when writing your last two editorials. "How
much rt'^/know about the "Dunbar system," or of what force
is my opinion without any knowledge of it against the large
number of gentlemen of ability who have endorsed him." And
again "Dr. Bryden from Boston."
" But then we judge for ourselves." Contrast the judg-
ment of Dr. Bryden with your own, against all those gentle-
men who have knowingly endorsed my system for years ; both
of you being entirely ignorant of it ; what an awkward position
you have placed yourselves in.
Why should Dr. Bryden's opinion of my system be of
any more value than that of any other person with the same
amount of natural ability, and acquired knowledge of my sys-
tem, whatever his calling. Does the number of gentlemen
you mentioned, who witnessed Mr. Lee's operation, justify
you in stating that public opinion in New York was in favor
of Mr. Lee and against iiic} But then you say "we judge
for ourselves !" Can you see no impertinence in such bombast '^.
You shoulder the responsibility of disposing of me and of my
system. I did not expect it. You say, " Mr. Lee does his
work, as far as we can understand, not only in a different, but
in a very superior manner." How do you know, when you
never saw me operate on a horse in your life .'
Again : — "One advantage attributed to Mr. Lee's system
is, that when applied to unsound horses it does not interfere
with their work." Now I answer the whole of your statements
in a word. You cannot cure a horse of contraction and keep
him t(^ work ; that is, as a road horse.
y\lthough 1 have not made the " Mississippi," I do know
that, with all the knowledge Mr. Bonner has, besides what he
i
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 171
gave Roberge, Lee & Co.. your knowledge included, the
whole of you combined cannot cure a horse thoroughly of con-
traction, and continue working him, with either comfort to
him or profit to hi.s owner ; besides, in the end there is much
more time wasted. Those who have made such statements
have much yet to learn."
The above article, he said he did not like to publish,
but if I would write a more moderate one, he would print it,
stating that he would make the matter all right relative to
the other articles, and I was to call at his house that night if
I could not remain until office hours the next day, and that
if I would give him copies of two letters, one from the Hon.
R. Stockett Matthews, and the other from Mr. George Brown,
of the firm of Alexander Brown & Sons, Bankers, of Baltimore,
he would print them and make the past difficulty all right.
After having written my views in a modified form, I read it
to Mr. Busby, who said it was an excellent letter and he would
print it. He also begged me to continue writing, which I
promised to do.
So pleased was I with these promises that at their request
I remained the next day, and wrote the following article on
" Joint Oil " — for Videx — at his request.
WHAT IS JOINT OIL?
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — In an article writ-
ten by Mr. David McCauliff, head blacksmith in the Quarter-
master's shoeing department, under the heading " Dunbar in
the President's Stable," relative to the celebrated war-horse
Cincinnati, I wish to have your opinion on the nature of what
is termed "jomt oil."
Is there not as much error about this ingredient as there
is about the treatment of the hoof.''
I have seen many horses with stiff joints, and I have no
doubt many cases accrue from the authorized methods of treat-
ment— blistering, &c., while the parts are inflamed.
172 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
In the case of the President's horse, this course was pur-
sued almost unto the death. When I saw him I sent for the
veterinary-surgeon, as I wanted to consult with him, but he
happened to be attending to some call ; I tried to detain the
President, as I feel well-disposed toward the doctor.
President Grant, after waiting some time, said :
"Do as you think best ; do as you like. Why wait any
longer ? "
I then directed Mr. Richard Curtin, the President's man-
aging man, who is both expert and capable in the manage-
ment of horses, to lance it. On doing so, the matter spirted
against the wall ; the horse being thus relieved, ceased to be
restless.
In a few minutes after, the doctor came. I explained ;
he said :
" I am sorry you lanced him."
I asked : "Why.?"
"Because he is losing the joint oil, and you will destroy
the horse."
" Are you not mistaken, doctor .' that is not joint oil ;
but if it is, there is a great quantity of it. Pray, where is it
kept ? There must be a large reservoir for holding it in some
part of the horse. If so, where is it ? "
He still thought it was joint oil.
"Well," I said "suppose that it was, in such cases what
were you going to do with it ? How could you dispose of it
when so deranged, and in such quantities } By what process
could you restore it to its original place and proper functions .■" "
He would not or could not tell. I then asked him if his
treatment (blistering) would not have the effect of sweating
out the thinnest part of the matter he called joint oil, leaving
the thickest, that part that could not so easily escape, to form
a sediment, and in time a callous, and when ossified, like rust
upon a hinge, destroy the joint ?
The horse's defect I think was caused by striking the
hind pastern joint with the op])osite foot. He had, by some
THF LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 173
means injured the front foot over the inside coronet, which
made him lame, and in striving to get up in his stall, struck
the other at the top of sesemoid bones, where the tendons
passed over.
Richard lanced it in four different places, and took from
it cords of pus, almost stiff from the effects of the blister.
The horse when I left was doing well ; he was quite easy,
the swelling much reduced in the leg, and I think, with the
good care he is sure to get, will become entirely well. Yet
I may be mistaken, for the disease is in a very complicated
place.
Will you please give your opinion as to what you think
the nature of this matter styled joint oil, the source from
which it is produced, and what you think is the best means
of disposing of it when thus deranged, and whether you think
it possible to ever fully restore a joint, if it really leaked the
quantities drawn from such diseased parts, erroneously in my
opinion, called joint oil. Alex. Dunbar.
"In giving the particulars of his operation on the horse of
President Grant, suffering from a swollen knee, Mr. Dunbar
asks us some questions that we are not prepared to answer.
It is our opinion, however, that what is called "joint oil " is
more of a bugbear than a fact. And as the operation of Mr.
Dunbar brought relief to the suffering animal \\ ithout causing
permanent injury, our opinion on the subject is strengthened.
But this question is one for the doctors. Let them do the
M^iting and we will do the printing." — Editors, Turf, Field
and Farm.
After all this, on reflection, I was suspicious, and asked
Busby if he would not have to call on Bonner before he could
fulfill such promises. He replied laughingly, that he "would
be obliged to " and asked me if he should mention the subject
of reconciliation ; I said, he might do as he liked.
I left for Philadelphia believing them satisfied with the
moderate article, and that, with the two letters printed, would
174 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
satisfy myself at least. My faith in them having been again
established, I purchased and had labelled several papers to
send to my friends before examining any of them, when to
my surprise there were no letters printed, but instead, an
Editorial criticising my article which we will reprint below,
with the two letters purporting to have been written in Balti-
more, of the Ledger stamp, letters that I have no doubt had
been written in the New York Ledger Office, entitled, " Bal-
timore letters of inquiry."
Those who have witnessed his malice in connection with
the late increased speed of " Goldsmith Maid " and " Lucy, '
and the power he has shown in controlling the press of New
York, can more readily understand his treatment of me. The
" Maid " has since sustained her ability, and her distinguished
driver, his integrity.
LEE AND DUNBAR— HEAR BOTH SIDES.
By the following letter it will be seen that Mr. Dunbar
writes in a more respectful manner, and therefore we publish
his communication :
Editors Turf, Field and Farm. — I think you must
have mistaken the spirit of my letter, as I had no other feel-
ing toward Mr. Lee than to place him in his proper relation-
ship to my other pupils. You know that I have always been
careful to whom I taught my system, at least since I taught
Lee's partner, the man from whom he got whatever knowledge
he has, of my system.
Had I taught him, as he says, he would in that case have
broken his obligations. I told him this when he attempted
to pawn himself on me in Syracuse, as my pupil two or three
years since. I detected, to use a very mild word, the error,
through his asking me questions.
He said he was introducing the Tyrrel shoe ; he opened
a shop in Philadelphia ; there you could get a knowledge of
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 1/5
his merits : he wanted information from me on some points ;
a few of his questions I answered before my memory served
me.
Under these circumstances I thought it my duty to you
as well as to my patrons, to notify you of my transaction Math
them.
I told you I was not at all jealous of Mr. Lee, for I am
myself a progressive man ; and in fact I practice very little
now of what I taught at the time Mr. Lee got a look behind,
and what, I think, appeared new to you was old to me.
In fact my discussion with G. W. B. has done me a great
deal of good. I was not capable of putting the questions then,
that remains at present unanswered, relative to the laminae
or dove-tailing in the changes of the hoof through malforma-
tion, together with the raising of the sole commensurately
with the growth of the wall from the coronet. I vary my in-
structions since then, ver}' much to the advantage of the
pupil.
In Baltimore there is another person treating the foot,
after the manner I used to do eight or ten years ago. He
uses the saw ; he saw me treat a horse in Brantford City,
Canada. I used then to score the wall on the sides, if of the
bell-hoof form, that is, if the horse could be turned out. The
shoe was beveled out at the sides, and only nailed at the toe
and point of the heel ; the shoe he never saw else. This shoe
is in your office now with four others, for which I got five
prizes at the Provincial Exhibition in 1861, at Toronto.
I found the grooves, when left exposed to the air, caused
the laminae to change to hoof, leaving seams inside similar to
those left by sand or quarter cracks ; and, besides, I have
learned since that I could do, by other means, in a few weeks,
more than I could do by that, at best, in a year.
There is this difference between the two men. The first
claims me as his instructor through policy, no doubt ; the
other denounces me. He is a great talker, though ; but was
very ingeniously trapped by a gentleman who, hearing him
iy6 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
boast of his unlimited knowledge, both practically and theo-
retically, questioned him relative to the merits of some an-
cient authors. He mentioned a number of Greek words that
had no connection with veterinary science except in the
imagination of the gentlemen. He was thoroughly acquainted
with them all. The result with such gentlemen was obvious.
He does business to the notes of a band, with an omnibus
and a string of old horses and mules, I was told, nineteen in
procession, single file. Each night he enlightens the crowd
by a lecture — those who remain and listen. The principal
part is the denouncing of Professors Pratt and Scott, the horse
educators — men who are very industrious and successful.
Gentlemen in Baltimore that know me, know that 1 do
not envy this man. Why should I .' There is plenty of room
and plenty of diseased feet. While I do not recognize this
man, on account of some uncalled for and ill-timed remarks
prejudicial to me, I have taken the greater pleasure in intro-
ducing Dr. Coleman, now of Baltimore, to my patrons, and
to whom, so far, he has given general satisfaction.
Now, Messrs. Editors, I trust you will qualif}- your two
last editorials, in which you have arraigned me. As I under-
stand it, there was but one gentleman who witnessed Mr. Lee's
operations, who ever saw me operate on, or treat, a horse's
foot ; you never have ; therefore I think it unfortunate that
you spoke so inconsiderately. All hail t^ any honorable
man that surpasses me. Give me justice ; I ask no more.
A. Dunbar.
Mr. Dunbar is mistaken when he states that but one
gentlemen who has ever seen him operate on a horse's foot
witnessed Mr. Lee's " operations " in this city. We learn upon
inquiry that not only several gentlemen who once employed
Mr. Dunbar to superintend the shoeing of their horses and
paid him his fees for instruction, but others who have seen
him operate in more than one blacksmith shop, have been re-
peatedly present while Mr. Lee was opening feet ; and that
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 177
they prefer Mr. Lee's sy.stem to Mr. Dunbar's is evident
not merely from what they say, but from the fact that, not-
withstanding they know all about Mr. Dunbar's system,
(or at least all he pretended to teach,) they have now paid
Mr. Lee to operate on their own horses. These are facts, and
we cannot " c^ualify " or suppress them to oblige Mr. Dunbar
or any one else. We have not written a line on this subject
" inconsiderately," and consequently have nothing to take
back. Public opinion, as we remarked last week, is unmis-
takably all one way here just now, and that is in favor of Lee's
method of treating the foot. And as for " giving" Mr. Dunbar
" justice " our readers know that we have always done ample
justice to the discovery that he has made, so far as we under-
stood it, just as we endeavored last week to do justice to Mr.
Lee's system, so far as we understood his improvement. But
if Mr. Dunbar means that in order to do him "justice" we
must ignore all other improvements in treating the foot, he
asks a little too much. We do not think that any man can
assume that his present knowledge of any subject comprises
all that can possibly be known about it. Mr. Dunbar himself
virtually admits this when he confesses that he can now do
in a few weeks what it used to take him a year to accomplish,
and that he has abandoned modes of treatment which he once
thought highly of. May he not hereafter abandon some of
the modes which he ficnv practices } But we print his letter,
and if Mr. Lee has anything to say in reply to it, our columns
are equally open to him. — Editors, Turf, Field and Farm.
The Turf, Field and Farm, March loth, 1871, in
" Answer to Correspondents," says :
P. W., Baltimore. — Mr. Lee has no patented shoe of
his own. He believes that the Tyrrel shoe is good for some
horses, and that the rolling motion is the best for others,
while he shoes many with the plain, common shoe. As we
said in our first notice of his treatment of the foot, he is pro-
gressive and eclectic ; that is, he combines with his practice
the good of all systems. We learn from those who have
W
1/8 THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
seen both men operate that while he and Dunbar use the saw
on the heel, Lee only uses it to make an incision, while Dun-
bar uses it differently. Lee does not cut a piece out of the
heel, and lower the quarter. On the contrary, he leaves the
quarters full and strong. He has several instruments which
he has made himself, and the like of which we have never
seen in any blacksmith's shop or elsewhere, and these he
uses to pull down the thick, morbid growth of sole, which, in
nearly every contracted hoof, presses up into the interior of
the foot. He then expands the foot with a screw. We do
not pretend that this is a full and accurate description of Mr.
Lee's mode of giving relief to a diseased foot, but rather a
brief statement of what we understand of it. Mr. Lee is
willing to let everybody see him operate. He has no
secrets.
Baltimore — Is informed that the Rolling-motion Shoe,
which is patented by David Roberge, has a curve at the toe,
at which point it somewhat resembles an old worn-out shoe.
From the toe to the heel it is gradually elevated, so that
when the horse lifts his foot he can do so without effort.
This is what Mr. Roberge claims for it ; but it is not all that
he claims. Mr. Tallman, the Superintendent of Fleetwood
Park, says it is the best shoe he ever used.
You cannot imagine my disappointment in not finding
my letters; I found instead,a full column, advertising the Ledger.
I then knew they had been bought over by Mr. Bonner, for he
used to blame me for writing for that "penny whistle of a
newspaper, the Turf, Field and F-arm,'' and then I knew there
was a double meaning to the advertisement, as well as a ful-
fillment of a statement I had made to Busby on the day he
first met Bonner, that if he managed well he would get a
long advertisement out of him of the Ledger.
In my second article to Mr. Busby, you will observe that
my confidence in Mr. Ayers was so strong that I often referred
to him, but he too had been forced to falsify, hence his last
letter.
THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES. 1/9
I can see Bonner chuckling over his victory, I mean over
Ayers and Bruce, for he has got none over me, neither will he
if I can prevent it. But he shows his Irish nature more in
rejoicing over a tortured victim than in anything else ; like
the Hibernian washer-woman ; she may have a thousand pets
and among all their gambols and innocent amusements,
nothing pleases her so well as to see them fight or torture
one another, and in her demoniac glee she resembles Bonner
exactly, in the chuckling laugh, the writhing gestures and
struggling words, in Irish parlance known as the Jackeen's.
Could others see him rejoice, as I have done, over the crafty
intriguing, and the power his money gives him, not only with
the press of the country generally, but over men distinguished
in politics, eminent divines, &c., they could better form a cor-
rect judgment of his true character.
Busby repeated what Mr. Bonner had said of me in their
office, while conspiring with them against me, declaring I
should be silenced or put down, at the same time, chiding
them for their former ignorance of my knowledge, in the fol-
lowing language. — " What you know of him now, I knew five
years ago ; that he knows more about the horse generally
than any man nozv living, or that ever has lived."
'Tis true, he did all he could toward arranging my con-
tract with the government against the ignorance and ob-
stinacy of Stanton and Meigs ; but what of that ; did I not
deserve it .' and he was only one among the others who under-
stood my system, and knew it would be of inestimable value
to the service.
Had not my system been good, had I not succeeded with
the horses General Meigs gave me to cure as a test, all recom-
mendations, even after Congress had passed the act authoriz-
ing the contract, would have been of no avail ; (See Meigs'
Letter ; ) besides, Mr. Bonner often told me I would not get
it, and had ceased assisting me through being discouraged.
(See his Letter advising me to go to Europe.)
And, too, his services were due me from the fact that
I had increased the value of his horses fully one hundred
l8o THE LEE AND DUNBAR ARTICLES.
thousand dollars, besides teaching him what I then knew of
my system, and giving him the notoriety now accredited to
him ; that is, before " Goldsmith Maid" snatched the prestige
from him.
Mr. Wm. Andrews paid me much more in money for in-
struction than ever he did, and while I never asked of him
a favor that Shakspeare's Jew would not have given his bit-
terest enemy, I get in return, this treatment, in which the
Bruces, Busby, Ayers and Lee, are made the Instruments of
his vengeance. He has often advised me to use men as he
does, whatever their position, simply as instruments to my
own advancement.
From this one may judge it is not piety, but policy that
prevents him testing his horses in public, for a purse. We
have often conversed together over the stretch of con-
science it would require in a moral teacher and church-mem-
ber, to tJin\ develop the full powers of his horse.
While reasoning upon the subject I have contrasted the
purse offered in competition with well-bred undeveloped horses,
with that of prizes offered to children in Sabbath Schools.
He coincided with me in that there was no real wrong
in simply striving for a purse or prize ; but as a moral teacher,
such as he sets himself up to be, he dares not throw off the
cloak or mask ; but there is another feature in his business that
would compare less favorably with trotting horses, which is,
the creating of fictitious characters in his paper, under the
Heading, " Answers to Correspondents."
God knows there is less occasion for conscientious scru-
ples, in permitting a horse to earn for himself a record, by
trotting in public, than there is in creating such characters
as " Boston" and others, to be found in those columns.
There are enough bad characters in reality in this country,
without creating fictitious ones ; and the man who will, for
the sake of gain, originate as realities the very worst that the
imagination can conceive, and send them broad cast through-
out the whole country, his piety should not stand in the way
of a noble animal, that really commands more respect than
his owner.
CHAPTER XIII.
IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE.
LETTER EROM L. M. HOYT, TO GEORGE LOBDELL.
Wilmington, Delaware, May 12th, 1871.
Mr. George Loisdkll,
Dear Sir : —
As you delegated me to visit New York, for the purpose
of witnessing Dr. Albert Lee's operation on the horse's foot, I feel it my
duty to render you a written report of what I saw and heard, relative to the
subject, while there.
I first called at the office of S. D. & B. G. Bruce, Editors of the "Turf,
Field and P'arm," with my letter of introduction from you to Col. S. D.
Bruce, thinking he could give mc much information regarding Mr. Lee, as
1 had seen several articles in the Editorial Columns of his paper, strongly
endorsing Lee, and denouncing Mr. Dunbar.
The Col. being absent, I handed my letter to his partner, Benjamin,
who, in a few words gave me his opinion, stating that Mr. Lee's operations
were simple, gave satisfaction, and that he did not object to explaining his
"■ modus operandi " to spectators ; and in reply to my question as to wheth-
er he considered Lee as proficient in the art as Mr. Dunbar, replied in the
affirmative; at the same time stating, that there were many points regarding
the anatomy and physiology of the horse, that he (Bruce,) and Mr. Dunbar
did not agree upon.
Bruce here remarked that he understood human anatomy, had read
medicine &c., and this, he claimed, enabled him to understand, quite well,
the anatomy of the horse.
From this statement, and his connection with a paper which 1 had
heretofore considered good authority on any question pertaining to the
horse, I inferred that he must have more than ordinary knowledge of the
subject.
But a few moments conversation and a few pointed questions regard-
ing human and equine anatomy, especially the foot of the latter, coupled
1 82 LETTER OF L. M. HOVT.
with his evasive repHes, convinced me that his knowledge of the subject
was too superficial to be practical.
I asked him what knowledge he had of the Dunbar system, whether he
had ever been taught or witnessed an opei^ation under his supervision : to
which he replied, he had not.
At this juncture, Mr. Busby, the literary editor of the Turf, Field and
Farm, came in, to whom I was introduced.
He made no effort to impress me with the idea that he understood
anatomy and physiology, and had a smattering of medicine, but simply
stated that he had witnessed Lee's operations, yet his knowledge of the
horse, and descriptive powers, were too limited to enable him to render an
accurate account.
However, he gave me a letter of intr(jduction to Mr. Lee.
I then visited Dan Mace's shoeing establishment, where I found Mr.
Lee operating upon horse's feet.
Mr. Busby's letter gained me his full confidence, and he took some
pains to explain to me what he knew on the subject.
His method of treatment would appear \-ery ingenious to those who
do not understand the anatomy of the foot.
The use of the many little implements, which he uses about the sole
and frog, mean, simply, nothing.
After Mr. Dunbar's treatment of afoot, there would be nothing left for
Mr. Lee and his implements to work upon.
His knowledge of the interior of the horse's foot is as limited as that
of many of the spectators, who daily witness the application of the Dunbar
system in David Woolman's shoeing establishment.
I next visited Mr. Roberge, the patentee of the "Rolling Motion"
Shoe, with the intention of purchasing a set.
From the glowing description which I had read in the "Turf, Field
and Farm," J expected to see a large estabhshment, and flourishing busi-
ness ; but instead, found them doing comparatively nothing, only one man
and the proprietor, being about. The former like "patience on a monu-
ment smiling at grief," sat, perched upon an anvil, with his feet on the
forge, smoking a short stemmed pipe, while the latter, in his effort to des-
cribe the utility of his shoe, drew forth my sympathy, and I ceased to ques-
tion him.
The result of my investigation prcned conclusively to me, that 1 had
no use for his shoe.
Notwithstanding 'all that has been said by the "Turf, Field and
Farm" about public opinion in New York being so favorable to those two
LETTER OF L. M. HOYT. 183
men, Lee and Roberge, I found on the contrary, Roberge doing compara-
tively nothing, while Lee, on my second call at Mace's Shop, I found work-
ing at the anvil.
It does not seem possible, thaf in a large city like New York, where
public opinion, as represented by the " Turf, Field and Farm," is so favor-
able to those men, that the one should be doing comparatively nothing, and
the other squandering a portion of his valuable time at the anvil.
While in conversation with Lee, just pre\iousl)' to ni)- departure, he
stated that he had worked in Philadelphia, and had operated upon horses,
for certain parties while there.
On my way home I stopped in that city long enough to learn the truth
of his assertion, getting my information from a very reliable source.
1 learned that he had operated upon several horses while there, but with
not the slightest degree of success.
Owing to his inability to accomplish what he professed, and the evil re-
sults that followed, his manner of operating was quite severely denounced.
I also learned that he had applied for admission to the Veterinary Col-
lege of that city, but was rejected, whether from incompetency or otherwise,
I know not.
I believe incompetency disqualifies and denies an applicant the right
of admission to the Institution.
The result of mj- trip is simply this. It has shown me conclusively,
that neither Lee, Roberge, or Bruce, has that knowledge of the horse,
which I had heretofore been led to believe, ( by various articles in the
" Turf, Field and Farm," ) they possessed, and compared with the pupils of
Mr. Dunbar, in this city, their views on the subject are yet in an embryotic
state, and I think I may safely add, the result of bad conception.
I am convinced that there is not a pupil of Mr. Dunbar's in this city,
but what has a more thorough and practical knowledge of the anatomy
and structure of the horse's foot, than either of the trio above named,
which, doubtless, arises from the fact, that his pupils in New York have
not had the full benefit of his late experience. — You remember his remarks
on that point, while teaching. And, admitting this fact, judge for your-
self of their relative merits, when compared with Mr. Dunbar ; a gentle-
man, in my opinion, far their superior.
Very respectfully yours, &c.,
L. M. HOYT
Wilmington, Del-aware.
184 LETTERS OF B. C. BRUCE.
LETTER FROM B. G. BRUCE.
Office OF THE "Turf, Field, and Farm," ^
^j Park Row, New ^'()RK. \
Mr. Maithew Dawson, Hcat/i House, Xew Market, England.
Dear Sir :
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance, Mr. Alex-
ander Dunbar, of Woodstock, Canada, who visits Elngland to bring before
the EngHsh racing public, his system and mode of treating the diseases
of the horse's foot. Mr. Dunbar has made some wonderful cures in Amer-
ica, and it is well worth your time to examine into his mode of ti^eating
and operating for contracted feet.
\^erv truly yours,
B. G. BRUCE.
LETTER FROM B. G. BRUCE.
Office of the "Turf Field and Farm," ?
37 Park Row, New York. \
Dear Sir :
This will introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Alexander Dun-
bar, of Woodstock, Canada, who visits England, to introduce his system ot
treating the diseases of the horse's foot. He is the same gentleman whom
I mentioned to you in one of my trips to New Market.
If you have a horse with bad or contracted feet, I hope you will permit
Mr. Dunbar to operate on him.
He has performed come wonderful cures in this Country, and his sys-
tem is well worthy the highest consideration from your turfmen.
Very truly yours,
B. G. BRUCE.
Mr. J. B. Pryor,
Chesterfield House, New Ma^-ket, England.
LETTER FROM WILLIAM D. ANDREWS AND BRO.
Office of William D. Andrews and Bro. ?
414 Water Street, New York, June 2nd, 1868. \
Alexander Dunbar, Esq.,
Dear Sir :
In answer to your inquiries as to how our horses are do-
ing, we have to say that Eva is still somewhat lame, but is improving, and
more since the last shoeing than before.
LETTER OF R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS. 1 85
Oscillator was a very bad case and gi\en up as incurable by Dr. Pil-
grina, but he is certainly better, and we hope, in due time, to see him trot-
ting as fast as ever. Bashaw appears to be better than for years, and we
believe we can pronounce him perfectly cured.
The black mare Kate, our business animal, was given up as worthless
by several Veterinary Surgeons, and when you first operated upon her, we
never expected her to be of any further service to us : she was lame and sore
all over, thin in flesh, tucked up, and entirely out of condition. After the
first shoeing we laid her up two or three days and poulticed her thoroughly,
since which time (some three months) she has been regularly driven to our
business wagon. Has steadily improved in spirits, appearance and flesh,
can travel at double the speed without showing lameness. While we do
not consider her entirely sound, it evidently rec|uires only time and a con-
tinuance of the treatment to make her so. As she had been out of fix for
several years, we consider her present condition as the most positive proof
of the great benefits from your system of treatment. After a continuance
of the treatment for a proper length of time upon Eva and Oscillator, we
confidently expect to be able to make a similar report in their cases, which
it will give us much pleasure to do.
Very respectfully yours,
WM. D. ANDREWS & BRO.
P.S. — We forgot to mention (as we believe ho^^•ever we did do verbally)
that the black mare Kate had been treated for disease of the spine, splints^
and bone spavin, from all which complaints your shoeing has relieved her.
WM. D. ANDREWS & BRO.
Note from the Aujhor. — This mare was treated by Professor Col-
man, of Wilkes' Spirit, and Morgan for bone-spavin. The operation was
the neatest 1 ever saw, she had no more bone-spavin, though, then the anvil
on wliich the iron was forged, that she was so neath' fired with.
LETTER FROM R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS.
Mv Dear Sir :
Your favor of the 20th inst. was duly received, and
would have been earlier answered, had I not thought it advisable to wait
for the return of Mr. Dunbar, about whom your inquiries have been made,
so that I might learn from him, whether or not, his limited time will per-
mit him to receive new pupils, prior to his departure for Europe. He has
been here for a few days, visiting among his former scholars, designing to
leave during the week for Canada, and as he will communicate directly
X
l86 LETTER OF R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS.
with you, it is unnecessary for me to say anything about his engagements.
If you are so fortunate as to induce him to run out to your place for a day
or two, you will have ample cause to be grateful to him for imparting to
you the details of a method of shoeing your horses, which is so far superior
to, and in advance of, all other modes of treatment which have come under
my notice, that it alone seems to be founded upon accurate observation,
and reasonable principles. You ask me to give you some expression of my
estimate of this system, which is now usually known as the "Dunbar sys-
tem " of managing the horse's foot, and I cheerfully comply with your
request.
While I am restrained from entering into full explanation and descrip-
tion of its modes of operation, by my obligation to its inventor, I can still
point out to you in general terms, its leading characteristics, and its eminent
merits. It possesses this marked difference from all others with which I
have been conversant. Its object is two fold ; first to keep sound feet in
their prime condition ; and second, to reform the altered structures of
diseased feet, and restore them to normal properties of symmetry and use-
fulness. It may be added with the utmost emphasis, that the practice is
equally efficacious in accomplishing both these results. And, although
most persons resort to its pathology for the purpose of curing lameness
and disease, there are some who apply its instruction to the prevention of
all forms of evil which arise from the domestication and improper use of
man's best servant.
The foot of the horse is a very simple, and very beautiful, exhibition of
nature's handiwork. Its chief parts are few in number, and invariably
adapted, as all nature's mechanism is, to the uses for which they are
designed.
It is the basis of the anatomy of the horse, and has quite as much to do
with his energy, activity and health, as the vital organs, or the spine, or the
brain. A bad foot may be fit for some kinds of slow service, but no horse
can be truly valuable, or equal to his highest efibrts, with the pedal extreme-
ties in a chronic state of irritation, soreness, and altered structure. And
although in some extreme instances of peculiar and obscure causes of lame-
,ness, a really skillful veterinarian might open the " box" which contains the
internal portions, and operate with the knife, and probably with caustics
upon the seats of local mischief, yet in the vast majority of subjects, the
manipulations must be external, and the operations be pursued from the
bottom, upward, toward the coronet, and without penetrating either wall
or sole. To relieve soreness, to ensure expansion of contracted walls on
the ground surface, to produce the growth of an elastic and perfect frog, to
widen out the quarters at the coronary band, behind, to induce the wall to
grow down, with a uniform and right angle of inclination to the ground
LETTER OF K. STOCKETT MATTHEWS. 187
surface, to secure absolute unity between the external wall and the inter-
nal, and to promote sweet and pure secretion throughout the various
functions of the internal cartilages and members, where these are needed,
should be the objective points ot all scientific treatment of the foot. But
these are not attained by any practitioner or farrier, or taught by any
writer, with any certainty of success, Mr. Dunbar alone being excepted.
The Veterinarian usually prescribes strong counter-irritants, most usually
perilous preparations of iodine and mercury, with a "month's run at grass"
for every sort of " used up pin."
Sometimes when the phantom disease, so much dreaded by the ignor-
ance of empiricism, and so much burdened with its sins too, and so very
infrequent as to be almost unknown to the majority of horsemen, makes its
halting appearance, and the punitory foot is cursed with the baptism of
" navicular disease," the desperate practitioner will resort to the firing iron,
and corrugate the coronet from heel to heel, with callous ridges, and then,
perhaps, introduce a seton across the quaters, and terminate his therapeu-
tics with strong doses of physic, and maddening blisters on the offending
leu^
When there is already a super-abundance of pain and inflammation,
the veterinarian thinks it his truest practice to intensify every aching nerve
and agonizing tissue, still more, and as the foot has already proven impo-
tent to accommodate itself to inflammation, it is given a trial of adapt-
ing itself to worse fevers, and keener pain, produced by the ban of the
physician, whose duty it was to soothe and remove those already existing.
Now it is one of Mr. Dunbar's rules, to first allay pain by proper
treatment, and when inflammation has subsided within the foot, through
proper embrocations, and stopping and baths, then to operate upon the
foot itself, with the farrier's knife, and give "ample verge and room
enough" for the pedal and navicular bones, the tendons and the interior
processes to arrange themselves in their proper relations to each other,
without the sense of crowding, if I may use such a figurative expression.
You must remember that the pedal bone, usually called the coffin
bone, is intended to rest with just such an adequate bearing, and no other
upon the sole ; the wall of the hoof is intended to slope, in a due angle of
inclination from the coronet, and the heels ought, no matter what the shape
of the foot, to be sufficiently wide, so as to give easy buoyancy to the back
tendons, and expansibility and elasticity to the frog.
Nor should the wings of the pedal bone be infringed upon by the
walls. That most important part of the internal structure should not be a
"prisoner in bonds." It is shut up within the wall, but it should have
freedom for natural play, and its delicate wings should not be pressed upon
by the surrounding wall.
l88 LETTER OF R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS.
Certainly, a system that makes these prominent essentials of sound-
ness patent to laymen, and impresses intelligent gentlemen with confi-
dence in their ability to direct the farrier, as well in the cutting and paring,
as in the forging or fitting iron for either good or bad feet, deserves the
highest commendation.
I have read every book on the subject upon which 1 could lay my
hands, have ransacked our stores, and have sent to Europe for the best
treatises of the English and French schools. " Miles on the Horse's Foot,'''
and " Carson's letters to the Londonderry Standard," heretofore appeared
to me to contain the most sensible and practical instructions. But even
these authors, neither of them a veterinarian, fall far short of the extent and
accuracy of Mr. Dunbar's discoveries. He does not confine himself to one
set of formulas, but varies his rules and proceedings, according to the form
of the foot, its stamina of shell and sole, and its status of disorder.
Let me illustrate my meaning by recalling to your memory the various
types of long, flat, low, high, narrow, broad, strong, weak, contracted, mule-
shaped, pumiced, quarter-cracked, or bell-formed feet, which one by one
have come under your eye, from time to time. It must be apparent to you,
that while the innovating system may teach you how to deal with the infir-
mities of each and all of these forms, it must be done by diversity ot hand-
ling. Each shape will indicate the needful mode appropriate to itself
Horses with bad "sprung knees," and horses grievously "knuckled,"
are as easily cured, under ordinary circumstances as those with quarter-
cracks, or a sole " let down," as the nomenclature of the stable terms it.
Thrush, grease and scratches, are, as you very well know, mere effects
of local causes, and those causes almost invariably reside inside the foot. I
do not pretend to say that there may not be distempers of the blood which
may produce cutaneous eruptions about the heels, but 1 am quite sure that
grease and scratches are not of such a parentage, and they are never inde-
pendent maladies.
I think I have said enough to assure you of the entire absence of em-
piricism in Mr. Dunbar's teaching. He claims it to be scientific, although
founded exclusively upon his personal experience and practice ; and I agree
with him.
I employ the word scientific in its generic sense ; as descriptive of a
system built upon observation and experiment, whose general principles
are, by induction, resolved into methodical statements capable of being re-
cognized and acted upon by others as true and certain. Experiments have
led him to the discrimination of plain, simple elements of causation of lame-
ness, and of a few corresponding arts of treatment, and these he combines
and varies according to the exigencies of each immediate case.
He has the wisdom and good taste to avoid the pretense and puft'ery
which usually herald inventions, meritorious or otherwise, to the world.
LETTER OF R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS. 189
If he could do like Helmbold with his "Buchu," or Bonner with his "Led-
ger," he might make a large fortune in a short time. But '■•feotina lente'
has been his motto, and he will be better satisfied, as far as he is concerned,
to earn without quackery, a moderate competency, rather than to acquire
the affluence of a millionaire by wholesale advertising and "tricks of trade.''
Besides, he is still a pupil to himself: What he has already acquired,
has given him a vantage ground for further adyances, and by constant use
of his fine faculties of observation, and his rare capacity for generalization,
he is daily compressing his knowledge into clearer and broader theories, and
nicer and simpler practice.
But there is one point of view from which the world at large has a
right to regard Mr. Dunbar, and to demand an equivalent for what nature
has given him.
No man, whether he can or not, ought to live for himself alone. Every
great discovery should redound to the benefit of universal humanity. Li-
tellect is our noblest quality, and the happy possessor of shining qualities
of mind should strive to convert them into blessings for his race. Whether
inventions leap into the mind, the spontaneous suggestion of some single
incident, or whether they are wrought out by long and patient thought and
toil, no matter how, or under what circumstances of poverty, privation or
heroic endurance and labor great facts or grand truths or splendid motors
in the civilization of the age are brought to light, mankind should have an
usufructuary interest in them at least. The happy or unhappy discoverer
ought to be rewarded of course; but he should appreciate his duty to his
time and his people, and throw open the results of his work and wit to their
use and enjoyment.
And so I have said to Mr. Dunbar, and have sought to persuade him
to reduce his system, most elaborately and conscientiously, to writing, so
that it may sooner or later be made public. And this he has promised me
to do, as soon as he gets through his contemplated tour of the European
Courts.
I am so very fond of horses, so disgusted with the ungraduated impostures
of the Veterinarian, and so impatient of the rude bungling and obstinacy
of farriers, that it gives me great pleasure to think that the four-footed
servants of the next generation will have wiser and more humane treatment
at the hands of their owners and employers.
You know something of my attachment for my bay filly, "Queen Mab,"
and how I used to grieve over her occasional lameness, and her slowly but
surely contracting hoofs, both before and behind. Bien Monsieur! nous
avons change tout cela. My satin-coated favorite goes like the wind. No
tender minuet step does she take, now. But only yesterday, she whirled me
190 LETTER OF R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS.
down the road, at such a gait as made me laugh all over with silent merriment,
that intense mirth of perfect satisfaction. With arching neck, ears bent for-
ward, and trembling nervously with excitement, playing with the bit as if she
felt it to be a rank offense to one so thoroughly a well-bred lady as she,
the grand mare of her own sweet will got tired of jogging in the dust, and
so she showed her heels to all who thought they had fast nags on the Avenue.
Only six months ago she wore bar shoes at least two-thirds of the
time, a wretched bungler and stumbler, and knuckling so badly that, but
for my strong attachment for her, and her many great qualities, I would
have sold her long ago. To-day she is sounder and yoimger in feeling than
I have ever known her, and is still improving. For these changes I am
indebted to Mr. Dunbar, and I gladly and cordially commend him to your
faith and fellowship in the love of good horses, and the wise humanity of
taking good care of them.
Let me add a single word more. Does it not appear strange enough to
excite our indignant wonder, that men who pretend to understand the
horse's foot, and to be able to remove its simplest ailment, should hitherto
have assailed the leg with blisters, or should have palmed off some sort of
monstrous shoe or another as the curative agent, rather than have attacked
the foot itself with intelligent surgery ? Surely, reasoning by analogy might
have taught the horse-doctor to follow in the clinical foot-steps of the Doc-
tor of men. Dissection, and experiments in the college, ought long ago to
have eliminated from Veterinary practice, its shams, and guesses, and mal-
practices, and to have established something like the perfect system,
which a simple Canadian developed from the seeing eye, and the thinking
brain of a practical man. He is entitled to my warmest encomiums, for I
have tested the reliability of his lessons, and abide in firm faith of their effi-
cacy.
Yours very truly,
R. STOCKETT MATTHEWS.
Baltimore, June 29th, 1871
CHAPTER XIV-
THE TOOTH RASP.
The hoof and teeth are the only two portions of the
horse that cannot accommodate inflammation ; and as the
pain created by it, in these parts, is more intense than that
in any other portion of the body, it becomes the more neces-
sary that it should be understood and prev^ented, if possible,
if 'not, at least, alleviated.
Founder locates in the foot from the fact that the hoof
cannot expand and accommodate itself to the inflammation
as the skin and flesh do. Ear-ache and injuries or defects in
the membrane that coats the bones, cause pain the next in
intensity to the above. Founder in the first stages is gener-
al inflammation ; and for want of room by expansion, be-
comes a secondary disease through inflammatory process
of the laminae, the internal surface of the hoofs, and the outer
surface of the cartilage that coats the Os Pedis, or cofifin-
bone. The pain in the feet increases in acuteness by the
movement of the horse when in this condition, similarly
with that of the tooth when the aching nerve has been
touched by mastication, or othewtise ; but the nerve is
more closely confined in the tooth, the surroundings strong-
er in material, therefore, we may safely conclude, that the
pain in the tooth is more acute even, than that of the foot,
which so often occasions tetanus, or lockjaw.
As the loss of rest through tooth-ache, in the man,
causes a. haggard and worn expression, so diseases in the
tooth and foot, in like manner, cause the horse to present a
woful appearance, making him look prematurely old, shortens
192 THE TOOTH RASP.
the period of his years of usefuhiess, and lessens his, other-
wise, intrinsic value.
The teeth are much more neglected than the feet. While
there is much attention erroneously given to the feet, few
suspect that there are so many defects in the teeth or
mouth ; hence this neglect. By examining the teeth of horses,
both living and dead, you can, in this way only, arrive at a
proper knowledge of the extent of the injuries done to
horses, and attributed to other causes than the teeth.
The following excuses are made by those who cannot de-
tect the real cause ; " A poor feeder ! Delicate constitution !
Dont half masticate his oats ! Is not himself ! Wants a thou-
sand little things inconvenient to get ! " all, instead of the
above, being irregularities of the molar teeth, or grinders.
One can best arrive at a knowledge of this by examining tTie
bleached jaw bones and teeth of dead horses, where one
would be surprised to find so many defective jaws in horses,
of even six or seven years of age. This can be only attribu-
ted to the changed material in food, when domesticated, with
that of the horse in his natural condition.
My attention was first called to this by a very valuable
mare, owned by a cousin of mine, who bled her. He had to
feed her with chopped and soaked hay, for some years. From
her healthful appearance, I concluded that there must be
only some simple, local wrong. I purchased her at about
one third of her value, had she been right. On examina-
tion, I found one of her front teeth, on the under jaw,
more than an inch longer than it should be, which had
worn away the tooth opposite on the upper jaw, the gum, and
almost the jaw-bone. I put her down, secured her, sawed
the tooth half in two, and then broke it off with a cold-chisel
and mallet. My cousin never forgave me, as he thought I
knew of the tooth before, though I had never seen it. He
was much older than myself, and his overweening conceit,
like many other horsemen of the present day, would rather
lose a horse entirely, than have those they considered their
inferior in knowledge, deal with them under such circumstan-
ces, and profit by the transaction.
THE TOOTH RASP. I93
I have since met with many cases of this kind, that have
baffled the best skill of veterinarians and horsemen general-
\}\ who sought for the evil in other places than the teeth.
I now own a very speedy horse that has been similarly
affected, who, though only seven years of age, has changed
hands several times, and that too with men distinguished for
their knowledge, whose names are considered authority on
the horse, yet, were never able to detect that the cause of his
changing his gate, when in rapid motion, was through the
condition of his teeth, generally, and an overgrowth of two
molars. In order to file down his teeth, we found it neces-
sary to cast him, and for two hours. Dr. White, Veterinary
Surgeon and two assistants worked faithfully on the teeth,
and then 'had not fully completed the job.
This horse, since he was three or four years old, never
could have eaten sufficient to develop his growth, and cor-
responding strength, or to exhibit his full powers. I think I am
justified in this assertion from the fact that, while in the pos-
session of one of his late owners, he grew, at about the age of
six years, three inches, in the unprecedented short time of
three months. This was brought about by turning the horse
into rich, red clover, and feeding him chopped corn and oats.
The condition of his teeth must have prevented him from
properly masticating the dry food, either hay or cereals with
which he had been fed, whereby his growth had been re-
tarded ; hence the increased growth, when privileged to
crop the soft clover and eat the bruised grain.
Every owner of a horse should become possessed of a
tooth-rasp. Mine is a great improvement upon the English
rasp, as it has India rubber in the front, to prevent it from in-
juring the gums or lips, by coming in contact with them while
filing down the teeth. This necessity I became aware of, only,
in filing down the teeth of my own horse, as it injured his lips
and gums to such an extent, that for a week he could scarcely
eat enough to sustain life ; his mouth resembling that of a
person in a stateof salivation. It is wider and longer, with
teeth raised like the wood rasp, as also that of the file,
Y
194 THE TOOTH RASP.
each varrying in size in different places on its face, thus
enabling the operator to do the work more rapidly and
safer than with the ordinary one. It has a handle similar
to the garden spade whereby it can be guided more safely,
the strength used more steadily, and to better advantage.
There is a mouth-iron accompanying it similar to the ball-
iron without the circle or ring, through which they put
the ball and hand, and may be used as easily and safely as
the ball-iron for that purpose. Owners should attend to
this operation of filing, as with this iron in the mouth,
they can examine the teeth, and discover any irregulara-
ties almost as plainly as they can discern them in the
eye. The operation should be performed by the groom, with
the aid, or under the supervision of the owner ; as he should
be more competent to judge when the teeth are properly
filed. The invention of this iron had its conception in the
trouble we had, and in the injuries done my horse, when filing
his teeth. The rasp coming in contact with the sides of the
jaw necessitated the placing of wood between the jaws, to
keep the rasp from rubbing against the cheeks or sides of the
jaw. Its best feature, now, I would consider, is in the easy
means of detecting any injuries to the teeth, which heretofore
were not known, because they could not easily be seen, rather
than that they were neglected.
There was much suffering among the cavalry horses in
Texas, owing to their disordered, irregular teeth. The hay,
if it can be called so, is so wiry that it is much more
difficult to masticate ; besides, the cereal grain is principally
corn ; both materials being the most difficult to grind, es-
pecially when the molars are irregular.
By the way, this reminds me of another grave error, in
the standard the government has adopted in the height of
cavalry horses. Had they lowered the standard half an inch,
or more, they would get a much stronger class of horses. Bet-
ter have an extra inch of body, in diameter, than two inches
extra, in length of leg.
The Texan horse, that comes up to the standard, is over-
grown, and it is rarely that such a horse has the endurance of
THE TOOTH RASP. I95
the more compactly built one. (See Sergeant McGuire's let-
ter, on the Crimean War and the Arab horse.
Had the Government of the United States placed the in-
spection of the Texan horse in the hands of Captain Porter,
Quartermaster at Fort Richardson, — when I visited that Post,
— Sergeant McGuire, then of Fort Concho, and Lieutenant
Thompson, of Camp Charlotte, they would saved thousands
of dollars to the Government, and had more efficient horses
for the service than either the American horse, or over-
grown Texan.
I purchased a horse that had been rejected because of
his height, which was only a half-inch below the stand-
ard, on which I rode fifteen hundred miles. Within the time,
I had several changes of escort, and in every one of these
escorts, were from one to three horses laid up while on this
journey.
This ball-depositor is a very handy and useful thing, and
the groom who cannot, and will not use it, only proves that
he is better at making excuses than doing his work ; in fact,
he is an eye-servant.
While I do not advocate drugging horses for every little
thing, it is sometimes necessary to do so, — when it can be given
in balls with the least trouble. ' The time lost in seeking
for a person to give the medicine in acute attacks, often turns
the scale between disease and time, thereby wasting the
time in which the horse might have been saved. The owner,
in this case, should see the ball given, or give it himself
with the aid of the groom, as he need not soil his gloves by
doing so.
The only difficulty I have had, after treating a horse is,
in getting the groom to attend him. He may be ready to
say "yes sir" to everything, whether he understands it or
not.
196 LETTER OF JAMES M'GUIRE.
LETTER FROM JAMES Mc GUIRE. U. S. CAVALRY.
Fort Concho, Texas, )
March, 5th 1869. S
Mr. Alexander Dunbar, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Sir; In our recent conversation at Fort Concho respecting the height
and constitution of Texas horses, I am of your opinion, that the medium
size (or a Httle under) is preferable, and it brings to my recollection several
instances where the superiority of small horses over large ones has been
tested. I will narrate two of many that have come under my observation.
When the Crimean War broke out I happened to be serving in the I2th
Regiment of British Lancers, then stationed at Bangalore, in the East Indies.
The regiment received orders to proceed to the Crimea, by way of the over-
land route through Egypt, taking their horses with them. A question arose,
whether those horses, that were always used to a warm climate, could en-
dure the severity of winter in the Crimea ; also, their size was spoken of, as
being too small, some of them not exceeding 14 hands, three inches in
height ; however, they had to be tried.
The regiment marched "in heavy marching order" across the penin-
sula of Madras to Mangalore, and there embarked on board steam and sail-
ing vessels, the latter taken in tow by the former, proceeding through the
Strait of Babel-Mandeb, up the /^e'd Sea, and disembarked at Suez ; then
marched across the desert, to Grand Cain ; thence along the banks of the
Nile, to Alexandria, re-embarked and proceeded to Balaklava, in the Crimea,
where the regiment disembarked without losing a single horse during the
whole route. Many might imagine that it would take some time for horses
to recuperate after such a journey both by land and sea, but it was not so.
They were fit for active service the morning after disembarkation, and con-
tinued so until the termination of the war.
After the fall of Sebastopol, the regiment was ordered to proceed to Eu-
patoria, to reinforce a division of the Allied Army under the command of a
French General (De AUonville.) The Cavalry had heavy duty to perform at
this point, such as cutting off all supplies that were forwarded from Russia Pro-
per, by way of the Isthmus of Perikop, and destined for the Russian Army.
At length the long dreaded winter set in, and when the English and French
Horses were actually paralyzed with the cold, these little East India Horses,
when exercised about 15 minutes, were as full of life as if they were in their
native clime. Then the problem was solved, that they could endure the
cold of the North, as well as the heat of the East. When the troops were
ordered to England, the Sultan of Turkey purchased the whole of the horses
of the regiment, as they stood. The English government would not have
them brought to England, on account of their size, being unable to get
horses to match them in that country.
LETTER OF JAMES M GUIRE. I97
The second instance is, as follows. In the latter part of the year 1856,
the 1 2th regiment of Lancers was ordered to return to India, to complete its
period of service in the East. On landing at Madras, the regiment was di-
vided ; one wing ordered to Bangalore, the other to re-embark and proceed
to Bombay. I happened to belong to the left wing, destined for the latter
place, and on arriving at Kirkee, about one hundred and seventy miles from
Bombay, the command was supplied with horses (all stallions) untrained,
four years old, and none exceeding 14 hands, two inches in height. They
were scarcely in our possession when the news spread from one extreme of
India to the other, that the Sepoys of Bengal had mutinied. The troops
were ordered to march from all parts of India and concentrate in Bengal.
Our route lay by way of Hyderabad, in the Deccan, from there to Jubbul-
poor and Sangor, in Bengal. I need not name the distance, you will perceive
by looking at the map of British India that it was a long and difficult route.
To be brief, after marching and countermarching over a distance of six
thousand miles during a period of three years, until peace was established,
and the greater portion of the distance marched by night, which was more
harassing to both horses and men, many would imagine that any horses
traveling such a distance under such circumstances, would be fit for little
or nothing afterward ; on the contrary, our horses were in their prime. So
much for youth and good treatment.
They were chiefly Persian and Arabian horses, with a few of them a
cross between the two breeds, and I have never, before or since, seen their
equal as cavalry horses, for strength, endurance and spirit.
The horses of Texas, to a certain extent, remind me of those I have de-
scribed, with the exception that they are more or less injured before they
become the property of the government. If they were purchased when
young (say four years old) and properly trained, they would, in my humble
opinion, make excellent cavalry horses.
The company to which I belong will leave the Concho in a few days, en
route to Austin, Texas, and if you would drop me a few lines from New
Orleans to that place, I would deem it a particular favor.
I remain, Very Resp't,
Your Obedient Servant
JAMES McGUIRE,
istSgt. Co. '' M'' \th U.S. Cavalry.
P. S.— I had the company Blacksmith to shoe my horse according to
your instructions, and it has made a great improvement in his paces, as his
feet have been expanded nearly an inch.
J. McG.
Office Broadway R. R. Co.
I
198 THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS.
ON THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS.
One of which is Parks. No language can fully describe
this person, neither Horace Greeley nor Brick Pomeroy. He
can best be described by several of his own articles, one of
which is entitled " Bots." We first saw him in Brampford,
Canada, where he witnessed an operation of ours on a horse in
which we had occassion to groove a foot, and use a shoe similar
to the one he claims to be his own invention. All the virtue
there is in his method is, in the leather he puts between the
shoe and the foot, and when this is worn through at the heels,
the horse again becomes lame, he not having understood how
to remove the cause. It is no wonder that blacksmiths are
bewildered when ignorant pretenders assume such important
responsibilities. Contrast CuUen with Parks ; the first we
think honorable, and in the margin between them, the black-
smith becomes demented. The one hugs the wall, asking *the
aid of nature ; the other has the sole, frog, and bars, as his
foundation.
Park's system of shoeing is in keeping with his knowledge
of Bots and the other diseases catalogued under the article
containing his views of their origin and habits, a copy of which
we subjoin.
Of his invention, he says " Tis strange, tis passing strange
that no one should have discovered ere this, our method of shoe-
ing, zvhen it is so simple, so natural, and its sojindness and
carrectness is so axiomatic. It is equally strange to us, and
inexplicable on any other ground than this, that no one
hitherto, who has devoted his attention to the science of Far-
riery, has taken the simple teachings of unerring nature as
his guide. This we did, and our success is evidence to the
world that we sought a wise preceptress, however dull or
obtuse the pupil may have been."
Teachings of nature ! yet he would not put water on a hoof.
Not one word of truth is the whole of this bombast of his
discovery. There is proof sufficient of his lack of knowledge.
THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS. 1 99
in scoring' the wall. He makes three scores on the outside
and only two on the inside. When I used to score, I rarely
made any on the outside, for it retains the natural shape much
better than the inside. (See the article on Lee and Parks, for
my views more clearly.) Nature a model for such a mind as
his ! Bosh ! making three scores on the outside as I have seen
him do in Baltimore, and only two on the inside. Better had
he trusted to the leather sole, and used his human bridle.
Spooner," Parks, Roberge and Lee, all put together, know
literally nothing about my system. I have been successful
every where (see the army reports as well as others,) while
the others have not.
Roberge, sits on his anvil, while Lee has time to turn and
fit shoes with his own hands, in a city large as New York,
amongst myriads of horses. Parks too, his leather is wearing
out simultaneously with his pretensions. /
Parks, unlike the others, apes my system, swore out a
patent about two years since, for that he saw used in Canada
eight years ago ; that is, if he has any patent.
This uncouth sinner flaunts his education in such language
as the following: "A scintillation of Canadian genius the
Rolling Motion or Roberge shoe, but as it is non est &c,"
which is as much his language as the meaningless system or
gleanings he had sworn to, as his invention, that is if he has
gotten a patent.
An article on Bots by Parks, with a few more nonsensical
extracts, I here introduce, from which the public can draw
their own inferences.
BOTS.
Bots are one of the natural appendages of the stomach
of a horse, as much so as his lungs, arteries, nerves, or any
other essential part of his organism ; they never injure the
horse. They have been placed in the stomach of all horses by
nature, for a specific purpose, and no horse can live without
200 THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS.
them in the stomach. They are in the stomach of all horses
at the time of foaling, they never have more or less at any
age, they never lose their hold of the lining of the stomach
under any circumstance. The heart was given him to propel
the blood ; the lungs to breathe ; the eye to see ; the ear to
hear ; and the bots to aid digestion, — the life and health of
the horse is dependent upon the bots. When the horse is
sick the bots is sick ; any description of food good for the horse
is good for the bots. They never injure a horse except when
they become diseased, the same as any other vital part ; if
your horse is overheated or exhausted from work, and is at-
tacked with colic or any description of inflammation, the bots
suffer equally with the horse ; anything given the horse that
will kill the bots, is liable to kill the horse also. When you
keep your horse in good condition, well and regularly fed,
there is no danger. Bots have been used heretofore to cover
up the ignorance of the farrier. If your horse dies of inflam-
mation of the brain, they would say he died of bots ; if he
dies of lung fever, the same thing is said ; if he dies of colic
or anything else, it is always attributed to the bots, when in
fact no horse ever died directly from their effects. The quid
has been given to the sheep and cow, so that they may belch
up their food and ruminate or re-chew it, thereby preparing
it for the digestive organs, while the bots have been given to
the horse to perform the same work for him, without taxing
him with the labor of re-chewing ; besides, his ow^ner might
require some hard or fast work of him, just at the time when
he should be re-chewing his food. The gad-fly or nit-bee has
nothing to do with the production of the bot, no more than
the horse-fly, buffalo-knat, or any other fly ; all the harm they
do is the tickling and buzzing sensation that they produce in
the particularly ticklish portion of the horse that they visit ;
the wasp, hornet, and other insects, torment horses, yet there
are no bots ever attributed to any of them ; you can punish a
horse as much with a fine straw or a piece of paper twisted to
a point, by tickling him under the throat, in the flank, or
upon the legs, as much as the gad-fly does, or b}' catching a
THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS. 20I
fly and holding it close to his ear while it makes a buzzing
noise, all of which he attempts to escape from, as muth as
from the presence of the gad-fly. It is impossible for him to
lick or bite the nits from off his legs, belly or throat, without
pulling the hair off, and as no horse ever swallows any hair,
it is impossible for them to be carried into the stomach ; be-
sides there are thousands of horses in warm climates, and in
stables, that never see any gad-flies, yet all horses have bots.
All that has been written in connection with the gad-flies pro-
ducing bots, and all of the technical terms used to illustrate
them and their effects, have been to fill works upon the horse.
Bots as a disease in horses, like that of the lampass, and many
other old notions, will soon be obsolete.
There are no such diseases as Chest Founder, Bots or,
Lampass.*
(See his receipt for curing glanders.)
"Few of our fastest trotters have had a royal pedigree ; on
the contrary, perhaps a majority of the fastest trotters cannot
be traced to distinguished ancestry. Horses intended for the
turf should be fed in high mangers, so as to contract the chest ;
"Stallions have greater endurance than geldings, and the
endurance of the mare excels either.
"From thirty year's experience with horses, I have come
to the conclusion that no horse should be castrated : it dis-
ables him and destroys a certain portion of vitality. No geld-
ing can endure so much hardship on as little food as stallions
and mares, because the stallion and mare are in their natural
state, while the gelding has been subjected to an artificial
operation, which has a tendency to weaken him.
"The foot of the foal is much larger at the top, or near the
hair, than at the sole, which peculiarity continues to exist
until shoes are applied. If shod by the usual method, by
which the entire weight is thrown on the wall of the foot, it
immediately commences to lengthen at the toe and enlarge
*No such disease! and yet he gives receipts for their cure. "What consistency!
Dunbar.
Z
202 thp: impediments to progress.
at the front of the sole and contract at the coronet, or at the
upper rim of the wall, and at the heel.
"The Horny F)-og is wedge-shaped, as we have said, and
is one of the most interesting and wonderful animal substances
known, and its functions are second in importance to those of
no other portion of the foot, of which we have treated previ-
ously. The line in which the horny frog and bars unite, are
called commissures.
"By reference to the illustration of the common shoe on
page 12, it will be seen that the least possible bearing surface
is provided, and that it is all transferred from the natural
bearings, the sole, frog, bars, and the rear portion of the wall
in a slight degree, to a narrow exterior rim of the wall.
"The form of the shoe should fit the form of the foot ;* the
nailing should not extend so far toward the heel on the inner as
on the outer side of the foot ; the wall of the outer side of the
foot should be kept the highest or longest, and in case the foot
has been so mutilated and distorted by injudicious shoeing that
this cannot be done in the foot, it should be done by making the
outer portion of the shoe the thickest at the heel and gradually
reducing the thickness to the opposite heel. Heel calks should
be used generally as they are useful and economical, and often
prevent accident ; the length of the shoe should not exceed
the length of the foot but little, — these we always observe ;
and in addition, closely adhere to the following, which con-
stitutes our patent claim. The entire upper surface of the
shoe, or the bearing for the wall, the outer section of the sole
and the frog, to be on the same plane or level, unless the
horny frog is so depressed, or settled down as to require a
concave seat in the iron frog of our shoe, or in cases where
the frog is perished away, or has been cutaway through igno-
rance, in which case we recommend to place a piece of strong
leather under the shoe, covering the entire sole, between which
and the sole, frog and bars, we calk with oakum, thoroughly
saturated and bedded in our patent preparation, the receipt
♦Whatever shape, whether deformed or not ? Dunbar.
THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS. 203
for which will be found in this work. This leather diaphragm
and stuffing, we apply in all cases of bad lameness from the
falling of the frog, and the consequent contraction of the heels ;
and in such cases, we relieve the pressure produced by con-
traction of the insensible wall, on the sensitive, internal struc-
ture of the foot, by grooving the wall, as shown in the foot of
the figure illustrating the process of neurotomy, on page 24.
The outer quarter being thicker and more rigid than the inner
one, we usually cut three grooves in it, and but two on the
inner one. By thus removing sections of the enamel of the
crust we relax the rigid, contracted wall, and the pressure on
the internal portion, of which we have spoken, thus producing
immediate relief from the intense pain arising from the pres-
sure of the wall on the wings of the coffin-bone, which are the
seat of the large metacarpal nerves, which divide at this
point into numerous smaller nerves which are distributed
over and under the coffin-bone."
Bots, what nonsense : the bots are hatched with as much
regularity when once taken into the mouth as the egg of any
other insect, fowl, reptile, or fish.
From annoyance occasioned by the fly, the horse's atten-
tion is drawn to its place of deposit, and with his mouth removes
the eggs just laid, before their glutinous coating has firmly ad-
hered to the hair. This the horse continues to do all through
the winter, if the eggs are not removed, which can be easily
done by a sharp knife, from the leg, and from the jaw, with
scissors or fire. A much better way is to prevent the fly from
depositing them, which could be done by oiling the places
where she usually lays her eggs, with coal-oil or common
grease.
Bots are generally found of every size and age, just in ac-
cordance with the time that the horse takes them into his
mouth, and when matured in the stomach pass away, and if
not picked up by birds, domestic fowls or reptiles, form them-
selves, like catterpillars, into a chrysalis state, from which
they shortly become flies: thus propagating their species.
To infer that bots are born with the horse would imply
204 THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS.
that they are either a part of the horse, or that they are in
each case a new creation. The bot-flies have lately, in many
places in and near Toronto in Canada, deposited their eggs on
the head of sheep, and have caused much injury by doing so.
On being stung or annoyed by the i\y they run to some hard
substance, the fence or against one another, and in rubbing
the place tickled, move the egg before the glutinous matter
adheres to the hair, by this means they rub it into some of
the parts, where, being hatched, they gain access to the inter-
nal parts of the nose, eye, or a little opening between the eye
and nose ; from any of these places it enters the head, and in
a very short time destroys the sheep, if not detected and
disposed of. This being the case, the Bot is not a part of the
horse, as Parks says. It is all nonsense about his statements
of Glanders, Lampass, Narrow Chests for Turf horses, and
pedigree, and trotters without pedigree surpassing those
with.
"After sawing out the heels w^here the walls attach to the
frog, and thinning out the soles each side of the frog, adjust
the shoe, to the foot, co/d, so that there will be from 5 to ^ an
inch space between the iron frog of the shoe, and the frog of
the foot, when no weight is on the foot."
" After sawing out the heels ; " observe his reference to
"Spooney" in condemnation of my cutting out the heels, as he
calls it, as though there was nothing more done in connection
with my system. The cutting of the heels, and in" fact all
the operation, spectators, even Veterinary Surgeons are per-
mitted to see while I am operating, not one of them has
gotten any more knowledge of my system, from what they
see in that way, then he did, and the parts that he attempts
to imitate me in, is worse than nothing without the leather —
the leather in his case is like charity, it "covers a multitude of
sins."
" When the weight of the animal is applied, the sole and
frog will settle down to a bearing, by which support is given
to the natural organs of support, instead of all the weight
THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS. 205
being transferred to the wall, the unnatural bearing, as in the
use of the common shoe."
This ingrate does not know that, in referring to Spooney,
he is condemning what he practices himself, in imitation of
me. Thieves seldom know enough to conceal their plunder.
Here him prate about the sole and frog being the natural
organs of support, and the wall the unnatural one. He ought
to drive the nails through what he calls the natural organs
of support, instead of the wall. His whole stock of plunder
is in keeping with his philosophy in feeding and watering
horses while hot, his knowledge of bots, and theories in
general, the only thing useful with him is the leather.
"All shoes should be nailed entirely around the toe, and
the nailing on either side should extend back to the quarters,
though it is proper to extend the nailing, one nail. Every
nail driven in the hoof is to be regarded as a wedge, having
a tendency to cleave or split off that portion of the wall with-
out the nail from that within : hence the spaces between nails
should be sufficient to prevent the possibility of the clefts
uniting. Not one foot of a horse which has been shod for
three months only, in any country (and we have examined
them in many,) can we find that retains its natural form and
functions. We are so desirous to find one that has not been
impaired by the common methods of shoeing, that we offer a
prize of ten barrels of the best flour made in the country for
a specimen.
''This figure represents a horse which has been shod on the
old system, until the frogs of the feet have fallen dozini, a^id pro-
duced heel contraction, cocked knees, and other concomitant mala-
dies, result i fig in deformity and general disability.
""Chest Founder, Spring of the Knees, or Knee-cocked and
Sweeney, are secondary, and are produced by the falling of
the frog and sole, for the want of a bearing, as in all cases
where the horse is shod by the old system. When the horse
is properly shod, so that the weight of the animal is thrown
on the proper organs of support, the feet will assume their
2o6 THE impedimp:nts to progress.
natural position under the body, and the shoulders will be
drawn back to their natural position.
"Feeling that we have reached the acrrie of perfection in
the construction and application of the Shoe for the Horse, for
all his various uses, we have ceased to experiment, and shall
devote the balance of life to its introduction."
THE HORSE'S FOOT, THE WAY TO SHOE IT, AND
THE KIND OF SHOES TO WEAR.
To the Editor of the Pioneer : —
I have had, through life, an admiration for the Horse,
amounting almost to a passion. For fifteen years, in early
life, I occupied myself in horse-shoeing, in studying the
anatomy and diseases of the horse's foot, and in experiments
upon the best method of keeping it sound. The information
thus gained by practical experience has been arrived at by
others ; but, while such information may be gleaned in frag-
ments from various works, I know of none in which the proper
manner of taking care of the horse's foot and shoeing it are
plainly, practically, and succinctly set forth. It is to supply
this want, that I write this communication ; and if I can fur-
nish facts to any smith which he did not know before, and
can thus be the means of promoting the comfort, and prolong-
ing the usefulness, of even one noble animal, I shall be repaid
for my trouble.
There are a great number of diseases which afflict the
horse, and which are attributed to various causes, but which
are all, directly or indirectly, produced by improper care of
the animal's feet, and by bad shoeing. Of these may be
named contracted feet, corns in the heel, sand or quarter-
cracks, gravel, thrush, springing of the knees, and shrinking
of the shoulders. These are the more common diseases of
the horse, given in common language, as used by smiths and
farriers. These diseases are peculiar to horses that have been
thp: impediments to progress. 207
shod, and are never known in horses that have not been shod. '
My experience in the Indian country has convinced me of
this ; for, of the thousands of Indian ponies that I have seen,
and which are never shod, I have not met one having either
of the diseases named.
Now the natural shape of the horse's foot is circular — as
broad as it is long. The frog is the life of it — supplying oil to
the wall of the hoof, and elasticity to the whole. It is of a
wedge-like shape, and is connected with the outer and hard
portions of the foot by ligaments, which are commonly called
braces. In shoeing, the first thing usually done by the smith
is to pare this frog, and the next is to cut away the braces
which connect the frog with the balance of the foot. The
effect of this is, first, to dry up the frog, and to change it from
a springy, vitalizing substance, into a dead and bony one ;
the second is to contract the hoof, changing it from a round
to an oblong shape, and subjecting the animal to one or
another of the diseases named. The first rule to be observed
by the smith, then, who wants to shoe properly is, never to
touch the frog with a knife. Nature will take care of that,
and whenever the covering becomes too thick or hard, it will
scale off of itself The second is, never to cut the sides of
the braces, for such cutting separates the frog from the hoof,
to which it furnishes life, as I have already said. The third
is, never to open or cut out the heels, for the substance placed
there has its use to preserve the shape of the foot and to pre-
vent it from contracting. In a word, confine your cutting and
rasping to the sole and wall of the foot, and employ these
only for the purpose of leveling the ground equally upon the
shoe. These rules, strictly observed, will preserve the foot
in a healthy condition ; and. the foot thus preserved, all cause
for the diseases mentioned will be obviated or removed.
That is to say, if the shoe itself is properly made— for,
without a true and well shaped shoe, the careful preparation
of the foot to receive it, will only partially avail. Such a shoe
should be both concave and convex in shape, and formed to
correspond with the structure of the foot. The weight of the
208 THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS.
animal should be thrown upon the hard, outer wall, and be
equally distributed upon all portions of the foot which were
intended to bear such weight. By looking at the horse's foot
'twill be seen that the portions thus intended to bear his
weight are the front and quarters. The depth of hoof in these
portions is very great ; while at the heel the hoof is thin and
not calculated for heavy pressure. Now, with the common,
flat, three-corked shoe, over two-thirds of the weight of the
animal is thrown upon the heel of the foot, or upon its most
tender portion. With a correct shoe, this tender part of the
hoof will be almost entirely relieved from this pressure, and
be made to bear only its natural proportion — a thing im-
possible with the ordinary shoe, for, in that, two of the three
corks are set directly under the heel.
Such a shoe as I have described — one obviating every ob-
jection that can be urged against the common shoe, and an-
swering every requirement of the perfect shoe, is found, so
far as I can judge, in the shoe made under the Goodenough
patent. Of the full width of the common shoe, its lower sur-
face is concave, bringing the pressure upon the outer edge,
and thus corresponding exactly with the shape and design of
the natural foot. Instead of three, it is made with five or
seven corks, interspersed along the toe and quarters of the
hoof where there is depth sufficient to bear the weight, while
the heel is relieved ; or rather the shoe is corked all round,
with holes countersunk for the nails by which the shoe is
fastened. The great value of this arrangement will be ap-
parent to all. Aside from the advantage of securing equal
and uniform bearing upon the parts of the hoof which are de-
signed to stand pressure, the countersinking of the nails is an
item of importance in the wearing and firmness of the shoe.
It saves the nail from possible contact with stones or the
ground, leaves the shoe thoroughly fastened'to the hoof while
it lasts, and saves all necessity for clipping the shoe either at
the toe or on the quarters. It, therefore, protects the wall
of the hoof, instead of ruining it, as the clipped shoe always
does.
THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS. 209
This Goodenough shoe will prove of the greatest utility,
for use on the cavalry and riding horse. It is so constructed
that it cannot become clogged with heavy soils in the sum-
mer, or with snow in the winter ; there is no possibility of a
horse's slipping with it, as it presents more points of contact,
and furnishes a better hold on either iced or slippery pave-
ments than the common shoe ; and, from its conformity to
the natural shape of the foot, no horse can overreach or in-
terfere with it on, that would not do so if barefooted. The
peculiarities above mentioned make this shoe ecjually desirable
for all other kinds of work, and especially for the draft horse,
who needs a shoe allowing the utmost possible traction to the
ground, if I may use the term.
In addition to the qualities mentioned, the shoe possesses
many others which might be named, and which help' to make
it the most perfect shoe I have ever seen. If it were once
introduced into general use, I am sure that the old-fashioned
shoe wyuld thereafter be entirely discarded. I do not hesi-
tate to say that its use would prove a blessing to the horse,
as it must also prove a great economy. So exactly is it
adapted to the horse's foot, that, when on, it seems almost a
natural continuation of the hoof ; and I cannot conceive how
any horse need be lamed, or suffer from the diseases incident
to bad shoes and bad shoeing, if the Goodenough shoe were
worn and properly put on.
While on this subject of the horse's foot, I may as well
suggest a point or two outside of shoes and shoeing, which
are worth regarding. The diseases I have named as incident
to bad shoeing, are aggravated by the manner in which horses
are stabled. Every one has noticed that these diseases affect
the fore feet, legs and shoulders of the horse, almost exclusive-
ly. One reason for this is, that the fore feet are kept dry in
the stable, while the hind feet are moistened by the animal's
manure and urine ; and the latter have some chance to grow,
and keep comparatively healthy, in spite of the butchering of
the, trogs, and braces. The manner in which horses are con-
fined in stables is simply barbarous. The noble animal is not
A*
2IO LETTER OF M. C. MEIGS.
allowed the liberty of a caged tiger ; but is obliged to stand
day and night, when unharnessed, in one position, and most
frequently in a stall where he cannot lie down and rise again
without danger of straining, or other injury. No horse should
ever be tied in a stable ; and the stall should be large enough
to admit of his turning round and getting up and down at his
liking, and without danger and inconvenience. A box stall
is the only kind in which a horse should be confined.
Respectfully, &c.,
W. J. CULLEN.
St. Paul, Sept. 14, 1863.
LETTER FROM M. C. MEIGS.
Quarter Master General's Office )
Washington, D. C. Sept. 6th, 1866. \
Alex. Dunbar Esy.
319, E and nth Sts. Washington.
Sir :
Did not you inform me that the sprung knee, which makes so
many horses stumble, was caused by defects in the foot, more frequently
than by disease of the sinews of the leg, and that it was curable by your
system ?
Respectfully.
M. C. Meigs,
Ouarter Master.
CH 4PTER XV.
PATENT STABLE-FLOOR.
I have refrained from introducing any of my patents, the
principal ones of which are for the reHef of the horse, until I
had strengthened my reputation, in which I have been greatly
aided, by the reports of Army Officers, Civilians of reliability,
and latterly, of Veterinary Surgeons, among whom may be
numbered Dr. Coleman, member of the Royal College of Vete-
rinary Surgeons, London, whose letter, testifying to the merits
of my system, will be found in the first part of this book.
This Stable-floor is placed upon springs of material most
preferable to the owner, whether rubber, metal or wood, similar
to the bottom of a wagon-box. They can be used as a plain,
board floor, or by attaching a rim the height of a brick, on the
fiat or edge, which can be filled with clay, composition or
brick ; the latter being preferable.
The springs under the floor add, in the degree of their
elasticity or springy nature, to that of the tendons, in com-
parison with a horse or man standing on turf, or springy ma-
terial of any kind, with standing on solid plank, rock, brick
or marble.
The opinion may be advanced, that the board or solid
substance between the springs and the tendons, will lessen
the effect and not benefit the animal, while standing still. It
might as well be supposed, that the shoe, being attached to
the foot, would detract from the ease of the horse in travel-
ing over turf, meadows or springy roads.
The horse, by standing or lying on spring-floors, is affected
similarly to a person using a spring-board, or spring-seat
2 12 COMBINED COLLAR AND HAMES.
wagon, or lying on a mattress with a stiff surface, or any hard
substance, with springy material under them, or macadimized
roads with a turf or springy base. It destroys the " Ennui "
of the horse, while standing in the stable. It relieves and
strengthens his tendons, and joints, while standing still, and
moving becomes a substitute for exercise : at least it will re-
lieve the tedious, tiresome monotony, of long confinement in
a stable.
DESCRIPTION OF COMBINED COLLAR AND
HAMES.
This collar and hames is a combination of wire in light
harness ; of rod-iron in heavy, and is made of the above, com-
bined with wood, straw, hair, and leather.
The light, trotting-collar can be so constructed as to re-
tain sufficient strength to draw the heaviest weight required
in record-trotting, and be no heavier than one pound and a
quarter. This will remedy the discrepancies of the different
grades of the track. For it is with pain that we hear of c^uar-
ter and half-mile time, registered to the credit of celebrated
steeds, even Dexter, which detracts from the reputation he
merits, or is capable of earning, were he properly harnessed.
While Mr. Bonner deserves credit for his enterprise in
securing such a hojrse, whether for the love of him, or in a busi-
ness point of view, he has no right to deprive Dexter of the
increased renown he is capable of earning, were his owner not
afraid of the up-grade portion in a mile test.
While Dexter remains the property of Mr. Bonner, both
directly and indirectly in a financial point of view, at the same
time the public have a claim upon his celerity or speed, in
the same sense they have on all public characters, or animals,
distinguished, or celebrated for their ability. Dexter, for his
own, his owner, and the public's sake, should be fitted in the
best possible manner, and driven by the most expert driver.
COMBINED COLLAR AND HAMES. 213
at the longest distance, in the shortest time possible, without
injury to the horse. As King of the trotting turf, justice can-
not be fully done him, or his capabilities thoroughly tested,
except by the use of the light, Dunbar trotting-collar, now
being manufactured by William Warner Esq., of Wilmington,
Delaware. With the ordinary breast collar, the horse, while
trotting on the level or down grade, draws or does his work
altogether by the lines ; hence the injustice both to the horse
and the public, in selecting their time on, and registering such
portions of, the track, because, while ascending the up-grade
portion, the draught becomes too heavy for the mouth and
lines alone, thus compressing the chest by the pressure of the
collar or breast-strap, which, while it is compressed in such
changed condition of the draught, presses the upper por-
tion of the breast collar against the windpipe, in some de-
gree affecting the breathing, compressing the scapula near
its union with the humerus, besides, the draft being low,
raises the lumbar vertebra, and in all, detracts some seconds
from the speed of the horse, the true effect of selecting quar-
ter and half mile tests, which is degrading to horses, much
more to their owners.
Of the horse, whose pedigree guarantees, not only supe-
rior lungs, but speed and durability, with this new collar, none
need be afraid of slight up-grade, for while it changes the
draught from the bit and lines, to our method of draught, we
not only secure the power of the horse without compression
of the scapula or interference with the wind, but we change the
labor on certain over-taxed muscles, which is tantamount to
partial rest, as the power given the horse by the patent at-
tachment, enables him to carry three up-grade, as easily as
one with the breast collar, the draught being from an inch
and a half to two inches higher, which leaves the vertebra
in the strongest and most natural position.
With a road wagon, a horse with the wire-combined collar
and hames, weight only two pounds and a half, will draw
three men as easily as one, with the breast collar. A six
pound collar and hames would answer for heavy cartage, and
214 DRAUGHT.
a horse would draw as much and with more ease with a six
pound collar, as with the ordinary collar and hames weighing
from twelve to eighteen pounds. They can be made to draw
any load, with half the weight of the old collar and hames,
and with increased power, as it is on the same principle of
my patent hames, the draft being from the inner side of the
rim, as is the case with my patent hames, for double harness,
for cart, or artillery purposes.
DRAUGHT.
Among the many valuable inventions on exhibition at the
American Institute Fair, is that of Dr. Alexander Dunbar's
patent for an improved horse-collar and hames. There are
serious defects in the old mode of harnessing. Dr. Dunbar
insists that the rim of a collar should follow as closely as pos-
sible the form of the neck, and should retain this relation while
in action. The head of the horse is wider at the eyes than
the neck is at the proper place for draught ; consequently, a
collar that is pressed over the head must be so pliable as not
to retain its proper shape under the strain of heavy draught.
Again, the padding of the common collar and the outside
draught of the hames rests upon the point of the shoulder,
throwing the labor upon that part, which amounts to something
like a man attempting to lift a great weight with a slender
pole on the point of the shoulder. If the draught is too high,
the collar rises and chokes the horse, while an undue pressure
is brought against the most prominent dorsal vertebra. The
raised neck curves the vertebra.' of the back, making it hollow
and detracting from its power. Force the horse into an un-
natural position, and you rob him of a portion of his strength.
We must study the formation of the horse, for all the parts bear
a certain proportion, a degree of harmony to each other. When
the draught raises the horse in front, extra labor is placed
upon the hind feet. If the draught is too low, the top of the
collar leans forward and presses against the crest of the neck,
DRAUGHT. 215
forcing the ccrvicals and head down, and raising the lumbar
vertebrae or back over the loins. This prevents the equal
distribution of draught ; in fact it throws the heaviest part of
it on the fore feet, producing serious disease in these members,
such as contraction, corns, ringbones &c. Place the draught
so that the back is kept free from curve, strain or twist, and
you enable the horse to use his whole strength without injury
to himself Were that fact properly understood, we should
not see so many horses hobbling along in pain, unable to bear
up under the tasks imposed upon them, and constant objects
of sympathy to every man with a spark of humanity in his
bosom. The old method of harnessing has all the defects
that we have named, and it has been the fruitful cause of se-
rious disease. Looking at this question with the eyes of a
humanitarian as well as a philosopher. Dr. Dunbar went to
work to make a much needed improvement. His genius was
equal to the occasion, and he has invented a folding collar,
opening at the top so as to be put around the horse's neck,
instead of pressing it over his head. The upper ends of the
hames are held together with a metal link which is adjustable
in notches cut into the hames, so as to adapt the patent to
horses of various sizes. In addition to this the hames can be
removed with little trouble, — an important consideration, es-
pecially on the battle-field, where artillery horses are shot
down, and it becomes necessary to set free the dying or woun-
ded animal. The draught-bar is attached to the rear inner
corner of the hames, so that it passes through the body of the
collar, thereby tending to draw the collar and hames on the
horse's neck, instead of causing them to press against the
same, as in the old way. The animal is thus relieved from
much inconvenience, and the pressure is just where it should
be. The draught is felt in the proper place, and those who
have fairly tested the thing claim that the invention increases
the power of the horse from one-fifth to one-third over the
common method. All the strength thrown into the collar by
this Dunbar patent is felt upon the load to be drawn, none of
the power being expended on a lever that works in favor of
2l6 DRAUGHT.
draught, and, of course, against the horse. There is much to
recommend this invention, and it is gratifying to see it attract
the attention that it does at the American Institute Fair. Dr.
Dunbar has shown us how to take advantage of the lull strength
of the horse, contributing to his comfort at the same time, and
guarding him from painful disease. And now it becomes the
duty of the people to profit by the invention of a gentleman
who, as Mr. Robert Bonner once said to us, has more origi-
nality than any man he ever met. A humane master will not
neglect any opportunity to improve the condition and make
more easy the hard life of his beast of burden. Dr. Dunbar
has given special study to the foot of the horse and to draught,
therefore his views upon these questions are in harmony with
anatomy and the laws of scientific truth. He is master of these
subjects, and the world may well stop to learn from him.
Draught bears a marked proportion to the diseases of the feet,
or, rather, is in sympathy with them. Abuse through ignor-
ance of one part is felt in the other parts, and, this being so,
it behooves us to pay particular attention to the plain philos-
ophy of draught. By way of conclusion we will remark that
Dr. Dunbar gives attention to other things than to the study
of the horse. He has invented a snow-plow which will revo-
lutionize the old plan of opening roads and clearing railroad
tracks. We shall not describe this machine, but will add that
it has attracted much attention at the fair now progressing in
the Empire Rink, and has been highly commended by the
managers of several of the most important railroad lines.
New York, Friday, September 23. 1870.
Alexander Dunbar's Patent Hames. — In the sixth
department, group i, Exhibition of the American Institute,
corner Third avenue and Sixty-third street can be seen a
patent " Hame," the invention of Mr. Alex. Dunbar, the gen-
tleman who has made such a radical change in the proper
shoeing and treatment of the horse's foot. Mr. Dunbar has
been instructing the cavalry and artillery service at Washing-
ton for more than a year past, and is the gentleman who relieved
Dexter of lameness by the proper treatment of his feet. This
PATENT HAMES. 217
patent of Mr. Dunbar's is worthy of the attention of horsemen,
and must make an entire revolution. He is radical in his views
and invention, entirely changing the draught from the outside
to the inside of the collar, as he is upon the treatment of the
horse's foot. We are satisfied, from an investigation of the
"hames," that a horse can draw a much heavier load, work
with greater ease, and their use will effectually do away with
galled shoulders. Dr. C. C. Grice, who has just returned from
Europe, happening in our office, remarked to Mr. Dunbar, in
our presence, that injuries to the horse's shoulder were to be
attributed more to the defect in the hames than in the collar.
PATENT HAMES.
TO THE OWNER OF EVERY HORSE, AND TO ALL INTERESTED
IN DRAFT ANIMALS.
I would call their attention to the defects in the present
mode, and to my improved manner of draft.
An}^ person, after the perusal of the following, can, by
standing a few minutes on any of the avenues, satisfy himself
of its truth.
With the harness commonly used, it is a mere accident
whether the draft is in its proper place or not. The head of
an intelligent horse is wider at the eyes than the neck is at
the proper place for the draught. The rim of a collar should
follow the form of the neck as closely as possible without in-
terfering with or injuri»^g it, and should retain this relation
while in action ; therefore, a collar cannot be so formed
as to be passed over the head, and afterward to fit the neck
properly ; because a collar that is pliable enough to be expan-
ded so as to be passed over the head, and afterward to be
pressed close to the neck, would be stiff enough to retain its
proper shape under the strain of action, and would act as a
springy lever, in the hands of a man. The padding of the
common collar and outside draught of the harness rests upon
the point of the shoulder, throwing the labor upon that part.
2l8 PATENT HAMES.— TESIMONIALS.
which is the same as for a man to put the point of his shoul-
der under the lever. The whole thing amounts to the same
as putting a man to work to lift a great weight with a slender
pole on the point of the shoulder.
Few person have given any attention to the many evils
entailed upon the horse through the present detrimental
mode of draft.
The draft of my patent Hame is on the inside, whereas,
on other hames it is on the outside, and consequently by pull-
ing backward and forward, galls the horse's shoulder. By the
patent hame the draft is square, and does away with all friction.
TESTIMONIALS.
East Oxford, Jan. 25, 1870.
Mr. Marenus Burgess, Woodstock :
Dear Sir, — I have used the Dunbar patent Hame which I purchased of
you, and after thoroughly testing it, I have no hesitation in pronouncing it
the best hame now in use. My horses draw a much heavier load, and do
their work with greater ease, and it will effectually do away with galled
shoulders.
If this is of any use to you, you can use it, and I will cheerfully recom-
mend it to the public notice, as I believe if it is in general use it will be a
great benefit to the horse.
JOHN ULMAN.
Woodstock,. 15 th January, 1870.
Mr. M. Burgess :
Dear Sir, — 1 have had your Hames in use for the last month, and find
my horses can draw a larger load and with more ease than they could with
the old style of hames. They effectually put a stop to all galled shoulders,
and I can with confidence recommend them to the public.
If this is of any use to you, you are at liberty to use it, and I shall always
feel happy in recommending your new style of Hames.
Yours truly,
THOS. J. CLARK.
Sedgwick Barracks,
Washington, D. C, Oct. 30th, 1868.
Dear Sir, — I have carefully examined your improved" horse Collar and
Hames, and have no hesitation in saying that, so far as I am able to judge.
PATENT HAMES. — TESTIMONIALS. 219
they seem to be a great improvement over the old plan, and will not only
enable an animal to exert more power with less fatigue, but will also materi-
ally lessen the number of galled shoulders and other injuries incident to
draught horses.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. A. DUPONT,
Capt. S. Artillery,
Bvt. Lt. Col. U. S. A.
Mr Alexander Dunbar,
Washington, D. C.
We, the undersigned, have used the new Patent Hame, patented by
Mr. Dunbar, and have no hesitation to pronounce them the most perfect
hame now in use, and far superior to the old hame. A horse with the new
patent will draw a much heavier load, and from the perfect appliance of the
draft there is no possibihty of injuring the shoulders.
FREEMAN KARN,
JORDAN L. CHARLES,
SAMUEL BURGESS,
EDWARD McGEE,
T. J. CLARK,
T. WALTON,
R. SMALL.
LETTER FROM I. L. RATHBONE, A. D. C.
Fort Union, New Mexico. I
Aug 19th, 1869. ^
My Dear Doctor.
General Davis and myself ha\'e been away from Fort Lea-
venworth nearly two months, on an inspection tour, and we have finally
brought up in New Mexico. When I reached Santa Fe, my knowledge of
your system had preceded me, and nothing would do but I must shoe their
horses, they (owing to a bad blacksmith) were in a terrible condition about
their feet, lull of corns and sprung in the knees. I worked for /An't' days,
shoeing the horses and instructing the officers and blacksmiths. They were
very much delighted, and I am sure I did a great deal of good. Then, on
arriving here, I found that the officers at Santa Fe had written letters preced-
ing me, and it being the head quarters of the 3rd Cavalry and a large depot
like Fort Leavenworth, I have had to go work here, shoeing all day yesterday,
and on the completion of this, am going to work again, to shoe a trotting
horse, with sprung knees. They all seem delighted with the system, except
220 LETTER OF I. L. RATHBONE.
a few who, I am sorry to say, are too lazy to learn it. I took off, with a saw,
at least two inches of horn from the toe of a mule yesterday. Now what I
want is, one or two good models or casts, one of a contracted, one of a flat
foot, and one of ciuarter-crack. Is there no danger of horses hurting their
frogs and heels when the shoes are very short ? Answer and explain to me
all about "interfering." I do not get the feet straight enough always to
suit me.
How do you find Rappahannock ? Are you having any trouble in
Washington, and what European Governments are you going to ?
Dont fail to send me those casts. 1 shall be at Leavenworth in a week.
Very Truly Yours,
L L. RATHBONE,
A. D. C.
LETTER FROM DAVID McCAULEY.
Washington D. C. )
September 4th 1869. ^
I hereby certify that I have practiced the trade of horse-shoer, for over
12 years, and part of that time was employed in the Quarter Master's
department at Lincoln Depot, from which place I was transferred and placed
under the instructions of Mr. Dunbar.
At first 1 found it very difficult to change from the old method of par-
ing the horse's foot ; but through his constant care over me, I have learned
the system of treating the horse's foot, according to Mr. Dunbar's ideas.
I believe, without exception, it is the best 1 have ever known or seen, it
being of ease, comfort and safety, to the horse. I admit it is rather hard to
learn, but by paying strict attention to Mr. Dunbar's teachings, it can be
learned, that is to say, unless men are too lazy. No doubt it is rather hard
on the hands, which is the principal cause some horse-shoers have for not ap-
plying it to its full extent. Besides, in treating a horse with lame or tender
feet, we have to bear so much more of the weight of the horse, than when
sound. The careless blacksmith wishes to get from under him as soon as
possible, doing little or nothing to the foot.
A few weeks ago, 1 was ordered by Mr. Dunbar to the Presideufs Stable,
to operate on his little colt's foot, and on arriving there, I found Dr. Braley,
his Excellency's groom, and a few more gentlemen. They all pronounced
the disease in the large pastern joint, while Mr. Dunbar contended it was in
the foot. I pared a little of the hard horn and found a hole large enough to
admit the end of a pen-holder. 1 continued my work, and the corrupted mat-
LETTER OF DAVID M CAULLEY. 221
ter began to ooze out. On examining the foot, Mr. Dunbar showed, to the
astonishment of all present, the insensible sole separated from the sensible
sole. I called a few days ago, to cut away the little loose horn that might
conceal gravel, and I found the little foot in as healthy a condition as any of
the others.
Also another case came to my notice to-day. Dr. Braley brought a horse
to the shop for Mr. Dunbar to operate on. This case he had treated himself
before, and pronounced it navicular disease, while Mr. Dunbar said not, and
had me to apply his system, which was, in my candid opinion, the best I have
seen yet, as it was contrary to the views of all present. I have gleaned more
information from Mr. Dunbar's last course of instruction, than I really
thought I was competent to learn.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
DAVID McCAULEY, Horse-Shoer.
Quarter Master's depot. Cor. lUth and M Streets.
ON DRIVING.
I suppose the late Hiram Woodruff has said sufficient on
driving. Let it suffice, that the necessary qualities in a re-
liable driver are, a strong artistic eye, honesty of purpose,
and steady nerve.
Horses in training should have set days for certain kinds
of exercise ; say, speed twice in the week, and then no splurts
or bursts of speed, and for not less than one mile ; better two,
or more if his condition will bear it. There should be no re-
laxing up-grade. This method of bursts of speed on select
portions of a road or track, causes many a fast horse to lose a
race ; because, when he accomplishes the distance that he
has been accustomed to splurt over, he is disposed to slack,
and in doing so, either loses time or changes his gait. It
has the same effect in ascending the grades ; the horse
that is accustomed to being eased on up-grade work will act
as in the former case. The up-grade portion of a track seems
to be the terror of horsemen ; hence the modern idea of regis-
tering quarter and half mile tests, inferring that there is some-
thing wrong ; clay blood, cold blood, or want of endurance
from some cause. The horse broken to make bursts of speed,
222 DRIVING.
is like the child getting instruction in labor as a pastime, by
way of amusement. ' He is always fidgety, and never can be
relied upon.
Horses in general, suffer much. The class of men who
have most to do with them, in an intellectual point of view
would not compare favorably with those engaged in other
branches of business, the salaries of grooms being insufficient
to command the services of the most efficient class. For
instance ; — Compare the ordinary drivers for draught and
hack purposes, with those who are at the Heads of De-
partments ; as also at the principal posts ; and again, compare
blacksmiths with mechanics of the finer arts, and you can
then judge properly, how much the noble, much abused horse
suffers through neglect and ignorance.
Rarey, Pratt, Scott and other horse educators, as they
now call themselves, have said sufficient about their method
of training, or " wearing in " the horse. The teaching is good
for horses that have been mismanaged. Physical force must
be used with the horse before kindness ; in fact the vici-
ous, and in most cases, the stupid, ignorant one must first
learn that his trainer is more powerful than himself before he
becomes willing to accept of caresses in a proper spirit ; he then
becomes most faithful to his conqueror, while treated courte-
ously ; horses, men, and women's minds, are like liquids, the
strongest will get uppermost. Colts are generally spoiled by
having to wait on slow and steady horses, and still slower
drivers.
The secret of success with a young spirited colt is, to be
ready when he is ; with this precaution, there will be little oc-
casion for " Rareying," except in cases of accident, which in
most cases, happen through inefficiency in the driver.
I shall mention a few things which should be included in
this system of training, and which neither Pratt nor Raney
ever practiced to my knowledge, and I have seen both of them
operate. The first is, to prevent a frisky horse from switch-
ing his tail. Tie a string, waxed, about the tail, six inches
STIFLE. 223
from the root, sufficiently tight to cause it to swell, but not
to remain so long- as to cause the hair to fall out. This will
effect the action of the tail similarly to the tying of a string
around the arm or leg of a man, sufficient to prevent easy
action.
Second : — To prevent rearing or plunging. Pierce the
ears of a horse as you would the human ear, and tie a string
or ribbon through them, drawing the ear back before tying ;
as the horse rarely jumps without first pricking up his ears,
and placing them forward as if perceiving something terrific,
he cannot or will not jump, while his ears remain bound this
way, except in rare case. The string in either case may be
of the same color as the horse.
STIFLE.
There are but few horses stifled that are supposed to be
so. The stifle-shoe being put on the sound limb, it is a sure
test, if the horse can stand on the injured leg without the aid
of two or three men while the blacksmith puts the shoe on
the sound one, that he is not stifled.
Put a common working collar on the horse, also a surcin-
gle with a ring at the bottom, then put a strap around the
fetlock of the sound leg and attach a strap, a strip of raw hide
or rope to the ring at the fetlock and through the ring of
the girth, and attach it to the collar, drawing the sound leg
half a pace forward. This places the unsound leg in a much
better position than the stifle-shoe does, equalizing the weight
without raising one leg higher than the other. If the horse is
restless, the rope may be attached also to the hock, to keep
him from treading on it.
P'or injury to the thigh or pelvis joint, attach in the same
way as with the stifle. Only attach to the injured leg, draw it
half a pace forward, bringing the rope or strap across under the
belly to the ring which should be on the girth on the side of
the sound leg ; the attachment after passing through the ring
goes outside the fore-leg opposite before being attached to
224 STIFLE.
the collar ; thus, in bringing the injured leg half a pace for-
ward, you draw the injured leg toward the contra-fore one,
thereby pressing the ligaments together,of the whirlbone joint,
which has been strained, holding them in that, position which,
if kept so for a few days and nights, the horse will be well.
In no case should the horse be allowed to lie down, either
day or night ; neither should he have any bedding ; as straw,
or anything uneven coming in contact with the toe, affects
the ligaments connecting that delicate joint, which, having no
third bone participating, like other stronger ones in forming
the joint, suffers much more easily.
CHAPTER XVI.
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
LETTER FROM M. C. MEIGS.
Quartermaster General's Office, )
Washington D. C. September 25th, 1869. ^
Mr. Alexander Dunbar,
Washington D. C.
Sir:
The Secretary of War directs me to inform you that he has de-
cided on your letter of the 13th inst. , that twenty five thousand dollars
($25,000) and no more, be paid to Mr. Dunbar for his services, as heretofore
ordered.
Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
M. C. MEIGS.
Quartermaster General, Bvf. Maj'r General U. S. A.
N. D. Bk. IS W, iJW, D kk Decision Bk. 8 Page h^O,
LETTER FROM L. H. RUCKER.
This is to certify that Mr. Alexander Dunbar has instructed the officers
and farriers at this Post in the treatment of the hoof, preparatory to shoeing
horses, with satisfactory results. He has also left models, engraved in soap-
stone, showing the difference between his method and that pursued by in-
experienced farriers.
L. H. RUCKER,
Bv't. CapH. U. S. A. mil. Cav., A. A, Q, M.
Fort Davis, Texas., February 16th., 1869.
LETTER FROM WM. A. THOMPSON.
Head Quarters, " H." Troop, 4th Cavalry, \
Camp Charlotte, Texas, February 6, 1869. ^
Mr. Dunbar, while at the camp, gave instructions to the officers, also
the blacksmiths and farriers of the troop, relative to his mode of treating the
horse's foot.
WM. A. THOMPSON.
'■^nd. Lieutenant kth Cavalry, Commandimg " H," Troop.
226 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
LETTER FROM T. W PORTER.
Depot, Quartermaster's Office, )
San Antonio, August 24th 1869. ^
Mr. Alexander Dunbar,
Dear Sir :
Agreeable to ni)- promise made in Januar)- last, I
will now proceed to communicate to you the success of your operations on
the feet of my favorite trotting horse. Some weeks prior to your operating on
him, he had been so lame with corns and contraction of the feet, as to be en-
tirely unfit for use. After the operation, I had his feet kept in poultices of
ground linseed, between three and four weeks; after the expiration of which
time I found him as limber and able to travel as in his palmiest days, and
he has been impro\-ing up to the present time ; travels faster than he has ever
done before.
I cannot express too much admiration for your system, and would not,
for any consideration be debarred the knowledge I have acciuired of it, and
would cheerfully and urgently recommend every lover of a fine horse to
adopt it.
I will further add that, of all the cases which have been treated accord-
ing to your system, which have come under my observation, and they have
been many, I know of not a single instance that it has not been highly
beneficial to the horse. With the expression of m\' highest regards,
I remain, very respectfull)-.
Your obedient servant,
T. W. PORTER.
Captain and A. Q. M., U. S. A.
LETTER FROM J. F. WADE.
Head Quarters, Fort Stockton, ^
February 17th, 1869. ^
Dr. Alexander Dunbar has given officers and blacksmiths of the
army instructions in the art of shoeing horses, according to his method. He
has also exhibited the different forms of the foot, cut from gypsum. In m\-
opinion it is very beneficial to the horse and the service.
J. F. WADE,
Majr. Hh. Cav.. Jit. Col.
EUGENE D. DIMMICK,
Lt. 9th. U. S. Cav., Post Adjutant.
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 22/
LETTER FROM JOHN S. POND.
Fort Davis, Texas, )
February i6, 1869. ^
Alexander Dunbar, Esq.
Sir:
My knowledge of the horse, and the pro-
per condition in which his feet should be, was vastly improved after receiv-
ing your instructions. I think I can now safely say, I have a much better
knowledge of a horse's foot than I ever had before ; and after partially
superintending the shoeing of my mare in your presence, I must say I am
both pleased and surprised at the result, and hope your system (as taught
us) will be duly appreciated by all lovers of horses, and especially the
Cavalry.
Your soapstane inodels left with us, will tend to keep your instructions
fresh in our memory.
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN S. POND,
1st. Lt, and Adg'l., 'Jth. Can., Bv't. Capt, U. S. A.
LETTER FROM N. H. DAVIS.
Ft. Union N. M., August 20. 1869.
My Dear Doctor :
I have been so busily engaged here in my official duties,
that the enclosed letter was, therefore, written quite hastily. If it will be of
any service to you, I shall be much pleased. The more I see your system
applied, the more proof I have of its great benefit.
I should like very much to procure some models of the horse's foot you
spoke of, when at Ft. Leavenworth. Can you send me some there ?
Also if your time permitted I would like to have you drop me a line,
with some particulars regarding the treatment for Chest founder, sand and
quarter crack &c.
This is to know if my ideas on these subjects are correct. Any informa-
tion upon any point will be thankfully received.
Hoping you will address me at Ft. Leavenworth, for which place I leave
in the morning, and wishing you health and success,
I remain yours very truly,
N. H. DAVIS, U. S. A.
Dr. Alexander Dunbar,
Washington D. C.
228 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
LETTER FROM R. A. DUPONT.
Headquarter's Lt. Batt'y '' F" 5TH Artillery, }
Sedgwick Barrack. Washington, D. C, Aug. 7, 1869. ^
Sir:
It affords mc much pleasure to state that since October 1868, the
horses of this battery have been shod according to your system, and that most
beneficial results have ensued therefrom. The second course of instruction
given this summer by Capt. Taylor and yourself has been of special value,
after the practical experience acquired during the winter. I am fully satisfied
that your method of treating tjie horse's foot is the correct one ; that if
faithfully and fairly tried, it will be found to keep the feet in sound condition,
prevent lameness, and completely restore a great many unserviceable animals.
Very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
R. A. DUPONT
Caiit.Hh Artillerii lit. Lt. Col. Com'p. " fV Batterv " F."
Dr. Alexander Dunbar,
Washington I). (!.
LETTER FROM N. H. DAVIS.
Fort Union, New Mexico, )
August 20th, 1869, ^
Dr. Alexander Dunbar,
Washingto7i, D. C.
Dear sir :
Your letter of the 5th inst, asking an expression of my opinion
with regard to your system of treating the horse's foot, was received this day,
and it gives me pleasure to add, to that of many others, my testimony in fa-
vor of your system, as being so much better than the old system heretofore
practiced, that a comparison between the two cannot well be made.
First, the merits of your system, as 1 understand it, is, that it is based
in good, sound reason and common sense. Secondly, it is simple and easy
in its application ; and finally, the result of its use has proven beyond ques-
tion, its merits, and demonstrated its great benefits.
Since witnessing its application and benefit under your instruction, I
have several times seen it applied by others with like charming results. If
your method of treating the horse's foot should be taught and practiced in
the United States Army, it will, in my opinion, be of incalculable benefit to
the government and individuals, and, moreover, relieve from much pain and
suffering, the noblest animal used by man. You have pointed out where to
look for many of the causes of lameness and injury to the horse, which was
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. . 229
not before known, and also taught us how to cure or reheve the same.
I wish you success in your efforts to properly introduce and make
known your valuable system, and trust you will be duly rewarded for your
labor in so good a cause.
With respects, your ob't sv't,
N. H. DAVIS,
AsH't Q. M. Gen' I, U, S. A.
LETTER FROM W. A. THOMPSON.
Camp Charlotte, Texas. }
Feb. 25th, 1869. \
Mr. a. DUNliAR,
My dear sir ;
I think you will excuse me for my familiarity, for I am
anxious to let you know how the horses are coming on, which I have treat-
ed according to your directions. My horse met with a very severe accident,
while being shod. He is of avery restless nature, and timid, being prairie rais-
ed. He was tied to a post, and somehow struck his eye against it. At first
I was very much worried, as it looked as if he had ruptured the ball, but by pro-
per treatment, I soon relieved him ; 24 hours afterward the inflammation was
nearly all out. The hoofs were cut according to model, but the blacksmith
cut a little too deep, for one of his feet bled ; it did not seem to hurt him.
The Dr. and I intended to go prospecting, (i. e. looking for Indians and
gold) the next day, and his eye being so much better, I thought I would
use him to test his feet. We rode 25 miles, and one-third of the way over
mountains covered with honey-comb rock. Perhaps you noticed the stone
when traveling through this section.
I was afraid I was testing the matter a little too far, his feet being so thin,
but I did not, and it was astonishing to see how he traveled ; he seemed to
step out with greater ease and freedom than he ever did before. I observed
closely his actions during the trip, and I feel confident his motive powers
were increased one-eighth without any extra exertion on his part. What
horses I have had shod, are doing finely. The actions of my horse will
answer for all. I have received a general order from head quarters of the
army, relative to the care and treatment, of public animals. It is a very
judicious order, and my beau-ideal of the way horses should be treated. I
have been carrying out a great portion of the order long ago.
I am going to take the liberty to write frequently, whenever I have any
new cases. I would be indebted, if you would answer when you have the time.
Senator Wilson's "Army Bill" abolishes the office of Veterinary Sur-
geon in cavalry regiments, which ought to have been done long ago ; a
cavalry officer should have sense enough to treat his own horses.
230 . MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
1 am alone, and "Camp Charlotte" seems rather dull. Excuse the
length of this epistle.
Long life and happiness to you, thou benefactor ot the Horse.
Your's truly,
W. A. TOMPSON.
Lieu't. kth. Cnv.
LETTER FROM W. B. LANE.
- Head Ouariers, Fort Selden N. H. }
April 3rd, 1869. \
.Sir :
1 have the honor to state that I saw in operation, before leaving
the states (at Carlisle Barracks Pa.) and also when passing through Texas to
this Post, the system in vogue for treating horses feet, shoeing &c. by "Mr.
Alexander Dunbar," who is (or was) under contract for the purpose of
giving instructions to officers and farriers of cavalry regiments.
In my opinion, the system of Mr. Dunbar cannot be too widely known
in the Army, and if Officers and Farriers of Cavalry Regiments, were
well taught in this branch of taking care of public animals, it would be the
means of saving thousands of dollars to the government.
In view of the above facts, I would respectfully request that Mr. Alex-
ander Dunbar be sent to the 3rd U. S cavalry.
1 am sir :
Very respectfully, your ob't sv't,
W. B. LANE.
Major 3rd, U.S. Cavalry, and Bv't. Lt. Co!.. U.S. A. Comd'g Post.
To:
Quartermaster Gen'l U. S. A.
Washington D. C.
Throuph Regimental Commander.
LETTER FROM J. CARTER MARBURY.
Georgetown, D. C, Oct. 12th, 1864.
As one of the directors of the Washington and Georgetown R. R. Co.,
I have been instructed by Dr. Alexander Dunbar in his method of preserv -
ing the feet, and curing the diseases to which the hoofs of horses are liable.
I am confident that his instructions will be of great service to the com-
pany, in preventing the loss of many horses which would otherwise be con-
demned as useless. Thousands of horses would be saved to the government
annually, if treated upon Dr. Dunbar's plan.
J. CARTER MARBURY.
Solicitor, Washington R. R. Go.
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 23 1
LETTER FROM L. LOURY MOOR.
Quartermaster General's Office, ^
■ Washington D. C. July 20th, 1866. \
Mr. a. Dunbar.
Sir.
Having been informed that you were endeavoring to introduce your
system of. treatment of horse's diseased hoofs, and having some knowledge
of your treatment from personal observation, and feeling anxious for the in-
troduction of any remedies for the amelioration of the suffering of the most
noble animal (the horse,) I take pleasure in stating that, in my judgment,
a general application of your system would greatly lead to that end, and re-
duce the mortality of the horse.
I am, very respectfully, yours,
L. LOURY MOOR.
Captain Q. M. G. Office.
LETTER FROM C. BAKER.
Assistant Quartermaster's Office, ?
Corner of 22nd and G Streets, Washington D. C. 1866. \
Dr. Dunbar.
Sir — Your remedies for the cure of horse's diseased feet seein to meet
with universal satisfaction wherever tried, and as you are highly recommen-
ded by Hon. George W. Patterson, Ex-Governor of New York, it leaves
no doubt in any mind, but what your remedies are as recommended.
I have been well acquainted with M}'. Patterson, for many years, and from
a knowledge of his judgment, I would not hesitate to vouch for anything to
which his name is attached.
Very respectfully,
C. BAKER.
Captain and Act. Q. M.
LETTER FROM J. W. THOMPSON.
Office of the Metropolitan R. R. Company,
Washington D. C. November 23rd, 1866.
This company purchased from Dr. Dunbar, in August 1866, his system
for treating horse's feet; since that time it has been tested sufficiently to al-
low me to say, that I consider it of incalculable value to this Company.
Several horses which had become almost useless, have been rendered again
serviceable by his system of treatment. By this system it is clearly demon-
strated that the foot of the horse is the principal seat of lameness. Not the
least of the benefits derived from this system is, a knowledge of the structure
and anatomy of the horse's foot, which makes it of great value in the purchase
of horses.
232 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
As an illustration of this fact, I will state that while in a neighbouring
city, a few weeks ago, a very fine trotting mare was offered me on account
of lameness, at a price less than half her value. Some of the best Veterinary
surgeons had treater her, without benefit. On consultation with Mr. Dun-
bar I purchased her. We have been treating her by his system for three
weeks, and now she has so far improved that the lameness is hardly per-
ceptible. I feel no hesitation, therefore, in commending this system to the
favorable consideration of Horse R. R. Companies, and others dealing in
horses.
Signed, J. W. THOMPSON,
President.
LETTER FROM A. K. GAGE.
Syracuse, N. Y. )
April 1 2th, 1865. \
Mr. Dunbar.
Sir;
After having spent several years in the study of the different dis-
eases of the horse, and especially those pertaining to the foot, which in my
opinion are less understood and more frequently mistreated, than that of any
other part of the animal. I find after an examination of your specimens of
the many bone diseases pertaining to the foot, and with the instructions
given by you, that I have learned much valuable information.
I have had for the last four years many Gov't horses in my charge, and
have had many condemned by veterinary surgeons for lameness, which they
were unable to treat for the want of knowing the cause, and I now think
many of them might have been restored to service, if they had been proper-
ly treated.
Yours with respect,
A. K. GAGE.
Civil Inspector of Horses.
Late sup't of Transportation, 10th, Army Corps.
LETTER FROM CHARLES KNAPP.
General:
Mr. Dunbar has operated on one of my carriage horses with
great success. 1 think Mr. Dunbar entitled to much consideration, and
would be glad to have you exercise your influence in his favor.
Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't.
CHARLES KNAPP.
Lt. Gen. Grant.
March 15, 1871.
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 233
LETTER FROM BRIGADIER GENERAL McFERRAN.
Depot Quartermaster's Office, }
""Washington, D. C., July 21st, 1869. <,
Mr. Alexander Dunbar:
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I enclose for your information, copy of letter from Quartermaster
General, United States Army, fixing your duties here. You will take charge
of the Government Shoeing Shops, and occupy the same room on M Street
that you formerly occupied for the purpose of a lecture-room.
You will please be present at the shops from 9 to 3 o'clock, daily, and
give lessons to any officers and farriers who may apply to you therefor ; also
report to Colonels Dupont and Mason, and instruct any officers and farriers
they may desire to place under your instruction.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
J. C. McFERRAN,
Deputy Q. M. GenL, Bvt. Brig. Genl., U. S. A.
LETTER FROM THOMAS McSPEDEN.
New York, January 31, 1866.
Hon. Nelson Taylor,
My Dear Sir:
This will introduce to your notice, my friend, Mr. Alexander
Dunbar, who visits Washington with a view of making arrangements with
the government to introduce his system of remedying the defects in the feet
of horses, and also of preventing such defects, which he will explain to you.
In doing this, I am not only governed by the interest of my friend
Dunbar, but also for the benefit and relief of that noble and useful animal,
the horse. I have witnessed some of the most astonishing cures brought
about by his system, and we have a horse on my property, corner of Fourth
Avenue and Seventy-third Street, that last Fall was one of the worst cases
of founder that 1 ever witnessed. He had scarcely " a leg to stand on," his
chest was not broader than your two fists, and so stiff that he could scarcely
step; indeed my friend who had him, got Mr. Dunbar to take him away, as
it was painful to see his efforts to move. I would not have taken him as a
gift with $100 thrown in, were I compelled to keep him, as I believed, until
he died. Mr. Dunbar brought back the horse about one month since, and
he looks like a colt ; his chest has filled out, his feet, which were contracted
until they were less than the size of a mule's, have spread at the heels, and he
looks, and is, as fine as you please. My family rode behind him on
234 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
various occasions during the sleighing, and they were not afraid of being
passed by any one on the road, either.
I also saw another horse, given him by the 3rd Ave. R. R. people,
that was in the inost sorry plight, with " fistula, " and considered incurable.
She was disgusting to look at. He made a thorough cure, and my friend
sold her about two weeks since. In few words, his cures are astonishing.
Now Gen'l, if you can forward the interests of Mr. Dunbar in this di-
rection, you will also be forwarding the interest of our Government, and
also, as I said before, of that noble animal, the horse.
Mr. Dunbar is a worthy and good man, and anything you will be able
to do for him, will be remembered with gratitude by him, and appreciated
by
Yours truly,
THOMAS McSPEDEN.
Will you please introduce Mr. Dunbar to Mr. Darling, Mr. Brooks, Mr.
Jones, and the member from Winchester, in my name, and let them see my
letter. Under ordinay circumstances, General, I would not ask so much of
you, but I hope you will, on my representation of what I have seen, think as
I do ; that it is important to the government, as well as to Mr. Dunbar.
Signed T. McS.
LETTER FROM A. J. HOLLOWOOD.
Port Burrill, May 12, 1862.
Dr. a. Dunbar.
Sir.
It is with the greatest satisfaction that I make the following state-
ment, hoping that it may induce others, whose horses were troubled as mine,
to try your remedies, which cannot fail giving satisfaction.
My two horses that you operated upon, for what is called quarter-crack
in the heel, and contracted hoof, are as sound (as far as I can see,) as they
were when one year old.
Respectfully yours,
A. J. HOLLOWOOD.
LETTER FROM S. V. R. WELLS.
Westfield June 20th, 1864.
I know Dr. Hall very well. The mare that Dr. Hall speaks of I used to
own. The quarter crack was a very bad one, and lamed the mare, but Mr.
Dunbar has cured it entirely. She is worth fifty dollars more to-day than
she was before.
I would recommend him to all.
S. V. R. WELLS.
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 235
LETTER FROM G. A. HALL, M. D.
Westfield, May 6, 1864.
To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN!
It affords me plesure to introduce Dr. Dunbar as an original, scientific,
and skillful veterinary surgeon.
Dr. Dunbar operated upon a mare of mine, that had become almost
worthless upon the road, in consequence of a very bad quarter-crack. Im-
mediately after the operation, she was shod, and the same day driven twenty
miles with but very little flinching, and now she is entirely over it.
He also operated upon a very fine Morgan mare, owned by I. Sherman,
and one owned by his neighbor Mr. Barge, both supposed to be foundered,
but the trouble was all in the feet, and after the operation for "contraction,"
they could stand with ease ; and although it will take time to perfect a cure,
yet from what I am permitted to know of his operation, and its nature, I
am confident that in the space of two months they will be as sound as ever.
He has operated upon many others for similar difficulties, and in all
cases with perfect satisfaction. I would earnestly recommend him to the
consideration of all who may be interested in the welfare of the horse.
G. A. HALL, M. D.
LETTER FROM GEORGE GATES.
Geisboro, D. C. Aug. 29, 1864.
Col. James A. Ekin.
In charge of \st Div. Q. M. G. O.
Washington D. C.
Colonel:
In accordance with your orders, I have, together with my colleagues,
examined Air. Dunbar's specimens of diseased feet of horses. We
have been much surprised by Mr. Dunbar pointing to us defects that we
have never observed before, neither have we i-ead of them in any author's
works. The result with us was, that we rejected horses, immediately, that
we otherwise would have accepted, and also examined and condemned many,
formerly selected for the Shenandoah Valley. We remember several valua-
ble horses in the past having become useless from very simple defects, which
we understand now, but did not then, and which, through Mr. Dunbar's
system, no doubt could have been saved to the service.
Signed, GEORGE GATES, Inspector.
do. THOMAS GRIMLY.
1st, Lt. 8th. III. Cavalry.
236 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
LETTER FROM ALEXANDER J. PERRY.
Quartermaster General's Office, )
Washington D. C. Jan. 17th 1870. ^
Mr. Alexander Dunbar,
Sir:
It gives me pleasure to inform you of the complete success that has
attended your mode of treatment in the shoeing of one ot my horses, which
was suffering from severe and apparently a chronic condition of lameness,
produced from tenderness and inflammation of the feet.
I have caused your method of cutting and preparing the foot for shoeing
to be faithfully carried out in his case, and I do not doubt, that the freedom
of motion of the horse, the ease and scjuareness of his position, and correct
placing of his front feet, while standing, are wholly attributable to the treat-
ment of his feet, in accordance with your method.
Very respectfully,
ALEX. J. PERRY.
. B't General.
LETTER FROM N. GOETZ.
Union Hill, June 16th, 1865.
I have tested Mr. Dunbar's system on diseases of horse's feet, as also
for general defect, since the first of November last, and have found it very
beneficial.
I saved a horse with flatulent colic, not more than two weeks since, that
certainly must have died by any other treatment that I was before aw9,re of.
It is the essence of economy in a Railway Company to purchase it,
however embarrassed. I again pronounce it invaluable.
N. GOETZ.
Director and Superintendent, of Hob. and W. B. R. R. Co,
From what I learn from our superintendent, Mr. Goebz, I do not hesi-
tate to state that the information obtained from Mr. Dunbar in regard to
the treatment of horse's hoofs is well deserving the attention of horse rail-
road and stage line managers, it being the means of saving, by a comparative
small outlay, the health and usefulness of many a horse.
Hoboken June 24th, 1865.
D. T. BONN.
President of the Hoboken agd Weehnwken and the loest Hoboken Horse R, R. Co.
LETTER FROM W. S. WOOD.
12 East 1 6th, Street New York, }
Oct. 31st, 1865. <;
Mr. A. Dunbar,
I address you these few lines, to add my testimony to the many you
have, of the value of your treatment of the foot. The explanation you gave
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 237
me and the successful operation I have seen on three of my own horses and
one of Mr. Kendall, a very bad case, give me, I think, a fair chance to judge
of its usefulness and the correctnes of the principles on which it is founded.
I wish my endorsement of it could be of more value to you, but for what it
is worth I cheerfully give it you.
Wishing you much success,
I am yours,
W. S. WOOD.
LETTER FROM JOHN O'BRIAN.
Office of Wim. & John O'Brian, )
No. 58 Wall St. New York Sept. 14th, 1865. ^
George Law, Esq.,
Dear Sir :
This will be handed you by Dr. Dunbar, who wishes to pre-
sent to your notice his methed of cutting horse's contracted feet. We have
been experimenting with the process on the second avenue Road for a cou-
ple of weeks past, and are thus lar so pleased with the result of the
operations as to feel warranted in recommending his plan to your consider-
ation. Dr. Dunbar will lay before you a number of certificates from other
Roads, that have been benefited by his advice and suggestions.
Very respectfully,
JOHN O'BRIAN.
Treasurer of the Snd Ave, Rail Road.
LETTER FROM ED. BALL.
Office of U. S. Cav. and Army horses, )
Syracuse, N. Y. April 13th, I865. \
Mr. Alexander Dunbar,
Dear Sir :
I take pleasure in adding to the many valuable testimonials
you have on the treatment of the various diseases of horse's feet.
Since I saw your specimens of diseased feet at Geisboro, D. C, in Aug.
last, and from the knowledge obtained from you on the different formations
and effects of horse's feet, I have been quite able to judge the sound
from the unsound, which I was in doubt of previous to my examination of
your specimens of diseased feet, and I have, in the course of my inspection
of cavalry and artillery horses presented for purchase to the U. S. Gov't,
rejected many on account of defects of the feet which I should otherwise
have taken'had it not been for your valuable information.
Very respectfully.
Your ob't sv't,
ED. BALL.
Ist. Lt. 2nd U. S. Cav.
238 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
Not only in the case of Lt. Ball, but in many others have
the government derived much benefit after purchasing my
system from me, in the same way that it did through him, as
the reader will observe from the statements of other inspec-
tors.
LETTER FROM ERASTUS WELLS.
St. Louis Sept. 13th, 1867.
Dr. a. Dunbar,
Dear Sir :
Allow me to present this one slight acknowledgment of the
much valuable information received from you for the treatment of the diseases
horse's flesh is subject to, especially, contraction of the foot, corns or crack-
ed or split hoofs. After one-fourth of a century's experience in the omnibus
and street car business in this city, and having examined sundry authors,
and conferred with and employed innumerable number of Horse Farriers,
I find the problem in regard to the true and proper mode of treating horses
feet, for contraction, split hoof, &c. had never been solved, until you so ef-
fectually demonstrated the matter by practical experiments at our stables,
and it is a pleasure to have an opportunity to give my hearty approval of
your mode of treatment, and believe none should hesitate a moment in
adopting your course of treatment, which is so simple, and causes such im
mediate relief. Believing you to be a great benefactor in the direction long
since needed, and hoping your good work may go on, allow me to subscribe
Myself, respectfully,
ERASTUS WELLS.
President Missouri R. R. Co.
I fully concur in the foregoing.
ALFRED W. HENRY Sp't.
Belief ontaine R. R. Office St, Louis Mo. Sept. ISth, 1867.
It affords me much pleasure Doctor, to join my testimonial of your
valuable services, with the foregoing.
Respectfully,
G. W. ALEXANDER,
Superintendent.
LETTER FROM THOMAS C. ROBBINS.
Office of Covington City Railway Co. )
Covington Oct. loth, 1867. \
To all whom it may concern.
This is to certify, that I have purchased
and tested Dr. Dunbar's theory of disease in the feet of horses, and his
practice in curing them and preventing the same, and am satisfied that the
MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 239
information that he possesses in relation to correct and proper treatment of
disease in the feet of horses, and as a guide in the purchase of sound
horses, is of great value. I recommend the managers of Horse Rail-
ways to acquire the information which the Doctor is able to im-
part, and intelligently apply to the cure and prevention of diseases in the
feet of the horse. I regard sound feet of the utmost importance in the
horse for street railway use, and all correct information to cure and prevent
unsoundness of this important part of the horse, of great value.
THOMAS C. ROBBINS,
Sup't. Covington City Railway,
I fully endorse the above.
EDWARD JOHNSON,
' Stable Foreman.
I have treated several horses for lameness with perfect success since I
purchased Dr. Dunbar's theory and practice of disease, and prevention of
disease, in horses' feet. One case in particular, where the lameness was
thought to be in the shoulder, by so-called good judges, I relieved imme-
diately by "Dunbar's" treatment of the foot. Although very lame before
the treatment she is now well and active as ever. The treatment is simple,
reasonable, and easily understood. I would not take five times the amount
paid for the information, and be deprived of it. I cheerfully recommend
Dr. Dunbar to all persons desiring correct information as to the cause and
cure of disease in horses' feet.
THOMAS C. ROBBINS,
Sup't Covington Oiiy Railway.
LETTER FROM R. JOHNSON.
Office Broadway R. R. Co. ?
South Boston Aug. 14th, 1867. \
This is to certify that I have thoroughly examined Dr. Dunbar's treat-
ment of the horse's foot, &c. and I consider his treatment the very best yet
introduced. I have never before been satisfied that a horse was woi-th much
of anything after his feet were contracted, and he had been troubled with
corns, &c. , &c. I now believe that all the above difficulties can be removed,
and the horse can be made nearly as good as ever.
I cheerfully recommend Dr. Dunbar to all horsemen, and all lovers of
the horse.
Your's truly,
R. JOHNSON,
_ _ Sup't. B. R. R. Go.
To Dr. a. Dunbar.
240 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.
LETTER FROM WM. A. THOMPSON.
Fort Helena, Kames Co. Texas.
Mr. a. DUNP5AR,
My dear sir:
I have been intending to write you for some time, in
refei'ence to your mode of treating inflammation of the foot or acute founder.
I have not had any cases yet, but as an "ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure," for fear that I should, I want to know how to go to work,
when I do. Youatt says, bleeding is indispensable, and should be done by
cutting the artery at the point of the coffin bone, four quarts of blood taken
from each foot, poultices of linseed meal to be applied to feet after paring
the feet thin, &c. Would that be your manner of treating such cases? if so,
how would it do to add laudanum to the poultice ? Should the horse be
kept down during sickness ? Before 1 left the Concho I had my horses
carefully shod, got them in as fine condition as possible preparatory for
the march to this place (380 m's. ), did not have a lame horse during the trip,
which is conclusive proof that if our horses are shod according to your mode,
we will have little cause for fear any aggravated cases of lameness. I
have been studying into the causes of "Navicular joint lameness," which, as
you well know, is considered incurable. I agree with Turner, (Turner on the
Navicular Disease Veterinarian,) that the cause of the disease is the press-
ure brought to bear upon the navicular bone, by the gradual contraction of
the hoof, which is helped along by the old mode of shoeing.
I am strongly of the opinion, your mode of preparing the hoof, and
shoeing, will counteract that pressure, and horses suffering from that di-
sease, can be relieved, if not cured.
I will be very glad to have a few lines from you upon this subject, as
soon as convenient.
I remain, yours, respectfully,
WM. A. THOMPSON,
2d Lieut. Mh U. S. Gav.
Helena,
Kames Co., Texas.
See Lt'ffer of Mr. J. B. Coleman, page ii.
HORSE, CATTLE AND DOG INFIRMARY, AND
HORSE-SHOEING ESTABLISHMENT,
Nos. 133 and 214 German Street, Baltimore, Md.
J. B. COLEMAN,
(Member of ilte Royal College of Vete^-inary Surgeons, England.)
Gratefully acknowledges the very liberal support he has received since
he has settled in Baltimore, and desires to acquaint his patrons, and the
public generally, that he has opened an Infirmary for the medical treatment
of Sick Horses, and his residence has been removed from Howard Street,
to 116 German Street, nearly opposite the Infirmary.
The general business of shoeing will be conducted so as to induce, in the
highest degree, efficient workmanship, equitable charges, and the least pos-
sible delay.
THE DUNBAR PROCESS.
Almost all \\\^tfoot lameness of town-horses are due to CoNiRAcriON
OF THE Heels — which contraction is due, mainly, to injudicious methods of
shoeing. It is equally true that horses may be shod either to prevent or
cure lameness, and to enable them to sustain the exigencies of town wear
and tear. By the aid of Dunbar's method of treatment, and shoeing, which
Mr. Coleman is empowered to employ, the evils complained of can be mit-
igated and corrc>ct::d. In all cases relief is given ; and with very fevv excep-
tions, no matter how long the lameness may have existed, an absolutely
permanent cure can be effected. He feels so perfectly sure of the truth of
this statement — that in all cases suitable for this method of treatment, he
accepts the principle of payment by results; in other words, "no Cure, no
Pay."
The following names of gentlemen whose horses have been successfully
treated, either by Mr. Dunbar or Mr. Coleman, are given strictly by per-
mission, as references as to the efficiency and value of this process of treat-
ment:
J. L. Johnston, Esq. , Banker, Baltimore Street.
Henry Johnston, " " " "
W. H. Graham, " "
Wm. Devries, " Merchant " "
Jesse Tyson, " Lexington Street.
J. R. GOLIBART, " Canton Steam Saw Mill.
E. Clabaugh, " South Street.
E. L. Mayer, "4 North Howard Street.
G. O. Wilson, " 71 Lexington Street.
G. Delphey, " Linden Avenue Livery Stables.
Mr. Coleman has operated for other well-known gentlemen, who, at
present are absent from Baltimore, but whose names would not be g'ven
without permission.
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