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 M A N rr \ L 
 
 OF 
 
 MODERN FARRIERY, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The term Farrierj has been in use for a very long period, 
 and embraced the Medical and Surgical treatment of the 
 Horse, as well as Shoeing, and fitting him for taking the 
 road and the field. 
 
 The persons employed in the manual labour of construct- 
 ing and fitting the shoes of horses were originally termed 
 Ferrers, or Ferriers, from the Latin word ferrum, iron, and 
 their practice /er/^fer^/, vv^hich has, in the course of time, been 
 changed into the word Farrier, and now universally adopted. 
 
 In most country situations tlie blacksmith who shoes 
 horses is called the farrier, because he is generally the only 
 person, in many localities, who practises the art of horse and 
 cattle doctor. Not only is this the case in Great Britain, 
 but also in every country of Europe. 
 
 It is to be lamented that more attention is not devoted to 
 
 the useful practice of the cure of domestic animals, more 
 
 especially when we consider not only their great value, but also 
 
 their commercial importance. As well may the medical care of 
 
 man be intrusted to shoemakers and tailors, as the care of 
 
 horses, cattle, swine, dogs, and other domestic animals, be left 
 \ 
 
 B 
 
 iw5702J5 
 
2 MAJ!^UAL OF MODERiV FARRIERY. 
 
 to the tender mercies of an untutored blacksmith, who although 
 by practice he may be extremely competent to shoe or bleed a 
 horse, is, nevertheless, most unlikely to be able to administer 
 relief to animals Avliose physical constitutions are subject to 
 as many and complicated diseases, as humanity itself. 
 
 In France and Italy the importance of the cure of the 
 diseases of horses and cattle was first manifested upwards 
 of two centuries ago ; and professorships established for the 
 art of farriery, as a medical and surgical science, and gra- 
 dually the persons who professionally studied and practised 
 this art assumed the names of Veterinary Surgeons. This 
 term, although but recently adopted, is of great antiquity, 
 having been in general use among the Latins. 
 
 It is, however, surprising that in Great Britain, where our 
 domestic animals are of sucli vast importance, it is only 
 vGYj lately that schools and professorships for the study of 
 the Veterinary art have been established ; and not half a 
 century ago, the surgeons of our cavalry regiments adminis- 
 tered medicine to horses as well as to the soldiers. But the 
 study of Comparative Anatomy soon rendered it manifest 
 that a totally different course of study became necessary 
 for the treatment of animals Avhose internal organization 
 was so different from that of the human being ; and now 
 every horse regiment has its Veterinary Surgeon. All great 
 towns, and many small ones also, possess medical and surgical 
 practitioners, whose sole attention is devoted to the cure of 
 domestic animals ; these gentlemen having attended and 
 acquired diplomas from the Veterinary Colleges for their 
 knowledge and capability to practise the arts. 
 
 The intention of the following treatise is not to take the 
 practice out of the hands of regular Veterinary Surgeons, 
 but to serve as a ready manual to those living in the country, 
 or even in towns, to give them a general idea of the disense*' 
 
INTRODUCTION. 3 
 
 and remedies, so that they maj be applied in time of need, 
 and where a regular veterinary practitioner is not at hand. 
 
 Some of the diseases incidental to horses and cattle are 
 so marked in their character, that a little experience will 
 easily enable a person accustomed to be among those animals, 
 to detect it with facility, and in such cases, medicine may be 
 safely administered, according to the rules we have laid down ; 
 but there are other disorders, whose characters are of a more 
 complicated form, which ought not to be treated by a person 
 uneducated in the veterinary art. In such cases it will 
 always be found safer and cheaper in the end to apply to 
 regular practitioners. 
 
 Although in a certain sense there is some analogy between 
 the diseases of man and animals, yet these are exceedingly 
 different in their specific characters, and consequently in the 
 remedies applied for their cures ; the construction of the 
 stomach, the length of the alimentary canal and small intes- 
 tines, with other organic distinctions — all combining to 
 render the specific quantity and character of the medicines 
 to differ essentially. 
 
 Nevertheless, it is quite possible to acquire a thorough 
 knowledge of all that is known in the veterinary art, by per- 
 sons in private life ; although considerable study, as may 
 well be supposed, is necessary to attain this degree of 
 knowledge. 
 
 The first thing to be studied is to acquire a knowledge of 
 the skeleton, then of the muscles, and lastly of the internal 
 organization. The two first of these are pretty much alike 
 in all our domestic animals, but a very great difference will 
 be found in tlie internal structure. For the skeleton and 
 muscles, works and good engravings will give a good idea to 
 the beginner ; and after acquiring the names of the different 
 bones and muscles, the student must practise upon dead 
 
4 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 subjects, SO that he may be enabled, by dissection, at once 
 to determine what part of the body is affected by lameness 
 or a wound. He must next acquire a thorough knowledge 
 of the exact situation of the internal organs, and their com- 
 parative dimensions and structure. Attention must next be 
 given to Chemistry, and the compounding of medicines, with 
 the relative quantities to be administered to the different 
 animals, which will depend upon, as above hinted at, the 
 structure of the stomach and the length of the large and 
 small intestines. Upon the character also of the nervous 
 system will depend much of the treatment of animals, and 
 the energy and immediate application of remedial means. 
 Some diseases are slow in their progress, while others are so 
 rapid that there is more art and utility in arresting them, 
 than in a cure after they are fairly formed. But this 
 can only be acquired by experience. 
 
 It is not pretended that the knowledge above specified is 
 to be found within the limits of this work, which is chiefly 
 intended as a popular digest of all that is truly useful to 
 the country gentleman and practical farmer, and others 
 possessing domestic animals. We shall, however, in the 
 course of the work, give illustrations of the general struc- 
 ture of the Horse, with such other parts as should be 
 generally known, and directions concerning their functions ; 
 so that the classes for whom it is intended may have such 
 a knowledge of the subject, as will enable them to act for 
 themselves, in ordinary cases, and in others to qualify them 
 for detecting the impositions too frequently practised by 
 ignorant quacks 
 
S E C T I iN I. 
 
 OF THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES AND STRUCTURE. 
 
 H A P T E R I. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE HEAD, INCLUDING THE BRAIN, EARS, 
 MOUTH, NOSTKILS, EYES, &C. 
 
 The diseases of the head in animals, as well as in the humao 
 being, are, for the most part, so complicated and obscure 
 that few non-professional men are qualified to undertake 
 their cure with success ; but it will be our endeavour to 
 treat the subject in as plain language as possible, so that 
 those who have not regularly studied the veterinary art may 
 at least acquire such a knowledge as will enable them to 
 apply some judicious remedy, until the advice of a practi- 
 tioner can be obtained. 
 
 MEGRIMS. 
 
 This malady is occasioned l)y a pressure on the brain, 
 caused by an unusual flow of blood to it. The flow of 
 blood through the brain is ten times greater in quantity 
 thali through any other portion of the body of equal bulk. 
 To prevent as far as possible any unusual flow of blood to 
 this organ, the arteries pursue an extremely winding and 
 circuitous course, and enter the skull through small holes 
 in the bony process. These holes are so small that they will 
 
G MANUAL OF JIODERN FARRIERY, 
 
 admit but of little enlargement of the blood-vessels, and 
 thus to a great extent the progress of inflammation is 
 arrested. Yet, notwithstanding this beautiful provision in 
 nature, the horse is liable to be afflicted with diseases in the 
 brain, from violent and injudicious exercise, and hard driving 
 or riding in warm weather, which forces the blood to the 
 head, and distends the arteries of the brain more than the 
 veins ; and the consequence is, the small vessels which 
 ramify the substance of the brain get gorged with blood, 
 and then its bulk is increased to such an extent that it 
 will produce undue pressure upon the organ of the nerves, 
 which is followed by loss of power and even consciousness, 
 and consequences of a very serious nature frequently follow. 
 The same effects are also produced by the curb-rein being 
 too tight, or from the collar being too small. 
 
 Symptoms. — The ]\Iegrim3 is the name of the simplest 
 form of inflammation, arising from the above causes. This 
 most commonly appears when a horse is over--driven. When 
 attacked, he will suddenly stop and shake his head, having 
 been seized with giddiness and a slight degree of unconsci- 
 ousness. If allowed to stand for a few minutes, this will 
 go off, and he will be enabled to proceed on his journey. 
 But it not unfrequently happens that the attack is of a 
 more severe kind ; and under such circumstances the horse 
 will fall suddenly, or in other cases wall run round several 
 times and then fall. Sometimes he will lie quietly in a 
 state of complete torpor ; at other times he will struggle 
 with great violence, and yet be unable to rise. In either of 
 these conditions he will continue for from five to ten minutes, 
 when he will gradually resume sensibility, and then Avill 
 be able to get on his feet, and maj^ then proceed on the 
 journey. But after these attacks he generally exhibits 
 symptoms of duiness and exhaustion. 
 
MEGRIMS. 
 
 Remedy. — Immediately after the first attack of this 
 disease, recourse should be had to bleeding. Three or four 
 quarts of blood from the neck generally have the effect of 
 arresting the symptoms. Another method is to cut the 
 palate, which will permit a sufficient flow of blood to have 
 the desired efiect, that is, from two to three quarts. This, 
 of course, should only be resorted to if the driver happens 
 not to possess a lancet at the time the horse is attacked. 
 
 The bleeding place of the palate is in a direct line 
 between the middle and second cutting teeth, and situate a 
 little more than an inch within the mouth. Here the vein 
 and artery make a curve. A sharp penknife may be used, 
 and cut down upon the spot where they intersect each 
 other. The result will be a plentiful flow of blood, and 
 which will stop of its own accord when two or three quarts 
 have issued forth. In consequence of the artery being cut 
 across, it will shrink and speedily cease to bleed, and the 
 application of a sponge, or piece of rag and cold water, will 
 stop the bleeding of the vein. In this operation the nerve 
 is generally divided, but no bad efi'ects will result from it. 
 
 K the cut is made a little too much on one side, and 
 nearly opposite the second incisor tooth, it is possible the 
 artery may be wounded longitudinally, but not divided, in 
 which case there may be great difiiculty in arresting the 
 flow of blood. The most efi'ectual method is to make a 
 large and compact pledget of lint or tow, Avhich should be 
 rolled round a piece of twine, and then firmly tied round 
 the front teeth, and its pressure on the surface of the 
 bleeding part will generally stop it ; but should this prove 
 inefiectual, then a gag may be constructed so as to press 
 upon the pledget, which is sure to stop the bleeding. 
 
 It is only when a horse is on a journey that tiic above 
 irode of bleeding, by cutting the bars of the palate, is to be 
 
8 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 resorted to, because there is no way of ascertaining the 
 measure of the blood, nor can the degree of inflammation 
 be satisfactorily investigated. Therefore it is only in cases of 
 necessity that it is to be ai)plied, as it may not only occa- 
 sion much pain to the horse, but also a great deal of trouble 
 to the operator. The ordinary mode of blood-letting is 
 preferable in all cases. Immediately after the first attack, 
 three or four quarts of blood should be taken from the vein 
 of the neck. A short time afterwards, give a dose of physic, 
 iii the form of a ball, consisting of the following ingredients : — 
 Barbadoes aloes . , 1 ounce, 
 Ginger . . .2 drachms, 
 
 Calomel . , 2 drachms ; 
 
 to be beat up in a mortar mtb a sufficient quantity of 
 honey, so as to form them into a ball, which must be 
 administered in the manner we direct imder the head of 
 "Medicines." 
 
 The Megrims is a very dangerous disease, not only to the 
 horse but also the driver, as in many instances the horse 
 will die instantaneously, and frequently drop without the 
 slightest previous indication of illness. If a horse has had 
 one attack of this malady, he is liable to a return of it ; and 
 after a second attack, although proper means have been adopted 
 to prevent a. recurrence of it, the most prudent plan is to part 
 with the animal, as he can never afterwards be depended 
 upon. 
 
 THE STAGGERS, OR APOPLEXY. 
 
 Symptoms. — The premonitory appeamuces are a low hang- 
 ing of the head, and either supporting it on the manger, or 
 extending it nearly to the ground. He moves to and fro 
 while standing, and seems liable to fall at every movement. 
 His sight and hearing are much impaired. He will remain 
 
TUE STAGGERS, OR APOPLUXY, 9 
 
 iu this condition from one to twelve hours ; he then falls. 
 His eyes arc open and protruding, with a fixed, seemingly 
 unconscious, stare, Avitli the pupils much dilated ; he grinds 
 his teeth, the wliole frame manifests twitchings, the vein of 
 the neck is inflated, his muzzle is cold, and in attempting 
 to swallow, the drink is returned by the nostrils and moutli, 
 and he dungs involuntarily : strong convulsive twitchings 
 follow, and these are the certain preludes to death. 
 
 In the first stages of the disease it comes on progressively, 
 with depression, sleepiness, and feebleness, which is distinctly 
 indicated by dulness of the eye. As it increases, he presses 
 his head against the wall or the rack, and when aroused 
 from this position he seems alarmed. 
 
 Caltses. — A deranged state of the digestive organs is the 
 most ordinary cause, and this is the effect of over-feeding 
 in many cases. Some persons are so foolish as to suppose 
 that horses may have as much grain as they can eat, and 
 that it will do them no harm. This is a serious mistake ; 
 because, even without the aid of water, the grain will swell 
 in the stomach, and from being completely overloaded, in- 
 digestion follows, the stomach being too much distended to 
 be able to perform its office. Hence the head is affected ; 
 as in the animal economy a very intimate connexion exists 
 between the brain and stomach, each reciprocally influencing 
 the other. The want of air and exercise with horses which 
 are highly fed also tend strongly to derange the stomach, 
 more especially during warm weather. The bracing in- 
 fluence of exercise being wanting to give energy to the 
 actions of the intestinal canal, the food frequently lodges 
 there. This is also caused by the food being bad. Another 
 cause is irregularity in Avatering horses, as this element is 
 peculiarly necessary to animals which live upon dry food. 
 Every horse should be watered at least four times during the 
 
 a 
 
10 MANUAL OP MODERiN FARRIERY 
 
 day, and in some cases while working hard, more frequently, 
 and in smaller quantities. 
 
 Remedy. — The horse must be bled copiously in the jugular 
 or neck vein, taking at first from eight to ten quarts, as the 
 animal will bear it. After some little time has elapsed, this 
 should be repeated, but a less quantity of blood drawn oiT. 
 If the lower intestines, or rectum, is overloaded with dung, 
 the hand should be forced up the rectum, and the bowels 
 relieved in this way. If the animal exhibits symptoms of 
 relief, the following medicine should be administered, in the 
 form of a ball : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . • li ounce, 
 Calomel . . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Ginger ... 3 drachms, 
 Jalap . . . ^ drachm ; 
 
 these to be mixed with honey or treacle, in sufficient quan- 
 tity to form a ball. 
 
 Sometimes a clyster is usefd, which may be formed of 
 the following ingredients : — 
 
 Oatmeal gruel . . 3 quarts, 
 Common salt . . 3 ounces, 
 
 Olive oil . . -4 pint, 
 or in its stead half-a-pound of butter. 
 Or the following : — 
 
 A decoction of mallows . 3 quarts. 
 Lintseed oil . . . ^ pint. 
 Treacle . . . -^ pound. 
 
 These clysters may be repeated twice or thrice with 
 beneficial eff"ect. 
 
 Blisters behind the ears, Cayenne pepper blown up the 
 nostrils, as well as bark and spices given internally, are 
 perfectly useless. Ind(3ed the two former are ridiculous. 
 
MAD STAGGERS. II 
 
 Should the horse sufficiently recover to be able to take 
 food, boiled barley, scalded brau or oatmeal, and lukewarm 
 water, should be given to him for some days until he is able 
 to masticate hay, Avhich ought to be of the best quality. 
 This must, however, be given in small quantities until his 
 bowels have been thoroughly purged out. This will be 
 known by the appearance of the dung, which should be free 
 from the small, hard, blackish balls, and of a yellowish 
 colour. 
 
 To complete the cure, the following purgative may be 
 given : — 
 
 Leuetive electuary . . 4 ounces, 
 
 Cream of tartar . . 4 ounces. 
 
 Purified nitre . . . ^ ounce, 
 
 Treacle .... 2 ounces ; 
 
 these to be dissolved in a quart of hot ale ; to be given 
 the first thing in the morning in a tepid state of heat. This 
 may be repeated three or four times, always allowing two or 
 three days intermission between them. 
 
 It is hardly necessary to remark, that this disease is in 
 general extremely rapid in its efiects, and the utmost promp- 
 -titude must be exercised in the remedies. In some instances 
 the horse dies instantaneously whenever he falls ; but while 
 lie live, there is hope of a cure, however severe the 
 symptoms may appear. 
 
 MAD STAGGERS. 
 
 Symptoms. — This disease proceeds from inflammation of 
 the brain. In the earlier stages it cannot be distinguished 
 from the sleepy or stomach staggers. It soon, however, 
 assumes a different character. The nostrils become dis- 
 tended, and he commences to heave at the flanks ; his eyes 
 
12 MANUAL OF MODERIs' FARRIERY. 
 
 assume a fixed, vacant, and wild stare, which is followed by 
 complete delirium ; he becomes furious, and dashes about 
 in a violent manner from side to side, being quite unconscious 
 (jf his actions. 
 
 The mad staggers are considerably alike in their symptoms 
 to rabies or common madness, and also to colic. In the 
 former of these maladies, the horse retains his consciousness, 
 and the violence of his actions will depend upon the peculiar 
 character of the madness. In some instances a desire to be 
 jniscliievous is manifested. In colic the horse rises and falls, 
 although not in a violent manner ; sometimes, however, lie 
 plunges ; but in most cases he rolls himself about, and fre- 
 quently looks towai'ds his flanks with an evident expression 
 of suffering pain. 
 
 Causes. — This disease is caused by the animal being too 
 fat, too full of blood, by the chyle having too strong a ten- 
 dency to widen the vessels ; and especially when the horse 
 is over-heated during warm weather. The fever produced 
 thereby causes a determination of blood to the head, and thus 
 terminating in what is generally denominated " brain fever." 
 
 Remedy. — The treatment in this malady is at all tiincs 
 exceedingly uncertain. Profuse bleeding should first be 
 resorted to by opening the jugular veins in both sides of the 
 neck. The incision with the lancet should be large, as the 
 more rapid the flow of blood, it is the more likely to prove 
 beneficial in its effects. As much should be taken as will 
 cause him to fall ; or if he is down at the time, until he 
 manifests evident signs of exhaustion. After this the follow- 
 ing purgative should be administered : — 
 
 Newlj^-poAvdered croton nut . . ■§• drachm, 
 to be given in a drink of oatmeal and water. Every six 
 hours thereafter doses of ten grains should be given, until the 
 bowels are freely moved ; to assist in which, injections of 
 
RABIES, OR MADNESS. 13 
 
 warm soap and water should be often used. Or, the fcllow- 
 jng, which is most to be depended upon : — 
 
 Aloes ... 1 ounce, 
 to be dissolved in a pint of water. Afterwards a quarter of 
 an ounce every four hours until it operates. 
 
 After this such medicines should be given as have a ten- 
 dency to diminish the circulation : foxglove in drink of 
 doses of one drachm each, every six or eight hours ; or, 
 instead of the foxglove, tartar emetic in the same quantity 
 may be given. 
 
 If the above treatment does not immediately aiTest the 
 disease, death is sure to follow speedily 
 
 RABIES, Oil MADNESS. 
 
 Symptoms. — While the horse is apparently in perfect 
 health, he will of a sudden stop, be seized with a trembling 
 all over his body, will paw the ground violently, heave 
 heavily, stagger, and fall down. In a few seconds he will 
 rise again, and proceed a little way on his journey, when he 
 will again stand still, look anxi«msly about him, and will 
 again come down. He will again get up, and is then seized 
 with the most violent paroxysm of frenz}^, attempting to bite 
 other horses or his groom, and will kick and plunge in the 
 most furious manner ; and if in a stable, striking at the wall 
 or sides of his stall, or indeed at any object which may be 
 near him, until the perspiration stands upon his whole body 
 like foam. The animal is seized with almost insatiable thirst. 
 He will continue in this furious state until quite exhausted ; 
 and will remain in a quiescent condition for some hours, 
 when another paroxysm will ensue. These fits Avill succeed 
 each other at intervals fur two or three days, when a tc.r- 
 mijiation will be put to them by death 
 
\A MANUAL OF MODERN FARllIERY. 
 
 It is neither safe nor wise to keep the horse alive under 
 such circumstances. But if the owner is uncertain whether 
 it is rabies with Avhich his horse is afflicted, he should have 
 him slung, which will prevent his injuring either himself or 
 others. The symptoms, however, which Ave have above 
 detailed are so marked in their character, that they can hardly 
 be mistaken ; and the sooner he is destroyed the better, as 
 there is no chance whatever of his recovery. 
 
 Causes, — Tliis incurable disorder is caused by the bite of 
 a mad dog, or other rabid animal. Horses have also been 
 known to be seized with rabies, simply from having licked 
 the dog after death, the poison entering the circulation by a 
 sore on the sides of the mouth. 
 
 Remedy. — When symptoms of rabies have manifested 
 themselves, it is in vain to attempt a cure. But in cases 
 where horses have been known to be bitten by a rabid ani- 
 mal, or, under doubtful circumstances, the wound should be 
 well and deeply burned with lunar ca,ustic. 
 
 TETANUS, OR LOCKED-JAW. 
 
 Symptoms. — To the human being, as well as to the horse, 
 this generally proves a fatal malady. This disease does not 
 manifest itself of a sudden ; but generally steals over the 
 system by slow or insidious means. It first developes itself 
 by the animal appearing heavy and unwell for a day or two ; 
 he feeds sparingly, frequently lialf chewing his food, and 
 then drops it from his mouth. When he drinks, the water 
 is gulped, in place of the ordinary mode of taking it. The 
 action of the jaw becomes extremely imperfect, and the 
 saliva trickles from tlie sides of his mouth. The mouth can 
 at length be but imperfectly opened ; and ultimately, tk^ 
 whole voluntary muscles of the neck, head, and upper por 
 
TETANUS, OR LOCKED JAW. 15 
 
 tions of the shoulders become immovably fixed. After this, 
 there is no hope of the mouth being opened again, and the 
 horse, if not killed, must die of starvation. In a short time 
 nearly the whole muscles of the body are spasmodically 
 affected. 
 
 Causes. — This disease proceeds from a portion of the 
 nerves being injured, in consequence of a wound having 
 been sustained by one of the ligaments or the tendons. It 
 sometimes comes on instantaneously, after the infliction of 
 a Avound, or sometimes a considerable time afterwards. Nick- 
 ing and docking have frequently caused this affection of the 
 nervous system. It is also often caused by the animal being 
 allowed to cool suddenly Avhen very Avarm. Worms have 
 also been known to be the remote or proximate cause of 
 tetanus. The bots have also produced it. The usual Avay 
 in which this disease comes on seldom leads to a suspicion 
 of what it is, as few who have not previously watched its 
 progress can trace its character. Hence, it has assumed its 
 climax before persons are av;are of it. In this condition, 
 therefore, it can seldom be cured, from the difficulty of 
 administering meaicines. 
 
 Remedies. — Bleeding has been found to be efficacious in 
 some cases. From eighteen to twenty pounds of blood may 
 be taken from the jugular veins on both sides of the neck. 
 If ihu cause of the disease has been from docking, the opera- 
 tion should be repeated higher up ; and if from nicking, by 
 making a deeper incision, by these means the spasms have 
 been in many instances removed. Another mode is by counter 
 irritation. JMedicine taken in water should be next resorted 
 to. The powdered croton is the most effectual, when the animal 
 is capable of taking it in a drink. Half a drachm may be 
 given at first, and afterwards from eight to ten grains at 
 intervals of six hours, until it acts as a purgative. To faci- 
 
16 MANL'AL OF MODERiV FARRIERV. 
 
 Utate this, injections containing a drachm of aloes dissolved 
 in warm water should be administered. A few instances have 
 oerurred of this disease being remedied bj suddenly dashing 
 pailfulls of cold or very warm water against the animal. Strong 
 blisters applied to the spine have also proved efficacious. 
 Warm clothing should invariably be adopted in this disease. 
 Should what we have above pointed out prove ineiFectual, 
 the use of opium should next be resorted to, in the following 
 manner : — 
 
 Opium, pounded to a fine powder, a quarter of an ounc^e, 
 dissolved in a drink of about half a gallon of warm gruel. 
 This to be followed by a drachm every eight hours, and 
 accompanied by a drachm of aloes. If, however, the jaw 
 is so rigidly fixed that the horse cannot swallow at all, then 
 the above should be administered in the form of injections. 
 
 The following purgative has also been found to produce 
 good results : — 
 
 Aloes , . 8 drachms. 
 
 Oil of croton . . 2 drops, 
 Soap . . 4 drachms, 
 
 Oil of aniseed . 30 drops, 
 
 Treacle ... 2 ounces. 
 Ginger ... 3 drachms ; 
 
 the aloes, ginger, and soap to be well beat in a mortar, 
 and the oil of croton and oil of aniseed added and beaten 
 into them ; after which the treacle must be added, and the 
 whole mixed with a pint of warm water. 
 
 To assist in removing the cost^veness which usually accom- 
 panies this disease, the following injection should be given : — 
 Olive oil . . .8 ounces, 
 
 Laudanum ... 1 drachm, 
 Water-gruel ... 2 quarts. 
 In administering the medicine, it is necessary to exercm? 
 
EPILEPSY, OR FITS. 17 
 
 considerable caution ; as the rigidity of tho muscles occasion 
 much pain to the horse if tlie head be elevated. If it is 
 given in a liquid state, a long slender bent tube should be 
 used ; it must be considerably curved downwards near the 
 point, then an almost straight portion, equal to the length of 
 the animal's mouth from the gullet to the internal termina- 
 tion of the cutting teeth, and from this it should be suddenly 
 turned up in nearl}^ a perpendicular direction, for a foot in 
 length at least, terminating in a funnel-shaped mouth. The 
 perpendicular pressure of the atmosphere will forqe the liquid 
 down the animal's throat. If the medicine is given in the 
 form of balls, then it should be cut in small portions and 
 stuck on the point of a very thin piece of whalebone, and 
 in this way put down the throat. 
 
 In tetanus, the digestive functions are not affected, and 
 the poor animals suffer much from hunger. To keep up the 
 system as far as possible, strong gruel should be given by 
 the aid of the tube above described. See pi. XV. fig. 1. 
 
 If, by any of the modes of treatment recommended the 
 spasms are removed, the horse should be fed upon warm 
 mashes of bran and oatmeal for some days ; and should the 
 weather be mild he may be turned out in a field for a few 
 hours in the middle of the day. 
 
 EPILEPSY, OR FITS. ' 
 
 Symptoms. — The epileptic fits in horses are, as in the 
 human being, very sudden, of which no premonition is given. 
 The horse suddenly stops, is seized with considerable trem- 
 bling, looks around him with a vacant stare, and then sud- 
 lenly falls. This is followed with convulsive struggles of a 
 greater or lesser degree. The head and neck are consider- 
 ably contorted. The convulsions seldom last more than a 
 few minutes ; he ceases to struggle, and on the recovery ot 
 
 s 
 
 (. 
 
1 8 MAXiriL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 consciousness, he generally springs to his feet. If in the 
 stable, the horse will immediately commence feeding. 
 
 It is exceedingly unsafe to use a horse so afflicted, espe- 
 cially in riding. Indeed we would strongly recommend that 
 after having one fit, he should never be again used for the 
 saddle, as if once attacked, there is every probability of a 
 return of the fits. 
 
 We shall not attempt to point out a remedy for epilepsy, 
 as hitherto nothing has been discovered to prove a certain 
 cure. Therefore, anything that may be attempted must be 
 oy a regular veterinary surgeon. 
 
 PALSY. 
 
 This is usually occasioned by blows, falls, or racks in 
 pulling loads which are beyond the proper strength of the 
 animal, and also from inflammation in the intestines. It is? 
 for the most part, situate in the hind quarters. It is there- 
 fore evident that it proceeds from spinal irritation. Palsy 
 is, for the most part, met with in draught-horses. Horses so 
 afflicted seldom lie down either in the stable or field, as they 
 have invariably considerable difficulty in getting up again. 
 It seldom happens that this complaint is removed. Blisters, 
 stimulating medicines, and friction are the most probable 
 means to be applied. 
 
 GLANDERS. 
 
 Symptoms. — Of all the diseases incidental to the horse this 
 iS without doubt the most malignant, and most to be dreaded 
 in a steed. The instant that there is any appearance of it, the 
 horse should be immediately removed to a place by itself, as 
 this malady is exceedingly infectious ; and from want of due 
 
GLANDERS. 1 9 
 
 caution, when even a suspicion is entertained, the most dis- 
 astrous consequences have been the result. 
 
 Although the glanders has been known to mankind and 
 described for upwards of one thousand eight hundred years, 
 yet, we lament to state, that little more is known of its 
 proximate cause than at the time we have the first recoi'ds 
 of its history and treatment. Medical remedies have alle- 
 viated the severity of the disease for a time, and arrested 
 its progress, but it is certain to return and prove fatal at 
 last, as it is doubtful if ever this malady was cured. 
 
 There are various diseases which in their early symptoms 
 have much the same appearance as glanders, and therefore it 
 is necessary to watch these narrowly, as, of course, perfect 
 recovery may follow. 
 
 The very first symptom of glanders is a constant dis- 
 charge of mucus from one nostril, clearer and of a lighter 
 colour than in a common cold or catarrh, and more glutinous 
 in its substance. K rubbed between the finger and thumb, 
 it has a sticky feel. The discharge also differs from that 
 produced by catarrh, in being continuous, whereas in the 
 latter disease, it is only discharged at intervals. 
 
 The matter discharged in this disease difiers from that of 
 a catarrh in its specific gravity. If a small quantity is dropped 
 into water it sinks, and it will mix with the water on being 
 stirred with it ; whereas the mucous discharge of a common 
 cold swims near the surface and preserves its slimy consist- 
 ence, although stirred, and will not commingle with it. 
 
 A singular character of the glanders is, that it generally 
 attacks one nostril only, and that is the left one ; only a 
 few cases having occurred where it commenced in the right 
 nostril. Mr. Dupay, a celebrated veterinary surgeon, and 
 director of this school ot surgery at Toulouse, mentions, that 
 out of eight hundred cases of glanders, which occurred during 
 his practice, only one was aflfected in the right nostril. 
 
20 MA.VUAL OF MODERN FURRIER V. 
 
 Shortly after the discharge from the nostril takes place, 
 the horse is then affected in the glands of the lower jaw, • 
 which swell to a considerable extent, and ultimately become 
 attached to the bone. Another cliaracter by which this 
 disease will be known, is, that at no time is the discharge 
 ipom the nostril accompanied by cough. Some considerable 
 time after the discharge has made its appearance, the gluey 
 substance will be seen accompanying the mucus discharge. 
 It is this pus mingling with the other gluey matter which, 
 absorbed by the circulating vessels and carried to the gland, 
 affects it. However, in common catarrh, the glands are 
 sometimes swelled. But in the real glanders the swelling 
 generally subsides considerably in a short time ; and the 
 glands are not in the centre of the channel, but adhere firmly 
 to the jaw. This is a never-failing test of the disease ; and 
 besides, it is quite certain that if the discharge flows from 
 both nostrils, that it is not the glanders. 
 
 At this stage of the disorder, the mucous membrane ot the 
 nostril becomes dark purple or of a livid colour ; sometimes 
 of a tone intermediate between these two shades. In some 
 instances there is inflammation of those parts, which varies 
 from the common appearance, being of a purple cast, instead 
 of the high red which usually accompanies inflammation. 
 This is followed by the formation of small circular tubercles 
 on the lining of the nostrils, and these in a short time ulce- 
 rate and discharge pus. When this has taken place, there 
 can no longer exist a doubt that the horse is glandered. 
 Care must be taken not to mistake the lacrymal or tear-duct 
 for an ulcer. This duct is a continuation of the common 
 skin of the muzzle, which is situate a little way up the 
 nostril ; while the ulcerated tubercles are placed upon the 
 mucous membrane above the duct, and well marked by a 
 line of separation. 
 
 After the formation d tubercles the animal is certain t<o 
 
OLANDERS. 21 
 
 have become constitutionally affected. His coat will stare 
 and fall off ; he will lose flesh, and his belly Avill be tucked 
 up ; cough Avill follow ; the appetite will be much affected, 
 accompanied by a rapid diminution of strength ; the tubercles 
 will multiply ; discharge will be much more abundant, and 
 will assume a purulent and bloody appearance, accompanied 
 with a very foetid smell. The ulceration will extend down 
 the Avindpipe, and the lungs will be in a very short time 
 studded with tubercles. A test of the lungs having become 
 affected, the breathing will be difficult, and a stifled, 
 grating noise accompanies it, which is a certain prelude to 
 death. 
 
 A common catarrh has often been mistaken for glanders ; 
 but a little attention will soon enable any one to perceive 
 the distinction between those diseases. Catarrh is invariably 
 accompanied by fever, sore throat, generally cough, loss of 
 appetite, and a discharge from both nostrils, and, in most 
 cases, very copious ; sometimes purulent ; the glands are 
 generally swollen in both sides of the throat, are moveable 
 and hot to the touch. The proper means being adopted, 
 all the symptoms are abated. Strangles have also been mis- 
 taken for glanders. This disease usually affects young horses 
 only. At first they resemble a common cold, with a severe 
 cough and wheezing, and accompanied with a considerable 
 thickening and swelling between the jawbones. The swell- 
 ings become harder towards the middle, and a fluid can be 
 felt in their centre, which ultimately breaks, and a discharge 
 flows from it. The mucous membrane of the nostrils is of a 
 vivid red colour ; and an ample discharge continues, which 
 is mixed with pus from nearly the commencement. 
 
 The remote cause of glanders has hitherto baffled all the 
 members of the veterinary art : its true history being still 
 unknoAvn, and the unsatisfactory theories of medical nuthors 
 
22 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 on the subject throwing no light on it, T shall abstain fi'om 
 dwelling upon that part of its history. 
 
 Cause. — Ill-ventilated and not properly drained stables, 
 we fear, are too frequently the remote cause of glanders. 
 There the ammonia from the urine fills the whole atmo- 
 sphere ; this being constantly inhaled, ultimately produces 
 a poisonous eflPect upon the lungs, in consequence of an 
 undue quantity of oxygen being breathed. Besides, the con- 
 stant irritation which it must naturally produce upon that 
 delicate portion of the mucous membrane, which is the organ 
 of smell, it induces the formation of those tubercles which, 
 once formed, can never be eradicated. 
 
 We find that glanders almost invariably breaks out in ill- 
 aired stables, and which are besides kept too hot. Fracture 
 of the nasal bone has also been known to produce this 
 malady ; as well as a long-continued and inveterate catarrh, 
 with a constant and irritating discharge from the nostrils, 
 may assume the form of glanders. We find that in the lofty, 
 well-aired stables of gentlemen this disease is comparatively 
 little known, and when it does show itself in such, it has in 
 all probability been introduced by some addition to his 
 stud, of one or more horses previously afiected. In such a 
 case, all the other animals in the stable may catch the 
 malady, as glanders is known to be highly contagious. In 
 many of the crowded, ill-aired stables of London and other 
 large cities, this disease is but too often an inmate, and 
 frequently great havoc is made among the horses in conse- 
 quence. Persons who are in the daily habit of riding to 
 town, should bespeak a stall expressly for themselves in a 
 livery- stable, because, by introducing a diseased horse, the 
 infection may be caught by their horses, in consequence of 
 any slight wound about the muzzle coming in contact with 
 the crib, on which the mucus of the glandered animal has 
 
been left, and is thus carried into the circulation. All 
 public stables should have high divisions between the stalls, 
 to prevent the muzzles of horses from coming in contact with 
 each other, horses being very apt to smell at one another in 
 a stable, as it is by this faculty alone they recognise their 
 companions. 
 
 From an ill-judged piece of economy, many persons, after 
 being aware of a horse being glandered, persist in keeping it 
 in the same stable with others. Every hour is risking the 
 health of all he possesses. It is the duty of every person, 
 so soon as he is certain of his horse having caught this dis- 
 ease, to destroy it as speedily as possible. For, although a 
 glandered horse may be able to work for a considerable 
 length of time under the influence of this disorder, he will 
 find ultimately that it is a bad piece of economy to keep 
 him under such circumstances. 
 
 Many persons who have lost their horses by this disease 
 have resorted to extremes to prevent a continuance of it. 
 Some have even gone so far as to pull down their stables, 
 and others to remove their racks, mangers, and partitions. 
 It is quite sufficient if the mangers and other parts which 
 the discharge from the nostrils have touched, is well washed 
 with a scrubbing brush, with a strong solution of soda and 
 water, and afterwards with chloride of lime, the propor- 
 tion of which should be a pint-and-a-half to a pailful ol 
 water. The walls may also be washed with lime and water, 
 tihd all the halters, &c., destroyed, and the iron work 
 painted. 
 
 Cure. — We have already said that we have never heard 
 of a well-authenticated cure of glanders. Hind says^ 
 "Glanders have been cured spontaneously on a large scale, 
 imder our own inspection, solely by regular good living ; a 
 line sea -side country and moderate work being the only 
 
24 MANUAL OF M3DERX FARKIERV, 
 
 adjuncts. With such an auxiliary, Venice tutyenfine, dif- 
 fused in steam at the nostrils, has removed recent cases of 
 glanders, wherein the shankers were already visible, the dis- 
 charge foetid, and the gland hard and fixed. To apply this 
 remedy, make a bran mash, hot, in which the turpentine is 
 to be mixed ; attach this by means of a nose-bag to the 
 horse's head, and renew its warmth in a quarter of an hour 
 by means of a pail of hot water, into which the bag is to be 
 partially immersed. Afterwards cover the body, neck, and 
 head; so as to promote perspiration ; but if this does not 
 come on by those means, cover the body first in a large 
 blanket wrung out in hot water ; rub dry, cover up, and 
 repeat the same daily. In all such cases we have given salt 
 in every form the patient could take it, in his feeds, in his 
 water, and washed his nose and his legs with salted water. 
 TV ith the same view we hear of sulphate of iron being given 
 in the water, the pail being suspended in the stable for the 
 liorse to drink at will." 
 
 We have given the above, on the respectable authority of 
 Mr. Hinds, but we have known it to be tried without effect. 
 
 Whether this loathsome and fatal disease has its origin in 
 the deteriorated atmosphere of stables, is a problem which 
 has not yet been solved. Little doubt, however, can be 
 entertained, that a strong preventive is clean cool, well-aired 
 stables, and exposing the horse as much as possible to the 
 influence of the atmosphere. For we find that in Arabia, 
 South America, and Circassia, where horses are not confined 
 to stables, the disease is unknown. 
 
 Caution. — All purchasers of horses at fairs, or from dealers 
 with whom they are not acquainted, should carefully examine 
 horses as to their having this disease. Because they, by 
 infamous trickery, too frequently use means to deceive the 
 purchaser. It is well known that if a horse is galloj)ed 
 
FARCY. *J5 
 
 nrettv sharply, that the increased action in breathing will 
 tnorouglilj drive the mucous substance out of his nostril. 
 And to make it continue dry for a time, they force a pledget 
 a considerable way up the diseased nostril ; after having 
 blo^vn powdered alum or white vitriol into it. But a 
 little attention Avill enable any one to perceive that the 
 animal is in pain, and will make ineffectual efforts to sneeze : 
 and the foetid smell, so different from other discharges, will 
 at once convince even an unexperienced person that the 
 horse is irlandered. 
 
 FARCY. 
 
 SvjrpTOMs. — This disease is nearly allied to glanders. Some 
 have supposed it a modification of that malady. This, how- 
 ever, is a mistake, as they are essentially different, as we 
 shall point out. We have given it as our decided opinion 
 that glanders is incurable, but not so farcy. The first symp- 
 toms manifested are the appearance of small tumours, popu- 
 larly called farcy buds, or buttons, situate close to some of 
 the veins and following their course, connected by a sort of 
 cord ; and hence they are called corded veins by farriers and 
 veterinary surgeons. At first they are generally very small, 
 and consequently may not be noticed for some weeks, until 
 they have attained their full size ; after which they iisu- 
 ally increase more rapidly, become hot, and cause con- 
 siderable pain, and at length ulceration ensues. They first 
 make their appearance about the face, neck, and throat ; 
 sometimes extending to the inside of the thigh, and produce 
 lameness, and considerable swelling of the limb. A foetid 
 discharge generally proceeds from both nostrils, which, in 
 process of time assumes all the malignant characters of 
 glanders, and is equally as contagious. 
 
 It sometimes happens that farcy is progresang in the cou- 
 
 E 
 
26 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 stitutioii long before the buds make their appearance, or 
 swelling along the course of the absorbents takes place. 
 In some instances, the buds do not ulcerate, but assume a 
 callous texture, in which case thej are very difficult to 
 reduce. At this period an apparent check to the disease takes 
 place, and the horse seems to be quite recovered. This, how- 
 ever, is only a delusion ; and although no symptoms of the 
 complaint manifest themselves for a number of months, it 
 is working in secret, and all at once breaks out in a most 
 malignant form, and probably in a few days he expires under 
 its influence. 
 
 Sometimes a considerable swelling of the head takes place, 
 especially in the region of the muzzle, and from which an 
 extremely foetid mucous fluid is discharged. Various por- 
 tions of the body exhibit mangy eruptions ; swellings in 
 the limbs will follow, the heels will become cracked, exhibit- 
 ing all the appearance of grease. The animal in most cases 
 will become emaciated and weak. 
 
 Farcy assumes many different appearances in its various 
 stages. It is no uncommon thing for one of the hind legs 
 to swell suddenly to a very large size, frequently upwards oi 
 three times its natural dimensions, accompanied by abrupt 
 projections and depressions, and which the poor animal will 
 be unable to move. This is generally accompanied by a 
 considerable degree of fever. 
 
 The above swelling differs materially from that which is 
 usually denominated farcy humour. In this the skin pre- 
 sents a red and shining appearance, from the whole surface 
 of which exudes a thin fluid, accompanied by great lameness. 
 The fetlock is round, tumid, and smooth, and sw^ollen as far 
 as the heel. This disease is in consequence of want of 
 proper exercise, and being over-fed at the same time. Pain- 
 ful and disagreeable as this malady is, frequent fomentations 
 
FARCY. . 27 
 
 of a decoction of marsh-mallows, and smart doses of medicine, 
 will speedily reduce the swelling, and especially if the 
 swollen part is well rubbed, and the horse subjected to 
 gentle exercise. 
 
 Cause. — Bad stable management, want of exercise, and 
 infection, are the causes of tliis complaint. There have 
 been many occurrences of the disease which could not be 
 accounted for upon any other principle than that it was 
 contagious. In certain localities it has been known to be 
 ])revalent where horses could not have come into close con- 
 tact with one another. 
 
 Treatment. — In the early stages of farcy, the horse should 
 be subjected to gen'^.le doses of medicine. The following 
 may be given as a dose : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . 8 drachms, 
 
 Castile soap . . 2 drachms ; 
 
 formed into a bal], with liquorice powder, half-an-ounce. 
 Others recommend the following ball in this early stage : — ■ 
 
 Corrosive sublimate . ^ drachm, 
 
 Powdered aniseeds . 1 ounce ; 
 
 mixed with sufficient syrup, and made into three balls. 
 These to be continued for eight or ten days successively. 
 But with some constitutions the above does not agree ; in 
 that case, half-a-drachm of opium may be made into a ball 
 with meal and mucilage, and given as a dose, -but should it 
 not prove effectual, the same quantity may be given in 
 twelve or fourteen hours after the first, that is, if purging 
 and staling is produced in too strong a degree. The above 
 are doses for a horse of delicate constitution, but for horses 
 of more robust habits, after a few daySythe mineral substance 
 may be increased to double the quantity qs well as the ani- 
 seed. 
 
28 MANUAL OF MODERIV FARRIERY. 
 
 The above applies to the stage of the disease when the 
 farcy buds are unbrokeu. If any of them have begun to 
 ulcerate, the welding iron should be brought to a dull red 
 heat and gently applied to them. But if upon feeling that 
 they are filled with matter, even if they have not ulcerated, 
 they should be punctured with the welding iron. These 
 should be carefully examined for some days afterwards, and 
 if they exhibit an unhealthy spongy appearance, and a thin 
 glary matter issues from them, then they should be fre- 
 .quently washed with the following lotion : — 
 
 Corrosive sublimate . 2 drachms, 
 Spirit of wine . . 4 ounces ; 
 this wash should be continued until the bottoms of the 
 ulcers assume a clear red appearance, and the spongy foul 
 look has been dissipated. When this is the case, the matter 
 discharged will have completely changed its aspect, and 
 instead of being thin and glary, it will have become thick, 
 and of a white or yellowish colour. Friar's balsam should 
 now be applied to them, which will soon show its healing 
 influence. During this time, should others of the buttons be 
 found to contain matter, they must be treated as above 
 directed. 
 
 At this stage the disease will have attacked the constitu- 
 tion, it will therefore be necessary to institute a more rigid 
 medical treatment. The following is the best alterative : — 
 Corrosive sublimate . 10 grains, 
 Gentian . . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Ginger ... 1 drachm ; 
 
 the a])ove to be administered morning and evening, until 
 the ulcers have dried up. But if this recipe acts violently 
 as a purgative, or if the mouth of the horse becomes sore, 
 one drachm of blue vitirol (sulphate of copper) may he 
 substituted for the corrosive sublimate. 
 
FARCY. 29 
 
 It not unfrequently happens that one kind of medicine 
 often administered loses its effect ; in such a case, tlie fol- 
 lowing may be substituted for the above recipe : — 
 Sulphate of copper . 3 drachms, 
 Corrosive sublimate . 1 scruple, 
 Powdered bark . 2 drachms. 
 
 Powdered ginger . . 2 drachms ; 
 to be mixed with Venice turpentine, sufficient to form it into 
 three balls, to be given morning and evening, as above 
 directed. Probably in a few days the above must be made 
 into two balls only, to produce the desired evacuations ; but 
 should the intestines be moved too severely, recourse must 
 be had to the opium, ball, as formerly directed. 
 
 During this treatment the horse should be kept apart 
 from all others, and his food should consist of green meat ; 
 but if in the winter season, carrots or potatoes, with the addi- 
 tion of a moderate quantity of corn, with either of the kinds 
 of food. He should be freely exposed to the air, and if in the 
 summer season, he should be allowed to run in a field for four 
 or five hours daily, but to be carefully stabled during the 
 night, as his system, under the above course of medicine, will 
 be open, and consequently very susceptible of the effects of 
 cold. In the winter, when the weather is fine, he should be 
 walked out for an hour in the middle of the day regularly. 
 
 Instead of burning the ulcerated farcy buttons, some prefei 
 applying the following escharotic mixture. 
 
 Muriatic acid . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Muriate of mercury . 1 drachm. 
 
 The above to be well mixed together, and then add, 
 
 Pure water . . 4 drachms. 
 
 Spirit of wine . . 6 drachms. 
 
 Should it be found to produce too much irritation, tlion 
 
 more water may be added. 
 
so MAKUAL OF MODERN FARPJERA . 
 
 In applying the above, it should be done with a small ?jit 
 of sponge or rag tied to the end of a piece of stick, as it will 
 blacken the skin of the operator if touched by it, although 
 immediately washed off, and the stain will continue until the 
 surface of the skin is worn away. 
 
 In cases where severe salivation ensues from the use of 
 corrosive sublimate, (which is, in fact, a preparation of mer- 
 cury,) which not unfrequently happens with horses of a deli- 
 cate constitution, the following purgative should be given : — 
 Epsom or Rochelle salts . 7 ounces, 
 Sulphur . . 2^ ounces ; 
 
 iraxed with liquorice poAvder and treacle, and formed into a 
 ball, to be repeated for two or three days. 
 
 When farcy is attended with very great swelling, recourse 
 must be had to bleeding, as well as to purgatives ; the limbs 
 must be subjected to frequent fomentations with water, made 
 as hot as the animal can bear it ; to be applied by soaking 
 cloth in it, and wrapping it round the limbs. 
 
 NASAL GLEET. 
 
 Symptoms. — This is a constant discharge of a thickish fluid 
 from the nostrils ; proceeding from the mucous membrane, 
 which lines the internal cavity of the nose. 
 
 This disease is frequently brought on by the effects of a 
 long-continued discharge from catarrh or cold. It is un- 
 attended with any feverish symptoms. The flow of this 
 thick mucous gleet is often very considerable, and variable 
 in colour. When the horse is living upon green food, the 
 discharge is of a bright grass-green colour ; but if his diet 
 consists of dry food, and he is kept in the stable, then it 
 assumes a very different hue ; varying from cream-white to 
 brown, or straw-colour, and mixed with pus in some instances 
 
NASAL GLEET. 31 
 
 and in ocliers mingled with blood. The discharge is some- 
 times continuous, and at others it is onlj occasionally sneezed 
 out. In the latter case it is generally thick, and when so. 
 the disease is on the wane. If, however, it is of long dura- 
 tion, it sometimes assumes a serous aspect, and may ulti- 
 mately prove fatal to the horse. 
 
 Cure. — Give the following medicine twice a day : — 
 Sulphate of copper, or blue vitriol . 1 drachm, 
 made into a ball with treacle and flour. 
 
 Should this disease be attended with cough and fever, 
 ihen the following draught must be prepared : — 
 Lintseed .... 1 pint, 
 Treacle .... 8 ounces, 
 Vinegar . . . .1 pint. 
 
 The lintseed must be soaked or decocted in hot water for 
 three or four hours, kept close to the fire, or on the hob of 
 a grate. Let it be poured off, and the quantity of this tea 
 which remains must be .six pints. Then add the other 
 ingredients. 
 
 Give the horse half-a-pint from four to six times during 
 the twenty-four hours. The above tonic, consisting of sul- 
 phate of copper, should be continued along with the cough 
 mixture. Should pus be found mixed with the nasal dis- 
 charge, and the smell be disagreeable, then the following 
 tonic medicine must be given : — 
 
 Sulphate of copper . . 1 drachm. 
 
 Gentian ... .2 drachms. 
 
 Ginger ... .2 drachms. 
 
 Treacle . . . -g- ounce; 
 
 to be administered in a single dese, and repeated daily while 
 
 the above symptoms continue. But if not removed in a 
 
 few days, there is reason to expect that it will terminate 
 
 in glanders. 
 
82 MANUAL OV MODERN FARRIER r. 
 
 POLYPUS. 
 
 This a long worm-like substance which grows in the nos- 
 trils, and although not painful, is attended with disagree- 
 able consequences by obstructing the breathing, and often 
 proves very annoying to the animal. We need not treat 
 more of its cure or otherwise, as it can only be removed by 
 an operation, which requires the aid of a skilful veterinary 
 surgeon, 
 
 LAMPAS.- 
 
 Symptojis. — This is disease of the palate : the lower bars, 
 or those next the muzzle, sometimes swell to a great extent, 
 frequently parallel with the cutting edges of the teeth. It 
 is a painful malady, and the horse has much difficulty in 
 eating while under its influence, from the pressure of the 
 food. Young horses are most liable to it. 
 
 Cause. — It is supposed in many instances to arise from 
 inflammation in the gums, spreading to the approximating 
 bars, especially when young horses are shedding their teeth. 
 It is also produced by young horses having fever, brought on 
 by over-feeding, especially after being removed from grass 
 to a stable diet. 
 
 Remedies. — In most instances this disease will go ofl" with- 
 out medical aid Slight purgatives and some mashes will 
 facilitate its removal. The animal will also be relieved by 
 a few sli ^"ht cuts across the bars. This may be done with a 
 penknife or lancet, only the operator must keep clear of the 
 palatinf ar .ery ; the situation of which will be obvious by a 
 referen e t o plate in., fig. 2. e, e. This will allay the inflam- 
 mation, and alleviate the pain which the animal sufiers. It 
 is a common practice with farriers to burn the bars with a 
 red-hot iron, a mode of treatment which cannot be too much 
 deprecated 
 
THE STRANGLES. • 33 
 
 niE STRANGLES 
 
 Symptoms. — This is a disease incidental to young horses, 
 and few colts escape it. Occasionally it attacks old horses, 
 in which event it is more difficult to cure. The usual 
 period at which this disease shows itself is in the fourtli and 
 fifth years, although it is by no means uncommon to attack 
 horses two years earlier. Iligh-fed colts are more liable to 
 be seized with it at an earlier age than those which are kept 
 upon a loAver diet The first symptom is cough, differing 
 but little from that of a common cold, only that there is a 
 more abundant discharge from the nostrils, which is of a 
 yellowish colour, and unaccompanied by a disagreeable 
 odour : it is also in most cases mixed with matter. There is, 
 besides, a profuse discharge of slim}^ stringy fluid from the 
 mouth. The membrane which lines the nose is intensely red. 
 It will be found that considerable swelling has taken place 
 under the jaws and accompanied by fever, which is distin- 
 guished by want of appetite, a quick pulse, and a hot mouth 
 a general weakness of the whole frame, producing a dejected 
 appearance. There is likewise a quick motion of the flanks, 
 and coldness in the ears and limbs. The swelling is in the 
 form of a tumour between the jaws ; increasing with various 
 degrees of rapidity, occupjdng nearly the entire space, and gives 
 pain to the horse when eating ; he besides manifests a great 
 disinclination to feed. This is accompanied by much thirst, 
 but the swelling prevents him from indulging in water, and 
 having swallowed a mouthful or two he desists. After which, 
 and even after eating, he is frequently seized with a s])as- 
 modic cough, with suffocating symptoms. The swelling is 
 one uniform body, and consequently difiers from the enlarge- 
 ment of the glands in catarrh and glanders. 
 
 Cause. — Neither the remote or proximate cause of tin's 
 
 F 
 
54 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY'. 
 
 comp'iaint are known. It appears to be in some degree analo- 
 gous to the small-pox in the human being ; and having 
 passed through it, the constitution of the animal seems to 
 have undergone purification and improvement. In soijie 
 instances it has affected the animal in so mild a form, that 
 it has passed through its various stages and gone off witli- 
 out much inconvenience to it, or any remedial means what- 
 ever having been employed. Contagion seems to have 
 nothing to do with the disorder. Every horse has thLs 
 complaint once during his life, and once only. 
 
 Remedies. — As the principal source of the complaint con- 
 sists in the SAvelliug between the jaws, the first thing to be 
 attended to is, to bring the tumour ti a suppuration. A 
 sharp blister is the first thing to be applied. This, adminis- 
 tered in time, will facilitate the discharge a week or two 
 earlier than it would have taken place, if aflowed to come to 
 a period naturally. It will also have a tendency to draw out 
 the inflammation from the mucous membrane of the throat, 
 and consequently greatly ameliorate the cough. The old 
 practice of applying poultices and fomentations were very 
 ineffectual appliances, from the great thickness of the skin 
 of the horse. The following stimulating ointment may be 
 applied with ad^^antage after the removal of the blister : — 
 Camphor . . . 1 drachm, 
 
 Hog's-lard . .1 ounce, 
 
 Oil of origanum . -^ drachm. 
 
 Shortly after having been anointed with the above, a large and 
 hot poultice may be applied, and both repeated twice a-day 
 until the tumour is full of matter and is quite soft. It fre- 
 quently breaks of its own accord ; but if it should not, it 
 must be laid open with a lancet, from the bottom upwards. 
 The matter must be well squeezed out, and the lips of the 
 incision kept open with a piece of lint for several days, untU 
 
THE STRANGLES. 35 
 
 the matter is completely discharged ; otherwise, a second 
 tumour may be formed, which frequently proves difficult of 
 nire. After the matter is dislodged, a small quantity ot 
 Friar's balsam should be injected into the cavity of the 
 tumour daily. It will be found that where tumours break 
 spontaneously, the lips of the wound, from having uneven 
 edges, will be more difficult to cure. 
 
 At this stage of the complaint, if there is no unusual 
 degree of fever, the following laxative draught should be 
 [idministered : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Castile soap . . .1 drachm, 
 
 Common salt . . .4 ounces, 
 
 Water .... 1 pint, 
 
 [f there is much fever, with difficult breathing, proceeding 
 from an affection of the chest and the lungs, it will be 
 necessary to resort to bleeding. But it ought to be clearly 
 ascertained whether this oppression proceeds from the swell- 
 ing of the throat; for if it does so, then bleeding would be 
 injurious, because it would have a tendency to retard the 
 progress of the suppuration. Cooling medicines will be 
 beneficial at this time. Two or three doses of the following 
 cooling prescription will be found beneficial : — 
 Nitre . . . .1 ounce, 
 
 Tartar emetic . . .2 drachms. 
 
 If there is no fever, the animal will soon manifest a desire to 
 (3at, His food should principally be oatmeal gruel and bran- 
 mashes, with a supply of green meat, consisting of cut grass, 
 or tares. Should these not keep the bowels sufficientl}'- open 
 — which is of great importance in diseases of this kind^ 
 then the above laxative must be given : this will have the effect 
 of preventing eruptions, Avhich sometimes follow the strangles; 
 and notliing more will be required, if it operates freely. 
 
36 MANUAL OP MODERiN FARRIERY. 
 
 If, however, the complaint is followed bj weakness, it will 
 be necessary to have recourse to the following tonic medicine, 
 which should be repeated daily imtil the horse recovers 
 strength ; — 
 
 Ginger . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Camomile . . .2 ditto, 
 
 Gentian .^ . 2 ditto. 
 
 In bad cases of strangles the parotid gland will swell to 
 a great size, and even become ulcerated ; and in other in- 
 stances an accumulation of fluid will take place, from swell- 
 ing of the duct, and cause the vessel to burst. In this event 
 a fistulous ulcer will follow, which will be found very difficult 
 to eradicate. In such a case, it will require the aid of a 
 regular veterinary surgeon, as an operation must be had 
 recourse to, which no one but a regular and experienced 
 practitioner will be able to perform. 
 
 Strangles seems incidental to almost every horse ; and 
 as it is a complaint which is often of long continuance, 
 foreign veterinary surgeons conceived the idea of inoculating 
 to produce a milder degree of tlie disease. This they 
 performed either with part of the discharge from the 
 nostrils, or with matter from the tumour. In many cases 
 this has had a most beneficial result, being both shorter in 
 its duration and milder in its efiects. 
 
 CANKER AND WOUNDS IN THE MOUTH. 
 
 It is but a too common occurrence, that the sides of the 
 mouth and other parts are wounded by the bit, Avhich may 
 be either too acute in its edges or may not fit. Frequently 
 deep wounds are in consequence indicted in the sides and 
 inner parts, more especially between the grinders and the 
 tushes, on which the bit rests. It is no uncommon occur- ' 
 rence for the entire flesh to be removed from between the 
 
DI.SEASKS OF T1\E TONGUE. 37 
 
 tushes and grinders, and instances frequently occur of 
 the bone likewise being so injured that portions of it have 
 been torn away. It may be well conceived the very great 
 pani this must occasion to the poor animal. Those who 
 have had even a very slight . inflammation of the gums, will 
 readily have an idea of its sufferings. 
 
 Every man of feeling will make it his first study to see 
 that the bit fits the mouth of his horse properly, and that 
 it in no way can injure either the sides of the mouth or 
 palate. Even his own comfort ought to dictate this ; for 
 no horse can perform his work pleasantly while he is sufier- 
 ing from an irritation in the mouth. 
 
 When the owner of a horse finds that the bone of the 
 jaw is injured, he should immediately apply to a veterinary 
 surgeon ; but wounds and ulcers may be cured without the 
 aid of a practitioner. The most simple remedies are 
 tincture of myrrh, diluted in an equal proportion of water. 
 The parts should be frequently washed with this ; or, dis- 
 solve an ounce of alum in a quart of water, and use it as a 
 wash. If the wound has become a settled ulcer, and looks 
 foul in the edges, then it should be touched with lunar 
 caustic, or wdth the liquid nitrate of silver, Avhich will 
 stimulate it and cause it to heal. At the same time the 
 above wash should be applied to the parts. It will be 
 proper to give a dose or two of the laxative mentioned at 
 page 30, in the case of Farcy. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE TONGUE. 
 
 TOXGUE BLADDERS. 
 
 Symptoms. — A careful groom will occasionally examino 
 the interior of the mouth of horses under his charge. If 
 he notices any sAvelling of the tongue, he must ascertain 
 from whence it proceeds ; or his attention may be directed 
 
38 MANUAL OP MODERiS' FARRIERY. 
 
 to tliis organ by a discharge of ropy saliva from the sides of 
 the mouth. This will be found to have its origin in inflam- 
 mation, caused by one large or many small bladder-like 
 swellings on the under sides of the tongue, frequently 
 extending its whole length. 
 
 Remedy. — If these bladders are fully charged with 
 matter, they should be opened with a lancet, from one 
 end to the other, which generally puts an end to the com- 
 })laint, and the swelling will quickly subside. Should any 
 degree of fever remain, a few doses of the cooling pre- 
 scription mentioned at page 30 should be administered. 
 
 BITTEN TONGUE. 
 
 It often happens that horses bite their tongues. This 
 takes place generally during sleep. If the wound be slight, 
 it will heal of its own accord ; but when of large extent, 
 veterinary aid must be called in, as it would be unsafe for a 
 person not thoroughly acquainted with pathology to attempt 
 a cure. 
 
 VIVES, OR SWELLINGS IN THE SUBMAXILLARY GLANDS. 
 
 During catarrh it is no uncommon occurrence for these 
 glands to become enlarged, and also after strangles. In such 
 cases, stimulating embrocations may be used, which generally 
 relieve them ; or they may, in most instances, subside, after 
 the cause which has induced the enlargement has ceased. 
 We would on no account allow operations to be performed 
 for their removal. 
 
 These swellings are readily distinguished from those 
 which accompany glanders, by their being, for the most part, 
 larger, less distinct, and occupying the centre of the space 
 between the jaws, and in never adhering to the jawbones, 
 as in glanders. 
 
DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 39 
 
 BARBS, OR PAPS. 
 
 In mtlatiimation of the mouth, produced by catarrli or 
 any other cause, the ducts situated on both sides of the 
 frienura, or bridle of the tongue, sometimes enlarge, and a 
 redness is to be perceived under it. No operation is neces- 
 sary in this disease ; the only thing to be attended to is 
 the removal of that Avhich causes them. Unskilful and 
 bigoted farriers often operate for the paps, but in this 
 event the cure is worse than the disease, as abscesses are 
 likely to follow operations, which years may not eradicate. 
 
 GIGS. 
 
 The su])lingual glands are liable to inflammation during 
 colds. They are situate under the tongue, or on its lower 
 surface. They assume the appearance of small pimples 
 when inflamed. If they ulcerate they should be washed 
 with a solution of alum, or tincture of myrrh, which will 
 always be found to heal them. Operations seldom fail to 
 prove injurious. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 
 
 Little is known of the diseases of the teeth in horses. 
 It seldom happens that rottenness takes place. From the 
 constant use of the grinders, in chewing grain and straw, 
 they are often worn down, and their edges occasionally pre- 
 sent a sharp and rough appearance. This cuts the inside 
 of the cheeks. To prevent this they should be filed down. 
 
 If from the above cause the cheek has been cut, and an 
 ulcer produced, it must be frequently and carefully ^vashed, 
 either with a solution of myrrh, or alum and water ; and if 
 it prove obstinate, nitrate of silver must be had recourse to. 
 
 Sometimes the teeth gro\^ irregularly in length, more 
 especially the grinders. This proceeds generally from these 
 
40 iilANlIAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 teeth not being placed immediately opposite to each other. 
 Instances are not wanting where such teeth have grown 
 three quarters of an inch, or sometimes more above the 
 general level of the grinders or molar teeth ; and this press- 
 ing against the bars of the mouth irritates them, and 
 generally ends in ulceration. The only remedy for tlii.? 
 is to file the projecting tooth down to a level with the 
 others. Unless the ulcer is very deep and spongy, it will 
 heal of its own accord ; but should it prove otherAvise, its 
 edges must be touched with lunar caustic or nitrate of 
 silver, after it has been well washed out with a solution of 
 alum and water in the proportions as recommended at page 
 37. It often happens, from want of attention on the part 
 of the groom in this case, that the horse will not take his 
 food, and will in consequence pine away, lose flesh, and 
 become quite dispirited. 
 
 Teeth that have thus grown will always have a tendency 
 to shoot out again, and must therefore be watclied to prevent 
 a recurrence of ulcers. 
 
 In all diseases of the mouth horses will half- chew their 
 food and then drop it, which is familiarly termed "quiddiug 
 their food." 
 
 DISEASES OF THE LIPS. 
 
 Few persons are aware of the very great importance of 
 the lips of horses. They may justly be considered as the 
 hands of that animal. Without their aid he could neither 
 collect his food in the fields, nor even convey corn down his 
 throat. To prove this, I shall give an account of an 
 experiment which was tried with an ass, to ascertain the 
 extent of tlie use of these important organs. The nerves 
 which give feeling and sensation to the lips were divided, 
 and instantly it was perceived that he was not aware when 
 
DISEASES OF THE EYE. 41 
 
 ho touched food with them. They were entirely divested 
 of motion, and he was in consequence unable to convey the 
 oats, with which his manger was full, to his teeth. Com- 
 pelled by hunger, he made a violent effort to lick up a few 
 with his tongue, but they were nearly all rubbed off" before 
 they could be conveyed to his mouth. 
 
 The angles of the mouth are frequently lacerated, and 
 become sore by the smallness of the bit, and from the 
 unmerciful dragging of a heavy hand in either riding or 
 driving him, and also from the shortness of the snaffle. 
 This frequently induces the poll-evil. The severe excoria- 
 tion of those parts produces deep ulcers, which cannot be 
 removed while the animal is worked. Washing with a 
 solution of alum is one of the best curatives ; and if the 
 sore is callous, it must be burned slightly on the edges with 
 nitrate of silver. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 
 In the horse the diseases of the eye are not numerous ; 
 but they are of frequent occurrence, and often most difficult 
 to cure. 
 
 COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE, 
 
 . Symptoms. — This malady generally makes its appearance 
 unexpectedly, accompanied by considerable swelling of the 
 eyelids, which has the eff'ect of partially closing them, and 
 cause.- a discharge of watery matter, or tears. The lid 
 exhibits inflammation, and some of the vessels of the eye- 
 ball are gorged with blood. There will also be a dimness 
 in the cornea. 
 
 Cause. — This usually accompanies a catarrh. But it may 
 also be caused by substances getting under the eyelid, such 
 as a seed of hay ; or from a blow. When inflammation 
 occurs, the eve should be carefully examined, so that th« 
 
 G 
 
42 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 cause may be discovered. This seldom affects the health 
 
 of the horse, or prevents his feeding. 
 
 Remedies — The eye should be bathed with the following 
 
 lotion : — 
 
 Sugar of lead . . 1 drachm, 
 
 IvGse-water ... 6 ounces. 
 
 If this does not speedily abate the inflammation, then use 
 
 the following : — 
 
 Tincture of opium, or laudanum J ounce, 
 Water ... . . 1 pint. 
 
 Or the following will prove equally efficacious : — 
 Powdered leaves of digitalis . 1 ounce, 
 Boiling water ... 1 quart. 
 
 His food should consist of mashes, with mild doses of physic. 
 
 Three or four days should remove the disease. 
 
 OPHTHALMIA. 
 
 Symptoms. — This is manifested by great inflammation m 
 the eyelids, as also the cornea and aqueous humour and iris, 
 all of which assume a dim appearance, and lose their 
 transparency. The animal can hardly open its eyelids from 
 the pain produced by exposing the eye to the action of light. 
 This disease is extremely difficult to combat ; and after a 
 month's constant treatment the eye will exhibit an alterna- 
 tion of remission and increase of the inflammation day after 
 day. One day it will have all the appearance of being 
 nearly well, and on the next exhibit more unfavourable 
 symptoms than it has before assumed : the gorged appear- 
 ance of the inner membrane of the eyelid will be much 
 abated, and the inflammation on the white of the eyeball 
 will have nearly quitted it ; the hazy aspect of the cornea 
 have assumed a certain degree of clearness, and to all appear- 
 ance the malady has taken its departure. 
 
DISEASES OF THE EYE. 43 
 
 It seldom happens, however, that it is so, for iu six weeks 
 or two months w^e too frequently find the eye again affected 
 with all its former redness, often worse than on the 
 former attack ; or oftentimes both eyes affected. Indeed 
 from time to time a succession of these abatements and 
 attacks will have succeeded one another, until a cloudy 
 appearance and permanent opacity of the lens or capsule 
 of the eye have taken place ; and confirmed blindness in one 
 or both eyes is the final result. 
 
 Cause. — The constant heated air of the stable may be 
 considered the remote cause of this inveterate disease, to 
 ^vhich all horses seem to be predisposed. The poisoned air 
 is also a powerful agent in the propagation of ophthalmia. 
 To these may be added the too frequent use of stables 
 which are totally dark, so that Avhen the animal is suddenly 
 brought to the light, the abrupt transition produces a spas- 
 modic effect on the muscles and vessels of the eye, and 
 will cause that excessive inflammation which accompanies 
 this disease. 
 
 Remedies. — When this disease first makes its appearance, 
 the inside of the eyelids should be freelj'' lanced, which 
 often has tlie effect of stopping the complaint. The horse 
 should then be put upon a low diet, and gentle purgatives 
 administered. Bleeding at the jugular-vein or temporal- 
 artery has often proved beneficial in diseases of the eye. 
 
 When the cornea presents a cloudy appearance, bleeding 
 and cooling medicines are the most likely to relieve it ; and 
 then use some exciting means to give twcvgy to the absorb- 
 ents. For this purpose the eye should be AA^ashed with a 
 weak solution of corrosive sublimate, viz., two grains of the 
 sublimate to an ounce and a half of water. 
 
 If opacity of the lens has taken place, we are not aware 
 of any means of removing it. 
 
44 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 THE HAW, 
 
 It is no unusual thing for a thickening of this part to 
 take place, and it Avill then protrude itself on the fore part 
 of the eyeball. In this disease the retractor muscle pulls 
 back the eye to protect it from the irritating effect of the 
 light, and this thickening of the haw pushing it forward, 
 and the adjacent parts being also thickened, no retraction 
 can take place. 
 
 The practice of cutting out this is exceedingly absurd, 
 and ought never to be resorted to. It is intended for pro- 
 tecting the eye against dust or insects. In former times 
 few farriers understood the use of the haw ; and even yet 
 it is surprising how few are aware of its value to a horse. 
 In cases of inflammation of the eye ; it sometimes itself 
 becomes inflamed and increased in dimensions, and the 
 contiguous parts likewise thickened. This either forces it 
 out of its place, or it is voluntarily produced to protect the 
 eye from the action of light. In some cases it does not 
 return into its place, and has been mistaken for a tumour 
 or extraneous excrescence, and ]ias been cut out by ignorant 
 persons, and the eye consequently left unguarded. Bleed- 
 ing, gentle physiciug, and cooling applications will invariably 
 effect a cure. The lotion pointed out at page 42 should 
 be used. 
 
 In some instances, when the inflammation is long-con- 
 tinued, ulceration of the haw and destruction of the 
 cartilage ensues. The above lotion ought first to be applied 
 to it. Should this not stop the ulceration, then use the 
 following : — 
 
 Wliite vitriol ... J ounce, 
 Water . . . 3 ounces ; 
 
 and if it becomes callous, a weak solution of uiti'ate oi 
 
DISEASES OF THE EYE. 45 
 
 silver should be applied to it. If this proves ineffectual, 
 then it must be extirpated by a regular veterinary surgeon. 
 
 ERUPTION ON THE EYELIDS. 
 
 Symptoms. — The edges of the eyelids are occasionally 
 affected with scale-like eruptions. This is always attended 
 with great itching, which causes the horse to rub his eyelid 
 against any projecting part within his reach, in the perform- 
 ance of which it often happens that the animal injures the 
 eve itself. 
 
 Remedies. — The edges of the eyelids should be anointed 
 with the following : — 
 
 Nitrated ointment of mercury ^ ounce, 
 Hogs' lard ... -J- ounce, 
 Bees' wax . . . i ounce. 
 
 A. few applications will generally produce the desired effect. 
 
 warts. 
 
 The eyelids are sometimes affected with warts, which are 
 very irritating to the animal in consequence of his rubbing 
 them on some prominent part : this causes them to bleed, 
 and increases their number. 
 
 They should be cut off with a pair of sharp scissors, and 
 the roots touched with nitrate of silver, lunar-caustic, or 
 blue vitriol. 
 
 GUTTA SERENA. 
 
 Symptoms. — This exhibits itself by an extraordinary dila- 
 tion of the pupil, which becomes immovable, and has a 
 bright glassy appearance. This is caused by a paralysis of 
 the optic nerve, or the surface of the retma, (or mirror of 
 the eye,) occasioned by a determination ol blood to the brain, 
 
46 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIER V 
 
 and its consequent pressure on the optic nerve or on tlie 
 retina, and thus destroying its function. 
 
 Cures in this disease are very few in the horse. Bleeding, 
 medicine, and the rowel have been mentioned as remedies ; 
 but from the nature of the disease we have but little faith in 
 them. Indeed we doubt if ever the cure of a confirmed case of 
 gutta Serena, or glass eye, has ever been effected. Bleeding, 
 when determination of blood to the head is suspected, may 
 prevent this malady ; but after the pressure on the optic 
 nerve has produced the dilation, I consider the case hopeless. 
 
 GENERAL BLINDNESS AND IMPERFECT VISION. 
 
 No subject is of greater importance than the state of a 
 horse's organs of vision, and ought to occupy the first 
 attention of a purchaser ; for blindness, or a partial defect 
 in the eyes, may lead to many unpleasant consequences to 
 the proprietor, whether in riding or driving. It will require 
 considerable knowledge of the anatomical construction of the 
 eye to enable any one to judge correctly of its perfection 
 or defects. 
 
 Independently of the beauty of a prominent eye, it is of 
 much importance that the cornea should possess considerable 
 convexity ; but this must have a limit. If very prominent, 
 the rays of light will be too convergent, which will cause 
 indistinct vision ; on the other hand, if the cornea be small 
 and flat, the rays may not be sufliciently convergent, and 
 consequently Avill render the vision imperfect. A horse 
 is unsafe with either of these defects, both in riding and 
 driving, as he is certain to start at objects which suddenly 
 present themselves, or he may quickly bolt round, and in 
 either case may over-balance the rider, or upset a vehicle. 
 
 The cornea should, therefore, be moderately convex, 
 perfectly transparent, and totally free from all opacity or 
 
DISEASES OF THE EYE. 47 
 
 cloudiness over its entire surface. The best method of 
 examining this organ is to place the cheek of the scrutinizer 
 close to the cheek of the horse, both behind and under the 
 eye, and the latter position is the most advantageous to see 
 it thoroughly. The open air is not favourable for such an 
 examination. The head of the horse should be a little 
 within the doorway of a stable, and by looking outwards 
 any defect is rendered more visible. If any faint whitish, 
 milky-like streaks be noticed passing over the cornea, it is 
 certain the animal has had inflammation in that portion of 
 the eye. But, should the centre part of the cornea be per- 
 fectly transparent, and yet the margin of it, where it unites 
 with the sclerotica, have a haz}' ring, it may be concluded 
 that this has been occasioned by recent inflammation, and 
 consequently the eye will be predisposed to a return of it. 
 
 During the operation of thus inspecting the eye, no white 
 or pale-coloured object should be near, as its form and great 
 transparency are very likely to reflect these rays, and may 
 deceive the person examining the organ. 
 
 Attention to the dilation and contraction of the pupil 
 will materially aid a person in the detection of blindness or 
 otherwise. When the cornea and crystalline lens are quite 
 transparent, with the retina paralysed, and of course not 
 liable to be affected by light, blindness in one or both eyes 
 will be extremely difiicult of detection. It generally hap- 
 pens, when a horse is totally blind, he has a constant and 
 rapid motion in his ears. He also lifts his feet high, as if 
 some obstacle presented itself, and he puts his feet to the 
 ground with a cautious uncertainty. Particular attention 
 should be directed to the pupils of both eyes, and to 
 noticing whether they are both of a size while he is in the 
 stable ; and as he approaches the door, observe whether both 
 pupils contract equally as they are subjected to the stronger 
 
48 - MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY, 
 
 light. If, however, the horse is examined in the open air 
 and distant from a stable, place the liand over one eye, and 
 then observe, after it has obscured it from the light for a 
 little while, whether the pupil contracts. Repeat the same 
 experiment with the other eye also. 
 
 FRACTURE OF THE SKULL. 
 
 The admirable co-nstruction of the skull of a horse, as 
 will be seen in our anatomical description, renders a frac- 
 ture a thing of rare occurrence. And such is the force 
 required to produce such an effect, that it almost invariably 
 proves fatal by injuring the brain. Horses that rear, and 
 in that act fall, sometimes fracture their skull, and in some 
 instances blows inflicted by their grooms with a heavy 
 weapon may have the effect of fracturing the skull. There 
 is little hope of a cure, except with the assistance of a 
 regular veterinary surgeon. But in case one is not to be 
 had immediately, the parts of the bones should be replaced 
 and held together by the aid of adhesive plaster. Bleeding 
 and low feeding must be resorted to, together with small 
 doses of medicine. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE NECK AND CONTIGUOUS PARTS. 
 
 POLL-EVIL. 
 
 SYMrTOMs. — This disease consists of an inflammation of 
 the muscle over the poll-bone and the first vertebra of the 
 n3ck. It generally extends under the ligament of the 
 
POLL-EVIL. 49 
 
 neck which passes over the atlas-bone. Tliis ligament is 
 not attached to the bone, and the disease is consequently 
 seated between it and the bone itself. It is being thus 
 deeply seated which frequently renders it so difficult to cure. 
 Before the swelling becomes very conspicuous, the part is 
 very hot, and painful when touched, which can easily be 
 noticed from the motion of the horse. 
 
 Cause. — The poll-evil is too frequently occasioned by a 
 severe blow on the poll of the neck, given by ill-tempered 
 and unmerciful riders or grooms ; at other times it is brought 
 on by the horse striking his head against the manger, or by 
 the ligaments being too much stretched by severely tight 
 reining. But, from whatever cause the malady proceeds, it 
 frequently becomes exceedingly troublesome and tedious to 
 cure. 
 
 EE:\iEr)TES. — Before suppuration takes place, every mean^ 
 should be adopted to suppress the inflammation, and, if 
 poi:sible, to disperse the swelling. ]\Iedicines of a laxative 
 kind should be administered, and bleeding resorted to, and 
 also cold lotions applied. This treatment will often have the 
 effect of reducing the tumour. But if it is found that the 
 swelling continues in spite of these, other means must be 
 resorted to, and applications to facilitate the ripening of the 
 tumour must be adopted. This will be best effected by 
 poultices, warm fomentations, and stimulating embrocations. 
 Care must, however, be taken not to allow suppuration to 
 ensue of its own accord. The progress of the disease must 
 be narrowly watched, and when sufficiently advanced, 
 which will be kno%vn by the softness of the tumour, it 
 must be opened with a lancet, and afterwards kept open by 
 means of a seton. The needle, with the cord attached to it^ 
 must penetrate the apex of the ulcer, and be forced out a 
 little way below the bottom of the abscess, so that no mattei 
 
50 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 can possibly collect in and lodge there. Gentle pressure 
 should be used to squeeze the whole of the matter out. 
 After this nothing more will be required except to keep it 
 clean and occasionally fomented with warm water. If taken 
 at an early stage of the disease, what we have recommended 
 will generally effect a cure. 
 
 On the other hand, should the ulcer spread and deepen 
 and affect the ligaments of the vertebrse of the neck, the 
 edges of the wound must be stimulated by nitrate of silver 
 or caustic, to induce a healthy action into the muscular fibre, 
 and excite it to granulate. When the interior of the abscess 
 has assumed a callous appearance, it may be necessary to 
 syringe it out with a very weak solution of nitrate of silver 
 mixed with rose-water. Should this not have the effect of 
 inducing a healthy condition, then it will be necessary to 
 have the services of a regular veterinary surgeon. 
 
 It is sometimes requisite to divide the ligament which 
 passes over the occipital bone, in order to expose the interior 
 of the abscess to the action of caustic applications. But 
 no danger to the horse will result from this, as perfect 
 re-union of the divided ends of the ligament will take place 
 in two or three days. 
 
 The cord used as a seton should be wet with the following 
 mixture : — 
 
 Corrosive sublimate , . -J drachm, 
 Spirit of wine . . 2 ounces. 
 
 The cord should be cut off and united at both ends by 
 wrapping a thread round it, and pulled round several times 
 during the twenty-four hours, taking care to wipe the part 
 which has been in the abscess, and also to wet the por- 
 tion which is to remain in it for a time, with the ahove 
 solution. 
 
ROARING. 51 
 
 When all the swelling has subsided, and the tumour 
 l>ecomes flattened, and the matter assumes a thick white 
 appearance, the seton may be removed, and the ulcer dressed 
 with the following ointment : — 
 
 Digestive ointment . . ^ ounce, 
 Nitrated ointment of mercury, ^ ounce, 
 Bees'-wax . . . i ounce. 
 
 The wound should be washed with a lotion composed of 
 Muriate of mercury . . ^ drachm. 
 Lime-water ... 6 ounces. 
 
 ROARING. 
 
 Symptoms. — This is a disease arising from an affection of 
 the larynx and superior portion of the windpipe. "When a 
 horse so affected has been hard trotted or galloped, he may 
 be heard at some distance to utter a grunting sound. Or 
 when he is standing, if touched suddenly in the loins with 
 a whip or stick, he will involuntarily grunt or groan. 
 Dealers are frequently in the habit of practising this test ; 
 because, if a horse is moderately exercised or at rest, this 
 complaint never manifests itself. 
 
 Cause. — It is supposed to be produced by a thickening of 
 the larynx and upper portion of the windpipe, in conse- 
 quence of previous inflammation, and thus obstructing the 
 passage and limiting its action. After strangles this disease 
 frequently follows. Tight reining is also a common cause 
 of this evil. By this the action of the larynx and superior 
 muscles of the windpipe are circumscribed, and ultimately 
 become semi-paralysed, with consequent loss of power and 
 action ; therefore, the opening not being sufl&ciently capacious 
 during the rapid breathing occasioned by violent exercise, 
 the pressure of the air rushing through the circumscribed 
 space, the sound is produced which has been absurdly termed 
 
52 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 "roariag." The practice of what is termed coughing a 
 horse, to ascertain the state of his wind, is apt to produce 
 roaring. This is performed by subjecting the larynx or 
 trachea to violent pressure by squeezing with the fingers. 
 A horse so afflicted may be considered as decidedly un- 
 sound. 
 
 Remedies. — Should this disease be occasioned by previous 
 inflammation, and a thickening of the parts have ensued, 
 bleeding may be resorted to with some little effect ; but if 
 from compression, produced by what we have hinted at, 
 there is no possibility of remedies having the slightest effect. 
 After bleeding, purgative medicines, which have a tendency 
 to diminish the circulation, should be had recourse to. The 
 following may be tried : — 
 
 Digitalis . . • Ij drachm, 
 
 Nitre ... 2 drachms, 
 
 Emetic tartar . . 1 drachm, 
 
 Aloes . . • li drachm. 
 
 Blisters have been tried, and not without apparent success. 
 When the disease has been of such a character as to threaten 
 suffocation, the part supposed to cause the difficulty of 
 breathing by obstructing the passage of the air has been 
 cut down upon, and a portion of one of the rings cut out ; 
 and others have introduced a breathing tube. 
 
 OBSTRUCTION OF THE GULLET. 
 
 Symptoms. — In this malady the gullet has become con- 
 tracted, which compels the horse to swallow its food in small 
 quantities, and that with much difficulty, giving the animal 
 the appearance of choking when in the act of swallowing. 
 Sometime? the stricture is near the upper portion of the 
 gullet : in which case an experienced veterinary surgeon 
 
LNFLAMMATION OF THE JUGULAR YEIX. 53 
 
 may devise some remedy ; but if seated near the en- 
 trance into the stomach, little hopes can be entertained of 
 a cure. 
 
 Horses eating too greedily sometimes sv/allow their food 
 in too large masses, and before it is properly masticated, 
 which has in many instances lodged in the gullet, producing 
 alarming symptoms of suffocation. 
 
 Remedies. — The first thing to be tried is to force the ball 
 of food which obstructs the passage downwards, by the aid 
 of the elastic tube used for the hove in cattle. Sometimes 
 it cannot be dislodged even by means of this instrument. 
 In that case the only other remedy is to cut open the gullet 
 to prevent suffocation. But this operation need not be 
 described, as it can only be successfully performed by a 
 veterinary surgeon. 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE JUGULAll VEIN. 
 
 In the horse the jugulars are single on both sides of the 
 neck, while in horned cattle they are double. Inflammation 
 is sometimes induced in them after the operation of bleeding, 
 directions for which we shall give hereafter. 
 
 After bleeding has been performed, the practice is to 
 bring the cut edges of the vein together, and to keep them 
 in contact by inserting a pin through the skin above it, and 
 twisting tow pretty tightly round it, so as to keep it from 
 being removed. In a couple of days the wound will have 
 completely healed in most cases. 
 
 Causes. — A variety of causes may, however, operate to 
 induce inflammation of the vein. Among these may be 
 enumerated striking too hard on the lancet with the fleam, 
 (an instrument used in bleeding,) or using a blunt or rusty 
 lancet. In other cases, by pulling the skin too far from the 
 neck while drawing the wound together, and thus allowing 
 
54 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 Space for tlie blood to insinuate itself into the cellular 
 tissue ; or working tlie horse immediately after the opera- 
 tion ; or neglecting to tie up his head for a short while after 
 bleeding to prevent his removing the pressure of the pin 
 from the wound, by rubbing his head against the manger ; 
 and other causes. 
 
 Symptoms. — The edges of the wound having separated, 
 or being ragged, from the clumsiness of the operator in not 
 penetrating the vein at the first blow, become swelled -and 
 inflamed, and discharge a thin fluid of a bloody appearance. 
 In a day or two this will put on the form of matter. In- 
 flammation to a considerable extent may ensue, with 
 swelling of the muscle, and the vein will become hard, and 
 feel like a cord, and increasing upwards, the contiguous parts 
 will feel very hot. This is gc^nerally followed by a series ol 
 small abscesses over the seat of the wound. The cordines5 
 of the wound gradually increases still further upwards ; and 
 from the inflammation also following that direction, it fre- 
 quently proves fatal to the horse. 
 
 Remedies. — Some veterinary surgeons, to stimulate the 
 part, apply a hot iron to the margin of the orifice, which 
 induces a union of its edges. Should this not prove 
 efiectual, and if the swelling is great and the abscesses have 
 made their appearance, the next remedies are to inject a 
 weak solution of nitrate of silver or other caustic liquid 
 into the abscesses, or to introduce setons into them ; and 
 should this fail, he should cut out the diseased portion of 
 the vein. 
 
 This operation will not be attended with any bad conse- 
 quences ; for all the blood-vessels, whether veins or arteries, 
 communicate with each other either directly or indirectly, 
 in so many different ways, that an injury sustained by a 
 portion of them is compensated for by the current of the blood 
 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 55 
 
 flowing in another channel, Avhich, although not so direct in its 
 course, will not retard the necessary progress of the circulation. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. 
 
 INFLAMMATIOiY OF THE LUNGS. 
 
 Symptoms. — Of all the diseases incidental to the horse, 
 that of inflammation of the lungs is the most prevalent, 
 and certainly the most fatal. Sometimes this malady is 
 sudden in its appearance, but in the greater number of cases 
 fever is a premonitory symptom. In its early stages it is 
 not very rapid, but is indistinct and heavy in its action, 
 feeling vibratory under the pressure of the finger. In other 
 instances it is hardly to be perceived, so languid is its 
 motion. This is followed by dilated nostrils, coldness in the 
 extremities, and heaving in the flanks, which clearly indicate 
 an oppression in the breathing ; differing, however, from the 
 laboured and hard action of the lungs in fever, and also the 
 irregular breathing in broken-winded horses, which appears 
 as if it required t-\vo expirations for every inspiration of air 
 into the lungs. In inflammation the pulse is quick, hurried, 
 and irregular, caused by the pain whicli is felt by the animal 
 at each attempt to draw in the air, giving the appearance 
 of something being imperfect in the respiratory organs. 
 The animal thrusts out his head, the mucous membrane of 
 the nose becomes very red, especially in the inside angles of 
 the nostrils, where it continues ; although at times it 
 extends further up, from which position it may disappear, 
 but still maintaining its chief seat in the lower portion of 
 
5^ MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 the nostrils. The animal ex,presses great anxiety in his look, 
 and turns his head frequently and hurriedly round towards 
 his flanks, more especially to that side where the inflammation 
 has settled. He stands in a straddling manner, with his 
 fore legs generally considerably apart. He seldom lies down, 
 and when he does so it is but for a few minutes, remaining 
 for days on his legs. 
 
 It does not, however, always happen that the premonitory 
 symptoms are the same, for in many cases inflammation 
 comes on slowly and in an insidious manner. Perhaps the 
 horse may be off his feed and his coat will stare ; his breath- 
 ing may be but slightly accelerated and abbreviated, with 
 the legs a little colder than usual. Sometimes inflammation 
 of the lungs is preceded by symptoms which are attendant 
 upon common fever, catarrh, or the distemper. In such 
 instances the true disease manifests itself in its full force 
 when the groom or master of the horse least suspects it. 
 The first manifestations are coldness in the limbs and ears, 
 accompanied by the flurried pulsation and anxious look, with 
 a seeming dread of lying down. This is soon followed by an 
 irregularity and indistinctness in the pulse, and extreme 
 coldness affects the legs and ears. The nostrils become livid 
 — he hardly seems to breathe — he grinds his teeth — and 
 these may be regarded as the too certain symptoms of disso- 
 lution ; staggering ensues, and he finally sinks in his stall. 
 
 This last is a picture of that kind of inflammation of the 
 lungs which has lurked in the constitution without exhibit- 
 ing premonitory symptoms, and which in most cases proves 
 fatal. There are, besides, cases in which the disease is so 
 rapid that it will have undergone its entire stages in twenty- 
 four hours. In this short time the entire mass of the lungs 
 will have suffered complete destruction. Such a case has 
 been satisfactorily proved not to proceed from long and 
 
liXFLAMMATIO-^ OF THE LUi\GS. 5V 
 
 deep-rooteJ iuflammation, but assuredly from the very reverse. 
 It has been caused by au extraordinary degree of inflamma- 
 tion bursting the coating of the vessels and filling the air- 
 cells "with blood, and having tlius instantly destroyed tlieir 
 functions. 
 
 There are bad cases, which are not so rapid in their 
 termination, but which are nevertheless equally fatal. This 
 happens when no rupture in the vessels has taken place ; 
 and although means have been adopted to take off the 
 pressure of the inflammation, yet these have been insufficient 
 to produce the desired effect. In such a case the breath of 
 the horse will be extremely disagreeable, with a running at 
 the nostrils, which is a sure indication that mortification has 
 taken place in the substance of the lungs, and that death 
 will soon follow. 
 
 Inflammation of the lungs will be distinguished from 
 inflammation of the bowels, by the pulse in the latter case 
 being small and wiry ; the mucous membrane of the nose 
 not being so red, and by pains in the belly, which are indi- 
 cated by kicking, pulling, stamping, &c. 
 
 Cause. — This malady is brought on by the numerous and 
 sudden transitions from heat to cold, to which most horses 
 are subjected. They are, under the careless and wanton 
 folly of masters and grooms, often galloped, or otherwise 
 worked and overheated, and then permitted to cool in the 
 open air, or in the draught of a stable. The stable itself is 
 also kept too hot, frequently from twenty-five to thirt}' degrees 
 beyond that of the atmosphere ; and ^ its air is but too often 
 of an impure kind, and which being breathed afi'ects the mem- 
 brane which lines the cells of the lungs. This is weakened, 
 and hence rendered susceptible of irritation and inflamma- 
 tion from breathing an atmosphere which is impregnated 
 with ammoniacal gas, generated by the manure and urine. 
 
 I 
 
58 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Remedies. — The treatment for inflammation of the lungs 
 must be immediate and decisive. As the disease is rapid, 
 so also must be the means employed. Although its first 
 symptoms may exhibit a mild character, yet we have seen 
 how rapid they become in their after effects. To palliate 
 it therefore would be absurd. Ample bleeding must be 
 resorted to ; but the quantity of blood taken cannot be spe- 
 cified, we must therefore look to its effects. He should be bled 
 until his pulse begins to rise, and afterwards until it flutters, 
 and the horse even faints from exhaustion. During the 
 flow of the blood the pulse should be felt all the while to 
 mark its progress. Five or six hours afterwards the horse 
 should be examined, and if he still exhibits the symptoms 
 of the cfjjiplaint, viz., quick and laborious heaving of the 
 loins, a stiffness in his attitude Avhile standing, great coldness 
 of the feet and redness in the membrane of the nose, 
 bleeding must again be resorted to, and as amply as before, 
 even until it is followed by the same state of exhaustion. 
 Such treatment will generally have the effect of putting a 
 stojD to the disease ; although in obstinate cases even a third 
 repetition may be necessary, but not to the same extent 
 as before, as an exhaustion of the system may follow, and 
 prove fatal to the animal. It is surprising how soon the 
 blood which has thus been taken away will be restored. If 
 after all this the cold symptoms still continue, it may be 
 proper in two or three hours to take from one to two quarts 
 of blood, so as if possible to rouse the action and prevent the 
 inflammation from again returning. 
 
 The state of the disease can be pretty well ascertained 
 from the thickness of the blood and the buffy, orange- 
 coloured appearance of the surface some hours after it has 
 cooled and congealed. 
 
 Should we have so far succeeded in mastering the com- 
 
IJfFLAMMATIOX OF THE LUNGS. 59 
 
 plaiut, our next attention must be turned towards the 
 general condition of the system. If the horse be costive, 
 which is frequently the case in inflammation of the lungs, 
 from four to eight ounces of Epsom salts, mixed with a 
 gruel, will be found useful, and we must next have recourse 
 to blistering, which should extend over the brisket and sides- 
 And if there is any doubt as to the eradication of the 
 disease having been effected, the following ball should be 
 administered every day : — 
 
 Soccotrine aloes . . 4 drachms, 
 
 Tartarized antimony . 3 drachms, 
 
 Saltpetre . . • "2 ounce. 
 
 Powdered squills . . 1 drachm ; 
 
 to be formed into a ball, with a sufficient quantity of con- 
 serve of roses. 
 
 In blistering, the hair should be carefully shaved off, and 
 the following ointment well rubbed into the skin : — 
 
 Powdered Spanish flies . 1 ounce. 
 Resin . . . 1 ounce, 
 
 Lard . . . .4 ouncgs. 
 
 Let the lard and resin be first mixed together, and the 
 Spanish flies afterwards added. 
 
 During the time that the inflammation is at its height 
 the blister will seldom rise, the internal excitement over- 
 coming the external one ; and a failure in its operation 
 also accompanies exhaustion. In this case there is danger 
 to be apprehended. When the inflammation has been 
 brought down by bleeding, it is the most proper time for the 
 application of a blister, which produces a counter irritation, 
 and thus transfers the inflammation from the lungs to the 
 skill. 
 
60 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Cooling medicines must now be resorted to, and the fol- 
 lowing doses may be given until an intermediate state of the 
 pulse is induced : — 
 
 Nitre ... 3 drachms, 
 
 Emetic tartar . . 1-^ drachm, 
 
 Digitalis ... 1 drachm. 
 
 This medicine is persisted in until the horse hangs his head 
 and becomes half stupid, with a flow of saliva from his mouth. 
 In less than twenty-four hours after this condition has been 
 effected the disease will be found to have completely subsided. 
 
 It is a great mistake to suppose that in this complaint 
 the stable should be kept very close and warm ; for the 
 very cause which in a great measure operated in remotely 
 inducing the disorder is again brought into play. Rather 
 let warm clothing be put upon the horse, which will have a 
 tendency to keep up insensible perspiration. 
 
 After this the horse should be well rubbed down, and his 
 legs in particular should have a smart application of the 
 brush, in order to restore heat and an increase in the circula- 
 tion, and then thickly rolled up with flannel to keep up 
 the action. , The rubbing should be repeated from time to 
 time. The less he eats at a time the better. Corn must 
 on no account be given. Green food and cold mashes may 
 be set before him in small quantities. 
 
 If th? oppression in the breathing now subside, heat be 
 restored to the limbs, and the animal lie down, these are 
 sure indications of the symptoms having abated. The 
 strength and appetite will now gradually be restored. But 
 much caution should be exercised in not allowing the 
 animal to take too much food, which might have the effect 
 of inducing a return of the malady : green meat, or, if that 
 cannot be had, a gruel of oatmeal, cold mashes, and a little 
 hay should form his diet. But to restore strength where 
 
LOCAL INFLAMMATIOJf. 61 
 
 much exhaustion prevails, tonics should be given. The 
 mildest should first be administered, and this is camomile, 
 in doses of from one to two drachms. Afterwards — 
 Camomile . . .2 drachms, 
 
 Ginger . . .2 drachms. 
 
 Gentian . . .2 grains. 
 
 Should the animal continue to improve, his diet may be 
 extended, and probably in three or four days he may have a 
 small quantity of corn, which may be increased as his 
 strength is restored. 
 
 A cool and clean stable are the best means for preventing 
 predisposition to diseases of the lungs, both of which should 
 be scrupulously attended to. The heated air of a stable, 
 and tlie poisonous gas arising from the dung, prove most 
 injurious to the horse. 
 
 LOCAL INFLAMMATIOIs^. 
 
 Symptoms. — The symptoms of local inflammation are red- 
 ness of the parts, heat, pain, and swelling. 
 
 Causes. — The redness is induced by the increased floAv of 
 blood through the vessels of the part affected, in conse- 
 quence of an increased action of the blood-vessels. The 
 heat arises from the change gradually taking place in the 
 flow of blood, passing from the arterial to the venous con- 
 dition. So that if more blood be propelled through the 
 capillaries, more heat will consequently be produced in 
 that situation. Swelling is induced by the same means as 
 the redness, namely, from a fluid being deposited in the 
 contiguous substance ; and pain must be the effect of dis- 
 tention and pressure produced, and the consequent disarrange- 
 ment of the nerves of the parts affected. 
 
 Remedies. — Inflammation of every kind is caused by an 
 increased flow of blood tlirough the vessels of the part 
 
62 AIAIv^UAL OF MODEM FARRIERY. 
 
 inflamed ; consequently the remedy must be to reduce the 
 circulation to its ordinary and healthy action. Bleeding is 
 the first remedy to be tried, and, if possible, from a vein close 
 to the inflamed part. But if none of the larger vessels are 
 situated near it, then the jugular vein must be resorted to. 
 If the inflammation is in the eye, the gorged vessels should 
 be scarified, which will prove more efiectual than bleeding 
 from the jugular ; or a quart of blood taken from the foot 
 in Acute founder will do more good than four times the 
 quantity taken from the jugular. But whatever part is 
 afiected, or from whatever cause, let bleeding be immediately 
 resorted to as the only sure means of checking inflamma- 
 tion ; and although it may not remove it entirely, yet it 
 is certain to mitigate its violence. From neglecting this 
 most important remedy at an early stage, many horses have 
 been lost ; and also from over-caution in taking too little 
 at a time. Four quarts from so large an animal may be 
 removed without hesitation ; and where the inflammation 
 is great, the stream of blood should flow rapidly. To efiiect 
 this a broad-shouldered lancet should be used, so that the 
 wound in the vein may be ample. In whatever situation 
 therefore the inflammation occurs, let the bleeding be 
 immediate and plentiful. 
 
 After bleeding purgative medicines must next be had 
 recourse to, because the mucous membrane of the bowels 
 and coating of the stomach are in most instances afiected 
 sympathetically by a deranged action in any other part of 
 the system. But should this not be the case, they may be 
 otherwise irregular, which invariably increases all kinds of 
 inflammation, and fever is induced, more especially where 
 there is much retention. Purging has the efiect of lessen- 
 ing the quantity of the blood, by removing from it the 
 serous or watery portion ; and, by determining the blood to 
 
EXTERNAL INFLAMMATION. 63 
 
 the bowels, the pressure is necessarily removed from tlie 
 inflamed vessels. As it is a law of the animal economy 
 that where the circulation is directed to one set of vessels 
 it proportionally diminishes the flow in other parts of the 
 system, purging, by producing laugour and sickness, lessens 
 the general excitement, and hence the pressure upon the 
 circulation is circumscribed. 
 
 In administering medicine in cases of internal inflamma- 
 tion much caution and consideration are required, because 
 what might be beneficial in some cases may be prejudicial 
 in others. Purgatives in inflammation of the lungs and 
 bowels ought never to be administered until the inflamma- 
 tory symptoms have been removed, as there is such a sirong 
 degree of sympathy between the various organs enveloped 
 in the cavity of the chest, that they are apt to be influenced 
 by that which affects any of them, more especially if the 
 inflammation is violent. 
 
 EXTERNAL INFLAMMATION. 
 
 Great diflerence of opinion prevails on the means of 
 treating external inflammation. Cold embrocations and 
 lotions were considered as the most proper remedies to be 
 employed in this disease, being more likely to allay the heat 
 of the part ; and there can be little doubt but they will 
 speedily lessen the heat from the well-known principle, 
 that caloric has a strong tendency to equalize itself, or to 
 quit any substance which is surcharged with it ; conse- 
 quently, by these appliances the increased temperature is 
 diminished in the part which is inflamed. The effect will 
 be considerably heightened by dissolving two ounces of 
 nitre in a quart of water, and applying it immediately after 
 the nitre is fairly dissolved, the inflamed portion being com- 
 pletely exposed to the process of evaporation. Nitre will 
 
64 MA.XUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 lower the temperature of the water many degrees below its 
 natural condition. But it is questioned whether permanent 
 benefit is derived from cold applications in cases of inflam- 
 mation. 
 
 Warm fomentations, although not so grateful as cold 
 ones to hot swellings, Avill, however, be found to produce 
 better results ; as thej open the pores of the skin, and if 
 applied as hot as the animal can endure it, will more readily 
 take off the tension produced by inflammatory swellings. 
 Poultices will have the same effect. These should be made 
 of lintseed meal, with a little butter or lard spread over the 
 surface, which will keep it moist for twenty-four hours. 
 Blisters have also been successfully applied in deep-seated 
 inflammations ; for, by creating inflammation on the surface, 
 on the principle of counter irritation, it will have the 
 tendency to lessen it in the other part, as great inflammation 
 cannot exist in two parts near to each other. In inflam- 
 mations of the chest, blisters will be found of much benefit. 
 But these should never be applied to parts which are already 
 inflamed. 
 
 PLEURISY. 
 
 Symptoms, — This disease is entirely confined to inflam- 
 mation of the pleura or membrane which lines the chest, 
 and hence its name. It has no connexion with the sub- 
 stance of the lungs. The pulse is hard, but not oppressed. 
 The extremities are cold, although not so much so as in 
 ordinary inflammation, nor is the membrane of the nose 
 so very red. If pressure on the sides is applied, the horse 
 will feel pain, and express it by a quick and impatient 
 grunt. The unwillingness of the horse to lie down will be 
 manifested in this as well as in violent inflammation of the 
 lungs. 
 
I'LEUEISY. ei!" 
 
 Cause. — This disease has its origin from the same causes 
 as inflammation of the lungs, viz., sudden transitions from 
 heat to cold, &c. 
 
 Remedies. — Immediate and cojdIuus bleeding is the first 
 thiug to be resorted to ; and afterwards sedative medicines, 
 administered in the form of gentle purgatives, which may be 
 given Avith more safety than in inflammation of the lungs 
 and ordinary inflammatory cases. 
 
 If pleurisy is violent, it frequently induces dropsy in the 
 chest, as in this complaint a fluid is thrown out from the 
 vessels of the pleura, which, having no means of escaping, 
 lodges in the cavity of the chest. When this is the case 
 little good is to be expected from the animal, and it seldom 
 happens that a complete cure is effected. Sometimes the 
 chest is punctured for it, which may carry off the fluid ; 
 but it too frequently proves an ineffectual remedy. "When- 
 ever it is suspected that w^ater is formed, puncturing should 
 be had recourse to, the opening to be made by the instru- 
 ment called the trochar. The locality where it is inserted 
 is the intercostal membrane, between the seventh and eighth 
 ribs, and as close to the cartilages as possible. Diuretic 
 medicines, in combination with tonics, should be given. The 
 following will be found the best : — 
 
 Turpentine . . . -^ ounce, 
 
 Ginger . . . . -^ drachm, 
 
 Lintseed meal . . • -2 ounce ; 
 made into a ball with common syrup or treacle. 
 Some persons consider the following better : — 
 
 Powdered resin . ^ ounce, 
 
 Ginger . . . \ drachm, 
 
 Lintseed meal . 2 drachma ; 
 
 made into a ball with palm-oil. 
 
 K 
 
QQ MANUAL OF JIODERN FARRIERY 
 
 When attended with any degree of fever, the following 
 should be administered twice or thrice a day instead of the 
 above : — 
 
 Digitalis . 1 drachm, 
 
 Nitre ... 3 drachms, 
 
 Emetic tartar . 1-^ drachm. 
 
 FEVER. 
 
 Symptoms. — Fever commences with a cold and shivering 
 fit ; the animal m^anifests great dullness, with a desire to be 
 inactive ; his hair stands erect, or stares, and his legs and 
 feet are cold : the pulse is quick, hard, and unequal ; his 
 mouth is hot, with a total loss of appetite, shivering, and a 
 dejected appearance. This is followed by general warmth 
 of the body ; an unequal distribution of heat to the limbs, 
 sometimes one being hot while the other is cold. lie 
 becomes very costive, with turbid urine ; affected sometimes 
 with colic pains ; but there is no cough, pawing, or look- 
 ing back at the loins. If these symptoms are allowed to 
 proceed unchecked, the membrane that lines the eyelid 
 becomes unnaturally red ; the inflammation may then be 
 considered as settled in some internal organ, and pure or 
 symptomatic fever will have ensued. While this pure 
 fever continues, the shivering fit returns daily, at nearly the 
 same hour, and is followed by a warm one, and sometimes 
 by a cold clammy sweat. This state continues for several 
 days, and local inflammation ensues ; or the fever gradually 
 becomes abated. 
 
 Some veterinary surgeons have absurdly denied the possi- 
 bility of fever in the horse, but those who have advanced 
 such an opinion must have paid but little attention to the 
 state of his pulse. 
 
 Causes. — General increased action in the heart and arteries 
 
FEVER. 67- 
 
 is the cause of fever, produced bj the sympathy of the sys- 
 tem, induced by local inflammation ; or it may exist without 
 any perceptible local afi'ection. It is too frequently in- 
 duced by bad stable management, the sudden changes from 
 jieat to cold, and the lungs having breathed impure air 
 from the filth and confined atmosphere of the stable. 
 Symptomatic fever is caused by increased action of the 
 arteries. Inflammation of the lungs, feet, or any other part 
 of the body is generally accompanied by fever. 
 
 Remedies. — The same general treatment which we have 
 recommended in local inflammation will apply to simple 
 fever. Bleeding until an impression is made upon the 
 system, while the finger of the operator or an assistant is 
 held upon the artery to mark its efiects. Gentle purgatives 
 will be found beneficial, but strong ones exceedingly in- 
 jurious. The following must be given morning and 
 evening : — 
 
 Digitalis ... 1 draehfn, 
 Nitre ... .2 drachms, 
 
 Emetic tartar . 1 drachm, 
 
 Aloes . . 1^ drachms. 
 
 When the costiveness has yielded to the above, then the 
 aloes may be discontinued. The above may be slightly 
 augmented or dmiinished, according to circumstances. 
 Should they, from frequent repetition, fail to produce the 
 necessary efiects, which will sometimes happen, then half- 
 a-drachra of Avhite hellebore may be given twice a day. 
 
 Symptomatic fever should be treated in the same manner 
 as simple fever, only that attention must be directed to the 
 diseased part which caused the fever. If the inflammation 
 can be subdued, then the fever will naturally abate, without 
 other means being adopted. 
 
68 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 STOMACH-STAGGERS. 
 
 Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by the dull, stupid, 
 sleepy appearance of the horse, and he staggers about ir 
 his stall. He seems unconscious of what he is doing, and 
 if roused from his lethargy will probably take a mouthful 
 of hay, in a few seconds desist from chewing, and the hay 
 will fall from his mouth. Many instances have occurred, 
 when the disease has been allowed to acquire an ascen- 
 dancy, that the horse would drop down and die while in the 
 act of eating. In other cases the drowsiness goes ofip, and 
 is succeeded by delirium ; and after falling, rising, and 
 staggering about, will die in convulsions. The stomach- 
 staggers are indicated by a twitching in the breast, and 
 a yellowness in the eyes. 
 
 Cause. — Over-feeding is too often the cause of this sad 
 disease, and especially if the food is of a bad quality. 
 Careless servants will too often neglect a horse ; and after- 
 wards, by food being placed before him while ravenously 
 hungry, he will swallow it rapidly and in too large quantity, 
 without being properly masticated, consequently it swells 
 in the stomach, and thus stretches it far beyond its natural 
 capacity : its action is thereby impaired ; the consequence 
 is, the brain is undaly acted upon, and giddiness and 
 drowsiness induced, which occasion staggering. Besides 
 the horse being allowed to eat in this manner, the groom 
 may neglect to give the animal water to assist it in con- 
 verting it into a pulp and facilitating the operation of 
 digestion, the natural juices of the stomach, from its gorged 
 state, being inadequate to the performance of their office, 
 
 Eemedies. — Before .remedies are attempted it must first 
 be ascertamed what has caused the staggers ; as the mad 
 staggers present exactly the same symptoms in their early 
 
STOMACH-STAGGERS. G9 
 
 stage. In this disorder, as may well be supposed, medicine 
 will have but little effect, from the gorged condition of the 
 stomach. Some veterinary surgeons recommend bleeding ; 
 but we have never found this attended with any beneficial 
 eiFects, as what must naturally debilitate the system can 
 liardly be expected to aid the action of the stomach. 
 Probably the safest plan is to allow nature to work its own 
 cure, by abstaining from giving food. But as we know 
 of no certain remedy for this disease, we should carefully 
 guard against promoting it. 
 
 It is no uncommon occurrence for farmers and others 
 keeping a number of h-orses to lose several of them within 
 very short periods of each other with this maladj^, from 
 which an opinion prevails with many that the staggers is 
 eontagious. Nothing can be more erroneous than this belief. 
 as it is quite certain that the complaint is induced by bad 
 stable management, or by feeding the horse with unwhole- 
 some food, or in the horse feeding too voraciously, as already 
 mentioned. This disease is more common with old horses 
 than otliers. We would strongly recommend the owners of 
 horses to give some attention to the following : — Too much 
 food given at one time .after long fasting or hard work, and 
 neglecting to give the animal water, is almost certain to 
 produce the staggers. The hours of labour should be for 
 limited spaces of time, with proper intervals of rest allowed, 
 and the horse regularly fed during these intervals. Every 
 man must have felt the effects of being without dinner for 
 two or three hours beyond his accustomed time. Exhaus- 
 tion is almost certain to follow, which is produced by the 
 gastric juice acting upon the coating of an empty stomach. 
 From five to six hours are the intervals between the meals 
 of a labouring man ; and with a horse that is worked no 
 longer time should be allowed to elapse witliout feeding and 
 
70 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 ■watering. "When persons are occasionally so situated that 
 they cannot unyoke their horses at stated times for food 
 and rest, then they ought to carry hay and a nose-bag, and 
 a supply of corn along with them. Indeed, it is surprising 
 that if humanity does not influence many men to be kind 
 to this valuable animal, self-interest ought to have the effect 
 of inducing proper treatment. 
 
 Staggers often attacks horses while they are at grass. 
 This, however, happens chiefly with such as have been 
 previously stinted in their food, or where the pasture is very 
 rich. In such cases, nature generally works its own cure ; 
 because, if the horse is kept from eating, the natural sap 
 in green food will soon assist in promoting digestion. 
 Horses that have frequent attacks of staggers are very 
 liable to have their sight impaired by it. Indeed we have 
 known instances of total blindness from this cause. 
 
 CATARRH, OR COMMON COLD. 
 
 The sudden transitions from heat to cold to which horses 
 are so frequently, and often so thoughtlessly, exposed, 
 renders this a very common complaint with them. If 
 masters and servants would bear in their remembrance the 
 old and true adage " that it is better and easier to keep 
 well than to make well," their horses Avould not require 
 half the medicines which are given to them. 
 
 A simple cold, if neglected, may end in an incurable 
 disease, especially with horses of a delicate constitution. 
 Catarrh commences with a slight degree of fever, with some 
 little discharge from the nose and eyes, accompanied by 
 cough, which is sometimes hard, frequent, and painful to 
 the horse. When this is the case, bleeding will be neces- 
 sary. But if the cough is not severe, the complaint may 
 generally be removed by simple treatment. The horse 
 
BIIO^'CIIITJS. 71 
 
 should be kept -warm, and a few doses of the following 
 
 mixture administered : — • 
 
 Digitalis . . -J drachm, 
 
 Nitre . . 2 drachms 
 
 Emetic tartar . . 1 drachm ; 
 
 to be given in the form of a ball. Instead of corn, his 
 
 food should consist of hay and mashes. 
 
 BRONCHITIS. 
 
 Symptoms.— Inflammation of the bronchial tubes mani- 
 fests itself by the breathing being considerably harder 
 and quicker than in a common catarrh ; and also by a 
 wheezing sound accompanying the inspirations of air into 
 the lungs, and which is temporarily removed when the horse 
 coughs up the mucus secreted by the inflamed membrane 
 of the throat. 
 
 Cause. — Bronchitis is generally induced by a severe cold, 
 and is indicated by the cough being severe. The seat 
 of the disease is in the divisions of the trachea, or wind- 
 pipe, just before it enters the lungs. At this portion it 
 branches out into a numerous series of vessels, and these 
 are denominated the bronchial tubes, and hence the inflam- 
 mation which attacks their lining has been called bronchitis. 
 This disease is generally induced by catarrh having gained 
 an ascendancy, and the inflammation extending to the 
 entrance of the lungs. 
 
 Remedies. — Moderate bleeding must be resorted to, as 
 too much taken in this complaint would prove injurious. 
 Blisters on the chest should also be applied, and the follow- 
 ing medicine given : — 
 
 Digitalis . . .1 drachm. 
 Nitre . . 3 drachms, 
 
 Emetic tartar li drachm 
 
72 lfA.NUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 WJien bronchitis is neglected, it produces thick wind, which 
 can never afterwards be removed. 
 
 THICK WIND. 
 
 Symptoms. — Thick wind is indicated by short, laborious, 
 and frequent breathings when the horse is at rest, and 
 becomes much more evident where he is employed in 
 working, whether in a cart, carriage, or as a hunter or road- 
 ster. In the latter cases, the inspirations and expirations 
 succeed each other in such rapid succession that lead us to 
 suppose the animal is about to expire through suffocation, 
 and his breathing can be heard at a considerable distance ; 
 his sides and loins exhibit marked symptoms of the difficulty 
 with which he breathes. 
 
 Causes. — This affection for the most part owes its origin 
 to previous inflammation, and more especially from inflam- 
 mation of the bronchial tubes. While this is the case the 
 vessels exude a fluid, Avhich coagulates, and is lodged in the 
 substance of the lungs or in the bronchial tubes themselves, 
 and the inflammation accompanying the complaint naturally 
 circumscribes the dimensions of many of the air-ceUs, 
 and totally closes up others ; which must of consequence 
 lessen the capacity of the lungs for the reception of air, 
 and render it necessary to breathe more rapidly to compen- 
 sate for the limited space. This wiU be increased as the 
 animal is put in more rapid motion. 
 
 In morbid affections of the lungs of horses, the air-cells 
 have been found completely filled with matter of a thick, grey- 
 ish, or bluish colour ; in other cases the tubes or passages 
 communicating with the air-cells have been found nearly 
 invisible from the thickening of their lining, and sometimes 
 entirely covered with a hard, waxy mucus. Other instances 
 have occurred where the internal lining of the cells them- 
 
THICK WIND. 73 
 
 selves liavc exhibited traces of having been in a liigli state 
 of inflammation, which must have occasioned great pain 
 to the animal when breathing, and consequently have 
 induced it to limit as far as possible the extent of the 
 inhalations. 
 
 Certain conformations of the chest predispose horses to 
 this complaint. Those with a round chest are liable to 
 be affected in the wind, and especially if they are fat. 
 Large draught-horses are nearly all thick iu the wind, as 
 well as all which are hard worked while their stomach is 
 full. All inflammatory affections of the lungs produce 
 thick wind while the malady exists, and frequently leave 
 it even when removed. Glanders are too often the remote 
 cause of thick wind ; as the seat of this disease is so 
 contiguous to the lungs and their air-passages, they soon 
 become affected, and the air-cells are almost certain to be 
 injured. 
 
 Horses with a circular chest are less liable to this com- 
 plaint than those of a more contracted form. Those which 
 have been kept much in a stable, and without being regu- 
 larly exercised, will manifest symptoms of thick wind when 
 trotted or galloped. But if they are cautiously trained to 
 this action to which they have not been accustomed, then 
 this will wear off, and they may be ridden without being 
 in the least affected in the wind. 
 
 Remedies. — This disease does not come within the scope 
 of medical treatment : all that can be done is to guard 
 against overloading the stomach with heating food, and not 
 to exercise the animal to any extent while his stomach is 
 full. Abstain from subjecting liim to hard labour, or 
 trotting and galloping him violently. By these precautions 
 the affection will gradually subside, and iu linie he may 
 become perfectly sound. 
 
 L 
 
/4 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 BROKEN WIND. 
 
 Symftoms. — A marked distinction prevails between this 
 disease and thick wind. In the latter the inspirations and 
 expirations are of uniform length and duration ; while in 
 broken wind, for one inspiration two expirations are re- 
 quired, which is plainly indicated hj the motion of the 
 flanks. This is caused by the rupture or union of several of 
 the air-cells, which renders the cavities of the lungs more 
 eomplicated, and hence requires that double action to clear 
 oflf the carbonized air. It may be easily conceived that 
 when the lungs are expanded the air will rush in readily 
 enough, and one exertion of the muscles of respiration is 
 sufficient to expel the carbonized air ; but when these cells 
 have become united, the cavity of the lung is so irregular 
 and many-cornered, that air is with difficulty expelled from 
 them, and therefore two efibrts are reouired to effect it. 
 
 Broken wind is generally accompanied by a hard, dr}^ 
 husky cough, differing completely in its character from that 
 of a common cold. 
 
 Causes. — This disease may take place without any visible 
 disordered condition in a horse. Yoracious feeding may 
 produce it, or food taken hastily and in too large quantities 
 into the stomach, particularly coarse hay and straAV, which, 
 by distending the stomach beyond the natural limits, presses 
 against the lungs and prevents their free action. Coarse 
 and bulky food being frequently used, is extremely apt to 
 produce broken wind, from the effect just mentioned. The 
 constrained action of the lungs, from the frequently dis- 
 tended stomach, is apt to burst the air-cells, and thus lay 
 the foundation of an incurable disease. 
 
 This complaint may, however, be generally traced to 
 previous inflammation, and the consequent alterations of 
 
BROKEN AYL\D. 75 
 
 structure induced thereby. Thick wind is usually the pre- 
 raonitor of the disorder. AVhen a portion of the lung has 
 been destroyed, the surface being thus reduced, a greater 
 eifort must be required to supply the necessary quantity of 
 pure blood, and hence the violent efforts to effect this 
 purpose, when a portion of the air-cells are demolished. 
 
 Remedies. — A radical cure of broken wind, I believe, has 
 never taken place ; that is, after a rupture of a portion of 
 the air-cells. All that can be effected is a palliation of the 
 complaint. The food should consist as much as possible of 
 that which affords the greatest nourishment in the smallest 
 compass. Oats, and particularly beans and peas, as well as 
 carrots, have this qualihcation. The bowels should be kept 
 gently open by means of an occasional limited meal of 
 green food, when in season ; and when this cannot be sup- 
 plied, then mild purgatives may be administered. The 
 following prescription may be used when required : — 
 Aloes . . . • 1 2 drachm, 
 
 Nitre .... 2 drachms , 
 to be given in a ball made of syrup or treacle, or it may be 
 given in a draught of gi'uel. When the bowels are suffici- 
 ently open, then they niay be kept so by frequent mashes, 
 in place of hard and dry food. Let his drink be frequent 
 and in small quantities through the day, but after he is 
 suppered let him have an ample draught. Avoid exercise 
 or labour when the stomach is full. A broken-Avinded horse 
 should never be pastured, as, by having his stomach con- 
 stantly full and distended, the disease is increased. By 
 strict attention to all these rules, and by gentle, well-timed, 
 and progressive exercise, broken-winded horses may be 
 rendered capable of performing a fair proportion of labour, 
 and may even live a considerable number of years under the 
 influence of tins affection, by cautious treatment. 
 
76 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Experience must have taught many persons possessing a 
 number of horses, that frequent instances have occurred of 
 horses having been put into a straw-jard perfectly sound, 
 coming out broken-winded. The food affording but little 
 nutriment, the animals require to keep their stomachs always 
 full, which causes a constant pressure upon the lungs ; and 
 their action being thereby restricted, a violent effort becomes 
 necessary to effect respiration, and hence rupture of the 
 partitions of the air-cells take place. 
 
 In this complaint horses may have inflammatory affec- 
 tions, as well as periodica] returns of difficulty of breathing. 
 When this is the case, bleeding must be resorted to, and 
 aperients used at the same time. These, accompanied by 
 mercury, have been found excellent remedial means of 
 alleviating the disease. The following are the propor- 
 tions : — 
 
 Calomel ... 1 drachm, 
 Aloes ... 2 drachms ; 
 
 these to be made in the form of a ball, and administered 
 twice a week, while the affection continues. 
 
 Various degrees of broken-wind produce certain effects, 
 which have each their technical" designations by dealer.^ 
 andjockies. These are — 
 
 ROARING, 
 
 Wliich is a remnant of improperly treated catarrh. The 
 alleviating remedies — for cure there is none — are gentle 
 exercise, augmented slowly and daily until the animal is 
 brought to the utmost of its power, without manifesting 
 that well-known sound when under exercise or labour. The 
 following drench will be found of considerable benefit when 
 cough accompanies this complaint : — • 
 
BROKEN WIND. 77 
 
 Lintseed . . .1 pound, 
 
 Treacle . . - . 8 ounces, 
 
 Vinegar ... 1 pint. 
 
 Let the lintseed be put into six pints of hot water, and 
 allowed to stand bj the side of the fire until it has fairly 
 taken the substance out of the seeds. Then let it be 
 strained and the other ingredients mixed with it. Give 
 the horse about half-a-pint of this five or six times during 
 the course of the twenty-four hours. 
 
 WHEEZING. 
 
 This stage of the disorder is known by a wheezing sound 
 being heard like that of the human being afflicted with 
 asthma. It has its seat in the membranous lining of the 
 windpipe, low down, where it separates into two branches, 
 to convey the air to both lobes of the lungs ; there a mucus 
 fluid lodges in the passages. Some old horses wheeze only 
 after feeding, and when lying down. But with horses that 
 are confirmed wheezers, they can be heard at all times. In 
 purchasing horses it would be well to try them at a sharp 
 trot or gallop, to ascertain if they are wheezers, as it is sure 
 to manifest itself after action. Wheezers should not have 
 too much hay, but enough of corn, which should be given 
 frequently, as well as water. 
 
 The drench mentioned at page 64 may be given with 
 advantage in this complaint. 
 
 piriNG. 
 
 The seat of the disease in this stage is higher up than the 
 former, and consists in a strict contraction of the trachea, 
 which considerably diminishes its width. The sound pro- 
 duced in consequence is a sort of shrill wheezing, nearly like 
 
78 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 a wliistle. Blisters liave sometimes been found to alleviate 
 this disease ; but a complete cure is quite liupeless. 
 
 A WHISTLER. 
 
 This is a mere modification of piping, and consists of an 
 inflammation situated so high up as the glottis, or higher ring 
 of the windpipe. The sound is more shrill than in the 
 former complaint ; and, like the former, it cannot be cured, 
 but the drench last mentioned will sometimes do the horse 
 good. 
 
 CHRONIC COUGH. 
 
 Symptoms. — This is a constant, irritating cough ; which 
 in particular manifests itself after feeding and drinking, 
 and on first being exposed to the open air in the morning, 
 and more especially after any excitement, such as hard work, 
 a sharp trot, or a gallop. In most instances the complaint 
 is accompanied by a staring coat 
 
 Causes. — Chronic cough has its origin in some previous 
 inflammatory complaint. In becoming a fixed disease, it 
 will proceed from inflammation of the air passages ; or it 
 may be from severe irritation of the lower portion of tlic 
 windpipe. When the seat of the disorder is caused by 
 inflammation in the substance of the lungs, it will manifest 
 itself after eating, Avliich is occasioned by the distended 
 stomach pressing upon the diaphragm, and this organ in its 
 turn pressing upon the lungs. This renders them less capable 
 of transmitting the air through their passages ; which occa- 
 sions considerable excitement, from the great efibrt made 
 to perform respiration, and hence the irritating cough is 
 induced. 
 
 Remedies. — The following dose to be given every niglit^ 
 until the cough is modified : — 
 
THE MALIGNAjST EriDEJIIC. 79 
 
 Digitalis ... -J draclim, 
 Nitre ... 1 drachm, 
 
 Emetic tartar . . -J drachm ; 
 
 to be made up in the form of a ball, Avith tar. If this fails 
 to lessen the irritation, a blister should be applied to the 
 throat, extending from one ear to the other, and reaching 
 six or eight inches down the windpipe, which will have the 
 effect of lessening the irritation of the fauces or the larynx, 
 if the inflammation exists in that situation. Sometimes 
 a blister extending to the lower part of the windpipe, as 
 far as the chost, has had a good effect. 
 
 The food should be of an opening nature, as dry feeding, 
 such as straw and chaff, is always found to increase the 
 complaint : grass and other green food will have a salutary 
 effect in this and other similar diseases. 
 
 Horses may have chronic cough without their general 
 health being affected by it ; and should the above remedies 
 prove ineffectual in removing it in a few weeks, there will 
 be no use in persisting in attempts at a cure ; and it is only 
 when the complaint j^sumes a more than ordinary degree 
 of coughing, that medical treatment should be resorted to. 
 A great object is to avoid exposing the animal to sudden 
 transitions from heat to cold ; as a horse afflicted with 
 chronic cough is more liable than others to be affected by 
 changes of temperature. 
 
 THE MALIGNANT EPIDEMIC. 
 
 Syjiptoms. — This complaint is marked by a complication 
 of disagreeable symptoms ; there is a fetid discharge from 
 the nostrils, with an extremely stinking breath, and the 
 whole evacuations become disgustingly offensive, accom- 
 panied by a quick, small, and weak pulse, which is hardly 
 f^onsible to the touch ; the animal refuses to eat, and a 
 
80 MAJy^UAL OF MODEli:^ FARRIERY. 
 
 rapid loss of strength ensues. The inflammation, which is 
 at the root of the disease, is soon folloAved bj mortification, 
 which speedily spreads from the place first affected through 
 the whole of the cellular tissue, and the body is soon 
 entirely under its malignant influence. ' 
 
 Remedies. — This is one of those diseases which it is 
 easier to prevent than to cure. Indeed its course is so rapid, 
 that there is but a short time to apply remedial means. 
 We are still little acquainted with its remote cause, but it 
 appears to be a violent stage of catarrhal fever, as the 
 primary symptoms are nearly the same. Gentle bleeding 
 has been known in some cases to be attended with beneficial 
 results, but this remedy must be exercised with very great 
 caution. If the animal has sunk to the low stage of debility, 
 bleeding must on no account be attempted ; and purgatives 
 at first must be of a gentle kind, and frequently repeated, 
 to dislodge the fetid matter which occupies the bowels. 
 Should the disease be taken in time, and the bowels have 
 got thoroughly cleansed, the following stimulant should be 
 given in doses for four or five days, or -ionger, if necessary : — 
 
 Opium ... 2 drachms. 
 
 Gentian 
 Prepared chalk 
 Ground ginger 
 Columbo 
 Port wine . 
 
 2 drachms, 
 2 drachms, 
 1 drachm, 
 1 drachm, 
 ■J pint. 
 
 The horse should also be fed upon green meat, mashes, and 
 gruel, until he recovers strength. 
 
 CATARRHAL FEVER, OR DISTEMPER. 
 
 Symptoms. — This disease usually manifests itself in the 
 Fame manner as inflammation of the lungs and common 
 
CATARRHAL FEVER, OR DISTEMPER. 81 
 
 fever, with a cold shivering fit, heat in the mouth, cough, 
 and considerable heaving of the flanks. The eyeballs 
 become red, and the eyes dull and languid ; the membrane 
 of the nose also assumes a red and inflamed appearance, 
 although in a less degree than in inflammation of the 
 lungs, and is accompanied by a slight discharge, which is of 
 a watery consistence at first ; but it becomes thicker, with 
 a number of clotted flakes, which sometimes adhere to the 
 mucous membrane of the nose, and look like white ulcers. 
 It then puts on the appearance of pus, accompanied by 
 an offensive smell. In some instances it assumes a livid cast, 
 although this is by no means a common occurrence. The 
 glands of the throat and under the jaw become swelled. The 
 animal has then much difficulty in masticating and swallow- 
 * ing his food, which he half chews, and then drops ; he also 
 drinks water with much difficulty, especially if it is cold. 
 In his endeavours to drink he will cough frequently, and the 
 saliva will flow from his mouth into the pail. In many 
 instances the animal suffers considerably in tlie frequent 
 and painful attacks with which he is seized, which he 
 manifests by restlessness and stamping his feet. Swelling 
 of the legs accompanies this complaint, and also enlarge- 
 ments in the chest and belly, with a rapid pulse, amounting 
 to from sixty to seventy beats in a minute, varying of course 
 with the intensity of fever with which the disease is always 
 accompanied. Veterinary surgeons do not consider these 
 swellings an unfavourable symptom. Very great weakness 
 generally comes on, so much so that the horse will stagger 
 while moving about in his stall, and will even lean against 
 the sides to support himself. 
 
 Cause. — The remote cause of thi5 disease is not v/ell 
 understood. It may arise from a common cold, or may be 
 induced by a certain cordition of the atmosphere. One 
 
82 MANUAL OF MODERN FARUIERY. 
 
 thing is quite certain, tliat it is more common in the middle 
 of spring or beginning of autumn. Some seasons it is 
 epidemical, and horses in many different parts of the same 
 district will be attacked bj it ; and it seems to prevail more 
 when wet and cold weather sets in at those seasons, par- 
 ticularly if it alternates from heat to cold. Many circum- 
 stances have led to the belief that this complaint is 
 infectious, and it is only proper to remove horses labouring 
 under it to some distance from the others. 
 
 Remedies. — Much skill is required in the treatment of 
 this disorder, and it is necessary to study it with great 
 attention before remedial means are attempted, whether by 
 the veterinary surgeon or the owner of the horse. Fever 
 is one of its earliest symptoms, which is rapidly succeeded 
 by loss of strength. If at the first appearance the disorder 
 is ascertained, bleeding should be immediately resorted to, 
 but care must be taken not to overdo this. We can give no 
 specific quantity, as this will depend upon the state of the 
 febrile excitement. But we would recommend that it never 
 should exceed four quarts, although, in most cases, from two 
 to three will suffice. Always avoid taking as much as will 
 produce faintness. Should the pulse become hard and 
 rapid after the first bleeding, then it will be necessary to 
 repeat it. And if coldness in the limbs, with redness of the 
 mucous membrane of the nose ensue, more blood must again 
 be taken, but the quantity should be limited. If with these 
 s3'mptoms weakness prevails, and the horse staggers, and if 
 the inside of the nostrils present a livid hue, then bleeding 
 would be prejudicial 
 
 But whatever condition the animal is in, the bowels 
 should be cleared out. The following purgative may be 
 administered : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . 2 drachms. 
 
CATARRHAL FEVER, OR DISTEMPER. 83 
 
 and a single drachm more in twelve hours thereafter. These 
 to be given in solution, or in a ball ; and if the soil does 
 not indicate a healthy colour, another drachm may be given 
 when tAvelve hom's have again elapsed. Should these prove 
 ineffectual, then recourse must be had to back-raking, and 
 injections of gruel given at the same time. 
 
 Should debility not extend to the hind legs, although 
 the other febrile symptoms continue, moderate bleeding with 
 clysters will be found of service. If the inner surface of 
 the eyelid is red, bleeding will then be indispensable ; and 
 if not removed at the first operation, then recourse must 
 be had to it a second time, but of course in moderate 
 quantity. . This should be followed by a laxative draught, 
 wViich ought to be repeated twice, viz. : — 
 
 Socotrine aloes, powdered 2^ drachms. 
 
 Prepared kali 1 drachm, 
 
 Mint-water . J pint, 
 
 Water ... 1 pint. 
 
 Repeat in twelve hours. When the purging has subsided, 
 give the following distemper-ball : — 
 
 Crude sal ammoniac . 1 ounce, 
 
 Nitre .... 1 ounce. 
 
 Soap .... 4 drachms, 
 
 Camphor ... 2 drachms ; 
 
 to be formed into two balls, with a tcaspoonful of lintseed- 
 oil and a solution of gum-arabic. A ball to be given 
 morning and evening for three or four days. At this stage 
 of the complaint it is necessary that urine should be voided 
 m quantity, and exhibit a clear and healthy appearance. 
 
 The food should be of a restorative character Avhen the 
 symptoms of disease have subsided. Gruel and bran- 
 mashes in small quantities, and given frequently, will be 
 
84 MAI^UAL OF MODERN FARRIER r. 
 
 found the best means of invigorating the animal. WJion 
 flie horse shows signs of returning strength, then a small 
 quantity of fresh sweet haj may be given, and oats that 
 have been stt eped in boiling water ; occasional draughts of 
 oatmeal gruel, and, as a stimulant, small malt-mashes. If 
 the weather is mild, let the animal enjoy a few hours of 
 the middle of the day in a field ; but not without clothing, 
 and especially a breast-piece cloth and head-covering, or 
 hood. 
 
 In some instances inflammation of the throat accompanies 
 this complaint, in which case the animal will refuse to eat. 
 To remove the inflammation the submaxillary glands and 
 also the parotid glands should 1)e immediately blistered. It 
 is a mistaken idea to attempt stopping the nasal discharge ; 
 and it ought rather to be encouraged by means of warm 
 mashes placed in the manger, or in nose-bags, while the 
 head is kept perfectly warm by clothing. 
 
 When the disease is protracted, great weakness generally 
 follows ; in which case, although the fever has not yet been 
 reduced and means are taken to subdue it, it will be 
 absolutely necessary to give such food as is of a nourishing 
 nature to support the animal, such as carrots, malt-mashes, 
 mashed hay, and tares, or other green meat. 
 
 If the animal persists in refusing food, carrots should be 
 forced in between his grinders which will in most instances 
 induce him to take food. Ii thiK should fail, then a pail- 
 full of gruel should always be placed in his manger, whicli 
 he is sure to partake of occasionally. This will sustain 
 him until a favourable turn of the disorder has taken place. 
 
 Every means should be adopted to keep the limbs warm 
 by rubbing, warm bandages, &c. 
 
 If this disease is not removed in a moderate length of 
 time, thick wind, chronic cough, and broken wind may be 
 
FISTULOUS WITHERS. 85 
 
 thereby induced ; and he will, during the remainder of 
 his life, be liable to colds and other affections of the 
 hmgs. 
 
 The symptoms of this malady are something similar to 
 those which accompany inflammation of the lungs ; and as 
 the medical treatment differs considerably, it becomes a 
 matter of considerable importance to be able to distinguish 
 the one from the other. Inflammation of the lungs is 
 ahvays attended by a febrile and oppressed pulse, and is 
 indicated by an early discharge from the nose, but is unac- 
 companied by the intense redness of the mucous membrane 
 of the nostrils — which is manifested in catarrhal fever ; and 
 is invariably attended with a painful, frequent, and hard 
 cough, enlargement of the glands, and inflammation of the 
 throat, variable warmth and coldness in the limbs, and 
 rapid loss of strength. 
 
 In the year 1832 a distemper prevailed which swept off 
 many horses. It was considered a contagious epidemic, and 
 was ascribed to some latent atmospheric phenomena, which 
 was never satisfactorily accounted for ; nor were the modes 
 of treatment of the time attended with beneficial results. 
 By post-mortem examinations it was found that the liver 
 was invariably afiected, and an imperfect secretion of bile 
 was the consequence. This caused increased action of the 
 pulmonary arteries, followed by rupture and congestion of 
 blood at the heart, producing immediate death. 
 
 FISTULOUS WITHERS. 
 
 SvMrTOMS. — This consists of one or more hot and tender 
 tumours formed upon the withers. If neglected it ends in 
 a large and deep ulcer, and will sometimes extend beneatli 
 the shoulder-blade — or scapula — and consequently becomes 
 extremely difficult of cui'e. 
 
80 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 Cause. — If the saddle does not fit exactly to the shape 
 of the withers, these tumours may be formed. 
 
 Remedies. — When first detected, it may possibly be 
 removed by cold applications. The following lotion should 
 be applied to the part afiected, with a sponge : — - 
 
 Alum powdered . . 1 ounce, 
 Sulphuric acid . . 1 drachm, 
 Water .... 1 pint. 
 
 )r the following may be substituted for it : — 
 
 Corrosive sublimate . . 2 drachms, 
 Muriatic acid . . 4 drachms, 
 
 Water .... 1 pint. 
 
 It will be rendered more pimgont by the addition of a 
 drachm of sulphate of copper. 
 
 If the above, after being carefully applied, does not 
 diminish the size of the tumour ; or if it increases and 
 becomes more sensitive on being touched, then fomentations, 
 poultices, and stimulating embrocations should be resorted 
 to, so as to bring forward the tumour to a suppuration. 
 When the matter has formed, a seton should be passed 
 through the top and bottom of the tumour to allow the 
 discharge to pass freely ofil After which the same treatment 
 must be pursued as we have recommended in the poll-evil. 
 
 Fistula in the withers is frequently the cause why some 
 horses stumble on the road. If this is suspected, then the 
 saddle should be taken off; and if the part pressed on by 
 the saddle be hot and enlarged, and the horse feels sensibly 
 the pressure, then fistula of the withers may be apprehended. 
 If taken at this time, and a lotion be diligently applied 
 with a sponge, it is almost certain to prevent the disease 
 becoming matured. 
 
 Where this disorder has been neglected, and the ulcer has 
 
WAllBLES, SADDLE-GALLS, &C. 87 
 
 extended to the muscle below the shoulder-blade, in many 
 instances the matter will work its way to the elbow, and 
 sometimes to the bones of the withers, and render them 
 carious. 
 
 In severe cases the following hot stimulant must be 
 poured into the fistulous ulcers : — 
 
 I\esin . . . . f ounce, 
 
 Tar .... 1 ounce. 
 
 Mutton-suet ... 1 ounce, 
 
 Bees'-wax . . . ^ ounce ; 
 
 this to be melted slowly over a fire, and wlien completely 
 dissolved the following must be added to it : — 
 
 Spirit of turpentine . . 1 ounce. 
 
 Verdigris . . .3 drachms. 
 
 After the above the treatment will have to be the same as 
 recommended in the poll-cvll. 
 
 WARBLES, SADDLE-GALLS, &c. 
 
 Causes. — When saddles do not fit, various tumours are 
 produced on the back of horses. The name " warbles " is 
 applied to small tumours produced by pressure, which 
 sometimes do not ulcerate, but are nevertheless troublesome 
 and painful to the animal. When they ulcerate they are 
 termed sitfasts, from a small piece of callous skin in their 
 centre, which adheres so firmly as to require great force to 
 remove it, and frequently cannot be extracted without being 
 cut out. 
 
 Remedies. — The first thing that must naturally occur to 
 the mind of a humane man, is to have the stuffing of the 
 saddle altered so as to make it fit, and thereby prevent undue 
 pressure on any particular spot, and the animal should be 
 allowed sufficient rest to permit the tumours to be taken 
 
88 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 up bj absorption. To facilitate this, cold lotions should })e 
 frequently and plentifully applied, such as goulard, vinegar, 
 or brine. If these fail, and ulcers and steadfasts appear, 
 then a gentle blister should be applied, which generally 
 has the effect of removing them from their seats ; after 
 which the wound must be dressed with Friar's Balsam, or 
 Turner's Cerate, or, where these cannot readily be pro- 
 cured, with a mixture of bees'- wax and oil in equal pro- 
 portions. 
 
 Saddle-galls are generally cured with facility by an 
 application of strong brine, with the addition of tincture of 
 myrrh, in the proportion of a fourth part to three parts of 
 brine. 
 
 We have frequently been disgusted with the unfeeling 
 cruelty of some thoughtless persons riding their horses day 
 after day, with large sores under the saddle. Such indi- 
 viduals but ill desen-e to be the possessors of horses. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE ABDOMEN AND INTESTINES. 
 
 The complaints of the abdomen and bowels in horses are 
 pretty numerous, and some of them attended with most 
 serious consequences. In most of them the gTOom or horse- 
 keeper ought to be extremely vigilant, and must watch 
 their progress narrowly. Some are slow in their effects, 
 while others are so rapid, that before proper remedies are 
 applied the disease will have gained such an ascendancy that 
 ministrations are of no avail. We would particularly allude 
 to two complaints which are frequently mistaken for one 
 
THE JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS. 89 
 
 another, the distinctive symptoms of both we shall point 
 out when we treat of them. 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 
 
 SviMi'TOMs. — Although this disease is rare in horses, it 
 nevertheless occasionally occurs, and is not easily to he 
 detected from inflammation of the boAvels. Its principal 
 characteristic is a restlessness in the animal, without the 
 appearance of sufiering that pain which accompanies other 
 inflammatory complaints. 
 
 Remedy. — The following should be given for two or three 
 days successively, in the form of a small ball : — 
 
 Compound extract of colocyntli . 7 grains, 
 
 Calomel 6 grains. 
 
 Syrup 1 drachm. 
 
 Sliould the above not remove the uneasy symptoms, it will 
 be necessary to have recourse to a veterinary surgeon. 
 
 THE JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS. 
 
 Symptoms. — The eyes are yellow, as well as the skin of 
 the mouth, and also the other naked parts. The dung is 
 voided in small, hard balls, and the urine of a high yellow 
 colour; the appetite is blunted, and general weakness 
 
 evinces itself. 
 
 Causes. — This complaint is occasioned by some obstruc- 
 tion in the single duct — for the horse has but one — through 
 which the bile is conducted from the liver to the intestines ; 
 or from an increased and undue quantity of bile. The 
 horse being destitute of a gall-bladder, the bile flows imme- 
 diately as it is formed. 
 
 Remedies. — Purgatives must be employed to restore the 
 functions of the organs to their healthy condition. These 
 
90 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIER Y. 
 
 must be administered witli caution, and in small quantities, 
 frequently repeated, until the bowels are freely opened. It 
 would be dangerous to risk strong doses, as common inflam- 
 mation of the intestines may cause the symptoms, which 
 apparently mark this disease. Let the following be given 
 twice a day : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 2 drachms. 
 Calomel . . . 1 drachm. 
 
 Bleeding in moderate quantity will also be found of service. 
 Thin, slightly warmed gruel should be given in abundance, 
 together with carrots and green food, particularly tares. 
 Let the horse be warmly clothed if the weather is severe ; 
 and the stable should be properly ventilated, but not allowed 
 to be too cold. The following should afterwards be given : 
 — Bran-mashes, with green meat, for four or five days ; also 
 drink of thin warm gruel 
 
 If purging should become pretty active after administer- 
 ing the above medicine, it should not be hastily checked 
 unless inflammatory symptoms begin to appear, or if the 
 horse exhibits weakness. In either of these cases then the 
 following medicine mav be given : — 
 
 Gruel . . .1 gallon, 
 
 Prepared chalk . . 1 ounce, 
 
 Catechu . . • 2 ounce, 
 
 Opium .... 5- ounce. 
 
 After this give the following tonic : — 
 
 Gentian .... 2 drachms. 
 Camomile ... 2 drachms, 
 Ginger .... 1 drachm ; 
 
 formed into a ball, and repeated daily until the discharge is 
 checked. 
 
INFLAMiVlATION OF THE KUJ^EYS. 01 
 
 HERNIA, OR RUPTURE. 
 
 This consists of a portion of the intestine being protruded 
 from the abdominal cavit}^, either through a natural open- 
 ing or through one caused by disease. In many cases the 
 intestine may be returned into the cavity, but it seldom is 
 an effectual cure, in consequence of the impossibility of 
 applying a truss to keep it up. There are other instances 
 where, the gut having passed through the inquinal ring and 
 protruded into the scrotum of the entire horse, or in the 
 groin of the gelding, which may in time become so narrow 
 as not to admit of the gut being again returned, in conse- 
 quence of becoming thickened and the protruded portion 
 being filled with the dung. This is called strangulated 
 hernia ; and can only be successfully treated by a veteri- 
 nary surgeon, and should on no account be attempted by 
 any other, especially an uneducated person. 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 
 
 SYMnoMS. — This complaint is usually preceded by fever ; 
 and when completely formed, the horse stands with his hind 
 legs wide apart, and has an awkward gait in his walk. He 
 withdraws from the pressure of the hand on the loins, which 
 also indicate an undue heat, considerably above that in the 
 natural condition. When turning with moderate quick- 
 ness, he feels pain, and looks wistfully back at his flanks ; 
 a suppression of the action of the urinary organs takes 
 place, and is followed by a difficulty in voiding urine, 
 which comes off in small quantities, and is generally high 
 coloured, and not unfrequently mixed with blood. Strong 
 efforts are made by the horse to discharge it in larger 
 portions, but at length it is almost quite suppressed. Hence 
 
9^ MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 it will be manifest tliat there is an aifection of the urinary 
 organs ; but whether in the kidneys or bladder it will be 
 difficult at first to determine. At this stage of the disease 
 the pulse is hard and accelerated ; it soon afterwards becomes 
 small, although retaining its character of hardness, 
 
 In order to ascertain the seat of the disease, the hand 
 must be introduced into the rectum, and if the bladder 
 (which is situated under the rectum) feels distended and 
 hard, then it is certain that the neck or sphincture of the 
 bladder is inflamed. If, on the other hand, it is soft and 
 feeling empty, with a heat in the intestines over it, then 
 there is inflammation of the bladder itself ; but if there is 
 no unnatural heat over it, then it may be certain that the 
 affection is in the kidneys. 
 
 Cause. — Musty or mow-burnt oats, from their diuretic 
 properties, are often the cause of inflammation in the kidneys. 
 Indeed very strong diuretics, frequently given, will bring on 
 inflammation of the kidneys as well as weakness in the 
 parts. A sprain in the loins often proves the remote cause 
 of this disease ; or a sudden check, throwing him back upon 
 his haunches, and giving a sudden shock to the muscles of 
 the loins, is another cause. Exposure to rain and being 
 allowed to cool and dry without having been rubbed down, 
 will cause inflammation in the kidneys. 
 
 Remedies. — Prompt and copious bleeding must be re- 
 sorted to, after which a strong purgative must be given, and 
 counter irritation produced as near as possible to the seat of 
 the disease. To efi"ect this, use a mustard blister, as turpen- 
 tine and Spanish flies are improper in this disorder. Do 
 not give the animal any diuretics, because these only add 
 to the excitement, already too great. The horse must be 
 kept warm by clothing, his legs well bandaged, and as much 
 water given him as he will take. The food should consist 
 
INFLAMMATIOX CF THE BLADDER AND ITS SnilNCTLrRE. 9d 
 
 of mashes. The following should be given to him three 
 
 times a day : — 
 
 AVhite hellebore . . 1 scruple, 
 Emetic tartar . . 1 drachm, 
 
 Lintseed meal . . 2 drachms ; 
 
 made into a ball with treacle. 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER AND ITS 
 
 SPHINCTURE. 
 
 Symptoms. — When treating of inflammation of the kid- 
 neys, we described fully the symptoms of inflammation in 
 the neck of the bladder. In this variety of the complaint 
 the urine is voided in small quantities, and with consider- 
 able pain each time ; and in extreme cases a total suppres- 
 sion takes place. When this is the case the bladder becomes 
 exceedingly inflated under the rectum, and may be easily 
 felt by the means recommended in tlie former article. It 
 is a spasm which causes this tightening of the neck of the 
 bladder. 
 
 Causes. — This is produced by some acrid substance, which 
 has been generated in the system by the use of food of a 
 heating nature, forming a chemical compound of an acrid 
 quality in the urine. Stone in the bladder will also produce 
 this disease. Some persons are so absurd as to administer 
 the tincture of cantharides by way of hastening the season of 
 horsing in the mare, which is almost certain to inflame the 
 coating or sphincture of the bladder. 
 
 Remedies. — Bleeding to a considerable extent will be 
 necessary, being the most likely thing to reduce the spasii . 
 Some have gone so far as to let the blood flow until fainting 
 is induced. The disease by such treatment is very often 
 removed at once. But should this not relieve the malady, 
 then the foUowinir must be administered : — 
 
f)4 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Pcwdered opium . . 1 drachm, 
 Lintsecd meal ... 3 draclims ; 
 
 given as a ball or in a drink of gruel every three hours, and 
 a strong blister put on at the same time. In cases where 
 the mare is affected, the urine may be drawn off by means 
 of a catheter. This will have a considerable influence in 
 relieving the animal, and by taking off the tension will 
 tend to abate the inflammatory symptoms. The same 
 remedy is of difficult application in the horse, and should 
 never be attempted by any one but a veterinary surgeon. 
 
 STONE IN THE BLADDER. 
 
 Symptoms. — Irregularity in the discharge of urine, with 
 occasional suppression of it, and fits resembling spasmodic 
 colic, are the symptoms which attend this disease. To 
 ascertain if it is really stone which produces these effects, 
 the horse should be thrown on his back and the hand 
 introduced into the rectum, when the stone, if it exists, 
 will be easily felt. 
 
 Hemedies, — If the stone is of any size it must be extracted 
 by an operation, which can only be performed by a regular 
 veterinary surgeon. When it is small, or only appears in 
 the form of gravel, diuretics are the only remedies which 
 can do good ; these, by inducing an increased flow of urine, 
 may carry with it the smaller concretions. The following 
 Avill be found a useful diuretic, given twice or thrice a day 
 in a drink : — 
 
 Purified nitre (nitrate of potash) 3 drachms. 
 Digitalis .... 1 drachm, 
 
 ^fc' 
 
 DIABETES. 
 Symptoms. — This disease consists in an excessive discharge 
 
STALING OF BLOOD. 
 
 95 
 
 of urine ; and, fortunately, is not of such common occurrence 
 among horses as in the human species. 
 
 Causes. — Bad food will produce irritation of the kidneys, 
 as well as the improper and too frequent use of strong 
 diuretics, which cause inflammation and an increased action 
 in the kidneys. 
 
 Remedies. — Whatever tends to lessen the undue action 
 will be the best remedy. Bleeding, therefore, will be the 
 first alternative, although it must not be cai-ried to the 
 same extent as in common inflammation. This to be 
 followed by purging, astringent medicines, and counter irri- 
 tation. The following should be given in doses three times 
 a day : — 
 
 Wortle-berry leaf, powdered . 2 drachms. 
 Catechu . . . . 2 drachms. 
 
 Opium .... 4 drachm. 
 
 Green meat and carrots will be of much use during this 
 disease, as well as mashes. 
 
 STALING OF BLOOD. 
 
 Syjiptoms. — The symptoms of this complaint are nearly 
 allied to those of inflammation in the kidneys ; and it 
 always manifests itself by the highly-coloured urine, mingled 
 with blood. If the bowels are not easy, let them be 
 opened by the following cathartic : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 5 drachms, 
 Cream of tartar . . ^ ounce. 
 Ginger, powdered . . 1 drachm, 
 Balsam of copaiva . 30 drops ; 
 
 to be formed into a ball and administered. When it has 
 operated, the following must be given once a day until 
 the urine has assumed its natural colour : — 
 
96 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Peruvian bark, powdered . ^ ounce. 
 
 Prepared kali . . .2 drachms^ 
 
 Antimonial powder . . -g- ounce, 
 
 Nitre, in powder . . 1 ounce, 
 
 Balsam of capiva . . ^ ounce. 
 
 Let the above be well powdered together, and then given in 
 
 three ounces of lintseed, boiled in half-a-gallon of water 
 
 reduced to three pints. 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
 
 The intestines are subject to two diflferent kinds of 
 inflammation, namely, that of the mucous membrane or 
 internal lining of the gut. The second is in the external 
 coating of the bowels. These are very different in their 
 characters, and consequently in the mode in which they 
 must be treated. 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE. 
 
 Symptoms. — This is accompanied with violent purging, 
 proceeding too often from over-doses of physic being ad- 
 ministered to the horse, or from acid generated in the bowels 
 by the food, or some other unknown cause. In addition to 
 the purging, considerable pain attends this disease, which 
 is indicated by the animal frequently looking round to his 
 flanks, with a heaviness in his breathing, accompanied by a 
 quick feeble pulse, with a hot mouth, ears, and legs. 
 
 Causes. — Sudden exposure from a warm to a cold atmo- 
 sphere, and being allowed to drink plentifully of water 
 when over-heated, or having his belly and legs wetted with 
 cold water when too warm, are all causes which induce this 
 complaint, more especially in high-fed horses. 
 
 Remedies. — When accompanied by excessive purging, with 
 great pain, astringent medicines should not be administered. 
 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 9 
 
 K 
 
 A.11 food should be denied him, and in its stead give liim 
 gruel, a decoction of lintseed, thin starch, or arrow-root, or 
 a strong solution of gum-arabic. Clysters of warm gruel 
 would also be proper, in which a quarter of an ounce of 
 aloes is mixed. Some prefer from six ounces to half-a-pound 
 of Epsom salts. These should be administered with Reid s 
 patent, pump. If the irritation and indications of pain still 
 continue after twelve or fourteen hours have elapsed, it will 
 be necessary to give the following : — 
 
 Gruel .... 2 quarts. 
 
 Prepared chalk . . 1 ounce, 'V 
 
 Catechu .... 4 ounces. 
 
 Opium .... 2 scruples ; 
 
 The above to be repeated every five or six hours until the 
 purging and pain are allayed, after which the doses should 
 be lessened in quantity and frequency. 
 
 If the inflammatory symptoms are very great, it will be 
 necessary to have recourse to bleeding ; but this must only 
 be resorted to when accompanied by general febrile symptoms. 
 The horse must be kept warm and Avell-clothed, with his 
 legs bandaged after being rubbed thoroughly. 
 
 SPASMODIC COLIC. 
 
 Symptoms. — This disorder in general comes on very 
 suddenly, without any premonitory signs. The horse be- 
 comes very restless, shifts his position, paws the ground, 
 and looks round with anxiety at his flanks ; sometimes 
 raising his foot as high as his belly and striking it violently : 
 lie will also lie down and roll about on his back. In a few 
 minutes the spasm subsides, and the animal after shaking 
 himself will resume feeding. At longer or shorter intervals 
 the attack is renew'ed, but with increased violence ; he will 
 
 
 
98 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 throw himself with considerable force on the ground ; will 
 break into a copious perspiration, and heave greatl j at the 
 flanks. These spasms are renewed at intervals, and gra- 
 dually become less frequent and less severe ; or if, on the 
 contrary, they are more frequent and acute, and at length 
 manifest a nearly uninterrupted series, then it may be sus- 
 pected that violent inflammation and mortification has taken 
 place, and that death will speedily ensue. 
 
 Causes. — Stones and large earthy lumps in the intestines 
 cause colic pains, but it cannot be known when these are 
 present. Drinking cold water when the animal is over- 
 heated is a frequent cause of these spasms and pains. 
 Green food is also apt to induce these pains when taken in 
 large quantities, and especially if too hard worked after it. 
 
 Remedies. — A combination of opium and turpentine are 
 valuable specifics in this disorder, in the following quan- 
 tities, and usually produce almost immediate relief : — 
 Turpentine ... 3 ounces. 
 Laudanum ... 1 ounce, 
 Warm ale, or gruel . . 1 pint. 
 
 If in half-an-hour after the above has been administered 
 no visible mitigation of the complaint exhibits itself, it will 
 be necessary to have recourse to bleeding ; because a long- 
 continued succession of spasms is almost certain to induce 
 inflammation. The belly should be well rubbed with a 
 towel or brush, and the horse should thereafter have 
 moderate exercise, when it is clearly ascertained that it is 
 colic pain. In about an hour after the above has been given, 
 half the quantity of each ingredient may be administered, 
 in combination with three quarters of an ounce of Barbadoes 
 aloes. Injections of warm water, or gruel, mixed with a 
 small quantity of aloes, will have an excellent efiect in 
 this complaint. 
 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
 
 99 
 
 The following embrocation has produced good effects 
 during the time the animal was suffering from spasms. It 
 is made into a pretty thick paste and rubbed over a con- 
 siderable portion of the belly : — 
 
 Mustard, in powder . . 8 ounces, 
 
 Camphor . . .1 ounce, 
 
 Oil of turpentine . . 2 ounces, 
 
 "Water of ammonia . . 2 ounces. 
 
 This disease and inflammation of the bowels are Ire- 
 quently mistaken for each other, which is caused by the 
 general appearance being somewhat similar ; but if strict 
 attention be paid to both diseases, it will be found that 
 there are symptoms connected with each disorder speci- 
 fically different, which will at once be understood by the 
 following tables : — 
 
 INFLAMMATION OF THE B0"WEL8. 
 
 1 Pulse considerably accele- 
 rated, but very indistinct 
 
 2. Gradual in its approach, 
 
 with previous febrile indi- 
 cations. 
 
 3. Lies down, seldom rolls on 
 
 his back, starts to his legs 
 suddenly 
 
 4. Legs and ears generally cold. 
 
 5. Belly exceedingly tender, and 
 
 when touched causing pain. 
 
 6. Motion increasing the painful 
 
 symptoms. 
 
 SPASMODIC COLIC 
 
 1 Pulse natural, or lower thai: 
 in its natural state, but ac- 
 celerated and more full 
 during the spasms. 
 
 2. Sudden in its attack, but 
 
 destitute of febrile symp- 
 toms. 
 
 3. Lies down, and almost inva- 
 
 riably rolls on his back, 
 which seems to give him 
 relief. 
 
 4. Legs and ears of a natural 
 
 heat. 
 
 5. Rubbing the belly gives relief 
 
 to the animal. 
 
 6. Motion evidently afTordiiig 
 
 relief. 
 
lOQ MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 7. Constant pain. 7. Intervals of rest. 
 
 fi. Rapid prostration of strength. 8. Strength hardly affected. 
 
 9. Mucous membrane inside the 9. Mucous membrane of its 
 
 nostrils very red. ordinary colour. 
 
 10. Lining of the eyelids unusu- 10. Lining of the eyelids of its 
 
 allv red. natural colour. 
 
 11. Peristaltic motion of the 11. Slight motion of the intes- 
 
 bowels excited, with the tines, unless by purgative 
 
 anus hot. injections. 
 
 Pawing of the ground is common to both complaints, but 
 in cases of entanglement of the gut, he desists from pawing. 
 
 Both this and the preceding complaint are induced bj 
 various causes. But if symptoms similar to them are caused 
 by eating green food in too large quantity, a different mode 
 of treatment will be necessary. 
 
 ENTANGLEMENT OF THE BOWELS. 
 
 This is caused by colic, in consequence of the animal 
 throwing himself about while suffering under the pain ot 
 that complaint ; portions of that intestine called the ileum 
 become twisted and knotted, and drawn togetlier with 
 astonishing firmness. There is no remedy for this complaint. 
 
 STONES IN THE INTESTINES. 
 
 Horses that are subject to very frequent attacks of colic 
 pains have usually stony masses in the caecum or colon. 
 Sometimes they are some pounds weight. These, obstruct- 
 ing the passage of tb^s gut, produce colic pains ; and at 
 other times, when exceedingly large, by pressing upon the 
 mucous membrane, produce inflammation. But as yet no 
 distinctly-marked symptoms have been detected by which 
 their presence can be ascertained. Hitherto no certain mode 
 of treatment has been discovered for their removal. 
 
INTESTINAL WORMS. 101 
 
 INTUSUSCEPTION OF THE INTESTINES. 
 
 This is another evil arising from a long-continued spas- 
 modic action of the ileum, which sometimes causes an 
 inverted pressure from the ctecum towards the stomach, 
 which overcomes the natural action, whicli forces this con- 
 tracted portion of the intestine into a portion above it, 
 wliich retains its natural calibre. The irritation thereby 
 produced increases the upward action, and causes still 
 more of the intestine to be forced inwards, until an obstruc- 
 tion of an insurmountable character is produced. Continued 
 and unmitigated pain is the only symptom which may 
 lead to a suspicion that this incurable malady has taken 
 place. 
 
 INTESTINAL WORMS. 
 
 A variety of worms inhabit the intestines of horses, and 
 when they become numerous often prove injurious to the 
 constitution of the animal. Although a respectable writer 
 says they are not of much consequence unless they are 
 numerous, we would recommend that the sooner they are 
 expelled the better, however small the number may be, tor 
 this simple reason — that where there exists a single pair, 
 there will naturally be an increase of their species. It 
 is perfectly true that by what means they at first effect a 
 lodgement into the animal system is a mystery yet to 
 be solved ; but it is equally true that naturalists have 
 detected that these parasites are formed male and female., 
 and as Nature frames nothing in vain, they must propagate 
 in the ordinary manner of reproduction. 
 
 Symptoms. — Loss of appetite, griping pains, a rough coat, 
 and tucked-up belly, are symptomatic of worms of the 
 larger species, lumbricus teres, or long white round- worms 
 
102 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 very much resembling in form the common earth-worm, 
 which is met with from five to ten inches in length ; and 
 itcliing of the rectum, evinced by a quick twitching of the 
 tail and a small quantity of mucus, which hardens and 
 assumes the appearance of a white powder at the anus, 
 is indicative of ascarides — small, needle-formed worms, 
 which lodge in the large intestines, and frequently find 
 their way in great numbers to the caacum. A third 
 species sometimes, although of much rarer occurrence, 
 inhabits various parts of the intestinal-canal from the 
 stomach downwards. This is the tape-worm, which is 
 known from its broad, flat, tape-like appearance, and con- 
 sisting of many articulated joints. This species is the most 
 formidable and the most difficult to be removed. 
 
 Kemedies. — When the symptoms which we have pointed 
 out are noticed, the groom should carefully watch whether 
 worms are voided, to ascertain their existence. Still, how- 
 ever, they may be lodged in the intestines without being 
 evacuated ; and when there is a well-grounded suspicion 
 that they inhabit the body, a dose of some vermifuge should 
 be given. This may consist of eight grains of calomel, 
 made into a ball, with oatmeal and treacle. 
 
 For the expulsion of the round-worm, the following 
 anthelminthick should be administered : — 
 
 Calomel ... 2 drachms, 
 Rhubarb . • l-J drachm, 
 
 Soccotrine aloes . . 2 drachms. 
 Ginger . • li drachm. 
 
 The following may be given, if it is necessary to repeat 
 an anthelminthick : — 
 
 Calomel . • Ig drachm, 
 
 Aniseeds, in powder . -^ ounce, 
 Powder of scammony . ^ drachm. 
 
THE BOTS. 103 
 
 Let it be given at night, and the following purgative in 
 the morning : — 
 
 Aloes . . ■ ^ drachms, 
 
 Ginger .... 2 drachms ; 
 to be made into a ball with treacle. 
 
 When the animal is infested bj ascarides, the same 
 medicine should be given as for the round-worm ; but it 
 frequently has not the desired effect. When this is the case, 
 recourse must be had to injections, after the medicine •- 
 
 Lintseed oil . . .1 quart ; or 
 Aloes, dissolved in warm water, 1 ounce. 
 If the existence of the tape-worm is apprehended, then 
 the following will be the proper remedy : — 
 
 Turpentine ... 4 o^i^ce, 
 Castor oil ... 2 ounces, 
 
 Gum arable, in powder . 1 ounce ; 
 
 treacle to form it into a ball. Warm mashes to be given 
 for a day afterwards 
 
 It seldom, however, happens that these are removed by 
 one dose ; and unless it is quite certain that the entire 
 animal has been discharged, the above medicine must be 
 repeated. If even a link or two is broken off and lefl 
 in the intestines, these will be regenerated into a perfect 
 worm, as they have the property of reproducing the parts 
 of which they have been deprived. 
 
 THE BOTS. 
 
 Horses may be infested by bots without suffering material 
 injury from them. But we cannot agree with the opinion 
 of Mrs Bracy Clark, that they are destined by Nature to act 
 upon the food in the stomach by trituration, or as pepper 
 does in the liuman stomach. Like every other part of the 
 
104 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERT 
 
 animal body, this organ is so admirably constructed that in 
 its healthy condition no artificial aid is necessary to enable 
 it to perform its office. If the opinion of Mr. Clark were 
 correct, what would supply the place of those parasites 
 during that portion of the year when the grub assumed 
 its perfect condition '? 
 
 Post-mortem dissection has proved that bots are not so 
 inoffensive as Mr. Clark supposed ; as it has been found 
 that horses which have been infested with these grubs had 
 ulcers of considerable extent in the muscular coat of the 
 stomach. 
 
 Symptoms and Habits. — The progress of the disease gene- 
 rally manifests itself gradually ; the horse becomes hide- 
 bound, his coat becomes rough and unhealthy, he loses flesh 
 and strength, although he feeds with his usual appetite, and 
 has frequently a tickling cough. 
 
 Cause. — The bots are a species of gad-fly called oestrus 
 equi by naturalists, which may be observed in the month of 
 July flying actively about the legs of horses in the fields. 
 These flies are represented, (plate x., fig. 1,) which is the 
 common gad-fly. They may be seen flying rapidly towards 
 the sides and knees of horses. These are the females 
 depositing their eggs in the hair, to which they adhere by a 
 glutinous fluid by which they are surrounded (fig. 2, 3.) In 
 a few days the eggs are hatched, and the minute grubs 
 or caterpillars which they contain are set at liberty. This 
 operation is performed by the horse, which, in licking him- 
 self, bursts the eggs, and the caterpillar adheres to his 
 tongue, and in the operation of eating the little animal is 
 carried into the stomach along with the food. These 
 caterpillars are provided with a small hook on each side 
 of their mouths and by means of which they cling per- 
 tinaceously to the cuticular portion of the lining of the 
 
THE FORE LEGS. 105 
 
 stomach ; (see fig. 4,) and so tenaciously do they adhere, 
 that the hook will break before they leave their hold. 
 There these pests contrive to locate during the whole winter, 
 and to the end of the following spring, feeding on the 
 mucus ; by w^hich time they have grown to full size, (fig. 6,) 
 and must now undergo a new transformation ; they quit 
 their hold of the coating of the stomach, are carried into the 
 villous portion along with food, from thence pass into the 
 intestinal canal along with the chyme, and at length are 
 discharged w^th it. The caterpillars thus evacuated seek 
 an appropriate place in the ground, where they assume 
 the imago or chrysalis condition ; and remaining in this 
 state for some weeks, at length break out from their swathing 
 and assume the form of the perfect insect. Immediately 
 after this the males and females pair ; the latter becoming 
 impregnated, set about seeking an appropriate situation where 
 to deposit their eggs, which, in imitation of the parent, by a 
 peculiar instinct, they fix on the hairs of a horse, from whence 
 they are licked off and swallowed in the larva state. 
 
 There are two species of gad-flies, the second is known 
 by the name of the red bot, fig. 6 is its larva, and fig. 7 the 
 perfect fly. Their natural history and habits are similar 
 in all respects to the other. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 DISORDERS OF THE EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE HORSE. 
 
 SECTION L— The Fore Legs. 
 
 We come now to treat of those portions of the frame ot a 
 horse most intimately connect(id with his action, and his 
 
 P 
 
106 MANUAL OF xMODERN FARRIERY. ' 
 
 essential value in the service of man. Unfortunately tlieso 
 are but too often liable to disease ; and the animal afflicted 
 with maladies of those parts is not only rendered less useful 
 to his possessor, but also less valuable in the market, as 
 the extremities embrace the entire apparatus of progressive 
 motion, and consequently that action in which mankind are 
 chie% interested in this useful animal. 
 
 To thoughtless and reckless masters, and careless, cruel, 
 and unthinking servants, this noble animal owes many 
 of his complaints, both internal and external. And what 
 is revolting to every humane mind, is, after the poor 
 animals are afflicted with a painful disorder, their unfeeling 
 masters too often continue to subject them to hard work 
 while they are labouring under acute suffering. Let any 
 man who has had a severe sprained ankle fancy to himself 
 that he was compelled to carry a heavy burden, or remove 
 a quantity of stones from one part to another by means 
 of a wheel-barrow, or suppose he were even forced to walk 
 at all, and what would be his sufferings ! The probability 
 is, he would be utterly unable to perform one or the other 
 task. But the poor horse has four legs, and probably 
 three of these are sound, and he is thereby not only able 
 to stand, but also to perform progressive motion ; but every 
 time the lame limb is put to the ground and borne upon, 
 his sufferings are equal to, if not worse than what man 
 himself would feel. 
 
 It is the interest of every man to have his lame horse 
 rendered sound as speedily as possible ; and this, in most 
 cases, cannot be effected without allowing the animal a 
 cessation from labour ; and it is monstrous cruelty to subject 
 a horse to labour whilst under the influence of a painful 
 malady. The finger of contempt should be pointed at all 
 such unfeeling wretches. 
 
SPRAIN OF THE SHOULDER 107 
 
 In this portion of the work we shall treat of the diseases 
 alone, and the anatomy of the various parts will be after- 
 wards given, with complete references to the plates illustra- 
 tive of those parts. 
 
 SPRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. 
 
 Many ignorant j)retenders, who denominate themselves 
 Farriers, frequently speak of what they call the " shoulder- 
 lameness" without being able to state wherein this lameness 
 consists. In innumerable instances they are wrong when 
 they say or imagine that the lameness proceeds from the 
 shoulder at all. We are decidedly of opinion that lameness 
 of the shoulder is much less frequent than is supposed. 
 
 Symrtoms. — To those who have attended to the anatomy 
 of the shoulder of the horse, shoulder-lameness can be 
 recognised with considerable celerity, as well as certainty, 
 The horse generally suffers ffreat pain in moving forward 
 while under the influence of this complaint, which Is indi- 
 cated by dragging his toe along the ground instead of 
 lifting the foot smartly up, which is the natural action 
 in progressive motion ; for it is this lifting of the foot which 
 produces the pain, by giving motion to the muscles of the 
 shoulder, some of which are inflamed and tender, in con- 
 sequence of the sprain. But it must be obvious to any one 
 acquainted with the anatomy of the shoulder, that the 
 pain occasioned by lifti/ig the foot must be both short and 
 small in lameness of the shoulder, as the limb is allowed 
 to bear the weight a much shorter time than in any other 
 species of lameness. For example, in sprain of the back 
 tendons, it is only when the horse is moving forwards that 
 he suffers much pain, and this is most felt when the weight 
 rests on the leg ; consequently, there is a peculiar activity 
 ]n moving up the limb in shoulder-lameness the instant the 
 
108 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 weight bears upon it. This is strongly manifested in 
 moving down a hill, in which case additional pressure is 
 given to the limb. And while the horse is in the stable, 
 it will be found that his toe only is resting on the ground 
 when afflicted with shoulder-lameness, while in a sound 
 state, he will have the foot flat on the ground. But one 
 of its most prominent characters is, that when the foot is 
 lifted and pressed considerably forward, the animal indicates 
 a feeling of great pain, while the same action will give 
 him no uneasiness if the lameness is seated in the leg or 
 
 foot. 
 
 In diseases or injuries of the muscles, heat generally 
 accompanies them ; but from the muscles which are affected 
 in this belonging to the under layer, of course the heat is 
 not perceptible to the touch. Neither can the swelling be 
 perceived for the same reason. 
 
 Q^usE, — This has its origin in some sudden and severe 
 shock which the muscles have received. A slip of the foot 
 or side-fall may also occasion this complaint. 
 
 Eemedies. — External applications in this disease will be 
 of little use, as the part affected is deeply seated. Bleeding 
 from the inside of the arm, that is, from the plate-vein, 
 is the most likely thing to be beneficial, for this reason, 
 that it is the most contiguous to the place which is inflamed. 
 For the same reason, hot fomentations to those parts are 
 most likely to have a good effect, and every care should be 
 taken to prevent the horse from exerting, or even bringing 
 into motion, the muscles affected. But we would not have 
 the owner to expect much relief to be afforded from external 
 applications, as the inflamed parts are so deeply seated 
 as to be beyond their reach. Gentle doses of physic will 
 be useful ; and if the injury remains long, a blister may be 
 applied with probable success. 
 
COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE ARM. 109 
 
 Numerous ridiculous operations, which only give pain to 
 the horse labouring under this injury, have been resorted to, 
 but all of them are as absurd as they are cruel. The follow- 
 ing mild purg-ative ball may be administered, so as to keep 
 the bowels open : — ' 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 5 drachms, 
 
 Castile soap . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Oil of caraways . .12 drops. 
 
 COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE ARM. 
 
 FRACTURE OF THE ELBOW 
 
 sometimes occurs, and when this is the case, it would be 
 exceedingly imprudent for any person to attempt a cure, 
 except one skilled in the veterinary art ; and even with the 
 regular practitioner there is no' certainty of a cure being 
 effected. To work a horse for a very long time with fracture 
 in the elbow would be the height of folly, as nothing but long 
 rest, with the use of the sling, are likely to be of any avail. 
 
 PUNCTURE OF THE ELBOW-JOINT 
 
 sometimes occurs accidentally. Rest is the only thing 
 which can be recommended, and applications to close the 
 wound. This also is not to be trifled with, as in many 
 instances very rapid and extensive inflammation accompanies 
 it, which frequently ends in mortification and the death of 
 the animal. 
 
 ENLARGEMENT OF THE ELBOW 
 
 may be induced by a severe blow ; or it may be caused by 
 the caskins of the shoes pressing against that part while the 
 horse is asleep with his feet doubled under him. 
 
 Remedv. — Let a seton be carried through the tumour 
 
110 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 if it is of small dimensions, and in most cases it will subside 
 completely. But if large, an incision should be made in 
 the skin along the centre of the prominent part, and the 
 tumour removed by dissection, 
 
 COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE KNEE. 
 
 BROKEN KNEES. 
 
 Much has been said, and a great variety of remedies have 
 been recommended, for injuries received in the knees. It 
 is a subject of very great importance, and therefore much 
 patient attention should be bestowed upon it. Many fine 
 horses have been blemished and disfigured for life by broken 
 knees, and others have been so severely injured that it has 
 rendered them unfit for future service, and in other cases 
 has proved fatal to them. 
 
 This injury is generally sustained while the horse is going 
 at a quick pace, consequently the extent of the wound will 
 generally be in proportion to the rate of the speed at which 
 the animal is progressing, and the weight behind, as well 
 as the condition and texture of the road on which he falls. 
 The horse in the action of falling naturally throws his knees 
 forward, and consequently they receive all the weight of 
 both horse and rider, and frequently are very severely 
 lacerated. 
 
 Remedies. — The first precaution is to wash the wounds 
 thoroughly with warm water and a sponge, so as to remove 
 all dirt and gravel from the parts. The next thing to be 
 done is to examine carefully whether the joint is cut, which 
 is best ascertained by the application of a probe, and if the 
 hard bone is felt by the grating of the instrument, it is 
 certain that the joint is penetrated. But should a doubt 
 remain as to its being so then a poultice must be applied. 
 
COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE KNEE. Ill 
 
 composed of lintseed-meal. This must be allowed to 
 remain for about twelve hours, which will have at least 
 the eflfect of acting as a fomentation to the wound, and 
 assist in allaying the inflammation. When the poultice is 
 removed, if the capsular ligament of the joint has been 
 injured, then it will exhibit the synovia, or joint-oil, which 
 manifests a yellowish, glary, transparent appearance. If a 
 doubt still remains, then a second poultice should be applied 
 for the same length of time. Having ascertained the fact 
 that the joint has been laid open, and the flow of the oily 
 matter continues, and inflammation and gangrene follow, 
 this may to a certain extent be alleviated by washing all 
 round the wound, but not on it, with the following cold 
 lotion : — 
 
 Goulard's extract . . 2 ounces, 
 
 Vinegar ... 4 ounces, 
 
 "Water .... 2 quarts ; 
 
 to be applied with a sponge, which should always be repeated 
 
 before any other application, such as a poultice, &c. 
 
 Prompt attention must now be paid to closing the wound, 
 an operation which is only fit for the skilful hand of a 
 regular veterinary surgeon. But in cases where a veterinary 
 surgeon is far ofi", or cannot be had in proper time, the 
 closing of the wound may be efiected by a compress enve- 
 loping the entire wound, and allowed to remain at least 
 fourteen days before it is removed. It must, however, be 
 borne in mind that wounds from contusions of the kind 
 mentioned are very different from a simple cut ; as the edges 
 are irregular, and there is a consequent loss of substance, 
 which can only be restored by the tedious process of granu- 
 lation. It must therefore be evident that the less action in 
 the limbs the better, as if those tender, new-formed portions 
 are either stretched or bruised, it protracts the cure. 
 
1 ] 2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 If the cut in the joint be large, and the joint-oil continues 
 to exude from it, and the horse exhibit symptoms of suffer- 
 ing much pain, it may be considered that the wound has 
 become incurable ; and under the circumstances, it will l)e 
 but proper to destroy the animal, and relieve him from 
 the torture which always accompanies aggTavated cases of 
 broken knees : for high fever is almost always induced, of 
 which he is nearly certain to die ; or if he survives it, the 
 inflammation of the parts will induce a deposit of matter 
 in the cavity of the joint, and this becoming fixed, produces 
 lameness, for which there is no remedy. 
 
 "To enable a person to judge of the exact situation of 
 the wound in broken knees, he should have a thorough 
 knowledge of the structure and situation of the bones of the 
 knee-joint, which is the most complicated of all the bony 
 structure of the horse Between the lower termination of 
 the bone of the arm, and the superior portion of the leg- 
 bones, there are interposed seven other bones, called the 
 carpal bones. Six of these are arranged in two rows of 
 three each, and the seventh is placed behind the others. 
 Should the wound b& situated opposite the bottom row, and 
 if its dimensions are small, then there will be little difiiculty 
 in closing it ; and even a pretty large one is frequently suc- 
 cessfully cured, as there is but limited motion in that part. 
 But if it is situate opposite the union of the two rows, its 
 remedy is much more uncertain, in consequence of this being 
 the seat of the chief motion of the joint, which has a ten- 
 dency to disunite the lips of the wound, and also induces 
 most irritating friction between the bones, which would 
 become in close contact with each other, in consequence of 
 the expenditure of the joint-oil. 
 
 When the skin has been broken, it is always visible 
 afterwards, but the extent of the blemish will depend 
 
COMrLAIA'TS AND LXJURlES OF THE KNEE. 113 
 
 greatly upon the treatment ot the wound in its early stages 
 Caustic applications should invariably be avoided, as they 
 always leave behind them a greater blemish. But should 
 the mark left be of some extent, even without using caustic 
 remedies, then the best way to render it less visible is 
 to apply a mild blister to the part, which will stimulate the 
 hair to shoot out more abundantly round the scar. We do 
 not think there is much faith to be placed in the application 
 of ointments, except they may be stimulating, in conse- 
 quence of being generally composed of turpentine or Spanish 
 flies. 
 
 It is seldom a knee that has once been broken, is so 
 healed as not to be perceptible, although in some cases the 
 hurt has been so slight that it can hardly be detected. 
 But even in the least visible of these the hair is always 
 slightly curled, and where this is noticed, the leg should 
 be taken up and the knee bent, when the scar, however 
 slight, will be at once perceived. But we would not have 
 it supposed that a broken knee is invariably an indication 
 of a stumblincr animal, because the best of horses have come 
 down, by being backed by a bad rider, or placing his foot 
 on a rolling stone on a road when going at a quick 
 trot', or other cause. However, a broken knee once detected 
 will put the purchaser upon his guard to watch minutely 
 the action and paces of the horse, as well as the form of 
 his fore-quarters ; because, if his shoulder is thick and 
 upright, and the legs placed far under him, then he is likely 
 to have a bad action, and be apt not to lift his feet high 
 enough to clear the ground properly. On the other hand. 
 I knew one of the finest hunters that ever took the field, 
 with his knees broken, from his rider having forced him 
 to a leap which it was impossible he could accomplish. If 
 the shoulder is oblique and the withers high, with a strong, 
 
114 MAS UAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 well developed fore-arm, it maj be fairly inferred that h<^ 
 has come down from some accidental cause. 
 
 SPLENT, OR SPLINT. 
 
 A splent is an enlargement, or bony excrescence, of some 
 part of the shank-bone, generally in the higher portion of 
 it, and situate in the inside of the leg (plate 6, fig. 1.) 
 This is a complaint to which young horses are most liable ; 
 and it has been generally remarked, that as horses ad- 
 vance in years they gradually diminish, and not unfre- 
 quently disappear altogether. It seldom happens, unless the 
 splent is tolerably large, and encroaches too much upon 
 the knee-joint or the back sinew, that it is productive 
 of lameness, unless the horse happen to strike it with the 
 foot of the other leg. In other instances a splent not 
 larger than a pea may be detected in consequence of being 
 acutely sensitive, and produces such lameness as, without 
 being experienced in this complaint, might lead to the belief 
 that it was quite disproportionate to the cause. 
 
 Cause. — It is difficult to conceive how splent should 
 appear on the outside of the small bones, except we suppose 
 that the space between these bones is occupied by mechanism 
 of an important character. It is much easier to account 
 for their almost exclusive appearance on the inside of tht 
 limb. The inner splent-bone is situate nearer the central 
 part of the body than the other ; and from the nature of its 
 connexion with the knee, it is subject to a greater propor- 
 tion of weight than the outer one, and hence is more liable 
 to injury and inflammation, and consequently inducing this 
 bony deposit, which has been termed splent. The inner 
 bone supports the entire weight, which is transmitted to one 
 of the small knee-bones. It is the only support of that 
 bone, while but a portion of the weight is sustained Ijy 
 
SFLENT, OR SPLINT. 115 
 
 the outer splent-bone, and the pressure is divided between 
 it and the shank-bone. Besides, many smiths who are im- 
 perfectly acquainted with their profession, most absurdly 
 elevate the outer heel of the shoe to a great degree, which 
 throws an additional quantity of the weight of the animal 
 on the inner splent-bone. Severe blows sometimes occasion 
 splents on other portions of the shank-bone. 
 
 During the formation of a splent, the horse is frequently 
 lame, occasioned by the periosteum, or membrane which 
 covers the bone, being stretched to an unnatural degree, and 
 causing great pain to the animal in consequence of the 
 sensitive nature of that membrane. But when it has been 
 so stretched as to accommodate itself to the form of the 
 tumour causing the splent — unless it be in a situation 
 which comes in contact with the tendon — the lameness will 
 disappear ; or a slight inflammation may be induced by the 
 pressure above referred to. 
 
 Properly speaking, in most instances splents cannot be 
 called unsoundness, as it is possible they may not at all 
 interfere with the action of the horse, and in that case they 
 will not depreciate its value. This, of course, depends much 
 upon the situation in which the splents are found. 
 
 Remedies. — When it is noticed that a splent is forming, 
 which generally commences with a tumour, the hair should 
 be shaved off all round it, and a small portion of mercurial 
 ointment rubbed into it for two or three days, and aftpr this 
 a pretty strong blister should be applied. If these do not 
 stop its progress, the cautery is sometimes used ; although 
 we would recommend that this should not be resorted to, 
 except where the splent threatens to be large, and is making 
 evident progress after the above remedies. It often happens 
 that the effects of the mercurial ointment and blister do 
 not manifest themselves at first ; but after some little time 
 
;[!(; MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 the splent will begin to lessen, and eventually disappear 
 altoc^etlier. In fact most splents disappear by absorption 
 Avhen the horse begins to get old. 
 
 SPEEDY CUT. 
 
 This is an injury inflicted on the inside of the leg, just 
 below the knee-joint, and extending to the head of the 
 inner splent-bone. Horses of high action are liable to this 
 injury, by severely striking this part with the edge of the 
 shoe when they are trotting at a speedy rate. This, in 
 some instances, occasions a bony enlargement, and in others 
 considerable tenderness and great heat in the adjacent 
 parts. Sometimes the pain inflicted is so great that the 
 horse will suddenly drop as if life were extinct. 
 
 Remedies. — The only thing required is to prevent the 
 shoe from extending beyond the hoof ; and the shoe should 
 have only one nail on the inside of the foot, and that 
 placed near the toe. Let the shoe also be of equal thick- 
 ness at the heel and toe, and formed so that the foot may 
 bear equally on both sides. 
 
 KNEE-TIED. 
 
 In some instances, when the trapezium or hinder bone 
 of the knee is not sufficiently prominent, the ligamentous 
 ring by which the tendons are bound together, will confine 
 the flexor tendons of the foot so tightly that the leg will be 
 very deficient in depth under the knee. This is known by 
 the phrase, that the horse is " tied below the knee." This 
 defect has always been found to limit the speed of the 
 animal, as well as its endurance. If such a horse is ridden 
 either fast or far, he is almost certain of being seized with a 
 sprain of the back sinews. This is caused by the pressure 
 of the ring producing such a degree of friction as will 
 
^ 
 
 SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 117 
 
 militate against the free action of the tendons, and thus 
 requiring a greater degree of exertion to keep up progressive 
 motion. This will be the case, even with the best horse, 
 otherwise well formed, and who has a complete degree of 
 muscular development ; which by a continuance of the 
 pressure and action must strain the tendons. But this is 
 not all : when the back tendons are thus bound down, they 
 are squeezed into a more oblique direction, consequently it 
 requires a greater force to make the muscles act, and fatigue 
 is induced in a shorter time, and it is almost always accom- 
 panied by a sprain. In short, it is one of the worst defects 
 incidental to the horse. 
 
 SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 
 
 The back tendons are enclosed in a sheath of thick 
 cellular substance, which not only protects them from 
 injury, but also keeps them in their proper situation. To 
 prevent friction, a mucous liuid intervenes between the 
 sheath and the tendon. When the horse has been over- 
 exerted, or over-worked, the tendon presses upon the delicate 
 membrane with which the sheath is lined, and induces 
 inflammation. This creates the secretion and discharge of 
 a different fluid, which becomes coagulated, and the conse- 
 quence is, that adhesions are formed between the sheath and 
 tendons, which render the motion of the limb more diflScult 
 and cause pain during action. Long-continued action will 
 also sometimes rupture some of the fibres with which the 
 tendons are bound. This is what has been termed a sprain 
 of the back sinew, and when this takes place to a greater 
 extent, the horse is said to have broken down. So that, in 
 point of fact, there is no rupture of the tendon itself, as it 
 cannot be sprained, not being elastic or capable of extension. 
 
 Symptojis. — It will be seen that during every movement 
 
118 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 of the limb the animal evinces great pain, in consequence of 
 the excessive inflammation which accompanies this injury, and 
 also the considerable local swelling and heat which accom- 
 pany it. The horse will also stand with his foot off the 
 ground, barely touching it with his toe. The first injury 
 which is above pointed out consists merely of inflammation 
 of the sheath, or partial rupture of the fibres by which it is 
 attached. 
 
 Remedies. — To prevent constitutional irritation, bleeding 
 should immediately be resorted to, and afterwards doses of 
 the following given : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 1^ ounce, 
 Calomel ... 2 drachms, 
 
 Jalap .... 4 drachm; 
 to be administered in the form of a ball. 
 
 In this case the bleeding may be from the toe, which will 
 relieve the vessels situate near the injury, and check the 
 fever also. The bleeding should be performed in the follow- 
 ing manner : — Let the sole be well pared down, and when 
 sufficiently thin, let a groove be cut with a small drawing- 
 knife, at the place where the crust and sole unite, (see plate 
 6, fig. 10, w.) This will open the great vein ; but should it 
 not hit upon the vein, the groove should be extended back- 
 wards until it is met with ; and when the blood begins to 
 flow, the vein may be further enlarged by a small lancet, 
 inserted horizontally under the sole, by which means any 
 quantity of blood may be obtained. The foot should then 
 be placed in warm water, which will induce a more rapid 
 flow of blood ; and when enough has been taken, insert a 
 small quantity of tow into the slit, and let the shoe be put 
 on again very slightly. When this has been accomplished, 
 the wound will speedily heal. 
 
 After this the limb should bo well fomented with warm 
 
SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 119 
 
 water three or four times a day, each time for about an 
 hour ; and in the intervals let large poultices of lintseed 
 meal be wrapped round the leg. A little of- Goulard's 
 extract, or vinegar, may be added to the poultice with 
 advantage. A great deal depends, however, on the warmth 
 and moisture of the poultice, as well as the fomentations. 
 These appliances are intended to allay the inflammation. 
 Stimulants are to be carefully avoided, as these are sure to 
 increase the inflammation. 
 
 When the horse begins to rest his foot upon the sole, and 
 the heat has left the part, it is certain that the irritation 
 will have considerably abated. But although this is the 
 case, means must be used to prevent the recurrence of the 
 inflammation, and also to reduce the swelling. Apply a 
 thin flannel bandage to support the parts, which, by gentle 
 pressure, will have a tendency to stimulate the absorbents, 
 and promote the absorption of the coagulated matter Avhich 
 caused the complaint ; and it should be applied tighter as 
 the limb Avill endure increased pressure ; and this appliance 
 should be continued for at least fourteen days. It will be 
 better to keep the bandage wet with the following lotion : — 
 Vinegar ... 1 pint, 
 
 Spirit of wine ... 5 pint. 
 This will have the effect of reducing the deep-seated inflam- 
 mation. 
 
 If in a fortnight all the symptoms have disappeared, the 
 horse may be put to work, but of course with caution. But 
 if after this time lameness still continues, then recourse 
 must be had to a blister ; and in this case it will be proper 
 afterwards. to turn out the horse for a month or two to allow 
 proper time and opportunity for the reduction of the swell- 
 ing and inflammation, otherwise an incurable lameness may 
 be the result. 
 
V20 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Severe sprains, as well as those which have been unskil- 
 fully treated, especially where from long-continued inflam- 
 mation the structure of the part has been considerably 
 altered ; or if the swelling has become callous, and the skin 
 thickened so as to prevent the free action of the limb, then 
 it will be necessary to use the cautery, as the best means of 
 rousing and stimulating to action the absorbents, so as to 
 enable them to take up the coagulated deposit, as well as 
 the thickened skin and unusual increase of the cellular 
 substance. 
 
 In firing, the cautery should be applied in straight lines 
 so as to contract the skin, and by its natural elasticity to 
 produce that pressure so necessary in this complaint. 
 
 It may well be imagined that it will require some time 
 before this hardened fluid can be removed, not less than six 
 months cessation from work will suffice. A blister applied 
 six weeks or two months after the use of the cautery is 
 frequently attended with beneficial efiects ; but it should 
 never be had recourse to except in cases where it becomes 
 mdispensable ; and these are generally from unskilful firing. 
 
 It is necessary to pay very strict attention to the appear- 
 ance of the flexor tendons in the purchase of a horse ; and 
 if there is any thickening of the cellular substance, then it 
 may be inferred that the horse has had one of those sprains, 
 and that it has not been properly managed. The action of 
 the horse is sure to be affected by it, and a return of 
 the malady may occur ; and although all appearance of 
 lameness has left the animal, still he cannot under such 
 circumstances be considered a perfectly sound horse. 
 
 WIND-GALLS. 
 
 Symptoms. — ^Yind-ga^ls more frequently occur in the fore 
 than in the hind legs. These are known by the pufly 
 
WIND -GALLS. 121 
 
 appearance so frequently noticed about the legs ot horses 
 M^ich have been hard worked, (See plate 6, fig. 8, c.) 
 There is a beautiful provision in Nature, in placing little 
 bags between the tendons and other parts where they are 
 exposed to pressure or friction. These sacs contain a 
 mucous fluid of a similar kind to the synovia, or joint-oil 
 which oozes from the bags and lubricates the tendons of 
 the muscles. In consequence of violent action and strain- 
 ing the tendons, these bags get injured, become inflamed, 
 swollen, and hard, the tendons being generally inserted 
 near the joints, where there is more pressure and motion, 
 and consequently these bags are more liable to injury. 
 They become inflamed, and during this state the horse is 
 generally lame to a greater or less degree. However, unless 
 these sacs attain a very large size, the horse cannot be 
 reckoned unsound, as few are entirely free from wind-galls, 
 — which appellation they acquired from the fancy that they 
 contained wind. — It was an old practice to cut or probe 
 them, so that the air might escape. This has, in many 
 instances, produced violent inflammation, and has been the 
 death of many fine horses. 
 
 Remedies. — Unless wind-galls are large and interfere with 
 the actions of the leg, we would recommend that no treat- 
 ment should be attempted. The first appliance to a large 
 wind-gall should be a bandage or roller of flannel, and 
 under it, immediately over the swollen parts, a soft pad 
 should be introduced, and firmly bound down. The band- 
 age should be wetted with the same kind of lotion recom- 
 mended in sprain of the back sinews, page 101. This 
 treatment in most instances will cause the Avind-galls to 
 disaj)pear ; but unfortunately they are liable to return, 
 especially if the animal is hard worked. A blister is more 
 likely to efl'ect a cure, as it generally has the power of 
 
 R 
 
 .» 
 
322 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 dispelling the swellings. Firing is still more effectual in 
 large galls, as it immediately induces absorption of the fluid, 
 and consequently the swelling disappears, by means of the 
 contraction of the skin caused by the use of the cautery ; . 
 and this contraction serves the purpose of a permanent 
 bandage, and prevents a recurrence of the wind-gall. 
 
 RUPTURE OF THE SUSPEJ^SORY LIGAMENT. 
 
 Extraordinary exertion will sometimes produce rupture in 
 the suspensory ligament, (see plate 6, fig. 10, /.) This 
 relaxation allows the sessamoid bones to fall down, and 
 consequently the fetlock joint nearly touches the ground. 
 It not unfrequently happens that this complaint is mistaken 
 for rupture of the flexor tendons ; but one thing will render 
 it sufficiently evident that it is really the suspensory tendon 
 which is at fault namely, that the horse is able to bend his 
 foot. No malady which affects a horse is more serious than 
 this ; for it is ten to one that the animal ever becomes 
 effectually cured of it. In most instances he is ever after- 
 wards lame. 
 
 Remedy. — If a cure can at all be effected, it will be by 
 keeping the animal quiet, and having the leg bandaged and 
 giving him a high-heeled shoe. 
 
 GROGGINESS. 
 
 This consists of a singular knuckling over the fetlock- 
 joint, and general shaking over the entire fore-leg. It is a 
 complaint common to old, over-worked horses. Neither 
 the fetlock or pastern joints are simply implicated in this 
 complaint, although both are connected with it. 
 
 Cause. — Working the animal beyond his strength is 
 usually the sole cause of this complaint. It is for the most 
 part a want of poAver in the ligaments of this joint, gene- 
 
CUTTING OF THE FETLOCK. 123 
 
 rally occasioned by frequent and severe sprains, brought on 
 by cruel and oppressive treatment, in forcing the animal to 
 pull more than his physical energies can accomplish, without 
 a desperate effort. 
 
 Remedies. — It seldom happens that an effectual remedy 
 can be found for this complaint, because it is generally 
 accompanied by ulceration within the joints, as well as of 
 the membrane with which the cartilage is lined ; and even 
 the cartilage itself is affected, which is inaccessible to any 
 remedial treatment. 
 
 SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 
 
 The fetlock-joint is peculiarly liable to injuries, from its 
 being the principal situation of action below the knee. In 
 sprains of the back-sinew, accompanied by inflammation, 
 which is usually the case, inflammation is generally induced 
 in this also. And many of the sprains which are supposed 
 to belong to higher portions of the limbs are, in fact, affec- 
 tions of this joint. 
 
 Symptoms. — It is no easy matter to distinguish affections 
 of the fetlock from those situate in the superior portions of 
 the limb. Pressure by the finger on the part, and heat, are 
 the surest tests for finding out the seat of this complaint. 
 
 Treatment. — Strong blisters applied with promptitude 
 are the most effectual means of removing sprain of this 
 joint ; and afterwards bandages of flannel should be used. 
 
 CUTTING OF THE FETLOCK. 
 
 The inside of the fetlock-joint is frequently bruised or 
 cut by the shoe of the opposite foot. This depends some- 
 times upon natural defects in the form of the leg and foot ; 
 and in such a case it is seldom that a remedy can be 
 devised ; such as when the limbs are placed too near each 
 
 t 
 
 * 
 
124 MAxVUAL OF MODERN FARETERV. 
 
 other or when the feet li'ave an' inward or outward inclina- 
 tion Some horses are subject to this when much fatigued, 
 arising, no doubt, from a relaxation of the joint ; and it 
 is not unfrequent for colts to cut when thej have not 
 attained their full strength. 
 
 Remedies. — Many plans have been tried to remedy this 
 defect, such as raising or lowering the inside and outside of 
 the heel, as the case might require it. In some instances it • 
 has succeeded, and in others failed. In fact no principle can 
 be laid down whereby to guide an operation for this defect. 
 The most successful remedy hitherto discovered is to use a 
 shoe of uniform thickness from heel to toe, so that the 
 bearing may be perfectly level, and to put but one nail in, 
 and that situated near the toe, inside of the shoe ; this 
 shoe to be applied to that foot whicli strikes the other. 
 The greatest care must be exercised to prevent the shoe 
 from extending beyond the hoof, besides having the crust 
 a little rasped off the inside cf the hoof. This part of the 
 hoof being destitute of the nails will expand when it comes 
 in contact with the ground, and contract when raised, and 
 relieved from the weight of the body. Great care must be 
 taken that the shoe be equal in thickness on both sides, and 
 also at the heel and toe, so as to equalize the bearing on 
 both sides. 
 
 When th'j defect arises from natural malformation of 
 the setting on of the feet, many experiments have been 
 tried to remedy this, as above stated ; but the most ingenious 
 of these were instituted by Mr. ]\Ioorcroft, by which he 
 adopted a contrary practice to that above ; he says, " If the 
 inside of the foot be raised, and the outside lowered, the 
 supporting leg when in action will bring the body, and 
 consequently the moving leg more to the side of the sup- 
 porting leg, and hence more liable to be struck. On the 
 
SPRAIX OF THE COFFIX-JOINT. 125 
 
 Other hand, if the outside of the foot be raised, the support- 
 ing leg will throw the body off that leg, consequently the 
 moving leg will be further off the supporting leg, and hence 
 less liable to strike." These arguments are good ; but still 
 there have been cases where the practice of these suggestions 
 has failed to produce the desired effect. 
 
 But cutting does not always arise from natural defects, 
 as it is often the consequence of unskilful shoeing. When' 
 this is the case, we usually find the upper edge, or that 
 part which comes in contact with the crust, to be hammered 
 inwards, leaving the lower edge on the ground side wider 
 than the hoof, and projecting beyond it. 
 
 In purchasing a horse which manifests marks of cutting 
 by callous thickening on the inside of the fetlock, it is safest 
 to avoid the purchase, as it is most difficult to ascertain the 
 true cause by inspection, unless the throwing outwards or 
 inwards of the toes be considerable. Besides, as above 
 stated, some horses will cut when tired, and others from a 
 weakness of the fetlock. 
 
 SPRAm OF THE COFFIN-JOmT. 
 
 This disease is indicated by a sudden lameness ; and a 
 considerable heat exists round the coronet, as well as ten- 
 derness, which gives the animal pain when pressed upon. 
 Sprain of the coffin-joint sometimes becomes a very bad 
 complaint, in consequence of its being so often unobserved 
 by grooms or even farriers, and it becomes deeply rooted 
 before it is detected. Above all others, this complaint is 
 frequently confounded with lameness of the shoulder. 
 
 Eemedies. — The first thing to be tried is bleeding at the 
 toe ; and afterwards a blister should be applied, and at the 
 same time the animal should have occasional doses of physic. 
 The following laxative may be given : — 
 
126' MANUAL OF MODER^^ FARRIERY. 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . -If ounce, 
 Calomel . . .2 drachms, 
 Jalap . . .4 drachm , 
 
 to be given in the form of a ball. 
 
 RINGBONE. 
 
 This is one of the worst species of lameness which is 
 incidental to the horse. "Whenever it exists, even in the 
 slightest degree, it comes under the character of unsound- 
 ness, because it is so liable to increase ; and when the bony 
 deposit begins to enla;rge, the lameness becomes incurable. 
 This complaint commences in one of the pasterns, and 
 usually near to the joint It is liable to spread rapidly, 
 affecting not only the pastern bones, but also the cartilages 
 of the foot. When the first deposit is on and surrounds the 
 lower pastern, emanating from a violent inflammation of the 
 ligaments, a small enlargement or bony process is to be per- 
 ceived immediately above the coronet. (See plate 6, fig. 8, 
 6.) The hind feet are most liable to this complaint, as 
 they are subjected to the greatest stress in the force required 
 by them to propel the horse, and in this case the back part 
 of the foot is most liable to be affected. But the disease is 
 not of so serious a nature, being chiefly confined to the 
 ligaments, and the bones have not been injured by concus- 
 sion, to which the fore legs are peculiarly exposed ; conse- 
 quently, in them, diseases of the bones generally accompany 
 ligamentary lameness. 
 
 Remedies. — In the early stages of this complaint, when 
 even a bony enlargement is visible on both sides of the 
 pastern joint, or on one side only, and the enlargement is 
 0/ but small extent, then there is a probability that it 
 may be removed by the application of an active blister, 
 or by the use of the cautery. But owing to the extreme 
 
CURB. 127 
 
 action of these joints, the inflammation and the bony secre- 
 tion rapidly spread.- The pasterns, in the first instance, 
 become connected together by this bony process, which 
 supplants the ligaments, and then the joints become im- 
 movably fixed, or what is technically termed anchylosed. 
 From this joint the disease is carried to the cartilages of the 
 foot, and to the union between the lower pastern, as well as 
 to the coffin and navicular bones, which either impedes or 
 totally destroys all action in these parts, and this part of 
 the foot becomes an entire mass of spongy bone. 
 
 OSSIFICATION OF THE BACK SINEW. 
 
 Ossification of the back sinew is very easily distinguished. 
 When a healthy sinew is pressed upon with the thumb and 
 two first fingers, from above downwards, it feels like a very 
 tense cord, yielding slightly under the pressure, but sjmng- 
 ing^back to its natural position the moment that pressure is 
 removed. "When the sinew is ossified, it is divested of that 
 elasticity so obvious to the touch of even the most inexperi- 
 enced. It is true that in its incipient state it is not so 
 readily discovered, as its bony texture has not been fully 
 formed, although an expert veterinary surgeon will be able 
 to detect it soon after it has begun to form. In the earlier 
 stages of ossification of the back sinew, no lameness takes 
 place, but it is certain to render the horse lame eventually, 
 and that, too, for the remainder of his life. There is no 
 remedy for this infirmity. 
 
 CURB. 
 
 This is a swelling below the hock, caused by hard work 
 and by the animal being overloaded ; and sometimes occa- 
 sions lameness. It is most common in cat-hammed, high- 
 bred horses, especially when young ; and is caused by leaping 
 
128 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 before the animal has acquired its full strength. It is more 
 visible when the limb is viewed sideways ; and by comparing 
 it with the sound one, the extent of the evil will be the 
 more observable. This swelling is unaccompanied with 
 heat. 
 
 Remedy. — The use of the cautery is the only remedy, and 
 it should be promptly applied. After this recourse must be 
 had to the following lotion : — 
 
 Goulard's extract . 2 ounces, 
 
 Vinegar . . .4 ounces. 
 
 Water .... 2 quarts. 
 
 Keep two or three folds of cloth well wetted with this for 
 Fome days to the part affected, until the swelling entirely 
 disappears. 
 
 CHAPTER YL 
 
 THE HAUNCH AND OTHER PORTIONS OF THE HIND LEGS. 
 
 FRACTURE OF THE TUBEROSITIES OF THE HAUNCH. 
 
 The only portions of the haunch or pelvis which are liable 
 to injury or fracture are the tuberosities on the points of 
 the various bones. It sometimes happens that those parts 
 are fractured by a fall or heavy blow. When such is the 
 case, the horse will walk lame, and swelling will take place 
 in the contiguous parts, with a degree of heat, as inflamma- 
 tion is always an accompaniment of fracture. There are 
 no mechanical means of bringing those parts together, to 
 force a reunion and place them in their natural position ; 
 
SPRAIiV OF THE STIFLE-JOINT. 129 
 
 .SO that all we can do is to allow Nature to work her own 
 cure. A large and strong adhesive plaster may be laid 
 across the haunch, which will, in some measure, assist in 
 keeping together and supporting the parts. It seldom, how- 
 ever, happens that the parts again adhere in their natural 
 position, consequently deformity and lameness are entailed 
 upon the animal for life. 
 
 SPRAIN OF THE ROUND BONE. 
 
 Staiptoms. — The rounded termination of the femur or 
 thigh-bone is in common language termed the round-bone. 
 In a few isolated cases this part has been dislocated, and the 
 rounded part v/liich fits into the cavity of the hip-joint is 
 fractured ; but sprain of this part is more commonly the 
 case. The indication of this is, that the horse drags his 
 leg after him, with the toe only touching the ground as he 
 walks. If the bone itself has been injured, heat and ten- 
 derness of the part will generally be manifested. 
 
 Remedies. — It seldom happens that strains of this joint 
 are immediately relieved ; and from the want of proper 
 action the muscles of the limb waste away. A blister is 
 the most Lkely thing to be of use, and the horse should not 
 be subjected to any kind of work. Firing has sometimes 
 relieved the complaint. Should this fail, the only thing 
 that remains to be done is to put a charge over the joint, 
 and turn the animal out to ffrass for some months. 
 
 o* 
 
 SPRAIN OF THE STIFLE-JOINT. 
 
 It is but seldom that this joint is sprained. When it 
 does happen, heat and tenderness of the part will give an 
 indication of it. Sometimes dislocation of the patella, or 
 small bone, answering to the knee-pan in man, occurs. 
 
130 MANUAL OP MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 This Avill be indicated by the horse dragging the limb after 
 him, or bj his resting it on the fetlock-joint. The muscles 
 of the inside of the thigh are sometimes sprained, which is 
 known by the heat in all the contiguous parts. 
 
 Remedies. — For dislocation of the patella, the aid of a 
 veterinary surgeon will be absolutely necessary. In case of 
 muscles being sprained, fomentations must be used ; and 
 bleeding in some instances may be necessary, accompanied 
 by doses of laxative medicine, as recommended at page 132. 
 
 THOROUGHPm. 
 
 In treating of wind-galls, we described certain little bags 
 or sacs, containing a fluid for lubricating the joints. These, 
 we mentioned, sometimes become inflamed and enlarged : 
 similar sacs are situated contiguous to the hock-joint, and 
 these also are liable to inflammation, and produce swellings 
 of greater or lesser dimensions immediately under the strong 
 tendon which unites with the cap of the hock. These 
 swellings generally protrude on both sides, in the form of 
 round swellings. Sometimes when the coverings of the 
 tumour yield more readily in one direction than another, it 
 will protrude principally in that part. The nature of the 
 complaint is precisely the same as wind-galls, but from its 
 situation has been termed thoroughpin, (see plate 7, fig. 3, 
 e e, and 5,6 h) These swellings generally produce stiffness 
 of the joint, which sometimes wears off" when exercise has 
 induced absorption of the fluid which these bags contain. 
 However, it is only when the sacs become large that they occa- 
 sion any inconvenience to the action of the limb. Many per- 
 sons think thoroughpin of but little consequence ; but after 
 a hard day's work, a horse will always manifest stiff'ness in 
 the joint in which these swellings exist. And although a 
 horse cannot strictly be called unsound which is afilicteJ 
 
» ' 
 
 CAPrED nocKR. 131 
 
 with thoroughpin, still a purchaser, when he notices these, 
 should otherwise examine the horse with care, to discover, if 
 possible, that thej have not been induced bj previous hard 
 work, which will sooner or later tell on the animal. 
 
 Treatment. — The same remedies as recommended in 
 wind-galls are applicable to this complaint. But there is 
 no certain cure, and hard work is almost certain to make 
 them re-appear. 
 
 CAPPED HOCKS. 
 
 Capped hocks consists of a swelling on the very point of 
 the hock-joint (see plate 8, fig. 4, a.) The tumour is soft 
 and fluctuating, caused by an enlargement of one of the 
 mucus bags described in wind-galls and thoroughpin. Lame- 
 ness seldom accompanies capped hock, but nevertheless 
 it is an awkward complaint, particularly in draught-horses, 
 in consequence of this part being very liable to come in 
 (contact with the bar of a gig or carriage ; and by causing 
 pain to the animal, induces hira to kick, and, if a high- 
 tempered horse, often causes much mischief. It is generally 
 produced by blows of some kind ; but in many instances the 
 injur}'- is inflicted by the horse himself in kicking, and that 
 when the animal is in harness, although some are in the 
 habit 'of kicking while in the stall. It also occurs some- 
 times by the bedding of the horse being too thin, and the 
 hock may be bruised in consequence, and it may besides 
 proceed from a sprain of the hock-joint. 
 
 Treatment. — Blisters are the only means that can be 
 employed with the hop:s of removing the swelling, and it 
 often happens that these must be frequently repeated before 
 a cure can be efiected. Sometimes the swelling disappears 
 without any other means than rest being employed. But 
 often capped hock becomes of a, very large size, and callous 
 
%• 
 
 132 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 in its structure, in which case we are not aware that it can 
 be eradicated. 
 
 In purchasing a horse which exhibits capped hock, the 
 whole of the part should be very carefully examined, in 
 order to ascertain if there are any other bruises observable. 
 His history should be obtained, if possible, and learn whether 
 it has been the result of kicking. Horses that are given to 
 kicking can seldom or never be broken from the habit. 
 
 MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS. 
 
 These are scurfy eruptions, situate in the inside of the 
 hock, a little way under the knee, sometimes even on it : 
 the former appellation is given to those of the fore leg, and 
 the latter to the hind leg. These seldom are accompanied 
 with lameness, but if not attended to in time, they will 
 ulcerate, when a thin watery humour will issue from them, 
 which becomes difficult of cure. 
 
 Remedies. — The following ointment must be applied to 
 the parts affected : — 
 
 Common tar . . .1 ounce, 
 Sugar of lead . . . ^ ounce, 
 Lard . . .4 ounces. 
 
 If the above does not stop the discharge in a week's 
 application, then recourse must be had to the weak mercurial 
 ointment. 
 
 During the treatment of this complaint, ihe following 
 laxative ball should be occasionally given : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 5 drachms, 
 Castile soap ... 2 drachms, 
 Oil of caraways . .10 drops. 
 
 The cause of this complaint is in general owing to bad 
 stable management. 
 
CURB. 133 
 
 ENLARGEMENT OF THE HOCK. 
 
 The origin of this is a sprain or inflammation, aflFecting 
 generally the hock-joint, produced principally from some 
 sudden or violent concussion ; checking the horse abruptly 
 when going at a rapid pace, or from the animal being com- 
 pelled to draw a greater weight than his strength will 
 enable him to do comfortably. Considerable lameness, with 
 tenderness of the parts, always accompany this ; but these 
 are not so difficult to remove as in more limited inflamma- 
 tion. It will yield to rest and fomentation in general ; 
 but, if not, it will be necessary to have recourse to firing, 
 which generally proves effectual. However, it too frequently 
 happens that the enlargement of the v/hole joint remains. 
 But this will not incapacitate him for work ; and if treated 
 with ordinary caution, he may be worked during the re- 
 mainder of his life without any increase of swelling or 
 inflammation returning, although the parts around the hock- 
 joint are altered in structure, and to a certain extent 
 weakened. Although a horse may never afterwards exhibit 
 lameness, still, where permanent swelling of the hock-joint 
 exists, he is, in point of fact, regarded as unsound ; because, 
 if he happen by necessity or accident to be subjected to 
 extra hard work for a day or two, he is almost certain to 
 become lame, and that too for life. Still, however, many 
 a good and useful horse has enlargement of the hock. 
 
 CURB. 
 A curb is situated some inches below the point of the 
 hock, (see plate 7, fig. 3, a, and fig, 8, e,) and is an enlarge- 
 ment of the ligamentary bands of the part. When the 
 limb is viewed from the side, a gradual puflSng out of this 
 part will be observable ; and if it JJS at all large or inflamed. 
 
134 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 it is sure to be followed hj lameness. If heat and tender- 
 ness of the part are perceived, and tlie horse is lame, it is 
 certain that it has its seat in this spot. 
 
 The cause of curb, like other injuries of the hock-joint, 
 proceeds from a sudden check, or over-exertion, and inducing 
 extension of the ligaments, which bind down the tendons ; 
 or it may proceed from an injury sustained by the sheaths 
 of the tendons. This brings on inflammation, and frequently 
 lameness ensues. It is most common to young horses, 
 especially those which are cow-hocked ; that is, with the 
 structure of the hock and leg being like that of a cow, the 
 hocks having an inward inclination, and the legs exhibiting 
 a considerable outward angle. This formation of the limbs, 
 it will be at once perceived, has the effect of inducing a 
 continual stretch on the annular ligament, and thereby 
 confining the action of the tendons. 
 
 When curb first appears it is generally accompanied by 
 swelling and lameness : it is seldom, however, that the 
 swelling is great, exhibiting generally a gradual curve, so 
 little to be noticed that, when viewed from behind, it 
 cannot be observed. 
 
 Remedies. — The first application should be cold evapo- 
 rating lotions, frequently used. These to consist of 
 
 Spirit of wine . . 2 ounces, 
 
 "Vinegar .... 2 ounces. 
 Water .... 2 ounces. 
 
 This to be often applied until the inflammation has subsided. 
 Should the heat and lameness continue, bleeding from the 
 subcutaneous vein must be had recourse to, the situation 
 and course of which is exhibited at k, plate 7, fig. 2. After 
 which purgatives must be administered. The following 
 should be made up in the form of a ball, and given : — 
 
STRL\G-ITALT. 135 
 
 Barbadoes aJoes . . 5 dracluns, 
 Castile soap . . 3 drachms, 
 
 Oil of caraways . . 12 drops. 
 
 If the complaint has its seat in the annular ligament, or 
 in the sheath of the tendon, very active treatment becomes 
 necessary to effect a permanent cure. Blisters will be found 
 the most effectual. First, a liquid one should be tried, such 
 as the following : — 
 
 Tincture of cantharides . 1 ounce. 
 
 This to be applied every day until considerable swelling is 
 induced, after which let it subside to some extent, and again 
 have recourse to the cooling lotion. If this does not 
 thoroughly disperse the curb, then the hair should be shaved 
 off the part and a regular blister applied, and repeated from 
 time to time until a cure is effected. In very severe cases 
 of curb, it has been necessary to have recourse to firing, after 
 all other measures have failed. 
 
 Long-continued rest is absolutely necessary in cases of 
 curb, without which the lameness is liable to return upon 
 the horse being worked. 
 
 Horses that have, or have had curb, are decidedly unsound ', 
 as this serious complaint always leaves weakness behind, 
 and a return of it is almost certain for a very long period 
 after an apparent cure. 
 
 STRING-HALT. 
 
 This complaint consists of a convulsive or twitchinf' 
 action in one or more of the legs, and so evident that it is 
 perceptible to any one, however inexperienced he may be 
 in the action of horses. It is a complaint almost always 
 confined to the hind legs, althougli in a few solitary 
 instances it may be met with in the fore limbs. This com- 
 
136 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 plaint is first noticed when the horse is just taken out 
 of the stable. The animal lifts his leg high, suddenly 
 elevating it towards his bellj, b,nd puts it to the g^-ound 
 with considerable force. Should both limbs be affected, 
 then it gives the appearance as if the horse had very good 
 and high action in his hind limbs, and many a purchaser 
 lias been deceived in consequence This shows the utility 
 of all possessors of horses having a general knowledge of 
 the complaints incidental to this useful animal. String- 
 halt soon disappears after the horse has been heated a little, 
 and it is no detriment to him after he has been warmed ; 
 for we have seen and ridden some of the best of hunters 
 . which have had that affection, and which were first in at the 
 death. 
 
 We are not in possession of any means for the remedy of 
 this affection ; and although it is unpleasant to the rider 
 upon first setting out, yet it is no positive detriment to the 
 animal, nor is it reckoned unsoundness. Indeed the true 
 nature of the affection is not known. By some it has been 
 supposed to exist in the spinal marrow, and by others to be 
 situated in the nerves supplying some of the muscles of 
 the leg. 
 
 BONE-SPAVIN. 
 
 A bone-spavin is an increased growth of bony consistence 
 situated on the lower and most prominent part of the inside 
 of the hock-joint. (See plate 7, fig. 9, d.) A well-formed 
 hock-joint gradually tapers down so as to unite almost 
 imperceptibly with the soft or fleshy parts. In examining 
 a horse, the hand should be passed over the inside of the 
 hock in a downward direction, when horses having this 
 injury will be found to have a little prominence, near 
 the lower pomt of the bone Tliis is an enlargement of 
 
 « 
 
BONE-SPAVIN. 137 
 
 the bone, and what is termed bone-spavin. It is a disease 
 of the inner splint-bone, and serious in its nature and 
 effects. 
 
 The true nature and causes which induce bone-spavin 
 cannot be properly understood without a thorough know- 
 ledge of the hock-joint, which we have represented on plate 
 10, fig. 8. In this figure the shank-bone is represented at h 
 and the two small bones behind at g are the splint-bones ; 
 these support the lower layer of the bones of the hock 
 The cube-bone, /, rest chiefly on the shank-bone, and in a 
 slight measure on the outer splint-bone. The middle 
 wedge-bone, e, rests entirely upon the shank-bone, and the 
 smaller wedge-bone rests in a slight degree on tlie shank- 
 bone, but its chief support is on the inner splint-bone. 
 From this arrangement the splint-bones support a very 
 unequal degree of weight and concussion. The inner one 
 is placed more under the body, and consequently nearer the 
 centre of gravity, and besides nearly the entire weight and 
 concussion is communicated to the little wedge-bone. Hence 
 it is that during any violent action of this joint either in 
 leaping, galloping, or under the pressure of a heavy draught, 
 the inner splint-bone or its ligaments are injured. This is 
 mere especially the case with young horses before their 
 joints have 1 ecome firmly consolidated. 
 
 The shoeing blacksmith or farrier too often is the cause 
 of inducing and increasing this complaint, by improper 
 treatra -nt of the feet. An erroneous notion has too long 
 prevailed among smiths that cutting and wounds of the feet 
 inflicted by the one foot treading upon the other can be 
 prevented by adding a calkin on the outer heel of the shoe, 
 which consists in the extremity of the shoe being bent, 
 elevating the outer heel considerably above the ground, and 
 thus the ligaments of the joints are subjected to an unequal 
 
1 38 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 strain, and especially those ol the hock, which increases the 
 tendency to spavin. 
 
 It is this which induces in the first instance inflammation 
 of the cartilaginous union of the shank-bone, and this 
 cartilage is absorbed, and a secretion of bony substance 
 deposited in its stead ; consequently the elastic action 
 between them is terminated, and the splint inside the' hinj 
 leg formed, and has the appearance of a tumour, when the 
 head of the splint-bone is united with the shank, and always 
 in front of that junction, as exhibited in plate 7, fig. 3, c. 
 
 Lameness universally accompanies spavin, but when the 
 periosteum or membrane of the bone has been stretched, 
 and taken the form of the bony enlargement, then the pain 
 subsides, and with it the lameness. This, however, depends 
 upon the size of the spavin, and whether it interferes with 
 the motion of the joint. Many instances occur of horses 
 with large spavins, and yet they are not much afiiicted with 
 lameness ; sometimes having merely a stifihess of the joint, 
 which is not apparent after the animal has had a little 
 exercise. And, on the contrary, there are instances in 
 which the bony deposit is very small, and yet the horse is 
 very lame, so much so as to render him comparatively 
 useless. It must therefore be evident that we ought care- 
 fully to examine horses with spavin before they have had 
 exercise, and as soon as they have left the stable. 
 
 Sometimes spavin continues to enlarge considerably, and 
 spreads over the lower wedge-bones, (plate 7, fig. 8, e.) in 
 consequence of these being nearest the original seat of the 
 enlargement. These bones are capable of a small degree 
 of motion, and participate in every action of the joint, but 
 their chief office is to prevent concussion. The principal 
 motion of the joint is in the tibia, h, and the astragalus, 
 c, and consequently stiffness more than lameness may 
 
BO-N'E-SPAYIN. 139 
 
 accompany spavin, even "when the small bones of the joint 
 are affected. From which also it will be seen that there is 
 a manifest advantage in each of these bones being provided 
 with a separate ligament and membrane, and thus, as it 
 were, constituting so many separate joints ; so that any of 
 them may sustain injury, without its being communicated 
 to the rest. It is not uncommon for the bony depasit 
 continuing to enlarge and embracing the second series of 
 bones, enveloping the larger wedge-bones, d, and extending 
 to the cube-bones on the other side ; and even then the 
 lameness may not be so great as to prove very injurious, for 
 this reason, that the motion of these two joints, or rather 
 parts of the joint, is small ; but when it reaches to the 
 union of the tibia, b, and the astragalus, c ; when the joint 
 in which the principal motion of the joint is affected, then 
 the lameness is of a very serious kind, and the horse may 
 be considered as no longer fit for use. 
 
 Although spavin unfits horses for active employment, 
 yet for farm purposes they need not be rejected, especially 
 by those who possess limited farms ; for slow draught and 
 other agricultural purposes they will be found quite useful, 
 and from this sort of work, in which quick motion is not 
 required, the horse may improve, and even the bony matter 
 may be absorbed to a considerable extent. 
 
 One strong reason why spavined horses do not improve, 
 is that they seldom lie down, as they are conscious that 
 they will suffer considerable pain in the act of rising again ; 
 60 that the continual pressure and weight of the body upon 
 ihe limb, keeps alive the exciting cause. 
 
 There is sometimes an enlargement of the heads of the 
 bones of the leg, which may be mistaken for spavin. 
 
 Remedies. — Spavin can only be successfully treated, if at 
 all, by blisters freauently repeated, which may induce an 
 
140 MANUAL OF MODERIv FARRIERY. 
 
 absorption of the bony deposit, or at least a diminution of 
 the ligamentarj injflammation. When this fails, tiien re- 
 course maj be had to the cautery, and if burning proves 
 ineffectual, no other known means is likely to succeed. 
 
 BOG OR BLOOD-SPAVIN. 
 
 Bog-spavin is a puffy elastic tumour on the inside of the 
 hock, (plate 7, fig. 6, c.) It is in fact an enlarged and 
 inflamed wind-gall of the part situated under the large 
 subcutaneous vein which runs up the inside of the leg, and 
 which being compressed by this enlargement, prevents the 
 blood from flowing freely through it. This interruption of 
 the circulation not only increases the size of the tumour, 
 but also occasions a general torpor and stagnation of the 
 blood, and, consequently, swelling of the limb in a slight 
 degree, which presents an obstacle to its free action, and 
 produces a very bad and incurable lameness. Even when 
 lameness is removed, it has a, strong tendency to return 
 whenever the animal is subjected to severe labour ; and 
 therefore a horse having some time, been afflicted with it 
 must be considered as decidedly unsound ; so that the 
 safest plan is to get )id of a horse under those circum- 
 stances ; and he may be worked in a cart or plough without 
 the danger of a return of the malady. 
 
 Th-e seat of this disease is deep, and consequently there 
 IS much diflSculty in operating upon it. The simplest, and 
 probably the best application is uniform pressure, which 
 may induce* absorption of the fluid contained in the enlarged 
 mucus-bag. But this joint being exposed to almost constant 
 motion, there is much diflficulty in keeping the pressure 
 uniform, and if it should happen to press upon the vein, 
 it will only increase the inflammation. 
 
 Kemedies. — This, like bone-spavin, admits but of a limited 
 
SWELLED LEGS GENERALLY. 141 
 
 degree of treatment. Repeated blisters are the most likely 
 to afford relief. These, by exciting a considerable degree 
 of inflammation on the skin, may energize the deeper-seated 
 absorbents, and enable them to*take up the effusion of fluid 
 in the enlarged and inflamed bag. But, in the majority of 
 cases, all means which have hitherto been tried have proved 
 abortive. 
 
 OF SWELLED LEGS GENERALLY. 
 
 SWELLIiS'G OF THE CELLULAR SUBSTANCE. , 
 
 Both the fore and hind legs of horses are liable to con_ 
 siderable swelling, but the latter are most subject to be thus 
 affected. Frequently, when a horse seems to be affected 
 with no other disease, the hind legs \rill suddenly swell to 
 a very great extent from the hock to the fetlock, and in 
 some instances even from the stifle downwards. This is 
 accompanied by heat and extreme tenderness of the skin, 
 inducing lameness of a peculiar character. A quickened 
 and hard pulse are usual concomitants of this seizure, with 
 a considerable degree of fever. Tliis complaint is acute 
 inflammation of the cellular substance of the limbs, being 
 sudden in its attack, very violent in its degree, is con- 
 sequently attended with the secretion of a quantity of fluid 
 on the cellular tissue. Young horses, and those which are 
 over-fed, with little exercise, are most liable to be thus 
 attacked, and without having had previous inflammation. 
 
 Remedies. — If accompanied by fever, moderate bleeding 
 will afford relief ; after which the following diiiretic should 
 be given : — 
 
 Turpentine • ■ - i ounce. 
 Ginger ■ • • • i drachm, 
 Lintsecd meal . . J ounce ; 
 
 made into a ball with common syrup. 
 
142 MANL'^AL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Two hours afterwards give the following purgative, in the 
 
 form of a hall : — 
 
 Barhadoes aloes . 5 drachms, 
 
 Castile soap . . . 1^ drachm, 
 Oil of caraways . . S drops. 
 
 Also use fomentations, and in most instances the swelling 
 
 will subside as rapidly as it appeared. 
 
 SWELLING FROM INACTIVITY. 
 
 The most troublesome, as well as the most frequent 
 swelling in the limbs, is that caused by inactivity, from high 
 feeding and want of due exercise. One kind is accompanied 
 by actual or comparative debility, or loss of power in the 
 part affected. Those horses which are over-fed, without 
 exercise, are liable to swellings in the limbs from the arterial 
 capillary vessels having sent forth an over-portion of fluid 
 to the extremities, and in consequence of the want of 
 muscular exertion and the perspiration naturally connected 
 with it ; and the fluids having accumulated in the extre- 
 mities, in consequence of the vessels not having sufficient 
 power to return them. The heart is thus acting upon an 
 additional quantity of fluid ; while, by the want of exercise, 
 the limbs are deprived of that power by which the fluids 
 are returned. 
 
 Remedies. — The above physic and diuretic should be ad- 
 ministered. These will lessen the quantity of fluid ; also 
 exercise the horse freely, which will increase the perspiration 
 externally, and diminish it internally, and the veins and 
 absorbents will attain more activity, so that the complaint 
 will gradually subside, and the limbs resume their wonted 
 appearance. 
 
 swellings after grass. 
 It IS a common occurrence for horses just taken in froni 
 
SWELLED LEGS GENERALLY. 143 
 
 grass to be seized with swelling in the legs. This is occa- 
 sioned by the difference of food, owing to its containing 
 a greater proportion of nutriment, which naturally increases 
 the quantity of the blood, and the w^ant of that exercise 
 which is necessary to carry it off by the skin. It will 
 therefore be quite apparent that exercise and a little open- 
 ing medicine will effect a cure. 
 
 Horses may also have swelled legs from general debility. 
 The proper quantity or quality of food may induce this, 
 or it may proceed from disease that has reduced the strength 
 of the animal system. The limbs, being the most remote 
 from the centre of circulation, first exhibit loss of power ; 
 and this is manifested by swelling, in consequence of the 
 accumulation of fluids in them. 
 
 The cure in this case would be to give such diet and 
 tonic medicines as would tend to invigorate the system, 
 as well as to administer mild diuretics. 
 
 Horses are liable to swellings in the limbs in the spring 
 and fall of the year. This can be accounted for by the 
 principal activity of the circulation being employed in pre- 
 paring a fresh covering of hair at those periods, so that the 
 vital influence in the extremities is somewhat diminished, 
 and the same cause as above explained produces swellings 
 in the legs. Administer diuretics to diminish the quantity 
 of the circulating fluid, and give cordials to strengthen the 
 system. 
 
 Swelling of the legs is also common to horses which are 
 used for hunting and pleasure only. This, it will be seen, 
 arises from irregularity in their habits, one day having a 
 more than sufficient exercise, and probably standing for days 
 or weeks m a stable, and only walked out or trotted for 
 a short distance. In such cases the limbs should be well 
 
144 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRILRY. 
 
 rubbed down every day, botli morning and evening, so a^ to 
 stimulate the vessels to activity. Pressure by means of 
 bandages will also be found to Lave a powerful tendency to 
 promote tlie circulation It is too much the practice of 
 grooms to give diuretics in swellings of the limbs, as these 
 by being frequently repeated are sure to weaken the urinary 
 organs and produce an incurable debility. 
 
 GREASE. 
 
 This is a disease of the skin of the heel, sometimes in 
 the fore feet, but most commonly in the hind ones. The. 
 disease is too frequently the effect of washing the limbs 
 with cold water while they are over-heated from exercise, 
 and allowing them to dry of their own accord ; the conse- 
 quent reaction after the application of cold being very 
 great, produces inflammation. The vessels becoming gorged, 
 nature seeks to relieve them by sending forth a discharge 
 of ichorous matter from the parts which are so violently 
 inflamed. Another cause is taking a horse into a warm 
 stable in winter, when the legs have been chilled by 
 excessive cold from standing. 
 
 Grease is not contagious, yet it has been known to affect 
 all the horses of a stable at the same time, after one has 
 been seized with the complaint. This can only be accounted 
 for by bad stable management. The skin of the heel is 
 considerably difierent in its texture from that of other parts 
 of the legs. The fetlock is subjected to a greater degree of 
 motion and friction than any other joint, and it is provided 
 with a soft unctuous matter to keep it from chapping or 
 excoriation, which can be easily felt to be greasy to the 
 touch. When inflammation ensues, this greasy exudation 
 stops, and the heel exhibits a red, dry. and mealy appear- 
 ance ; and in consequence of the continual motion of this 
 
GREASE. 145 
 
 joint, cracks soon make their api^earauce ; these increasing 
 considerably, present an entire mass of sores, which ulcerate 
 very much and assume a fungus-like appearance. 
 
 It is easy to account for the tendency of the heels to 
 violent inflammatory attacks, which arises from their being 
 so remote from the centre of the circulation, and also their 
 constant exposure to extreme variations of temperature. 
 Tn the first place, when standing in the stable the feet 
 are subjected to a great degree of heat, from being at all 
 times surrounded with straw, and then when the door is 
 opened his heels, in many instances, being close to the door, 
 are exposed to any cold draught which may rush in ; and 
 then he may be taken from the stable to the open air and 
 walked through soft and cold mud, after being over-heated, 
 and thereby chilled. It is easy then to see that they are con- 
 stantly liable to inflammatory attacks by being thus exposed 
 to sudden transitions from one temperature to another, and 
 hence the difficulty of subduing those attacks of inflam- 
 mation to which the horse is liable. 
 
 Farmers' and carriers' horses, and indeed those in general 
 wliich are Avorked in carts, are not so liable to grease as 
 riding and carriage-horses, being less exposed to those ex- 
 treme transitions from heat to cold, or vice versa. And 
 the hair, which is usually allowed to grow plentifully at the 
 heels, is a great protection against sudden changes. 
 
 Remedies. — The first thing to be done is to wash the heel 
 well with soap and warm water, and remove as much oi 
 the white scurf as possible. When it has become perfectly 
 dry, wjiich should be accomplished by rublnng, then the 
 following ointment should be applied until the parts aie 
 healed : — 
 
 Lard ... 1 ounce, 
 
 Sugar of lead, wnll pounded 1 diachm. 
 
 u 
 
146 MANUAL OF MOUERK FARRIERY. 
 
 In cases v/here cracks appear, the treatment will greatly 
 depend upon their extent and depth : when they are small, 
 the following lotion will be found beneficial : — 
 
 Blue vitriol (or sulphate of copper) 2 drachms, 
 Water .... 1 pint ; 
 
 or four drachms of alum may be substituted for the vitri'i], 
 with the same quantity of water. This will speedily dry 
 them up and close them. When the cracks are large and 
 deep, and discharge an ichorous matter, accompanied with 
 considerable lameness, a poultice of lintseed-meal will be 
 indispensable ; but when the discharge is thin and accom- 
 panied by a fetid smell, it will be necessary to mix an 
 ounce of finely powdered charcoal with the lintseed-meal, 
 as it is a powerful antiseptic ; or a carrot poultice may ])c 
 used in its stead : the carrots to be boiled and mashed. 
 The poultices to be applied until the inflammation has 
 abated, and a thicker and more healthy matter flows from 
 the cracks. After this apply the following ointment : — 
 Resin .... 1 ounce, 
 Calamine powder . . 1 ounce, 
 Lard .... 3 ounces. 
 Let the resin and lard be melted together, and wdien 
 sufliciently incorporated, allow the mixture to stand until 
 nearly cold, then add the calamine, and stir tliem well 
 together. This precaution is necessary, as the calamine 
 would fall to the bottom if the mixture were thin. During 
 the time of the above application, the cracks should be fre- 
 quently washed with the solution, Avhich will stimulate them 
 til heal more speedily. Administer the following diuretic : — 
 Turpentine . . -g ounce, 
 
 Ginger . . -4 o^^^ce, 
 
 Purified nitre . . . i ounce, 
 Lintseed-meal . x ouucc. 
 
GREASE. 147 
 
 Three hours afterwards let the following laxati^^e bo 
 given : — 
 
 Barbadocs aloes . . 4 drachms, 
 
 Castile soap . • • i drachm, 
 Oil of caraways . . 10 drops. 
 
 When the cracks have been healed up, the legs will 
 sometimes continue swelled. In this case a bandage will 
 be found of much advantage. But nothing is better than 
 turning the animal out to grass, if the season of the year is 
 favourable. Blistering in this case should be had recourse 
 to ; but burning may be resorted to with benefit if the skin 
 is not broken by it, as this might be attended with bad 
 consequences Frequently the cracks spread over the whole 
 heel and fetlock, or up the limb, as is sometimes the case ; 
 and while the leg is considerably swollen, accompanied by 
 a discharge of a thin watery matter from the cracks, and 
 makes its appearance also in other parts of the limb, 
 accompanied by great heat, so much so that the heels 
 ^smoke, the skin being so hot that the watery fluid partly 
 evaporates as it oozes from the cracks or through the skin. 
 
 In the above state it would be attended with very bad 
 consequences to stop the discharge suddenly. The first 
 thing to be attended to is to allay the inflammation, and 
 nothing is better calculated to do so than poultices, as 
 already recommended, particularly those of carrots. When 
 the heat, tenderness, and stiffness have abated, then a strin- 
 gent, already recommended, should be used ; but that made 
 of alum, or a stronc? decoction of bark are the best. Indeed 
 it would be preferable to use these lotions alternately, but 
 not a mixture of the two. The ointment above named should 
 be used for dressing the cracks ; and as soon as the horse 
 can bear the pressure without pain, a flannel bandage should 
 
148 MAA'UAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 be applied, extending from the coronet to some inches above 
 the swelling. 
 
 From this period mild doses of medicine and dim'etics 
 should be given, accompanied by a third part of cordial 
 mixture, which is composed of the following ingredient?; : — 
 
 Caraway powder 
 
 8 ounces, 
 
 Bruised resins 
 
 8 ounces, 
 
 Ginger . 
 
 4 ounces, 
 
 Palm-oil 
 
 4 ounces ; 
 
 to be well beaten into a pulp. 
 
 If the horse is of a full habit of body, physic should 
 al\\ays be given before diuretics, and in some instances it 
 will be prudent to abstain entirely from giving the latter ; 
 but in cases where the animal is much debilitated, diuretics 
 with the above pulp will be preferable. It will also be 
 necessary to attend carefully to the feeding of horses at this 
 time. Green meat will be found the best, and carrots are 
 still better, and a very moderate quantity of corn, so that 
 the tendency to fever may be kept down. The next 
 essential is proper exercise, and care must be taken not to 
 overdo it ; and when the animal has been Avalked for some 
 days, he may be after\vards exercised at a gentle trot. 
 
 There is a much worse kind of grease than that which 
 we have just described and prescribed for, although it is not 
 so common. In this species the ulceration spreads over the 
 skin of the heel and the entire fetlock, and a highly 
 sensitive fungus protrudes from both, mixed with scales : 
 it is irritable in the extreme, and bleeds on the slightest 
 touch. In a short time this fungus assumes a covering 
 of a horny texture, projecting in the form of knobs 
 and in congregated bunches, which, from their peculiar 
 similarity to grapes, have acquired that name. From tlie 
 
ACUTE FOUNDER. 149 
 
 entire surface of tins callous substance issues a discharge 
 of a peculiar fetid matter. In this complaint the horse 
 suffers great pain and uneasiness, and quickly loses jQesh 
 It would not be safe for any one but a veterinary surgeon 
 to attempt a cure for this loathsome complaint. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 
 
 The diseases of the feet in horses are more numerous, and 
 of a more complex nature than the inexperienced can have 
 any idea of. The structure of the foot is very complicated, 
 and having to sustain the weight of so heavy an animal, 
 besides being exposed to the chances of many injuries, a 
 knowledge of these is of paramount importance, both as 
 regards the safety of the proprietor and the intrinsic value 
 of the animal. When, therefore, we arrive at the anato- 
 mical description of the horse, we shall dwell at some length 
 upon the structure of the foot as well as of the pastern. 
 
 ACUTE FOUNDER. 
 
 Inflammation of the foot has been denominated " acute 
 founder." It is the cause of many other diseases, and is 
 more or less connected Avith them all. 
 
 Inflammation of the sensible lamellaB, or fleshy plates on 
 the front and sides of the coffin-bone, is the cause of acute 
 founder. These lamella3 are thickly intersected Avith blood- 
 vessels, like every other vascular i)art ; and, consequently, 
 from their exposure to violent and long-continued action, 
 they are elongated and strained, more especially when tiie 
 
150 MANUAL OF iMOlJERN FARRIER r. 
 
 hoofs have been subjected to a day's juurnej ou a hard road. 
 It is easy to imagine that if, after the feet have been thus 
 heated, they should be washed and not immediately and tho- 
 roughly dried, or the animal allowed to stand, with his feet ex- 
 posed to a cold draught of any kind, that inflammation is likely 
 to ensue from this sudden change of temperature. This ob- 
 servation is equally applicable to the change from cold to heat. 
 Symptoms. — Inflammation in the feet is manifested by 
 restlessness and fidgety action of the fore legs, frequently 
 shifting the weight of resting from the one to the other. 
 But there is no appearance of pawing, or of elevating the 
 hind legs towards the belly, as in colic and other intestinal 
 complaints The pulse will rise to a pretty rapid state, 
 the flanks will heave, and the inside of the nostrils will 
 become very red, his countenance will exhibit an anxious 
 expression, and that he is suflTering pain will be indicated 
 by moaning. He will then scrutinize his litter, as if indi- 
 cating a wish to lie down, but will not do so immediately, 
 from an apparent fear of drawing his limbs together. He 
 still continues to shift the pressure of his weight from one 
 fcot to the other, until impelled by pain and fatigue he at 
 length lies dov/n. There is a marked distinction in respect 
 to his lying down between this and inflammation of the 
 lungs, for in the latter complaint the horse never lies down 
 until he drops under the influence of complete exhaustion. 
 When a horse which is affected with inflammation of the feet 
 lies down, he invariably rests quietly, because the heat is 
 so much relieved from the removal of the weight of his 
 body ; whereas in colic and inflammation of the bowels, he 
 kicks and rolls about violently, and his constantly looking at 
 the part affected as clearly shows the seat of the disease. 
 A little attention to these will soon point out to the inex- 
 perienced where the malady exists. 
 
ACUTE FOUNDER. 151 
 
 Si 
 
 After these sjmptoins have been manifested, the fir? 
 thing to be done is to, examine the foot, when it will be 
 found verj hot. Tap gently on the foot with a hammer, 
 which will cause the artery at the pastern to throb violently 
 and the horse will express pain at the same time. The 
 eifects of inflammation in the foot are very rapid, and but a 
 short time will elapse before the horse will be quite unable 
 to get up, unless some means are adopted to check the 
 progress of the complaint. Even when horses have been 
 forced up while thus afRicted, they have been known to fall 
 down immediately; from the intensity of pain which they 
 suffered by resting on their feet. 
 
 Remedies. — The treatment of this should l)e like that ot 
 all other inflammatory complaints. Bleeding must therefore 
 be immediately resorted to, and that ought to be copious. 
 If the disease is in the fore feet, three quarts of blood must 
 be taken from the toe of each foot, at the position pointed 
 out (plate 6, fig. 10, lu,) and in the manner described at 
 page 118. After this large poultices of lintseed-meal 
 should be applied, so as to cover ths entire foot and pastern, 
 and these ought to be frequently replaced by fresh ones. 
 The shoe should be removed, and the sole pared as thin as 
 possible, and the crust of the hoof well rasped down, more 
 especially in the quarters. This operation should be done 
 as gently as possible, as in founder the pain experienced from 
 the excessive inflammation is very great. This having been 
 accomplished, recourse must be had to very mild purgatives 
 The following may be given in the form of a ball : — 
 Barbadoes aloes . . 1 ounce, 
 Calomel ... 2 drachms, 
 
 Jalap • • • 2 drachm. 
 
 Inflammation of the foot is always accompanied by 
 intense fever, and there is a danger of the inflammation 
 
152 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY-. 
 
 shifting from the feet to the bowels or lungs ; as it is no 
 uncommon occurrence for horses labouring under inflamma- 
 tion of the feet to have that suddenly transferred to the 
 lungs, or vice versa. In such a case it might, and indeed 
 often proves fatal to the animal. It is therefore, probably, 
 safer to have recourse to sedative medicines at first. The 
 following are the proportions to be given once a day, three 
 or four times : — 
 
 4 Digitalis ... 1 drachm, 
 
 Nitre .... 2 drachms, 
 Emetic tartar . . 1-|^ drachm. 
 If on the next day after bleeding no evident abatement 
 of the complaint is observable, then it will be necessary to 
 have recourse to bleeding again, and two quarts from each 
 foot may be taken ; and in cases which resist this second 
 bleeding, a third time will be necessary, but it should not 
 exceed a quart from each foot. To cool the feet, cloths wet 
 with water in which pounded nitre has been dissolved 
 immediately before used, should be frequently applied. This 
 solution should be in the proportion of one ounce of nitre 
 to a pound of water. About the third day a large blister 
 will be found useful ; it must embrace tlie whole coronet 
 and pastern. Previous to this, however, a cradle must be 
 put on the horse's neck, and the feet must be covered after 
 the removal of the blister, to prevent them from being 
 blemished, which they are liable to be if exposed to the air. 
 If at a favourable season of the year, the animal should be 
 fed upon green meat or upon mashes, but which should 
 always be limited, as nothing is so likely to keep up inflam- 
 mation as a full stomach. 
 
 It should on no account be attempted to force a horse to 
 rise, as the animal will not lie longer than is necessary fo^ 
 his recovery, and every symptom of lameness should begone 
 
UIIRCS'IC FOUKDEK. 153 
 
 before walking exercise is attempted. A month or two's 
 run at grass will be attended Avith much advantage alicr 
 founder. 
 
 No disease is more to be dreaded than violent inflamma- 
 tion of the foot, as, even with the utmost attention to 
 remedy the complaint, very bad consequences result from 
 it. One of these of frequent occurrence is loss of the 
 hoof. The first symptom of this is the appearance of a 
 small separation between the coronet and the hoof. Great 
 attentieiii to this is necessary, as the horn thus sepa- 
 rated will never reunite with the parts beneath, but tliP 
 separation will continue to extend downwards, until entire 
 disunion is efiected and the hoof is ultimately lost. This 
 is a most serious affair ; for although a new hoof will be 
 formed, it will be not only smaller in size, but also thinner 
 and weaker than the iirst, and liable to be injured by any 
 kind of hard labour or rough roads. 
 
 In the event of no smith being at hand when it is 
 ascertained that a horse has been seized with inflammation 
 of the foot, and if the proprietor or his groom are not 
 acquainted with the mode of paring down the hoof, then 
 it will be safer to bleed from the vein runnhig up the inside 
 of the leg, as it is better to take blood from the nearest 
 contiguous part to that which is affected, than not to do it 
 at all at an early stage of the complaint. Pressure shouhl 
 be applied above the part to be opened, thus differing from 
 blood-letting from the neck, which is always made below it. 
 
 CHRONIC FOUNDER. 
 
 Chronic founder is merely a conventional tena^ adopted 
 by farriers to express those changes which take place in the 
 foot of the horse iu disease brought on by bad shoeing or 
 raismanagemeut in some way or other. In fact, it is a word 
 
 X 
 
154 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 too frequently used as a cloak by ignorant pretenders. 
 Much attention has been devoted to diseases of the foot bj 
 many talented veterinary surgeons, but still these complaints 
 are in a state of obscurity. Some feet are diseased to lame- 
 ness without exhibiting any external signs of its cause, and 
 many others arise from contraction also, without any other 
 mark of disease. I shall therefore dwell at some length on 
 this important subject. 
 
 CONTRACTION. 
 
 To enable persons to judge of the perfect and health}' 
 state of the foot of a horse, they should examine those feet 
 of young horses in the natural condition which have not 
 been shod or worked in any way. We have given a repre- 
 sentation of the sole of a soand foot, (plate 6, fig. 12.) It 
 \?ill be seen that it is very nearly circular, and is somewhat 
 widest towards the quarters ; the inner one is a very little 
 wider than the outer. This form, however, seldom continues 
 long ; for the foot increases in length and gradually becomes 
 narrow in the quarters, more especially at the heel, when 
 the frog becomes contracted. The entire foot assumes a 
 greater concavity, and the heels become higher, which 
 induces lameness, or a circumscribed action folloAvs. To 
 those unacquainted with the different parts of the sole, we 
 refer to the above figure for their form. The crust is repre- 
 sented at a a; the sole, b ; the bars, c c ; the frog, d d. 
 
 Contraction may exist without inducing lameness ; nor 
 does shoeing always promote this narrowing of the foot, 
 although it is in many instances the source of contraction 
 when unskilfully performed. The mismanagement of the 
 stable is the source from whence this, as well' as many other 
 serious maladies, have their origin. 
 
 In examining o rontractcd hoof, it is difficult to deter- 
 
COxVTKACTIO!?. 15.^) 
 
 mine wliether or not it is of such a nature as to render the 
 horse unserviceable, as this can only be ascertained by his 
 action and manner of placing his feet on the ground while 
 in progressive motion. When contraction first commences, 
 it is for the most part accompanied by a slight degree of 
 lameness ; and when it is making rapid advancement, it is 
 always attended with lameness, but it does not invariably 
 exist when the process of iviring in is slow, or is of long 
 standing. 
 
 Causes. — If the owners of studs would look carefully 
 into their general stable management, their horses would be 
 afflicted with fewer diseases, and many of them would be 
 prevented or ameliorated by a little personal attention to 
 the stable. One of the chief causes of contraction in the 
 hoofs is neglect of paring. The crust of the hoof, like all 
 other horny parts of the animal system, is continually grow- 
 ing, and consequently lengthens, while the sole becomes 
 thicker. As Nature never intended that horses should be 
 shod, this is a beautiful provision for the wear and tear of 
 the hoofs. But when the hoof is protected by a shoe, it is 
 prevented from being worn down by the friction of coming 
 in contact with the ground ; the consequence is, that the 
 hoof gets high in front, and the sole becomes thick as the 
 expansion and descent of the sole and heel are interrupted, 
 and thus contraction is induced. To obviate this the smith 
 ought carefully to pare the sole and lower the heel each 
 time the horse is shod. No doubt the thinning of the sole 
 is attended with considerable labour, and without this is 
 attended to, lowering of the heels cannot be accomplished, 
 so that in avoiding the first both are neglected. In many 
 instances, however, a prejudice is entertained b^ owners of 
 horses that cutting away the hoof is injurious. Certainly, 
 mischief may be done by overdoing cutting, and by carrying 
 
156 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 it to such an extent as to destroy tlie bars, and thus leaving 
 the frog elevated from the ground, but such extremes are 
 the result of ignorance ; for to allow the sole to thicken 
 must limit the expansive principle of the hoof, by rendering 
 it UD clastic, and consequently unyielding, which cannot fail 
 to militate against the comfort of the horse and impair his 
 usefulness. From this it is obvious that it would be decided 
 economy to pay the smith the value of the increased labour, 
 and it should be accomplished under the inspection of a 
 careful groom, or the owner himself. 
 
 It is a grand mistake for persons allowing the shoes of 
 horses to remain on longer than three weeks or a month. 
 Whether the shoes are worn or not, they should be taken ofl 
 and the soles and heels thinned and pared. Without this 
 precaution the feet must become malformed. I have known 
 instances where riding-horses have been so seldom ridden or 
 exercised, that their shoes have lasted three and even four 
 months, and were not removed during this time, proceeding 
 in some cases from the parsimony of the owners, and in 
 others from their ignorance of the evil effects which would 
 r-esult therefrom. In some instances the shoes were made 
 thicker than was necessary, consequently the animal su1> 
 jected to carrying superfluous weight, besides being tightly 
 fastened on and provided with an extra number of nails, 
 and these too at the quarters. All of which increase the 
 tendency to thickening. It is perfectly clear tliat without 
 due attention to the above points, in proportion to the 
 deforce of neglect, so will the evil consequences increase, 
 and the hoof must contract and close up the foot round 
 the coronet. It is a notorious fact that low-heeled horses 
 are seldom liable to contraction of the hoof. 
 
 Contraction is also caused by want of natural moisture. 
 ,lf, will be seen that horses at grass are seldom or never 
 
CONTRACTION. 157 
 
 afflicted with this evil, in consequence of the hoofs being 
 kept cool and moist by the grass and occasional showers, by 
 Avhich their natural elastic condition is preserved, and con- 
 sequently its expansive energy. Horses kept in a very dry 
 and heated stable are certain to be liable to dryness of the 
 hoofs, and hence that shrinking of the horny substance. 
 It must therefore be sufficiently evident that some artificial 
 means must be adopted to counteract this. Stopping the 
 feet is the most obvious remedy, and ought to be had 
 recourse to every night. A compound of cow- dung and a 
 small quantity of clay is most commonly resorted to ; but 
 a better one is a piece of thick patent felt, cut the shape of 
 the sole, with a padding above. This should be soaked 
 in water and applied to the foot. A common stopping 
 was a mixture of tar and grease, but this has the tendency 
 of increasing the evil which it is intended to remedy, 
 causing brittleness and dryness in the hoof. 
 
 It has been argued by many that the litter of the stable 
 causes dryness of the hoofs, in consequence of the feet being 
 in a gi'eat degree covered by it ; but I am disposed to 
 think that litter which has been subjected to the pressure 
 of the horse while lying down during the night, or even of 
 his feet, cannot extend high on the hoofs during the day. 
 Many resort to removing the litter entirely in the day-time. 
 This, however, is quite unnecessary, and even objectionable, 
 as it must be less comfortable to the animal ; and by the 
 horse beating on the hard stones, as they are frequently in 
 the habit of doing, the growth of corns is apt to be induced. 
 As we have before noticed, while treating of grease, that 
 keeping the heels of the horse embedded in straw and 
 afterwards sul ejecting them to the cold of an open door may 
 produce grease ; but we have never given credit to the injury 
 wo are now treating of being caused by the same means. 
 
158 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 That moisture and keeping the feet cool are the most 
 certain means of preventing contraction, we need only refer 
 to the farmer's horses, which arc so seldom, comparatively 
 speaking, liable to contraction. It is a very common prac- 
 tice for farmers to turn out their animals after their daily 
 labour. Being thus daily exposed to moisture, they are so 
 much the less liable to hardness and contraction of the hoofs. 
 
 Nothing can be more injudicious than to remove the bars, 
 as they are a grand protection against contraction, their 
 use being principally to prevent luiring in, so that cutting 
 them away is certain to facilitate and greatly increase the 
 contraction after it has begun ; but we must not have it 
 supposed that the removal of the bars of themselves would 
 produce this tendency. 
 
 It has been said that thmshes are often tlie cause of 
 contraction, but they are more frequently, if not altogether, 
 the consequence rather than the cause. 
 
 Many persons are disposed to have an undue objection to 
 contraction, and at once reject a horse that exhibits the 
 slightest degree of lulring in of the quarters. There can 
 be little doubt but this is a malformation of the hoof ; ])ut 
 one thing is certain, that its growth is very slow, the altered 
 form extremely gradual, and the parts are progressively 
 accommodated to the change of form. As the hoof con- 
 tracts, the under parts, and especially the coffin-bone and 
 heels of the coffin-bone, diminish in size. HoAvcver, this 
 may be considered a mere change of form rather than 
 of capacity ; for as the foot narrows, it acquires additional 
 length, in consequence of the elongation of the coffin-bone, 
 and accommodates itself as completely to the coffin or box 
 as in its original condition ; and its small leaf-like margins 
 are as firmly connected with the crust as before the change, 
 which, in a great, measure, compensates for its limited 
 
C0.\TRACX10.\. 1 59 
 
 breadth. So that horses may have their feet considerably 
 contracted without being at all unsound. From this, how- 
 ever, we would not have the purchaser hastil}^ to jump 
 at the conclusion that a horse Avith feet such as we have 
 just described is positively sound ; on the contrary, we 
 would recommend him carefully to examine such a horse 
 scrupulously, but if he finds his action good, and his other 
 points as he would wish them, then we Avould not recom- 
 mend him to reject the animal. 
 
 The species of contraction which occasions permanent 
 lameness, generally proceeds from another cause, and is not 
 only sudden in its attack, but also extreme in its nature. 
 This is inflammation of the small plates which cover the 
 coffin-bone. This inflammation is not so violent as in 
 acute founder, but it speedily assumes a serious character. 
 and terminates in distressing results ; and thus we find that 
 it proceeds from causes which were concealed from our view, 
 and too frequently unsuspected 
 
 "We have already said that contraction is rare in agricul- 
 tural horses, but it is of frequent occurrence in the stud of 
 a gentleman or coach-proprietor. In both these latter 
 situations much more attention is paid to shoeing, not 
 only in the construction, but also to the frequency of 
 change. This would appear an anomaly, and contrary to 
 the theory which we have advocated. However, this may 
 be accounted for by the circumstance that blood-horses are 
 extremely liable to contraction, induced no doubt by the 
 smallness of their feet arid the original narrowness of their 
 iieels. In horses equally high bred it has been observed 
 that proneness to contraction depends much upon colour, 
 as the dark chestnut horses are, above all others, liai)!; to 
 be thus aff"ected ; while in the broad, flat-hoofed cart-horse, 
 ci.'utraction seldom occurs. 
 
IGO MANUAL OF MODERN FAkRIERY. 
 
 Another source of contractiou proceeds from the manner 
 iu wliicli the animal is treated. Many are over-fed and not 
 sufficiently exercised. Some are permitted to stand in the 
 stable for days together Avithout being taken • out. Sucli 
 norses must consequently be more liable to inflammatory 
 attacks. The lamina3 or little plates of the coffiu-bone are 
 extremely sensible ; they are scarcely lengthened, Avhen, from 
 want of exercise, they begin to diminish. It is natural, 
 therefore, to suppose that if the horse is suddenly and 
 violently exercised, either upon the road or in the field, these 
 exquisitely sensible plates should, from concussion, become 
 rapidly elongated and the whole foot heated, and that in- 
 flammation should follow. The various parts of the foot 
 then undergo an alteration of structure ; and hence a 
 partial separation between the internal and external parts 
 of tlie foot, limited expansion of the quarters, and a con- 
 traction and falling in of the crust takes place, 
 
 SrMrTOMS. — Horses which are lame from rapid or severe 
 contraction always stand in the stable with one foot before 
 the other, the lame foot being placed forward ; but if both 
 feet are affected, then he will change them alternatelj'. 
 When a horse with this complaint is taken out of the stable, 
 it will be detected by the peculiar shortness and quickness 
 of his step, and he will place his feet very gently upon the 
 ground^ and if trotted will hardly clear the surface as he 
 moves along ; so that he is apt to come down by any uneven 
 place on the road, and will be constantly stumbling even 
 with the smallest irregularity of surface. 
 
 Contraction is manifested by the fore feet being consider- 
 ably narrowed across the quarters, and also towards the 
 heels. In some few instances the entire foot will exhibit 
 a contracted appearance, as if it were shrunk ; but in most 
 cases while the heel is narrowed the front will be elongated 
 
CONTRACTIOK. If,} 
 
 Both heeis are sometimes contracted, at other times the 
 inner one onlj. While both are affected, the inner one is 
 generally wired in, in most instances, but chiefly at the 
 coronet, at other times near to the sole of the foot ; but 
 most fre;[uently the contracted part is situated intermedi- 
 ately between the. coronet and sole. But in whatever por- 
 tion of the foot the contraction exists, it will be indicated 
 by that part being much warmer than the rest, and by an 
 unusual degree of concavity in the sole • sometimes to a very 
 great extent. 
 
 Remedies. — Many have been the inventions to prevent 
 and retard the progress of contraction ; few, however, of 
 these have had more than an ephemeral existence. The 
 medical remedies of this complaint should not be entrusted 
 to any but a regular veterinary surgeon ; because the chief 
 thinc^ to be done is to remove the inflammation which mav 
 exist, and this is best effected by local bleeding and doses 
 of physic. The sole should be pared as much as it will 
 bear ; the quarters should then be deeply rasped, taking 
 care not to penetrate so deep as the coronary ring, (plate 6, 
 fig. 9, c.) The toe ought next to be rasped, and it should 
 likewise be scored. Wet clay ought to be so placed in the 
 stall that the horse will stand in it all day, and at night a 
 plentiful supply of wet cloths should be tied round the 
 foot ; or he may be put out to wet pasturage and his feet 
 frequently pared and rasped, as above recommended. It 
 will require a run of five or six months before the horn will 
 have grown fully down. He may then be shod, but without 
 nails in the inner side of the shoe. The foot will have 
 enlarged considerably. He may now be gently worked. It 
 will be found, however, that where expansion has taken 
 place forward on the quarters, that the crust will not have 
 its natural adhesion with the elongated and narrowed heels 
 
 Y 
 
]{j2 manual of modern farriery. 
 
 of the coffin-bone, not being properly in contact A very 
 trivial cause will induce the foot to contract as much as 
 it was before. It is therefore the best policy to allow a 
 contraction to remain untouched, unless the action of the 
 horse is very much impaired ; as it Avill be seen that a 
 great length of time and trouble are required to effect any 
 thing like a change on the hoof ; and, after all, it is very 
 uncertain both in its results and also in its proving an 
 effectual care. The contracted heel can very rarely be 
 expanded, for the reason that the elongated and narrowed 
 coffin-bone can never be made to resume its former shape, 
 nor can that portion of the frog be restored which has been 
 absorbed. 
 
 Where old contractions exist, which arc accompanied 
 with a cautious step, neurotomy, or cutting out a small 
 portion of the nerve, may be had recourse to with much 
 advantage. The mode in which this is accomplished will 
 be found in the chapter treating of operations. By means 
 of this, lameness has been completely removed. The foot 
 being again allowed to rest fully upon the ground, the 
 inner side of the shoe being left free from nails, a portion 
 of the contraction is likely to be removed, from the due 
 pressure of the sole on the ground expanding the hoof. 
 
 SAND-CRACK. 
 
 This is a downward crack, or division of the hoof, as 
 represented on plate 6, fig. 8, a. It may, however, occur 
 either in the fore or hind feet. In the fore feet they are 
 usually found in the inner quarter, although they sometimes 
 exist in the outer quarter. The reason why the quarters 
 are most liable to this is, that the chief stress of the foot 
 is where it expands, and the inner quarter is weaker than 
 the outer. Sand-crack almost always occurs in the front of 
 
SAND-CRACK. 163 
 
 the hoof ill the liind feet, occasioned by the pressure a})plied 
 by the toe in progressive motion, especially when the animal 
 is dragging a heavy load behind him, and more particularly 
 on an ascent. 
 
 Hoofs that crack in this manner are brittle in the crust, 
 which is an extremely bad defect, and is caused by a want 
 of that nutriment necessary to keep the crust supple. It 
 also proceeds from disease in the foot. It may besides occur 
 from a false step or over-exertion. 
 
 Sometimes the crack is only superficial, and does not 
 extend through the hoof, in Avhich case it occasions no 
 lameness. It will, however, require attention, as, if neglect- 
 ed, it may reach the quick, and occasion much trouble. 
 
 Remedies. — When sand-crack is occasioned by brittleness 
 of the hoof, let the following composition be rubbed into 
 the crust twice a day until it becomes pliable : — 
 Oil of tar . . .2 ounces, 
 Common fish-oil . . 4 ounces. 
 
 To assist in softening the hoof wiiile the above ointment 
 is used, cow-dung or felt should be applied to stop the foot, 
 as recommended in contraction of the hoof, page 157. In 
 a superficial crack it should be pared and rasped entirely 
 out ; and if it has been of considerable depth, it ought to 
 be strengthened by a coating of pitch, applied so thick as 
 to replace all that has been rasped oiF, and formed so as to 
 represent the natural shape of the foot. Indeed rasping 
 oudit to be had recourse to with every crack, so as to 
 ascertain its depth. Should it be found to penetrate through 
 the crust without occasioning lameness, and is situated low 
 down on the foot, recourse must be had to a red-hot firing 
 iron, which should })e drawn across the hoof, both above 
 and below the crack, so as to prevent it from extending. 
 The edges ought thereafter to be tliinned, to prevent any 
 
164 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 pressure which might cause pain to the tender parts below ; 
 and it must be bound up, taking care to avoid pressure 
 immediately beneath the crack. Neither must the shoe be 
 allowed to press upon the part below. 
 
 Should lameness proceed from the crack having pene- 
 trated through the hoof, the cure is much more difficult. 
 The first thing to be done is to examine the parts, to ascer- 
 tain whether any sand or dirt has got in and has reached 
 the quick below, and the crack thoroughly cleaned out 
 If proud-flesh is found in it, an application of chloride 
 of antimony must be used to destroy it, and the edges 
 of the crack must be considerably thinned. Some veteri- 
 nary surgeons have used the cautery ; but this has a tendency 
 to thicken the edges of the horn and render it rough, which 
 is liable to irritate the tender portions below. After the 
 fungus has been destroyed, it will be necessary to apply 
 the iron above and below, as recommended in a superficial 
 crack. A pledget of tow should be put into the crack, and 
 another over it, and then firmly tied down, and not ex- 
 amined until the third or fourth day after. If the proud- 
 fiesh has not been eaten away, it will be necessary to apply 
 the caustic again. On the other hand,. if the crack is quite 
 dry and exhibits a hard horny crust, the pitch-plaster 
 should be immediately applied. Bees'-wax is considered 
 preferable by some, and the crack carefully filled with it. 
 The wax must be applied warm ; and to fill the crack pro- 
 perly, it is necessary to draw the heated cautery slightly 
 over it. This gentle pressure will contribute to the healthy 
 granulation of fresh horn, and at the same time prevent 
 the access of sand or dirt, and also cold or wet, or the 
 influence of the atmosphere from reaching the tender parts 
 of the foot. 
 
 The worst case of crack is caused by tread, which divides 
 
THE NAVICULAR-JOINT DISEASE. 165 
 
 the coronet ; and where this is imperfect tlie horn or crusl 
 will grow down divided, because the growth of horn pro- 
 ceeds from the coronary ligament. The mode of cure which 
 has been most successful in this crack, has been to draw tlie 
 lieated cautery over the division of the coronet. This will 
 be followed wuth some degree of inflammation ; a scab will 
 form on the part, which in a few days will fall off, when it 
 will be found that no traces of the division will be visible, 
 and fresh and sound 4iorn will speedily grow downwards. 
 When division of the horn at the coronet takes place, it 
 requires five or six months to effect a cure. When the 
 horn has grown downwards for an inch, the animal may be 
 turned out, taking care that the part is well defended by a 
 ( lambered pitch-plaster, which should be replaced by a new 
 one as often as it separates from the hoof. At the same 
 time a clambered shoe should be applied, but it must not 
 press upon the hoof immediately under the crack. Every 
 three weeks the shoe should be taken off and the sole care- 
 fully pared do'wn. It sometimes happens that bulbous 
 projections are formed on the new horn. These should- 
 be carefully pared off. During the time the horse is sub- 
 jected to surgical treatment for this complaint, he must 
 have perfect rest, otherwise the cure will undoubtedly be 
 protracted. 
 
 In purchasing a horse, it is absolutely necessary to 
 examine Avith care the inner quarter of the feet, as it is 
 very common for low, unprincipled dealers to cover over 
 sand-cracks so neatly with pitch, and afterAvards along the 
 whole hoof, that it is so comi)letely concealed, as not to be 
 observable except by a nat-roAv inspection 
 
 THE NAVICULAR-JOINT DISEASE. 
 Behind and beneath the lower pastern-bone, and behind 
 
166 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 and al)o\T. the heel of the coffin-bone, is placed a small 
 bone, called the navicular bone. (See plate 6, fig. 10, e.) 
 The use of this bone is to support and strengthen the union 
 between the lower pastern and the coffin-bone, and to assist 
 the flexor tendon in its action as it passes over it, in order 
 to be inserted into the bottom of the coffin-bone, and forme 
 a sort of joint with that tendon. The navicular bone is 
 subjected to much pressure, as is also this tendon ; and 
 besides, there is much plaj between them in the bending 
 and extension of the pasterns. 
 
 Cause. — Like many other complaints of the horse, this 
 is often induced by sudden and violent exercise after the 
 animal has been allowed to stand in the stable inactive. 
 The parts not being for some time adapted to overstrained 
 action, there may be too much play between the bone and 
 the tendon, and by concussion of the parts the periosteum 
 or delicate membrane which covers the bones may be 
 bruised ; or the cartilage wf the bone may be inflamed, and 
 thus produce destruction of it, and cause a lameness of 
 the most painful description. From the navicular bone 
 being so obscurely situated, it is difficult to ascertain by 
 inspection when it is diseased. And this has puzzled many 
 to And out the cause of lameness emanating from it, and 
 has too often been attributed to the shoulder. Indeed 
 the action of the horse with this lameness has all the 
 appearance of being seated in the shoulder. Of late years 
 the attention of veterinary colleges has been particularly 
 directed to this point, and it has been found in numerous 
 cases of dissection that this is the seat of this lameness, 
 which has deceived and puzzled so many persons, both 
 learned and unlearned. The membrane covering the bone 
 has been found highly ulcerated, and the cartilage itself 
 completel}^ decomposed, and even the bones in a state of 
 
THE NAVICULAR-JOINT DISEASE. 167 
 
 decay from cariousness. Besides this, bony adhesions have 
 often taken place between the navicular bone and the 
 pastern, which consequently render this joint altogether 
 unserviceable. 
 
 Remedies. — Like some other diseases incidental to the 
 horse, the cure of this is very uncertain. The first thing to 
 be adopted is bleeding from the nearest vein. After Avhich 
 a poultice should be applied to allay the inflammation, and 
 the bowels should be kept open. The following purgative 
 should be given in the form of a ball, and repeated as long 
 as is required. 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . .5 drachms, 
 Castile soap . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Oil of caraways . . 8 drops. 
 
 The ball should be formed v^itli a little lintseed-meal and 
 treacle. 
 
 If this complaint is discovered at its commencement, and 
 before ulceration of the membrane has taken place, a cure 
 may readily be effected ; but on the contrary if the mem- 
 brane is ulcerated before remedies are applied, the difficulty 
 in eradicating it will be exceedingly great, if not impos- 
 sible. Caries of the bone is certain to take place, and that 
 condition can never be changed. Blistering the coronet 
 has been found beneficial in assisting a cure, by removing 
 the inflammation to another part and expediting the growth 
 of the horny substance. Setons passed through the part, 
 as contiguous to tlic seat of the disease as possible, have 
 either lessened the complaint or entirely removed it. 
 
 But this disease is altogether of so delicate a nature, that 
 we would not advise its cure to be attempted by an un- 
 skilful person, as it is one of those which can only be 
 successfully taken up by an experienced veterinary surgeon. 
 
168 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 As in all other inflamniatury diseases, there is heat in the 
 seat of the navicular bone, and probably in the whole foot. 
 In this complaint the animal suiFers much pain, to alleviate 
 Avhich we would recommend neurotomy, or cutting out a 
 portion of the nerve, which has in some instances very 
 much reduced the lameness. But at all events it will lessen 
 the suiFerings of the horse. In cases of extreme lameness, 
 either with or without contraction, then it woyld be inju- 
 dicious to resort to this operation ; because, if there was 
 ulceration of the membrane or decay of the bone, the 
 increased friction, in consequence of the freer action given 
 to the parts, the feeling of pain being removed, would 
 cause thesf^ to progress more rapidly, until complete dis- 
 organization of the foot took place ; or in all probability 
 the tendon itself would be gradually worn through by 
 rubbing against the roughened surface of the decayed bone. 
 
 FALSE QUARTER. 
 
 When the coronary ligament is severely cut or divided, 
 it is termed false quarter. In some instances it is eaten 
 through by the application of caustic applied to other 
 wounds and sores of the foot ; when this is the case there 
 will be a division of the horn as it grows down, having 
 all the appearance of a sand-crack, or one portion of the 
 horny substance will overlap the other. This is a very bad 
 defect in the foot, and often occasions lameness, and there 
 is very great difficulty in curing it. The coronary ligament 
 is that by which the horn of the hoof is secreted ; con- 
 sequently what must be first attempted is to restore it 
 to the discharge of its healthy function. 
 
 Remedies. — Caustic has been used in many instances, 
 and found effectual ; but nevertheless it is a dangerous 
 remedy, as it has often proved very injurious. Blisters 
 
Fi^LSE QUARTER. [ CO 
 
 have also been successfully tried, but they are too often 
 found not do be sufficiently active. The remedy which 
 has proved most successful, is the heated cautery carefull}- 
 applied to the injured part. The edges of the horn on both 
 sides of the cvack should be thinned down, and a thick 
 plastering of pitch spread over the parts so as to hold them 
 closely together, as well as to support the hoofs. This 
 plaster to be kept on undisturbed for at least fourteen days, 
 and then the parts should be carefully examined, to ascertain 
 the condition of the coronet, and whether union of the parts 
 has taken place. Should adhesion not be begun, then it 
 must again be covered up and not looked at for eight days, 
 by which time it will have adhered. During this treatment 
 it would be judicious to strengthen the hoof by the use of 
 a bar-shoe, only great care must be taken that there is 
 no bearing at, or immediately below, the separation of the 
 horn. To secure this against such a result, if tlie crust be 
 laturally thick, accompanied by strong quarters, then a 
 little of the crust near the })art should be pared off, to 
 prevent it from resting on the shoe. On the other hand, 
 if the hoof be weak, an indentation should be made in the 
 shoe itself opposite the part, which will prevent any stress, 
 as well as the danger consequent upon a sudden or violent 
 concussion which might have the effect of again cracking 
 the hoof before it had got firmly united. 
 
 In this complaint the horn sometimes gi'ows down entire, 
 but from an unhealtliy action in the coronary ligament, 
 it secretes a narrow slip of horn, generally different in 
 appearance from the other parts, usually of a lighter colour. 
 Although this is the case, it may become perfectly strong, 
 but it must always be considered as a defect, and clearly 
 showins: that the horse has had sand-crack, and of course 
 predisposed to a return of it. The horse may be fit for all 
 
 z 
 
1 70 MANU-AL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 kinds of work, j'et there generally will remain some degree 
 of tenderness in the part, and may produce lameness when 
 the shoe is allowed to press on it ; or when the horse is 
 subjected to hard work, lameness may return. 
 
 TREAD, OR OVERREACH. 
 
 This is nearly connected Avith false quarter, and compre- 
 hends wounds and bruises of the coronet, usually the effect 
 of the horse either setting one foot upon the other, which 
 not unfreqnently happens in the hind feet ; or in the fore 
 feet, by the hind foot overreaching the heel when in rapid 
 action and wounding it. 
 
 Remedies. — Although this is not in general a very serious 
 injury, yet it should be immediately and carefully attended 
 to. The first thing is to wash out any dirt or sand whicli 
 may have got into the wound, and dry the part thoroughly 
 with a cloth. After which a pledget of tow, wetted witli 
 Friar's balsam, should be firmly bound over the wound, 
 which usually proves a speedy cure. If the Avound is large 
 or deep, then it may be a necessary precaution to poultice 
 the part for one or two days before digestive ointment 
 or Friar's balsam is applied. 
 
 It sometimes happens that a soft tumour will form on 
 the part. This must be poulticed and brought to suppura- 
 tion. When the whole of the matter has been discharged, 
 the sides of the ulcer should be washed with a Aveak solution 
 of blue vitriol, (sulphate of copper,) which will have the 
 effect of expediting granulation of the parts ; and a pledget 
 of tow Avhich has been dipped in Friar's balsam will soon 
 effect a cure. 
 
 Ignorant farriers are frequently in the habit of applying 
 caustic to wounds of the feet. This should on no account 
 le permitted, as it is very apt to injure the coronary liga- 
 
QUITTOli, 171 
 
 liieiit, so as to render it incapable of ut'ierwards secreting 
 healtby horn, 
 
 QUITTOR. 
 
 A Avound of the coronet, whether it proceeds from a tread, 
 or otherwise, should be carefully and immediately attended 
 to ; because if sand or gravel get into the wound, it is 
 likely to produce those deep-seated ulcerations that are 
 termed pipes or sinuses, which constitute the disease called 
 quittor. 
 
 But it may also proceed from any wound of the foot, and 
 in any portion of it. In all ulcers matter is secreted, and 
 the part affected cannot possibly heal until the matter is 
 discharged. In wounds of the foot, there is much difficulty 
 in the matter proceeding from ulceration finding its way 
 from under the hoof, which covers the foot with its various 
 complicated parts. The consequence is, it accumulates 
 under the hoof until it has increased to such an extent that 
 it must find escape in some way ; and frequently forces itself 
 out in all directions, separating the little fleshy plates from 
 their connexion wdth the horny ones of the crust ; or dis- 
 uniting the fleshy sole from the horny one ; and in extreme 
 cases eats its way deei)ly into the internal parts of the foot, 
 forming pipes or sinuses, which run in all directions 
 
 If quittor arises from a wound in the lower portion of 
 the foot, the matter which is collected in it after the ulcer 
 has ripened being confined there, issues from it, and 
 induces a separation between the horny and fleshy sole ; 
 and having accumulated in considerable quantity, at length 
 discharges itself at the coronet, generally close to the 
 quarter. This, however, does not manifest itself to an} 
 extent, as both the aperture and quantity of matter which 
 oozes out are apparently so insignijirant, that they would 
 
172 .ilANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERS. 
 
 lead an inexperienced person to suppose the discharge of 
 little consequence. In this, however, they will be sadly 
 mistaken ; for most serious mischief lurks within, and the 
 difficulty of removing it is extremely great. In this state 
 of the disease, although the fistula is of very small dimen- 
 sions, yet tlie effects of this confined matter vfill have 
 extended over almost the entire quarter, and the horn}'- 
 sole may be separated from the foot. The matter may have 
 penetrated and lodged beneath the ligaments and cartilages 
 of the coffin-joint ; and besides, the pressure of the matter, 
 wherever it has forced its way to, will have formed ulcera- 
 tions which are most diflficult to heal, and the horn which 
 has been thus separated from the sensible parts below will 
 never unite with them again, thus producing an evil of the 
 worst description. 
 
 Remedies. — It must be evideat that this is a case which 
 can only be successfully treated by a skilful veterinary 
 surgeon. In most instances of such cases, it becomes neces- 
 sary to remove the greater portion of the horny sole, and 
 thereafter restore the healthy state of the tender surface 
 beneath. When this has been effected, the horn will 
 quickly be reproduced. But in cases where much of the 
 sole has been removed, it will take at least six months to 
 restore fully that whicli has been removed, so that the horse 
 may again be subjected to labour. 
 
 To restore the healthy condition of the foot, very active 
 means must be adopted. Caustic applications alone will 
 destroy the ulcerated surface. To ascertain the state of the 
 disease, a probe must be used, and if it touches any of the 
 bones, it is doubtful whether a cur? can be effected even by 
 the most skilful. One thing is certain, if it is found when 
 the probe is inserted into the fistulous openings on the 
 coronet, that the direction of the sipuses is backwards, it 
 
PRICK, OR WOUND IN TIIF. SOLE OR CRUST. 1 7S 
 
 i:3 liiglily probable that the parts may be thoroughly cured ; 
 but if the direction of the pipes be forvrard, tliere is great 
 (loubli of a cure being accomplished. 
 
 Qiiittor often proceeds from neglecting bruises and in- 
 juries of the sole of tlic foot. When horses have flat feet, 
 and are ridden quickly over a rough, uneven, stony road, 
 tlie -feet are very liable to be injured, and especially by 
 srettinsr a small stone between the shoe and the sole, 
 
 O O 
 
 Narrow webbed shoes are frequently the cause of bruises ot 
 the feet, by leaving too much of the sole unprotected. 
 Another cause is, the smith paring out the sole too closely, 
 or pricking the sole while in the act of shoeing, as also 
 pressure of the shoe on the sole, and gravel getting insinu- 
 ated between the sole and the shoe. 
 
 PRICK, OR WOUND IN THE SOLE OR CRUST. 
 
 The sole is peculiarly liable to be injured by sharp-pointed 
 stones, flints, and pieces of glass which it may come in 
 contact with on a road. In shoeing, too, a nail may be 
 driven either through the sensible part of the foot, or so 
 near to it in the horn, that it Avill cause pressure and con- 
 sequent irritation, probably inflammation, and this may end 
 in ulceration. In all cases of lameness, particularly in those 
 which are sudden, the legs should be examined with great 
 care ; and if no cause can be discovered to account for it, 
 the probability is that its seat is in the foot. The shoe 
 ought to be immediately removed, when very likely the 
 cause will be ascertained. But if it is not at once apparent 
 by the heat of some portion of the foot, then the crust 
 should be rapped all round with a small hammer, and when 
 the part which is aflected is touched, the horse is sure to 
 flinch from it ; or pressure applied by pincers will answer 
 the same purpose. 
 
i 74 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Should lameness occur within two or three dajs after the 
 horse has been shod, the first suspicion sliould fall upon the 
 foot. The best of smiths maj prick the foot in shoeing, 
 and he that acts honestly in such a case, by at once 
 acknowledging it, or informing the owner, will not deserve 
 blame. It is in concealing or denying the possibility of 
 the thing that causes all the mischief Because, whenever 
 it is discovered, the shoe should be taken off, and that 
 too with much care. Some foolish smiths are in the habit 
 of wrenching off shoes, a practice which, under any circum- 
 stances, cannot be too severely condemned. 
 
 Remedies. — As soon as the injured part is detected, the 
 sole should be well thinned down around it, and at the 
 punctured spot it should be pared to the quick. We are 
 speaking of one of some dajs" standing, in which case 
 matter will issue from it, and the sore will be thereby 
 relieved If the wound is quite fresli, then all that Avill 
 be necessary after thinning the hoof is to apply a pledget 
 with some Friar's balsam to it ; or fill the wound with 
 bees'-wax, and it will quickly heal if kept clean. If, how- 
 ever, it does not heal speedily, and it becomes hot, then 
 inflammation Avill have taken place, and therefore it will 
 be necessary to apply a poultice. 
 
 But in wounds of the foot much depends upon the par- 
 ticular part which has been injured. Although a pretty 
 deep wound is inflicted towards the back part of the sole, 
 and even extending into the frog, still it may not be 
 attended with much danger or inconvenience to the animal, 
 because there is no motion in that portion of the foot, and 
 there are besides no bones or tendons to be injured. Neither 
 is much harm to be apprehended from a prick near the toe. 
 But in the centre of the sole, where the flexor tendons pass 
 over, especially where the tendon is inserted into the coffin- 
 
riUCK OR WOUND IN THE SOI.K OK CKtSl, 175 
 
 bouc, a puncture uiiiy be attended with serious conse- 
 quences, as well as a wound in the joint which unites 
 the navicular-bone with the cc.ffin-bone. If a wound in- 
 flicted in this situation is neglected, the animal may be 
 rendered useless for life. In short, injuries of the foot 
 require the utmost skill to examine their precise nature, 
 as well as tlic nianner in which thej ought to be 
 treated. 
 
 In searching for a wound, it is not uncommon for tlie 
 smith to cut away an unnecessary poj-tion of the horn from 
 the bottom of the crust of the sole, and thus leave no hold 
 for the nail of the shoe. In such cases it has frequently 
 taken months before the horny substance was of sufficient 
 substance to hold the nails. 
 
 When it becomes necessary to remove any portion of the 
 horny sole in consequence of a wound, or if separation has 
 taken place through suppuration, then the injured or 
 wounded portion of the crust must be entirely removed, as 
 the dead parts of the horn will never unite with that which 
 is living. Then the fleshy sole which has been left exposed 
 must be carefully touched with chloride of antimony, and 
 some soft and dry tow or lint laid on it. But if there are 
 inflammatory symptoms, it will be necessary to apply a 
 poultice to the entire sole. So quickly is the horny sub- 
 stance secreted, that on the following day a thin pellicle 
 will be found covering the whole, or part of the portion that 
 has been stripped of the crust. If it presents a healthy 
 ppearance, then it should be very slightly touched with 
 caustic, so as to energize it. But if there are any symptoms 
 of proud-flesh shooting through it, then it must be again 
 subjected to an application of chloride of antimony and 
 tow placed over it as before. In a few days the whole 
 b:urfaco \vill be invested witli a horny crust. If there is 
 
170 
 
 MANUAL OF MODERX FARRIERV. 
 
 any appearance of inflammation, bleeding at the toe a:id 
 opening medicines must be resorted to. 
 
 CORNS 
 
 Cause. — This disease has acquired a name which but ill 
 
 expresses its nature. It bears but little affinity to corns 
 
 of the human foot ; although, like them, they are the effects 
 
 of pressure. Instead of being hard as in the human subject, 
 
 they are thin and very Aveak, and caused by pressure on the 
 
 sole in the angle between the bars, as represented, plate 6, 
 
 fig. 12, c c. The horn becomes more spongy and softer 
 
 than at other parts, and it is so sensitive, that upon the 
 
 slightest pressure the liorse indicates that he feels pain. 
 
 When the foot becomes contracted, that portion of the sole 
 
 .intervening between the external crust wdiich is wiring in 
 
 and the bars which oppose that contraction are squeezed 
 
 very severely, which induces inflammation ; and hence it is 
 
 tliat feet which are contracted are almost certain to be 
 
 afflicted with corns. The effects of this pressure induce a 
 
 small quantity of extravasated blood, and the horn being 
 
 secreted in less quantity and of a more .spongy texture, 
 
 it has the tendency to enclose within it this extravasated 
 
 blood. 
 
 Nothing is more injurious than to allow a shoe to remain 
 too long on, as it is suro to become embedded in the heel 
 of the foot ; consequently the crust grows down on the 
 outside of it, and the bearing is thus thrown on the angular 
 portion of the sole Continued pressure on the sole is 
 certain to induce inflammation and corns. The shoe being 
 long on, wears and gets loosened at the heels, which admits 
 of gravel between it and the crust, and having accumulated 
 in the angle it naturally insinuates itself into the heel, and 
 produces a sore. 
 
coiixs. 17'/ 
 
 As we have before said in another part of the work, 
 nothing can be more injudicious than to allow shoes to 
 remain too long on : even if they are not worn, they should 
 be occasionally taken oiF and readjusted, to free the feet 
 from long-continued pressure on certain parts by the gro\v- 
 ing of the horny substance of the hoof In shoeing, too, 
 tlie bars are very often cut away, and this renders it neces- 
 sary to be bevelled inward, so as to accommodate it to this 
 injurious and ridiculous shaping of the foot ; consequently 
 an unnatural disposition to contraction is induced by this 
 slanting inward direction of the heel of the shoe. From 
 this the sole is subjected to double liability to injury ; first, 
 uy being pressed upon by the shoe, and, second, by being 
 squeezed between the outer crust and the external portion 
 of the bar. This angle is less able to bear pressure than 
 any other portion of the foot, being more exposed to acci- 
 dental bruises and injuries of different kinds, in consequence 
 of the shoe being made unnecessarily narrow at the heel. 
 Tn the act of shoeing, while paring out the foot, the smith 
 is too apt to omit cutting aAvay the horn between the angles 
 of the bars and the external hoof ; and if he does cut away 
 the bars, he hardly touches the horn at this point. Con- 
 sequently, before the horse has been eight days or afortuiglit 
 shod, the shoe rests upon this angle, and the corns are thus 
 produced. It is plain that a shoe thickened at the heels 
 of the fore feet is certain to cause corns, in consequence 
 of undue pressure on the heels, especially in feet that arc 
 weak. 
 
 There can be little doubt but corns are mainly owing 
 to faults in shoeing, as well as the fact of shoeing itself, 
 however well performed, preventing the due expansion of 
 the horn when the sole is growing downwards, and thus 
 confining and injuring this portion of the sole. And it 
 
 2 a 
 
i78 MANUAL OF JVIOUERN FARRIERY. 
 
 is easy to imagine that if the shoe is badly constructed, or 
 allowed to remain too long on, that corns must be induced. 
 Tliis effect will be rendered manifest by an attentive obser- 
 vation of the foot in plate 6, fig. 10. When paring i? 
 not attended to in shoeing, or wlien it is injudiciously 
 extended to the bars, the evil of corns is likely to arise 
 This unnatural j^ressure of the sole causes the blood to 
 be thrown out, which enters into the pores of the soft 
 and diseased horn Avhich is then secreted ; and by the colour 
 and softness of the horn at this place, tlie existence and 
 extent of the corn is judged. 
 
 Remedies. — The cure of corns is difficult and uncertain, 
 because a diseased action is induced ; and to check this is 
 no easy matter after it has contracted tlie tendency t(^ 
 secrete diseased horn ; for all shoeing produces pressure on 
 the parts. 
 
 The first thing to be done is to ascertain the extent 
 of the corns ; and this can only be effected by paring out 
 the angle between the crust and the bars ; at the same time 
 it wdll relieve, and to a great extent do away witli, what 
 has caused the complaint. This can be best accomplished 
 by the use of a small drawing knife, with which the corn 
 must be pared out to the bottom ; but great care must 
 [?e exercised not to wound the sole. After this operation, 
 it will be seen whether there is any effusion of blood or 
 matter underneath the corn. If there is reason to believe 
 that such is the case, then an opening must be made 
 through the horn, so that the matter may discliarge itself 
 and the separated horn be removed ; and when the course of 
 the sinuses have been ascertained, the same remedies must 
 be employed as in quitter. If there should happen to 
 be no collection of matter, the chloride of antimony should 
 be applied over the whole extent of the corn after the horn 
 
C0RX3. l7i) 
 
 nas been thoroughly thinned down, so as to stimulate the 
 parts to throw out a fresh secretion of healthy horny 
 substance. 
 
 In bad cases of corns, where the inflammation has ren- 
 dered the parts very sensitive, a bar-shoe will be of service, 
 so chambered, that there will be no pressure on the part 
 affected. This may be kept on for a couple of months 
 or so, but not longer, as in removing one complaint it might 
 induce another ; for few frogs could bear the constant 
 pressure of the bar-shoe ; and the heel being subjected 
 to no pressure while tlicy are used, may induce a soft 
 and bulbous condition of the heel, which would be the cause 
 of constant lameness. 
 
 In a majority of instances corns are either confined to 
 the inner quarter of the foot, or crust, caused in conse- 
 quence of contraction being generally seated in the inner 
 quarter. The shoe being left free on the inner side, if 
 a corn exists there, may prove of much advantage if the 
 country is not too heavy, or if the horse is not required 
 to perform rapid movements. 
 
 If corns have once existed to a considerable extent, they 
 are liable to return ; therefore, before shoeing, the seat of 
 the corn should be well pared out, and the chloride of 
 antimony well rubbed on it. The seated shoe (which we 
 have described in our chapter on shoeing) should be used, 
 with a web sufficiently thick to cover the situation of 
 the corn, and extending as far back as possible without 
 producing injury to the frog. When the horn has grown 
 to some extent, if the horse is turned out to grass with 
 a bar-shoe in the first instance, and afterwards with a shoe 
 fastened on one side only, or with tips, it will frequently 
 prove of much service. 
 
 In all cases wliere liorses have 1<.)W weak heels, tlier 
 
180 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 should seldom be pared witli a knife, but merely rasped 
 down to a level surface. This is peculiarly applicable to 
 the inner heel. The hind feet are seldom affected with 
 corns, because they are stronger than the fore-feet, and 
 less subjected to concussion ; and even where corns do exist, 
 they do not produce lameness. 
 
 CANKER. 
 
 Canker consists of a separation of the horny substance 
 from the sensible fleshy and bony portion of the foot, 
 caused by the growth of fungus matter shooting up and 
 occupying parts of, or the entire sole of the foot and frog. 
 It is induced either by a puncture, bruise, corn, quittor, or 
 thrush, more commonly proceeding from the latter than any 
 other cause. It seldom attacks high-bred animals, being 
 almost always confined to the heavy breed of cart and dray 
 horses, which class seem to have a constitutional predisposi- 
 tion to this complaint. Those which have previously had 
 grease are peculiarly liable to canker, and especially those 
 which have thick heels. Persons experienced in breeding 
 have long ascertained that grease and canker follow certain 
 blood, and have thus established the fact of these complaints 
 being hereditary. Besides the hereditary predisposition of 
 work-horses to canker, in order to give him foot-hold, it 
 becomes necessary to raise the heels of the hinder feet 
 so much that all pressure on the frog is done away with, 
 which has the effect of destroying its functions, and con- 
 sequently rendering it liable to disease. 
 
 But canker is produced chiefly from the very ponderous 
 shoes with which these horses are furnished, and the large- 
 ness of the nails with which they are necessarily attached 
 to the feet, together with the strain to which the animals 
 are subjected in drawing and sustaining heavy weights. 
 
CANKER. 1 8 I 
 
 The dirty state of many of the stables, and the neglect 
 of the feet generally, are fertile sources of this bad disease. 
 Attention to these points might in many instances prevent 
 the malady, but Avhen once it has been induced, it is 
 extremely difScult to remedy. 
 
 It is peculiarly necessary to give a watchful attention to 
 all species of injuries in these heavy horses, as they are 
 more likely than all others to assume a bad complexion. 
 Their feet being clubbed, and their hoofs in general brittle, 
 they are liable to be punctured while shoeing. IS^ine-tenths 
 of the complaints of this kind arise from negligence either 
 in the groom or master, and also from the carelessness 
 or stupidity of the shoeing smith. It Avill only require 
 a little attention to the subject to enable the master to 
 detect where the mischief arises. 
 
 Remedies. — Canker is a complaint which ought only to 
 be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon, being exceedingly 
 difficult and tedious in its progress towards a cure. 
 
 The first thing wdiich is done in this disease is to cut 
 out the fungus growth ; and besides this it often becomes 
 necessary to use both caustic and the cautery ; and all 
 that portion of the horn which has been separated from 
 the fleshy and bony parts must be carefully removed. 
 Should fresh fungus be generated, it must be got rid of, 
 and means adopted to check its growth, and by proi)er 
 applicants to induce the secretion of healthy horn. Un- 
 skilful veterinarians have been known to inflict severe and 
 unnecessary torture on horses which liad canker, by too 
 deeply corroding the parts with caustic, and thus producing 
 a sore. He that is an adept at his profession will know 
 that canker is only a superficial disease, and does not 
 extend to the bony or fleshy parts ; therefore a very slight 
 dailv aiiplication of chloride of antimonv will suflice to 
 
182 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 produce the desired eflect, if, besides, a firm and uniform 
 pressure is applied, and nothing moist permitted to resD 
 upon the surface, which would be sure to be attended Avith 
 very serious consequences. In this complaint gentle exercise 
 IS absolutely necessary where the disease is confined to the 
 frog and sole of the foot, but moisture is carefully to be 
 avoided. But it will be found that in effecting a cure the 
 processes will be both tedious and painful, in consequence 
 of the necessity of caustic applications, which, however 
 slight, always cause considerable irritation in the parts. To 
 relieve the animal as much as possible from unnecessary 
 suffering, the nerve of the leg should be divided, which will 
 stop the sense of pain. But after this is done,, care must 
 be taken not to expose him to severe hard work, or even 
 contact with hard substances, as from the sense of feeling 
 in the foot being so far blunted, he may batter the hoof to 
 pieces without knowing it, and also bruise the cankered 
 parts. 
 
 In this complaint medicine is seldom had recourse to, 
 as it is of little use, the disease being local. But it some- 
 times occurs that grease follows canker ; in the event of 
 which physic will become necessary, and these will be 
 alteratives and diuretics. 
 
 THRUSH. 
 
 Thrush is a disease to which horses of all ages are liable, 
 and in all situations. Even unshod colts are subject to 
 this complaint, caused by the horny frog being subjected to 
 pressure by the contraction of the quarters, which is thereby 
 dindnished in size ; and the low^r portion of the fleshy frog 
 being confined, is irritated and inflamed, which induces 
 ulceration, and when matured is manifested by matter being 
 discharged from the cleft of the frog. During this state of 
 
THRUSH. 1 83 
 
 inflammaiioii the lower surface of tlic sensible frog secretes 
 pus instead of the horn}' substance, which is its proper 
 function. AYhen the frog is in a healthy condition, the cleft 
 sinks l)ut a small waj into it Contraction, however, or any 
 other disease, affects the cleft so that it extends in length 
 and often penetrates deep into the sensible horn within, and 
 it is through this diseased and deepened fissure that the 
 matter from the thrush discharges itself. Any complaint 
 which affects the healthy condition and action of the frog, 
 is almost sure to induce thrush. Differing from most dis- 
 eases of the foot, thrush is generally more severe in the 
 hind thau in the fore feet. This can only be accounted for 
 by bad stable management, and that the hind feet are sub- 
 jected to being so much exposed to the baneful conse- 
 quences of immersion in the dung and urine, producing 
 irritation, and generating disease. Besides, the hind feet are 
 further removed from the centre of circulation than the 
 fore, which consequently subjects them to the accumulation 
 of matter and grease, as well as other affections to which 
 they are liable. Contraction is generally the cause of 
 thrushes in the fore feet. Wiring-in of the heels will 
 produce pressure on the frog, and cause pain and inflam- 
 mation. 
 
 A horse may have thrifsh without being lame, and it 
 often happens that no alteration whatever can be seen on 
 the foot thus diseased, and it may require a close inspection 
 to detect that it is affected. But it will always be mani- 
 fested by the disagreeable and peculiar smell Avhich inva- 
 riably accompanies the complaint. In some cases no 
 tenderness of the frog attends thrush, and therefore the 
 horse is not reckoned legally unsound by many persons. 
 Tliis we, however, consider strange, as it is a complaint 
 which may, and indeed is likely to assume a Avorse aspect. 
 
184 MAJfUAL OF iMODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 particularly if not remedied in time, and hence may lead 
 to positive unsoundness. But it is only in cases where 
 considerable alteration in the form of the hoof ha« taken 
 place, that thrushes are likely to be of a severe kind ; 
 for we find that they may exist in an otherwise sound and 
 well-formed foot, without being attended with immediate 
 detriment, and may be easily remedied. Still, if the thrush 
 be not removed, in the course of time it will alter the shape 
 of the foot and also the action of the animal, and conse- 
 quently becomes confirmed unsoundness. It is quite certain 
 if thrush is neglected, that hoAvever slow its progress may 
 be, still it is sure ultimately to assume a serious and im- 
 movable complaint. The frog will contract, become rugged 
 and tender, and will be followed by a copious and very 
 fetid discharge, the horn will gradually disappear, and in 
 its stead there will be accumulated a mass of hardened 
 mucus, which easily comes oft, and leaves the sensible frog 
 completely exposed and unprotected ; it is so tender that 
 the slightest touch gives exquisite pain to the horse. In 
 a day or two fungus granulations shoot out from it and 
 spread in all directions, afiecting even the sole ; and this 
 canker invests the entire foot. 
 
 From this will be seen the extreme folly of neglecting 
 thrush, however simple its aspect may be at first. We 
 have known valuable horses having been lost to their owners 
 from the erroneous belief entertained by themselves, or 
 put into their heads by ignorant quacks, namely, that 
 thrush would benefit the horse, as it was only Nature work- 
 ing its own cure by throwing off" superabundant humours. 
 Some ignorant country smiths, who call themselves farriers, 
 have promulgated such a doctrine, and even recommended 
 that the discharge should not be speedily dried up on this 
 account ; and some have even said that it should not be 
 
TIIRCSII. 185 
 
 dried up at all. But, assurcul}', in nine cases out of ten 
 what we have pointed out will be the inevitable conse- 
 quence of neglected thrush. Its operations are sIoav, but 
 its effects are certain. Disease of all kinds should be 
 instantly attacked, and speedily subdued if possible. 
 
 Remedies. — Astringents generally are the best appliances 
 to thrush ; but those of a caustic nature are to be avoided. 
 The foot should be carefully examined, and when the cause 
 of the thrush has been ascertained, our first attention should 
 be directed to the cure of that. And previous to com- 
 mencing any treatment, the frog should be forthwith freed 
 from all portions of hardened mucus, as well as loose pieces 
 of the horny substance. Then the following liniment 
 should be applied : — 
 
 Honey . , ., . 4 ounce;?, 
 Verdigrise . .. .1 ounce. 
 Vinegar . . . ^ pint. 
 
 Let these be boiled for a few minutes, and the composition 
 applied to the place from which the discharge emanates. 
 This is, however, a mild application, and will be somewhat 
 slow in effecting a cure. But the most speedy, yet safe, 
 appliance is the following : — 
 
 Blue vitriol ... 2 ounces, 
 
 "White vitriol . . 1 ounce. 
 
 Tar .... 1 pound. 
 
 Lard .... 1 pound. 
 
 The vitriols to be finely powdered, and then mixed with the 
 tar and lard. 
 
 A pledget of tow covered with the above should bo 
 inserted every evening as deeply as possible into the cleft 
 of the frog, and renewed every day. If it is necessary to 
 
 2 B 
 
186 MANUAL OF MODERX FARRIERY. 
 
 work the horse, then it should be taken out every morning 
 and a new one applied after the labour of the day. Should 
 the frog be much exposed, besides the pledget which is to 
 be put into the crack, a larger piece of tow should be spread 
 over with the above liniment, and applied over the wliole 
 exposed surface. Care must be taken not to force the 
 pledget too hard into the cleft to press upon the tender 
 part below, and during the treatment recommended it will 
 be proper to keep the frog moist. This will be best effected 
 by filling the cavity of the under surface of the foot with 
 tow, covered by common stopping, or by placing on a felt 
 pad, covered by the same material. 
 
 In cases of thrush the feet should be kept dry ; and, 
 contrary to the practice of some, who recommend turning 
 out to grass with this complaint, we prefer keeping the 
 animal in the stable until a cure is effected. 
 
 OSSIFICATION OF THE CARTILAGES. 
 
 These cartilages occupy a considerable portion of the 
 back part and side of the foot, as represented on plate vii., 
 fig. 7, h. Their use is to preserve the expansion of the 
 upper portion of the foot ; they also sustain those parts 
 when they are either limited or destroyed by shoeing. They 
 are liable to inflammatory attacks, which induce absorption 
 in them, and bon} matter is exuded in their stead. This 
 ossified condition of the cartilages is frequently connected 
 with ring-bone, but it often exists without any affection of 
 the pastern-joint. Horses that are subjected to heavy 
 draughts are most liable to this complaint, which no doubt 
 originates in a sprain rather than concussion. But the 
 real cause is not well understood, although many are 
 the instances of draught-horses being affected with tliis 
 complaint. 
 
WEAKNESS OF TIIK FOOT. 187 
 
 SYMnoMS. — When the foot is in a healthy condition, the 
 back cartilages will yield to the pressure of the fingers 
 on the coronet over the quarters. But when ossification 
 commences, and the complaint progresses, then a commensu- 
 rate degree of resistance manifests itself, and in process oi 
 time it will no longer yield to any pressure It is then 
 certain that complete ossification of the cartilages has taken 
 l)Iace. During the transformation of the cartilage into bone 
 no visible inflammation is observable in the foot, nor does 
 much lameness appear ; and indeed frequently lameness is 
 not at all manifested, although a slight stiffness may be 
 noticed. These observations apply to cart-horses, or such 
 as require only to be worked at a slow pace ; but in horses 
 that go at a rapid pace, it amounts to positive lameness. 
 When this complaint is connected with ringbone, very gi eat 
 lameness is the consequence. 
 
 Rejiedies. — Unless this disease is taken at its commence- 
 ment, no treatment can avail ; for the bony deposit once 
 having taken place, there is no possibility of restoring the 
 cartilage. When it is detected in its first formation, blisters 
 and the use of the cautery may arrest its progress, and 
 entirely remove it. We know of no other application, 
 except rubbing the cartilage smartly with iodine morning 
 and evening, w^hich may restore the action of the secreting 
 vessels to a healthy state. 
 
 WEAKNESS OF THE FOOT. 
 
 This is merely a conventional term in general use among 
 horsemen and dealers, which might with more propriety be 
 denominated " malformation of the foot," because, in point 
 of fact, it is rather a bad formation than a disease. In many 
 instances it is a natural infirmity, and likewise proceeds 
 from some other disease. The natural slant or angle of the 
 
188 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 well- formed crust from the coronet to the toe, is an angle 
 of forty-five degrees ; but m this formation the angle will 
 not exceed from thirty-eight to forty degrees. This incli 
 nation is but ill adapted for resisting the effects of pressure ; 
 and consequently, after the animal has been worked for onp 
 or two years, the line of inclination, instead of being straight, 
 becomes hollowed half-way between the coronet and the 
 toe ; a defect that also occurs in pumiced feet. The surface 
 presents an irregularly rough appearance, but is more fre- 
 quently roughened in circles or rings ; and the general 
 structure of the crust assumes a conical form, with the 
 lower portion, or sole, presenting an unnaturally wide 
 aspect ; and in most instances the foot is larger than it 
 ought to be. 
 
 In this ill-formed foot the sole is alwavs so flat that it 
 will not stand paring when the horse is shod, and it will be 
 found that the bars are very small in size, indeed in many 
 cases they can hardly be said to exist ; the heels are so low 
 that the coronet appears almost to touch the ground, and 
 the crust is so thin that it will hardly be capable of 
 holding the nails of the shoe. Little good can be ex- 
 pected from horses with such feet. Besides, they are cer- 
 tain to be liable to corns ; also to frequent bruises and 
 convexity of the sole ; to the crust being broken ; to 
 sprain and injury of the pastern, the fetlock, and flexor 
 tendons ; and to punctures from the nails in the operation 
 of shoeing. 
 
 Feet of this construction are susceptible of little or no 
 improvement. To those who have the misfortune to possess 
 horses with these feet, we can only recommend that which 
 we have condemned in the healthy state, namely, to shoe 
 them as seldom as possible. The web of the shoe should 
 be light and concave ; the foot should be as sparingly pai'ed 
 
DIFFERENT BONKS OF THE SKELETON OF THE ilOIlSE. 189 
 
 as possible ; hard work and rough roads are carefully to 
 be avoided. With these precautious the animal may work 
 for a considerable time ; but an evil day must arrive, and 
 the animal will turn out utterly worthless. 
 
 C II A P T E R Y 1 1 1. 
 
 THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OF THE HORSE. 
 
 It is not our intention to go deeply into the anatomy of 
 the horse, as this would far exceed the limits of such a 
 work as the present, and indeed would not be suitable for 
 a popular treatise. We shall therefore confine ourselves 
 to such an outline of his structure as will convey a pretty 
 general idea of what is truly useful to possessors of horses 
 in general. 
 
 We may briefly state, that the bones of the skeleton and 
 the muscles which cover them are all double, if we except 
 a very few bones whicli lock the two halves together ; and 
 that if an animal is divided correctly into two halves, these 
 will be found exactly similar in the number of bones and 
 the nmscles with which they are covered. But this does 
 not extend to the internal organization in general, although 
 a few of its parts are also double. 
 
 DIFFERENT BONES OF THE SKELETON OF THE 
 
 HORSE. 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 Instead of giving the bare skeleton of the horse, Ave have 
 considered it .better to exhibit an outline of the external 
 
1,00 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 form of the auimal, which will convey a more correct 
 idea of the situation of the different bones as embodied in 
 the muscles ; and by comparing this view of the skeleton 
 with our representation of the perfect horse in plate 1, the 
 reader will have little difficulty in ascertaining the position 
 which the various bones occupy under the superincumbent 
 muscles. 
 
 Fig 1, J. The seven cervical vertcb'-Je, or bones of the neck. 
 
 2. The sternum, fore part of the chest, or breast-hoiio. 
 
 3. The scapula, or shoulder-blade 
 
 4. The humerus, or bone of the arm. 
 6. The radius, or bone of the fore-arm. 
 
 6. The ulna, or elbow. 
 
 7. The cartilages of the ribs. 
 
 8. 8, 8. TJie costae or ribs, seven or eight of which unite with, 
 
 or are articulated to the sternum — these are called 
 the true ribs ; and ten or eleven are united together 
 by cartilaires, and are called the false ribs. 
 
 9. The carpus, or knee, consisting of seven bones. 
 
 10. 10. The metacarpal, or shank-bones : the larger metacarpal, 
 
 or cannon, or shank-bone, in front, and the smaller 
 metacarpal, or splint-bone behind. 
 
 11. The upper pastern. 
 
 12. The lower pastern. 
 
 13. The coffin-bone. 
 
 14, 14. The eighteen dorsal vertebrse, or bones of the back. 
 
 15, The six lumbar vertebrae, or bones of the loins. 
 
 16, 16. The haunch, consisting of the iUum, the ischium, and 
 
 the pubis. 
 
 17, 17. The femur, or thigh-bone. 
 
 18, 18. The stifle-joint, with the patella, or knee-cap. 
 
 19, 19 The tibia, or proper leg-boue. 
 
 20, The fibula. 
 
 21, 21. The tarsus, or hock, composed of six bones. Tl.e 
 
 prominent part behind is the os calcis, or point of the 
 hock 
 '22. The metatarsal bones of the hind legr. 
 
RONES OF THE HEAD. 191 
 
 23. 23. The pastei'ii of the hind feet, including the up])cr and 
 larger bone, (^Rg. 23,) the lower pastern, (fig. 25,) and 
 the coffin-hone, (fig. 24.) 
 
 26, 20. The caudal vertebrae, or bones of the tail. 
 
 BONES OF THE HEAD. 
 
 PLATE VIII. Fig. 2 and 3. 
 
 The head contains the brain and other important organs 
 of sense. It is divided by anatomists into two parts, 
 namely, the skull and the face. The skull, or cranium, 
 is that portion in which the brain is situate ; and the bones 
 in which it is enveloped are destined for its protection. 
 This division consists of nine bones : the two frontal bones, 
 a, a ; two parietal, c, c ; two temporal, d, d ; the occipital, 
 g ; the ethmoid ; and sphenoid : the two latter are situate 
 at the base of the skull, and are not visible in a front view, 
 but their position will be seen in fig. 3, plate iii., the 
 ethmoid, or sieve-like bone, immediately above k, and 
 sphenoid, L These nine bones are separated in the foal 
 at an early period of its existence ; but soon after birth 
 they are firmly united together by the sutures, at which 
 parts they are so strong that fracture seldom or never occurs 
 there. 
 
 There is a beautiful evidence of design in this division 
 of the head into so many bones. When the foetus of the 
 foal in the womb first assumes a form, and may be said 
 to be in life, this portion of the skull is merely a jelly-like 
 consistence, which is gradually changed into a harder sub- 
 stance, called cartilage ; and previous to the birth of the 
 animal mucli of this cartilaginous substance is carried ofl 
 by certain vessels emanating from the brain, called ab- 
 sorbents, and bono is deposited in its stead. In all the 
 ilat bones, such as those of the head, this dejjusit takes 
 
1^2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 place from the centre, from wliicli radiations, or rays of bone 
 shoot forth in all directions. Therefore it is evident, that' 
 bj^ having so many bones, there are so many more centres 
 of radiation, and consequently the formation of bone is 
 carried on so much more rapidly, and becomes perfected at 
 the time when the necessities of the animal require it. But 
 when the foal is born, this process is not completed, as 
 the edges of the bones remain somewhat soft and pliant ; 
 so that in parturition they yield a little, and by overlapping 
 each other render the birth more easy, and save the parent 
 much pain, and contribute materially to the safety of the 
 foal ; and indeed without a change in the form of the head, 
 from this compression and yielding of the bone of which it 
 is composed, the animal could not be born. 
 
 a. The occipital bone, or bone of the binder part of tbe head. 
 
 .^ b. The parietal bones, or walls of the skull, 
 
 c, c. The temporal bones, or bones of tbe tempi 3. 
 
 (1, d. The temporal fossa, or pits above the eye. 
 
 The age of a horse is pretty well manifested by the depth 
 of these fossa. At the back part of the eye there is a 
 cushion of fatty matter on which the eye rests, and revolves 
 without friction. In aged horses this substance decreases, 
 and consequently the eye sinks and the pit above it deepens. 
 To deceive the unwary, dishonest dealers puncture the skin 
 of the pit, and with a blow-pipe fill up what it has lost 
 in substance with air. This puffed-up skin will continue 
 for many hours. The name which is given to this by these 
 unprincipled men is ""puffing the glims." 
 
 e, e. The frontal bones, or bones of the forehead. 
 The frontal bones are articulated together by a curious and 
 very intricate dove-tailed suture, which gives great strength, 
 so as to defend the upper portion of the brain, which lies 
 immediately belov/ them, from injury. The frontal bone»s 
 
SIDE \.ii,W OP THE CRANIUM. 193 
 
 Strongly manifest the breed or blood of a horse. Tliose 
 'A^hich are high-bred have a broad angular forehead, with the 
 face gradually tapering from the brow to the muzzle, as 
 represented in this figure. The cranium of the dray or cart- 
 horse is nearly as wide below as above. It is the full and 
 largely developed forehead which gives to the blood-horse 
 that fiery and intelligent expression. 
 f, f. Tlie zygomatic arch. 
 
 (J, g. The super-orbital Ibraminse, or holes above the orbit for the 
 passage of the nerves and blood-vessels which supply the 
 forehead. The small hole beneath receives vessels which 
 penetrate into and supply the bone. In some craniums 
 there are several such holes. 
 h, h. The lachrymal, or tear-bones. 
 i, i. The orbits which contain and defend the eye. 
 J, j. The malar or cheek-bones. 
 k, k. The nasal-bones, or bones of the nose. 
 /, /. The superior maxillary, or that portion of the upper jaw 
 
 containinjT the molar teeth or grinders. 
 TO, /ft. The infia-orbital foraminae, or holes below the orbits, throufrh 
 which pass branches of nerves and blood-vessels to supply 
 the lower portion of the face. 
 //, n. The openings into the nose, with the bones forming the rool 
 
 of the palate. 
 o, o. The inferior maxillary, the lower portion of the jaw-bone, 
 which is a separate bone in quadrupeds, containing the inci- 
 sors or cutting teeth and the upper tushes at the point of 
 union between the superior and inferior maxillaries. 
 o, />, The upper incisors, or cutting teeth, or, as they are otherwise 
 called, the nippers, a term which we limit to the two central ones 
 above and below ; the one next to these, on cacli side, are called 
 the dividers, and the innermost ones on both sides are termed the 
 corner incisors. There are in all twelve incisors in tlie head 
 of a horse, viz., six in the upper, and six in the under jaw 
 
 SIDE VIEW OF THE CRANIUM. 
 PLATE VIII. Fig 2. 
 
 • 
 
1 94 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 e. The frontal bone ; the cavities or cells below which arp called 
 tlie frontal sinuses. 
 
 /. The zygomatic arch. 
 
 g. The super-orbital foramina. 
 
 h. The lachrymal bones. 
 
 i. The orbit which contains the eye. 
 
 k. The nasal bone. 
 
 /. The superior maxillary bone. 
 
 m. The infra-orbital foramina. 
 
 n. The opening into the nose. 
 
 0. The inferior maxillary. 
 
 f. The upper incisors or cutting teeth. 
 
 <7, y, q. The molars, or grinders of the upper and under jatv. 
 r. The posterior maxillary or under jaw. 
 t. The lower portion of the under jaw. 
 u. The under incisors, or cutting teeth. 
 
 SECTION EXHIBITING THE INTERNAL ANATOMY OF 
 
 THE HEAD. 
 
 PLATE III. FiQ. 3. 
 
 a. The occipital bone. 
 
 h. The frontal bone, under which are cavities called the frontal 
 sinuses, marked 16, 16. 
 
 These frontal sinuses are cavities intervening between the 
 frontal bone and a transverse plate of bone which grows 
 within it. They communicate with the cavities of the nose, 
 as also with those of the sphenoid, ethmoid, and upper jaw- 
 bones. In consequence of this conformation, they increase 
 the loudness and clearness of neighing. It sometimes hap- 
 pens that the larvje of certain flies crawl up the nostrils 
 and locate themselves in the frontal sinuses, occasioning 
 great pain to the animal. Happily, this is not of very fre- 
 quent occurrence with the horse, although sheep and horned 
 cattle are more liable to such intrusion. 
 
 Some veterinary surgeons have made these sinuses a 
 medium to discover whether horses with a running at the 
 
SECTION OP THE OTERNaL AXATOMT OF THE HEAD. 195 
 
 nostrils were glandered. An opening is made into these 
 sinuses, which maj be ejffected with perfect safety. Suppose 
 a line to be drawn across the forehead from 2 and 3, one 
 foramen to the other, plate viii. fig. g, g, g. On that line, 
 and about half an inch from the suture, or line which 
 separates the frontal bones, the sinuses or cavities are situ- 
 ated, and extend to an inch in depth, as represented in 
 plate iii., fig. 3, immediately under h, and marked 16, 16. 
 If the position of g, g in fig. 3, plate viii., and h in fig. 3, 
 plate iii., are compared, a perfect idea of their seat in the 
 forehead will be formed. At this part a small perforation 
 is made, into this warm water is injected by means of 
 a common squirt, which will run out at the nostrils. If 
 there be matter either in the sinuses or nostrils, it will be 
 found mixed with the water. If it presents the appearance 
 mentioned at page 19 and sinks, then it is certain the 
 animal is glandered. 
 
 c. The nasal bone, or bone of the nose. 
 
 d. The tentorium, or bony separation between the cerebrum 
 and cerebellum. 
 
 e. The occipital bone. 
 
 f. The cerebrum, or brain. 
 
 g. The cerebellum, or little bram. 
 
 h A portion of the medullary, or marrow-like substance of 
 the brain ; and the prolongation of it, which bears the name 
 of the cms cerebri, or leg of the brain, and from which 
 many of the nerves emanate, 
 i, and m The ligament of the neck, or pack-wax, by which the head 
 is chiefly supported. 
 
 /. The sphenoid, or wedge-like bone, with its cavities. 
 
 k. Tiie cunieforni, or wedge-shaped process, or base of the 
 occi])ital-bone. Between it and the other portion of the occi- 
 pital-bone, a, lies the great foramen or aperture through which 
 the prolongation of that portion of the brain called the 
 spinal-marrow issues from the cranium, and is continued 
 through the spine or back-bone. 
 
196 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 / The medulla oblongata, a prolongation of the brain after tho 
 marrow-like substance of the cerebrum and cerebellum have 
 united, and forming the commencement of the spinal marrow. 
 This portion has a ropy appearance. 
 
 71. The point of the atlas bone which sustains or carries the 
 first bone of the neck. 
 
 0. The first bone of the neck. 
 
 p. The dentata, or tooth-shaped bone, the second bone of the 
 vertebra] column, 
 
 </. The cartilage covering the entrance into the eustachian tube, 
 or communication between the mouth and internal part of 
 the ear. 
 
 r. The spinal marrow, extending through a canal in the centre 
 
 of the bones of the neck, back, and loins, to the extremities 
 
 of the tail, and from which the nerves of feeling and of 
 
 motion which supply every part of the frame arise. 
 
 s, s The septum-nasi, or cartilaginous division between the nostrils. 
 
 When the nostril is opened, the membrane bj which the 
 cartilage and whole cavity of the nose is lined is seen. By 
 the colour of this membrane, much more than by the lining 
 of the eyelids, we may judge of the degree of fever, and 
 especially of inflammation of the lungs or any of the air- 
 passages. We also determine by the ulcerations which are 
 seen on this membrane, the existence of glanders. This 
 cavity on both sides is occupied by two bones, which, in 
 consequence of being rolled up in the form of a turban, are 
 called the turbinated bones. 
 
 t, t The septum-nasi, cut off at the lower part to exhibit the 
 spongy turbinated or turban-shaped bones, filling the cavity 
 of the nostrils. Part of tlie cartilage is removed to display 
 them. They are as thin as gauze, and, like it, perforated 
 into a thousand holes. Between them are left sufficient 
 passages for the air. 
 
 If these gauze-like membranes were unrolled, they would 
 present a very considerable surface. On every part of them 
 there is spread the pulpy substance of the olfactory, or first 
 pair of nerves, and are the organs of smell. The design of 
 
SECTION OF THE INTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HEAD. 197 
 
 this expansion of the olfactory nerves is to supply the place 
 of touch, and what is acquired by experience by man. It is 
 by this exquisite sense of smell that the horse selects such 
 food as is best calculated for his nutriment, and is enabled 
 to reject what is poisonous. By smell he judges of the 
 quality of his food in a domestic state, and examines a 
 stranger. The horse will recognise his master or favourite 
 groom by the sense of smell, and frequently expresses such 
 recognition by a neigh. These cavities are also the organs 
 of voice ; the sound reverberates through them, and in- 
 creases in loudness as through the windings of a French- 
 horn. All the air which passes to and returns from the 
 lungs must go through the nostrils, as he can breathe 
 through the nose only. The nostrils ought therefore to be 
 large and expanded. The skin also which covers them 
 should be thin and elastic, that they may the more readily 
 yield when the animal requires a greater supply of air while 
 trotting hard or galloping. In the race-horse the nostrils 
 are Avide and flexible, while in the cart-horse they are con- 
 fined, and surrounded by a quantity of cellular substance 
 and thick skin. 
 
 There are besides four distinct cartilages attached to the 
 nostrils, which are exceedingly elastic, and bring them 
 back to their ordinary dimensions whenever the muscles 
 cease to act. The bones also of the nose, n, plate viii. fig. 2, 
 and n n, fig. 3, are tapered ofi" to a point, to give a wider 
 range for the action of the muscles ; while the cartilages 
 are so constructed as not only to discharge the office above 
 referred to, but also to prevent this tapering point of bone 
 from injury. 
 
 u. The palate. 
 
 V. The inferior inaxillary-bone, containing the incisor teeth, or 
 nippers. 
 
1.98 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 -y. Tlie molar teeth, or grinders. 
 X, X. The tongue. 
 
 y. The posterior maxillary, or jaw, with its incisois. 
 ;:;, z. The lips. 
 
 12. The upper incisory teeth. 
 
 1 3. The lower incisory teeth. 
 
 1 4. The posterior maxillary, or jaw-bone. 
 
 1. The thyroid, or helmet-shaped cartilage, enclosing and 
 protecting the contiguous parts. 
 
 2. The epiglottis, or covering of the glottis, or aperture of tiio 
 windpipe. 
 
 3 The arytenoid, or funnel-shaped cartilages, having between 
 
 them the aperture leading into the trachea, or wind-pipe. 
 4. The trachea, or wind-pipe, with its rings. 
 
 5 One of the chorda> vocales, or cords concerned in the voice. 
 
 6 The sacculus laryngis, or the sac or ventricle of the larynx, 
 or throat, for the modulation of the voice. 
 
 7. The opening from the back part of the moudi into the 
 nostril. 
 
 8. The soft palate at the back of the mouth, so constructed as 
 nearly to prevent the possibility of vomiting. 
 
 9. The muscle of the neck, covered by the membrane of the 
 back part of the mouth. 
 
 10. The cricoid, or ring-like cartilage below and behind the 
 thyroid. 
 
 11. The oesophagus, or gullet. 
 
 15. A portion of the os hyoides, or bone of the tongue 
 
 REPRESENTATION^ OF THE PALATE AND TEETH. 
 
 PLATE III. Fig. 2. 
 
 a, a. The tushes canines, or tusk-formed teeth 
 
 b, b. The incisors, nippers, or cutting teeth. 
 
 c, c. The palatine nerve between the artery and the vein. 
 
 e, e. The palatine artery. It is from this artery that blood is 
 taken when horses are seized with megrims, as described 
 at page 7. 
 
 d, d. The palate, divided into ridges and bars. 
 /, f. The palatine vein 
 
EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSES HEAD. 3 99 
 
 <>. g. A strip of the palate, dissected up, to exhibit the position of 
 
 the vessels and nerve beneath, 
 h, h. The cheeks. 
 i, i. The molars, or grinding teeth. 
 
 EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE'S HEAD. 
 
 PLATE III. Fig. 1. 
 
 a, <J. The orbicularis muscles, surrounding the eye, and destined 
 for the purpose of closing the eyelids. 
 
 b. The nasalis lahii svperioris takes its rise from a depression 
 at the junction of the superior maxillary and malar bones, 
 and extendinir to the ansjle of the nostril. Its use is to 
 raise the lip, and dilate the nostrils. 
 
 c. Dilator magnus, or great dilator, which assists in the office 
 of retracting the upper lip and in dilating the nostrils. 
 
 d. Dilator naris lateralis, or side dilator of the nostrils, reversed 
 to exhibit the vessels and nerves which it covers, extending 
 from the covering of the nasal and frontal bones to the 
 an";le of the mouth and side of the nostril. Its office is to 
 retract the upper lip, and dilate the nostrils. 
 
 e. The zygomaticus, extending from the zygomatic arch and 
 masseter to the corner of the mouth, for the purpose of 
 drawing: back the auQ-le of the mouth. 
 
 f, g. The orbicularis oris, or circular muscle of the mouth. This 
 
 muscle surrounds the mouth for the purpose of closing the 
 
 lips and dilating the nostrils. 
 k. The buccinator, or trumpeter muscle, extending from the 
 
 inside of the mouth and cheeks to the angle of the mouth, 
 
 to draw it back. 
 I. Depressor labii inferioris, or puller down of the under lip, 
 
 attached to the sides of the under lip to pull it down. 
 j. Branches of nerves, with small blood-vessels. 
 /.-. The parotid duct, penetrating the cheek to discharge the 
 
 saliva into the mouth. 
 I. See letter r, and explanation. 
 
 f;j. The vein and artery passing under the zygomatic arch, 
 n. A branch of the fifth pair of nerves, the sensitive nerve of 
 
 the face, emanating from under the parotid gland. 
 
200 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 o. The masseter, or chewing muscle. This muscle occupies 
 the entire cheek of the horse, and is exceedingly powerful, 
 extending from the upper jaw-bone into the rough surface 
 round the angle of the lower one ; which, in conjunction 
 with the temporal muscle, is destined to chew the food and 
 close the mouth. 
 p. The stylo-maxillaris, or styloid, pencil-shaped process of 
 the occiput, extending to the angle of the jaw. Its office is 
 to pull the jaw backwards and open it. 
 y. The maxillary gland, or gland of the lower jaw, with its 
 
 duct. 
 r At this situation the submaxillary artery, a branch of the 
 jugular artery and the parotid duct, pass under and within 
 the angle of the lower jaw, and reappear again at I ; and, 
 ascending the cheek, are distributed in a branching manner 
 over it. 
 s. The subscapnla hyoideus, emanating from under the shoulder- 
 blade to the body of the os hyoides, to draw back that bone. 
 f, w. The sterno maxiilaris, or muscle belonging to the breast- 
 bone and upper jaw, from the cartilage in front of the 
 chest to the angle of the lower jaw, for the purpose 
 of bending the head ; or, if one only act, to bend it on one 
 side. 
 u The levator humeri, or elevator of the shoulder, arising 
 from the tubercle of the occiput, the mastoid, or nipple- 
 shaped process of the temporal bone; and the transverse 
 processes of the four first bones of ihe neck and the liga- 
 ment of the neck, and proceeding to the muscles of the 
 shoulders and the upper bone of the arm, for the purpose 
 of drawing forward the shoulder and arm, or to turn the 
 head and neck ; and, when the two levators act, to depress 
 the head. 
 <). The jugular, or neck-vein. It is from this vein that blood 
 is taken for all diseases in the head, neck, and contiguous 
 parts. 
 X The tendon common to the complexo major, or larger com 
 plicated tendon ; and the splenius, or splint-like tendon, and 
 the mastoid process of the temporal, to hold up the head, 
 or, the muscles on one side alone acting, to turn it. 
 y. The superior portion of the ligament of the neck 
 
MUSCLES AND PARTS CONNECTED WITH THE EYE. 201 
 
 z. The superior portion of the parotid gland, or gh^nd situate 
 near the car, reversed to exhibit the blood-vessels and nerves 
 beneath it 
 
 MUSCLES AND PARTS CONNECTED WITH THE EYE. 
 
 PLATE III. Fig. 4 and 5. 
 
 The horse has a very extended field of vision. The eye 
 is provided with seven muscles to move it in all directions ; 
 and that they may act with sufficient' promptitude and power, 
 no fewer than six nerves are directed to the eye generally, 
 or to particular muscles ; and that it may receive no injury 
 from friction, it rests upon a mass of fatty matter, which 
 also enables it to be turned without much exertion of the 
 muscles. Four of the muscles, a, e, and d, are straight ; 
 these rise from the back of the orbit, and are inserted into 
 the ball of the eye, immediately opposite, and at equal 
 distances from each other One of these, /, rises to the 
 upper part of the eye, immediately behind the transparent 
 and visible portion of it, the office of which is to raise the 
 eye. When it contracts, the eye must necessarily be drawn 
 upward. Another, a, is inserted immediately opposite, at 
 the bottom of the eye, for the purpose of 'depressing the eye, 
 or enabling the horse to look downwards. A third, e, is 
 inserted at the outer corner, which turns the eye outward ; 
 and a fourth is inserted at the inner corner for turning the 
 eye inwards. By means of all these the eye can rotate, 
 or be turned in any direction at the will of the animal. 
 Should the animal wisli to look upward and outward, then 
 the outer and upper muscles are called into action, and can 
 be modified in any manner at the Avill of the horse These 
 muscles perform another duty, namely, keeping the eye in 
 its place, for while grazing the principal weight of the 
 eye rests upon them ; and to aid them in this, another 
 
 2 D 
 
202 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 muscle, d d, called the retractor, is added ; it arises from 
 the edge of the foramen, through which the optic-nerve 
 enters the orbit. The use of this muscle is to support the 
 eye generally, or when it is suddenly called into great 
 action, and aided by the straight muscles, it draws the eye 
 back out of the reach of danger, and in the act of drawing 
 it back it forces the haw to protrude in the manner already 
 described, as an additional defence. The cornea, i, is the 
 only visible part of the eyeball of a horse, or at least it 
 should be ; and it is said that where much white is seen, 
 that it is an indication of bad temper. The pupil, h, in 
 the horse differs in form from that of all other animals. 
 It is of an elongated, oblong, ovate form, and placed trans- 
 versely, as represented in fig. 4, plate iii. 
 
 The eye is a very important organ in the horse. It ought 
 to be large and rather prominent ; the eyelid should be fine 
 and thin. This thinness is for the purpose of preventing 
 pressure, and at the same time to give more extensive and 
 easy motion. 
 
 The horse is devoid of eyebrows, and the eyelashes are 
 singularly arranged. The rows of hairs are longest and 
 most numerous on the upper lid, and especially towards the 
 outer or temporal corner, because the light falls on the eye 
 from above ; and as he stands, especially when he is grazing, 
 as well as from the lateral situation of the eyes, the greater 
 portion of the light, the attacks of insects, and the trick- 
 ling down of moisture, is chiefly from the outside. To- 
 wards the inner corner of the eye there are hardly any 
 eyelashes, because there is little or no danger from below, 
 and as little light is thrown from below, the eyelashes are 
 thin and short. While horses are grazing, insects may find 
 their way to the eye towards the inner angle, the principal 
 or only hair is found on the lower lid. All of which most 
 
MUSCLES AiVD PARTS CONNECTED AVITH THE EYE. 203 
 
 beautifully proves design in tne formation and adaptation ot 
 the animal. The eyelashes should on no account whatever 
 be cut, as they have a most important office to fill, not only 
 preventing the eye from being injured by dazzling light, but 
 also protecting it from the intrusion of insects. 
 
 The horse is destitute of eyebrows, but in their stead he 
 is provided with a number of scattered bristly hairs, as alse 
 a projecting fold of the upper eyelid, w4iich answers the 
 same purpose. Some persons are so foolish as to cut off 
 these hairs, and have absurdly attributed them to weakness. 
 The under eyelid also is furnished with projecting bristly 
 hairs, which are so sensitive that they give immediate Avarn- 
 ing to the animal of the approach of any insect or other 
 object w^hich might injure the eye, and he naturally closes 
 the eyelid instantaneously. Ignorant grooms sometimes 
 denude horses of these admirable premonitory feelers. 
 The power of this muscle is so great, that it has been 
 ascertained to exert a force equal to twenty pounds, and 
 in consequence the operation for cataract is rendered nearly 
 impossible. It will thus be seen that these muscles are 
 admirable substitutes for the want of hands, in protecting 
 the eyes against the intrusion of things that would injure 
 them. They are also partially separated into four divisions, 
 and by this means assist the straight muscles in turning 
 
 the eye. 
 
 These muscles perform another important office in altering 
 the focus of the eve to accommode itself to the examination 
 of distant or near objects. (See c and h, fig. 5.) The 
 straight and retractor muscles draw back the eye, and 
 forces it upon the substance, and thus in a sliglit degree 
 flattens it, brings it nearer the retina or mirror, and adapts 
 the eye to the observation of distant objects. 
 
 But as these muscles are chiefly employed in supporting 
 
204 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 the weight of the eye, they might not have power to turn it 
 so quickly and to such an extent as the animal might wish 
 or require ; therefore the eye is furnished with two other 
 muscles, whose entire office is to turn it. They are placed 
 obliquely, and in consequence are called the oblique muscles. 
 The upper one, a h, is curiously constructed. It emanates 
 from the back part of the orbit, and follows a direction 
 upwards, and towards the inner side, and there, immediately 
 under the ridge of the orbit, it passes through a perfect 
 mechanical pulley, and turning round takes a direction 
 across the eye, and is inserted a little beyond the middle of 
 the eye, and towards the outer side. Thus the globe of the 
 eye is evidently directed inward and upward. This is not 
 all which is accomplished by this remarkable mechanism. 
 That the eye may be completely defended, it is sunk deep 
 in the orbit, but it may be occasionally requisite to bring 
 the eye forward and enlarge the field of vision. Under the 
 influence of fear the eye is positively protruded, and it is 
 not only forced more forward, but the lids are opened more 
 widely. It may be asked, how can this be possibly accom- 
 plished ■? The remarkable pully-muscle, or trochlearis, at 
 b c, readily eifects this, while the straight muscles at the 
 same time do not oppose it, or only regulate the direction 
 of the eye, it is really brought forward. The lower oblique 
 muscle has its insertion just Avithin the lachrymal-bone, n, 
 and proceeding across the eye is fixed into part of the 
 sclerotica, opposite to the other oblique muscle, and turns 
 the eye in an opposite direction, and also assisting the 
 upper oblique muscle in bringing the eye forward from its 
 socket. 
 
 There is another beautiful provision preventing impurities 
 or insects from being carried to and lodging in the corner 
 of the eye, which would, if allowed to accuipulate at the 
 
THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE. 205 
 
 inner angle of the eye, be carried down tlie duct, which 
 would irritate and obstruct it. No sooner do any of these 
 annoyances enter the eye but they are carried oflf by the 
 liaw, which lies concealed within the inner corner of the 
 eye. This haw is a black or pied cartilaginous substance 
 of a triangular form, concave within and made exactly 
 to suit the globe of the eye ; ^vhile it is convex externally, 
 accurately fitting the membrane lining the lid, while the 
 base of it is reduced to a thin or almost sharp edge. The 
 liorse has the voluntary power of suddenly protruding this 
 from its concealment, and passing it rapidly over the eye- 
 ball, clears off every nuisance mixed with the tears, and 
 then being quickly drawn back, the dust or insect is 
 wiped off as the cartilage again passes under the corner of 
 the eye. 
 
 In treating of disease of the haw, page 44, we mentioned 
 the barbarous practice of cutting out this valuable appen- 
 dage to the eye. This member is destined by nature as 
 a substitute for the want of hands for wiping the eye and 
 cleansing it from offensive matter. This being removed, 
 subjects the poor animal to pain in its eye for life, and 
 lays it open to the constant chance of inflammation from 
 dust or small pieces of gravel being blown into it. The 
 pain they thus inflict on the horse may be easily conceived 
 by any one having dust or other extraneous matter lodged 
 between the eyelid and eye, and being without hands to 
 wipe it out. 
 
 THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE. 
 
 PLATE X. FiQ. «. 
 
 The eye is of a spherical figure, yet not perfectly globular ; 
 ur it may rather be considered as composed of the parts of 
 
206 MANUAL OF JIODEIIN FARRIER V. 
 
 two globes, the half of the one, a, plate x. fig. 8, smaller, 
 and transparent in front ; and of the other, B, which is 
 larger, with an opaque coat behind. 
 
 It is an established law in optics, that all objects becoue 
 visible from the rajs of light which flow from these objects 
 into the eye. These rays pass through the pupil and fall 
 upon the retina, which is a fine expansion of the optic 
 nerve, interwoven like net- work in the back part or bottom 
 of the eye, and there the rays form a picture of the object, 
 whose apparent bulk depends upon the size of such picture 
 so formed upon the retina. We shall suppose the animal 
 looking at an arrow with the barb of it downwards, c, d. 
 From every part of the arrow rays of light will be sent 
 forth in straight lines, and in passing through the pupil, 
 plate iii. fig. 5, hi it is clear that those which flow from the 
 under portion of the object, c, must flow upwards, while 
 those above, d, must pass downwards ; and pursuing this 
 principle, all the intermediate rays,/, will intervene, con- 
 sequently a reversed picture of the object will be formed 
 upon the retina, as seen at g, h. 
 
 Paley makes the following interesting observation on this 
 subject : he says, ■' In considering vision as achieved by 
 means of an image formed at the bottom of the eye, we can 
 never reflect without wonder on the smalluess, yet correct- 
 ness of the picture, the subtlety of the touch, and the fine- 
 ness of the lines. A landscape of five or six square leagues 
 is brought into a space of half-an-inch in diameter ; yet 
 the magnitude of objects which it contains are all preserved, 
 are all discriminated in their magnitudes, positions, figures, 
 and colours. A stage-coach passing at its ordinary speed 
 for several minutes, passes in the eye only over one twelfth 
 of an inch, yet is the change of place in the image distinctly 
 perceived throughout its whole progress." 
 
THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE. 207 
 
 i. i. The points where the rays, having passed the cornea, con- 
 verge by the refracting power of the lens. 
 j. The cornea, or horny and transparent portion, which is 
 covered by the conjunctiva uniting different parts togetlier. 
 
 The cornea fills up the vacuity which is left bj the sclero- 
 tica ; but although it is closely united with it, may be 
 easily separated and will drop out. A prominent eye adds 
 greatly to the beauty of a horse, and this will depend upon 
 the projection of the cornea. But if too prominent, the 
 rays of light may be rendered too convergent, which Avill 
 produce indistinct vision. If it be small and flat, the 
 rays may not be sufficiently convergent, which will produce 
 imperfect vision. An eye that is moderately convex will 
 be found best ; because, when either too prominent or too 
 Sat, the horse is liable to starting and shying upon a road. 
 The cornea is quite transparent in the healthy eye, and 
 when cloudiness is observable, then it i; an indication of 
 disease. 
 
 In the purchase of a horse, the utmost attention should 
 be given to the condition of the cornea. Perfect trans- 
 parency over the whole surface is indispensable. The eye 
 should be carefully examined in the manner pointed out 
 at page 47 ; first in front, and afterwards through its 
 substance. 
 
 k, k. The crystalline, or glassy lens, situated behind the pupil and 
 in front of the vitreous humour, which is so named from a 
 supposed resemblance to melted glass ; it is a clear gela- 
 tinous fluid, very much resembling the white of an egg. 
 /. The sclerotica, a hard firm coating, covering the whole of 
 the eye, except that {)ortion occupied by the cornea, and 
 being a seeming prolongation of the covering of the optic- 
 nerve, I, I. The choroides, or choroid coat, covered with a 
 black secretion, or black or dark brown paint, called the 
 pigmentum nigrum. 
 
 'I his delicate membrane extends over the whole internal 
 
208 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 part of the eye, from the optic-nerve to the cornea. This 
 is intended to absorb the stray rays of light which miglit 
 dazzle and confuse the animal, and is not found on any 
 portion which may be called the field of vision ; but in its 
 stead a bright green substance is spread, which extends more 
 over the upper than the lower portion, because the objects 
 which are most necessary for him to see are below the level 
 of the head. This in some way, yet undiscovered, enables 
 the animal to see even when it is comparatively dark. In 
 the dusk this beautiful sea-green colour may be seen in 
 the eye of a horse. 
 
 Cream-coloured, or perfectly white horses, have not thi3 
 dark pigment ; so that the ordinary appearance of tho 
 pupil is red instead of black. In looking into their eyes 
 we do not see the coverinG^, but the choroid coat itself. 
 
 7n, m. The nis, or rainbow-coloured circular membrane, situated 
 under the cornea in front of the eye, and on which the 
 colour of the eye depends. The dupUcature behind is the 
 uvea, so called from its colour resembling a grape. See also 
 plate iii. fig. 5, i The iris acts as a curtain, and floats in 
 the aqueous humour. 
 
 In horses the colour of the iris is subject to little variation, 
 but for the most part has some analogy with that of the 
 hide, varying in different degrees from hazel to dark brown. 
 
 n. The pupil is placed in the centre of the cornea, and through 
 which all the rays of objects pass to the retina or mirror of 
 the eye. See also plate iii, fig. o, k. 
 
 In the horse it is of an oblong form, (see plate iii. fig. 4.) 
 It is variable in size, depending upon the intensity of the light 
 in which it is viewed. In the open air it will be niuch con- 
 tracted, so as to prevent too large a quantity of light being 
 thrown upon the retina, as it is painful and injurious to that 
 object to receive too great a portion of it, as well as pre- 
 
THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE. 209 
 
 judicial to vision ; Avliile in a dark stable it expands, in 
 consequence of a deficient portion of light reaching the 
 retina. 
 
 This contraction and expansion of the pupil is of much 
 service in enabling purchasers to judge of the state of the 
 horse's sight. There is a description of blindness, in which 
 the crystalline lens and cornea continue quite transparent, 
 but the retina of the eye is palsied, and consequently not 
 affected by light ; so that the pupils are hardly if at all 
 altered by a change from light to darkness, or vice versa. 
 In purchasing a horse, the size of both pupils should be 
 strictly observed, to see that they both expand and con- 
 tract to the same extent by the change of light. The hand 
 ought to be held over the eyes for a short time, and then 
 notice if both pupils expand alike, when removed. 
 
 Suspended from the upper edge of the pupil of the eye 
 two or three black bodies may be discovered on close 
 inspection, the size of millet-seeds. When the horse is 
 suddenly brought into an intense light, the pupil suddenly 
 contracts ; these little globes are pressed out from between 
 the edges of the iris, and an equal number, but of much 
 smaller size, are attached to the lower edge of the iris. 
 Their use probably is to intercept portions of light which 
 would be injurious to the eye. But their chief function is 
 called into action while grazing, and perform the duties 
 which are attributed to the eyelashes, namely, to obstruct 
 the rays of light in those directions in which it would 
 come with the greatest force both from above and beloAv ; 
 wliile at the same time the field of view is quite open, 
 so far as respects the pasture on which the horse is grazing. 
 
 o, o. The ciliary, or hair-like processes. 
 p. The vitreous, or glass-hke humour, which fills the whole 
 of the cavity of the eye behind the lens. It is a clear 
 
 2 E 
 
210 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 jrelatinoiis fluid, resembling the white of at egg. It fills 
 about tliree-fourths of the globe of the eye, and extends 
 from the posterior part as far forward as the ciliary liga- 
 ment. ' 
 q. The aqueous, or water-like humour which fills the space 
 between the cornea and the crystalline lens. 
 
 It is by means of this humour that the cornea is preserved 
 m its rounded form. A small portion of it is behind 
 the iris. 
 
 r. The retina, or fine net-like expansion of the optic-nerve, 
 which is spread over the whole of the choroides, as far as 
 the lens. 
 
 .9. The optic-nerve, or nerve of sight. 
 
 (. The conjunctiva, or that membrane which covers the for- 
 part of the eye, and which lines the lids, and even extends to 
 the transparent portion of it. It is transparent, and transmits 
 colour to the parts beneath. It is very liable to "uiflamma- 
 tion, during which the vessels of the lining of ihe lids will 
 become gorged with blood, and present an intensely red 
 appearance, wliich extends itself to tliob-e vessels in the 
 white of the eye, which will also become completely covered 
 with blood, and will ultimately render the cornea clouded 
 and opaque. This membrane is the seat of almost all the 
 diseases of the eye ; many of which too frequently terminate 
 in total blindness.' 
 
 A defect of sight in the horse is more dangerous than 
 total blindness, for this reason, that one with a defect of 
 sight will start and shy at every object which he meets with 
 upon a road, and the rider may be thrown off when he least 
 expects it ; while a horse that is quite blind will generally 
 resign himself to the guidance of his rider or driver. 
 
 THE TEETH AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 Mastication in the horse is performed in two ways, namely, 
 by a champing motion, and also a grinding motion. 
 
 At 0, plate iii. fig. 1, is the masseter-muscle, which is of 
 
THE TEETH AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT. 211 
 
 great strength, and constituting the cheek ; it has its origin 
 at the superior maxillary bone, under the ridge continued 
 from the zjgomatic-arch, plate viii. fig. S,f,f, and inserted 
 into the lower jaAv. This acts in conjunction with the 
 temporal muscle in closing the jaw, and in producing its 
 direct cutting, or champing motion. 
 
 Inside of the lower jaw, on each side, and occupying the 
 entire of the hollowed portion, and opposite the masseter, 
 or cheek-muscles, are the pterygoid-muscles, which proceed 
 from the jaw-bones to those more in the centre of the 
 channel, also shutting the mouth, and likewise by their 
 alternate action giving that grinding motion so necessary in 
 preparing the food of the horse. 
 
 The channel which occupies that portion of the lower 
 jaw between the branches, is of considerable importance 
 in the conformation of the head of the horse. If this part 
 is too wide, it always gives a clumsy, heavy appearance to 
 the face ; and when too narrow, it prevents the animal from 
 bending his head with freedom and grace. Horses with 
 such heads are unpleasant in the hand either of the rider 
 or driver, as they constantly keep pulling and stretching 
 their head, which also prevents them from being well 
 reined in. 
 
 The changes which successively take place in the incisory 
 teeth throughout the Avhole period of the life, form the 
 most certain test of the age of the horse. 
 
 The teeth of a horse are forty in number, and in the 
 mare thirty-six, being destitute of the four canines. The 
 incisory, or cutting teeth, are temporary, and are replaced by 
 others from two and a hiilf years, to four or five. The 
 marks on them which distinguish the age become obliterated 
 at eight years. The life of a horse may be divided into 
 three periods ; first, from birth to two and a half years, 
 
212 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 wliicli is distinguished by the first appearance of the incisory 
 teeth, and by the wearing out -of their external cavity. We 
 have then the one characterized by the wear of the dental 
 funnel. During this period the table of the incisor teet^ 
 contains in its middle the central enamel, and the funnel at 
 first traverses from one side to the other, and becomes suc- 
 cessively triangular, oval, and round. In the third period, 
 the wear of the portion of the tooth next the root indicates 
 It. After the central enamel becomes obliterated, the table 
 shows a coloured point, which disappears before the wear of 
 the funnel is completed, and takes difierent shades of colour 
 as well as shapes ; and in very old teeth the root is super- 
 seded by a small black cavity. 
 
 In the early stages of their formation, the incisor teeth 
 of the horse resemble a cellular body whose sides are soft 
 and membraneous, and quickly become hard and thickened, 
 and are then reflected at the side of the table. From this 
 primary dental production emanate two cavities that have 
 no communication with each other, and which are essentially 
 difierent, the largest being situated next the root. (See 
 T)late V. fig. 11.) This contains the pulpy substance. The 
 other cavity is open at the side next the table, and forms a 
 reflected funnel. This dental production is soon trans- 
 formed into enamel, which is quickly surrounded with the 
 bony substance on both its surfaces ; the latter incrusts 
 itself in greater quantity on the side next the root, but 
 never completely fills the funnel, the cavity of which is 
 never obliterated except through the effect of wear. This 
 funnel, as has just been mentioned, is formed by the reflec- 
 tion of the elementary membrane of the tooth, and forms a 
 true partition, acquiring a certain length, and terminating 
 in a rounded blind pouch. 
 
 Through wear, the enamel of the incisors is divided 
 
DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 213 
 
 into two portions, the exterior or casing enamel, and the 
 other, the interior, which envelopes the funnel. The enamel 
 being harder, and ofi'ering more resistance than the bony 
 substance that surrounds it on all sides, the central enamel 
 presents a slight prominence, and takes on different forms 
 in proportion as the funnel becomes destroyed and con- 
 tracted. 
 
 As we have stated, the horse has forty teeth ; namely, six 
 incisor, or cutting teeth, in both jaws, (see plate iii. fig. 2, 
 h, h ;) tAvo tushes, or canines, in each jaw, a, a ; and six 
 molars, or grinders, in both jaws, h, h. There is a consider- 
 able vacant space between the incisors and tushes, as also 
 between the tushes and grinders, as will be seen by the 
 figure referred to. These teeth are inserted into sockets, 
 consisting of a spongy, bony substance, called the alveolar 
 process, which forms the edge of the maxillary bones. All 
 the teeth are first germinated in the interior of the maxil- 
 lary bones ; and having acquired a certain size, and the 
 exterior table of their sockets having been dissipated by 
 absorption, they push out above the gums. Those which 
 appear shortly after birth are called sucking, or temporary 
 teeth ; these consist of incisors and the three first grinders. 
 The formation and appearance of the others are later, and 
 are called the permanent teeth ; and those which succeed 
 the temporary are called the replacers, or horse-teeth. 
 
 DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 
 
 Nothing can more clearly indicate a proof of design than 
 the beautiful contrivance in the formation of the grinders 
 of the horse for the purposes required. They are, like the 
 cutting teeth, covered on the sides with enamel, but not on 
 the top, though several portions of enamel enter into their 
 substance in their internal structure. They are subjected 
 
214 MANUAL OF MODERxN FARRIERY. 
 
 to much more friction thau tlie cutting teetli in grinding 
 down the harder j^ortions of their foo^^ and nature has 
 made ample provision for their strength and endurance. 
 
 We have given a representation of the section of a grinder 
 (plate V. fig. 12) to show its interior structure The teeth 
 are prepared and formed in cavities within the jaw-bones. 
 In the unborn animal a delicate membraneous bag, contain- 
 ing a jellj-like substance, is situate in the small cell within 
 the jaw-bone. By degrees this substance assumes the form 
 of a tooth, and then the jelly within the membrane begins 
 to change to a bony consistence ; then a hard crystallization 
 is formed on the outside of this membraneous covering. 
 This is the enamel of the tooth. In the formation of each 
 grinder of the horse in the upper jaw, there are originally 
 five of these membraneous bags filled Avith jelly, and four 
 in the lower jaw. This jelly is gradually superseded by 
 bony matter, whicli is deposited by little vessels penetrating 
 into it. These vessels are represented by the black streaks 
 in the darker central portions of the figure, around each of 
 which the crystallization of enamel can be distinctly traced, 
 so that there would be five distinct bones or teeth. The 
 white spaces in the figure represent a very powerful cement, 
 which unites all these distinct bones into one compact body, 
 thus making one tooth of the five as they originally ap- 
 peared to be ; this being accomplished, an outer coating of 
 enamel invests the whole of the sides, but not the top, 
 which completes the tooth. It will thus be manifest that 
 this is a beautiful and perfect contrivance to prevent the 
 wearing down of the grinders by the constant friction to 
 which they are subjected by chewing the harder portions of 
 their food. Thus it will be seen there are columns of 
 enamel penetrating through the entire substance of the 
 tooth ; this, together with the bony matter and cement by 
 
DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 215 
 
 which the different layers are united, and which fill tho 
 spaces between the columns, soon begin to wear awa}^, while 
 the enamel remains, thus occasioning the uneven surface 
 presented by them, and which is the very best structure 
 for them to possess in order to grind down the food. 
 
 The grinders in the lower jaw, as we have above observed, 
 having been only provided with four of those bags, are con- 
 sequently smaller and narrower, and more regular in their 
 form than the upper ones. They are placed horizontally in 
 both jaAvs ; but in the lower one the higher side is within, 
 and gradually shelving outwards, while in the upper jaw 
 the higher side is without, and shelving inwards ; by which 
 beautiful arrangement the triturating or grinding motion is 
 most advantageously performed. Each of the grinders is 
 different in structure and appearance, and . can be respec- 
 tively recognised with the situation of, and the jaws to 
 which they belonged. 
 
 When the foal is born, it has the first and second 
 grinders, which are large compared with the size of those 
 by which they are afterwards replaced. In six or eight 
 days after birth, the centre nippers make their appearance. 
 These are large in comparison to the size of the jaw, and 
 occupy its whole front, as represented in plate iv. fig. 1. 
 In three weeks or a month the third grinders will have 
 made their appearance, and within six weeks an additional 
 incisor on each side of the two first, both above and below, 
 will be visible, and soon after completed, and the jaw will 
 have assumed the form exhibited in fig. 2. The two molars 
 that the foal has at birth remain until the animal is two 
 and a half years of age, at which time they are forced out of 
 their sockets by the protrusion of the second set, or re- 
 placers. But from this time there is no use in consulting 
 the grinders for the age of the horse, as the best tests and 
 
216 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 easiest come at are the incisors. The supplementary 
 molars appear in the following order : the first, at about ten 
 or eleven months ; the second, about twenty months ; and 
 the third, from four to six years of age. 
 
 The incisor teeth are continually undergoing some change, 
 in consequence of the friction produced by the action of 
 their rubbing against each other. The anterior edge being 
 considerably more elevated and sharper than the posterior, 
 the wear first commences there, and in a short time it 
 is level with the posterior, then both wear together ; the 
 longitudinal cavity becomes narroAver, and afterwards tri- 
 angular, and, finally, at a certain period disappears, and 
 is replaced by the small end of the funnel next the root ; it 
 is this regular wear which is termed " losing the mark," (see 
 fig. 4.) The obliteration of the mark has frequently taken 
 place by the time the corner teeth are beginning to appear. 
 It must be distinctly understood, that in speaking of the 
 marks in the tooth we constantly refer to the incisors of the 
 under jaw, except when otherwise expressed ; and the ages 
 of all horses are reckoned from May. 
 
 When an incisor tooth has commenced wearing, and its 
 two edges are parallel, the table exhibits two bands of 
 enamel, the one exterior, that surrounds the tooth, which is 
 termed the casing enamel ; the other internal, only sur- 
 rounding the cavity, and this is called the central enamel, 
 (see plate iv. figs. 3 and 5) The incisor teeth of the lower 
 jaw always wear more quickly than those of the upper, and 
 uniformly more regular. The reason of this has never been 
 satisfactorily accounted for, but it is certainly very remai'k- 
 able. From this fact it is obvious that it is more difficult 
 to judge of the period of obliteration of the mark in the 
 upper jaw. In the lower jaw the marks of the nippers, or 
 central incisors, are always obliterated at ten months ; in 
 
DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 217 
 
 the dividers or second teeth at one year, and from the 
 corner or inner incisors varying from fifteen months to two 
 years. 
 
 By this tune the marks of the upper nippers have become 
 ahnost entirely obliterated, so that at two years old the 
 cavities in all the teeth have disappeared, as well of the 
 loAver as of the upper jaw. 
 
 At this period the crowns of the nippers become insen- 
 sibly smaller, and with their base necked. They also 
 assume a yellowish-brown aspect, soon after which they 
 loosen and almost entirely lose their attachment in the 
 gums, and finally fall out. It is at this time the second 
 ])eriod in the age of a horse commences. 
 
 The marh in the tooth is occasioned by the food blacken- 
 ing the hollow pit which is formed on their surface by the 
 bending in of the enamel, which passes over the surface 
 of the teeth ; and by the gradual wearing down of the 
 enamel from friction, and the consequent disappearance of 
 it, we are enabled for several years to judge of the age 
 of the animal. 
 
 In the tliird year, the tushes sometimes begin to make their 
 appearance, although there are instances of their not being 
 developed until the fifth or sixth year. But the most general 
 time for their appearing is in the fourth year. Little 
 dependence can, therefore, be placed on them in determin- 
 ing the age of the horse We have given a representation 
 of a three-year-old mouth, (fig. 5,) in which it will be seen 
 the central teeth are larger than the others, and are pro- 
 vided Avith two grooves in the outer convex surface. The 
 mark is long, narrow, deep, and Ijlack ; and these teeth, not 
 having attained their full growth, are somewhat lower than 
 the others. In the two next teeth the mark is nearly worn 
 out, and in the corner teeth it is slowly disappearing. 
 
 2 F 
 
218 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 At this period it is not unusual for dishonest dealers 
 to deceive tlie unskilful with regard to the age of a horse. 
 If they happen to possess one that has been foaled a little 
 earlier than usual, probably in January, and which may 
 have acquired bulk and strength, they punch or draw out 
 the central nippers, and the others appear some months 
 earlier than they otherwise would. This will allow the 
 teeth to rise much quicker than they would do naturally, 
 and three or four months may be thereby gained in their 
 reproduction ; consequently dealers who wish to take ad- 
 vantage of this may sell a colt for a year older than he 
 actually is. 
 
 But we must look to the general form of the animal, and 
 when young it will be manifested by the small development 
 of , the forehead. The second pair of incisors will still have 
 the mark, and it will also be much stronger on the cornei 
 ones, and probably with an enlargement or irregularity 
 about the gums, in consequence of the teeth having been 
 violently forced out ; the first and fifth grinders will be 
 small, and the sixth will not have yet appeared. As it 
 is the teeth of the lower jaw which are usually consulted as 
 to his age, dealers who wish thus to impose seldom extract 
 the teeth of the upper jaw, therefore it would be well to 
 examine it also, when all the signs will remain. Attention 
 to these points will enable any one to detect the true age of 
 the colt. 
 
 A horse at three years of age will have the central per- 
 manent nippers growing with their edges sharp in com- 
 parison to the others. All the others will be in a state of 
 decay, and he will have six grinders in both jaws on each 
 side, the first and sixth of which will be level with the 
 others, and the sixth protruding. 
 
 At three years and a half, or at least between that and 
 
DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 219 
 
 four, the central pair of incisors will be nearly perfect, and 
 the second pair will have been shed, and a vacant space left 
 where they were inserted ; the corner ones will have become 
 narrower, and their surface considerably worn down, with 
 the mark small and indistinct. The second pair of grinders 
 fall at this time. 
 
 At four vears the central incisors will have attained their 
 full size; and the sharp edge which always accompanies the 
 teeth while growing will now be considerably worn off. The 
 mark becomes shorter and wider, and more faint, (see fig. 6.) 
 The second pair will be grown, but still a little smaller, 
 with the mark very deep, and extending entirely across the 
 surface. The corner nippers will be somewhat larger than 
 the inside ones, although a little smaller than they were, 
 and with their surface flat and the mark nearly obliterated ; 
 the sixth grinder will have grown level with the others, and 
 the tushes considerably developed. The mouth will be still 
 shallow, the fore hand of the animal will still be low, and 
 with a considerable degree of legginess, which are additional 
 indications of the age of the horse. 
 
 The last important change takes place in the mouth of 
 the horse between four years and a half to five years. The 
 corner incisors are shed, and the permanent ones make their 
 appearance ; the central ones are considerably worn, and 
 the next pair are beginning to exhibit marks of wear The 
 tushes are now fully half an inch above the gums, with an 
 external rounded prominence, and a groove on each side. 
 Up to the period of the reproduction of the corner incisor 
 the animal is designated a colt, but it now assumes the 
 name of horse ; the female, which up to this time has been 
 denominated filley, is now called mare. 
 
 The mouth of the horse is nearly perfect at the age 
 of five years. The corner incisors are fully developed, with 
 
 I 
 
220 MANUAL OF MOBERX FARRIERY. 
 
 the mark on the inside long and irregular. (See plate iv. 
 fig, 7.) The other nippers will exhibit considerable indica- 
 tions of wearing, the tushes be much grown, and the grooves 
 on the sides will have nearly or quite disappeared, present- 
 ing an almost regular convex surface. They are still, 
 however, as concave within, and with their edges nearly as 
 sharp as they were six months previously. The sixth molar 
 tooth Avill have attained its complete height, and the third, 
 molar will be wanting. This last sign can never be mis- 
 taken, and if a dealer has removed it, such is the force 
 required to displace it, that evident marks of violence 
 will remain. The three last grinders and tushes are never 
 shed. 
 
 When the animal has attained its sixth year, th.e mark 
 on the central incisors, or nippers, will be completely worn 
 off, leaving, however, a little difference of colour in the centre 
 of the teeth. The cement which fills the hole produced by 
 the dipping in of the enamel will be somewhat browner 
 than that of other portions of the tooth, and Avill exhibit 
 evident proofs of the edge being suiTounded by enamel. 
 This condition has perplexed the inexperienced, as many 
 expect to find the surface of the tooth plain, and of a 
 uniform colour, whereas they are both irregular and dis- 
 coloured, as we have above described, (see plate iv. fig. 8.) 
 
 In the second incisors the mark is shorter, broader, and 
 more faint, with the enamel of the edges of the corner teeth 
 more regular, while the surface gives sufficient evidence of 
 wear. The tushes will have attained their full size, being 
 fully an inch long, convex outwardly, and a little concave 
 inwardly, accuminated towards the point, and slightly in- 
 curved at the apex. The third grinder will be fully up, and 
 all of them presenting a level surface ; so that the mouth is 
 now perfect. 
 
^ DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. li21 
 
 During the long period which the horse is subjected 
 to teething, it is surprising how little the animal lias suffered 
 from it, and hardly a day of his valuable services Avill have 
 been lost. In some instances heat and swelling of the gum,s 
 take place, but this can easily be removed by scarification- 
 Mere then we have an example of the Avisdom and perfec- 
 tion of the works of creation ; were the horse to suffer as 
 much as the human being, he would not be able to chew his 
 food for weeks, and must consequently fall off in flesh. 
 Dogs are liable to convulsions while cutting their teeth, and 
 many even die during this process. 
 
 At seven years the marks in the four centre incisors are 
 worn out, and are speedily disappearing in the corner ones. 
 The tushes are now undergoing an alteration of form ; they 
 are rounded at the point and edges, but still inflated out- 
 wardly, and beginning to round inwardly ; the inner edge of 
 the corner teeth is on a level with the outer, in consequence 
 of wear. Sometimes a notch is observable in the upper 
 corner teeth. (See plate v. fig. 1.) 
 
 At eight years old all the marks on the teeth of the lower 
 jaw will be obliterated, and will be on a level at the 
 surface ; their form is changed, they assume an oval shape, 
 and the cavity is altered into an elongated transverse pro- 
 trusion of enamel, which is the termination of the central 
 enamel, or funnel next the root. (Plate v. fig. 2.) After 
 this period it is the })ractice to examine the nippers of the 
 upper jaw, and to draw deductions as to the age of the 
 horse ; because, for years after the marks have become ob- 
 literated in the lower jaw, traces of them exist in the upper 
 jaw. This is in consequence of the enamel Avliich occupies 
 the pit in the centre of the tooth not being elevated to a 
 level with the general surface, so that there is a greater depth 
 to be vvorn down in order to rub it off ; and besides, the 
 
222 MANUAL OF MODERN PARKIER Y. 
 
 upper incisors are less liable to friction and wear than those 
 of the under jaw, in consequence of the lower jaw alone 
 being moved in the act of chewing, and the upper jaw- 
 being fixed and without motion : its office is only to resist 
 the pressure of the under jaw in eating. 
 
 The tushes are of no use whatever in enabling us to 
 determine the age of a horse, because the change of their 
 form is very uncertain. They will sometimes be blunt at 
 one year, and in other cases will remain pointed to eighteen 
 or even twenty. They do not rub against each other like 
 the teeth, and are consequently less liable to be worn down. 
 
 After eight, we are best enabled to judge of the age of 
 a horse from the form of the upper surface of the incisors. 
 At this time all of them are transversely oval, that is, the 
 length of the oval extended from one tooth to another. As 
 the animal advances in years, they diminish in size, the 
 width being the first affected, and not their thickness,, 
 They soon grow a little apart from each other, and their 
 surface rounded, which continues to be the case up to 
 thirteen years ; after this they assume a new character, and 
 become triangular in the same order in which they had 
 become oval and rounded. 
 
 At nine, the nippers or middle incisors are rounded, and 
 the next teeth or dividers begin to assume that form ; the 
 remainder of the funnel of these four teeth is round, and 
 quite close to the inner edge of the tooth ; they also ex- 
 hibit the septum of the root. 
 
 At ten, the incisors will be considerably shortened in 
 their oval form. There is merely a rudiment of the funnel 
 of the nippers, as well as in the dividers, and the remainder 
 of the central enamel touches the inner edge of the table of 
 the tooth. The nippers and dividers are rounded, and the 
 corner teeth exhibit an oval form. (Plate v. fig. 3.) 
 
DENTAL INDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 223 
 
 When the horse lias attained its eleventh year, the 
 second pair of nippers are quite rounded, and the central 
 enamel is hardly any longer apparent in the teeth of the 
 lower jaw. 
 
 The corner teeth at twelve are rounded, and the central 
 enamel has completely disappeared ; the yellowish band is 
 of greater extent, and occupies the centre of the wearing 
 surface. In the upper jaAv, however, the central enamel 
 still remains. (See plate v. fig. 4.) 
 
 At thirteen years of age the lower incisors are rounded, 
 the sides of the nippers are getting elongated, the central 
 enamel continues in the teeth of the upper jaw, but it is 
 round and approaching to the posterior edge. The septum 
 at the root is rounded in the dividers, and is seen in 
 the middle of the table. The tushes are now generally 
 much worn. 
 
 The lower nippers present a triangular appearance at 
 fourteen, the dividers are becoming long at the sides, the 
 central enamel of the upper teeth diminishes, but still 
 remains. The tushes are considerably more worn than in 
 the preceding year. (Plate v. fig. 5.) 
 
 At fifteen, the nippers are triangular, the dividers are 
 becoming . so ; the central enamel of the upper teeth has 
 not yet disappeared. The septum of the roots forms a 
 rounded point on all the tables of the teeth. 
 
 The dividers are triangular at sixteen, the corner teeth 
 arc beginning to become so ; the central enamel in the 
 upper teeth will in most instances have quite disappeared , 
 the nippers are beginning to be flattened at their sides. 
 The tushes are now considerably more worn than in tlie 
 preceding year. 
 
 When the horse has reached its seventeenth year, the 
 teeth of the lower jaw liave become completely triangular. 
 
224 MANUAL OF JIODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 but the sides of the triangles are all of one length. (See 
 plate V. fig. 6.) 
 
 At eighteen years, the lateral portions of the triangle 
 lengthen in succession. First the nippers, then the dividers, 
 and afterwards the corner teeth. 
 
 At nineteen, the angles begin to wear off, the central 
 teeth are again oval, but in a reverse direction, that is, 
 from forward, inward, and the lower nippers are flattened 
 from one side to the other. 
 
 This triangular form is not very much developed in the 
 beginning, the edges being slightly rounded, and the three 
 sides are very nearly equal in length ; . afterwards, the 
 lateral portions grow longer, whilst the anterior or outer 
 side appears to diminish, the extremities become angular ; 
 and this lengthening in a short time is so great, that at 
 from nineteen to twenty years of age the incisors have in 
 reality become flattened from one side to the other. This 
 flattening proceeds in succession from the nippers to the 
 dividers, and from them to the corner teeth, in such a way 
 as to enable us to distinguish the age of the horse up to 
 twenty-two to twenty-three years. 
 
 At twenty, the dividers are of the same shape, and at 
 twenty-one, the whole teeth have acquired this form. 
 
 After this period the incisors do not exhibit any par- 
 ticular characters whereby to guide us in determining the 
 age of a horse. They gradually become more flattened, 
 converging towards each other, and touching merely by 
 their lateral and anterior edge. Gradually they become 
 dried, and the gums whitened, the tables of the teetli 
 assume a greyish cast, the incisors in their whole extent 
 are frequently incrusted at their base by a thick coating of 
 ti'rtar. The jaw-bones also become narrow. 
 
 In consequence of the continual growing up of the teeth 
 
DENTAL INDIOATIOiVS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 22.') 
 
 of the bone from the side next the root, and the socket not 
 being sufficiently h^ng, the pressure of the new portion ot 
 the root gives the tooth an outward inclination. Besides, 
 these new portions of the teeth being always narrower, the 
 sockets must necessarily contract, in order to secure the 
 teeth. At this time the sides of the superior maxillaries 
 become flattened, and the head assumes a lengthened and 
 pointed form, which gives to the animal an appearance, which 
 is very indicative of age. The horizontal direction, owing to 
 the same cause, is always a mark of advanced life ; but 
 this direction is much developed in some horses, and not at 
 all in others, the cause of which remains still a question. 
 
 The horizontal direction of the teeth, which increases 
 with the years of a horse, will be easily understood by a 
 reference to plate v. fig. 18. This figure represents the 
 under incisor teeth of a horse known by the name of " Old 
 Billy," which attained his seventy-sixth year, and was per- 
 haps the oldest horse that ever lived. The cranium, with 
 the muscles preserved, is deposited in the Museum of th: 
 ^lanchester Natural History Society, from which I made the 
 drawing. The whole of the incisors are much elongated 
 horizontally, but not perpendicularly elevated more than 
 those of a horse at six years of age. The upper surface of 
 the nippers and dividers are of a quadrangular form, the 
 inner margins being a little rounded ; while the corner 
 teeth are oblong oval, nearly the form of an egg, with the 
 most acute end outwards. The tushes are conical, a little 
 blunted on the crown, and turned backward, with an 
 elongated, shallow, curved groove on their inner sides. I 
 will be seen that the outer edge of all the cutting teeth is 
 nearly parallel, the corner teeth being only a little less pro- 
 duced than the others. It does not appear that the jaw- 
 bones themselves have been lengthened, the teeth alone 
 
 2g 
 
22G MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 haviria: shot foi;ward ; consequently tlieir surface is lying 
 obliquely, and hence their elongated form from front to 
 back, as more particularly developed in the corner teeth. 
 The tushes- are considerably larger in proportion than in a 
 horse under twenty years of age. 
 
 We may briefly remark that the incisory teeth of the 
 horse remain as guides to mark throughout the whole of 
 life his age, and indicate the successive degrees up from 
 twenty-one to twenty-three years : first, by the order in 
 which they appear ; second, by the obliteration of their 
 outer cavity ; third, by the changes and disappearance of 
 their funnel ; and fourthly and lastly, by the successive 
 shapes assumed by their table after nine years of age, and 
 which are the oval, the rounded, the triangular, and the 
 biangular. The appearance of the incisors, and the oblite- 
 ration of their mark, are unquestionably the most certain 
 indications by which to judge of the age of a horse. During 
 the four or five years that follow the obliteration of the 
 mark, the knowledge of the age is still tolerably certain, 
 because there are many modes of correcting it ; such as the 
 condition of the termination of the blind pouch of the 
 funnel next the root, the general appearance of the tooth, 
 and the form that the table of the tooth assumes. The 
 periods of triangularity and biangularity present the greatest 
 difficulties ; the data of these latter periods are most com- 
 monly approximations ; nay, it is next to impossible to pro- 
 nounce a positive opinion as to the age of a horse from 
 seventeen to twenty. 
 
 That the reader may more easily comprehend and consult 
 the data for judging of the age of a horse, we have given the 
 following table, which afi'ords a comprehensive view of all the 
 periods which we have more fully detailed in the preceding re- 
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228 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 The portion of the tooth which is buried in the gums 
 is called " the root ;" the nippers are placed parallel to the 
 axis of the jaw, that is, perpendicular to it ; the dividers are 
 somewhat oblique, and the corner teeth still more so, witli 
 their roots turning inwards ; the semicircle formed by the 
 roots of. these teeth is considerably narrower, and -occupies 
 less space than that of the free portion. 
 
 The length, shapf", and proportions of the roots change 
 .according to the different degrees of age, and present some 
 variations, which it is necessary to describe. During the time 
 of the protrusion of the tooth, the root is generally roun 1, 
 short, and quite hollow ; its internal cavity, the sides of 
 which are very thin, is only of temporary duration, and does 
 not present, like the external cavity, a sort of funnel, which 
 is peculiar to the latter. It buries, itself deeply, is prolonged 
 externally, surrounds the outer funnel, and contains a pulpy 
 substance that appears to be the central germ of vitality 
 and nourishment to the tooth. According as the animal 
 advances in age, a progressive diminution of this cavity takes 
 place, commencing at the bottom, and beginning towards 
 the inner edge of the tooth ; it is collected from the side 
 next the root. The latter lengthens, continues constantly 
 to grow, and the fresh portions, instead of being rounded, 
 are at first triangular, and then flattened from side to side ; 
 and lastly, at a period that varies in some horses according 
 to the teeth, the cavity disappears altogether ; the root is 
 then pointed at its termination, and entirely ceases to grow 
 
 The entire length of the temporary incisors varies from 
 an inch and a quarter to an inch and three quarters ; and 
 the permanent i«cisors from two inches and a half to three 
 and a quarter. Their form is not the same throughout. 
 Thus, next to the surface of wear, they become flattened 
 from front to rear, they narrow towards the edge of the 
 
DENTAL LXDICATIONS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 229 
 
 socket, are at first oval and then rounded, and jf a 
 triangular form towards the base of the root, with the 
 extremity flattened from side to side. This variation is 
 much more remarkable in the nippers and dividers tlian in 
 the corner teeth, which is rendered more obvious by making 
 several sections of an incisor tooth at somewhat about a 
 quarter of an inch apart. We liave given five transverse 
 sections of the tootli of a young horse to exhibit this : plate 
 V. figs. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, have the funnel, and the 
 sections, 16 and 17, show the septum of the root of the 
 tooth. 
 
 The incisors of the upper jaw are stronger, broader, 
 and more developed than those of the lower ; consequently 
 the outer edge of the lower corner teeth rest against the 
 centre of the upper corners, and wears them in sucli a 
 manner as to produce in some jaws a triangular nick, which 
 leads in a certain degree to the determination of the age of 
 a horse. This nick never appears until the horse has 
 attained its seventh vear. It becomes obliterated in time, 
 but sooner in proportion as the jaw assumes a horizontal 
 direction. 
 
 We have given representations of six teeth, showing the 
 exterior of the incisor teeth, together witli their internal 
 organization. 
 
 The tooth of a foal viewed from its posterior or inner 
 surface. Plate v. fig. 8, a, the mouth of the cavity of 
 funnel of the table. 
 
 Another foal's tooth, viewed anteriorly, fig. 7 : a, exhibits 
 the body of the tooth ; h, the neck ; and c, the root. 
 
 The tooth of a very young foal, in which the casing 
 or outer enamel is cut through its whole length, and 
 exhibiting the central enamel, fig. 1 0, a. 
 
 The molars, or grinding teeth of Old Billy, mentioned at 
 
230 MANUAL OF MODEIIN FARRIERY. 
 
 page 225, are worn in a singular manner. The first grinder 
 of the lower jaw, on both sides, is worn down to about half- 
 an-inch above the gum ; the second, on a level with the 
 gums, forming a hiatus into which the second grinder of the 
 upper jaw fits, which is fully a quarter of an inch longer 
 than the first grinder, and ver}^ uneven and unequal on the 
 surface. About haif-an-inch of the outer portion of the 
 fourth grinder is parallel with the third, but the remainder 
 is worn level with the jaw ; the fifth and sixth molars are 
 almost entirely worn down, except a small portion of the 
 inner part of the sixth. The third upper one is more than 
 half worn down, and the fourth level with the socket ; part 
 of the fifth and sixth are worn obliquely down, the cavity 
 formed by which is occupied by the lower opposite teeth, 
 and the worn down fifth and sixth of the lower jaw arc 
 occupied by the upper ones. In short, it is curious how 
 mastication could be performed. 
 
 It seems probable that the natural age of the horse is 
 from thirty-five to forty. It would be most erroneous to 
 estimate his life according to the age at which he is worn 
 out in a state of servitude. Few of these valuable animals 
 live to anything like what they would do in a state of 
 freedom, most of them being unserviceable or destroyed by 
 excessive labour. Mr. Blaine informs us of one gentleman 
 who had three horses, which attained a considerable age ; 
 one at thirty-five, another at tliirty-seven, and the third at 
 thirty -nine. Mr. Cully mentions one which received a ball 
 in his neck at the battle of Preston, in 1715, and which 
 was extracted when he died in 1758, so that he must have 
 been forty-seven or forty-eight years of age. Albertus 
 mentions that in his time there was a charger, proving 
 serviceable ai the advanced age of sixty, and Augustus 
 Keplius says there was a horse in the stable of Ferdi- 
 
DENTAL LXDICATIOXS OF THE AGE OF A HORSE. 231 
 
 nand the First, that had attained the age of seventy yeara 
 This is the oldest horse mentioned by any author as far as 
 I know : so that in all probability Old Billy is the Parr of 
 horses. 
 
 The incisor tooth of a horse, divided into two parts its 
 whole length, fig. 12, and which exhibits the external cavity, 
 o, and the internal cavity, b. 
 
 The incisory tooth of a young horse, with an opening at 
 the middle of the anterior surface, leaving exposed the 
 lower portion of the funnel, fig. 11, a. 
 
 The incisory tooth of a young horse, divided throughout, 
 fig. 9, a, shows the exterior cavity, and b, the extremity of 
 the funnel 
 
 Independently of the teeth, there are other signs by 
 which an aged horse is known ; first, the temporal fossa or 
 pits above the eyes become much sunk, grey hairs are also 
 seen above the eyes and about the muzzle, the lips being 
 thin and hanging, the back sinks, the withers become sharp, 
 the quarters lengthened, spavin, windgalls, and all kinds of 
 tumours disappear, and for the most part, the animal has a 
 dull and heavy appearance, with hanging of the head. 
 
 Various are the tricks resorted to by dealers to impose 
 upon the uninitiated. They endeavour by fraudulent means 
 to make them appear most near the age at which they are of 
 the greatest value, and when they can of course obtain the 
 highest price for them. If too young, they endeavour to 
 make tliem seem older, and on the contrary, if too old, 
 they try to give them a youthful appearance. Besides what 
 we have mentioned at page 218, there is a practice amongst 
 dishonest dealers to prolong the youthful marks of the teetli 
 of a horse by what has been designated Bishoping, after the 
 infamous inventor of this fraud. This trick is to imitate 
 tlie appearance of the mark, A horse of eight or nine 
 
232 MANUAL OF MODER.\ FARRIERY. 
 
 years oi age is taken, and, by the aid of an engraving 
 tool, a hole is dug in the surface of the corner teeth to 
 imitate that in a horse of seven years of ao^e. The whole 
 is then burned with heated iron, until it leaves a permanent 
 black stain. This is sometimes extended to the dividers, in 
 a slight degree. But upon a narrow inspection this trick 
 will be detected. The irregular appearance of the cavity, 
 the diffusion of the black stain around the tushes, the 
 sharpened edges and concave inner surface can never be 
 successfully imitated so as to deceive the experienced. 
 Besides, if the incisors of the upper jaw be examined, they 
 will aid the most ignorant in detecting the imposition. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 TRINCIPAL MUSCLES OF THE LIMBS, &C 
 
 We do not consider it necessary for the general reader to be 
 acquainted with the entire muscles of the horse, although a 
 knowledge of such as are mere immediately called into 
 active operation will aid him in discovering the seat of 
 sprains and bruises, and to administer for their relief, in the 
 absence of a regular practitioner. 
 
 MUSCLES OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHOULDER. 
 
 PLATE VI Fig. 1. 
 
 a. A portion of the sterno-maxiUaris, or muscle wnich is toiii 
 mon to, and connected with, the lower jaw, as well as the fore 
 part of the chest. This is one of the muscles employed m 
 lowering the head. It lies immediately under the skin, aiid 
 
MUSCLES OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHOULDER. 233 
 
 arises from thn curtilage projecting from, or constituting the 
 breast-bone, plate ii. fig. 2. It then traverses the neck in an 
 upward direction, and is neither of great dimensions nor 
 strength. About three-fourths of its length upwards, it 
 changes to a flat tendon, and is exhibited, plate iii. fig. 1, w, 
 above which it insinuates itself between the parotid and sub- 
 maxillary glands, that it may be inserted into the angle of 
 the lower jaw. It is exerted in bending the head towards the 
 chest. 
 
 li. ;, Is a muscle which is the raiser of the shoulder, and takes 
 its rise from the nipple-shaped process of the temporal bone, 
 c, c, plate iii. fig. 2 and 3, and extending down the fore part 
 of the neck, is inserted into the middle part of the lower bone 
 of the shoulder, and thence continued down to the arm. The 
 us'^ of this muscle is to bend the head ; or, the head and neck 
 oeing fixed, to elevate and bring forward the arm. When the 
 horse is running at lull speed, with the head thrown forward, 
 this muscle is in powerful action. 
 
 c, (1. The serratus major, or great tooth-shaped muscle of the 
 shoulder, which constitutes a large proportion of the lower 
 part of the neck. It is deeply seated, arising from the five 
 last bones of the neck, and the two first ribs. Its lower por- 
 tion sprinofs from all the true ribs. The whole of its fibres 
 have a downward tendency, and are inserted into the innei' 
 surface of the shoulder ; by means of which tlie shoulder 
 is attached to the chest, and the weight of the body thereby 
 supported. 
 
 When the horse is in a standing position, this muscle 
 occasionally performs another important office. The shoul- 
 ders and legs, by means of the weight of the body, arc fixed 
 and immovable ; consequently, having no longer any power 
 (jver the motion of the limbs, it now exercises its power in 
 enlarging the cavity of the chest, and thus materially con- 
 tributes to give freedom to the action of the chest in 
 breathing. 
 
 In treating of inflammation of the lungs, page 56, we 
 iiioiitioued that horses ial:)ouring under this disease would 
 
 2 H 
 
234 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 stand night and day. The cause of this is, that the breathing 
 is laborious and painful, and the animal in standing obtains 
 the aid of this muscle in giving ease to the respiration. 
 Therefore, when he does lie down, it is a pretty strong proot 
 that the violence of the disease has abated, and conse- 
 quently he no longer requires the assistance of this 
 muscle. 
 
 e^f. These parts represent portions of the trapezius muscle, which 
 is of a quadrangular form, and rises fi-om the sides of the 
 withers. Its base is turned upwards, and its right side for- 
 wards in a parallel line with the spine of the scapula or 
 shoulder-blade. It occupies the space between the withers 
 and upper part of the scapula, and is large and strong in pro- 
 portion to the height of the withers, and the oblique direction 
 or slanting of the shoulder. Its use is to elevate the scapula, 
 as well as to draw it backward. This muscle is one of the 
 most important as connected with the action of the hors>'', and 
 prominently illustrative of the advantage of high withers and 
 a slanting shoulder. We have represented a portion of ii 
 turned back to exhibit the muscles beneath. 
 g. Is the little pectoral or breast-muscle ; it is connected with 
 both the breast and shoulder-blade. It takes its rise from th'^ 
 breast-bone, and extends to the covering of the shoulder-joint, 
 and to the muscle of the shoulder. It lies below the greater 
 breast-muscle. Inwardly it is attached to the anterior half of 
 the breast-bone, and to the cartilages of the first four ribs. 
 Its action is common with that of the larger breast-muscle, 
 (pectoralis major,) and to a'^sist it in drawing back the top of 
 the lower bone of the shoulder and the lower part of the 
 scapula, as well as to keep the latter bone more upright in its 
 position. 
 li. The antea spinatus muscle, or muscle before the spine, is 
 placed on the external part of the shoulder, before the ridge 
 of the shoulder-blade, and fills the whole of that space. It 
 proceeds downwards, dividing into two parts, each of which is 
 attached to the summits of the greater and lesser tubercles 
 of the humerus, or bone of the arm, and also to the capsular 
 Hgament of the shoulder-joint. It is a muscle of great strength. 
 
MUSCLES OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHOULDER. '235 
 
 and extends the arm or humerus upon the scapula, and moves 
 
 it forward 
 
 See the description at b. 
 
 k. The postea spinatus muscle, situated behind the spine or ridge, 
 and occupying the space called the fossa postea spinata. It 
 extends to the lower bone of the shoulder, and is inserted into 
 the upper head of that bone. It is of a triangular form, and is 
 flattened, and broader, but not so thick in substance as the 
 antea spinatus muscle. It assists the flection of the hume- 
 rus, and at the same time rolls it outwards. This is the 
 tendon of the long extensor of the arm, which reaches from 
 the upper angle and the posterior border of the scapula, to the 
 point of the elbow and the inside of the arm. This muscle is 
 a very important one. 
 f», g, t, Are the three divisions of another muscle concerned in the 
 same oflBce with p, arising from the shoulder-blade and the 
 lower bone of the shoulder, and likewise attached to the point 
 of the elbow by a veiy powerful tendon. 
 t This is the middle flexor, which is one of the numerous and 
 powerful muscles which bend the leg. It is also represented 
 at e, plate vi. fig. 2, and is the muscle which bends the shank- 
 bone, because it is situated precisely in the middle of the back 
 part of the arm. It has its origin from the inner head of the 
 lower bone of the shoulder, and is inserted into one of the 
 bones on the inner side of the knee. The other is seen at 2, 
 fig. 1, and is called the external flexor of the leg, in conse- 
 quence of lying on the outer side of the arm, towards the 
 back. It is inserted on the outer head of the lower bone of 
 the shoulder ; advancing towards the knee, it is tendinous ; and 
 the tendon divides into two portions, one of which is inserted 
 into the same bone of the knee, and the other into the outer 
 small bone of the leg. The internal flexor is exhibited at g, 
 plate vi. fig. 2. 
 
 n. This is one of the muscles of the lower bone of the shoulder. 
 It is the external one, whose oflSce is to bend the arm. It 
 arises fi-om the inner and back part of the neck and body oi* 
 the lower bone of the shoulder, and turns obliquely round it, 
 and is inserted into the inner and upper part of the bone of 
 the arm. 
 
23 G MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 w. This is the extensor of the leg ; it is the principal one of the 
 fore arm, is of considerable bulk, and occupies the front pan 
 of the arm. It takes its rise from the lower portion of the 
 body of the lower bone of the shoulder, and from its outer 
 head. As it descends down the arm, it becomes tendinous. 
 This tendon passes under one of the ligaments of the knee ; 
 it then spreads out, and is inseited into the fore and superior 
 portion of the shank-bone. It is also seen at e, fig. 2. 
 
 2:. The middle flexor, or bending muscle of the sliank-bone. 
 This is situated immediately on the middle of the back part of 
 the arm. It arises from the inner termination of the lower 
 bone of the shoukler, and is continued and inserted into ones of 
 the bones on the iiiner side of the knee, It is also seen at e, 
 fig. 2. 
 
 2. The external flexor of the leg, and which is situated on the 
 outer side of the arm, towards the back. It has its origin in 
 the outer head of the lower bone of the shoulder, stretchino- 
 towards the knee. It is of a tendinous chai-acter, and divides 
 into two portions, one of which is inserted into the same bone 
 of the knee, and the other into the outer small bone of the leg. 
 
 o, And extending down to / , 4, and 5, are the principal artery, 
 nerve, and vein of the leg. 
 
 7. This is the perfuraled flexor muscle. It arises from the lower 
 and back poi-tion of the inner head of the lower bone of the 
 shoulder, and is intimately intermixed with the perforating 
 flexor muscle. As it descends along the bone of the arm, it 
 becomes tendinous, and extending to the knee, it is bound 
 down by ligamentary bands to prevent it from starting in sud- 
 den or violent motion. From the knee it widens and partly 
 laps round the tendon of the perforating muscle ; they then 
 descend together in contact, but are not adherent, sliding over 
 each other freely and safely by the aid of the lubricating fluid. 
 They are both encircled in a thick sheath of cellular substance, 
 which is attached to them by numerous small fibres. Reach- 
 ing near to the fetlock, the tendon expands still more, forming 
 a complete ring round the tendon of the perforating muscle. 
 This is shown at k, plate vi. fig. 7. The perforated tendon 
 soon divides, and is inserted into the larger and smaller pastern- 
 bones, its office being to bend them. 
 
 8 The subcutaneous vein of the side of the chest. 
 
MUSCLES OX THE LN'SIDE OF THE SHOULDER. 237 
 
 MUSCLES ON THE INSIDE OF THE SHOULDER. 
 
 PLATE VI. Fig. 2. 
 
 a. Tlie flexor of tli(3 arm, which is one of the most powerful of 
 the flexor muscles. It has its origin in the extremity of the 
 rido-e of the shoulder-blade, in the form of a large and round 
 tendon, which extends between two prominences in the upper 
 portion of the front of the lower bone of the scapula. This 
 groove, or pulley, is as perfect as it is possible to suppose it; 
 and is lined with smooth cartilage, between which and the 
 tendon there is interposed an oily tluid, which enables the 
 tendon to move in this pulley without the danger of being 
 injured by friction. Passing on from this pulley, and extend- 
 insf beyond the head of the lower bone of the shoulder, the 
 cord spreads out into a round fleshy substance, containing 
 numerous tendinous fibres. It is deeply seated, and gives that 
 tine fulness to the front of the arm. It is inserted into the head 
 and neck of the bone of the arm, as also into the capsular 
 ligament of the elbow-joint. It is the chief muscle, by which 
 nearly the entire of the leg below the arm is bent. 
 0. h This muscle is called the j:icctoralis transvcrsus, or the muscle 
 which crosses the breast. It takes its rise from the first four 
 bones of the chest, and, stretching across to the inner part of 
 the arm, is inserted into the tendinous substance which covers 
 the muscles of the fore arm, and extending a considembie way 
 down the arm. Its use is to bind the arm to the side of the 
 horse, and it also keeps the legs straight before the horse wher 
 it is at speed, so that the weight of the body may be received 
 on them in a direction most easy and safe to the horse as well 
 HS the rider, and most advantageous for the full action of all 
 the muscles connected with progression. 
 
 c. This represents the disease called capped hock, or an enlarge- 
 ment of the joint of the elbow, as described at page 131 
 
 tf. The internal flexor. It takes its rise from the inner head of 
 the lower bone of the shoulder, and is inserted into the head 
 of the inner splint-bone. Its office is to bend the leg, and to 
 turn it very slightly. 
 
 )-. The principal veins, nerves, and arteries of the shoulder and arm. 
 
238 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 MUSCLES OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE THIGH. 
 
 PLATE VII. Fig. 1. 
 
 a. The groat glutaeufe muscle, or gluteus maximus. It occupies the 
 anterior, middle, and. external parts of the haunch. It arises 
 from the spinous and. transverse processes of several of the 
 bones of the loins, from the sacrum, and from the different 
 edges of the ilium, and is inserted into the protuberance of the 
 upper bone of the thigh, behind and a little above the joint 
 that unites the thigh to the haunch-bone. It is this muscle 
 which gives that fulness and roundness to the haunch so much 
 admired. It is one of the chief muscles of progression. 
 
 h. The outer glutseus, or buttock-muscle, which can only be 
 considered as a fleshy slip attached to the great gluteus. Its 
 origin is as high as the spine, and it runs along the back part of 
 the thigh in the form of a ridge, and is inserted into the 
 smaller outer prominence of the upper bone of the thigh. 
 
 c. Tliis muscle arises high up from the bones of the spine, from 
 others at the root of the tail, from the protuberance of the 
 ischium, and from other bones of the pelvis. It is, in fact, a 
 sort of triple muscle, as it has three heads ; it is called the 
 triceps femoris, or three-headed muscle of the thigh. It is 
 mserted into the upper part of the lower bone of the thigh, 
 and its office is to draw back the thigh when placed under the 
 trunk, and so to throw forward the trunk of the body. 
 
 il. This muscle descends from the sacrum, and from the first 
 bones of the tail runs down posterior to the triceps femoris, 
 and constitutes the hinder border of the haunch. It is inserted 
 into the lower bone of the thigh, and assists in performing the 
 same kind of motion. The whole of these muscles are very 
 much developed in the thorough-bred horse, and hence his 
 strength and speed, which is besides another very important 
 point in the horse. To perform their full action, these muscles 
 should be so prominent that the horse, when the observer stand*^ 
 behind him, should be perceptibly wider at the thighs than at 
 tlie loins and haunch. 
 
 H. The root of the tail, with its muscles. 
 
MUSCLES OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE THIGH. 239 
 
 /". This is the tendinous expansion which binds and strengthens 
 
 the above muscles. 
 g. Is the Jlexor metatarsi, or muscle used to bend the hocks, or 
 bender of the leg. It arises from the lower part of the upper 
 oone of the thigh, and is inserted into the upper portion of the 
 shank-bone, and also the inner splint-bone. It is a muscle of 
 considerable power. 
 h The extensor pedis. It is situated on the anterior part of the 
 thifh, and is attached to a roughened depression upon the 
 antero-inferior part of the external condyle of the femoral-bone, 
 and below to the coronal process of the os pedis, and to the 
 upper edge of the bone in the interval between the lateral 
 cartilao-es. Its office is the extension of the foot, as well as the 
 fetlock and pastern joints. 
 j. This letter is placed at the situation occupied by the principal 
 nerves before they pass under the muscle. They take a direc- 
 tion nearly in a line with the letter c. 
 t, p. The poplitaus, or femoro-tibialis obliquus, a short, thick, 
 triangular muscle, extending from the upper to the lower thigh- 
 bones, bending tiie stifle, and turning the limb inward. 
 k. The use of this muscle is to extend the hock. It is an ex- 
 ceedingly powerful muscle, having its origin in the head of the 
 upper bone of the thigh, and, midway down the lower bone of 
 the thioh, endintj in a flat tendon, which is inserted into the 
 joint of the hock. It is advantageously placed for powerful 
 exertion, for it acts nearly at right angles. 
 777, n. The peronceus, which is another of the extensor muscles, and 
 so called from a name given to the fibula. It arises from the 
 whole course of the fibula, and also becomes tendinous before 
 reaching the hock. About half-way down the shank, it occu- 
 pies the same sheath as the principal extensor muscle, and is 
 inserted along with it into the coffin-bone. The province of 
 the extensor muscles is to raise the foot from the ground, and 
 to brine: it forward under the bodv. 
 o. The flexor pedis, one of the cliief bending or flexor muscles of 
 the foot, which has its origin in ihe upper part of the tibia 
 As it approaches the hock, it is distinguished by its large round 
 tendon, which is seen to enter into a groove at the back of the 
 hock. It is continued down the back of the leg in the same 
 
240 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 manner as a similar muscle in the fore-leg. It is the perform • 
 in<T flexor muscle of the hind leg, and assists in bindingj the 
 pastern and coffin-joints. 
 
 CHIEF MUSCLES OF THE INSIDE OF THE THIGH. 
 
 PLATE VII. Fig. 2. 
 
 6. The blood-vessels belonging to the groin. 
 d, X. These represent the course of the principal anterior arteries 
 and veins, which extend to x, and include in their range 
 d and A" 
 
 0. The gracilis, or slender muscle, which is very broad, and 
 occupies the greater portion of the surface of the inner part of 
 the thio-h, and especially the prominent part of it. It has its 
 origin in the lower part of the haunch-bone, and in its down- 
 ward passage unites with the sarforiits, and is inserted with it 
 into the lower bone of the thigh. Its province is also to turn 
 the leg. 
 
 j. A portion of the muscle described at /-, fig. 1 
 
 k. The peronaus. This muscle is attached above to the head of 
 the fibula, continuing its attachment for the whole length of 
 that bone, and below to the coronal process of the us pedis. 
 ' "' L The poplilceits, a short muscle. 
 
 m. The Jlexor metatarsi, or bender of the leg, which arises from 
 the lower part of the upper bone of the thigh, and is inserted 
 into the upper part of the shank-bone, as well as to the innei 
 small splint-bone. This muscle has considerable power. 
 
 n. The extensor pedis, described at h, fig. 1. 
 
 o. An inside view of the perforating muscle of the foot. 
 
 p. The veins of the posterior part of the leg. 
 
 V. The ligamentous bands, which are of such importance in con 
 fining the tendons at the bending of the hock. 
 
 w. Immediately behind the bend of the hock, at lo, from the 
 anterior superior part of the metatarsal bone, issues a thin 
 layer of fleshy fibres, enveloped in cellular substance, and 
 concealed in part of the tendon of the extensor pedis, with 
 wlrch (about one-fourth of the cannon downward) they form 
 a union, and make some addition to its substance. In action, 
 these supplementary fibres will brace the tendon, and pjre pro- 
 
• STRUCTURE OF THE HOCK-JOINT. 241 
 
 hably furnished to prevent it from being compressed by the 
 flexion of the hock. 
 , y. The large cutaneous vein, or vein immediately under the skin. 
 z. The inguinal vein, which is one of rather large size, coming 
 from the groin, which owes its formation to a considerable 
 branch emanating from the muscles of the thigh, and the above 
 superficial or cutaneous abdominal vein. The femoral vein is 
 the continuation of the external iliac trunk below the brim of 
 the pelvis, and becoming the main channel into which the 
 deep-seated veins of the hind extremity pour their blood. 
 
 STRUCTURE OF THE IIOCK-JOINT. 
 
 PLATE VIII. Fig. 1. 
 
 Tliis is one of the most important points of the animal, 
 and which ought to be thoroughly known by all who possess 
 a horse. We are convinced that this is much more fre- 
 quently the seat of disease, and lameness then is suspected. 
 Besides, upon the proper formation of this joint, the value 
 and excellence of the horse chiefly depends. 
 
 As the knfe answers to the wrist of man, and is therefore 
 analogically regarded as the carpus, so in like manner the 
 hock becomes the correspondent part to the instep, and is 
 consequently considered under the technical appellation of 
 tarsus. It consists of six small bones. 
 
 a. The astragalus, or knuckle-bone. Its form is like that of a pulley 
 Its surface consists of two bold semicircular prominences, with 
 a deep capacious groove between them ; these are admirably 
 adapted to the two grooves, parted by their middle projection 
 in the lower extremity of the tibia, and these opposite promi- 
 nences and grooves are received, and as it were morticed into 
 each other. At the posterior part its convex surface is received 
 into a concavity near the base of another bone, and with which 
 it is united bv verv strong ligaments to the os calcis, c, or 
 bone of the heel, and it projects upwards, flattened at the sides, 
 and receives into it the tendons of powerful muscles, which 
 
 2i 
 
 ^ 
 
242 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 are strongly implanted into it. 'J'he lower surface is smaller 
 than either of the others, and is irregularly flattened, and almost 
 wholly articulatory ; it is embraced by the superior part of the 
 lartre cuneiform bone. The two bones above described rest on 
 two others, the os cuboides, or cube-shaped bone, e, behind, and 
 the larger wedge-shaped bone, d, in front. This larger wedge 
 shaped bone is supported by two small ones,/, and these two 
 smaller ones and the cube-shaped bone by the upper heads ol 
 the shank-bone, h, and the splint-bone, g. The cube-bone is 
 placed on the external splint-bone and the cannon-bone ; the 
 small wedge-bone chiefly rests on the inner splint-bone, which 
 cannot be seen in our figure, and the middle wedge-bone rests 
 on the shank-bone, h, alone. All these bones are connected 
 together by very strong ligaments, which prevent dislocations 
 but are sufficiently flexible to allow a slight degree of motion 
 among them ; and the surfaces which are opposed to and move 
 upon each other are thickly covered by elastic cartilage. 
 0. The inferior end or base of the tibia. This bone reaches from 
 the stifle to the hock ; it is connected with the round bone 
 above, and the os calcis below. 
 
 c. The OS calcis, which forms the posterior projecting part, called 
 t\\e point of the hock. 
 
 d. The OS cuneiforme magnum, large wedge-shaped, or cuneiform- 
 bone, situated immediately under the astragalus. 
 
 e. The OS cuboides, or cuboid bone, situate on the outer part of 
 the hock. 
 
 f. The OS cuneiforme, or middle cuneiform bone, situated imme- 
 diately underneath the large cuneiform bone, and upon the 
 hind cannon bone. 
 
 y. The splint-bone. 
 
 It. Upper head of the shank-bone, or metatarsi magnum. 
 
 This joint is subjected to very gi^eat stress and weight, 
 and consequently peculiarly liable to injury both in the 
 draught and during rapid motion. However, nature has 
 constructed it with wonderful skill ; and it is, by the beau- 
 tiful adjustment of its parts, rendered less liable to disease 
 than might be expected from the important and lieavy 
 duties it has to perform. The provisions made for tliis end 
 
.STRUCTURE OF THE HOCK-JOINT. 243 
 
 I 
 
 are, tliat the pullej-like heads of the astragalus and tibia fit 
 deeply into each other, and are strongly confined in theif 
 l)Osition by extremely powerful ligaments, which are so con- 
 trived that tliey admit of the necessary freedom of the 
 hinge-like motion of the joint, but completely prevent that 
 lateral or side motion to which the joint is exposed in rapid 
 movements, or passing over uneven surfaces. It will be 
 seen, by inspecting the figure referred to, that the weight 
 of the hind quarters is principally thrown upon the tibia, h, 
 and that it rests almost entirely on the astragalus, a; but 
 it will be observed that this weight does not press perpen- 
 dicularly, but in an oblique direction, so that much of the 
 concussion which would otherwise take place is avoided, by 
 the springy action this slanting pressure produces among 
 the several bones which compose the joint. This will be 
 more readily understood by a reference to the skeleton, 
 plate ii. fig. 21. As we have already shown, this joint con- 
 sists of six bones, all of which are covered with elastic 
 cartilage, and each admitting of a certain degree of motion, 
 which diminishes concussion by the weight, pressure, and 
 action being diffused among them all, and thus the concus- 
 sion is neutralized and rendered harmless. Besides the car- 
 tilaginous covering, each of these bones has a membranous 
 covering, which secretes the synovia or oily fluid, which we 
 l)ave already mentioned at page 111 and elsewhere. In 
 fact these bones may be considered as so many distinct 
 joints, all separated from each other and protected from 
 injury, yet united by diff'erent ligaments, binding them so 
 firmly together as to prevent the possibility of dislocation, 
 yet permitting sufficient motion for the important office 
 they have to fill. Beautiful and wonderfully powerful as 
 this joint is, it is sometimes injured, too frequently, we 
 lament to ^j, by tlie brutal cnielty of those to whose care 
 
244 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 horses are entrusted. In ordinary action this joint hoA 
 heavy work to perform, but often more severe exertion is 
 exacted from it than even its admirable construction can 
 possibly perform. Much of the lameness of the hind 
 quarters v^ill be found, upon careful examination, to be 
 seated in the hock. If the exact locality of lameness 
 cannot be detected elsewhere, we may almost consider that 
 it is somewhere connected with the complicated structure 
 of the hock-joint, and we may particularly refer to the 
 various diseases of this joint described towards the begin- 
 ning of chapter vi., page 130 
 
 BONES OF THE FOOT. 
 
 PLATE VI. Fig. 3. 
 
 This figure represents a back view of the bones of the 
 pastern-joint and of the foot, and those connected with it. 
 The coffin-bone constitutes its osseous fabric, to which the 
 navicular bone may be regarded as an appendage. The 
 anatomy of this part should be well understood, as it is of 
 much importance in the action of a horse, as also very liable 
 to disease. 
 
 a. The coffin-bone, with its horny laminae. It is situated withiu 
 the hoof, which it nearly resembles in form, being in its outline 
 crescent-shaped. Its form, however, varies wilh the natural 
 make and morbid changes in the form of the hoof. The coffin- 
 bone is ot a soft spongy texture. 
 
 b. The navicular-bone, or shuttle-bone, which is situated at the 
 back of the coffin-joint, into whose composition it enters. It 
 is crescent-shaped. One of its extremities is directed out- 
 ward, and the other inward ; their points are obtuse, and are 
 tixed by lateral ligaments to the coffin-bone. 
 
 c. The lower pastern, or coronet-bone. Its situation is between 
 the pastern and the foot, and answers to the second phalanx of 
 the human foot. Its form is nearly square. 
 
 d. The upper pastern is situated below the cannon-bone, with 
 
NERVE, VEIN, AND ARTERY OF THE PASTERN AND FOOT. 245 
 
 ^hich, from taking an oblique direction, it forms an obtuse 
 angle. Ii is connected with the cannon and coronet bones, 
 and with the two sesamoids. 
 e. Tlio sesamoid bones, or os sesamoidea. These are situated at 
 the back of the articulation formed by the pastern and cannon- 
 bones. They are articulated only with the large metacarpal 
 bone, and are connected both with that and the pastern-bone. 
 
 TEONT VIEW OF THE PASTERN. 
 
 PLATE VI. Figs. 4, 5, and 6. 
 
 We have described some of the injuries to which the 
 fetlock is liable, page 123. 
 
 a. The coffin-bone, or os pedis. The outline of its form is semi- 
 lunar, convex before and above, concave below and behind. 
 
 b. The navicular-bone, or os naviculare. 
 
 c. The lower pastern, or os corona. 
 
 d. The upper pastern, or os snffraginis. 
 
 NERVE, VEIN, AND ARTERY OF THE PASTERN 
 
 AND FOOT. 
 
 PLATE VI. Fig. 7. 
 
 This gives a representation of the nerve on the inside of 
 the foot as it approaches the fetlock and passes over the 
 pastern. It will be -noticed that branches are given off 
 above the fetlock, which proceed to the fore part of the 
 foot and give it feeling. The continuation of the nerve 
 under the fetlock principally supplies the quarters and 
 hinder parts of the foot. 
 
 This figure is intended to show the parts and situation of 
 the vein, artery, and nerve, which has been operated upon 
 during diseases of the foot, to alleviate the pain the animal 
 suffers under some of these affections. This is termed 
 neurotomy, or cutting of the nerve. 
 
246 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 <z. Tlie sole of the foot. 
 l\ The horny crust. 
 
 c. The fleshy, or sensible lami/iqe, covering the coffin-bone, the 
 horny crust being removed. 
 
 d. The posterior lateral ligaments. 
 
 e. The internal, or sensible frog. 
 
 /. The branch of the nerve which supplies the fore part of the 
 
 foot with feeling. 
 g. The lower part of the vein before the artery. 
 h. The same vein spreading over the pastern. 
 I. The continuation of the nerve, s, and proceeding downward to 
 
 supply the back portion of the foot with feeling. 
 j. The extensors of the foot. 
 k. The deeper flexor tendon continued downward, called the 
 
 perforans, or perforati;ig, and contained within the other. 
 /, m. The division of the nerve on the fetlock-joint. 
 n. The tendinous band in which the flexors work, 
 o. One of the flexor tendons. 
 p. The deeper flexor tendon, 
 y. The artery between the vein and nei've 
 r. The vein before the artery. 
 s. The nerve on the inside of the ofl" leg, at the tdgf of the 
 
 shank-bone, and behind the vein and artery 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEFECTS OF THE FORE-LEG. 
 
 PLATE VI. Fig. 8. 
 
 a. The situation of sand-crack in the foot of the fore-leg, as 
 
 described at page 162. 
 h. Representation of ring-bone when it first appears on the side 
 
 of the pastern. See page 126. 
 
 c. The situation of wind-gall. See page 120. 
 
 d. The situation and appearance of the enlargement which accora- 
 ])anies sprain of the back sinews. See page 117. 
 
 e. The ordinary position in which splint occurs on the side of the 
 shank-bone, which, however, does not produce lameness after 
 its first formation, in consequence of its not interfering with 
 the motion of the knee, nor does it injure the suspensory 
 ligament See page 114. 
 
BOXES AND INTEGUMENTS OF PASTERN AND FOW. 247 
 
 /. The tying in of the leg below the knee. 
 
 h The situation of the disease called mallanders. See pi:;ge 13-2. 
 
 ATTACHMENTS IN FRONT OF THE PASTERN- 
 BONES, &c 
 
 PLATE VII. Fia. 7. 
 
 a. The coffin-bone. 
 I, c. Branches of the suspensory ligaments, proceeding to unite 
 with the extensor tendon 
 (I. The back of the upper pastern 
 e. The back part of the lower pastern. 
 /. Back of one of the sesamoid bones. 
 fj. The lower part of the shank-bone. 
 h. The lateral cartilages of the foot. 
 i. The ligaments connecting the two pastern-bones together. 
 
 SITUATION OF DISEASES OF THE HIND LEG. 
 
 PLATE VIL Fig. 3. 
 
 a. The situation of grease of the foot. See page 144. 
 />. Represents a wind-gall. See page 120 
 
 c. Capped hock. See page 131. 
 
 d. Curb. See page 133. 
 
 e, e. The position of thoroughpin. See page 130. 
 
 We have given a series of different representations of 
 these, as follow, on plate vii : — 
 
 a. Fig. 4, Capped hocks. See page 131. 
 b, b. Fig. 5, Thoroughpin. See page 130. 
 
 e. Fig. 6, Bog and blood-spavin. See page 140 
 e. Fig. 8, Curb, See page 133. 
 
 d. Fig. 9, Bone-spavin. See page 136. 
 
 THE PASTERN AND FOOT, WITH THEIR BONES 
 AND INTEGUMENTS. 
 
 PLATE VI. Fig. 10. 
 At the anterior porti(»u of the shank-bone, immediately 
 
248 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 below the knee, and occupying the space between the two 
 spliut-bones, two rema>'kable and important ligaments are 
 situated. They are not only elastic, but also particularly 
 well adapted to obviate concussion. They have their origin 
 from the head of the shank-bone, and likewise from the 
 heads of the splint-bones. They descend down the leg, 
 and fill the groove between the splint-bones, although they 
 are not attached to either. A little lower down they ex- 
 pand on both sides, and as they approach the pasterns, 
 separate, and are inserted into two small sesamoid bones, 
 situate at the back of the upper pastern. These form a 
 joint, both with the lower termination of the shank-bone 
 and the upper pastern-bone, to both of which they are 
 united by ligaments, /, i, and k, but more firmly united 
 with the pastern than the shank. Between them pass the 
 flexor tendons, through a mucous bag, which prevents the 
 friction to which they would otherwise be exposed in passing 
 through so confined a situation. This ligament is continued 
 over the sesamoid bones, and afterwards is directed obliquely 
 forward over the pastern, where it unites with the long 
 extensor tendon, and downward to the perforated tendon, 
 which it surrounds, and fixes in its position, and likewise to 
 the smaller pastern bone. 
 
 a. The coffin-bone. This bone is fitted to, and occupies the fore 
 part of tlie lioof, fiUing about half of it. It nearly resembles 
 the hoof in form, being half-moon shaped : it is convex above 
 and in front, and concave behind and beneath. It varies, 
 however, with the natural form of the hoof, and also adapts 
 itself to such changes in the hoof as are induced by disease. 
 Its structure is ligh<- and spongy, and perforated with numerous 
 holes. These are adapted for the passage of the blood-vessels 
 of the foot, without which the circulation could not be so safely 
 and conveniently kept up, and affords another striking example 
 of those beautiful provisions of nature for effecting certain ends. 
 But for this, these vessels would be frequently subjected tu 
 
BONES AND INTSQUMENTS OF PASTERN AND FOOT. 249 
 
 great pressure, which would occasionally obstruct its free 
 passage. The upper surface, it will be seen, is concave, for 
 the reception of the rounded end of the lower pastern, b ; at 
 the back, o, is a depression for the perforating tendon, g. We 
 have described the diseases connected with tbis joint at 
 page 125. 
 
 b. The lower or smaller pastern-bone. 
 
 c. The upper or larger pastorn-lxMie. 
 
 d. The shank-bone. 
 
 e. The sesamoid-bone. 
 
 /. The suspensory ligament. See rupture of this described, 
 page 122. 
 
 ff. The tendon of the perforating flexor, inserted into the coffin- 
 bone after having passed over the navicular-bone. 
 
 h. A long ligament, reacliing from the pastern-bone to the 
 knee. 
 
 /. The small inelastic ligament, which fastens down the sesamoid 
 bone to the larger pastern. 
 
 J. The extensor tendon^ inserted into both the pasterns and the 
 coffin-bone. 
 
 *. A continuation of the suspensory ligament, inserted into the 
 smaller pastern-bone. 
 
 /. The navicular, or shuttle-bone. One of the chief uses of this 
 bone is to take off a portion of the weight from the coffin-bone ; 
 and from the navicular-bone it is thrown on the tendon, which 
 rests on the elastic frog beneath. See diseases of this bone, 
 page IGo. 
 
 m. The inner, or sensitive frog. This is a wedge-shaped body 
 projecting from the bottom of the foot, together with the sub- 
 stance continued from it, and occupying the interval between 
 the cartilag-es. 
 
 '1. A lio-ament which unites the iiavieular-bone to ilie smaller 
 pastern. 
 
 o. A lio-ament unitinor the navicular-bone to the coffin-bone. 
 
 /;. This is the seat of lameness of the navicular joint. 
 
 /J. The sensitive sole between the coffin-bone and horny sole. It 
 is placed between the coffin-bone and the sole ; and, from its 
 yielding nature, assists in preventing concussion, and also 
 ^brms a supply for the horn of the sole. It is furnished with 
 jert'ous fibres, and is highly sensitive. The lameness which 
 
 2k 
 
250 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 is caused by the pressure of a stone or of the shoe on the sole 
 is occasioned by inflammation of the sensitive sole. From the 
 same cause, corns between the crust and the sole result. 
 r. The coronary ring of the crust. 
 s. The covering of the coronary ligament, from which the crust 
 
 is secreted. 
 t. The sensible laminae, to which the crust is attached. 
 H, V. The crust, or wall of the foot. 
 w. The place of bleeding at the toe. 
 X. The horny sole. 
 y. The cleft of the horny frog. 
 
 It is obvious, from tlie situation which the suspensory 
 ligament occupies, that splints formed backward on the leg 
 are more liable to produce lameness than those which are 
 formed on the side of the leg ; because they interfere with 
 the motion of this ligament, and if large may press upon 
 and wound it. The chief action of the suspensory ligament 
 is to suspend the sesamoid bone in its place. 
 
 It will be seen by the figure above described, that the 
 pasterns are united to the shank in an oblique direction, 
 differing in degree of obliquity with the various breeds of 
 horses. A portion of the weight which falls upon the 
 pasterns must be communicated to the sesamoid bones. 
 The yielding of the pasterns, taken in connexion with 
 their oblique position, is a beautiful contrivance to prevent 
 jarring in the action of the horse ; and this is materially 
 assisted by the sesamoid being suspended, and no bone being 
 under it ; so that the suspensory ligament gradually yields, 
 lengthens, and contracts in proportion to the weight or 
 pressure applied to it, thus rendering all severe concussion 
 impossible, because it yields to the force it has to sustain, 
 and lengthens ; but as soon as the foot is raised from the 
 ground and pressure is removed, its elastic power is again 
 exerted, and it contracts to its natural length, and the sesa- 
 moid bone springs back into its place, and by this quick and 
 
EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE FOOT. 251 
 
 rapid return assists in raising the limb This action is thus 
 clearly described by Mr. Percivall : — " Furthermore, it seems 
 to us that these elastic parts assist in the elevations of the 
 feet from the ground in those places in which they are 
 called into sudden and forcible action. The suspensory 
 ligament, by its reaction instantaneously after extension, 
 aids the flexor muscles in bending the pastern-joints. The 
 astonishing activity and expedition displayed in the move- 
 ments of the race-horse at speed, seem to be referable, in 
 part, to the promptitude with which the suspensory ligament 
 can act before the flexor muscles are duly prepared ; the 
 latter, we should say, catch, as it were, and then direct the 
 limb first snatched from the ground by the powers of 
 elasticity." 
 
 The spring and elasticity in the action of a horse de- 
 pends, in a great measure, upon the length and obliquity of 
 the pasterns. It should be long in the race-horse, less so in 
 the hunter, still shorter in the hackney, and considerably 
 less so in the cart and dray-horse. In the latter the con- 
 cussion is exceedingly little, because their movements are 
 slow ; and the short and upright pasterns enable him to 
 sustain and drag the heavy loads which he is destined to 
 support and move forward. But in a horse that is to be 
 used for the saddle, the short and upright pastern is not 
 only a great defect, but is also very unsafe, as he is exceed- 
 ingly liable to come down when trotting. Besides, such 
 joints soon begin to knuckle over, even with ordinary work, 
 which is the precursor of ossification of tlie cartilages, ring- 
 bone, and contracted feet. 
 
 EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE FOOT. 
 
 THE CRUST OR WALL OF THE HOOF. 
 
 The tormation of the foot of the horse fits him. as well 
 
2r)2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 as the ass, above all other animals, for the service of man. 
 In short, had the hoof of the horse been cleft, he would 
 have been incapacitated for many of the useful de^Dartments 
 of his employment ; and a correct knowledge of the struc- 
 ture of every part of the foot is indispensably necessary to 
 render us scientific overseers of the farrier's art. 
 
 The crust is that portion which reaches from the termi- 
 nation of the hair to the ground. Its depth is greatest in 
 front, and is denominated the toe ; it is more shallow at the 
 sides, which are called the quarters, and still less behind, 
 which is termed the heel. When the sole is placed on the 
 ground, the front exhibits an angle of about forty-five 
 degrees, difi'ering, however, considerably in many horses to 
 the extent of the angle.' But a healthy and well-formed hoof 
 very nearly approaches what we have stated, that is, a fourth 
 part of a semicircle. With a greater degree of obliquity, it 
 is said the crust has " fallen in," and when the sole is too 
 flat, and is said to be pumiced, or convex ; and if the front be 
 more upright than the above angle, it is the proof of a con- 
 tracted foot with the sole too concave. When the crust is 
 deep at the heel, it is a foot liable to contraction, thrush, 
 sand-crack, and inflammation. The pastern will be found 
 too upright, and the horse will have a bad and unpleasant 
 action. If, on the other hand, the crust diminishes too 
 rapidly from front to back, and the heels are low, this 
 is always accompanied by too great obliquity of the pastern, 
 producing a weakness in the joint, and liability to sprain of 
 the back sinew, described at page 117. The foot itself will 
 be weak, and have a general tendency to that hidden lame- 
 ness called "the navicular-joint disease," particularized at 
 pa<ze 165. 
 
 The general thickness of the crust in front is somewhat 
 more than half-an-inch, becoming gradually thinner towards 
 
EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE FOOT. 253 
 
 the quarters and heels. This will show the necessity for 
 shoeing-smiths being adepts in driving the nails, seeing the 
 small space for that purpose, and more especially behind. 
 The crust is thinner and a little higher in the inner than 
 the outer quarter. This is another beautiful provision, 
 because, being placed under the inner splint-bone, more of 
 the weight rests on the inside than the outside, consequently 
 it is enabled to expand more, and thus by its elasticity assists 
 in lessening concussion. When, therefore, expansion is pre- 
 vented by the inner quarter being nailed firmly to the shoe, 
 corns, contraction, and sand-crack are induced. The crust 
 is not liable to much variation in thickness, as will be seen 
 by a reference to plate vi. fig. 10, u and v, and c in fig. 9, 
 until near the top, at the coronet, or where the horn of the 
 hoof unites with the skin of the pasterns, where it becomes 
 abruptly thin, as ^\'ill Ije seen on a reference to 5, in fig. 1 0. 
 Here it appears as if scooped out, and here also its colour 
 and consistence are changed, and it appears like a continua- 
 tion of the skin. This thin portion is called the coronary 
 ring, 7', fig. 10, which covers a thickened prolongation of 
 the skin called the coronary ligament, c, in fig. 9. This 
 extension of the skin is supplied with numerous densely set 
 blood-vessels, connected together by a fibrous texture, many 
 of which have the property of secreting the horny sub- 
 stance which forms the crust. The sensible laminae, a, fig. 
 9, have the power of secreting some horn, which furnishes 
 an immediate defence against injury in cases where the 
 crust is either purposely removed, or has sustained in- 
 jury. This is sufficient proof in cases of quittor or sand- 
 crack, when it becomes absolutely necessary to remove o 
 portion of the crust. The exposed portion is soon covered 
 by a film of a hard horny texture. The crust, however, is 
 chiefly formed by the coronar}^ ligament ; and hence in 
 
254 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIER V. 
 
 quittor and sand-crack its ^'owth is slow and downwards, 
 and is only replaced with the natural lengthening of the 
 crust, in the same manner as in injury to the human nail. 
 And there is situate below the coronary ligament a strip o? 
 horny matter, emanating from the frog, which seems in- 
 tended for a similar purpose to that which surrounds the 
 root of the human nail ; namely, to strengthen the union of 
 the part where it rests, and to bind together the various 
 substances which meet there. 
 
 The crust is composed of numerous fibres, which proceed 
 directly from the coronet to the ground, but which follow an 
 oblique course from the heel forwards. These fibres .are 
 kept together by a glutinous substance. 
 
 In a sound condition the crust of the foot is smooth and 
 hard, and when there are rings or other thickenings, it is a 
 sure indication of disease in the foot, and that, too, to a 
 considerable extent, as may be well supposed, to induce this 
 irregularity of growth. When the front is depressed, it may 
 be inferred that a sinking of the coffin-bone has taken place, 
 and that the sole will be flat and pumiced. When hollow 
 at the quarter, it is a clear indication of contraction to a 
 considerable extent. 
 
 The perspective representation which we have given, plate 
 vi. fig. 11, will convey a clear idea of the structure of the 
 crust and its various component parts. 
 
 a. The coronary ring, which is a circular, attenuated, concavo- 
 convex part, entering into the composition of the coronet. Its 
 extent is marked exteriorly by the whitish aspect wliich it 
 assumes, and likewise by a partial separation and eversion of 
 the outer flakes of horn around its junction with the wall, or 
 crust below. 
 
 0. The small horny plates which line the crust. These consist 
 of numerous narrow laminae, or processes, arranged with the 
 nicest order and mathematical precision upon the intcri.al 
 
EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE FOOT. 255 
 
 suiface of the wall. They extend in uniiorm parallels in a 
 perpendicular direction from the lower edge of the superior 
 border to the line of junction of the wall with the sole, and 
 arc so thickly set, that no part of the superficies remains 
 unoccupied by them. They are also continued upon the sur- 
 faces of the bars. They are soft, yielding, and elastic ; but 
 from exposure they become dry and rigid. Every plate ex- 
 hibits two edges and two surfaces. By one edge it grows to 
 tiie wall, and the other, which is somewhat thinned, hangs 
 loose and floating within the cavity of the hoof These are 
 two smooth lateral surfaces, and, considering the magnitude of 
 the lamella itself, of enormous extent ; so much so, that it may 
 be said almost to be constituted entirely of superficies. Look- 
 ing at this we are naturally led to the contemplation of the 
 great and magnificent designs which Nature evidently had in 
 view in their formation and beautiful adaptation, viz. the pro- 
 duction of ample surface within a small space, an end that has 
 been obtained through the means of multiplication. A ma- 
 thematical calculation was made by the late Thomas Evans, 
 LL.D., of what the united superficies of these lamellae 
 amounted to, and it was found that they afforded an increase 
 of actual surface more than the single internal area o? 
 the hoof would give, of about twelve times, or about (too 
 hundred and twelve square inches, or nearly one square foot 
 and a half, 
 r. These above-described laminae are continued over the bars in 
 this situation. 
 
 d. The bars are processes of the wall, inflected from its heels, 
 obliquely across the bottom of the foot. These are also seen 
 in figure 12, r, c They extend from the base of the heel 
 mto the centre of the foot, between the sole and the frog ; 
 behind, they are continuous in substance with the wall or crust, 
 with which they form acute angles ; anteriorly they stretch aH 
 far as the point of the frog, constituting two inner walls 
 between that body and the sole. They seem formed for the 
 purpose of offering resistance to the contractions of the heels. 
 
 e. Two concave surfaces of the inside of the horny frog. 
 
 /. That portion which externally is the cleft of the frog, the in. 
 ferior surface of which exhibits a remarkable cavity, broad 
 
256 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 and deep, and of a triangular form, bounded on the sides by 
 sloping prominences, which diverge from the convexity forni- 
 ina- the toe of the frog, and terminate at the lieels. Tlii? 
 cavity is called the cleft of (he frog. 
 <r. The frog, as also exhibited fig. 12, d, d. In its superior sur- 
 ■ face it is continuous, uniform, and porous, being the counter- 
 part in form of the inferior surface, presenting only reverses, 
 where the one is hollow, and the other swelling. Opposite to 
 the cleft is the frot/sfay, which is elevated and bounded on its 
 sides by two deep channels, and a hollow of shallower dimen- 
 sions in the front. This bold, horny elevation is admirably 
 calculated to form that dove-tailed connexion with tlie sensitive 
 foot, which greatly augments their surfaces of opposition, and 
 establishes their union beyond all risk or possibility of dis- 
 location. 
 h, h. The external crust, or wall; as also seen fig. 12, a, «., and 
 fully described above. At the first h and i is the rounded 
 portion of the heels belonging to the frog. 
 /, Fig. 12, is the external surface of the sole, or the arched plate 
 entering into the formation of the bottom of the hoof, and cover- 
 ing the whole inferior surface of the foot, excepting the frog. 
 No individual part requires such undivided attention as the 
 sole, as regards shoeing ; since the success of this mechanical 
 operation chiefly depends upon the paring and defence of this 
 arched horny plate. Viewed from below, the sole commonly 
 presents an arch of more or less concavity. It is subject to 
 vast varietv in the desrree of the arc ; in some feet it is of 
 surprising depth, and in others the arch is converted into a 
 flattened surface, and yet both seem to perform equally well. 
 In the hind feet the sole is generally more arched than in the 
 fore, and approaches in figure more to the oval than the circle. 
 Its thickness is about one-sixth of. an inch. That portion 
 most elevated from the ground — that which forms a union 
 with the bars — is nearly double the thickness of the central or 
 circumferent parts, and next to this in substance comes the 
 heel. This is situate at the back part of the foot, at which 
 point the crust of the hoof, instead of being continued round 
 and forming a complete circle, iS abruptly bent in, as ^jl] be 
 seen by a reference to fig. 12, and at h, fig. 11 
 
THE CARTILAGES OF THE FOOT. 257 
 
 THE CARTILAGES OF THE FOOT. 
 
 The cartiLages are two broad, scabrous, concavo-convex 
 cartilaginous plates which surmount the sides and wings of 
 the coffin-bone. There is a groove extending along the 
 upper part of the coffin-bone on each side, except at the 
 protuberance, which receives the extensor tendon, and which 
 extends to the very posterior portion of the foot, rising 
 about the quarters fullj half-an-inch above the hoof, and 
 diminishing in height backward and forward. These car- 
 tilages occupy a greater portion of the foot than does the 
 coffin-bone, as will be observed in lig. 7, plate vii., i, where 
 it Avill be seen thej extend far behind the coffin-bone. 
 They are fixed into two grooves, excavated in the superior 
 lateral borders of the coffin-bone, the navicular-bone, and 
 the flexor tendon, and are thus perfectly secured. Below 
 these are other cartilages connected with the under edges of 
 the former, and on both sides of the fros;. 
 
 Between these cartilages is the sensible frog, occupying 
 the whole of the space, and answering several important 
 purposes, it being an elastic bed on which the navicular bone 
 and the tendon can play with security, and without con 
 cussion. This will be understood by referring to plate vi, 
 fig. 10, /. Thus all concussion to the cartilages of the foot 
 is prevented, and these cartilages kept asunder, and the 
 expansion of the upper part of the foot preserved. This 
 mechanism is both beautiful and important. Tlie yielding 
 and elastic substance of the frog is pressed upon by the 
 navicular-bone as well as the tendon and the pastern, and 
 being incapable of condensing into less compass, is forced 
 out on each side of them, and expands the lateral cartilages ; 
 and these again, by theit inherent elasticity, revert to their 
 former situation, when they are no longer pressed outward 
 
 2 L 
 
 . ♦ 
 
258 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 by tbe frog. It thus appears that by a different mechanisnij 
 but both equally admirable and referable to the same prin- 
 ciple, namely, that of elasticity, the expansion of the upper 
 and lower portions of the hoof are effected, the one by the 
 descent of the sole, and the other by the compression and 
 rising of the frog. The preservation and usefulness of the 
 limbs of the horse are chiefly maintained by this upward 
 expansion, when the destructive methods which are adopted 
 in shoeing are calculated to destroy the expansion beneath. 
 From the long-continued and violent pressure on the frog 
 in draught-horses, and conveyed from the frog to the 
 cartilage, inflammation is frequently produced, and too 
 often terminates in the cartilages being turned into bony 
 matter. 
 
 THE FALSE CARTILAGES. 
 
 From the inferior and posterior sides of the true car- 
 tilages, two fibro-cartilaginous processes extend in a forward 
 direction towards the heels of the coffin-bone. They spread 
 inwards upon the surface of the tendo-perforans, become 
 united at their inner sides with the superior margin of the 
 sensitive frog, are covered inferiorly by the sensitive sole, 
 and at the same time assist in the support of the sensitive 
 frog. They are triangular in their form, and are arched in 
 the same manner as the sole. 
 
 Their use appears to be to fill up the triangular vacant 
 spaces left between the tendo-perforans and the heels of 
 the coffin-bone, thereby completing the surface of support 
 for the sensitive frog, and extending that for the expansion 
 of the sensitive sole. Bone in these situations must have 
 proved inconvenient, by more or less impeding the impres- 
 sion upon, and the consequent reaction of, the sensitive 
 frog. 
 
THE LUNGS. U5.9 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 SiLETCH OF THE INTER^^AL OKGANIZATIOIf OF THE nORSE. 
 
 THE LUNGS. 
 
 PLATE IX. Fig. 1., &c. 
 
 The lungs are two spongy bodies formed for the purpose 
 of breathing. Thej are contained in the lateral regions on 
 each side of the chest, a, a, a, separated from each other by 
 the mediastinum and heart, which occupy the middle 
 region. The lungs are two in number, — the right and the 
 left, partitioned from each other by the mediastinum. They 
 are further divided into lobes, that on the right side, which 
 is the larger of the tAvo, consists of three lobes, and the left 
 has only two. These lobes are merely partial divisions, of 
 variable extent, which serves to adapt them more accurately 
 to the cavities of the chest, and at the same time render 
 them fitter for the purposes of expansion and contraction. 
 When the windpipe enters the chest, it is divided into two 
 branches, one extending to each lung ; and when these 
 enter the substance of the lungs, they separate into nume- 
 rous branches, each terminating in a little bag or cell. 
 These bear a considerable resemblance to minute bunches of 
 grapes. Around these cells are spread innumerable blood- 
 vessels, being the extreme ramifications of those which con- 
 veyed the blood from the right side of the heart to the 
 lungs, and the commencement of those which conduct it 
 back from the lungs to the left side of the heart. These 
 
260 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 cells and blood-vessels are connected together by an inter- 
 vening substance of a fibrous and cellular texture. 
 
 The blood circulating through the capillaries of the body 
 contribute to the nourishment of the animal system, and 
 furnishing all the secretions, becomes changed, and is no 
 longer capable of supporting life : it becomes of a poisonous 
 quality, in consequence of having in it a too large portion 
 of carbon. This must be expelled before the blood can 
 again be rendered subservient to the purposes of life. That 
 portion of the atmospheric air called oxygen having a strong 
 attraction for carbon, unites Avith it whenever they come in 
 contact. The chest enlarges by means of the diaphragm 
 and the muscles between the ribs, called the intercostal 
 muscles, and others, and the lungs expand with the chest in 
 order to fill up the vacuum which would otherwise exist 
 between them and the sides of the chest. These cells 
 enlarge, and a sort of vacuum is formed in each of them, 
 as the air rushes down and fills them ; and being divided 
 from the venous and poisoned blood by these membranes 
 alone, it is enabled to act upon the blood and abstract from 
 it the carbon, and by this means purifies it, and the arterial 
 blood is fitted for the purposes of life. This purification 
 being performed, the chest contracts, and the lungs are 
 compressed into smaller compass, and a portion of air, 
 holding in it a quantity of carbon, and rendered poisonous 
 in its turn, is squeezed out. Immediately afterwards the 
 chest expands again, and the lungs expand with it, and pure 
 atmospheric air is drawn into them, vdiich is immediately 
 thrown out again by the compression of the lungs, which, 
 like the preceding expiration, is poisoned by the carbon ol 
 the blood. These alternate contractions of the chest and 
 lungs constitute what is termed breathing. 
 
 When the horse is subjected to powerful exertion, it it 
 
THE LUXGS. 261 
 
 obvious that a more ample supply of uncontainin ited blood 
 will be required to sustain the energies of life, and violent 
 action of the muscles forces the blood more rapidly through 
 the veins, and hence the quick and deep breathing of the 
 animal when running at speed. Therefore, the more capa- 
 cious the chest, the greater will be the supply of pure blood, 
 as the lungs will have more room to expand and perform 
 the functions which we have above described. Besides, a 
 capacious chest will fit him for a longer duration of speed. 
 
 Those who are accustomed to hunting or horse-racing, 
 must have frequently witnessed the wonderful relief wliicli 
 loosening the girths have afforded to a horse after a severe 
 gallop. The tiglitening being removed, permits the chest to 
 expand and contract to a greater extent, and consequently 
 yields a larger portion of purified blood. A very short rest 
 will sufficiently manifest how much the exhausted energies 
 of those organs will recover when the greater expenditure 
 is not necessary. 
 
 Even for animals which are not required to possess speed, 
 such as cart, waggon, dray, and farmers' horses, a capacious 
 chest is equally necessary ; for this reason, that in these 
 there is general Ij a great accumulation of both flesh and 
 fat which require a large portion of the blood to supply his 
 growth ; consequently large and ample chests are requisite 
 so as tc afford room for the necessary provision of a rapid 
 purification of the contaminated blood. 
 
 Diseases of the lungs are among the worst to Avhich 
 horses are liable, and most frequent of occurrence, and 
 lience the most likely to impair his usefulness. A horse 
 labouring under diseased lungs is unfit for any service, nor 
 can all the art of tlie ablest veterinary surgeon produce 
 even a semblance of alleviation, and hence is too frequently 
 unjustly considered as unskilful. In other complaints, such 
 
2G2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 as glanders, the veterinary art may keep a horse in a con- 
 dition to be ridden or driven at considerable speed without 
 knocking him up, but not so with diseased lungs. 
 
 It is not to be wondered at, that so many horses are 
 afflicted with lung complaints, most of them resulting from 
 carelessness. The poor animals are too often over-heated, 
 and afterwards put into cold stables in a state of profuse 
 perspiration, and allowed to dry. This should never be the 
 case. The animal ought to be instantly rubbed down, until 
 his coat is quite dry. If this is not attended to, inflamma- 
 tion of the lungs and a host of other complaints may be 
 the consequence. 
 
 THE HEART. 
 
 The heart is enclosed within a membrane or bag, called 
 the pericardium, plate ix. fig. 1, c, and both together occupy 
 the middle space of the cavity of the chest. The pericar- 
 dium contains within it and throws out a pale yellow serous 
 fluid, Vv'hich serves to lubricate the contiguous surfaces of 
 the sac, and to preserve them against any ill consequences 
 arising from friction. 
 
 The use of the pericardium is to confine the heart in its 
 situation, to sustain it in its reciprocal action with the 
 lungs, and guarding it from any undue collision, and to 
 serve as a guard to the heart. When the pericardium or 
 the heart becomes inflamed, an undue secretion of this fluid 
 is induced, sometimes to such an extent as to obstruct the 
 beating of the heart. When such is the case, the animal 
 is said to have dropsy of the heart. Its symptoms are very 
 similar to inflammation of the lungs, and consequently it is 
 difficult to detect which of the two maladies the animal 
 labours under. 
 
 The heart itself, fig. 1, &, is the organ by which the blood 
 
THE HKAKT. 263 
 
 IS Circulated through the body. It is of a conoid form, 
 with the base turned uppermost, and is opposed to the 
 fourth, fifth, and sixth vertebras of the back, from which it 
 is suspended in its situation in the middle of the cavity of 
 the chest, by the attachment of the venous and arterial 
 trunks immediately connected with it. Its apex hangs 
 loose witliin the cavity of the pericardium, pointing down- 
 wards and backwards, and rather inclined towards the left 
 side. It is composed of four cavities, the two uppermost 
 are called auricles, from their form being somewhat like the 
 ear of a dog ; and two ventricles, or belly-shaped cavities, 
 which occupy the substance of the heart. Although the 
 heart is chiefly composed of fleshy fibres, still a tendinous 
 substance is found in the middle, which seems to be the 
 common medium of attachment between its auricles, "ven- 
 tricles, and vessels, one to another. 
 
 The heart is supplied with blood by tw^o coronary arteries, 
 the first branches are given ofi" from the aorta, or great 
 artery. Its veins pour their blood into the coronary vein, 
 by which it is returned into the right auricle. 
 
 There are two orders of blood-vessels, arteries and veins ; 
 the former conduct the flood from the heart to all parts of 
 the body, nourishes it, and returns to the heart through 
 the veins. It enters the auricle on the right side, where it 
 is accumulated as a reservoir, until there is suflScient to fill 
 the ventricle below. The auricle then contracts, and forces 
 the blood into the ventricle, which in its turn contracts, 
 and drives the blood through an aperture that leads to the 
 lungs. It cannot be drawn again into the auricle, because 
 there is a complete valve, like that of a sucker of a pump, 
 to prevent this. The blood which has thus been forced 
 into the lungs traverses every portion of them, by the 
 minutely ramified blood-vessels, and entering all the little 
 
264 MAI^UAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 cells, there to undergo the important change of being 
 subjected to the action of the atmospheric air which the 
 lungs have inhaled, and be purified by the oxygen contained 
 in the air, and from which substance it owes its beautiful 
 red colour. It is noAV carried to the left auricle, and from 
 thence it descends to the left ventricle, and by the powerful 
 closing of the ventricle is propelled into the arteries. These 
 vessels, in all tlieir numerous ramifications, emanate origi- 
 nally from two main trunks, the pulmonary artery and the 
 aorta ; the branches of the former penetrate the lungs, and 
 the latter are spread over every part of the body. 
 
 The aorta, with its numerous branches, when taking them 
 a.s a whole, may be compared to a short but straggling and 
 very branching shrub or dwarf tree, of luxuriant but ex- 
 tremely irregular growth. It takes its rise from the left ven- 
 tricle, and the blood by the force communicated to it by the 
 Eudden contraction of the ventricle, and aided by the elastic 
 power of the arteries, keeps them open and free from 
 obstruction, and likewise, by the pressure of the muscular 
 and elastic coats, endeavouring to return to their former 
 dimensions, flows in a continuous stream through everv 
 portion of the frame. 
 
 The pulmonary artery is a vessel of larger dimensions 
 and calibre than the aorta. It has its origin in the pos- 
 terior upper part of the right ventricle of the heart, and 
 winding upwards to the root of the left lung, tliere divides 
 into what are termed the right and left pulmonary arteries. 
 These divisions immediately enter the substance of their 
 correspondent lungs, and therein ramify in all directions, 
 like tiie minutest threads, the branches regulating their 
 course and division by the ramification of the 'bronchial 
 tubes. 
 
 The heart is lial)le to disease, as it is sympathetically 
 
THE PULSE. 2G5 
 
 alFected bj almost all the complaints incidental to the animal 
 frame, no matter how distant that malady may be from it. 
 An injury of the foot will in a very short time cause the 
 heart to beat, or pulsate, Avith double its ordinary quick- 
 ness. Indeed it frequently happens that inflammation of 
 the heart will ensue through sympathy with some remote 
 diseased portion of the animal. AVhen such an affection 
 takes place, immediate and copious bleeding should in- 
 stantly be resorted to, otherwise the animal may die. This 
 is not a complaint of very frequent occurrence, but ex- 
 tremely dangerous ; and such is the strength and rapidity of 
 the heart's action, that its pulsations may be distinctly 
 seen at the animal's side, and even heard at some yards 
 distance. In this complaint the animal exhibits great 
 energy of expression of countenance, with a quick and 
 restless motion ^ 
 
 THE PULSE. 
 
 As the pulse is so intimately connected with the action of 
 tlie heart, we may with propriety treat of it in this place. 
 As in the human subject the pulse is a useful key to the 
 health of the system, it is likewise of the same value to 
 those practising the veterinary art. 
 
 Although there are several parts in a horse where the 
 pulse may be felt, yet the most convenient is at the lower 
 jaw, a little behind the part where the submaxillary artery 
 and vein, and the parotid-duct, pass under the jaw. See 
 plate iii. fig. 1, r. At this spot the pulsations may be not 
 only distinctly counted, but also the character of the action 
 of the pulse accurately ascertained ; which is of nuich im- 
 portance, because its hardness and softness indicate certain 
 conditions of disease. Many persons place the hand on the 
 side to ascertain the state of the pulse ; but this will only 
 
266 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 give the number of its beats in a minute, without its 
 condition. 
 
 In a healthy state, the pulsations in the heart of a 
 farmer's horse range from thirty-five to thirty-seven in a 
 minute ; m the thorough-bred horse from forty to forty-two. 
 These are considered the standard healthy pulses ; but even 
 in health these are subject to some variation either above 
 or below these numbers of beats. It must be understood 
 that this is the condition of the pulse when the animal is at 
 rest, or at least when he is not in the act of using exertion ; 
 because, even in pulling a heavy load or during trotting, 
 and for a short time after both of these, the pulse will l>e 
 higher, according to the degree of exertion to which the 
 horse has been subjected. Besides, exercise, a warm stable, 
 and fear will materially augment the action of the heart. 
 
 When the animal is at rest, and the pulse reaches fifty 
 or fifty-five beats in a minute, then it may be suspected 
 that there is a degree of fever, and its case must be 
 investigated. When it is from seventy to seventy-five, a 
 high state of fever will be the consequence, and active 
 means must be resorted to. If the pulse should get so high 
 as one hundred to one hundred and five, the malady induc- 
 ing this will be of such a severe kind as to preclude the 
 hope of recovery ; and unless it can be speedily reduced, 
 the vital energies must soon be exhausted. 
 
 When horses are labouring under disease, it is necessary 
 to approach them with caution, because either abruptness 
 or speaking harshly to them will have a tendency to raise 
 the pulse ten or fifteen degrees. The animal should be 
 patted and spoken to gently, and the pulse felt a second 
 time before its real state can be determined. Tlie condi- 
 tions of the pulse may be arranged under the following 
 heads : — 
 
THE PrLSE. 2^7 
 
 QUICK PULSE. 
 
 This is ahvajs an indication that the animal is under 
 some excitement. This will vary in degree according to the 
 force of the exciting cause. The business of the veteri- 
 narian is to ascertain and remove this as speedily as the 
 circumstances will permit. We have above stated the 
 number of beats in a healthy and diseased state. The 
 heart may be excited to more frequent and also to more 
 violent action. It may contract more powerfully upon the 
 blood-vessels, and consequently drive the fluid with greater 
 force through the arteries, and the expansion of the coating of 
 the arteries will be greater and more abrupt. The quickened 
 pulse invariably indicates a tendency to fever and irritation. 
 
 SLOW PULSE. 
 
 This is an indication of an oppressed condition of the 
 heart's action, and accompanies diseases of an opposite kind 
 from those which are the concomitants of a quick pulse. It 
 proves that the malady with which it is connected results 
 from a deficiency of nervous energy. It is always a conco- 
 mitant of sleepy staggers. 
 
 HARD PULSE. 
 
 This is indicated by a thumping and jerking feeling 
 under the pressure of the finger, and at the same time 
 accompanied by a fulness in the flow of blood through the 
 vessels. This is a sure sign that a considerable degree of 
 fever exists, and in this case immediate and copious bleed- 
 ing must be had recourse to. 
 
 SMALL PULSE 
 
 Is indicated by feebleness in the beat and a feeling of 
 
268 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 languid ness iu tlie circulation, very easily discerned under 
 pressure of the finger. It, however, sometimes happens that 
 small pulse may be accompanied by hardness and jerking ; 
 but still the remarkable smallness in the circulating fluid 
 will be perceptible. This condition is caused by the irrita- 
 bility of the heart causing a contraction of the ventricle 
 before it is properly filled with blood. Small pulse shows that 
 some dangerous condition of disease is to be apprehended, 
 as it invariablv accompanies inflammation of the bowels. 
 
 A WEAK PULSE. 
 
 This is caused by a feeble action of the heart, as the 
 stream of arterial blood is flowing slowly, and hence is 
 hardly to be felt. It indicates debility, and accompanies 
 complaints the reverse of fever. Stimulants are generally 
 necessary in this condition of pulse. 
 
 OPPRESSED PULSE. 
 
 When the arteries are fully distended with blood, and 
 the pressure upon them is greater than their calibre will 
 convey with ease, owing to some obstruction in their 
 interior, and the action of the heart is unable to press 
 forward the current, and in consequence the pulsation feels 
 irregular and unequal, the pulse is said to be oppressed. 
 In sudden inflammation of the lungs this condition is 
 common. They are gorged and overloaded with blood, 
 which cannot force its way through their minute vessels. 
 It has been invariably found that after copious bleeding, an 
 oppressed pulse has been much increased. This arises from 
 a portion of the blood being removed from the choked 
 vessels, which enables that which remains to flow on without 
 interruption. 
 
 The pulse is subject to various modifications besides 
 
THE PERITONEUM. 269 
 
 thuse above enumerated, which it would be very difficult to 
 explain, and which are well understood by those who are 
 practised in feeling the pulse. 
 
 THE ABDOMEN AND ITS CONTENTS. 
 
 PLATE VIII. Fig 5, and PLATE IX. Figs. 1 and 2. 
 
 Having given a brief account of the contents of the chest, 
 or rather those parts most 'essential to the general reader, 
 wo now descend to the abdominal viscera. The heart and 
 lungs may be considered the moving powers of the animal 
 system, which, however, require the materials to keep up 
 and supply that motion. The organ which prepares and 
 distributes that stimulus is the stomach, and is lodged in 
 the higher region of the belly, while the intestines which 
 carry ofi' the waste are situated in the middle and lower 
 portion of the abdominal cavity. ^ 
 
 The abdomen, or belly, is formed chiefly of soft parts, 
 which principally consist of the four pair of abdominal 
 muscles which mainly constitute its broad superficies below 
 and laterally. In its interior part, the most important 
 viscera are situated, viz., the stomach and liver. It is 
 bounded by the false ribs, and in front by the diaphragm ; 
 its posterior compartment is bounded by the pelvis, and 
 above by the dorsal and lumber vertebrae and muscles 
 belonging to the loins. 
 
 The abdominal viscera of the horse difier from those of 
 man chiefly in the shape and comparative size of the 
 stomach, and the intestine called the colon ; their general 
 relative situation is much the same in both. 
 
 THE PEPJTONEUM. 
 The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the cavity of 
 
270 WA?fUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 the bellj, and is reflected upon the contained viscera. It 
 presents a shining secreting surface, of a whitish aspect, and 
 considerable transparency. Its internal surface is smooth 
 and humid. The use of this organ is to secrete a serous 
 fluid, Avhich is intended for lubricating every part of the 
 membrane, in consequence of which those viscera that are 
 continually moving within the belly glide over one another, 
 not only without friction, but without exciting the least 
 consciousness of their motions on the part of the animal 
 himself In addition to this, the peritoneum furnishes most 
 of the viscera with a complete external tunic, and thereby 
 adds strength and firnmess to their several textures. It 
 attaches, supports, and confines those viscera (within certain 
 limits) in their respective places ; and it strengthens the 
 abdominal cavity altogether by its uninterrupted extension 
 everywhere through and around it. 
 <• 
 
 THE DIAPHRAGM. 
 
 PLATE IX. Fig. 1., h. 
 
 This forms a fleshy and tendinous partition, dividing the 
 cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen. It is of a 
 broad circular form, flattened from before backwards ; its 
 front surface is convex, and concave behind ; divided or 
 forked above, and having two elongations or appendices ex- 
 tending backwards, with pointed extremities. On that side 
 next the chest it is invested by the membrane which covers 
 the lungs, and towards the belly by that which covers the 
 intestines. It adheres to the spine, the ribs, and the breast- 
 bone, by strong muscular fibres. Its structure is fleshy and 
 tendinous. The fleshy parts are those which form the cir- 
 cumferent portions of the large muscle, and the principal 
 part of the crura or appendices. The tendinous parts con- 
 
THE DIAPHRAG^r. 
 
 271 
 
 sisi of a thin circular expansion, occupying tlie middle ot 
 the larger muscle, and uniting that with the lesser. Through 
 the muscle are seen three remarkable openings, an upper 
 one in the interspace between the crura for the passage of 
 the aorta ; one a little lower, formed by the decussation of 
 the crura for the oesophagus ; and the third, or lower one, 
 perforating the cordiform, or heart-shaped tendon, for the 
 reception of the posterior vena-cava. 
 
 The diaphragm is the chief, if not the sole agent, in 
 respiration ; it acts in opposition to the abdominal muscles, 
 which are the chief expiratory powers. By the contraction 
 of its radiated fibres, with the assistance of that of the. 
 crura, the cordiform tendon is transformed to a plane Bm~ 
 face, and the dimensions of the chest from front to back 
 thereby considerably augmented. When this muscle acts, 
 in consequence of the shortening of its fibres, it loses its 
 convexity, as above stated, and the chest being thereby 
 enlarged as well as the lungs, the air rushes in, and inspira- 
 tion is performed This muscle also assists in the natural 
 constant motion of the bowels, and lends its powerful aid 
 in expelling the faeces and urine ; and in females, facilitates 
 the birth of the young animal. 
 
 The membrane by which the diaphragm is covered is very 
 liable to inflammatory attacks. In all cases of disease of 
 the lungs and bowels, the diaphragm is almost certain to 
 become inflamed and attended with considerable irrita- 
 bility ; and tliis is the cause of the breathing of the horse 
 being so much afi"ected during inflammation of the chest and 
 abdomen. It is likewise concerned in coughing, yawning, 
 and sighing. Sometimes it is ruptured, occasioned by any 
 violent exertion. * We are, however, unable to give distinct 
 indications of this condition. But no instance is known of 
 the animal surviving this malady. In cases of small rup- 
 
272 MANUAL OF MODEIiX FAERIERY. 
 
 ture some portion of the intestines insinuates itself into it, 
 and there becomes entangled, so that an incurable obstruc- 
 tion is the consequence. In the event of a large aperture, 
 the intestines prot*?ude through it, and by pressing upon the 
 heart totally suppress respiration. This organ performs 
 such an important part in the act of breathing that it may 
 be easily imagined, while the respiration is strong and 
 hurried, it is liable to be ruptured. 
 
 The gullet passes through the diaphragm into the stomach, 
 and in which it terminates. See plate viii. fig. 4. /*. 
 
 THE STOxMACH. 
 
 PLATE YIU. Fig. 4, and PLATE IX. Fig. 1. 
 
 The stomach is situated in the left side of the belly, 
 resting upon the large intestines. Its anterior or convex 
 part lies upoii, the diapliragm and the false ribs of the lefc 
 side ; its posterior or concave part is concealed by the 
 intestines, and its lower surface is invested by the omentum ; 
 attached to its left extremity is the spleen, and its right 
 end is in contact with the left and middle lobes of the liver. 
 
 The stomach may be compared to a pouch or bag, formed 
 for the reception of the food as it passes through the 
 oesophagus. Perhaps no animal, in proportion to its size, 
 has so small a stomach as the horse. The stomach of a 
 middle-sized man, of about twelve stone weight, will con- 
 tain somewhat more than three quarts of water ; whereas 
 that of an ordinary-sized horse, whose bulk and weight 
 exceeds that of the man by eight times, will only contain 
 three gallons, or four times the quantity of the man's. 
 However, we must bear in mind that the stomach, like other 
 hollow muscles, has the property of accommodating itself 
 to the bulk of the matter which it contains. 
 
THE STOMACH. 273 
 
 This organ is of vast importance in the animal economy ; 
 in short, it is indispensable to their being ; no animal 1.5 
 without one. This is not the case with the brain, and muck 
 less with the heart, as we know that animal life is sustained 
 in some species without either. That great anatomist, John 
 Hunter, in his physiological disquisitions, showed that the 
 existence of a stomach was the chief characteristic between 
 animals and vegetables. The stomach has been truly said 
 to be the orga.n of digestion, Ijecause within it the aliment 
 transmitted to the oesophagus in a crude state undergoes its 
 primary and principal change in a process, the object of 
 which is to convert it into material for the support of the 
 body, and the distribution and transmission of those fluids 
 which sustain life and motion in its different parts. 
 
 It must be obvious from the situation of the stomach, 
 that it is not only attended with great inconvenience and 
 pain, but also danger, to work a horse hard, after a full 
 meal. Indeed many have sustained irreparable injury from 
 this cause. By the action of the diapliragm, the stomach 
 must be displaced and forced back in the belly by every 
 contraction of the diaphragm or act of inspiration ; then in 
 proportion to the fulness of the stomach will be the weight 
 to be overcome in breathing, and hence the increased labour 
 of the diaphragm, and consequently the exhaustion of tii3 
 anmial. Besides, if the stomach is very full, and conse- 
 quently distended, its weight may prevent it from being 
 forced sufficiently far back to allow ample room for the 
 necessary volume of air which the animal requires during a 
 state of exertion. Hence the short, frequent, and oppressed 
 breathing during rapid action, and which too often destroys 
 the animal. On a journey, a horse should therefore be fed 
 moderately and mure frequently than in a state of rest, 
 and care should be taken nr-t to allow liim too much 
 
 2 .\' 
 
274 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 water, which ought also to be given in small and frequent 
 quantities. 
 
 It would seem that Nature had wisely foreseen, that as 
 the horse was destined to be the servant of man, and to 
 render him more valuable and fitted for the labour that 
 would be required of him, it became necessary to diminish 
 the inconvenience and danger from pressure which would 
 necessarily accompany a large stomach, that the animal 
 should have one proportioned to the situation he was 
 destined to fill in creation. The great bulk and conse- 
 quent expenditure of his frame, require a large quantity 
 of food to be consumed to afi"ord nutriment. Yet the 
 stomach is wisely formed small, to prevent pressure as much 
 as possible ; and in addition it has the poAver of rapidly 
 decomposing the food, which speedily descends to a portion 
 of the intestine remote from the diaphragm, where the 
 pressure of the food cannot inconvenience him. Indeed 
 the whole of his digestive system is quick, and consequently 
 his food passes rapidly through him ; otherwise life never 
 could be sustained, considering the small proportional nutri- 
 ment contained in the ordinary food of the horse. 
 
 We shall now proceed to describe the several parts of the 
 stomach. The situation which the stomach occupies in the 
 abdomen will be seen by a reference to plate ix. fig. 2, b ; 
 and its general form and several parts are represented in 
 plate viii. fig. 4. 
 
 a, a. The mucous or villous portion of the stomach in which the 
 
 food is chiefly digested, or converted into a soft and pulpy 
 substance. It extends over that portion of the stomach left 
 unoccupied by the cuticular part. It is of a yellowish cast, 
 inclining to red in some places. 
 
 b. b. Is that portion of the stomach which is covered by cuticle or 
 
 insensible skin. This cuticular substance is of the same 
 nature as the lining of the oesophagus, with which, indeed, at 
 
THE STOMACn. 275 
 
 the cardia it is continuous Numerous small openings are 
 visible upon its inner surface, through which issues a mucous 
 fluid, the product of follicular glands underneath, which is 
 useful in the process of digestion, and where it may be said 
 properly to commence. This is called the gastric juice, which 
 mixes with the food already softened, and converts it into that 
 fluid substance called chyme. 
 
 r. The margin which separates the cuticular from the villous 
 portions. 
 
 d. The entrance from the gullet into the stomach. The circular 
 lavers of muscles which invest this part are very strong and 
 thick. By their powerful contractions they assist in rendering 
 it difficult for the food to be returned or even vomited. This 
 orifice is called the cardiac orifice, in consequence of its con- 
 tiguity to the heart. It is constantly closed by strong muscular 
 fibres, except when the food is passing through it into the 
 stomach. Although this assists materially in preventing the 
 return of the food, it is the construction of the soft palate 
 which mainly contributes to the prevention of vomiting in ihe 
 horse. 
 
 f. The oesophagus, or gullet, through which the food is conducted 
 from the pharynx into the stomach. It has its commencement 
 in the pharynx, and is there placed at the upper and back part 
 of the lai'ynx, the first part of its course being behind the 
 trachea, betw^een it and the cervical vertebrit. After proceed- 
 ino- a short way down, it inclines to the left, and soon after 
 makes its appearance altogether on the left side of the trachea. 
 and continues so in its passage down the neck. This will 
 explain what has puzzled many, why we look for the bolus 
 durinw the act of swallowing on the left, and not on the right 
 side of the animal. Accompanying the trachea, tlie oesophagus 
 enters the chest between the first two ribs, at which part, 
 runnino- above that tube, it diverges from the trachea, and in 
 connexion with the superior mediastinum, and traversing that 
 cavity a little way below and to the right of the aorta. 
 
 «. The communication between the stomach and the first intestine. 
 
 «. A small orifice through which a portion of the secretion of the 
 
 pancreas enters the intestines. Its direction will be seen by 
 
 the probe which is passed through it. The pancreas, oi,hei> 
 
276 MAiXUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 vise called the sweetbread, is a glandular body lying across 
 the spine in the epigastric region, underneath the crura of the 
 diaphragm, immediately behind and a little above the smal' 
 curvature of the stomach. 
 /, k. Two probes passed through the common orifice through which 
 the bile and the pancreatic secretion passjnto the first intestine. 
 The part wliere the two probes intersect each other mark the 
 spot where tliese tubes unite. 
 
 THE LIVER. 
 
 PLATE IX. Ficx. 2, a. 
 
 This orsran is situated between the stomach and the 
 diaphragm Its right is in contact with the duodenum and 
 the right kidney, and the middle and left divisions with the 
 stomach. It is confined in its place by means of what have 
 been termed its ligaments, which, with the exception of 
 one, are nothing more than elongations proceeding from the 
 peritoneum. The one attaching the right lobe to the 
 diaphragm is called the right ligament ; a similar one con- 
 necting the left lobe to it, the left ligament ; between the 
 diaphragm and its middle lobe, is the suspensory ligament ; 
 and immediately above that, surrounding the posterior veria 
 cava, is the coronary ligament ; and that within the folds ot 
 the suspensory ligament are the remains of the umbilical 
 vein. 
 
 in our description of the heart, at page 263, we mentioned 
 that the blood which is conducted to the different parts ol 
 the body by the arteries, is returned to the heart by the 
 veins. But that portion of the blood which is returued 
 from the stomach, intestines, pancreas, spleen, and mesen- 
 tery, instead of taking a direct course to the heart, passes 
 first through the liver. Two large vessels conduct it 
 thither, and as soon as they have entered its substance, 
 
THE 0MENT[7M — THE SPLEE.^^ 277 
 
 they spread out into innumerable minute branches, traversing 
 through every part of the liver. During the passage of the 
 blood through the liver, a fluid is separated from it, which 
 is called the bile. This is carried by the gall-duct, /, into 
 the duodenum, m, in such quantities as are required for 
 aiding digestion. The horse has no gall-bladder, and. 
 consequently, the bile flows into the duodenum, or first 
 intestine, m, immediately after it is separated from the 
 blood. As we have already mentioned, the stomach of the 
 horse is small in proportion to the quantity of food which 
 he must consume, and consequently must be much oftener 
 emptied ; and hence the necessity for uninterruDted flow of 
 bile to aid the process of digestion. 
 
 The diseases connected with the liver are inflammation 
 and jaundice, treated of at page 89. 
 
 THE OMENTUM, OR CAUL. 
 
 This is a doubling of the peritoneum, investing the lower 
 portion of the stomach, to the great curvature of which, and 
 to that portion of the colon which crosses the spine to form 
 the sigmoid flexure, or last turn, it is attached. The omen- 
 tum is small in the horse, and seldom contains much adipose 
 matter. It is situated between the intestines and walls of 
 the abdomen, to prevent concussion and injury during rapid 
 movements of the horse. See fig. 2, c. 
 
 THE SPLEEN. 
 
 This is situated on the left side of the stomach, fig. 2, e, 
 and between it and the short ribs, with the hinder cartilages 
 of which its margin beneath corresponds, so that if the 
 belly were pierced from the left side posteriorly to the last 
 rib, this organ would escape injury. It is attached to the 
 left half of the great curvature of the stomach, but the 
 
278 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 chief portion of it lies behind and rather above the stomach. 
 Its anterior end comes in contact with the left lobe of the 
 liver ; its posterior is connected to the left kidney, and con- 
 cealed by the convolutions of the colon. The particular 
 use of the spleen has never been yet satisfactorily ascer- 
 tained. 
 
 Great enlargement and also rupture of the spleen has 
 been noticed after the death of horses ; but nothing is 
 known of the causes nor the symptoms which indicate 
 disease of this organ. 
 
 THE PANCREAS. 
 
 This organ is situated between the stomach and left 
 kidney. It lies across the spine, within the epigastric 
 region, underneath the crura of the diaphragm, immediately 
 behind and a little above the small curvature of the stomach. 
 Its structure bears a strong resemblance to that of the 
 salivary glands, contiguous to the mouth, and secretes a 
 fluid very much resembling common saliva. This fluid is 
 conducted into the intestines by a duct, which enters at the 
 same aperture with that which proceeds from the liver. 
 There is every reason to believe that this fluid aids diges- 
 tion, but in what way has not been ascertained. 
 
 THE DIAPHRAGM, OR MIDRIFF. 
 
 The cavity of the chest consists of two compartments, 
 and the division or separating wall between which is called 
 the diaphragm, as more fully described, page 270. See 
 fig. 2, i, i, and fig. 1, h. 
 
 THE KIDNEYS. 
 
 These are two somewhat oval, reddish-coloured bodies, 
 which occupy the back part of the abdomen, and are 
 
THE KIDXEVS. 279 
 
 situated under the loins. Their form is like that of a 
 kidney bean. The right kidney lies most forward, and is 
 placed under the liver ; the left one lies more backward, 
 rather behind the stomach and spleen. They lie behind 
 and are concealed by the intestines, consequently upon 
 dissection they are not visible until the intestines are 
 removed, as will be seen by plate ix., fig. 1. In fig. 2 these 
 are removed, and the kidneys, d, d, are exposed, as well as 
 other organs which occupy the chest and abdomen. The 
 chief function of the kidneys is the secretion of the urine, 
 and carrying off an ingredient which enters into its com- 
 position, called the urea, a substance which, if allowed to 
 circulate with the fluids, vv^ould prove poisonous. To each 
 of the kidneys a large artery runs, which conducts nearly a 
 sixth part of the blood of the body to them. These branch 
 off into innumerable minute fibres, which ramify ever}'- 
 portion of the substance of the kidney, and by this means 
 the watery portions are separated from the blood, and con- 
 ducted to the bladder. The urine varies more in its quan- 
 tity and quality in the horse than in any other animal witli 
 whicli we are acquainted, and hence the necessity of attend- 
 ing to its appearance and composition during disease ; 
 because attention to this enables the veterinarian to detect 
 the disease, and also to judge the quantity of medicine 
 which may prove beneficial to the animal. In the applica- 
 tion of these much good or much evil may be tlie result. 
 Ignorant ostlers, seeing the effects of nitre in promoting 
 staling and also in purifying the urine, are too prone to use 
 it with indiscretion. These diuretic medicines, if used in 
 too great quantities, stimulate the kidneys to separate more 
 of the watery fluid than they do in a natural and healthy 
 condition, and the effect is to lessen tlie quantity of blood. 
 Although this property in nitre is advantageous in many 
 
2S0 MANUAL OF MODEES FARRIERY 
 
 disorders where the heart is burdened by the pressure 
 required to force the blood forward through the arteries "in 
 inflammatory complaints, it is easy to see that taken in 
 too great quantities, or too frequently, may not only render 
 it too thin, but also deficient in quantity. 
 
 Diuretic medicines are of much value in many diseases. 
 For example, in swellings of the legs the use of diuretics 
 have the effect of carrying off — as we have above shown — a 
 greater than ordinary quantity of the watery portion of the 
 blood. Nature has always a tendency to keep in equili- 
 brium all her machinery and laws ; consequently, the 
 absorbent vessels are stimulated to greater action in order 
 to compensate for this waste, and take up and convey into 
 the circulation that portion of the fluid which had affected 
 the limbs. In short, many horses are so predisposed to 
 swelling of the limbs, that it is impossible to render them 
 fine without the use of diuretics. We shall treat this part 
 more fully in our chapter on medicines ; but we may in the 
 meantime offer the following precautions in the use of 
 diuretics. First, let the horse have as much drink as he 
 will take, as this will promote the urinary evacuations. 
 Secondly, the stable should be kept cool, and the clothing 
 thin ; because, if this is not attended to, the medicine given 
 to stimulate the kidneys will pass off by perspiration, and 
 the effect intended will be thus frustrated. It is a law of 
 the animal economy that when the skin gives off perspira- 
 tion, the action of the kidneys is reduced. 
 
 Turpentine is an excellent diuretic. It may be given 
 in liquid, or made into balls with lintseed-meal and 
 half-a-drachm of ginger, formed with palm-oil. Half-an- 
 ounce of turpentine is a sufl&cient dose to be given at a 
 time ; but where fever exists, nitre or digitalis should be 
 administered. 
 
THE BTADDKK. 281 
 
 THE BLADDER. 
 
 PLATE IX. Fig. 2, k 
 
 The bladder occupies the middle and lower portion of 
 the pelvis. In its imdistended condition it is wholly con- 
 fined to the cavity of the pelvis ; but when full, its fundus 
 advances before the pubes into the abdomen, the advance- 
 ment being in ratio with the degree of distention. It is 
 pretty nearly pear-shaped. 
 
 "We have described how the urine is separated from the 
 blood, when treating of the kidneys. The urine which is 
 separated is discharged by these minute vessels into larger 
 ones, which terminate in the kidney, which is termed its 
 pelvis, and from thence led into the ureter duct, n, n, to the 
 bladder, h, which we have represented distended with urine. 
 The urine is constantly secreted and flows continually from 
 the kidneys through the ureter ducts. It is this elastic 
 property of the bladder which enables animals to retain the 
 urine beyond the time which it is filled to its unstretched 
 capacity, and prevents that constant flow which would be 
 the result but for this beautiful provision. 
 
 The bladder is provided with three coats. The outer 
 one covers the greater portion of it, and is a part of the 
 peritoneum ; the muscular coat consists of two layers of 
 fibres ; the external running longitudinally, and the inner 
 circularly, which enables it to yield to the pressure of the 
 urine as the cavity fills, and again contract to a small size 
 when emptied. This contractile property also assists in 
 expelling the urine from the bladder. The inner or mucous 
 coat is white, soft in its texture, and highly organized. It 
 possesses numerous follicles, or little glands, from Avhose 
 excretory pores issue a plentiful mucous secretion, to defend 
 
 2o 
 
282 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 it from the acrimonj of the saline and other matters con- 
 tained in the urine ; this mucous matter being perpetually 
 washed off from the surface of the inner coat bj the urine, 
 is kept constantly renewed, and it is sometimes voided in 
 considerable quantities. When this is the case, it may be 
 apprehended that the urine is unusually acrid, or that 
 calculi or other irritable matter is within the bladder. 
 About an inch before the cervix or neck of the bladder, in 
 the sides of the bag, the orifices of the ureters are placed, 
 which enter the bladder in an oblique direction, and prevent 
 anv reflux of the urine at the time the bag is contracting, 
 and which gives them the property of valves. The bladder 
 terminates in a small neck, round which is a powerful 
 muscle, which keeps the passage closed and retains tht 
 urine until the animal wishes to expel it ; or when the 
 bladder contains a certain quantity of fluid, the muscular 
 coat contracts, and, the lungs being filled with air, the 
 diaphragm is rendered convex towards the intestines, and 
 they are by that means pressed upon the bladder, and by 
 their united powers the fluid is forced through the sphincter 
 muscle at the neck of the bladder and escapes. We have 
 described the disorders to which the bladder is liable at 
 page 93. 
 
 THE INTESTINES. 
 
 The intestines are cylindrical tubes of very unequal 
 dimensions, forming one continued but convoluted canal 
 from the lower orifice of the stomach to the anus, in which 
 the process of digestion, begun in the stomach, is completed 
 and ultimately expelled in the form of fjBces. 
 
 The abdominal viscera, taken collectively, cannot be said 
 to occupy any particular region of the belly, for they are 
 spread chiefly over the lower portions of it ; immediately 
 
THE IIVTESTINES. 283 
 
 supported bj the abdominal muscles, and one or more of 
 them are found in every portion of the cavity of the belly, 
 and collectively fill nearly its whole space. 
 
 The length of the intestines of the horse of full dimen- 
 sions is ninety feet, or between eight and nine times the 
 length of his body. Those of man are about sixty feet 
 long, or six times the length of the body. 
 
 The food having been partially digested in the stomach, 
 and converted into a substance called chyme, passes throuo-h 
 the pyloric orifices into the intestines. The length of the 
 intestines in animals bears a proportion according to tlie 
 nature of the food. The nutritive portion of vegetables is 
 extracted with much more difficulty than with animal 
 substances, and hence the necessity of the alimentary canal 
 being much longer and more complicated in the horse and 
 other animals which feed upon vegetables. This viscera 
 is divided into the small and large intestines, from the 
 latter exceeding in volume the former. Each of these is 
 subdivided into three parts, all of which are composed of 
 three coats ; the first, or external one, is called the peri- 
 toneal ; the second, or middle, the muscular ; and the 
 third, or internal, the villous or mucous coat. 
 
 The peritoneal coat is a covering continued from the 
 peritoneum itself, which includes the mesentric vessels and 
 nerves in its course to the intestines, and connects them tc 
 the spine, to one another, and to otlier viscera. It inti- 
 mately adt eres by fine cellular tissue to the muscular coat 
 underneatli. It serves to strengthen tlie tubes, and to 
 furnish a lubricating serous perspiration, which renders the 
 membrane smooth and moist, and serves to prevent all 
 friction and concussion By the aid of this coat the bowels 
 a.re confined in their proper situations. If the intestines 
 were allowed to float loosely in the abdomen, they would 
 
284 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 be liable to constant entanglement and injury by jolting 
 during the rapid and violent motions which the horse is 
 subjected to. 
 
 The middle, or muscular coat, like that of the stomach, 
 is composed of two kinds of fibres, one of which is longi- 
 tudinal, just under the peritoneum, and stronger circular 
 fibres are situate more inwardly. In consequence of these 
 combined actions the intestine may be contracted in all 
 directions. It is by the action of the circular fibres that 
 the aliment is gradually forced through the intestines. 
 
 The villous, or mucous coat — so named from its surface 
 being studded with small glands Avhich give out a mucous 
 fluid to lubricate the coating, and sheaths and defends it 
 from acrimonious or mechanical irritation of the aliment, and 
 also to facilitate its passage through the intestine. It is also 
 crowded with innumerable small apertures, which are the 
 mouths of minute vessels, by which the nutritial portion of 
 the food is absorbed, and which is ultimately conveyed into 
 the circulation and distributed through every part of the 
 body. 
 
 Having given an account of the structure and appearance 
 of the intestines generally, we shall now enter into their 
 peculiarities. 
 
 PLATE VIII. Fig. 5. 
 
 This gives a general view of the appearance of the belly 
 with the intestines, as they are presented without any of 
 them being removed, the skin of the abdomen only cut 
 open and thrown back so as to expose the viscera. 
 
 a, a, a, a. The colon, which in the horse is a gut of enormous size, 
 being the longest and most capacious of the large intestines 
 Such is its capacity, that it will contain about twelve gallons 
 of water. The course and figure of this intestine are peculiar. 
 \t beoins at the head of the colon, and expands into a cavitv 
 
THE miESTINES. 285 
 
 larc^er in dimensions than the stomach itself; it tlien begins to 
 contract, and continues to do so gradually until it has com- 
 pleted its second convolution round the caecum, or blind 
 gut, where its dimensions are not more than one of the small 
 intestines. 
 
 k. The CEecum, or blind gi:t, which is the first subdivision of the 
 large intestines, originating in a large capacious receptacle, 
 called the cacum caput coli, or blind head of the colon, from 
 which it extends downward and terminates in a blind extre- 
 mity. The CEecum differs from all the other intestines in 
 havino- but one opening into it, so that all the substances which 
 enter into it must reascend into the caput coli, in order to be 
 carried through the intestine. The exterior parts are braced 
 by three longitudinal bands, and puckered by them into three 
 sets of cells internally, which will be better understood by a 
 reference to plate ix. fig. 3. 
 
 <?. A portion of the mesentery. Tt is a duplicature of the peri- 
 toneum, which bears this appellation. The colon is attached 
 in like manner to the bone by a production of the same mem- 
 brane, called the mesocolon, and the rectum is kept in its place 
 by a similar reflection, called the mesorectum. 
 d, e, Are portions of the small intestine. 
 
 /. The beginning of the colon. 
 
 g. The rectum. As soon as the colon has reached the basis of 
 the sacrum, it ends, and it then assumes the name of rectum, 
 being to a certain extent straight ; however, it is not perfectly 
 so, as it follows the curve of the bone. It terminates by a 
 larcre extremity, called the anus. The rectum will hold about 
 three sallons of water or fluid matter. The outer extremity is 
 furnished with a circular muscle, called the sphincter ani, the 
 use of which is to keep the anus closed, to retain the feculent 
 matter until so much of it be accumulated in the rectum as to 
 excite a desire to discharge it. 
 
 PLATE IX. Fig. 1. 
 
 This figure is intended to display the relative situations 
 of the principal organs, with only part of the intestinal 
 canal. These lie exteriorly to other important viscera 
 
286 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 a, a, a. The different lobes of the lungs, already described, page 259. 
 Its vessels are seen upon its surface. 
 b. The pericardium, or bag which surrounds the heart. 
 c The heart. 
 d,d,d. The colon, already described in plate viii. fig. 5, a, a, a, a. 
 e. The ligamentous bands of the colon, which pucker it into 
 folds. 
 /,/,/,/. The ribs. 
 
 g. The sternum, or breast-bone, removed from its junction witli 
 the ribs, and thrown back to exhibit the contents of the chest 
 beneath. 
 h. The diaphragm, already described, page 270. 
 i,i,i,i. The skin thrown back, to show the contents of the chest. 
 j. One of the small intestines. 
 k. The ensiform, or sabre-shaped cartilage. 
 /, /, /. The neck. 
 
 m. The situation of the trachsea, or windpipe. 
 
 PLATE IX. Fig 2. 
 
 The chief organs represented in this figure are principally 
 hidden by those described in the last figure. 
 
 a. Lobe of the liver. 
 
 b. The stomach, described at page 272. 
 
 c. The omentum, or caul, described at page 277. 
 dy d. The kidneys, described at page 278. 
 
 e. The spleen, described at page 277. 
 
 f. The uterus, or womb, which is a hollow membranous organ, 
 united to the anterior part of the vagina, and in the mare is of 
 a striking and peculiar form. Its body spreads out anteriorly 
 into two horn-like processes. The vagina resembles a bottle, 
 and the uterial portion is like a head and neck. This is in 
 the female which has never been fecundated. But during the 
 period of gestation the womb is almost incredibly augmented 
 in size, and never afterwards resumes either its identical form 
 or virgin state of contraction. 
 
 g, g. The ovaries. These are two egg-shaped bodies, situated a 
 little further forward than the fallopian tubes, within the cavity 
 of the abdomen. They are the female testicles, and are about 
 the siae of walnuts. 
 
THE INTESTINES. 287 
 
 h. Part of the rectum. 
 /, i The diaphragm. 
 
 A-. The bladder, distended with urine to show its dimensions and 
 form. 
 
 /. The gall-duct. 
 
 m The duodenum takes its rise from the right extremity of the 
 stomach^ — being the first of the small intestines — and soon 
 after forms a curvature around the head of the pancreas, 
 having the liver above and the great arch of the colon below it. 
 When it reaches the concave part of the liver, it makes a 
 sudden turn backward, and becomes attached to the riirht 
 kidney ; then crosses the spine, between the roots of the me- 
 sentery and mesocolon and left side, where it assumes tlie 
 name of jejunum. The duodenum receives the food which 
 has been converted into chyme by the digestive power of the 
 stomach, and in this gut is converted into chyle. It is mixed 
 with the bile and the secretion from the pancreas, which enter 
 into this intestine about five inches down from its ornin. The 
 bile appears to be the principal agent in this change, for no 
 sooner does it enter into combination with the chyme, than the 
 fluid begins to separate into two distinct ingredients, namely, 
 the Ihick white liquid termed chyle — which is the nutritive 
 portion of the food — and a yellow pulpy substance, which 
 becomes excrement. A more perfect separation of these sub- 
 stances takes place further on in the intestines, the chyle is 
 sucked up by the mouths of the numerous small vessels called 
 the lacteals, leaving the excrement alone. 
 
 The next part of the small intestine which follows the 
 duodenum is the jejunum, through which the food passes 
 with great rapidity, for it is generally found quite empty in 
 the dead subject. It is paler in colour and less in calibre, 
 and also much longer than tlie duodenum, 
 
 The next intestine is the ileum, which is the longest of 
 all the intestines, and forms the greater part of the convo- 
 luted tube, which lies chiefly in the umbilical region. The 
 small intestines altogether will contain about eleven gallons 
 of fluid. 
 
288 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 That part of the food which has not been taken up by 
 the lact(3als and absorbents in its course through the small 
 intestines, passes through the valvular opening of the ileum, 
 the fluid portion of it finds its way into the colon, and the 
 rest enters into the cascum. Here it seems to remain a 
 considerable time, in order that the nutriment may be 
 extracted from it. This blind pouch is plentifully supplied 
 with bloodvessels and absorbents, which perform their office 
 of carrying off the nutritive portion. 
 
 Horses will frequently drink more at a time than the 
 stomach is capable of containing. It does not, however, 
 remain in it, but passes on to the csecum, which acts as 
 a reservoir in time of need. This organ will contain four 
 gallons of fluid. 
 
 n,n,n. The aorta descends in both cavities. 
 o. The vena cava descends. 
 p,p. The emulgent veins, which empty their blood into the vena 
 
 cava. 
 cj, q. The emulgent arteries, emanating from the aorta. 
 ?•, r. The spermatic arteries and veins, which are united by a cellular 
 
 substance, soon after their origin is distributed to the ovaria. 
 5, 5. The ureters, whicli have their origni in the kidneys, and are 
 
 inserted into the upper part of the bladder. 
 t, t. The iliac vessels, which are bifurcations of the aoi-ta and 
 
 vena cava. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 OF THE SKIN AND ITS DISEASES. 
 
 The skin of the horse consists of three parts, difi'ering in 
 appearance from each other, namely, the cutis, or true 
 
THE CUTICLE. 289 
 
 skin ; the cuticle, epidermis, or scarf-skin ; and the rcfco- 
 niucosum. 
 
 THE CUTICLE . 
 
 Is placed externally ; it is very thin and somewhat trans- 
 parent and tough. In the living animal this may bo proved 
 by application of a blister : serum is effused from the 
 exhalents of the cutis, and the cuticle becomes elevated by 
 it in the form of small pellucid bladders. This membrane 
 is continually growing, and the scales which are brushed 
 out in grooming are scaly portions of the cuticle. 
 
 The cuticle seems to be composed of very thin flexible 
 scales, somewhat resembling the scales of a fish, and similar 
 to them in arrangement. The cuticle is produced by the 
 true skin, and is perforated by both its exhalent and absorbent 
 pores. In almost all parts of the body the cuticle is thickly 
 clothed with hair, but that of the nose, the lips, and the 
 interior of the ear, the borders of the eyelids, and the inside of 
 the superior portion of the thighs, is naked ; and in all those 
 places is thinner in substance than on the other parts, which 
 are invested with hair. The colour of the cuticle is the same 
 in all horses, whatever be their hue. But it is a known 
 fact that the skin of the silver grey Arabian horse is of a 
 bluish black ; but wdiether this colour is in the cuticle or in 
 the rete-mucosum I have not yet been enabled to discover. 
 
 The epidermis is everywhere perforated by minute holes, 
 corresponding in situation, size, and number to those of the 
 cutis. First, there are the pores for the hairs ; secondly, 
 the perspiratory, or exhalent pores ; thirdly, the absorbent, 
 or inhalent pores ; and lastly, larger-sized pores, througii 
 which unctuous secretions in various parts are emitted. 
 The cuticle is destitute of both nerves and vessels, and 
 consequently devoid of sensibility. 
 
 2p 
 
 ^ 
 
290 .WANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY, 
 
 THE CUTIS. 
 
 This is the true skin, or that portion which is converted 
 into leather, and lies immediately under the scarf-skin. It 
 reaches over every part of the animal. It is attached to 
 the under parts by the cellular membrane, and in some 
 places fits so tensely that it is incapable of motion of any 
 kind. In other situations it is more loose and can be pulled 
 into folds ; about the forehead, the back, and near the hock 
 and pasterns, it is so tightly braced that it is hardly 
 possible to pinch up a part of it between the finger and 
 thumb ; upon the sides of the face, neck, ribs, along the 
 flanks, front of the chest, and upon the arms and thighs, it 
 is more easily folded. In the blood-horse it is thin and 
 highly sensitive ; while in the cart-horse, it is much thicker, 
 and far less sensible ; and is liable to considerable variation 
 in different breeds. The texture of the hair seems to 
 depend in a great measure upon that of the cutis, for we 
 find that of the thick-skinned black horse much coarser 
 than in the racer and other high-bred varieties. It is 
 a rare thing to meet with a black thoroughbred horse. 
 
 The skin is beautifully adapted for giving strength as 
 well as a protection to the muscles ; for we find in those 
 parts that require to be firmly bound together, such as the 
 bones of the knees, the pasterns and tendons of the limbs, 
 it adheres with such tenacity that it cannot be raised from 
 those places ; thus acting the part of a powerful ligature 
 to the parts which are subjected to the greatest degree of 
 stress ; and in those situations where being tight would 
 interfere with the action of the horse, it is loose. 
 
 The cutis is of a strong fibrous texture, very tough, yet 
 supple, elastic, very vascular, and sensitive. Its fibres are 
 curiously interwoven in almost every direction, and so inter- 
 
THE CUTI3. 291 
 
 laced as to give great strength to its texture, making it 
 almost impenetrable by a knife in the living animal, and 
 possessing extreme elasticity. It is this quality which 
 adapts it so closely to the animal, whether he is plump and 
 muscular, or reduced to skin and bone. In man, and most 
 other animals, where from disease a great reduction of the 
 muscular fibre has taken place, the skin becomes loose and 
 shrivelled. It owes this great elasticity to the innumerable 
 larger and smaller glands which penetrate its entire sub- 
 stance, and furnish that unctuous matter, preserving the 
 skin soft and pliable, and maintains that greasy moisture 
 ^vhich its surface ever possesses, giving that beautiful sleek 
 appearance to the hair. When the animal gets out of 
 condition, and the skin is diseased, then the coat assumes a 
 rough appearance, the hairs refuse to lie down, and it if 
 then said that the coat stares. 
 
 The skin at the bend of the knee and hock is bountifully 
 supplied with this mucous matter to give them suppleness, 
 and to preserve from friction those parts which are subjected 
 to such constant and active movements. Sometimes this 
 secretion exceeds the quantity necessary for the due action 
 of the parts, and from want of attention and cleanliness 
 becomes inspissated, and collects about those parts : and, 
 if this hardness is permitted to remain, it will become a 
 watery sore, which will terminate in lameness, stifi'ness, and 
 pain in the joint when the animal bends it. When this ls* 
 situated in the bend of the knee, it is termed mallenders, 
 and when it is seated in front of the hock-joint, it is called 
 sallendcrs, complaints which we have described at page 132. 
 If these complaints are attended to in their early stage, 
 nothing more will be required than to cleanse the part from 
 the scurf or scab Avhich it produces by soaking it in hot 
 water, and carefully washing it every day with a sponge and 
 
292 MAKUAL OF IIOPERN FARRIERY, 
 
 some astringent mixed with the water, such as a small 
 portion of vinegar. 
 
 The skin of the heel has numerous glandular pores, 
 through wliich the unctuous secretion oozes ; and sometimes 
 these are undulv excited, and this matter becomes altered 
 in its substance and odour, and produces that disease called 
 grease, described at page 144, and which in some instances 
 proves somewhat difficult to cure. 
 
 The cutis, when destroyed by anj means, does not 
 regenerate quickly. . Great care should therefore be taken 
 not to allow any portion of it to be broken. ]\Iany think 
 that it is of little consequence for horses to have the skin 
 of their back rubbed off by friction from a saddle. Such 
 parts as have lost their cutis have it but slowly reproduced ; 
 and even when it has been restored, its vital power is 
 much weaker than it originally was ; for, although it ap- 
 pears at first to be very vascular, its vessels after a time 
 either shrink in calibre, or some of them become altogether 
 obliterated It invariably happens that when horses have 
 had fistulas or saddle-galls, they are always more disposed 
 to subsequent injury in those parts. 
 
 THE RETE MUCOSUM. 
 
 The third part of the skin consists of a membrane which 
 bears this name ; it is a fine, delicate, laminated tissue, 
 interposed between • the cutis and the cuticle. The skin 
 takes its colour from this membrane. It is from this mem- 
 brane being black in the negro that he takes his dark 
 colour ; for dissection has proved that his cuticle when 
 separated from this membrane is as white as that of a 
 European. Its use appears to afibrd protection to the 
 delicate vessels of the nerves from outward injuries. 
 
PORES OF THE SKIIT. 203 
 
 PORES OF THE SKIN. 
 
 The skin exhibits an infinity of pores over its entire 
 surface, and probably tlie whole of these transmit hah's. 
 There are also numerous others, smaller and less perceptible, 
 which are called perspiratory pores, from their emitting an 
 imperceptible vapour, denominated the insansihle perspira- 
 tion, the sensible perspiration being what is ordinarily called 
 sweat. The situation of these pores is rendered manifest 
 by the condensation and collection of this exhalation. But 
 these pores can be rendered visible by maceration, or putre- 
 faction in the dead animal. Besides these there is another 
 set of pores, of larger dimensions, more discernible than 
 others in some places, which are the mouths of follicles. 
 These are of large size in the nose, for the secretion of 
 mucus ; and the tubes of the ears have many of them for 
 the passage of the waxy matter ; and all the portions of the 
 skin which are liable to friction are numerously provided 
 with them, Avhicli preserves it in a soft and pliable condition, 
 and produces that greasiness of feel which is constantly kept 
 up in the skin. 
 
 This process of perspiration in the horse cannot be so 
 controlled by the use of medicine as in the human being. 
 The visible perspiration can only be increased in a limited 
 degree in the horse, although we can in some measure lessen 
 profuse perspirations wdiich accompany the moult, disease 
 or want of condition. 
 
 The visible perspiration, as far as we know, cannot be 
 produced by any kind of medicine. Antimony and sulphur, 
 however, have considerable effect in opening the pores, and 
 and in a certain degree exciting the vessels to action. 
 
 There can be little doubt but the skin is furnished with 
 absorbent vessels, which take in any substance in a fluid 
 
294 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 state and conduct it into the circulation. "We have strong 
 proofs of this in the horse being more easily salivated than 
 man himself, as we have known a horse to be salivated by 
 rubbing a splint with mercurial ointment. 
 
 OF THE HAIR. 
 
 The hair of the horse is of two qualities : the one covering 
 the entire surface of the skin, called its coat, and which is 
 of a fine soft material ; and the other, which invests the 
 rido-e of the neck, crown of the head, and forms the tail, of 
 a coarser texture, and much lengthened. The foretop ap- 
 pears only formed as an ornament ; while the mane is a 
 protection to the neck during combat ; and the tail acts the 
 double purpose of an ornament, and as a switch to drive off 
 insects from its rear. The tufts of hair springing from the 
 fetlocks defend them from contusion, and also protects the 
 heels. The coat is of a uniform thickness all over the body, 
 excepting upon the inner parts of the thighs, under the 
 arms, &c. The coat varies in quality, colour, and length in 
 different breeds. The thoroughbred racer, the Arabian, 
 Barbs, and Turkish horses are remarkable for the short- 
 ness and sleekness of their coat ; while the cart-horse, the 
 Shetland pony, and horses of all northern climates, are 
 distinguished by the length, roughness, and coarseness of 
 their hair. The lighter the shade of colour, the finer the 
 hair ; and it has been found that in the chestnut and light 
 bay horses there are many more hairs in a square inch than 
 in black and other dark-coloured horses. 
 
 The coat is shed twice a year, in spring and autumn. In 
 a state of nature this commences with great regularity as to 
 time ; but in a state of domestication, this process is much 
 influenced by the temperature and stable management. 
 The hair of the mane and tail is never shed. Regeneration 
 
OF TUE HAIR. 295 
 
 of the hair is attended with a considerable expenditure of 
 nervous energy, and consequently the strength of the animal 
 during this process is affected, as well as his general health. 
 The horse at this time feels a general languor, and conse- 
 quently should not be subjected to violent exercise or hard 
 work. This weakness will invariably be manifested by 
 profuse perspiration when at work. Hard labour at these 
 periods frequently induces various complaints. 
 
 To facilitate the process of moulting, or changing the coat, 
 spices and other stimulants have been given to horses, which 
 no doubt has the effect of hastening the change ; but we 
 would prefer allowing nature to pursue its own course, as 
 there can be little doubt but these stimulants induce a 
 higher degree of fever at the time, and may bring on a 
 regular febrile attack. Gentle friction will be beneficial ; 
 but care should be taken not to abuse this. The curry- 
 comb should not be used at this time, the brush only should 
 be had recourse to, and that applied with caution. Moderate 
 exercise and warmer clothing ought to be adopted during the 
 biannual moult. 
 
 The slightest attention to the subject will easily convince 
 any one of the altered state of an animal during shedding 
 the hair. It will be found that at this time there is always 
 an increased pulse, redness of the nose, and heat of the 
 mouth, unusual in the healthy condition. Hence it is 
 evident that everything exciting should be avoided. Many 
 grooms are in the habit of giving the animal cordials and 
 stimulants, mistaking fibrile excitement fur debility. The 
 following alterative will be found beneficial : — 
 
 Digitalis ... 1 drachm, 
 Nitre . . .2-^ drachms, 
 
 Emetic tartar . . 1 drachm, 
 Aloes . . 1 g drachm. 
 
296 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 The stable- clothing should be warmer, the usual quantity 
 of food should be diminished, and bran-mashes given instead 
 of hard food. 
 
 CLIPPING. 
 
 It is an utter absurdity to denude the animal of its 
 natural quantity of clothing. It has been a practice to clip 
 hunters, so that the coat of the animal may sooner dry after 
 a long run ; but there is less danger to be apprehended 
 from the longer coat, although it does not thoroughly dry^ 
 than when the short hair of the clipped animal exposes the 
 overheated skin to the chilling effects of a frosty atmo- 
 sphere, and thus during pauses from exercise the horse 
 must suffer severely from cold, and besides is liable to be 
 attacked by inflammation. 
 
 I am aware that many persons of much experience will 
 differ with me in what I have said upon this subject. 
 Waiving my objections, it must be admitted that the skin 
 of the animal will dry much sooner after hard labour when 
 he has a thin coat, and undoubtedly much labour will be 
 saved to the groom, which is of material consequence. It 
 has been said that horses which have short hair feed much 
 sooner after a hard run than those which have a long and 
 rough coat ; and then when once it is dried, there is less 
 chance of its afterwards breaking out into a sweat. 
 
 SINGEING. 
 
 Many ajjprove and recommend this operation, and by a 
 little practice it can be singed nearly as close as in clipping. 
 The instrument used is a piece of iron, about four inches 
 wide at the extremity, made in the form of a Dutch-hoe, 
 and inserted into a handle six or eight inches long. Some 
 wick-cotton must be rolled round the bar at the bottom of 
 
COLOFB OF THE HAIR, 297 
 
 tb8 instrument as evenly as possible. It must then, be dipped 
 in naphtha and liglited, and drawn gently over the coat U 
 the horse, taking care not to go too deep at once, but 
 repeating it frequently until the hair be burnt as close to 
 the skin as possible. During this operation a blunt table- 
 knife must be held in the left hand, with which to scrape 
 out the flame from time to time, to preveno it burning 
 too deep in any part, as well as to preserve the skin from 
 being blistered. The singed hair must always be scraped 
 carefully ofi' before the flame be re-applied. The same part 
 should not be singed several times in succession without 
 allowing it to cool thoroughly, otherwise great irritation and 
 fever may be induced. In singeing the neck, the mane 
 must be turned to the opposite side to that which it is 
 intended to burn, and a wet brush should be passed over 
 the roots of it, to prevent the flame running over it. We 
 would recommend that the operation of singeing should 
 not be done all at one time, but by degrees on several 
 successive davs. 
 
 COLOUR OF THE HAIR. 
 
 Fashion too frequently regulates the prevailing colour of 
 horses, because, as we have already observed, the colour of 
 the coat is dependent upon chemical action, and conse- 
 quently the constitution of the animal is connected with it. 
 It will be found that there is also a sympathy between tlie 
 colour of the hair and that of the eyes. The three primi- 
 tive colours in the horse are white, red, and black ; and all 
 the intermediate shades are modifications of these. ]\Iilk- 
 white horses have very often wall-eyes, while blacks have 
 dark liazel, and cliestnut brown, varying in intensity witli 
 the depth of colour. 
 
 Black horses have in general excel lent constitutluns. In 
 
 2ii 
 
298 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 Lincolnshire mucli attention has been paid to the purity of 
 their large and stately blacks. Thej are peculiarly well 
 adapted for waggons and other heavy machines, but are 
 defective in point of activity. In the above and adjoining 
 counties considerable attention has been devoted to a smaller 
 breed of blacks, for the purpose of cavalry horses. The/ 
 are remarkable for their high action, a quality which, how- 
 ever valuable in a draught- horse, is objectionable in a road- 
 ster, their paces being disagreeable. Few racers or hunters 
 of character have been knowL of this colour. 
 
 Of all the colours, bays have been the best in this 
 country. They are liable to many modifications of shade. 
 Tho'^e which have no white about them, and whose limbs 
 are black from the knees and the hocks to the feet, are the 
 most desirable to possess, having in general good constitu- 
 tions, and also well-formed feet. When they verge into 
 the bay-brown, they are not so showy, nor is their action so 
 good ; but they will be found to be hardy, durable, and 
 useful. They possess more substance than the lighter 
 coloured bays, and have a greater depth of leg. If they 
 happen to be high-bred, they will generally turn out good. 
 
 There are three varieties of chestnuts. The lightest red, 
 which is denominated sorrel, have too frequently white 
 about either their feet or face. In general they are found 
 to be light in the carcase, and possessing delicate constitu- 
 tions, and for the most part are hot-tempered Many of 
 them, although light in the figure and tolerably well formed, 
 are nevertheless totally devoid of good breeding, and cer- 
 tainly incapable of endurance. If we have a predilection 
 for chestnut, which is undoubtedly a showy colour, we must 
 look to the lighter coloured horses with less of the red, and 
 tending more to the bay or brown. The action of these 
 horses is generally pleasant, but sometimes possessing irri- 
 
COLOUR OF THE HAIR 299 
 
 tabic leni})ers. Tliej are, liowever, considered rather con- 
 stiiutioiially weak. Tiie darlc cliestnut possesses a finely- 
 moulded form, \Yitli well-rounded quarters, although the legs 
 have a tendency to be rather fine Tiiis horse is capable of 
 great endurance, and possesses a healthy constitution. His 
 temper will be found fiery and high. Small feet are fre- 
 quently met with accompanying this colour, and which are 
 generally disposed to contraction. 
 
 Snow-white liorses are now seldom to be met with, 
 although at one time they were very common ; I mean, 
 tdose which are white in their earliest years ; as light grey 
 animals soon become white, especially those which have 
 dark-coloured joints. 
 
 The silver-grey is now not common, but they are in 
 general high-bred, and of undoubted descent from the 
 Arabian or Barb. Their height seldom exceeds fourteen 
 and a half hands ; (which is the ordinary size of their pro- 
 genitors ;) with a well-rounded body, firmly knit, light legs, 
 oblique pasterns, and high shoulders. They are active and 
 fleet, fitted for hard work, and possessing excellent health 
 Their action and appearance peculiarly fit theiri for tiie use 
 of the ladies. 
 
 The iron-grey is a larger horse than the above, generally 
 higher in the withers, with a thinner body, flatter chest, 
 and more angular in all his proportions, witli his legs often 
 too long. They are showy horses, and well adapted for a 
 carriage. In some instances they make good hunters, and 
 are useful as roadsters, being capable of greater endurance 
 than would be expected from the flatness of their chests. 
 They are, however, found often to have a tendency to 
 contraction of the feet, and hence lameness. 
 
 The dappled grey is usually r. well-formed and active 
 horse, and divested of all the angular })oints which charac- 
 
300 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 terize the iron-grej. They look remarkably well in harness, 
 and are showy as hackneys. When these horses are high- 
 bred, which is mostly the case, they are not only handsome, 
 but also active. If they are dark-coloured when young, 
 thev seldom or never become white, but retain their dap- 
 pling and fine rusty colour for life. Formerly, this breed 
 were heavy animals, but their form has been materially 
 improved by the admixture of foreign blood. 
 
 The dun is a hardy kind, and especially if it is of the 
 smaller or galloway size. Some of the best hackneys which 
 I have known were of this colour. If of the paler dun, 
 they are particularly well adapted for the phaeton of a lady. 
 I have seen duns with a good deal of blood possessing very 
 great activity. It is, however, curious that the larger horses 
 of this colour, unless high-bred, are conspicuous for their 
 want of action. 
 
 Roans, although frequently showy animals, are not re- 
 markable for activity nor for constitution. Their delicate 
 habits seem to give them an elasticity of joint which 
 renders their paces easy, and they are therefore well 
 adapted for ladies. This variety is very apt to have 
 white legs and feet, and they are top frequently weak in 
 -consequence. 
 
 The cream-coloured steeds are a breed originally imported 
 from Hanover, where they have for a very long period been 
 bred as horses for the royal stud. There is a marked pecu- 
 liarity in this breed : possessing a large yet perfectly well- 
 formed carcase, with a beautifully arched crest, the action is 
 graceful and dignified, which peculiarly fits them for the 
 state-carriage of a monarch. The pupil of these horses is 
 red, and the eyeball or iris white, so that they are true 
 albinos. Their constitution is delicate, and they are in- 
 capable of great exertion and endurance. 
 
HIDE-BOUND. 301 
 
 Tlie pied horse is in many instances an attractive animal, 
 although seldom used as a riding-horse. If more than half- 
 bred and well matched, they are showy in a carriage. They 
 are, however, liable to have white legs and feet, points not 
 desirable in any horse. 
 
 HIDE-BOUND. 
 
 Symptoms. — This complaint consists of an alteration in 
 the substance of the skin, proceeding from a hardness and 
 unyieldingness of texture, in consequence of the want of 
 the ordinary oily secretion on its surface, as well as in its 
 whole parts. The skin to the touch has a dry and rigid 
 feel, which proceeds from a Avant of energy in the vessels of 
 the skin, rendering them unfit to perform their functions, 
 and indeed in the vessels of the stomach and bowels, which 
 must affect those of the whole system. 
 
 This rigidity of the cuticle naturally causes a dryness in 
 the scales which cover it ; and these being separated in all 
 directions, turn the hairs in that irregular manner, and 
 produce the rough, uneven coat, wliich is termed staring, 
 always indicating a want of condition in the animal. This 
 complaint may rather be considered as the concomitant of 
 disease, than the ailment itself ; for the root of the evil is 
 seated in the stomach and bowels. This being the case, we 
 must apply the remedy to the seat of the disease, as well as 
 to the skin itself. 
 
 Cause. — This state of the skin accompanies various com- 
 plaints, consequently the first thing we must look to is to 
 discover its cause. Farcy, founder, chronic cough, grease, 
 and glanders, when they have assumed the constitutional 
 character, are all accompanied by an impaired state of the 
 digestive organs ; and to them our first remedies must be 
 applied ; and so soon as the cause is removed the skin 
 
302 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY, 
 
 will be restored to its natural healthy condition and ap- 
 [)earance 
 
 Remedies. — If the complaint is connected with any of 
 the maladies to which we have referred, then the medical 
 treatment already recommended in these must be adopted ; 
 but if we are unable to detect the cause, which is frequently 
 the case, it may then be suspected that it is connected 
 with the suspension of some important secretion, and 
 with the alimentary canal generally. Then we should ad- 
 minister some mild purgatives, which may consist of the fol- 
 lowing prescription : — 
 
 Aloes . . . H drachm, 
 K^itre ... 2 drachms ; 
 
 made into a ball with treacle. 
 
 Let the above be twice repeated, and on the third day 
 the foUowino; should be given : — 
 
 Calomel ... 1 drachm, 
 Aloes ... 2 drachms. 
 
 The horse should be kept from dry food, and in its stead 
 give him bran and other mashes. This treatment must be 
 j)ursued until a regular and healthy action of the alimentary 
 canal is re-established, which will be indicated by the 
 appearance of his coat. Some veterinarians recommend the 
 following purgative in hide-bound cases. 
 
 Levigated antimony . . 2 drachms, 
 
 Nitre . . . .3 draclims, . 
 
 Sulphur . . . .4 drachms ; 
 
 made into a ball. 
 
 This is repeated every night, and accompanied by mashes 
 until a healthy condition is established. Perhaps it is 
 better to vary these different medicines. Sulphur and 
 antimony combined produce a peculiar effect upon the skin, 
 
SURFEIT. 303 
 
 while the sulphur acts upon the bowels, and the urinary 
 organs are cleared out by the nitre. 
 
 If the horse is off his feed, and no symptoms of fever, it 
 may be apprehended, as above hinted, that a want of energy 
 of the vessels is the cause of the complaint, In that case 
 it will be necessary to add a tonic to the above prescription. 
 Let that be 
 
 Gentian ... 1 drachm, 
 Ground ginger . . ^ drachm. 
 
 But it is only in cases where it is evident that there is a 
 want of energy that tonics should be resorted to, as they 
 are apt to induce fever if too much used ; and althougli 
 they may be useful, and attended with truly beneficial 
 effects, when they are used Avith caution, yet the too 
 frequent use of them induces a habit, and the quantity 
 must be increased and often repeated, and a dangerous state 
 of excitement is thereby kept up. 
 
 Besides what we have above recommended, it will be 
 found that friction may be advantageously employed, as it 
 arouses the dormant energies of the secreting vessels. 
 Additional clothing may also be resorted to with great 
 advantage. We must, however, draw- a marked distinction 
 between heat thus employed from that of keeping the stable 
 warm. This is too frequently resorted to by injudicious 
 grooms, who thus contaminate the atmosphere of the stable, 
 and keep up what is very often the cause of the disease. 
 Nothing is of so much consequence as a well-aired stable ; 
 and if warmth is necessary, let it be applied in the shape 
 of clothing, 
 
 SURFEIT. 
 
 Symptoms. — In the spring large pimi)les or lumps sud- 
 denly make their ap[)earance on the skin of the horse. 
 
304 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Thev differ materially in their effects, as some are attended 
 with much itching, and others seem to give the animal no 
 uneasiness whatever. Instances occur in which they dis- 
 appear as suddenly as they came. When they do remain, 
 in a few days the epidermis peels off, leaving a small scale- 
 like spot, which is rarely a sore. In some instances these 
 lumps are confined to the neck ; but more frequently they 
 extend over the back, loins, and quarters. 
 
 Cause. — The true cause of this cutaneous disease is not 
 known, although it has been called surfeit, from a supposed 
 resemblance to those eruptions in the skin of the human 
 being which follow unwholesome or indigestible food. This 
 complaint, however, most frequently exists after or during 
 the time the horse is shedding his hair, and at which period 
 there exists a stronger tendency to stomach-affections, and 
 consequently indigestion has been supposed to affect the 
 skin in the manner described. Poisonous substances taken 
 into the stomach, such as herbs and mow-burnt hay, the 
 chemical qualities, in the latter case, having changed its 
 properties, have been known to cause this eruption. Drink- 
 ing cold water in immoderate quantity, as well as impropei 
 exposure to cold air when the animal was ,over-heated, have 
 been known to induce affections of this kind. There can 
 be little doubt but it is caused by some obstruction of the 
 pores of the skin, which produces swellings around them, 
 and depending upon a primary affection of the cuticle, or 
 from a sympathy with the digestive organs. 
 
 Remedies. — The first thing to be adopted for the relief of 
 this disease is bleeding The extent of the complaint and 
 the strength of the animal, and degree of fever, must 
 regulate the quantity, which may be from three to five 
 quarts. The following alterative must then be admi- 
 nistered : — 
 
MANGE. 305 
 
 Levigated antimony . 2^ drachms, 
 Purified nitre . 3 drachms, 
 
 Sulphur ... 4 drachms ; 
 e^iven at night, either in a mash, or formed into a ball with 
 the ordinary substances ; to be repeated for several nights 
 in succession, Avith the use of warm clothing, wliich, together 
 with heat of the stable, will cause the sulphur and anti- 
 mony to act with more effect upon the skin. His drink 
 should be slightl} heated, and a moderate quantity of green 
 meat should be given him, if it can be procured at the time. 
 In the mornings he should be walked out for half-an-hour, 
 l)ut his clothing must be warmer than usual. His food 
 must consist of mashes. 
 
 It sometimes happens that the eruption will disappear 
 immediately after bleeding ; but great care must be taken, 
 in this case, to prevent exposure of the animal to cold, as 
 without that precaution a fresh eruption is most likely to 
 follow. If, however, an alternation of the pimples and 
 lumps does take place, and the epidermis and hair begin to 
 fall off in larger patches, then there is reason to apprehend 
 that the disorder will terminate in mange, a comjdaint of a 
 more serious character than that of Avhich we are now 
 treating. Bleeding has seldom to be twice resorted to in 
 surfeit. 
 
 Physic must not be given in cases of surfeit, as it has 
 been found to aggravate rather than alleviate the com- 
 plaint ; because if connected with an unhealthy or irritated 
 condition of the stomach and bowels, a })urgative is certain 
 to increase it. 
 
 MANGE. 
 
 Symptoms. — This complaint is nearly allied to surfeit, 
 and may be mistaken for it. It consists of a pim])led lumpy 
 
 2 R 
 
306 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 eruption, pervading the same parts of tne skin as in surfeit, 
 commencing, however, on the neck, at the root of the mane. 
 Some time after these lumps have appeared, a vesicle is 
 formed on the surface of each, which in time breaks, and 
 then the hair and cuticle fall off, leaving bare spots covered 
 with scurf, from beneath which a foetid fluid issues, and 
 (hen the scurf changes to a scab, which also soon peels off, 
 leaving a larger bare space. This in some instances is 
 followed bv another scab ; but more frequently there is left 
 after the first scab peels off, a bare greasy-feeling spot, 
 which is followed by a thickening of the skin, accompanied 
 by tenderness and itchiness ; this soon becomes puckered 
 and folded to a greater or less degree. 
 
 As above noticed, this complaint commences on the neck, 
 and its earliest stage may be observed before the eruption 
 has come out, by the horse exhibiting symptoms of itchiness 
 in the neck, and rubbing it against the different parts of the 
 stall. To ascertain if it is this disease coming on, let the 
 hairs of the mane be pulled, and it will be found that they 
 are plucked out Avith ease. The disease generally creeps 
 up the head, and downwards to the withers and back, and 
 not unfrequently spreads over the entire body of the 
 animal. 
 
 Cause. — A chief cause for this complaint is a general 
 want of cleanliness in dressing the animal, as well as keep- 
 ing the stable free from noxious vapours, which being 
 inhaled into the lungs, carry contamination through the 
 system generally. It may also be brought on by poverty of 
 living, which is maniiested by the complaint so often ap- 
 pearing in horses that have been half-starved, and otherwise 
 ill kept. Many breeders are so parsimonious that they 
 turn out their colts into a straw-yard, which they keej) 
 scantily supplied, without considering the damage they are 
 
MANGE. 307 
 
 doing to the poor animals, and rendering them weak and 
 useless for life. Their limited supply of food weakens all 
 their digestive functions, which no after feeding can possibly 
 restore. 
 
 It has often been found that a severe surfeit which has 
 been neglected ends in mange. Contagion is also a fruitful 
 cause of the complaint, as there is no malady with which 
 the horse is afflicted more highly contagious than this. It 
 appears to be communicated by the very slightest contact ; 
 and if it breaks out in a stable where there are other 
 horses, generally attacks them all, if they are not speedily 
 removed. Grooms should be very careful not to use the 
 same currycomb to a diseased and to a healthy horse indis- 
 criminately, neither should the same brush be used. 
 
 Remedies. — Bleeding is serviceable in mange, that is, if it 
 proceeds from surfeit, contagion, or other circumstances, 
 when the animal is in good condition ; but if it is the 
 result of poverty, or if the animal is low in flesh, it must 
 on no account be resorted to, as it will rather increase than 
 diminish the complaint. Physic is also indispensably neces- 
 sary. It has been found that mercury is a useful medicine 
 in mange ; although internal remedies alone will never 
 remove the complaint : an external application must be 
 had recourse to. 
 
 If mange is not severe in its earlier stages, the following 
 will generally remove the complaint : — 
 
 Barbadoes aloes . • 1"2 drachm, 
 Calomel ... 1 drachm ; 
 
 to be given in the form of a ball, mixed with a little 
 lintseed-meal and treacle. Afterwards the skin of the 
 animal must be rubbed with the following composi- 
 tion : — 
 
308 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 Sulphur, in powder . . 1 ounce. 
 Train-oil .... 1 ounce. 
 Turpentine . . . ^ ounce ; 
 
 unci if the disease is obstinate, one quarter of an ounce of 
 mercury may be added to it. The horse should be well 
 rubbed down Avith a hard brush, and the scurf removed as 
 far as possible. In some cases a currycomb may be first 
 used to loosen the scurf. A strong solution of soap and 
 water should be made, and all the parts affected thoroughly 
 washed with a sponge, and then well dried. The ointment 
 should then be well rubbed in with a piece of flannel, until 
 none is left on the surface. This to be repeated daily until 
 the skin assumes a healthy appearance. During the appli- 
 cation of the ointment, an alterative ball should be daily 
 administered, such as we have recommended at page 302. 
 
 When the above treatment has been continued for several 
 days, and there is no visible signs of an amendment, then 
 stronger means must be resorted to. The following oint- 
 ment must be prepared, and the parts daily washed with 
 it :— 
 
 Sulphur . . . .J pound, 
 
 Oil of tar . . . .1 pint. 
 
 Every fifth or sixth day the ointment should be washed off 
 with spirit of turpentine, and afterwards well cleansed with 
 soap and water, which will enable the groom to see what 
 progress has been effected towards a cure. But should the 
 disease still continue, the application must be still proceeded 
 with. Mange often proves extremely obstinate, and weeks 
 of trouble have been required to restore the skin to a 
 healthy condition. In the various washings the soap and 
 water should be pretty warm, as this will have the effect of 
 opening the pores, which is of material consequence while 
 
MANGE. 309 
 
 the animal is undergoing anointment. "When the horse has 
 been thoroughly rubbed with the above, there is no danger 
 to be apprehended of his affecting other horses in the same 
 stable or field. 
 
 While the animal is subjected to this treatment, his food 
 should be plentiful and nourishing, but not of stimulating 
 quality. If during warm summer weather, he should be 
 turned out to graze ; but if the weather is cold, he shouM 
 be plentifully supplied with green food. 
 
 Sometimes this complaint is deceptive in its appearance, 
 and seems better than it really is after the above treatment. 
 Therefore, to guard against a return of it, the rubbing 
 should be continued for three or four days after it is appa- 
 rently well. The alterative medicine should also be con- 
 tinued for ten or twelve days after a cure has been effected- 
 
 It is hardly necessary to say that the clothing which the 
 animal wore during the use of those remedial means must 
 be thoroughly cleansed. To render infection impossible, 
 they should be first soaked in water, with the addition of a 
 thirty-fifth or fortieth part of the saturated solution of 
 chloride of lime, and afterwards well washed with soap and 
 water. In short, every part of the harness, rack, manger, 
 and partitions should be completely scrubbed with a strong 
 solution of soda and water ; and when dry, with a solution 
 (^f chloride of lime, in the proportion of a pint to three 
 gallons of water. The currycomb should also be well 
 cleaned, and the brush thrown away. 
 
 We would particularly caution all persons possessing 
 horses to be watchful of this disease ; and whenever they 
 observe indications of itching in the head or neck of the 
 animal to examine carefully if any symptoms of this dis- 
 agreeable disease exist, and to attack it instantly. What 
 we have already mentioned, namely, that in mange the 
 
310 MANUAL OF IMODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 hair is easily plucked out, will at once determine if this is 
 the cause of itching ; and it is always attended with a 
 peculiar scurfiness of the skin, very different from that 
 redness which is caused by an injury to the skin. But 
 whenever there is any uncertainty respecting the complaint, 
 the safest thing is to guard against its occurrence by taking 
 a little blood, giving a purgative, and an alterative or 
 two. It is quite possible for inflammation of the skin to 
 merge into mange, unless guarded against. 
 
 WARTS. 
 
 These are excrescent tumours of various sizes which 
 spring from the cuticle, and afterwards are based in the 
 true skin. They infect various parts of the body, and 
 sometimes are found in the prepuce and eyelids, or inside of 
 the ears. These can only be removed by an operation, and 
 that safely and effectually done by a practical veterinary 
 surgeon. If the roots be very small, which is sometimes 
 the case, they may be cut out close to the skin by a pair of 
 small sharp-pointed scissors, and the part afterwards touched 
 with caustic. If the stem of the wart be thick, it will not 
 be prudent to cut it off, but a thread of fine waxed silk 
 may be tied round ' it, and tightened every day until it 
 drops off. Sometimes warts are in considerable clusters. 
 When this is the case, it will be necessary to cut them off' 
 close to the skin, and afterwards sear the place with a red- 
 hot iron, which will prevent them from growing again. If 
 the horse is of a spirited nature, it will be necessary to cast 
 him, to prevent kicking during the operation. 
 
OPERATIOFS. l^ i 1 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 
 OPERATIONS. 
 
 ALTiiouGn operations are more the province of the veteri- 
 nary surgeon than of private individuals, yet it would not 
 be proper to pass over these without partially touching upon 
 the subject. It is well for the untaught at least to knoAv 
 how the most simple of these are performed, and to them 
 onlv shall we draw attention. 
 
 It is easy to imagine that in several operations the 
 animals must suffer considerable pain, and under these are 
 frequently very restiff. It therefore becomes necessary to 
 liave certain instruments constructed to restrain the animals, 
 and prevent them from injuring themselves, as well as for 
 the safety of the operator. These we shall describe in the 
 first instance. 
 
 The Travis. — This machine, considered by Continental 
 horse-shoeing blacksmiths as indispensable accompaniments 
 U) their forge, is comparatively rare in this country. On 
 the Continent, even the quietest horses are shod in the 
 travis. It consists of very strong bars of wood, between 
 which the horse is confined and slung. Although this is 
 well calculated to prevent danger to the blacksmith, yet 
 many fine horses have been rendered useless from their 
 violent resistance to such confinement. 
 
 The Barnacles. — These are the handles of the pincers, 
 which are placed over and enclose the muzzle. These are 
 compressed by the assistant in operations. They give great 
 pain, but are indispensable with some horses to enforce 
 
312 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. , 
 
 obedience. Sometimes tliis cau be effected bj blindfolding, 
 but cannot be depended upon. Sometimes the use of the 
 barnacles are ineffectual, wliicb renders the side-line and 
 twitch indispensable. 
 
 The Side-Line. — This is found useful in the operations 
 of nicking, docking, and slight firing. It consists of the 
 long line of the hobbles, or common cart-rope, with a noose 
 at one end. This is fixed to one of the pasterns of a hind 
 leg. The rope is then carried over the neck, and afterwards 
 round the withers, and this is tied to that portion which 
 comes from the leg. Bj drawing this leg forward, it renders 
 him incapable of kicking with the other ; and should he 
 attempt to use his fore leg, the other may be seized and 
 lield up, which renders any exertion on his part nugatory. 
 The above will be found effectual in all the more simple 
 operations ; and that even with restiff horses, if the 
 assistants are determined and know how to restrain the 
 animals. Sometimes the side-line is made so as to include 
 both limbs, but in the struggles of the animal he is apt to 
 throw himself, and may be injured in his fall. 
 
 For the more severe operations of firing and castration, 
 improved hobbles are used. These permit of any single leg 
 to be set at liberty and returned at pleasure ; and when the 
 operation is finished, all the legs may be freed from restraint 
 in an instant. We need not describe the methods employed 
 to throw a horse, because these are well known to the 
 practical veterinarian, to whom alone operations which 
 require this degree of restraint should be entrusted, and 
 therefore we shall not touch upon them. 
 
 BLEEDING. 
 
 It is a too frequent practice fof gentlemen who have 
 given a little attention to the veterinary art, as well as with 
 
BLEEDING. 3 } ^ 
 
 some professional surgeons, to order a certain quantity ui 
 blood to be taken away, without themselves attending to 
 the operation. Although we have pointed out the probable 
 quantity under particular diseases, yet it must be distinctly 
 understood that mucli depends upon the strength, size, and 
 condition of the animal at the time ; and although we 
 may suppose, from wliat we have seen effected by practice, 
 that tlie quantity which we have ordered will sufGce, yet 
 in this we may be greatly mistaken. 'No regular surgeon, 
 however gi'eat his practice may have been, can predict 
 this to a certainty. We have already pointed out, at page 
 265 and tlie three which follow, the nature of the pulse 
 and its different indications. Before bleeding, we are sup- 
 I)osed to have ascertained the state of the pulse, and our 
 object is to reduce it as nearly as possible to its natural, or 
 healthy condition, or at least until a change has been 
 effected in its action ; therefore, the operator or his assistant 
 should keep his finger on the artery while the blood is 
 flowing, and, without strictly adhering to the quantity which 
 he had previously supposed, continue to take blood until a 
 marked alteration in the pulse has taken place. Supposing 
 it is for inflammation of the lungs, we must bleed until the 
 oppressed pulse becomes fuller and more distiuci or if in 
 considerable fever, until the strong pulse beats softer, or the 
 horse manifests symptoms of faintness. 
 
 The operation of bleeding is performed with a fleam, or 
 lancet. ^Ye would recommend the former to be used by 
 private individuals, or at least by such as have not had 
 sufficient practice with the lancet. A piece of hard Avood, 
 loaded at one end with lead, called a biood-stick, is used for 
 striking the fleam into the vein. Care should be taken not 
 to strike too hard, as by doing so it is likely to wound the 
 opposite side of the coating of the vein, which may produce 
 
 2 3 
 
314 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 severe cases of inflammation. If the fleam is sharp, which 
 it always should be, a blow with the doubled fist will 
 answer the purpose of a blood-stick. 
 
 The jugular vein is the part usually selected for general 
 bleeding. It is necessary to blindfold the horse, or to turn 
 away his head from that side from which blood is to be 
 taken. The hair is smoothed along the course of the vein 
 with the finger, which has been previously moistened ; then 
 with the third and little fingers of the left hand, in which 
 the fleam must be held, sufficient pressure is applied to the 
 vein so as to bring it completely into view, taking care, 
 however, not to distend it too much, as the too rounded 
 surface is apt to roll or slip when the blow is given to the 
 fleam. The particular part from which the blood is taken 
 lies about two inches below the union of the two branches 
 of the jugular vein at the angle of the jaw. See plate iii. 
 fig. 1, p. The fleam must be placed in a direct line with 
 the course of the vein, and over the precise centre of the 
 vein, with its point as close as possible to the skin, without 
 touching the vein. A sharp but not heavy rap from the 
 blood-stick or fist on the back of the fleam, directly over 
 the blade, will cut through the coating of the vein, and 
 the blood will immediately flow after the fleam is with- 
 drawn. A large-bladed fleam should always be preferred, 
 which will make a greater opening, and thus facilitate the 
 operation ; besides, what is of greater importance, blood 
 drawn speedily has far more efiect on the system than 
 double the quantity taken slowly ; and the wound, although 
 larger, will heal as fast as a smaller one. A slight pressure 
 on the neck with the pail, or other vessel used while blood 
 is taken, will be enough to cause the blood to flow suffi- 
 ciently fast. Some persons introduce the finger into the 
 mouth between the tushes and the grinders, which by gently 
 
BLEEDING. 315 
 
 moving it about induces motion in the jaws, and facilitates 
 the rapidity of the stream by the action of the muscles in 
 connexion with the vein. 
 
 In the operation of bleeding the blood should be received 
 into a vessel the dimensions of which are exactly known, so 
 that the operator may be able to judge from time to time of 
 the quantity that has been taken. The blood ought also to 
 flow in a regular stream into the centre of the vessel ; for if 
 alloAved to trickle down the edges it will, when cold, not 
 exhibit those changes necessary for ascertaining the degree 
 of inflammation. But to those accustomed to the pulse, 
 it will form a better criterion when taken in connexion 
 with the other symptoms. "When it has been necessary to 
 repeat the bleeding, if more than three or four hours have 
 intervened, it will be better to make a fresh incision lower 
 down than to open the old wound. The blood coagulates 
 soon after it is drawn. That portion of it which is coagu- 
 lable is composed of two substances — that which gives colour 
 to the blood, and the thinner part in which the red particles 
 float. By degrees these separate, and the red particles sink 
 to the bottom. If coagulation takes place slowly, the red 
 particles have more time to sink through the fluid portion, 
 and there appears on the top a thick, adhesive, pale, yellow- 
 ish orange substance, called the bufly coat. In proportion 
 to the sloAvness of coagulation and the thickness of this 
 coat, the degree of inflammation is determined. In the 
 healthy condition, coagulation is more rapid, and conse- 
 quently the red particles have not time to sink, and the 
 bufly coat is thin. "When the horse is much exhausted, and 
 there is a general decay of his constitution, coagulation will 
 not take place at all, but the blood will exhibit a uniform 
 blackish colour, with a thin and loose consistence. When 
 blood is drawn from a large orifice, coagulation is slower 
 
316 MAXITAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 and from a small wound it is more rapid ; so that the 
 difference must be carefully considered, and the changed 
 condition of the pulse attentively marked. 
 
 When the necessary quantity of blood has been taken, 
 the edges of the wound must be brought close together and 
 kept in their place by a small pin being passed through the 
 contiguous skin, with a little tow, or a few hairs from the 
 mane or tail of the horse, wrapped round the extremities of 
 the pin so as to cover the entire wound. In bringing the 
 edges of the wound together, care should be taken not to 
 draw the skin too much from the neck, otherwise blood will 
 insinuate itself between the skin and the muscles, and 
 cause a swelling, which sometimes proves troublesome. The 
 edges of the wound will heal in twenty-four hours, after 
 which the pin may be withdrawn. 
 
 The jugular being the largest superficial vein, and most 
 readily got at, is generally selected to bleed from ; and 
 for affections of the head as well as extended inflamma- 
 tory action and fever, is decidedly the best adapted. In 
 local inflammation, blood may be taken from any of the 
 nearest superficial veins. For example : in affections of tho 
 shoulder, fore leg, or foot, the plate- vein may be used, which 
 lies along the inside of the arm, and runs up immediately 
 in front of it towards the jugular vein. The disposition of 
 this vein will be seen at plate vi. fig. 2, r, and the branches 
 of the other veins of this portion of the limb are exhibited 
 in the same figure. Where the hinder extremity is affected, 
 blood is sometimes taken from the saphsena, or thigh-vein, 
 which runs across the thigh. The course of the different 
 veins of this part will be seen on referring to plate vii. 
 fig. 2. Where the foot is at fault, blood should be taken 
 from the coronet ; or, what is better, from the very point of 
 the toe, by cutting down by means of a searcher at the 
 
BLISTERI?fG. 317 
 
 union between the crust and the sole until the blood flows. 
 Should it not do so freely, the discharge may be increased 
 by dipping the foot in warm Avater. Any quantity of blood 
 may be taken from this situation, and its flow is easily 
 stopped by putting a little toAv in the cut, and then 
 placing the shoe slightly over it, to prevent it from getting 
 oiit. 
 
 In inflammatory cases, the finger of the veterinarian 
 should never be off the artery during blood-letting, as this 
 will be a better indication of the quantity necessary to be 
 drawn than any preconceived opinion, as nothing can be 
 more absurd than drawing blood indiscriminately. The 
 prudent man will bleed until the oppressed pulse becomes 
 more distinct and fallen, or the strong pulse of high fever 
 softer. 
 
 We would recommend a sharp-pointed, broad-shouldered 
 lancet, but especially the spring lancet, invented by Mr. Weiss, 
 of London, as the most safe and certain one in use, not only 
 for bleeding from the larger, but also the smaller veins, &c. 
 We especially recommend great care in keeping the lancet 
 clean, and after every operation it should be wiped very 
 carefully. Private individuals should occasionally look at 
 and rub their lancets, because they are apt to rust even 
 Vv^hen not in use. 
 
 In cases of inflammation of the brain it becomes neces- 
 sary to open the temporal artery, to produce a sudden and 
 plentiful flow of blood. No difficulty attends this, as the 
 temporal artery lies superficially, about an inch and a half 
 backwards from the upper anterior corner of the eye. The 
 common lancet is best adapted for this operation. 
 
 BLISTERING. 
 Wc have aheady mentioned blistering in treating of the 
 
318 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 various diseases to which it is applicable. Blisters act on 
 the principle that two intense states of inflammation cannot 
 exist in contiguous parts of the system at one time ; therefore 
 we apply some acrimonious substance to the skin to induce ex- 
 ternal inflammation, to draw away that existing in some deeper 
 contiguous parts. Upon this principle we apply a blister to 
 the side in cases of inflammation of the lungs ; for inflam- 
 mation of the bowels, we blister the belly ; the legs are 
 blistered for that of the cellular substance surrounding the 
 sheaths of the tendons ; and for inflammation of the navi- 
 cular joint, Ave make the coronet or heel the medium of 
 operations. Besides their use in inflammation, blisters are 
 useful in increasing the activity of the vessels contiguous to 
 the places where they are applied. In cases of strangles, 
 for example, a blister is used to induce earlier suppuration. 
 Such is the power of blisters, that they will excite the 
 absorbents to greater energy, and by this means they will 
 carry away tumours, and callous, and even bony substances. 
 
 In the application of blisters there is some nicety re- 
 quired to determine when a stronger or weaker one must 
 be applied ; whether by long-continued, or sudden and 
 violent action, the desired effect is most likely to be pro- 
 duced. In inflammatory cases, strong blisters will be found 
 best; but in old and long-seated tumours and swellings, 
 milder means must be adopted. 
 
 It is necessary to prepare the skin of the horse for a 
 blister, by clipping ofi" or shaving closely all the hair of the 
 part where it is to be applied. The best composition for a 
 blister is Spanish flies, lard, and resin, in the proportions for 
 which we have given a recipe at page 59. This should be 
 thoroughly rubbed in, otherwise it will not rise. After the 
 application of a blister the head of the horse must be tied 
 up for at least two days, to prevent him from disfiguring 
 
BLISTERING. 319 
 
 the part with his teeth, as well as injuring his muzzle. If, 
 however, the sides are blistered, the clothes may be so fixed 
 that he will be unable to reach the part. When the 
 blistering ointment has remained on for twenty-four hours, 
 the part may be rubbed with a little olive oil, which will 
 assist in alleviating the pain, as well as in softening the 
 skin and preventing it from cracking, which it is liable to do, 
 and these become difficult to heal. The oil must be applied 
 morning and evening to the part, until the scab falls off". 
 When the scabs show symptoms of peeling, their removal 
 may be facilitated by the application of a lotion of soap and 
 water, applied with a sponge or piece of flannel ; but they 
 must not be forced off, as by doing so a blemish will be left. 
 
 Some persons recommend the removal of all the litter 
 and straw from the stall of the animal, if blistered on the 
 belly or sides ; but we think this unnecessary, as it would be 
 better to put additional clothing, or cover the part with 
 something soft, well secured against being irritated by the 
 straw. It would be as well to keep the horse standing for 
 two days, taking care that he cannot reach the blistered 
 })art to blemish his skin, which will be best effected by 
 what is called a cradle. This consists of round strips of 
 wood attached together, extending from the lower jaAv to 
 the chest. 
 
 For a sweating blister the best application is an infusion 
 of Spanish flies in turpentine, and that should be reducec 
 to the proper strength with neats' foot oil, according to the 
 degree of excitement required. 
 
 If the blister has not the effect of removing the disease, 
 it may be repeated after the scab has been healed and 
 removed from the old part. 
 
 Where inflammation is of a very dangerous and severe 
 kind, very strong blisters must be immediately applied, 
 
320 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 and these should be very large. If in the lungs, the blister 
 should extend over the whole sides and greater part of the 
 brisket. It sometimes occurs that absorption of a portion of 
 the flies takes place, which produces strangury, or spasmodic 
 inflammation of the neck of the bladder, and this, upon 
 the principle of counter-irritation, will assist in allay- 
 ing the more dangerous one. However, this must not be 
 allowed to continue long, as it is of itself a most painful 
 complaint. It will be necessary to supply the horse plenti- 
 fully with lintseed-tea, made in the following proportions, 
 until the complaint is abated, which will be known by the 
 animal staling less frequently ; as in inflammation of the 
 bladder or its spincter, the animal stales very often, and 
 that is voided in small quantities : — 
 
 Take a pound of lintseed a little bruised, and pour on it 
 two gallons of boiling water, and allow it to stand until 
 nearly cold ; then pour off the clear mucilaginous fluid. 
 This should be given to the animal in portions of a quart 
 at a time every three hours. Half-a-pound of Epsom salts 
 should be dissolved in a quart of water, and administered 
 Every six hours the following ball should be given : — 
 
 Opium . . . 1 scruple. 
 
 Camphor . . .1 drachm ; 
 
 made into a ball with lintsced-meal and treacle. 
 
 Mustard blisters have frequently been applied to horses 
 with beneficial results, and produce even a greater degree of 
 swelling than cantharides. Those are made by pouring 
 boiling water on half-a-pound or a pound of good mustard 
 powder, according to the dimensions required to be excited. 
 It should be of the consistence of a thick paste. It has 
 been found to relieve inflammation of the kidneys more 
 rnpidly and eifectually than cantharides. Tincture of croton 
 
FIlllKG. 321 
 
 makes an active liquid blister ; and for milder applications 
 hansliorn has been used. 
 
 In treating of sprain of tlie back sinews, page 119, we 
 recommended a blister in certain cases ; however, this must 
 never be resorted to while any heat or tenderness remains 
 about the places aiFccted, as this would only increase the 
 superficial inflammation, without allaying that which is 
 more deeply seated, and might produce enlargements of 
 the limb, and finally obstinate ulcerations, and thereby 
 render the horse unfit for work. It is a mistake to suppose 
 that blistering is beneficial in grease, as it rather increases 
 than diminishes the complaint. Blistering in cold wintry 
 weather must be done with great caution, because if the 
 ])art should be exposed to cold it is very likely to end 
 in grease. Blistering all round the limbs is not only a 
 cruel but a dangerous practice, and ought never to be 
 resorted to. 
 
 FmmG. 
 
 We cannot contemplate the use of firing without associ- 
 ating with it a degree of cruelty ; but in many cases it must 
 be had recourse to as the only method of removing the com- 
 plaint. The principle on which firing is adopted is by 
 exciting some superficial parts," and thereby, by counter- 
 irritation, relieving deeply-seated inflammatory action. This 
 strong remedy has also the effect of exciting the absorbents 
 to carry ofi" bony matter which is apt to be secreted in the 
 limbs. In short, it is the most powerful stimulating agent 
 with which we are acquainted ; but should never be had 
 recourse to, except when there is no chance of milder re- 
 medies being efiectual. 
 
 ^Vhen it becomes necessary to fire a part, the hair is 
 Clipped as close as possible, and afterwards shaved ; so that 
 
 2 T 
 
322 MAI^UAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 the iron may come into immediate and close contact with 
 the part, as also to prevent the smoke arising from singeing 
 the hair, obscuring from sight the part requiring to be ope- 
 rated upon. It is absolutely necessary to throw the horse in 
 operations of this kind, not only for his own safety, but also 
 for that of the operator. And to prevent the animal from 
 using violent exertions, the hobbles, mentioned at page 312, 
 must be used ; otherwise there is danger of penetrating the 
 skin, which ought never to be done in firing, otherwise 
 inflammation and ulceration will ensue. 
 
 As this is an operation which ought never to be attempted 
 but by a veterinary surgeon, we shall not descend to the 
 details of how it is performed. The operation of firing 
 requires both tact and skill ; and even with the best opera- 
 tors, accidents will occur to the horse, in consequence of his 
 violent struggles, which it is impossible in some instances to 
 prevent, and the skin will be unavoidably cut through with 
 the iron ; but the accident cannot be fairly attributed to 
 the surgeon. The skin thus partially divided is sure to 
 separate in two or three days after the operation ; but the 
 ulceration which follows will be slight and easily cured, 
 when compared with the skin being actually burnt through 
 with the iron, as this is sure to be followed by violent 
 inflammation, ulceration, and sloughing, producing efi'ects 
 very difl[icult to cure, besides leaving unsightly blemishes, 
 and in some cases rendering the horse useless. 
 
 It is the practice of some veterinary surgeons to blister 
 after firing. This is a most unjustifiable procedure, unless 
 in cases of large bony tumours, spavin with considerable 
 lameness, and ring-bone investing the entire coronet, and in 
 old and obstinate afi"ections of the round-bone ; but in les? 
 f.erious complaints it is a piece of great cruelty. 
 
 Tlie day after the operation of firing, the part should be 
 
NEUROTOMY, OR CUTTING THE NERVE. 323 
 
 rubbed witli lard, or, Avhat is still better, neats'-foot oil. 
 This will give a pliability to the skin, and render it less 
 liable to separate or ulcerate ; but if cracks or ulceration 
 take place, then calamine ointment must be api)lied to it. 
 The composition of this ointment will be found amongst 
 the medicines, in the following chapter. A bandage must 
 not be usel, as it would prove injurious by irritating the 
 part. 
 
 There can be little doubt of the superiority of firing over 
 Ijlistering. The skin being partially destroj^ed by the iron, 
 is restored, and the surface lessened by its being drawn 
 together, which acts as a kind of bandage, and conse- 
 quently tightens and binds the whole parts ; and by 
 adding pressure is of much advantage in reducing hard and 
 callous substances. After firing, it will be found of much 
 advantage to turn out the animal to grass for three or four 
 months. It is very unsafe to work a horse for a month or 
 two after this operation, as it is likely to produce a fresh 
 inflammation, which in all probability would be worse than 
 the first. 
 
 Firing should always be either in parallel or longitudinal 
 lines, particularly on the coronet, fetlock, and back sinews, 
 for the reason that the skin will contract, so as to form the 
 greatest uniformity of pressure. 
 
 NEUROTOMY, OR CUTTING THE NERVE. 
 
 The valuable services of the horse would be in a great 
 degree circumscribed, but for the artificial protection of his 
 hoofs by an iron shoe. Without this his feet would soon 
 be battered to pieces going over our hard roads. But while 
 shoes protect his flexible horny hoofs from injury, they at 
 the same time cramp and confine them, from the inflexible 
 nature of the iron and tight nailing, which, without great 
 
324 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 care, lavs the foundation of manj' diseases, and those too of 
 a very painful description. 
 
 To alleviate to a certain extent the severity of those 
 painful complaints, veterinary surgeons have adopted the 
 practice of cutting the nerve which goes to the foot. This 
 nerve has its origin in the union of several of the spinal 
 nerves, and consequently is a nerve which gives both motion 
 and feeling to the foot. The fibres, however, which are 
 connected with motion, are carried only to those parts whicli 
 are concerned in producing motion, and these are muscles. 
 The influence of the nerves acting upon the muscles cause 
 them to contract, and consequently the limbs are moved. 
 The bones, blood-vessels, and other parts are merely passive 
 agents. The muscles of the leg do not extend below the 
 knee, and the fibres of the nerves concerned in motion are 
 distributed above that joint, so that no part concerned in 
 the production of motion extends below the knee ; and 
 when the nerve is divided either above the fetlock or on the 
 pastern, not a fibre is touched concerned with motion, but 
 those of feeling alone, and those are continued to the point 
 of the toe. It will be seen therefore that this operation 
 does not at all interfere with motion ; but the sensibility or 
 feeling of the foot is taken away, and the poor animal 
 relieved from the torture which diseases of the foot generally 
 cause. 'By this means the irritation of the foot is relieved, 
 and this in most cases produces an abatement of the inflam- 
 mation, and the horse will be able to perform work, and 
 have the free use of his foot. 
 
 When horses have inflammatory diseases of the fo(jL^ 
 they generally keep beating it on the ground, which not 
 only keeps up the inflammation, but even increases it, 
 while they frequently destroy the hoof by this constant 
 battering. 
 
NEUROTOMY, OR CUTTING THE NERVE. 325 
 
 Many persons liave supposed that by cutting the nerve, 
 ihe horse must lose its foot, but no such effect has ever 
 been kno^vn to follow this operation. This nerve is con- 
 nected with sensation alone ; those on which the nutrition of 
 the foot depends are the ganglial nerves, which wind round 
 the veins and arteries, even to their most minute branches, 
 and enable them to perform their functions. These cannot 
 be touched in the operation of destroying the nerve of 
 sensation, nor will it in the slightest degree militate against 
 the functions of nutrition. 
 
 I have given a representation of the parts connected 
 with the operations of neurotomy, plate vi. fig. 7, and 
 described these parts at page 245. It will be seen that 
 the nerve is on the inside of the foot, as it approaches the 
 fetlock and passes over the pastern, where it branches off 
 above the fetlock. The prolongation of the nerve below 
 the fetlock is extended principally to the quarters and 
 hinder part of the foot, for the purpose of supplying it with 
 feeling. Before operating for neurotomy, the seat of the 
 disease which causes pain must be ascertained, which is 
 indicated by the throbbing of the artery, or by the round 
 firm feel of the nerve itself on the side of the shank-bone, 
 or the larger pastern. In this situation the artery, vein, and 
 nerve lie close together, and run in the same direction ; the 
 vein is next to the fore part of the leg, then the artery, and 
 the nerve behind. Before commencing the operation, the 
 horse is cast and properly secured. Then remove the limb 
 to be operated on from the hobbles. The hair must bo 
 shaved from the part. The skin is then cut through witli 
 great caution for an inch and a half in length, which will 
 expose the vessels above referred to, and the nerve will be 
 distinguished as occupying the position above pointed out, 
 as well as from its whiteness. Pass a crooked needle with 
 
326 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 a silk thread under it, raise it a small degree, and then 
 dissect it from the cellular tissue l^eneath ; and when fairly 
 felt, cut out about a quarter of an inch of it, making the 
 first incision above, and the second cut will not be felt by the 
 animal at all. The same must be performed on either side 
 of the foot, as the nerves proceed down both sides. The 
 sides of the wound are now brought together with a piece 
 of adhesive plaster, and secured by a bandage. The head 
 must then be tied up for a day or two. In less than a 
 fortnight the hcrse will be fit for work. 
 
 The operation of cutting the nerve may also prove of 
 service for ring-bone, where the side cartilages become 
 ossified, with partial stifihess of the pastern and coffin- 
 joints. They will be more liable to recover their usual 
 action in consequence of the animal using the foot freely, 
 as he will not feel pain while in motion. Neurotomy may 
 also prove of much advantage in long-continued lameness, 
 where no unusual heat is discoverable, nor contraction or 
 alteration in its form can be perceived ; neither will the 
 extremely acute pain caused by the pressure of the horny 
 crust on the sensible parts be longer felt, and the animal 
 will be able to place his foot firmly and fully upon the 
 ground : all appearance of lameness will be removed, and 
 the ultimate result will be a partial restoration at least of 
 the form and elasticity of the foot. 
 
 The above are some of the benefits which will be derived 
 from neurotomy ; but there are other cases where cutting the 
 nerve would be attended with unfavourable results. When 
 the pastern or coffin-joints are quite stiff and unyielding, if 
 this operation were performed, the animal would naturally 
 bring his foot to the ground with force, and the joints being 
 divested of their natural elastic play, the bone would be 
 still more in^'ured. In inflammation or ulceration of the 
 
SETOXS. 327 
 
 cartilages and ligaments, it would be injudicious to cut the 
 nerve, as the animal feeling no pain, the too active use of 
 the foot would hasten the progi-ess of disease by bruising 
 the parts. Neither Avould it be proper to have recourse to 
 neurotomy in pumiced and convex soles of the foot, because 
 it would be speedily worn out and destroyed by the animal 
 now pressing on it ; whereas before the operation the pain 
 of pressure naturally induced him to bear lightly on it. 
 
 From what we have said, we hope all the prejudices 
 against this operation will be removed, and by resorting to 
 it many suffering cart and waggon horses will be freed from 
 suffering, and prove more serviceable to their owners. Bui 
 by all means let the nerve be cut by an experienced veteri- 
 nary surgeon. 
 
 SETONS. 
 
 In abscess 3S, ulcers, and tumours, the use of setons will 
 prove of great service. A seton is a piece of cord or tape 
 passed through the base of such ulcers as have deep sinuses, 
 or between the skin and muscles. This is effected by means 
 of an instrument resembling a needle, and the seton is kept 
 in its place by means of a knot at each end, or tying the 
 ends together. The tape should be moved several times 
 during the day, and wetted with turpentine, spirit of wine, 
 or some acrid liquid, in order to keep up the inflammation 
 and promote the discharcre of matter, which is the purpose 
 for which setons are used. 
 
 Setons are often useful in increasing a discharge in the 
 places contiguous to inflammation, and thus carrying off 
 that superfluity of fluid matter which would distend the 
 vessels of those parts and keep up the inflammation. For 
 example : in inflammation of the eye, a seton in the cheek 
 will act with much advantage, on the principle of counter- 
 
"328 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 irritation. In deep-seated inflammations many favourable 
 results have been experienced in tlie use of setons. For 
 example : in inflammation of the navicular-joint, gi'eat ad- 
 vantage has been derived from a seton, although the reverse 
 is the case with frog-setons for all diseases of the foot. 
 But where there is inflammation in the larger organs, 
 we must not expect to reap great advantage, as their 
 power of action is too limited. "Where the chest or intes- 
 tines are affected, a rowel or blister will be found far more 
 effectual. 
 
 Where there are abscesses or tumours in the withers or 
 poll, the seton should be passed entirely through from the 
 bottom to the top, by which the fluid will be discharged 
 and the accumulation of more prevented. They are espe- 
 cially valuable in deep fistulous sores, by giving an outlet 
 to the matter secreted in them, which if not discharged 
 would cut deeper into the parts, and without being thus 
 worn off. the disease would never be extirpated. 
 
 DOCKING. 
 
 It has been a long-established custom to dock the tails of 
 horses, convenience justifies it and fashion guides it. The 
 length of the stump varies with the taste of the times, or 
 the fancy of the owner. A medium length is undoubtedly 
 the best, and a very short one is not only unseemly, but 
 also a very great injury to the animal, as he is thus de- 
 prived of that which nature intended as a switch, and as a 
 substitute for hands to drive off insects. 
 
 The operation of docking is performed at different ages 
 of the animal ; some consider it best to do it at two years, 
 while others think the earlier the better. From what we 
 have ourselves noticed, we coincide with the latter opinion. 
 At a fortnight it may be done with perfect safety, and even 
 
NICKING. 320 
 
 sooner ; and it imquestionablj affects the foal less at tfiLi 
 period than at the age of two years. 
 
 The maimer of performing the operation is to fix upon 
 a part of the tail, and having determined on that, take the 
 one next joint to it ; let the hair be turned up and fastened 
 with tape for an inch or two above the joint, while that which 
 grows upon the vertebra itself must be cut off. Tlie horse 
 is then restrained by the side line, and the surgeon now 
 applies his docking machine, and cuts it through at the 
 division between the vertebrse at one stroke. It is not 
 uncommon for farmers and other breeders to perform the 
 operation with a sharp knife, resting the tail on a board, 
 and striking the back of the knife with a mallet or hammer. 
 Although considerable bleeding is caused by this operation, 
 there is no danger to be apprehended from it. To stop this 
 in the speediest manner is to sere the stump with a red-hot 
 iron, with a hole in its centre to prevent it from touching 
 the bone, which would cause exfoliation ; or, if severely 
 injured, it would fall off at the joint above, and thus shorten 
 the desired length of the tail. The bleeding vessels are all 
 on the outside of the bone. The iron must not be too hot, 
 nor much pressure applied to it, neither should it be long 
 continued. No kind of dressing is required after this 
 operation. In some cases slight bleeding occurs after the 
 use of the cautery ; but when this occurs, it is better to 
 allow it to stop of its own accord, as a repetition of the 
 burning might canse locked-jaw, or constitutional irritation. 
 
 ■ NICKING. 
 
 It is ta be lamented that fashion has long held a sway in 
 promoting and maintaining this cruel operation, even in its 
 simplest form. However, of late, public taste has materially 
 improved in this respect, for tlic fashion at the present day 
 
 2 u 
 
380 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 is to have horses with long switch tails, possessing much of 
 fcliat beauty which nature wisely intended by the formation 
 of that organ ; as also, like that of other quadrupeds, to 
 assist him in turning when going at a rapid speed, as well 
 as to defend him from the attacks of numerous insects with 
 which he is constantly annoyed when in the field. 
 
 We wish we could pass over the subject of this barbarous 
 operation without noticing how it is performed, but as there 
 are still persons so devoid of taste and feeling as to approve 
 of it, the work would be necessarily imperfect without a 
 description of the operation. 
 
 We have given a figure of the skeleton of the horse, 
 plate ii, and referred to it at page 189, It will be seen by 
 a reference to these that the horse has eighteen dorsal 
 vertebras, or bones of the back or spine, extending from 
 figs. 14 to 14 ; besides five lumbar in some subjects, and in 
 others six, fig. 15, there is a continuation of these called 
 the sacrum, which consist of five bones, which" are separate 
 in the colt, but which become consolidated in the adult 
 animal. To the sacrum the bones of the upper and side 
 portion of the haunch, or pelvis, are strongly articulated, so 
 much so that they resemble a solid mass rather than a 
 joint. From the lower or outer extremity of the sacrum, 
 the bones of the tail emanate ; these are fifteen in number, 
 extending from figs. 16 to 16, and gradually diminishing 
 in size towards the point. The spinal-marrow extends to 
 the extreme tip, as well as the continuation of the arteries 
 of the sacrum. The setting on of the tail and its particular 
 character and curvature from the loins is much looked to 
 by those wlio are judges of horses, as from this they dis- 
 cover the purity or impurity of the breed. The line 
 from the setting on of the tail ought to be almost 
 tjtraight, or with a slight inclination downwards, as there 
 
NICKING. 331 
 
 Is no surer test of a liigh-bred horse than tliis character 
 of tail. 
 
 The tail has three sets of muscles, the one for raising 
 it, plate vii. fig. 1, e, and another immediately below for 
 <lepressing it, and a third for giving it lateral motion' in 
 every direction. When the animal is at rest, the power 
 of the lateral set of muscles seems to predominate, as 
 the tail is constantly inclined downwards, resting upon 
 the buttocks ; but when energised the tail is carried 
 higher, which gives that spirited character to him when 
 excited. It was to convey this expression constantly that 
 the operation of nicking was devised ; therefore the depres- 
 sor and part of the lateral muscles are nicked through to a 
 greater or lesser degree, as the wish of the operator may 
 suggest to him, as to the height at which he wishes the 
 animal to carry his tail. 
 
 The operation is performed in the following manner. 
 The horse is cast, and the hair at the point of the tail 
 firmly tied together, so that a weight may be afterwards 
 attached to it. The tail is then held firmly in the hand 
 and lifted up, and the exact central spot of one of the 
 bones is ascertained, and the muscle is divided deep with a 
 very sharp knife or scalpel from the edge of the tail to the 
 centre, and continuing the incision across the bone of the 
 tail, it is cut as deep as on the other side. All this may be 
 done with one rapid and steady incision without lifting the 
 scalpel. In a high-bred horse this will be sufficient for the 
 purpose ; for a hunter two incisions arc usually made, the 
 ;jecond being about two inches below the first, which should 
 also be as near as possible to the centre of one of the 
 vertebrae. In the hackney it has been the practice to make 
 three cuts, so as to make him carry his tail still higher. 
 Two cuts only are made in the tail of a mare, and the 
 
3;j2 manual of modeks farrierv. 
 
 second one is seldom deep. Any of the fibres which may 
 reach across the incision must be cut off with a pair of 
 curved scissors. Each incision must now be filled with 
 pledgets of tow, and inserted deeply into the Avounds ; and 
 it must be distinctly ascertained whether the muscles are 
 cut uniformly on each side, otherwise the animal Avill carry 
 its tail awry. They must be secured by a bandage, but it 
 must not be made too tight, as l3ad consequences are likely 
 to follow where this is done. Indeed, if not loosened in the 
 course of two or three hours, intense inflammation and 
 swelling will ensue, and in all probability death may follow. 
 In about twenty-four hours after the operation, the bandage 
 may be tlirown aside and the wounds kept clean, which is 
 all that will be required. 
 
 The tail must be afterwards kept bent back for some 
 weeks until the wounds are healed ; because if allowed to 
 hang down, the edges of the cuts would come in contact 
 and soon reunite again. This is accomplished by means of 
 a cord from one to two feet in length, which is attached to 
 the hair at the point of the tail, and this is affixed to 
 another divided cord, each division passing over a pulley on 
 either side of the back of the stall. To each extremity a 
 weight is suspended, sufficient to keep the cuts of the tail 
 open to the extent required ; but it is an act of cruelty to hang 
 too heavy weights to these, as the smallest quantity beyond 
 Avhat is necessary inflicts great pain on the animal. Some 
 persons do not use pulleys at all, but by keeping a slight girth 
 on the horse, attach a cord to the tail and pull it backwards. 
 However, whether the pulleys or sim|)le cord are made use 
 of, the tail must be relieved from the weight once or twice 
 a day, and the horse exercised. Ten days or a fortnight 
 will be required to complete the operation, as if too soon re- 
 moved, the desired elevation of the tail may not be effected. 
 
BREEDliVG. 3o3 
 
 It sometimes happens that great irritation and inflamma- 
 tion take place in nicking, and even locked-jaw has been 
 broiiqht on by it. When tlie first of these ensue, the 
 weight must be removed from the tail, and the parts care- 
 fully fomented with warm water, and gentle purgatives 
 administered. AVhen locked-jaAV has taken place, the joints 
 of the tail should be amputated at the first joint above the 
 highest nick. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 OF BREEDING, FEEDING, AND TRAINING HORSES. 
 
 SECTION I.— BREEDING. 
 
 The utmost attention should be paid in the selection of 
 brood-mares, because the progeny depends more upon the 
 dam than the horse, and the size and strength of the foal 
 will bear a considerable similitude to hers. As a proof of 
 this, wc have found that those horses that have been the 
 produce of an Arabian stallion and a mare, if she were 
 large and well-formed, have not resembled the horse in their 
 stature. Up to the year 1829, only one Arabian horse 
 had been brought to Scotland, which was in the reign of 
 Alexander I., who, in the year 1131, presented to the 
 Church of St. AndrcAv's an Arabian horse, furnished with 
 costly trappings ; this is the first that was brought to Great 
 Britain. In 1829, my late friend Capt. Horne, of the 
 ]\ladras Artillery, introduced a beautiful silver-grey horse, 
 called the Humdanieh Arabian. His height was fourteen 
 hands and a half — a size which the Edinburgh breeders 
 
334 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY,, 
 
 thought too small to be a good breeding stallion, and 
 refused to use him as such. Sir Robert Keith Dick, Bart,, 
 however, who had been long in India, was well aware of the 
 fallacy of size being an objection. He offered to keep him 
 at Prestonfield and breed from him. The first colt of his 
 produce turned out the largest that Sir Robert had ever 
 bred. It is an established axiom, that in general the 
 produce partakes of the qualities, or the mingled qualities 
 of both parents. Above all things, avoid breeding from 
 either a horse or mare which has any disease, as it is quite 
 certain that the progeny will inherit it ; and like disease.s 
 in the human race, if it does not show itself in the first 
 generation, it is more than probable it will break out in the 
 second ; so that breeders should always know the history of 
 both sire and dam. And we again repeat, that however 
 perfect the form of the horse, these may be neutralized by 
 a defective mare. Wherever bad points appear in either the 
 male or female of animals the breeder is anxious to avoid, or, 
 on the other hand, keep up, from possessing some good quali- 
 ties and points, attention should be paid to put an animal of 
 the opposite sex to the other having those points in a more 
 perfect degree ; and it cannot be too strongly impressed 
 upon the mind that excellence on the part of the mare is as 
 essential as that of the horse : for it very rarely happens 
 that a good foal is produced by a sorry mare 
 
 "We see what has been effected in Yorkshire and other 
 midland counties in breeding the larger-sized cart-horses, 
 l)y a strict attention to have both sire and dam as perfe 't 
 as possible in their form. Both parents should be in full 
 possession of their health and strength ; and it is a great 
 mistake to suppose that a mare can be fit for breeding when 
 incapacitated for work. Many suppose that l)ecausc a mare 
 is rendered lame by accident, thnt she is nevertheless useful 
 
BREEDING. 335 
 
 as a brood-mare. This, however, is a great mistake, and 
 should be carefully avoided. 
 
 Breeding iu and in, as it is termed, — that is, forming a 
 constant union of the same blood, is always attended with 
 bad results However good both sire and dam may be, 
 if too closely allied, the progeny will in all probability turn 
 out weak, and become liable to all those diseases to which 
 delicate constitutions are subject ; but where parties have 
 a predilection to a particular stock, these evil consequences 
 may be obviated by occasionally introducing fresh blood, 
 either by crossing with the sire or dam. 
 
 A good brood-mare should be selected Avitli a rather long 
 carcase, so as to give sufficient room for the growth of the 
 foetus ; at the same time she should be compact in the make, 
 and ratlier short than otherwise in the leg : while the 
 stallion should be somewhat opposite in his form, which 
 ought invariably to be short, with as many of the good 
 points which we have before enumerated contained within 
 a small compass. The inclination of the shoulder is also 
 an essential point to be attended to. A large stallion with 
 upright shoulders never got a good hunter or hackney ; but 
 for a draught-horse, this form is desirable. 
 
 To secure a good and healthy progeny, youth on the side 
 of both sexes is very essential. Both ought to be in the 
 prime of life, and in full health. From three to four years 
 cf age is a proper time to commence breeding from a mare, 
 but to begin sooner, before their form has assumed its full 
 strength and vigour, cannot fail to produce very bad conse- 
 quences. It rarely happens that mares bred from at an 
 earlier period ever attain full vigour. Mares that are little 
 worked, may be safely bred from, until they attain the ase 
 of eighteen or twenty, and instances have occurred where 
 they produced splendid foals at the latter age. But, on the 
 
336 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 contrary, if hard worked, there is little chance of the pro- 
 geny being good. 
 
 The mare comes into heat early in the spring, and gene- 
 rally goes with foal for eleven months, although it not 
 imfrequently happens that they vary, even so much as from 
 a month to six weeks, either earlier or later. From the 
 time which the mare is covered until she foals, she may be 
 moderately worked with safety, and even with ad-vantage to 
 both parent and colt ; but we would recommend for a 
 week or two before foaling that she should not be worked, 
 but subjected to regular daily and moderate exercise. The 
 time can be pretty nearly guessed from the time she was 
 covered. About a day before foaling an adhesive matter 
 issues from the teats of the mare, and after this she should 
 on no account be subjected to any sort of work, but allowed 
 to go at large, and constantly watched bj some careful 
 person. 
 
 After the mare is about half advanced in pregnancy, she 
 should be well fed, and from one to two feeds of oats given 
 to her daily, as a greater quantity of nourishment after this 
 period is required for the support of the foetus. If the 
 system is allowed to become debilitated from want of a 
 supply of food to meet the increased demand, then there is 
 a probability that her weakness may lead to her proving 
 abortive, to which mares are more liable at this period than 
 either before or afterwards. There can be little doubt that 
 good feeding and moderate exercise will be most conducive 
 to the prevention of dropping a foetus ; but after this 
 time hard work must be avoided, and also galloping or hard 
 trotting. Should a mare once prove abortive, it is extremely 
 likely to happen afterwards. It is a curious fact that 
 where two or three mares in foal are on the same pasture, if 
 one is abortive, the rest are very liable to the same occur- 
 
BllEKDLXG. 337 
 
 rence, and this does not happen from any disease or infec- 
 tion, as many have erroneously supposed, but from sympathy. 
 But how this circumstance has such an effect upon the 
 imagination — if I may be allowed the expression — it is not 
 easy to explain ; yet it has too frequently happened to admit 
 of a doubt. It is therefore evident that as soon as such a 
 circumstance occurs, other mares that may be in the same 
 field should be removed to another pasture. 
 
 If mares are in good health while in foal, there is little 
 ilanger of any mischance during parturition ; but should 
 ;iny such occur, either as regards a difficulty in parting Avith 
 the foal or a wrong presentation, recourse must instantly 
 be had to a regular experienced veterinary surgeon, who, 
 from practice, is most likely to afford the necessary relief, 
 and will save the suffering animal pain, and frequently save 
 her life. j\Iany fine mares have been lost, or rendered 
 useless, by unskilful persons attempting to afford relief. 
 
 It would be absurd in a limited treatise to attempt 
 laying down rules for enabling persons to perform those 
 duties successfully, which can only be acquired by a length- 
 ened course of study ; and which, consequently, would far 
 exceed our limits. Mares generally come in heat about a 
 month or six weeks after foaling. 
 
 Whenever parturition has been accomplished, the mare 
 with her foal should be turned out into a pasture, which 
 ought always to have a shed to retire to for shelter. If this 
 happens to be early in the spring, that is, in April, before 
 the grass has become sufficiently plentiful, then the mare 
 should be supplied with one or two feeds of oats daily ; 
 otherwise she will be unable to supply the foal with a 
 sufficiency of milk, a lack of which is sure to lay the 
 foundation of weakness, and in all probability arrest his 
 growth, as this is the most important time in the life of a 
 
 2 X 
 
 .^- 
 
338 MAIfUAL OF MOLEKN FARRIERY. 
 
 colt. He never can turn out 'strong afterwards. In a week 
 or two the foal will be able to .take corn along witli the 
 mother. Bran and shielings are also very fit food for both 
 mother and foal at this period ; but after grass grows more 
 plentifully, both kinds of food may be discontinued. 
 
 If the mare is a draught one, she may be moderately 
 worked a month after parturition ; and if on a road or at 
 field-work, the foal may be allowed to follow after the dam, 
 which will familiarize it with common objects, and make it 
 more tractable and easier broken-in afterwards. At this 
 time, however, care must be taken to feed the mare well ; 
 she should have not less than two feeds of corn daily, 
 besides grass, and both should be turned out in a field 
 during the night, as a good supply of green food is most 
 essential to the production of a sufficient sujjply of milk 
 for the foal. 
 
 The foal may be weaned in five or six months, as may be 
 determined from its strength. This is done by gradually 
 withdrawing it from the use of milk, and after lessening the 
 quantity for a week or two, it should be turned into a rick 
 yard, where it can have benefit of both food and shelter 
 during bad weather, and occasional draughts of meal and 
 water given to it. The mare, in the meantime, should be 
 put upon dryer food, so as to lessen the secretion of milk, 
 and a little harder work will have a tendency to give a 
 different action to the fluids, and thus diminish the supply. 
 Should it, however, prove troublesome, a physic ball and one 
 or two urine balls will be found beneficial in that case. 
 
 After the foal has been separated from the dam, he should 
 be well fed until he has attained his full growth. During 
 the earlier stages, bruised oats, bruised beans and pease, and 
 also bran should form a part of his daily food. This applies 
 to all kinds of colts, whether racers, hunters, draught, or 
 
FEEDING. 339 
 
 snddle kinds. During the time foals are sucking, the great- 
 est caution is necessary not to overheat the dams, as this 
 is sure to aflect-the milk, and proves most injurious to the 
 colt. 
 
 To save the heavy expense of corn-feeding in young horses, 
 clover, lucerne, and tares, are substituted ; carrots liave 
 also been successfully used. But no species of food is so 
 nourishing as pease, half a feed of which is about equal to 
 a feed of oats. Young horses should invariably be plenti- 
 fully fed ; and a want of attention to this has been the 
 cause of many of tliem acquiring the practice of biting 
 their racks, and thence called crib-hiters. To prevent this 
 practice, a little hay or straw should be constantly kept in 
 the rack. 
 
 SECTION II.— FEEDING. 
 
 Hay and oats being the chief food of horses, it is higlily 
 necessary that the owner should be, at least, a tolerable 
 judge of their quality. The best kind of hay for horses is 
 that which grows on upland meadows. It should be bright 
 in its appearance, of a greenish cast, possessing a fragrant 
 smell, and not too dry ; for when it is so, and crackles 
 when squeezed in the hand, it is a sure sign that its nutri- 
 tive qualities have been dissipated by too long exposure to 
 the sun and air after it has been cut. It would, however, 
 be proper occasionally to vary the quality of liay by giving 
 white clover and also rye-grass in limited quantities. Care 
 must be taken that it is not too new, as in that state it 
 is apt to produce acidity and flatulence. Eighteen pounds 
 of liay is sufficient for any ordinary-sized horse per day, 
 with six pounds of oats and tAvo cf beans. The cart or 
 agricultural horse will require about eight pounds of oats^ 
 with two of beans, added to twenty-four pounds of chaff or 
 
340 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 hay ; but a waggon or dray-horse Avill require about forty 
 pounds weight daily, in j)roportions as above. The horse 
 having consumed the above quantity of food, requires none 
 during the night, and it would be proper to keep his rack 
 without hay. 
 
 Some horses which are greedy feeders swallow their pease 
 and oats without being properly chewed, and much of both 
 pass through the stomach and intestines without undergoing 
 any change ; indeed this is the case to a certain extent 
 with all horses ; the consequence is, that the animal is 
 deprived of their nutritive qualities. Horses which do not 
 chew their food, can easily be detected by examining their 
 dung, when it will be found to contain much grain in its 
 perfect condition. When this is the case, the grain and 
 pulse should be bruised, and also mixed with a portion of 
 chaiF, or cut hay and straw, which he cannot swallow 
 without chewing. Besides deriving all the benefit of the 
 nutritive qualities of the food, the animal is prevented from 
 bolting his food too quickly and overloading his stomach, 
 and rendering him unfit for being used immediately after 
 feeding, as we have already explained when treating of the 
 stomach, page 273. Slow feeding is of much importance, 
 because in the lengthened process a greater portion of saliva 
 is carried into the stomach with the food, which materially 
 assists in the process of digestion. 
 
 Machines have been constructed for cutting hay into 
 chaff. Meadow hay, clover, wheat, barley, and oat straw 
 are cut into pieces of a little more than lialf an inch in 
 length, and the whole well incorporated, and the propor- 
 tional quantity of bruised oats and beans added, and mea- 
 sured out at meal-times to the animal. If the chaif is 
 slightly wetted immediately before feeding, the horse is 
 enabled easier to chew it. With some horses the bruised 
 
FEEDIXG. 341 
 
 grain produces scouring ; when this is the case, it must of 
 course be given whole, but this very rarely happens with 
 bruised grain Avlien mixed with chaff, as we have above 
 recommended. Horses that are driven rapidly in harness 
 are more liable to be purged with bruised grain than those 
 of slow draught ; and it has been found that diminishing 
 the proportion of straw-chaff, and increasing the quantity 
 of hay in the proportion of two trusses of hay to one of 
 straw, has had the effect of obviating this. For horses 
 which are used as hunters, the quantity of oats must be 
 materially increased, as affording a substantial meal of con- 
 siderably less bulk, and consequently does not distend the 
 stomach so as to press upon the lungs, and thereby impede the 
 process of breathing, as it will be seen by an examination of 
 our figures, 1, 2, and 3, of plate ix, that these organs lie 
 close to each other. It must be understood that the same 
 applies to the race-horse as well as the hunter. 
 
 Horses which are accustomed to bruised grain and chaff, 
 become so fond of it that they prefer it to the oats or l)eans 
 alone. We cannot too strongly impress upon the owners of 
 horses the danger of feeding them on either grain or hay 
 which has become musty, as either are almost certain to 
 induce disease ; and although no particular complaint is 
 manifested, the horse is sure to fall off in condition. One 
 great advantage in manger-feeding is that the horse when 
 returning from a fatiguing journey or hard gallop, is sooner 
 enabled to fill his stomach and lie down. If tlie rack is 
 used, it takes from two to three hours to eat his fill, whereas 
 a little more than an hour will suffice with bruised grain 
 and chaff, which gives him so much more additional time to 
 rest, which is of vast importance to such horses as are used 
 in mail and stage-coaches. 
 
 When small farmers or others unfortunately possess mu^sty 
 
342 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 oi'ain, the smell will to a considerable extent be removed by 
 kiln-drying it ; but in tliis process great care must be taken 
 not to overheat it, which renders it unpalatable to the horse, 
 and more heating in its nature, producing an increased 
 discharge of urine as well as mange of the skin, and is 
 apt to induce inflammation of the eyelids and of the ball of 
 the eye. 
 
 Horses that have been fed all winter on dry food will 
 receive much benefit by being turned out in the spring, 
 when the grass has become luxuriant ; or Avhen this is incon- 
 venient, cut grass may be given to him in the stable. The 
 use of green tares will also be found very beneficial. Green 
 food is certain to purge the animal, and that in a moderate 
 degree, which carries off all the evil effects of constant 
 feeding on hard meat. 
 
 Wheat is too expensive to be used as food for horses in 
 Great Britain, and it is only when damaged that larmers 
 think of applying it for this purpose. Although wheat 
 contains a large portion of nutrition, it is not by any means 
 desirable as food for a horse, as it has a tendency to form 
 obstructions in the bowels by becoming caked ; and besides, 
 it is diflScult of digestion. This has been found to be 
 especially the case when they are watered soon after feed- 
 ing ; for the Avater, flowing quickly through the stomach and 
 small intestines in its passage to the caecum, or blind-gut, 
 carries off with it all the gelatinous substance of the grain, and 
 leaves the more indissoluble mass behind, and the masses 
 thereby formed have often caused the death of the horse, A 
 small portion of hay should be given along with Avheat. 
 
 Beans are an excellent and nutritious food, but should 
 never be given whole when dried, as their skin being so 
 very hard, the horse swallows many of them whole, or drops 
 others. 
 
FEEDING. 343 
 
 Pease are still more nutritive tlian bcaus ; but should 
 never be given unbruised, being difficult to grind bj the 
 horse, in consequence of their round form. Tliej are fre- 
 quently swallowed quite whole bj the horse, and when an 
 undue quantity has been given, the most injurious conse- 
 quences have happened to the animals, especially if much 
 water is given soon after being fed with them. Instances 
 have occurred where the stomach has burst by the swelling 
 of pease in the stomach. 
 
 On the continent, barley is a common food of the horse. 
 It contains more nourishment than oats ; yet it does not 
 seem so well adapted for the food of the horse as oats, ex- 
 cept Avhere the animals are hard worked. It has been 
 found that horses fed on barley are more liable to be aifected 
 v/ith complaints of an inflammatory character, and likeAvise 
 to mange and surfeit. In Britain, farmers have been known 
 to feed their horses on unsound and unsaleable barley, 
 which in many instances has produced serious maladies. In 
 the form of mashes, barley is found to be advantageous, 
 from its stimulating properties ; but we certainly do not 
 approve of it as a general food. 
 
 Tares are valuable in their gi'een state in the early part 
 of summer, as they possess medicinal properties, as well as 
 being very nutritive. In the event of horses having surfeit- 
 lumps, green tares, to the extent of ten or twelve pounds 
 daily, cut up and mixed with the chaiF, will be found 
 to remove them very quickly. 
 
 It has been satisfactorily proved that tares have not the 
 effect of producing a rough coat, although this opinion still 
 exists with many persons. 
 
 Carrots form an excellent food for the horse when mixed 
 with the chaff in the proportion of half-a-bushel a day, and 
 excluding the oats and beans. With this quantity, or not 
 
344 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 exceeding three quarters of a bushel, hor:_;es will stand any 
 quantity of work. 
 
 Horses are particularly fond of raw potatoes. I have 
 found them prefer this to every other food ; but they have- 
 been found more nutritive when boiled, and they will thrive 
 well upon them. We would, however, recommend their 
 being mixed with the manger food, in the proportion of one 
 pound of boiled potatoes to two and a half of the other 
 mixture. Horses fed upon potatoes, as above recommended, 
 require less water 
 
 Swedish turnips are a tolerably nutritive food, and very 
 easy of digestion. Twenty-five to thirty pounds of sliced 
 turnip, to twelve pounds of bruised oats and six pounds of 
 straw, forms an excellent meal for a horse. 
 
 Nothing contributes more to the health of a horse than 
 feeding regularly, and at fixed intervals. As his digestion 
 is very rapid, he should be regularly fed. When kept 
 long without food, the horse is apt to take his meal too 
 rapidly, and by distending the stomach, produce stomach- 
 staggers. 
 
 That the food may be well ground down to prepare it for 
 digestion, it must be previously moistened. The horse is 
 fed in a stable on dry food. In the vicinity of the mouth 
 are placed the salivary glands, destined to secrete abun- 
 dantly a limpid fluid of a saltish taste. This fluid is 
 conducted into the mouth by various ducts while the animal 
 is chewing his food ; and being mixed with it, assists in 
 making it more easily ground and conducted into the 
 stomach, and better prepared for digestion. 
 
 Sometimes horses are afiiicted with inflammation in the 
 stomach from having eaten poisonous plants, although this 
 is of rare occurrence. It is, however, difficult to ascertain 
 whether it ^.^rocecds from the stomach or bowels ; therefore 
 
OF DRINK. 345 
 
 il would be imprudent for any one but an experienced 
 veterinary surgeon to attempt a cure. 
 
 The deleterious plants of this country which affect the 
 horse are but few. The common hemlock, and water-hem- 
 lock, which prove a deadly poison to many other animals, 
 are eaten with impunity by the horse. 
 
 Water-parsley, if not eaten in too large quantities, will 
 not act as a poison ; but if much is consumed, will produce 
 palsy. 
 
 Water-^ drop wort is poisonous, but is generally rejected by 
 horses ; although instances have occurred of mares in foal 
 having died from eating it. Sometimes inflammation follows 
 it, and when this is the case, bleeding must be had recourse 
 to, and vinegar and gruel given internally. Of the former, 
 half-a-pint may be administered at a time. 
 
 But of all the vegetable poisons, yew is the most to bo 
 guarded against, as horses are very apt to eat its leaves. 
 Wlien eaten it produces great sleepiness, from which it is 
 hardly possible to rouse the animal ; and that is only for 
 short intervals, for he soon relapses into a torpid state, and 
 dies without manifesting pain. The remedy to be tried is 
 the following : — Give ten grains of the farina of the croton- 
 nut whenever it is known the horse has eaten yew-leaves ; 
 then a drink of half-a-pint of vinegar, mixed with a 
 pint of gruel. Repeat the croton every six hours until it 
 operates. 
 
 OF DRINK. 
 
 Nothing is of greater importance than the quantity of 
 water which is given to a horse as drink. Accustomed for 
 the most part to dry food, water is indispensable to nourish- 
 ment and health. Its quality, too, is of vast importance, 
 Mr. Lawrence, in his treatise entitled " The Horse," makes 
 
 -z Y 
 
346 MANUAL OF JIODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 the folloAving remarks, wliicli convey all we can say upon 
 this point : — 
 
 "It has frequently been observed, and not easily ac- 
 counted for, that horses do not thrive on changing from one 
 part of the country to another, although their treatment in 
 every respect be the same, difference of water excepted. 
 This perhaps may, in a great measure, be owing to the 
 pality of the water they drink, and which may be pos- 
 sessed of dilFerent chemical properties from that to which 
 they had before been accustomed. 
 
 " This is particularly observed in those places where the 
 stable-} ards are supplied from pit-wells, some of which are 
 very deep, and the water very hard, which occasions that 
 chilliness, trembling, and shaking which is frequently ob- 
 served in horses when they drink it immediately after it is 
 new pumped, and which causes their coats to stare and 
 stand on end for a considerable time, and sometimes they 
 are griped, and much out of order. Spring-water is liable 
 to partake of all the metallic or mineral properties of the 
 strata through which it passes ; hence it becomes noxious 
 or salutary according to the nature of those substances with 
 wlych it has been in contact. River-water has, likewise, its 
 different qualities, from the various soils through Avhich it 
 travels ; but, in general, it is much softer than Avater that 
 runs underground. Pond-water, (under which head may 
 be included all stagnant water, which generally proceeds 
 from rain,) if lying on a clear and clayey bottom, and fresh, 
 answers well for cattle of all kinds ; but in warm weather it 
 is apt to corrupt and ferment, which renders it unwhole- 
 some and unlit for use.'' 
 
 To correct the hardness of pit- water, and render it more 
 salutary for horses to drink, it should be pumped into a 
 large trough, and exposed to the open air for some time 
 
OF DRINK. 3-17 
 
 before it is used ; or if a cart-load or two of clay or chalk 
 be thrown into the well, it will greatly improve the water. 
 It has likewise been found that breaking down a piece of 
 clay, about the size of an apple, in a pailful of hard water, 
 before it is given to a horse to drink, mornjng and evening, 
 has produced a considerable change in their coats. 
 
 Indeed it will be found where horses are obliged to drink 
 hard water, they are for the most part rough-haired, and at 
 the same time have a great deal of dusty matter at the 
 roots of their coats, even though they are well curried and 
 brushed every day ; from which we infer this is occasioned 
 by the bad quality of the water they drink. 
 
 In cases Avhere stagnant water can only be procured in 
 summer, unslacked lime will materially improve it ; but 
 ground charcoal will render even the most impure water 
 sweet and wholesome. 
 
 When horses are "warm, they should never be allowed 
 more than a few mouthfuls of water ; neither should they 
 be permitted to drink too freely while on a journey, or while 
 they are subjected to any active employment. But when 
 they have cooled, two or three quarts may be given to them, 
 and after that their feed. Before finishing their corn, two or 
 three quarts more may be offered them. 
 
 If horses refuse their food after travelling, it is a bad 
 sign of them, as a healthy and vigorous animal will always 
 feed well after he is properly cooled down and has had 
 a drink ; and when horses do refuse their food on a journey, 
 they ought not to be again made to travel that day, or 
 at least for some considerable time afterwards, and not until 
 they have taken their feed. 
 
 Horses will invariably, if left to themselves, prefer soft to 
 hard water, and when cool may be allowed to drink their 
 iill, and no evil will result therefrom. Instinct or expe- 
 
348 ilANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 rience has taught them this ; they will leave crystalline 
 hard water, and resort to soft, however turbid it may be. 
 
 Horses kept in the stable should be watered in summer 
 at least three times a day ; and if this salutary advice be 
 attended to, many of the diseases to which they are liable 
 will be prevented. Horses subjected to hard labour require a 
 great deal of drink to supply that moisture which is thrown 
 off by perspiration, and the poor animals but too frequently 
 suffer much fiom a want of due attention to this. Let any 
 one observe how eagerly a horse plunges his muzzle into a pail 
 of water, and with what difficulty he can be removed from 
 it while a drop remains, and he will be able to judge of the 
 thirst v/hich he must have suffered. If they are allowed a 
 moderate quantity of water while warm, they must not be 
 permitted to stand still for some time afterwards, otherwise 
 very bad consequences may follow ; and nothing is so likely 
 irreparably to injure the wind of a horse, as to gallop hmi 
 immediately after drinking ; but a little, taken at intervals, 
 will not harm him. If horses are alloAved to drink freely 
 Avhen overheated, and remain quiet, violent spasms, inflam- 
 mation, and sudden death is likely to ensue. 
 
 SECTION III.— TRAINING. 
 
 Training .ihould be commenced as soon as the colt is 
 taken from the mare, and, as before hinted at, he should be 
 placed under the care of a man of a mild and gentle dis- 
 position. Kind treatment and caresses are the only sure 
 methods to obtain obedience, attachment, and confidence in 
 man. This maxim should be applied to horses even of the 
 most stubborn temper, for assuredly if gentle measures will 
 not render them obedient, harsh treatment never will. In 
 short, most of the vices in horses may be traced to their 
 being early intrusted to the care of persons of brutal dis- 
 
TRALMXG. 349 
 
 positions, who destroy their temper by cruelty and inju- 
 dicious severity. Others again are taught all manner of 
 tricks for the gratification of idle folly. Tractability, 
 steadiness, and good temper are the qualities for which 
 a horse is chiefly valuable to man ; so that the utmost 
 attention should be paid by breeders to points on which de- 
 pend so much of the safety and comfort of those who may 
 become their owners. Indeed gentle treatment has been 
 more effectual in taming wild animals than any other. 
 
 Much difference of opinion prevails as to the time which 
 horses ought to be worked. My unalterable belief is, that 
 at three years is the earliest period at which a horse should 
 be used either for th« turf, hunting, the road, or harness ; 
 consequently breaking-in should not be completed until 
 after the second winter, although of course it ought to bo 
 gone about gradually from his weaning. A bit should be 
 selected with a plain snaffle, that will not hurt his mouth, 
 and it ought to be of a small size, in the centre of which 
 should be attached a stabbering-bit, which, resting gently 
 upon the tongue, excites the horse to move his jaws, and 
 prevents him from pressing too heavily upon it, as this 
 would deaden and harden the mouth, which is one of the 
 worst faults a horse can have. He should be accustomed 
 to the use of it in his mouth for some days before the hand 
 of the trainer is applied to it. He ought then to be led out, 
 and gently checked by it when he is getting too playful, 
 until by degrees he will bear its control without manifesting 
 irritation. 
 
 After the colt has thus been partially broken-in, the next 
 thing to teach him is implicit obedience to his instructor. 
 This should be effected by steadiness and firmness, while 
 severity should be carefully avoided He should be spoken 
 to in a soothing, rather than an angry tone of voice. He 
 
350 MANUAL OF MODERN FARIHERY. 
 
 must be tauglit to know the effect of the whip and S})iir. 
 but their uses must be administered with much caution ; 
 and only showing him that we have the power of enforcing 
 submission. 
 
 If a young horse refuses to allow the bit to be placed in 
 his mouth, it must not be attempted to accomplish it by 
 force, because this Avill only redouble the resistance. Coax- 
 ing and gentle trials day after day will be the quickest 
 means of accomplishing the object. When it has been 
 effected, then kindness should be shown him, and caresses 
 used. A head-stall is now put on him, and a cavesson is 
 then affixed to it, with long reins. The cavesson is an 
 apparatus intended to confine and pinch the nose ; but thi'j 
 being a powerful and severe instrument, it should be used 
 gently. Instances have been known of the bones and 
 gristle of the nose becoming diseased from harshly pulling 
 the cavesson. He must first be taught to obey the action 
 of the rein, and after he has become obedient to it, he must 
 next be led round a ring on soft ground. To the cavesson 
 is attached a small rope or cord, which is held by the 
 breaker, and the colt is first led round the circle at 
 a walk. When he has acquired his paces, and become 
 obedient to this action, he should then be trotted round 
 the circle, but at an easy rate, and only for a short time at 
 once. When stopped, he should be caressed. He should 
 be accustomed to go both to the right and left If any 
 circumstance occurs which may frighten a young horse, 
 and he refuses to proceed in consequence, another horse 
 ought to be led on before him, and he is almost certain 
 to follow. At first the circles should be large, and gradu- 
 ally diminislied ; because small ones are apt to produce 
 giddiness and too much fatigue at first. In performing 
 those revolutions, he should be frequently stopped by the 
 
TRAIJfl^^G. 351 
 
 trainer, and pulled up to him gently, to show him that no 
 injury is intended, and he ought to be caressed at the same 
 time. The cord should be long and loose ; his paces 
 all regular and correct, and if he gets false in these, he 
 should be at once stopped, and recommenced. Should 
 he become restiif or frolicsome, let the person who 
 holds the whip crack it to show him he is there, but upon 
 no account should he touch the horse with it ; or if he 
 stands still and plunges or rears, the whip should be 
 cracked, and only ought to be applied gently to him when 
 he absolutely refuses to proceed. When the trainer changes 
 the direction of the colt, he should invariably be stopt, 
 and each time be enticed to approach, which >vill have 
 the effect of accustoming him to have confidence in his 
 attendant or groom, always caressing him when obedient ; 
 and whatever gait he is performing, on no account allow 
 liim to depart from it, as it is only by strict attention to 
 the action wanted that he will learn to be correct in his 
 paces. If he happens to hold his head too low, shake the 
 cavesson, to remind him to raise it ; but be sure always to 
 adopt one mode of 'directing his attention to any particular 
 thing required. All his lessons should be short, the pace 
 should be kept distinct and perfect in each, and he should 
 be rewarded for attention and obedience by*handfulls of 
 corn and caresses. When the colt becomes tractable and 
 obedient in all his lessons, crupper-straps, or something 
 similar, should be attached to his clothing to accustom him to 
 it, that he may not be afterwards tickled and become restiff 
 by the rider's coat-tails. A few days will suffice to make him 
 endure this patiently, because when he finds that he suffers 
 no harm from them, he soon becomes reconciled to them. 
 
 The regular riding-bit should now be applied to his 
 mouth. It ought to be large and smooth, to which should 
 
352 MANUAL OF MODERN FARKlEin'. 
 
 be attached the reins, buckled to a ring on either side of 
 the pad. The reins ought to be flat and allowed to be 
 slack, and gradually tightened. The trainer should occa- 
 sionally stand in front of the animal, and take hold of each 
 side-j-ein near to the mouth, gently press upon it, and thus 
 begin to teach him to back and stop by the pressure of the 
 rein, always rewarding obedience, but gently punishing him 
 by a slight jerk when obstinate. 
 
 The colt should now be taken to the street, or road, and 
 led about, to accustom him to meet carts and other objects 
 without starting and shying ; but if he does start or shy, 
 lie should not be allowed to pass on, but ought to be quietly 
 led up to the object of his fear, and shown tiiat it will not 
 harm him. But on no account should he be beaten on such 
 occasions. And should he be still shy, let him be taken 
 past the object of his fear, first at a greater distance, and 
 then nearer, until he may be quietly led close to it. It is 
 only by patience on the part of the breaker that these 
 difficulties are got the better of ; whereas if the animal is 
 forcibly and suddenly taken up to the object before the 
 fear has subsided, a habit may be established, which will 
 never afterwards be eradicated. Nothing can be more ab- 
 surd than to beat even an adult and thorough-trained horse 
 for shying * This is certain to establish rather than remove 
 the fault. The same system should be adopted with an 
 aged horse, as recommended for the colt, and this I have 
 found efiectual in every case. The best horse is liable 
 occasionally to shy at a white post, or other object which he 
 may suddenly come upon, especially in the evening or in the 
 dark ; but on no account should the rider proceed on his 
 journey without quietly and deliberately leading up his 
 horse to the object, and allowing him to see what it is. 
 When the colt has been inured to walking on a road or 
 
TKAIWIKG. 353 
 
 street, and will pass any object that may be presented 
 without shying, the breaker should then walk by his side, 
 throw his right arm over his back, while he holds the reins 
 in his left. The breaker must invariably Avalk by the left 
 side of the animal, so that he may be thoroughly accus- 
 tomed to permit him to approach on that side, which is 
 "the one universally adopted for mounting. The pace should 
 now be occasionally quickened, and at the same time the 
 colt should be gently tapped on the right side with the 
 Avhip, which ought ahvays be held in the right hand. This 
 being repeated at each time the pace is quickened, will 
 familiarise the animal to it, and will associate in his mind 
 the increased action required by such a signal. Horses 
 ill general have excellent memories, and seldom forget what 
 they are taught. Tf however, the colt does not attend to 
 the gentle tap, a sharper one may be applied, and the 
 feeling of pain exerted, as a monitor to increased action. 
 These lessons must be repeated until the animal is reduced 
 to perfect obedience. 
 
 The next thing to be attended to is to apply the saddle, 
 which should be put on his back Avith great caution. The 
 breaker should place himself at the head of the colt, and 
 by caresses and patting divert his attention. Let one 
 assistant on the off side put the saddle gently on his back, 
 while another on the near side gets hold of the girths, and 
 slowly tightens them. They ought to be but loosely drawn 
 at first, only to such an extent as to prevent the saddle 
 from turning round. If a crupper is used, it ought to be suf- 
 ficiently long to prevent it from galling tlie tail. He should 
 then be led about with the saddle on his back for at least a 
 couple of days, the trainer occasionally leaning his arm as 
 lieavily as possible. The girths during this time must be 
 gradually tightened, until that firmness is acquired which is 
 
 2z 
 
354 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRTEilY. 
 
 necessarj when a man is mounted on his back. If the 
 previous process of breaking has been effectually accom- 
 plished, he will generally submit to all this quietly, if done 
 with caution. On or about the third day the trainer must 
 then attempt to mount. At first two assistants will be 
 ibsolutely necessary. His first business will be to remain 
 at the head of the animal, patting and caressing him, while 
 the person who intends to mount must first pull the left or 
 near stirrup pretty heavily with both hands, while the 
 man on the off side presses equally on the other stirrup ; 
 and after having repeated this several times, the person on 
 the near side must put his left foot into the stirrup, and 
 gradually apply pressure to it, the man on the off side 
 pressing on the other stirrup-leather as before, until the colt 
 will endure the whole weight of the rider, mounted, and lean- 
 ing his hands upon the saddle ; and if the animal proves very 
 refractory, no further attempt must be made at that time. 
 If this is in the morning, the same course may be pursued 
 in the evening, and by repeating twice a day, it may be 
 fairly mounted in about two days. During this operation, 
 a handful of corn should be occasionally given to the colt. 
 
 After the colt has been fairly accustomed to the rider 
 balancing himself in the stirrup, and has become docile under 
 it, the rider may gently throw his right leg over the saddle, 
 and quietly seat himself, taking care that he has a firm hold 
 of the reins in case the horse should plunge and attempt to 
 throw him off. But if he submits to it with little resist- 
 ance, the breaker' will then gently and slowly lead him 
 round the ring, while he is followed by a man with a whip, 
 as in the early part of his training ; the rider sits quite 
 still. He will then endeavour to direct the horse round 
 the ring by means ol the reins, which must be done by as 
 gentle pressure as possible, while he frecjuently pats the 
 
TRAmiNG. 355 
 
 animal on the neck and encourages him to proceed. V/hen 
 he intends to dismount, it nmst be done slowly and with 
 much caution, and tlie colt should be given some corn 
 or green meat to encourage him to obedience. j\Iounting 
 and dismounting should now be frequenth^ practised for a 
 day or two, but he ought not to be much exercised during 
 this operation. When he has become quite reconciled to 
 this, the rider must now apply pressure with his legs, and 
 also a gentle touch of the heels when he desires to quicken 
 his pace, which will finish the process of training. 
 
 All this accomplished, rewards must be gradually "with- 
 drawn, and obedience instilled by gentle and kind treat- 
 ment, which in most instances is all that is required. But 
 should the colt at any time become obstinate and resist the 
 commands of his rider, the whip and the spur must be 
 applied to enforce obedience. These means, however, should 
 be very sparingly used, for Avhenever he finds that he must 
 yield to the power of his rider, he will seldom attempt to 
 disobey him ; but on a recurrence of restiflfncss, soothing 
 should first be attempted to restrain him, which in most 
 cases will have the effect ; firmness and gentleness are more 
 likely to prove effectual than cruelty and harshness. Few 
 horses are naturally vicious. 
 
 The above is applicable to a horse that is to be used for 
 riding, Ave come now to those means best adapted for fitting 
 him to endure harness and the di-aught. At first, portions 
 of the harness should only be placed upon him, and then 
 blind-winkers, and in a few days the whole trappings. He 
 should then be put into the shafts of an empty cart or 
 waggon ; and the better to teach him to draw, another 
 horse may be placed before, and there is little danger but 
 he will soon be taught to follow, gentle patting alone being 
 used to encourage him. He should then be tried alone, and 
 
356 MANUAL OF MODERN FAllRIERY. 
 
 if he worKS, then a little weight maj be added, and in- 
 creased by degrees, until he will draw a full load. The 
 horses used in agriculture will frequently be required for 
 riding, and if they have not been regularly broken-in, as we 
 have directed, before putting them in harness, their feeder 
 should be put on their backs while they are in the team, 
 and it is seldom they will resist his continuing to ride. 
 
 We would caution all those who ride horses occasionally 
 used in harness, to keep a firm bridle-hand, that is, to 
 feel the mouth constantly ; because they are accustomed 
 to depend for support on the wheel-carriage, and thus 
 have a tendency to lean forward, and hence are very apt 
 to stumble and come down upon the road. 
 
 We shall not attempt to give directions for training the 
 higher bred blood-horses for carriages and the turf. This 
 can only be effectually accomplished by persons whose 
 entire profession it is. To those unaccustomed to it, the 
 attempt is at best a hazardous undertaking. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 OF STABLING, EXERCISE, CLOTHING, &C. 
 
 THE STABLE. 
 
 A PROPERLY constructed and well-regulated stable is of the 
 utmost importance. All proprietors of horses ought to give 
 much attention to this subject, as for want of a thorough 
 acquaintance with, and care as regards it, many of the 
 diseases incidental to horses have their origin. A stable 
 
THE STABLE. cJoT 
 
 ought to be built in a dry situation, roomy, high in the roof, 
 and well aired, without, however, having a great draught 
 passing through it ; but when the horses are out, tlio stable 
 doors and windows should be throAvn wide open, and 
 allowed to remain so as long as they are abroad. But 
 nothing is worse than to allow the wind to blow directly 
 upon a horse, or a cross-draught of any kind. Grooms, 
 however, are too prone to go to the other extreme, and 
 in general allow the stable to become too warm, and block 
 up with the utmost care every place where air is admitted. 
 Some practice tins from an erroneous opinion that they 
 should be kept very warm, while too many do so that the 
 animals may have a line shining coat. By this injudicious 
 practice, the air becomes contaminated with the unwhole- 
 some vapour generated from the litter and urine, Avliich 
 produces a strong exhalation of ammoniacal gas. This 
 being breathed for a length of time, has a pernicious effect 
 upon the lungs of the horses ; digestion is impaired, and all 
 the vital functions injured. Inflammation of the eyes, 
 chronic cough, Avith a host of concomitant ailments, are the 
 consequences of inhaling this deteriorated and semi-poison- 
 ous vapour. Let any person enter a stable in the morning 
 Avhich is not properly ventilated, and he will be sensibly 
 alive to the pungent smell, and even pain in the eyes, pro- 
 duced by the vitiated atmosphere. The chemical action 
 of the urine commences soon after it is voided. It is from 
 this cause that horses are but too frequently attacked Avith 
 distempers in the spring of the year, or in autumn. This 
 is, hoAvever, seldom the case in small Avell-regulated stables. 
 In short, I have gone into many stables Avhere their heat 
 induced copious persj)iration in a fcAv minutes. This must 
 have a strong effect upon the skin of the horse, and especi- 
 ally if his clothing is on ; and Avhen strapped and suddenly 
 
358 MANUAL OF MODERN FARPJEKY. 
 
 taken to the open air thus overheated, induces coughs and 
 other diseases in the mucous membrane, as well as inflam- 
 mation in the kidneys and lungs ; and should the weather 
 be cold, rheumatism and stiffness in the joints, because 
 horses are frequently allowed to stand fur some time before 
 they are put in motion, and are in consequence chilled. It 
 also too frequently happens that carriage or cart-horses are 
 allowed to stand an hour or more in harness after they have 
 been overheated by severe exercise or labour. This is the 
 reason why such horses seldom live to be aged, and too fre- 
 quently die in the prime of life. The horses of stage and 
 hackney coaches seldom live beyond the age of eight or nine 
 years ; and this is chiefly owing to the carelessness of their 
 drivers and grooms ; whereas horses have been known to 
 acquire a very great age when they are looked after with that 
 care which so valuable and useful an animal requires. A 
 remarkable example of this occurred in Warrington, where a 
 horse attained the extraordinary age of seventy-six years, and 
 was well known by the name of Old Billy. As far as I have 
 been able to learn, this was the oldest horse which ever 
 lived, and may hence be considered the Parr among horses. 
 He belonged to the Mersey and Irweli Navigation Company, 
 and more than half his life had been spent in towing 
 boats. The company, for many of his last years, on account 
 of his giTat age, kept him without working. In summer 
 he grazed on the luxuriant pasture on the banks of the 
 ^Jersey, and in winter was taken into stable and fed on 
 mashes and soft food. When he died, the company had his 
 head preserved, the skin stuffed, and the cranium cleaned, 
 and presented it to the j\Iuseum of the Manchester Natural 
 History Society, where it is still to be seen. 
 
 Few people are aware that after a horse has been worked 
 haid or galloped, that his return to a hot stable is nearly as 
 
THE STABLE. 359 
 
 'laiigerous as subjecting liiin to ca cold atmospliere from a 
 Avarm stable. Many a horse lias been seized with inllani- 
 raation and fever after having been worked and returnod to 
 a hot stable, filled with the noxious gas above alluded to, 
 and more especially if he was cold at the time, ^sothing is 
 worse than the sudden change from one temperature to 
 another. From this thousands of horses yearly meet their 
 death. 
 
 Stables should never be built longer than with acconnno- 
 dation for five or six horses, as repose after working is 
 of vital importance ; and where there are many together, it 
 is more than probable that some will be awake while the 
 others are asleep, and disturl) them. 
 
 The dimensions of a stable, in proportion to the number 
 of horses, is a most important point. A s<"able for six 
 liorses should be from thirty-eight to forty feet in Icngih, 
 from thirteen to fifteen feet wide, and about twelve feet in 
 height. It is always of consequence to have the roof of a 
 stable plastered, whether there is a hay loft above it or not 
 This will prevent currents of air from passing through the 
 floor. There should always be a few central tiles to allow 
 the hot air to escape and give place to that which is pure 
 and cold. These tiles should be furnished with protecting 
 ledges, to prevent the rain from entering ; or, what is per- 
 }iaj)S better, large tubes should be carried through the roof, 
 with caps a little way above them, to prevent the rain from 
 heating in. A third plan is to have gratings placed high in 
 tlie walls. Tliese last ought to be as near the roof as pos- 
 sible, and shut and oj)ened by a cover, as occasion requires. 
 
 In summer and autumn the stable ought never to be 
 more than a few degrees warmer than the atmosphere. In 
 winter not more than fifteen degrees, because the hair is 
 thicker at this season than in summer. 
 
360 MANUAL OF MODERxN FARRIERY. 
 
 If the hay is kept in a loft over the stable, there should 
 nc no holes over the racks for throwing down the hay, as by 
 these openings foul air Avill be carried up to the hay. and 
 render it unwholesome. And besides, it not unfrequeutly 
 happens that seeds fall down into the eyes of the horse, and 
 occasion serious inflammation in them. 
 
 While the floor of the stalls should be so constructed that 
 the urine will be speedily carried off, yet a little reflection 
 will show that the practice of making them gradually slope 
 from the stall to the outside is very prejudicial to the horse, 
 and too frequently the cause of lameness by straining 
 the back sinews, that is, the tendo achilles. ]\Ir. Lawrence 
 justly remarks, that " If the reader will stand for a few 
 minutes with his toes higher than his heels, the pain he 
 will feel in the calves of his legs will soon convince him of 
 the truth of this remark, ilence, when a horse is not 
 eating, he always endeavours to find his level, either by 
 standing across the stall, or else as far back as his halter 
 Avill permit, so that his hind legs may meet the ascent of 
 the other side of the channel." 
 
 This sloping direction of the floor of the stall is also a 
 frequent cause of contraction of the heels, by throwing too 
 great a proportion of the weight upon the toes of the foot, 
 and removing that pressure which tends most to keep the 
 iieels open. It mu^t therefore be evident tliat the floor 
 should slant no more than is absolutely necessary to drain 
 off the urine sufficiently quick to prevent chemical action 
 taking place. This is the kind of stall most suitable for 
 mares, but for horses it should be constructed with a grating 
 in the centre, and an inclination of the floor on every side 
 towards the middle. This should be carried off to the 
 outside by means of a small drain and lodged in a reservoir, 
 as urine is a valuable acquisition to the farmer. To prevent 
 
THE STABLE. 3G1 
 
 an offensive smell or current of air passing through the 
 drains, cheap traps have been invented to stop tlie grating, 
 I have lately seen stables constructed with the patent 
 wooden pavement, which answers many good purposes ; it 
 is much warmer for the feet, and at the same time softer, 
 and entirely free from noise. 
 
 Some persons imagine that the horse should not stand on 
 litter during the day, because the heat which it produces 
 may prove injurious to the hoof of the horse. I imagine 
 that little injury will result from standing all day on litter, 
 providing it be dry and not so deep as entirely to cover the 
 hoof. It is quite certain that standing on litter must be 
 much more comfortable to the horse than on cold, hard stones, 
 and we therefore recommend its adoption. 
 
 Farmers are in the practice of using the haum of peas, beans, 
 and potatoes, as well as heath. But we would have them 
 to recollect that they must be much oftener changed than 
 straw, as they soon begin to ferment, and consequently the 
 gas emanating from them is noxious ; and besides, the heated 
 litter proves injurious to the feet. We cannot too strongly 
 impress upon farmers and others the great impropriety of 
 allowing an accumulation of litter in their stalls and stables. 
 Some are in the practice of nightly heaping fresh straw or 
 other materials over that of the preceding day, instead of 
 having it removed. It is sure to be hurtful to the animal 
 from the reasons we have above stated. 
 
 Before closing this subject, we must state our entire dis- 
 approbation of double-headed stables, that is, having a range 
 of stalls along each wall, with the rear of the horses stand- 
 ing towards each other. It too frequently happens in inns 
 that for want of room these stables are so narrow that the 
 hind legs of horses are too near each other, and serious 
 injury 'i< often done by kicking. ]\Iany fine horses have 
 
 3 A 
 
'362, MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 been rendered lame for life, and even have had their legs 
 broken, from the kicks of quarrelsome horses. II it is abso- 
 lutely necessary that such a construction must be adopted, 
 then there ought to be at least a free passage of about eight 
 feet. Every stall should be at least six feet wide, and 
 ought always to be divided by a boarded partition as high 
 as the back of the horse. 
 
 MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET. 
 
 The feet of a horse should be examined with great care 
 every morning, for the purpose of ascertaining, in the fii'st 
 place, if the shoes are all firm, and that none of the clenches 
 are raised, which might wound the limbs. A worn shoe is 
 also liable to press on the sole or heel, and prove injurious. 
 
 One of the first things to be attended to after a horse 
 has come oif a journey, or has ceased from his day's labour, 
 is that his heels should be thoroughly brushed out. If an 
 agricultural or cart-horse, it will be better to apply the 
 hand than washing, as the long hair with which the heels 
 are generally invested will take a considerable time to dry, 
 especially during winter, which may occasion grease. The 
 feet should then be stopped, after the picker has been used 
 to remove all stones or clav between the hoofs and shoes. 
 Cow-dung makes the best stopping, and keeps the feet cool, 
 and the soles elastic. With other horses, the feet may be 
 washed with a brush. The shoes should be removed at least 
 once a month. 
 
 LIGHT. 
 
 It is surprising that in many parts of the country, 
 farmers' stables, and indeed those of other individuals, Lave 
 no other light than probably what is admitted by a few 
 panes of glass over the door ; or some have an open window 
 
LIGHT. 363 
 
 closed bj a shutter, which is only occasionally opened. To 
 this cause may be attributed many of the diseases to which 
 the eyes of hortes are liable, and ultimately blindness itself. 
 It is easy to imagine what the animal must feel, and the 
 consequences which are likely to be the result, from our own 
 painful and giddy sensations on issuing from a dark place to 
 the full blaze of the noonday sun, or even when a candle is 
 introduced, after sitting for some time in a dark room. A 
 repetition of this several times during the day would in- 
 evitably be attended with most injurious consequences, from 
 the sudden shock it gives to the optic nerve, and the vessels 
 of the retina Besides, it may produce inflammation in the 
 coating of the eye, which may end in the total destruction 
 of the organ. There can be little doubt but horses that 
 are liable to start at objects, frequently owe this dangerous 
 quality to the cause above alluded to. 
 
 A stable ought to be as well lighted as a house, so that 
 this source of injury may be avoided, and also on account 
 of all parts of it being properly seen, so that masters may 
 be enabled to detect a want of due attention to cleanliness, 
 a subject which we cannot too often impress upon masters 
 and servants. 
 
 In stables which have a due quantity of light, the shut- 
 ters may be partially closed when the animals have fed 
 properly, and lie down to sleep. Many horses stand too 
 long upon their limbs, and therefore this subdued light is 
 more apt to produce drowsiness, and thus incline him to 
 repose, during which time the food is well known to have 
 the most salutary effect in increasing the muscular fibre, 
 and the cellular and adipose substances. 
 
 While we have shown the utility of a well-lighted stable, 
 we would guard our readers against allowing that part of 
 the wall next the head of the horse being too light ; because 
 
364 MANUAL or MODERN FARRIERY, 
 
 the refraction of the rays of light constantly beaming into the 
 eye will stimulate the nerve too much, and is apt to produce 
 exhaustion of energy in the optic nerve and retina. If the 
 stable is well provided with windows, the walls should be 
 painted of some subdued tone of colour ; and when other- 
 wise, white should be used. 
 
 EXERCISE. 
 
 This with the horse, as with man himself, is of para- 
 mount importance for the preservation of health. A horse 
 kept in a stable ought to be exercised for two hours regularly 
 each day, without which he will never be fit for work, as he 
 will suffer more from absolute idleness than hard labour. 
 The quantity of exercise should be regulated according to 
 the age of the horse. A. young horse requires more than an 
 old one ; but violent exercise must be carefully guarded 
 against, especially with young horses, which, although prone 
 to activity, must not be indulged too freely The beginning 
 and termination should be moderate, and in the middle he 
 may be trotted smartly, or galloped for a short distance. 
 When horses are of full habit, the exercise should be of 
 medium quantity, and increased a little daily ; but those 
 who faticfue or even drive a horse hard when in full condi- 
 tion, may find it followed by inflammation. 
 
 In training the race-horse and the hunter, the utmost 
 regularity in exercising them is quite indispensable, other- 
 Avise they never can perform the task required of them, and 
 grievous disappointment is certain to be the result. The 
 one will be knocked up with half a day's work, while the 
 other is certain to be winded before he performs a circuit of 
 the course. 
 
 I have particularly to caution the inexperienced against 
 working a newly-purchased horse too hard, as these are 
 
GROOMING. 365 
 
 invariably made up by the dealer, by feeding and idleness, 
 so as to please the eye. To take a horse to the hunting- 
 lield under such circumstances, is running a great hazard. 
 Let him be carefully and regularly worked for some days 
 before hunting him, and there is little danger of bad conse- 
 quences following, if gradually cooled and well groomed at 
 the end of his work. We would recommend the proprietors 
 of horses to attend themselves to this salutary and necessary 
 operation, as grooms but too frequently neglect it, or, in 
 many instances, injudiciously perform it. 
 
 The above remarks are applicable to the horses of the 
 gentleman and tradesman, but those of the agriculturist 
 need but little attention, as they are generally worked with 
 moderation and regularity, and hence are not predisposed to 
 those diseases where a different mode of treatment exists. 
 
 GROOMING. 
 
 Horses kept constantly in a stable should be subjected to 
 constant grooming. It is of the utmost consequence to 
 their health and appearance. The free use of the curry- 
 comb and brush should never be neglected, as the scurf 
 which accumulates at the roots of the hair, and stops the 
 pores of the skin, will otherwise prove injurious to the 
 health of horses, by retarding free perspiration. Horses 
 which are turned out in a field do not require grooming, 
 as Nature provides a means of removing the scurf. Be- 
 sides, without grooming the coat of a horse will never 
 have that sleek appearance which so much heightens the 
 beauty of this fine animal Lazy and careless grooms 
 prefer giving the coat that smooth texture, by keeping 
 the stable above that temperature which is safe for the 
 health of the horse. The use of the currycomb and brush 
 gives an increased action to the surface of the skin, and 
 
Sb'G MANUAL OF MODEKN FARRIERY. 
 
 accelerates the circulation in the external vessels, which 
 stimulates the animal and rouses all his energies. Indeed 
 any one may perceive the salutary effects of grooming on 
 the spirits of the horse after this operation, which should 
 always be performed m the open air when the weather is 
 favourable, which braces the skin and conduces to health. 
 It however frequently happens that grooms in using the 
 curry-comb give too much pressure, and thereby often 
 irritate the cuticle and give pain instead of pleasure to the 
 animal, especially to those which have thin skins. It 
 ought therefore to be used with gentleness, and a longer 
 time bestowed upon it. We also disapprove of a very hard 
 brush, and especially one which has irregular hairs on the 
 surface. A soft brush well applied will be equally effective, 
 and produce less irritation to the horse. 
 
 After violent exercise, or a long journey, the legs of 
 horses should be well rubbed down both with the hand and 
 brush. This will prevent swelling, and even allay it if it 
 has actually taken place. 
 
 CLOTHING. 
 
 If stables are kept dry and all cross-draughts are avoided, 
 then the use of horse-cloths will be unnecessary. Nature 
 has given the animal a covering which perfectly fits it, to 
 prevent the necessity of artificial clothing while under a 
 comfortable roof. 
 
 If a horse has been overheated, the true method to pre- 
 vent his taking cold when put in the stable is to rub him 
 well down with straw or hay until his skin is dry ; but if it 
 should so happen that the groom cannot possibly spare time 
 at that moment to attend to it, a cloth may be thrown 
 across his loins, until he is fairly cooled down, when it 
 should be immediately removed. 
 
VICES AND DAXGKROUS UABITS OF THE HORSE. 367 
 
 Nothing can be more absurd than to clothe coach and 
 post-horses in the stable, because when out of doors tliis 
 cannot be done, and the consequence is, it renders them 
 extremely susceptible to colds and inflammation. "Wlien 
 horses are overheated and have occasion to stand any length 
 of time in the street, it will be a very proper precaution to 
 throw a cloth over their loins, but this will be only neces- 
 sary in very cold weather. In summer it ^vould be rather 
 injurious than otherwise. 
 
 But with horses that are used for riding, the greatest 
 attention must be paid to prevent them being subjected to 
 any sudden transition from heat to cold ; and, as above 
 noticed, good grooming is the best and surest preventive. 
 
 We would recommend that all stables should be provided 
 with a thermometer, so as to enable the groom to preserve, 
 as far as possible, a unifonn temperature. 
 
 ■ CHAPTER XV. 
 
 VICES AXD DANGEROUS HABITS OF THE HORSE. 
 
 The horse is an animal of a noble and generous disposition. 
 and naturally possessed of few vices, although ho is occa- 
 sionally met with having a bad and even furious temper, 
 and, as may be expected, manifests great variety of natural 
 habit. Ilis vices, however, are too often attributable to the 
 effects of improper training, and to tricks which he is taught 
 by the bad treatment and folly of his groom or keeper. 
 
 The first breaking-in of the horse should only be in- 
 trusted to persons of mild dispositions, as it is by kind and 
 
3G8 MA^'UAL OF MODERiV i'ARRlERY. 
 
 patient treatment alone that we can hope to succeed in 
 rendering this valuable animal truly useful and docile. I 
 have no doubt but in nine cases out of ten, where horses 
 exhibit furious or stubborn tempers, that these have been pro- 
 duced from the cruelty and ignorance of their first trainers, 
 
 RESTIFFNESS. 
 
 The most unpleasant and dangerous of all vices possesseu 
 by the horse is that of restifPness. Sometimes this proceeds 
 from a naturally bad temper, and at others from faultiness 
 in education. This term includes plunging, rearing, kick- 
 ing, bolting, and general impatience while mounting. A 
 horse with any of the above faults can never be depended 
 upon, for, although we may use means to counteract a 
 particular vice, whether by compulsion or gentle measures, 
 he may exhibit that vice vAhen we are oif our guard and are 
 the least expecting it. Force may bring him to obedience, 
 and he may succumb to him who has had the determination 
 to subjugate him ; but when mounted by another he is 
 extremely likely to break out again. A horse that kicks in 
 harness may be driven with safety by a cautious and expe- 
 rienced driver or coachman, but still there is no certainty of 
 his not exhibiting the same trick years afterwards ; indeed 
 most h )rses which have been kickers return to it again. 
 
 However high the temper which the horse may exhibit, 
 we would recommend that he should be broken from his 
 vices by kind and soothing means, and these exercised with 
 patience for a considerable length of time ; and force should 
 only be resorted to when all other means have failed. 
 
 There have been several striking instances of persons who 
 possessed the power of taming vicious horses by gentle 
 measures ; the most remarkable is recorded in the Eev. Mr. 
 " Townsend's Statistical Survey of the County of Cork," who 
 
RESTJFFiNESS. 369 
 
 remarks, tliat ulthough the following circumstances appear 
 almost incredible, yet they are nevertheless true, as he was 
 an eje-witness to them : — " James Sullivan was a native of 
 the county of Cork, and an awkward, ignorant rustic of the 
 lowest class, generally known by the appellation of the 
 whisperer; and his profession was horse-breaking. The 
 credulity of the vulgar bestowed that epithet upon him 
 from an opinion that he communicated his wishes to the 
 animal by means of a whisper, and the singularity of his 
 method gave some colour to the superstitious belief. As far 
 as the sphere of his control extended, the boast of veni, 
 vidi, vici, was more justly claimed by James Sullivan than 
 by CiEsar, or even Buonaparte himself. IIoav his art was 
 acquired, or in what it consisted, is likely to remain for ever 
 unknown, as he has lately left the world without divulging 
 it. His son, Avho follows the same occupation, possesses but 
 a small portion of the art, having either never learned the 
 true secret, or being incapable of putting it in practice. 
 The wonder of his skill consisted in the short time requisite 
 to acccmplish his design, which was performed in private, 
 and without any apparent means of coercion. Every de- 
 scription of horse, or even mule, whether previously broke 
 or unhandled, whatever their peculiar vices or ill habits 
 might have been, submitted without show of resistance to 
 the magical influence of his art, and, in the short space 
 of half-an-hour, became gentle and tractable. The effect, 
 although instantaneously produced, was generally durable. 
 Though more submissive to him than to others, yet they 
 seem to have acquired a do(;ility unknown before. "When 
 sent for to tame a vicious horse, he directed the stable in 
 wiiich he and the object of his experiment were placed, to 
 be shut, Avith orders not to open the door until a signal was 
 given. After a tete-a-tete between him and the horse for 
 
 3 B 
 
370 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 about lialf-au-hour, during wliicli little or no bustle was 
 heard, the signal was made ; and after opening the door, 
 the horse was seen lying down, and the man by his side, 
 playing familiarly with him like a child with a pi^^pi>y-dog. 
 From that time he was found perfectly willing to submit to 
 discipline, however repugnant to his nature before. Some 
 saw his skill tried on a horse which could never before be 
 brought to stand for a smith to shue him. The day after 
 Sullivan's half-hour lecture, I went, not without some incre- 
 dulity, to the smith's shop, with many other curious spec- 
 tators, where we were eye-witnesses of the complete success 
 of his art. This too had been a troop-horse, and it was 
 supposed, not without reason, that after regimental dis- 
 cipline had failed, no other would be found availing. I 
 observed that the animal seemed afraid whenever Sullivan 
 spoke or looked at him. How that extraordinary ascendancy 
 could have been obtained, it is difficult to conjecture. In 
 common cases, this mysterious preparation w^as unnecessary. 
 He seemed to possess an instinctive power of inspiring awe, 
 the result, perhaps, of natural intrepidity, in which I believe 
 a great part of his art consisted, though the circumstance of 
 the tete-a-tcte shows that upon particular occasions some- 
 thing more must have been added to it. A faculty like 
 this would, in other hands, have made a fortune, sind great 
 offers have been made to him for the exercise of his art 
 abroad ; but hunting, and attachment to his native soil, 
 were his ruling passions. He lived at home in the style 
 most agreeable to his disposition, and nothing could induce 
 him to quit Dunhallow and the fox-hounds." Among the 
 many striking performances in this way, none was more 
 remarkable than his taming the celebrated racer King 
 Pippin, one of the most ferocious horses that ever lived. 
 Such was his furious temper, that to saddle and biidle him 
 
REArJNG. 371 
 
 was almost impracticable even bj his ordinary attendants. 
 His particular propensity was flying at and worrying any per- 
 son Avho came within his reach ; and he has been known to 
 turn round and tear the leg of bis rider with his teeth, and 
 drag him from his back. On one occasion, when he had bid 
 defiance to all, the whisperer was sent for, who was shut up 
 with him the whole niglit, and in the morning, so completely 
 subdued was this furious animal, that he followed Sullivan 
 round the course like a dog — lying down at his command — 
 permitting his mouth to be opened, and any person's hand 
 to be introduced into it — in short, he Avas as quiet as a 
 lamb. 
 
 " At the same meeting on the Curragh of Kildare, he won 
 a race, and continued his docility for three years ; but again 
 broke out, and having killed a man in one of his furious 
 fits, he was ordered to be destroyed." 
 
 As I have before said, there is little chance of reclaiming 
 a bad-tempered horse by harsh treatment, as I believe it 
 will always be found to have an opposite tendency. An ill- 
 tempered groom should never be allowed to enter a stable, 
 however tit he may be for his business in other respects. 
 For a surly, bullying fellow is sure to frighten horses so 
 much tliat as soon as he enters the stable tliey will jump 
 from side to side at his approach. Many a scar has been 
 inflicted by such a man, by using his pitch-fork instead of 
 soothing the animal for a fault ; and if asked how the horse 
 came by the blemish, he invents a falsehood to account 
 for it. 
 
 REARING 
 
 Rearing is one of the worst vices in a horse, and is 
 practised with the intent to throw the rider off. Sometimes 
 it is the result of playfulness, but even then it is a dangerous 
 
372 MANUAL OF MODERN FAERIERY. 
 
 and unpleasant fault. The use of a deep curb and shaip 
 bit will, in some instances, cause even a quiet horse to rear, 
 and when this is the case, immediate recourse m.ust be had 
 to the snaffle-bridle. 
 
 As in kic^<:ing, however, this is seldom or never cured. 
 Horse-breakers have attempted it by absurd and dangerous 
 means, namely, that of pulling the horse backward on a 
 soft piece of ground. This has ruined man}'- horses, some 
 having had their necks broken, or their spine sr) severely 
 injured as to render them ever afterwards useless. If 
 rearing proceeds from determinedly vicious habits, it is a 
 hopeless case, as the animal seldoni abandons it. Sometimes 
 horses rear from playfulness, which is, however, very differ- 
 ent from that which proceeds from passion. 
 
 BACKING, OR GIBBING. 
 
 It is not an unfrequent occurrence for horses in harness 
 to back instead of drawing when first started, and some add 
 to this considerable viciousness, combined with obstinacy. 
 In this case soothing and persuasive coaxing should be tried, 
 and some patience exercised ; and it is not until these have 
 failed that the Avhip should be applied, and this must be 
 exercised with moderation. In nine cases out of ten, if 
 severely punished with the whip, the animal becomes obsti- 
 nately determined not to move, or he may proceed a short 
 way on his journey, and probably he will again stop at the 
 first hill he comes to on the road. 
 
 In breaking, great care should be taken not to start the 
 horse uphill when using the break, because he feels the 
 entire weight of the machine at once, whereas if he were 
 put in motion on a level road, the heavy pull would be less 
 perceptible. Some trainers are so foolish as to teach the 
 horse backing by placing his head uphill, and making the 
 
BACKING, OR GIBBIXG. 378 
 
 animal draAv a little. He feels the weight of the break, and 
 then by halting and pulling him backwards the weight is 
 removed, and the animal finds it much easier to back down 
 hill than to pull ; and hence a habit of backing is acquired, 
 which is both troublesome and dangerous 
 
 With horses which have this habit at starting, the best 
 method to break them of it is to place a large heavy stone 
 behind the wheel ; and the horse, feeling he is unable to 
 back, will generally proceed forward, finding it more easy 
 to do so ; and by carefully continuing this practice, the 
 horse will gi'adually be broken of the bad habit. Another 
 plan, nearly as good, is to start the horse, if it can possibly 
 be managed, with the back of the machine placed towards a 
 rising ground ; and as it is more difiicult at all times to 
 force it backward than forward, besides the hill being 
 against him, he will prefer going forward to backward. 
 Sometimes it will be necessary to lead the horse for a short 
 distance, and when the groom has quitted the reins, a gentle 
 touch with the whip will make him proceed. If, however, 
 he is determinedly obstinate, there will be little chance of 
 succeeding by forcible means ; and if the driver is resolved 
 to use compulsion, we would recommend that it should not 
 be attempted unless there is a wide space, where by tight 
 reining the driver may back him in the particular direction 
 •which he wishes, and it would be very desirable to do so 
 up-hill if the ground inclines in the neighbourhood. But 
 still there is considerable danger in the attempt. 
 
 Gibbing and backing are frequently produced by the pain 
 inflicted on a horse where the collar is tight or does not fit. 
 Some horses have also a great dislike to a cold collar, and 
 when this is the case, it ought to be lined with cloth instead 
 of leather, or a false collar or. strip of cloth may be worn 
 round the shoulders. ^lany horses, not otherwise gibbers, 
 
374 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 will not start if their shoulders have been chafed with the 
 collar and has left a rawness, as the coldness of the collar 
 gives considerable pain ; but after the collar becomes of the 
 same temperature as the animal, then he will go on. To 
 prevent unpleasantness of this kind it would be well to 
 warm the collar at a tire before putting it on. Some horses, 
 which were inveterate gibbers, have been cured of this vice 
 bj constantly wearing a false collar ; while others have 
 been reformed by keeping the ordinary collar on night and 
 day. This is, however, not to be recommended, as it inter- 
 feres with the animal's rest. ■• 
 
 Many horses are such determined gibbers that tliey will 
 never cure. When this is the case, they should be sold to 
 the owners of a stage-coach, in which four-in-hand are 
 driven, and if placed as the near wheeler, they will be 
 forced to do their work. Some have also been worked in a 
 team by farmers ; but nobody would think of keeping an 
 animal which can only occasionally be rendered serviceable. 
 
 KICKING. 
 
 The vice of kicking is too often caused by horses being 
 teased, tickled, and pinched by grooms, from wanton mis- 
 chief or thoughtless folly. The habit becomes habitual 
 with the animals, and what was at first only done in play, 
 is exercised in anger, and often too when one least expects 
 it. In short, it is a dangerous and incurable vice. 
 
 Horses with an irritable or fidgety disposition kick the 
 stall or bail, and especially during the night. This is a 
 great annoyance to other horses in the stable, and breaks 
 their rest. Besides, the animal is liable to injure himself 
 seriously, and bring on swelled hocks or other malady. 
 Mares are more given to this than horses; and in either it is 
 diflicult to eradicate if once confirmed. As soon as it is 
 
EICKIXG. 37.1 
 
 discovered that a hoise lias this vice, a furze or tliorn-braiich 
 sliouhi be fixed to the partition or post ; and few horses will 
 continue to kick Avhen they are pricked at every attempt. 
 .Many cures have been effected by this simple means, 
 altiiough cases have occurred where it was not a remedv. 
 The next remedy is to have recourse to the log. This con- 
 sists of a heavy piece of wood attached to a chain, and 
 buckled a little way above the hock, so as to reach half way 
 down the leg. As often as the horse kicks, he receives 
 a severe blow from the log ; and he soon learns to desist, 
 finding the pain which it inflicts. However, not unfrc- 
 quently considerable injury is done to the limbs, by the 
 bruises and severe swellings which have followed. 
 
 Kicking is a dangerous vice, especially with horses used 
 in harness ; bad with a ci»aise, but much more so with a gig 
 behind them. The slightest touch on their quarters, even 
 by the reins touching, will set them to kicking : and in 
 many instances the bottom of the chaise Avill be driven in, 
 or a gig may be battered to pieces, and the horse, frequently 
 coming off with a broken limb, or the driver may sustain 
 serious injury. AYith kicking horses, the greatest care 
 should be taken not to allow the harness to pass under the 
 tail, as the moment they feel it, the tail is pressed suddenly 
 and tightly down, so much so, that it is impossible to extri- 
 cate the reins ; and the more the driver pulls, the more tlie 
 animal kicks and plunges. When the driver finds that the 
 reins are so entangled, he should on no account attempt to 
 extricate them by pulling, but quietly dismount, and relieve 
 them by lifting the tail gently. 
 
 This vice is seldom eradicated. Where persons cannot 
 afford to part with sucli horses, as they must be sold at a 
 great loss, a strong kicking strap may be used, which 
 circumscribes the use of the hind limbs, and prevents the 
 
376 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 horse from raising them to kick. But even this is uo 
 securit}^ as by violent efforts on the part of the animal the 
 strap may break, and no one can tell what may be the con- 
 sequence. I had a particularly handsome and powerful 
 mare which possessed this vice, and although I adopted 
 every means to break her of it, I found it impossible. I 
 sold her, and the person who bought her was sure he could 
 effect a cure ; but he was mistaken, and he parted with her. 
 Her fine form soon found a ready purchaser, and in six 
 months she was in the hands of eight different persons. 
 Xever trust a kicker. 
 
 BITING. 
 
 This trick often proceeds from play, and is taught by the 
 folly of grooms or stable-boys teazing the animals. But 
 what they have thus acquired as sport, becomes a fixed 
 habit ; and when thwarted in any manner, they will some- 
 times bite with great severity. Like other vices, this is 
 difficult of cure, and it is but seldom they can be really 
 broken of it. Teazing a horse should be strictly forbidden, 
 and the groom or stable-boy severely punished when detected 
 in the act. Biting, like other vices, should never be taught 
 the animal, as it is easier to avoid it than to effect a cure. 
 Gentle treatment is the best suited for all our domestic 
 animals, and the surest way to command their affections. 
 Bad-tempered and tricky grooms ought to be scouted by 
 every one ; and any master giving such a person a cha- 
 racter, is highly culpable, and ought to be held up to public 
 scorn. 
 
 SEIZING THE CHEEK OF THE BIT! 
 
 Some horses arc so cunning as to get the cheek of the bit 
 into their mouth, which gives them a great command over 
 
RUNNING AWAY SHYING. o77 
 
 their rider or driver. There is no cure for this ; and the 
 only thing that can be done is to fasten a round piece of 
 leather, or use some other mechanical contrivance, so that 
 the animal cannot possibly get the cheek of the bit into his 
 mouth. Neither soothing nor beating will remedy this 
 trick, as the horse who has once been guilty of it is sure to 
 seize the first opportunity to repeat it, when anything vexes 
 him. Many very serious accidents have happened to per- 
 sons from horses running away with the check-bit between 
 their teeth. 
 
 RUNNING AWAY. 
 
 The only thing that can be done in this case is to use a 
 strong curb with a sharp bit. and at the same time alway.s 
 keeping a firm bridle-hand. But if in spite of these pre- 
 cautions he does run away, if there is plenty of open space, 
 or a ploughed field at hand, turn him into it, and apply the 
 curb, spur, and whip, as vigorously as possible, and make 
 him run until he is heartily tired of it. If anything can 
 effect a cure, this will. Some iiorses only bolt off when 
 they hear the cry of the hounds, and will not be restrained 
 wliile the chase continues ; other horses seem to be well 
 aware when they arc mounted by unskilful riders, and 
 endeavour by bolting to throAV tliem off ; while some vicious, 
 headstrong animals bolt even with the best of riders. 
 
 SHYING. 
 
 Of all the vices incidental to the horse, shying is one of 
 the worst, and more accidents have happened fmm it tlian 
 any other of the vices or defects of a horse. Shying pro- 
 ceeds from various causes, but one of the principal is defec- 
 tive vision ; timidity stands next ; and it often proceeds 
 from a disposition to be playful. This vice is far less com- 
 
 3 c 
 
378 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 men among high-bred horses than with those which are 
 
 half-bred, although we have met with it in some of our first 
 
 racers. 
 
 When w^e have a horse given to shying, our first attention 
 
 should be directed to the cause ; that is, whether it proceeds 
 
 from friskjness, timidity, or defective vision. 
 
 When shying proceeds from playfulness, it is difiicult to 
 
 Judge what mode of cure is best to be adopted, because if 
 
 corrected for it, he will associate with any object that 
 diverts his attention the infliction of punishment, which 
 
 will tempt him to run away, under the dread of a flogging ; 
 and if caressed for the fault, it is liable to induce him to 
 :epeat it. But, of two evils, gentle correction must be 
 adopted, and rather to pass by the object than to take hira 
 up to it. He should also be spoken to sharply. 
 
 If shying proceeds from fear of new objects, the true way 
 to correct him of this is not to force him up to them, but to 
 pat him and soothe him, but avoid beating ; and take care 
 to pass the objects of his fear again and again, always going 
 nearer to them eveiy time you pass. This will familiarize 
 him to them. Seeing that these are harmless, he will soon 
 learn to pass by unnoticed any novel object which he may 
 meet with upon a road. 
 
 When an animal is given to shying from defective sight, 
 the only method to efiect a cure is to take him up to it, and 
 in the act of doing so he must be coaxed to approach it, and 
 on no account must he be beaten ; and although it some- 
 times happens that the horse will manifest great reluctance 
 to do so, he should be persevered with, and not allowed to 
 proceed until he has seen closely the object of his fear. 
 After he has been a few times thus treated, he will soon 
 learn to pass with indilTercnce any object which he may 
 meet. 
 
SHYING. 379 
 
 "We cannot better define the follj of beating a horse for 
 shying than by the following, which we extract from " The 
 Veterinarian :" — " We will suppose a case, an eveiy-day 
 one. A man is riding a young horse upon the high-road in 
 the country, and meets a stage-coach. What Avith the noise, 
 the bustle, the imposing appearance altogether, and the 
 slashing of the coachman's whip, the animal at the approach 
 erects his head and crest, pricks his ears, looks aifrighted, 
 and no sooner comes alongside of the machine than he sud- 
 denly starts out of the road. His rider, annoyed by this, 
 instantly commences a round of castigations with whip, 
 spur, and curb, in which he persists until the horse, as well 
 as himself, has lost his temper, and then one whips, spurs, 
 and pulls, and the other jumps, plunges, and frets, and 
 throws up his head, until both, pretty well exhausted by the 
 conflict, grow tranquil again, and proceed on their journey, 
 though not for some time afterwards, in their former mutual 
 confidence and satisfaction. Should they on their road, or 
 even on a distant day, meet with another coach, what is the 
 consequence ? That the horse is not only more alarmed 
 than before, but now, the moment he has started, being 
 conscious of his fault, and expecting chastisement, he jumps 
 about in fearful agitation, making plunges to strike into a 
 gallop, and attempting to run away. So that by this cor- 
 rection, instead of rendering his horse tranquil during the 
 passage of a coach, the rider adds to the evil of shying that 
 of subsequently plunging, and perhaps running away." 
 
 If a horse is aged and prone to shying, and will not be 
 broken of it by gentle treatment, then severe measures 
 must be resorted to. Many years ago, I rode a remarkably 
 spirited and active hackney, which was much given to 
 shying, and particularly in the evening or at night, although 
 lie had no defect in his sight. About a mile from my 
 
380 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 residence there "vvas a salt-work The first time I had 
 occasion to pass this at night, the flames were issuing from 
 the top of the furnace. My horse came to a stand when 
 within about fifty yards from it, and neither coaxing nor 
 force would induce him to proceed. I turned his head 
 homewards, and applied both whip and spur smartly, and 
 galloped him at full speed to my gate ; I then drew up, and 
 turning round, returned at a sharp trot, and on coming up 
 to the salt-work, he passed it without manifesting any signs 
 of fear, and never afterwards showed the slightest reluctance 
 to proceed when he came to it. 
 
 Some horses have a trick of shying on coming out of the 
 stable. This is acquired by having received some injury 
 while entering the door, or striking his head against the top 
 of the doorway if too low. This is incurable, so far as I 
 know ; for both kind treatment and severity have been 
 tried without success. 
 
 RESTIFFNESS, AND RESISTING BEING MOUNTED. 
 
 Some horses which possess a lively or impatient temper, 
 manifest a desire to start ofi" before the rider can get seated 
 m the saddle. Indeed some will attempt to set off when- 
 ever the foot is put in the stirrup. This is a troublesome 
 and dangerous fault, even with the most expert horseman, 
 and especially so to those who are inexperienced or infirm. 
 Horses sometimes become so cunning that they know a good 
 from a bad horseman, and finding they are either to be, or 
 actually mounted, by a timid or indifferent rider, will en- 
 deavour to throw him off, or bolt away before he is properly 
 seated. 
 
 The horse mentioned in the preceding article on shying. 
 when 1 first had him, exhibited the utmost reluctance to bo 
 mounted ; so much so, that it was impossible to succeed 
 
VICIOUS WHILE CLEANI^'G. 3&1 
 
 without some one holding his head ; and no sooner did 
 the servant quit the reins, tlian he plunged and leaped 
 about in all directions. However, I refrained from flogging 
 or spurring him, but patted him on the neck until he be- 
 came quiet. I overcame this by making the groom hold his 
 head, while I mounted and dismounted a dozen or more 
 times successively. After repeating this once or twice a day 
 for upwards of a week, I then led him out to a broad 
 garden walk, and commenced by patting him on the neck 
 and shoulder, and then putting my foot in the stirrup, 
 quickly mounted him. When seated, I gently walked him 
 about, soothing and speaking kindly to him all the while ; 
 and then dismounted, and led him about for a few minutes, 
 and again mounted many times, which he became quite 
 reconciled to. This I repeated several times daily for about 
 a week, but never rode him out of the grounds during this 
 time. At last he became so tractable by kind treatment 
 that he never afterwards was troublesome to mount. I 
 sometimes rewarded him with a handful of oats while pur- 
 suing this treatment. When a horse has such a propensit}', 
 he should be niounted quickly and without fear, and not 
 allowed to proceed on his journey until he is perfectly 
 quiet. Instances are not few where horses that are generally 
 pleasant and easy to mount, become restiff when too high 
 fed and having too little work. The remedy for this is 
 obvious. But when animals continue to manifest this vice, 
 they should be sold. 
 
 VICIOUS WHILE CLEANING. 
 
 Very great diiference exists in the temper exhibited by 
 horses under the operation of cleaning. Some that are 
 steady and quiet on the road and in the field, cannot be 
 cleaned without great hazard to their grooms, as well as thp 
 
382 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 danger of laming themselves. This often proceeds from a 
 very sensitive skin, and at other times from their grooms 
 having inflicted severe chastisement on some former occasion 
 when cleaning. Besides, ill-disposed grooms, bj teasing the 
 animals, or currying them with a broken-toothed comb or 
 uneven-surfaced brush, teach them this bad habit, and have 
 even a delight in seeing the animals show their teeth ; and 
 this is continued until it becomes a fixed vice. If a 
 change of groom takes place, what was done partly in 
 pli-y is then manifested in anger, and serious injuries have 
 been inflicted upon the unsuspecting stranger. It therefore 
 behoves grooms to be cautious how they handle a strange 
 horse. 
 
 There is much variety in the sensibility of the skin of 
 horses, some being so tender that moderate rubbing gives 
 them uneasiness, while others are so much the reverse that 
 the whip hardly excites it. 
 
 It will not be difiicult to overcome this vicious habit. 
 When the groom discovers it, the best plan is to use a 
 gentle hand while cleaning, and lean lightly on those parts 
 which seem most sensitive ; and avoid punishing the animal 
 for exhibiting restifi"ness, and he will soon lose all recol- 
 lection of the former ill-treatment which he had received 
 from his groom, and become quiet and steady. 
 
 RESTIFFNESS WHILE SHOEING. ^ 
 
 When a young horse is first shod, great caution should be 
 used, and gentle means adopted to induce the animal to sub- 
 rait to this novel operation ; and it would be much better to 
 pay the smith a small gratuity for his loss of time in coaxing 
 the horse to submit to it, than to use the gag hurriedly. It 
 must naturally be expected that a young animal will exhibit 
 uneasiness for the first few times he is taken to the smithy. 
 
CRIB BITING. 383 
 
 He should on each occasion be led thither by the person 
 who feeds him ; and above all things tlie smith must not 
 strike him for a fault ; as in most instances horses which 
 are vicious under the operation of shoeing, are rendered so 
 by severe treatment either by the smith or groom. Fatience 
 at first shoeing will be well rewarded, and when the animal 
 finds he receives no injury, he will soon become obedient 
 under this necessary operation ; but if severe chastisement 
 has been resorted to, he is certain to be troublesome every 
 time he is shod, having in remembrance his formei treat- 
 ment, and the pain he suffered under the twitch and the 
 gag. The business of the smith is to be mild and yet firm. 
 Shoeing a quiet horse in the presence of a young one has 
 had the effect of teaching him to submit to it. For his own 
 sake, the smith should avoid teaching this evil, as he is in 
 constant danger during the operation ; and the horse is 
 liable to be pricked and lanced in his struggles. Some 
 horses are so vicious that they never can be conquered, and 
 it becomes necessary to cast them every time they are shod, 
 and confined in the trevis. When this is the case, it may 
 1)6 expected that sooner or later the animal will meet with 
 an accident which will render him useless. 
 
 CPJB-BITING. 
 
 Crib-biting is one of the worst habits which a horse can 
 acquire, and is seldom or ever cured. The horse seizes the 
 manger with his teeth while he stretches his neck forward, 
 and after some spasmodic action of the throat, a slight 
 grunting sound is uttered, which appears to be accompanied 
 by a drawing in of air. The cause of this trick is not yet 
 well understood ; and wlicther it proceeds from a bad habit, 
 or a defect in the formation of the soft palate and back 
 part of the mouth, still remains undiscovered ; and there- 
 
384 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 fore we sball not indulge in any speculative opinions as to 
 its origin. 
 
 One serious effect of this trick is the wearing down of 
 the teeth ; and instances have occurred where thej have 
 been broken. It has likewise been found that crib-biters are 
 more liable to colic than those without this vice. Whether 
 this proceeds from the loss of saliva occasioned by the wear- 
 ing down of the teeth is still an unsettled point. 
 
 It has been found that crib-biting is acquired by horses 
 being in the stable with one which has the trick. Among 
 the expedients which have been resorted to for the cure of 
 crib-biting, the edge of the manger has been lined with 
 iron ; also with sheep-skin besmeared with aloes, tar, and 
 other disagreeable substances, but all with no effect. The 
 only thing in this case is to resort to a preventive, and that 
 will be found in the use of a strap buckled tightly round 
 the neck, which has the effect of compressing the windpipe, 
 and rendering it impossible to resort to it ; but no sooner is 
 the strap removed, tliau the horse recommences his old 
 habit, so that it must be constantly v/orn to be of use. 
 But the continual use of it is apt to produce irritation in 
 the trachea, and this will terminate in the affection termed 
 roaring, which we have particularly described at page 76, 
 A five or six months' run in a field has also been tried 
 without proving a remedy. Crib- biters are generally in 
 low condition. 
 
 A nmzzle barred across the bottom will prevent crib- 
 biting. This must be made only of sufficient width to 
 allow full action to the lips, so that the animal may pull 
 his hay from the rack and eat his corn, but so close as not 
 to admit of him grasping the edge of the manger. Crib- 
 biting is legally considered unsoundness. 
 
SLIPPING THE COLLAR. 385 
 
 WIND-SUCKING. 
 
 This is so intimately connected with crib-biting that it 
 may properly be considered a modification of it ; as it is 
 accompanied by a want of condition, and the same bending 
 of the neck, with the head drawn inward, is manifested, and 
 the horse alternately opens and closes his lips, and a sound 
 is produced similar to sucking air. The remedies attempted 
 have been, tying up the head of the horse, except when 
 feeding ; and the application of 'a muzzle with sharp spikes 
 bending towards the neck, which will prick him when draw- 
 ing in his head. 
 
 NOT LYING DOWN. 
 Horses are sometimes prone to standing constantly ; and 
 some only lie dovm once in a fortnight, or even a longer 
 period. When this is the case, they are generally liable to 
 swellings in the limbs, and seldom able to go through much 
 work. Such horses should, if possible, be put into a stable 
 by themselves and left at liberty, and a well-made bed 
 will sometimes tempt them to lie down. No means can be 
 adopted to force the animal to take rest by lying down. 
 When it is not possible to place him in a stable alone, an 
 empty box should be constructed so that he may be left for 
 the night unhaltered in it. I had a remarkably fine draught- 
 horse that never was known to lie down, and yet be kept in 
 good condition, and was not troubled with swelling in the 
 limbs : but this is a rare occurrence. He sometimes fell 
 down on his knees while asleep, but the groom always found 
 him on his legs before he could reach the stable, although 
 his house was next door. 
 
 SLIPPING THE COLLAR. 
 
 Some horses are very expert at getting out of iheir collar, 
 
 3 D 
 
386 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 and range at large in the stable during the night, which 
 subjects them to the liability of being kicked by their neigh- 
 bours, besides keeping all the others awake. To prevent 
 this, the web of the halter should be accurately fitted to the 
 neck, and made so as to slip only one way ; to this a strap 
 must be attached, so as to buckle round the neck, taking 
 care that it is not too tight. 
 
 PAWING. 
 
 This is a disagreeable and very bad habit, and proceeds 
 from an irritable temper. Bruised feet and sprained legs too 
 often proceed from it. The shoes are quickly worn down in 
 front, and the litter considerably wasted. The only remedy 
 for this is the use of shackles, to which should be attached 
 a chain sufficiently long to allow the horse to shift his posture 
 and move about in his stall. These to be used only in the 
 daytime, as if kept on at night the horse will not lie down, 
 
 ROLLING. 
 
 Horses that roll in the stable are apt to be injured from 
 want of sufficient room, and also to get entangled in the 
 halter ; and, strange as it may appear, although he may get 
 severely hurt and be nearly choked by the halter, he will 
 repeat it night after night. The only thing which will 
 prevent him from rolling, is to give him just enough of 
 collar to enable him to lie down, but so short that his head 
 will not touch the ground, because it is impossible he can 
 roll over without resting his head upon the ground. If a 
 horse is in a field, rolling is a harmless and even healthful 
 amusement. 
 
 WEAVING. 
 
 Animals of an impatient, irritable temper, that dislike 
 
OF SHOEING. 387 
 
 confinement in a stable, will sometimes keep moving their 
 head, neck, and body to and fro, like the motion of a 
 weaver's shuttle : these have been called weavers. Such 
 horses seldom or never carry much flesh, from their fretful 
 temper and incessant movement. The only preventive is to 
 tie the head close up, except when feeding. 
 
 TRIPPING. 
 
 Innumerable attempts have been made to cure this dan- 
 gerous quality in a horse, but few indeed have been the 
 cures. It is only a waste of time to enumerate these. The 
 true remedy is to get quit of the horse. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 OF SHOEING. 
 
 A FINE horse without sound feet may be compared to an 
 elegant building without a firm foundation — both are in 
 constant danger of falling. 
 
 It is not known w^hen the practice of shoeing horses with 
 iron was first practised, although it is certain that William 
 the Conqueror introduced it into Britain. 
 
 We shall not dwell upon the methods which were prac- 
 tised to preserve the hoofs of horses before the invention of 
 iron shoes, but proceed to consider the best methods now 
 adopted. The construction of our roads and streets render 
 shoeing indispensable ; at the same time it must be obvious 
 that shoeing with iron, and nailing them to the hoofs, is 
 productive of very serious mischief, and is the cause of 
 
388 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERf. 
 
 various diseases, most of which we have already noticed in 
 the preceding part of the work. 
 
 Much attention has been devoted by eminent veterina- 
 rians to the best form of shoe for the prevention of contrac- 
 tion, and the consequent destruction of the expansion of the 
 hoof ; but no means have yet been devised to obviate this 
 completely. 
 
 There cannot be a greater error than the possessors of 
 horses exercising parsimonious economy in having their 
 horses shod by those smiths who will perform the office 
 cheapest. The first object with every one should be to get 
 the work well done, because it is being " penny wise and 
 pound foolish " to have the shoes of a horse ill fitted, for the 
 saving of a few pence. 
 
 PREPARATION OF THE FOOT FOR SHOEING 
 
 The first thing to be done by the smith is to remove the 
 old shoe, and it is of importance to see that this is per- 
 formed in a careful and proper manner. Some smiths are 
 very careless and rash in removing the shoe, and instead of 
 turning up the points of the nails, tear ofi" the shoe by force. 
 The shoe is fixed to the foot by nails which penetrate from 
 the sole to the upper surface of the hoof ; these are broken 
 off, allowing sufficient length remaining to turn down and 
 be clenched into the horny substance. These clenches 
 should be carefully raised and rendered as straight as 
 possible, so that the nails may be pulled without injuring 
 the hoof or increasing the dimensions of the nail-holes. 
 By thus wrenching off the shoe, there is danger that some of 
 the stubs may be left in the crust and cause future lamene:is, 
 or portions of the crust itself may be torn off. In most 
 cases, where such violent treatment is practised, the horse 
 exhibits by his flinching that he suffers pain from it, and 
 
PREPARATIO^ OF THE FOOT FOR SHOEING. 389 
 
 is the too frequent cause of animals being troublesome to 
 shoe. 
 
 "When the shoe has been removed, the crust must be 
 rasped down in the edges ; and although a little roughness 
 may be exercised in this, yet there is little danger of injury 
 to the hoof, only that too much must not be removed, so as 
 to render it too thin. The hoof requires considerable 
 labour to pare, and this is of great importance to the com • 
 fort of the animal, as well as his safety on the road. It is 
 a part of the operation of shoeing which is too often done 
 in a hurried and slovenly manner. The master of the 
 horse or his groom ought to see that paring is thoroughly 
 performed ; because, if the sole is not well pared, its 
 elasticity will be destroyed, and thereby prevented from 
 descending ; and this will impair the functions of the foot, 
 and induce all the maladies to which it is liable ; namely, 
 the navicular disease, contraction, and corns, as well as in- 
 flammation, and all the maladies of which we have already 
 treated. Nothing is of more consequence than to prevent an 
 accumulation of the horny substance of the sole, which, it is 
 easy to see, must increase, because, being protected by the 
 shoe, it cannot get worn down as it would in a natural con- 
 lition. Sufficient thickness should be left so as to protect 
 the internal parts of the foot from injury, and enough to allow 
 the external sole to descend. This can easily be determined 
 by the strong pressure of the thumb on the sole, which 
 should yield slightly in all its breadth. This operation is 
 performed by what is termed a drawing-knife. 
 
 It will happen that the horn of the sole becomes so hard 
 that it is removed with very great difficulty, in which case 
 it becomes necessary to soften it by heat. This is effected 
 by means of a flat iron heated, and drawn over the sole, and 
 even kept close to it for a little time. If the sole is thick, 
 
 t 
 
390 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERT. 
 
 no injury will be sustained from it, and, on the contrary, it 
 will render the paring more easy and less disagreeable to 
 the horse ; but if the sole has been regularly pared out 
 during shoeing, this must not be permitted. The quantity 
 of paring necessarily varies much, according to the forma- 
 tion and condition of the foot. The foot which is pumiced 
 should only have the ragged parts cut away ; when the foot 
 is flat, little paring is needed ; from that which is concave, 
 the crust must be pared until it yields slightly to strong 
 pressure from the thumb ; if the foot is strong, a great deal 
 of paring is requisite. Care must always be taken that the 
 crust is not reduced to a level with the sole, as this would 
 permit the sole to press upon the edge of the seating, and 
 thereby be bruised and injured. The entire circumference 
 of the crust should be perfectly level, but projecting a little 
 beyond the sole. 
 
 "We must now direct particular attention to the heels. 
 More stress is thrown on the inner heel than on the outer, 
 and, from natural weakness of the quarter there, it generally 
 wears quicker than the outer one. This being the case, 
 less horn must be pared from it than from the outer, as 
 taking the same quantity of horn from it would leave it 
 lower than the other, whereas they should be perfectly on a 
 level. 
 
 Almost all smiths have a fancy for opening the heels, 
 from the idea that it does good by rendering the foot 
 neater, Avhich is a complete fallacy, as they ought seldom 
 or never to be touched ; for, as we have already shown in 
 our description of the anatomy of the foot, the bars are 
 the only check in preventing contraction. Nothing, there- 
 fore, should be removed but the ragged and detaclied 
 portions. 
 
 It IS intended that the heel of the shoe should rest partly 
 
THE PUTTLVG ON OF THE SHOE. 391 
 
 on the bar, and partly on the heel of the foot, consequently 
 the bar should be allowed to remain nearly in its original 
 condition, from its first inflection, and extending down the 
 side of the frog. It is only when the frog becomes level 
 with the crust that it should be pared at all. We have 
 already shown, when treating of contraction, page 158, that 
 when the bars have been removed we have destroyed the 
 props which are the main preventions of that defect. 
 
 The quantity to be pared from the frog depends chiefly 
 upon its prominence and the shape of the foot. It must 
 only project so much as to be just within and above the 
 inner surface of the shoe, that is, on a level with the unshod 
 hoof. This will enable it to descend with the sole. If it 
 be higher, it cannot come in contact with the ground ; and 
 if lower, it is liable to be bruised. 
 
 From what we have shown it will be sufficiently evident 
 that some skill is necessary in the preparation of the foot 
 for the reception of the shoe ; and it is equally incumbent 
 on the groom and his master, as well as the smith, to possess 
 this knowledge ; and it is Avell for some one always to be in 
 attendance during the operation of shoeing. 
 
 THE PUTTING ON OF THE SHOE. 
 
 The foot having been prepared, the smith selects a shoe 
 from among those already made, which he thinks may fit as 
 nearly as possible, and what alterations are necessary are 
 made on the shoe. This frequently requires both the use 
 of the hammer and the file, and the conscientious workman 
 will not nail it on until it is so formed that it rests firmly 
 on the sole, and its external shape precisely corresponds 
 with that of the crust. On the other hand, the careless 
 and inconsiderate mechanic will pick a shoe, and suit the 
 hoof to the shoe, frequently paring the sole and crust to the 
 
392 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 quick ; and often cutting it so thin that it will not hold the 
 nails firmly, besides rendering the unprotected part of the 
 foot liable to be punctured, and exposing the sole to pres- 
 sure which may occasion lameness, and that too of a per- 
 manent character. 
 
 A properly constructed shoe should have the web of equal 
 thickness from toe to heel. When thinner at the heel than 
 the toe, it permits the heel to sink too much, which has a 
 tendency to induce sprain of the flexor tendon ; and when 
 the shoe is thicker at the back than the front, it elevates 
 the frog too much, is sure to promote disease, and will impair 
 its function, and is certain to bruise the toe, which from its 
 naturally exposed position is more liable to injury than 
 
 other parts. 
 
 Every possessor of a horse should be well acquainted 
 with the different kinds of shoes noAv in general use, and 
 have such a knowledge of the varied form of hoofs as to 
 enable him to judge the particular kind best adapted to the 
 shape of the foot of his own horse. Country smiths pay too 
 little attention to this point, and with a predilection for one 
 form, apply it to whatever shaped hoof they may meet with. 
 
 In a state of nature the hoof of a horse is admirably 
 adapted to give security to its steps ; but when the foot is 
 shod, the weight and bearings of the whole limb, or, more 
 strictly speaking, of the entire animal, are changed. It 
 therefore becomes a matter of much importance to investi- 
 gate what form of shoe is best calculated for this altered 
 condition, and which will produce the least mischief to the 
 feet ; for the best of shoeing must ever continue to be a 
 source of diseases and inconvenience to the horse. And 
 any one who strictly investigates the structure of the foot, 
 with its numerous modifications of shape, will soon perceive 
 that no universal form will be suitable for all feet. 
 
THE CONCAVE-SEATED SHOE. 393 
 
 Some parsimonious individuals contract with their smitivs 
 to supply shoes at a certain sum per annum. From what 
 we have said in this, as well as other parts of the work, it 
 will easily be seen how absurd such a practice is ; because 
 the smith will, in nine cases out of ten, put heavy shoes on 
 the horse to save the labour of repeated shoeing ; nor will 
 he think of removing the shoes at stated intervals, as we 
 have already recommended. 
 
 THE CONCAYE-SEATED SHOE. 
 
 Considerable difficulty has been experienced in having 
 enough of room to pass a picker between the foot-surface of 
 the patent-safety shoe and the sole of the foot, more espe- 
 cially where soles are flat, with an inclination to convexity. 
 The consequence has been, the soles of such feet in some 
 cases have been pinched by the pressure of the shoe, 
 although this shoe is not more difficult to fit than any 
 other. To obviate this supposed difficulty, and to meet the 
 views of those who think it desirable, a concave-seated shoe 
 has been invented, concave to the ground, and seated on the 
 foot surface. 
 
 This shoe presents a perfectly level surface to the ground, 
 so as to give as many points of bearing as possible. There 
 is a groove round the outer edge, in which the nail-holes are 
 punched ; when the shoe is on, the nails project but a little 
 way beyond the general surface of the shoe, but are soon 
 worn level with the face of the shoe. 
 
 The web of this shoe is of equal thickness throughout, 
 and parallel from toe to heel, deviating in width according 
 to the form of the foot to which it is to be applied. The 
 foot-surface of the shoe is sufficiently wide to protect the sole 
 from bruises, and as wide at the heel as the frog will permit, 
 in order effectually to cover tlie situation where a corn grows, 
 
 3e 
 
394 MANUAL OF MODERN FAKPJERT. 
 
 It is seated ou the foot side, and the outer jDortlon maJo 
 as accurately flat as possible, and of the exact width of the 
 crust, which it is designed alone to support ; so that the 
 entire weight of that union which exists between the nume- 
 rous little plates which are arranged upon the internal 
 surface of the wall of the foot (which are more particularly 
 described a' page 254) and this portion, supports the whole 
 weight of the horse. This flattened portion of the shoe is 
 wider towards the heel, and occupies the entire breadth of 
 the web, to support the heel of the crust and its reflected 
 portion, the bar ; so that Avhile it protects the horn included 
 within the angle from injury, it promotes that equal pressure 
 upon the bar and crust, Avhich is most likely to prevent 
 contraction as well as the growth of the corn. 
 
 We have given a representation of this shoe, plate xi 
 fig. 1. It is secured to the foot by nine nails, five on 
 the outside, and four on the inner side of the shoe. These 
 are not placed parallel to each other, but the outside ones 
 extend a little further towards the heel than on the 
 other side, because the outside heel has more nail-hold, and 
 is thicker and stronger than the inside. "When the feet are 
 of moderate size, and not a great deal of work required of 
 the animal, three nails on the inside and four on the outside 
 will be sufiicient, and the last nail being distant from the 
 heel, will permit of expansion in that part. Besides, it is 
 always desirable that as few nails as possible should be used, 
 so that they are sufiicient to secure the adhesion of the 
 shoe. That there may be no pressure on the sole, the 
 inside of the web of the shoe is bevelled off", or rendered 
 concave. As we have already explained, the foot of the 
 horse is exceedingly susceptible, and easily bruised if the 
 sole comes in contact with hard su1)stances. Although it is 
 so far protected by the iron shoe, the sole descends slightly. 
 
 •• 
 
 ■flP» 
 
THE CO^TAVE- SEATED SHOE. 395 
 
 ^vhen the foot of the animal is placed on the ground, and is 
 unable to bear constant or even temporary pressure for any 
 length of time ; and if it bears upon the shoe, the sensible 
 sole between the coflBn-bone and horny external sole would 
 be so much bruised as to occasion lameness, and if long 
 continued it would be of a very serious character. Work- 
 ing horses too early has a strong tendency to flatten the 
 natural concavity of the sole, and may induce a disposition 
 to continued descent. This bevelling of the concave shoe 
 prevents the possibility of injury or sinking of the sole. If 
 the feet are pumiced, the shoe must have an extra degree of 
 bevelling to protect them. 
 
 "When shoes are flat, gravel and dirt constantly insinuate 
 themselves and lodge there, and are certain upon a journey 
 to bruise and injure the foot ; but in bevelled shoes, it is 
 hardly possible for either to remain between the sole and 
 foot, as they would naturally be shaken out every time the 
 foot comes in contact with the ground. 
 
 Another advantage in this shoe is that the web is of that ,^ 
 proper thickness, that when the crust is properly pared the 
 prominent part of the frog Avill lie immediately within and 
 above its gi^ound surface, permitting the frog to rest suffici- 
 ently on the ground, so as to act as a wedge, and produce a 
 tendency to expansion in the quarters ; while at the same 
 time it is protected from the injury it would sustain if it' 
 reached the ground with the full and first shock of the 
 Aveight. In the common shoe the ground surface is a little 
 convex, and its inward rim first comes iu contact with the 
 ground ; so that the weight, instead of resting fairly on tha 
 crust, is sustained by the clenches and nails, which cannot 
 fail to be prejudicial to the crust, and must often tear and 
 splinter it. 
 
 The nail-holes must be situated as near tlie outer edge of 
 
S9G MANUAL OF MODERxX FARRIERY. 
 
 the seating as the strength and security of the web will 
 permit. The nails will consequentlj have a natural ten- 
 dency to take an inward direction, and therefore will have 
 a firmer hold, and be divested of that strain to which they 
 are subjected in the common shoe. 
 
 We have given a representation of the under-surface of 
 this shoe, plate xi. fig. 2. 
 
 THE SEATED SHOE. ^ 
 
 PLATE XI. Fig. 3. 
 
 The seated shoe is of an equal thickness, perfectly flat, 
 and parallel from the toe to the heel ; only varying in 
 width according to the form of the hoof to which it is to be 
 applied, and similar to the ordinary shoe in the fullering, 
 nailing, &c. The foot-surface, however, differs, in having a 
 narrow plain rim, about the same width as the thickness of 
 the crust, extending round the edge of the shoe, except at 
 the heel, where it presents a flat surface, to the extent of an 
 inch ; the other part of the shoe is hollowed out, bevelling 
 from the inner edge of the seat, making it thin except at 
 the heel, which is of the same thickness throughout. The 
 intention is that the crust should bear upon and be supported 
 by the seat of the shoe. The nail-holes are situated in the 
 inner part of the seat, but the nailing is the same in 
 principle as the common shoe. 
 
 The advantage of this shoe over the ordinary one is that 
 of the crust resting on a flat surface instead of an inclined 
 plane ; and as it bears on the edge, it is less liable to induce 
 contraction. But with that advantage, yet there are several 
 objections to it. The shoe being flat without the proper 
 degree of curvature, and the mode of fastening by pitching 
 the nails inward, is equally destructive to the crust, although 
 
EXPANDING SHOE, ETC. 397 
 
 there is no strain upon the nails and clenches, as in the 
 common shoe ; and it has been found that its use has not 
 the eflfect of diminishing the number of corn cases, which 
 arises from the quarters being removed to fit the flat-shoe, 
 and the weight is then sustained more by the heels than 
 the quarters. Besides, it is a difficult shoe to make. 
 
 THE EXPANDING SHOE. 
 
 This consists of a shoe of the common English form, with 
 a joint at the toe, which the inventor, j\Ir. Bracy Clark, 
 intended to relieve the feet from the restraint of the shoe 
 and nails, by admitting the natural expansion of the hoof, 
 and thus avoiding all the evils arising from shoes made on 
 the common principle. This, however, has not been realized. 
 
 THE HUNTING SHOE. 
 
 PLATE XI. Ficx. 4. 
 
 The hunting shoe difl"ers from that of a horse used upon 
 the road, both in weight and form. It is not so much 
 bevelled off as the common concave-seated shoe, and onlv 
 enough of space left between the shoe and sole for the 
 introduction of the picker ; as, going over heavy ground, 
 the clay would insinuate itself, and by its tenacity would 
 have a tendency to loosen the shoe, or indeed, what has 
 been the case, tear it off altogether. It is also made shorter 
 in the heels, so that they may not be torn off by the toe of 
 the hind feet when galloping. 
 
 THE RACING-SHOE. 
 
 PLATE XI. Fig. 5. 
 The racing-shoe, or plate, should be constructed of the 
 
3.9 S MAXUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 best Swedish iron, and made of sufficient thickness to pre- 
 vent breaking or bending when used. A flat surface on the 
 foot side is generally used ; and the same form of plate as 
 in the shoes intended to be put on after the removal of the 
 plate. Three or four nails on each side according to the 
 size of the foot will suffice. The heels of the plate should 
 not be longer than the horn of the heels, rather a trifle 
 shorter, to prevent them from being torn off bj the toe of 
 the hind foot when at great speed. 
 
 THE BAR-SHOE. 
 
 This is a useful invention to remove the pressure from 
 any tender part of the foot, and throw it on another portion 
 which is quite sound. It consists of the common shoe 
 continued round the heels. Its chief use is in cases ot 
 corns, and it quite covers its seat. It elevates the sole in 
 pumiced feet, and thus secures them from pressure. It is 
 also useful in sand-crack, as by it we can remove the 
 pressure from the slit, and throw it on each side of it. In 
 short, in all the diseases of the foot the bar-shoe will be 
 found very serviceable if worn during _;these diseases ; but it 
 must be discontinued as soon as a cure has been efiected. 
 When the bar-shoe is used for sand-crack or corn, the crust 
 and frog ought to be perfectly parallel, and the bar should 
 be the widest part of the shoe, so that an extended bearing 
 may be placed upon the frog. This shoe, however, is by no 
 means safe during frost. 
 
 CLIPS. 
 
 These consist of portions of the upper edge of the shoe, 
 hammered out, and turned up so as to embrace the lower 
 surface of the crust, which must be a little pared out so as 
 to receive the clip. The chief use of the clip is to give 
 
THE HINDER SHOE — TIPS. 399 
 
 greater security in attaching the shoe to the foot, and 
 lessening the stress upon the nails, which might prove 
 injurious. In horses subjected to heavy draught, clips are 
 indispensable, and are useful to all employed in draught 
 of any kind. They will be found a useful preventive 
 in securing the shoes from being torn off, when the 
 strain is great on the feet while drawing. Clips are 
 also beneficial when horses are given to stamping and 
 pawing, as either of these tricks are likely to loosen the 
 simple shoe. But clips should only be used in such horses 
 as we have named, because they press upon the crust as it 
 grows down, and are therefore objectionable with horses 
 which are employed in light draught or hackneys. 
 
 THE HINDER SHOE. 
 
 As the hinder limbs are the chief instruments of progression 
 in the animal, except while walking, the whole stress of the 
 frame rests upon them. In consequence of this, the shoes 
 of the hind feet are always made broader than those of the 
 fore feet, and the toe is widened still more by rasping. 
 AYhon there is the slightest tendency to over-reaching, the 
 toes of the hind feet should be shortened as much as pos- 
 sible, by sloping in the surface, and rendering the shoe 
 somewhat less projecting than the toe The hinder differs 
 a little from the fore foot, in being straighter in the quarters. 
 The nails in the hinder shoe should be situated nearer to 
 the heel than in the fore shoe. 
 
 TIPS. 
 
 Tips are short shoes which reach only half way round 
 the foot, and are worn by the horse while at grass, as a 
 protection to the crust, to prevent it being injured by any 
 hard parts in the ground. They are especially necessary 
 
400 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 wlien horses have a practice of pawing. The reason why 
 these shoes are made short is to permit those feet whicli 
 have a tendency to contraction, to return to their natural 
 condition by expansion. 
 
 ^ PATENT SAFETY SHOE. 
 
 PLATE XI. Fig. 6. 
 
 This shoe is constructed of malleable cast-iron. This is 
 accomplished by a chemical process called annealing, which 
 renders the cast-iron less liable to break ; as ordinary cast- 
 iron is nearly as brittle as glass. The figure referred to 
 exhibits the ground side of this shoe. The letters a, a, a, a, 
 are a raised border, intended to strengthen the inward edge 
 of the shoe, as well as to prevent the intrusion of small 
 stones, flint, and dirt, between the sole and shoe, which it io 
 likely would take place but for this protection. 
 
 WATER AND POULTICE BOOTS. 
 
 WATER-BOOT.-PLATE XI. Fig. 7. 
 
 Considerable difficulty has been experienced in keeping 
 diseased feet effectually wet by the application of a poultice. 
 The usual method has been to put the poultice in a piece of 
 old rag or sacking, and set the foot into it, and to tie the 
 edges of the cloth round the fetlock. It must be obvious 
 that the pressure of the foot will soon displace that portion 
 under the sole, where probably it may be most required. 
 Besides this, the cloth is liable to be cut through by the 
 crust, and consequently the greater portion of the applica- 
 tion escapes. 
 
 The poultice and water boot is constructed with a leather 
 bottom, defended by iron plating of different sizes. When 
 
WATER AJfD POULTICE BOOTS. 401 
 
 required for t?ie application of a poultice, a linen drill top 
 is only necessary ; but when required for a continued appli- 
 cation of cold or warm water, it is necessary to have two or 
 three thicknesses of Bath-coating sewed together, and cut of 
 a proper form for the top. In order that the whole foot may 
 be subjected to moisture, a bottom consisting of two or three 
 pieces of this cloth are sewed together, of the exact form 
 and size required. The top must be soaked in water, and 
 this will naturally descend to the bottom of the boot, where 
 it is absorbed by the doubles of cloth. To keep the boot 
 duly moist, it would be proper to dip the foot with the 
 boot on into a i)ail of water occasionally through the day, 
 and immediately before shutting the stable for the night. 
 In this way the cooling moisture may be kept up for any 
 length of time. 
 
 However, long-continued moisture has a tendency to de- 
 stroy the texture of the frog, as well as the tough elastic 
 property of the hoofs. To obviate this, two days in each 
 week should be appropriated to keeping the boots off, and 
 an unguent of tar applied to the surface of the foot, which 
 should be well rubbed in with the hand. This will com- 
 pletely saturate the horn, and prevent that crumbly ten- 
 dency which manifests itself when the foot is long kept 
 moist. During this time the horse should have a well-sup- 
 plied bed of litter to prevent injury to the hoof. 
 
 If during the two days on which the boots have been 
 removed the animal paws with his foot, it is veiy liable to 
 sustain injury ; to prevent this, the use of a rope-boot will 
 be necessary. See plate xi. fig. 8. These boots of the best 
 construction can be obtained at Mr. Thompson's, No. 185, 
 Regent-street, London. They are the invention of Mr. Joseph 
 Goodwin, Veterinary Surgeon to George IV. 
 
 3f 
 
402 MA^'UAL OF MODERN FARRIER r. 
 
 FELT, OR LEATHER SOLES. 
 
 In cases of bruised or inflamed feet it has been found of 
 much benefit to insert a strip of leather or felt between the 
 shoe and the crust. The intention of this is to lessen the 
 vibration or shock which is given to the sensible portion of 
 the foot, in consequence of the want of elasticity of the 
 iron shce. This is useful where disease exists, but must by 
 no means be adopted where the feet are sound ; for one 
 reason — the nails can never be so firmly driven in when any 
 substance is interposed between the hoof and the shoe, and 
 by its alternate contraction and expansion with dry or hot 
 weather, it is sure to lessen the security of the shoe ; causing 
 too much play upon the nails, and consequentl}'' enlarging 
 the perforations in the crust, and rendering a portion of it 
 liable to be torn away. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 now TO BUY A HORSE. 
 
 Little do novices in horseflesh think how many tricks are 
 resorted to by dishonest dealers to conceal the defects of a 
 horse, and take in the uninitiated. To exhibit a few of 
 these will be the aim of this chapter ; as well as to throw 
 out several hints which may be useful in assisting the un- 
 experienced in the purchase of a horse. 
 
 The first thing to be attended to is the form of the 
 animal ; and this difiers materiallv in the various breeds, 
 
HOW TO BUY A HOKSE. 403 
 
 and its good points will depend upon their adaptation to 
 particular kinds of work. The head in all the breeds 
 should be fine, broad between the ejes, and tapering 
 towards the nose ; the jaws ought to be clean, and not 
 possessing too much flesh ; the eje full, sparkling, and 
 lively ; the nostrils rather large, open, and of a clear red ; 
 the space underneath between the jaws should be roomy, 
 and free from glandular swellings or lumps ; the ears should 
 be well set into the head and pointed forwards, but not 
 large ; the neck should be well curved, lightly formed 
 rather than muscular, and considerably arched beneath at 
 its union with the jaws ; the shoulder should be high and 
 sloping ; the withers should be of medium breadth, and not 
 too high, as it will be found that high-withered horses are 
 generally narrow in the chest, which is always a bad point, 
 as not allowing sufBcient scope to the lungs, and never so 
 pleasing to the eye as a broad expanded front Still, some 
 horses have proved both hardy and good in point of action 
 with narrow chests ; but these have had depth to compensate 
 for the want of breadth. However, there is a medium in the 
 width of the chest, because great width is invariably accom- 
 panied with want of action ; and such horses are better 
 adapted for cart or farm purposes. 
 
 The back should be short and somewhat arched across 
 the loins ; the chest deep, and the ribs expanding, especially 
 between the last rib and the huckle-bone, or hip, so as not 
 to permit of a hollow betwixt them, which is always un- 
 sightly to the eye, if it is not a physical defect. No feeding 
 will fill up a hollow in that quarter ; nor can a horse be 
 pleasing to the eye which has not well-formed hind-quarters. 
 These should be rounded and full, and thf, muscles of the 
 hips well developed. A low rump is a characteristic feature 
 of the Irish horse. This is termed among dealers goose- 
 
404 MANCAL OF MODERJS' FARRIERY. 
 
 rumped. Many blood-horses have this characteristic. Avoid 
 the purchase of one so formed, as they rarely have good 
 action. Horses long in the quarter are seldom serviceable ; 
 if a horse is required for field sports, always choose him 
 short in the quarters, as this is a character possessed by all 
 good leapers. The thighs must be muscular, and extending 
 to the hock, from which to the hoof he should be clean, flat, 
 and sinewy. The back part of the thigh ought to have a 
 considerable bend, as a straight-legged animal seldom pos- 
 sesses good action, although there are exceptions to this 
 rule. Avoid those which are cat-hammed, that is, with 
 their hocks nearly touching each other. See that the fore- 
 leo-s are strong and muscular down to the knee, and other- 
 wise formed as we have described the fore legs. Let the 
 feet be nearly circular, gradually increasing as they descend 
 towards the sole. Their inclination outwards should not be 
 so great as that of the pastern ; the chances are that feet 
 which slope too much forwards are diseased, or liable to it ; 
 besides, this obliquity throws the animal too much on his 
 heels, which produces tenderness of the part, and straining 
 of the back sinew. 
 
 The position of the legs and feet, or what may be termed 
 their setting on, is a most important point. Viewing the 
 horse in front, his legs should be as nearly straight as pos- 
 sible, and his feet neither inclining to the right or left ; 
 as feet turned outwards are very liable to cut and trip, and 
 the action of the horse is seldom good or agreeable to the 
 eye, having an outward stride, and loses ground thereby at 
 every step. Horses with an inward inclination are said to 
 be pin-toed, or pigeon-toed. These generally throw the foot 
 outwards, exhibiting the sole of the foot while in action to 
 those who are standing on one side of him. Such horses 
 have usually a laboured action, which fatigues the animal, 
 
HOW TO BUY" A HORSE 405 
 
 • 
 
 and is equal to a third, less or more, of the distance he has 
 actually travelled. The fore-legs should be set well under 
 the fore part of the shoulder, affording ample support to it ; 
 such as have their legs placed forward, possess neither power 
 nor action. When the legs are viewed sideways or in profile, 
 they should be nearly straight, as in our representation of 
 the horse, plate 1 ; but when horses have what are called 
 calf-knees, that is, with a slight inclination inwards, and 
 with the shank sloping forwards, it is a certain sign of 
 weakness, and such, horses will always more easily knock up 
 with hard work than those which have straight or even 
 prominent knees. 
 
 The hind legs should either be straight from the hock 
 downwards, or having a slight inclination under the belly 
 Horses so formed are for the most part low in the rump, and 
 will throw out their legs well under them when in action. 
 On the contrary, horses which throw their legs outward are 
 ai-ways disagreeable to ride, and seldom work well. Horses 
 that stand with their hind legs much under them, and at 
 the same time which droop in the hind-quarters, may be 
 suspected to be diseased in the spine or the kidneys, and 
 should be carefully examined on those points ; and while 
 doing so, on no account permit a dealer's servant to hold up 
 the horse by the bridle, or to stand on rising ground. This 
 should be most especially attended to while examining the 
 legs. It is the invariable practice of dealers' grooms when 
 exhibiting a horse to throw the snaffle and curb reins over 
 the head, and to hold him back with the latter, while he 
 touches him up behind with a long whip, which has the 
 effect of making liim elevate his head, and brings him to 
 his mettle, and therefore he hardly knows where he places 
 his feet ; consequently he will both bend his knees and 
 throw out his feet much more than he does in his ordinary 
 
406 MAIiUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 style of going. These wily servants take care always to bring 
 horses to a stand, with his fore-quarters on rising ground, 
 which makes him advance his fore-legs, so as to conceal any 
 knuckling of the knees, or pasterns, and will give a groggy 
 animal all the appearance of soundness. Therefore let the 
 horse that is intended to be purchased, be examined tho- 
 roughly on level ground, with his head at liberty. 
 
 The first point to be attended to is the crown of the 
 head ; to ascertain if he has the disease called poll-evil, (see 
 page 48,) examine his nostrils, and if there is a fetid dis- 
 charge, he will be glandered (18) or have nasal gleet (30.) 
 To ascertain this, the nostrils should be pinched together for 
 about a minute, to prevent him from breathing ; and on 
 removing the hand he is sure to snort, which will blow out 
 any matter if he is diseased. The tongue should also be 
 particularly looked at. Examine the eye for gutta-serena 
 and blindness, (45 and 46) ; see that the withers are not 
 fistulous, (86) ; carefully scrutinize the knees, (HO,) be- 
 cause a horse that has had broken knees must be suspected 
 of stumbling ; what he has once done, he may do again ; 
 see that there is no appearance of splent below the knee, 
 (114) ; nor grogginess in the region of the fetlock, (122) ; 
 nor ringbone of the pasterns, (126) ; nor thorough-pin of 
 the hock-joints, (130) ; attend particularly to the hocks, 
 in case they are capped, (131) ; and notice that there is 
 curb a little way below these points ; examine narrowly the 
 inside of the hock-joint, in case bone-spavin or enlargement 
 of the bony substance exist there, (136) ; descend to the 
 feet, and examine if there are symptoms of grease, (144) ; 
 see that there does not exist sand-crack in the horny sub- 
 stance of the hoof, (162) ; nor canker separating the horny 
 substance from the sensible and fleshy part of the foot, 
 (180.) These are a few of the external maladies which the 
 
HOW TO BUY A HORSE. 407 
 
 purcliaser must particularly attend to, all or any of which 
 dealers will be at no loss to account for. Disbelieve all 
 their eloquent excuses ; err on the safe side by rejecting the 
 purchase. Sweeping as this condemnation may be thought, 
 it is unfortunately too true that this class of men are not to 
 be depended upon ; and considering the risks which they 
 themselves are liable to, it is not to be wondered at. If 
 the legs exhibit any sign of having been bandaged, a well- 
 grounded suspicion may be entertained that all is not right. 
 
 Besides the points to which we have directed atten- 
 tion in the examination of the mouth, are the teeth, 
 whereby the age of the horse is determined. Take care 
 that he has not been Bishoped, (231); or had a tooth ex- 
 tracted, (218.) The different changes of these we have 
 very fully described at page 210. But besides the dental 
 indications, the physical signs of age must also be looked 
 to ; because a young horse may have been early and hard 
 worked, and to that extent that he is to all intents and 
 purposes aged in strength and action. When heated by 
 being trotted or galloped, all his infirmities will disappear ; 
 but these will re-appear whenever he is again cooled down. 
 
 A horse with an upright shoulder is more fitted for harness 
 than riding ; and a sloping one is best adapted for riding, 
 from having generally better action and less of his own 
 weight to sustain on his fore legs. A long-necked horse is 
 generally admired ; but we consider this a fault, as such are 
 generally weak, and are predisposed to roaring. Short- 
 necked horses are for the most part clear in the wind ; but 
 one of medium length should be preferred. When the head 
 joins the neck at too sharp an angle, it is always disagree- 
 able to the eye. Horses whose limbs have marks of having 
 been fired, should never be purchased but at a low price, for 
 it is a proof of disease : although many horses will work 
 
408 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 well after being cauterised ; we have known animals of high 
 reputation as hunters and racers, which have been subjected 
 to this operation. 
 
 When the cornea of the eje is of a yellowish tinge, it is 
 indicative of liver complaint. This being observed, turn 
 up the lips and notice their internal structure, and if they 
 are of a similar hue, avoid the purchase of the animal. 
 
 If the coat of a horse stares, it is certain he is not in 
 good health. It will be noticed that their dung is either 
 unusually fetid and slimy, or it is soft and washy, like that 
 of a cow. When not disturbed, such animals are languid and 
 sleepy, but dealers take care in showing them oflf temporarily 
 to rouse them from their lethargic condition, by inserting 
 ginger into their anus, salt into their mouth, and giving them 
 a smart touch or two wth the whip ; and no sooner does 
 the master enter the stable, than they commence champing 
 their bits, cocking their tails, and exhibiting for a short time 
 all the appearance of perfect health and spirits. In the 
 meantime, the dealer exerts his clap-trap eloquence to in- 
 duce the novice to believe the animals are the best and most 
 active horses in Britain ; and they too often succeed in 
 inducing such a belief. The hand should be drawn over 
 the ribs, and the finger pressed firmly between them. If the 
 skin appear tight and unyielding, it may be inferred that 
 he is hide-bound, and consequently labouring under some 
 internal disease. I would particularly direct the attention 
 of the purchaser to the mark of a cut which may be some 
 inches in length, and situated parallel with the shank-bone, 
 immediately below the pastern-joint. If such a mark is 
 found, it is certain that the nerve operation has been per- 
 formed, which we particularly noticed at page 245. Such 
 a horse should instantly be rejected. 
 
 In examining the foot, if the front and sides of the hoofs 
 
now TO BUY A HORSE.' 409 
 
 are marked with circular depressions, running parallel to the 
 coronet, it is certain that severe inflammation has existed at 
 one time in the sensible portion of the foot, and is consequently 
 liable to return again. See that both fore feet, as well as the 
 hind ones, are of equal size, and ascertain that they are quite 
 cool, and equally so. Attend to what we have already said 
 respecting the examination of the sole, and its proper form. 
 Thrush may be detected by the fetid smell of the foot, 
 besides the other symptoms which we have described. 
 
 As the feet of horses are of such importance, we would 
 especially recommend to all to acquire a thorough know- 
 ledge of them ; and we know no better plan than to attend 
 daily at a well-employed shoeing-forge, and for a small 
 gratuity the smith will allow the various feet to be ex- 
 amined ; and if he has had experience, he will be able to 
 point out readily the indications of disease. He will also see 
 why differently formed hoofs require the shape of the shoe to 
 be modified, and adapted to the peculiarity of structure, or 
 probably existing disease. 
 
 The next important point to be attended to is the wind 
 and breathing of the animal. Study all we have said on 
 the different complaints connected Avith the lungs ; namely, 
 roaring, broken wind, whistling, &c. The wind may be 
 tested by pinching the windpipe immediately behind the 
 javv^ If the horse give a long sharp cough, it is an indication 
 that he is sound in that respect ; but if the cough be short 
 and hollow, it may be inferred that he has unsound lungs : 
 let gentle pressure on the windpipe be frequently repeated 
 in order fully to test this. Be sure to perform this test 
 with your own hand, as dealers know that by compressing 
 the windpipe firmly with one hand and the fore-finger oi 
 the other, the horse is forced to cough while they do so, which 
 produces that shrill sound considered a test of good wind, 
 
 3 a 
 
410 MANdAl, OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 by the air rushing through the limited aperture. Having 
 satisfied yourself by this first experiment that the horse is 
 sound in the wind, proceed next to watch the flanks in 
 breathing. If the belly of the animal swells out, and the 
 inspirations and expirations are regular, it may be reason- 
 ably inferred that his lungs are sound ; but if these are 
 irregular, and the inspiration stops before it is completed, 
 with a considerable drawing in of the flanks, with the ribs 
 very apparent, then it is certain his lungs are unsound. 
 The third test of broken wind is to trot the horse pretty 
 sharply, and watch the motion of his flanks, and observe if 
 he utters a noise in breathing, with considerable blowing. 
 If this is the case, reject him. 
 
 To examine whether a horse is a roarer, piper, or whistler, 
 place him with his side against a wall or the side of the 
 stall ; take hold of the bridle near the mouth, and hold his 
 head high, and give him a smart blow on the ribs with your 
 doubled fist, or touch him smartly on the belly with a stick ; 
 and if he utters a grunt at each blow, he is a roarer ; and 
 if he dances about in consequence of the blows, sobbing, 
 and drawing his breath quickly, this will be found an indi- 
 cation of his being a whistler, or piper. But for testing all 
 diseases connected with the lungs, nothing is better than a 
 good gallop or hard trot. Consider no time wasted which 
 is spent in thoroughly investigat ng all points connected 
 with the health of a horse. 
 
 Having satisfied yourself on the above points, stand in the 
 rear of the animal, and scrutinize carefully the prominences 
 of the hip-bones, and see whether or not they are on a level, 
 and especially mark the round bones, which are situated a 
 little posterior to the prominences of the hip. This is 
 liable to lameness from strains, blows, and other causes. If 
 there is any fault here, there generally will be a wasting of 
 
HOW TO BUY A HORSE. 411 
 
 the muscles, and the defect will be more readily detected 
 when he is in motion. If any symptoms of lameness are 
 observable, pass the hand over the spot, and heat will be 
 found to exist in it, and it may be probably verified by the 
 smell of some liniment, which may have been applied. 
 
 When examining a horse, never permit the dealer's man 
 to hold his head high, nor to place his fore feet on rising 
 ground ; because, while a horse stands in this position, the 
 defects (if he has any) of his fore legs will not be apparent ; 
 whereas if he stands with his feet upon level ground, if the 
 limbs have been shaken from hard work, they will exhibit a 
 tremulous appearance, and the knees will be more or less 
 bent, and the heels will not rest firmly on the ground, 
 as they ought to do. Horses that have been severely 
 worked, have the fetlocks of the hind legs bent and relaxed, 
 and the natural elasticity of the tendons and ligaments will 
 have departed. The horse that is groggy, when standing in 
 a quiescent state, will be found in a posture leaning over 
 the fore legs, the feet of which will be further under the 
 belly than the upper part of the leg, and the entire limb 
 forming a flat semicircle with the knee at the extreme poini 
 of the curve. 
 
 In looking at the action of a horse, see that his fore feet 
 are lifted high, and that he completely clears the ground and 
 throws his legs out freely and lightly. This is especially 
 necessary in a saddle-horse. Horses with a short, confined 
 step, can never have good action, and are always disagree- 
 able to ride. In Avalking, the knee ought to be moderately 
 jjent, but only sufficiently so that he may fairly clear stones 
 and other objects which he may meet with on a road ; and 
 when the foot is set down, the sole should fall flat, so that 
 the toe does not first touch the ground. The legs should 
 be thrown straight out ; that is, the toes should neither be 
 
412 MASUkl OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 turned outwards nor inwards, nor should the sole be seen by 
 a person standing on either side. In a larger-sized horse, 
 the step must be lengthy and regular ; in a smaller, com- 
 pact horse, it ought to be sharp, active, and springy ; and in 
 either the marks produced on the ground by the fore feet 
 vhould be stepped on by those of the hind feet ; if, however, 
 the animal is wide hipped, the hind feet will rest on the 
 outside of the marks left by the fore feet. The head should 
 be carried high. 
 
 In trotting, see that the horse does not lift his feet too 
 high, and that he places them flatly and firmly on the 
 ground, for if the toe first touches the ground, he is liable 
 to trip. If the shoe is examined, it will at once indicate 
 the part which comes soonest in contact with the ground, 
 by being most worn down. Blood-horses never raise their 
 feet so well as those of more inferior bree-ding, and are in 
 consequence not so safe to ride upon the road. Their 
 action in the trot will, however, be found much more plea- 
 sant and easy to the rider. Blind horses are almost invari- 
 ably high steppers, and therefore whenever you find a horse 
 lifting his legs very high, it would be prudent to examine 
 his eyes carefully. 
 
 Ladies generally prefer horses which go at a canter in- 
 stead of a trot. Indeed it is a much safer action for them, 
 in consequence of their peculiar seat. In the choice of nr 
 lady's horse, take care that he has been accustomed to lead 
 with both legs ; because he is capable of longer duration, 
 and the wear of his feet and shoes will be more equal. In 
 the canter the hind legs should be thrown well under the 
 body, because it is a minor species of gallop. It wiD be 
 found that horses with an oblique shoulder will perform 
 both the canter and gallop better than those which are more 
 upright. 
 
GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 413 
 
 If a horse is required for speed, do not choose one which 
 holds his head high, as such is incompatible with a great 
 stretch ; consequently the style and bearing of a horse in- 
 tended for show and park use is very different from those 
 intended for rapid action ; and these latter always carry 
 their heads low. It is the habit of blood-horses always 
 being trained to go over a smooth and level surface, which 
 is the cause of their not lifting, being unaccustomed to meet 
 with obstruction in their way. The hunter, on the con- 
 trary, being subjected to all kinds of ground, soon acquires 
 the habit of lifting his feet sufficiently high to enable him 
 to surmount all the difficulties which he must constantly 
 encounter. The style of their gallop must also be essen- 
 tially difierent : that of the racer, a lengthened stretch ; 
 and of the hunter, a rounded gallop. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF 
 
 DIFFERENT BREEDS, 
 
 Plutarch says a good man will take care of his horses and 
 dogs, not only while they are useful to him, but also after 
 age renders them unfit for service. A beautiful illustration 
 of this benevolent maxim is recorded of the Athenians, who, 
 when they had completed the building of the Ilecatompedon, 
 set at liberty the animals employed in its erection. It is 
 related that one of these at the head of his fellow-labourers, 
 some time after the completion of the temple, led the way 
 
414 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 to tlie citadel, which so highly pleased the people that a 
 decree was made by the senate, enacting that these faithful 
 and willing servants should be kept the remainder of their 
 lives at the public expense. 
 
 Near the tomb of Cimon were placed the graves of the 
 mares who bore him, on three several occasions, victorious 
 at the Olympic games. 
 
 Every humane mind must feel sensibly alive and indig- 
 nant at the brutal treatment to which that noble and 
 generous animal, the horse, is but too frequently exposed in 
 Europe. The ass, also an animal of great sagacity and 
 gentleness, is almost invariably treated with savage bar- 
 barity. Let these unprincipled and unfeeling wretches look 
 to the mutual love which subsists between the Arab and 
 his steed, and the kindness manifested by the people of 
 eastern countries to their asses and mules, and the benefit 
 they derive from such a mode of treatment. If no other 
 principle will awaken their kindly feelings towards those 
 most useful animals, surely that of self-interest should 
 stimulate them to adopt gentler measures. 
 
 The first breaking and training of the horse should only 
 be intrusted to persons of mild dispositions, as it is by kind 
 and patient treatment alone that we can hope to succeed in 
 rendering this valuable animal. truly useful and docile; for 
 although force may produce obedience, it will be found, as 
 with man himself, that as soon as fear has subsided and the 
 animal has discovered its own strength, revenge will gene- 
 rally follow. I have no doubt that in nine cases out of ten 
 where horses betray furious or stubborn tempers, that these 
 have been produced from the cruelty or ignorance of their 
 first trainers. The horse is an animal of great intelligence ; 
 but everything addressed to his perceptions should be clear, 
 ijhort, and distinct, for he is incapable of following a train 
 
GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 415 
 
 of spoken language. Few words, delivered with precision, 
 accompanied by caresses and gentle treatment, will be found 
 more effectual than any other course. ^^ 
 
 The domestication of the horse may be regarded as one 
 of the most important acquisitions made by man from the 
 animal kingdom. Without this useful quadruped, civiliza- 
 tion must have made comparatively but little progress, and 
 we should have been later by many centuries in emerging 
 from barbarism. The horse contributes largely to our luxu- 
 ries, pleasures, and service ; he facilitates and lessens the 
 labours of the field ; he transports burdens, and man him- 
 self, to the most distant parts, with certainty, celerity, and 
 ease ; he is ever the faithful and obedient servant of his 
 master. His form, sagacity, and temper, have been most 
 admirably and wisely adapted for our use ; he is fitted in 
 an eminent degree to fill a most important part in the scale 
 of being. 
 
 The horse is framed with such a pliability of physical 
 structure and constitution, that man may mould him to the 
 form or bulk best fitted for the particular service in which 
 he is to be employed. Whether we contemplate the power, 
 ful and symmetrical structure of his frame, the elegance of 
 his limbs, evincing strength and speed in their movements ; 
 the delicacy and glossy sleekness of his skin ; his large and 
 sparkling eyes, which either beam with mild intelligence, or 
 flash with energetic fire ; or the docility and tractability of 
 his disposition, we cannot fail to regard him as one of the 
 noblest of animated beings. In addition to these qualities, 
 he possesses the most intrepid courage ; he has been from 
 most remote times the bearer of man in the field of carnage, 
 
 *Wo! used bv carters to horses, is derived from the Norman- 
 French, and signifies, " attend, stop, listen.'" Gke ! is derived t'rora 
 the German verb gehen, " to go." 
 
416 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 where he fearlessly meets every danger ; the most appalling 
 discharges of musketry and the thunders of a cannonading, 
 he faces with a fortitude as dauntless as that of his rider, 
 and seems even to enter into the spirit of the attack. This 
 has been his character from the earliest ages ; for he is 
 spoken of in Job, one of the oldest books in the world, and, 
 few will deny, one of the best ever written, in the following 
 powerful language, which is amended from the common 
 translation by my late learned friend Dr. Scot, Professor of 
 Hebrew in the College of St. Andrews : — • 
 
 " Hast thou given spirit to the horse ? Hast thou clothed 
 his neck with a mane 1 Canst thou make him bound as a 
 locust "? The majesty of his snorting is terrible. He 
 paweth in the valleys and exulteth ; he goeth on to meet 
 the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and trembleth not ; 
 nor turneth he back from the sword. Against him rattleth 
 the quiver, the glittering spear, and shield. He devours the 
 ground with fierceness and rage, and is impatient when 
 the trumpet soundeth. He uttereth among the trumpets, 
 Ha ! Ha I He smelleth the battle afar oflP, the thunder of 
 the captains, and the shouting." 
 
 The time at which the horse was first domesticated is 
 now lost in the cloud of antiquity. He is mentioned by 
 the earliest writers, and in all probability his subjugation 
 has been nearly co-eval with the earliest state of society. 
 From the Scriptures we learn that seventeen hundred and 
 two years before the Christian era, horses were used ; for in 
 the 47 th chapter of Genesis we are told that Joseph gave 
 the Egyptians bread in exchange for horses. It seems pro- 
 bable, from the earlier chapters of Genesis, that horses were 
 unknown to the Hebrews and Egyptians ; as we find from 
 the 1 2th chapter of that book that Abraham " had sheep 
 and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she- 
 
UEXERAL HISTORY OF TUE HORSE. 417 
 
 a;5ses, and camels," but no mention is made of horses ; this 
 was 1920 years before the birth of Christ. 
 
 But after this time they seem to have propagated and 
 greatly increased in Canaan ; as it is said in the eleventh 
 chapter of Joshua and fourth verse, of certain kiugs op- 
 posed to Joshua, that there were " much people, even as the 
 sand that is upon the sea-shore in multitude, with horses 
 and chariots very many." 
 
 From many other parts of holy writ we find that horses 
 were numerous in most of the kingdoms of the East, but no 
 mention of the country from whence they were originally 
 derived. It is a generally received, although erroneous 
 opinion, that Arabia was the native country of the horse. 
 We find that even so late as the seventh century of the 
 Christian era, when the prophet Mahomet attacked the 
 Koreish, not far from Mecca, he had only two horses in his 
 train ; and although, in the plunder of this horrible cam- 
 paign, he carried with him in his retreat tAventy-four thou- 
 sand camels, forty thousand sheep, and twenty-four thousand 
 ounces of silver, there is no mention of horses being part of 
 the booty. 
 
 Solomon's stables seem to have been magnificent. He 
 kept horses both for pomp and gain. His stud, even in 
 our own times, is unequalled. He is said to have had four 
 thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand 
 horsemen ! The price of a horse in those days was fifty 
 shekels of silver, which amounts to about seventeen pounds, 
 two shillings sterling ; a very large sum at that remote 
 period. ^'^ 
 
 * Dr. Scot wrote me upon this subject : — " We allow that there U 
 some controversy among scholars about the exact number of the 
 plalls, and we dare not say that no mistake is introduced into the text 
 The probabiiitv, indeed, is very great that the most ancient and 
 
 3 H 
 
418 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 It seems certain that Egypt- was the first country in 
 which the breed of horses was first improved, and from 
 whence most of the early Eastern monarchs procured their 
 studs. Solomon obtained many from thence ; and although 
 it abounded in horses, still I think it more than probable 
 that the Egyptians obtained their best steeds from the 
 south, as the local situation of that country was but ill 
 adapted to preserve them in perfection. This monarch, as 
 well as several of his successors, obtained coursers from 
 Togarmah, now understood to be the modern Cappadocia, or 
 the lands which border the Euxine Sea, which was in 
 early times the seat of several flourishing and powerful 
 kiagdoms. 
 
 To trace the history of the progress of the horse from 
 that period to the present times would require a larger 
 space than our limits will admit, and we must now turn to 
 that part of his history which refers to the place of liis 
 nativity. 
 
 Left only to conjecture, we can only suppose, from a 
 combination of circumstances, that Asia was the original 
 country of the horse ; for there he is found to the present 
 day roving in unrestrained freedom, and Ave are without 
 any historical record of his having been introduced by man 
 into those extensive wilds. One thing is quite certain, tliat 
 he was not found either in America or New Holland on the 
 original discovery of these continents. The great tract of 
 desert country around the Sea of Aral, as well as those of 
 the Caspian Sea, have been supposed to be the native resi- 
 
 autlientic copies of the text are corrupted. We should conceive that 
 four thousand was a large number. This indeed is stated to be the 
 number in 2 Chronicles, chapter ix. verse 25th ; and even the parallel 
 passage in 1 Kings, chapter iv. verse 26t]i, commonly translated forty 
 Uiousand, vill bear to be so interj)rotcd " 
 
GENERAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 419 
 
 dence of the horse ; but if this conjecture be correct, he 
 must have widely extended his geographical range, for he is 
 found in a wild state in Asia, as far north as tlie sixtieth 
 degree, and to the utmost southern extremes of that vast 
 continent, and also in many parts of Africa. 
 
 On each side of the river Don horses are found in a wild 
 state ; but these are supposed to be the offspring of Russian 
 horses which were used at the siege of Azof, in the year 
 1697, as many were turned loose upon that occasion for 
 want of forage. In South America, on those immense plains 
 extending from the shores of La Plata to Patagonia, immense 
 troops of horses are found, sometimes to the extent of ten 
 thousand individuals. These are the offspring of emancipated 
 horses which were taken to that continent by the Spaniards ; 
 for it is quite certain that the horse was unknown in America 
 when that continent was first discovered. Indeed, the 
 natives considered the horseman and horse as one animal. 
 There great troops do not always feed in company, but are 
 dispersed into smaller herds, and only congregate when they 
 are alarmed. These animals are impelled by a natural 
 instinct, which looks remarkably like reason, for they are 
 invariably preceded by a leader in cases of alarm, and are 
 sensible that their safety consists in united force, and a 
 principle of subordination — the first things to be attended 
 to, even by man himself. 
 
 In a domestic condition the horse is found in every 
 country, such being the pliability of his physical constitu- 
 tion, that he thrives in very opposite extremes of tempera- 
 ture, except within the limits of the arctic circle itself But 
 in Great Britain he seems to have acquired the highest 
 degree of symmetrical proportions and powers of speed ; as 
 our race-horses are universally admitted to be the finest and 
 fastest gallopers in the world. 
 
420 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 The celebrated race-horse, known by the name of Flying 
 Childers, was the fleetest horse that ever ran, having repeat- 
 edly accomplished nearly a mile in a minute ; and, carrying 
 nine stone two pounds, has been known to perform the 
 course at Newmarket — which is three miles and three hun- 
 dred and sixty yards — in six minutes and forty seconds, or 
 at the rate of eighty-two feet and a half in a second of 
 time. Eclipse was next to him in fame, and nearly his 
 equal in speed, but considerably his superior in conforma- 
 tion, and from whom spring most of the finest horses which 
 this country has produced. 
 
 Long ages of domestication, as well as the variety of 
 climate to Avhich horses have been subjected, has produced 
 the great varieties in size and general conformation in the 
 horse. Every country possesses horses with a peculiarity 
 of character belonging to itself ; and in each country there 
 is great diversity of shape and size. 
 
 SECTION I.— OF BRITISH HORSES. 
 
 THE ENGLISH RACE-HORSE. 
 
 The form of the head, in this horse in particular, is like 
 that of the Arabian. His beautifully arched neck is finely 
 set on, and his shoulders are oblique and lengthened ; his 
 hind legs are well bent, his quarters are ample and muscu- 
 lar, his whole legs are flat, and rather short from the knee 
 downwards, although not always so deep as it ought to be, 
 and his pasterns are long and elastic. 
 
 The thoroughbred horse is by no means a safe one to 
 ride on a road, as he seldom lifts his fore feet high enough 
 to enable him with certainty to clear the inequalities of the 
 road. His action, in consequence, is much more pleasant ; 
 and he possesses another quality of much importance, 
 
THE HUJ-TTER. 421 
 
 namely, that he seldom or never will shy at any object on 
 the road ; two things of valuable consideration to the rider. 
 
 Thoroughbred is a term employed in Britain to indicate 
 the descent of a horse from a South-Eastern courser. The 
 English racer has therefore been the progressively improved 
 breed, from a commixture of our own horses with those of 
 Asia. The horses of the first blood, or such as are the 
 nearest possible to the Eastern stock, are those immediately 
 produced from the Arabian, or Barb ; any stallion with an 
 English mare, which has been already crossed with a Barb 
 or Arabian steed, in the first degree ; or that which has 
 sprung from two crossings in the same degree. In its 
 action the English race-horse is somewhat like that of the 
 Arabian, but difiers from the Spanish horse in carrying the 
 whole of his frame forward with an energetic power, while 
 the motions of the latter are measured with more of a 
 graceful motion and shorter step. 
 
 In breeding, a mare should be chosen with as great a 
 proportion of the blood of King Herod as possible. She 
 should be deep in the girth, long and full in the fore-arm 
 and thigh, short in the leg, standing clean and even upon 
 the feet, and wide and spreading in the hind-quarters. It 
 is a curious fact that the produce of our first-rate mares and 
 an Asiatic horse seldom or never are good racers ; and they 
 must be one remove at least from the foreign stock before 
 they can be depended upon. 
 
 THE HUNTER 
 
 Is a combination of the thoroughbred race-horse and half- 
 bred horses of greater strength, and less lengthy in their 
 carcase. He should be from fifteen to sixteen hands in 
 height. The points most likely to discover a horse of good 
 proportions as a hunter, arc a sanguine and healthy colour, 
 
42?' MANUAL OF MODERN FAERIERY. 
 
 witli a lofty fore-hand, a head and neck as light as possible, 
 clear wide jaws and nostrils, large and thin shoulders, strong 
 and muscular thighs, deep chest, and short back. Above 
 all, his joints should be strong, firm, and closely knit, his 
 legs and pasterns rather short ; for I believe there never 
 was yet a long hinder-legged horse that was able to gallop 
 down steep hills and take bold leaps with a weight upon his 
 back, without sinking or foundering. And, lastly, his feet 
 should be moderately large, and sound. 
 
 THE HACKNEY, OR ROADSTER, 
 
 Should be a hunter of a small size ; his height not exceed- 
 ing fifteen hands and an inch ; rather below than above 
 that size. His make should be more compact than that of 
 the hunter, with considerably more substance according to 
 his height, so as to fit him for the fatigues of everyday- 
 work. His forehand should be high, but rather light ; his 
 head small, and placed on the neck in a gradually tapering 
 manner, v/ith a clear, full, and sprightly eye ; his shoulder 
 should be deep and large ; his back straight, and his loins 
 strong ; his withers well raised, his fillets wide ; and his 
 croop gradually descending, but must not drop too abruptly, 
 nor must his tail be too low set. The fore-arm and thighs 
 should be strong and muscular; and the legs rather short 
 than otherwise, straight, and rather near set, but the 
 touching of the hoofs to be carefully avoided. An essential 
 point is, that the shank -bone should be solid and flat. It 
 is of great consequence that the bones beneath the knee 
 should be deep and flat, and the tendon not too much 
 tightened. His feet ought to point straight forward, with 
 the heels wide and open ; the fore-legs closely set, and as 
 straight as possible ; for a horse witli bent knees is very 
 likely to stumble and fall when his feet come in contact 
 
THB HACKNEY, OR ROADSTER. _ 423 
 
 with the smallest obstacle or inequality of the road. In 
 his action he ought to lift his fore-legs high, and have 
 a well-bent knee ; his hind-legs should be placed consider- 
 ably behind him, and widely set. 
 
 "We must, however, remark, that he ought only to lift his 
 fore-legs moderately high. Some are of opinion that the 
 higher he lifts them the better, and conceive that while 
 possessed of this quality he never will come down. This is 
 a mistake, and it will be found that a horse that raises his 
 feet too high in trotting, produces a disagreeable action, and 
 shakes and fatigues even the best of riders ; besides, he 
 batters his hoofs to pieces in a few years. The principal 
 thing to be attended to is the manner in which the hackney 
 puts his feet to the ground ; for if his toes first touch the 
 road, he is sure to be a stumbler ; the foot should come fiat 
 down on the whole sole at once, otherwise the horse is not 
 to be depended upon in his trotting. But every rider in 
 passing along a road should be constantly on his guard, as 
 the best horse may come doAvn by a rolling or loose stone 
 getting under his feet, and therefore his mouth should 
 always be felt by the rider. 
 
 Some persons prefer hollow-backed horses on account of 
 their paces being generally easy ; but it is an ascertained fact 
 that they will never stand much work : the back should be 
 straight and rather short than otherwise. Many suppose 
 that if the fore legs of a horse are close, the feet must 
 necessarily cut the pasterns ; but this is by no means 
 the case, as it is only when the feet are twisted or irre- 
 gularly set in one way or other that they cut. Indeed a 
 saddle-horse can hardly be too close before, or too wide 
 behind. 
 
 Another most essential point in a hackney is, that his 
 fight is good, otherwise he is sure to shy at every object 
 
424 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 which suddenly meets his vision ; and consequently by 
 starting to one side is very apt to throw his rider. 
 
 THE CHARGER. 
 
 Much diversity of opinion prevails in this, as well as in 
 other countries, respecting the kind of horse best suited for 
 1 charger. At one period, the whole British cavalry were 
 mounted on strong, heavy horses, which were bred from the 
 large Flander's horses, crossed by those of Britain. But in 
 the peninsular campaigns, it was found that lighter horses, 
 with a considerable proportion of blood, were the most 
 useful, as they got over wet, marshy tracts of country better 
 than heavier horses. The qualities of a charger, or troop- 
 horse, are much the same as those of a hunter. His action 
 should be great, as well as his spirit ; the neck deep and 
 arched, with a large swelling breast ; the ribs full and 
 finely bent ; the chine broad a^d straight ; and the rear 
 round and full ; the legs broad and flat, and the pasterns 
 short. In action, the charger enters into the spirit of the 
 attack, as the hunter does that of the chase. In the words 
 of the poet — 
 
 " The fiery courser, Wticn he hears afar 
 The sprightly trumpets and the shouts of war, 
 Pricks up his ears, and, trembling with delight. 
 Shifts place, and paws, and hopes the promised fight. 
 On his right shoulder his thick mane reclined, 
 Ruffles at speed, and dances in the wind : 
 His horny hoofs are jetty black and round. 
 His chine is double, starting with a bound. 
 He turns the turf, and shakes the solid ground; 
 Fire from his eyes, clouds from his nostrils flow, 
 He bears his rider headlong on the foe." 
 
 The charger which has been in many battle-fields retains 
 as long as he lives a remembrance of his past services, which 
 
THE COACII-IIORSE, &C. 425 
 
 is thus beautifully expressed in " The Pleasures of Memory.'* 
 one of the finest didactic poems in our language : — 
 
 *' Antl when the drum beats briskly in the gale, 
 The war-worn courser charges at the sound, 
 And with young vigour wheels the pasture ground.'' 
 
 THE COACH-IIORSE. 
 
 The better kind of coach-horses owe their origin to the 
 Cleveland bays ; the greatest attention being paid to breed- 
 ing them in Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland, Some 
 fine horses of this kind have also been bred in Lincolnshire. 
 The most useful are those which are propagated by a cross 
 of the Cleveland mare, with a three-fourth or thoroughbred 
 horse of sufiicient substance and height. They have a fine 
 knee action, lift their feet high, which gives grandeur to 
 their figure and paces ; the head is generally well carried, 
 and with a beautifully elevated crest. 
 
 THE CLEVELAND BAYS. 
 
 This fine breed emanated from Cleveland, in Yorkshire, 
 but are now bred in Northumberland and Durham. They 
 are of a superior size and of a good form, with a strengtli 
 and activity surpassing most other horses. They are chiefly 
 distinguished by their bay colour. ]\]ares of this breed, 
 with full-blood stallions, produce excellent hunters and 
 roadsters ; and with half-bred stallions, an ofispring very 
 suitable for farm purposes, particularly that of ploughing. 
 
 THE DRAUGHT-HORSE. 
 
 Much variety of opinion has prevailed respecting horses 
 for the purposes of draught, and consequently these are 
 found to vary throughout the kingdom ; but one principal 
 character now prevails, that of weight, to give them more 
 
 3 I 
 
426 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
 
 physical force. For ordinary purposes tliey should not be 
 above sixteen hands high, with a light, well-shaped head 
 and neck, short pricked ears, and brisk, sparkling eyes ; the 
 nostrils large and wide, to allow freedom in breathing , 
 their chests should be full and deep, with large, strong, 
 muscular shoulders, but rather lower in front than other- 
 wise ; that is, with a large and round rump, which should be 
 higher than the forehand ; the tail firm, strong, and well 
 furnished with hair ; the back straight and tolerably long, 
 but not too much so, as that is found to impair the general 
 strength of the animal ; the legs should be rather long, flat, 
 and broad ; the fillets large and swelling, the joints closel}' 
 knit ; they should stand wide on all their legs, the hind- 
 quarters being wider than the fore. 
 
 Large horses are better adapted for waggons, and have 
 frequently been bred seventeen hands high, and even more, 
 with elevated forehands, and deep counters. The great 
 object in the breeding of draught-horses is to increase 
 strength, activity, and power ; to remoye weight as much as 
 possible, and procure them of the height of sixteen hands 
 for general utility. Indeed it has been proved that horses 
 of this size have performed feats of strength of greater 
 magnitude than those of elephantine proportions. I re- 
 member to have seen a black cart-horse, of sixteen hands, 
 draw thirty-six hundred Aveight of baggage, from Glasgow to 
 Stirling, a distance of twenty-seven miles, in about eleven 
 hours. Instances have been known where a single horse 
 has drawn a weight of three tons for a short distance. In 
 former times, when burdens were removed from one locality 
 to another by horses without car ts, the pack-horses of York- 
 shire were accustomed to carry the weight of four hundred 
 and twenty pounds over the old roads, which usually tra- 
 versed high and precipitous hills. 
 
THE SUFFOLK PUNCH-HORSE. 427 
 
 THE SUFFOLK rUNCH-HORSE. 
 
 This hardj and active breed has now become nearly ex- 
 tinct. They are rather under sixteen hands in height, and 
 iheir colour chestnut or sorrel. Their heads are rather 
 large and coarse ; their ears being too long and placed too 
 distant from each other for modern taste. The body is 
 deep, capacious, and compact ; the shoulders wide and thick 
 at top, and somewhat low, with the rump more elevated than 
 the shoulder, which it is supposed enables them to throw 
 much of their weight into the collar. They are large and 
 strong in the quarters, full in the flanks, flat and short 
 in the legs, with short pasterns. 
 
 In the " Sportsman's Repository " we are told that " they 
 were the only race of horses which would collectively draw 
 repeated dead pulls, namely, draw pull after pull, and down 
 upon their knees, against a tree, or any body which they 
 felt could not be moved, l o the time of Jup, Ji ! ! and 
 the crack of the whip, (once familiar, but abominable 
 sounds, which even now vibrate on our auditory nerves) as 
 long as nature supplied the power, and would renew the 
 same exertions to the end of the chapter." 
 
 The hideous yelling of most carters and farm servants, 
 Avhich is still prevalent when driving horses, not only in this 
 country, but also on the continent, is a barbarous custom ; 
 for I have known many instances where gentlemen subdued 
 this practice in their servants, and the most gentle and tem- 
 perate accents were found to succeed better than the friglit- 
 ful and thundering exclamations in general use. Every 
 possible means should be used by those who have either 
 influence or power ovei' that class of men, to abolish this 
 noisy and useless practice, which not only stuns the poor, 
 
428 
 
 MANUAL OP MODRliN FARRIERY. 
 
 willing animal, but is also a great nuisance while passing 
 through the streets of a town. 
 
 The old Suffolk breed of horses brought very high prices, 
 but of late a larger breed has become more fashionable in 
 that country and neighbouring districts, which for largeness 
 and beauty certainly excel the old breed. They have been 
 produced from a cross with the Yorkshire half and three- 
 part bred horses of the coach kind, and are particularly 
 beautiful and lofty in the forehand. In the year 1813, at 
 a sale in Suffolk of the stock of a celebrated breeder, which 
 was, in consequence, numerously attended by persons of 
 rank and opulence, the horses brought considerable prices. 
 The following were a few of them : — A mare, with a foal at 
 her feet, £l24. 4s. ; a three-year-old filly, £85. Is. ; a 
 mare, which had lost the sight of one eye, but of a beautiful 
 form and powerful make, £98. 14s. The whole of his stud 
 consisted of fifty mares, geldings, and foals, and brought 
 the large sum of £2,263. 13s. 6d. 
 
 SECTION II.— OF ASIATIC HORSES. 
 
 THE ARABIAN. 
 
 Arabia being sufficiently above the level of the sea, and 
 having a surface composed of sand, mixed with a portion of 
 vegetable mould, (a circumstance favourable to pasture- 
 ground,) and the plains of Persia, situated still higher above 
 the ocean, and consisting of a deposit of alluvial soil, 
 resting on granite, are naturally dry, and by means of their 
 heat attract moisture from the horse. On the other hand, 
 the aromatic vegetation, which is there strong and s-uccu- 
 lent, drives from him those humours, the exudation of 
 which is favoured by the imperceptible, but continual, per- 
 
THE ARABIAN. 429 
 
 spiration incidental to a warm climate. The consequence is, 
 that the horses of Hose and other countries with similar 
 pasturage, are completely free from the strangles and other 
 glandular diseases, which are so frequent and fatal to those 
 of Europe. 
 
 The pure Arabian is considerably smaller than our race- 
 horse, seldom exceeding fourteen hands two inches in height. 
 His head is very beautiful, clean, and wide between the 
 jaws ; the forehead broad and square ; the face flat ; the 
 muzzle short and fine ; the nostrils large and open ; the 
 eyes prominent and brilliant ; the ears small and hand- 
 some ; the skin of the head thin, through which may be 
 distinctly traced the whole of the veins ; the neck rather 
 short than otherwise. The body, as a whole, may be con- 
 sidered too light, and the breast rather narrow ; but behind 
 the fore legs, the chest generally swells out greatly, and 
 v/ith much depth of ribs, leaving ample room for the lungs 
 to play ; the shoulder is superior to that of any other 
 breed ; the scapula, or shoulder-blade, inclines backAvard, 
 nearly at an angle of forty-five degrees ; the withers are 
 high and arched ; the neck beautifully curved ; the mane 
 and tail long, thin, and flowing ; the legs fine, flat, and wiry, 
 with the flanks placed somewhat oblique, which has led 
 some to suppose that their strength was thereby diminished ; 
 but this is by no means the case : the bone is of uncommon 
 density, and the prominent muscles of the fore-arms and 
 thighs prove that the Arabian horse is fully equal to all 
 that has been said of his powers. The Arabian is never 
 known in a tropical climate to be a roarer, or to have curbs ; 
 the shape from the point of the hock to the fetlock being 
 very perfect. It is a remarkable fact that the skin of all 
 the light-coloured Arabians is either pure black or bluish 
 black, which eives to white horses that beautiful silvery 
 
430 l^IAXUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 grey colour so prevalent among the coursers of noble blood. 
 If an Arabian horse exceeds fourteen and-a-half hands in 
 height, the purity of the blood is always doubted in India. 
 Three of the swiftest horses which were known in our own 
 times at Madras, were under fourteen hands. 
 
 Above all others, the Kohlan horse of Arabia is distin- 
 guished for his superior qualities and the beauty of his 
 form. He possesses an uncommon mildness of temper, an 
 unalterable attachment to his master, a courage and intre- 
 pidity as astonishing as they are innate in his noble breast, 
 an unfailing remembrance of the places where he has been, 
 of the treatment he has received ; not to be led, not to be 
 touched but by his master ; in the midst of carnage in 
 battle he.is cool and collected ; he never forgets the place he 
 came from, and though mortally wounded, if he can gather 
 up sufficient strength, he carries back his desponding rider 
 to his defeated tribe. His intelligence is wonderful, and he 
 seems to know when he is sold. When the proprietor and 
 purchaser meet for that purpose in the stable, the Kohlan 
 soon guesses what is going on, becomes restless, gives from 
 his beautiful eye a side-glance at the interlocutors, scrapes 
 the ground with his foot, and plainly shows his discontent. 
 
 The action of the Arabian in his native plains is very 
 beautiful. He carries his head high, which gives him a dig- 
 nified aspect ; his tail is turned up in the air, and forms a 
 most graceful curve, which our English dealers have vainly 
 attempted to imitate by the cruel and absurd practice of 
 nicking the vertebraB. 
 
 In Arabia the horse is treated with the utmost gentle- 
 ness, kindness, and aiFection. He inhabits the same tent 
 with his master and family. His wife and children, with 
 the mare and her foal, associate together in indiscriminate 
 friendship, occupying the same bed, where the children may 
 
THE ARABIAN. 431 
 
 be seen prattling with and climbing over the bodies, and 
 hanging round the necks of the docile creatures, Avho in 
 their turn will frequently repose with their heads inclining 
 on some one of the family. "Whipping, by an Arab, is con- 
 sidered the greatest cruelty to horses, and it is by gentle 
 measures alone that he secures tlie willing service and 
 affection of his steed. Their friendship is mutual ; for if 
 the rider falls, although in the most rapid career, the horse 
 instantly turns round, and halts till remounted by his 
 master. 
 
 The Arab will never sell a mare on any consideration 
 whatever. The genealogies are always recorded from the 
 dams. In the pedigree of their steeds they are more par- 
 ticular than any other people on earth ; it is an undoubted 
 fact that they have pedigrees among them of not less than 
 five hundred years. In this respect they look upon it as of 
 more importance than that of their chiefs. Among the 
 great dealers, they pride themselves upon being rigidly 
 strict, and are more to be depended on than many of those 
 of Europe in the pedigree of the horses they offer for sale. 
 Weston, in his " Fragments of Oriental Literature," gives the 
 following pedigree, which w^as hung about the neck of an 
 Arabian, purchased by Colonel Ainslie during the campaign 
 of Egypt : — " In the name of God, the merciful and com- 
 passionate, and of Seed Mohammed, agent of the high God, 
 and of the companions of Mohammed, and of Jerusalem ! 
 Praised be the Lord, the Omnipotent Creator ! This is a 
 high-bred horse, and its colt's tooth is here in a bag about 
 his neck, with his pedigree, and of undoubted authority, 
 such as no infidel can refuse to believe. He is the son of 
 Rabbamy, out of the dam Lahadha, and equal in power to 
 his sire — of the tribe of Zazhalah. He is finely moulded, 
 and made f(^r ranning like an ostrich, and great in hi? 
 
432 MANUAL OP MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 stroke and his cover. In the honours of relationship, Zaluah 
 reckons Lalaack, sire of Mahat, sire of Kallack, and the 
 unique Alket, sire of Manasseth, sire of Alsheh, father of 
 the race down to the famous horse, the sire of Lahalala ; — 
 and to him be ever abundance of green meat, and corn, and 
 water of life, as a reward from the tribe of Zazhalah, for 
 the fire of his cover ; and many a thousand branches shade 
 his carcass, from the h3^a3na of the tomb, from the howling 
 wolf of the desert ; and let the tribe of Zazhalah present 
 him with a festival within an enclosure of walls, and let 
 thousands assemble at the rising of the sun, in troops, 
 hastily, where the tribe holds up under a canopy of celestial 
 signs within the walls ; the saddle, with the name and 
 family of the possessors. Then let them strike the hands 
 with a loud noise incessantly, and pray to God for immunity 
 for the tribe of Zoab, the inspired tribe." 
 
 The Arabs have a breed of horses which they pretend is 
 descended from the stud of King Solomon ; but this, of 
 course, is not the case ; at all events, exceedingly unlikely. 
 
 The Persian, Tartar, and Turkish horses are all somewhat 
 similar to the Arabian, but not so perfect in their symmetry. 
 
 THE PERSIAN HORSE. 
 
 From the most remote ages Persia has been famous for 
 its breed of horses, which even now are only excelled by the 
 Arabian breed. The former, however, were noted for their 
 excellence long before we have any account of the latter. 
 The Persian horse is considerably larger than the Arabian. 
 The neck is beautifully arched, with a finely-formed crupper, 
 and the whole frame more developed. We are informed by 
 historians that Alexander the Great considered a Persian 
 horse as a gift of the highest value ; it was one which he 
 only bestowed on potentates, and favourites of the first class. 
 
THE TARTAll HORSE, &C. 433 
 
 The Parthian kings used to sacrifice Persian horses to 
 their divinities ; this they considered the most costly ofFer- 
 mg they could make. 
 
 THE TARTAR HORSE. 
 
 In the widely extended plains of independent Tartary, 
 there are various breeds of wild horses, which differ con- 
 siderably in their external conformation. Those in general 
 are ill-made, clumsy animals, but are said to possess great 
 speed. They are hunted by the natives on account of their 
 flesh, which is considered a great delicacy, more especially 
 that of tlie foals, which is prized above that of all other 
 food. The better formed animals are tamed and domesti- 
 cated. 
 
 The largest of these wild coursers are a little larger than 
 the smaller Russian horses, with large heads in proportion to 
 the size of the body, and some of them have ears nearly as 
 long as those of asses ; their mane is very short and curled, 
 their tails more or less covered with hair, but always shorter 
 than that of a common horse, and certainly far from being 
 a graceful ornament. They are for the most part of a 
 mouse colour, and a few are of an ash-grey ; their coat is 
 very long, and extremely thick. 
 
 THE TOORKOMAX HORSE. 
 
 Turkistan is situate to the north of the Caspian Sea, or 
 South Tartary, and has been long celebrated for a breed of 
 horses possessing great physical powers : these are called 
 Toorkomans. Some travellers affirm that they are greatly 
 superior to the Persian race for enduring long-continued 
 exertion. 
 
 Li their form, however, they are by no means attractive, 
 being too small in the barrel, with too long legs, with lank 
 
434 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 necks, and heads disproportionably large to the body. In 
 size, they are from fifteen to sixteen hands high, and of 
 excellent temper. 
 
 In that portion of central Asia peopled by the . Tartars 
 and Calmucks, are many herds, or tabunes of wild horses. 
 These herds may be seen grazing together on the same plain, 
 but never intermingle, nor do any individuals of the respec- 
 tive herds stray from them. Their forms are so different 
 that horses of one herd can at once be distinguished from 
 those of the other. 
 
 THE TURKISH HORSE. 
 
 The horses of Turkey are chiefly descendants from those 
 of Arabia, Persia, and Barbary. Their foreheads are slender, 
 and they carry their heads higher than the Arabian breed ; 
 their bodies are longer, and their crupper more elevated. 
 They are possessed of a great deal of fire and spirit, ex- 
 tremely active, and peculiarly adapted to the Turkish mode 
 of performing military evolutions. They are said to evince 
 great affection for their masters. 
 
 SECTION III.— OF AFRICAN HORSES. 
 
 The horses of Africa are next to the Arabian in point of 
 lineage and excellence, and are probably sprung from them. 
 They generally possess a fine form and that mildness of 
 disposition peculiar to the Eastern horses. 
 
 THE BARB. 
 
 The present horses of Morocco are a race nearly allied to 
 the Arabian, and have been produced by a cross of those of 
 Algiers, which are supposed to have had their origin in a 
 south European breed, crossed with the Arabian, but some- 
 what larger than the latter in size, with fine heads and crests, 
 
THE EGYrTIAX HORSE, &C. 43i> 
 
 and in general well formed about the shoulder, straight 
 backed, but droop considerably towards the haunches. They 
 are exceedingly SAvift ; and as none of them are geldings, 
 they possess great spirit, and are naturally fiery in their 
 dispositions. 
 
 The forehead of the Barb is generally long and slender, 
 and his mane rather scanty ; his ears are small, beautifully 
 shaped, and so placed on the forehead as to give him great 
 expression ; his shoulders are tight, flat, and sloping back- 
 wards ; withers fine, and standing high ; loins short and 
 straight ; flanks and ribs round and full, without producing 
 in him too large a belly ; his haunches are strong and 
 elastic ; the croup is sometimes long to a fault ; the tail is 
 placed high ; thighs well turned and rounded ; legs clean 
 and beautifully formed, Avith the hair thin, short, and silky ; 
 the tendons are detached from the bone, but the pasterns 
 are frequently too long, and bending ; the feet are rather 
 small, but sound for the most part. 
 
 THE EGYPTIAN HORSE. 
 
 These horses are not at all to be compared Avith those of 
 Persia and Arabia. They have neither the fire nor shape 
 of these breeds, and are said to be thick in the breathing. 
 These bad qualities, in all probability, arise from the humid 
 atmosphere, and the low alluvial flats on Avhich they are 
 pastured. 
 
 THE NUBIAN AND DONGOLA HORSES. 
 
 Bruce says, " The Nubian horses arc beautiful and sym- 
 metrical in their parts, of large size, great strength, and 
 most active, agile, nervous, and elastic in their movements ; 
 capable of great endurance of fatigue, docility of temper and 
 seeming attachment to man, beyond aii}^ other domestic ani- 
 
436' MANUAL OP MODERN fARRlERY. 
 
 mal ; and if these faculties can promise anything for a stallion, 
 the Nubian is, above all comparison, the most eligible in the 
 world. They are all kept monstrously fat." They are black 
 or white, but a vast proportion of the former to the latter ; 
 and a few bright bays, or inclining to sorrel. 
 
 The horses of Dongola, like those of the district of Nubia, 
 are of large size, standing full sixteen hands high ; but the 
 length of the body, from the shoulders to the quarters, is con- 
 siderably less, so that their form is quite opposed to that of 
 the Arabian or English thoroughbred horses, which are longer 
 than they are high by some inches. Their necks are long 
 and slender, and their crests very fine ; the withers sharp 
 and high, producing a beautiful fore-hand. They are, how- 
 ever, faulty in the breast, being too narrow, and the quarters 
 and flanks too flat, with the back somewhat bent. Bosman 
 thinks them the most beautiful in the world. One of 
 these horses was sold in Grand Cairo in 1816, for a sum 
 equivalent to one thousand pounds sterling. 
 
 Several of these steeds have been imported into Europe, 
 and some into England; but they did not turn out so well 
 for breeding from, as was expected. This failure might 
 possibly arise from not breeding them with the kind of ani- 
 mal to which .their qualities are likely to be the most useful. 
 It is very probable, that they might improve our cavalry 
 horses by crossing them with three-part bred mares. 
 
 SECTION IV.— AMERICAN HORSES. 
 
 Horses are found in vast numbers in a wild state in the 
 immense plains of South America, extending from the 
 shores of La Plata to Patagonia. They are an emancipated 
 race, emanating from those which were carried thither by 
 the Spaniards, after their discovery of the new continent ; 
 and have increased with such astonishing rapidity, that 
 
AMERICAN HORSES. 437" 
 
 they are to be seen in troops of many thousands. Azara 
 aiiirms, that they sometimes congregate in squadrons of not 
 loss than ten thousand individuals. They are invariably 
 j)receded by a leader, by whose movements they are 
 governed ; and all they do seems to be conducted in a sys- 
 tematic style. 
 
 These immense troops do not always feed together, but 
 are dispersed into smaller herds ; though when disturbed they 
 congregate, and continue so until the cause of alarm has 
 passed away. In form they bear a strong resemblance to the 
 horses of Barbary and Turkey. Their colours are chestnut, 
 bay, sorrel, or black ; the latter, however, is not very com- 
 mon, chestnut being the prevailing colour, from which some 
 authors suppose that this must have been the original colour 
 of the horse ; but we do not find it to be the prevailino- 
 colour of the Asiatic wild breeds, bay and dun being the 
 most common amongst these. 
 
 When the Spaniards first entered Mexico, their horses 
 were objects of the greatest astonishment to all the people 
 of New Spain. At first they imagined the horse and his 
 rider, like the centaur of the ancients, to be some mon- 
 strous animal of a terrible form ; and supposing that their 
 food was the same as that of man, brought flesh and bread 
 to nourish them. 
 
 In South America mares are never ridden. An English- 
 man, who once attempted to ride a mare, was so hooted and 
 pelted by the natives, that he had a narrow escape, and 
 thought himself fortunate to get ofi" without serious injury. 
 
 Wild horses are captured in South America by the native 
 inhabitants of the plains, who are called Gauchos. They 
 are taken by these men with much dexterity, with a halter 
 called a lasso ; which is thus described by J\liers, in his 
 Travels in Cliili : — " The lasso is a missile weapon used by 
 
Oi 
 
 438 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 every native of the provinces of Chili. It is a very strong, 
 plaited thong, of equal thickness, half an inch in diameter, 
 and forty feet long, made of strips of green hide, plaited 
 like a whip-thong, and rendered supple by grease. It has 
 at one end an iron ring, about one inch and a half in dia- 
 meter, through which the thong is passed and forms a run- 
 ning noose. 
 
 " The Guacho, or native Peon, is generally mounted on 
 horseback when he uses the lasso. One end of the thonsr 
 being affixed to his saddle-girth, the remainder he coils care- 
 fully in his left hand, leaving about twelve feet, belonging to 
 the noose end, in a coil, half of which he holds in his right 
 hand. He then swings this loose noose horizontally round 
 his head, the weight of the iron ring at the end of the noose 
 assisting in giving to it, by a continued circular motion, a 
 sufficient force to project it the whole length of the line." 
 
 The Guacho takes a wild horse by first mounting an 
 animal which has been accustomed to the sport, and gallops 
 over the plain in the direction where the herd of wild 
 horses are, and, circling round, by degrees gets near to one 
 of them i and as soon as he has approached sufficiently 
 near, " the lasso is thrown round the two hind legs, and as 
 the Guacho rides round a little on one side, the jerk pulls 
 the entangled horse's feet laterally, so as to throw him on 
 his side, without endangering his knees or face. Before the 
 horse can recover the shock, the rider dismounts, and 
 snatching his cloak from his shoulders, wraps it round the 
 prostrate animal's head. He then forces into his mouth 
 one of the powerful bridles of the country, straps a saddle 
 on his back, and bestriding him, removes the cloak ; upon 
 which the astonished horse springs on his legs, and endea- 
 vours by a thousand vain efforts to disencumber himself of 
 his new master, who sits quite composedly on his back, and 
 
THE ASS. 439 
 
 by a discipline whicli never fails, reduces the horse to such 
 complete obedience, that he is soon trained to lend his whole 
 speed and strength to the capture of his companions." 
 
 There is a remarkable diflerencc in the dispositions of the 
 Asiatic and South American wild horses : those of the former 
 country can never be properly tamed, unless taken and 
 trained very young ; if captured when adults, they fre- 
 quently break out in fits of rage in after life, exhibiting 
 every mark of natui'al Avildness ; whereas those of America 
 can be brought to perfect obedience, and even rendered 
 somewhat docile within a few weeks. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 THE ASS AXD MULE. 
 
 THE ASS. 
 
 This animal belongs to the same natural genus as the horse, 
 and has been under the dominion of man from the earliest 
 ages of which we have any account. Indeed, he seems to 
 have been sooner domesticated than the horse ; for we find 
 asses mentioned in the twelfth chapter of Genesis, as domes- 
 ticated, 1920 years before the Christian era, although no- 
 thing is said of tlie horse. 
 
 In early times, the ass was not, as is now the case with 
 us, considered a despicable animal ; for we find that he was 
 rode by the rich and nol)lc, in preference to the horse, as 
 will appear from the following instances, which we select 
 from many that are recorded in the sacred wi'itings : — 
 When Abraham went to offer his son Isaac, he rode upon an 
 
440 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 ass ; Joseph's brethren rode on asses, when they ^veiit 
 down to Egypt to purchase corn ; and we are tokl that 
 when Moses left Jethro, his father-in-law, he took his 
 wife and his sons, and set them upon asses, and returned 
 to Egypt. In the enumeration of Job's property, which 
 appears to have been very great, we find, that he had live 
 hundred she-asses; and in his prosperity he is said to have 
 had a thousand. It is probable that the preference given 
 to she-asses arose from the circumstance, that as the ass can 
 subsist on a scanty and coarse fare, the female would not 
 only bear the riders and their goods through the desert, but 
 also "with her milk contribute to the support of her master 
 and his followers. 
 
 The ass is by no means that stupid animal which he is 
 generally supposed to be. He possesses all the senses in a 
 very high degree, and his perceptions are clear and precise ; 
 and it may be affirmed that he has more solid good qualities 
 than 'the horse. His disposition is naturally timid ; hence 
 the caution of his movements, which the thoughtless have 
 improperly attributed to stupidity and obstinacy. 
 
 The ass is robust in constitution, and is liable to few dis- 
 eases. His temperance is very great, being able to subsist 
 on a scanty meal, of the coarsest herbage. He is more 
 sure-footed than the horse, and superior to him in compara- 
 tive strength. The Hebrew word atho7^ is a term for the 
 ass, from a root which signifies strong or firm ; and he is less 
 easily startled than the horse, a failing in this quadruped 
 by which many lose their lives. Those very qualities 
 which unthinking men ought to appreciate, have, on the 
 contrary, the effect of bringing upon the unfortunate and 
 patient animal an overwhelming load of unmerited hard- 
 ships, barbarous chastisement, and contempt. His services 
 are despised by the rich ; and he is destined only to share the 
 
THE JIULE. 441 
 
 labours of the poor and needy, whose hearts are hardened 
 by poverty, with scarcely a kindly feeling to bestow on the 
 humble and patient animal, who exerts all his energies in 
 their service, and whose scanty meal is often so limited as to be 
 hardly sufficient to sustain life, and on whom, when weak 
 and debilitated, the abject wretch but too frequently wreaks 
 his chagrined feelings. Is it then to be wondered at, that 
 the poor animal should exhibit a character of stupidity and 
 dulness 1 It is chiefly in Britain that this valuable animal 
 is treated with barbarity, and is a disgrace to our national 
 character. Cruel treatment to any animal should be pu- 
 nished with the utmost severity by the legislature ; for air 
 though the Almighty has given man dominion over the 
 beasts of the field, yet the All-wise could never intend man 
 to tyrannize over the poor, helpless creatures which have 
 feelings equal to his OAvn, and gratitude far surpassing the 
 lords of the creation, Avhen properly treated. 
 
 In Eastern and mountainous countries, the ass is held in 
 high estimation, and is treated with that care which he so 
 justly merits. In mountain tracts his services are invalu- 
 able in transporting travellers and their baggage where the 
 horse is of no use. In Aleppo there is a large and hand- 
 some breed, and in Persia also, where they sell for seventy- 
 five ducats to one hundred crowns. 
 
 THE MULE. 
 
 It is a matter of surprise that mules are not more bred 
 in this country, as their action is much more agreeable tlian 
 that of the horse ; and they are also more hardy in tlieir 
 nature. It is not kno'UTi when mules were first bred. The 
 first mention of them in the sacred i*\Titings is 1740 years 
 before the Christian era. In the book of Genesis it is said, 
 " This was that same Anah that found mules in the wilder- 
 
 3 L 
 
442 MA3fUAL OP MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 ness, as lie fed the asses of Zibeon his father." It is a dis- 
 puted point whether he was the first breeder of them : Aris- 
 totle and Pliny are of opinion that he was. However this 
 may be, mules do not appear to have become common in 
 India until the reign of David, which was about 300 years 
 after the death of Anah. We think it very improbable that 
 wild mules were ' found, as hybrids are only known to be 
 generated under the influence of domestication. Or, if the 
 manner of engendering mules were known to the Israelites, 
 that people probably desisted from breeding them in con- 
 sequence of the law of God against their propagation ; for 
 it is said, " Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shall not 
 let thy cattle gender with diverse kinds." It is therefore 
 likely that the mules which David and his nobles rode were 
 imported from other countries, where they appear to have 
 been common long before his reign. In Greece and Cap- 
 padocia they abounded in early times, for the latter country 
 paid an annual tribute of mules to Persia. 
 
 The mule, like its progenitor, the ass, is much more use- 
 ful as a beast of burden in mountainous countries than the 
 horse, being very sure-footed. Their long and sweeping 
 pace on a plain makes their motion extremely easy and 
 agreeable to the rider. Fifty or sixty pounds sterling is no 
 ancommon price for a fine mule in Spain 
 
IIORSE-RACING. 443 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 LAWS RELATIVE TO THE TURF, &C. 
 
 HOESE-RACING. 
 
 To limit the excess of horse-races, tlie statute 1 3 George II., 
 chapter 19, decrees that no plate or matches under the 
 value of £50 shall be run for on pain of forfeiture of £200 
 by the owner of each horse so running, and of £100 by 
 such persons as advertise the horse. And although the 
 owners of horses may run them for a stake of £50 and 
 upwards, at such places as are or have been used for horse- 
 races ; yet, if they run them upon the highway, or any 
 other place than those prescribed by the statute, the bet is 
 illegal, and the parties subject to the forfeitures accordingly. 
 
 There is, however, an exception in the statute in favour 
 of Newmarket, and Black Hamilton, for any sum or stake 
 less than £50. 
 
 XoTE. — Although matches or horse-races, made according 
 to the above-cited provisions are legal, yet all bets or 
 wagers above £10 on them are games within the statute of 
 9 Anne, chapter 14, and are consequently void. 
 
 But although the legislature has in many instances laid 
 betting under particular restrictions, yet the practice is not 
 restrained by the common law, unless it may be injurious to 
 public economy. Consequently, all wagers which are not 
 contrary to sound policy in the general interests of the 
 community, or which are not made upon games, or are 
 likely to disturb the public peace, or to encourage im- 
 
444 MANUAL OF MODERJs^ FARRIERY. 
 
 morality, or probably affect the interests, characters, or 
 feelings of others not parties to the wager, are legal, and 
 may be recovered in a court of justice. 
 
 KECOGNISED LAWS OF RACING. 
 
 Horses take their ages from May-day, i. e. a horse foaled 
 any time during the year 1846, will be considered a year 
 old on the 1st of May, 1847. 
 
 Horses are measured by what is termed hands — four 
 inches are a hand ; and jockey weight is fourteen pounds to 
 a stone. 
 
 Catch weights are, that each party making a bet may 
 appoint persons to ride without weighing. 
 
 Give and take plates are, fourteen hands to carry a stated 
 weight, all above to carry extra weight, or under to be 
 allowed the proportion of seven pounds to one inch above 
 or below. 
 
 A whim plate consists of weight for age, and weight for 
 inches. 
 
 A post match is, to insert the age of the horse in the 
 articles, and to run any horse of that age without a previous 
 declaration of what horse, until you bring him to the start- 
 ing-post. 
 
 A handicap match is, A, B, and C are to put an equal sum 
 each into a hat : C, who is considered the handicapper, 
 makes a match for A and B, who, when they have perused 
 it, put their hands into their pockets, and draw them out 
 closed ; and on opening them, if both have money in their 
 hands, the match is confirmed, but if neither have money it 
 is no match. In both cases the handicapper draws all the 
 money out of the hat ; but if one has money in his hand, 
 and the other none, then it is no match, and he that has 
 money in his hand is entitled to the deposit in the hat, 
 
RECOGNISED LAWS OF RACIIfG. 445 
 
 The horse whose head is first at the euding-post wins the 
 race. 
 
 Riders must ride their horses to the weighing-post to be 
 weighed, and he that dismounts his horse before reaching 
 the weighing-place, or wants weight when weighed, is con- 
 sidered distanced. 
 
 If a rider fall from his horse, and the horse be rode in b;^ 
 anj person who is of sufiicient weight, he will take place the 
 same as if it had not happened, provided he go back to the 
 place where the rider fell. 
 
 Horses plates, or shoes not allowed in the weight. 
 
 No person is entitled to start a horse without producing a 
 certificate of his age, if required, at the. time appointed ia 
 the Articles, except when aged horses are included, and in 
 that case a junior horse may be entered without a certifi- 
 cate, provided he curry the same weight as the aged. 
 
 For the best of the plate, where three heats are run, the 
 horse is second that wins one. 
 
 For the best of the heats, the horse is second that beats 
 the others twice out of three times, though he does not win 
 a heat. 
 
 A confirmed bet cannot be departed from without mu- 
 tual consent. 
 
 Either of the betters may demand stakes to be made, and 
 on refusal declare the bet void. 
 
 If a party be absent on the day and time fixed for run- 
 ning, a public declaration of the bet may be made on the 
 course, and a demand whether any person will make stakes 
 for the absent party. If no person comes forward, the bet 
 may be declared void. 
 
 Bets agreed to pay or receive in town, or at any other 
 particular place, cannot be declared off on the course. 
 
 At Newmarket, if a match be made for a particular day 
 
446 MANUAL OF MODERN FARMERY 
 
 in any meeting, and the parties agree to change the daj, 
 all bets must stand ; but if run in a different meeting, the 
 bets made before the alteration are void. 
 
 The person who lays the odds has a right to choose the 
 horse or the field. 
 
 When a person has chosen his horse, the field is what 
 starts against him ; but there is no field unless one starts 
 against him. 
 
 Bets made in pounds are paid in guineas. — If odds are 
 laid without naming the horse before it is run, it must be 
 determined as the bets were at the time of making it. 
 
 Bets made in running are not determined till the plate is 
 won, if that heat be not mentioned at the time of betting. 
 
 Where a plate is won by two heats, the preference of 
 the horses is determined by the places they are in in the 
 second heat. 
 
 Horses running on the wrong side of the post, and not 
 turning back, are distanced. 
 
 Horses drawn before the plate is won are distanced. 
 
 Horses are distanced if their riders cross or jostle. 
 
 A bet made after the heat is over, if the horse betted on 
 does not start, is considered no bet. 
 
 When three horses have each won a heat, they only must- 
 start for a fourth, and the preference between them will 
 be determined by it, there being no difference between 
 them. 
 
 During a fourth heat, there is no distance. Bets deter- 
 mined, though the horses do not start, when the words 
 " Absolutely," " Run or Pay," or " Pay or Play," are made 
 use of in betting. 
 
 Example. — I bet, that the horse Godolphin "absolutely" 
 wins the Queen's Plate at Newmarket. 
 
 Kext meeting, I lose the bet although he does not start, 
 a3id win although he goes over the course alone. 
 
RULES OF THE JOCKEi' CLUB. 447 
 
 In runniug of heats, if it cannot be decided which is 
 first, the heat goes for nothing, and all the horses may start 
 again, except it be between two horses that had each won a 
 heat. 
 
 Horses that forfeit are the beaten horses, where it is 
 " Run or Pay." 
 
 Bets made on horses winning any number of plates that 
 year, remain in force till the first day of ]\Iay. 
 
 Money given to have a bet laid, is not returned, if not 
 run. 
 
 Matches and bets are void on the decease of either party 
 before determined. 
 
 RULES OF THE JOCKEY CLUB. 
 
 L The ballots for members of the Jockey Club shall be 
 in the news-rooms, Newmarket, on the Tuesday in the first 
 spring meeting, and the Tuesday in the second October 
 meeting, in each year. 
 
 IL That the candidates shall be proposed by members, 
 and their names put up in the card-room, in the meetings 
 preceding the ballots, viz., in the Craven and the first Oc- 
 tober meetings. 
 
 III. That nine members, at least, be present at the ballot, 
 and that two black balls exclude. 
 
 IV. To meet annually at dinner the day preceding the 
 Queen's birth-day. 
 
 V. That three members of the Jockey Club shall be ap- 
 pointed stewards, and to commence their office on the fourth 
 of June, annually. One new steward to be appointed every 
 year, on the third day of June, by the steward who quits 
 on that day, subject to the approbation of the members 
 of the Jockey Club then present. 
 
 VI. The first and second vacancy of the three stewards, 
 
448 MAIs'UAL OF MODERI* lARRlERY. 
 
 now named, are to be settled by draAving lots ; and ever 
 afterwards the senior steward is to quit his oflice on the 
 third of June, annually. 
 
 VII. All stakes shall be made in cash, bank bills, bank- 
 post bills properly indorsed, bankers' notes payable to 
 bearer, or bankers' notes payable to order, also properly 
 indorsed; and not otherwise without the consent of the 
 party or parties present concerned in the match, sub- 
 scription, or sweepstakes, on whose account such stakes are 
 made. 
 
 VIII. All stakes for matches, subscriptions, and sweep- 
 stakes shall be made before starting for the same ; and in 
 default thereof by any person, he shall forfeit in like man- 
 ner as if he had not produced his colt, filly, horse, or mare 
 to start, and shall have no claim to the stake or stakes of 
 the match, subscription, or sweepstakes, should his colt, 
 filly, horse, or mare have started, and come in first ; and 
 this to remain in full force, as an established agreement of 
 the Jockey Club, unless such person have previously obtained 
 the consent of the party or parties present, with whom he 
 is engaged, to dispense with his making his stake, as afore- 
 said. 
 
 IX. In order to prevent frauds, notice shall be given, that 
 if any person make any bet or bets, from signal or indica- 
 tion, after the race has been determined at the post, sucli 
 person is not entitled to receive, or liable to pay t'he same ; 
 as such bet or bets is or are fraudulent, illegal, or totally 
 void ; and that if any servant belonging to a member of 
 the society shall be found to have made, or to have been 
 engaged in the making, any such bet or bets, he shall be 
 dismissed his service, and no longer be employed by any 
 member of this society. 
 
 X. When any match, or sweepstakes shall be made, and 
 
DECISIONS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB. 449 
 
 no particular weight specified, the horse, &c. to carry eight 
 stone seven pounds each. And if any weight is given, the 
 highest weight is, by this resolution, fixed at eight stone 
 seven pounds. 
 
 XL That no person shall be allowed to start any horse, 
 mare, or gelding, for match, sweepstakes, or subscription, 
 unless he shall have paid all former stakes and forfeits to 
 the keeper of the match-book, by eight o'clock of the even- 
 ing before starting. 
 
 XII. That the owners of horses, &c., engaged in matches, 
 or sweepstakes, in which the forfeit shall amount to 100 
 guineas or upwards, shall be entitled to a deduction of ten 
 per cent., if they declare their forfeits by half-an-hour before 
 nine o'clock in the evening preceding running. 
 
 DECISIONS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB. 
 
 Any disputed matter, submitted to the consideration of 
 the Jockey Club, must relate to horse-racing. The parties 
 must agree upon a statement of the case in writing, request 
 the opinion of the stewards of the Jockey Club thereon, 
 and agree to abide by their decision ; and such agreement 
 must be signed by the parties. If the dispute should not 
 occur at Kewmarket, the reference must come through, or 
 with the sanction of, the stewards of the race where it 
 happened. 
 
 Except the case arise at Newmarket, they decline giving 
 any opinion where facts alone are in dispute ; such as a 
 complaint of foul riding, &c. All such cases are most 
 effectually investigated on the spot, whilst the matter is 
 fresh in the memories of the witnesses, where their attend- 
 ance is most easily procured, and their credibility best 
 understood. 
 
 All communications must be addicssed " To the Keeper 
 
 3 M 
 
450 MANUAL OF MODERK FARRIERY. 
 
 of the Match-book, at Newmarket/' and delivered, free of 
 postage. 
 
 By order of the Stewards. 
 
 Newmarket^ IQth May, 1816. — Some disputes having 
 arisen respecticg the qualifications of horses to run for par- 
 ticular races, as well in regard to the time when the certi- 
 ficates should be produced, as to the person by whom the 
 qualifications or disqualifications should be proved, the 
 stewards of the Jockey Club, in the hope of introducing a 
 uniformity of practice in this respect, and with a view to 
 prevent disputes, declare it as their opinion, that when the 
 qualification of any horse is objected to before starting, it 
 is incumbent on the owner to produce a certificate, or other 
 proper document, to the stewards, or clerk of the course, 
 before the race is run, to prove the qualification of his 
 horse ; and that if he shall start his horse without so 
 doing, he must be considered as disqualified; and further, 
 that their decisions on all cases referred to them on this 
 point will be regulated accordingly. 
 
 By order of the Stewards. 
 
 TURF ABBREVIATIONS. 
 
 The following are the abbreviations used in designating 
 the different courses at Newmarket, with their respective 
 measurement ; as also of the abbreviations used in de- 
 scribing races throughout the United Kingdom : — 
 
 Miles. Furls. Yards. 
 
 B. C. Tlie Beacon Course 
 L. T M. Last Three Miles of ditto 
 D. I. From the Ditch in ditto . 
 T. L. T. From the Turn of the Lands in ditto 
 
 C. C. Clermont Course 
 A. F- Across the F'^t- 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 13S 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 45 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 97 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 184 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 217 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 44 
 
TURF ABBREVIATIONS. 
 
 4.51 
 
 T. Y.C 
 Y. C. 
 R. C. 
 D. M 
 A. M. 
 R. M. 
 
 Two Year Old Course 
 Yearling Course 
 
 Round Course 
 
 Ditch Mile 
 
 Abingdon Mile 
 
 Rowley Mile 
 T. M. M. Two Middle Miles of B. C. 
 D. C. Duke's Course 
 F. C. Fox's Course 
 An. M. Ancaster Mile 
 
 B. M. Banbury's Mile 
 
 C. S. C. Craven Stakes Course 
 M. D. Mile and Distance, B. C. 
 
 Miles. 
 
 Furls. 
 
 Yards 
 
 . 
 
 5 
 
 13b 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 147 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 93 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 184 
 
 . 
 
 7 
 
 211 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 115 
 
 U. for Duke. 
 L. for Lord 
 H. or h. for Horse. 
 G. or g. for Gelding 
 M. or m. for Mare. 
 C. or 0. for Colt. 
 F. or f. for Filly, 
 b. for Bay. 
 bl. for Black, 
 br. for Brown, 
 gr. for Grey, 
 oh. for Chestnut. 
 
 ro. for Roari. 
 d. for Dun. 
 yr. for Year, 
 gs. for Guineas, 
 so. for Sovereign. 
 p p. for Play or Pay. 
 h. ft. for Half Forfeit, 
 ft. for Forfeit, 
 pd. for Paid, 
 dr. for Drawn, 
 reed, for Received, 
 atrt. for Against. 
 
 In riding, or jocheying, as it is termed, the race-horse in 
 his course, not only judgment, experience, and spirit are re- 
 quired, but the jockey lies under a very critical kind of re- 
 sponsibility, involving the risk of his livelihood. There are 
 many of them employed by the inferior black-leg species of 
 sportsmen, and even yet, some of a higher class, who will 
 not be convinced that a rider has acted honestly, and done 
 
452 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV. 
 
 his utmost, unless his horse be nearly dissected alive ; a 
 disgusting instance of which Mr, Lawrence has given from 
 the mouth of a jockey of former days, and from his own 
 evidence of the dreadful condition of the horse. The race 
 was at "Epsom, for a plate ; the name of the horse, Hussar, 
 by Snap ; the jockey, William Barnes. It will not, indeed, 
 be denied, that it is the nature of some horses to require 
 frequent fillip with both whip and spur, to prevent them 
 from falling asleep in their course, and some additions to 
 these are probably required at the run in, for the purpose 
 of eliciting their utmost exertions ; such are styled, in the 
 language of the turf, good whipped-horscs — the stout, or 
 lasting, — the game of which, rather than the speed, is their 
 prominent qualification. But in the strongest probability, 
 every drop of blood drawn from these is utterly unnecessary, 
 as it is barbarous and contrary to the very idea of sport, in 
 which even the horse himself ought to share. Many a race 
 has been lost by a foul cut, or a brutal use of the spur, 
 either by damping the spirit and enfeebling the nerve of 
 the horse, or inducing a sullen disgust or depression. An 
 example, much talked of at the time, and through which a 
 vast sum of money was lost, occurred in the case of old 
 Duke William, which was nearly home and winning : he 
 received a foul cut with the whip in a very tender part, 
 when he instantly hung back and lost the race. 
 
 Such horrible sights have been enjoyed within memory, 
 even too lately to be pointed out, without making an open 
 exhibition of our shame. Happily, however, a more mild 
 and rational practice has for a considerable number of years 
 past taken place. These scenes, the very antipodes to every- 
 idea of pleasure or sport, and so distressing to every humane 
 and rational feeling, are not now, as formerly, of nearly in- 
 variable occurrence ; although yet sensibility, reason, and 
 
GREAT EQUESTRIAN FEATS OF THE RACE-HORSE. 153 
 
 common sense are too often trifled with, and outraged in the 
 case. 
 
 In country courses, (so styled in contradistinction to 
 the grand theatre of racing — the head-quarters — j^ewiM ar- 
 ret,) the chief concern, plate or purse, is always- decided by 
 heats ; since, otherwise, the few matches or sweepstakes, 
 decided by a single heat would not take up suiEcient time 
 to complete the amusement of the day. Sweepstakes of 
 hunters, however, are, by general custom, run the best of 
 three heats. It is a good old sporting custom, and fair on 
 both sides, for the winner of a maiden plate, or sweepstakes, 
 to be demandable after the race at a certain stipulated sum. 
 
 Newmarket Heath is the most spacious, and, indeed, the 
 principal race-course in the world. It is situated at the 
 west end of the town of Newmarket, in the counties of 
 Cambridge and Suffolk, twelve miles east of Cambridge, 
 and sixty miles nearly north of London. Races were in 
 vogue in the eleventh century, and much frequented at 
 NeAvmarket early in the reign of King Charles the First. 
 The king's stables at Newmarket are the place of entrance, 
 and the weighing-place is at the King's Stand. 
 
 The Curragh of Kildare is the great and fashionable race- 
 course of Ireland, and may be considered the Newmarket of 
 that country. 
 
 GREAT EQUESTRIAN FEATS OF THE RACE-IIORSE. 
 
 The following are a few among the many extraordinary 
 feats performed by race-horses at different periods : — 
 
 1752, March SOth.T— Mr. Arthur ]\Ierrin's, bay gelding, 
 Skew Ball, got by the Godolphin Barb, with a weight of 
 eiglit stone seven pounds, beat Sir Ralph Gore's grey mare, 
 Miss Sportly, got by Victorious, with a weight of nine 
 stone, for three hundred guineas each, four miles on the 
 
454 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 Curragh of Kildare. Skew Ball ran the four miles in seven 
 minutes and fiftj-one seconds. 
 
 1752, April 4th. — A little mare, belonging to Mr. 
 Spedding, ran twenty times round the five-mile course at 
 the Curragh of Kildare in twelve hours and a half, for one 
 hundred guineas, half forfeit. She was allowed thirteen 
 hours to do it in. And the next morning, for a bet of one 
 hundred guineas, she ran the same ground to a minute. 
 She was rode both days by a boy of Lord Antrim's. 
 
 This mare was bought by Mr. Spedding for twopence per 
 pound weight. 
 
 1754, September 11th. — At SwiflFham races, a mare of 
 Mr. Suting's beat a horse of Mr. Deming's, in a sixty-mile 
 match, for one hundred guineas. The winner performed 
 the distance in four hours and twenty minutes. 
 
 1759, June 27th. — Jennison Shafto, Esq., performed a 
 match against time, on Newmarket Heath ; the conditions 
 of which were, he was to ride fifty miles (having as many 
 horses as he pleased) in two successive hours, which he 
 accomplished with ten horses, in one hour and forty-nine 
 seconds. 
 
 1791, December 24th. — Mr. Hall's horse, Quibbler, ran a 
 match for one thousand guineas, twenty-three miles in one 
 hour, round the flat at J^ewmarket, which he performed in 
 fifty-seven minutes and ten seconds. , 
 
 1791, October 6th. — At the meeting in the Curragh, 
 Mr. Wild made bets to the amount of two thousand guineas, 
 to ride against time, viz., one hundred and twenty-seven 
 miles in nine hours. He started in a valley near the Cur- 
 ragh course, where two miles were measured in a circular 
 direction ; each time he encompassed the course, it was re- 
 gularly marked. During the interval of changing horses, 
 tie refreshed himself with a mouthful of brandy and water. 
 
GREAT EQUESTRIAN FEATS OF THE RACE-HORSE, 455 
 
 and was no more than six hours and twenty-one minutes in 
 completing the one hundred and twenty-seven miles ; of 
 course, he had two hours and thirty-nine minutes to spare. 
 
 Mr. Wild had no more than ten horses, but they were all 
 blood ones, and from the stud of ]\Ir. Daly. 
 
 Whilst on horseback, without allowing anything for 
 changing, he rode at the rate of twenty miles an hour for 
 six hours. He was so little fatigued with this extraordi- 
 nary performance, that he was at the Turf Clubhouse, in 
 Kildare, the same evening. 
 
 1793, October 12th. — A mare carrying ten stone, and 
 but fourteen hands high, the property of Mr. Macy, of Bru- 
 ton Street, London, galloped on Sunbury Common twenty 
 miles in fifty-six minutes and twenty-eight seconds. 
 
 1804. — The lady of the late distinguished Colonel Thorn- 
 ton appears to have been equally attached to the sports of 
 the field with her husband ; and the extraordinary contest 
 which took place between Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Flint, in 
 1804, not only stands recorded on the annals of the turf as 
 one of the most remarkable occurrences which ever took 
 place in the sporting world, but aj^o as a lasting monument 
 of female intrepidity. It arose out of the following cir- 
 cumstances : — 
 
 A great intimacy subsisted between the families of Colo- 
 nel Thornton and Mr. Flint, arising from their being bro- 
 thers-in-law, as the ladies were sisters ; so that Mr. Flint 
 was a frequent visitor at Thornville Royal. 
 
 In the course of one of their equestrian excursions in 
 Thornville park, Mr. Thornton, ]\Irs. Thornton, and Mr. 
 Flint were conversing on the qualities of their respective 
 favourite horses. With the spirit and keenness which gene- 
 rally exists on such occasions, they difiered widely in their 
 opinions, and an occasional spurt took place to try the 
 
456 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 mettle of their respective steeds. When Old Yingarillo 
 under the skilful management of his fair rider, distanced 
 his adversary at every attempt, which so nettled Mr. Flint, 
 that he challenged the fair equestrian to ride against him on 
 a future day. This challenge was immediately accepted by 
 Colonel Thornton, on the part of his lady ; and it was fixed 
 by the respective parties, that the race should be run on the 
 last day of the York August Meeting, 1804. This singular 
 match was announced by the following notice : — 
 
 " A match for five hundred guineas, and one thousand 
 guineas bye — four miles — between Colonel Thornton's Yin- 
 garillo, and Mr. Flint's br. h. Thornville, by Volunteer. Mrs. 
 Thornton to ride her weight against Mr. Flint's." 
 
 On Saturday the 25th of August, this race was decided, 
 and the following account of it appeared in the York 
 Herald : — 
 
 " Never did we witness such an assemblage of people as 
 was drawn together on the above occasion — one hundred 
 thousand at least, Nearly ten times the number appeared 
 on Knavesmire, than did on the day when Bay Malton ran, 
 or when Eclipse went ^ver the course, leaving the two 
 best horses of the day a mile and a half behind. Indeed, ex- 
 pectation was raised to the highest pitch, from the novelty 
 of the match. Thousands from every part of the country 
 thronged to the ground. 
 
 "About four o'clock, Mrs. Thornton appeared on the 
 ground, full of spirit, her horse led by Colonel Thornton, 
 and followed by Mr. Baker and Mr. H. Bonyton ; after- 
 wards appeared Mr. Flint. They started a little past four 
 o'clock. The lady took the lead for upwards of three miles, 
 in most capital style. Her horse, however, had much the 
 shorter stroke of the two. When within a mile of being 
 home, Mr. Flint pushed forward and got the lead, which he 
 
GREAT EQUESTRIA:^ FEx\.TS OF THE RACE-HORSE. 457 
 
 kept. ]\Irs. Thornton used every exertion ; but finding it 
 impossible to win the race, she drew up, in a sportsmanlike 
 style, when within about two distances. 
 
 "At the commencement of the running, bets were five 
 and six to four on the lady : in running the three first 
 miles, seven to four, and two to one in her favour. Indee^d, 
 the oldest sportsman on the stand thought she must have 
 won. In running the last mile the odds were in favour of 
 Mr. Flint. 
 
 '• Never, surely, did a woman ride in better style. It is 
 difficult to say, whether her horsemanship, her dress, or her 
 beauty, were most admired — the tout ensemble were unique, 
 
 "Mrs. Thornton's dress was a leopard-coloured body, 
 with blue sleeves, the vest buff, and blue cap. Mr. Flint 
 rode in white. The race was run in nine minutes and fifty- 
 nine seconds. 
 
 "Thus ended the most interesting race ever ran upon 
 Knavesmire. No words can express the disappointment felt 
 at the defeat of ^Mrs. Thornton. The spirit she displayed, 
 and the good humour with which she bore her loss, greatly 
 diminished the joy of many of the winners. From the very 
 superior style in which she performed her exercising gallop 
 of four miles on Wednesday, betting was greatly in her fa- 
 vour ; for the accident which happened, in consequence of her 
 saddle-girths having slackened and the saddle turning round, 
 was not attended with the slightest accident to her person, 
 nor did it in the least damp her courage ; while lier horseman- 
 ship, and her close-seated riding astonished the beholders, and 
 inspired a general confidence in her success. 
 
 " Not less than two hundred thousand pounds were pend- 
 ing upon ;Mrs. Thornton's match ; perhaps more, if we in- 
 clude the bets in every part of the country ; and there was 
 no part, we believe, in which there was not -some. 
 
 3 N 
 
458 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 " It is but justice to observe, that if the lady had been 
 better mounted, she could not have possibly failed of suc- 
 cess. Indeed, she laboured under every possible disadvan- 
 tage ; notwithstanding which, and the ungallant conduct of 
 Mr. Flint, she flew along the course with an astonishing 
 swiftness, conscious of her own superior skill; and would 
 ultimately have outstripped her adversary, but for the acci- 
 dent which took place." 
 
 1822. — On the 16th of January, a match was decided 
 between ]\Ir. Aldridge and Mr, Hall, horse-dealers, made at 
 the Tun, Jermyn Street, London, for five hundred pounds 
 a side ; the horses carried fourteen stone each. It took 
 place between the third and fourth mile-stones, near Hamp- 
 ton. Mr. Hall's was a chestnut mare, of fifteen hands two 
 inches high, and Mr. Aldridge's, a bay mare, a hand lower, 
 but a very fast goer. The former had been backed to do a 
 mile twenty seconds under three minutes, but bets were 
 ultimately settled as above. She performed this distance in 
 three minutes and two seconds ; although it is known that 
 in her exercises she had done it in two minutes and thirtv 
 seconds. The rate of going that day was estimated at 
 thirty-nine feet in a second, whilst the Flying Childers ex- 
 ceeded it by thirty-five per cent., viz., forty-nine feet in a 
 second : all other swift horses went about forty-seven feet 
 in the second. 
 
 ACCOUNT OF SOME OF THE MOST REMARKABLE 
 
 HORSES. 
 
 THE DARLEY ARABIAN. 
 
 This horse was procured from the deserts of Arabia by 
 Mr. Darley, a rich merchant, settled at Aleppo, and strict 
 reliance may be placed upon the purity of his blood. From 
 
THE GODOLniLV BARB. ECLirSE. 459 
 
 this admirable horse is descended a race of the finest steeds 
 which we have ever possessed. He was the sire of the fleet- 
 est racer that ever ran — the Flying Ckilders — whose de- 
 scendants have, in general been of the best quality. 
 
 The Darlej Arabian may therefore be considered the 
 horse which turned the tide of fashion in favour of the 
 Arabian breed, amongst the lovers of the turf in Great 
 Britain. 
 
 THE GODOLPHIN BARB. 
 
 This extraordinary horse was of a brown bay, about 
 fifteen hands high, with some white on the ofi'-heel behind. 
 He was long considered as a genuine Arabian, but we think 
 his points were that of a Barb of the highest breed. It is 
 quite certain that he was imported into France from Bar- 
 bary, where it was suspected he had been stolen. So little 
 was he valued in France, that he was actually employed in 
 the drudgery of drawing a cart in Paris. He was brought 
 to England by }Av. Coke, who gave him to Mr. Williams, of 
 the St. James's Coffee-house, who afterwards presented him 
 to the Earl of Godolphin. 
 
 Roxana, by Godolphin, produced Lath, one of the most 
 beautiful horses, admitted by those most skilled in horse- 
 flesh, to be the best that' had appeared at IN'ewmarket for 
 many years previous to his time, Childers only excepted. 
 It is a remarkable fact, that there is hardly at this period a 
 superior horse c»n the turf, without a cross of the Godolphin 
 blood in him. 
 
 ECLirSE. 
 
 This was a British-bred horse, and the finest proportioned 
 animal which was ever known in this country. He n^as gut 
 by Marsk, a grandson through Squirt, of Bartlett's Childers, 
 
460 MAIS'UAL OF MODERI( FARRIERY. 
 
 out of Spiletta, by Kegulus, son of tlie Godolpliiii Bard, out 
 of Mother Western, by a son of Snake, full brother to Wil- 
 liams's Squirrel ; lier dam Old Montague, grandson by Haut- 
 boy, out of the daughter of Brimmer, whose pedigree was 
 not preserved. Eclipse was bred by the Duke of Cumber- 
 land, and foaled during the great eclipse of 1764, whence 
 the name given him by the royal duke, at the sale of whose 
 stud he was purchased a colt, for seventy-five guineas, by 
 Mr. Wildman. 
 
 For what reason, we have never been able to learn, this 
 celebrated horse was never raced until he was five years of 
 age, at which time he was entered at Epsom for the maiden 
 plate of fifty pounds. At first trial, such were the expec- 
 tations of the knowing ones, that four to one was betted in 
 his favour. At the second and winning heat of this race, 
 all the five horses were close together at the three mile- 
 post, when some of the jockeys used their whips. At this 
 time Eclipse was going at an easy gallop, Avhen he took 
 alarm at the crack of the whip, and bounded ofi" at his full 
 speed ; and although Oakley, his rider, was a man of power- 
 ful arm, he was not to be restrained, and in consequence 
 distanced the whole of his competitors. 
 
 Before Eclipse ran for the king's plate at Winchester, in 
 1769, Mr. 0' Kelly purchased the half-share of him for six 
 hundred and fifty guineas. He afterwards became his sole 
 proprietor, for an additional sum of one thousand guineas. 
 It is said that one of the Bedford family asked 0' Kelly how 
 much he would take for Eclipse, when he replied, " By the 
 mass, my lord, it is not all Bedford level that would pur- 
 chase him." It is .said, that about this period he asked 
 from another person the modest sum of twenty-five thou- 
 sand pounds down, and an annuity of five hundred pounds 
 on his own life ; and the privilege of sending to him annu- 
 
ECLIPSE. 461 
 
 ally six in ares, wliich ot course was rejected. ]\Ir. 0" Kelly 
 said he had cleared by this horse twenty-five thousand 
 pounds, and his statement is supposed to be correct. 
 
 Eclipse was allowed to be the fleetest horse that ever ran 
 in England, since the time of Childers. After winning 
 king's plates, and other prizes, to a great extent, he was 
 kept as a stallion, and gained to his OAvner, for forty mares, 
 the great sum of thirty guineas each. 
 
 This fine horse seemed to combine all the qualities which 
 constitute an excellent racer : his stoutness, form, and 
 action were excellent. He had a vast stride, and certainly 
 never horse threw his haunches below him with more vigour 
 or effect ; and his hind legs were so spread in his gallop, 
 " that a wheelbarrow might have been driven between 
 them ;" his agility was great, and his speed extraordinary, 
 but we cannot estimate it justly, as no horse of his day 
 could be compared with him. The only contemporary 
 which was supposed at all equal to him was Mr, Shaftoe s 
 famous horse Goldfinder. He was never beaten, and was to 
 have been matched against Eclipse, for the king's plates, on 
 the following year, but he broke down at Newmarket in the 
 October meeting. 
 
 Eclipse won eleven king's plates, in ten of which he 
 carried twelve stone, and in the other ten. It was calcu- 
 lated, that within the course of twenty-three years, three 
 hundred and forty-four winners, the progeny of this animaL 
 produced to their owners the enormous sura of £158,071. 12s. 
 sterling, exclusive of various prizes. The prevailing excel- 
 lence of all the progeny of this horse v/as great speed, and 
 they took up their feet in the gallop with wonderful acti- 
 vity. They wjre not, however, generally famed for stout- 
 ness ; but, almost all of them Avere horses of fine temper, 
 seldom or never betraying restifness. 
 
JG2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
 
 The points of Eclipse to which I would particularly di- 
 rect the attention of the breeder and sportsman are, the 
 curve or setting on of his head, the shortness of his fore- 
 quarter, the slant, extent, and substance of his shoulders, 
 the length of his waist, and breadth of his loins ; the extent 
 of his quarters, and the length and substance of his thighs 
 and fore-arms. Although he was a powerful horse, he was 
 nevertheless thick in the wind ; and in a sweat or hard 
 exercise he was heard to blow at a considerable distance. 
 This famous horse, the progenitor of our best racing stock, 
 died on the 27th of February, 1789, at Canons, aged 26 
 years. His heart was taken out, and it weighed fourteen 
 pounds. 
 
 FLYIKG CniLDERS. 
 
 This horse was well known, and sometimes called Devon- 
 shire Childers. He was the property of the Duke of Devon- 
 shire, and allowed by sportsmen to be the fleetest horse that 
 ever was bred in the world. He started repeatedly at New- 
 market against the best horses of his time, and never was 
 beaten. He won in different prizes, to- the amount of 
 nearly twenty thousand pounds, and was afterwards re- 
 served for breeding. The sire of Childers was the Darley 
 Arabian, sent by a gentleman as a present to his brother in 
 England. Childers was somewhat more than fifteen hands 
 in height. He was the property of Leonard Childers, Esq., of 
 Carr House, near Doncaster, and was sold, when joivg, 
 to the Duke of Devonshire. 
 
 The dam of Childers was Betty Leedes, by Old Careless ; 
 his grandam Olden, sister to Leedes, by Leedes' Arabian ; 
 his great grandam by Sparker, out of the Old Morocco mare, 
 Sparker's own dam. The affinities in blood of this pedi- 
 gree are very close. 
 
FLYING CniLDERS. 463 
 
 It is said that Childors was first used as a hunter, where 
 he evinced high qualities, and was noted for being veiy 
 headstrong, as well as vicious ; he had not, however, any 
 restifness. It is supposed his racing career commenced at 
 five or. six, and he beat aU competitors at whatever dis- 
 tance. He was never tried at running a single mile, but 
 his speed must have been a mile in a minute. Carry- 
 ing nine stone two pounds, he ran over the round course 
 at Newmarket, which is three miles six furlongs and 
 ninety-three yards, in six minutes and forty seconds. 
 He also ran over the Beacon Course, consisting of four miles 
 one furlong and one hundred and thirty-eight yards, m 
 seven minutes and thirty seconds, covering at every bound 
 a space of twenty-five feet. Childers died in the Duke cr 
 DcTODshire's stud in 1741, aged 26 years. 
 
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