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ruy.
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FARRIER
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AND
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NATURALIST.
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EDITED BV
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A MEMBEU OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
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VOL. I.
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PUBLISIIED FOR THE EDITOR,
BY SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL, STATIONEKS' HAIE COURT,
AND SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1828.
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G. Duckworth, Printer, T6, Fleet Street.
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ROYAL VETERINAUY COLLEGE, LONDON.
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No. 1. Entra»ce.
2. Office, or Cour.ting ITouse.
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3. Door to Passage leading to Lecture Room.
i. i. Lecture Room |
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5. 5. 5. Muséum.
6. 6. Stables.
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THE FARRIEB
AND
NATURALISA
No. 1.] JANUARY. ________________[1828-
PREFACE.
The title which we hâve adopted for our work, is a plain, but a
significant one. The word Fermer, or Farrier, originally implied no more than the Latin or Norman term Ferrarius from which it was derived, viz. a smith, or a worker of iron. The manufacturer of the horse-shoe was the person obviously employed to apply it to the foot ; hence his attention was naturally attracted to the diseases of that perfect and beautiful example of living mechanism. Of thèse diseases his own unskilful labours were the most fréquent cause, yet, in procesa of time, he uudcrtook the cure of such affections, in addition to his other occupations. Pretending to a knowledge of the maladies of the foot, it is not surprising that he was required to treat diseases occurring in other parts of the body. Hence the individual whose province was at first confmed to the humble occupation of " shoeing " became a Leech or Physician ;* and ' the word " Farricry," in its more extended signification, has since been applied to the science of discriminating and treating the dis^ eases of domestic animais generally. Notwithstanding this ex- tended signification, however, the term has never been regarded as °ne of much dignity, and the more intelligent but fastidious prac- titioners of modem times, anxious to dissolve ail connexion with ignorant and unscientific pretenders to the art, hâve assumed the more recondite, but not more significant, and perhaps less classical désignation of Veterinarians. The latin word Veterinarius from which this ktter term is derived, is one of doubtful ctymology, though it is sanctioned by the authority of Columella, who wrote his treatise De re rusticâ at no very distant period from the Augustau âge. Upon the whole, we hâve givea the préférence * Chaucer.
b2
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VREgACH.
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ir
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to thc ancien*, intelligible and universally mùlerstood title of
" Farrieb"; but, as it is not intended to limit our inquiries to the morbid phenomena of animal life, we bave added the word " Naturalist," as best indicative of the other important objects to which our researches will be directed. We are aware that thèse appellations are hère associated almost for the first time ; still there is nothing incongruous in the connexion, indecd it will soon be seen that the Panier cannot praotise his profession either scientifically or successfully, unless he labour, and indus- triously too, in the same field of science as the Naturalist. Under thc désignation therefore of Farrier and Naturalist, this journal will be devoted to the investigation of the best methods of breed- ing and rearing ail our important domestic animais, and to the most approved and efficacious means of curing tbeir diseases. Our views, however, will not be confined to the animais immediately connected with our dwellings or thosc which inhabit our owu country ; but taking a comprehensive survey of animated nature, we shall carefully record evcry circumstance that its multitudinous and interesting objects may fumish, whether calculated for the improvement of men of learning, or for the instruction and amuse- ment of agriculturists and sportsmen. The diseases of the noble and generous horse will engage our
constant attention, and we shall regularly publish Reports of the most interesting Cases as they may occur at the Royal Veterinary Collège. Copious translations of the valuable essays and reports which
occasionally appcar in the Foreign Veterinary Periodicals will form a prominent feature of our journal. Ail subjects requiring graphie illustration will be accompanied
with Engravings executcd by artists of acknowlegcd excellence. Such is our plan—such are our intentions—sùch is the fertile
field on which we hâve entered ; whether we shall guide our vebicle steadily and prudently, or whether tbose who may watch its course will be either instructed or gratified, Time must alone détermine. ^^1 |
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5
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THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE VETERINARY COLLEGE
OF LONDON. The veterinary art in this country is, as it were, connccted or
identified with the establishment and érection of the building be- fore us ; but it seems necessary that we should furnish some account, both oi the causes which led to that event, and of the state of the art piïor to that period. England was almost the last among the nations of Europe to en-
courage the scientific study of this useful profession. For many successive centuries the ignorant blacksmith had been
permitted to trifle with the diseases of our domestic animais, or add to their sufTerings by the infliction of unnecessary torments, and although the public were constantly feeling the ruinous consé- quences of thèse measures, they were far from being anxious to promote and foster a better System. It is vather difficult to give a satisfactory reason for this seeming apathy, an Englishman can never be justly charged with want of interest in bis liorse or his dog, or of indifférence to their wants or comfort ; but in case of accident or disease, he has ever becn but too credulous in surren- dering his most valuable animal to the liands of the first pretender to knowledge, without stopping to inquire whether the treatment likely to be pursued was in consonance or in opposition to the plain laws of common sensé. There has always existed, in the common practice of horse medi-
«ne, and in ail that concerns the management of horses, a sort of ap- préhension of trick and mystery, which appears to hâve had its origin or to hâve been supported by the exclusive and overbearing man- ners of the votaries of the turf, their jockies and dependents, who, making prete'nsions to unusual depth and knowledge in thèse affairs, and deriding the opinions of reasonable men, hâve deterred the scientific from attempting the study of an art, apparently so fraught and fenced with mysteries and difficulties. To the prevalence of this feeling we must chiefly attributs the
remarkable backwardness which was at first exhibited by the British public in supporting an institution so eminently useful in its ohject :is the Veteri narv Collège. b3
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6
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ON THJS RISE AND PROGRESS OF
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On the Continent, as well as in Britain, the médical care of ani-
mais had been engrossed by the operative smiths alone, from a period which commenced soon after the dismemberment of the Eoman empire, when the art of shoeing horses with iron was first had recourse to, as it is supposed, by some of the barbarian nations who at that time overran Europe, and who were well acquainted wîth the properties of this valuable métal, and skilful in its use„ The System of thèse ancient horsc-leeches scarcely admitted of
improvement ; it might be wholly supplanted but not partially altered, since it was based in superstition and supported by cre- dulity ; indeed we shall find more correct views and more rational principles of treatment in the works of the Roman veterinarians than in the misérable writers of the middle âges. True veterinary science, therefore, is a plant of récent growth.
France has taken a decided lead in the cultivation of this de- partment of knowledge, perhaps from the comparative absence of those causes which hâve retarded its progress in this country ; and many years ago, before the art could be said to hâve advanced a step in England, they had writers and practitioners of skill among them. Many of the technical terms now in use, and almost the whole vocabulary of the Manège, we hâve derived from the French language. Greatly to the honour of this enlightened nation, the first veterinary school was established at Lyons, by royal mandate, in 1761, and M. Bourgelat, a gentleman of that city, conversant with horses, and subsequently a voluminous writer, was the first appointed professor. Four years afterwards another school was opened at Alfort, near
Paris, and in a short time the profession assumed a regular cha- racter in France, where it has also a higher rank in public estima- tion than, from various causes, it has attained in this kingdom. Similar establishments succeeded in Vienna, Berlin, Copenhagen,
Stutgard, Wirtemberg, and Utrecht in Holland. There is an annual procès verbal from the French schools ; and
the professional publications and treatises are uncommonly nume- rous ; but either they are really devoid of interest, or we hâve hitherto neglected to profit by their labours, for, certain it is, nothing of importance which they hâve written or discovered has been adopted in this country. Notwithstanding thèse encouraging examples on the Continent,
we do not find that any public attempt was made to improve the |
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THE BOYAI, VETERINARY eoi,T,EGE. I
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Vicient systîm of farriery in England till a much latcr period,
even though that System had been much and justly inveighed agamst by various writers ; and wliile otlier sciences had shaken off the superstitious observances and ignorant quackerics of the dark âges, and were making real progress in the paths of true. know- ledge, the médical treatment of domestic animais was overlookcd and permitted to remain most lnmentahly in arrear. It was in the ycar 1788, that the first proposais for es^ablishing
a Veterinary School were published in London, by Monsieur Vial de St. Bel, who had received a professional éducation at the royal collège of Lyons, and subsequently held the office of junior assist- ant in that of Paris. It seems that he was constrained to resign that situation, having rendered himself obnoxious to the seniors, by lus free and bold manners ; he used to say that Le had many enemies, which induced him, in this country, to add the name of bis native village, St. Bel, to bis real patronymic surname of Vial, and also, as he has been heard to avovv, because it gave him an air of noble descent. But the plan had at first no supporters, and met with so little encouragement that he returned to France, where being again disappointed in his object of regaining lus old situation, he revisited this country in 1790, and attempted once more to attract public attention to his views. For some months he met with no snecess, and was on the point of giving up the attempt when some unexpected and influential patrons arose m Earl Grosvenor and Mr. Granville Penn, who, having returned from the Continent, where they had inspected the Veterinary esta- blishments and seen their utility, determined to give St. Bel their utmost support. It happened also just at this juncture, that the Ueath of the celebrated race-horse, Eclipse, furnished him with an opportunity of displaying his anatomical skill in the opcning and dissection of his body, which served to bring him into public notice m a very favourable manner. He soon opened a communication the Odiham Agricultural Society, which had been on the point o sending two young mon to the French Collèges, in order to in- troduce the Veterinary art into this country ; but now, seeing the importance of St. Bel's object, they formed a committee with some noblemen and gentlemen in London, by whose influence and assist- ance the plan for founding a Collège soon acquired stability, and subscribers began to corne in from every quarter. Among its earliest and warmest friends, besides Earl Grosvenor
and Mr. Penn, were Earl Morton, Sir J. C. Bunbury, Dr. Crawford, |
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8 ON THE HJSE *N» PROGRKSS OF
and that distinguished surgeoxi, John Hcntbr, who saw its impor-
tance, in a strong point of view, as a field for the cultivation of Comparative Anatomy, which led him to render it every assistance, both professional and pecuniary, in lus power. The Duke of Northumberland also generously contributed 500 guineas, and many other noblemen and gentlemen came forward with propor- tionate donations. In February 1791, the infant Society held its first meeting at
the Blenheim Coffee House, Bond Street ; and at a subséquent gênerai meeting, when the number of subscribers was much in- creased, the Duke of Northumberland was elected président, and a most respectable committee of directors chosen. The constitution of the proposed Collège, with its rules and
régulations, which were very différent from those now in force, was quickly settled and published ; and in March 1792, it was resolved that a range of stables and a forge should be erected on a pièce of ground at St. Paneras, which had been previously taken for the use of the Institution. This, with some later additions, forms the simple quadrangle, a view of which is given in our frontispiece : it requires but littlc description, being a low unpretending séries of brick buildings, in which economy and utility hâve triumphed over ail affectation and pride of outside show, in a greater degree than is common with public édifices, in this âge of pretended re- iinement. Before Monsieur St. Bel's instalmcnt, and in order it was said
to remove ail doubt respecting his qualifications for the office of Professor, he was examined, pro forma, bya Committee appointed for that purpose, of which were John Hunter and the late Mr. Cline. It is known that this investigation was conducted with considérable mildness, as much reliance was placed upon his prac- tical knowledge and zeal for the promotion of the art ; for his physiology and therapeutics were certainly not of that profound order, as his writings testify, fully to warrant the learned commit- tee in their report, that, " it is perfectly satisfied that Mr. St. Bel is in every respect qualified for the office of Veterinary Professor to thc Collège of London." However there was no compétition, and, liad it been othervvise, his practical tact and sincère ardour were sufficient alone to justify their choice and commendation. From this time the Institution gained ground most rapidly, and
no sooner was the building ready for the réception of patients than it was attended by a number of ardent and inquiring pupils, |
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^^^^"^■^^^^^■■^^^■■H^^MM^^^MWHH^H^^^MM^H
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THE ROYAL VBTERINARY COLLEGE. 9
Ta"16 °!/rWh°m are the most distinguished in the profession at this
Cll'k" S' Bloxam' Blaine>R- Lawrence, Fieid, and Mr. Bracy ark, who, in the Professor's présence, led in the first horse that
jer regularly entered the Collège stables. St. Belwasindefatiga- e m his attentions, and succeeded in gaining the confidence of
e Pupils, and also of the subscribers, in no small degree. Mean-
wHUe the unavoidable first expenses of building, and an indiscreet an spéculative System adopted in the management of its funds, egan to involve the infant establishment in pecuniary difficulties.
• Ah- ClitlCal Peri°d' Whe" the Professor had scarcely occu-
Pied his new situation a year, and his exertions were most needed o support the incipient school, his death cast a cloud over the P ospects of the Collège, whichalmost threatened to obscure it for- ver ; and had it at that time been held together by no better bond? 'an the interest and patronage of the subscribers, it might not hâve survived this event. St. Bel's complaint was a fever of a very remarkable descrip-
ion, having boils and bubocs in various parts of his body ; and Dr.
U-awford, who attended him, observed, that in this country he had
never seen any fever that so strongly resembled the plague. His
dy w nterred at the expenge of fte Col]ege; Ja^buteH-
aspect to his memory, in the vault of the Savoy Chapel in thé Strand.
com" rure was a taI1'stout' bonyman>of a verydark swarthy
darke °n' and Pr0minentclieek boneS ; the lowerjaw large, with
huUb fr°?tiSpiece t0 his works bears no resemblance to the man,
afte rt ^ E plaster cast of his contenance in existence, taken ful ' ?ath' atc°nsiderable risk of contagion, by a zealous andgrate- ex ?. "?1S manners were polite, open and insinuating, but he was fes^ l0US andvindictive t0anyone offending him. Inhis pro- esp'ecillll6 had IeaI practical kn°wledge as ananatomist of the horse,
and t^ °f the b°neS and muscles> but his doctnnes in physiology work warap6Utics were 1uite °f ^e ancient French school. His best takp, n S °n thePl'°Poltions of the celebrated Eclipse, in which he ard ho C°7arative ™w <>f this horse with the idéal médium stand- w«. f j FrenChSchools'and'measuredby snch arule,Eclipse horse «Strang?ly differei,t Th6Se differences tl0m the perfect by tf/ aS Bel'S WaS ca,led> were hun»orously termed "defects" Bep 1C reVI"Vers' but veiT erroneously, and excited a smile at St. s expense, that Eclipse, so perfect, should be so very defective.
î were, in fact, the variations of a perfect race-horse from this
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Ht
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OM THE IUSE AND PR0G1VKSS OV
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idéal standard, and it would appcar nceessary, for uscful cora
parison, that there should uot be one médium horse, but a standard for each particular breed, or purpose for which tbe horse is used, and then the parallel beeomes both easy and useful. St. Bel's doctrines on shoeing were far from successful in prac-
tice, and did not long survive him, though they hâve lately rcvived again and sunk under a new name. His Lectures on Farriery, and Bssays on varions Biseases of the Horse, hâve been much surpassed by later writers, but they cannot be perused without exciting a strong conviction in the reader's mind that he felt a real interest and pleasure in his profession and a laudable anxiety for its vvel- fare. His posthumous Works were much indebted to the élégant pen of one of the members of the Committee, without which they would hâve been but indifïerently suited to an English taste. Deprived now of its main support, by the loss of its lamented
Professor, the Collège was for some time without a leader. During this interval its atfairs were chierly conducted by two or
three praiseworthy members of the committee, without whose ex- ertions it would probably hâve been overwhelmed by the weight of pecuniary embarrassments, the low state of public confidence, and also of the subscription fund, which was immediately consé- quent upon the decease of the Professor. The professional duties of the Infirmary also were well and zea-
lously executed by some of the most active and intelligent pupils, who alternately undertook the task and met the difficulties of the case with so much skill and attention, as left little or no ground of complaint among those who still adhered to the Institution. There arose no small difficulty in obtaining a new Professor—
choice was out of the question, for no practitioner in a good busi- ness would leave it to undertake the management of so unpromis- ing a concern as the new Collège then appeared to be. The Committee first applied to Mr. Moorcroft, at that time
almost thc only regular Veterinary surgeon in London, an excellent practitioner and a good anatomist ; but they found him at first un- willing to quit his extensive practice in Oxford-street, to accept the troublesome honours and doubtful rewards of their pro- fessorship. Mr. James Clark, of Edinburgh, who styles himself "Farrier to
HisMajesty for Scotland," was next resorted to ; but he returned for aiiswer, with thauks for the intended honour, that he could not |
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THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 11
&™ up his posting conceras in the north, to take a situation for
th f he was m°i-eover but indifferently qualified. His work on
e ioot and shoeing was then in high repute ; but it is probable,
eing a plain unpretending man, that he felt sonie diffidence in as-
surmng an office of so great responsibility. And, it mustbeob- !ved, that at this juncture, professional talent was not the com-
1 y m greatest request ; a leader was required, who should
Possess a considérable share of address with easy and agreeahle
manners, likely to conciliate the public and ail parties, and obtain
orthe tottering Institution that support which is often denied to
simple, unassuming merit. Were such an event tô happen now, we Présume there would not be quite so much backwardness in gen- emen to hecome candidates as existed thirty years ago.
-But the interregnum had now lasted nearly a year ; and while e professorship was thus going a begging, the creditors of the
o ege beeame troublesome, threatening to make the Committee
puhr theh private purses'the debt lt had contracted as a
Pi lie body, that in order to carry on an appearance of business,
na prevent this unpleasant resuit, they found it ahsolutely neces-
sary to support the crédit of the establishment to the utmost of
tr.Power, and to obtain a new Professer, whether well or indif-
«ent y qua]ined. It wag ^^ tfae seriou8.conte ,a_ "on of thèse gentlemen to take the buildings, and appropriate them
» some other public purpose, and it was thought that they might oe convertible into a workhouse or an hospital ! J"fc di,emma> at>d findi«g no qualified Veterinarian who tion t a°CePt th<î VaCant Chaîr' tHe Committee turned their attM-
n o the médical profession, and from its overflowing ranks a candidate soon arose. int i ^dward Coleman> then a young man, had brought himself
ol^h10*106 by SOme expeliments on suspended animation, and also no farthnat°my ^ diseases of the horse's eye > but was otherwise He had' aCqUainted with the Veterinary art than as an amateur. Cooner \ f^nd<ià the boro«gh hospitals under Messrs. Cline and nr»« ûv d by thdr PO^erful interest and recommendation, that t ,lmSdf t0 the notice of the com™ttee, who were not at
sometîT vvP°Sed t0 leject a devoted candidate- However, that
tranf °g fe aPPearances might bepreserved, and the weight of fesso >c i! Ttion be blended with zeal and theoryin the Pr°-
officerS Hv Moorcroft undertook to be his joint associatc in
' thls an-angcmont appears to hâve met with the coucur- |
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12
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ROYAL VETERINARY COI.LEGB.
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. "s^reacc of ail parties ; like his predecessar ha passed a >>ro forma ex-
amination, before a committee composed solelj of physicians and surgeons, though the extent of bis practical qualifications was generally undcrstood, and that he came, in great measure, to learn the art over which he was about to préside, The new Professovs raanaged conjointly the duties of the office
for a short time ; but Mr. Moorcroft soon found it incompatible vvith bis private practice, and resigned the chair wholly to his junior colleague. Loft now to the exercise of his own resources, Mr. Coleman ap-
pears to bave fuily justified the expectations which were enter- tained from his polite and conciliatory address and pleasing man- ners ; for in a short period the confidence of the subscribers and the public was very much restored, and many noblemen and gentle- men, who had withdrawu their names on seeing the former unpromising state of the Institution, rejoined it, and better measures were taken by the committee for its future régulation. Professor Coleman soon afterwards succeeded in procuring the
patronage of Government, and, for several successive years, a con- sidérable sum was voted by Parliament to aid the collège finances, in considération of anticipated benefits accruing to the army service by the employment of Veterinarins, on vvhom his lato Majesty was also pleased to confer the rank of commis- sioned officers, which has placed them on a footing of respectability, and induced many young men of talent and character to embark in the profession. We need add but little of its subséquent history, except that,
from a low and precarious beginning, it has becomè an establishment of considérable notoriety and influence ; and the revenues, which would not at first tempt a farrier to become its principal, bave doubtless proceeded in a proportionate and increasing ratio. A large number of young men hâve studied within its walls and
disseminated ail over England the knowledge they hâve gained, placing this new profession in the road to improvement and extend- ing the bounds of the Hippiatric art ; though we must not bc understood to mean that every possible exertion has been made for its improvement, or that the whole of the doctrines which hâve been promulgatcd by the présent Professor are either rational, or worthy of adoption. |
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* THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF ELASTICITY lN THE FEET OF
ANIMALS, PARTICULARI.Y IN THE HORSE. thatï an.extended sm'™Y of animal nature, it will be found
ouad™ ^ I$- a pnnciPle Pwvading the construction of feet, in attenS / "" g?era1' *Wdh has not received that "parate
AlthoÙI ^ lmt,Uralists which it» importance appears to merit. obio t f I P6C r elasticity °f the feet in some animais, is an awaret0lat^y0bSer-Vati0n' y6t We are far fr0m beinS Senerally
soeri J 1 P,rmC,ple eXÎSts in a «"»*<* or less degree in every species hitherto described. As the neglect of this principle has led to a very serions error
whï a'rf111"* °f the h°rSe' °Ur most usefal animal>an error
which la laV° !rCtl°ned ^ CUSt°m has ™*^ o^cure, and pub ic lossïr" ^ 'r8' °f m0I'C animal 8nftria* and ««»*«
nicallv II • i °tl,er calamities «nHed which art has tyran- demand 1 ^ T *" blUte Creati°" ; S° We consider «" importance
"émanas oui- earliest attention. «ciST!are r°T constructions by which various degrees of elas-
tho ,yH U"'Cated t0 the ext^mities of animais, and by which
w5 hbntl! ai'VWeVented fr0m ""W« that violent shock oÎ-W
vlnchdneceSsanlyensueswhen a soM ^.^ ^^JE «ïeÏÏÎifï ^f " genei'ai' m°re P^Wy those
of he Ïw H'* îb tat6d °r fingGred eXtrCMiti6S'wh[le raost ty elasS ld ' TadïUI,edS haVC the bones of tbc feet d^de*
divided ?h tor T f; others again by h00fs or claws variousIy
of qS; eiî m°de °f —traction is found in a large proportion
TV v.
™* PHnJlWi-h !!'e ™°,St remarkabIe a«d ^Parent example of to the Jol'5? Si S and aCtiVG Sq"irre1' a S°lid re^tance tations 0l fi W° ?6 UnnecessaT, accordingly we see simple digi- abl* them tÔ erS' COnSlderable lenStb and sharpness, which en- rind of the tnf f^ *? 1°^* °f trCeS and sUck into the bark and much to the cla e V aPProach in resPect to structure very their agile bound! v u givi"g them a Peculial* avantage in In the Do. SV t' 'r7/1™03' bP C°mpaied t0 fl>ing'
the middle of Z £ff " 7"d & ^e,*"an^^ W» or Pad near cach toe corn i 0"e ° ' base or te™"i«tioii of fo>'«>s' .,„' i„f P°,8 . °f a teudill°-cartilagi"0uS material, which
th<= Broud it > * ^ mcdium f°r the Pu,'PO^ of meeting
»l0«»d, thetarsusalsois diyided into four parts or sepamte |
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14 ON THE ELASTICITY OF THE FOOT.
joints, which farther contribute to the gênerai effect of yielding to
the impression of the weight. In cats more particularly, the claws are forced out and extended
on meeting the ground, from any height, and by this means break the force of the fall. Thèse observations apply to a very great variety of animais,
among which are included some of considérable weight and size, as the Lion, Tigcr, Léopard, &c, also the Wolf, Hyena and others. The graceful action of the Lion and Tiger dépends, in great measure, on the peculiar and bcautiful expansion of their feet. The Caniel bas the lower termination or extremity of the limb
deeply cloven into two parts, defended by two strong horny claws, which, being flexible, yield to the weight and bend to the motion and pressure of the animal's body. Besides this, each claw is provided beueath with a cartilaginous pad or cushion to assist in the support and defence of the foot, and which farther contributes to its yielding and elasticity, and is well fitted for the dry and sandy déserts which this animal inhabits. The ponderous Eléphant bas also a higli degrec of this requisite
quality in his foot. His immense body, in figure like a tun, is eleva- ted upon four nearly perpendicular columns ; for, where support is chiefly required, we hâve the limbs upright ; on the contrary, where great activity and motion, they are bent at angles, as we see in the leg of the dog, " crooked to a proverb. " At its base or inferior termination, the limb is divided into phalanges of bones, which are reposing on a vast cushion of elastic corneo-cartilaginous material, which central pad or cushion resembles a flat sole of untanned leather. The external circumference of the foot is deeply notched or divided into five parts, each also provided with a horny hoof or claw ; thèse claws, under very strong exertion of the animal, may assist in moving the weight by grappHng with the ground. In the Ox we hâve a cloven foot, which is very fréquent among
graminivorous quadrupeds, and by far the greater number hâve it. The change of figure and elastic yielding in thèse are accomplished in the most simple manner, by a complète division of the bones of the foot up to the fetlock joint ; which division iuto two members, connccted only by ligament, renders this part weak to such a point that it is made readily to yield and bend to the weight of the load, and thus to destroy, by its flexibility, any undue concussion or jar. The two claws also, on meeting the ground, divide, and separate considerably, permitting the soil when soft to pass up between them, |
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ON THE ELASTICITY OF THE FOOT. 15
us farther diminish the résistance and too sudden impression
^omthe exertion or weight. This dilatation is very visible and ^aniiliar to every eye ; indeed the degree of flexibility thus imparted o hé feet of this tribe of animais almost savours of weakness and
e "ify, and has sometimes an unsightly appearance ; but this very
property, though it must impede their velocity of motion, is pécu-
îarly well adapted to their gênerai structure and in a particular
manner to the gentle domestic habits for which a kind Providence appears to hâve ordained them. . |le numan foot, when pressed upon the ground, is seen to dilate
m ail directions, which the upper leather of the shoe, being thin- »cr than the rest, admits of, and by this change of form also the wnow or arch of the foot, which we call the sole or planta, sinks
an is ffattcned, thereby prcventing condensation and maintaining the libcrtyofits varions parts. _ aying showa the importance and prevalence of this principle n varions degrees among animais, we corne now to consider the
O,on ul I)rovidons for elasticity in the Foot of the Horse, and
serve that this property exists in a less degree in his tribe or
amily than in any other spccies of quadrupeds, and which appcars
tobe accounted for on the following grounds : That with him is round accomplished a difficult proposition in mechanics, viz the m°ving a large and heavy body with an extraordinary speed • and wemay pcrceive, that in orderto surmount this difficulty, a greater share of solidity is imparted by an undivided hoof, and it is this apparent solidity in its structure which appears to hâve been the «ause of this gênerai and important principle of elasticity being niuch overlooked and disregarded in his treatment. mod'0111 a ™ilnlte cxamiliation of the horse's foot, according to
wa],ern discoveries, it will be found that the extremities of the
th b°f tlle h°°f aie inflected or bent inwards at the heels, forming
d.rs> which extend and terminate at the point of the frog, and
wouîd'TS'Be the fl°g t0 bc dlawn 0ut fr0m between them, it
actually0?0 a Sllaci0US triangular cavity. Thus the hoof is
and ii 1" ° • t0 'tS centre posteriorly, and possesscs the power
me mation to expand and dilate itself, in the manner of a bow,
th' h i °r exertion of the animal. The frog, formed of soft
in lion., of the consistence of lndia rubber, and cleftinto arches
ravit "'"l Xtend thei"selves laterally, fills up this chasm or
end ' a • may *'G comPaied t0 an elast'c bowstririg, with its
s passing round the inflection of the wall, permitting the expan-
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16
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ON THE DIgïASES OF THE
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sion of the hoof, and restraining its undue action. In its minor
provisions, as well as in its fondamental construction, the foot of the horse is essentially elastic ; the hone of the foot is connected with the hoof hy means of numerous elastic processes, which per- mit it to descend under the weight of the animal, and press upon the concave sole, which then flattens and expands with the other parts. It appears, then, notwithstanding its solid appearance to the
eye, that it is not far removed, in point of principle, from the cloven foot of the ox ; but as to the horse is given greater speed and strength, with higher powers and a more noble form, so his foot also is constructed with more complex mechanism, and admirable contrivances to combine the requisite elastic yielding with sufficient stability and firmness. It follows, as a natural conséquence of this construction, that our treatment of this organ is erroneous and improper ; by the application of a rigid unyielding shoe, we oppose and totally prevent the expansion from taking place : suffering, contraction, lameness and early death, is the fate of our noble and willing slave ; while vexation, loss, and difficulty are the invariable attendants of this unnatural System. |
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ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE.
[Copicd, by permission of Mr. Wahdrop, from his " Essay," published
in the year 1819.] When the healing art wasin its infancy, the dissection of animais
greatly contributed to its advancement ; but since the diseases of the human frame hâve been very successfully investigated, and medicine assumed a rank among the sciences, that knowledge may be advantageously employed to illustrate the diseases of animais. In the same manner, therefore, as the natural philosopher has contributed to the improvement of the arts, and the différent branches of agriculture, so it is reasonable to expect, that if the at- tention were duly directed to'the economy and diseases of animais, this useful branch of knowledge would be established on the solid basis of scientific principles. Hence such rules would be laid down as must serve to guide those, on whom the practical part may devolve. A taste for pursuits of this kind, among médical men, might lead to still more important results, as any addition to our knowledge of the diseases of animais must serve to illustrate the diseases of the human body ; and the fréquent opportunities of dissection and experiment on animais, and the facility in conducting |
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EVE OF THE HORSE. 17
|
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^ cJi inquiries, would, if zealonsly pursued, materially promote
>'cn an object, From thèse researches the agriculturist might
so dérive some useful hints, to guide him in improving the hreeds
°t domestic animais ; a subject to which the pursuits of scientific
men are likely materially to contribute.*
1 lie diseases of ail the organs of the lower animais are not only
Jess numerous, but they are more uniform in their progress and symptoms than those of the human body. The Eye of the Horse is subject to much fewer diseases than that of man, and thèse dis- eases do not assume that almost infinité variety of cbaracter which tTi™^* W-}^ 'n t^1C nUman eye' ai'd wfiich is, in man, produced from
ne habits of society, and the varions modes of life to which he is exposed. Thus the uniformity in the appearances of diseases in the Eye of the Horse'makes their treatment the more simple, less °i that nice discrimination heing required in treating individual cases, which is so essentially requisite in the practice of human , Bef°re considering the différent Diseases to which the Eye of
tne Horse is subject, it ought to be observed, that not only the progress of the diseases, but their treatment, must vary, according 0 the différent circumstances under which the animal is placed,or,
as it is in common language called, the " Condition of the horse." •*t may therefore be préper to observe, that theve are four différ- ent states of condition, in either of which the horse is usually found. »ShAerSl *?' Whe" he is at Srass> or living on green food, ex-
posed to ail the vicissitudes of weather. The second, when his food is more nutvitious, in which state of
condition he is usually kept by the agriculturist. i. ne third, when lie is living on dry food, and kept in a warm
stable ; as most horses are for the purposes of riding and driving. Lhefourtk, in the highest possible state of condition, when tïie
tood is in the least bulk, the body warmly clothed, the horse con- "ned in a hot stable, and exposed to the most violent bodily exfir- ll0»S, for the purpose of the field or turf. «, tnese différent states of condition, it is reasonable to suppose
nat though the same kind of treatment be alvvays applicable to y% same disease, yet that treatment must be pursued in a very if iv,leUt °-e&ree i" animais whose condition is not similar. Thus, ne Cye a lace norse reçoive a blow, the quantity of blood cme'T^fli t0 ^e ta^en away> in order to prevent or allay the subse- ad hl mmaii°i'' ougnt to be much greater than what it would be visa le to take from a horse at grass, who had received a wound
■ ofequalseverity. ,. 'e,7alue of horses inthis country,both for the useful purposes
which they serve, and the gratification of amusement, having made inm,-Se?-Mr Cline's excellent paper, " On the Form of Animais," inthecom-
"lumcations to the Board of Agriculture, vol. iv. p. 440. c
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Og
|
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DISEASES OF THE
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the breeding of that noble animal a source of considérable profit to
the agriciilturist, it becomes of great importance, not only to improve his strength and beauty, but the treatnient and manage- ment of ail the diseases to which lie is subject, and by which his utility or appearance miglit be injured. Next to the vital organs, a healthy state of the eyes of the horse is perhaps of the greatest importance, as, for most purposes in which be is employed, much dépends on the safety of his movemeiits ; and in thèse, the eyes hâve an important share. In nian, a great deal of the character of the countenance arises from the brilliancy ancl expression of the eyes ; so also in the horse, the form, coîour, and position of the eyes hâve the principal share in giviug expression to the head. From the position of the eyes, in the head of man, au imperfection
in one of thèse organs produces little or no defect in vision, the two eyes being always employed to look at the same object. But in the horse, the eyes are so placed, that he at the same time observes différent objects with each eye ; when, therefore, one eye is imper- fect, the horse is apt to shy and start, whereas, when one eye is completely destroyed, he generaliy seems to suffer little incon- venience. Many very safe and valuable huuters have only one eye. In man, there is frequently an original or congénital différence
in the two eyes. This, however, is not easily ascertained in the horse, though it appears very probable, fvom the différence to be almost universally observed iu the two sides of the face, a différ- ence which lias even been closely imitated by ancient sculptors. It is a common observation, that when one eye is attacked with
any discase, the other is very apt to become affected with the same complaint. This sympathy, observed between the two eyea, bas been noticed in ail those organs of animais of which there are a pair, and, as shall afterwards be observed; a knowledge of this fact leads to important practical conclusions. Another question, worthy of attention in considering the diseases
of the eye of the horso, is to ascertain hovv far any of thèse affec- tions are hereditary. There is no doubt, but that every race of animais inherits the bad as well as the good qualities of the parents ; and that, in breeding, imperfection and deformity may be as succcssfully propagated as perfection and beauty. This lias been established beyond ail controversy, and it is well known, that in mankind, families are not only subject to particular dis- eases, but in every race, one or more organs of the body are less perfect in structure and functions, and more liable tu disease. Numerous facts may be brought forward to establish the truth of this observation; but it is sufficient for the présent purpose to remark, how often it happens, that in one family many of its branches are affected eithor with diseases of the lungs, or braip, Or livcr, or stomach. Some diseases of the human eye are aiso known to be hereditary ; it is, therefore, to be expected, that the eye of the horse shall be defective, and more liable to diseases in par- ticular races, or, as it is usually denominated, in certain " Lines |
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19
|
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EYE OP THE HORSE.
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J^lood." Breeders of horses are familiar with this observation,
nu its coïncidence with similar facts, in other organs, makes it worthy of attention*. In corroboration of this opinion it may hère be mentioned, that a mare of the Mercury blood, belonging'to the ttoyal stud at Hampton court, who had lost one eye,had, last season, a dead foal, which had a single eye ; scarcely any vestige of the 0tner being perceptible. Several of the produce of Treasurer, a son of this mare, hâve been foaled with defective eyes. As has already been observed, the diseases of the horse's eye
are not numerous, and it is hère proposcd chiefly to consider those causes of blindness which are most fréquent, and on which médi- cal treatmenthas the most powerful influence. But before descri- wng the diseases, it may be proper to make some gênerai remarks on the anatomical structure of the eye of the horse in its healthy state, which may perhaps render the subséquent observations more clearly understood. |
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Of the Structure of the Eye of the Horse.
■Ihe eye of the horse, in its structure, resembles very much
that organ in the human body. Its form is ncarly spherical, acd would be so exactly, were not
the antenor part a little more convex than the posterior. 1 ne humours of the eye are contained in a firm coat, called the
scierotic ; the more convex and interior part of which is transpa- rent, and from its consistency and horny appearance, it is called the Cornea. > Within the sclerotica is a second coat, called the choroides. This
]s much thinner than the scierotic coat, and is composed of numerous blood-vessels, which are often the seat of disease, and m interior surface is covered with a black pigment, which serves an important purpose in vision. At the back part of the globe, leopticnerve enters, andit expands within the eyc-ball, spreading
itself over the whole surface of the choroides like a délicate web, and ls called the Retina. A t^G jnnction of the choroides and cornea arises the Iris,
. .opaque membrane, which trausversely divides the eye into the
nerf"01 -ar"* P0stcrl0r chambers, and in the middle of which is a
i th W*' °alled tho Pupi1- In ma"' the pupil is circular' but
1 &} T?*^ and a^ »rammiv°rous animais, it is of an oblong form,
1]a 1 montally to extend the sphère of sight on the surface of
ea,, ; and this opening is capable of contracting and dilating,
aecorcling to the degree of light to which the eye is exposed. From
vins • 'tlTe11tknoWn> tnat some pavticular Unes of blood are subject to spa-
°f the f terS CUl'l>s : and others to diseases and imperfections in the form |
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C 2
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20
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MANGE IN DOGS.
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the upper part of its edge there hangs a fringe or curtain, which
is peculiar to the horsc, and probably intended for the more com- plète closing of this aperture. The cavity of the eye-ball is filled with three différent humours.
The first, from its rluidity, is called the aqueous humour, and
iills the space between the cornea and iris. À little behind the pupil is situated the lens or crystalline
humour, which, when it becomes opaque, forms what is called a cataract. It is nearly of the consistence of firm jelly, deereasing in density from the centre to the circumference, and having the form of a double convex lens. The cavity between the crystalline humour and back part of the
eye, is filled with a transparent fluid, rather more viscid than the aqueous humour, and called the vitreous humour. The three humours serve for the purpose of refracting the rays
of light within the eye, and painting on the retina pictures of ex- ternal objects. The eye-lids, with the tears, serve to protect and préserve the
transparency of the cornea. Thèse are lined by a very délicate membrane, similar to that whicli covers the interior surface of the nose and mouth ; and this thin skin, called the conjunctiva, not only covers the internai surface of the eye-lids, but is reflected over the whole anterior portion of the globe of the eye. \_To be concluded in our next.~\
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MANGE IN DOGS.
The following ointment will be found very useful in curing the
mange, a discase to which dogs are particularly subject :— Boll or Black Sulphur, tvvo ounces,
White Hellébore, half an ounce, both in fine powder.
Soft Soap, one ounce.
Palm Oil or Lard, three ounces.
Rectified Oil of Tar or Turpentine, a quarter of an ounce. Mix
into an ointment : to be applied to the dog once every day till cured ; washing him with soft soap and warm water before applying the ointment. The dog ought to be muzzled, to prevent his licking the parts.
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21
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ON THE USE OF DIFFERENT DRUGS EMPLOYED IN THE DISEASES
OF HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS, THEIR EFFECTS, AND THE BEST MODE OF ADMINISTERING THEM. As one of the objects connected with this work will be to give
an account of the différent drugs used as horse and animal médi- anes, so liave we commenced this task with the most useful and generally employed class, viz. purgatives ; and as the drug Aloes is comnionly used for that purpose, we shall endeavour to give a comprehensive description of the différent sorts of that article, that are met with in the druggists' shops, and employed in horse and cattle practice. The names under which we usually find them, are Socotrine
aloes, Cape aloes, and Barbadoes aloes". But there is generally found, particularly in large drug con-
cerns, another article of aloes known by the name of Hepatic aloes, nom its light brown colour, very nearly rcsembling that of animal h ver, it is sometimes called also Bombay aloes : this latter name is likewise a comraon or gênerai name for the whole of that drug which cornes to this country from the East Indies. It not unfrequcntly happens that aloes are remelted in this
country, and adulterated by mixing them in différent proportions as^ the priées happen to vary in the drug market, and sometimes by mixing otber articles with them, and for this purpose common resm bas been used, and where improvement in its tint or colour is required, the addition of powderecl charcoal, ivory black, lamp hlack, and sometimes black writing ink, is occasionally resorted t° ; the odour or smell is likewise attended to, and supposed to be iniproved by mixing them together in proper proportions. -Thèse adultérations are of scrious conséquence to the veterinary
practitioner, inasmuch as he is ever at a loss to know what ïuantity he nas really given jn a dose ; and after having waited tho iisual time, that is from twelve to twenty-four hours after its exhi- ^ |°n, ls entirely <1isappointed by the niedicinè not operating,
w. ich is often a serious occurrence in case of disease, and other- wise occasions a double loss of time, depriving the owner of the animal's services. An effectuai plan will be hère given, with a view to prevent such
disappointments taking place, by simply purifying the aloes, thus separàting the pure and useful purgative part from the impurities and irritating or griping parts ; but we shall first describe the |
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■22
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DRUGS USED IN DISEASES OF
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différent sorts, their relative strength and proportionate priées,
as well as their common and proper names. Aloes is an inspissated juice prepared from différent plants
bearing the name of the genus to which they belong ; it was formerly eonsidered a gum resin, (that is a substance, a part of which, the gum, is soluble in water, and the resin soluble in rectified spirit ;) modem chymists describe its composition rather differently, as a mixture of gum, extractive, and resin ; and as the gum will be found to be the best and most useful part, so should that sort of aloes be selected which contains the greatest portion. In order to place the subject in as comprehensive a view as
possible, we shall make the follovving division of the article : First, The gum, the best purging and least irritating or griping
part. Next, The extractive, the most irritating or griping, but also
possessing purging qualifies, though vcry {incertain. Lastly, The resin, likewise irritating, but very uncertain as a
purgative. We shall next describe the différent sorts of aloes usually met
with ; first, the Socotrine aloes of the old shops, so called from that species being originally brought from the isîand of Socotora in the Indian Océan, but it is now named Spiked aloe, (aloes spicata^) being generally understood to be made from the plant so named. This sort, in point of price, is mostly the second, and though it has been strongly recommended by some of the veterinary writers, is not much used. This varies much in quality, and a mix- ture is very often sold under this name, of equal parts of Hepatic or Bombay aloes and that called Cape aloes, coloured to the shade wanted. This, then, being an {incertain article, by its liabi- lity to adultération, is rendered unfit for veterinary purposes. This sort of aloe was formerly supposed to exude from the
wounded leaves of tlie plant, and to be hardened by the heat of the sun, which in ail probability was the case ; but it appears, at the présent time, to be prepared from the expressed juice evaporated in flat vessels. The next sort to be described, is that known by the name of
Cape aloes, from its being brought to this country from the Cape of Good Hope. This sort is prepared, in ail probability, from a variety of plants growing in that country, as the aloe is a large family or genus. This sort contains a large portion of gum, gene- rally more than two-thirds, and the residue consists of extractive resin, and impurities. Samples differ in their proportions, but will |
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23
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HORSES AND OTHER, ANIMALS.
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average about the quantities above stated ; tlvis, therefore, will be
a much better sort to use than the preceding one, and as being also the cheapest. This is the aloes used by some veterinary practitioners, at the Veteri nary Collège, and in tlie Cavalry ; but as it requires a larger dose, generally one-fourth or fifth more, and often containing impurities, it frequently gives place to the ncxt sort of aloes which we are about to describe. It is prepared at the Cape, by pressing out the juice from the leaves, and evaporating it to a proper consistence by boiling. The third and last sort is that known by the name of Barbadoes
aloes, from its coming from the island of that name in the West Indies. This is the strongest and most violent in its opération of ail ; it is made from a différent plant, the common aloe, (aloe vitlgaris,) a»d the manner of preparing it is also différent, by boiling the leaves in water, straining the décoction, and boiling it down to a proper thickness ; it is then poured into large gourd shells andleft to harden, and in that state it is mostly imported into this country ; and it is not unfrequently, (from the high price it has long brought, though now rather cheaper,) melted out and remixed vvith Cape aloes, and common reshi, and then returned to the shell, so that this article cannot always be depended upon as a purgative. Many veterinary practitioners and writers contend that the last described sort is the only one which ought to be used for horses ; but as it contains a large quantity of the resinous and irritating portion, as well as being dearer, we consider the Cape aloes to be préférable, being a better purgative, and when prepared in the manner here- after directed, it rarely, if ever,produces inflammation of the intes- tines, which, from the uncertain strength of the drug, and the ad- ministration of too large a dose, has been a fatal conséquence. The plan now to be recommended as being a great improvement
m the use of aloes, as well as insuring a greater degree of certainty in its opération, will be to purify the drug by separating the gummy pai't from the residue, which is best effected as follows : ket any quantity of Cape aloes be reduced to a coarse powder,
and put into an earthen vessel, in the proportion of one pound of aloes to two or three pints of water ; the water while boiling hot is to be poured on the aloes, a little at a time, and kept stirred till the whole is completely dissolved, it is then to be well stirred every ten minutes or quarter of an hour till quite cold, when it is to be set aside from tvvelve to twenty-four hours ; the clear liquor, which will contain the pure gum, the most certain and best purgative, is now to be poured off from the part which has settled at the |
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24 DIUJGS USED IN DISEASES OP HOltSES, ETC.
bottom ; wliich last part, or sédiment, should be rejccted as unfit
for use. The pure liquor is now to be reduced to the consistence of
aloes, before they were dissolved in the water. This can easily be accomplished by placing the liquor, in an earthen, stone- ware, or tin vessel, (and the broader it is at the top in pro- portion to the quantity, the better,) and setting this in a large saucepan or small boiler containing sufficient water, but not so much as that, in boiling, it may get into the vessel placed within it. This process is to be continued till the water is cvaporatcd or carried off by the hcat applied under it, and wheu reduced to the proper consistence, and while hot, it is to be poured out on a smooth stone or oiled board. Water must bc added to the outer vessel as it is evaporated or boiled away. As some veterinarians are in the habit of using and recommend-
ing an alkali to be added to the alocs, those vvho wish to adopt or try this plan, can do so by adding in the proportion of from half an ounce to an ounce of subcarbouate of potass (commonly called sait of tartar) to each poundof alocs. This can be either added to the liquor containing the gum, or mixed with the aloes before the hot water is-put to it ; if this latter mode is adopted, double the quantity of alkali should be used, and in this vvay also a larger quantity of the aloes will be dissolved, and less loss be sustained. The advantages to be derived from this prepared or purified
aloes, will be as follows : a smaller dose will be found to operate, and in a shorter time, with greater certainty, and a large or full dose, when given, will not be liable to produce inflammation of the intestines, as most of the generally employed préparations of aloes so frequently do ; the pain and griping will also, in a great measure, be prevented, and in many instances entirely. Of course, in the case of this purified aloes being given, it will
niake a différence in the quantity to be used if the horse bas been previously prepared by mashes, when a smaller dose will be found to bave the effect of purging. The breed, make, and condition of the horse should always be
attended to in the quantity used : thus the dose will vary accord- ing to circumstances, from two drachms to one ounce and a half, allowing eight drachms tothe ounce ; but six or seven drachms will generally sumee for a full dose for a middle-sized horse. Another great advantage in this prepared aloes, is its complète
solubility in water, so that it can very easily be given in a drexch where time is an object and a quicker opération required. |
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FUJKE WOBM IN SHEEP. 25
^The l,est gênerai way of giving this drug, will be in balls, and
le mode of making aloes into that forai, as recommended by the etennary collège in their Pharmacopœia, is by raelting it with
treacle and olive oil. Mr. B. Clark, in his " Reformed Pharaacopœia," has described
an useful apparatus for melting the aloes with a portion of treacle, and then pouring it into paper tubes for use. 1 i. But.tllis Purified aloes will want little or no additions, as it can be easily softened by the heat of the hand or rire, rolled into balls and covered with paper. If any addition be thought nccessary, five or six drachms can
easily be beat up in a mortar with One drachm of soap and the same quantity of powdered ginger or pimento, and made into a bail. Ihose persons who hâve not the convenience or the time for
punfying their own aloes, can get it prepared by a druggist, and those will prépare it best who hâve a steam apparatus for so doing, as the heat ought uever to exceed that of boiling water, and it .would be still much bettcr to hâve it prepared if possible by the »ew mode of making extracts in vacuo as recommended bv Mr Barry. Aloes are sometimes givcn to néat cattle as a purgative ; thev re-
qu.re a larger doge ftu ]m.scs . ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ guieite in preparing it. The best form is that of solution.
_ This prepared aloes is likewise an excellent purgative for dogs, » the dose of from twenty grains to one drachm, according to the size and breed of the dog, made into a hall with a few grains or a« oqual quantity of soap. The précise period of the first use of aloes, as a purgative, appears
ncortain ; but the earliest regular account is given of it by Blunde-
Vllle, m bis work on " Horsemanship," published in the year 1609.
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ON THE FUJKE* WORM IN SHEEP.
m 01 J"HSTAîil)lNG the numerous inquiries that hâve beenhiade on
is suigular production, it appears that the subject is still involvcd
^great obscurity, both as to the cause which produces the disease
hy Agricultui-'t,Crm' althoush mcorrect> bec»ase it is so well understood
|
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26
|
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FLUKE WOKM IN SHEEP.
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in which we find thèse worms—viz. Bot, as well as whether they are
self-gencratcd, or conveyed to the part in which we find them through the stomach of the animal, either in the shape of ova or eggs, or in a perfectly formcd state. It has hecn assevted hy sevc- ral writers and agriculturists, that thèse worms are occasioned by the disease ; others, on the contrary, conteud that they are the cause of the disease. But those who hâve given this suhject the most extensive, diligent, and patient investigation, hâve clearly shown that they are the effect and uot the cause of disease : hut the most remarkable and wonderful part of the subject, is the fact of the worms being found alive in the liver. And a very important question then follows, as to the power, in deranged animal sub- stance, of forming other bodies, and those endowed with vitality ; or, in other words, whethcr there be such a power as a créative one established in nature, distinct from the power of régénération. If such a power as the former does exist, then we are not at a loss to readily account for their existing in such situations as thèse ani- malculi are frequently found in. But, on the contrary, if such a power does not exist, then we can only consider the ova, or the animalculi themselves, as being conveyed to the part in which we find them through the stomach. But, as the ova and animalculi are not to be found unless taken from the body, by those pcrsons who hâve well examined the subject, we may therefore iu- fer that they are generated in the liver itself ; and the late obser- vations that bave been made on tuberculous diseases by Dr. Barron, lead us more strongly to conclude that such will be found to be the fact. That eminent agriculturist and political writer, Mr. Cobbett, in
some hints thrown out a few months since in his " Register," on the flukes in the liver of the sheep, appears to entertain the idea of their being self-generated ; and as this gentleman is a man of great and acute observation, we douht not but he had well investigated the subject, before he alluded to it in so marked a manner. The animais which appear to suffer from the disease in which
flukes are to be found, are sheep, deer, hares, pigs, together with many other animais, which become thus diseased if exposed to the same cause; which, though attributed to a variety of circum- stances by various writers and investigators, we doubt not we shall be enabled to show, invaiïably arises from one ; but as it is a subject of great importance to the agriculturist, we shall leave the discussion for another opportunity, when it will bc fully enter- ed into, and ail its points and bearings examined. |
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0
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o
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■10
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°RT HISTORy OP THE CELEBRATED RACE-HORSE, ECLIPSE.
fun/i™11 tliC ancient Hippodrome nor modem race-course caa
the a Pl0 \apS S° SPlendid an example of superior powers, as do Wer Uç i tbe famous raee-horse Eclipse, whose performances hor ° f ,dcscrlPtion that reudered compétition useless with the wn« <T i y ' and such was his pre-emincnce, that he at last çt>> sutîered quietly to receive his laurels by walking over the Theh Ie °° r'Val aPPoarcd to dispute his matchless claim.
to a ef.?f tllis famous horse would form a valuable acquisition
man o PU 1? Sdl°o1' or t0 the hal1 or lmnt»>g stables of any noble- hi« nJ 1g1en,tleman désirons of making so curious an appendage to i» establishment, as they must ever obtain, from the celebrity of refe. T? & re °f interest and curiosity. Thev mav be securely in ho7^ as an,unexcePtio«ablemodel on which to caîculate speed be an i " ' them may also be seeî1' at any peviod, if there our 1C)eaSf °r falli"S off hereaftei- of boue in length or size, in
in wl f i ° laCe horses' which maY *>c readily ascertained, and tourl Ç'te' by his i-eniains. The peculiar make and exact ever 11 le % v b°neS may also be know"> which »o pencil, how- Th f ii Y- led' could convey so accurate a knowledge of. whtT t°[lmv,m? IS a brief record of the intcresting circumsfances winch attended lus life, and of the chief of his exploits on the lan1deoTurSwaled ^f^' iD the Stud 0f tbe Dake of Ca™b«-
ES fl^ kmgS Uncle' aild the he™ of Culloden ; his ChiTJ v,' ,S ?randsire Squirt, his great grandsire Bartlett's sîi i ' W 1C,h WaS fuU b™ther * to Flying Childers of Devon-
we: ?\ tSUPP°,s.ed to have ^een the fleetest horse, for a moderate caiiT anddftance>that ever took the field. Thèse Childers breed tapor/l* ♦ i-^001 in their descent from the Darley Arahian, eaiOv ' a •C0'mtlT fr°m Aleppo bv this spirited merchant, certir 'l a r"gn °f ^ueen Anne' alld whieh came over t0 Englaild the d Wlth a11 the C8lemoi'y duo to the very best blood of Rc^uY'10 Skle °f Ws dam lle was descended of Spiletta, got by
verv JSî ^ Son of tlie Godolphin Arabian, whose pedigree is Ou tl Undei'stood-
sold off e a T** of the Duke of Cumbcrland, his stud iu Sussex was by a snorri a EcliPse colt> then a yearling, was purchased guineas t \ ?mitbrield salesman, for the sum of seventy-five as his l'ife m," w1!1"'16"1 attended m"s sale, which is worth relating, mght have been, in other hands, of perhaps quite another + From'th^n^h^ ,understood the same mare and horse.
sold in SmithfipM ,<Ti7 orlgi"ate<l the vulgar notion that Eclipse was once aimumeia at the open market. |
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30
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HISTORY OF THE
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description, and with none of that splendour which followed him,
so much dépends upon the characters of raen and opportunities, as well as on the things themselves. Mr. Wildman, (for that was the name of this Smithfield amateur), having the young coït in view, arrived at the place of sale some minutes after the auction had commenced, and the Eclipse coït, being placed among the early lots, had been actually knocked dovvn for seventy guineas, and sold. This spirited lover of the sport was not however to be daunted by this untovvard circumstance from an attempt to gain him ; and, referring immediately to his stop-watch of trusty work- manship, lie declared in the face of the company and of the auctioneer, that the time the bills had stated for the commence- ment of the sale had not then arrived, and insisted boldly that every lot should be put up again. The auctioneer, well knowing the stiffness of his man, and, unable to disprove the allégation, thought proper to comply ; and to save the trouble and time of the com- pany it was finally agreed that such lots as he renuired should be put up again ; and Eclipse was once more put up, and a second time knocked down, at the sum of seventy-five guineas, being au advance of five on his former sale. This remarkable horse was also not without portentous events
on the day of his birth, for he was foaled on the very day of the great Eclipse of the sun, on the lst of April, 1764, and hence he very naturally acquired his name, which from this accidentai cir- cumstance is now become in our language almost synonymous to swiftness and speed ; as coaches, ships, steam boats, and ail other sorts of vehicles having any pretensions to velocity, are ail now called Eclipses, arising out of this casual circumstance. After the period of his sale, he was kept chiefly in the neighbour-
hood of Epsom ; and, from some cause or other not now exactly known, was not brought into public notice till he had attained his fifth year, which, no question, was attended with many advantages to his gênerai strength and the state of his feet ; and for the first time, he was started on the sweet-scented turf of Epsom Downs, on May 3, 1769 : he was matched against some reputed clever horses ; Gower, Chance, Trial, and Plume, were his opponents ; and he distanced them every one, winning for his owner a oon- siderable sum of money. John Oakley, they say, hadthehonourof riding him on this occa-
sion, and in gênerai, or perhaps always, afterwards,* and to whom it is said this generous animal was muchattached ; but, although this jockey was deemed a skilful and powerful man, yet this brave |
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* It is stated that he was broken in by a daring character of the rame of
George Elt'on or Elkins, who was afterwards'transported for poaching, and that he often rode him into the ttiickest of the forest, to overconie his intractable impetuosiity, having previously defended liis thighs and legs with stout leathers. |
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RACE-HORSE ECLIPSE. 31
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shiP « "?î re<luire' tlieY tell us, much of tlie aids ofjockey-
muc'h di. f- Pei'mit '" My way the use of the wWP or sPur> or
ai>u. null'6- "? ' the Solc lnisi,less of the rider was to keep his seat exDpltn 1 f\tbe,rest was doue by the horse. In a race that was Person, , ? 11'1>ly coritested at York, O'Kelly placed several in oX t7'T -}t T °f th° COIlvse' beyond the coming-in post,
but îf- ' i? oke away aftcr winning, he might bc stopt; seem-VT * T s, »««•»«•». for, after the race was won, he
tmecl to understand it, and readily obeyed the rein. whoîl. th's, °ccfion at Epsom, they say, « he was pulled" the
distance «f la1st1niile with ail the might of his rider, yet he
DolitJrf Wh°.le' notwithstanding ; since, for certain obvions
ions n,LreaST' m rS Mt desirable to his owner that his prodi-
ges powers should be at once disclosed. ofhimaofWilVhiSlreliiat Cal'tain O'Kelly purchased the half
sequcnt -aT! ,mw-f°uthe SUm of 450 P*** ? and aft«' a «ub- 1100 ffninp Winchester, he purchased the remaining half for sold in Pi ' Tet' a11 this' was he tlie cheapest horse ever
or otl nr "ffa!i ',haviDg' b* llis valuahle properties of one kind 30,000J.' WS master the Prodigi«>is sum, it is said, of «4uhvSWh^be-S^this race' one was Made which «as rather
to dechmT and Z '„• f f ^ ï° bct was made' lle was called "Pon
*m S, b ° sr^tt ' ^T firSt'the rest ,10 where î" *Mch to be S'wwTÎSïïl* a " dlStanCed mi§'1" ^ "^ sarS'venrt 1^ ^ °n AsCOt Heath» on May the 29th of the The'boH-' V ' re he beat Pettyplace's CV&»c rfe Barbade. fiv- b„ g • j Was e'Sht to one on Eclipse, and, though only At rw Z'?7 thG ki"S'S Plate fOT the six year old horses. ' °Arïï ? ', T Sth of this or the »«* Far, he walked
jJ.ïoi the kmg's plate. J 18 next contest was at Winchester, on June 13th foUowing, of
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* His l *
*°«âfc wSS/r to one at s,artinS in tW« "ce, for lus siiperîority, and 'ho manne, V° l>e cT«ale'J- bad Sot ^oad among the turf peopfe' gaged in the L'' naPPf."ed b?s been velated as follows. Some pesons en- flypeep at a towL^f-6 ,dllP?Ched from London fo' lhe Pa<'pose of taking- a horses before his sta«- fu***tobe madebetween .'•clipse andsouie other jast. over; but anolH g lce; but they an'ived too late, for it was of lier they inquired irTT' ,aS U happened, was found loddlin» along, and
did not muchundersrnJl! ..u* ally tllin" of th" trial : shë to'id theiu, sbe ^ere talking abont Z ey meant ; but' lf u was the two h°rses they a long- v,ay first 1n i tJVllre,ru?ninS. she couîd tel' them that wbite legs was
^ouldneverovenakehi^ ^ • "''' si'° Z™ T\™n as fast as he co,lld-
the owner was surnri Ji T'"S was suihe,e'lt > they returned to town, and |
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in his
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filVo«r, hohoweverto^'^011 \lï anhal' to fi,!d the betti"S so hiS'b
nowevti took the odds, and won much money. |
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32
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HISTORY OF THE
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the particulars of which nothing more is known tban bis beating
Turner's Slouch, who had won thc king's plate at Guildford just before: ten to one was betted on Eclipse after the first beat. He carried away also the 50/. purse, beating the Duke of Grafton's Chigger, Gott's Julia, O'Kelly's Caliban, and Bailey's Clanville. On the 15th he walked over the course at the same place, for 50/. weight for âge. At Salisbury, June 28th, no horse meeting him, he walked over
tbe course for the king's plate for six years old, carrying twelve stone ; and the next day he won the city silver bowl, with thirty guineas added, for any horse carrying ten stone, beating Fettyplace's Sulphur, and Taylor's Forrester, distancing the first. At Nottingham, July 3, he walked over for the king's plate.
At Canterbury, July 25, he walked over for the king's plate for
six years old, twelve stone. At Lewes, July 27th, he won the king's plate for six years old,
beating Strodc's Kingston : ten to one on Eclipse.* At Litchfield, September 19, he won tbe king's plate for five
years old, beating Frceth's Tardy by Matchless : twenty to one on Eclipse. At Newmarket first spring meeting, (Tuesday, April 17th,
17/0,) Eclipse beat Buchephalus, got by Regulus, of his own lineage on the dam side ; this was run for on the Beacon course. Wildman staked 600 to 400 guineas on this race : six to four on Eclipse. On Tlmrsday, April I9tb, he won the king's plate for twelve
stone, beating Strodc's Pensioner, Fenwick's Diana, and the Duke of Grafton's Chigger, Pensioner being distanced at starting : ten to one on Eclipse. At the close of-this year no horse would start against him, and
be received the forfeit of 600 guineas at Newmarket, tbe king's 100 guineas at Guildford ; the king's 100 guineas at Nottingham, and 317/. 10*. beside. At York races in this year, 1770, August 20, two horses were
brought against him, Wentvvorth's Tortoise and Bellario, bred by the noted Sir Charles Bunbury. Eclipse was more tban a distance at the end of two miles, and won the race with the utmost ease : twenty to one on Eclipse. At Lincoln, Sept. 3, he carried away 150 guineas, and again at
Newmarket, Oct. 3, 150 guineas, beating Sir C. Bunbury's Cor- sican ; and the next day he walked over tbe round course for the king's plate. Turf Reg. p. 15. He was then put out of training, and covered mares at Clay
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* The writer of this is however credibly informed by some old people, who
were eye-witnesses of this race, that he was on this occasion cei'tainly ridden by one JohnWhiting-; that Oakley appears to havebeen his constant groom, but whetlier he generally rode him, as Lawrence asserts. is Dot certain. |
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KACE-HOKSE ECLIPSE. 33
Sfdeath1' EpS°m' at 50 §uineas each> afterwards at 25, till near
They relate also an anecdote of this jockey, John Oakley, and
's horse, winch we ought not to omit. It was several years aftei-
arûs, and that he had done racing, being very decrepid and
ioundered in his feet, from tbe joint effects of shoeing and of racing, » being required that he should be conveyed from Epsom to Can- ons, in Hertfordshire, the Seat of his master O'Kelly, a four- wheeled car was made on purpose for him. In this car rode John also, and baited with him at the stopping places on the road ; so that, in the words of the poet, he had almost become " demi-na- tured with the brave heast. " Eleven kipg's plates, in ail, were won by Eclipse ; and the weight
ne carned was twelve stone, except for one which was ten stone. His colour was a light chesnut, or sorrel chesnut, the oiî hind
Jeg white from near the top of the shank to the foot, a white blaze also from bis forehead to his nose. His exact height has no where been stated that I hâve seen; but, those who hâve seen him hving, guessed his height to hâve been fifteen hands and a half. ■Ihe best portrait of him is done by the masterly hand of Stubbs, to whose extraordinary merits and undeserved neglect we hâve to bear a sad testimony. This famous horse was not only the best that ever this country
saw as a racer, but he was no less so as a stallion, for his proo-eny by their feats upon the course, in 23 years won 344 races,°pro- ducing to their owners tbe extraordinary sum of one hundred and ntty-eight thousand pounds, various smaller snms and forfeits not included. His exact speed was never known, as no horse could be found
to call forth his extrême pace. His collatéral ancestor, Flying Childers, was supposcd to hâve done a mile in a minute ; if this be admitted, and it were possible he could continue such a pace Without intermission, he would inseventeen days and nights and a *ew hours, measure the circumference of the whole earth,and arrive at his stable again, if no obstacle opposed him, before the eighteenth night. The circumference of the globe, from the most correct computation, being stated at 24,855 miles. If we examine his make in the portrait, as well as in the skeleton,
the most marked différence is in his croup, which stands particu- larly high, owing to the length of his hind limbs ; and his thigh bones are, for a blood horse, of an enormous size, which, if provided with proportionate muscle and energy, must give him great superiority. It was also remarked in his' gallop, that his hind legs were very wide and separated ; the width of the haunch bones and pelvis, which also partook of this increased volume, would account sufficiently for this appearance, the hind legs being Parallel columns from the haunch, and not appioaching upwards as do the fore limbs. |
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34
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PHRENOLOGY—
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His fore legs are remarkable for good symmetry, and their exact
perpendicularity of direction. His fore feet were dropped in the hoofs and foundered, and his
cornu bones were very much rounded and diminished by absorption from undue pressure upon the soie. He was thick winded, pro- bably from some error or exposure in his bringing up. He dtecl at Canons on the 2Sth of February, 1789, of the gripes, at the âge of twenty-five years ; and cakes and aie were given at the funeral of his flesh, after the manner of the Godolphin Arabian ; for his skin was preserved, and his bones were nicely cleared of every covering but the ligaments that held thcm together, by the master- ly hand of St. Bel, the first professor of the Veterinary Collège, and an excellent anatomist, in which, more than in any thing else, he excelled. St. Bel has statetf, in his work on Eclipse, that his heart weighed fourteen pounds,—a remarkable size for a blood horse. Sixty guineas were offered by the Collège of Surgeons for this
remarkable skeleton, it being intended to be placed in their mu- séum ; but was refused. A hundred being the price fixed for the bones of this king among horses. |
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PHRENOLOGY*—ITS UTILITY AND IMPORTANCE.
The science of Phrenology has been many years before the
public, through the indefatigable labours of Drs. Gall and Spurz- heim, but more particularly the latter, and being now approved of and encouraged by men of the highest talents and abilities, and its utility in insanity, and more especially in éducation, having been duly appreciated, and fully proved in almost numberless instances, we therefore wish to call the attention of our readers to its very great importance and usefulness in judging of the character, habits, and capacities of différent animais, but more particularly with a view to improvements in breeding—whether it be horses for the turf, hunting, or gênerai use ; dogs for the chace, shooting, fight- ing, or for their sagacity. We shall constantly find that a knowledge of Phrenology is of
vast importance, as in ail cases it will be found that an animal's courage particularly, as well as sagacity, shyness, meckness, and gênerai temper, will dépend entirely on the brain ; and as this organ is more or less developed, in particular parts, so will the |
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* The name Phrenology is derived from two Greek words—Phren,
mind, and Logos, discourse—and is intended to designate the doctrine of the spécial manifestations of the brain, whether in inan or in animais. |
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Fff. i.
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I%.2.
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lut. A
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M. A.I, ï> JHRJK H OJL © G Y.
Pu.}* iy Kn.igkttZa.ce-y, Zcn.dcn. FcJ>?/'* ,'S2i\
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ITS UTILITY AND IMPORTANCE. 35
tionrnCf!lbe,f°Und invaria% to correspond to the outward indica-
""» 01 the skull. ing th!\an6 be f°Und hîgllly useful t0 the naturalist, in examin-
carnivo °f animals to «certain whether they belong to the desh-,, !°US 01" herbivorous classes ; in the former, the organ of
regardTT* ** f°Und *"«*> ^ in th& lattor' sma11 ! so with
laiop i Shy and timid animal> wil1 cautiousness he found when T COmïativenesssmall, as in the deer, but on the contrary,
bull-do ai'e a"d Êerce wiU the °PPosite be seen, as in the
mr.
in ftp1! ^ mW7 ?ther ProPensities peculiar to différent animais:
inhZr ^ adh^weness, or attachment, and in the cat The hot~'' ° again P'°SSeSS Particlllaï intellectual qualities.
dog is noted !US?eptlble of>«<te, and eminent for locality, and the
ail indicat d h ^ ge"ei'al saSacity or intellect, in various degrees,
"j trie Di*Rm. sahioinpS SiTTn0i Pllrenology rests principally on facts, we hâve
«^ utilitv and rt^ *" ^^ ^ *** Str0ng 0M> in SUPP0rt °f
^ect knowi of f'eatneee^yof this study in attaining a cor- Thc skull nf M chfractei-' as well as the powers of animais.
Dr-Spurzheini and lu f^f ra<*-horse Eclipse was shown to ^e powers 2a î phren°logical observations requestcd, as to complied 1 CSai'aCterof that animal; this was most readily distinguish « Wlth that liberality and ki"dness which ever thèse re t "^ °f scieilce- The correctness with which
quirWnma!r-?l'e made must stnke the unprejudiced and in- ^vZT* T T* than °rdinaiT ^ce, when we state that 1uite un3 6 P- lenoloS,cal_ friend, of course no sportsman, was The 1 T" eVM WUh the "ame of this matchless horse.
laro-e h ** S characteristics, he observed, were a remarkably horles \T' ^ T^^ pr°P01'tion to the s™ of the animal but to umisual sa^T* Y Stl'°ngly indicating great and high courage, temPer, JT • deficient ^ meekness, or rather a vicious must havo'bee1* WaS .further rcmai'ked that considérable difficulty
vient to hiTv- jXperîenced in rendering such an animal subser- governed bv Liï' bUt that when subdued he could best be per authoritv ° «T eatmeilt> a°d would prove docile under pro- will be ïmmediafT peculiarities in his character and disposition ïemarkable eoL t ^ °n referrin« to his history ; and the sh'ow that this CineSS °f the I)r''S observations, may serve to JudgingofthelivirgaliJj11 T*" "*" embently useM ia d2
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36
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A COPY OF THE PHARMACOPCEIA IN USE AT THE ROYAL
VETERINARY COLLEGE, |
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Fever Balls (Diuretic.)
Yellow Resin, powdered J lb.
Linseed Meal,............ 10 oz.
Treacle, sufficient to form 32
balls. Fever Bail.
Nitrate of Potass...... 1 oz.
Camphor and Emetic Tartar,
each two drachms : make in- to a bail with Treacle. Torttic Balls.
Sulphate of Iron, from one
drachm to four. Powdered Ginger, two drachms.
Linseed Meal and Treacle, suf-
ficient to form a bail. OR,
Sulphate of Copper, from one
drachm to four. Powdered Ginger, two drachms ;
Linseed Meal and Treacle, suf-
ficient to form a bail. Worm Balls.
Submuriate of Mercury (Calo-
mel), ..................... 2 oz. Linseed Meal, ............ 1 lb.
Treacle, sufficient to form a
mass.—Divide into 32 balls. INFUSIONS.
Infusion of Cantliarides.
Cantliarides, in powder,... 2 oz.
Vinegar, two pints ; |
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iEGYPTIACUM.
Verdigrise (Subacetate of Cop-
per),..................... 18 oz. Alum, in powder,......... 6 oz.
Vinegar, .................. 12 oz.
Treacle, .................. 10 oz.
Boil gently together, and add
Sulphuric acid,............ 2J oz.
BALLS.
Cathartic Mass.
Cape Aloes,............... 6 11>.
Treacle, .................. 3 lb.
Olive Oil,.................. 1 lb.
Melt together in a water bath,
and stir till well mixed.—Dose from one ounce to two. Cordial Mass.
Powdered Ginger,
-------------Gcntian or Liquorice,
each equal parts ;
Treacle, sufficient to form a mass.—Dose from one to two
ounces.
Diuretic Mass.
Yellow Resin, powdered, 1 lb.
Soft Soap, enough to form a mass.—Dose an ounce to an
ounce and a half.
Fever Balls (Jllterative.)
Cape Aloes, ............... 4 oz.
Linseed Meal ,............ 12 oz.
Treacle, sufficient to form 32
balls. |
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PHARMACOÏ'ŒIA IN USE AT THE COLLEGE. 37
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Macerate ten days, pour off
the liquor, griud the Aies with ahandful of fine sand,return the whole into the bottle,ma- cerate a week, then strain. Infusion of Tobacco.
Tobacco, .................. 11b.
Boiling Water, one gallon : in-
fuse twenty-four hours, and strain. Compound Infusion of
Tobacco. Infusion of Tobacco, tvvo pints.
Oxymuriate of Mercury, Muri-
atic Acid, each one drachm : dissolve the oxymuriate in the acid in a glass mortar, andadd it to the infusion of tobacco. INJECTIONS.
Injections for Fistulous sores.
Oxymuriate of Mercury, 1 dr.
Muriatic acid, ............ 2 dr's.
i Water, or Rectified Spirits, five
drachms : Mix. LINIMENTS.
Linimentfor Cariker, &£C
Sulpl,ate of Copper, ...... 3 oz.
Aluni, in powder, ......... 1 oz.
Vinegar,..................... 2 oz.
Honey, ..................... ^ lb.
Melt thèse together, and,
when nearly cold, add Sul- phuric Acid, three drachms : Mix; OR,
Verdigrise, ...............g oz_
Aluni, powdered,............6 oz.
Treacle, .................. 1Mb.
Boil together, and add Sul-
phuric Acid, three ounces: Mix. |
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Tar Liniment.
Oil of Tar (rectified),
Common Olive or Sperm Oil, each one pint : Mix. Turpentine Liniment.
Oil of Turpentine, and Olive
Oil, each one pint : Mix. MIXTURES.
Thrush Mixtures.
Liquid Tar, ............... 4 oz.
Sulphuric acid, ............li dr.
Mix.
Scalding Mixture for Pôle
Evil. Oxymuriate of Mercury... 1 dr.
Muriatic Acid, ............ 2 dr.
Olive Oil, (boiling,) one pint.
Dissolve the oxymuriate in the acid, add it to the boiling oil, and inject as soon as pos- sible. OINTMENTS.
Aiwm Ointment.
Common Turpentine, Lard, each
oire pound ; Alum, in powder,...... 1J lb.
Melt the lard and turpen-
tine, then add the powdered alum : stir till cold. N.B. In summer use tallow for
the Lard, or one-fourth oil with tallow in the winter. Blistering or Cantharides
Ointment, (strong.) Turpentine Ointment, ... 2 lb.
Cantharides, in powder,... 10 oz.
Euphorbium, in fine powder,2 oz.
Soften the turpentine oint- ment by heating it, then stir in the Aies and euphorbium powder. |
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38 PHARMACOPŒIA IN USE AT THE COLLEGE.
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Solution of Sulacetate of Lead.
Semi-vitreous Oxyde of Lead,
Lythorge, thirty-six ounces ; Vinegar one gallon.—Boil to six
pints, and strain. Solution of Subacetate of Lead.
(Dilute.) Solution of Subacetate of Lead,
Rectified Spirit, each two dis. Water, one pint : Mix. N.B. If used for the eyes,
two pints of water.
Solution of Sulphate of Copper.
Sulphate of Copper, ...... 2 1b.
Boiling Water, one gallon : stir
till dissolved. Solution of Sulphate of Zinc.
Sulphate of Zinc, ......... 2 1b.
Boiling Water, six pints : stir
till dissolved. N.B. Thèse are saturated, and
may be used alone or diluted. Stopping for the Feet.
Liquid Tar, ............... 4 oz
Oil of Tar, or Turpentine, 2 oz.
Mix. TINCTURES.
Compound Tincture of Myrrh,
Gum Resin of Myrrh, powdered,
one pound ;
Aloes, eighteen ounces ; Rectified Spirit, one gallon ; Water, four pints. Macerate fourteen days, often
shaking it up, then pour it off
for use.
Tincture of Opium.
Opium, in powder,...... 1\ oz.
Proof Spirit, two pints.
Macerate fourteen days, and
strain.
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Blistering or Cantharides
Ointment, (niild) Lard,........................ 4 oz.
Mclt, and add
Oil of Turpentine, and Cantha- rides in powder, cach one ounce : stir till cold. Quicksilvcr Ointment,(strong)
Quicksilver, ............... 1 lb-
Balsam'of Sulpbur.........IJoz.
Rub well togetlier, and add Lard
one pound. Quicksilver Ointment.
(Nitrate.) Quicksilver ............... 3 oz.
Nitric acid, ............... 6 oz.
Dissolve :
Lard, ..................... 8 oz.
Olive Oil, ..................12 oz.
Melt together, add the acid,
&c, and stir till cold.
Turpentine Ointment.
Common Turpentine,...... 1 lb-
Lard, ........................ 2 1b.
Melt together.
N.B. In summer use tallow
for the Lard, or one-fourth oil with tallow in winter. POWDEBS. astringent Powder, (strong.) Sulphate of Copper,
Armenian Bole, in powder, each one pound : Mix. Astringent Powder, (mild.)
Aluni, (dried),
Armenian Bole, in powder, each
one pound : Mix. SOLUTIONS, for LOTIONS.
Solution of Alum.
Aluni,........................ ^ lb.
Boiling Water, seven pints and
a half : stir till dissolved. |
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39
|
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PROOF OF THE NATURAL AGE OF THE HORSE.
hat the horse is naturally a much longer livcd animal than is
tlo d SUpp0Sea'from the avérai facts rscorded, there can be lit- c oubt ; but the abuse and unnatural treatment he expériences
s 'orten that period generally one half and frequently two thirds. ihe period at which animais renew their teeth will give a good
e onwllichto found a calculation : Sheep renew their first teeth
soou after thev are ono ^ai oM _ ]icat cat(;le) not until after they ave two ; and horses, not until they are near three years old.
1S ,S Pei'fectly consistent with the works of nature, because
he horse-tribe live the longest, and are evidently meant to bear
the greatest hardships ; the bull-tribe, the next longest, and though
eiy useful as a beast of draught, yet not at ail cqual to the horse
rmness and hardiness ; and the innocent sheep live the shortest
™e, and incrcase the fastest, not being intended as a beast of
rden °r draugbt> but to feed and clothe the lords of the création.
Ahe horse appears to attain his full height at about the fifth or
noarcr the sixth year, bwt increàses in bulk or laterallyiuntil near
«5? ti ^ thiS Peri°d he &enei'ally ar»-es at his greatest strength
Zl° , geilei'al rUle that animals attain the»- ^turity at
about one fourth 0f their natural lives, we shall arrive at some-
tmng hke a fair judgment of the âge of the horse, which may be om thirty to forty years, and well-authenticated instances are
t Pon record in this country, of horses which hâve lived much beyond *period. Phny, it may be observed, one of the met correct
from6 anC1Cnt WnteVS' rat6S ifc at fifty years' an(i as in those days'
^ various reasons, thèse animals were much hetter treated by an than they generally now are, we may suppose this statement to
ue ti'ue. ino-V111"!;111^'th0y disPensed ^ our ruill0us Practice of shoe-
cause is t W61'e lmppily ign0rant of U" Is lt to this>or to what slan-htA*""^^115' that our Poorhacksare brought to the SfSi^î ::Li mi7f :, "!ram^ •*•,her
• , • twclfth, or at farthest sixteenth year ? Mr.
^ulley, 111 his observations on live stock, mentions a horse which he
th?^? P?r,ei'ty °f Mr- Rain'°f Whall> near Gai^> in
the cou^y of Darhàm, that lived to the âge of forty-seven years. UlS h°rSC had a baU lodged in his neck at the battle of Proud
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40
|
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AND
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OSTRICH HUNTING
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Preston, in the rébellion of the year 1715, and the bail was ex-
tracted, when the horse died in 1758. Tins horse was supposed to be four years old in the year 1715, consequèntly would be forty- seven in the year 1758. |
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OSTRICH HUNTING, AND HORSE BREAKING IN SOUTH AMERICA.
The following sketch of an ostrich hunt, and the manner in
which the Gauchos break in their horses, is communicated to us by a friend :— As soon as my horse was saddled, I purchased the bridle of the
Gaucho who had stolen mine, and then galloped on. The country, which from Memdoza is covered with wood, now changes to the long brown and yellow grass, which, excepting a few straggling trees, is the sole produce of the remainder of the province of San Luis, and of the two adjoining provinces of Cordova and Santa Fé. In the wholc of this immense région, there is not a weed to be seen. The coarse grass is its sole produce ; and in the summer, wheu it is high, it is beautiful to see the effect which the wind lias in passing over this wild expanse of waving grass—the shades between the brown and yellow are beautiful. The scène is placid beyond description, no habitation or human being is to be seen, unless occasionally the wild and picturesque outline of the Gaucho on the horizon, his scarlet poucho streaming horizontally behind Mm, his balls flying round his head, and, as he bends forward to- ward his prey, his horse straining every nerve. Before him is the ostrich he is puisuing, the distance between them gradually di- minishing, his neck stretched oat, and striding over the ground in the most magnificent style ; but the latter is soon lost in the dis- tance, and the Gaucho's horse is often below the horizon, while his head shows that the chase is not yet decided. This pursuit is really attended with considérable danger, for the ground is always undermined by the biscachos, and the Gaucho often falls at full speed. If he breaks a limb his horse probably gallops away, and there he is left in the long grass, until one of his comrades or children come to his assistance ; but if they are unsuccessful in their search, he lias nothing left but to look up to the sky, and while he lives, drive from his bed the wild eagles, who are always ready to attack a fallen animal. On arriving at the Corral, you very soon make friends with the
Gauchos, who are always polite, and on horseback possess many estimable qualitiés, which, at the door of their hut, they appear to be devoid of. The Corral is generally quite full of horses, most of which are young ones, about three and four years old. The |
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HORSE BREAKING. 41
JîbSJ'W* °n astronSsteady ***s rides into the Corral,
himto rhn„ ? %° overtbeneck of ayoung horse, and drags conirado, E♦ « ' S°me time be is ver5r ™willing to leave his fi^t idea is toilf m0ment he ÎS forced.0llt of the Corral, his him in!"? g.°P ,aWay '' however, thejerk of the lasso checks foot ànHuT 1U&} matlner- The Peons now ru" after him on
locks and r'°,\ assoover W« fore legs, just above the fet- denly' that in f irg ^ they pul1 Ms legS fr0m under him «o sud- I" an'hstan fl P lnll1;.glVeS hT the «*S«feu«» of heing dead. knifeT, f aGauchois seated upon his head, and vvith a long another0nt Ternds,' CutS °tfthe whole of thehorse's mane,while
»<S tïat t T flT ^ Md °f Ws taiL This they do a* a Pièce of hînï 1 *"" ^ °nCe mounted- The^ «.en put a UVonÏÏVeÎd0 "T^Gaulh ^ ^ *f'' ^ **"*Me
spurs whi^n 7 Gaucho, who is to mount, arranges his
extremelv S l 1 earS' he puts on the saddIe> which »» gh-ts
an Want I V ^^ CatcheS hold of tbe horse's ea^ a«d, in hoStL Wlta»to <he «ddle; upon which the man who is anHm that "21 ?" **"' %"°WS tbe end of * to th* ^er,
him. ïhe horle inl^l °T S-CmS to-.take My f«rther notice of différent from the kick or, î£ * k^\hk seat' a"d qui te
theGaucho-Ssnur,sÔ„n L1 g° °-f &" English horsc : howlver,
every thing bTT^Ï^^^ f h* *f* ^ mediately broueht from tu , , ' Anotller horse is im- thâttwelve Gauchos «- ^ •' ^ S° qukk is the opération,
an hour °S &K m°Unted in a sPace which hardly excecds W L0" W tief dtre,,t ™er ÎD WWch tbe diff«-ent
ghthing the saddle on th^ ?ly, SCream whUe the Gaucbos ™ ro»up5n it- S^ rkV S°me instantly lie downand and in ÛnnatuT ^ ,G ^ Wlth°Ut beinS held, their legs stiff,
taik, andlook nt v •" DS,' ^ MCks half beut t<wal'ds »«r *e mïdiffic'Jt SïïSSf °bStlDate ; "^ la"er &rC iUVariably ^ÏS*0 ^ r0U"d and See the GalIchos on the ho-
the Corraî wl ïà™«lms> ^"S" *<> hring their horses hack to î^«^^^£^-^'^.«'tM' work, for the to return to the It r° Scared the''e' that they Me^wilBng horses : they are ; • IS arausing to sfte the autics of the
i-ight arnis of the r ^"T and dancin^ in different ways, while the
hring the horses Wv Cllos.arc seen fl°ggi"g them. At last they w- The saddles a JI K^Varently comPîetely suhdued and broken immediately trotterW ieS are *aken, off= and the young horses neighing one to tll 'T the °T'al to Join their companions, a«d as the horses a P t !'' A"°thei' Set are ,10w bl-°«ght ont, o'sesaie kept out a very short time, you may soon |
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42
|
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ON THE GRIPES IN HORSES.
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sec forty or fifty of them mounted. As they return to the Corral,
it is interesting to see the great contrast which the loss of the mane, and the end of the tail, makes between the horses which hâve commencée! their career of servitude, and those which are stiil free. The horses of the Pampas are like the common description of
Spanish horse, but rather stronger. They are ail colours, and a great number are pie-bald. When caught, they will always kick at any person who goes behind them ; and it is often with great difficulty that they can be bridled and saddled : however, they are not vicious, and when properly broken in, will allow the childrcn to mount by climbing' up their tails. In mountiug, it is neccssary to be very quick, and previous to dismounting, it is proper to throw the bridle over one side of the head, as the horses almost al- ways run backwards if one attempts to hold them by the bridle when it is over the head as in England. |
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ON THE GRIPES, FRET, OR SPASMOD1C COLIC IN HORSES.
As this is a very common, and not unfrequently fatal, complaint,
we hâve given the most approved and successful remédies, and which will be found in ail stables extremely useful. At the Veterinary Collège the following drink is recommended :
Four ounces, or a quarter of a pint, of rectified Oil of Tur-
pentine, with a sufficient quantity of warm Grucl or Water, is to be given as soon after the horse is seized as possible. This dose may be repeatcd in three quarters of an hour shouhi
it be required. Mr. Bracy Clark has written an excellent treatise on this
disease, and recommends the following tincture as a spécifie ; Pimento or Allspice, ground, one found,
Rectified Spirit, and Water, of each three pints ; to infuse ten days or a fort-
night, shaking the vessel daily. Half apint of this tincture to be given as early as possible after
the attack, and to be repeatcd every hour till relief is ohtained. We hâve seen this remedy repeatedly employed, and invariably
with success. |
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43
|
||||
™E LATE PROFE880R PEAt'S COMPOSITION
FOR THE
"FOOT ROT" IN SHEEP.
«lue Vitriol (SulphatcofCopper),
V i G A1Um' b°th in Pmvder> each two ounccs.
Venhgnsc (Subacetate of Copper), one onnce. Ct brl8'1 v-1"'6 (°Xymuriate of Mercury), two draeh™.
waC VIT' î" PÎntS't0 bc mixed tog«ther:.put in a for Tsc ï î? dir VOd 5, **** 0ftGn'after Wldé, it JS be fit thirC 25 5ICd " * fo0t * — of a «A brush, cverv ^HEnM"08™^'8 DESCRIP™N OF A COCKNEY ail OVCT
^ ******* AT A ■■", FOR THE p1MT T1ME „ H1S LIFE. to cvoryo.ein âmomen ^l^lT^' *P*«5d fatal
us, save this strange" 'e buîtorï' ^ "^ C°ld' and a11 of
-ugbt drab coats, hT efl£ X 1° "? S* * ^°°d fear" looked as if they did so Th, Y P °Ut the weatber, and aMe, and quite i„ sei • tt rîïf "^ W&S alt0^ether comfort- Puffed and puckereda thnl £jf &Y aPPeared »> a green coat, ^d^ayïïteSclfelSï^5 Very short' with the skh'ts
b<*ind ; a sliaht linen w,L l . Ml' eXP0sinS more than Ilis ]»PS ? four thefA "beh eriW,t ^S'11"?8 °r ^ ^ th^e ■
0 §ive egress to a flaunlino- fl,1,. S °macl\a»d *<* opening freely, SPeak the bare trutlA t ' ,tlght whlte cotton breeehes, (I and a fur car, S? ?eymere ^^ pumpish-looking shoes,
be ^PposédP'vP7? C° ^Te SUr6ly WaS Perfect: he was> "s 5
thougf t0 2'„ I y •Sp?ed,ly P****** bone-deep by the cold • «taïwj'™ J'f ce he made no complais except by he' Bw««5^ir1ïï& rdtT-tain rokntary and 2WS*!
parts of hi8bodv Ti '"^ place n0W and then in ™rious
nding, only th.dt'h ,,, rer(\was nothi"g very obsei'vable in his mode of
ter : by which a<st *, *,a CS and t0eS °ut like a dancing-mas- made use of his stirni™ & e'loOSe' detach-ed seat ; and, as he
saddle, at every sten Ef v'V110*up t0 a Prodigious height from his descend and rebound Z T Se ; h'S white breecbes appearing to course he was the J, , , maimer of a piece of Indian n,bber. Of In the same jovial S,'^^ ih%com^j, who alï prepared, ^tythatthechancerof'^0 t ff' °f ^ une*P<*ted
«ces ot the morning had dropped amongst them.
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44
|
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A COCKNEY AT A HUNT.
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When the hare was put up, " Let the gentleman holla," they
exclaimed ; and forthwith he uttered a cry such as hound never heard. " Let the gentleman put her up," it was next proposed ; and he proceeded to frighten away the hare, waving a pocket liand- kerchief, crying, " huish ! huish !" as an old woman repels a goose : " Let the gentleman ride—ride, sir, ride,"—and away he went— bump—bump—over the startled hills, ail alone—followed only by shouts of laughter, himself the game—the view—the whole hunt of the day. It was not long before he seemed to pereeive that he. was entertaining the looker-on ; and he bore bis exposure with a cheerfulness and good-humour which richly deserved a warmer pair of breeches. He became, at length, quite altered hy the cold : his face, which, for some time, had preserved a tolerable paleness, now turned to blue ; he positively looked less, and was in a course, it seemed, of disappearing altogether: yet he was still warm of heart ; manfully left his little coat unbuttoned, and kept his frill and toes out with as much formality as on his first ap- pearance. When we had been out about five hours, the poor feïïôw came up to me with his watch in his hand, and, with a voice that could scarcely force its way through his stiffened lips, ob- served, " Half an hour's more sport, and then it will he dark." He wished me to understand that he regretted this approaching deliverance, which, in my judgment, very nearly concerned his life. I took no part, I beg to say, in the common conspiracy against him. I had my irrésistible sensé of his preposterousness, and many a rich smile at ail his noodling ways ; but I manifested no sign, I trust, that could in any waybe offensive to him. I had much talk with him; and, as I hâve exposed his weak points, I think it but fair to say that I found in him a great deal of in- telligence, apart from any relation to his saddle, togcther with a kindness and urbanity (no uncomraon qualities in Cockneyism, let them laugh at it as they please) which would hâve liesitated, I think, on any provocation, to hâve wounded the l'eelings of those who had been so merry at his expense. Even as a sportsman, he had qualities which might hâve redeemed him from contempt. I défend not his practice in puttùig up a hare; but there was no lack of spirit and moral courage, in the man ; and he proved it under a course of protracted suffering, which I truly believe would hâve daunted any of the ruddy, hrawny, bull-headed persons, who, in their greater conceit and warmer coats, had laughed at him so unsparingly. He. could hâve had no interest in the sport, except that it was his bitter fortune to be obliged to affcct ; he was a mère mark for ridicule and a piercing wind ; yet I am convinced that he would hâve sat and perished in his saddle, rather thaï) hâve uttered a murmur ;—an instance of Cockney-heroism, which ail Tooley-street surely may be proud of. |
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45
|
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ON THE DOG.
|
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and hGLAND lmS been long eminent for the superiorîty of lier dogs
the wo°tteS' n°W VSly generally P^ferred in almost every part of the ' ' Whether this superiority arises from the climate or from do wM laken ^ theh' breedinS> éducation, and maintenance, wo ont f tv ^ t0 deternline : the fox-hound and the hull dog, terisf ISknd' ^ Said t0 l0Se theh' m0St Prorahient charac-
their T 7 afCW yGaiS ' if S°' there mUSt be SOme l0Cal CauSe for
ThPtf6011011 ^ thiS countl'y5 and their degeneration in others.
field ^ ta.Chment of our countrymen, for âges, to the sports of the tempt of S,Tn ftem h6alth Md Vig°Ur °f bot]y'and a gallant con"
cultivated th ^ ' ^ Uniform effects on those nations that hâve ra ^ °g may be c°nsidered as not only the intelligent, cou-
geous and humble companion of man—he is often a true type of u mmd and disposition. The hunter's dog rejoices with him in di ioJf T^ ^ fatigU6S °f the chace ! the ferocious and hardy Ïned W ff S n"d°g May C°mm00]j be tlaced °n tbe deter" i-1 nP ttl;e ";;mastr;nordoes*• ^<**»mDibegPtt
k np at the pass]ng stranger ^^ ^ gg
to L anTTT- ^ J-***5*" «mmge, sagacity, attachment
emaïl ! ^ Mni~We sha11 bave ««i* to give many
«maïkable anecdotes and proofs.
^d tfiff T!"* rCd°te °f a shePberd's dog cannot be surpassed
U ol f t- Sh°Zl°W ^ ^ d°g'S 1~ ^ be enltivated.
Bteall,II ' f rS "^^ bCen hanged " J*» ago for sheep
évident theJ°ll0Vvln? fact amongst others was authenticated by
deputedT / T ; "?* the man btended t0 steal a«y sbeeP ^
Patent f 1 T° ^t™ tb« b«« With this view, under them hP" i0°?ngat the sheep, with an intention to purchase he secretly "v 0Ugh f fl°ck witb the dog at his feet, to whom wanted, to the n a ht ^ " t0 ^ Km kU°W the individuals be some hundreds-he'tT ° P.erhttp" ten °r twelve' out of a flock of miles, sent back the ?" 1°"* *Way' ^ fr°m & distance of several out the individual shn^ « Welf *" the nigbt tîme' wbo Picked rated them from th. fl i }** been P°inted out to bim> sePa" for the distance oA dl'°Ve ^ before bim by W'nself, |
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46 ON THE DOG.
|
|||||
Having made some gênerai observations on the sagacity and
obédience of the dog, and on his attachment to man, we shall ado the following on the authority of Mr. Blaine, by way of illustrating our subject : " Many dogs hâve an uni versai philanthropy, if I may so express
it—a gênerai attachment to ail mankind. Others are not indiscri- minately friendly to every onc, but such, almost invariably, make it up by a more ardent and a more durable regard for those they do love. Perhaps the duration of an attachment in thèse animais heightens our ideas of their intellectual powers, over more than the immédiate ardency of it ; for the constancy of it combines memory, reflection, and sentiments that completely soar above instinctive impulses. " This regard for particular persons is so great, that it fre-
quently interfères with, and now and then, totally overcomes their instinctive care for their young. Hère the moral principle is at war with the instinctive, which gives place to the superior powers of pure intellect. Dogs, forcibly separated from those they love, frequently refuse food for many days ; some hâve actually starved themselves ; and others, taking just enough to support nature, hâve more gradually exhausted themselves, and at length hâve died of grief. The same lias occasionally occurred where they hâve been separated from each other. " Two spaniels, mother and son, were self-hunting in Mr. Drake's
vvoods near Amersham, Bucks : the gamekeeper shot the mother ; the son, frightened, ran away for an hour or two and then returned to look for his mother: having found lier dead body, he laid him- self down by it, and was discovered in that situation the next day by his master, who took him home together with the body of his mother. Six weeks did this affectianate créature refuse ail conso- lation, and almost ail nutriment : he bccame, at length, almost uni- versally convulsed and died of grief. " I hâve also seen several instances of dogs voluntarily under-
taking the office of nurse to others who hâve been sick. When we consider the warmth of their feelings, aud the tenderness of their regard, this is not to he wondered at, if it happens among those habituated to each other ; but I hâve occasionally observed it among those who were nearly strangers : one vcry particular case occurs to my recollection : where a large dog of the mastiff breed, hardly full grown, attached himself to a very small spaniel, ill with distemper, from which the large dog was himself but newly re- covcred. He commenccd this attention to the spaniel the moment he saw it, and for several weeks he continued it unrcmittingly, licking him clean, following him every where, and carefnlly protect- ing him from harm. When the large dog was fed, he bas been seen to save a portion, and to solicit the little one to eat it ; and, in one instance, he was observed to sélect a favourite morsel, and carry it |
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GREASE IN H0RSES. 47
from'iltli?'6*6 Slck animal lay- When the little dog was
of his kennel 11 ?Te'the lar§e one used to sit at the door
agaïnst ktew^Z h W°uld remain for houre guarding him
wholly the not-im, p'+v ire F* n0 ilIstinct' n« interest ; it was
"Inthehum qualities of the imnd.
°f the his-W^ sPecies;gratitude lias ever beenconsidered as one
UmsûzlZ^y*: When s^ll wc sce it exhibited in a more
benefitis nevevfaZ 2*", than by these admirable animais? A
t"ey bave the sffî* Y the majority °f them ; but for iuîmks>
sftoi test memory of any living créature." THE GREASE IN HORSES.
°f ÏeaselXw Jf eri!'ary C°llege a larSe Portion of cases
frequent at tbi« d! ?' comPklt,ts which are generally most sent time. ' and we believe veiT Prévalent at the pre-
mode^Ptreïm!^1'6-' \ï. USeM to subJoin the most approved
tecause itveiv "V" t* troublesome and loathsome disease, tio" of ~7m.lT ÏW? tbat a little c™> ^ the adop- f«rtherprgreLmSeSAat its3first appearance, will arrest its ^toLCltrSs^/^r^^'8 ear^ attenti"" ™ay
skAtare ïme ca" «y ^Sitm sucha™«- «2
b™e is ir^Lt^Tf"^ tMs C0MPla^ if the
remédies. ° C0Mltl0I1> Weeding and purging are the proper •Astringent Lotion.
Alum ........... , Boiiingwater:::::;::::::::::.;;;; i^L.
astringent and Stimulating Lotion.
White Vitriol...... 2 0/ Boiiingwater ..;:;;;:::;: ri-
w • .. Stil' «Il dissolved.
Wash the pavts nio-hf
m, apply the lotion to th ™orning, and when quite clean and Diuretics, in halls o. j°rCS or chapS with a sponge.
Beverbe neglected. Powders3 are invariably useful, and should
Moderate exereiso . v
auxiliary i„ the cure offS admisfible'wil1 b« foond an important
UI<- or. this complaint. ' |
|||
OUTLANDISH HUNTSMAN.
A gentleman, who, not long ago, dwelt in a remote part of
Dumbartonshire, in addition to a pony and a couple of greyhounds, entertained a monkey that had been sent to him by a military offîcer from Gibraltar. Pug had f'ormed a particular friendship with the two dogs, and it was no unfrequent sight to behold him seated on the back of one of theni, cantering across the lawn in front of his master's dwelling, and aping ail the airs of a first-rate sportsman. Mr.------having risen early one morning, mounted his
shelty, and taking along with him the two harriers, had scarcely
emerged from the shrubbery that surrounded the ancient mansion, tvhen pug, contrary to his wish, unexpectedlyappeared,and was per- mitted, after a gcntle reprimand,to take his usual seat on theback of one of his favourites. After proceeding through several fields and affording, by their conjoined drollery, abundance of mirth to their worthy master, a hare suddenly started up a few ridges from' the nose of the unincumbcred greyhound, and scudded along with ail the swiftncss it was master of; when it was instinctively pursued by both the dogs, pug ail the while retaining his seat with won- derful science, as, Mazeppa-like, he flew with his gallant steed round the side of a moory Mil, with his tiny arms firmly clasped round its neck. The gentleman soon lost sight of theni, but put- ting spurs to his pony, he followed as nearly as he could guess the direction they had takeu, and coming up to a Highlandcr, who was busily employed building a stone dyke, he inquired of him if he had seen any dogs pass by.—" Togs, please your honour V re- sponded Malcolm, " hur sawyer ain Mungo only ten minutes syne,. I tracing a hare wi' a' hur speed, and after hur rode a wee auld carie on a grey galloway, at sic a rate, that the muckle deil her nain sell could na oe'rtak hur." From this description, Mr.-------had no
doubt that the trio which occasioiied so much wonder to thc High-
lander were his own ; and checking his pony, as he had lost ail I hopc of overtaking them, he drudged quietly round to the other side of the hill, whcre (mirabilc dictu !) he met the grey harrier returning with his rider, who, upon approaching his master, in- stantly dismounted, and laid the dead hare at his feet, having car- ried it beneath his arm from the spot where it was killed by • Mungo—nearly half a mile distant. Mr.-------, on lifting up the
offering, patted pug on the head, as a reward for this equi-human
display of reason ; and from that day forward he was looked upon by ail the old wives and children in the. neighbourhood as some- thing so near an elfin or fairy, that until the day of his death, which happened shortly after, the urchin who ventured across the moor of------after sunset, or before sun-rise, was allowed to be
posscssed of no small degrec of courage.
|
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THE
|
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Farrier and naturalist.
|
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FEBRTJARY. [1828.
THETIm0N °F ™E ROYAL MEWS' PIMLICO-
noble pTl Wagnificent staWes are worthy to form an appendage to the House ÏT h iS n°W erecting on the site of Buckingham
cinal ]' u ^ ?Te sltuated at a suitable distance behind it: the prin-
the view w T & SqUafe °f ab°Ut tW° hundrèd dnd ****<* &nd
grand enT *"* ^^ 1S take" fr°m ^ inside' tookinS towar(ls the
derable «tt ■ Whl°h fr°ntS the Phnlic°-road- Although consi- build' ,nt'0n has been Paid t0 the external appearance of the for thS> f m UOt bee" at *e eXpense °f the internal arrangements ;
seen Iv "* am°ng ^ most comPlete whi<* We hâve ever wth handsome arches wmVh i . Ceihng ls °™mented
-eeted with theTtÏ Jd * ^ ^ but ^ thing con-
description T^ T * Part * °f the Plainest and most useM
heatofh .™1yhor8e8 stand in this large apartment; and the
ness „r / ^,U„ emPerature> formrag a contrast with the starving cold-
01 the Collège stables, and the suftbcating atmosphère vvhich is too 0ÎthÏ rmta^din the «toMes of his Majestys subjects. onlv to c n!? anima'S' *e VNy Perfection of stateljness, and fitted *at thev , JP°mP °f 3 knigMy Pageant' jt is enough to «ay, coachman TÎ* *" ^ suPerintendenoe of Mr. Raberts, the state a Iife of the J aPPear *° Iive' if We May judge from appearances, t0 be by no T* ^^ 6aSe and com(oit> but their allowance seems
coloured, and ^ eXtravagant- Ther* are twelve Hanoverian cream- breed at this t& C°a,"bIack horses'with about forty others of English completedaboutthreeyeaîs ^f^. ^ buildinS has bee«
Couses arc situated on Z ■?* !™g 2 1Uadrangle>the carriag«- and the loose box I "S ' 6S °n the left; *** ride ^e outside ** are rf a" *xcellent construction, are oa
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50
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ON THE
IMPORTANCE AND PRESENT ESTIMATION OF THE
VETERTNARY PROFESSION IN ENGLAND. As it will be one of the chief objecte of this Journal to watch over
the welfare of the profession, to suggest hints for its improvement, and convey the plans of others for its amélioration, we hâve thought proper to ofFer some preliminary remarks, explaining our views of its intrinsic importance, and the state of gênerai opinion respecting it. It will not, we believe, be disputed by professional men, that its use- fulness and importance are much underrated in public opinion ; and many will admit, that even its members themselves are not generally aware of the rank which they ought to hold, and the estimation which it is in their power to command. Veterinary science, considered in its application to domestic animais,
is bounded only by the sphère of their usefulness. It applies, in a de- gree, to every individual who keeps a horse or a dog, for business or récréation ; and it cornes home to the humane feelings or private in- terests of ail classes of men: but, wide as this field appears, and uncultivated as it may be in many parts, it is not to the study, the treatment, and cure, of animal diseases alone, that this science is strictly confined. Second only to human medicine in actual importance, it possesses considérable advantages over it, and ofters opportunities for the cultivation of gênerai physiology and pathological - knowledge, and more particularly for that branch of science termed Comparative Anatomy, that are far superior to those which the médical practitioner can boast. There are difficulties certainly in the pursuit of this peculiar science,
which perhaps counterbalance the advantages; and having received less attention, its advancement is proportionately small : but it should not be forgotten, that the ancients, as well as modems, who hâve dis- tinguished themselves by important discoveries, hâve found them in dissecting the bodies of animais, having always recourse to compara- tive investigations and expérimente, to extend the bounds of médical and surgical knowledge ; thus transplanting to the médical profession, the honour of discoveries which were made in trenching upon ours. Precluded, by the laws and superstitions of their times, from exa-
mining the organization of human bodies, the aneient professors of the healing art conducted their investigations wholly on those of brutes, |
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W» THE IMPORTANCE op THE VETERINARY pR0pESSI0N m
T^llT7 famf?ed with their structure and d™ - *
^ected 5 ^ Th th°Se °f men- °f —' their practice was
iand- aL +« ! Uma" a"d vetennary surgery started hand itt
«onsidered . n * '1 ^^ ^ ^ Profession* were united, and
nsmered equally worthy of attention fui a!ti°v!e "^r' ^ diSSeCting *e b0dies °f animals' wi* » Power-
staled 2 Tu Unprejudlced mmd.arrivedatdiseoverieswhich fore- Gale» drewt°UrS,°f **" ^^ HiPPocrates> C^us, and ■2 soure! the"^knowRledSe °f a«atoI»y and physiology from the refinement rt f" * """* * ltS he,ght °f lux^ and
déparient ^TlTr ** be°tme di*mCt' and ** vete™^
*Ï521oTs and practised by men'whose writinï
*et» 7^P°™ fthe human schooL xt was then> - ™y
wardT'in th f. reSPectabl% a»d considération; but after
*«5 Se middT lgn°ranCe and SUperStiti°n Which P-ailed
Perienced a LTwta s"L LTT ' "^ hUmM "^^ BX"
foralon.period- W..T "* enSrossed bJ *e barbers «f -JSHtlm dTT Ty connected with the inte^
and estimation. y eparately revived in improvement
-rTa;;;fnu:t:r; tich ha?*ombined to retard *» *«*«• *
- ^^ûrasar^^^and veterinarian. niamtains his ground against the modéra
«ieno^tfTw! î6116? ,HaS already resulted from the «Ppl^tion of
but ™«ch stilî ra Mt' Wi" n0t' W€ beIieVe' be denied by any; college diplomat-TT,!0 be d°ne = when the successful P^tice of the tl,e Public, rejectin C°rresPond with his hig* Pression, and when «en, shall place 'f™| advice and médical interférence from uneducated «ot till then, will it C°nfidence in the vetennary character, then, and The difficulté whieï!trnSratuIati0n-
*he various and cont a r hitherto involved the subject of shoeing, at>d the failure of ^ tory Plans pursned by différent practitioners, to vveaken public fa°tf °f theSe' have contributeil, in no slight degree, Utt]* chance of d t ^ ^ Profession' As the most ignorant risk élection in practising this art, from the obscurity |
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fÉMING's BLISTERING ESSENCE.
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52
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which must always attend médical proceedings with dumb animais ;
so also, it requires a double portion of patience, acuteness, and knowledge, to ascertain the précise seat and urgency of disease, when neither speech nor sign can be called to the practitioner's assistance ; but to compensate for the difficulty of diagnosis, the veterinarian possesses a more complète controul over his patient—the power of enforcing necessary measures, and a liberty in investi- gating morbid appearances, without those restraints which fetter the physician. His opportunities for experiment are also superior, and he should make this profession the théâtre for discovery in anatomy and pathology. The circulation of the blood was proved by comparative means ; and
the illustrious John Hunter had constant recourse to experiments on animais in ail his investigations. Why are we backward in contri- buting to the stock of gênerai knowledge ? Let every veterinarian feel anxiously disposed to forward the interests and elevate the réputation of his art ; and it is sincerely hoped that this publication will assist, in no small degree, by serving as a channel of communication among its members, to raise it to its proper station as a respectable and honour- able profession. |
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LEEMING'S BLISTERING ESSENCE, AND SPAVIN
UNIMENT. This préparation is much used for blistering horses, and is very fre-
quently found particularly serviceable in cases of curbs, incipient spavins, Iameness from injuries in the joints, back sinews, &c. Spanish Flies (Cantharides) in powder, two ounces ; Euphorbium, in powder, one ounce ; Rectified Spirit, one pint and a half. To be digested ten days or a fortnight, frequentiy shaking it up; then pour ofF the clear part, or strain for use. From two to four table spoonfuls to be rubbed gradually into the part intended to be blistered. It occasionally requires to be repeated two or three times, at short
intervais, before a cure is eftected, particularly in cases of long standing. |
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.53
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°N THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE.
(Continued from p. 20.)
Of the Simple Inflammation, of the Eye of the Horse. PoiantLTIATI°N\aS h is the most COmm0n' so k is *e most im-
almost \nTSVn *e eye °f the horse- Jt Proceeds or accompanies constant S tmT6S *° Whlch that orSan is SubJect' and » m the
nstant effect of injuries. The treatment of inflammation in the •wrse s eye must therefore be well understood. Thol^-F ,, lnflammation °f *e eye is marked by striking symptoms
clo.Prl T mnammation be not violent, the animal keeps the eye-lids whlTl teye"lasheSadhere together, from the sécrétion of mucus, th", v T msP1S,Sated ; the eye-lids are more or less swollen of teaTwlTt, Stended Wi* bl00d' and there is an ™natural flow
theirTnte^U ''f m°re " leSS COpi°US- When the eye"lids are °Pened, flamed aT u^ \Ppea[S redder than natural > the hau* are in- and the In"' "^ the ^V' the eye is covered with red vessels, cornet, dim ?' " 7Y ™ft l0S6S *t PelIu°idity and lustre> and be'
tunio ' n gJeneral muddiness, either aftecting the whole of that orTlm0r C°nfined t0 °"e Part> form-g *e commencement of a speck
When the progress of inflammation of the eve is not arrp=t„,l l cornea ulcérâtes • the m^I? 2l qUe°US humour' and fina% the
and thus both t. e £eïï5£ÏÏ ïftSF? hUm°Ur' ,*- "i68' Inflammation of Te Zl usuaft ^ T ^^
gênerai fever mirl^l T !■ , y accomPamed by more or less
frequency of thp ï 7 ^V? ^ m°Uth' and thirst> loss of appetite,
*eearsLdW Pwï6u' ™heal% W^rance of the coat, coldness of
ears and legs, with altemate heats and chills.
^dsaCwV fthry^fre1UentlysucceedsinJ«"es. Itarisesfrom
inflamiin„ /% ^ SUdden chills after violent exercise; and, like
and tho«B • \- aUother organs,it most commonly attacks younghorses,
y,"10Se m high condition. J J 6 '
in tfe"w '"~;Mu,cn dePe«ds on the first means which are adopted
asuddenX fnîi,0f mflan™ation ; for if the disease do not receive the future sta ,Same decided measures cannot be adopted in ail and effeetsof tlT a dlsease ; the cure then becomes protracted,
the organ. disease remain, which blemish, if they do not injure,
The chief means t v,
horse's eye, are ble 1° employed to relieve inflammation in the and air. &' PUrging, blistering, and attention to food w°uld 3v^ aiaHhtl°i!î °f blood is the firSt thing to be done; and î
any vein in the im ,. ood ^e taken from the neck in préférence to ai°n opinion is th"?!u e vicinity of the inflamed organ. The com-
> nat the nearer the inflamed part from which the blood |
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54 ON TUE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE.
is taken, so much more effectuai is the remedy. It will, however, he
found, that although the inflammation appear immediately to subside by local bleeding, yet,, whenever the system is at ail disturbed, blood taken from a large vein, or gênerai blood-letting, is much more powerful in relieving the constitutional dérangement, whilst it has an equal power in allaying the local inflammation. It will also be found, that if blood lie taken from vessels in the immédiate vieinity of the inflamed part, the irritation caused by the opération is generally considérable ; and though the redness is relieved at the time, it very soon returns by the- supply from the collatéral vessels, which does not taske place after gênerai blood-letting. The orifice made in the vein should be large y and, as much dépends on the immédiate eftects of the first bleeding in ail cases of inflammation, from three to five quarts may be taken, ac- eording to the violence of the symptoms. A second bleeding may be had recourse to, in from twelve to tweety-four hours, should the symp- toms increase, or remain undiminished. At the same time the horse should be given a purgative-bail ; or»
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A Plan of the Structure ofthe Horse s Eye, as described in
p.19, No. 1. d
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(b a h) The transparent cornea.
(d d) The choroid coat. (e) The entrance of the optlc nerve through the sclerotic coat, cxpanding to
form the retina. (b) The iris. (/) The crystalline humour.
(g) The vifreous humour. |
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ON THE DISEASES OF THE ETE OF THE HORSE. 55
gatîve-b»nrhapSthle safer and most efficacious practiee, a common pur-
everv C "^ .be dmded lnto three doses, and one portion given Whilst hv °ri S1X x°UrS- This merely acts Sent'y on the intestines, «ulatiôn ,1"? the an,mal sick, it dimmishes the force of the cir- follow «hL IS n0t attended by *e debilitating effects which often
to a ffreat g+PU+rgln^ H°rSeS' indeed' wh'lst they can bear bleeding
agréât extent, smk rapidly by purging. S fréquente fS ^f d°ne to irritate the inflamed ^ ' but i{ «* to be
floS % lented W'th a decoction of PW^ads, or camomile remove ft, a ' °r 6Ven a thlrd bleedmS may be necessary, to nrst a 1 tiammatl0n ! but these will be in a less quantity than the
elanseri" «ft^6 ?0t to be had recourse to tiU a reasonable time has mav Ko i F tne,exhlbl,tlon of the 0*er remédies, so that their effects eve „ ob]siei'ved. After the acute symptoms hâve subsided, the white ?ferti Y C°ntmUes more or less weak> and Stable, and the
In this sUpH7? rema!nS red' thouSh the vessels are of a di"er hue.
the blister Shnïrngt^ ^ and temP,e may be of service> bat
misl, Thp becait.ously and carefully used, to prevent any ble- and mav hlTT TU"?? °Pium is als° aa scellent application,
then toucher f ,1 LVng ' CamelVhair Pencil d'PPed in it, and vitriol"3n? - 6 6? J°nCe," twice a'day- Saturnine and tageouslv eZlovTl reCommended' and *ey may sometimes be advan-
^vfmt^mTy ££ ^ - « « ^ a ^H
eye'of'tht W TTT\in theutreatment «* a" «ii-ases of the
is often imnure \ P J t^™ ^ the &,r °f the stable; for a* this head 3 so ! rPtr n° *t ^ * a Well"aired Place> and his stoop Z food " n0t be ann°yed With %ht>or °bhged to flaSorTTvltn f°0C!' f * .hOTSe Sh0uld have no corn until Ae in-
Tmatory symptoms subside, but hve on green méat or mashes. necessarv t .scar,fying the eyes, is one which it is seldom if ever
the irritât' ^ }° ' and when not Performed with great dexterity,
taken g,^™ °reated by the opération does more harm, than the blood from consvf • ^ood- ^he orue' practiee of cutting out the haws, not onlv i,»TnS1,t as a diseased growth, is much to be condemned, as When „, S but hurtfuL
charge it aaQ er ls. f°rmed in the eye, it may be of great use to dis- from burstinsng mi* *e a{meous humour, and thus prevent the bail nicety, and is to b V* *"* °Perati°n that requires a good deal of eye with a sharp- e- "f by penetrating the anterior chamber of the eye-ball and lids h~P°lnted ^nife, something like a common lancet, the oemg previously cautiously and well-secured. |
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(To be continued.)
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»
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56
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OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISTEMPER IN DOGS.
BY EDWARD JENNER, M.D. F.R.S.
Mardi 21, 180».
The following paper, written by that celebrated physician and
great observer of nature, the late Dr. Jenner, is inserted, prior to our making some observations on the nature and treatment of this complaint, which is so fatal to the dog, and disappointing to the sportsman. " That disease among dogs, which has familiarly been called ' the
Distemper,' has not hitherto, I believe, been much noticed by médical Bien. My situation in the country favouring my wishes to make some observations on this singular malady, 1 availed myself of it, during several successive years, among a large number of fox-hounds belong- ing to the Earl of Berkeley ; and, from observing how frequently it has been confounded with hydrophobia, I am induced to Iay the resuit of my inquiries before the Médical and Chirurgical Society. It may be difficult, perhaps, precisely to ascertain the period of its first appear ance in Britain. In this and the neighbouring counties, I hâve i.ot been able to trace it back much beyond the middle of the last century ; but it has since spread universally. I knew a gentleman who, about forty-five years ago, destroyed the greater part of his hounds, from supposing them mad, when the distemper first broke out among them —so little was it then known by those the most conversant with dogs. On the continent, I find, it has been known for a much longer period. It is as contagious among dogs as the small-pox, measles, or scarlet- fever, among the human species ; and the contagious miasmata, like those arising from the diseases just mentioned, retain their infectious properties a long time after séparation from the distempered animal. Young hounds, for example, brought in a state of health into a kennel where others hâve gone through the distemper, seldom escape it. I hâve endeavoured to destroy the contagion, by ordering every part of a: kennel to be carefully washed with water, then white-washed, and, finally, to be repeatedly fumigated with the vapour of marine acid—- but without any good resuit. " The dogs generally sicken early in the second week after exposure
to the contagion. It is more commonly a violent disease than other- wise, and cuts off at least one in three that is attacked by it. It com- mences with inflammation of the substance of the lungs, and generally af the œucous membrane of the bronchiœ. The inflammation, at the |
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OBSERVATIONS m DISTEMPER 1N DOGS. 57
SbottÏ' ÏT °" the membranes of the «ostrils, and those lining
bone TK n°S8' Particularly the nasal Portion of the ethmoid occasion membranes are often inflamed to such a degree as to
fteir Zf T^ °f bI°°d' Which l haVe °bserved coagulated on
often fiJ-T i breathi"g ù> short and quick, and the breath is
is fren,r« ^ ^ covered with a dark looking «"eus. There
food XTk lVTWg °f a glary fiuid- The d0g co'^only refuses
Hkeftesio-U f emSinSatiaUe' ^ n°thing S6emS t0 °heer him
the diSPa b i ^at6r' The b°We,S' th0Ugh general,y constipated as menée t06'' "* fre1uent,y affected with diarrhœa at its com- bv m, J ' The 6yeS ^ inflamed> an(1 the sight is often obscured bramTs nTCreïd/rr "* ***** °V ^ °Pa°ity °f the cornea- The
ThT,' n a 3S em'ly as the second <% after the attack. this s ri T"168 StUpid' Md his Seneral ^bits are ehanged. la
fr mhÎh L Prnt1byl°SS °fstre^^ s0metimes\anders ewLsT' ": freqUently end~^ to espel, by forcible -t n^ ^ H?" r°m *" ***" ^ ^ "» -*•**-
tin.es flow ont /T ^ S6"6"1"* SmeOTed wi* fc and it Some- « D T S fr°thy Stat6' fr0m Ms fre^ent champing.
he is dlToÏd etoTfeSS ftHe d'SeaSe'eSpeCmliy in its ad~d ^ages,
» dwposed to farte and gnaw any thing within his reach Hp h
sometimes enilpntJp fit» „ • ■ reacn. tie has «s: :ïrir risuTr;f seKrB'- rs" *•*
of the «]■,«.]„ „ ♦• muscIes- M the dog survive, this affection
of a dSÏt d T TSh Hfe- He is °ften attacked with fite
as l S2 /T °n: he fet "W* th- ombles, rolls, cries he th™ r j Up the ground with his teeth and fore -feet : «P, movP -Tî "r" SS ^ 6XhaUSted- °n rec°™™S he gets
everv rp T \ h°ks PIacid> comes to a whistle, and appears, in this parn ' i bett6r *an before the attack' The eyes> dunnS
mucus' OT^ bnght' and UnleSS Previously rendered dira by *e sockets013^ i°f ^ ^^ S6em aS if they Were starting from
attemptino. to ?, becomes emaciated, and totters from feebleness in this state* he ' °r from a partial paralysis of the hind legs. In then eithêr be!°™et'meS lingers on tiD the third or fourth week> and happens when thT t0 ^^ SigM °f returninS health (which seldom lence), or expires Sy^pt°ms have continued with this degree of vio- rarely, profuse h i. """^ convalescence, he has sometimes, though "WhentheSl gefr°mthen0Se-
dies on the third c°f the lungS ls very severe' he frequently twenty-four hour f^' ' k"eW °nC instance of a dog's dyinS within
s aiter the seizure; and in that short space of time the |
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58
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OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISTEMPER IN DOGS.
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greater portion of the lungs was, from exudation, converted into 8
substance nearly as solid as the liver of a sound animal. In this case, the liver itself was considerably inflamed, and the eyes and flesh universally were tinged yellow, though I did not observe any thing obstructing the biliary ducts. In other instances, I hâve also observed the eyes looking yellow. " The above is a description of the disease in its severest forms ; but
in this, as in the diseases of the human body, there is every gradation in its violence. " There is also another affinity to some human diseases, viz.—that
the animal which has once gone through it, very rarely meets with a second attack. Fortunately, this distemper is not communicable to man. Neither the effluvia from the diseased dog, nor the bite, hâve proved in any instance infectious ; but as it has often been con- founded with canine madness, as I hâve before observed, it is to be wished that it were more generally understood; for those who are bitten by a dog in this state, are sometimes thrown into such pertur- bation, that hydrophobic symptoms hâve actually arisen from the workings of the imagination. Mr. John Hunter used to speak of a case, somewhat of this description, in his lectures.* " Having never, to a certainty, seen a dog with hydrophobia, I am
of course unable to Iay down a positive criterion for distinguishing be- tween that disease and the distemper, in the précise way I could wish : but if the facts hâve been correctly stated, that in hydrophobia the eye of the dog has more than ordinary vivacity in it, and, as the term implies, he refuses to take water, and shudders even at the sight of it; while in the distemper he looks dull and stupid, is always seeking after water, and never satislied with what he drinks ; there can be no loss for a ready discriminating line between the two diseases." * A gentleman who received a severe bite from a dog, soon after fancied the
animal was mad. He felt a horror at the sight of liquids, and was actually con- vulsed on attempting to swallow them. So uncontrollable were his preposses- 6ions, that Mr. Hunter conceived he would hâve died, had not the dog which inflicted the wound, been found, and brought into his room in perfect health. This soon restored his mind to a state of tranquillity. The sight of water no longer affected him, and he quickly recovered. |
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.59
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ON THE LAW RESPECTING HORSES,
Î-HEIR SOUNDNESS, UNS0UNDNESS> WARRANTRr? &c.
jfSlSS^*^** C°bm7nte»es on the Law*
be acquainted with "f' that J* is >**»»** upon every man to c°ncerned." 2nd a, t ^ l6aSt' Wlth WhlCh he is "^ediately keePhimSelfout0f In'6, 6VeryT t0 kn°WenollSh "flawto
*eir structure, disease 1 t", "* ^ kast ac1uainted ™*h
and even grantitthev ' ^ t0 ^s and lawJ^ « the present state of thZ ! Y , **"* PI°^ defined
h the varions unreasonalt ï "^ Which is °learly sh™n
*— by the juTenLisT ïrthat ^ been PUt ■!*»*«•
«.- ^ horses\tLt7ïï:::^retirLord Mansfiew decided
«feed sound, whether warrant soorTot'"^ ""* * ^ C°n"
^rd Chief Justice o the S; fJ^ EI1^ugh, the J
oi-dertoconstituteunsoundnp "gS Bench> held that, in labour under an LuraTe 0 ' "* "*""" ** & ^ sh°uld
-tuai infirn% as i^:ZZTnt diSe3Se; ^ SUCh a d^ee of
fici-t. He heId, tha^ff a t^S *"** "" °f the "*"* is suf" ?* a -arrantry 0f lndnJ°rSe ^{^ a co^ at the time of sale ^ yet » constled uns' ^ C°^ -ight be cured in a few PUrTnr;hfr°m *«**Aenan2.maSmUCh " * ^ *«* *°
tWith 4ardrSohuendieneral rStrUCti°n °f Ae laW at the P^-t Wr
taterw^wer,rdunsoundness: as to what "-% -3
And the beue; t0 reV6rt hereaffer-
readers, vve shalî nli* ^ideasasclear as Possible to our various
lowing order:— " seParate heads, and treat of them in the fol- °f the sale 0f horses
rantry. mtn vvarrantry, and what constitutes a war-
0f the sale of hn»-o„
oi'-«"dnesSa;trthrtwa»-a^-
u^oUndnesS; and what constkutes it_
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60 ESSENCE OF MUSTARD.
On the best précautions to adopt, in buying a horse, to avoid litigation.
Of the best plan to pursue when légal measures are indispensable. General laws respecting horses. Horse-racing, cruelty to horses, gaming, &c. Horse causes are not unfrequent in our courts of justice, and
having paid much attention to the subject, we hâve often had to wit- ness and lament the want of knowledge of the leading points of horse law on the part of counsel and judges ; and though the jury, properly speaking, may be said to give the avvard, they are but too often, from being also ignorant of the principles, biassed by judges and coun- sel, and thus frequently give their verdict to the undeserving and uninjured party. It is frequently the case, when a horse-dealer hap- pens to be concerned, that a verdict is given against him from a pré- judice which exists towards this class of men, who, we believe, are on many occasions to be credited in their dealings, for they hâve a pro- fessional character to support, whilst private gentlemen, as temporary dealers, hâve none ; who sell horses which do not suit them, and leave purchasers to find out their faults by expérience. |
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ESSENCE OF MUSTARD.
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As this composition is sometimes used about horses for raising a
speedy blister, we hâve given the best mode of preparing it. Mustard seed (fresh and good) bruised, 4 oz.
Oil of turpentine, one pint and a quarter : digest them togcther for ten
or twelve days, often shaking them up ; then strain for use. If it should be désirable to hâve this essence coloured, a small portion
of alkanet root can be added to it. This essence, diluted with olive oil, in the proportion of one-half,
third, or fifth, will speedily blister, and much better than if made with the common flour of mustard, which is very frequently adulterated with wheat flour. This mixture may be rendered still more active, by the addition of
solution of ammonia, in the proportion of one part to three or four of the above oil and essence ; particularly if the strong solution of ammonia made by Howard & Co. be used ; which being much stronger than any other, is not only more certain in its effect, but a smaller portion also will answer the purpose. . In using this liniment, it is to be vvell rubbed into the part, after re-
moving the hairs by cutting close to the skin. |
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*r
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(il
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ÎNSTRUCTION AT THE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist
Sir; rinfrv YoZ JOUTnal C°ntainS much matter aPPertaining to the Vete-
Veterin 7: Send y°U ^ anneXed paper °n the subjectif
v elennary Instruction. the V C°leman receives with each pupil who enters atwhat is called
Pear, tT"^ C0"ege' the SUm °f ^'^ SU'neas' Now> th« op-
be, and really is, a very large fee ; but then, we are told that lelryment °f ? entitl6S tte PUPiï t0 attend' gratuitously, varions
braneT T^ \ ^ °f *e disti«S^ed teachers in différent a"ratuill hTr MediCme and SU^ *-****** <* paying for and t h ' h6ran °dd m°de' Md Serves further ^nsideration;- the CÏ ' We,are.t0W' k entite *» PUP" to ail the advantages of Sn°: m regard t0 treatlng diS6aSeS- This,however 1Sno
le",l;s M;h C°leman; the Practice " Fovided from the horses of
d«a y a"'d J° ** '-ry priée for the keep of each horse indwi-
salarie to M ï^~,1 ?* establishment> together w.th ample
fund so «r rnfr s assistant'are paid ^ ** &**&
of hesef Pe °f eXpmeS; and last year **«•
i r P^ i. ™- hundred and tw° ^ ^d
^mnÏÏ!]?168! FaCtiCe' aS 'Û 1S Called' means any*ing, it cer-
its IZ 1 ' deSCripti0U °f each disease> »« P-bablf cause, wWch en 7' ,rmedleS USUa,'y e">Ployed, and the intention with Mr. Col ° W ^ <' and sure'y these détails should be given by immedialT' °r COmPetent Pers°ns at his expense, and under his that M,. dlrectlon and s«Perintendence. But what is the fact ? Why, Assistant an7n'' Wh° * CaI'ed by Mr C°leman the Professor's
and whose Wn^m°nstrator> but who calls himself Assistant Professer, acquired within°th PraCtlCal Knowledge is bounded by what he has the théâtre 0f th 1T aJls .°f ** building at St. Paneras, now gives, in such of the pupife ,lIdlng' what he ca,ls Lectures, and from which I will not hère °.not pay a further fee to him, are excluded. feut I mean to ffimqUire lnto *e value of the matter of these lectures,
f°r the promulo-atmta'n' that the PrinciPle of demanding a second fee return for the af T °f *at knowIedSe wluch ought to be imparted in amPle fee paid in the first instance, is decidedly wrong : |
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62 ON DIURETIC MEDICINES FOR IIORSES.
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that such pareelling out of instruction, and augmentation of fées, is,
in point of fact, a breach of good faith. That the fées so improperly received should be returned ; and unless more extended instruction is afforded to the pupil, so far from increasing expense, the amount of fee received by Mr. Coleman ought rather to be diminished. Frederick C. Cherry.
Clapham, January, 1828.
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ON DIURETIC MEDICINES FOR IIORSES.
Having treated at large on the subject of aloes in our last number,
as being the purgative most usually employed in veterinary practice, we consider it inexpedient, at the présent time, to proceed further with the description of this class of drugs, as the remainder are of minor im- portance, and comparatively but little used. But we propose, at a future period, to give a full description of them, and show how far they may be practically useful. We shall now enter on the considération of the next most useful
class, viz. Diuretics, so called from their action on the kidneys, by increasing the quantity of urine. There are numerous drugs which hâve this effect ; and as they can
almost always be resorted to with little danger of doing mischief, and certainty of opération, so they will be found of great use in many dérangements of the System, and, in some diseases, of first rate importance. The drugs which are most commonly employed for this purpose, are
resin, nitre, turpentine, the vegetable alkalies, and the différent soaps, with many others, less to be depended upon, and more dangerous in theireffects. We shall now proceed to give directions for the best manner of administering thèse remédies, whether separately or con- jointly, as well as to point out the disorders in which they are most bénéficiai. In most inflammatory disorders, diuretics will be found highly useful,
after the more active treatment of bleeding, &c. lias been resorted to ; and, in some very slight cases, they may occasionally be trusted to alone, when, by increasing the urinary sécrétions, the System is re- lieved. In that fréquent and troublesome disease, grease, diuretics are pre-
eminently valuable; and when properly administered and assisted by appropriate external applications, they seldom fail to effect a cure. The drugs just mentioned, combined in proper proportions, are more
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ON DIURETIC MEDICÏNE8 F0R H0RSEg. 63
effectuai thaw ;e ■
manaeeai, ^ S^^J 5 and aS they are of a peculiarly
«"xedl wÎlT ' may be admi™tered in balls, drinks, or as powders,
subjoin. "laSheS °r C°m; afeW selectfwmsforwhich we now xr „ Diuretic Bail (strong).
Yellow resin.
?** (nitrate of Potassa), in powder, each half an ounoe
'-ommon turpentine.
Common yellow soap> each two drachms
too soft "Per't6n °r tWenty drops : form int0 a bal1 J if found to be
canbe iéfaï* ^""^ ** liquorice-root Powder' or hnseed meal, as^quired1 *"* ^ ^ ^^ °ther day' °r °n°e °r twke a"Week'
Diuretic Bail (mild).
Yellow resin, half an ounce. Nrtre, three drachms to half an ounce, both in powder. v „ . Diuretic Powder.
V ellow resin.
Nitre, each half an ounce; niix
This powder may be given every day in bran masl,
Diuretic Drink (strong).
Common turpentine, half an ounce to six drachms. JjHmnon yellow soap, two to three drachms. in a mort JTer' îf a drachm t0 a drachm : rub these wel1 toSether
two or/""' , , solution of subcarbonate of potash (oil of tartar), of warm ree , ms ; nitre> half an ounce ; and then, gradually, a pint wa"»grueIorwater, for a drink. ç.la . Diuretic Drink (mÙd).
Nitre XaU^ ^Sulphate of soda), four to twelve ounces.
Wa™grueU°UnCet00ne0UnCe-
Active and Z2T' T ^ ' ^^ f°r & ***>
tion of the kidn '"^ tlcs WI" be nig% improper in inflamma- such cases bladder, and ought ne ver to be resorted to in Tli
°Peration a 1 ** ^ USed as diuretics' though uncertain in their
' ' " S0IIle that are very dangerous ; but these will be alluded |
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64 REPRODUCTION' OF' DOMESTIC AXIMALS.
to hereafter : of tlie tiret description are some of the neutral salts, créai)'
W tartar (supertartrate of potash), and squills ; of the latter are cor- rosive sublimate (oxymuriate of mercury), fox-glove, or digitalis, and tobacco. Oil of Juniper, in its pure state, is a very good diuretic, but the high price, when genuine, prevents it being much used ; the article mostly sold for the genuine one, is oil of turpentine, with a small por- tion of the true oil mixed with it. Resin, when purchased in powder, is very commonly mixed with
whiting or chalk, and, although a cheap drug, cannot always be depended upon ; this addition is made for the purpose of preventing its caking together, and the practitioner will therefore, always do well to powder his own resin. Colchicum root is also a diuretic, and a useful medicine in some
diseases, but great care is required in drying it, &c., as well as the period of the year at which it ought to be dug up ; from neglect of thèse circumstances, much uncertainty and discrédit hâve been attached to this drug : we therefore propose to treat at large on it, and its effects on animais, in a future number. |
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EXPERIMENTS ON THE RE-PRODTJCTION OF
DOMESTIC ' ANIMALS. BY MR. CH. GIROX DE BUZAREURGUES,
Correspmuling Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences. The experiments alluded to, and of which a brief notice was read
to the Academy on the 2d April, 1827, had, for their object, to déter- mine the means by which, in sheep, the number of maie or female lambs could be diminished or increased, according to the wishes of the proprietor of the flock. The experiment is stated by its author in this manner : To divide a
Jlock of ewes into two equal parts, and to cause to be produced, by one half of the flock so divided, a greater number of maies or of females than in the other, according to the choice of the proprietors. This ob- ject seems to hâve been eiFected, in the présent instance, by a sélection of the ram or maie ; for it would appear, that if the maie be very young, there will be produced more females than maies, and vice versa; that is, in order to obtain a greater proportion of maie lambs to the females, the ram must be four or five years of âge.—Annal, des Se. Nat. |
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ANATOMY OF THE DOMESTIC CAT.
To the Editer of the Farkier and Natcralist SlR. ;
tesC fi"06 fC°mParativeAnatomy being so beautiful and inte-
contaSino- aV6f mdUCed t0 tranSmit the aco™panyi„g paper, ^oteTSh fl, ?at°miCal fa°te (unn0ti°ed by auth-) •»'
not be Z L!• J of the domestic cat' which' perhaPs' fflay
«onaLT" 6 g t0 y°Ur readeiS- Th6Se obse™tions I sha!l occa-
be induclTln ^ " *"* °CCUr; ^ *"* ^ Sentiemen wi"
*ey mal! ° 7 ^ eXample' and inform us of thepeculiarîties AlSwt "" S" animal diffCTS fr°m the standarf of *e
valuafejou^ MA" Sh°Uld *» deera «£ -rth a place in your I remain, Sir, yours, obediently,
**> Sidmoutk Street, Gray's !nn Lune, ^ - DeWHDRST-
January 20, 1828.
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UNNOTICED FACTS CONNECTED WITH m ,v
THE DOMESTIC CAT^ ^ATff*? °F
*e TanlC!ymoVS'!î ^ *P"\* *" a ffii™te d-npt,on of
fects; and at the sL ' Tbf ***** to ^ice a few anatomical t0 -dehghtfuU II lT ^ t0 Cal1 ^ attenti0n °f *e student
PdH by the propÎ; tK vt0 re^ that-ery student isnot com- tomyofthe
domestic a ' T' ^ ^° deV°te a snort period to the ana^
tunately harm™, t u ' aUd m°re esPecially when there unfor-
fUrther Préface I £ ,' * """^ °f human s"h^ WiAout any
BoNEs *' * shaI1 commence with the J S' ftn °^ousP;rofarity eXiStS ^ the P^tal bonesofthis animal,
hlrd °f an i^ 0n * bernai surface, extending about one- fr0m the opposite bo T'* °f the Cranium; thi«? with the process portions, viz. the 1^ des the cerebral cavity mto two distinct lesseror posterior, the "" T anterior' containing the cerebrum ; the and answering all'the ^ Uffl- This sePtum being analogous to, have named it the /Urp°Ses of> the tentorium ofthe human subject, ï ethlnoidale is verv K "*!?* Process of the pariétal bone. The os J beautiful, the cells being horizontal. |
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66 THE ANATOMY OF THE DOMESTIC CAT.
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In the internai condyle of the os brachii, is the foramen generafly
found in carnivorous animais, for the passage of the brachial artery. The Sternum is generally composed of five or six pièces, uniteo
together by cartilage. I only once saw the xyphoid cartilage ossified- The Ribs are thirteen pairs.
The Caudal Vertébrée, or Tail, are twenty-three in number-
This animal has no uvula. The Aorta. A curious déviation from the human subject is fourni
in this animal ; only two arteries arise from the transverse arch, which is short, and assumes a conical appearance. The same is to be notice» in the dog and rabbit. The largest, or arteria innominata trifurcates,, gives off the right subclavian and two carotid arteries, while the left subclavian arises separately.* The Pericardium. This membrane is perfectly transparent.
The Liver. This organ is composed of five lobes—three on the
right side, two on the left ; and the lobulus spigelii. The Gall Bladder exhibits the usual appearance; the ductus
communis choledochus is very tortuous, and can be seen terminating in the duodénum. The Kidneys. There are no supra-renal glands attached to thèse
organs. The rénal veins ramify on the surface, on most animais of this class. The kidneys are not enveloped. There is no appendix vermiformis cœci.f
The Colon is very short: there is no transverse arch.
* The variations in the origin of thèse arteries, and also in their course, are
more common, I believe, than many surgeons are aware, and who ought to be prepared to meet such, before they attempt any important opération. In my muséum, I hâve a spécimen from the cat, iltustrating the above remark : also two from the human subject;—onewith four arising from the transverse arch, the left vertébral being the fourth ; the other, which I believe to be unique, was presented me by an eminent anatomist. There are five arteries: viz.—the right subclavian, right and left carotids, left vertébral, and left subclavian. I once saw a préparation, with only one artery arising from the arch, which gave off the usual number. t This appendix is found in man and in the ourang-outang, but in no otber
animal. |
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67
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AN ESSAY ON ANCIENT HORSE-SHOEING.
BY JOHN BECKMANN,
ubhc Prof essor of Eeormmy in the University of Gottingen. (Translatée! from the German.) and\?ltPTdbyTnteStabIeeVidenCe'that thG an—tGreeks
'"j4 thetnf ;r' % meanS °f S°me ««** t0 **•*«■ cquaL o + °! 61r h°rSeS' and °ther animaIs of burden: but it is vent, ,am' that°Ur USUal Sh0es' which are ™kd on, were m- wetprut ,WC ^ t0,d ^ Arist0tle and What 11
rather socks or Jes 0 1 "^ " ** glV6n t0 the sh°eS> OT
ox-leather wT \ , .T0" pe°ple'which were mad« of strong
any u t thev wr T fY -H** *"*** °™> had su«
hompSd wovl rtd W1* Sh06S made 0f some P^t of the of ^rÂZïZ? 1^eÛ:\ TheSe' ^ed,were onlya sort mules, whelf in?' geÀ ^ ^ &**> in P^or, to ^an^rr^
handeddowntousbvRomnr, , of ™derate extravagance
shoes to be ma e vt f™ ^ J* ^ «f rank causedfee
was dravvn always ^ w^ ^ he f ert°* ^rt journeys, wife, PoPP,a, had sLes o 1 d tI^T **?; "nd th°Se °f his
however is not s„ffi • ! . , 6 mformatlra of thèse authors, --e^de . b t f " "^ * t0 C°"Jectoe how thèse shoes^
thi*kthat the ulrm ! Lt^ °f Di° Cassi^ we hâve reason to
tf'atthevv! I P ^ Wasformed of those noble metals ; or Arrhn "' F, PS' Plait6d °Ut °f thin sliPs-
of an ass * y ?* theSe Soîes or sh°es among the riding-furniture CUstomed' wl T rdateS that C6rtain Pe°Ple of Asia were ac-
the feet Jf ^ , SI10W % deeP on the ground, to draw socks over to the bellieseJ treS'aS they would otherwise, he adds, hâve sunk up among the sriow c* ^°W' I cannot "omprehend how their sinking am inclined ratherto b iby ^ means> have been prevented; and I m order to save th 6'that their feet were covered'nthat manner Parts, such as K T ^ be'"g wounded' The Russians, in some
the dogs which d amtS°Ilatka' emPloy the same method in regard to are furnished ^V^ SMgeS' °T ^^ Seals °n the icc- They
areso ingenioul! , 'which are bound ro™d their feet, and which s y made, that their olaws project through small holes. |
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68 ON ANCIENT IIORSE-SHOEING.
The shoes of the Roman cattle must hâve been very ill fastened, as
they were so readily Iost in sliff clay ; and it appears that they were not used during a whole journey, but were put on either in miry places, or at times when pomp, or the safety of the cattle, required it : for we are informed by Suetonius, that the coachman of Vespasian once stopped on the road to put on the shoes of his mules. The reason why mention of thèse shoes on horses occurs so seldom,
undoubtedly is, because, at the time when the before-quoted authors wrote, mules and asses were more employed than horses, as has been already remarked by Scheffer and others. Artemidorus speaks of a shod horse, and makes use of the same expressions employed in regard to other cattle. Winkelmann has described a eut stonje in the collec- tion of Baron Stosch, on which is represented the figure of a man hold- ing up one foot of a horse, while an other, kneeling, is employed in fasten- ing on a shoe. Thèse are ail the proofs of herses being shod among the ancients with which I am acquainted. That they were never shod in war, or, at any rate, that thèse socks were not sufficient to défend the hoof from injury, seems évident from the testimony of various authors. When Mithridates was besieging Cyzicus, he was obliged to send his cavalry to Bithynia, because the hoofs of the horses were en- tirely spoiled and worn out. In the Latin translation, it is added, that this was occasioned by the horses not having shoes ; but there are no such words in the original, which seems rather to afFord a strong proof that, in the army of Mithridates, there was nothing of the kind. The case seems to hâve been the same in the army of Alexander ; for we are toïd by Diodorus Siculus, that, with uninterrupted marching, the hoofs of his horses were totally broken and destroyed. An instance of the kind is to be found in Cinnamus, where the cavalry were obliged to be left behind, as they had suffered considerably in the hoofs ; an evil, says the historian, to which horses are often liable. From what has been said, I think I may venture to draw this con-
clusion, that the ancient Greek and Roman cavalry had not always, or in common, a covering for the hoofs of their horses, and that they were not acquainted with shoes like those used at présent, which are nailed on. In the remains of ancient sculpture, among the ruins of Persepo- lis, on Trajan's pillar, those of Antonius, Marcus Aurelius, and many others, no représentation of them is to be found; and one can never suppose that the artists designedly omitted them, as they hâve imitated. with the utmost minuteness, the shoes of the soldiers, and the nails which fasten on the iron that surrounds the wheels of carriages. The objection, that the artists hâve not represented the shoes then in use, |
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ON ANCIENT IIORSE-SHOEïNG. 69
and that f *i
ours thn,, T Same reaS°n' they might have omitted shoes such as
very SPld T™"' " °f no weiSht; for the forcer were used only
C rmi V WCTe n0t gîVen t0 eVery h°rSe : ahd w»en they ^ere
Which wT^ ?f and made fast' they had a" awkw"d appearance,
•noderns VT ^ *' ^ with ir°n Sh°es like those of the
Palace »t n bass°-rellevo>jt is trae» may still be. «en in the Mattei
and whl V? W,hich ^ rePresented a l™ting-match of Gallienus,
From th S6S haS a real iron sh0e 0n one of Ms feet.
the s Clrcumstance, Fabretti infers that the use of horse-shoes is of
marTTtrtlqUity aS that pieCe °f sculPture 5 but Winkelmann has re-
modern' f* ^ !" ** an°ient' and that [t has been added h a
-nJtrs:„:r^proofedrawnfr°ma» ^ n°tbeingm-
that they mav bel the anclents> are of nogreati rt and
^Î-Ï rry ïng ^ relates to horse-furmture and riding-
■* eou,d ni Ïblha01"8 VT ^ h-b-*7-d ^ -terinafy rearing of the e anima 7 T T^"^ °fthe ^edingand
arises from horses bei„/ SS ! „ ^ aCC°Unt °f the d-ger which
t0 which they are 2 rt* l ' ^^ °f &U th°Se disorders
^SS^^^^toft,™,.; and is it in
entireiy for„ott I " part of their employment should hâve been
the nature an 1 , V egetlus and the rest of the ancients who studied
Very «VesT T f °f Cattk ? They indeed sPeak seldom> and n°*
^ondered at as J an°lent shoes Put on horses; but this >» not to be Save riset0uoaS J had little occasi°n to mention them, because they have ^«ommended .f'" "^^ Whefe they C°uld be of n°ntility, they
not ften common ™ ; whi°h plainly shows that the use of them was Lucian, who Was' u "? remarks very properly, that Sycinus, in many dangers to wWe}CTainted With " ' Whe" enumerating the
back, speaks only 0n ' mignt be exPosed h mounting on horse- Waking any mention f ^ng.trod under the feet of the cavalry, without T° be sensible, hov "^ t0 be aPPrenended from iron shoes. read the whole 'pasWeVer' °f the fuH f°rC6 °f this arSument' one must
âge. Many of the ancient historians, also, when |
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70 ON ANCIENT HORSE-SHOEING.
they speak of armies, give an account of ail those persons who were most
neoessary in them, and of the duties which they performed ; but farriers are not even mentioned. When it was necessary for the horses to hâve shoes, each rider put them upon his own ; no person, in particular, were requisite for that service : but had shoes, such as those of the modems, been then in use, the assistance of farriers would hâve been indispen- sable. As our horse-shoes were unknown to the ancients, they employed the
utmost care to procure horses with strong hoofs ;* and, for the same reason, they tried every method possible to harden the hoofs, and to ren- der them more durable. Precepts for this purpose may be found in Xenophon, Vegetius, and other authors. It, indeed, appears wonder- ful to us, that the use of iron shoes should hâve remained so long un- known ; but it was certainly a bold attempt to nail a pièce of iron, for the first time, under the foot of a horse ; and I firmly believe that there are many persons at présent, who, had they never seen such a thing, would doubt the possibility of it if they heard it mentioned. Horse- shoes, however, are not absolutely necessary ; horses, in many countries, are scarce, and, in some, they are not shod even at présent. This is still the case in Ethiopia, in Japan, and in Tartary. In Japan, shoes, such as those of the ancients, are used. Iron shoes are less necessary in places where the ground is soft and free from stones ; and it appears to me very probable, that the practice of shoeing became more common as the paving of streets was increased. There were paved highways, in- deed, at a very early period, but they were a long time scarce, and were only to be found in opulent countries. But when roads covered with gravel were almost everywhere constructed, the hoofs of the horses would hâve soon been destroyed without iron shoes ; and the pre- servatives before employed would hâve been of very little service. ( To. be ccmtiwued.) ' Tbe prophet Isaiah, chap. v. ver. 28, to make the enemy appear more ter-
rible, says, " The hoofs of their horses shall be counted like flint ;" and Jere- miah, chap. xlvii. ver. 3, speaks of the " noise of the stamping of the hoofs of the strong horses ;" and Ezekiel also says, chap. xxvi. ver. 11, " With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down ail thy streets." And in Judges, chap. v. ver. 22, we find the following allusion—" Then were the horses' hoofs broken by the means of the prancings, the prancings of their mighty ones." |
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71
|
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ANIMAL PHRENOLOGY.*
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E&planation of the Plate.
PhUoprogenltlveness, or Love of Offspring. (No. 2) Fig. S. Dm/ 1Ve"ess' courage in animais, large, and/ull. (No. 5) Figs. 1, 3. Bene;T rdefiCi6nt- <N°-6> F*gs-», <■ <No. l3V)°RgCs6 ï g™' meekness' or S°od temPe>-, « animais, large and full. Déficient inmeekness, bad tempered, or vicions. (No. 13) Figs. 2, 4.
miÎY0Ctune °f *e Spe0ial manifestetions or indications ' of the
OrLZuT "^ ^^ * Dr- ******* -to two
*«. wh,ch are agam subdivided into Gênera, as follows:- Order I.~Fee]ingS, or Affective FaoultieS5 contain g ^^
Genus I—Propensities.
Thèse are common both to rnan and animais. 1- Amativeness.
2. Philoprogenitiveness. / 3. Inhabitiveness. 4. Adhesiveness. 5 Combativeness. 6- Destructiveness. 7. Secretiveness. 8- Acquisitiveness.
9- Constructiveness.
mi. »• Amativeness.
Anis organ wiU
maies than females ^ be found much larger' in ProPortion, m
',particularly among animais; the seat of this organ
Dr- Spurzheim's verV°w0n tbe SC'ence °f phrenology, we refer our readers to
^•nbered, Win be JL works- A plaster cast, with the marked organs, or be celebrated E™ pensabIe' as well as animal skuUs. A cast of the head of PSE may now N obtained of Mr. Deville, 38T, Strand. |
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72 ON ANIMAI, PHRENOLOC4V.
is the cerebellum. Those who wish to distinguish the peculiar develope'
ments of the cerebellum in various animais, by the shape and size of the neck, should be acquainted with the ordinary forms of the cere- bellum in mammiferous animais and birds in gênerai. The cerebellum of birds is single, and resembles the vermiform process of the cere- bella of quadrupeds, which présent latéral parts in addition to the vermiform process. The bull and ox will furnish us with an example of the différence be-
tween thèse organs ; in the former it will be found large, and in the latter small, in conséquence of castration ; the organ, not being excited, becomes either stationary or diminishes : the latter may be observed in old bulls after castration, when the cerebellum becomes Iess, and the bull takes much more the appearance of an ox than he had before. 2. Phiïoprogemtiveness—Love of Offspring.
This organ will often be found large in animais : particularly the mare, which is well known to be much attached to lier coït, has the organ large, see No. (2),fg. 3 ; and this enlargement will often enable those who are well acquainted with the part, to distinguish a mare from a horse, withoutanyother différence. This organ is very large in monkeys, who, it has been observed, hâve a strong attachment to their progeny. 3. Inhabitiveness.
Some animais are partial to high situations, and dwell principally on mountains and rocks ; and in ail those wre find the organ large : the chamois, wild goat, &c. will furnish us with examples. Other animais prefer low places or plains ; this we see in deer, hares, rats, &c. : thus, one species of rats live in canals, cellars, and such like places ; another gets into the upper part of buildings, high lofts, &c. Some, again, seek the water from their first existence, as the turtle and duck. Amongst birds we also find some species hover in the upper régions, and others, though equally good flyers, keep principally near the ground : some build their nests at the tops of trees, some on the ground. The domestic cat affords us an instance of inhabitiveness ; seldom going far from the house or its dwelling, and having a large manifestation of this organ. 4. Adhesiveness, or Attachment.
This organ we find in some animais very largely developed, more
particularly in the dog ; numerous proofs of which are daily before us-
The fox, also, gives us a strong instance of this faculty, he being at-
, tached to his mate for liie. Some birds, also, afford good examples of
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ON ANIMAL PIIHENOLOGY. 73
pairs *e.magpie' W' P'ge°n, and dove. Thèse always continue in
' M, on «animation, wiU be found to hâve thèse organs large. 5. Combaiiveness—Courage in Animais.
in ma~n * *propen8i1y differing in its degrees>in animais as well as ins- PTO ammals are "ever known t0 fight' while °thers are seek-
known? "PPortunily to engage, and appear fond 0f it. Rabbits are
more nle/T, I* ^ <™rageouS than hares ; and some dogs are
tunit t rt n otl)ers' and are constantly watching an oppor- ]y o attack, whileothers again invariably run away.
Verv?rage0US animals have the head behind> and between the ears,
ve>y large. (See No. (5)jigs. 2, 3.)
vvhethetehh0rS\thiS 7? ^ f0UDd a SUre Criterl0n ^ Which to J'udge
iXs îh y ^ Îarfu1' M b0W' detomined> and P—ering. * and figS. he Same thmg " t0 be ob—d> ^ referring to the plate and'Srf ^ î° fi1 ^ Same appearance; and ^Jockeys,
^ZiZi f'flgTs>hTheretoforebeenaci—d-ththi
P'-eno St 1.^ ?" ICmg,the largeneSS °f *e Parts i ** * -s the
i «ugist thdt laid down the prmciple. «ssï^isr" r?erbivorous ■*■* - **»**
earnivorous tim^lIT6' $? »? be Seen % Pla<% *- akoll of
theexternal eT ^^"t^' and traci°g vertical line through Wain w t6"' T meatUS audit0nUS; When a g-at portion of the -el a be r'f , '"f ^ *" P"*» °f ^ be in that reg"»> as
The bon J °Ver the ear-
show the0"' Îf^ W°lf' °at' P°le-cat» fox> and weasel, &c. will readily
eontrast, when compared with the deer, sheep, hare, rabbit, &c. This 'J™reiivenes*-propensity to Conceal, or Cunning.
just above^the^I ^ den°minated slyness in animais. It is situated in some animal^311 °f destructiveness> and is found large and active The fox is very car f 1
nis bone ; and the ^ t0 be observed; the dog frequently hides
- cat, when vvatcning the mousej ,joes not stir a jimb_
This ' CqmSltWeness~d propensiiy to Covet or Acquire.
«ariety onnst^ mUCh m°re a°tive ™ man than in animals; but a
i anees are well known, and clearly prove that animals |
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74-
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ON ANIMAL
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PHKENOLOGY.
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also possess it. Magpies and ravens carry away and hide things,
which they cannot eat or make use of. Certain dogs prefer bad méat which they steal, to good méat given to them. Herds of animais, for instance the chamois, are known to occupy one district, and drive away ail others who may attempt to ençroach on them ; thereby showing a possession. Some again lay up stores, as the squirrel, &c. 9. Constructiveness—The Organ of Construction.
This is a very powerful and active organ in man, and also in some
animais ; and in the skulls of the beaver, marmot, and field-mouse, we find a striking différence in this part, when compared with those animais which do not build or construct. Likewise we see a différence, in the same part, between the rabbit which burrows, and the hare that does not. It is by the activity of this organ, that the bird builds its nest, the
beaver his hut, and the rabbit makes his burrow. |
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Genus II.—Sentiments.
Thèse sentiments are common to man, and partly to animais. 10. Self-Esteem.
11. Love of Approbation.
12. Cautiousness.
13. Benevolence (in animais, meekness.)
14. Vénération.
15. Firmness.
16. Conscientiousness.
17. Hope.
18. Marvellousness.
19. Ideality.
20. Gaiety, or Mirthfulness.
21. Imitation.
10. Self-Esteem, or Pride.
This organ, extremely active in man, and commonly called pride,
is also found in some animais, and is often to be noticed in the horse. An anecdote of a horse is related, that belonged to Bonaparte, who would show considérable marks of pride and pleasure, when he was earrying the emperor, that were not to be observed when his groom, |
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ON ANIMAL PHRENOLOGY. • 75
S^ltr^Tr1"8011' r°de him- 0th6r animals' SOmetime^ 8h0W
Ï- i ne peacock, and turkey-cock, are examples.
11. Love of Approbation. *e oTrT"1?S are 6Vidently Sensible t0 caresses and Aattery ; and, on
The hor A SOme °therS apPear total'y destitute of this sentiment.
be ffratifipHI T\ ^ mA "^ °ther anim&ls' are Wel1 known to
obsL d l!' PleaSed' When noticed in a kind *" We hâve
eoachmanT 1°™*** as ™ch Ple**d with °" notice, as the
manner of T J praisi"g the aPPearance of ^ horses, orhis
ot managing or driving them.
12. Cautiousness.
&cC- IS "^n !^ timid a*d circumspeet, as the deer tribe,
danger TM.™ /"""* of PlacinS s<mtinels to warn them of their We, and121 tT b ^ Cham°iS' alS° ^ CmneS' Star,in^
tuai combirl v Precautl°n «annot be the resuit of intellec- ^t^^™00"^in allProbaMi^ fey ^
partTlttÏÏ S6ek their/°°d by "^ haW the uPPer a»d itérai
aboutduringtheday° "°^ "^ deVel°Ped' than th°Se which S0 Bats hâve the head large posteriorly. 13. Benevolence in Man-Meekness in Animais.
-*pann7diLTt 5 * ^ * **■** t0 ™ls> ^ *>
8?ffle kind, Z■ T ' °r dlfferent "«^duals of the same species. ^ ofers ar SS " "^ »** « the d-r, sheep^e.;
d°gs,&c.aremeeka./rif mischievo^: some horses, cows, are vieiou» ^a r, T tamiIiar ; and some individuals of the same kind
Inth '&c" their di^oÏÏ!nent,tribeS °f m0nke>"s' we find this organ ™*y™g, and
Thego^^^^ording. g' head> vvhioh ceompered and œild animal will hâve that part of the fore-
aniProminen™e^°*ds t0 the °r^an of benevolence in man, elevated hâve a dépression oh T ^ COntrary' the vicious or iU-tempered will so will thetemDer«°f i° &nd as these are more or less developed, V «the animaisvary. (See No. (13)/^. 1,2,3,4.)
( To le continuée.)
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70
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ON THE SCAB, OR SHAB;
A DISEASE FREQUENT AMOXG SHEEP.
Tins is a disease of the skin, to which sheep are Iiable ; the signs
of its approach usually to be observed are, that the animal does not
feed, is very restless and impatient, rubbing itself against rails, gâtes,
banks, stones, or any thing it can get near ; and in some instances they
tear offthewool with their teeth. On parting the wool, the skin is seen
to hâve a red, fretted appearanoe, emitting a peculiar ichor, which
afterwards hardens into a scurf, or small scabs : the wool likewise
becomes foui, and falls off prematurely ; the animal ceases to grow, or
loses flesh, pines away, and, if not cured, at length sinks under the
continuai irritation occasioned by this disease. As in ail the complaints
of this nature, considérable différence of opinion exists as to its cause
and nature. Some authors contend that it is produced by a gênerai
cause, operating on the system through the blood, and showing its
effects in the extrême vessels which form the skin; whilst others
attempt to show, that it is occasioned by small animalcules, which enter
the skin, and produce the éruption, conséquent irritation, and itching :
others again contend that it is a disease peculiar to the skin, and pro-
pagated from one animal to another by a contagious fluid, and requires
for its production the actual contact of matter.
In this respect, it appears to be much of the same nature as the
mange in horses and dogs, and it therefore becomes highly proper to remove and separate any of the flock, as soon as they are known to be diseased. There are several remédies used as cures for this troublesome
malady, but the one most usually employed is mercury, in the shape of ointment ; to be applied with the finger, between the wool along the back and down each shoulder. The following is the ointment used and recommended, as being
the most effectuai, by the late Sir Joseph Banks :— Quicksilver, one pound. Venice turpentine, and common olive oil, each half a pound.
Rub the quicksilver and turpentine together in a mortar, till well mixed; then add the oil, and four poands oflard: mix well into an ointment for use. STOMACHS OF ANIMALS.
It is only among mammiferous animais, and of thèse among her-
bivorous ones, that truly ruminating species occur—viz. those which first imperfectly chew and swallow their food, and subsequently return it through the œsophagus, in small quantities at a time, to the mouth, |
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ON HUMAN1TY TO HORSE3. 77
FÏÏ^eth0n)Hshly masticated, and then swallowed a second time.
teetl,- th T """"Mtang animais hâve a peculiar disposition of the r°ws 'andT teeth are intersected by serrati> form transverse fur- so that i tT Cr°WnS ai'e DOt Placed horizontally,but incline obliquely; that next tl UPP6r JUW' *** °Uter side "S higheSt' and' in the lower> tine of p„„ m , r,' hen°e they have the lower Jaw sfflall, and admit- the meZ! I' atWaI m0ti°n ; by Which' " " evident t0 the ^,
execuîd tlUSpart °f tlle *W*« funCtWn in Question is machtlvthrUminantS Wh'ch areaIs° cIoven-footedr the fourfold sto-
obiect 'i'*" remarkable Roture and mechanism, contributes to this recei™, > î^' ^ first swallowed, and in a half crude state, i» it is onlvTrtT TmSeJirStSl0mach>as into astore-house, inwhich «essiveï ta!e!le S°fen!d; W * ** Portions of the food are suc- appendacre t„7Pfi J *<™nd stomach, which appears merely an >ntoÏm0 htheTfirtandpTlled a ~dti-th™ugh the gilet ^ved^ctied l ^ PlaC6' ^ f°0d' afto ha™S be» l—
^'^sTJZj^T^ &°™>^ from £ gulletlnto tranSmittedt0bell'm P—S^"^ the two fet ; ,as%, it is themostcios:,yb;c;t ££Sïïln the frh'wMoh a^°aci-
™iform appearance externeht 1°™'^ St°mach has an
Portions byits i„ternal ml,' ^^ * ^ divided into tw°
ous with the eP de L" J 2 i * ^ ^ ^ *** °m^ *** -.bra^fTLlr SUS' ^ that °f fte ** WMl *°
SIR;T° *** jB^°'- °f the Faeeibr ^ Natohaust.
Although 7 ),
or to be « c n° Pretensions to the title of a « knowing one " that a Work°nhir. ^ ,h0rSes/' yet' PernaPS' n0 man reJ°ices more
slderationofD atlenSth appeared, exclusively devoted to the con- a !°nS til»e, a^mestlc Anl>nals, than myself; because I have been, for lamented that no ch^tlVe °bserver of their wrongs and sufferings, and redress, and the tru" ^ °Pen' through which they might meet v°cated and explained ^^^ of man1™^ in their use, be fairly ad- extend the bounds & f v^ although your °hief obJect may be to not «eglectthe fav ° , rinary Science> l sincerely hope you will for anielioratino. th 0PP°rtunity which such a publication affords U,e Pnblic alten geMral C°ndlti°n °f °Ur dumb servants' hJ ™llinS
°n to the unheeded loss which they sustain, throiHi |
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78 ON HUMANIT? TO HORSES.
the présent System of abusive treatment which prevails in the stable
and on the road, which, in particularly flagrant instances, has ofteu brought down the partial censure of humane writers, but never, as 3 System, met that full exposure and réprobation that it loudly calls for. What must be the first reflection of a feeling mind, on reading that
interesting article in your last number, entitled—" Proof of the natural Age of the Horse," in which it is coolly stated that this may be from thirty to forty years, but " that the abuse and unnatural treatment he expériences, shorten that period generally one-half, and frequently two- thirds?" Is this an act to be lightly passed over? Is not the reflection appalling ? and does it not proclaim more intelligibly than a thousand words of reasoning, the amount of the wrongs, and the extent of that misery which can cause such a resuit, of which, I dare to say, that thousands of those who profess to love horses are wholly unaware ? Are we to understand, Mr. Editor, that you hâve no plan to ofFer— no measures to propose, which will prevent the continuance of such an abominable evil, or lessen this enormous waste of animal life ? at least, let us hope that the simple knowledge of the fact will awaken the attention and sympathy, as well as the interests, of those who are best capable of providing a remedy; they may palliate, if they cannot remove, the causes which lead to such a shameful breach of humanity. At présent, men are far from viewing this subject in a clear or proper light ; if they did, where would be the necessity of Martin's Act, to enforce the duty of humanity ? or why does that Act call forth dérision, instead of public support ? It is to be regretted indeed, and perhaps it is wrong, that laws should be had recourse to for such a purpose ; for to punish crimes as well as creeds, is only to perpetuate them. I would rather see kind usage of brutes resuit from well directed efforts to redress their injuries, and the influence of a better spirit than the terror of offending against the laws ; and to raise and foster this generous feeling—to make the owners of horses see their advantage consists in kinder measures—will, I trust, be a leading object of your Journal,—an object which will render it respected and useful, and open a wide field of interesting matters to a numerous class of readers likemyself, who delight in anything which proposes to promote the comfort and welfare of thèse invaluable créatures. Thus far I am borne out by plain reason ; and without any assump-
tion of jockey knowledge, perhaps I may be permitted to make another gênerai remark or two on a popular error, or rather inadvertance i" judging, which is very common among gentlemen who being often eX- ceedingly précise and careful in the'treatment of their own horses, and |
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ON HUMANITY TO HORSES. 79:
ever anim!,f!!ndSithen8ame' Me inducedto say and believe, that how-
Ser^e, noth nr/ î US6d by the l0W6r daSSes' and in more reniai ProportionT5, um°re Comfortable than *e situation of a large hacknev-co/^T 6tterby f» than many poor people ; as for the
^ateursh^?,f°T' V°°T deViIs ! *"* are USed to * N°w, a sort of
th°^h a IT 7 WJ°rd ^ allowabIe) has made me acquainted, 1116 to traee tÏnT -rdeStrian' *** "^ ^^ **»*«* " vi<*, to the W? ,;, a °arefuI aSsMuity' thr°Ugh each changing «er- WHofhfe TK °ftheknacker- Ihavewatchedthemonthedown- gentle ma'* ? S6en the PranoinS steed sold from the service of his andms0ntr' tmark6d,the SUbS6qUent "Rations in hisfate;"
overCnStïlT,;' ' * "* **»& t0 the °?™°» that a!1 the «on of his f^CX^tr " "tIife' ^ ^ ^ ^^
Pered,well fed nl„ti, a \ young, he is caressed and pam- "«'turity, than frl, ' ^ ^ but no sooner has h* «tteined
croise give?!0™ amen;7 or-"dent, he is disposed of, and gentle ^nCn^ZTT °f/lm0St ^^SlaW : he is -w a
**> -«ces rrenlrI*0 ^^ **** to ^, or to break. A short abject often to hurler cold 27<t ? VI°lenCe and ^aiment,
«ut even the pity 0f he'Wo J ™. */ mch^ * the seasons, with- ftej say, and of little vaC i f ^ be°aUSe he is an °ld h°'^ ^r of horses ; it is erronT . * ** hard fete of the la^ num- * elearly the J^Tf .7^ ** ^ ^ Wdl treated ' for »
and luxury, and then permit hi^oT t0 ^ "P ^ animal » eaS& foyedbythis oruel^™m T ^ Srad-Hy, yet prematurely, de- hackney-Coach , /. , ' * Iook at those misérable objects, the Which we view a ^ a ' ^th & feelin& much like that ™th
!° !abour m his latte?! ^mm> who is obllSed> f™ misfortunes,
° blarne n>anki„d f ÏyS' • ?ey "^ a" S6en bete times> -d b-
de"Sion'andUsedaI , rmitieS'Which are n0W made matter of
T%Wmvfo, P gleSf°rabuse-
render them effectif SymPa%> b"t, Mr. Editer, it is y0U whomust 'etter can rouse your JT1™'' and if the msertion of this rambling
attentively than heretof ° mi°ml readers to c°nsider the subject more be accomplished. We' ever^ PurPose for which it was written will |
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Your obedient Servant
An Observer.
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80
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ON THE USE OF THE CHLORATE OF SODA, AND
CHLORATE OF LIME, As Remédies for Gangrenous Tumors wkich occnr in Horses
and Cattle, and for disinfecting and pur if y in g Stables. BY A. G. LABARRAQUE, A FRENCH CHEMIST.
In the gangrenous tumors which horses and cattle are subject to,
in that disease which in this country is popularly called Distemper, and,' by the cognoscefiti, Epidémie* Disease, but more properly, by the French, named Epizootic Disease, from the Greek words, epi upon, soon an animal,t M. Labarraque strongly recommends the Chlorate of Soda, on the authority of M. Bouley, jun., Veterinarian, whose remarks on the use of this préparation, in the treatment of gangrenous tumors, we hère insert. " Ail veterinary surgeons who hâve used setons in the treatment of
horses with epizootic diseases, must hâve remarked that thèse means were almost always useless, and oftentimes dangerous. I hâve, in particular, observed eight carbunculous tumors, which had been the resuit of their application : hVe of the animais afFeeted died ; the other three were cured. The five first were treated by cauterization, and by the administration of antiseptics ; and the other three by the same means, with the addition of the chlorate of soda of M. Labar- raque." M. Bouley, jun. recommends the chlorate of soda to be applied on
pledgets of tow to the tumors, or by injection. Messrs. Dupuy, Giraud, jun., and Vatel, Professors at " L' Ecole
D'Alfort," and Berger, Veterinarian of the " Garde du Corps," hâve equally provedthe'properties of the chlorate in thèse affections, accord- ing to M. Labarraque ; and he further states, on the authority of Messrs. Boulet/, jun., and Vatel, that this liquid speedily destroys the fœtid odour exhaling from tumors, facilitâtes the séparation of eschares, and appears to be a powerful antiseptic. On the use of the Chlorate of Soda, for disinfecting and
purifyingstables, M. Labarraque gives the following directions :— The chlorate of soda may be of great use for purifying and dis- * A Word not applicable to animais in any sensé whatever, being composée! of
two Greek words—Epi upon, démos the people. f Consequently a very appropriate terra, as being applicable to ail animais. |
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ON THE USE OP THE CHLORATE OF SODA, &C. 81
Ïcktn? UnheTalthy stables> and those whioh hâve been inhabited by
coneont!?, ,t,Sh°Uld be USed in the fol]owinS n»anner:-A bottle of
the m7vt ate °f S°da is t0 be Put int0 a Pail «f clear water, and
iJT^ Stoed : a Str°ng brUsh> M a birCh broom'is to be diPP*d
the wall Chl°ratewater' a»d immediately rubbed, with great force, over done S TgCT' raCk' md generalIy t»™^ the whole stable : this
be IÏa -f ^ Whi°h haTC been brUshed With the chlo^te, are to
thPTf W n Water: las«y, finish the opération by brushing
Parts agam with the chlorate, in the same manner as painters eive
second coat. A stable of forty-feet in length, by twelve in width,
bntti enln ght' reqmreS f°Ur bottles of concentrated chlorate. Each
o tle should be djluted b fen or Uvelvç of soft water^ From or fol^Tses ^ ^ ^ ff * "f?** f°r a Stable °f fee
vvin^ls^fï? 1 fthe Stabk b6ing acc°mPb*ed, the doors and
St h°Uld ^ ^J*», f°r * to dr^ hea% horses may then «S, otLt Wf°Utfear °f be^-f-ted; yet, i„ a le of ■**ïe, 2ht' 7 °Ug ' ^ a Pr°Phy!actic "«ans, to sprinkle the
lowing mSner T0m,ng' withJch'orated wafer, prepared m the fol- four or TrA concentrated bot«e of chlorate is to be mixed in £ ££££ C- a"d * -*- to be well spHn^n venience from ^lù IfT "" "^^ the kast ~ For washmg horses, as is the custom when they are cured and be
^vf er/a^r11 ***** * ™ld b* -H totbltl, a disinfecta™ " r,commended by the same author, as
<*ft^£T7 Wh° may ^ f°r forther inf°rmati0n °n the subJect,
M- Labarraoi?-P!epanng the cWorate> can obtain it by referring to Scott. 4 S treatlse on the subject, or the translation by Mr. N-B- That certain i v
when the air is im simatlons> as well as close and confined places, deny; but many very11?' "^ Pr°dUCe d'SeaSe ™ animaIs> we do not
from one animal to annA™?7 d°Ubt' if ^^ k ever communicated
'nclined to believe th 7 "'^ * denominated infection'i but are
Positively conveved ^ ""^ ** ^ a°tual COntact of matter
stitutinff a tniP Li °m Subject to the 0ÛieT> and thereby C0I>-
S a true contag10Us disease.
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82
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NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PUPPY.
The puppy is an animal often mentioned, often seen, often com-
pkined of, but never yet accurately described. As the word puppy is not to be found in Linnœus, it may be necessary to attempt a défi- nition. Puppy, then, is derived from the French poupée, which means either a whelp, or one of those pasteboard figures, which we see in the shops of fashionable hair-dressers, to exhibit their skill. It originally signified the whelp of a female dog, and at that time was known rather in kennels than in families ; but it is now understood as a spe- cies of human beings, differing from the rest of mankind in this respect, —that in them there is something internai, as well as external, to be looked at orexpected; whereas, with the puppies, ail is outside. When, therefore, we speak ôf the head of a puppy, we are not speaking of that which contains the brain or intellect, but of a round empty knob, which has no other pre-eminence than that of being accidentally placed at the upper extremity of the body. Puppies (from the above dérivation of their name) came from
France : but though puppies were originally the growth of that country, they may be cultivated with success in almost any ; and it is pretty certain, that they hâve been made to thrive with as much success in London, as at Paris. In the account of this animal, I must correct myself, so far as to guard against the term cultivation, which is, strictly speaking, not applicable to them; on the contrary, they never flourish so well as when left to themselves, and kept free of ail cul- tivation : those who hâve attempted cultivation, hâve either failed, or produced an animal of a quite différent species. Cultivation and éducation are almost synonynous ternis, and therefore equally improper in this case. At what time they were imported into this country it is not easy to
say, as they hâve been mentioned by writers for nearly two centuries past ; but it is principally within the last that they hâve become do- mesticated, and that no place has been found entirely free from them. In the metropolis, the best spécimens are to be seen ; and next to that, in the principal cities, and in some towns on the sea coast, such as Brighton, &c. : but in the latter, they are chiefly in the summer; and it is only within thèse thirty years that they hâve frequented those places at ail. |
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NATUKAL HISTORY OF THE PUPPY. 83
and C metr°poliSj notwMistanding, is the chief haunt of the species,
certs n° !T • • PlaC6S ^ free from them* The theatres' °Pera> con-
parti' I ndmg"schooIs' the Parks, and the most frequented streets, them ^ St" James's-Street and Regent-street, often swarm with was a long 'time supposed that they were of the monkey kind ;
respect to chattering, tîiey certainly resemble that animal. Their
nguage is pronounced with the same kind of confused noise, and
nat they say is equally sensible. They hâve also ail the mischievous
a"° S of m°nkeys, and somewhat of their knack of imitating common
totT' i°r taMng °ff certain Peculiarities ; butin other respects they
Wly differ from the monkey, who is a far more faithful and affec- tonate animal, and fulfils the end of its création more punctually than nnrtrPPy' Y™01^ in matters of natural history, is of great im- P rance, and therefore we hâve introduced this short comparison between the two animais. It is our présent business to do justice to Puppies, but it mustnot be at the expense of monkeys .éfc-e^V\,drea?ylhinted that the PUPPy is an ™' entirely ont-
mav'tem!* ' *** y°U W a mere nonen%> or what we
"iay termthe persomfication of nobody. It is in their skin nr It
who hâve 1Ï\ attlZanS' ParticUlarly tai!ors and barb->
I Lr hatT Th a perfect knowledge °f the ■■*• * *■
II; lhat ^ CSf aIter lts shaPe a* P'easure; and do sometimes, for
ationf;JT"T ?6 PUbli°' F0duCe SUch e*aordinary transform- ée a? 7 be\nith0USht WOT% «f représentation on the stage, and ^se are often exhibited by artists in the print-shops. they d C°T°n Wlth natUral historiansto inqwre mto the use of animais
would h!"il'' ?î thiS ^ a qUeSti°n Which' in the case of Puppies, toadetheMlf ',th ^ difficu%> and ™ a«*or has seriously useless the» Pt ^ ^ the mOTe W6 °°nSider them' the more
°r at least hTT' A ^^ part °f their time 'S consumed >n sleeP» rest of the Wn„,,WlKre ^ are to be found at the time when the tice, however r COmPleted ^ ^ busines* of the day. Jus- already, viz.thatTr "^ t0 add' what * hwe sligMy hinted at
doth and Ieather °CCasion a considérable consumption of broad- otherhan^theyhave?0111^;" f ^ °' ^ '' ^ °n the
and stockino-s • occasioned a diminution in the demandfor shoes
g > none of thèse articles having, for many years, been
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84 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PUPPY.
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considered as belonging to the puppy tribe. With regard to the pro-
pagation of this animal, there are many difficultés and uncertainties. That they are capable of propagating their own species, has been doubted ; and, indeed, they seldom marry : but, on the other hand, they are themselves said to be the produce of a cross-breed, composed of a fool and a fine lady. Thèse produce puppies in abundance, and take great care in rearing them, till they hâve reached their fifteenth or sixteenth year ; after which their parente send them into the world to provide for themselves, and seldom take much care about them afterwards. They are not a very Iong-lived animal ; they are gene- rally worn out after they hâve been upon the town a few years ; and very many of them, when they hâve arrived at the âge of twenty-one, are caught by persons appointed for the purpose, and locked up in cages, of which there are several in and about the metropolis, particu- larly in the Old Bailey and Fleet-market, and a very large one in St. Gteorge's Fields. Some of them are not absolutely disagreeable ; and many persons,
especially ladies, are particularly fond of them, preferring them to parrote and monkeys. Indeed, they are in some respects more docile than thèse animais, and perform a greater number of droll and divert- ing tricks ; some of them cannot only call a coach, but hand the Com- pany into it, and pay for it afterwards. Some of them can very cleverly defray the expense of a tavern bill,
and will présent tickets for the opéra or a concert, like a human being. Some, likewise, hâve been taught various games, although it must be confessed they play their cards but indifferently ; yet, if they pull out their money readily and gracefully, it affords amusement to their an- tagoniste. Others of them ride on horseback very expertly, and ac- quire a knowledge of the business of the stable, equal to that of the most rational grooms and jockeys. When to this is added the chattering noise they make in talking,
and the various actions which they are taught to mimic, it may be sup- posed that, in gênerai, they would be preferred to monkeys or par- rote ; but there are many reasons why this should not be the case, and the principal reason is, that the expense of keeping them is enormous. |
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85
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ON THE FŒTUS OF A POLYDACTYLOUS* HORSE,
HAVING THE
TOES SEPARATED BY A MEMBRANE.
BY M. G. ST. HILAIRE, MEMBEB OF THE INSTITUTE.
The extremely brief notice of this rather singular spécimen of a
peculiar kind of deformity in the horse, scarcely furnishes a sufficiently accurate account to be submitted to our readers. It would seem that the distinguished naturalist, to whom we owe the publicity of the very singular spécimen alluded to, having proceeded to the South of France, for the express purpose of conducting in safety to Paris the cameleopard, examined on his route whatever Muséums existed ; and in that belong- ing to the Veterinary School at Lyons, he met with the fœtus, the pecu- liar mal-conformation of whose feet gave rise to his brief notice. For the benefit of those not sufficiently acquainted with the doctrines
of comparative anatomy originally laid down by Aristotle, and like- Wise in order to render M. St. Hilaire's notice intelligible to the gene- rality of our readers, we shall very briefly state the osteology of the horse's foot, and compare it with those of other animais, and with man. The pectoral extremities of the horse, or his fore legs, are composed essentially of the same éléments as the human arms; and the bones of each may be arranged and described in this way : |
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Many.fingered ; from two Greek words, signifying many, and finger.
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'86 REMARKABLE HTBRID.
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The horse, then, has but a single toe or finger, and not three, as
some anatomists hâve said. The extremely imperfect and rudimentary metaearpal bones can never be called imperfect toes, in strict Ianguage ; nevertheless, they really constitute the éléments of toes, which hâve been formed in this imperfect and rudimentary manner, because" they were not wanted for the safe progression of the animal ; inasmuch as we apply this terni to the short toes of the pig, which hâve a metaearpal and digital bones, are detached and protected by a nail, similar to the more perfect or longer ones. On the contrary, ail that remains of such toes in the horse, are two small perfectly rudimentary metaearpal bones ; there is not the slightest vestige of any digital bones or phalanges. It sometimes happens, as may be seen in Muséums, that the imper-
fect toes of certain animais (as in the pig, for example) occasionally are found perfect, or, in plain Ianguage, grow to the same length as the more perfect ones; and of this, we hâve seen one or two instances in the pig—ail four toes being in thèse spécimens of equal length and strength, or nearly so. ÏSowi this seems to be the case with the fœtus of the horse de-
scribed by M. St. Hilaire; and, if so, as we doubt not, is the only instance recorded, unless we consider as such the horse described by Suetonius, and said to hâve belonged to Ca?sar; but to enable us to décide on this point, neither the description of Suetonius, nor of the French naturalisa will be found sufficiently minute. M- St. Hilaire describes the fœtus he examined to hâve been about
eight or nine months old. He states, that it is polydactylous only in the fore feet; and that the left foot has three toes nearly equal, but the right only two. The toes are said to be connected by a membrane—a kind of periosteum insulating the metaearpal bones and toes, and even passing beyond them about six lines. Now, M. St. Hilaire imagines that this membrane extended to the envelopes of the placenta ; but this is merely a conjecture, and one founded on hypothesis. |
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REMARKABLE HYBRID.
A Correspondent of M. de Freussac has advertised him of the
production, at Berlin, of an animal between a stag and a mare. The appearance of the créature is very singular; the fore part being that of a horse, the hinder part that of a stag, but ail the feet like those of the latter animal. From the intimacy of the same stag with anofher mare, a second spécimen is confidently anticipfited. |
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87
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THE JOCKEY'S SLANG VOCABULARY.
Accommodate, or Accommodation. In the sporting world, is
part a bet, or to let a person go halves (that is to accommodate hlm) m a bet that is likely to corne off successful. It is, also, in an ironical manner, to believe a person when you are well assured he is uttermg a lie ; by observing, you believe what he is saying, merely to accommodate him. Bang Up (Whip). Quite the thing. Well done. Complète.
asning. In a handsome style. A bang up cove ; a dashing fellow
who spends his money freely. To bang up prime ; to bring your horses up in a dashing or fine style : as the swell's rattler and prads are bang up prime; the gentleman sports an élégant carnage and fine horses. .Banks' Horse. A horse famous for playing tricks, the property
of one Banks. It is mentioned in Sir Walter Raleigh's History of the World, p. 178; also by Sir Kenelm Digby and Ben Jonson. —Obsolète. ' arnacle. An instrument like a pair of pincers, to fix on the
noses of vicious horses whilst shoeing; also for gratuity given to grooms, by the buyers and sellers of horses. Becalmed. His prad is becalmed ; his horse is knocked uP..
Bell, To Bear the. An allusion to the fore-horse or leader of
a team, whose harness is eommonly ornamented with a bell or bells. kome suppose it a term borrowed from an ancient tournament, where the victonous knight bore away the belle, or/air lady. Others dérive " irom a horse-race, or other rural contentions, where bells vvere fre- quently given as prizes. Beuows. Thelungs. Good bellows ; good lungs.
Bishopped, or To Bishop. A term used among horse-dealers for
b^mng.the mark into a horse'stooth, after he has lost it by âge; by der-°PImig' a llorse 's made to appear younger than he is. The of B' h°n °f thlS term *s suPPose(i to ^e from a Person of the name Black' ^ &St practised thi* déception.
acklegs A gambler or sharper on the turf, or in the cockpit :
e , perhaps, from their appearing generallv in boots ; or else from game-cocks, whose legs are aiways black. Black Spy. A smith.~C«w/.
Blater. Acalf._cW.
Bleating Cheat. A sheep.-CW.
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88 the jockey's slang vocabulary.
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Bleating Pig. Sheep-stealing.5— Cant.
Bleeders. Spurs. He clapped his bleeders to his prad ; lie put
spurs to his horse. Blower. A horse with thick wind.
Bone-Setter. A hard-trotting horse.
Booby-Hutch. A one-horse chaise, noddy, or buggy.
Bottom. In the sporting sensé, strength and spirits to support
fatigue ; as a bottomed horse. Botjghs. The hips ; wide in the boughs.
Brother of the Whip. A coachman.
Buck. A blind horse.
Bdffer. A dog. Buffer's nob ; a dog's head.—Cant.
Buffer-Nabber. A dog stealer.—Cant.
Buffer. One that steals and kills horses and dogs for their skins.
Bcggy. A one-horse chaise.
Butcher's Horse. A poor and rough-looking horse.
Cackxer. A hen.
Cackler's Ken. A hen-roost.—Cant.
Cackmng Cheats. Fowls.—Cant.
Chaunting Coves. Horse-dealers. A certain class of thèse
fellows impose on the public by specious and imposing advertisements; who set forth qualities their horses never possessed : in short, a dead take in. Such advertisements are to be met with daily in the London newspapers. Cleaned Oct. A sporting phrase, in allusion to any person who
has lost ail his money in betting. Cob. A stout compact nag.
CoLLYWOBBLES. The gripes in horses.
Colt. One who lets horses to highwaymen.—Cant.
Cover. To cover, in betting, is to put down the money. If a per-
son is a stranger upon the turf, or is considered doubtful, he is called upon to cover by his opponent. Cuddie. Ajackass.—Cant.
Cur. A eut or curtailed dog. According to the forest Iaws, a
man who had no right to the privilège of the chase, was obliged to eut or lame his dog. Among other modes of disabling him from dis- turbing the game, one was by depriving him of his tail ; a dog so eut was called a eut or curtailed dog, and, by contraction, a cur. Daisy-Cutter. A jockey term for a horse that does not lift up
his legs sufficiently, or goes too near the ground, and is, therefore, apt to stumble. |
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THE JOCKEï's SLANG VOCABULARY. 89
• An ass. Roll your dickey ; drive your ass.
™ERS. Spurs.-CW. for m" ,UFFERS- D°g-stealers, who kill those dogs not advertised > sell their skins, and feed the remaining dogs with their flesh. DrAg. Acart. DragCove. The driver of acart. leo. ™MER' A •'°ckey term for a horse that throws about his fore-
^egs irregularly: the idea is taken from a kettle-drummer, who, in eatmg, makes many flourishes with his drumsticks. Dunaker. A stealer of cows and calves.
Essex Lion. A calf. Essex being famous for calves, and chiefly
supplying the London market. Eves. Hen roosts.
-;a AN!?' i ?M °f the fancy means a sporting character; that is,
either attached to pigeons, dog-fighting, boxing, &c. eague. To feague a horse; to put ginger up a horse's funda-
ment--and, formerly, as it is said, a live eel—to make him lively, and ■eS t t^ WeU' Zt iS Saîd * f0rfeit is incurred % any horse-dealer's
used "fi sha11 show a horse withou* first feaguing him. Feague is > guratively, for encouraging or spiriting one up.
Feuterer. a dog-keePer; from the French vautrier, orw/-
tner, one that lends a hired hound for the chase. Flogger. A horsewhip.—Cant.
Gab, or Gob, String. A bridle.
Gag. An instrument for propping open the mouth of a horse.
^alaney. A îowl—Cant.
hW^T? A blood-horse; a h™ter. The toby gill clapped his
Mers to his galloper, and tipped the traps the double; the h.ghway- gIT" his horse'and sot awayfrom the officers-
and aTEAD0ES' Leathern cases of stiff leather, fastened to the saddle,
GAMEttlng the leg and f°°t; the name Was at fot Jocularly given.
sore o BS A corruPtion of the French word jambes. Farcy gambs; Gammon'"^ legS' USUally appHed t0 the hind IegS °f *e hors&e-
the ganimon 2° PaTTER- C°mmon place talk of any profession, as Giebe A^patt"ofal««se-dealer. Gigg ' A ^^ Shnnks from tIle collar' and wil1 not draw-
ffiffP- h ' n°Se' Snitche!1 his gigg! filliP his nose. Grunter's • SmkV5hannkUt; ,G^ is ^ a ^ «ne-horse chaise. To gigg mad ,,. ' l0 "amstnng an over-drove ox, vulgarly called a OUMBna. A term for a blind horse.
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90
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THE JOCKEY'S SLANG VOCABULARY.
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Goads. Those who wheedle in chapmen for horse-dealers.
Gob-String. A bridle. Green. Doctor Green, i. e. grass ; a physician, or rather medi-
cine, found very successful in curing most disorders to which horses are liable. My horse is not well, I shall send him to Doctor Green. Grogged. A groggy horse ; a foundered horse. Grogham. A horse.—Cant. Gummt. Clumsy, particularly applied to the legs of horses.
Hank. A Smithfield hank ; an ox rendered furious by over- driving and barbarous treatment. Bull-hankers; men who delight in the sport of bull-hanking, that is, bull-baiting or bullock-hunting. Harridan. From the French word haridelle, a worn-out jade of
a horse, or mare. Havil. A sheep.—Cant.
Hobby-Horse. A particular kind of small Irish horse.
Hog. To hog a horse's mane ; to eut it short, so that the ends of the hair stick up like hog's bristles. Horse-Coser. A dealer in horses, vulgarly and corruptly pro-
nounced horse courser. The verb, to cose, was used by the Scots, in the sensé of bartering or exchanging. Jacked. Spavined ; a jacked horse. Jarvis, or Jarvy. A hackney coachman.—Cant. Jinglers. Horse cosers frequenting country fairs. JUGELOW. A dog. Keffel. A horse.— Welch. Knacker. One that kills horses, and sells the flesh. Knight of the Whip. A coachman. Knowing Ones. Sportsmen on the turf, who, from expérience
and an acquaintance with the jockeys, are supposed to be in the secret ; that is, to know the true merits or powers of each horse ; notwithstanding which, it often happens that the knowing ones are taken in. Leaye it all to the Cook. A bit of flash, intending to dénote
judgment : as the cook is supposed to be the best judge in dressing the méat ; so, a sporting man, when he refuses a bet that he thinks will not answer his purpose, replies, in an ironical manner, " l'II leave it all to the cook." Lowing Rig. Stealing oxen or cows.
Man of the Turf, A horse-racer or jockey.
Margery Prater. A hen.—Cant.
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THE JOCKEY's SLANG VOCABULARY. 91
JJ0WER. Acow.
rest' na^ t'le rust ' a Joc^ey term f°r a ^orse tnat ^écornes
•^b-Girder, or Nob-Girder. A bridle.
«abber of Naps. A sheep-stealer.—Cant. JNorth Allertons. Spurs; that place, like Rippon, being «mous for making them. ose Bag. A bag fastened to the horse's head, in which the
>o diers of the cavalry put the oats given to their horses : whence the jmg, I see the nose-bag in his face ; i. e. he has been a private man, or rode private. Persdaders. Spurs. The kiddey clapped his persuadera to his
Pfad, but the traps boned him; the highwayman spurred his horse . flard, but the officers seized him. Piper. A broken-winded horse. Prad. A horse. The swell flashes a rum prad; the gentleman
sports a fine horse. Prad Cove. A horse-dealer.
RAD Lay. Cutting bags frora behind horses.-— Cant. RANcer. A horse. Prancer's nob ; a horse's head, used as a seal to counterfeit pass. At the sign of the prancer's poil; i. e. the nag s head. Prigging. Riding.
Queer Prancer. A bad, worn-out, foundered horse ; also a
cowardly, or faint-hearted horse-stealer. Qui Tam. A qui tam horse ; one that will both carry and draw.—
l-aw wit. Rattler. A coach, Rattler and prads ; a coach and horses.
Kattling Cove. A coachman.—Cant. igiods Horse. One much given to prayer, or apt to be
«W upon his knees. Rip "mserable rip ; a poor, Iean, worn-out horse.
both for°m!n sÏT", RipP°n U fam°US f°r * manufaotory of spurs'
"len a»d fighting cocks. ixOAR/FR Ai.
Roost I e that makes an unusual noise in breathing.
ay. Stealing poultry.
Rumble-Tumble. Astaop„ i.
t>tt tt, A slage coach. Rum Prancer. A fine horse.-Cant.
umtitum. A flash term for a gante bull; one that is kept on
Tose to be baited, and to try the courage of the dogs. |
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92
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THE JOCKEY'S SLANG VOCABULARY.
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Scarlet Horse. A high red, hired or hack horse : a pun on the
Word hired. Secret. He lias been let into the secret ; he has been cheated
at gaming or horse-racing. He or she is in the grand secret ; i. e. dead. Sick as a Horse. Horses are said to be extremely sick at their
stomaehs, from being unable to relieve themselves by vomiting. Bracken, indeed, in his Farriery, gives an instance of that évacuation being procured ; but by a means which, he says, would make the Devil vomit. Such as may hâve a wish to try an emetic, either on the animal or the fiend, may consult his book for the recipe. Skip-Jacks. Youngsters that ride horses on sale ; horse-dealers'
boys. SllUG. A nickname for a blacksmith.
Snaffler. Snaffler of prancers ; a horse-stealer. Snicker. A glandered horse. Spanish, or King of Spain's, Trumpeter. An ass vvhen
braying. Spank (Whip). To run neatly along, between a trot and gallop.
The tits spanked it to town ; the horses went merrily along ail the I way to town. Spilt. Thrown from a horse, or overturned in a carriage. " Pray,
Coachee, don't spill us." Spindle-Shanks. Slender legs.
Spoil-Iron. The nickname for a smith. Star-Gazer. A horse who throws up his head. Stirrup-Cup. A parting cup or glass, drank on horseback, by the person taking leave. Sulky. A one-horse chaise or carriage, capable of holding but
one person ; called by the French a désobligeante. Swelled Head. A disorder to which horses are extremely liable,
particularly those of the subalterns of the army. This disorder is gene- rally occasioned by remaining too long in one livery stable, or inn ; and often arises to that height, that it prevents their coming out at the stable door. The most certain cure, is the unguentum aureum—- not applied to the horse, but to the palm of the master of the inn or stable. N.B. Neither this disorder, nor remedy, is mentioned by any o(
the modem writers on Farriery. Tim Whisky. A light one-horse chaise, without a head.
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SPINNING ORGANS OF CATERPILLARS. 93
TlT- Ahorse.
ittdp. A gentle hand-gallop, or canter. ters. In the sporting world, men who, on the sly, obtain
speed and capabilities of race-horses during their training ; and en give information to certain persons, who, from such sort of know-
e ge, bet their money with more certainty. 1 Urf. On the turf. Persons who keep running-horses, or attend
and bet at horse-races, are said to be on the turf. Ttke. A dog.
Vardo. A waggon.
* ardo-Gill. A waggoner.
Unguentum Aoreum. A bribe.—Classic cant.
Unicorn. A coach drawn by three horses.
Willing Tit. A free horse.
Woolbird. A sheep.—Cant.
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SPINNING ORGANS OF CATERPILLARS.
The spinning organs of caterpillars consist of thin vessels, with a
blmd termmation, one placed on each side of the intestinal canal, and much exceedmg the length of the body-being a fort long in the silk- worm, for lnstance; they ultimately terminate by délicate excretory ducts, m an opening beneath the spinning tubercle on the lower lip, (nearly in the same manner as the sublingual glands beneath the tongue), where their fluid, becoming condensed by the action of the a'r, is drawn intothreads, which are employed in forming webs for the Purpose of metamorphosis. As is well known, we are indebted forsilk o the beautiful web of the caterpillar of the Phalœna Mort, where the clredT' Weighing tvvo grains and a haIf> consists of a thread two hun- titi 6e *" P°'nt °^ cnaracter5 tnese organs are evidently repe- e °-1 sPmnmg apparatus at the anus of a less perfect insect,
snide ^ ""^ '* 'S mteresting to observe, that the web of the
to fa ih& ,yemPloyeti to form a covering for the ova—thus serving vour the developement of the young; whilst, in the caterpillar, the ■Sferif eDt t0 the metamorPhosis and developement of the
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M
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
SPAVIN.
A Bay Gelding—Aged.
Nov. 3. Admitted, with an enlargement of the off-hock at the seat of spavin, and lame. A seton to be inserted, and dressed daily with the turpentine ointment.
27. Apply powder of sulphate of copper to the orifices of the seton.
28. Seton to be dressed with turpentine ointment.
Dec. 4. Diminish the size of the seton to one-third, and dress as
before. 6. Seton to be removed.
8. Apply the solution of sulphate of zinc to the orifices left by the
seton. 14. To take five drachms of aloes in a bail, and hâve mashes.
15. Bail has acted freely, hock to be kept wet with liquor plumbi,
S. A. dilut. 26, Discharged.
OPHTHALMIA.
Brown Gelding—Six years old.
Nov. 8, 1827. Admitted.—Vessels of the conjunctiva vcry turgid, &c. To be bled to eight pints. 9. Apply frequently the dilute solution of lead every day.
12. To be bled in the angular vein, and take aloes, three drachms,
in a bail. 13. Two drops of tincture of opium to be put into the eye.
15. Continue the lead lotion.
16. Continue the lead lotion; to take sulphate of copper and tur-
pentine, each two drachms, made into a bail, with linseed meal. 17. Repeat bail.
19. Water, half a pint; sulphate of zinc, thirty grains; for a lotion,
to be used frequently in the day. Repeat bail. 20. Repeat bail every day ; inflammation lessened.
22. Powder of sulphate of zinc, two grains, to be put into the eye.
24. Repeat bail ; and tincture of opium, two drops.
25. Take three drachms of aloes, in a bail.
26. Discharged cured.
POLE EVIL.
Aged Gelding. Nov. 9, 1827. Admitted, with an enlargement in the pôle. To take seven drachms of aloes, the part to be fomented, and to hâve mashes. |
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VETERINARY CASES. 95
*0. Bail operated; to continue fomentations.
a solution of common sait frequently through the day.
• To take one draehm of calomel, two of turpentine, in a bail. *'■ Apply dilute solution of lead every day. 18. To be bled six pints ; take aloes, five drachms.
19. Apply infusion of cantharides, two ounces, to the enlargement.
21' Use the fomentation frequently. "4. Take aloes, half an ounce, in a bail, and use cold applications.
26. Take turpentine, two drachms, in a bail : cold as before to be applied. "0. Common fomentations to be used frequently.
Dec. 6. Taken from the Infirmary. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
Chestnut Gelding—Seven years old.
Dec. 10, 1827. Puise 65, respiration difficult, eyes dull, and loss °f appetite.—To be put in the open air. H. Relieved; insert a rowel in the chest. 12- Dress daily with turpentine ointment. 5- Convalescent; allowed full diet. 20. Taken out.
INFLAMMATION OF THE FOOT.
Bay Gelding—Six years old.
Dec. 27, 1827. To be bled in the foot eight pints; hâve on a plmn spring shoe. 28. Take six drachms of aloes in a bail, and apply tincture of
myrrh. 31- To stand up every night.
an. 1, 1828. Apply a poultice to the foot every night.
• Foot to be stopped with wet clay ; repeat poultice.
5- Apply tar to the sole. °- Taken from the Infirmary.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
Dec. 27 lBa» ^ng~.Six years old. .
> io^/. jjuiS6 accelerated, respiration labonous. Bleed
^ghtpmts and take aloes, three drachms. fr ^heved; to take calomel, one draehm, in a mash.
d0. To take aloes, half an ounce, in solution. ja Take «alomel, one draehm, in a mash. an. 1, 18^8. Take aloes, three drachms, in solution ; to hâve a rowel in the throat. |
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96 INSCRIPTION ON A NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.
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2. Common fomentation to the throat, dressing, and a clyster.
3. Calomel, one drachm, in a mash. Discharge has taken place;
horse better. 4. Calomel to be repeated.
7. Remove the rowel, and give the calomel.
9. Make a seton over each side of the throat.
10. To dress seton daily with turpentine ointment.
20. To be bled from the palate, three pints. GREASE.
Bay Gelding—Six years old.
Jan. 4. Large sores of the oif fore-heel. Apply a poultice every night. 5. Apply turpentine ointment.
6. Take aloes, five drachms ; apply oil of tar to the sores.
7. Bail operated ; repeat oil of tar every day.
16. Discharged. |
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AN INSCRIPTION ON THE MONUMENT OF A NEWFOUNDLAND
DOG.
(Bï LOBD BÏBON'.)
" VVhen some proud son of man returns to earth,
Unknown to glorj', but upheld by birtb,
The sculptoi's art exbausts the pomp of wo,
And storied urns record who rests below :
When ail is done, upon the tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should bave been ;—
But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to défend ;
Whose honest heart is still his master's own,
Wbo labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone ;
Unhonoured falls—unnoticed is his worth—
Denied in heaven the soûl he held on earth :
While man, vain insect ! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims bimself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh, Man ! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power,
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust :
Thy love is lust, thy friendship ail a cheat,
Thy smiles hypocrisy, thy word deceit ;
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye who, perchance, behold this simple urn,
Pass on—it honours none you wisb to mourn :
To mark a friend's remains, thèse stones arise,
I never knew but one, and hère he lies.
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Duckworth and Ireland, 76, Fleet Street.
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THE
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farrier and naturalisa
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MARCH. [1828.
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THE VETERINARY COLLEGE,
AS OBIGINALLY CONSTITUTED,
COMPARED WITH ITS PRESENT MISMANAGED AND
CORRUPT STATE. |
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Addressed to Ris Majesty, as Patron, and to the Subscribers
of the Institution. |
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" Look hère, upon this picture, and on tbis."
Hutnlet, Act 3, Scène 4.
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Having, in our first Number, given a brief history of the establish-
ment and progress of our Veterinary School, we are now induced, from regard to the interests of the profession and the public, to take 'info considération its laws, the mode in which they are executed, and its government. On further observation, and better acquaintance with the Collège, so great a disparity do we find between the original objecta and intentions of its founders, and the purposes to which it is at présent devoted, that we can no longer refrain from drawing a parallel between them. Of the high hopes that were entertained when it was first established, and the bénéficiai results that were expected to accrue from its labours, our readers may judge from the extracts we are about to offer ; in what manner thèse hâve been fulfilled, it will be our duty impartiallyto point out. e ruies and regUiations which were originally adopted, are now,
rough the apathy and imbecility of the Governors, in most instances departed from; having been curtailed, nullified, and set aside, by the preponderating p0Wer of Professor Coleman and his Sub, until little other law is recognized at the Collège than the dicta of thèse interested mdividuals. This matter is of such paramount importance as to demand the most seriôus attention of the Subscribers ; therefore, without any lurther introduction, we shall proceed to lay before them a comparison |
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98 PRESENT STATE OP THE VETERINARÎ COLLEGE.
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between the past and présent laws of the Collège ; that is, if any law
can at this time be said to exist beyond that which we hâve above alluded to. Régulations for the Veterinary Collège.
Rule I.—The Establishment shall consist of a Society and School, to be called the Veterinary Collège.
Rule II.—The business of the Society shall be conducted by a Président, Twelve Vice-Présidents, Twenty-four Directors (or Governors), and a Treasurer; forming a Council, in whom shall be lodged the whole executive power of the Collège, subject to the control ofthe Members at large in General Meetings. Rule III.—The Président, Vice-Présidents, and Treasurer, shall be chosen annually. The twenty-four Governors shall be divided into four classes. One class shall go out each year, and six other Governors be elected in their place. No Governor shall be re-elected till after the intervention of one year. Rule V.—Five Auditors shall be annually chosen ; three of whom shall not be of the Council, nor on any Committee.
Rule VII.—Four Quarterly General Meetings shall be held in the year.
None of thèse very excellent and wholesome laws are acted upon. Where are the Président—the Vice-Présidents ? Who is the Treasurer? Do the twenty-four Governors regularly, or ever, hold their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings ? Do the five Auditors ever examine the Accounis ? Rule XIV.—No Member, who shall in any manner, directly or
indirectly, dérive any advantage, profit, or émolument, from the
funds ofthe Collège, or who shall be charged by the Collège with
any office whence such profit shall accrue, shall be elected into the
Council; and any Member of the Council so receiving, shall
immédiate vacate his place. Nor shall any Member, who receives
any advantage or émolument from the Collège, be chosen or
continue on any Committee.
How carefully the spirit of this rule is now maintained, may be
exemplified by the subjoined enumeration of the différent offices held
by Mr. Assistant Sewell, viz.—Member of the Examining Committee,
Treasurer and Secretary to the same ; Treasurer, Secretary, Steward,
Collector, and Demonstrator, to the Collège ; Surgical Lecturer (for
his own benefit), Conservator of the Muséum, &c.
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PRESENT STATE OP THE VETERINARY COLLEGE. 99
Rule XVI.—A volume of the Transactions of the Collège and
School shall be published annually, and delivered to each Sub- scriber, or his order, at the Collège, gratis. Above thirty years hâve elapsed since the promulgation of this
order ; during which time the Subscribers hâve been presented, by "rofessor Coleman, with a few pages on wounds of joints, and an unfortunate Essay on a patent artificial Frog, as the sum total of the discoveries which the third of a century has afforded. No Transactions hâve ever been published, with this solitary excep-
tion, which occurred in the year 1797 ; and so great was the effort in bnnging it forth, and such the effect upon the Subscribers, that it may be fairly attributed as much to good policy as incapacity that no turther exposures has appeared.* Rule XVII.—A Médical Expérimental Commutée shall be chosen,
who shall meet occasionally for the purpose of suggesting and
making experiments. with a view to throw additional light on
the animal economy, and to ascertain thç effects of medicine upon
uiherent animais, to be procured for that particular purpose, and
for inspecting the drugs and medicines bought for the use of the
Infirmary; and this Committee shall from time to time make
reports of their proceedings.
In this rule, we see the essence of that spirit which pervaded the
founders of the Collège; amongwhom were the names ofthe scientific
Hunter, Crawford, Fordyce, Scott, Baker, and Cline, who, doubt-
less, mtended, in giving it their support, to form a school for the culti-
vation of comparative anatomy in gênerai ; perceiving the important
advantages which médical science in particular might dérive from the
ettorts ot such an establishment, properly conducted, and pursuing
experiments on animais with freedom and zeal.
isut, since ^ne d^h 0f John Hunter, what has been accomplished ?
ie proceedings of this Committee hâve never been heard of; and
°ugh muoh may hâve been effected by individuals outside the Collège
,. S' yet' fl«ring this protracted period, not a single fact has been
) this pompously announced Committee to the common stock
of zoological knowledge.
Isolated experiments hâve been performed by zealous pupils, but
has any regular course of such been undertaken at the Collège, and made public? Are any animais procured for this purpose by the * Reprintetl in this Nmnber, ji. 128.
IT <?
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100 PRESENT STATE OF THE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
Professor, or are the qualified pupils even permitted to conduct experi-
ments, but at their own expense ? Where are the fruits of thirty years in comparative anatomy and medicine? There is not, will it be believed ? even a Manual of Anatomy for the use of the students, who are obliged to wade, without a demonstrator, through the vague and contradictory Works of various autbors, uncertain whether what they learn be either acknowledged by their superiors, or whether it be really correct. There is no printed authorized Pharmacopccia. Is neglect or incom-
pétence the apology ? Ride XVIIÏ.—Besides the four Quarterly Meetings, there shall be
ordinary Meetings of the Subscribers on the Monday of every
week, in order to consider and discourse of matters relating to
the particular object of the Institution ; to hear, read, and discourse
upon, ail letters, reports, communications, memoirs, or other papers,
containing such information, médical, philosophical, agricultural,
commercial, or ofany other nature, as may belongto the province
of Veterinary Science.
Hère, again, we see the libéral views and enlarged sphère of use-
fulness originally contemplated. But how hâve they been encou-
raged? The voice of the Subscribers has been long silent; and no one
dreams of questioning the authority of " the ruling powers," any more
than he would think of addressing a paper on a médical or veterinary,
much less a philosophical or scientific, subject, to the considération of an
institution so low in the estimation of well-informed men.
" A superintending Committee, consisting of three of the Governors,
shall meet every Tuesday, to receive the Reports of the officers, and examine into the state of the Collège." No such Committee is in existence.
" The Professor" shall hâve the arrangement and direction of the
studies and occupations of the Pupils, of the distribution of his Lectures, and " shall make a report every week to the Committee of the state of the Collège," and " receive nothing into the Collège but what is ordered by them," &c* * The manner in wbich tue Professor tliscliarges thèse duties is known only
to himself. |
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PRESENT STATE OF THE VETERINARY COLLEGE. 101
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Rides respecting the School and Pupils.
st- Any person desirous of becoming a Pupil in Ûiefoundation *
°f the Collège, shall at least be able to read and write legibly.
Préférence shall be given to such youths as hâve received the
éléments of a good éducation ; and more especially to those who
hâve some knowledge of Surgery and Pharmacy.
Every one who has attended the Collège of late years, is aware, that,
contrary to this rule, Mr. Coleman omits no opportunity of stating,
nat médical pupils seldom succeed as Veterinary surgeons; though
expérience is in direct contradiction to his assertion—the most eminent
practitioners having been originally of that class.
By persuading the better informed pupils, however, who might other-
wise know enough to expose the fallacy of his doctrines, that the know- ledge they hâve previously acquired will avail them little in studying the Veterinary Art, he appears to check their disposition to inquiry, and prépares them to receive his théories with implicit confidence. On the other hand, how has the art been degraded, and why does it °<1 so low a scale in public estimation? The Professer has not scrupled at times to admit the most improper persons, from whom he had nothing to fear,—linendrapers and paper-hangers,—some who, from their own acknowledgment, had never sat on a saddle in their lives,-shoemakers and tailors, dividing their-time between the Collège and the bench, hâve been known to labour and study alternate days, and, m a few months—Oh, horrible !—turn out with a regular licence to practise on the lives of the brute création. Rule 5th.—Persons'qualified according to the foregoingRules, will be
adimtted into the Collège, on paying Twenty Guineas, which will
constitute them perpétuai Pupils.
^Paying to whom? To the Establishment, it would appear; but,
ha l6Ver MaS °"8mt% intended, it is now a bonus, paid into the
in so ° Professor, and pocketed by him—a circumstance which,
oh, . . meiJsure> serves to explain the readiness with which the lowest
aracters °btain ^dmittance i„to this profession.
âge 35.—« Although the particular distribution of the studies shall
be referred to the judgment of the Professor, yet the gênerai order of them shall benearly as follows:"- tm» v hat mea"S the Foundation—Professor Coleman? Wé shall discuss this
J estj0» with you hereai'ter. |
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102 PRESENT STATE OF THE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
The study of Zootomy, first, was to oceupy nearly half a year :
next, that of the exterior knowledge of the Horse, and a course of opérations,—to be followed by a course of Pharmacy and Médical Botany. The shoeing department was to be perfectly understood, and particularly attended to ; and, after having gone through every branch of the Veterinary Art, "the Pupils shall be obligedto attend the Infirmary daily, when the Professor shall employ them according to their respective abilities. He shall confide to their care one, two, three, or more animais, whose symptoms they shall be obliged accurately to observe, and note down in a journal, and report the same daily to the Professor." Particular instruction was also to be given on the nature and treat-
ment of Epizootie diseases, &c. ; and " it appears from the above division of the studies, that a term of three years is sufïïcient for a complète éducation, provided the pupils are capable, assiduous, and well-inclined." Now, it is well known that the " mardi of intellect," of late, lias
been most rapid ; consequently, if the pupil be incapable—destitute of ail preliminary knowledge,—in fact, if he be as ignorant as one of the dumb patients, a six months' attendance has frequently been sufficicnt to attain for him that unerring criterion of veterinary talent—the thing called a Diploma. Finally—" The Pupils, having completed their studies, shall undergo
a Public Examination in the theory and practice of every branch of the Veterinary Art ; and those who shall be considered as perfectly instructed therein, shall receive a Certificate (or Diploma), signed by the Professor, and confirmed by the Committee." Our remarks in détail, on the existing state of this important régula-
tion, must be deferred till another Number : suffice it now to observe, that the examinations, instead of being public, are conducted privately at a tavern, before a Committee of médical gentlemen, who, however cminent they may be in their own profession, are decidedly incompétent to examine a pupil on the Veterinary Art ; as may be proved to démon- stration by a few minutes' discourse with some of the misérable practi-, tioners (we speak of the minority, who dégrade the whole body) whom they hâve authorized and sent forth. Why do not experienced veterinarians constitute this Examining
Committee ? In that case, the Collège Diploma would be a mark of honourable distinction ; instead of which, it is now the emblem of a farce, or of a contemptible humbug. At the early institution of the Collège, it was necessary to resort to médical examiners ; but now, it |
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PRESENT STATE OF THE VETERINARY COLLEGE. 103
•s the greatest injustice to the profession, the pupils, and the public, that
«andidates should be rejected or admitted at the discrétion of an 'nefficient junta, like the présent Board of Examiners, to whom, how- ever, we shall dévote a separate article at a future period. By the foregoing extracts, we are enabled to form a judgment of the
kind of institution which St. Bel's supporters intended to establish, which was established, and indeed continued, till the lamented démise of that Professor. Upon Mr. Coleman's accession to the chair, the affaire of the Collège
were in a very precarious state, which afforded facilities, andperhaps, in some measure, furnished a pretext, for the innovations that ensued. We give this gentleman due crédit for the address with which he collected the scattered subscribers at that period, and for persuading lus Majesty's Government to extend their libéral aid in support of the Establishment; but nothing can or ought to palliate his now arbitrary proceedings ; and his undue influence over the veterinary profession, owing to his Government appointments, requires, atour hands, exposure and réprobation. The présent government of the Collège is supposed to take its rise
from a General Meeting of Subscribers, held once a-year at the Thatched-house Tavern; but this assembly is, in truth, a mère shadow, or matter of form. A subscriber is seldom heard either to propose or remonstrate. The existing officers are re-appointed, and the whole affaire of the Collège are referred to a committee, who again consult Professor Coleman, with whom the entire control of the Establishment consequently rests.* In short, it has been repeatedly stated, and never denied, that in Mr. Coleman lies the suprême authority of the Collège. Tha1> he holds nearly ail the offices and patronage, and receives the greater part of the émoluments thereof, will appear from the following enumeration of his titles and appoint- ments :—Professor to the Veterinary Collège ; Veterinary Surgeon- General to the British Cavalry ; Veterinary Surgeon to the Ordnance Department : Vruggisl General, and Contracter for the Govern- ment Horses; Lecturer to the Farriers at the Woolwich Dépôt; • The Committee of Governors was formerly chosen by the subscribers at
large ; but at présent, when a vacancy occurs, they choose from among the perpétuai subscribers whomsoever they themselves may deem fit or convenient ; thus depriving the members of their élective rights, and making the government a close conclave, chiefly of the Professor's nomination, and subservient to his inteiests. |
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104 PRESENT STATE OF THE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
Principal Examiner, Chief Receiver of Fées, and Surgeon-General ta
the Collège. The Professor's salaty is i-500 per annum. He receives twenty
guineas from. every pupil at the Collège, and is liberally paid for ail other appointments, amounting, it is understood, to upwards of £'3000. As Veterinary Surgeon-General to the Cavalry, he possesses the whole patronage of that department, and can fonvard or blight the prospects of the pupils at plcasure, in proportion to their independence or servility. As the Veterinary Examiner of his own pupils, he exercises almost equal power, and can make the ordeal easy or difficult. A diploma may certainly be gained against his will, by distinguished merit, but, in gênerai, it is notorious that the answers of pupils must agrée with his favourite opinions, whethertrue or false it matters not, or rejection will await them. Consequently they dare not, even in conversation, express an opinion contrary to the Professor's views; no new opinion, no glimpse of improvemcnt, is permitted to enter ; and it must be obvious, tliat this plan is deeidedly calculated to perpetuate ignorance, by prohibiting libéral research, among the students. N~or are the studenls the only party aggrieved : the public in gênerai, and the réputation of the art, it can be proved, hâve suffered by the admission of unqualified cliaraeters, while some of the most accomplished candidates hâve been rejected on trifling grounds, or perhaps from contending for truth in opposition to the Professor's errors. The students hâve 110 authorized printed Pharmacopœia, 110
Manual of Anatomy, and no demonstralor ; for Mr. Assistant Sewell, although holding the place and perquisites, çannot be saut to demon- strate ! ! The Lectures are given in one long course ; and if from illncss the
Professor is unavoidably prevented from giviiig them, there are none delivered, as Mr. Sewell is prevented, it appears, from ineapacity. No Lectures on Pharmacy are ever given. The case of the pupils, under existing circumstances, is truly déplorable. As to the présent Rules and Régulations, but little information can
be gained from them, being comprised in one quarto page, the reverse of which is occupied by a kind of generalizing advertisement of the Institution, and its claims to public support. The "Rules" relate chiefly to the "privilèges," &c. of subscribers, and are particular only in securing and enforcing their annual contributions; while the greatest possible care is taken to avoid every expression that might bind the Professor to lîis duty towards the public and the pupils, for whom, indeed, not a single régulation of any sort appears. It is a |
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PRESENT STATE OF TUE VETERINARY COLLEGE. 105
most unsatisfactory document, leaving the Professor irresponsible,—
with the whole establishment, funds, pupils, the interest of the pro- fession and of the public—ail apparently at his meroy. The following distant référence forms a part of this guarded docu-
ment.—" Every gentleman having subject of complaint, either on the médical or stable treatment of his horse, or of misconduct in the forge, or of any servants of the Collège, is requested to communicate the same by letter, addressed either to the Chairman of the Stable Com- mutée, or of the next General Meeting." This is referring Mr. Thompson to Mr. Thompson. There is another circumstance mentioned which we cannot pass
over, as it shows the money-getting spirit of the Collège rulers, and has done much injury to the profession, particularly in London. In order to induce people to become subscribers, they hâve annexed a catalogue of the priées at which medicines may be. obtained at the Collège : thèse are " lower than the ordinary priées of druggists," and calculated to ruin the private practitioner, who must charge, to obtain a livelihood, at least five times the misérable deteriorating pittance of the Collège monopolists. But enough has been said, it is confidently hoped, to awaken the
attention of every subscriber, and to call forth an expression of dis- approbation at thèse abuses (for ail are interested in the improvement of the veterinary art), which can only be checked by reformation. It is somewhat singular, that, in tins libéral and populous country,
so renowned for its horses, and conspicuous for the high share of, regard and importance attached to them, there should be only one Institution devoted to their médical care—and still more extraordinary that this should hâve fallen into the hands of a single individual. This unjust and improper thraldom of a profession will surely never be per- mitted, when the members of it are made fully sensible of the situation in which they are placed. It has hitherto been from misapprehension that the public hâve listened to the dicta of the Collège : had they been aware that it was only to please a prejudiced Professor that they were sacrificing their interests, an investigation would long since hâve been instituted. Upon the whole, we do not hesitate to assert, that the Veterinary
Collège is one of the most rotten public establishments in England : but we hope and believe, that we hâve it in our power to considerably reduce the mass of corruption by which both it and the profession are at Présent degraded. |
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106
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ANIMAL PHRENOLOGY.
[Continued from p. 15.]
Order 2.—Intellectual, or Knowing Faculties, is subdivided
into 3 Gênera. Genus I.—External Sensés.
Thèse are common both to man and animais.
Voluntary motion. Feeling. Taste. Smell. : Hearing. .; sight.
The external sensés are the instruments by which the internai
faculties show their activity. And many animais hâve thèse sensés more active and perfect than man; but none equal him in under- standing. |
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Genus II.—Perceptive Faculties.
Partly common to man and animais. They make animais acquainted with existences, with the physical qualities o( external objects, and with their various relations. 22. Individuality.
23. Configuration.
24. Size.
25. Weight.
26. Colouring.
27. Locality.
28. Calculation.
29. Order.
30. Eventuality.
31. Time.
32. Melody.
33. Artificial language.
22. Individuality.
By comparing one kind of animal with another, or vvith man, it is obvious that tame animais hâve the forehead more developed than wild |
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107
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ON ANIMAL PHRENOLOGY.
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ones ; and they are more or less tameable in proportion as the fore-
head is so developed or enlarged. It has long been a disputed point, whether the tameableness of animais is solely the work of man, or whether they are tame by nature ; but this is a point not difficult to décide on, as we evidently see them in both states, and those animais that are naturally wild, even when tamed, become again wild if neglected, or are only tame to their keepers or particular persons. An instance of this was seen in the hunting tigers of Tippoo Saib, which Were brought to the Tower of London after the fall of Seringapatam. Thèse had been tamed for the chase, but were only so to their Indian keepers, or persons they were used to, and ultimately became savage. On the other hand, certain animais are tame without any trouble: mice follow the abode of man ; and in Egypt, though considered an impure animal, dogs, without any particular master, remain in the villages and towns, never go far from the dwellings of man, and con- sequently are originally tame. This organ is situated in the middle of the lower part of the fore-
head, between the eyebrows, at the anterior inferior part of the brain (above it is the organ of meekness), in oonjunction with whicli it renders animais more docile and serviceable in proportion as it is developed. It is frequently found large in the dog and horse. 23. Configuration, or Form.
This organ is situated in the internai angle of the orbit : and as we find animais of the lower order (insects) know w«Jl individuals of their kind, and of their family, they therefore possess the faculty in question. Eléphants and dogs give very striking examples of this kind, by recog- nizing persons after having seen them a long time before. Amongst sheep, we see the young ones always know their mothers ; and honey- bees distinguish the individuals of their own hive from those of any other. 27. Locality.
This organ will be found in the anterior part of the brain, above the eyebrows ; and we find most animais endowed with this faculty, as, without it, they would not be able to find their young or their dwellings, on leaving them to seek food. It is very active in some animais over others of the same kind. Horses and dogs possess this faculty to a strong degree, but in some itis much more powerful than in others ; and we may occasionally see dogs and horses, more particularly the former, find their way from place to place without difficulty, to the astonishment of their owners. Cats also are sometimes known to find |
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108 0\ ANIMAL J'HRENOLOGY.
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their homes, when they hâve been carried to a considérable distance.
Also pigeons, and the various migrating birds, possess this faculty, vvhich, at certain periods of the year becomes so active, tliat it is difficult to keep them alive, and from injuring themselves in attempt- ing to escape.* Thèse animais also come back, not only into the same climate, and into the same country, but to the same place—to the same window, bush, chimney, or tree. 82. Calculation.
This organ is placed at the external angle of the orbit. It is un- certain whether this faculty exists in animais. It is asserted that a bitch perceives if one of lier puppies is taken away ; but it is not évident that she counts her young ones: she may perceive by the faculties of individuality and form, that an individual is wanting. George le Roi has observed, that magpies count three; for if there be a hut in the neighbourhood of a tree, upon which a magpie has placed its nest, and if three persons enter this hut, the magpie is not deceived —it does not come to the nest before the three persons hâve left the hut; but if more than three persons enter, it can no longer reckon their number, and cannot compare the number of those who are gone in, with that of those who are gone out. Dupont de Nemours, hovvever, thinks that magpies can count nine. * Mr. Robert Sweet, of Cheisea, the well-known botanical author, who keeps
a great many of the migrating birds, has written a small Essay, entilled the " British Warblers," on tbe Gémis Sylvia. He gives us the l'ollowing accotint :— Thèse birds, when in confinement, are very restless at tbe seasons of their usual migration from one country to anollier,—at the time that they are leaving this country to another, in autumn, about i,wice dnring tbe winter, and again when they are returning in spring. From their agitation at various times in winter, it may be concluded that they visit more than one country «ûer their departure from this. It is very curious to see them when in this state : their restlessness seems to come on them ail at once, and generally in the evening. When they are sitting, seemingly quite composed, they start up suddenly, and flutter tlieir wings ; sometimes flying direct to the top of the cage, or aviary ; at other times running backwards and lorwards on their perches, continually flapping their wings, and looking upwards ail the time : nor will they notice any thing that is going forward, as long as they continue in that state, which lasts for an hour or two at each time. By their always wishing to fly upwards, it may be supposed, tbatwhen they first take their fligbt, they mount upwards to a great height, so that they can direct their course the better, by seeing tbe way clear ail round them. Their agitation generally lasts on them about a fortnigbt; sometimes more, and sometimes less. In the spring it seems strongest on them. At that season they will sometimes Butter about the whole of the night, and sleep a great part ol the day." |
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ON AN'IMAL PHRENOr,ÔGÏ\ 109
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32. Melody.
This organ is situated laterally in the forehead, above those of order and calculation. The heads and skulls of birds which sing, and of those which do not sing, and the heads of the différent individuals of the same kind which hâve a greater or less disposition to sing, présent conspicuous différence at the place of this organ. The heads of maies, for instance, and those of females of the same kind of singing-birds, are easily distinguished by the différent developements of this organ. 33. Language.
The organ of language is situated in the lower and back part of the
anterior lobe of the brain, and lies transversely upon the orbitary plate of the frontal bone. As man and animais are destined for society, it is consequently
necessary they should communicate and understand their sensations, ideas, and reflections; and this communication can take place only by signs. Thèse signs are either natural, or arbitrary and artificial. The natural signs are conformable to every faculty. AH beings endowed with the same activity essentially in the same manner, and ail beings endowed with the same faculty, understand its natural manifestations : but several beingsr ail efidowed with différent faculties, could not com- municate their sensations. This law is common to man and animais. Animais which hâve a certain faculty in common with man, under-
stand his natural manifestations. The dog, for instance, perfèctly understands the signs ofanger in his master, because the dogpossesses the faculty which produces anger. Animais do not at ail produce, yet they learn, the signification of
arbitrary signs, in as far as they are endowed with the respective sen- sations and ideas: hence tame animais leam in every country the arbitrary language of their masters : they may acquire even the signifi- cations of différent sounds in différent languages. |
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Genus III.—Reflected Faculties;
34. Comparison.
35. Causality.
Thèse powers constitute what is called reason, and consequently
^>elong principally, if not wholly, to man. |
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no
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREEDING PHEASANTS,
BY MR. P. CASTANG,
Manager to the laie Mr. Brooks. Eggs being provided, put them under a hen that has kept the nest
three or four days ; and if you set two or three hens on the same day, you will hâve the advantage of shifting the good eggs. At the end of ten or twelve days, throw away those that are bad, and set the same hen or hens again, if setting hens should be plenty. The hens having set their full time, such of the young pheasants as
are already hatched, put into a basket, with a pièce of flannel, till the hen has done hatching. The brood now corne, put under a frame, with a net over it, and a
place for the hen, that she cannot get to the young pheasants, but that they may go to her ; and feed them with boiied egg eut small ; boiled milk and bread, alum curd, ants' eggs, a little of each sort, and often. After two or three days they will be acquainted with the call of the
hen that hatched them ; let them hâve their liberty to nui on the grass plat, or elsewhere, observing to sliift them with the sun, and out of cold winds : they need not hâve their liberty in the moming till the sun is up ; and they must be shut in with the hen in good time in the evening. Every thing now going on properly, you must be very careful
(in order to guard against the distemper to which they are liable) in your choice of a situation for breeding the birds up ; and be less afraid of foxes, dogs, pole-cats, and ail sorts of vermin, than the distemper. I would rather encounter ail the former than the latter ; for those, with care, may be prevented, but the distemper once got in is like the plague, and destroys ail your hopes. What I mean by a good situation, is nothing more than a place where no poultrv, pheasants, or turkeys, &c, hâve ever been kept ; such as the warm side of a field, orchard, pleasure-ground, or garden, or even on a common, or a good green lane, under circumstances of this kind ; or by a wood side ; but then it is proper for a man to reman with them under a temporary hovel, and to hâve two or three dogs chained at a proper distance, with a lamp or two at night. I hâve known a great number of pheasants bred up in this manner in the most exposed situations. It is proper for the man always to hâve a gun, that he may keep off the hawks, owls, jays, magpies, &c. The dogs and Jamps shy the foxes more than any thing; and the dogs will give |
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREEDING PHEASANTS. 111;
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tongue for the man to be on lus guard if smaller vermin are near,
or when strollers make their appearance. The birds going on as before mentioned, should so continue till Sep-
tember, or (if very early bred) the middle of August. Before they begin to shift the long feathers in the tail, they are to be shut up in the basket, with the hen, regularly every night ; and when they begin to shift their tails, the birds are large, and begin to lie out ; that is, they are not willing to corne to be shut up in the basket. Those that are intended to be turned out wild, should be taught to perch (a situa- tion they hâve never been used to) ; this is done by tying a string to the hen's leg, and obliging her to sit in the tree ail night : be sure you put her in the tree before sunset ; and if she fall down, you must per- sévère in putting her up again, till she is contented with her situation ; then the young birds will follow the hen, and perch with her. This being done, and the country now covered with corn, fruits, shrubs, &c, they will shift for themselves. Feeding.—A strict cleanliness is to be observed, the méat not to
be tainted with dung, and the water to be pure and often renewed. Ants eggs being scarce, hog-lice, ear-wigs, or any insects may be given ; or artificial ants' eggs substituted, composed of flour, beaten up with an egg and shell together, the pellets rubbed between the fingers to the proper size. After the first three weeks, in a scarcity of ants' eggs, a few gextles, procured from a good liver tied up, the gentles, when ready, dropping into a pan or box of bran ; to be given sparingly, and not considered as common food. A Receipt to make Aluni Curd.
Take new milk, as much as your young birds require, and boil
it with a lump of aluni, so as not to make the curd hard and tough, but custard like. N. B.—A little of this curd twice a day, and ants' eggs after every
time they hâve had a sufficient quantity of the other food. If they do not eat heartily, give them some ants' eggs to create an appetite, but by no means in such abundance as to be considered their food. The distemper alluded to, is not improbably of the same nature as
the roup in chickens, contagious, and dépendent on the state of the weather ; and, for prévention, requiring similar précautions. Food for grown pheasants, barley or wheat ; generally the same as
for other poultry. In a cold spring, hemp-seed, or other wanning and comfortable seeds, will forward the breeding stock. |
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]]2
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ON TONIC MEDICINES FOR HORSES.
Medicines of the class denominated tonic, are occasionally used in veterinary practice with much benefit; but, in a great number of in- stances, more crédit is given to their effects than we are justified in ascribing to them. The action of tonic medicines on the System is not clearly under-
stood, and, consequently, cannot be easily defined ; but the most pro- bable mode of their opération is that by excitement—increasing the vigour of the System generally. By their effect upon the stomach, the tone of which is strengthened,
and ultimately by acting on the muscular fibres themselves, through the médium of the blood, they produce increased action, and, if regularly administered and judiciously selected, a more permanent and désirable «ffect may be calculated upon, in many cases, than from the exhibition of cordials in solitary or fréquent doses ; but in others, a combination of them may be préférable. Those drugs whieh are used for tonics may be divided into minerai
and vegetable ; of thèse the former will be found the most powerful. The most effectuai of the minerai tonics are sulphate of copper
(Mue vitriol), subacetate of copper (verdigris), sulphate of zinc (white vitriol), oxyde, or flowers of zinc iEgyptiacum, sulphate of iron (green vitriol, or copieras), arsenic, and the différent minerai ncids, viz. muriatic, nitric, nitrous, and sulphuric. Of the vegetable tonics, the Peruvian or cinchona bark, Rhatany or
krameria root, Cusparia or Angustura bark, may be considered the most powerful, and likely to be efficacious ; and under this class nearly ail the bitter vegetable productions, whether roots, wood, barks, leaves, or flowers, may be included as being occasionally useful. Of thèse we may name columba, quassia, camomile, gentian, buckbean, &c. A strong décoction of oak or willow bark, when a tonic drink is
used, will afford an excellent vehicle' for more powerful remédies. Tonic medicines will be useful in most cases after active inflamma-
tion has completely subsided, as after acute inflammation of the lungs, &c, and ail diseases where extensive blood-letting has been had recourse to. In diarrhœa, when inflammation is not présent, tonics, combined with astringents, may be given with advantage. There are also not unfréquently found, among horses, particular
tempéraments or habits of body, which are commonly denominated weak and washy, which we hâve often seen benefited by a regular course of tonic medicines. |
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113
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ON BLEEDING HORSES.
[By Mr. B. Clark, in Rees's Cyclopœdia.]
This is an opération frequently required in veterinary practice ;
Pnncipally intended to diminish the mass of blood, and thereby destroy "le too great fulness, or over-action, of the heart and arteries. When this opération is intended to affect the gênerai System, the
évacuation is usually made from the jugular vein. For the relief of a particular part, the vessels which belong to it, or which are adjacent to it, may be opened ; as the vein running down the inside of the fore- arm is commonly opened when it is conceived the shoulder is affected, the necessity of this opération, on account of injuries in this part, is less fréquent than is generally imagined ; the vein itself, in gênerai, gives out but little blood, and is very apt to swell after the opération. Affections of the feet are more fréquent, and we hâve often opened
the coronary veins with obvious good eifects : by puncturing with a lancet various parts of the coronary ring, the blood flows copiously, and at length stops of itself, without the least ill conséquences. The vein which encircles the coffin-bone is also, without much diffi-
culty, opened in inflammations of this part ; the blood flows freely, the artery which accompanies it being in gênerai opened along with it. It is necessary, in performing this opération, to reraove the horn
covering the vessels with a drawing-knife, till the blood flows in suffi- cient abundance. The horn round the point of section should be thinned considerably, to prevent irritation, and mild resinous dressings should afterwards be laid over the part to exclude the air, &c. This opération we hâve heard condemned by some, as producing ill
conséquences, and a sore difficult to'heal. We hâve only to remark, after having repeatedly performed it, that we hâve not met with an in- stance of thèse ill eifects following it. The angular veins of the eye are often opened with good eifects in
inflammations of this part, as also the vessels which are seen passing over the sclerotic coat of the eye, and over the duplicature of the membrana conjunctiva on the inside of the eye-lids, both of which admit of easy section with the lancet. The temporal artery also présents itself very conveniently for open-
lngj in the horse; and in inflammations of the brain, or its coverings, or where a sudden depletion of the System is desired, it is productive of raanifest good effect. If this vessel should bleed too freely, and appre- i
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114
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ON BLEEDING IIORSES.
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hensions are entertained of the loss of too much blood, it is most easilv
stopped by pressure, or by a deep incision which completely severs the vessel ; in this case, its ends soon retracting, stop the further effusion or blood. The veins of the palate are conveniently situated for opening, by
making a transverse incision in this part with a lancet ; and this is often had recourse to in the relaxation of the palate, termed lampers, and with apparently good effect. Some are deterred from the opéra- tion, by having experienced a difficulty in stopping the flow of blood ; a circuinstance that, in the few times we hâve performed this opération, has not occurred to us. We shall now briefly state the mode of operating, and the consé-
quences which sometimes follow the opening of the jugular vein in horses. It is most usual to bleed with the fleam, or the lancet; the former,
on account of the thickness of the skin of the horse, and the résistance afforded by the hair, is generally had recourse to. It is also next to impossible to drive the blade into the neck so deep as to be injurious, on account of the shoulder to which it is affixed : it is, perhaps, on this account, the safest and most certain instrument, especially in the hands of grooms and helpers in stables, as it cannot be much abused. In the structure of it, the back should be particularly attended to ;
for, in gênerai, this is too narrow, insomuch that the instrument, being struck, sinks into the channel of the vein; the prominent muscles of the neck receive the stroke, and the vein is not opened. To remedy this, which is a very common inconvenience, the back of
the fleam should be at least three quarters of an inch broad, in which case the opération very rarely fails. The lancet also is very convenient in thin-skinned horses, and per-
forais the opération very well. It requires, however, on account of the résistance of the skin and hair, to be used rather boldly, as to thé length it is presented with, and the force employed, at least when a copious flow of blood is desired. It is usual to wet the hairs over the part intended to be punctured ;
and then, if they are drawn parallel to the direction of the vein, the lancet passing between them, there is less résistance than if they pre- sented themselves transversely to the blade ; in which case they must necessarily be divided before the incision can take place. The jugular vein, after bleeding, often ulcérâtes, and is attended with
the most serious ill conséquences, the mischief extending in both direc- tions along the internai surface of the vein from the point of the inci- |
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ON BLEEDING HORSES. 115
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sion ; the cavity of the vein, or its canal, becomes obliterated, and the
irritation occasions a thickening of the cellular membrane surrounding the vein, often to some inehes in depth. This, in gênerai, if no external irritation happen, subsides gradually, and disappears without any further "1 conséquences, and the vein is totally lost on that side : at other times, an oozing and discharge of thin lymph takes place from the "Yjured part, and a sinus form, running mostly against the course of the vein up the neck, which, being freely opened, soon heals without farther inconvenience. At other times, considérable abscesses form, which are opened without danger, and the thickening of the cellular membrane gradually subsides, and the part heals. Again, in others, the inflammation and ulcération extend along the course of the vein to the head, forming abscesses, which burst and discharge blood, and the ulcération, extending to the head, becomes fatal. As prévention is often much easier than cure, to avoid this accident
great care should be taken to use a clean instrument, with a smooth, keen edge; not to strike wherethe vein has been already opened, where very often is an enlargement, and the vein becomes thinner in that part, and more extended ; not to include any thing but the skin in pin- ning it up; and not to leave the pin remaining in the neck too long,- to become cankered and rusty, and thus produce irritation. The pin should be clipt as short as possible, to prevent the horse rubbing it out against the manger, &c. The wound will in gênerai close of itself after a few minutes, if ail
pressure upon the vein be removed, and sufficiently firm to stop the escape of the blood, if the lips of the orifice are pressed together, without any pinning ; and the horse's head, to render it more certain, should be tied rather high to the rack for a short time : when, how-< ever, the orifice is very large, or the veins very tumid, and disposed to oleed, pinning is the surest practice. Lancets are often made with a spring, suddenly to plunge them into
the vein, and are usefully and commodiously employed for this opéra- tion, as they do it with great suddenness and effect; more so than the hand or the blow of a bloodstick. The only objection is, that the in- strument, from the pressure against the neck required in using it, cannot be so suddenly withdrawn as might be désirable, so that if the horse plunges at the moment, he might severely eut himself; which we hâve seen happen. To prevent the possibility of such an occurrence, the Wstrument might be provided with a second spring, to bring back the 'ancet to its sheath, or case, immediately after the stroke, which would render this instrument very useful and perfect. i 2
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110
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ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE.
[Concluded from p. 55.]
Of the Puriform Inflammation of the Eye of the Horse.
This inflammation of the eye of the horse differs from that which
has been described, in the part of the eye which is affected, as well as in some of the symptoms of the disease. In the puriform inflammation, the disease is confined to the membrane which Unes the eye-lids and covers the eye-ball, called the conjunctiva, or mucous membrane ; and its chief character is the profuse discharge of a puriform fluid. Besides the discharge of mucus, which is more or less mixed with tears, the eye-lids are very much swollen, and their edges glued together; their internai membrane is also swelled, formed into folds, with matter deposited among them. The cornea appears depressed, from the swelling of the conjunctive membrane on the white of the eye,some- times forming large bladders, which the ignorant hâve considered as new growths, and conccived proper to remove. The puriform inflam- mation of the eye is generally the effect of cold, resembling the common catarrh, and it often spreads among ail the horses of a stable ; for, like the same disease in the human body, if the matter touches a sound eye, it produces the disease. The treatment of this species of inflammation is to be conducted on
the same gênerai plan as in that already detailed. The depletive System of bleeding and purging is to be had recourse to, and pursued according to the violence and obstinacy of the attack. The eye, or eyes, for it usually attacks both, should be fomented with the anodyne and emollient décoctions, the animal kept in a well-aired stable, and fed moderately. When the more severe inflammatory symptoms are subdued, the extract of lead, undiluted, may be applied once or twice a-day to the eye with a camel's-hair pencil, in the same manner as directed with regard to the vinous tincture of opium ; or a small portion of the red precipitate ointment may be put between the eye-lids with a càmel's-hair pencil, or probe, every second day. Of the Spécifie Inflammation of the Eye of the Horse.
The disease now to be described is perhaps the most common, and
certainly is by far the most dangerous, disease of the eye of the horse. It has seldom been distinguished from the simple and puriform inflam- mations of this organ, though its more serious conséquences are well known This inflammation is seated in the internai parts of the eye-ball, aflfect-
ing more particularly the choroid coat and the iris. There usually cornes on very suddenly, perhaps in a single night, a
great tenderness in one eye, commonly marked by the eye-lids being shut, a copious sécrétion of tears, the white of the eye appearing slightly |
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ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE. 117
red, and the whole anterior chamber of the eye dim and clouded ; there
bemg no distinct speck on the cornea, as takes place in the common inflammation of the eye. The redness of the eye-ball is neververy re- markable, even though the disease assumes its most aggravated form ; but the dimness of the anterior chamber increases rapidly, and in two or three days, or even a shorter period, a yellow spot appears at the bottom of that cavity, arising from the formation of matter. Some- times the quantity of majter is very considérable, and 1 hâve seen it fill at least two-thirds of the anterior chamber. After lasting one, two, or three weeks, the inflammation and water-
ing usually begin gradually to subside. The matter, though in a very large quantity, is sometimes almost entirely absorbed, so that scarcely any vestige is to be seen ; and, in other instances, thin webs of opaque matter remain, which destroy the transparency and lustre of the eye, and which, by their adhésion to the edges of the pupil, interfère with its motions, and destroy its form. It is astonishing how acute dealers in horses are in discovering an eye which has had an attack of this kind. Sooner or later, while the horse appears in a state of perfect health,
the eye is again atlacked, the disease being accompanied by the same symptoms, making a similar progress, and having the same termina- tion; whilst each new attack is accompanied with the déposition of more and more opaque matter. Thèse attacks succeed each other at very différent, and sometimes at very distant, intervais, until the whole pupil is filled with an opaque white matter, and the sight of the eye completely destroyed. During this progress, the disease is often confined to one eye ; at
least, one eye is usually nrach more severely affected than the other. In some cases the two eyes are simultaneously affected; and finally, by a succession of attacks, the horse becomes completely blind. If an eye, which has in this manner suffered, be dissected, it will be
found that the external changes hâve been accompanied with still more serious internai dérangements. The crystalline lens, which lays behind the opaque matter eifused in the pupil, has lost its natural transparency, forming in the human eye what is called a cataract, or, in the horse, " moon blindness." The capsule of the lens lias also become quite white and opaque, and there is usually found, coUected between the choroid coat and retina, a quantity of coloured fluid, sometimes of a straw yellow, and sometimes bloody, which, by its accumulation and pressure, causes an absorption of the vitreous humour, and at the same .lime compresses the whole retina into a chord or bundle. It has already been noticed, that horses are very subject to this
disease. It attacks them of ail âges, of ail classes, and in ail states of condition ; though, as far as 1 hâve been able to observe, it is most common in those that are high bred, and in high condition. It is therefore probable, that dark, hot, and ill-ventilated stables, must hâve great influence in the production of this disease. It is supposed to be most fréquent in particular lines of blood ; and
those who breed horses for the turf are averse to breed from mares or stallions who hâve weak or blind eyes. |
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118 ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE.
From the foregoing remarks,* this opinion appears to be fbunded
on accurate observation; and it deserves attention in the sélection of stock. This disease has usually been found incurable ; and when a horse's
eye has once been affected with it, the proprietor is generally anxious to sel] the horse, aware of the disease returning sooner or later, and finally terminating in blindness. Bleeding, moderate purging, a cooling diet, and a well-aired stable,
afford a temporary relief, and, by moderating the severity of the symp- toms, diminish the permanent dimness of the anterior chamber. Con- sidérable benefit is derived, in some cases, from the application of the vinous tincture of opium, two or three times a-day, in the manner formerly directed. A seton in the temple, or cheek, has also been advised by some ; but, as far as I hâve been able to observe, however bénéficiai thèse remédies may be in diminishing the severity of the symptoms, yet they never prevent the répétition of attacks, and the ultimate destruction of the organ. I hâve already noticed the remarkable sympathy between the two
eyes, and that when a disease attacks one, the other is very apt to become more or less affected.t This fact is strikingly illustrated in the diseases of the human eye ; and having many years ago re- marked, that the disease winch has now been described in the horse, generally first affects one eye, and then the other, it occurred to me, that if the eye first affected were to be altogether destroyed, the pro- gressif the disease in the other would be arrested, and one eye thus preserved. An opportunity of making the experiment soon occurred. A valuable race-horse had one eye considerably injured, from repeated attacks of this disease, and the other eye, during one of thèse, appeared tender. I made an incision through the cornea of the bad eye, with a sharp pointed bistoury, through which the aqueous humour escaped. The lens was then squeezed out, and along with it the whole vitreous humour, which seemed in a healthy state. A poultice was applied over the eye-lids, the eye suppurated, and ultimately completely sunk. The other eye resumed its natural lustre and transparency, andlheard of this horse upwards of six years afterwards, when he was a very valuable hunter, the eye having remained perfectly well. Since making this experiment, I hâve found that there was nothing
new in the observations I had made ; for many, conversant with horses, are aware, that if one eye be so severely affected that it is quite de- stroyed, they consider that there is a great chance of the other remain- ing sound. I hâve even heard some farriers remark, that if the bad eye happens to meet with an accident, and the injury hasten its destruc- tion, the other will be saved ; and further, that, aware of this, some hâve even ventured to adopt the practice of destroying the diseased eye, which they hâve rudely done by putting quick-lime between the « See General Observations, No. 1. p. 18.
f When a tooth of the horse decays, the corresponding tooth on the opposite
side soon after becomes diseased. It is the same in man. |
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ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE. 119
eye-hds, or by thrusting a nail into the eye-ball, so as to excite violent
inflammation, suppuration, and destruction of the organ. When, therefore, a horse is affected with this terrible disease, it is
niuch importance to hâve the means of saving one eye, as, for every
useful purpose, one eye is found to be as valuable as both. Few will adopt this practice before the disease has made considérable progress in °ne eye, or until the second eye appears to be affected. In this latter case no time ought to be lost. The opération is in itself simple. A curved sharp-pointed bistoury* is to be introduced into the anterior chamber, plose to the circumference of the cornea, and its point is to be passed mto the pupil, so as to puncture the capsule of the lens. It is then to be carried to the opposite side of the cornea, so that, in withdrawing it, there is a large incision made in the cornea. The aqueous humour immediately escapes, and, by afterwards
squeezing the eye-ball, the lens can be easily removed, and along with it the vitreous humour ; or, if that be absorbed, by the coloured nuid collected between the choroid coat and retina. ' In this col- lapsed state of the eye-ball, the wound suppurâtes, and little inflamma- tion supervenes. When the horse is deprived of one eye, he may for some time hâve
the vision with the other confused ; but this is rectified by a little ex- périence. In some instances it may happen, that the eye which is saved has been originally an imperfect one, so that the horse never acquires perfect sight.f Injuries of the Eye of the Horse, and of Extraneous Substances
getting between the Eye-lids. When the eye receives an injury, the first thing to be guarded
against is the subséquent inflammation ; this being more or less, accord- mg to the severity of the injury. If none of the coats of the eye or eye-lids hâve been divided, it will
be sufficient to foment the eye with a décoction of camomile flowers, to take some blood from the vein in the neck, and to give a purgative- bail. It sometimes happens that the cornea is divided by a sharp instru-
ment ; and it also sometimes gives way from the concussion of a blow on the eye-ball. This injury is often followed by a good deal of inflammation, very copions and repeated bleeding being necessary to abate it. When the inflammation subséquent to an injury has subsided, more
or less irritability, and weakness of the eye, often remain ; and, for the removal of this, nothing is more effectuai than the application of the vinous tincture of opium, in the way before-mentioned, fomenta- tions being at this time desisted from. When particles of dust, or any extraneous substance, gets into the
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• See Plate No. 2, p. 54.
t To avoid deformity, glass-eyes hâve been used for ûorses.
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120 ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HORSE.
eye, it often créâtes a good deal of uneasiness. As thèse adhère but
slightly to the membrane lining the eye-lids, they may generally be re- moved with a camel's-hair pencil, or the point of a probe; or some milk and water may be thrown forcibly with a syringe between the eye-lids, I hâve seen a husk of corn stick very iirmly to the cornea, and pro-
duce a great deal of irritation ; but whenever any extraneous substance is removed, the inflammation and irritation caused by it rapidly sub- sides, and there is seldom any thing necessary to be done, except bath- ing the eye with hot water. Of Films, or Specks on the Eye.
Films, or specks on the cornea, are always the conséquence of some
previous inflammation, whether that has been the effect of an injury, or any other cause. - In ordinary cases, the obscurity of the cornea diminishes along with
the accompanying inflammation ; but, in others, a distinct speck remains after ail inflammation has subsided. A variety of stimulating and highly irritating substances are employed
for the removal of such films, and many of them may be of equal utility. I hâve, however, generally remarked, that they are used too frequently ; and it will be found that such applications act more power- fully when used seldom. À small pièce of the red precipiiate ointment, applied every third, or
even every sixth day, is an excellent remedy ; and this may alternately be used, with great effect, with a powder composed of one part of burnt alum to four of sugar ; or pure calomel may be used in a similar manner ; but, as the stimulating effect of thèse soon ceases, they ought to be employed at least once a day. Concluding Observations.
Besides the diseases of the eye, which hâve been described, there are
some others, which, either from their rare occurrence, or less serjous conséquences, may be but briefly noticed. From what has been before remarked,* it will be perceived that the
cataract in the horse, or what is commonly denominated " tnoon- blindness," is not, as in the human body, a distinct disease, but is always accompanied with other diseased changes. Besides, even were the horse subject to a simple opacity of the lens, the removal of that part of the organ would be followed by no advantages, as, without a magnifying glass, his vision would be imperfect. It may also be hère noticed, that there is a disease which frequently
affects the eyes of horses in India, but which, as far as I know, has never been observed in Europe. A worm, which, from the description I hâve received from différent people, may be compared to the common |
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« See p. HT.
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ON THE DISEASES OF THE EYE OF THE HOBSE. 121
ascaris, is generated in the anterior chamber, and can at times be dis-
tmguished swimming about, with apparently great vigour, in the aqueous humour. It produces a good deal of irritation and inflammation, the effects of which ultimately destroy the organ. The natives of India cure the disease by making an incision through the cornea, and ex- tracting the worm. Thougli I hâve never had an opportunity of examining an eye affeeted with this curious disease, the circumstantial accounts from several accurate observers leave no doubt in my mind of its existence ; and the fact accords with what is known to take place regarding the formation of worms, not only in the human body, but niore particularly in the liver, lungs, brain, and other organs of the inferior animais. Warts and little tumours are sometimes formed on the eye-lids, and
are often the source of irritation, as well as of deformity. Thèse may be best removed by snipping them oif with scissors, and destroying the remaining portion with caustic. Small polypous excrescences also sometimes arise from the iris ; but
thèse can seldom require any treatment. The eye of the horse is also subject, like ail the other organs of
animais, to deformities from birth. I hâve alreàdy mentioned the instance of a mare with one eye, that had a foal with the same defect. In another instance, a large tuft of hoir was found growing from each cornea. Sometimes this is of a curious colour, producing the wall- eye. But thèse defects cannot be remedied ; and though the organ may not be injured by them, they must depreciate, to most people, the value of the horse. |
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The following forms are for the medicines referred to, and recom-
mended in, Mr. Wardrop's Essay :— Décoction of Camomile Flowers.
Camomile flowers, dried, one ounce.
Water, a pint.
Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain.
Décoction of Poppy.
White poppy capsules (or heads), bruised, tvvo ounces.
Water, two pints.
Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain.
Wine of Ofium.
Extract of opium, one ounce.
Cinnamon bark, bruised; cloves, bruised ; of each a drachm.
Rectified spirit, four ounces.
Distilled water, twelve ounces.
Macerate for ten days, often shaking it ; then strain.
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123 AN ESSAY ON ANCIENT HOBSE-SHOEING.
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Saturnine, or Lead Lotion.
Solution of subacetate of lead (Goulard's Extract), a drachm.
Distilled water, a pint. Proof spirit, a draehm. Mix. Zinc Lotion.
Sulphate of zinc, from tvventy to forty grains.
Distilled water, a pint.
Mix.
If opium is required to be used, two or three drachms of the tincture
of opium may be added to either of the above lotions ; if to the former, the proof spirit should be left out. Ointment of Red Precipitated Mercury.
Red precipitated mercury (nitrico-oxyd of mercury), very finely
levigated, one ounce. White wax, two ounces.
Prepared lard, six ounces.
Melt the wax and lard together ; then add the red precipitate, and
stir till cold. |
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AN ESSAY ON ANCIENT HORSE-SHOEING.
BY JOHN BECKMANN,
Public Prof essor of Econumy in the University of Gottingen.
[Concluded from page 10.]
However strong I cpnsider thèse proofs, which show that the an-
cients did not give their horses shoes such as ours., I think it my duty to mention and examine those grounds from which men of learning and ingenuity hâve affirmed the contrary. Vossius laysgreat stress, inpar- ticular, upon a passage of Xenophon, who, as he thinks, recommends the préservation of the hoofs by means of iron. Gesner, however, has explained the words used by that author so clearly, as to leave no doubt that Vossius judged too rashly. Xenophon only gives directions to harden the hoofs of a horse, and to make them stronger and more dura- ble ; which is to be done, he says, by causing him to walk and to stamp |
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-Wfc£t»<& Zà&
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/^■2ktè-r-yi.'Jsdérr Jcotv.
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AN JkNCIMNT ClELAMIOT JKAUE
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123
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AN ESSAY ON ANCIENT HORSE-SUOEING.
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with his feet in a place covered with stones. He describes the stones
proper for this purpose ; and that they may be retained in their position, he advises that they should be bound down with clamps of iron. The word which Vossius refers to the hoofs, alludes, without doubt, to the stones which were to be kept together by the above means. Xenophon, in another work, repeats the same advice, and says that expérience will soon show how much the hoofs will be strengthened by this opération. Vossius considéra also,. as an argument in his favour, the expressions used by Homer and other poets, when they speak of iron-footed and brazen-footed horses, loud-sounding hoofs, &c. ; and is of opinion that such epithets could be applied only to horses that had iron shoes. But ifwe recollect that hard and stronghoofs were among the propertiesof agood horse, we'shall firid that thèse expressions are perfectly intelhgi- gible, without calling in the assistance of modem horse-shoes. Xeno- phon employs the like comparisons, free from poetical ornament, and explains them in a manner sufficiently clear. The hoofs, says he, must be so hard, that when' the horse strikes the ground, they may re- sound like a cymbal. Eustathius, the scholiast of Aristophanes, and Hesychius, hâve also explained thèse expressions as alluding to the hardness and solidity of the hoofs. Of the same kind is the equi sompedes of the Roman poet ; and the stags and oxen with métal feet, mentioned in fabulous history, which undoubtedly were not shod. Epithets of the like nature were applied by the poets to persons who had a strong voice.* Le Beau quotes a passage of Tryphiodorus, which, on the first
view, seems to allude to a real horse-shoe. This author, where he speaks of the construction of the Trojan horse, says that the artist did not forget the métal or iron on the hoofs. But supposing it true, that the author hère meant real shoes, this would be no proof of their bemg known at the time of the Trojan war, and we could only be authonsed to allow them the same antiquity as the period when the poet wrote. That, however, is not known. According to the most probable con- jectures, it was between the reign of Severus and that of Anastasius, or between the beginning of the third and the sixth century ; besides, the whole account may be understood as alluding to the ancient shoes. At any rate, it ought to be explained in this manner, till it be proved, by undisputed authorities, that shoes, such as those of the modems, wêre used in the time of the above poet. Vossius asserts that he had in his possession a Greek manuscript on
Oie veterinary art, in which there were some figures where the nails * Achilles is said to hâve had a brazen voice. |
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124 AN ESSAY ON ANCIENT IIORSE-SHOEING.
under the feet of the horses could be plainly distinguished. But we
are ignorant whether the manuscript or the figure still existe, nor is the antiquity of either of them known. It is probable that shoes were given to the horses by a modem transcriber, in the same manner as another put a pen into the hand of Aristotle. In my opinion, we must expect to meet with the first certain information respecting horse-shoes in much later writers than those in whieh it has been hitherto sought for and supposed to hâve been discovered. Were it properly ascer- tained, that the pièce of iron found in the grave of Childeric was really a part of a horse-shoe, I should consider it as affording the first information on this subject, and should place the use of modem horse- shoes in the eighth century. But I do not think that the certainty of its being so is established in a manner so complète as has hitherto been believed. Those who. affirmed that this pièce of iron had ex- actly the shape of a modem horse-shoe, judged only from an engrav- ing, and did not perceive that the figure was enlarged.* The pièce of iron itself, which seemed to hâve four holes on each side, was so consumed with rust, that it broke while an attempt was made to clean them ; and, undoubtedly, it could not be so perfect as the engraving. The account given by Pancirollus, induced me to hope that I should
find in Nicetas undoubted évidence of horse-shoes berna: used about the beginning of the thirteenth century ; but that writer has deceived both himself and his readers, by confining himself to the translation. After the death of Henry Baldwin, the Latins threw dovvn a beautiful equestrian statue of brass, which some believed to be that of Joshua. When the feet of the horse were carried away, an image was found under one of them, which represented a Bulgarian, and not a Latin, as had been before supposed. Such is the account of Nicetas ; but Pancirollus misrepresents it entirely ; for he says, that the image was found under a pièce of iron, torn off from one of the feet of the horse, and which he considère therefore as a horse-shoe. The image, how- ever, appears to hâve represented a vanquished enemy, and to hâve been placed in an abject posture, under the feet of the statue, (a pièce of fiattery which artiste still employ,) and to hâve been so situated, that it could not be distinctly seen, till the whole statue was broken to pièces. Hence, perhaps, arose the vengeance of the Latins against * Childeric died in the year 481. In 1653 his grave was discovered at
Tournay ; and a gold ring, with the royal image and name, found in it, aflbrded the strongest proofs that it was really the burying-place of that monarch. In the year 1065, thèse antiquities were removed to the King's library, at Paris. |
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125
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AN ESSAY ON ANCIENT IIORSE-SHOEING.
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the statue, because that sraall figure was, by some, supposed to repre-
sent one of their nation. As it appears to me, that the words used by ancient authors to
express shoes (npodemata, Greek; solea, Latin) occurred less frequently in the writers of later periods, I conjectured that modem horse-shoes, in order that they should be distinguished from the aneient shoes, might hâve received a particular new name, under which I had never found them mentioned. In the course of my researches, therefore, I thought of the Greek word selinaia, the meaning of which I had before attempted to explain ; and I am now fully convinced that it signifies horse-shoes such as those used at présent, as bas been already remarked by others. As far as I know, that word occvrrs, for the first time, in the ninth century, in the woîks of the Emperor Léo ; and this antiquity of horse-shoes is, in some measure, confirmed by their being mentioned in the writings of Italians, English, and French authors of the same century. When Boniface, Marquis of Tuscany, one of the richest princes of his time, went to meet Béatrice his bride, mother of the well-known Matilda, about the year 1038, his whole train were so magnificently decorated, that his horses were not shod with iron but with silver. The nails even were of the same métal ; and when any of them dropped out, they belonged to those who found them. The Marquis appears to hâve imitated Nero ; but this anecdote may be only a fiction. It is related by a cotemporary writer—but, unfortunately, his account is in verse ; and the author, perhaps sen- sible of his inability to make his subject sufficiently interesting by poetical ornaments, availed himself of the licence claimed by poets, to relate something singular and uncommon. However this may be, it is certain that the shoes of the horses must hâve been fastened on with nails, otherwise the author could not hâve mentioned them. Daniel, the historian, seems to give us to understand, that, in the
ninth century, horses were not shod always, but only in the time of frost, and on other particular occasions. I shall hère observe, that horse-shoes hâve been found, with other
riding-furniture, in the graves of some of the old Germans and Vandals, in the northern countries ; but the antiquity of them cannot be ascertained. |
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126
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ON THE SALE OF HORSES WITH WARRANTY.
The law expressly states, that any thing sold by one person to
another, and warranted sound, perfect, or good, must correspond to the description, and answer the purpose for which it was intended ; otherwise it will be a breach of contract, rendering the bargain void, and subjecting the party making the warranty liable to an action for the recovery of damages. The warranty must be upon the sale; for if it be made a/ter, and
not at the time of the sale, it is a void warranty, being then made with- out any considération ; neither does the buyer then take the goods upon the crédit of the seller. A warranty can only relate to tlùngs in being at the time the bar-
gain is made, and not to things to corne ; as, that a horse is sound at the buying of him ; not that he will be sound two or three years after. A horse warranted to carry a man a very long distance, would also
be void on the same grounds that a thing to come cannot be warranted. If the seller knows the horse to be unsound, and has used any art to
disguise him; or if he differ in any way from what he represents him to the buyer, the artifice will be équivalent to an express warranty, and the seller is responsible for the act. A gênerai warranty will not extend to guard against defects that are
plainly and obviously the object of our sensés ; as, if a horse be war- ranted perfect, and wants either a tail or an ear, unless the buyer should happen to be blind. If a horse be warranted sound, and he has lost the sight of an eye,
and, as the discernment of such a defect is frequently dépendant on skill, it is held that an action in such a case can be maintained for the recovery of damages. A warranty, therefore, if expressed in gênerai terms, under ail cir-
cumstances, extends to ail faults, whether known or unknown to the seller. Notwithstanding a horse is warranted sound, this will not extend
to vice or blemish ; for a horse may be perfectly sound, and yet of so vicious a temper, that he would be quite useless to the purchaser ; or he might hâve such blemish or blemishes about him, that, if again offered for sale, would considerably reduce the value ; it is therefore highly necessary that thèse points are duly attended to, that the pur- Sîhaser may not be deceived in supposing that a warranty of soundness |
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ON THE SALE OP HORSES WITHOUT WARRANTY. 127
is ail that is required: what constitutes thèse différences will be
entered into fully hereafter, and in its proper place. |
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ON THE SALE OF HORSES WITHOUT WARRANTY.
If the seller knows the horse to be unsound, and has used any
fraud or art to disguise him ; or if he is in any way différent from what he was represented to be to the buyer, this artifice will be deemed équivalent to an express warranty, and the seller is answerable for the déception. It follows, therefore, that the sale of horses without warranty is
reduced into a very small compass ; for, at the time of sale, the seller almost always either affirms that the horse is sound, which amounts to a sale with warranty, or otherwise sells him as unsound, and the buyer then of course takes him as he is, and runs ail risks as to any disease, imperfections, or faults, which he may happen to labour under, or be subject to. The length of time required between the time of purchase, and
the return of a horse warranted sound, but found to be otherwise, must always be uncertain, being partly a question of law, and partly a question of fact; the situation of the parties, the facility of com- munication, &c. being taken into considération. Horses that are purchased at sales by auction, require to be re-
turned when unsound, within the time stated at the period of sale ; otherwise the privilège will be forfeited, and the buyer be obliged to put up with his loss. |
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AN ACCOUNT OF A FAT OX.
A fat ox, fed by Mr. Robert Sweeting, late of Wrantage, Taunton,
now of Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, was killed on the lOth January, and weighed 1823 French pounds, and in English as follows, viz.—First fore-quarter, 27 score 6 pounds; second fore-quarter, 27 score 17 pounds; first hind-quarter, 23 score 18 pounds ; second hind-quarter, 23 score; making the total weight of the quarters 18 cwt. 25 pounds. The tongue weighed 15 pounds ; heart, 11 Vz pounds ; hide, 122 pounds ; fat, 224 pounds. |
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128
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THE FIRST NUMBER
OF
VETERINARY TRANSACTIONS;
CONTAININQ OBSERVATIONS ON
THE EFFECTS AND TREATMENT OF WOTJNDS OF JOINTS
AND OTHER, CIRCUMSCRIBED CAVITIES. By a circumscribed cavity, is meant a cavity without any external
opening. The chest, the abdomen, mueous capsules, veins, and joints, are so many circumscribed cavities, and contain fluids which hâve no communication with the air. The term cavity has been objected to by some, as not applicable to parts which hâve no vacuity or space unoccupied. Veins, arteries, joints, and mueous bags, may be more or Iess distended ; but their cavities are ail completely filled. They ail contain more or less of a fluid, but without any vacuum, as the parts accommodate themselves to the quantity of their contents : nevertheless, as the term is well understood, I see no necessity for any altération. The fluid in joints, that in mueous bags, and in the chest and abdomen, is secreted by the arteries of each part, for the purpose of preventing friction. If the ends of bones, or surfaces of tendons, were allowed to rest, and move on each other, or if the lungs and intestines, at every inspiration, were to come into actual contact with the lining of the chest and abdomen, a considérable degree of irritation would ensue. To obviate such effects, an oily fluid is placed between the solids, to prevent the possibility of the one touching the other ; and this fluid is formed from a fine vascular membrane which lines the différent cavi- ties. Where the fluid is required in great abundance, as in joints, it takes the name of synovia ; and was formerly supposed to be formed from the fatty substance found in many joints, termed the synovial gland. But, as every sécrétion cornes from the blood-vessels, and as this part is very little vascular, there can be no doubt but that the joint-oil must be secreted from the same source as the other sécrétions. Besides, there are some joints without the fatty substance, but none without synovia, or joint-oil. Bones are connected together by liga- ments, and which frequently surround a joint ; but, in the smaller joints of the extremities of horses, the tendons frequently in part supply the place of ligaments. In either case, the secreting membrane lines the ligament, or tendon, and is then continued over the cartilages which , |
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ON WOUNDS OF C1RCUMSCRIBED CAVITIES. 129
cover the ends of the bones. Tins being the gênerai mechanism of
most joints, the bones are prevented from dislocation, and yet allowed to move to as great an extent as their muscular and mechanical function W admit ; while the cartilages, from being elastic, cover and préserve the bones free from concussion ; and the oil within the cavity not only serves to lubricate the parts in health, but préservés a constant sépara- tion between ail the solids of the joint. One cause for much pain and disease, in ail cases where the synovia or joint-oil escapes, is therefore évident. The membrane lining the joint is immediately squeezcd between the two ends of the cartilages, and every motion of the limb produces pain, and excites inflammation. Independent, however, of this cause, it is foujid that where the cavity of the stomach or intestines are by any accident ruptured, an immédiate altération and cessation of the puise frequently take place, even when unaccompanied with any external opening. In this case, death probably ensues from the same cause as blows on the stomach without a rupture. The stomach is so important to the welfare of the animal, that life cannot long be supported if the vitality of the stomach be destroyed. Mr. John Hunter very pro- perly considered death from this cause as a gênerai sympathetic effect ; but the exposure of cavities of joints seems to destroy life by local irri- tation. Inflammation in ail fresh wounds, to a certain degree, is as absolutely necessary to the cure, as digestion is essential to the health of the stomach. Without inflammation, a joint once opened, or a bone broken, could never unité. But Nature lias wisely ordained, that when a soft or a hard part is divided, blood shall escape, and inflammation ensue. The coagulable parts of the blood either become a living organ, or a médium for the réception of blood-vessels from the original parts. It sometimes happens, however, that the inflammation, both of hard and soft parts, is greater than merely necessary to form the bond of union. When inflammation extends much beyond the divided parts great constitutional irritation takes place ; and, if a joint be opened, the synovia escapes, the hard parts touch the inflamed surface, and frequently oceasion death, or a stiff joint. The usual remédies are, to rub. the surrounding integuments with bot oils, and blue vitriol : verdi- grease, corrosive sublimate, and other caustic applications, are oftcn introduced into the cavity of the wound, and into the joint itsclf. Where foreign matter of a stimulating nature is inserted into the cavity of the joint, death or a stiff joint must gencrally be the effeet. The professor lias certainly known some cases succeed, from the same application applied within the lips of the external wound, immediately under the skin. Ncvertheless this practice is hazardous, as the motion K
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130 ON WOUNDS OF CIRCUMSCRIBED CAVITIES.
of the limb will be very likely to force some particles of the caustic
within the cavity of the ligament. The internai cavity of veins is liable to be inflamed from the opération of bleeding, but more fre- quently in horses than in the human subject. This disease arises either from the pin used to stop the haemorrhage passing improperly through the vein, or remaining too long in the part after the opération, or from the lips of the wound not being brought into close contact, and then the inflammation extends from the lips of the vein on the internai surface towards the head. The edges of the divided vein must always inflame after every bleeding, or the wound would continue open : but, when the inflammation extends beyond the proper limits, suppuration speedily takes place, which séparâtes the lips of the wound. In the human subject, when the vein inflame3, inflammation extends from the arm towards the heart ; and Mr. Hunter found, in some instances, that the heart itself partook of the disease. In the horse, the jugular vein is the blood-vessel most commonly opened ; and when the cavity of the vein inflames, it extends very generally towards the head, while the vein below the orifice unités, and becomes impervious. Although a vein is not strictly a perfectly circumscribed cavity, yet it has no com- munication with the air ; and, when once exposed, if the parts, after the opération, do not unité by the first intention, the vein is liable to great mischief. Whenever inflammation attacks the internai surface of veins from bleeding, or any wound, the disease is to be considered as of the same nature, and requiring the same remédies, as the exposure of joints or other cavities. The first symptom of inflammation and suppuration within the cavity of a vein is generally a small degree of swelling about the orifice, the lips of which soon recède from each other, and a little oozing escapes from the part. At other times, the swelling will be more considérable, attended with fréquent hœmorrhage ; and where the swelling extends much above the orifice, the vein is fre- quently callous and enlarged, as high as the head. This enlargement and hardness of the vein proceeds, in part, from the coagulable lymph filling up its cavity, and, in part, from the coats of the vein being thickened ; and the lymph sometimes becomes organized, and firmly unités to the internai surface of the vein. In other cases the coagulable substance does not unité to the vein, but acts as a foreign body on the whole internai surface of the vein. The professor has seen instances where lymph, many inches in length, has been taken from the jugular vein, and extended as high as the veins of the face and neck, uncon- •nected with its coats. Abscesses also form occasionally in the neigh- bourhood of the part diseased, sometimes with, at other times without, |
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ON WOTJNDS OF CJRCUMSCRIBED CAVITIES. 131
any communication with the vein. Although the inflammation is
seldom continued below the orifice of the vein, yet he has known of one instance where the vena cava, and even the heart itself, partook of the disease. The remédies usually employed, are stimulating oils applied to the tumour, and, where suppuration has not taken place, applications of that nature sometimes succeed. But when suppuration and hsemorrhage cornes on, the disease requires very différent remédies. The bursae mucusse, or mucous capsules, are another kind of circum- scribed cavity. Thèse bags contain a large quantity of fluid, similar to the oil of joints, and are placed between tendons, and also between bones and tendons. Near the large joint of the hock, immediately above the fetlock, and between thé back sinews, there are large bags of the same nature. The mucous bags near the hock generally com- municate with the joint. The use of thèse bags is to prevent friction. Instead of the hard surface of one tendon moving in contact with bone, or touching another tendon, thèse bags of oil, being placed between solid bodies, diminish friction. It has not been generally understood, that the same bags exist in ail horses when first foaled. Before the horse is domesticated, they are seldom visible but by dissection ; and from hence it has been inferred, by men unacquainted with the subject, that thèse bags are first formed in conséquence of disease ; but, in truth, the fluid is only increased in quantity from excess of weight or exertion, whereas the mucous bags are original parts, coequal with the formation of,the animal. When the horse has been over-weighted, or done more work than he is able to support, then thèse bags are enlarged ; in which case they are distinguished by the name of wind-galls. They hâve probably been termed wind-galls, from the false supposition that they contained air, and resembled the vegetable production of the same name. Technical phrases are frequently of little moment, but, in the présent instance, they hâve sometimes led to erroneous and fatal prac- tiee. When mucous bags enlarge at the sides of the hock, they are commonly called thorough pins ; at the anterior part of the hock, bog spavins. The former hâve probably had their name in conséquence of the tumour extending through the hock ; the latter, from its being near the seat of bone spavin, and yielding very considerably to pres- sure. Men, not well acquainted with the structure or funetions of mucous capsules, hâve occasionally opened them, and let out the fluid. The immédiate effect of this opération is the total disappearance of the tumour. But if the edges of the wound do not unité by the first inten- tion, great inflammation speedily takes place. And if the wound heals "i the most favourable manner, the internai surface of the bag will k2
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132 ON WOUNDS OF CIRCUMSCRIBF.n CAVITIF.S.
continue to secrète a fluid, and the part will become as large, if not
greater, in bulk, than before. The opération, therefore, of letting out the contents of mucous capsules, or in other words, the opening of wind galls, cannot succeed, and sometimes the inflammation will be so great as to endanger the life of the animal. Thèse cavities hâve ocassionally been opened by farriers with a sharp-pointed iron, made hot: this mode is far less objectionable than othcrs, as the coagulation of the fluids, from the application of the cautery, generally closes the orifice and restores the cavity; and as the mouth of the sac is infiamed by the hot iron and closed, the greater part of the contents of the sac, after the opération, remains entire. Sctons hâve sometimes been recommended and passed through thèse bags with a view to create inflammation, and to fill up the cavities w.ith granulations. The irritation occassioned by this practice is not only dangerous, but if the animal, survives, the cavity being filled up with a fleshy substance instead of an oily fluid, the fonction of the organ is lost, and probably will remain as large as before. When the mucous capsules are opened by accident, the wound is generally more violent and the conséquences more dangerous ; and, as it has not been generally understood, that exposing the cavity of thèse organs is attended with more mischief than wounds of other soft parts, proper remédies hâve not usually been employed. The theca or sheath of the tendons of the fore and hind extremities is occasionally wounded; and when this accident occurs, the animal sufFers ail the inconveniences of an opening into a joint. The sheath is a circum- scribed cavity beginning about one inch above the fetlock joint, and extending downward to the sensible frog. The whole internai surface of the sheath is lubricated by a fluid, so that the principal tendon within never touches the shefith. The use of the sheath is to bind down the tendon within ; and by the
intervention of the fluid within the sheath, friction is preveuted. When- ever an opening is made into a sheath, the fluid escapes, and the solid parts of the tendons come into contact. Inflammation to a great extent soon takes place, and the irritation is so much increased at every motion of the limb, that unless the wound be speedily united, the event is sometimes fatal. In ail thèse parts a cavity is exposed, which will be attended with
more or less danger as the wound is sooner or Iater closed. In the human subject, poultices and fomentations are the chief local
applications commonly employed ; and in ail cases where a joint is opened, the patient is placed in such a position as to be most favorable to prevent the escape of the fluid ; for unless the wound speedily unités, |
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133
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ON WODNDS OP CIRCUMSCR1BED CAV1TIES.
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the sécrétion will be increased; and so long as any fluid continues to
escape,'a foreign body is placed between the lips of the wound, and prevents the union. In the hunian subject, the parts may be kept in a great degree at rest; but in horses, every motion of the limb forces out the oil, as it is secreted, wliich tends as much to prevènt a union as mjecting water, or any other foreign body, between the lips of the Wounded cavity. Where divided parts unité, a quantity of coagulable lyniph is thrown out between the edges, and by its glutinous quality forms a bond of union, and prevents, where a joint is opèned, the escape of the synovia. But this junction, without artificial means, is not likely to take place in a joint constantly in motion. Where a joint, a mucous capsule, or the sheath of a tendon is opened, the iirst application necessary is the actual cautery.* The instrument most proper for the opération should be made of iron, two feet in length, rounded at the extreniity about the size of a small button, with a wooden handle. The tem- pérature of the iron should be moderately red. If it be black, the heat will not be suffieient to produce a proper discharge of lymph, to close up the wound ; and if it be white, it will destroy too much of the sur- rounding parts, and perhaps do mischief to the ligament. Although the opération in itself is very simple, yet some knowîedge of the structure and economy of the parts, for the purpose of applying the cautery with the best possible effect, is necessary. The object in view is to produce a glutinous substance to close up the cavity, and before the slough is removed, for granulations below to supply the place of the lymph; but if the ligament itself be destroyed by the cautery, it must, like other dead parts, separate from the living, and corne away, andthenthe joint will still be opened. It is therefore of importance not to destroy the ligament of joints with the hot iron, but confine its application to the external soft parts. In thèse cases, it is generally proper to cauterize the whole external surface of the wound ; and if the discharge is not imme- diately stopt, the iron has probably not been applied sufficiently deep, or too cold, to produce a proper discharge of lymph. Where a cure is pos sible to be effected, the actual cautery will frequently close the cavity and stop the discharge. Sometimes, however, in the course of one, two, or three days, the discharge appears again by the sides of the lymph, and then the same opération should be repeated. In some * The very name of actual cautery is a suffieient reason with some people,
u«acc|Uaintecl with its effects, to object to the opération. But in regard to the PSin, common spirits of turpentine, in which, without any unpleasant sensation, l''e hutnan subject can wash bis hands, produces more irritation to the skin of the "°rse than hot water, or even the hot iron. |
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134 ON WOUNDS OF CIRCTJMSCK1BED CAVITIES.
instances, the professor has had occasion to apply the hot iron five or
six times, and, nevertheless, succeeded ultimately without the least lameness. The saine treatment is likewise to be recommended for penetrating wounds into the chest and abdomen. The lips of the wound should be cauterized, and, if requisite, repeated in the same manner as is recommended for wounds of other cavities. When the cavities of veins become inflamed, some little variation is necessary in the treatment, as accidents of that nature are frequently attended with conséquences différent from the opening of other cavities, and require a trifling altération in the treatment. When a hasmorrhage takes place, it may very generally be stopt by the application of the cautery; but if this fail, and the parts are too much swelled to admit of a pin, there is no other remedy than to take up the vein by a ligature above the diseased parts ; and there may be instances in which it may be advisable to tie up the vein below. In gênerai, however, the actual cautery will prevent the necessity of a ligature ; and if it fail, tying up the vein will succeed only in those cases where the vein above is free from disease. In gênerai the vein is thickened and inflamed, and if a ligature be applied on a vessel in a state of inflammation, the disease will be increased. Abscesses will be likely to be formedj and the vein inflame above. In a case that occurred to Mr. Goodwin, veterinary surgeon at Oxford, where the jugular vein was tied, an abscess took place over the occipital bone, commonly termed the pollevil. That disease, however, most probably did not originate in conséquence of the tubejseing obliterated ; for in most successful cases of inflamed veins, the sides of the vein unité and destroy the cavity. After the orifice of the inflamed vein, from the application of the actual cautery, is closed, a considérable degree of swelling frequently remains, and this may be removed by a blister. When abscesses form in the adjacent parts, they should be treated in the same manner as common abscesses. In support of the opinions hère advanced, the professor has added several cases, which, from the remédies recommended, hâve terminated successfully; he has seen no instance of any inconvenience taking place from the vein being impervious from any cause, as the other jugular, together with the two vertébral veins, are completely equal to carry on the circulation. Indecd, where the internai surface of the vein becomes inflamed, and the inflammation is siicceded by suppuration, whatever treatment be adopted, if the animal lives, the vessel will probably be lost. In the human subject, few persons would consent to the application of the actual cautery, although in surgical opérations it was the common practice, even from the days of Hippocrates. The professor has never seen the same remédies |
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135
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THE JOCKEY's SLAN& VOCABULARY.
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tried in the human subject; and although the gênerai laws of the animal
economy are alike, yet in many instances there is a remarkable différence of effect, from the same cause, in différent animais. Nevertheless, as the opening of circumscribed cavities in the human subject is fre- quently attended with danger, and as the cautery is found successful in horses, applications of a similar tendency in similar cases, after other remédies hâve failed, may possibly be thought worthy of trial. |
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To the Editor ofthe Farrier and Naturalist.
Sïr, Feb. 12.
On looking over the Jockey Slang in your last number, I was much
disappointed at not finding our Collège or Lecture Slang included; for we hâve a great many rum words and sayings often made use of, and not being a Latin scholar, perhaps you will take the trouble to give me the meaning, in English, of a little of that which is most in vogue, and by so doing you will much oblige, Sir,
Your humble servant, E. G. D.
A Veterinary Pupil.
Pur see.
Ar priary. Ergo. Visy vir Sir.
Ab ore gin. E contrary O. Pur zaltum. Bony fidy. Post mortum. Ad infinidum. Ar fortiory. Pro former. A Posterory. Suijenneris. |
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136
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
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In no establishment with which we are acquainted, appropriated for
the treatment of the diseases, either of human beings or of brutes, is there difficulty experienced in obtaining information, equal to that found at the Veterinary Collège. This is a cireumstance to be attributed to mismanagement, neglect, and want of system, on the part of its médical officers ; but whether from motives of policy or otherwise, we shall not at this time stop to inquire, but simply state the facts. The names of the différent diseases are rarely given ; and if ever, in a vague, indefinite manner. Were they attached to the stalls, where every pupil could see them, or regularly and properly entered in a book (if the horses were not removed or changed from stall to stall, without its being noticed in a proper manner), it would answer nearly the same purpose. It is true that a register is kept, and cases entered by an officer of the establishment, but to whose department it does not strictly belong, and he is not even a veterinary pupil ; being prevented by the laws of the Collège from engaging in that profession, that it may not interfère with his other duties : consequently he is rather an unfit person to go round the stables and enter cases—leaving out of the question the chance of his being right or wrong. We hâve been informed that this neglect is on the part of the Professor's Assistant : this we connot wonder at, when his various avocations and disposition is taken into considération ; but as this is a subject of the first-rate importance, we shall enter more fully into it hereafter, and endeavour to rectify this part of veterinary éducation, so important to the interests of the student. Another great evil, is that of nearly ail cases which are admitted
having the gênerai term lameness applied to them, without even defining the part or parts which are sufFering from disease. Again, the lectures on diseases are given only once in a year, and that at the end of the course ; so that a pupil must remain seven or eight months before he knows any thing of Pathology, and may possibly, by the grinding and favourite System, leave the Collège without hearing many diseases explained, as no stable or practical lectures are ever delivered. Can, or ought, such a System to be any longer tolerated ?
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CASES.
Bay Gelding. Feb. 7, 1828. Admitted, with lameness in both fore-léet. Shoes directed to be taken ofF, and the feel jiared oui. |
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137
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VETERINARY CASES.
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o. To be bled in each fore-foot to the quantity of six pints.
A poultice to be applied every night.
9- Ordered to stand on wet straw during the day, and the poultiees
to be applied at night. Tincture of myrrh to be applied to the soles ; and to be shod with
plain shoes, with leather between the hoof and shoes. 11. Slight cracks appear in the heels.
Compound tincture of myrrh to be applied to them twice in the day.
14. Common tar to be applied to the soles, and solution of aluni to
the heels. 15. Nitrated ointment ordered to be applied daily to the heels.
18. Taken from the Collège. An Aged Gelding.
Jan. 30, 1828. Admitted, lame. Sole of the fore-foot ordered to be well thinned. Poultice to be applied every night. 31. To stand in wet clay during the day; and the poultice to be
continued at night. Feb. 2. Taken from the Infirmary.
A Bay Gelding.
Feb. 2, 1828. Admitted, with sore heels. Compound alum ointment directed to be applied to the sores on
the heels. To take six drachms of aloes in a bail, and hâve mash diet.
3. Bail lias operated, and continues to do so frequently.
Alum ointment to be continued, and applied daily to the heels.
7. Compound tincture of myrrh to be applied to the soles twice a-day.
9. Solution of alum to be applied to the sores every day.
12. Dismissed from the Collège.
Bay Gelding—Five years old.
Jan. 3, 1828. Admitted, with inflamed lungs.
Symptoms as follow :—Puise 70, and feeble ; respiration very quick
and laborious : extremities and ears cold ; the membrane lining the eye-lids and nose much inflamed ; the anus relaxed ; dung dis- charged often ; appears very much debilitated, and the carcass drawn up. Directed to be kept loosc in a large stall, and to be bled. A rowel
to be inserted into the ehest. |
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138 VETERINARY CASES.
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Blood very much înflamed. \
4. Respiration continues quick: the puise varies but little since
yesterday. A coramon glister to be given ; the legs to be stimulated vvith the
common liniment, and then covered with bandages. To take three drachms of aloes in a bail.
The rowel to be dressed with the turpentine ointment, and to hâve
the gruel diet. 5. The puise much the same as yesterday. The glister to be re-
peated frequently. Dung covered with mucus. To hâve the carrot diet, &c.
The extremities are become warm. 10. Horse much better. 12. To take a bail with three drachms of aloes. 15. To take turpentine one drachm and a half, aloes two drachms, in a bail. Discharged. Brown Mare—Eighlyears old.
Jan. 30, 1828. Admitted, with inflamed lungs.
Symptoms :—Ears and legs cold, great debility, and refuses to eat.
Puise 56 : bled before brought in. Ordered a mash diet, and to take aloes three drachms, in a bail.
Flannel bandages to be applied to the legs.
A rowel to be made in the chest.
31. The rowel to be dressed daily with the turpentine ointment.
Feb. 2. Horse feeds better. To hâve carrots, and a small quantity
of corn. 4. Legs become warm. The bandages directed to be Ieft off.
6. Nearly recovered.
7. Discharged.
A Three Year Old Horse.
Feb. 1, 1828. Admitted, to be castrated.
Ordered a mash diet. 2. Operated on by the Professor's assistant. It occupied more than
an hour—" rather a long ceremony !" We hâve seen the horse thrown, this opération performed, and the animal liberated, in the short space of ten minutes, by a country clown. 3. Parts much swollen, and accompanied by irritation.
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DIRECTIONS FOR KEEPING A COW IN LONDON. 139
Eight pints of blood to be taken from the jugular vein. Blood
slightly inflamed. Aloes half an ounce, to be taken in a bail.
4. Swelling of the parts diminished : horse going on well. Ordered
walking exercise, an hour every day. 6. Suppuration commenced—fomentations to be continued.
18. Nearly well.
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DIRECTIONS FOR KEEPING A COW IN LONDON,
In any Yard or Out-house Ten Feet Square.
BY MR. COBBETT.
I have, in my " Cottage Economy," shown how a labouring man may,
to hisgreat advantage, keep a cow; but there are thousands of gentle- men, in the outskirts of London, and even in the Wen itself, who want a lesson upon this subject. Milk is an article very nearly indis- pensable ; and it is one of those things which must be had every day in theyear.\ People may keep house without it ; but what sort of house- keeping would it be ! Y et, what a plague is there in getting good milk, to say nothing of cream, without which latter, mind, a gentleman's house, or any thing approaching a gentleman's house, cannot get decently along. We cannot live near London without knowing what is said about the tricks of milkmen. The temptation is too strong to be resisted by a man or woman who carries milk about. The Wen is so well supplied with water, that it would be to be a fool to suppose, that this élément will not be invoked in aid of the cow. Not by the cow-keepers, for it is their interest to have their milk as good as they can get it; but by the retailers, who are hère to-day and gone to- morrow. In short, it is notorious, that the complaints on this score are universal, and are well founded. Then though the milk is high in price, the cow-keeper cannot afford to make it really good. He must have covvs which produce quantity; his food must have quantity in vievv; and then there cornes the profit of the retailer; to say nothing about the too fréquent costly collusions between this latter and "Mrs. Cook," by which two strokes on the tally are produced instead of one ; and Mrs. Cook's " headekeashon," though got at a Sunday-schoo], enables her t(> ascertain, that, by the double score on the tally, she may add (at 2)4d. |
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140 DIRECTIONS FOR KEEPING A COW IN LONDON.
k day) 3/. 16V a year to lier wages, a part of which she may spare to
defray the expense of "Missions to the Ileathen." But how to get rid 3f ail this, or of any part of it? By keeping a
cow- "But," answer thousands of persons, "I hâve no land." Why, if you hâve no garden, no yard, no stable, no out-house, ten feet square, then, indeed, you cannot keep a cow ; and you must go without créant and custards, and ail the other nice things that a cow gives us ; or your milk and cream bill must amount (to keep a good house) to more than ffty pounds a year ! Now hear my story. I would not live anywhere without plenty of
milk. I would put up with any inconvenience rather than not keep a cow. I keep one ; and hère is my statement of the effects of doing this. When I had the convenience, I kept four or five at this place. I now. keep one. She is a little Alderney cow, about seven or eight years old. I hâve no means of weighing lier alive; but I guess her dead weight at Jfiy-lwo or tliree pounds a quarter, which is about half the average weight of fat hogs, and about twice the weight of a fat Leicester sheep. Any strong man would carry her alive, if she could be put up so as to lie quietly on his back. She calved about the middle of January. She now gives, on an average, fourteen quarts of milk a day ; and her average yield, throughout the year, is about ten quarts a day. To some neighbours, who send regularly, and give us no trouble, we sel\ four quarts every day; and the rest we use ourselves. Puddings, pies, custards, bread, tea, coffee, chocolaté, ail proclaim the praises of this little animal ; and, after ail, thougli we never spare cream, we make some butter; at this time about Iwopounds a week. Now, what is the value of ten quarts of milk ? It is ten times
four-pence halfpenny, or 3*. i)d. a day ; that is 11. 6s. 3d. a week; and that is 68/J. 6s. Sd. a year. Aye, but what is the cost? Why, upon the face of it, it cannot cost a third of this money. "But you hâve land," the reader will say. That is true ; but not one inch to put this cow oui upon. I had a bit of grass land; but that is turned into a nursery. So that my cow has never been out of her stall since the first day of Mardi last, except once for about an hour. She stands tied up, in a stall in the stable, and is only taken out now and then, as the horses are, to be tied up at the door, while the stable is, of a fine day, aired and dried. Her food is about 8 lbs. of hay a day, and half a Winchester bushel of coarse pollard; or half a Winchester bushel of grains, mixed with three gallons of pollard. The cost of the hay is seven-pence halfpenny, and the cost of the pollard (supposing Iicf always to hâve pollard without grains), is sixpence; lier litter is the |
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DIRECTIONS FOU KEEPING A COW IN LONDON. 141
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cleanost tliat cornes from the horse stalls ; but, suppose her to hâve n
truss of straw in a week, which, with proper management, is quite enougli, that is 8d. a week. So that the whole weekly cost, is 8*. fie/. So that the profit, at ten quarts of milk a day, is 17s. 9}id. a week ; and the four quarts a day, which we now sell, pay for the food and lifter of the cow, give us two shillings in money, and leave us (at this time) seventy quarts of milk a week for ourown use. Mine isafamily of fourteen grown persons in ail ; but still, seventy quarts of milk a week is a great deal ; and, in spite of every th'ing, there is skim milk, and hère must be butter milk. Thèse go to a sow and her pigs. She lias two farrows in a year of about eight each. Four of each farrow became roasters, the other four porkers; so that hère are about 400 pounds of pig-meat brought into the house in a year, and itis done at a very moderate expense in conséquence of the cow; for the pigs, when taken from the sow, hâve ail the skim milk, mixed with fine pollard or barley meal ; so that they ne ver cease to be fit to MU; and they are killed, during the four, montas that the sow is preparing another farrow ; and, during those four months, the sow lives on the pot-liquor of the house with some pollard in it ; and is, thus, kept well at a very trifling expense. You cannot hâve it both ways ; but, if poultry, and not pigs, be your taste, there is nothing equal to evrds for poultry, young or old, as I hâve stated in "Cottage EcoxûMY," paragraph 172. See also paragraph 180, for fattingfowls. The care of the cow is of little cost; but, mind, the keeping of a cow
always supposes that a man or a stout boy, is kept; for, as I am speaking of gentlemen living near the Wen, to get one of the " ladies," who hâve had "headekeashons" and who want "siteheashons" and not "services"—to get one of thèse to milk (though she may hâve done it in the country) is next to impossible. Much less will she feedpigs. But, look at the account of milk and pig-meat, or, indeed, of milk alone ; and you will find, that the man, or boy, even if he did nothing else, would pay you amply for his wages and board ; but cow and pigs woukl not take him more than three hours a day ; and you mnst hâve him to clean knives and shoes, and to do many other things, even if you do not keep a horse. But, in hiring the man, or boy, take care to ascertain that he knows how to milk, for a cow is very soon spoiled if not milked quite dry every time ; and besides this, mind, the lasthalfjrint is twelve Urnes as valuable as ihefrst half pint. See " Cottage Economy," paragraph 114. I am writing chiefly for the information of tradesmen, who, after
20, 30, or 40 years of industry, such as is seen in no other country in |
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142 DIRECTIONS FOR KEEPÏNG A COW IN LONDON.
the world, get out of the smoke of the Wen, settle on ils skirts, and
are there " paying tlirough the nose" for a scanty supply of that which they might hâve in abundance, and at an easy rate. Let me now speak of the sort ofcow. No cow, that I know of, but an Alderney, is fit for the purpose. She eatslnot half so much as a large cow; her milk is beyond ail comparison richer than that of any other sort of cow ; other cows will not bear confinement so well ; and the Alder- ney is gentle as a dog. The Alderney will give milk to within a week of câhing Urne. I had one at Botley, that gave five quarts of milk in the evening, and that calved in the ensuing night, and had a perfect calf, that was so fine as to be kept for a bulJ. Other cows are not milked for six weeks, or two months, previous to their calving ; and this is a great inconvenience. When Sidmouth's and Castle- reagh's Power-of-Imprisonment Bill sent me to Long lsland, in 1817, I left a dairy of the most beautiful Alderney cows that man ever set his eyes on. One of thèse cows multiplied herself into seven cows in the space of two years. She had twin cow calves. Before that day two years she had two more cow-calves ; and the twins had each a cow-calf before they were two years old. Other cows do not, in gênerai, hâve calves till they are three or four years old. As to the means of getting the cow, I cannot speak quite so
positively as I could hâve spoken a year or two ago. Mr. William Rogers, of Southampton, used to be a great importer of Alderneys, and used to send them to ail parts of the kingdom ; and his character for probity and fair dealing (which lie derived from his father) was such, that it was just as safe to trust to" his Word as it would hâve been to trust to his bond. But I see, by an advertisement in the Southampton Newspaper, that he has quitted the business, and transferred it to his brother-in-law, Mr. James Roberts, of Abbotston, near Alres- ford, Hampshire. Of Mr. Roberts I do not personally know much ; but I hâve heard that he is a very punctual and honourable man ; and this I présume to be the case, from the circumstance of his succeeding Mr. Rogers, whose recommendation will be quite sufficient with every one that knows him. Mr. Rogers has sent hundreds upon hundreds of cows to gentlemen who never saw him : a letter to him was enough : he was sure to deceive nobody : and his men were of that trusty character, that disappointment scarcely ever attended any one that wrote to him for cows. About the présentprices I know nothing. Mr. Roberts does, I suppose, as Mr. Rogers did, send the cows by his own men to those who order them. I paid, for one sent to me at Kensington, 5s. a day for the man, and 1*. C>d. a day for the cow. |
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DIRECTIONS FOR KEEPING A COW IN LONDON. 143
The whole expense of bringing her to Kensington from Southampton
was about two poitnds. Mr. Roberts is twenty miles nearer London than Mr. Rogers was, so that the expense may now be a little less. However, the great thing is, the character of the man you deal with ; for, if the cow has had a calf, she may hâve some defect, or may not be in calf again. If a heifer, she may not be in calf. In short, there may arise great disappointment and injury, unless the dealer can be relied on, I should prefer a heifer in calf, that would calve in a few months. Then you hâve her from the beginning, and she may last you twenty years. However, if Mr. Roberts were written to, he would say what he had, and what he thought was best to suit the purpose of the person applying. Though I keep my cow at stall, that need not be done where there
is land : in which case, be the bit of grass ever so small, the cow might be tethered out to eat the grass, and moved over the ground till ail were eaten. See "Year's Résidence in America," paragraph 132, for an account of my tethering of Alderney cows. I hâve said that hay and pollard and grains are sufficient, and so they are ; but if you hâve a garden, there will be cabbages sometimes ; and you may hâve mangel wursel near London at a cheap rate. A great weight of it will grow on ten rods of ground. It is very good as a bait for the cow now and then : once in two days : but not as a constant food. It re- freshes, and produces an abundance of milk ; but it must be given with hay, or dry food of some sort. I should observe, that though thèse cows are called Alderneys,
they generally corne from Jersey or Guernsey. [This article is taken from a Number of the Regisler, published in
December, 1825.—We consider that the inhabitants of London, as well as those of other large towns, are very much indebted to Mr. Cobbett for this valuable paper. It contains no visionary scheme, but, °n the contrary, a plan that is easily executed, and which is followed "y the most bénéficiai and satisfactory results.] |
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indication of decay in trees.
M. Baudbillac has remarked the following signs, as always indica-
tive of decay in trees. When the top branches are withered, the decay of the central portion of the wood has commenced ; but when the bark détaches itself from the wood, the progress of destruction has made great advances. When the bark becomes loaded with moss or lichens, it is |
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144
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also a proof that the tree is in an unhealthy, condition ; but vvhich may
in some measure be overcome, by detaching thèse parasitical fungi from the surface. But if the sap flow out freely from cracks in the bark, it is a sign of early destruction of the tree. Thèse observations are worthy the attention of the horticulturist and others. |
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SUFFERINGS OF THE POST-HORSE.
Could the poor Post-Horse tell thee ail bis woes—
Show thee his bleeding shoulders, ami unfold The dreadful anguish he endures for gold— Hir'd at each Gall of business, lust, or rage, That prompt tbe traveller from stage to stage, Still on his strength dépends their boasted speed, For tbem his limbs grow weajc, his bare ribs bleed ; And thongb he, groaning, quickens at command, Tbeir extra shilling' in tbe rider's hand Jiecomes his bitter scourge.—'Tis he must feel The double efforts of the lash and steel, Till when up hill the destin'd inn lie gains, And trembling under complicated pains, Pour from his nostrils darting on the ground, His breath emitted floats in clouds around ; Drops cbase each other down his chest and sides, And spatter'd mud his native colour bides ; Through his swoln veins tbe boiling torrent flows, And every nerve a separate torture knows. His harness loos'd, he welcomes, eager-eyed, The pail's full draught, that quivers by his side ; And joys to see the well-known stable door, As tbe starv'd mariner the friendly shore. Ah ! well for him, if hère his suflPrings ceas'd,
And ample honrs of rest his pains appeas'd ;
But rous'd again, and sternly bade to rise,
And shake refreshing slumber from bis eyes,
Ere his exhausted spirits can return,
Or through his frame revivlng ardour burn,
Come forth he must, tho' limping, maim'd, and soie ;
He bears the whip—the chaise is at the door .
The collar tightens, and again he feels
His half-heal'd wounds inflam'd—again the wbeels,
With tiresome sameness, in his ears resound,
O'er blinding dust, or miles of flinty ground.
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Duckworth and Ireland, 76, Fleet Street.
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THE
FARRIER AND NATURALISA
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tto. 4.] APRIL. [1828.
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LONDON
HORSE AND CARRIAGE REPOSITORY, AND
TURF BETTING ROOMS.
This Establishment (exhibiting a Repository for the sale of Horses
and Carriages on a grand scale) is situated at the Eastern extremity of the New Road, at the bottom of Gray's Inn Lane, and junction of those roads with the Highgate, Hampstead, and City Roads; having a Carriage and Private Entrance from Gray's Inn Lane, and another Carriage Entrance from Derby Street. It is erected on the most eligible spot that could be obtained, nearly equi-distant from the splendid circle of Rank and Fashion in the West, and the busy Emporium of Eastern Wealth. The centre of the South-east Perspective exhibits a noble Edifice, in
which are numerous Suites of Rooms for Consultation, Public or Private Meetings, Refreshments, Tables d'Hôte, or such other uses and ac- commodations as may be ultimately found requisite. The whole of the principal Story is occupied by one splendid
Room, lighted by three Iofty Windows in front of the Arena, and two élégant Dôme Lights, and is equal in magnificenoe to any thing of the kind in the United Kingdom. This Grand Room is intended as a Betting or Assembling Room,
for Subscribers only, who will form their own Laws and Régulations, and hâve ingress at ail times. The Rules state that a regular correspondenee will be kept up with,
and the earliest intelligence obtained from, the Sporting Districts ; and that ail the Periodieal Sporting Publications, Pamphlets, and Papers, will be laid on the Table for the use of Subscribers. |
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, /. Tariàlteon. A rch;
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ï3B'W'ih[©B.sœi teCJuaaaiEJLWî miaTeosiTtostir.
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146
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VETERINARY COLLEGE.
Altiioush the corrupt state of the Veterinary Collège had been
felt and acknowledged by ail who were acquainted with the Institution, yet it was with no little care and précaution that we undertook, in our last Number, a categorical exposure of its abuses. It appeared to us a task somewhat fearful, whatever our readers may think of it, to arraign before the public tribunal, a national establishment so privi- leged in error; to show that its laudable and highly useful objects and purposes were wholly subverted, every trace of its original constitution destroyed, and its power, patronage, and émoluments, devoted to the aggrandizement of mercenary men. The Veterinary Collège may be compared to the Inquisition, of
which initiated membèrs dare not be the first to speak; but when once boldly exposed, every sufferer will add évidence to its enor- mities. Thus we find not the slightest shadow of defence has been urged by the delinquents in power ; but we hâve received several com- munications from members of the profession, exhorting us to persévère in the work of reformation, and pointing out defects which escaped observation in our former Number. We allude to the Letters of Mr. Bryer, the " Veterinarians," &c.
The first is particularly worthy of attention. It complains, with great justice, of the disadvantages under which the writer laboured, when a student, from the total want, or absence rather, of a Demonstrator, and the difficulty of obtaining proficiency in the practice of surgical opérations ; neither of which important defects has been in any degree amended to the présent time. We shall therefore, having hitherto grounded our strictures on a firm
foundation, proceedto lay down the original laws on thèse subjects, and show the unfortunate pupils what were the intentions of the worthy and scientific founders of the Collège. " The knowledge of the Animal Economy being indispensable to
those who would make any progress in the art pf healing, the pupils shall be first instructed in Zootomy." * First Course.
" The study of Zootomy shall begin in November, and end in April
of the following year ; to be succeeded by the study of the exterior knowledge of the Horse, in which the pupils shall be taught good and bad conformation of the animal." Hère was a plan of instruction laid down for the school, of
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• The Anatomy of Brutes.
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Veterinary collège. 147
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which those who hâve the misfortune to study under the présent
irregular system will know how to estimate the advantage. No mention was made of a Demonstrator, because, at the early com- mencement of the Collège, the Professor was supposed to hâve lei- sure to perform this duty; but we apprehend it was far from the thoughts of the Original Committee of Governors, that when the school should increase to eighty pupils, a person holding a plurality of offices, like Mr. Sewell, should receive also the appointaient and sa- lary of Demonstrator, and from one month's end to another, with ail thèse inquiring pupils in want of direction, he should never once show his face io the dissecting-room. Instruction was intended to be given, and its necessity to the student in Zootomy will not be denied ; and if this gentleman linds himself too much occupied, or incapable of com- municating it, why does he hold, or why do the Governors permit him to retain, the situation? We by no means assert that his présence there tends very much to enlighten the pupils, for it appears to be a case of total neglect, combined with symptoms of incapacity (Veterinary inanity it might be called): but the décision of this point we leave to those who may hâve been fortunate enough to hear him attempt a démon- stration ; for, in gênerai, he most earefully avoids giving us an oppor- tunity to judge of his powers. Our correspondent has not fully stated the only means of acquiring
anatomical knowledge which is at présent enjoyed by the Veterinary pupil. He has the privilège of bringing his own Jack Ass (the Horse is seldom or never resorted to) to one of the benches in the dissecting room ; and after cutting and slashing—without much nice discrimination, it may be supposed—until he begins to think he has " found something :" he may then refer, having no Manual of Anatomy, to one or ail of the imperfect Works on this subject by différent authors; and after labour- ing in vain to reconcile the conflicting descriptions and absurd syno- nyma too often given, he cuts away such muscles as he cannot make out, and goes deeper into the subject. When, by dint of persé- vérance, he has become tolerably proficient in Anatomy, and has attached certain names to the various parts, it cornes next to be con- sidered, whether they are in accordance with the opinions of the Professor, and will be admitted or not by the Non-veterinary gentle- men who form the Examining Committee.* With such obstacles in the path of knowledge, it is not surprising that few pupils gain more * A new Nomenclature for the Anatomy of the Horse, which would form a
standard Synonyma of Zootomy, is much inrequest. Ail the inappropriate hunian """Ses should be discarded, and their place supplied by others. l2
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148
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VETERtNARY COLLEGE.
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than a smattering of the subject. Even those who may be sincerély
desirous of acquiring information, are probably deterred by thèse annoying difficulties, and content themselves with learning, from those who hâve passed the mock examination, the answers to a few leading questions on controversial points,—which may serve, by a slavish ac- quiescence with the opinions of the Collège rulers, to procure the much desired Diploma; which, when obtained by such means, must be a roost despicable document in the'eyes of ail well-informed men. i . In answer to Mr. Bryer's last observation, we cannot do better than quote the original rule. Tkird Course.
"The course of opérations shall occupy three months, and afterward*
the pupils shall put in practice those surgical opérations which they shall hâve been taugbt in the preceding course of lectures. This shall employ them the mornings only ; in the evening, they shall be instructed in the Materia Medica." Such was the plan sketched out at the commencement of the Col-
lège ; and, we hâve no other remark to make respecting the remissness of the teachers in explaining the surgical opérations, than, that it is of a pièce, and in keeping, with the whole of their conduct. Fourih Course.
" The pupils shall attend a course of Pharmacy, to obtain a know- ledge of the différent préparations." Fifth Course.
" A knowledge of the common plants and herbs being necessary to
the Veterinary practitioner, the pupils shall attend a course of Botany relative to Veterinary Medicine." It is not apparent in what manner the student contrives to make
himself acquainted with Pharmacy, as no Lectures are novv delivered on this important subject; but it has been the practice to reward the Collège Dispenser with an extra douceur for a sufficient private grind- ing to serve diplomatie purposes. Sixth Course.
"It being necessary that the shoeing of Horses should be perfectly
understood, the pupils shall attend the l'orge," &c. This most useful branch of the profession is, if possible, more neg-
lected than any other. An excellent régulation prevails at the French Collèges, requiring
each pupil to learn to make and put on a slioe, before he can receive |
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VETERINARY MEDICINES. 149
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his Diploma ; and the above rule was probably proposed by St. Bel,
with the same intention ; but those at our Collège who hâve not pre- viously been engaged in the shoeing départaient, are very improperly permitted to pass, without any other testimony to their knowledge on this subject, than a few admissions of the necessity of frog pres- sure: but this deserves, and will receive, our earliest undivided atten- tion. There is, in fact, only one channel of information—and that a very equivocal one—atthe Collège,—Mr. Coleman's Lectures; which, admitting them to be comprehensive, are déficient, as may be expected, in many points of conséquence, and we may observe, are equally delu- sive in others also. " There shall be a Library at the Collège, comprehending ail suoh
Works as may contribute to enlarge or improve the Veterinary Science ; the care of which shall be committed to tbe Professor, as Librarian to the Collège." The Professor, we doubt not, has a good account to give of this
Library. A nucleus was formed for it by the Odiham Agricultural Society, who presented ail their papers and essays to the Collège at its commencement ; if the collection has been increasing for the last thirty years, there ought now to be a respectable number of books for the use of the pupils; and a good library would be some setoffto them, for the want of direct instruction, and the neglect of their nominal Demonstrator. |
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A DESCRIPTION OF VETERINARY MEDICINES,
WITH THEIR
Latin and Commun Names ; including the best Modes of Exhibition and
Application ; also the Adultérations ihey are liable to, new French Pré- parations, Sfc. : intended toform a complète Practical Pharmacopmia. The vague, uncertain, and contradictory state in which we find
Veterinary Medicine involved, and thirty years having passed away without a single Une on the subject from the Collège, hâve induced us to commence the subject; and trust, by the plan which we shall adopt, that we shall be able to place it in a more useful point of view than has hitherto been accomplished. In order to render a description of medicines as short and compre-
hensive as possible, it is necessary to use certain single terms to convey •neanings to the mind, and preclude the necessity of répétition ; uiereby not only saving the time and trouble of the reader, but, by |
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VETER1NARY MEDICINES.
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placing it in a clearer light, render it much more forcibly irapressed on
the memory. With this view of the subject, we hâve given, as an introduction,
the terms which we shall hâve recourse to in the progress of our labours, in describing the différent drugs used as Veterinary * medicines ; com- prehending, as far as is known, their modes of action, and their effects. 1. Alteratives.—Those medicines are called Alteratives, which pro-
duce a graduai change in any morbid or faulty sécrétion, or which remove diseased action by slow degrees. As ail medicines, in a gênerai sensé, may be considered alterative, the term is not without objection ; but being a name so much in use, and commonly adopted, we retain it as best calculated to be understood by the gênerai reader. When a medicine is given as an alterative, it should not act violently on any organ ; or its effects are worse than useless, and the object of its exhibition defeated. 2. Anodynes are medicines which diminish or remove pain or irri-
tation ; and, in over doses, produce stupor, and even death.—See Sédatives. 3. Antacids, or Absorbents, are medicines which act chemically—
neutralizing acids in the stomach and bowels, and thereby diminishing ôr destroying their irritative effects. They can only be considered as palliatives, and require to be combined with other medicines to hâve a permanent bénéficiai effect. 4. Antiseptics.—This class of medicines prevent putréfaction from
taking place in animal substances, and hâve the power of checking it when commenced. 5. Antispasmodics.—-The opération of medicines which corne
under this class is not well or clearîy known, but their effects allay violent pain and increàsed muscular action, without producing that stupor that is observed to resuit after the use of narcotics. In spasms from debility, a tonic, or any remedy which may remove it, acts as an antispasmodic : when they arise from irritation, as in the case of wounds, &c, purgatives and narcotics may act as antispasmodics. 6. Astringents.—The action of those medicines which are denomi-
nated astringents, appears to be, in great measure, local and mechanical : their effects appear to resuit from corrugating the fibres of the part to which they are applied. 7. Carminaiives are medicines which expel wind from the stomach
and intestines, by stimulating their muscular coats. 8. Cathartics, see Purgatives.
• Under this term we include those of cattlé. mi *" *•«*"*#.
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VETERINARY MEDICINËS. 151
«*• Caiistics are those substances which destroy or décompose the
texture of living animal matter to which they are applied. 10. Cordials-—Those medicinës usually deriominated cordials, are,
more prôperly speaking, stimulants, and act on the System by rousing >ts energy, and by supporting the languid or sinking powers of life. 11. Demulcents.—Those medicinës, which prevent or obviate the
action of stimulating or acrid matter, are termed Demulcents; they eover and sheath, as it were, the surface exposed to their action, and thereby prevent the sensible membranes from being irritated. 12. Diapkorctics.—Medicinës which, taken internally, act by in-
creasing the sécrétion from the skin, generally termed sweating.—Sée Sudorifics. Yâ. Diluents are those substances which increase the proportion of
the fluid in the blood, as water. 14. Disculients are substances applied externally, to repel and ré-
solve swellings and morbid enlargements. 15. Diuretics are such medicinës as increase the quantity of urine,
which they effect by stimulating the secreting vessels of the kidneys. 16. Emollients are those substances which, when applied to the
external parts of the body, render them softer and more supple. 17. Escharotics.—A term applied to those substances which possess
a power of destroying the texture of the various solid parts of the animal body. They may be divided into eroding and caustic escha- rotics. 18. Errhines are those substances which, when applied to the
mucous membrane of the nose, produce irritation, or increased sécré- tion from the part. 19. Expectorants.—Those medicinës are usually denominated ex-
pectorants, which promote the excrétion of mucus, or of pus, from the lungs, trachea, and bronchial tubes. 20. Laxatives are medicinës which act for the most part by unload-
ing the intestines of accumulated or offensive matter, without producing any considérable eifect, either on the exhalent vessels of the intestines, or on the sécrétion of the liver and pancréas. They sëem to act, therefore, by stimulating the muscular fibres of the intestines, whence their peristaltic motion is augmented, and the contents of the bowels more quickly and eompletely discharged. 21. Narcotics are medicinës which diminish or remove pain.—See
Anodines. 22. Purgatives, or Cathartics.—Under this class are compre-
hended those drugs which act on the intestines by stimulating the vessels °f their mucous coats, and produce increased peristaltic motion. |
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152 IIORSE CAUSE'.
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23. Sédatives are those substances whicli depress or diminish the vital
powers, by reducing the action of the nervous and vascular Systems. 24. Stimulants,—Those medicines which possess the property of
rousing the energy of the System, and supporting the sinking or languid powers of life, are called stimulants. They are also termed Cordials. : 25. Stomachics.—This is a term usually applied to those sub- stances which act directly on the coats of the stomach and its sécré- tions, including stimulants and tonics, which are, indeed, the more defi- nite and proper terms. 26. Sudorifics are such medicines as promote the sécrétion from the
skin.—See Diaphoretics- 27. Tonics are those remédies which dispose the heart and arteries
to more forcible contraction : they tend to counteract debility, to give strength and energy to the fibres, but they do not stimulate to any great extent. 21. Vermifuges.—Medicines which expehor evacuate worms froui
the stomach or intestines. [ To be eonfînued.]
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HORSE CAUSE.
Lincoln Assises, Thtirsday, March 13, 1828.
BEFORE THE CHIEP BARON ALEXANDER.
Boucherett, of Willingham, v. Greetham, of Fiskerton.
Me. Serjeant Adams stated the case to the Jury. The plaintiff., who was a gentleman extremely well known in the county, had brought the présent action against the défendant, to recover the price of a horse sold by him to the plaintiff upon a warranty of soundness (which was a false one), and the expenses and losses to which the plaintiff had been subjected, by reason of such sale and false warranty. The case was attended with many extraordinary circumstances, and required their most serious attention. The sale of the horse to the plaintiff took place as far back as December, 1825; and although the présent demand was made at so late a period, yet, in point of law, the plaintiff would be entitled to their verdict, as he should prove the horse to hâve been unsound at thetime of the sale. The plaintiff was a gentleman of fortune, fond of the sports of the chase, gave a large price for his horses, and looked out for the best. He employed (understanding the défendant had a horse for sale) a veterinary surgeon, named Hargrave, to inspect it; andit was in the nionth of November, 1825, that Har- grave went to the défendant's résidence to view and examine it. The |
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horse had its leg bandaged and bound up in the evening on which Har-
grave viewed him, and on the next morning he was taken upon the turf. The défendant said he was sound, and of course Hargrave, not having any reason to doubt his assertion, returned such a report of the horse, that the plaintifF ultimately purchased him for 150 guineas. The horse, in about ten days or a fortnight aftenvards, was delivered by the defendant's groom to the plaintiif at Saxilby Cover, just as the hounds were throwing off. The plaintifF mounted and rode him on that day, and the horse came home lame in the evening in the flexor tendon of the near fore leg. The plaintifF concluded that the horse contracted his lameness in the exercise he had undergone in hunting, and therefore, with that sensé of honour which did him crédit, made no application to the défendant to take the horse back, but sent to Hargrave to attend him. Through the attention of the latter, and by restingthree weeks, the horse became sound again. He was not a good one at a fenee, neither had he a good constitution ; and the plaintiff, wishing to dispose of him, sent him to Horncastle fair, and instructed his groom to sell him for ninety guineas, and give the purchaser a warranty,—upon which he was sold. Nothing was heard of him for four months ; at the expiration of which time the plaintifF reeeived a Ietter from Mr. Bark- worth, the gentleman to whomhe was sold, informing him that the horse came home lame soon after he was hunted by that gentleman, and that he should retum him. The plaintiff, however, refused to take him back, and expressed his surprise at Mr. Barkwork thinking of retuming him the horse after having kept him four months ; and Mr. Barkworth brought an action against the plaintifF, to recover the value of the horse. Upon the trial, and upon the évidence of Hargrave (who also attended the horse when lame in Mr. Barkworth's possession), the jury entertained no doubt it was a continuance of a lameness which he had when in the possession of Mr. Boucherett, and Mr. Barkworth consequently re- covered a verdict against the présent plaintifF. Now if the défendant (Greetham) had kept his own counsel, the probability was, that this action never would hâve been brought ; but, not satisfied with having imposed upon Mr. Boucherett, he stated that the horse had been lame vvhilst in his possession. Mr. G.'s groom, who lived with him at the time of the sale, disclosed, that when the horse went to hunt at Brattleby, he returned home lame: the leg was bandaged, and upon Hargrave coming to view the horse for Mr. Boucherett, Mr. Greetham directed his groom to take the bandage off the lame leg, and place it upon the sound one, that Hargrave's attention might be drawn to the sound leg, and not to that which was bandaged : and this very same story was aftenvards told by Mr. Greetham to Mr. Brooks, the person who pur- |
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154
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HORSE CAUSE:
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chased the horse for Mr. Barkworth. Thèse were the facts of the case ;
and a jury had already found, and had found justly, that the lameness which took place whilst in the possession of Barkworth, was a continu- ance of that lameness which appeared on the 13th of December, 1825— at the time Hargrave first viewed him in Mr. G.'s possession. After stating the expenses incurred in that action, amounting to £375 15s., the learned counsel said he claimed them atthe hands of the jury. It would probably be said by his learned friend (Mr. Balguy) that they ought to hâve given notice to Mr. G. to défend the action. If they thought Mr. G. could hâve been guilty of such conduct—if they had known Mr. G. had bandaged the wrong leg of the horse to create dé- ception,—in such case notice would hâve been given : but, having no suspicion of this, it was for them to say whether Mr. G. had any right to ask for such notice. After a few other observations, the learned Serjeant said he should establish, beyond a probability of doubt, that the horse was unsound at the time of the sale. The following witnesses were then called in support of the plaintiff's
«ase. William Hargrave, veterinary surgeon, was at Mr. Greetham's on
the evening of the 23d of November, 1825. I examined the horse next morning at Mr. Greetham's stables ; the off fore leg was bandaged : I made the observation ; I said to Mr. Greetham, " Of course you warrant the horse perfectly sound ;" and he replied, " O, certainly !" I mentioned an enlargement on the near leg, but he said it was of no conséquence ; the horse's legs had been full of thorns. I attended him when in the possession of Mr. Boucherett, on the 14th of De- cember : he had an enlargement of the tendon ; I thought the lame- ness proceeded from the puncture of a thorn. In January following he bruised his knees. I attended him : he appeared sound, but there always was an enlargement left upon the tendon. I saw him in Deceniber, 1826, at Mr. Barkworth's,when the near fore leg was swelled and inflamed in the same place where it had been lame before : it was a small round swelling, and sore on being touched. I think it pro- bable the lameness now proceeds from the same cause. Cross-examined by Mr. Balguy.—-When I saw hita at Mr. Greet-
ham's, I had him trotted out and examined, and I considered him per- fectly sound. Mr. Boucherett is a hard rider. He rode him the whole of the hunting season, and in the summer as a hack. Did you, upon your examination at the last assizes, say any thing of
having observed any little hump on the near fore leg when you looked at him at Mr. Greetham's ? —I don't remember saying anything about it. Edward Melton, Mr. Boucherett's groom, paid 150 guineas for the
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HORSE CAUSE. 155
horse. After the first hunting the horse appeared lame. I took him
to cover on the 12th of January, when he met with an accident in his knee by leaping over a stone wall. Mr. Boucherett kept five hunters, and this horse, with one or two exceptions, took his regular turn dur- ing the hunting season. I sold him at Horncastle fair to Mr. Brooks for 90 guineas, with a warranty. John Peart.—I lived with Mr. Greetham until May 12, 1826. I
was six years in his service. Mr. Greetham purchased the horse at Horncastle August fair, 1825. I rode him home. Mr. Greetham had him out the next day : he was run out. Mr. G. said he stood badly on his fore legs in the stable, and thought he was lame. He ordered me to get ready to take him back to Horncastle, but he after- wards said, "John, I'il see the horse out again." He did so, when he said, " It may be his way of going ; Fil keep him on." At that time I observcd no lump on his back sinew ; I afterwards noticed it. I remember Mr. Greetham hunting him at Burton Kennel ; he did not then corne home lame. He hunted him at Brattleby, when he came home lame in the near fore leg. Before he went to Brattleby I observed a lump upon the near fore leg, and I applied mercurial oint- ment to it. The borse never was rode again until sold to Mr. Bou- cherett. [ remember Hargrave viewing the horse. I took the band- age off the near fore leg, and put it upon the off one. I took him to Saxilby Cover to meet Mr. Boucherett. Before I went, Mr. Greet- ham said, "Now, John, don'tbetoo soon; if he is groggy, some of the gentlemen will be looking at him, and find it out ; but if you are late, Mr. Boucherett will get upon him and hunt ; and if he finds him return home lame, he will think he lamed him himself." Mr. Greet- ham was at the hunt that day, and when he returned he said to me, " I hâve seen the horse ; I expect him back ; they hâve crushed his knee. Now they've lamed him they may take him themselves : we'll Jew them, if we can." Upon cross-examination by Mr. Balguy, he said ;—1*11 swear there
was no complaint against me by Mr. Greetham, for stealing his corn, which was not the reason I was turned away ; but it was through a disagreement between myself and Mr. Greetham respeeting the situa- tion of a female servant in the house. Witness then said—After leav- ing Mr. Greetham, I did not obtain a situation as a groom, but went as an understrapper in Sir Richard Sutton's stables, the groom of which gave me a charactef, and I obtained a situation under Mr. Betts, of Cainby, with whom I now live. Thomas Brooks lives at Gaborn, near Caistor : purchased the horse
°f Mr. Boucherett, for Mr. Barkworth. I saw Mr. Greetham after- |
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156
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HORSE CAUSE.
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wards ; he said, " When Hargrave came to look at liim, I ordered
the bandage to be taken off the near leg, vvhich was lame, and put upon the off leg, which was not lame." Mr. Greetham said, further, he had hunted him twice, and that he was lame both times. I told this to Mr. Barkworth, but gave him no advice. 1 did not say one word of this at the last assizes. Mr. Barkworth was called.—He received the amount of damages
and costs of the late trial, amounting to £249. Mr. Wm. Daws, veteririary surgeon, of Lincoln, saw the horse last
assizes. He is afflicted with a continuing lameness, which will be always exhibited when he is worked. Mr. Henry Sexton produced an examined copy of the judgment in
the cause " Barkworth v. Boucherett," to which Mr. Balguy objected, on the ground that Mr. Greetham ought to hâve had notice of that action, that he might hâve had an opportunity of furnishing Mr. Bou- cherett with an answer to the action brought by Mr. Barkworth. After an observation from Mr. Denman, the Judge overruled the objection. The damages and costs in that action were then stated to be £375. 15*. Mr. Balguy now rose for the défendant, and addsessed the jury in a
most able and energetic speech.—Mr. Boucherett, in answer to a letter from Mr. Barkworth, claiming the price of the horse when he turned out lame at the expiration of four months, said he should resist that claim, and expressed his surprise at a complaint of unsoundness, after having had possession of him for so long a time. Though he could feel much surprise at Mr. Barkworth's calling upon him after four months lapse of time, he feels no diffieulty in calling upon Mr. Greetham after a lapse of more than two years. It was proved, by his learned friend's case, that the contract with Mr. Boucherett was made in November, 1825,—that Mr. Boucherett rode the horse during the whole of the hunting season,—that he rode him as a hack during a whole summer, and then sold him at August Horncastle fair, 1826,—that he was called upon four months afterwards to answer a charge for breach of warranty, —that the case was tried last assizes between Mr. Barkworth and Mr. Boucherett,—that a verdict was obtained by the former,—that Mr. Greetham had no intimation made to him, either on the action being brought or the case being heard, until after a certain number of months had expired,—that a verdict was recovered in July, 1827,—and that no claim was made upon Mr. Greetham until the commencement of the year 1828. Now he (the learned counsel) would ask, had Mr. Greetham been fairly and candidly dealt with? He was quite sure that np individual who then heard him could conscientiously reply in the |
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HORSE CAO SE. 157
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affirmative. Mr. Greetham purchased the horse at Horncastle fair, pre-
vious to selling him to Mr. Boueherett, at a priée of 100 guineas. Mr. GK then sells him for 150 guineas, after the trouble of getting him into good condition. He sells him with a warranty of soundness, because at the time he sold him he knew him to be sound; and he would repeat his conviction, that he was sound at the time he was transferred from Mr. Greetham to Mr. Boueherett. Did they think Mr. Greetham,—a neighbour of Mr. Boueherett's—a gentleman extremely well known to Mr. Boueherett, and constantly meeting him in the field,—did they think, if he had known the horse to be unsound, he would hâve singled out Mr. Boueherett as a purchaser ?—Would he hâve been such a madman as to warrant such a horse ? or would he hâve put a doubtful horse into the hands of Mr. Boueherett, whora he knew to be one of the hardest riders in this country? or would Mr. Greetham hâve been such an idiot as to bave warranted this horse, and subjected himself to ail the conséquences of an action for breach of warranty, if he had not known him to be sound? Then, in point of fact, he is sold and passes into Mr. Boucherett's possession in November, 1825; soon after Mr. Boueherett rides him aday'shunting, and in the evening he returns home lame. Every man who knew any thing of hunting must know that a horse is subjected to danger, and the harder a man rides the more a horse is exposed. It did not appear that the horse was a perfect hunter at the time of the sale ; for one of Mr. Boucherett's objections was, that he was apt to run through fences instead of leaping them, and thereby subject to falls. Such a horse, therefore, was most likely to become lame in the way he did—by a thorn. The first time Mr. Boueherett rides him, he is lame. Who attends the horse ?—Hargrave. Upon whose judgment was he purchased?—Upon Hargrave's, who had seen him over night, and on the following morning subjected him to the strictest inspection, to enable a skilfal man to detect infirmity of any de- scription, and upon whose judgement Mr. Boueherett ultimately bought him. Mr. Hargrave, who was a witness in the cause " Barkworth v. Boueherett," states to-day, and for the first time, that upon looking at the horse before Mr. Boueherett purchased him, he had some small enlargement upon the near fore leg. Now it was extremely important for him, being, as he was, a witness for Mr. Barkworth at the late trial, to hâve stated, not only that he was lame when he went over to Hull to inspect him, but when Mr. Boueherett bought him ; that he observed the enlargement upon the fore leg, but his attention was drawn from "the fact by Mr. Greetham'swarranty. Whydid he not state this when he
was the witness of Mr. Barkworth? Was he seeking to keep this
back, to protect Mr. Boueherett ? If so, what confidence can you hâve
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108 HORSE CAUSE.
in his testimony ? If he had been examined as to attending the horse
within a few days after its arrivai at Mr. Boucherett's, it would hâve Jed his attention to the state of the limb previous to the horse getting into Mr. Boucherett's service. If he had had the slighest ground for supposing that the lameness he had seen after Mr. Boucherett got him, was not through hunting at Saxilby, it was an extraordinary thing that Hargrave did not direct Mr. Boucherett's attention to it—"I believe your horse is lame to-day, and I am bound to tell you, as you confided in me to examine him, that in this very spot, when in Mr. Greetham's possession, I perceived an elargement about the size of a pear." It was Mr. Hargrava's duty, if he had had the least reason to suppose that Mr. Boucherett had bought an unsound horse,—if Mr. Greetham did not—to tell him so. He would hâve acted properly, and Mr. Boucherett would hâve been most sensibly alive to it. He would say, it was clear, if he had the least claim to character, that he would hâve expressed his doubts to Mr. Boucherett; and then some appeal would hâve been made to Mr. Greetham, which would hâve placed Mr. Gree- tham in more favourable circumstances, and in a situation to give a better account of the horse. This man was bound to give Mr. Boucherett that information, and Mr. Boucherett was bound to act upon it. The •next witness was Melton. He would not hâve wished for a better. He proved the learned counsel's (Mr. Balguy's) case. If there was the slightest pretence for his learned friend imputing some old disease, latent in the horse, he would say, that the horse was sub- jected to a test which any horse that had a leg to go upon could not perforni without betraying the disease. The diversion of hunting was most laborious to a horse: we are surprised the animal is not more frequently lamed : every muscle, every artery, every fibre, the whole frame, underwent the most violent exertion, and frequently at a period when the animal functions were beginning to decay, and then, of ail others, those horses which are subjected to lameness, are tried, and especially by those who ride in the front of the battle, pushing on their horses and tiring them to the utmost. A horse in that state was much more liable to contract lameness, and still more liable to mani- fest latent disease. Mr. Boucherett lamed him : he was lamed when Mr. Boucherett rode him. After some other remarks upon the tes- timony adduced, the learned gentleman proceeded. Thus Mr. Bouche- rett buys a horse, warranted sound ; rides him a hunting during the winter—as a hack throughout the summer. During the whole time he is sound, with the exception of the two accidents that happened ; and Mr. Bouoherett is so perfectly satisfied with his soundness, that he warranted him to Mr. Barkworth. Would Mr. Boucherett hâve war- |
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HORSE CAUSE. 159
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ranted him if he had had the slightest distrust of what had passed between
hiraself and Mr. Greetham ? The inquiry they were to make was, whether at the time the horse was sold to Mr. Boucherett, there was a latent unsoundness, and whether ail the unsoundness they heard of was to be ascribed to that cause ? With respect to the witness Peart, ne regretted that Mr. Boucherett should hâve attempted to rest his case upon the évidence of such a man. Could they, for one single mo- ment, crédit the testimony of a man of this description ?—a discarded groom ! He took care, though, to hold thèse conversations with Mr. Greetham alone.—The learned counsel could not contradict or thwart his string of évidence there. No !—[After deprecating the plan of his learned friend resting his case upon the évidence of this man, Mr. Balguy proceeded :]—If he were to yield to the wishes of Mr. Greet- ham, he should not rest his case upon the évidence adduced by his learned friend, or upon any observations he could make, but should call witnesses. [Mr. Denman interposed.—The Chief Baron: " He must either call the witnesses, or abstain from alluding to them."—Mr. Bàlguy resumed]—He was not at ail surprised to hear his learned friend make the objection ; he felt the feebleness of his case, and therefore was exceedingly anxious to stop any observations against it. The learned gentleman then commented upon the évidence of Mr. Brooks. Mr. Brooks stated, that at Horncastle fair, 1826, when he bought the horse of Mr. Barkworth, Mr. Greetham said "the horse had been lame of his near leg." Mr. Greetham might hâve said so. He did not say he did not : he would suppose he did. Did that prove that the horse was an unsound one at the time Mr. Greetham sold him to Mr. Boucherett ? Every horse that went a hunting was subject to occasional lameness. Did that make him an unsound horse ? Well, be it so. Mr. Greetham told him, during the time he had him he was lame ; ave, and Mr. Brooks purchased him for ninety guineas.—[The learned gentleman then adverted to the testimony of Daws, which, he said, put the thing be- yond ail doubt]—Daws saw the horse last year ; he had a continuing lameness, and it was clearly proved, that when in Mr. Boucherett's possession, he regularly did his work in the hunting season, with the ex- ception of twice ; and it was clear, from concurrent circumstances, that he was sound when sold to Mr. Boucherett.—In conclusion, the learned gentleman said, the time that had elapsed required explanation, which *as not given ; and therefore he should say, if Mr. Greetham was °alled upon for a breach of warranty given at so great a distance of toiie, no man that ever sold a horse could be satisfied and secure ; nay, evp-n his executors might be called upon for a breach of contraet, though n° such circumstance had occurred. |
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160 1IOKSE CAUSE.
The Chief Baron, in summing up, said, the impression made upon
his mind was, that the horse was diseased in the possession of Mr. Boueherett ; but under such ambiguous circumstances, that it did not occur to the persons in whose possession he then was, or to the per- sons whom Mr. Boueherett consulted. The utmost they could go to say was, the disease was of an ambiguous character, and they did not feel themselves authorized to state that the appearance then presented to them satisfactorily proved it was an old complaint, existing at the time when the horse was in the possession of the défendant, and at the time when Mr. Greetham sold him to Mr. Boueherett. After de- tailing the évidence of Pert and Brooks, his lordship said, if the jury were of opinion there was a latent disease in the horse at the time he was sold, the plaintiff was entitled to their verdict.—Verdict for the plaintiff for £375. 15*., with leave to move to reduce the damages, if the Court of King's Bench should be of opinion that the costs of the action Barkworth v. Boueherett could not be recovered. |
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This interesting cause tends strongly to prove the inefficiency of the
présent laws respecting sale and warranty of horses ; it goes to con- firm an opinion we hâve long entertained, that the interférence of the law in thèse cases is by no means calculated to further the ends of justice. This décision ought to make men very careful, ère they sign what is in fact a guarantee for the health and soundness of an uncertain animal in another man's service. It seems that the horse is proved by a discharged groom (very suspicious testimony) to hâve what the Judge calls a latent disease while in the hands of Mr. Greetham ; he is then examined by a veterinary surgeon, who thinks it nothing ; sold to Mr. Boueherett, falls lame, recovers, is hunted and rode for nine months without favour, and sold again with a warranty. Four months after, the .last purchaser makes a complaint that the horse is lame ; brings an action, on finding that he had been so a year ago ; and the jury, in their zeal to punish tricks in horse-dealing, give him a verdict. Mr. B. having found that his pièce of flesh and blood had once been
queer in the hands of Mr. G., brought his action, and by the présent décision has obtained a verdict of near £400. The Lord Chief Baron's latent itnsoundness, and Professor Cole-
man's seeds of disease, to us are equally unintelligible. Both gentlemen were wrong in giving warranty, and both juries hâve
furnished a bad précèdent for litigation, considering that so long a period, and so much work, intervene between the dates of sale and return. |
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161
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NEW NOMENCLATURE OF THE HORSE'S FOOT.
FROM MR. BRACy CLARK's WORKS.
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" The various parts of any complex object will be rendered more
perspicuous and interesting by having names ; and, especially, if thèse admit of the inflections of language, they will greatly facilitate not only the thinking, but the writing or speaking upon it. « We hâve ventured to attempt this difficult task in the fol'.owing
manner :—
„ .. Disease,
Formation. or AffectimSi
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The leading part of the hoof, the wall
The bars...................... The angle formed at the heels......
The elastic processes of hom for support
Those from the foot..........■ • • • |
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Onuchus,—onuchal.
Tntoriiones,—intortional. Inflexura,—inflexural. Keraphylla,—keraphyllo us. Podophylla, —podophyllous. |
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" Examples.—The onuchal part in every animal détermines the
form of the rest of the hoof. Where it exists singiy, it becomes a nail. Onuchal disease frequently influences the figure of the other parts of the hoof. " The keraphyllous structure generally accompanies the hom which
terminâtes the extremities of animais, and increases in surface as the weight increases, or is more directly brought to bear upon it. |
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Furca,—-furcaceous.
Periople,—perioplic. VexiUum,—vexillous. Lacuna,—lacunar. |
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The frog generally
The frog-band The frog-stay.....
The cleft........
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" Examples.—A periople, nevertheless, exists in animais without a
frog. The cuticle covering the water-whale of the human nail appears a perioplic rudiment, and performs some of its offices. " Furcaceous weakness and disease is with considérable difficulty
corrected. Vexillous rupture generally leads to the thrush. The sole..................|| Sîolea,—solear.
"Examples.—The solear structure exists wherever the onuchal
part, in animais, approaches to the circular form. The hardened glandular termination of
the skin, which enters the concavity
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Culidura,—cutidural.
Cul/gera,~^culigeralcaviiy." |
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in the upper part of the hoof.....
The cavity in the horn receiving the
above part ..................
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M
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162
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ABSCESSES OF THE KEIiAPUYM.A.
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[We liave found it necessary to précède the following translation by
Mr. B. Clark's Nomenclature on the Foot of the Horse, without which it would hâve been unintelligible to our English Veterina- rians ; for, although this scientific arrangement lias been adopted by our enlightened Gallic neighbours, it has hitherto, by reason of the Professor's préjudices, been denied admittance into the Collège at St. Paneras.] |
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OBSERVATIONS
ON
ABSCESSES OF THE K.E.RAPHYLLA;
BY. MONS. VATEL,*
( 'linicul Professor of Veterinary Medkiue at ihe Collège of Alfori. In the account which lias been given of the scientific labours of the
Veterinary School of Alfort for the year 1824-5, we hâve endea- voured to turn the attention of Veterinarians to a cause of lamenéss which appeared till then unknown; no author having, up to that period, mentioned it. It relates to the keraphyllocele, or disease of the kera- jihylla, inside the hoof. The term, though expressive, may nqt be understood but by those, at least, who hâve been willing to read Mr. Bracy Clark's excellent work On the Construction of the Hoof of the Horse. We use the terra to dénote a species of horny tumor arising on the internai surface of the wall. This morbid production is the subject of the présent article. The theory founded on the observation of facts ought to précède
some of those that we hâve collected upon the cause of this lamenéss : what we hâve to say relative to the cause of keraphyllocele,—as to its developement, its progress, and as to the symptoms which announce its présence, its prognostics, and the treatment, we are to oppose to it. Observation the First.
Lamenéss, without any determinate cause ; its cessation after em- ploying emollient applications to the hoof. New appearance of the lamenéss ; its obstinacy, in spite of the application of bar-shoes, and greasy applications to the diseased quarter. Discovery of a cylindrical imperforate mass of horn, forked upwards, or at its superior part, ex- |
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• Rec. de Med. Vet.
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ica
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ABSCESSES OF THE KERAPHYLLA.
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tendtng from the cutigeral cavity to the inferior edge of the wall on
the mamelle,- or internai part of tlie foot, between the toe and the. quarter, twenty-five days after the appearance of lameness. The retnoval of the wall ; local pain and fever of reaction very considér- able, The removal of the dressings two days after its application. The exfoliation of a portion of the coffin bone proved a perfect cure.t A coach-horse, straight and well formed in his legs, and with feet
also well figured, fell suddenly lame of the off fore leg. He was brought to my father-in-law, M. Philippine, Veterinarian at Paris, on the lOth June, 1815, to be examined. The shoe being taken off, and the foot pared and sounded with care, presented no trace of altération to which. one could attribute the lameness : nevertheless the animal showed that he felt a slight degree of pain when we rapped the inside quarter. We tacked on the shoe with four nails, and ordered rest, and the applica- tion of emollient poultices to the hoof and coronet, often wetted with lukewarm water. On the 16th the patient was not lame. It was necessary to make
him trot, to observe that he was a Httle tender. We continued the application of poultices. On the 20th he was subinitted to his ordmary work. He accom-
plished no more than half a stage, and returned home lame. On the 21st we proceeded to a new examination of the foot, which
was in the same state as on the lOth; continued the application ofi proper means to supple the horn, and left the sick animal to rest until, the lOth July, at which period we proceeded to a third examination. The appearance of the frog is less full ; the interior quarter is rather contracted and straight. It begins to disunite itself, towards the infe- rior edge, from the portion of sole with which it is in contact. We applied a bar-shoe (un fer à éponges réunies), and recommend the application of greasy ointments to the coronet, the quarter, and corres- ponding portion of sole. The patient, although lame, is put to work • The French use the word mamelle to dénote the protuberating part between
the toe and quarter of the hoof, for which we, in English, hâve no distinct appellation. It enables them to express and describe their meaning with pré- cision and clearness; and as the word seems without objection, it might be adopted by us with advantage. t Mons, Vatel is not aware that Mr. Bracy Clark bas, fifteen years ago,
described this disease, in his valuable Treatise on Sand- Crack, under the simple but appropriate term, the lastard rih of horn, and bas recommended the same treatment. M 2
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164
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AESCESSES OF THE KERAPIIYLLA.
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at the trot. We put in use the'same method of shoeing, and employ
the same auxiliary means. We remark, at each shoeing, that the quarter and heel insensibly contract, whilst the toe scems to elongate, at the same time that the sole at that part loses its concavity. The 15th September, the lameness becomes suddenly more violent.
The coronet appears rather swelled over the part corresponding to the internai mamelle of the hoof. The wall is free from fissures, dépres- sions, and other exterior altérations. Suspecting the existence of some change on the internai surface of the hoof, we pared the foot deeply, as much at the heels as at the toe, and then discovered that the white line, which exists at the place where the inferior edge of the wall unités with the sole, is a little bent out of its course towards the centre of the foot, at that part of the hoof which bears the name of the internai mamelle. We then pared deeper in that place with the corner of the butteris. Some of the horny leaves of the internai face of the wall were larger than in their natural state ; they formed a white surface, circumscribed, and harder than the other parts of the wall and the sole, of the size which the end of a quill would be when divided lengthways. We took away, with the corner of the butteris, and the point of a sage-leaf knife, a portion of that part—searching in this manner about one-third the height of the wall. The probe introduced into the cavity which resulted from this slight
opération could go no further : it met with résistance. Presuming that a kind of horny column, thrown out upon the internai face of the hoof, is the cause of ail thèse accidents, we proposed to take away the wall at the mamelle. The opération was performed the next day, the 16th of September.
A portion of horn was takenaway from the coronet to the lower edge of the wall, over an extent of about two inches, carrying on its internai surface a column of horn, apparently formed by the thickening—the augmentation in size—of some leaves of the keraphyllous (issue : this enlargement takes its origin in the cuiigeral cavity, where it is bifur- cated. The branches of this fork are distant about three Unes ; they unité near the middle of the height of the wall, and form a cylin- drical body, which, without diminishing, extended to the inferior edge of the wall. The processes which are in the neighbourhood of this enlargement are rather more developed than over the rest of the extent of the keraphylla. The portion of the podophylla, upon which this morbid production was placed, is blackened, ecchymosed, and soft: but little blood escaped from it; and it presented a dépression, corres- ponding in size to the enlargement of horn which had filled it. The |
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165
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ABSCESSES OF THE KEKAPHYLLA.
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bone of the foot bore the mark of this altération : it was dressed in the
same manner as after the opération for sand-crack, and the bandage was applied moderately tight. September 17. The foot cannot be put to the ground. The fever
of reaction is violent, and every thing shows that the animal feels much pain in the part which had been operated on. We take away four pints of blood, and direct a spare diet. 18. In the same state, and the treatment the same.
19. The part is swelled above the coronet, with increased in-
flammation. The sufferings of the animal induce us to take away the first turns of the bandage, in order to see if the compression had not been too strong. We can eaaily pass the finger between the dressings and the exterior of the wall and quarter : every thing shows that some other cause produced the bad eifects which supervened since i the opération. We présume that a necrosis of a lamina of the bone
of the foot, formerly compressed by the enlargement, acte as a foreign body, and take away ail the dressings. A portion of the podophylla cornes away on the pledget, and gives us an opportunity of discovering a part of the external surface of the bone of the foot, of a blackened appearance, and partly separated fan the part beneath it. We take away this extraneous body, and scrape the surface on which it rested ■ apply simple dressings, as at first ; take away four pinte of blood, and direct a bland diet. The next day, and the following, the inflamma- tion decreased, and the animal rested a little on the lame foot. We did not proceed to a third dressing until at the end of eight days, and continued them with similar intervais. The régénération of the podo- phylla took place insensibly with the reproduction of the horn, whicb, descending with the wall, replaced gradually that which had been taken away. At the end of six weeks the animal is shod, and sub- mitted to light work : after two months he is put to a coach. The foot, examined after the total renewal of horn, présents no trace of altération, except the convexity at the toe which existed before the opération. Second Observation.
" Lameness coming on without any apparent cause ; its disappearance
at the end of some days ; and, after the application of emollients to the foot, a fresh attaek of lameness after every new shoeing. Discovery, seven months after the first acccss of lameness, of a fistulous Jcera- phyllocele, of a conical form, extending from the cuiigeral cavily to |
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>.
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J(J(!
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ABSCESSES OF TUE KKKAPIIYLLA.
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the lower edge of the wall, at the quarter. Removal of the wall ai
that part—exfoliation of the bone of the foot—speedy cure." |
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A cabriolet horse was brought to the shoeing forge of my father-in-
law on the lOth of Mardi, 1819, lame of the off fore leg- The upper part of the limb présents nothing partieular; the four feet are flat and wide. We pare that belonging to the lame leg, without perceiving any thing wrong, apply a common shoe, and recommend the use of poultices. At the end of some days the lameness disappears, and the animal is put to his usual work. The 7th of Apvil following, the horse being newly shod, falls lame
a second time. Attempts to discover the cause of lameness are again unsuccessful : rest and the use of poultices again remove it. The same accident occurs afresh after each new shoeing, and yields to the measures before stated. At last, on the 7th of September (seven months after the first appearance of lameness), we observe, on paring the foot, a little black cavity near the white line which séparâtes the sole from the wall at the posterior third part of the quarter. On paring deeper, we come to a resisting body, which is no other than a hollow rib of horn, from the opening of which runs a black oiFensive matter. We proceed to the opération as in the case before cited. The podophylla is ecchymosed and depressed ; the enlargement on the internai surface of the wall extends from the cutigeral cavity to its lower edge : it is triangular, and largest at its base, forming a pyramid ; its hollow péné- trâtes to its origin, that is, to the cutigeral cavity : it communicates above by a very straight opening, a little lengthened, following the direction of the leaves of horn, with a very small surface of Û\e podo- phylla, which does not appear sensibly altered. The interior of this fistulous canal is black, and filled with matter of the same colour ; an exfoliation or necrosis of a portion of the bone of the foot takes place at the removal of the iirst dressing, on the tenth day after. On the 12th of October (thirty-five days after the opération), the foot is shod with a bar-shoe, and the horse is employed at slow work, in a cart. A month after, he is put to the cabriolet. Fourth Observation.
" Lameness suddenly developed; keraphyllocele existing only in
the superior half of the wall ; an internai fissure, without any appear- |
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167
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ABSCESSES OF THE KERAPHYLLA.
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ànce on the outside ; removal of the wall, of a small part of the cuti-
dura, and of some leaves of tlie podophylla : speedy cure. |
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A cabriolet horse is suddenly affected, 22d September, 1820, with
lameness of the off hind leg. The hind feet are very flat, the toe long ; the heels are low, and very open; the lameness is great; the foot hot and tendier at the coronet, principally at the part corresponding to the external mamelle. The foot having been properly pared out, we dis- cover, outside the white line which séparâtes the sole from the wall, a little black spot between two processes of the podophylla. We suspect thére is keiaphyllocele ; but on cutting deeper, do not meet with the column of horn we expected to find. A deep fissure is to be ob- served on the internai surface of the wall (the outside présents a natural appearance) : it is filled with a black offensive matter. Considering it quite indispensable to take away that portion of the wall in which the hole is situated, we recômmerid the opération, which is pèrformed two days after. The portion of wall taken away hàs a conical horny ridge at the upper part, (its base being downwards,) of the size of a large quill at its thickest part, taking its origin at the cutigeral cavity. It extends only about half the height of the foot, and a fissure séparâtes this ridge into two parts : it extends only a certain depth in the thick- ness of the wall, and continues, as we hâve described above, to the lower edge of the foot. Tlie cutidura, and the portion of the podo- phylla corresponding to the keraphyllocele, are deeply depressed. Some leaves of the podophyllous tissue are diseased and blackened. We remove, with a sage-leaf knife, a portion of the surface of the cutidura ; and the injured processes we dress with pledgets moistened in proof spirit. No bad syniptom occurred after the opération, and removal of the first applications. Four dressings completed the cure ; and the animal was sent into the country, 29th October—thirty-seven days after the opération. |
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The Recueil de Medicine Vétérinaire for January last lias also
noticed the first volume of a new Work, by M. Vatel, entitled " Eléments of Veterinary Pathology ;" in which he has attempted to class the diseases of animais on a new and more perspicuous plan. The second volume will comprise a description of Surgirai Opérations, with an account of thé diseases in which they are required. A For- mula™ of Medicine will conclude the Work. |
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168
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ABSCESSES OF THE KERAPHYLLA.
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This Work is particularly recommended, from tho care which the
author lias taken to point out the etymology of ail such words as he has thought proper to employ, instead of the inexpressive and often inju- rious names in common use, and which seemed calculated to perpetuate the impression of old errors, which are now considered as such by the majority of well-educated men. In his new ternis of Veterinary Nosology, he has followed the
Anatomie of M. Girard, and adopted the Nomenclature of Mr. B. Clark, in his " Dissertations on the Construction of the Foot of the Horse," which, the Editor remarks, is well adapted to the présent wants of Veterinary science. Although several names of diseases hâve, in conséquence of theiv
etymology, a signification more exact than is generally supposed ; yet no one can deny the utility of substituting for many other words, of which the sensé is seldom properly determined, a Nomenclature, well established and well defined. The Professors of the Royal School of Alfort observe, that this
improved Nomenclature ought to be generally adopted by Veterina- rians, and recommend it strongly to the notice and attention of the profession. There being so such thing as a Nomenclature known at our Veteri-
nary Collège, we anticipate, that when the Professor finds the disco- veries of his countryman adopted by the continental schools, he will think it timeto lend to this subject his most serious attention; having, at the outset of his career, condescended to borrow his only opinion on shoeing (Frog Pressure) from a foreigner, La Fosse, and obsti- nately adhered to it up to the présent moment ; though, had the pro- jector of this delusive doctrine lived to see the real construction of the horse's foot explained, we do not hesitate to assert, that he would most readily hâve acknowledged his errors. ■
THE HARE.
The rumination of thèse animais has been much controverted ; and
even lately some naturalists bave contended that it is only an apparent rumination : but Blumenbach, after repeated observation and experi- ments, having opened them some hours after they had eaten food, is thoroughly convinced that they truly and actually ruminate. |
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169
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XENOPHON'S RULES*
FOR THE
CHOICE, MANAGEMENT, AND ÏRAINING OF HORSES.
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[Translaled from the Original Greek.]
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CHAPTER I.
Introduction.—How to judge of a Coït; of the Feet, Legs, and
other Parts of the Body ; ako to know whether a Coït will be large or small. 1. As we imagine, from having given much of our time to Horses,
that we hâve acquired some knowledge of them, we are willing to show the younger part of our friends how we think they may manage their horses to the greatest advantage. A treatise on this subject lias been written by Simon, who consecrated a horse of bronze in the Eleusi- nium at Athens, and engraved his actions on the pedestal. We will not, however, leave out those things in which we agrée with him, but will so much the more readily notice them to our friends, thinking they will acquire additional crédit, since this person, who is so skilled in the management of horses, joins in opinion with us ; and those things which he lias omitted, we will endeavour to supply. 2. We will first, then, show how any one may be least deceived in
the purchasing of a horse. In coïts not broke it is manifest that we must examine his body ; for of his temper he cannot give any certain indications, having never been rode. 3. And in the body, we say, the first thing that ought to be looked
to, is the joot. For as a house would be of no use, though ail the upper parts of it were beautiful, if the lower parts had not a proper foundation ; so a horse would not be of any use in war, even though he should hâve ail other good qualities, but hâve bad feet,—as his good qualifies could not be made any use of. * As the scarce and valuable Treatise of this celebrated Greek writer and
General, is occasionally alluded to, and considered the mosfc aneient authority re- sï>ecling the Horse, we hâve eomnienced a translation, not only to show that the Greeks were well acquainted with the Horse, and his treatment, but also to prove that Xenophon's instructions hâve not been excelled, generally, by any writer °f modem date. Xenouhon lived about 400}ears [>rior to the Christian era. |
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170 XENOPIION ON THE IIORSE.
4. But any one may judge of the feet by examining the hoofs : for
thick hoofs make a horse's feet better than thin ones. It must like- wise not be forgotten to see whether the hoofs are high or low, and near the ground, both before and behind. For high ones hâve what is called the frog at a distance from the ground, but low ones tread equally on the hardest and most tender part of the foot, like men who are bow-Iegged ; and good feet, says Simon, very properly, may be known by the sound. For a hollow hoof sounds against the ground like a cymbal. 5. As we hâve now made a beginning on thèse parts, we will
hence proceed to the rest of the body. The pasterns, or bones imme- diately above the hoofs, and below ihzfetlock, ought not to be straight like those of a goât (for being such, they shake the rider, and such legs are more subject to inflammation) ; nor ought thèse bones to be too low; for thefetlock would be chafed arid ulcerated, if the horse were rode over ploughed grounds, or among stones. (S. The bones of tlie legs ought to be large (sinoe they are the
supporters of the body) ; not, howevcr, thick with vcins or flesh : for if they are not large, when the horse is rode on hard ground, thèse parts will nêcessârily be fiiïed with blood, and swellirigs will arise, and the legs become thick, and the skin separâte ; and, upon this getting loose, oftentimes the sinews give way, and make the horse lame. 7. If the coït in walking- behds his knees freely, you may judge,
When he cornes to bé rode, that his legs will be supple. For al! horses, as they grow up, bend their knees with greater freedom ; and supple joints are justly commended, as they make a horse less liable to stumble, and not tire so soon, as when his joints are stifF. 8. The thighs also under the shoulders, when they are large, appear
more powerful and graceful, as in men ; and the chest being very larget contributes not only to beauty and strength, but to a horse's being able to continue a long time in one pace. 9. The neck should proceed from the breast, not inclining down-
wards, like that of a boar, but rising upwards, like that of a cock ; and it should be loosë about the bend. The head too, being bony, should hâve a small cheek ; thus the neck will be before the rider, and the eye will look before the feet : and having such a form, a horse will be least able to do any mischief, if he should be vicious ; for horses do not attempt to be mischievous by bending, but by extending, their neck and head. ] 0. It should be also seen whether both the Jaics are tender or
hard, or not alike; for those horses are for the most part hard-niouthrd, |
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171
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XENOPHOX ON THE HOfiSK.
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which hâve not both the jaws alike. And to hâve their eye standing
ont, appears more watchful, than when sunk into the head ; and sueh a horse likewise sees much better. 11. And nostrils which are wide are not only better adapted for
breathing, than those which are compressed, but likewise make a horse appear more terrible. For when one horse is angry with another, or heated with being rode, he opens his nostrils more. 12. And the top of the head being large, and the ears small, makes
the head appear more élégant. The point of the shoulder likewise being high, gives the rider a iirmer seat, and makes that part of the body more compact. A double covering too is softer to sit on than a single one, and has a much better appearance. 13. And the sides being deep, and swelling towards the belly, make
a horse in gênerai more commodious to be seated on, and stronger, and better able to digest his food. The broader and shorter the lohts are, so much the more easily will a horse throw his fore i'eet out, and bring up his hinder ones ; and the belly thus appears small, which being large, not only disiigures a horse, but makes him weaker and less able to carry his rider. 14. The haunches oughtto be large and full of flesh, that they may
correspond with the sides and the chest ; and when ail thèse are flrm, they make a horse lighter for the course, and fuller of animation. 15. If the thighs under the ta'/are distinctly separated, the hinder
legs will stand more apart; and, by being so, his movements and manœuvres will be swifter and iirmer, and he will be better in every respect. A proof of this may be seen in men ; for when they want to take any thing from the ground, they ail endeavour to do it by standing with their legs further apart, and not by closing them together. 16. A horse should not hâve large testicles. This cannot, how-
ever, be known beforehand in a coït. As for the pasterns of the hinder legs, as also the fetîocks, and the hoofs, the same rules hold g-ood as for those before. 17. I will show, too, how any one may be least deceived in the
sise. When the legs are very long at the time the eolt is foaled, he will be very large ; for the legs of ail quadrupeds do not increase much with length of time, but the rest of the body grows to be proportionate to them. 18. Those who judge of the shape of a coït by thèse rules, seem
niost likely to get one that will hâve good feet, and be strong, and full of flesh, and of a good ligure, and large. But if some horses change for the worse as they grow up, we may, notwithstanding, eonfide in |
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172 XENOPIION ON THE HORSE.
them in making our choice ; for there are many more which, from
having been ill shaped, become afterwards well proportioned, than having been once well shaped, grow afterwards deformed. |
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CHAPTER II.
In what mariner a Coït should be Broken. IIow to make him
gentle and tractable. 1. It seems we ought now to show how a coït should be broken, as
the breaking of horses is practised in the cities by persons who are opulent, and who hâve no small share in the govemment. But it would be much better, instead of breaking coïts, that a young man should endeavour to acquire a robust constitution, and a knowledge of horsemanship : or, if expert in it, that he should exercise himself in riding : and for one advanced in years, that he should occupy himself with his family, his friends, and with state or military affaire, rather than with the breaking of coïts. 2. And whoever knows as much as I do about the breaking of coïts,
will unquestionably send his coït out to be broken. This he ought like- wise to do in the same manner as when he puts a youth out to learn any art,—by writing down what he is to be instructed in, at the same time that he delivers him over : for thèse articles will show the horse- breaker what he has to attend to, if he wishes to receive his re- compence. 3. Care must, hovvever, be taken, that the coït be delivered over to
the liorse-breaker gentle, and fond of man; and this is in a great measure to be effected at home, and by the groom, if he should be sensible that a coït, even when idle, is hungry, and thirsty, and irri- tated; but that food, and drink, and the being freed from what is irritating, cornes to him from man : for this being the case, coïts must necessarily not only love, but long for the sight of men. 4. And those parts ought to be gently rubbed, with the stroking of
which a horse is most delighted. Thèse are such as are thickest with hair, and which a horse can least corne at, if any thing should molest him. 5. The groom must likewise be ordered to lead him through a
crowd, and to make him approach ail kinds of sights, and ail kinds of noises. If a coït, however, should be afraid of any of them, he ought |
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173
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XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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to be taught, not with harshness, but with gentleness, that there is
nothing terrible in them : and respecting the breaking of coïts, thèse things seem to me sufficient for a private individual to attend to. |
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CHAPTER IH.
Of a Horses Age.—How his Good and Bad Qualities are ta
be discovered. 1. But if any one would purchase a herse that has been already
rode, we will lay down rules, which he ought to be acquainted with, not to be deceived in his purchase. First of ail, he ought not to be ignorant of his âge ; for one that has no longer the mark in his mouth, does not delight with the hope of growing better, nor is he easily dis- posed of again. 2. But when the mark in his mouth is évident, it ought to be seen
how he takes the bit in his mouth, and the head-piece over his ears ; and this may be easily seen, if the bridle be put upon the horse in the présence of the buyer, and taken off in his présence. 3. It then becomes necessary to see how he receives the rider on
his back. For many horses do not easily receive, what they are certain beforehand, when they hâve received, will oblige them to work. 4. This likewise must be considered,—whether, when mounted, he
wish to separate himself from the other horses; or if, looking round to the horses standing near him, he do not carry off' his rider to them. There are some horses too, which, from a vicious habit, run away home to their stables from the places of exercise. 5. For those horses whose jaws are not alike, the chain exercise,
as it is called, shows it, but still more the changing of the exercise ;* for there are many horses which do not endeavour to run away with their riders, if they are not instigated both by having a bad jaw, and that they are going towards home. It ought also to be seen if, being put on full speed, he is easily stopped, and if he will turn about. * It seems difficult to make sensé of this passage. The Greek wordpede, in
"* gênerai signification, means a chain, or shackle, for the feet. Berenger, in °'s History of Horsemanship, supposes it may mean bere a bit called a Chain. It "Ppears that this word, which occurs again, chap.ix. xiv., has much perplexed the différent commentators, who in gênerai suppose it a chain i'astened to the feet, "» order to make the horse lift bis legs, and acquire a lofty action. |
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174 XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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6. It is right also to see whether he is equally obedient, on being
struck; for certainly a servant and an army, when disobedient, are of no use. A horse likewise, when disobedient, is not only of no use, but often acts like a traitor. 7. But since it is a horse to be made use of in war that we suppose
is to be purchased, he ought to be made trial of in ail those things which war will try him in. But thèse things are, to jump over ditches, to leap over walls, to mount eminences, to descend from them, and to ride up steep hills, and down them, and along the sides of them : for ail thèse things show if he be of a courageous nature, and sound in wind and limb. 8. A horse, however, must not be rejected for not being able to do
thèse things perfectly ; for many are déficient in them, not from being unable, but from being unaccustomed, to perforai them ; but having learned, been used, and exercised in them, they will be able to perform ail of them well, if in other respects they are sound, and not vicious. 9. But those horses, however, which start, must be guarded against :
for horses that are very shy, will not permit the enemy to be hurt from them, but oftentimes risk the safety of their rider, and expose him to the greatest embarrassments. 10. It should be known likewise, whether the horse hâve any bad
habits, either towards horses or towards men ; and if he be averse to being handled : for ail thèse things are defects in horses which possess them. 11. But any obstruction to being bridled and mounted, and going
through his exercises, any one may much sooner find out, if he should endeavour to make him do again what he has already done : for such as, having laboured, would be willing to undergo labour again, give sufficient indications of a courageous nature. 12. But to sum up every thing at once,—a horse that has good feet,
is gentle, sufficiently swift, is willing and able to undergo fatigue, and, above ail, is obedient,—such a one will probably give his rider the least embarrassment, and contribute most to his safety in war : but those which, from being sluggish, require a great deal of animation, or, from being fiery, a great deal of soothing and restraining,—give occupation to the hands of the rider, and make him timid in danger. [7b bc continued.]
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175
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TtiE BEST WAY OF BLEEDING SHEEP.
As sheep are liable to be attacked by several diseases, which may
»e relieved or cured by bleeding, the following directions for per- forming the opération will be found very useful :— The veins which are generally selected for opening, when a sheep
is to be bled, are those in the forehead; the veins above and below the eyes; in the shoulder; the ears; below the ham ; in the tail ; the foot ; and the jugular vein. But as it is always désirable, in bleeding sheep, to perform the opération as quickly. as possible, and abstract a proper quantity of blood, those vessels must, therefore, necessarily be preferred whereby thèse objects can be accomplished, and also those parts which hâve least wool. As the veins in the forehead are but sniall, and on being punctured give but little blood, and are not very easily to be felt with the finger, little or no benefit ean be expected to resuit from their being opened. From the branches of the angular vein above and below or betvveen the eyes, a sufficient quantity of blood may generally be extracted ; but some difficulty occurs in feel- ing the vein, and it is therefore frequently missed. The larger veins, as the jugular, those below the ham and the
shoulder, hâve also their inconveniences, either from not being easily found, or being covered with wool, which must be removed, other- wise damaged or spoiled ; and the veins of the ears, tail, and foot, are so very small, and bleed so slowly, that it is nearly useless to open them. M. Daubenton, the celebrated French naturalist, who paid very
great attention to sheep and their diseases, has described a very good niethod for performing the opération of bleeding, free from the ob- jections of the before-mentioned parts, and also affording a sufficient quantity of blood. " This opération is performed at the Iower part of the cheek of the
sheep, at the spot where the root of the fourth tooth of the cheek- teeth is placed, which is the thickest of ail : its root is also the thickest. The space which it occupies, is marked on the external surface of the bone of the upper jaw, by a tubercle sufficiently prominent to be Very sensible to the finger when the skin of the cheek is touched. This tubercle is a very certain index to the discovery of the an- Sular vein which passes below. This vein extends from the under border of the jaw beneath, near its angle, to below the tubercle, |
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176 THE BEST WAY OF BLEEDING SIIEEP.
which is situated at the root of the fourth cheek-tooth ; further on,
the vein bends and extends to the cavity of the eye-brow. " To let blood in the cheek, the shepherd begins by placing an
open lancet between his teeth ; he then puts the sheep between his legs, and squeezes it so as to hold it fast ; his left knee is rather more advanced than the right ; he places his left hand under the head of the animal, and grasps the under jaw, so that his fingers are under the right side of that jaw, near its hinder extremity; in order to press the angular vein, which passes in that place, and to make it swell, the shepherd touches, with the other hand, the right cheek of the sheep, at the spot nearly equidistant from the eye and the sheep's mouth ; he there finds the tubercle, which is to be his guide ; he can also feel the angular vein swelled below this tubercle : he then takes in his right hand the lancet which lie holds in his mouth, and makes the in- cision from below upwards, half an inch in length, below the middle of the projection, which serves to guide him. " I do not exaggerate, when I say, that by this method a blind per-
son might bleed a sheep ; because, with one of his fingers, he feels the tubercle, which directs him whilst making the incision. " Bleeding in the cheek, then, is a method equally sure and simple,
since the situation of the vessel cannot be mistaken, whilst it is suffi- ciently large to furnish aproper quantity of blood; for it receives that of the veins of the forehead, of the eyes, the nose, the upper lip, &c. The blood is there retained by the hand of the shepherd, which serves as a ligature at the angle of the jaw. No risk is run of openino- the artery ; for I hâve always found some distance between it and the vein at the place of bleeding. One man is sufficient for the perform- ance of this opération. i " AH thèse advantages hâve determined me to give the préférence
to this method of bleeding in the cheek above ail otliers, having made the proper comparisons in practice." |
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M. Daubenton, in his Memoir, read to the Royal Médical Society
at Paris, on Diseases of Sheep, also recommends the following remedy for the cure of the scab :— " Melt one pound of Mutton Suet or Lard ; take it off the fire, and
add four ounces, or a quarter of a pint, of Oil of Turpentine : stir well together till cold. " The scabs are to be removed from the part with a bone knife, and
the ointment to be carefully applied with the finger.1' |
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177
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O0RRÉSÏ>0NÏ>ENCE.
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To the Conductor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
Conxing over the advertisements of literature in the newspapers
some time since, I observed the announcement of a small, cheap Periodical, under the title of « The Far hier and Naturalisa" The vulgar term " Farrier" immediately choked me, and I instantly blurred out—pooh !—some low-priced trash, I suppose, which will survive two -ivhole Magazine days, and then, like the myriads of its predecessors, find its way, silently and smoothly, to its last home,—the infernal régions of paper. The accidentai meeting, however, with a professional friend, and his opinion, gave me a very différent idea, both of the title of your Work and the value of its contents. With regard to the title, we agreed that the adoption of the ancient term, yet very gênerai in the country, was politic, as calculated to attract the notice of a numerous body of men, beyond most others in need of instruction : and, with respect to the contents, on a perusal of your last Number, I was most agreeably disappointed to tint! Veterinary science and practice of a superior order, fully entitled to take the lead in a professional depart- ment of peculiarly great conséquence in this country. But I also found a subject, if possible, even of superior attraction.
A bold, categorical, and honest investigation of thé mode in which the regulated institutional transactions of the Veterinary Collège hâve been carried into exécution by the managers,—I say, honest ; because you hâve preferred no accusation unaceompanied by point-blank, incontro- vertible proof and fact. I must own, considering the state of the public mind in our days, and our almost universal subservience to station, opulence, and the power of conferring benefits, it has excked my utmost surprise to find a private professional person, or persons, endowed with a hardihood and honesty,—temerity others will style it,—sufficient to excite them to the attack of corruption, however gross, bolstered up and supported by overbearing opulence, influence, and connexions. Why, Sir, considering how public affaire are managed among us, and the immaculate character of cur Boards, Commissions, Charities, Corporations, et id genus omne,—l cannot utter a wish more bénéficiai to the public at large, than that your little brochure may expérience imiversal attention, from the striking, confident, and laudable *xample it exhibits. J am about, however, to demonstrate to you that I am not a mère
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178 CORRESPONDEN'CE.
common-place panegyrist—a very suspicious character ; but disposed to
act impartially, by stating my doubts on topics, the handling of which has not engaged my entire conviction. You will observe that I com- mence this part of my task somewhat ludicrously ; that I am not trading on my own bottom, but depending on the authority of a friend, more conversant on the subject than myself. I allude to your and our common English mode of orthography in regard to the name Saintbel. He was known to an old friend of mine and myself on his first arrivai in this country, and previously to his appointment to the Professorship ; and my friend, who was in the habit of residing much in France, used to laugh at our strange mode of spelling his name, which, he insisted, led to a false pronunciation, quite unknown among the French, where the name is invariably pronounced SaintJ«/, the stress being laid upon the first, instead of the last, syllable, whereas we place it upon the last; on which my friend humorously observed, the French, by way of being quits with us, ought, by ail means, to call Professor Coleman— Coleotoh. I hâve not attended sufficiently to the French pronun- ciation of the word to ascertain whether or not my friend' s joke will hold water. To proceed to a topic of a more serious and important nature,—
I apprehend you hâve not been successful in your implicit adoption of Professor Coleman's gratuitous theory concerning those circumscribed cavities, designated bursœ mucosœ (Farrier, p. 131)—in the vocabu- lary of the stable, wind-galls. You maintain decidedly, after the Professor, that " men, not well acquainted with the structure or func- tions of mucous capsules, hâve occasionally opened them and let out the fluid. The immédiate effect of this opération is the total disappear- ance of the tumour. But if the edges of the wound do not unité by the first intention, great inflammation speedily takes place. And if the wound heal in the most favourable manner, the internai surface of the bag will continue to secrète a fluid, and the part will become as large, if not greater, in bulk than before. The opération, therefore, of letting out the contents of mucous capsules cannot succeed ; and some- times inflammation will be so great as to endanger the life of the animal." This whole passage, in the first place, is purely spéculative,*—un-
• Our vétéran correspondent has hère totally mistaken us. Mr. Coleman is
alone answerable for any opinions, spéculative or otherwise, which may be found in the famous Collège Transactions, republished in our last Number. We are glad to see the reasoning of Mr. John Lawrence, on this subject, but require many more/a<rf» before we "implicitly adopt or recoinmend" any man's theory- |
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179
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CORRESPOXDENCE.
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attended by a single case or example in the shape of proof. It may,
mdeed, be deemed scientific, but, if the phrase be allowable, fact is the elder brother of science, as necessarily commanding precedence. Science, moreover, is sufficiently often conjectural. In reply, men also, well acquainted with the structure and fonctions of mucous capsules, hâve opened them, and with the most décisive success. I shall first instance Dr. Bracken (edit 8, vol. ii. p. 214), without the least fear of being accused of temerity, when I assert that the Doctor's science and skill in thèse matters were to the fui] equal to those of Professor Coleman, at the period of his first publication. Bracken had a coït lame, and utterly useless, from a bog spavin. He operated upon it himself,—pierced the capsule, eliminated the gelatinous fluid, and, with some little trouble from inflammation, made a perfect cure. The case reported by Mr. Lawrence, in his Treatise on Horses (edit. 3, vol. ii. p. 345), surely merits some considération. He appears to hâve put himself to the expense and trouble of the experiment on public grounds. The subject, it appears, was chosen at Tattersall's, out of a hundred or two of horses, as being aged and most afflicted with wind- galls. Nine incisions were made in her four legs, and the mucus evacuated from the bags, or bursœ; thèse being subsequently and com- pletely destroyed by a corrosive powder, for which the recipe is given. No inflammation ensued; the wounds were well conditioned, and healed speedily. The mare was turned off for a considérable length of time, came up with her legs perfectly fine, and the marks of the opération scarcely visible. She subsequently won a match in Notting- hamshire, carried a lady, and remained sound, no wind-galls re- appearing. There is no doubt but the prognosis of danger in meddling with
encysted tumours may be often rational ; but, in extrême cases, some risk is unavoidable. Yet the old farriers were in the habit of opening thèse capsules ; and though the success of their imperfect opérations is not recorded, we find no accounts of any concomitant danger. Pro- fessor Coleman obliged us with his dictum, that the same bags exist in ail horses when first foaled. In the mean time, who has found, and specifically pointed them out ? Not the Professor, surely ; or he would hâve been more explicit. But I suppose the mucous glands, of the existence of which no one doubts, hâve, on the authority of the Pro- fessor, taken on the guise and term of mucous capsules. Still there. 18 no impropriety, or breach of analogy, in the supposition, that on the excessive straining of the tendons, and the overflow of the (vulgo) J°int-oil, a sac may be gradually formed for its réception from the n2
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C9RRESP0NDENCE.
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external tendinous coat. To the main business in hand, however, the
cure, this discrepancy is of the smallest possible conséquence ; and they who hâve made the discovery are perfectly welcome to enjoy their triumph. Of as little import is the assertion, that wind-galls will re- appear : assuredly, if the animal be again worked to an excess sufficient to produce them ; but, in ail probability, on other parts of the legs or joints; since those individual sacs, which hâve been corroded and their substance destroyed, are not very likely to encounter résurrection. In fine, it is a practice not fit for the handling of every bungler ; but, skilfully performed and due rest subsequently allowed, particularly when the horse is valuable, it has been, and may be, attended with the nwst bénéficiai effects. With the bog spavin this practice is of peculiar importance, since it sometimes happens, and the présent writer has witnessed it in a number of instances, that the sac is so large as totally to impede action, and render utterly useless an othenvise able and well formed horse. The évacuation of the tumor procures instant relief. As to the practice of the farriers of applying the lire, I hâve never known it sueceed : on the contrary, it is well calculated to produce stifthess and soreness in the legs ; and as Osmer, who no doubt spoke from actual expérience, observes, " the outer tégument is rendered rigid and indurated; hence the pain occasioned by [these^tumors'i'is rendered greater than it was before." I ought not to omit poor White's asser- tion, that, on dissecting the leg of a horse, he could find no bags, or capsules,—ail was plain and pervious, from one end to the other. Veterinariu*.
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To the Editor of the Farrjer and Naturalist.
Sir,
I am happy to find that such a vehicle as the " Farrier and Natu- ralist" has at last appeared ; because I am certain it has not only been the anxious désire of many persons in the Veterinary Depart- ment, but is also highly calculated, in my opinion, to bring to light talents which might hâve been buried in obscurity, and expose to our view the lamentable ignorance still discoverable among the unqualified praetitioners of the day. Being, therefore, conscious of the many visible advantages arising from such a publication, and feeling at the sarae time desirous of seeing an effectua] reformation in the consti- |
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181
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correspondexce.
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tution of the Veterinary Collège, I ara induced to solicit the inser-
tion of a few remarks which I wish to make (by way of thanks and congratulation to the writer) upon the article describing the above Institution, " as originally constituted, compared with its présent mis- managed and corrupt state." It is not for me to reiterate the de- fects and corruptions of the Veterinary Collège numerically, because they hâve been already enumerated in the " Address to his Majesty, as Patron, and the'Subscribers of the Institution:" suffiee it therefore to observe, that if the statement recorded in your last Number be cor- rect, the pupils must evidently labour under many disadvantages. The original design of this Institution was, without a doubt, to exalt the Veterinary science to the highest pitch of perfection, and bring it out of that horrible pit of ignorance and insignificance in which it was previously buried : but if the rules upon which the " Veterinary School" was primarily founded, be neglected and not attended to; what, I ask, can we expect but its ultimate ruin and dégradation. If, instead of "Weekly Meetings," to hear, read, &c. philosophical and other papers pertaining to Veterinary science," the subscribers are "silent" because they carry not the authority of the "ruling powers ;" how can we anticipate the good resuit whieh must neces^ sarily arise from the free and impartial discussion of philosophical subjects? In attending the " Paneras School," a pupil expects, or at least ought to expeet, a more copious measure of tuition, than if only under a regular practitioner ; but if, by attending thereto, he dérive little or no benefit, he may as well, I présume, keep out of the Col- lège walls, and improve himself by reading the most approved Vete- rinary publications, and confirm his inquiries by practical observation and expérience. I myself thought of entering my name as a pupil in the Veterinary Collège ; but as it appears that no ostensible be- nefit is likely to accrue from so doing, in conséquence of its présent mismanaged and corrupt state, I shall desist from it. I do not mean to undervalue the Veterinary Collège as an institution (if it be pro- perly regulated) ; far from it : but if the Veterinary student can ac- quire professional information by studying the most eminent writers, and is in the way of establishing his spéculative knowledge by prac- tice and observation, it is fruitless for him to expend money in attend- ing the above school, if no material improvement can be derived. Respecting the " admission of improper persons," I cannot help say- ing a few words. I certainly concur with the writer of the before- mentioned article, in considering, that individuals so unqualified as many hâve been—so utterly destitute of ail preliminary knowledge,— |
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182
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rORRESPOXDEXCE.
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ought not to be admitted, or at any rate allowed their " diploma. '
If such persons as "shoemakers," "paper hangers," "linen drapers," &c. whose tirae is not (as it ought to be) exclusively applied to Veterinary subjects, are allowed admission, and been sanctioned, with a testimonial as a recommendation (without a perfect acquaintance with the différent branches of anatomical, physiological, > and patho- logical knowledge), to impose upon the credulity of the public, what can we expect but the ultimate disrepute of the science in gênerai ; that is to say, if they be sent forth into the world, their profes- sional ignorance is soon discovered, and by their manifest inability reflect (as it were) a dark shade upon the more scientifically and practically informed Veterinarian ;—because they can boast of being the "représentatives of the Collège." I trust I may venture to say, I hâve been taught my profession in a scientific manner —hâve been employed in an extensive range of practice with my father—hâve had fréquent opportunities ot putting my anatomical studies into exécution, by " post mortem " examinations, and hâve, I flatter myself, had every direct and indirect means to learn my bu- siness with crédit to the person under whose tuition I am placed :— but, with ail this, I cannot stand high in the estimation of some people, because I hâve not, forsooth, " passed the Collège," as they term it ; and as I hâve not been a Veterinary pupil in the " Metro- politan School," it is impossible for me to attain to the high profes- sional character of the " Collège Graduate :" I merely make thèse remarks to show the impropriety of giving a testimonial to persons so unqualified to practise this profession, and not with a view to en- hance myself in the estimation of others. My design in thus writing is to thank the individual who wrote the article I am now treating of, and spur him (with others) up to a more clear exposure of those corruptions under which the "Veterinary Collège" now groans, and thereby, if possible, effect a radical reformation, which may turn out to the advantage of its pupils, and the élévation of the profession at large. Veterinarius.
Huntingdon, Match 4. |
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[We applaud this young gentleman'* professional spirit, and by no
means recommend him to compromise his principles, or dégrade him- self, by possessing a diploma, whieh it shall be our business to prove to the public and his friends, is, at présent, a document that can re- flect no crédit on the Veterinary practitioner.] |
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CORRESPONDEXCE. ISS
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalisa
Sir,
Having perused, with much pleasure, an article headed "Présent
State of the Veterinary Collège," in the last Number of your Publica- tion, I am induced to offer a few observations on the great disadvan- tages under which the Veterinary pupil labours in the attainment of Anatomical Knowledge. Mr. Sewell is the nominal Demonstrator, for which, I hâve no doubt, he receives a handsome salary,—then, why is he not enforced to dévote a portion of his time in the dissecting room ? It will scarcely be credited, that during the time I vvas at the Collège, I did not see him in it more than twice or thrice ; and then it was to seek some information for himself, such as the seat of " String Hait," &c. If Mr. S., from the multiplicity of offices which he holds, or some other cause, is unable to give the necessary attendance, why is not some one appointed, both compétent and willing to render that assistance to the pupils in the prosecution of their studies, which they hâve a right to demand and expect? I hâve known many go over subject after subject, without obtaining any further information (for want of a Demonstrator) than the mère origin and insertion of a few muscles. There is a person, of the name of Vines, who calls himself *'Assist-
ant Demonstrator," (whether he lias any claim to that title, I know not ;) but he prizes what little knowledge lie possesses so highly, that he never imparts it to any of the students without an adéquate rémuné- ration. This saidMr. Vines is also Joint Conservator of the Muséum, without whom no pupil is allowed to enter it ; and, unless you happen to be intimate with him, access is not a little difficult. I recollect I once wanted particularly to see a préparation, showing the distribu- tion of the arteries : accordingly, I made application to Mr. Vines ; but was refused, on the ground of his not being able to accompanv me, although I knew positively that he was not otherwise engaged. There is also another important branch of the profession which is
much neglected at the Collège, viz. a "Practical Knowledge of Opérations." The best theorist will find himself at fault when called on to perform an opération lie bas never seen performed (and that such is frequently the case I hâve not the slightest doubt) ; and should he betray a want of confidence, or make the least error, his famé is, m all probability, blasted for ever : for there are many grooms, and other 'gnorant persons, who estimate a man's knowledge of his profession |
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184
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CORRESrONDE.VtE.
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solely from the manner in which he uses the Firing Iron (an instru-
ment, though obsolète at the Collège, which yet a Veterinary surgeon will often be called on to use). In my humble opinion, every opération to which the horse is liable ought to be performed and explained, either on the living or dead subjeet; instead of which, the pupils are told to go to the Knaclcers for practice, without any one to assist them,— where they mangle the carcase of some unfortunate animal, whose feelings they fancy they hâve a right to trifle with, because it is soon to be destroyed. I think, Mr. Editer, you will allow, with me, that the above are very
essential points in the Veterinary art,—an ignorance of which will place the regular Veterinarian on a level with, if not beneath, the self- dubbed Farrier. I beg to remain,
Your obedient Servant,
Cheltenham, W. W. Bryek, V. S.
Uth March, 1828.
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[Wé hâve inserted this gentleman's strictures on the officiai conduct
and character of Mr. Vines, (but not his personal remarks,) because they afford us an opportunity of explaining the situation in which this young man is placed. The only office that he really holds is that of Assistant to Professer Coleman, for which that libéral monopolizer of émoluments allows him the extraordinary stipend of £25 per annum, and a similar sum he receives from the Collège funds. With sûch a contemptible salary, can he be expected to perform the neglected duties of his superior, Mr. Sewell, without an adéquate rémunération. But because Mr. Vines, by his assiduity and research, lias shown him- self worthy of a higher situation, and is more ready to communicate knowledge than any other person at the Collège, he is made the scape- goat for the real culprit above him.] |
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To the Editors of the Farriër and Naturalist.
Gentlemen,
The following extraordinary mode of operating upon the eye is
extracted from Hobhouse's Journey in Turkey, Letter 36.—" It can- nât be thought that a people, who hâve no physicians that can cure the diseases of men, should understand the treatment of maladies in. |
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1F5
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C'ORRESPONDENCE.
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horses : yet the Turks are successful in some cases which might puzzle
an European practitioner. Total blindness is not unfrequently removed ln the following manner :—They run a needle and thread round the back part of the eye ; then, by raeans of the thread, they draw the eye almost out of the socket, so as to reach the back of it, and, with a razor or knife, eut off the horny excrescence, which is the cause of the disease. Washing the wound with a little sait, they afterwards return the part to its position, and consider the horse as sufficiently recovered to be used the next day." A Veterinary Work has lately been published by John Hinds—an-
assumed name, as it is reported,—and the author has acted prudently in concealing his real one, since, though the volume be not entirely devoid of merit, it abounds with absurdities, ignorance, and vulgarity. The following are a few spécimens :—Page 104—" Mr. White is
said to be the plainest spoken among the modems. Indeed, were he any thing but a good one, I should not hâve deemed him worthy of this rebuke." P. 489—" The smiths ruin the horse by a quicker mode than thumbing and cutting, and cutting and thumbing." P. 481— " Letters of puff, or volumes of stuff—thèse patents are not worth a straw, except for cutting into tailor's measures." P. 383—" If the medicine make his guts to grumble." P. 243—" If the dung cornes forth in small quantities, the arse-gut must be cleared." P. 183— " The lumps in the rectum appear like so many gingerbread nuts. Hard-up and hard-baked are goodly descriptive of this disorder." Diuretics are universally termed pissing-balls. P. 8 of the Préface, he says—" I take crédit for having sedulously avoided the use of technical phrases, and ternis of science." The very reverse is the fact, as they are frequently forced in where unnecessary ; as p. 450—" The coffm-bone is usually affected with rottenness (caries). P. 302—In lieu of Indian rubber, or elastic gum, "caoutchouc" is introduced, (misspelt cahoutchouc). P. 553—JEdematous is rendered "JEdo- matous. Whenever he attempts to display that learning which he affects to despise, he betrays his misérable ignorance. P. 37—He dérives poney from the pain he sustains, in Latin, pœne. P. 245—For in coitu, he writes, " in actus coitu." P. 292—" Abscess," he says, " is so termed to dénote sécession from the sight." Repeatedly, also, introducing French words, he betrays equal igno-
rance. P. 332—." Vives are derived from aviver," which he explains " to be brisk and lively ;" an error he runs into from having seen in fte Dictionary, that it is to "donner le vif mx métaux," a technical |
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186
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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term used by workmen in that line, to give the last polish to the métal.
P. 499—Under the head of Shoeing, he makes the " lacquey" bring the tools to his master, " le maréchal." Every child, acquainted with the idiom, the peculiar tum of expression in that language, knows that a master smith is invariably termed " le bourgeois," and the workmen " les compagnons." In numerous passages he is profuse of his censure on Mr. Coleman
and others. At p. 209, he accuses Mr. White of borrowing from Mr. Ryding, whilst (p. 477) he pirates the plan of " Screw Nails to fresh Shoes" from Clark, of Ëdinburgh; and (p. 451) the représen- tation of the horse's mouth, and description of his âge, are taken from the Treatise, " Ten Minutes' Advice," &c. P. 374—He directs to bleed copiously ; a very indefinite term, where accuracy is requisite. In p. 457, he places splints " above theknee." Quincy's Dispensa- tory, or some ancient Pharmacopœia, appears to hâve been his guide, as he prescribes Tincture of Benjamin, and the Jesuit's Bark, and (p. 404) Oil of Clover. But in p. 474 is the grand march of intel- lect, defying both grammar and common sensé.—" The prevailing national désire of acquiring the minor school eudowments promises a différent resuit ; and, on this occasion, science has been disrobed of her cloak, and the niceties of art are sought in Language that ail can comprehend." In this language which ail can comprehend, can any one explain what is meant (p. 537) by deep in the " wykes?" No dictionary is equal to the task. In short, it is évident, from the style of Mr. John Hinds, Veterinary Surgeon, especially from his unneces- sary minuteness in regard to forging and punching horse-shoes, that the forge has been his nursery : and possessing rather more natural genius than falls generally to the lot of his peers, he has had the weakness to expose to the world his self-sufficiency and total want of éducation.
I hâve the honour to be,
Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant,
March 15, 1828. Philippos. |
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(The compiler of John Hinds is known to us. We slia.ll shortly
show him up in his proper dress, with a professional opinion given on the book by a supposed judge, previous to its publication- |
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187
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
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Havixg made some observations in our last Journal on the gênerai
term lameness being applied to nearly ail the horses which are ad- mitted into the Collège with diseases of the feet (two-thirds at least being of this description), we hâve presented our readers, in the former part of the présent Number, with some cases by M. Vatel, Pro- fessor at the Collège of Alfort ; and from the minuteness and clear- ness with which they are detailed, and the success which followed, we are enabled to draw a fair conclusion, that diseases of the feet are much better understood there than at our own Veterinary Collège ; to this point we hope to draw the attention of Mr. Assistant Sewell who has had the direction and care of the horses for some months, during the long continued attack of goût which the Professor has been labouring under. We further beg the reader to picture to himself the diligence and
minute investigation which must hâve been displayed in the manage- ment of thèse cases, when compared with the majority of those which are sent out unrelieved from our Collège ; and where the examination
occupies a minute and a half, or two at farthest ; and when, if you happen to hâve your auditory nerves well excited, you may chance to hear the words, Trot him along the stones—Bring out the next, —mumbled out ; and, if you do not regard being pushed down, and happen to be a little stronger than others, you may perhaps see written with a pencil, Tinct. Myrrh. Aloes. Sulp. Cup., or some old-fashioned name : and this practice not only applies to the treatment of diseases of the foot, but to every case throughout the stable. In fact, silence, perhaps the lest cloak for ignorance, is the gênerai order of the day. |
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^m c a s e s.
An Aged Brown Mare.
Feb. 25. 1828. Admitted, with lameness—stàted to be inflamma-
tion of both fore feet. Directed to be bled from each foot to six pints. •
To hâve three-quarter shoes applied—a mash diet.
26th. Tincture of myrrh to the soles.
To hâve five draohms of aloes given in a bail. |
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188
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VKTER1NARY CASES.
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27 th. The bail has operated moderately.
To stand on wet straw till otherwise directed. 29th. Tar to be applied to the soles daily.
March 4. She is taken away, a little relieved. A Six Year Old Chesnut Gelding.
Peb. 29, 1828. Admitted in tolerably good condition.
Sores are to be seen in the sides, shoulders, thighs, &c. ; the glands
under the jaw enlarged, and extensive ulcération of the membrane wnicn lines the nose ; a discoloured glary discharge issues from the nostrils, and the puise of the horse is increased from ten to twelve beats in a minute above the usual standard. The disease is stated to be Farcy and Glanders.
A rowel is ordered to be made in the front of the chest, and in each
thigh. For what purpose, we should le giad to know? We cannot
conjecture, unless in accordance with the ignorant idea of draining ofF the vitiated matter. March 1. Is ordered, in a bail, aloes three drachms, and turpentine
half an ounce. The rowels to be dressed daily with turpentine oint- ment. One of the best applications that could be applied, certainly, to increase the discharge and debilitate the animal. March 2. Ordered to take half an ounce of sulphate of copper
(blue vitriol.) We ast Mr. Assistant what he considère to be its action on the
System ? Dare he say tonic ? Then why debilitate with rowels, and at the same time increase the action of the system ? When will he favour the world with his Theory and Rationale of Practice in Farcy and Glanders, for which he has received from the gulled Governors such a libéral reward ? * March 3. To repeat the dose every day.
* Two, if not three hundred pounds, were obtained from the Governors by
Mr. Assistant Sewell for a pretended discovery of a cure for Glanders, by admi- nistering copper. It was no discovery ofiis, we boldly assert ; and that in true and confirmed cases of Glanders, copper will not efl'ect a cure in any shape. What the resuit of a (air examination of cases, asserted by him to be Glanders, and the supposed cures performed, would hâve been, by an experienced Committee of Veterinarians, our readers will be able to judge, when we state that this genius dare not face them, or ptiblish his Theory. Query.—How much had the Professor for winking f—" Ten per cent., we présume, at least." Ten per cent.—Another day at St. Stepben's.
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189
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VETERIN'ARV CASES.
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7th. Getting worse. The sulphate of copper to be increased to six
drachms. "th. As there appeared no chance of a cure, the horse was destroyed
with the owner s consent. Will it be believed that any man could possibly induce a Committee
of Govemors to a public Institution to reward him, without due inquiry, for a supposed spécifie cure for a disease that they were not compétent to judge of ; and that the same Institution should, for years after, constantly hâve several horses in the Infirmary that could not be relieved, much less cured, by this boasted spécifie ? qUITTOR.
A Brown Gelding—Aged.
Feb. 29, 1828. Admitted, with a quitter at the inner quarter of the
near hind foot, which has existed for some time. The wall that surrounds it is directed to be removed, and a three-
quarter shoe to be applied to the diseased foot. A solution of sulphate of zinc to be injected into the cavity, and
afterwards filled with the powder of sulphate of zinc, and to be care - fully kept on with tow and a bandage. On the removal of the dressing, it appears rather better.
March 4. —Tincture of nvyrrh and aloes to be applied to the sore
every day, and bound up. 10. The foot being better, and relieved, but not cured, the horse was
taken away. An Aged Grey Gelding.
Feb. 26, 1828. Brought some miles. Admitted with fréquent puise
and difficult breathing ; extremities, ears, and muzzle, very cold, and yellowness of the eyes. He is placed in a loose box, directed to be back-racked and clys-
tered. To take half an ounce of aloes in a bail, and hâve mashes given
him. 27. Morning : Puise increased to 100, breathing quick and difficult,
extremities very cold. The bail has not operated; the urine is discharged with pain and
difficulté-
The legs are directed to be rubbed with turpentine liniment, and
covered with bandages.
Four ounces of blistering ointment is ordered to be rubbed into the
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J90 VETKBINARY CASES.
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belly, and a rowel made in the chest. Clysters of warm water to be
given frequently, and to take half an ounce of nitre dissolved in water. Afternoon : Puise nearly the same; appears in a state of great ex
citement ; the urine is discharged every few minutes in a small quantity, and very high coloured The inside of the mouth appears yellow ; alter- nate violent sweats and sudden chills. He is back-racked : the blad- der is much distended, and increased heat of ail the adjacent parts. Clysters of warm water to be repeated frequently.
To be kept in a cool box, and the clothing to be taken off, &c.
28. Appeared much the same through the night, and about eight in
the morning fell down ; and in about two hours, after struggling for a time in great pain, he died. Examination after Death.
The capsule of the liver is found ruptured, and the substance or texture completely changed and destroyed, being wholly reduced to a pulpy mass ; extravasation of blood in the cavity of the abdomen. In- testines slightly inflamed throughout, and the right kidney enlarged. An Aged Black Gelding,
Feb. 29,1828. Admitted, with severe lameness of the near hind foot
from a prick in shoeing. The wound has already suppurated, and discharge^ at the coronet.
The sole is directed to be taken away, so as to allow the pus to
escape, and a poultice of bran to be applied. March 1, 1828. To take six drachms of aloes in a bail, tincture of
myrrh to be applied to the wound, and a poultice at night. 2. Apply tincture of myrrh and aloes, and poultice as before.
3. The poultice and tincture as before, and to be continued daily.
4. The animal in a state of great pain and irritation, the wall is
directed to be entirely removed from the part ; this being efFected, a great quantity of pus is found under the wall, ulcération having taken place to a great extent. It is directed to be dressed with tincture of myrrh and aloes twice
in the day. 5. Pain and irritation very great; the part has become mortified,
and it is directed that the horse be destroyed. A Bay Gelding—Seven years old.
Feb. 9, 1828. Admitted, and stated to hâve inflammation of the near fore foot. |
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191
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VETEUIN'ARY CASES.
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Directed to be bled in the lame foot to six pints, and to hâve an
oblique bar shoe applied. Ordered six drachms of aloes in a bail ; a poultioe to be applied at
night, and to hâve mash diet. 10. The bail has operated, tincture of myrrh to be applied to the
sole, and the poultice coiitinued. 11. The poultice to be applied every night.
12. A seton is made through the frog and heel of the diseased foot.*
14. The seton is directed to be dressed every day with turpentine ointment, and the poultice to be diseontinued.
The seton remained discharging, and was dressed as directed above,
till the 14th of March; whenitwas removed, and the sores had tincture of myrrh and aloes applied to them daily till the 17th, when the animal was taken away a Utile relieved by this barbarous opération. Spavin.
An Aged Bay Gelding. Feb. 8, 1828. Admitted, with an enlargement in the hock, and lame : the part is directed to be kept constantly wetted with a cold lotion ; and to hâve a mash diet. 9. A seton is passed through the integuments over the spavin, and
the horse to hâve six drachms of aloes in a bail. 11. The bail has operated freely, and the seton is ordered to be
dressed every day with turpentine ointment; and to hâve full diet. The seton remained discharging till the 14th of March; when it
was removed, and the sores dressed every day with tincture of myrrh ; on the 17th he was taken away, and the spavin with him. |
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PHEASANTS.
An old and respectable gamekeeper, of forty years' expérience, has
made known, for the information of sportsmen, that the practioe of killing so many cock birds at the end of the season is found to be very injurious to breeding, and is the cause of so many hen birds dying in their nests. An old hen pheasant, when past setting, has been found more destructive to the eggs and young of others than any vermin. As a proof of the extent to which this species of game is now tame- bred, one dealer alone has sent to différent gentlemen in the country not less than 1200 brace of live pheasants within the last month. |
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* We shall hereafter comment on this heel seton.
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192
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ON THE MANAGEMENT OF CANARY BIRDS,
When Paù'ing and Breeding.
BY AN AMATEUR. Canary Birds sometimes breed as often as four or five times in the
year, and lay from four to six eggs each time, six being the largest number generally known to be hatched in one nest. Fourteen days is the usual time for setting, including the day of commencing. The birds ought to be well matched in colour, and the stouter they are the better; there will then be much more certainty of having the young ones strong and fine. If you hâve a small oock or hen, which is yellow, it will be bestto match itwith a large mealy one, being the only mode of strengthen- ing the breed, which is very apt to become weak and degenerated, il" thèse points are not attended to. The middle of March is the best time to pair them ; and the first thing necessary will be a good breed- ing cage, or convenient room ; and as thèse, like most other birds, delight in sunshine and warmth, a situation that will hâve the advan- tage of the morning sun will be the most désirable room, which will then be kept warm the whole of the day. Not more than ten or twelve pair should be plaeed in one room ; and if cages are used, only one pair should be in each cage. Sand should be strewed on the floor, or bottom of the cage, and changed occasionally. They should be supplied with good feathers, fine hay, and short soft hair, for forming their nest. The larger the cage, the better ; and there ought to be two boxes for making nests in, as they sometimes go to nest again before the young ones are able to fly ; and if this be not attended to, they sometimes destroy the young birds, by making a nest on them. When the eggs are hatched, if it be intended for the old ones to bring them up, they must remain together till they hatch again, as the cock will feed them ; and as soon as the hen has hatched, take away the first lot of birds, or they will pull and peck the younger ones about in the nest, and sometimes kill them. Put them into a large cage, and feed them with good victuals, made as follows :—Boil an egg hard; take a little of the yolk, and the same quantity of bread crumb, a little scalded rape-seed ; boil the bread, and, when soft, mix ail well together with a knife on a board or plate ; give them a small panful every day : this ought to be made fresh every other day at least. They may also liave a little scalded rape-seed, as well as râpe and çanary seed by itself ; and in this state they should remain till paired off into separate ,cages for breeding. |
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Printed by G. Duckworth, 16, Fleet Street,
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
Ko. 5.] MAY. [1828.
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THE HORSE BAZAAR.
This Establishment occupies that range of buildings fonnerly the
Barracks of the 2nd Life Guards, in King Street, Portman Square. Considérable additions hâve been made by the présent enterprising pro- prietors, which hâve rendered it, not only a rival to Tattersall's, but a place of great resort. The stables are good, and capable of containing several hundred
horses; they are generally well filled, and there is every appearance of care and attention to the comfort of[the animais. Above thèse are spacious carriage galleries; and the harness and
saddlery departments are equally well stocked, so that a complète turn out may be obtained hère in the shortest possible time. The public auction days are Tuesdays and Saturdays; and it is
generally understood that business is conducted with honour and fair- ness: but as horses hère, as well as at other places, are not always exactly what theirowners warrant them to be, we strongly recommend any gentleman, previously to completing a purchase, to take the opinion of an able Veterinarian, as, indeed, he would always act vvisely in doing, whenever he is about to buy a horse. The view we hâve given, is from the entrance in King Street ; the
large building in front is the riding-school, and over it a splendid apartment, originally intended for a subscription-room. |
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I , g t
111 1 1 |
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THE OT1S1 BAS A AH.
Knsra Stkebt, Portman^ . .Square.
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194
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE PUPILS.
This dinnertook place on the 9th of April, at the Freemasons'
Tavern. Ahout one hundred persons were présent; among whom we noticed Sir W. Blizard ; Drs. Babington, Geo. Pearson, and Ager; Joshua Brookes, Esq., &c. .
Sir Astley Cooper, Bart., in the Uiair.
On the cloth behig removed, Non nobis Domine w^ sung by the Jf^ond gentlemen présent; after wh.ch, the Chairman gave- «The King, God bless him."-( Three Urnes three. )-Tune-Go& ^ Aththi?raoment Professer Coleman, who had been prevented by
illness from attending the dinner, was led in, surrounded by the stewards, and took his seat at the left of the Chairman. ■ (TmeSee the ConqueringHero cornes!) The Chairman rejoiced to see that the cloud Jiat seemed about o
be cast over the meet.ng by the absence of the Professer, was happ.ly ^ Toast—u The Duke of Clarence and the Navy."—( Three Urnes
three. )—Tune—Ru\e Britannia. . . The Chairman rose to give a particular reason for drinking this
toast—Having had occasion, only a few days ago, tq wait on the noble personage, he took the opportunity of observing to lnm, that nothing would give greater pleasure to the Governors and Managers ot the Collège, next to having the King as Patron, than to hâve the honour of'naming him as Président; and, with the mqst gracious con- descension, his Royal Highness was immediately pleased to give his permission ; so that^ besides the satisfaction and pleasure they miglit hâve in drinking his health as a Prince of the Blood Royal and Jieir- apparent to the Crown, they had, moreover, to hail him Président of the Institution of the Veterinary Collège. ;> Toast—" The Duke of Sussex and the rest of the Royal l amily. —
(Tn7st~"n^GrL the Duke of Wellington."-fTÀn* Urnes
i h yfJP i
The Chairman gave a fulsome and disgusting panegyric on tlie
noble Duke, which we withhold, as irrelevant to the occasion. Toast—"L,orà Hill and the Army."—(Three Unies three.)
Toast—'1 The Royal Collège of Physicians."—( Three Urnes three.)
Itwas an institution which had very much at heart the welfare of
the Veterinary Collège. Dr Babington returned thanks at some length.
Toast—"The Royal Collège of Surgeons."
The Chairman, in givingthis toast, begged leave in a particular man-
ner to propose that they would drink, as an accompaniment, the health of Sir William Blizard, to whose personal exertions was, in a great measiire, to be ascribed the présent flourishing state of the Collège of |
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VETERINARY COLLEGE ANXIVERSARY DINNER. 195
surgeons. It was his strict and impartial sensé of justice that has kept
us> (said the Chairman) from leaning, as otherwise we sometimes might nave done,—for who is exempt from personal prédilections,—too much to the side of individuals in our discussions, for whom we, on some occasions, might, perhaps, hâve a feeling of too great lenity : it is to him that we are indebted also for the rapid increase of our library, from an insignificant beginning to near ten thousand volumes ; and of the kindness, good feeling, and many high and valuable qualities of the worthy knight, he could himself assure them ; and he felt con- fident they would hâve pleasure indrinking a bumper health.—(Three Urnes three.) Sir Wm. Blizard returned thanks at length. He retorted, with
interest, ail the good and ;kind things which had been said of him by the Chairman, and only laboured under difficulty in finding terms to express his feelings of zeal for the Collège of Surgeons. It was now, he said, an institution to which the profession were desirous of belong- ing, although it did not exclusively prevent them from practising with- out its diploma; and of the Veterinary Collège, he warmly observed, that as it was so intimately connected with the gênerai interests of anatomical science, as well as from its own particular claims to public patronage and support, so nothing could surpass the zeal and interest he felt for its welfare. He concluded by proposing what he knew they were most ready and anxious to anticipate, tbe health of their distinguished Chairman, Sir Astley Cooper, Bart.—(Drank with applause—Three Urnes three.) Sir A. Cooper rose to express his grateful acknowledgments for
the kind manner in which they had evinced their regard and esteem for him as an individual, and assured the assembly, with many professions and démonstrations of his heartfelt and continuing wishes for the good of the profession and the Collège, that he should never relax in his endeavours to serve them ; " and so long," said he, " as it may be the "wish of the students of the Collège, or appear désirable to them, that I should sit hère, in this Chair, upon occasions like the présent, I shall ever be ready, while I hâve life, to acknowledge my sensé of grati- tude and obligation in this or any manner which may conduce to serve them." But he had another motive for this,—a feeling of personal friendship and esteem for the distinguished gentleman on his left hand, the honoured and revered Professor—(Applause).—He deserved their warniest expressions of feeling and attachment ; he was a man, he would say, of genius, of ability, of first-rate talent. This was now the fortieth year of their acquaintance, and his opinion of Mr. Cole- man, after the first year, was precisely what it was at présent—that ne was a man endowed with the highest powers of mind, and of para- roount ability. They had studied together, and he had then an oppor- tunity of seeing the investigating mind and subtle genius of his friend, which led him to those important experiments on suspended respiration, —his first work, and he might say the foundation of his future famé ; in prosecuting which inquiry, so great was his zeal, that a mutual friend *' the time wittily observed, that he slew dogs and cats enough to bl°ck up Houndsditch—(Laughter).—-It was then that a gentleman o2
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196 VETERINARY COLLEGE ANNIVERSARY DINNER.
whose judgment and professional worth were well known, and to
whom he (Sir Astley) owed, in fact, his fortune, the late lameiited Mr. Cline, perceived the talents and ability of Mr. Coleman, and judged him a proper person to succeed to the vacant Professorship of the Veterinary Collège. That Institution was then in debt 10,000/., and it had sixteen pupils ; but the commanding resources of his worthy friend soon turned the scale. Was it in debt 10,000/. novv? Had it sixteen pupils now? Had it sixty pupils now ? How had the rank and standing in society of the veterinary practitioner improved under his auspices ! Ask the Colonels of régiments whether there was an im- provement. Ask the Judges respecting the value of the veterinary opinion in courts of law ; it was to him, the scientifically-educated practitioner, that the Court looked, and on whom its décision depended. He would not dwell longer on that point. But it was not merely that Mr. Coleman had gone on adding to the numbers of the profession, and made the pecuniary affaire of the institution to flourish by his measures, he had still higher clairas to their attention, as a scientific teacher— a man of most profound physiological knowledge and acute discrimi- nation, who acted solely upon theory. He supposed if Mr. Coleman were to attempt to nail on a horse-shoe, he would burn his fingers or rap his knuckles ; but his talents were of the higher and more refined kind : veterinary science owed him much, and the nation was indebted to him. The improvement in the ventilation of army stables was attri- butable solely to him : if for that alone, he had not lived in vain, and deserved well of the country. The Chairman then enumerated some of the Professor's claims and discoveries : amongst others, his work on the Anatomy of the Horse's Foot, in which the true principles of its construction and treatment were laid down ; and, above ail, his re- vival, in part, of the old humerai pathology, supposed to hâve been «ntirely done avvay with, by his proving that disease may be commu- nicated from one animal to another by the fluids alone, by transfusion of blood, &c "And now," continued Sir Astley, " because your Professor has of late suffered much from indisposition in his family, and other causes; and by total inability to give his lectures, has afforded occasion to the enemies of the Institution, in various ways, to raise a clamour againsthim;—would you discard such a man for thiscause?" —(Cries of" No, no!" )—It was still, he believed, Mr. Coleman's warmest.wish to merit the kindness they had shown on the présent occasion, and he hoped they might look forward, yet, to many anni- versaires with their beloved Professor. He thought there was not much the matter, tho-ugh his old and highly-valued friend had been depressed in spirits and health sonietimes of late: he could give them confident hopes for the future. He, perhaps, might be, Sir Astley jocosely observed, what they would call a little foot-foundered, but he trusted it would be long, very long, before the disease reached the coffin joint.—(Great applmise.) Professer Coleman rose (looking shockingly M). If he had taken
the advice of his friends, he said, he should now hâve been in his bed, instead of standing before them ; but he had considered whether it would not hâve given him greater uneasmess and a sleepless night to |
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VETERINARY COLLEGE AXMVERSARY DINNER. 197
have neglected this duty, than it would do him harm to incur the
fatigue of meeting them in public hère. He thanked them for the testimomals of respect and attention they had paid him, and declared his zeal for their professional welfare to be unimpaired. As to the i'ind eulogies which their excellent Chairman had heaped upon him, something must be taken in allowance for the partial feelings of an old friend of forty years' standing : thèse compliments might have been paid with greater justice, if the worthy Baronet had been in his place ; but he could not but feel grateful for Sir A. Cooper's support, and tliat of so many distinguished practitioners as he saw around the table. Such as he was, and such as his labours had been, his object had unceasingly been to merit the confidence and esteem of the veterinary students, and he felt proud tliat he had succeeded. When, on a late occasion, being prevented bv illness from attendmg to the regular direction of their studies, he received a ivritten request, signed by above sixty pupils, begging that he would, on no account, expose himself or leave his room, until he should be perfectly recovered : and although it had been stated by a publication, which he need not name, that at this inter- ruption thé pupils, without exception, felt themselves disappointed, ill-used, and indignant ; yet he had the satisfaction of seeing this state- ment directly contradicted in a voluntary counter-statement from ail but three or four of his pupils. He was pleased to see so many vete- rinary surgeons présent. He doubted not there were many better qualilied to teach than himself; it was the intention of the Collège founders to make practitioners even superior to their teaehers : and lie saw no reason, if gentlemen were so anxious to take upon them the task of lecturing, why they might not open théâtres where they pleased, or in the neighbourhood of the Collège : he should be glad to see them ; and at some future time, or when he or others should con- clude to resign—(Cries of" No, no !" )—there would then be an open- mg for such as aspired to the office. Mr. Coleman took his seat amidst loud applause from the lower end
of the table. The Chairman had "particular pleasure in proposing the health of
their Assistant Professor, Mr. Sewell. It happens (he observed) that although you are most fortunate in having so eminent a gentleman as Professor, much must still dépend upon the talents of the Assist- ant Professor, _ and lie was most happy that he could say that Mr. Sewell was a gentleman of remarkable talent and superior attainments i" his profession, and had also, as well as the Professor, done much to entitle him to their attention. It would be sufficient to mention only two points in which this gentleman had particularly distinguished him- self, quite sensible that nothing he could adduce could do justice to Mr . Sewell's merits in ail respects as a veterinarian. The first was his discovery of the opération of Neurotomy,—an opération which was *°und to be of the greatest service in many inflammations of the foot, a"d of the value of which he believed they were ail sensible. It was '^possible to say of what extensive application tins opération might not "e in diseases of other parts ; it might be considered as one of the Sreatest discoveries which had taken place of late years. But bcsides |
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198 VETER1NARY COLLEGE ANNIVERSARY DINNER.
this, Mr. Sewell deserved the highest encomiums for the introduction
and discovery of a medicine which, in cases if not purely and truly of glanders, were yet appearing under that form and type, had been found in raany instances, if not always, to be in gênerai a cure for that complaint ; in which alone, if he had succeeded------But gentlemen
were well aware ofthe Assistant Professor's genius and talent, his zeal
for the profession, and anxiety for the welfare of the pupils, who, at times, were dépendent on his instructions. He had the pleasure of giving the health of the Assistant Professor, Mr. Sewell.—(Three times three.) Mr. Sewell returned thanks ; but the very low tone in which this
gentleman spoke, rendered it nearly inaudible to us in the situation in which we were placed. We understood him to express his uniform wish for the welfare of the school and pupils : he did not deny having made exertions for the improvement of the science, which labours, he said, would continue with his life ; and concluded by thanking them for the kind roanner in which they had drank his health this evening. The Chairman rose.—There was also another gentleman well
deserving of their attention, who, from his laborious assiduity and talents for investigation,—particularly, he would say, in anatomical pursuits,—appeared likely to add yet brighter lustre to the Collège, and to the happiness they enjoyed in having for their Professor and Assist- ant Professor gentlemen so highly qualified; but he felt himself inadé- quate, from the imperfect knowledge that he possessed of Mr. Vines, to do justice to whathe understood to be his merit. He should, there- fore, propose the health of Mr. Vines.—{Drank with three times three.) Mr. Vines, in retuming thanks, observed, that it was true he had
endeavoured to forward the art which lie professed, by physiological expérimente, and certainly he might say at the expense of his health and constitution; but while he had life he should not relax in his labours for the profession.—(Applanse.) Mr. Coleman rose to give the health of an individual in the pro-
fession distinguished for his accurate knowledge of the physiological and pathological principles of his art, and whose work on the Anatomy of the Horse he had the greatest pleasure in acknowledging had been of tlie highest service to himself and to the students at the Collège. His obligations to this gentleman were very great, and veterinary science was particularly indebted to him. He begged leave to give the health of Mr. W. Percivall.—{Three times three) Mr. W. Percivall returned his grateful thanks for the truly unex-
pected honour conferred upon him, and was sorry that, being little accustomed to public speaking, he was so ill able to express his grate- ful sensé of the kindness which dictated it. He was happy that his printed labours (which, however, fell short of what he ought to hâve produced, considering his remarkable opportunities) had effected the objecte for which they were written. The Chairman had next to propose a toast which, although from
him it might seem something like giving "Our noble selves," he was convinced they would yet receive with applause :—He was |
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VETERINARY COLLEGE ANN1VERSARY DINNER. 199
about to give the Médical Committee of the Veterinary Collège ; and
as Président of that Committee, in the names of several members around him, he would venture to assert, that there existed in thatBoard the highest feeling of regard for their ultimate interests, and every désire to forward them in life, consistent with that duty which they Oeld, in order to make the high credentials of the Collège student a safeguard to the public—an assurance of real philosophical scientific knowledge ; that they were, in fact, above ail things, desirous for the student's success. "Do not think us severe," said he, "if we do occa- sionally send you back to study a little longer ; it is always for your good: we hâve no other objectin view, than that you should do crédit to the character which the profession now assumes, and to the instruction of those highly talented teachers under whom you are so fortunate as to be placed." He saw several of his médical friends présent, who, with liberality unparalleled, had permitted veterinary students to attend their lectures ; and thus enabled them to become, not only accomplished in their own profession, but even, he might say, characters of the highest physiological eminence. But the students could not doubt their disin- terestedness and wishes for their welfare. "The Médical Committee." —(Three Urnes Ûiree.) The Chairman should now, he said, in common justice to a gentle-
man on his right hand, remarkable as much for the suavity of his manners, as for professional eminence, propose the health of Dr. Babington; he was—he might be cxcused for saying, having known him many years, and for some time as member of the Médical Com- mittee of the Royal Veterinary Collège—a person possessed of most estimable qualities of varions kinds; such a kind créature (leaning over the Dr) and so [truly disinterested in ail he did! Perhaps he might be thought rather like buttering his friend over, but he could assure them that ail who knew him would join in his praise. But there was another member of the Médical Committee présent, Dr. Pearson : he was most deserving of their good wishes ; besides, he was an investigating member. He was told about thefatty frog, and was not satisfied: the frog might be a toad, for what he knew, but he took it home and ex- amined it, and what ? He found not a bit of fat in the frog, it was a gélatine frog- Oh, Dr. Pearson was a most valuable and meritorious examiner ! He had given the health of Dr. Babington, but at the same time he would wish them to drink the health of Dr. Pearson. Dr. Babington and Dr. Pearson respectively returned thanks ; the
latter at considérable length. He had been ail along delighted with the Veterinary Collège ; with its practice of a superior order founded upon principles; and, above al], with its officers. There was Mr. Vines, who had been conducting what the Dr. thought most import- ant experiments. Mr. Vines deserved the highest crédit: he might become equal to Scheele in chemistry, Bacon in philosophy, and in ana- tomy he might be as famous as John Hunter : they might ail be John Hunters, if they would, or at least become celebrated, if they made exertions, and, above ail, aimed high enough. The Doctor's speech was received with great applause.
Mr. Goodwin,jun., proposed the health of Mr. James Turner, for
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200 VETERINARY COLLEGE ANN1VERSARY D1NNER.
Pris discovery and description of the real nature of the coffin-joint
lameness. The Chairman observed, that he formerly had the pleasure of
communicating with Mr. Turner on the subject of the navicular com- plaint, and was then led to believe that the exertions of Mr. Turner had materially conduced to the better understanding of that species of foot disease. Mr. Turner returned thanks.
The Chairman then gave " The Veterinary Surgeons of the
Army." Mr. Percivall, sen., returned thanks in their name.
Mr. Goodwin, jun., rose, as we understood him, in order to give
a toast, he said, very usual on thèse occasions, and which it seemed to be lus opinion had been too long delayed : he proposed a monosyllable very generally understood in vulgar language : and in the vulgar tongue.—{Drank nem. con.) Toast—" The absent Members of the Profession."—(T/iree limes
three.) Mr. Youatt's liealth was proposed from the Chair, in retuming
thanks, he observed, that although he might be called but a bastard son of the profession, yet none could be more anxious for its improvement, and that veterinary surgeons should hold, for at présent he maintained they did not hold, that situation which their important branch of science entitled them to, &c. Mr. Syddall proposed the health of Mr. Wm. Dick, of Edinburgh,
who, from unavoidable and unexpected circumstances, was prevented from havingthe pleasure of meeting them on this occasion. The Chairman then gave—" The Students at the Veterinary Col-
lège," to whose hospitality they were indebted for their entertainment this evening. Mr. Spooner, in a neal set speech, returned thanks.
"The Stewards on this occasion," was proposed from the Chair.
Mr. Sturgis briefly returned thanks.
A few other toasts were proposed and drank, and Sir A. Cooper
left the Chair ; retiring amidst loud cheers. Mr. Coleman had withdrawn soon after his health had been drank,
and many of the médical gentlemen took their departure. Mr. Sewell was now called to the chair, and after a vote of thanks
to their late able Président, several toasts were drank, and the con- viviality of the meeting proceeded. Divers excellent songs had been previously sung by Messrs.Lushington,
King, &c. ; and (The Rev.) Mr. Youatt, being called upon, attempted to give a character to the future proceedings by an amatory song, not of the most délicate kind ; but this effusion seemed to meet with no responsive feeling in his audience. The company thinned rapidly undei1 the weak administration of Mr.
Sewell, and dispersed in the usual manner. |
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VETERINARY COLLEGE ANNIVERSARY DINNER. 201
In noticmg the proeeedings at this Anniversary Dinner, we
may vemark, that the object of thèse party feasts, from the Cabinet down to the Select Vestry, and their influence on weak and corrupt mmds, are now so well and generally understood, as scarcely to require a comment. The well-informed portion of the community, indeed, know better than to allow their judgment to be swayed by gormandizing and twaddle. But let us see what the original rules of our excellent Collège say about dinners. " Rule 6. The eighteenth of February being the day on which it,
was resolved to establish a Veterinary Collège, shall be the anni- versary : on which day, the several officers of the Collège shall be elected, and the subscribers invited to dine together, unless it shall happen on a Saturday or Sunday ; and, in that case, the ■ Meeting shall be held on the Tuesday following." This, it will be observed, was a meeting of the subscribers to the
Institution, who, after exercising their prérogative of electing the officers of the Collège for the ensuing year, thought to increase and consolidate their agreement by a social dinner. This anniversary festival was kept up for some time, but ceased about the period of Mr. Coleman's accession to the Chair, and, with the other rights and privilèges of subscribers, has lain dormant during his sélect administra- tion. The présent dinner is a widely différent affair ; it originales with the pupils' Médical Society of the Collège, and purports to be given " in honour of their Professor, his Assistant, and those eminent teachers who hâve so liberally admitted veterinary students to their lectures." It is concocted by the Professor's agents, and, as may readily be supposed, the chief actors and speakers are men de- voted to his interest, and the médical examiners of the Collège, who, by such harangues as maybe seen in our report, cawing and booing to each other, and by extolling the présent System, endeavour to infuse among the young men présent, a certain corps d'esprit, and a hatred towards reformers. But to return. The account we hâve given of the proeeedings at the dinner, is necessarily abridged from that of our Reporter; nevertheless, the speakers appear to full ad- vantage on the canvas. Mr. Coleman is fortunate in having such a eoadjutor as Sir Astley Cooper—one who, by argument, is so capable of making the worse appear the better cause. But we cannot avoid dissenting from Sir Astley's opinion of some of those eminent disco- veries, for which lie so highly praised the Professor. At some future period, therefore, we shall favour our readers with
a"analysis of Mr. Coleman's Treatisc on Respiration—"his hrstwork, |
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202 VETERINARY COLLEGE ANNIVERSARY D1NNER.
and the foundation of his future famé;" accompanied with extracts front
the masterly work of M. Berger, of Geneva, who repeated Mr. C.'s experiments, with resuite very différent, and which may, perhaps, shake the value and stability of his "foundation." The effrontery displayed in setting forth the Professor's work on the Horse's Foot, as containing the " true principles of its construction and mode of treat- ment," is unparalleled, when we consider the uniform failure of this " mode of treatment," after a trial of thirty years ; but this morsel we reserve as a bonne bouche for another day, and, in the meantime, refer Sir Astley to a review of the Professor's performance in the Lancet, an instrument with which the worthy baronet must be pretty well acquainted. Mr. Coleman's theory respecting the ventilation of stables, has never been fully adopted, even in the army; andwe shall hereafter show that it is injmious and unphilosophical in the highest degree. So much for the Baronet's praise of his friend : he had better hâve confined himself to gênerai topics; for we undertake to say, that he did not touch upon, or attempt to explain, a practical point in veterinary medicine, without betraying his ignorance and incompetency for the duties of a Veterinary Examiner. What did he mean, when extolling Mr. Sewell, by stating that the opération of Neurotomy is serviceable " in many inflammations of the foot?" when he should hâve known that it is novv absolutely prohibited by its warmest advocates, in ail cases where any considérable degree of inflammation is présent ; that, in fact, this boasted opération has become merely a resource employed in cases of chrome contraction caused by shoeing, and, even hère, of very doubtful benefit. It appearsthe Chairman intended to insinuate that Mr. Sewell, too,
had discovered a cure (in blue vitriol) for glanders. It is certain that Mr. S. received a large sum from the Governors of the Collège under such a pretence ; but now the subscribers are unequivocally told, that it is efficacious in cases "not purely and truly of glanders," but only " appearing under that form and type." What must the practitioners présent hâve thought of this statement, which shows, first, that Sir Astley is ignorant of what constitutes glanders ; and, secondly, that the Assistant Professor's remedy is of no avail? Sir Astley took pains to magnify the praises of his médical sup-
porters, Sir W. Blizard, Drs. Babington and Pearson. What hâve the two former done to deserve the thanks of the students ? As for Dr. Pearson, he is "an investigating member," forsooth; he has found that the frog is gélatine and not fat, as Mr. Coleman has taught. This the Chairman took occasion to say ; but there |
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VETERINARY C0L1EGE ANNIVERSARY DINNER. 203
was deep policy, even hère. The frog is neither ail fat, nor ail géla-
tine, and, perhaps, not much of either ; but what it really is, and the true physiology of its beautiful structure, hâve been long ago clearly described by one whose name was most carefully concealed from public View on this notable occasion, and whose account of it we shall soon publish. But as the Professor's nonsense about Ûiefatty frog, which he has taught for thirty years, has lately been exposed in the Lancet, and has become too ridiculous to be any longer maintained, the Collège managers hâve boldly attempted to pass off the stigma of their former ignorant doctrine by throwing the merit of the discovery upon one of their own body. Dr. Pearson may hâve boiled some horse's frogs : he found, Query—How much gélatine? Will he favour us with his analysis ? but, in the mean time, he and ail his médical brethren are far more culpable than praiseworthy for having so long neglected to examine for themselves, and consult the works of others on such an important subject—the " fatty frog,'' Mr. Coleman's favourite organ, his hobby, the darling he bas "squeezed " for thirty yeaTS by paient right, which now, at last, he dares admit contains not a particle of fat, nor "bags of yellow oil!!" Thèse are our veterinary ex- aminera ! They had better procced to boil themselves, and then the profession would be rid of them. But to return. In allusion to the fulsome compliments of the Chair-
man (in which he himself appears to hâve been aware that he wenttoo far), we may be permitted, metaphorically, to observe, that on this occasion he seems to hâve squeezed the " fatty frog " over the heads of the Professor and his dear Dr. Babington, till the oil almost smo- thered them. Our young friends would do well to consider, for a moment, who
were the orators at this dinner: they were not the old and esta- BLISHED MEMBERS OF THE VETEBINARYPROFESSION ; but a set
of physicians and surgeons, who know about as much of veterinary
practice as they do of the people in the moon. Our limits will not permit us to make half the commenta which
various speeches call for. It would be well, if Mr. Turner would favour the world with a clear account of the causes, symptoms, and cure of that, at présent, very illdefined and doubtful complaint, " navicular disease," and the différence between his description and Mr. Osmer's: he would then deserve, perhaps, some part of the praise which fell to his lot at this dinner. What can we say oî(The Bev.) Mr. Youatt?—his speech and his
song appear to hâve been equally misplaced. ( |
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204
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HORSE CAUSE.
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We understand from the best veterinary judges, that Mr. Coleman,
and his Assistant, Mr. Sewell, looked very niuch oui of condition. Perhaps the System of their new traîner does not quite suit them. |
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HORSE CAUSE.
Norfolk Circuit.— Thelford, Match 17. BARTON V. HICKLING.
Tins action, which was for the breacli of a horse-warranty, was,
perhaps, one of the most extraordinary instances of hard and contra- dictory swearing that ever appeared in a court of justice. Perhaps, vvhen steam-carriages shall hâve corne into more gênerai use, tliese actions may become less common; at présent, eaeh assize for this county exhibits invariably one or more of them, to the astonishment of ail who may happen to be présent. From the statement of Mr. Sçrgeant Storks, for the plaintiftj and from the évidence he
adduced, it appeared that " the horse in question was lame in both fore feet, groggy, had a thrush in the frog of one of his feet, that the tendons and sinews of his legs were extended, one fore-foot much enlarged, and the other much contracted;" and that this "was owino- to the heats and colds in his feet, and the fever striking them." This was distinctly sworn to by a host of "farriers," "retired veterinary surgeons," and horse-dealers ; that ail this was thefact within two days of the sale to the plaintiff ; that it must hâve been so for many months previously ; and that many of the diseases were perfectly incurable. A Mr. Saul, who descnbed himself as " a horse-dealer, unfortu-
nately" swore that he measured the feet, and found one of them greatly contracted, which, he said, " a man with half an eye might see." It would also appear, from the plaintiff's évidence, that the horse was unable to carry a man of a dozen stone weight. On the other hand, Mr. F. Kelly, who addressed the jury for the
défendant, traced the animal from the minute of his birth, seven years ago, through every person into whose hands he had passed, to the hour at which the cause was tried. It had gone through the hands of about a dozen persons, every one of whom was called, and proved that they never perceived the least lamcness in him at any period of time, that he never was groggy, that ail his feet were of the same size (and one |
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205
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H OR SE CAUSE.
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witness " had measured them ail with a rule "), and that no swelling
or extension of any of his tendons or sinevvs was ever seen. On the day on which the plaintifF bought him, he was, by his permission, ridden ten miles, at ail paces, over ail kinds of roads, and leaped ; and that no lameness, or the least blemish, was ever observed. One witness for the défendant, whose weight must hâve exceeded that which the plaintifF's witness swore he could not carry, deposed that the animal was perfeetly able to bear both himself and the learned gentleman who was examining him, behind ! In fact, there was not one single defect or blemish which the horse was sworn to on one side, which was not met by a directly counter-statement on the other side. A host of "far- riers" was also called for the purpose of proving that they had seen him since the sale,—that he had then none of the diseases which were complained of,—and that if he had had them at the period of the sale, they must hâve perceived the grogginess (which cannot be cured) and the contraction, but that they did not. "He was perfeetly, decidedly, and unquestionably unsound," said ten witnesses on be- half of the plaintifF; " He was never for a day in any one respect unsound," replied as many witnesses on behalf of the défendant. Mr. Baron Garrow said, as the évidence was so unusually contra-
dictory, he would read the whole of it over to the jury, as they were the proper persons to judge of the crédit due to witnesses, and to balance between such conflicting testimony. The learned Judge accordingly recapitulated the évidence, and then left it to the Jury to say to which side they would give crédit. If they thought the horse was unsound on the 9th of June, the plaintif would be entitled to their verdict ; but if they thought the balance of évidence inclined in favour of the soundness at that period, the défendant would be entitled to it.
The Jury, after a short consultation, found for the plaintifF— Da-
mages, 63/. |
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THE MARMOT.
THESE beasts, in the strict sensé, make hay. They bite off the
grass, turn it, and dry it in the sun. It is reported that they use an old marmot as a cart. She lies on her back, the hay is heaped on her belly, and two others drag her home. |
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VETERINARY MEDICINKS.
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206
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A DESCRIPTION OF VETERINARY MEDICINES.
[Continued from page 152.]
VEGETABtE SUBSTANCES. 1. BAtsAMS (Bahamum)-—The term balsam is now only pro-
perly applied to a natural compound of resin and benzoic aeid'. Bal- samsare met with inaliquidas well as a solid state ; the former being converted into the latter by exposure to the air, heat, or from long keeping
The Balsams of Peru, Tolu, and Styrax, are examples of this
class of drugs.
Formerly, the term halsam was indiscriminately applied to nearly
ail liquid resins, which now form a separate class. 2. Barks (Cortex) is that substance which surrounds the wood
of a plant ; inclosing the inner bark (liber), and is itself provided with an external covering, or epidermis. They should be collected at the season of the year when they sepa-
rate most easily from the wood—(this will generally be found to be late in the spring) ; after being well dried in the air, or with a moderate heat, they should be carefuUy preserved in a place free from damp and excluded from the air. 3. Bulbs (Bulbus), "A bulb under-ground," as of an onion.
This term is more précise than root (radix), as the fibres appended to it are the proper roots, though the Collège of Physicians hâve in- variably used the word root to the bulbs, which they direct to be employed, in their Pharmacopœia, as that of the garlic (allium), meadow saffron (colchicum), leek (porrum), and the squill (scilla). Great care is required in collecting and preserving bulbs, parti-
cularly those of the colchicum; which will be found a powerful medicine, when prepared at a proper season, otherwise it will be quite inert: the directions wrll be given at full length, when the plant is treated of in its regular succession. 4. Flowers (Flos).—The flowers of plants, in gênerai, possess
less activity and médicinal properties than the leaves ; in some they are equal ; and in a few, as the chamomile, &c, they are the most active and the only part used, They should be plucked in dry, clean weather, just after they are fully expanded, and dried, as soon as possible, with a moderate heat, and carefuUy preserved from the effects of the damp. 5. Gums (Gummi), are those simple substances which exude
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207
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VETERINARY MEDICINES.
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spontaneously, or are obtained from vegetables, soluble in water, but
insoluble in alcohol (rectified spirit). Gum Acacia, Tragacanth, &c, are of this class. 6. Gum-resins ( Gummi Résina).—-The word gum-resin dénotes
a compound substance, possessed of certain différent properties ; the first part of which, the gum, being soluble only in water ; and the latter, the resin, in rectified spirit: consequently, a gum-resin re- quires a portion of each, that is, proof spirit, for its complète solution. Thèse substances may be purified by putting them into a bladder, placing it in nearly boiling water, and when completely softened or dissolved, pressing them through a hempen cloth. 7. Herbs (Herba).—AH herbs shouid be eut or gathered annually,
just before the flowers expand, in their native situations, and when the weather is dry; and, unless they are intended to be used fresh, they shouid be dried quickly, with a gentle beat, that their colour may not be destroyed. They shouid be preserved dry, and in the dark ; and when intended for internai use, those which contain volatile prin- cipes or virtues, shouid be powdered and kept in black glass bottles. Thèse directions are particularly applicable to the preparing and
preserving of the Foxglove (Digitalis). 8. Leaves (Folia).—The leaves of plants are, in many instances,
the parts directed to be used : they g«nerally require to be separated from the stalks, and shouid be dried, &c., with the same précautions as given for preserving herbs. 9. Resins (Résina).—Axe those substances which exude from
plants naturally, or are obtained from them by art: they differ from gums, by not being soluble in water, requiring rectified spirit, distilled or expressed oil, to hold them in solution. They are found both in a liquid and solid state ; the former generally assuming the latter ap. pearance by âge, or through some artifical means. The varions sorts of turpentine and common resin, are examples of
this class. ,
10 Roots f Radix).—The roots of some plants are the most actave,
and only part employed; they shouid generally be dug up in the spring (unless otherwise d.rected), before the leaves and stalks appear : the Colchicum, and a few others, are exceptions. They shouid be carefully dried with a gentle heat, and preserved from moisture. Those roots which are required to be kept fresh shouid be buried in «and. 11. Seeds (Semina), are those parts of vegetables which frequently
c°Main the greatest activity and the most usefulproperties of the plant: |
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208 OPHTHAI.MIC GAXGL1A IX THE HORSE.
they require to be carefuily dried and preserved from the dam]), other-
wise they are liable to get mouldy- They sbould be collected just be- fore they begin to fall spontaneously. As the virtues of many of the seeds dépend on their essential or
volatile oil, they are best kept excluded from the air. 12. Woods (Ligna).—The woods which are used for vete-
rinary purposes are but few ; the quassia, for internai administration, and the red sanders, for a colouring substance, are those mostly in request. Woods intended for médicinal use, are best when eut in the winter.
[ To be eontinued.]
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ON THE OPHTHALMIC AND THE SPHENO-
PALATINE GANGLIA IN THE HORSE. BY A. RETZIUS.*
Some anatomists, among whom are MM. Girard, Schwab, and Gurlt,
admit the existence of the ophthalmic ganglion in the horse ; others, as MM. Muck, Desmoulins, and more especially Tiedemann, deny it. The numerous researches of M. Retzius, on this point, hâve deeided
the question ; the ganglion has been observed by this anatomist, of which he gives a detailed description, as well as of ail its filaments of communication. The spheno-palatine ganglion also exists in the horse, a fact which has been denied by M. Desmoulins. Surrounded by cel- lular tissue, the spheno-palatine ganglion of the horse is composed of a séries of smaller ganglia, but the whole of which, joined to the nerves which are near it, may aimost be considered as a small System of its own. |
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YOUNG OF THE KANGAROO.
The Kangaroo, that grows to four hundred pounds weight, brings
forth her young like half-grown mice, takes them up, and suckles tliem ten months in her bag. |
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* Kongl.—y^lenskaps.—Academ. Handlinjrar, 1S26.
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209
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ON BR0K-EN WIND IN HORSES.
BY MR. B. CLARK.
(ira Rees's Cgclopœdia-)
Tins is a disease which frequently happens to horses ; and the
iollowing are the indications which mark its présence:—The breath- ing of the horse becomes altered from its natural state, and from ,an easy, gentle, and uniform respiration is changed to a painful, laborious f heaving, and violent agitation of the flanks, which rise by several successive undulations to a preternatural height, then suddenly relax and fall downwards beyond the natural extent of thèse parts ; the nostrils become dilated, and held rigid and opened to their utmost extent, and the face becomes everywhere emaciated and contracted: suoh are the appearances in very aggravated cases ; in more récent cases thèse appearances are less évident, and it is -a disease that can exist in every degree of mildness or violence. When the disease has beenof long standing, and little pains or care
is taken with the animal, as may be more particularly observed in .cart- horses, and horses employed in farmers' work'in the country, the ab- domen becomes large and pendulous ; but in more récent cases, and in horses otherwise situated, we hâve observed that, in the ;early stage at' least, the abdomen is rather contracted, and is painfully held up, in this disorder. Great thirst attends this disease, perhaps arising from the in-
creased action or fever which it occasions ; and this has been too often «nistaken for the cause of it, and has led to themost cruel privations. There is no disorder, perhaps, of the horse, which has so much
-engaged the attention of anatomists and of spéculative and ingenious «len, as this, to discover its cause. It has, however, we believe, never yetbeen satisfactorilyexplained; at least there is no author that we are acquainted with that has formedany connected or probable account of it, unless, perhaps, very lately, and which was derivedfrom the source *e are about to mention. Haller seems to hâve supposed it proceeded from a relaxed or
fuptured diaphragm. Lowe imagined that a relaxation or injury of lhe phrenic nerves might occasion it. Some hâve assured us, after examination, that the lungs are not atall affectedin this complaint, and tflat its seat was about the larynx and air-passages ; and some of the Wr'ters on this subject hâve believed that the lungs were grown too big 0r:the chest, and that this was the source of the mischief ; and there hâve p
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been many other conjectures equally absurd. Some thouglrt they
elucidated the nature of this disease by comparing it to a consuniption, and others to an asthma. We trust something more hatural and satis; factory will be found in the following statement of our observations on this singular disease :— In the year 1795, being engaged in the dissection of a grey mare
that was sent to the Veterinary Collège to be destroyed, on account of this complaint, on opening the chest, the lungs appeared free from inflammation—being very white ; and as it appeared free from redness and increase of colour, the gênerai concomitant of disease, we were led for a while to consider the lungs as not the seat of the disorder, as others haddone (for several of the pupils were présent at this dissection). On cutting into their substance, no inflammation was perceivable : on examining them more closely, we observed a small bladder or vesicle on the outside of the lungs, in the external investing pleuritic coat; this was conceived by some who were présent to be a tubercle, and that tubercles might be the cause of the broken wind. Suspecting, how- ever, from its appearance, that it was not solid, but contained air, it was punctured, and it immediately subsided. This instantly suggested to the writer of this article (who proposée this expérimenta) that the lungs were actually in a state of emphysema* or that air was contained in a state of extravasation in their substance; and which not only seemed evidently the case in this instance, but we hâve since fully verified it by examination and dissection of a con- sidérable number of cases of broken wind, and found that it is the constant appearance. This extravasation of air in the substance of the lungs, is, perhaps occasioned by a rupture of the air-cells, as suggested by Mr. Coleman at that time, unless it is formed in them, and thrown out by some morbid opération of the blood-vessels, as some- times happens in the intestines and vagina; for the exact way in which this emphysema arises has not been yet ascertained. It fully explains the cause of the white appearance of the lungs : the membranes being separated and divided by air laying between them, partially admit the light, also the puffy appearance they make, and the crackling noise they give on being handled,—ail admit of a ready explanation by this dis- covery, and so do the symptoms which attend the disorder ; for the com- mun air escaping, from disease on a sudden rupture of the cells, into the membranes composing the lungs, thereby compress and obliterate more or less the natural cavities destined for the réception of the air, and thus occasion the effort we observe to overcome this obstruction, and * Emphysema (from t^vaata, to inflate.) Air in the cellular memhrane.
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which naturally induce the appearances we hâve described as the
symptorns attending this disorder : it also accounts for incurability, and the oppressjon which a full stomach occasions. As the extravasation proceeds, the complaint gradually, or sometimes suddenly, increases, so 88 to be insupportable to the animal ; and, at length, being quite useless, ne is necessarily destroyed. In some cases, the disease, without rauch increasing, may exist for
ftiany years, and till the horse dies from other disease, or âge. This white appearance of the lungs it is that had deceived so long those who had been led, through curiosity, to examine the lungs in this complaint ; *t being so unusual to see any part in a state of disease' more delicately ^hite than in its healthy state ; and singular it is, that the extravasated air should not bring on the inflammation and destruction of thèse organs. Horses, in bad cases of broken wind, are observed to void air in con-
sidérable quantities by the anus, as though the extravasated air of the 'ungs was absorbed and carried to the intestines ; or it is probably only indigestion which is the cause of this ; and the smiths, not unfrequently, on this aceount, eut through and divide the sphincter ani: then the power of closing the rectum is lost, and the air eseapes without noise ; and they are led from hence frequently to imagine they hâve cured the complaint. We are now led to consider what the cause is, which, in the gênerai
estimation of mankind, leads horses to this disease,1 viz. their being allowed too muchwater; and hère, we apprehend,-every observer of common feeling and humanity must be shocked at the recollection of what instances hâve fallen within hisown observation, of cruelty in this respect, and of what horses are daily and hourly suffering from the most barbarous of ail customs, the denying a sufficiency of water to sound "orses, to prevent their becoming broken-winded. True it is, that *ater administered to horses in an improper manner, especially after the privation above spoken of, may become a cause of their being broken- ^huled ; but would any one infer from this, that it is necessary that ail "°rses should be kept almost entirely without water, exposed to a never- °easing thirst, till an opportunity of gratifying the appetite in this way «cours ? and the natural and healthful beverage being too largely taken, "«contes a poison, and induces the very mischief which so much cruel aiv<l useless pains had been taken to avoid : for the horse that is allowed to drink frequently, and as much as he likes, will never from tflis source become broken-winded. No horse on a common, exposed 0 the water of the brook, which he can partake of as often as he pleases, will ever become broken-winded from this cause, unless he had pre- !ously suffered a privation of water, and in his first excesses to overcome
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his thirst, had injured himself. Let us «ow consider under what
circumstances it is advantageous to deprive a horse, for a time, of lus water. The taveller, who starts in the morningon his journey, would be incemmoded if the horse's stomach were loaded with water ; it is quickly absorbed from the stomach, and passing off in perspiration, becomes unsightly and troublesome; and though it may be true that perspiration, not too heavy, by keeping a moisture on the skin, and by its -evaporation, induces a coolness that might be refreshing, yet to be inundated with it would be highly disagreeable. The water should, there- fore, be given at an earlier hour in the morning, and should hâve time to pass off before the horse is used on the road ; and if he be deprived, in a great measure, of it during the day, he should be the more plentifully supplied with it during the night time, so as not to create a violent thirst, which can only be gratified, the first opportunity that happens, at the expense of his health, or, perhaps, his existence. ' Sorry should we hâve been, if, after much inquiry into the nature of
this disease, we should hâve disoovered that the above] practice, of depriving horses almost entirely of water, though cruel, was necessary ; and that we jnust acquiesce, with pairiful sensations, in the use of this custom. We are, on the contrary, convinced from expérience, as well as .the most incontrovertible reasoning, that the practice is as destruc- tive and pernicious as it is cruel and unnatural ; for we are aware, the suggestions of humanity would avail but little, where an opposite course would best serve the interests of mankind in regard to this animal : how- ever, they .are, fortunatelylbrit, not incompatible; on the contrary, ail the comforts he can receive will best insure his life and labours. It should be recollected that the horse is fed on the dryest food, as
corn, beans,.hay, &c, and this requires, to its being well digested, a certain portion of moisture, which mustbe either derived externally ,or from the blood ; and horses are often expected to work hard under thèse circumstances, to sweat and perspire profusely, and digest their food as well, without any water ;—the conséquence of this is, that their dryness and thirst must arrive at a pitch that is scarcely governable : and to thèse causes we may add, as contributing to the mischief, the hot, crowded, low stables of large towns and cities, where they are often, in conséquence of such .treatment, seized with various inflammatory complaints—a« affections of the limbs, eyes, brain, and lungs, and other diseases. They are sometimes miserably allowed to wet their mouths on the road, and this is deemed sufficient for their wants; or, if they by any accident ge* to water, the conséquence ensues that we hâve above described. With chaises and post-coaches, are ever seen the greatest number of
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broken-winded horses, because the artificial and misehievous System
pursued by the drivers of such vehicles naturally lead to it. It is a practice with the brewer's dray-horses, both in the metropolis and the country, as often as they come home, to let them go to the trough and ûrmlc their fill ; araong thèse, broken-winded horses are very rare, though they hâve ail the water they can désire. Wetting horses ail over with cold water while in a profuse sweat,
we believe not to be so injurious a custom as would at first appear, if the law for its application is understood ; but, on the contrary, very bénéficiai and refreshïng. Those who do it should be apprized of the danger of carrying it to the extent that would chill the horse, when the worst conséquences would often ensue : to avoid ill effects, the horse, after this bathing, should not be left long to stand still and chill, or in any cold place, or draft ofair; but while his skin is y et warm, (asin case of a return chaise,) he should be put in, and driven home, till again perspira- tion is fully induced upon the skin, when ail danger would be prevented ; and it would be best, perhaps, not to repeat it, at least to the same extent, on his arrivai home : ashe is then to stand still in the stable, there would be some risk of inflamed lungs, inflamed feet, or- the gripes, from the blood being confined in the interior system. Muddy water is often conceived to be best for horses, and is given
them in préférence by some grooms: A horse, however, must arrive at an extraordinary degree of thirst before he would touch it ; and it is only better, as being in gênerai warmer, having been exposed to the air and sun ; and is eertainly safer for horses than water drawn from a cold spring or deep well—the contrast of température being too great with the horse heated by violent exercise. When the cause of any disease is not understood, the théories for
its explanation will be vague and unsatisfactory, and the remédies various, often opposite, and almost infinité : and so it has been with this complaint ; for there is nothing can equal the absurd nostrums recom- mended in books of farriery, in this complaint in particular, as well' as in some others ; and the farther we go back, the more sure and sound is the information respecting it. The ideas of the Romans were coarse and absurd ; but the Greeks appear to hâve had s> better knowledge of % as is seen by the following translation given by K-uellius:—"Cum in pulmonious quid' rumpi cœperit, hoc vitium TrviVjmçn»K Gratis Çuasipulmonis rupta disseris appellatur;" and itis afterwards much Setter described in a chapter given by Theomnestus in the same work, an<l at considérable length—too much so to admit of being inserted in tflis place. Whether, however, the terni pulmonis rupta did really |
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214 MK. BKACY CLARK ON ,
convey to their ideas the actual cause of the disorder, may be doubled
by the context, any more than broken wind to an Englishman, or cheval pousif to a Frenchman. The aneients appear to hâve had a belief in its being cured, especially before it became inveterate ; the remédies they mention, however, may be fairly suspected of possessing any such power. We cannot conclude this article more usefully to the public, than by
cautioning them against a common practice, especially among the lower order of horse-dealers, of violently squeezing the wind-pipe and throat, to ascertain if a horse is broken-winded, which is often attended with the most mischievous conséquences ; the cough will be in propor- tion to the violence of tlie irritation used, and this even in cases of broken wind, unless in the last stage of it, when other symptoms suf-. * ficiently dénote it ; so tliat, as a eriterion, we believe it to be of little value. A grey pony was brought to the Veterinary Collège, during the
professorship of M. St. Bel, in the year 1791, with great difficulty of breathing, a copious discharge of saliva from the mouth, and a running at the nose : so far it appeared somewhat like glanders ; but the glands underthejaw, and ail the external parts of the throat, were free from swelling. a The difficulty of breathing was considérable, and threatened suffo-
cation : this induced us to suppose some obstruction was the cause, either in the nostrils, fauces, or larynx. The opération of bronchotomy was had recourse to, which imme-
diately relieved him. Présent suffocation being thus prevented, our next plan was to remove the obstacle, which we imagined might be in the nôse. The frontal bone was trepanned, and it was intended to trépan the nasal bone ; but this was not exeeuted, for the pus from the former found its way through into the nose, and the nose was injected every day, through the opening, with warm décoction of herbs. As the orifice in the trachea every day became smaller, it was difficult to keep in the canula ; which accidentally, a few days after, falling out, the horse was suffocated and expired. On opening the head, there was no obstruction any where to be found ; on opening the larynx, the true cause was discovered. The internai membrane that Unes the larynx, or wind-pipe, was
enlarged or distended with a fluid, in a way that prevented the admis- sion of air. This membrane was detached from the sides of the larynx, and so distended, that the two portions met each other in the centre of the pipe—forming two hemispherical tumours, which acted as valves, |
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and completely excluded the admission of air. On" cutting into thèse
tumours, they were composed of cellular membranes, distended by a sraall portion of fluid : the surrounding parts did not bear any marks of 'nflammation. If thèse tumours had formed on one side only, they might hâve been attributed, perhaps, to some puncture, or some injury from bleeding, or other cause of this sort ; but being on both sides of the throat, it is probable both sides must hâve been irritated, to produce it—and nothing so likely as violent compression of that sort we see men use when they propose to try horses for broken wind ; for they endeavour to squeeze the pipe till both sides meet, otherwise the horse will not cough, or only slightly. Since this, another exactly similar case was brought to one of the slaughter-houses in town, while we were casually staying there ; and the horse was said to hâve died of suf- focation, they could not tell why. On examining the larynx, a similar mischief was discovered. During the last six years, we hâve opened more than ten horses that
were broken winded, and uniformly formed the lungs emphysemalous : violent breathing, and appearances in every respect like broken wind,, attend other affections where the lungs are injured, as in large abscesses forming in the lungs ; water thrown out in the chest in roarers, and even violent pain in any part of the body, will produce appearances resembling broken wind, which again disappear when those affections are removed. When the stomach is loaded, especially with water, ail the symp-
toms of this disorder are more easily remarked, especially on exercise ; it is, therefore, one of the most sure means of ascertaining it : and on this account, horses with this complaint are in gênerai kept from drink- ing great quantities of water, which they are much disposed to do, probably from the fever observed to attend the complaint ; and also, perhaps, from the blood in the lungs not undergaing so completely the changes it ought to do in that viscus. Some horses are differently affected in broken wind to others : the
respiration is quickened in some without much heaving; and the abdomen in such is contracted and hard, instead of being large and pendulous. It is sometimes attended with a cough, which is not deep, but short and hard, as though the lungs resisted perfectly the impulse of this exertion. On exercise, the cough is much increased, after which he seems relieved ; the head, in coughing, is held low, his neck stretched out as though he endeavoured to bring something from his throat—" quasi ossicula devorasset ;" the facehas a rigid, emaciated appearance, resembling, though less violent, those constrictions which |
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CONGENITAL ANASARCA IN A CALF;
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attend Iock jaw. The eyes are often yellow from diffused bile ; the
nostrifs dilated and rigid. The appetite is not affected' By it ; if any thing, it is increased. In this disease, as before observed, the flanks rise and fill slowly
and heavily, and then fall suddenly; wilich the state of the lungs ac- counts for: itis done in order to get the most air into the lungs;, whieh must be acoomplished slowly ; and then to expel it by a sudden effort or attempt of ail the muscles at once, to collapse them, which but imperfectly takes place. The writer of this article endeavoured to rupture the cells of the
lungs of a sound horse, by inflating them, and laying weights upon them, and found that no moderate pressure would do it; indeed; when removed from the body, no experiment could be very satisfactory, and he desisted from farther experiments with this design. |
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CONGENITAL ANASARCA IN A CALF.
BY DR. JAEGER.
On opening the body of a cow which had been pregnant eight
months, Dr. Jaeger found a calf, the entire surface of which was «hite, and deprived of hair, with the exception of certain spots. A serous fluid, rather dense, analogous to the liquor amnii of the cow, filled the subcutaneous cellular tissue, and passed off by the natural apertures of the body, and by the surface of the skin, without any incision having been made. It was supposed to be about fifty pounds in weight, that is to say, about half of the weight of the animal ; the bones appeared to be regularly formed ; the sternum and ribs were not developed as much'as the rest of the body; this want of developement was also observed in most of the organs contained in the thorax and abdomen. The lungs were very small and compact ; and présente^ on being inflated in the superior lobe, the appearance of elbngatibns, similar to those which are observed in the lung of the caméléon, and, in the inferior lobe, that of a membranous bladder, transparent, and lined by a substance of a reddish colour : the lungs of this animât cesembled, in a great degree, those of reptiles. |
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XENOPMON'S RULES
FOU THE
CHOICE, MANAGEMENT, AND TRAINING OF HORSES!
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[Continued from p. 174.]
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GHAPTER IV.
Of the Construction of the Stable ; and the Gare to be taken of a
Horse's Feet. 1. But when any one shall hâve purchased a horse that he Iikes,
and shall hâve Ied him home, it is proper that the stable should be in such a part of the dwelling where the master can see the horse oftenest. It would be right,. too, that the manger should be constructed so that it would be no more possible to steal the horse's food out of the manger, than that of the master out of the larder. He who is neglectful of this, seems to me to negîect himself ; for it is certain, that, in dangers, the master confides his own person to his horse. 2. A secure stall not onfy prevents the food being stolen, but serves
to show, likewise, when a horse will not take his food. Any one perceiving this, will either know that he is surfeited, and that his body wants evaeuation ; or that he has been overworked, and needs repose; or that a loathing of corn, or some other disorder, is coming upon him. But as it is with men, so it is with horses ; ail things in the beginning are more easily cured, than when the diseases hâve taken root and fixed themselves in the body. 3. But as care must be taken of a horse's food, and'of his being
exercised, that his body may be robust ; so must his feet, likewise, be attended to. Moist and smooth floors will injure even good hoofs. That floors may not be moist, they should be made sloping ; and tliat they may notbe smooth, a pavement should be made of stones that are about the size of a horse's hoof,—for such a pavement would strengthen his feet by standing on it.* 4. In the next place, the horse must be led out by the groom, where
he is to be dressed ; and after having had his morning's feed, he should ^e taken from the manger, that he may return to it in the evening with * The practice of keeping a large uuantity of iitter and dung under horses'
reet, i5 very wrong and injurious, as it beats the feet andlêgs, and also makes the hoofs become dry and briltle. |
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greater appetite.* That the stable-yard may be the best possible, and
harden the feet, there should be four or five loads of round stones, ot about a pound weight each, thrown down in it, and compassed round with iron, that they might not be scattered ; for the standing on them would be, as if he were rode a part of the day over stony ground.f 5. He must necessarily, too, when rubbing down, or spoken to,
use his hoofs as when he walked ; and stones laid in this manner like- wise strengthen the frogs of the feet. And as care must be taken to hâve the hoofs hard, so must the mouth be kept tender ; but the same things soften the flesh of man, and the mouth of a horse. |
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CHAPTER V.
Of a Groom.—How a Horse should he fastened. The manner of
rubbing him down, and cleaning him. 1. It seems to us, that a skilful horseman should hâve a groom who
has been taught whatever is to be done about a horse. First, then, he should see that the knot of the halter which ties the horse to the manger does not hurt his head : for if the halter be not easy about his ears, it may gall him in frequently moving his head to the manger ; and this, when once become sore, will make him more difficult to be bridled and dressed. 2. It is right, also, that the groom be ordered every day to carry
away the litter and the dung to some partieular place ; for, by doing so, he will get rid of it with less trouble, and it will be the better for the horse. 3. The grpom ought to know, too, that a muzzle should be put on
the horse, both when he takes him out to be dressed or to stretch his legs ; and, indeed, he should at ail times, when taken out without a bridle, hâve a muzzle. For a muzzle does not hinder his breathing, but prevents him from biting ; and its being put on horses makes them think less of being vicious. * A great error prevails frequently in keeping the rack fuit of hay, and
which the horse refuses to eat, after having smelled to it for some time ; but if removed, and a small quantity only given him, he will readily eat it. f As we bave before shown, the ancients did not shoe their horses by nail-
ing iron on their hoofs, but when, in travelling, they found it necessary to défend the feet, itwas elïected by fastening on, by means of straps and lig11* tures, a kind of sandal, stocking, or boot, made of some tough vegetable twigsr or leather, to which métal plates were sometimes attached. |
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4. And the horse ought to be tied over the head ; for everything
which disturbs a horse about the face, he endeavours to get rid of by tossing up his head ; and tossing up his head when thus tied, rather loosens than tightens his halter. 5. When he is to be dressed, it should be begun with the head and
Hiane ; for it is useless to clean what is below, when that above is not eleaned. The rest of the body should then be made clean with ail sorts of dressing instruments, and the dust wiped off the way the hair lies. But the hair on the back bone should not he touched with any instrument whatever, but rubbed with the hand, and gently smoothed down in the direction it grows ; for this will least injure the seat of the horse. 6. The head ought to be washed with water ; for, being bony, if
it were eleaned with iron or wood it might hurt the horse : and the forelock should be moistened ; for thèse hairs being very long, do not prevent the horse from seeing, but repel from his eyes whatever molests them : and it may be imagined that Providence gave thèse long hairs to the horse, instead of long ears, which they hâve given to asses and mules, as safeguards to the eyes. 7. And the tail and the mane should be moistened, as it is right to
make this hair grow : that of the tail, that by throwing it out as far as possible, a horse may chase away what molests him ;* and that of the neck, that by being very thick, it may offer a good grasp in getting upon him. 8. The mane, and forelock, and the tail, were Iikewise given for
the sake of ornament to a horse. A proof of this is, that mares will not permit asses to cover them at ail till they hâve been eut toff. For which reason, ail those who breed mules, shear their mares before they are covered.f % 9. The washing of the legs we do not mention, for it is of no use,
and the dailywetting of them hurts the hoofs; and the cleaning too much under the belly is as well let alone, for this is very troublesome to * The présent custom, that of allowing horses to retain their long tails, is
higbly creditable to the âge, when compared with the cruelty heretofore prac- tised, by depriving thèse noble animais of so useful and ornamental a part, and which nature has furnished them with, " Who never made her works for man to mend."
Cnpping of the ears, nicking, and docking, appears to hâve been unknown to the ancient Greeks, at least they had the humanity not to recommend it. + The Grecian mares appear, from Xenophon's account, to hâve had a larger
developement of the organ of pride (No. 10), than is conimon with the finies of tt"e présent day. |
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220 XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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the horse ; and the cleaner thèse parts are, the more they attract things
under the belly that molest him. 10. And if ever so nmoh pains be taken with them, it does not pre-
vent the horse, when led out, from being immediately the same as if he had never been cleaned. Let thèse things, therefore, be omitted, and let it suffice to rub the legs with the hands. |
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CHAPTER VI.
Précautions in rubbing down Horses ; and when kadmg them,
how they should le bridled. When shy, to be treated with gentleness. 1. We will now show how any one may rub down a horse with the
~jast danger tohimself, and best for a horse. If he clean him, look- ing the same way as the horse does, lie runs the risk of being struck in the face with his knee or his hoof. 2. But if he should rub him down, placing himself, when eleaning
the horse,. opposite to him, and out of the reach of his leg, and near the shoulder, he would run no danger ; and would be able to clean the frog of the horse by lifting up his foot. In the same manner, too, he might clean the hind legs. * 3. Whoever is employed about a horse, ought to know that this,
and everything else which he has to do, ought to be done by coming as little as possible near his face and his tail : for if he is inclined to be vicious, a horse has, in both thèse parts, the advantage of a man. But any one, by approaching him on the side, inay be able to do many things to a horse with the least danger to himself. 4. But whert'a horse is to be led, we do notapprove of his being
led from behind, for this reason ; because the person leading the horse is, in this manner, least able to défend himself against him, and the horse has it most in his power to do whatever he pleases. 5. As also the going on before with a long rein, to teach the horse
to follow, we blâme, for this reason; because a horse ha» it in his power to be vicious on whichever side he pleases ; he has. it also in his power, by turning himself, to get opposite to his leader. 6. When a number of horses are thus led together, it is likewise
not easy to prevent their interfering with one another. But a horse accustomed to be led by the side, is least able to hurt either men or horses, and is readiest at hand for the rider, if he should wish at any time to be mounted on a sudden. |
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7. That the'groom may put the bridle on properly,>st let him
come to the near side of the horse, and throwing the reins over his head, let him put them on the top of the shoulder; then let him take the head-stall in his right hand, aud approach the bit to him with his left
8. Should he reeeive it, the rest of the bridle must be put on
But if the horse will not suffer it, the bit must be held to his teeth, and the middle finger of his left hand mustbe putbetween the horse sjaws : for.many horses," on this being done, loosen their mouth; but if he will not receive.it eventhus, let him press the l.p against the dog- tooth, for there are very few who do not reeeive it, on feehng this. 9 Let the groom likewise be instrueted in thèse thmgs :—!< irst,
neverlead a horse by the reins, for this makes him hard mouthed ; then, to keep the bit from his jaws as much as possible, thathe may not be insensible to it; for the pressing too much against them hardens the mouth. On the other hand, ifplaced too low, it gives a horse power, by biting the bit, not to be obedient. 10 The groom ought also to be very exact in ail thèse part.culars,
if thereis anything which rnore particularly requires his diligence. For it is.'ef so Jueh Lsequenoe that a horse should be willing to reeeive the bit, as on not reeeiving it he becomes entirely useless. 11. But if he be bridled not only when he is to work, but also when
he is led to his food, and when he is brought home from the place of exercise, there would be no wonder if he should reeeive the bit volun- tarily and in stretching out his neck. 12. It is proper, too, that the groom should be able to lift up any
oneaftertliePersianmanner;* that the master, if he should at any time be sick, or advanced in years, may hâve some one who can lift him up easily, or may supply his friend with one who can perform this îffiS Butneverto act with anger towards a horse, is the first and
bestof ail the precepts that can be imprinted on the m.nd. For anger •j . j „, A. iiro-ps us to do what atterwards must
is mconsiderate, and very olten urges us w necessarily be repented of.
14. When a horse likewise shys at anything, and w.ll not approach
* Stirrups not being in use at the period when Xenophon wrote his treatise,
oui. r u „. «,„ hmw ami sometimes to raount by tbe practice at that time was to vault on the horse, and som y
a spear havingaloop or some other eontr.vance fixed to .t, or from a bloek
or after the Persian manner, which Volateranm* states was. done by the help of Servant or slave, who accompanied his master, and, by bendmg his baclg h» ■«.aster stepping on it,mounted and dismounted the horse.. |
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222 LUDICROUS METEMPSYCHOSIS.
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it, he ought to learn that there is nothing terrible in it—and especially
a spirited horse. But if not, that which seems terrible should be touched, and the horse Ied gently up to it. 15. But those who are for using blows, make them still more afraid ;
for the horses think, when they suifer anything grievous at such a time, v that what they are afraid of, is the cause of it. '16. But when the groom brings the horse to be rode, we do not
disapprove his being ableto make the horse bend himself, that he may be the more easily mounted. But we think the rider ought to learn to mount him, in case he will not bend ; for somctimes a différent horse uresents itself, and sometimes the same horse is not equally quiet. (Tobe continuée!.)
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LUDICROUS METEMPSYCHOSIS.
The soûls of deceased bailiffs and common constables are in the
bodies of setting dogs and pointers; the terriers are inhabited by trading justices ; the blood-hounds were formerly a set of informers, thief-takers, and false évidences ; the spaniels were heretofore courtiers, hangers-on of administration, and hack journal-writers, ail of whom maintain their primitive qualities of fawning on the feeders, licking their hands, and snarling and snapping at ail who offer to offend their master ; a former train of gamblers and black-legs are now embodied in that speoies of dogs called lurchers; bull-dogs and mastiffs were once butchers and drovers ; greyhounds and hounds owe their animation to country squires and fox-hunters ; little whiffling useless lap-dogs draw their existence from the quondam beau,—macaronies and gentlemen of the tippy still remaining the playthings of ladies, and used for their diversion. There are also a set of sad dogs, derived from attorneys, and puppies who were in times past attorneys' clerks, shopmen to retail haberdashers, men-milliners, &c. Turnspits are animated by old aldermen, who still enjoy the smell of the roast méat ; that droning, snarling species, styled Dutch pugs, hâve been fellows of collèges ; and that faithful, useful tribe of shepherds' dogs were, in days of yore, members of parliament, who guarded the flock, and protected the sheep from wolves and thieves, although, indeed, of late, some hâve turned sheep-biters, and worried those they ought to hâve defended. |
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223
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ON THE ANTIQUITY AND INVENTION OF HORSE-
SADDLES. There was formerly preserved at Berne, in Switzerlandj and shown
"to travellers as an object of great curiosity, an old saddle, with stirrups, that was said to hâve belonged to Julius Cœsar, and to hâve been used by him in the war in Gaul. It is, however, quite certain, that at that period such conveniences were not known. In the earliest âges, the rider sat on the bare back of his horse, and it was only slowly that even a covering of any kind was introduced. This, at first, consisted merely of a pièce of raw hide : but in process of time hous- ings were adopted, which nearly coveredthe animal ; and thèse certainly were used by the Roman cavalry in the time of Cœsar, as he himself tells us that the Germans, who themselves still adhered to the ancient method, held the Romans in some contempt for the adoption of this effeminacy ; but Varro, the historian, who lived at a yet later period, boasts of having rode, in his youth, without any covering on his horse. Thèse caparisons, however, and indeed the whole equipment of the horse, at length assumed an appearance of such splendour, as to warrant the description given by Virgil, although not strictly applicable to the era to which he ascribes it :— ■--------------------*-----" Athis command,
The steeds caparison'd with purple stand,
With golden trappings glorious to behold,
And champ betwixt their teeth the foaming gold."
Dryden's Virgil's sEneid, Book 1.
The first invention of saddles, in any manner resembling those now
in use, is attributed to about the middle of the fourth century : and as the Persians were the first to introduce the housing, it is not improbable that this improvement also may hâve originated with that people ; but the earliest positive mention of them is found in an ordinance of the Emperor Theodosius, in the year 385, prohibiting those who rode post-horses from using saddles (sella) that weighed more than sixty pounds. This, from its great weight, was, probably, somewhat similar to our pack-saddle ; andit would appear, that every traveller was pro- vided with one of his own, which, it may be remarked, is still customary with the couriers who ride post throughout the Peninsula, and in some parts of Italy. In the fifth century, thèse saddles were so lavishly ornamented, that the Emperor Léo I. found it necessary to issue a decree, forbidding the use of pearls, and some kinds of rare precious stones, in their embellishment ; and, in the sixth, we find an order of the Emperor Mauritinus, that the cavalry saddles should hâve large coverings of fur. _; |
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'224 ANTIQUITY AND INVENTION OF IIORSE-SADDLES.
The invention of stirrups, however, was not coeval with that of
saddles. % We hâve hère a proof of the error of supposing that things of évident utility for common purposes, must, on that account, be of great antiquity : for, however obvious and necessary the addition of this simple contrivance may now appear, no certain trace of it can be found before the sixth century. ' .. w ^n^-^ «^, The Greek and Roman youth were taught to vault info their seat,
and those of mature âge were either assisted by their servants, or used the aid of stepping-stones. Thèse servants, indeed, were not merely employed to lend their aid in the mode that might naturally be supposed, but were required to stoop down, in sucli manner as that their backs might form a kind of footstool for their masters; and the name by which they were designated (Anaholei) was at one time applied to stirrups, in the same manner as the instrument used for pulling off boots is termed ajack, because it supplies the place of a boy. In proof of this custom, our readers will doubtless call to mind the historical anec- dote of the Roman Emperor Valerian, who, when made captive, in the middle ofthethird century, is said to hâve been thus degraded by his conqueror, Sapor, King of. Persia. Horses were even sometimes trained to kneel until the rider mounted. Horse soldiers, it would appear, were provided with a small projection, or sometimes with a looped strap, on their spears, which they used as a step on mounting. ' The first positive allusion to stirrups that lias been notioed, is in a work on the art of war, which has been attributed to the Emperor Mauritius, and is supposed to hâve been written in the latter end of the sixth century; in which it is said, that a horsenian should harve at his saddle two iron scalœ—a name by which stirrups were afterwards designated. '•* This is repeated in a work on tactics, written by the Emperor Léo VI., three centuries later; but in ail the long inter- mediate period scarcely any mention of thero is to be found. Indeed, we can -eollect from Eustathius, the commentator on Homer, that even in the twelfth century they were not common ; and for a long time after their first introduction, it was considered manly to dispense with them. We find, however, in an engraving inserted in Montfaucon's "Monumem de la Monarchie Française" from an excellent pièce of tapestry of the eleventh eentury, that ail the saddles there repre- sented are provided with stirrups. Before this period, and after the humiliating custom of requiring servants to bend as a step had ceased, large métal knobs were affixed to the saddles, by<vwhich the rider assisted himself in mounting; and stepping-stones were placed at stated distances -on the roadg, at the gâtes of inns and public build- ings, and at the doors of most private dwellings. |
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225
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HISTORY OF HORSE SHOEING IN ENOLAND.
Although but little has yet appeared in our pages on the most
important subject of "Shoeing," our readers may rest assured that we are fully prepared to enter on its considération ; and as it is a branch of Veterinary science which offers a great diversity of opinions, is least studied, and worst practised ; so we are particularly anxious that every step we may take on this debateable ground should be. elearly understood, and well attended to, by those whom it may con- cern. The curious account of " Horse-shoeing," given in former numbers, will be sufficient for the présent—whatever may hereafter be added—to show the extent of the knowledge and practice of the ancients in this art ; and brings down its history to the period when iron shoes, fastened with nails, became of gênerai use on the continent of Europe, which appears to hâve gradually taken place from the fifth to the ninth century. There is no account of the art in this countryprior to the Conquest,
when William of Normandy gave to, Simon St. Liz, one of his fol- lowers, the town of Northampton, and the hundred of Falkley, then valued at 401. per annura, to provide shoes for his horses : and in " Brook's Catalogue of Errors," page 65, it is also stated, that he appointed Henry de Ferrers to be superintendant of the shoeing- smiths; and his descendants, the Earls of Ferrers, bore six horse- shoes on the quarterings of their arms.* From its introduction, to the time of Queeen Elizabeth, *ve hâve
little or no recorded account of the shoeing art. It is to be supposed that the original "Ferrers," as they were called, had but little view to élégance or neatness in the formation of their shoes : a bar of iron turned to the figure of the foot, and coarsely stamped, formed a de- fence, on the same principe, and equally serviceable, with the various fanciful figures which the caprice of later years has successively in- ^erited. The gênerai character of the oldest spécimens we hâve seen, is that of being very wide in the web, with mail-holes placed nearly in the middle ; thus obliging the edges of the shoe to project considerably * At Oakham, in Rutlandsbire, the seat of this family, a singular and rather
tjrannical custom long prevailed : if any baron of the realm passed through the Wace, he was to forfeit one of his horse's shoes, unless he chose to redtem it by a fine ; and the forfeited shoe, or the one made in its stead, was fixed upon tb-e castle gâtes, inscribed with his name : in conséquence of this custom, the Sates became, in time, covered with numerous shoes, some of them of an un- Us»al size, and others gilt, &c. |
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220 HISTORY OF IIORSE-SHOEIN«.
beyond the hoof, ail round—a circumstance that is, in gênerai, favour-
able to the ease and comfort of the horse, by increasing lus bearing surface. The heels were generally curved inward, and the shoe. not perfectly flat, but a little turned up at the toe ; a custom which pro- bably originated in their having to fit natural feet, which might be worn away, as they usually are at that part. In those days, having ho turnpike roads, and comparatively little travelling, it is most likely that horses were only occasionally shod for unusually long journeys, or in time of frost, to prevent their slipping or becoming tender-footed on the hard ground : and that this was the case, vre are justified in stating, by the practice in many parts of the world at the présent time. If but few horses were constantly shod, there was less chance of their perceiving the access of those eomplaints and diseases of thé feet which are now fbund to be the invariable attendants, and the admitted con- séquences, of shoeing : and it may be added, that the coarse, hardy breeds that served the purposes of oùr ancestors, were much less liable to suffer from thèse causes, tlian the high-bred, délicate animais that hâve now become common in Britain. The first work iri the English language which contains any detailed
aeoount of shoeing, is that of Master Blundevill, published in 1609, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Fig. ].
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Fig. 1., is what he "gives as "a shoe for a perfect hoof:" it is
a view of the under or ground surface, and must appear to a modem eye a very coarse and clumsy afFair ; nevertheless, although we cer- tainly do not mean entirely to approve of its proportions, it will be our |
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227
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HISTOKY OF HORSE-SHOEING.
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business, in 'many places, to show that the ease and good going of
the horse dépend less upon the shape of the shoe than is usually ima- gmed; and, supposing the mails to be driven with equal précision, this figure would be even préférable to a large proportion of horse-shoes in use at this day. But not to anticipate conclusions which wdl be better understood when the History is more advanced, we shall ob- serve, that although his "perfect shoe" is so ugly, Master Blunde- vill has shown, in his plates, a very gréa* variety of figures, compre- hending nearly or quite as many plans as are at présent known to the generality of shoeing smiths-some for weak and low heels, for false ■quarters, to prevent cutting, &c. ; shuwing, that however fash.ons may hâve varied since his time, but little really new light has been thrown upon the fractice of common shoeing. Yet his directions are given without any apparent principle or consistency; sometimes directing very injurious measures. The following is rather a favourable spécimen:— « Ofshooing thehoove that hath narrow (or contracted) heels. Make a trim, light shoe, with a broad web : let the sponges (heels) be so broad as they may almost meetetogether to défend the heele from theground, and 'pearce it alltowards the toe, sparing the heele so u j i 4- a» «hooe bee long e»ough towards the
jnuch as you can ; and let the snooe ik s b
heeles, and set it on with eight nailes, like the shooe that fitteth the
perfect hoove." The words" contraction" and " hoof-bound," often occur; and we
perceive, clearly, that the same evil conséquences resulted from theprac- tice of shoeing, in the sixteenth century, as we find in the présent daj. Ftg.2.
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maybe
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m
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g. 2 is intended to represent the «ommon English shoe: it
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q 2
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228
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HISTOBV OF HORSE-SHOE1NO.
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objected to by sorae as too heavy, by others as too light, according
to the various standards they hâve been accustomed to ; but, we believe, it possesses ail the characters of that most usually employed throughout the kingdom. It is flat below, and concave on the upper surface, the inner edge being much thinner than the outer ; of a more uniform width than the old English shoe ; of equal thickness at toe and heel, and the heels usually eut nearly square. The variations from Blundevill's shoe are considérable ; but the
chief is the " fullering," * or channel for receivingthe nail heads, which appears to be à peculiarity originally English, and to hâve been adopted within the last two hundred years; as no shoe, before that date, nor any foreign shoe whatever, to this.day, istobe found with this peculiar groove or fullering. It is sometimes carried ail round the toe of the shoe, or quite to the heels, at the pleasure of the workman. In ail Blundevjlls^yir^^e^^ so farbackto the heels as in our common shoe ; and they are camed completely
round the toe, which practice is still adhered to sometimes : but the différence is not essential, as will bc explained hereafter. A more important différence in the English shoe, from ail others, is,
that the nails are usually placed much nearer the outside rim, so that the edge sèldom projects beyond the wall of the hoof, and is often set within it, to the injury and destruction of such feet as are so abused. To make afinely fulleved, or, as it is delusively called, a neat shoe, is the baneful pride of our workmen. Stamped shoes, however, are still very often used, especially be-
hind and for draught horses ; and, as the smiths say, "they are better for the foot," simply because it is not always easy to drive the stamp so near the outside edge, as in fullering, lest the iron should burst out. We hâve given no plates of hind shoes, since they are of minpr im-
portance, and differ but little in gênerai character from each other, —being usually formed by welding one old shoe and a half together : they are made very strong at the toc, and usually with thick calkins at the heels, and stamped nail holes, varying from six to ten in number, and generally placed farther back to the heels than the fore snoes. filooitiBq • The name of the tool "fuller,-" isprobably derivedfrom its effect ofmaking
the shoe wider or fuller. |
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229
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J1IST0RY OF HOHSE-SHOEINU.
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M A !
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«9t
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te
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Fig 3, the "seatedshbe," was probably not often madc a cenlury
ago: it has been recommcnded by Osmer, J. Clark, and Mr. Moor- croft ; and is the most populàr and gênerai variéty from the common shoe. The différence is only in the upper surface, next the foot; about one third of which, on the outside, is made perfectly flat for the wall of the hoof to rest upon, and is callcd the seat ; ail within this is hollowed out, or deeply concaved (see fig.), with a round- faced hammer. '"""""" 1J"" It has been apprehended, that this flat seat was of very great im-
portance to the bearing of the foot ; and, certainly, it is préférable to the sloping upper surface pf the common shoe, but requires more trouble to make it well, and the altération does not eifect any change in the principle ; therefore is of little real moment, as not affecting the final resuit. The concavity of the seated shoe was also considered as highly useful in preventing any pressure of the iron on the sole, winch is always to be guarded against; but this point may be obtained with ttiuch less trouble, and its value is counter-balanced by the danger w-hich exists, of the seat being left too narrow to receive the wall ; in which case the horn is often broken and injured, and this not unfre- quently happens with weak feet, in injudicious hands. This shoe has been sevcral times warmly adopted by différent
Veterinarians and gentlemen, particularly under the name of the Blom- field, or Carlton House shoe ; but no particular advantage has been found from its use, we may infer, from its being generally laid aside after a short trial. It has a very neat, handsome appearance, and on this account obtained admirera; but no proof was everbrought of its utility. |
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230 ARTERIES IN THE HEAD OF THE SHEEP.
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Thèse are the three shoes which may be eonsidered peeuliarly English :
our next will embraee an aecount of sueh foreign shoes as hâve been at any time much used or adopted in this eountry. It is not intended, in this eursory aecount of the various horse-
shoes which hâve been used in England, to give a circumstantial de- scription of the manner in whieh they are forged and finished, as the détails are pretty well known to most of our readers, unless, at a future time, it should seem to be called for ; neither are we at liberty to advance ail the observations we hâve to offer, so early in the aecount,. but must recur again to thèse shoes at a future time. |
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ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ARTERIES IN
THE HEAD OF THE SHEEP, BY DR. J. C. I. BAKKOW.*
The arteries of the head of the sheep are very remarkable in their distribution. The common carotid gives off collatéral branches before it divides into two principal trunks, from which ail the other branches are given off. The branches which pass off before the principal bifurcation are—the superior thyroideal, the ascending pharyngeal, the occipital, the lingual, the posterior auricular, and a parotidean. The external maxillary artery is wanting, and its branches are fur- nished by other vessels. The common carotid bifurcates into the facial and internai maxillary ; the facial fûrnishes the anterior, auricular, and the temporal ; it is continued under the name of transversalis i'aciei, which gives off the coronary artery of the upper lip. The inferior coronary is furnished by the mental, which is itself a branch of the internai maxillary. This latter is a very important artery in the sheep, for it not only fûrnishes branches to the face, but also ail those which, in man, corne from the internai carotid. It gives off on each side, three branches, which penetrate separately into the cranium, where they ramify in the rete mirabile; from which they pass to form the simple trunk of the cérébral arteries, which communicates with the basilar, and is distributed to the brain. As there exists no internai carotid, the carotid canal is wanting ; the sulcus, which is observed on the sides ofthe sella tursica^ and which resemblesthe carotid sulcus in man, contains only the inferior cérébral vein, which passes from the cranium by the spheno-petrosal fissure. |
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* Nov. ActaAcad. Natur. Curios. toni.xiii. iiar& i.
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231
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HORSES OF DOXGOLA.
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The ophthalraic artery is also a branch of the internai maxillary, and
fumishes the ethmoidal artery and the posterior ciliary ; the central artery of the retina, on the contrary, arises from the trunk of the céré- bral artery, when it has passed from. -the rete mirabile ; the oîfactory nerve, also, receives some very small branches from this vessel. The internai maxillary fumishes the inferior maxillary to the face, which receives the name of mental, after having passed from the mental fora- men ; the superior alveolar and infra-orbitar, which gives off a ptery- goid branch ; it terminâtes in bifurcating into two branches, which receive the names of pterygo-palatine and spheno-palatine. With respect to the branches which pass off from the common carotid,
it is necessary to be observed, that the ascending pharyngeal and the occipital arise from that artery before the lingual ; and with respect to the superior maxillary, the .first cérébral branch arises between the inferior maxillary and superior alveolar ; the two other cérébral arteries, and the ophthalmic, are situated between the superior alveolar and in- fra-orbitar. |
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HORSES OF DONGOLA.
This kingdom is situated at near 400 leagues from Cairo, and
forms a portion of those vast countries that approach the centre of Africa, and .which the ancients knew under the name of Ethiopia. The breed of horses which is reared there, is of Arabian extraction. Other breeds, also, of Arabian origin may, in some respects, possess a superiority over thèse in point of shape ; but none are more quick, nor more indefatigable in running, and none are rated at a higher price in the markets of the East. It is not rare to see thèse horses fetch as much as 50 and 60,000 Egyptian piastres. A traveller in that country states, that the tribes who live on the banks of the Nile, above the cataract of Assenan, hâve so passionate an affec- tion for thèse animais, that when they wish to put an end to the wars which they wage, the résignation of a Dongola stallion is often one of the principal stipulations of their pacifie arrangement. Reared in burning plains, the horses of this part of Africa are very sensible to cold ; and some which hâve been transported into Greece, hâve been observed to tremble with cold under the sun of Constantinople. |
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232
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Inoman sril \\>:
OBSERVATIONS
isAtisn î,! -Ai lo notto8ii9iCH#J««Br tasnatofi» no « vigiBibainaii tdJssria stfà oit' ^AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS IN THE HORSE. Tq n9sd ijvsn bsd noiteisqo
(Read before the Royal Academy of Medicine, for tlie Division of Surgery,in the Session of the26tà January, 1826.)
Blaa&a Taiwan a fl-idteïu sdi ÎO IsnBO ôriï oj
EY M. BARTHELEMY, JUN., M. V.
:■■■_ . „ > , „ V^„ ■; ' ,
Sernor Professorat the Royal Collège ofAlfort.
The amputation of the pénis in the horse is one of those opérations
in veterinary surgery which is rarely performed : I only know of one case, the détails of which hâve been: recorded in veterinary annals by one of the raembers of this learned Academy. The horse upon which M. Huzard operated, had the^penis covered
with sores and warts, which he considered incurable. The mode of operating which he adopted was the ligature, having previously placed a metallic canula in the urethra. On the eighth day, mortification of the part being complète, a section was made, and the canula with- drawn: the animal was cured, fans t9iirtBjùl ai The subject, of the opération which I am about to report, was
afflicted with a relaxation, or kind of paralysis, of the pénis, supervening upon a severe attack of gastro-enteritis. The depending portion of the pénis was about eight inches long ; it was slightly swelled, but presented no other trace of inflammation : with exercise the swelling increased, and there then appeared a litlle heat. The urine was passed as usuah dilfi9fl sdT ■*. This paralysis had resisted ail the curative means which it had been
possible to employ in suoh a difficult case ; the indocility of the horse obliged me to give up palliative measures. Considering this paralysis incurable, and the animal being quite unserviceable in this state, I de- termined on amputating the pénis, an organ which, besides, is of no use in the gelding. I hadchoice of two methods,~the ligature, which had been prac-
tised by M. Huzard, and the knife. The difficulty of approaching the animal, and some untoward symptoms having followed the use of the ligature in the former opération—viz. colic, loss of appetite, fever, inflammation of the abdomen, the putrid smell of tlie paît, &c, induced me to prefer amputation as the most expéditions and least pain- |
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AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS IN THE HORSE. 233
fui raeans : by this method, I had only the hemorrhage to fear, but
it might be dangerous; I had to operate on an erect organ, which, in size, nearly equalled the arm, and I could neither dépend on tying the arteries, nor on cauterizationy-^the retraction of the remaining por- tion of the pénis into the sheath, immediately after the section, ren- dered this opération impossible. I could neither be assured nor guided by précèdent ; this opération had never been practised in veterinary surgery, but 1 was eonvinced that the hemorrhage would not be mor- tal, beeause the arteries of the pénis are only distended during érection ; I theiefore introduced into the canal of the urethra a pewter canula, the size of a little finger» and'nine or ten inches in length;- moderate pressure, by means of à flat ligature, was made upon the pénis, about an inch above the portion to be taken away, in order to prevent, as much as possible, the flow of bloodwhich appeared to be inévitable after the section; the canula was to be afterwaTds keptin the urethra by means of a band which went round thebodyof the horse : it was intended to prevent the contraction of the urethra during the cure. Ail this being dohe,: and the animal properly secured, I caused an assistant to grasp the pénis at the ligature, and made the eut with a strait bistoury; but the momehtettwassfieetsed, the remaining portion withdrew immediately within the sheath, escaping at • once from the hand of the assistant, the ligature, and canula. It was impossible to replace the canula. There was Ho hemorrhage at that time, but during the five days that followed the opération, the bleeding mani- fested itself, although of short duration; every time the animal triedto stale. This intermitting bleeding evidently depended upon the partial érection of the pénis, which, in the horse, always précèdes the émission of urine : the quantity of blood that the horse lost in this lapse of time might, perhaps, be rated at fifty pounds. The health of the animal Was not at ail affected, and eight or ten days after, he was in a state to résume his labour. Ail Iris, functions were performed, as in the «atural state, until towards the thirtieth day, when the passage of Urine became, from day to day, more difficult; the animal passed a small quantity with painful efforts, which was thrown upon the abdo- men in a small intermittent jet; and the skin which covered the abdomen, constantly irritated by the urine, became extensively inflamed, and ail the hair came off the part. By examining the pénis, the cause of rétention became évident : the wound, in healing, had drawn in the skin of the pénis over the orifice of the urethra, and the urine could °my escape by a crooked sinus, of which the exterior opening was at lhe centre of the cicatrix,—that is to say, five or six Unes above the |
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234 AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS IN THE HORSE.
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extremity of the urethral canal. There was no tjme to lose ; Uic
rétention of urine being nearly complète, the life of the horse was in danger : it was neeessary to enlarge the opening, and to introduce a canula until the part healed. This opération, simple in appearance, was, however, impracticable :
some attempts that I made to introduce a flexible pewter staff into the opening, were unsuccessful—the retraction of the pénis opposed to it an insurmountable obstacle. Obliged to give this up, I determined to open the urethra four inches from the isehial arch, but new difficulties presented themselves. I could not be guided in this opération, either by a sound, as used in man for the opération of lithotomy, nor by a column of water introduecd into the canal, as we practise for the same purpose in the horse. The slight résistance offered by the urethra ; thethickness of the cellular membrane which surrounds it; its appear- ance altogether, nearly like the perineo-urethral and coccygio-sous- fineen muscles;*—finally, the want of prnotiee in this opération, rendered this rirst attempt nugatory. Far from being disoouraged by this failure, I immediately made
new trials upon several living horses in the slaughter-houses oi" Mont- faucon. After having thus practised myself in this opération, I came to exécute it, without any diffieulty, upon the sick subject: I made a new incision between the first and the isehial arch,—that is to say, two inches below it. There the urethra, situated less deeply, was more easy to find ; and, by the aid of a canula, the bladder was immediately emptied of the great quantity of urine which distended it; directly after this canula being withdrawn, I introduced into the urethra a pewter sound, about sixteen inches long, and nearly the size of a little iinger ; I directed it towards the obstacle which prevented the flow of urine, and, whilst an assistant held it in this position, I made a large inci- sion with a convex sharp bistoury over the cicatrix which prevented the appearance of the sound in the sheath. An œsophagus tube was sub- stituted in the place of it : its lower part was wrapped round with strips of linen, and covered over with white wax, which increased it gra- dually in size to the end, where it was attached to four strings ; which retained the tube in its proper position, passing through two loops of waxed cord which pierced through the sides of the sheath in the manner of setons. By this simple plan, the expulsion of the urine was freely performed
through the canula, and by the superior opening of the canal of the urethra; but this quickly healed up, and the animal was again put to work. |
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AMPUTATION OF THE rENIS IN THE HORSE. 235
The only treatment that I employed, consisted in keeping it clean ;
but a month after the opération, the skin of the sheath which retained the two loops of cord was eut. The canula was no longer manage- able : as I did not consider that the inferior orifice of the urethra was sufficiently eicatrized to retain the canula, it was fixed to the lower and central part of the sheath by à single loop of waxed cord, but the canula, softened and too flexible, came partly out, and made the horse kick in a dangerous manner. Obliged to abandon this plan of retain- ing the canula, I substituted two flexible pewter tubes, about the size ofa writing pen, which I placed on each side of the sheath, above the torn portion, by two stitches of suture, and near enough to the abdo- men ; the ends were reunited ; by twkting them : thèse metallic rings were of the figure of common ear-rings, and they had the advantage of occasioning hardly any suppuration, and of not cutting the skin which held them. The canula remained in this position for two months, and we only
withdrew it every two or three days to clean it. The animal bontinued his full work ail the time he carried this apparatus ; and for nearly two years since this opération has been performed, he has staled exactly as other horses, with this only différence,—that the pénis is exactly of the same length with the sheath ; at other times, being retracted within the sheath, he urines as other horses do at times, especially those of the Dutch breed. The sheath has much diminished in size ; it is almost wasted away. • ■ •- From the détails which I hâve already exposed, I may conclude—
lst, That the amputation of the pénis can be made in a gelding with- out having anything to fear from hemorrhage, and without the health of the animal being changed ; 2dly, That to avoid any obstruction in the canal of the urethra, we ought to place a small pipe in the canal of the urethra, and sustain it by two pewter or tin rings to the latéral parts of the sheath, by maintaining it in this position during two months at least. It may not be useless to remark hère, that to avoid the difficulty of
placing the pipe after the opération, which arises from the laxity and redundance of the sheath, it might be better to eut the pénis at twice. By the first incision, which should be made posteriorly, the tube of the urethra is divided transversely : the pénis, now out of the sheath, would give a facility for placing the canula ; and we ought not to ter- minale the amputation till after this instrument should hâve been fixed by the rings. |
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236
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ON FEEDING HORSES WITH BREAD.
FROM THE
Recueil de Médecine Vétérinaire.
This plan is stated to be gênerai in Silesia ; and, after the expérience
of four years, an intelligent agriculturist is convinced of its utility, on the double account of economy and of health. This agriculturist rnade a bread with thirty bushels of oatmeal, and
an equal quantity of rye flour ; to which he added a portion of yeast, and nine bushels of potatoes reduced to a pulp. With this bread he kept seven horses, each having twelve pounds a day in three feeds ; it was eut into small pièces, and mixed with a little wetted chaff. Be- fore this, he gave to the same horses six bushels of oats per day, inde- pendent of the necessary quantity of ohfcffTsanêiïtsy. By this means he saved, in twenty-four days, forty-nine bushels of oats ; and, during the whole of the time, the horses did their usual work, appear- ing in better condition, more healthy and active. ^IIbsi 9vcd yodi ïï llascnid ginstas oi tn
.ggrgninte lo gdoBttj! tmftpsedm mo-â no, ginirfj ad 8thi89i cri* ojlïsnôlSôfiiq io no • sH y -I9JB31S vd b9&h9v ad-bfaorfg yed?
INOCULATION FORrô^WE STRANGLES JN ITALY. , ? ni'bna% oAi oJ bas' fusm ni m» St*;sî•■ " idJ noqu pJmmtaofW- THE Recueil de Médecine Vétérinaire, February 1828.
al isaopl oJ noitainig s ni aïs M. ToGGiA,jun., in a pamphlet which has just fallen under our
notice, entitled On the Strangles, and the Utility of Inoculation in this Diseuse—Turin, 1826, announces that, in April 1823, being then Veterinarian to a stud of horses, he inoculated eight healthy coïts with the strangles in its second stage ; and, afterwards, six other young coïts, with the nasal matter taken from the first. Four days after, there was observable, in some of them, a slight
cough, followed, first, about the seventh day, by a small discharge of mucous matter, which ran more abundantly from the nostrils when the animal coughed ; secondly, with inflammation of the glands of the neck, towards the seventh or eighth day ; and, at last, towards the fourteenth day, by the opening of the abscesses which resulted from that inflammation. |
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237
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VETERINARY CASES:
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He considère thèse symptoms which he has observed, however mild
m tneir appearances, as sufficient to prove that by this inoculation, he nad communicated the strangles to the coïts which had been submitted to it; and founds, upon this circumstance, the conclusion, that the strangles is a contagious affection, sut generis, and susceptible, therefore, of trahsmitting itself the same as by inoculation. The strangles, which he says he has thus communicated, shows itself always in a mild and benign form« ai terudliionsE Since thèse first trials, and during a space of two years and a half,
lie inoculated, in the same manner, more than twenty-four coïts. After thèse numerous experiments, he is more and more confirmed in the belief that such inoculation is proper to préserve coïts from the attack of spontaneous strangles, as none of those which hâve undergone this opération hâve since shown (and he has watched them carefully, even to the âge of five years) any of the symptoms of strangles. , Finally, M. Toggia regrets, that having quitted, to pass to another post, the stud where he made thèse experiments, his new duties hâve not only prevented him from repeating them; but also from submilting coïts already once inoculated to the counter proof of new and direct inoculation, to assure himself if they hâve really acquired by it an exemption from subséquent attacks of strangles. i He calls the attention of practïtioners to the results he thinks he has obtained, which, if they should be verified by greater expérience, would oblige us to consider the strangles as analogous, under many points of view, to the smallfox in man, and to the scab in sheep. We shall, ourselves, abstain from comments upon this subject.
We offer thèse experiments to the attention of Veterinarians, who, by their particular opportunities, are in a situation to repeat them, and pronounce on their value. dqmsq un |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
A Bay Gelding-Seven years old.
s çinadi loi srr March 27, 1828. Admitted, with inflammation of the lungs. Discharge from the nostrils, cough, increased action of the system, great languor, &c. Directed to be placed in a loose box ; to hâve six pints of blood
taken from the jugular vein; to hâve two drachms of aloes given in a kall, and a mash diet. Puise 40. |
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238
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VETEJUNAKY CASES.
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28. Appears worse, the bleeding to be repeated : puise increased
to 00. Is directed to be placed in an open shed, the legs to bé ban- daged, and rowels to be made in the front of the chest. 29. Apparently relieved ; to continue the mash diet, and give, in a
bail, calomel one drachm, turpentine three drachms. Puise at 50. 30. The puise increased to 60 î the bleeding directed to be repeated,
and two drachms of aloes to be given in a bail. Common clysters to be frequently injected. The rowels to be dressed with the turpentine ointment daily. April 1. One ounce of infusion of cantharides ordered to be rubbed
into the fore part of the chest, and to hâve one drachm and a half of aloes given in a bail, the bandages continued to the legs, and warm clothing. 2. To continue the use of bandages as before, and hâve two drachms
of aloes in a bail. 3. Appears rather better : continue the bandages ; the rowels to be
kept discharging. To hâve half an ounce of turpentine, given in a bail. 5. The hind legs are swelled ; a rowel is directed to be made in
each thigh, and to be dressed with turpentine ointment. The ban- dages to be continued. 8. The swelling is much diminished, and the horse better.
12. Placed in a stall ; the rowels in the thighs removcd ; allowed
common diet of hay and corn. 15. Discharged—cured.
INFLAMMATION OF BOTH FORE FEET.
An Aged Bay Gelding. March 18, 1828. Admitted, with lameness. Directed to be bled
from each foot, six pints. To hâve spring shoes applied, and poultices to the feet at night ; a
mash diet. 19. Ordered to hâve six drachms of aloes given in a bail, and the
poultices applied at night. 20. To continue the poultices : bail has operated.
25. A seton run through each frog. 27. Setons to be dressed daily with the turpentine ointment.
April 6. The size of the setons to be diminished, but dressed as before, and the poultices to be discontinued. 10. Setons directed to be removed. :
14. Discharged—relieved.
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VETERINARY CASES. 239
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INFLAMEB HOCK.
An Aged Bay Gelding.
Mardi 30, 1828. Admitted, with lameness, great heat, and the
part enlarged. Directed to be bled from the toe, to the quantity of eight pints ; to hâve a staple shoe applied, and the hock to be kept constantly cold with a poultice. To hâve mash diet. 31- To hâve a bail with six drachms of aloes; and continue the use
of cold applications and staple shoe, till otherwise directed. April 1. The bail has operated well : directed to hâve the hock kept
continually wet with a solution of sait. 5. Taken away—relieved.
A Grey Gelding—Six years old.
March 15, 1828. Admitted, with an enlarged hock : the part feels
hot, and is much swelled, and the animal lame. Was directed to hâve a bail given him of five drachms of aloes ; to hâve mashes, and the part to be kept constantly wet with goulard water. 16. To continue the cold application till otherwise directed; the
bail has operated. 20. To be shod, behind, with a thick heeled shoe.
21. A solution of common sait to be applied to the hock, instead
of the goulard water, till otherwise directed. April 3. Sf rings are directed to be added to the shoe, and to con-
tinue the use of sait and water. 5. A sufficient quantity of infusion of eantharides directed to Jbe
rubbed round the hock. 6. The blister has risen, and discharges.
10. Discharged—cured. CATARRH.
A Grey Gelding—Eight years old.
March 25, 1828. Admitted, with a cough, and discharge from the
ïiostrils ; refuses food. Directed to be placed in a loose box, to hâve *nashes, and a bail with three drachms of aloes, given him. 27. Appears better. Directed to continue mash diet.
28. To hâve two drachms of aloes in a bail.
31. Discharged—Cured. |
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240 ANECDOTE OF AN APE.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
A Bay Gelding—Seven years old.
April 3, 1828. Admitted, with a quickened puise and breathing,
the mouth hot and dry ; conjunctiva and mucous membrane of the nose inflamed. Directed to be placed in a cool box, and clothed; to hâve six pints of blood taken from the neck : two drachms of aloes given in a bail, with three of turpentine : mash diet. 4. A little relieved; a rowel ordered to be made in the chest, and
the cloathing taken off. 5. Rowel to be dressed with turpentine ointment, daily.
7. Going on favourably; to hâve corn with the mash. 9. To hâve two drachms of aloes given in a bail. 12. Allowed the usual quantity of hay and corn.
14. Ordered three drachms of sulphate of iron, in a bail, every day.
16. Discharged—cured.
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THE APE.
An ape, which Blumenbach observed for more than a year together,
would manage the wood for the stove, and put it in with as much judgment and economy as a cook-maid. He was very fond of the fire, like ail apes, and would at times singe himself, and aftenvards roll in the snow, and then return to the fire. He was often at the collège, where he used to examine the spécimens with a most laugh- able imitation and grimace. Once he swallowed a pièce of arsenic, large enough to poison ten Kalmucks ;—it only produced a diarrhœa, and he was quite well again. A work on insects was once lying on the table : this fellow had studied it with great gravity for an hour. When---------— came into the room, he found that he had, with great
address, pinched out ail the beetles of the great plates and eaten them,
mistaking the pictures for real insects. |
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Printed by G. Duckworth, 76, Fleet Street.
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
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No. 6.] ' JUNE. ________[l828:
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THE LIBRARY OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
The classtowhom our publication is more particularly addressed,
hasnot, we believe, been heretofore remarkable for a very int.mate onlon wi* Hterature m gênerai, or even with that part.cular b anch of it Which is especially requise and useful to the Vetennanan Natural Historv. Now, as this circonstance hasansen, m a great —INatural tiisioij'. ■> sub ects hâve been measure, from the uninviting manner in which thèse su j
"esented to those of our readers whose habits and pursmts hâve de- V red them from elaborate studies, we hâve some reason to hope that the planwe hâve formed for the future conduct of this Journal may, in some deeree, remove the difficulty, by a judicious sélection of such obiects from the vast field of animated nature, as may best suit the wants of our readers, and lead them to take an interest in a science so well deserving and demanding the.r attentaon. As fréquent référence will be ruade to the splendid muséums and
pritate collections of this and other countries we shal take an early pnvate conçu historv. origin, and extent; and particu- opportunity of giving their rustory, or g ,
larly to introduce our readers to the contents of that grand national
institution, the British Muséum. The New Library represented in the engraving, is a building more
noble inits objects than in its appearance; l contams treasures a most uT « in the sciences to which we are devoted, and many that may SnjtT^. The exact number of volumes within ,ts waUs » not eaSily known, but a catalogue , now m progress, the exe- cution of which will occupy some years. |
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JVr WhxtttKk dd:
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WhittéckKGocdman'jLitbag 4& Pttbmaitr.* 1tm>
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-Pui? ./«»• i/5e Editer b,..rTMTXIN;lcMAH3HALL. ,
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242
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LAMENESS IN HORSES.
COLLEGE DOCTRINES.
The necessity of a radical reform in the présent practice of horse-
shpeing is becoming daily more apparent, even to the most careless observer. For many years past, the most experienced among horse- men and sportingmen generally, hâve been unsuccessfully seeking for the true prihciple of shoeing, which, it is tacitly admitted, lies some- where ; though, at présent, we regret to say, out of sight—at Ieast to them. The common system is ruinous, yet how few hâve attempted to ex-
pose its pernieious conséquences. We appeal to the sign-boards of our friends,the farriers, where every man may see, painted in large letters, " Horses Shod on new (or the newest) Principes ;" more often —"On improved or approved Principles ;' while some less preju- diced, or perhaps convinced of the gênerai futility of thèse pretended altérations, which are usually found to mean nothing, are content to shoe "on any principle that may be desired, or that may be re- quired by man." Some do it "agreeable to nature;" some, on " French or English Principles ;" and not a few young Collegians hâve "stuck up" their intention to use " Prof essor Colemans Patent Froff S/wes." Yet thèse "squeezers" are not used,—andwhyso? Because the public hâve voted them, with much good sensé, not only useless but injurious. In this dilemma, much good may be expected to resuit from the establishment of a libéral Journal expressly devoted to subjects of this nature; and though we are not exactly in the situation of a contemporary, who déclares that, " without support, his literary existence• must speedily terminale," yet we shall be ever glad to receive, and ready to insert, the observations and arguments of ail parties, which may tend to the fair discussion of the important question of shoeing; in fact, on ail questions connected with Veterinary Science : and our own exertions shall not be wanting to develope the truth, and remove that mass of humbug and déception which at présent involves the subject of horse-shoeing, no matter under whose authority it may be fostered. In the Sporting Magazine for April last, are some observations on
the various breeds of horses in the United States. The article con- cludes in the following words, which we shall take the liberty of tran- scribing, as they strongly support our views of the mischief universally resulting from the common practice of shoeing :— |
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COLLEGE DOCTRINES. 2 !•>
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" I wish from my heart, for the benefit of mankind at large,* that
Ninirodhad spared more time to see if—notwithstanding ail the dis- couragements—ne C0UW not hâve found outsomething more than we now know upon the prévention or palliation of lameness in the feet. *àis is the deep and eternal curse upon good horseflesh in evcry country. AH that the writer gives us on this subject may be thus stated;—that there are as many unsound feet with round, smootli, black, and shining hoofs, as those which are evidently contracted. In this part of the world, hoofs as broad as long, generally go fte oftenest, excepting ,the Canadian's, who has a high, round hoof, which is always sound. Further, that when the foot is really diseased, the only remedy is to knock the animal on the head. In the last con- clusion, most persons born before him, of much expérience in horse- flesh, hâve probably anticipated him. In the first, I allow, that many hoofs retain a tolerably circular form, after the foot is incurably diseased; but 1 disagree with him in thinking that where a hoof is of very oblong shape, though it does remain sound, which is the commonest occurrence in the world, it is not contracted from the effect of the iron. In the sandy parts of the southern States, horses are never shod, and their hoofs are generally pretty nearly of a circular t form ; and if they very much départ from it, it is to be wider than long. Septentrionalis."
The Americans are an acute and observing people, and Sep-
tentrionalis has given us a string of facts demanding the serious considération of those who are of opinion that it is our English hard roads, or fast paces, or hot stables, that render the best horses cripples before they hâve reaehed maturity ;—an opinion from which we alto- gether dissent; but we adduce facts mentioned by Septentrionalis, m direct support of our doctrine, that it is the fixed iron shoe which produces contraction; and he has arrived at the same conclusion, evi- dently from a similar course of reasoning. Horses never shod, he has observed, never hâve contraeted feet, though exposed to stable beat, and often to hard roads, as on the mountains, and on the sun-baked tracts ; while, on the contrary, wherever horses are shod, their feet beeome contracted, ossified, or deranged in structure. He has not fallen intothe English error of supposing that shoeing is not injurious, because it does not always produce precisely the same effects on ail feet; for there may be great disorganization and disease without much contraction ; and such cases, we shall hereafter show, are referable to the same cause. * And of the poor horses, he might hâve said, for surely thoir suft'erings de-
serve same considération as wi'll as our losses.—Ed. t The, natural foot of the horse is not circular, though it is commonVy sup-
Posed so. n 2
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244
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LAMENESS IN HORSES.
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If Nimrod knew asmuch ofthenatural unshod foot in ail its stages,
points, and bearings, as his American correspondent, he would not mistake a tolerably circular foot for that of the natural standard ; or because it was not absolutely oblong, would he suppose that no contraction existed. "It is," says Septentrionalis, "the curse of good horseflesh in every country. The Canadian* horse alone pré- serves sound feet ; he is a cart-horse (or short, strong-jointed cob) of fourteen hands, of French descent, and in trotting describes a cir- cuitous line in the air vvith cach of his fore feet," not the straight for- ward pounding trot so common in this country. But we hâve not transcribed thèse passages for the sake of making
our own comments, but in order to introduce an important docu- ment which evidently emanated from head-quarters, and appeared in the Sporting Magazine for May. As officiai articles are scarce now- a-days, we shall présent it to our readers with no other altération than a little weightier emphasis on certain remarkable parts. ■ " On the Prévention and Pattiation of Lameness in (he Feet of
Horses.
" Sir, " Your correspondent Septentrionalis, in the last tyumber, laments that there should be entailed on this noble animal,—and that through the ignorance of man,—the dire calamity of foot lameness. On this subject the following practical observations, drawn frqm professional expérience, are at the service of the sporting worlcl. " The two principal causes of foot lameness are, contraction and con-
cussion. To such a beautifully complex pièce of mechanism as the foot of the horse, the présent mode of shoeing,—that of permanently fixing it in close contact with an unyielding pièce of iron,—must ever be an act of extrême violence ; and the wonder is not that so many horses are lame, but that there are any horses that are sound. The fact is, there are few which hâve done much work that are not lame in an incipient degree, though perhaps their owners do not know it. But the non-elastic nature of the iron shoe is not the only thing to be regretted. The evil is greatly aggravated by the unscientilic applica- tion of it to the foot ; nor can we ever hope or expect any other resuit than numberless cripples, so long as the management of the foot is committed to persons totally unacquainted with the nature of its struc- ture and functions. The foot is furnished with more than a thousand springs, most of which act obliquely from the coronet downwards ; the remainder horizontally. The most important of the latter is the horny * An objection to our gênerai principle will probably be made, in conséquence
of this exception ; but let it conie, we cannot spare time to forestall it ; for there is a long chainof false reajoningextant upon this point also, wbich it will require some labour to remove. |
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245
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COLLEGE DOCTRINES.
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sole. S0 important is this, that if it be thrown out of use, the elasti-
city of ail the others will bc rendered null and void. It is convex above, and concave below; and its healthy action is to descend from the pres- sure applied to it by the pastern and coffin bones, and, in conséquence of that descent and convexity, to expand. By its descent, it allows of the elongation of the five hundred sensible laminée ; and by its expan- slon, it keeps open the lower circumference of the crust and heels. It becomes, thereibre, matter of infinité importance, that this spring—the horny sole—be kept in its natural healthy state ; viz. thin, and conse- quently pliable, that it may descend, expand, and tlms prevent contrac- tion, which, as I hâve said, is one principal cause of foot lameness. Its «nhealthy state is that of being morbidly thick, hard, and inflexible, either too concave, or in the extrême of convexity, as in pumiced feet. "An idea is prévalent, that contraction is the principal cause of lame-
ness ; but this is a mistake : for where there is one horse lame from contraction, there are twenty lame from concussion. The free descent and elasticity of the horny sole will also contribute to prevent this dis- ease, concussion ; but its prévention mainly dépends on allovving the newly discovered and important/miction of the posterior parts of the foot to be performed. By the posterior parts of the foot are hère meant, aU those posterior to the heels of the coffin bone—viz. the quarters of the crust, bars, heels of the frog, and latéral cartilages. Ail thèse, in an unshod foot, from their attachment to the horny sole, bave a consi- dérable motion downwards : and to allow of which, when shod, the shoe should always be laid off the heels and quarters ; that is, there should be a space left between the crust and shoe sufficient for the in- troduction of a picker. The shoe so laid oft' will then, in fact, act like a tip (which is the nearest to perfection of ail shoes, so far as the fonc- tions of the foot are concerned), with this additional advantage, that the heels of the fo0t will be prevented from wearing away so fast as with t'ps. This, then, is the other grand cause of lameness—concussion to the sensible parts of the foot ; produced from the natural descent of thèse posterior springs being prevented, by their resting in close contact with the shoe in ordinary shoeing ; and hence it is that there are so many horses lame, notwithstanding they hâve good open circular feet. It lias Wn thôught that contraction is produced by the nails ; but it appears that the tendency of thèse will be, atworst, only to keep the hoof of lhe saine sise and shape as the shoe to which it isfixed. " The causes of contraction then are:—First, a morbidly thick sole,
Vv'hich will not descend and expand the heels and quarters. Secondly, the fr0g being pared away, consequently elevated from the ground, and n°t allowed to come in contact with it, as it ought to do at each step °f the animal. Thirdly, heat, by which the crust is contractod, and Rendered hard and brittle—hence so many horses tumed out to grass ln summer corne up lame. " The causes of concussion are that the posterior springs of the foot
are deprived of their natural functions of descent, by their close ap- P^ximation with the shoe, and also by the want of elasticity in the horny sole. |
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246 LAMENESS IN HOR.SES.
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" To counteract the effect of h'eat in the stable, the horse sliould si and
upon wet straw, strewed under liis fore-feet two or three nights in a week. This will render his crusts elastic and tough ; and the less a liorse, with a prédisposition to hâve contracted feet, lies down the bet- ter; as, when he lies down, ail pressure is removed from his frogs, vvhich are the grand active powers to keep open the upper part of the crust next the coronet, and resist the contractile efl'ects of heat. " I aiii, Sir, yours, &c.
"A Veterinary Surgeon."
Whether this Ietter was penned by Professor Coleraan, or written
under his eye by an immédiate dépendent, is very immaterial ; but one thing is certain respecting it, that it embodies the latest hypothèses and pro tenvpore doctrines of that ingenious teacher. What a fine thing for science is writing, and what a noble invention is'printing ! We hâve hère, in a clear and tangible form, within a page and a half, the sub- stance of ail that a pupil will hear insisted upon by the» Professor during a course of lectures ; and that which may appear to him as delivered ex cathedra, hopelessly obscure. But in this con- densed state, it happily admits of being easily comprehended and refuted. When it is considered that Mr. Coleman has been above thirty years
advocatingthe ridiculous doctrine of frog pressure, and keeping out of sight the influence of the fixed shoe and nails in producing lameness,— when ail this is remembered, it would be but justice to give him crédit for such libéral admissions as the following, if it were not apparent that they hâve been unwillingly forced from him, and thathe is now endea- vouring to avoid, by more ingénions sophistry, the inference which must follow :— " To such a beautifully complex * pièce of mechanism as the foot of
the horse, the présent mode of shoeing,—that of permanently tixing it in close contact with an unyielding pièce of iron,—must ever be an act of extrême violence, &c. ; and the tact is, there are few horses which jiave donc much work, that are not lame in an incipient degree." This is a very sufficient acknowledgment of the evils of that System
over which Professor Coleman has presided ; and as a matter of fact, it is extremely valuable for our purpose. "But the non-elastic nature of the commonshoe" (though admitted
to be the chief and grand evil) " is not the only thing to be regretted. The evil is greatly aggravated by the unscientific application of it to the foot; nor can we everhope or expect any other resuit than num- berless cripples, so long as the management of the foot is committed |
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* Simple enough, Mr. Colemun, when cleurly understood.
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COLLEGE DOCTRINES. 247
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to persons totally unacquainted with the nature of its structure and
fonctions."* " The foot is furnished with more than a thousand springs." Hère
we come upon anatomical ground, in which those who are not well aequainted with the foot will take but little interest ; however, the subject shall be fully discussed, and we pledge ourselves to give the out- lines of its construction at an early period ; and, in the meanwhile, it will be easy to point out enough of inconsistency in tins letter to illus- trate the absurdities of Mr. Coleman's doctrine. The letter is an abstract, we beg to observe, of the Professor's
newly-begotten theory of the "descent of the heels and quarters ;" and the shoe he recommends in conformity with it, is, in figure, precisely like the common one, with a short spring welded to its upper surface at the place of the last nail-hole, and extending to the heels. Thèse springs rise from the shoe about one-eighth of an inch, are fitted to the wall of the foot ; and intended to be of that exact strength, that when the horse is at rest there shall be room to pass a picker between them and the shoe ; but when in motion, they are intended to yield to the weight. Whether they actually perform thèse fonctions is another question ; at présent it is only needful to observe, that the shoe being like the common one, that is, inflexible, such a defence, at best, " will keep the hoof of the same size and shape as the shoe to which it is iixed." Ihis unyielding pièce of iron is applied to an organ (the foot)
"furnished with more than a thousand springs, the most important of which is the horny sole. So important is this, that if it be thrown out ofuse" (or its action prevented) "the elasticity of ail the (nine huu- dred and ninety-nine) "other springs will be rendered null and void." Very well ; recollect the foot is fixed by an unyielding pièce of iron,
" the sole is convex above and concave below, and its healthy action is to descend from the pressure applied to it by the pastem and coffin- hones ; and in conséquence of that descent and convexity to expand, and by its expansion, it keeps open the lower circumference of the crust and heels." Now, gentle reader, if you do not at once see the glaring absurdity
°f this proposition, just imagine a pail or barrel with a convex bot- tom, which, when pressed upon by a great weight, would, doubl- as, expand andburst at the sides, if it were not confined (there's the pinch) by the iron hoop encircling it below, « which will keep it ex- ac% of the same size and shape." * The farriers would do well to combine and prosecute tbe author of tbis
'tell or, at least, make bim prove that he understands " the nature of its struc- Ure and fonctions," or that his patent plans hâve been of public benefit. |
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248
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LAMENESS IN HORSES.
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Nothing could break down or expand an arch so fixed, but by dc-
stroying it ; it would be as wise to talk of expanding the convex bottom of a claret bottle by pressure from within. This, then, is the situation of the horse's foot when confined in the common shoe. Alas ! it is even so, as fixed as fate ; for when " this spring, the horny sole, is thrown out of use," nine hundred and ninety-nine tributary springs are laid aside vvith it, or entirely destroyed. But to proceed. " It becomes, therefore, matter of infinité import-
ance, that this spring, the horny sole, be kept in its natural healthy state—viz. thin, and consequently pliable ; that it may descend, expand, and, consequently, prevent contraction, which, as I hâve said, is one principal cause of foot lameness." This means, that it is to be pared until it yields to the pressure of the thumb, which, we can infùrm the writer, will not cause it to "descend," "expand," and "prevent contraction;" but, on the other hand, to become dry, rigid, and preternaturally concave. " Its unhealthy state is that of being morbidly thick" (which it never will become when the natural action is permitted), " hard, and inflexible, either to concave, or in the ex- trême of convexity, as in pumiced feet." Leaving, then, the foot in its fixed state, we corne next to the doctrine
of concussion, which, in such a foot, our readers will be at no loss to perceive must take place, more or less, at every step of the animal. "An idea is prévalent, that contraction is the principal cause of
lameness; but this is a mistakc, for where there is one horse lame from contraction, there are twenty lame from concussion. The free descent and elasticity of the horny sole will also contribute to prevent this disease, concussion." Stop ; hère we hâve concussion called a disease; and it is said to be
partly prevented by "the free descent and elasticity of the horny sole," which we hâve clearly proved above can never take place with the Pro- fessons shoe. First, then, is a blow, or a beating, or a flogging, a disease? Concussion is no more a disease than criticism, though both may cause one. " But its prévention mainly dépends on permitting the newly-disco-
vered and important function of the posterior parts of the foot to be performed. Bythe posterior parts ofthe foot, are hère meant allthose posterior to the heels of the coflin bone—viz. the quarters of the crust, bars, heels ofthe frog, and latéral cartilages. Ail thèse, in an unshod foot, from their attachment to the horny sole" (the latéral cartilages are not attached to the horny sole), " hâve a considérable motion downwards; and to allow of which,'when shod, the shoe should always be laid off the heels and quarters ; that is, there should be a space left between the crust and shoe sufficient for the introduction of a picker," &c. |
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249
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COLLEGE DOCTRINES.
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Appealingagain to our practical readers, we ask how long this space
between the horn and shoe, at the heels, would remain ? Not two days, •f the horse were worked; as in the case of a bar-shoe for corns, which, however laid off, will eventually come in contact with the bruised heel, and renew the lameness. But the best exposition of this occurs with the new grasshopper shoes above described. Either one of two things happens : the spring istoo strong to move, and becomes speedily clogged with dirt ; or, being weak enough to descend, it is commonly broken off, as in a large number we hâve seen ; and, in this latter case, the space it occupied is not left open, but the horn descends, and the shoe, when taken off, is worn bright by the constant pressure. But it is mère cour- tesy to argue this point ;—not only is the plan decidedly the most futile in practice that the annals of shoeing can show, but the theory on which it is founded is so manifestly incorrect, and betrays sueh an ignorance of the structure and laws of onuchal parts, that we know not whether most to pity the blindness of its proposer, or to admire his per- severing reliance on the infinité gullibility of others. For the présent, however, we must be content with denying the existence of any such important fonction in the foot as he speaks of having newty discovered: there is no natural action of the heels and quarters of the hoof down- wards, which would be in opposition to the course of its fibres ; though the steel springs will, undoubtedly, in the few instances where they are not stopped or broken, bend down and rest on the shoe, from the im- mense weight brought upon them. It is obvious, that though the chief wear is at the toe of the foot, the chief bearing of the weight is on the heels, and no one who lias ever seen unshod horse-tracks will be deceived in this ; the foot is always level, except at the outside toe ; it strikes the ground, flat and fair ; and, on a hard road, in stepping paces, the plainest mark left is that of the angles of inflexion at the heels. " This, then, is the other grand cause of lameness,—concussion to the
sensible parts of the foot, produced from the natural descent of thèse posterior springs being prevented by their resting in close contact with the heels of the shoe in ordinary shoeing ; and hence it is, that there are so many horses lame, notwithstanding they hâve good, open, circular feet." Concussion has been a favourite and convenient word; but we rejoice
to say, it cannot be admitted as a disease.* though it has a morbid ten- dency which we will endeavour to define. When the heels cannot ex- pand and the sole descend, in conséquence of the shoe and nails, which " keep the hoof of the same size and shape as the shoe to which it is 'ixed," then, when the nine hûndred and ninety-nine springs cannot act, * It is a slight substitution of cause for efi'ect, which, however inuch nriictiseï!
!n the Paneras logic, will, by no means, be tolerated in the pages of this Journal. |
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250
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LAMENESS IN HOHSES.
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there must invariably be a greater or less degree of jar to the whole foot
when it meets the ground, dépendent on the various degrees of elas- ticity in différent feet.—This is concussion. It may be be familiarly understood, by imagining the effect likely to
resuit from confining our own feet perpetually in inflexible shoes or cases, not of leathec, but of wood or iron ; or, if an example of more strict analogy be required, we may suppose the cleft of the cow's or deer's foot prevented from separating, by a tip nailed across it at the toe. In ail thèse instances a similar effect would be produced ; and when a blood-horse is driven twenty miles in fixed shoes, we may reasonably expect, and shall usually find, that a considérable degree of inflammation is the conséquence ; it is occasionally acute, but more often chronic, subsiding until renewed by a répétition of labour. Con- stant inflammation may hâve many différent terminations : the most usual is, that by graduai absorption of the interior elastic parts of the foot, and the horse becoming, sooner or later, a cripple ; sometimes the inflammation takes place chiefly in the podophyllae (làmin<v), then the boue sinks, and the horse becomes flat-footed orfoundered; often, in cases which Nimrod calls good circular feet, the fixed state in which they hâve been held lias induced ossification of the latéral cartilages ; but this, or wliatever mischief may hâve occurred, is alike attributable to the same sufficient cause—inflammation, occasioned by confining an elastic organ in a rigid bond of nails and iron. A reasonable inquirer need not désire an explanation more in ac-
cordance with anatomy, physiology, and the known laws of pathology ; yet it does not suit some persons to admit so simple a solution, and it is thus lightly touched upon by the ingenious man in question :— "It has been thought, that contraction is produced by the nails; but
it appears that the tendency of thèse will be, al icorst, only to keep the hoof of the same size and shape as the shoe to which it is "fixed." "At worst." It is hère insinuated that the shoe and nails are at least
innocent; but we must recollect, thatwhile they totally destroy the ex- pansion, they do not so completely prevent the foot, when internai absorption is going on, from contracting upon itself. The horny heels are inflected inwards, and hâve a tendency at least to converge, when their natural action is destroyed. It is also to be observed, that the shoe is always fitted and applied to the foot (which we assume to be an expansive organ) in its most collapsed state, when the weight is removed ; and, besides that, every nail, as the smith well knows, has a decided tendency to bear the horn inwards : thèse things may be slight, but constant répétition for years makes the effect, at last, of considérable importance. |
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251
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COLLEGE DOCTRINES.
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Besides the poor " morbidly thick sole," which,—mistaking cause
ior effect again,—is accused as the " first cause of contraction ;" the second is want of pressure to the frog ; and the third, and most sin- gular, is " heat, by which the crust is contracted and rendered hard and brittle. Hence, so many horses turned outto grass in summer, corne up lame !" Now, we hâve heard of stable-heat having this efFect, and always
thought it very much exaggerated, and nearly ail humbug ; but never, till now, that the génial warmth of the sun, in a cool grass pasture, was too much for the tender feet of horses.* Is the horse a native of the frigid zone ? Was lie intended to stand
for ever in water ? or rather, is it not true, that in his favoured clime— the dry and scorching plains of Arabia—contraction is unknown, and ail its attendant evils ? It were as fair to blâme the sun of England for parching his ears, as for overbaking the crust of his feet ; and in ail thèse lame cases we may safely prediet some much more probable cause ; but many excuses may be, and are, found, to conceal the truth. " To counteract the effect of heat in the stable, the horse (we are
told) should stand upon wet straw strewed under his fore feet, two or three nights in a week; this will render his crusts elastic andtough!!" Will it indeed? then, of course, Professor Coleman has newly
discovered a toughening property in cold water, hitherto, we will venture to assert, unknown1 to chemists or to médical men : instead of applying proper unguents, which would keep the horn supple and succu- lent, and préserve it from the drying property of the air, it is to be wetted two or three nights in a week with wetted straw. And, in the intermediate days, what becomes of this sopped crust, when exposed to the sun, or at least to the dry atmosphère ? Why, every stable- boy knows the conséquences of wetting leather or wood,—it invariably shrinks, contracts, and perishes; and the case is similarwith horn, es- pecially if its cuticle or epidermis is rasped away by the smiths, which is not entirely prohibited at the Collège. It is difficult to imagine how Professor Coleman could hâve arrived at the conclusion, that alter- nately wetting and drying the hoofs should "renderthem elastic;" at- tentive observation (indeed, common sensé) will show that it has a directly contrary effect ; therefore, this recommendation of sopping the crusts three times a week cannot be the resuit of expérience, but of * There is something so boldly irrational and unnatural in this and the follow-
inS propositions, as almost to defy reasoning : if a man would wish to make himself believe that the sun contracts horse's feet, that wet straw toughens them, ot that it is injurious for them to lie down wiien they like, be makes thèse dogmas •natlers of pure failli, and forhearsto use his reason or common sensé. |
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252
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LAMENESS IN HORSES.
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the spécial faculty of invcrtcd reasoning in which hc so emincntly ex-
cels, and which lias obtained for him, among Veterinary writers, the appellation of the ingenious Mr. Coleman, or Mr. Coleman the ingenious Professor, &c. Such ingenuiiy is triumphant at a debat- ing club, and too often succeeds in a lecture-room ; but it fails when committed to paper, and still more certainly when its hypothèses are applied to practice. We shall hâve fréquent occasion to give examples of this unfortunate faculty, but its possessor is not always to be blamed ; it is the resuit of a peculiar organization ; how otherwise can a man persuade himself, as well as others, to a fixed belief in such manifest absurdities as this ? We pledge ourselves to prove, that,—taken inversely,—nearly ail of the Professor's peculiar doctrines are as cor- rect as this rationale of the mode of toughening the hoof by the use of cold water or wetted straw. " And the less a horse with a pre-disposition to hâve contracted
feet, lies down the better ; as, when heltës clown, ail pressure is re- movcd from lus ftogs, which are the grand active powers to keep open the upper part of the crust next the coronet, and resist the contractile effects of heat," A most rational and humane proposition,—to deny an animal his
natural repose, and keep him standing ail his life, in order to counteract —What?—The tendency to inflammation and contraction inthefect, produced by his horrible iron fetters. But it is in horses where a pré- disposition to thèse diseases exist ; those, according to the Professor, which hâve light forehands, heads, and necks, and low action : vvhy not say at once, in plain ternis, that high-bred horses, from the délicate texture of their feet, are most susceptible of the restreint which the shoe imparts ? It is the constant inflammation présent in such feet, that makes them feel dry and hot ; and which is hère falsely attributed to the heat of stables. But why may he not lie down and take his rest ? Because, then, " ail pressure isremovcd from his frogs, which are the grand active powers," &c. Pertinacious adhérence to old errors is a striking point in the Professor's character; thus, either Mr. Coleman or his lùieling con- cludes, at last, a most curious epistle, with a regular frog pressure salvo. But disagreeing with the Professor, in toto, on this point, and intending, at no distant period, to give this noterions Collège doctrine its due, we must waive remarks at présent, and only point out a nc- cessary application of the inverse rule in the above passage. Instead of active powers, read passive organs. But why, we ask, is it needful to take ail this pains, if " the hoof is kept of the same size and shape as the shoe to which it is fixed ?" Why labour to obviate contraction, if the shoe prevents its taking place? That formidable disease, co/i- |
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NEW VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 25.3
cussion, is forgotten, and the real evil incautiously admitted, in spite,
too> of wet -straw and continuai standing. But vve must conclude vv'th a question :—Did Mr. Coleman ever fairly prove the contractile eifects of heat upon the feet of unshod horses ? When he has succeeded, l'y any nreasures, in contracting coïts' feet, once expanded, without nailing iron to them, it will be time todeny the conséquences of the "fixedshoe." |
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NEW VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
For the information of our professional readers, we hâve inserted
the proposed Rules and Régulations of a new "Veterinary Médi- cal* Society; ' and although we çannot exactly accord with some of the intended laws, nor consider a science which has existed under the auspices of a Collège nearly half a century, in its infancy, we levertheless hail tliis important step as a favourable omen for the pro- fession. With regard to the laws, we hâve further to observe, that in our, opinion they are by no means calculated to consolidate those conflicting interests which hâve so long existed in the profession ; but we earnestly invite Veterinarians to attend at the proposed meeting, of which we will furnish some account in our next Number. "At a meeting of Veterinary Surgeons, held at Mr.Youatt's Théâtre,
May the 8th, 1828, to take into considération the propriety of esta- blishing a Veterinary Médical Society, and afterwards adjourned to, and held on, ;May the 13th. Présent—Mr.W. Goodw in in the Chair ; Messrs. Cherry, E. F. Cherry, John Field, Henderson, John Percivall, William Percivall, Rogers, James Turner, and Youatt. " Resolved,
" That, impressed with the importance of bringing the mcmbers of an 'nfant art into more fréquent and friendly intercourse with each ottier, and sensible that, from the free discussion of subjects connected with °Ur practice, the advancement of Veterinary Science must be essentially an(l vapidly promoted, we do hereby form ourselves into a Society, to be entitled "The Veterinary Médical Society." "LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
"1. The objectof the Society shall be the advancement and diffusion
S* Veterinary knowledge, by the discussion of subjects connected with eterinary practice. , Why not Veterinary Society ? The introduction of the prefatory word,
Dical, is at once useless and absurd. |
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254 NEW VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
2. Ail persons engaged in the study or practicc of Veterinary medi-
cine, are eligible to be ordinary members. 3. Candidates for admission shall be recommended by letter, signed
by three members, and in the following form :— (Date.)
" We, the undersigned, do, from our jjersonal knowledge, recommend Mr. , residing at , as an ordinary Member of the Veterinary Médical
Society." 4. This letter, being presented at any weekly meeting, shall be
publicly read by the Secretary, and notice shall be given by the Chair- man that the ballot shall take place at the second subséquent meeting ; and in the intermediate time the narae of the candidate shall be sus- pended in the place of meeting. ô. If, on the ballot, three-fourths of the votes shall be in the candi-
date's favour, he shall be considered as dulv elected. 6. The member thus elected shall receive" due notice of his admission
from the Secretary ; and on the third night of meeting, at the latest, after his élection, shall attend, and pay to the Secretary the admission fee of One G-uinea : he shall then be introduced to the Président by the Secretary, or by one of the gentlemen who signed his certificate, and the Président shall formally admit him in behalf of the Society : he shall then subscribe an obligation to the laws, by writing his naine, in the présence of the Society, in the book that contains the Laws and Régulations. 7. If he neglect to attend and pay his fee within the time specified,
the élection shall be declared void, unless an excuse, in writing, satis- factory to the Committee, be previously received. 8. A candidate once rejected, shall not be proposed again until the
next session. 9. A Copy of the Laws, and a List of the Members, shall, during
every meeting, be laid on the table for immédiate référence. 10. Those médical gentlemen whose théâtres are gratuitously open
to the Veterinary students, and likewise the members of the Veterinary Examining Committee, shall be eligible as, and invited to become, honorary members. 11. Physieians or surgeons of eminence, who hâve distinguished
themselves for their researches in comparative an'atomy, and foreign Veterinary surgeons, are eligible as honorary members. They must be proposed in the usual way, and elected by ballot. 12. No admission fee shall be required from an honorary member.
13. The officers of the Society shall consist of a Président, four
Vice Présidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and a Committee of six members. 14. The Président shall be elected by ballot on the first night of
every session, and shall be exempt from fine. 15. The four Vice Présidents shall likewise be elected on the same
evening. 16. The Vice Présidents shall, in the absence of the Président,
take the chair, in rotation ; and if the gentleman whose tum it may be |
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255
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NEW VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
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shall be absent at eight o'clock, he shall forfeit the sum of Half-a-Guinea,
unless he hâve deputed one of the other Vice Présidents to act in his stead. 17. Six members shall likewise be elected by ballot on the same
evening, to constitute a Committee. 18. The Président, Vice Présidents, Treasurer, and Secretary,
shall be ex officio members of the Committee. }9, The nomination of Treasurer and Secretary, the considération
&nd enactments of new laws, and the gênerai management of the Society, shall be vested in the Committee. 20. An appeal to the Society at large against any act of the Com-
mittee must be signed by six members, and delivered, in writing, to the. Président of the evening, before nine o'clock, who shall announce the same for considération at the next ensuing meeting. 21. The Committee shall assemble as often as they may deem
necessary during the session, or a spécial meeting may be called by any six members. The Secretary shall issue the summonses, giving at least three days' notice. 22. No altération nor addition to the Laws shall be made by the
Committee, unless seven members présent shall vote for it, and notice °f such proposed altération or addition shall hâve been previously sent to every member of the Committee. 23. "Members desirous of suggesting altérations or additions to the
Laws, must send the same, in writing," to the Committee, who shall take such communication into due considération, and report the re- suit of their délibération to the Society at its next meeting. 24. The Treasurer shall receive from the Secretary ail monies paid
to the Society, and shall defray any expense incurred during the session ; but he shall not pay any sum to the amount of more than One Guinea, without the previous order of the Committee. 25. The accounts having been previously audited by the Committee,
a full statement of them shall be laid before the Society on the first meeting in every month. 26. The Secretary shall attend personally, or by deputy, at every
meeting of the Society ; and in person on every meeting of the Com- mittee, under the penalty of Five Shillings for each absence. 27. The Secretary shall take minutes of the proceedings of the
Society and Committee, and issue such letters and summonses as tuey may direct. 28. The ordinary meetings of the Society shall commence on the
hrst Wednesday in October, at seven o'clock in the evening ; and on no Q°casion be prolonged after ten o'clock. The meetings shall terminate °h the last Wednesday in April. ■ 29. The chair shall be taken at seven o'clock precisely, and the
msiuess shall be conducted in the following order :— The minutes of the proceedings of the former meeting shall be
read and confirmëd by the Président.
Letters recommending new members shall be read. Members proposed at the meeting before the last, shall be balloted for. |
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250
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NEW VETERINARY MEDICAL
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SOCIETY.
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New subjects for discussion shall be received, announced, and
entered in the book.
The subject for the evening's discussion shall then be brought forward.
30. No subject shall be admitted which is not connected with
Veterinary Science ; and each subject shall be discussed in the order of announcement. 31. The subject shall be treated by the proposer in the form of a
written Essay, which shall be read by himself or the Secretary, and this Essay shall be deposited with the Secretary. 32. On the first Wednesday after the closing of the regular meet-
ings, the Committee shall assemblé at the usual hour, and consider whether it may be advisable to publish a volume or pamphlet ; com- posed of such of thèse Essays as they may sélect, under the title of " Transactions of the Veterinary Médical Society]' at the expense and for the benefit of the. Society ; it being clearly understood that the authors of such papers shall likewise hâve full power to publish them, for their own advantage, in any way they may think proper. 33. Every member who is absent when his subject ought to be
dis_cussed, shall forfeit the sum of Five Shillings ; and his subject shall be placed at the bottom of the list. 34. No new paper shall be read after nine o'clock; but should the
discussions terminate before the usual hour of adjournment, the Président may permit any member to relate a case of practice. 35. Should the subjects proposed for discussion be at any time re-
duced to three, the Vice Présidents, and the six members elected on the Committee, shall each of them be required to propose a subject. 36. No person shall be permitted to speak more than once, except
in explanation. 37. Each member shall be permitted to introduce a visitor at every
meeting ; but the same visitor shali not be irtroduced more than three times in each session. A card, containing the name and address of the visitor, shall be delivered to the Secretary by the member intro- ducing him. 38. Each visitor shall be allowed to take part in the debate, but
not in any question relating to the private affaire of the Society. 39. Any niember or visitor being called to order by the Président
of the evening three times, ineffectually, shall be fined One Guinea. If he persist in such disorderly conduct, he shall, if a member, be ex- pelled ; or if a visitor, declared incapable of revisiting the Society. " Resolved unanimously—
" That the above sketch of Laws and Régulations shall be printed, and circulated among the Profession ; and that this Meeting do stand adjourned until TUesdAY, the lOth of June, atSixo'Clock in the Evening, precisely, at the same place, when the attendance of every Veterinary Surgeon is earnestly requested, finally to take into con- sidération the above Laws, and regularly establish the Society, and elect the proper Officers. «W. Goodwin, Chairman-"
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257
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ROT IN SHEEP.
presenting -our readers with Dr. Harrison's valuable Inquiry
*nto the Cause and Nature of the Rot in Sheep, &c, we hâve to ob- serve, thatwe notonly consider it the best Essay that has appeared on the disease, but one which explains the real cause of the malady: our own expérience accords entirely with the author's views. From the very favourable situation in which Dr. Harrison was
placed for making experiments on sheep (Lincolnshire), andthewell- known talent for investigation whieh he possesses, we shall feel much pleasure in laying before our readers an account of his more récent experiments. This Essay, though published some years since,, does not appear to
hâve received that attention which its merits and great utility deserve ; though, more recently, some men of eminenee hâve meritoriously at- tempted to prove that miasmata or malaria is the sole cause of certain fevers in the human subject ; yet they appear to hâve wholly overlooked those diseases in animais, apparently produced from the same causes, and which hâve been so ably examined by Dr. Harrison. Consider- ,able light and useful information might, in many instances, be derived by properly examining and comparing diseases of the human subject with those of animais, more particularly those of the above nature ; and a well-regulated Veterinary Institution, with men of talent and in- dustry at its head, would aiford a most excellent opportunity for such investigations. To the Editor of the Farrier and NatURAUST.
No. 7, Hottes Street, Cavendish Square,
November Ulh, 1828. Dear Sir, In answ«r to your note respecting the re-publication of my Inquiry
lQto the Rot in Sheep, and other animais, 1 hâve to say that it is not ^y intention at présent to do so ; and if you consider it of sufficient ltnportance to the public, I beg to say that you are at perfect liberty 0 'nsert it in your Journal, or publish it in any other shape that you Please : \ hâve also to add, that since the appearance of that Inquiry, "ave still further investigated the disease in question ; and my snbse- s
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258 AN 1NQUIRY INTO
quent experiments tend more fully to eonfirm and establish the doctrine
set forth in my Essay.
Thèse additional papcrs I will arrange, and with much pleasure
transmit them to you for publication.
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I am,
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Dear Sir, yours, &c,
Edward Harrison.
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AN
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INQU1RY INTO THE ROT IN SHEEP,
AND OTHER ANIMALS.
.! il: BY EDWARD HARRISON, M- D-, F. H. A. s., ED. Member of the Royal Med. and RoyalPhys. Soc. Ed.; of the
Med. Soc. London, Sfc. Tt is well known, that sound livers grow firm and solid by boiling
Bv Ihè sàmè process, l.vers severely ta.nted wvth the Rot .ose the. tl^pSve Voir cohésion, but never become hard and compact on
boihng. ^«...'mstanoe, I présume, the disease has obtained its
From f^rffiàia f» every other complamt. It
name, and may be *W h deer hares, rabbits, geese,
^fffierandSryTbu -ce tr,e phenomena and pro-
^SlSSïtoh-S. bee^' more carefully observed m sheep than $ IZ fnimals mY observations wrll chiefly be confined to them. m Poo Iv y ânÏÏoamy lands are most subject to Rot. On them ■ï l iTt care, water stagnâtes, and can only be removcd by "ntfon for they are too compact and tenacious to permit much 7XSdSnJà e-ape below the surface. By jutas dram- nnd conveZff away the moisturc as zt falls, such lands become 2t£tlSni ™W M securely upon them, m ail serons of the year. rf un(ler waier> and such as JSStKKfK a continuai J and crrculation, were never
kTnlfelXS^at are everywhere well drained, it is
Dry lands, anu ui improved oultivafaon, S^rtB^SSSS^rfW^ were for-
. Dogs are not entirely free from the Rot. See Inst. 4c. *«r les JfcU. *? |
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25!)
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THE ROT IN SHEEP.
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merly very destructive to sheep, hâve been laid dry, and are becorae
Sound land. Mr. Joseph Hardy, of Portland, informs me, that he was born, and lived many years with his father, at Osbornby, near b alkingham, upon a farm, which is now occupied by his brother. In "'s father's time the parish was undivided, and contained large portions °f low swampy land, where the sheep were so much exposed to the Rot. that he has frequently known fifty or sixty of them to be brought, at one time, into the farm-yard, and treated for this disorder. Of thèse many were choquered, or had a swelling and fluid in the cellular Membrane, under the chin. Since the above lands hâve been enclosed and completely drained, his brother informs him, that neither his farm, lor that of any of his neighbours in the lordship, is troubled with the Rot. Ponds of living water are equally safe ; but when attempts hâve been
made to drain mères, and other collections of shallow water, which hâve not entirely succeeded, the places become moist and soft in wet weather, and sheep that feed upon them are very much exposed to the Rot. A grazier of my acquaintance has, ibr many years, occupied a large
portion ofan unenclosed fen, in which was a shallow pièce of water that covered about an acre and a half of land. To recover it for pas- turage, he eut in it several open ditches to let off the water, and ob- tained an imperfect drainage. His sheep, immediately afterwards, became liable to the Rot, and in most years he lost some of them. In 1792, the drains failed so entirely, from the wetness of the season, that he got another pond of living water, and sustained, in that season, no loss in his 'flock. For a few -succeeding years, he was generally visited with the Rot.; but having satisfied himself, by expérience, that whenever the pit was, from the weather, either completely dry or com- pletely under water, his flock was free from the disorder, he attempted a more perfect drainage, and succeeded in making the land dry at ail times. Since that period he has lost no sheep from the Rot, though, Wl within the last two years, he eontinued to occupy the fen. So long as any current is preserved, there is little to fear from the
Rot. Water in motion is continually mixing with fresh particles, by which its purity is maintained, and new arrangements are prevented. Il such places sheep can remain, for many weeks together, uninjured °n grounds that are excessively wet and flabby.* Edmund Turnor, ^sq. of Panton House, in the county of Lincoln, a gentleman of great 'anded property, and extremely wellacquainted with most branches of agriculture, has repeatedly informed me, that a fleld, in his own occu- pation, was never known to Rot before he attempted to lay it djy. The Pasture contains upwards of fifty acres, about thirty-five of which ar'se, towards his mansion and offices, by a rapid ascent. The re- J?ainder is nearly flat, or recèdes from the ditch by a graduai acclivity. ."he water which soaked from the hill sides was considérable before he ^eSan to cultivate it, and is now chiefly carried away by concealed a'»s. In the flat pièce a large ditch still remains, by which ail the * See Batb, &c. Agricultural Society, vol. lst.
s 2 |
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260 AN INQUIRY INTO
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water was formerly conveyed ; but from neglect and disuse, tiiïs drain
bas, for some years, been completely stopped up by coarse grass and slime. The mud in it is several feet deep,and of a yellowish orochrey colour. In some places the surface is covered with a thin loyer ot stagnant water; in other parts it remains only in thehollows and feet- marks. To this ditch, ail the stock, together with the hares and rab- bits of an adjacent plantation, had formerly an easy access, and ail of them were frequently rotten. Of late years the enclosurc lias been divided into two parts, and the larger seldom rots, tliough I observed lately that it contained a few hollows and inequalities, from which the moislure could onlybe removed by evaporation. The smaller division includes the open ditch, and continues to rot as much as formerly. In the year 1792 the country was uncommonly wet, from the great
quantities of rain which fell in the sunimer months; and this was a most destructive year to sheep and other animais. In the huinan sub- ject, agues, rémittents, and bilious autumnal fevers, were also very prévalent in many places. Graziers soou took the alarm, and became very solicitous about their floeks. A breeder of rams informed nie, that to save his finest sheep lie put theui into closes, which, during an occupation of forty years, had never been known to rot; but he had the misfortune to lose the ni ail. lie was equally surprised to iind that other pastures, which had frequently produced the Rot, were this sea- son entirely free from it. Upon inquiry I found, that the suspected land was so much under water this year, that the sheep were obliged to wade for their food ; and that pastures of a higher, and consequently of a dryer layer, were, from the déluge of rain, brought into a moist or rotting state. I» the same year Mr. Kirkham, of Hagnaby, occupied his old range
in the West Fen, and expected to lose many sheep. He was, how- ever, agxeeably deceived, by finding them ail Sound and well ; when, upon ihe .approach of winter, they were removed into his enclosed grounds. The sheep had to wade for their food, and went frequently up to their knees in seareh of it. He seldom escapes the Rot entirely, as his flock is coniined to a low range in the Fen. I conceive, in ail thèse instances, that the ground which rots in ordinary seasons, was made by the great falls of rain too wet; and that more elevated land became moist enough this suninier aud autumn to produce it. Grounds newly laid down for pasture, or ploughed lields exhausted
by repeated erops, where the sward is thin, and the water remains in splashes for want of proper outlets, are peculiarly subject to rot. In such situations there is nothing to v.ard off the gleams of the sun's rays. Evaporation is therefore copiously performed, and probably some of the water is decom]>osed; so as to generate, in combination with other substances, the |>oisonous effluvia called miasmata paludum, which occasion the rot m animais. The connexion between humidity * and the rot, is universally ad-
* Sheep die vew niuch<if the rot at St. ïlelmia, from the ever great moisture
on their hills, which are half a mile high, and so moist, that paper in the night /îould not be kept dry enough to write on,—HwghtmU Coll. Husbaiul. vol. i. 9S. |
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THE ROT IN SHEEP. 261
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toitted I>y experienced graziers ; and it is a matter of observation, that
smce the brooks and rivulets in the county of Lincoln hâve been better managed, and the System of laying ground dry, by open ditches and Under-draining lias been more judiciously practised, the rot is become 'ar less prévalent. It is well known to practical physicians, that agues and remitting fevers are occasioned by émanations from moist situations. from personal observation and extensive expérience, I hâve for some time been ledto believe, that the bilious fevers, and pneumonie* in- flammations, which occur in our low districts during the autumnal months, are to be imputed to miasmata. Even the yellow fever has been traced to the same origin by some able physicians ; and this opinion seems of late to hâve acquired additional crédit in America.t In England, agues and remitting fevers were formerly much more
prévalent and severe than at this time. In the Holland division of Lincolnshire, it may be safely affirmed, that, from the improved drain- age in that fertile district, they hâve declined very considerably both in frequency and violence. Formerly, it was no uncommon thing for persons to endure the fits of an intermittent fever for two or three years ; and the rémittents and bilious fevers were very prévalent and dan- gerous in autumn. Many of the symptoms and morbid changes in the liver are common to sheep and to mankind ; hence we hâve reason to believe, that a close analogy and intimate connexion subsist among several of their liver disorders. It has even been asserted, thaf in the tirst stage of the rot, sheep are hot and feverish. Should this be con- tirmed by future observera, a strong resemblance would indeed be established. In sheep tainted by the rot, the liver is much affected, and is alvvays enlarged. They never recover so entirely from this dis- order as to get very fat, and the mutton and gravy is generally white and pale. When the intermittents of this island were more obstinate, and continued their paroxysms for many months without any abate- nient, the ague-cake, as it is called by the common people, was a fré- quent occurrence. This is an enlarged liver, or spleen ; and had dis- sections been more practised at that time, I think other proofs of a •Oorbid similarity between the human liver and that of sheep would hâve been discovered. In warm climates, bilious, remitting, and in- termitting fevers are very common, during and immediately after the rainy seasons. AH thèse affections are frequently accompamed with bilious symptoms, which generally terminate in an enlarged, schirrous hver. The liver seldom completely recovers its" former fonctions, and' Posons so affected remain pale and sallow for the restof life. Whe- tner they are less inclinable to feed than other people, is a matter upon ^hich I am unable to décide. Such as are affiieted with diseased 1Vers, are often bloated and swollen ; but this state differs greatly from |*e gênerai corpulence and obesity to which I allude. According to "e observations of Dr. Paisley and others, the grand source of health m * pneumonia peripneumonia, winch is an inflammation of the lungs, was for-
deeHy a common tlisorder in this county. Of late years, it has declined consi- rahlj ; jnconséquence, asl suspect, of the sewers and otber public works being
f""^ better regulated.
T Vid. Med. and Pbys. Jlemoirs, by Dr. Caldvrell.
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262 AN INQUIRÏ INTO
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and disease, in the eastern régions, proceeds from the natural or dis-
eased condition of the liver. Within the last forty years, plans of great magnitude in drainage
and enclosure hâve been devised and conducted, chiefly by the Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks, for the improvement of his native county. Wlien thèse immense schemes are completely executed, the population and produce of Lincolnshire will be so much increased, as to add in no small degree to the strength and resources of the empire. Thèse pa- triotic enterprises hâve already suceeeded so well in many parts, that intermittents in the human subject, and the rot in sheep, hâve consi- derably decreased among us. A médical gentleman of great expérience at Boston, and who is con-
siderably advanced in life, lias frequently observed to me, that inter- mittents are so much diminished in his circuit, that an ounce of the einchona goes farther at this time in the treatment of agues, than a pound ofit did within his own recollection. During his father's prac- tice at Boston, they were still more obstinate and scvere. For my own part, I hâve declared for several years, in various companies, that marsh miasmata are the cause of both agues and the rot. And as miasmata are admitted, by the concurring testimonies of médical practitioners in every part of the globe, to be produced by the action of the sun upon low swanipy grounds, I hope this interesting subject will be fully in- vestigated, and effectuai plans carried into exécution, for the préservation of man, and of the animais which are so useful to him. Other soils hâve been known to occasion the rot ; but, unless I am
much mistaken, it may be laid down as an established fact, that where the earth is too porous to retain moisture, it will never produce this fatal disorder. Pure sandy and gravelly lands were never known to rot; probably because the water that falls upon or passes over them, descends into the bowels of the eartlv hefore it has suffered any change from the action of tiie sun and air. When thèse soils are thin and lie upon strata, the rain and top water are confined, and they then become liable to rot. " In some parts of Dutch Brabant, the soil is a barren sand, but .water is everywhere to be met with, at the depth of two or three feet from the surface; and in proportion to its distance, the in- habitants are free from diseases." * In this country, sheep appear to suffer from the wetness of sandy
strata, in the same way that our soldiers, and the inhabitants in the Low Countries, were afFectcd by it in I744-5. . Soils are seldom pure ; the most porous are often mixed in différent
places with principles that enable them to hold moisture ; or other strata are interspersed, where water stagnâtes, and the rot is produced. The banks of the river Trent contain a great diversity of materials. In some places, they consist of mère sand and gravel, in others of clay or loam. The former never producc the rot, although the argillaceous and loamy soils are by no means to be trusted in wet seasons. From thèse circumstances, we are led to conclude, that this disorder does not dépend upon any peculiarity in the Trent waters; but that it is pro- |
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* Vid. Pringle's Diseases of 1ht Army, p. 82.
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THE ROT IN SHEEP. 263
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duced in some way or other by the action of moisture, in combination
wrth the sun upon particular earths. I believe it will be found to be true, that the rot in animais is always acquired by pasturing on moist soft land,* where, for want of sufficient channels, the water is detained and stagnated. On marshes exposed to the tides of the océan, miasmata are
effectually restrained by the saline quality of the sea water. Probably some bogs, and swampy tracts in Ireland, which are said to be free from the rot, are protected by the minerais that they contain. I be- lieve that peat mosses do not communicate the infection to sheep. In such districts, the évolution of noxious miasmata seems to be entirely repressed by a combination taking place between the water and ex- tractive materials of the soil. I was inclined to believe, that miasmata are less copiously evolved in
ealcarious than m other countries, because it is an established fact, that the moisture of the Lincolnshire Wold Hills (a large mass of eal- carious matter) seldom produces the rot. It has indeed been suspected, that sheep are sometimes tamted on dry limed land in Derbyshire ;f and as it is a subject of importance, I hope the gentlemen of that county will give it a full investigation. Till the inquiry has been made, I shall retain my former opinion ; and I do it with greater con- fidence, because a relation of mine, who resided a long time at Chapel le Frith, informed me lately, that he never heard of the rot during his résidence in that county. I do not mean to affirm, that the saroe identical miasmata are equally
the cause of ail the diseases enumerated in this Essay. Probably a great variety of exhalations are generated in marshy grounds ; for it is notorious, that the endémies of différent seasons are very unlike one another, both in form and severity. It is also well known, that human créatures and brute animais are assailed by numberless spécifie con- tagions ; and therefore it does not seem to be an improbable supposi- tion, that lands abounding with a great diversity of soils and of herb- age, in various climates, in différent seasons—in dry andwet years, &c, should be capable of generating an almost endless variety of noxious miasmata. It is moreover confirmed by expérience, that most contagious épidémies assume something spécifie and appropriate. For example, so great is the virulence and mortality of the small-pox, in some seasons, when compared with others, that médical practitioners hâve been inclined to admit several species of variolous disorders. This dissimilarity cannot, however, as I conceive, be imputed to any modification in the contagious poison ; but must arise from the atmo- sphère being more or .less favourable to the diffusion and agency of variolous matter upon the human constitution. This state of the air is peculiarly noticed by the American physiciahs, and seems, of late years, to hâve increased the malignity of the yellow fever. It does not appearby eudiometrical experiments, that the atmosphère
*ri habitable situations ever undergoes any considérable change in its • ■young'sEasternTour. Bath, &c. Society, vol. 1.
t Batb,<fcc, Society, vol 1. |
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264
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NEW [NSEGT.
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sensible qualities; and therefore I suspeet thatthe noxious émanation*
are only diifused in the air, where they remain imperceptible to the most délicate tests * hitherto invented, and on some occasions constitute no inconsiderable part of the morbid atmosphère. It is to this cause that I attribute the sallow complexions, and debilitated constitutions, which so universally prevail among the inhabitants of some swanipy districts in the papal dominions. Formerly, in the hundreds of Essex, in some parts of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, &c., the people were extremely pale and sickly ; but since thèse districts hâve been better drained, and, consequently, hâve generated fewer miasmata, the pea- santry are greatly improved in healthy and the Rot prevails less among their sheep. Mr. Vanbreda- observes, that during the hot and dryweather in au-
tumn, the oxygen gas in marshy régions hasbeen reduced from 28 to 14 parts ; while the azotic air was increased from, 72 to 84 or 85 parts in the hundred. He likewise detected a small quantity of carbonic, hydrogen, and ammoniacal gases, which he imputes to vegetable and animal putréfaction. According to tlùs analysis, we find, indeed, a considérable deficiency of the oxygenous principle, but nothing to which we can impute the disorders that hâve been attributed. to mias- mata. The reduced atmosphère of large towns graduaily undermines the constitution, and the rosy bloom of rural health ; but we know, from expérience, that it never produces the first attack of a récurrent lever ; nor do I believe that it will ever occasion the Rot in animais. * Vide Guyton on Purifying the Atmosphère.
[To he continuée!.] |
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NEW INSECT.
The ground pearl, which abounds in many of the West India:
Islands, and was formerly supposed to be a fossile, lias been proved, by the researches of the Rev. L. Guilding,,to be the nidus of a living insect. This new insect, which is supposed to be a parasite on the great ant of the West Indies, is remarkable, as not bemg provided with a mouth, its food being conveyed through a tube in each of the fore claws. The animal has also the power of throwing out long iilaments from its body in dry weather, supposed to be with the view of attracting moisture for its préservation. An interesting paper was recently read, describing this insect, by Mr. Guilding, before the Linnean Society. |
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265
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SKETCH OF THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE
SALMO SALAR, OR COMMON SALMON. 1. Of the Process of Spawning, and subséquent Evolution of the
Ova. 2. Of the Growth and Movements of the Young Brood, to andfrom the Sea, during thefirst year of life. 3. Of the Migrations of the Salmon betwixt the River and the Sea. By Daniel Elus, Esq., F. R. S. E., &c* (abridged front lus interesting Essai/ just published in the New Edin. Phil.Jour.) '.'
Natdralists enumerate several species of this Genus Salmo ; but ît is hère proposed to speak only of the first species—viz. the Salmo salar, or common salmon ; and this we sliall do, by treating—Ist, Of the process of spawning, and subséquent évolution of the ova; 2d, Of the growth and movements of the young brood to and from the sea, during the lirst year of life ; and, 3d, Of the migrations of the salmon betwixt the river and sea. Sect. I.— Of the Process of Spawning, and subséquent Evolution
ofthe Ova. The salmon is a very prolific animal. Both the maie and female
frequently propagate their kind during the lirst year of their âge ; while the older fïshes, which inhabit altemately the seas and lower parts of rivers during the winter and spring months, ascend to the higher parts of rivers in autumn to exercise the same function. Early in spring the milt, or reproductive organ, appears to be forming in the ttiale, and the roe in the female salmon ; but both are then small in size ; they increase in each sex through the summer months, and, to- tt'ards autumn, the maie and female beeome respectively full of milt •tad roe. In proportion as thèse bodies advance to ripeness, the salmon fall
°ff in condition. Beforethe spawn is of great size, the belly of the says Dr. Fleming, is loaded with fat; but when the milt and r°e hâve beeome ripe, that fat has disappeared from the belly, and '* is little else but skin. This change furnishes a test by which we ^ay know whether a kippered salmon has been in good or bad con- * Drawn up from tbe évidence contained in two Reports of a " Select Com-
ptée of the House of Commons, on the Salmon Fisheries of the United King- 0m j" ordered by the House to be printed in 1824 and 1825. r ^ oat the salmon fisheries are less productive than formerly, we may conclude r°m the tact, that 30 or 40 years since, it was a fréquent practice, in the western ()°u«lies of England, when boys were apprenticed, to insert a clanse in their iri. nu"*!"6*' tnat tn°y sh°ula' no'" be compe'le<l to «tt salmon more than a certain corT °' ^Hys '" *ne wee';- But at u 'ate perioc!, so scarce had this fish be- legjj' ">at its préservation was tliought ivorthy the serious investigation of the BR**torsj and the poorappi'eu lice nowrarely, if ever, enjoys this luxury.
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266 NATURAL HISTORY
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dition at the time it was so prepared ; for the thinner the edges of the
belly may be, the presumption is that the nearer was the fish to a spawning state.* In a gênerai way, the évidence obtained from ail parts of the
United Kingdom goes to prove that, towards the months of August, September, and October, the reproductive organs, both in the niale and female salmon, hâve, more or less, completely reached niaturity, at whieh period the roe in the female is found, on the average, to con- tain from 17,000 to 20,000 ova, or eggs. When arrived at this state, the instinct of propagation impels them eagerly to seek rivers, and to ascend nearly to their sources, in order to find a place suitable for the déposition of their spawn. They no longer, as in the winter and spring months, roam over the coasts and shores, and return back- wards and forwards with the flowing and ebbing of the tide ; but pur- sue the most direct route by the mid-channel up the river, and inake the greatest efforts to overcome every obstacle, either natural or arti- ficial, that may impede or obstruct their course. " 1 hâve often seen them leap a fall, near my résidence," says Sir G. S. Mackenzie, " of about 30 feet tiigh; but they seldom spring out of the water more than 8 or 10 feet. I hâve seen them leap over a dry rock of considér- able height, and drop into the water behind it. Aller having entered a river, the object of salmon appears to be to push as far up towards the source as possible, in order that they may deposit their spawn in the small streams that form their sources : and which, on account of their being near the springs which supply them, are neither so apt to run dry as the river lower down, where the effect of evaporation is greater, nor to be so affected by frost as to stop the water from run- ning. The water is always steadier in its température near the sources, varying little throughout the whole year ; and thèse small streams are fitted peculiarly for vivifying the spawn, as they form a constant succession of rills, by which the water is kept fully saturated with air."t It is not always, however, that the spawning fish are able to reach thèse sources, but are obliged to deposit their spawn in the shallow fords in the beds of rivers, and sometimes in the streamlets of mill-dams. The process of spawning itself has been observed with much ac-
curacy by Mr. Halliday, in the river Annan, in Scotland, and by Mr. Little, in the Bann, in Ireland. It is principally accomplished in the months of November, December, and January. According to Mr. Halliday, when the parent fishes hâve reached the spawning ground, they proceed to the shallow water, generally in the morning, or at twilight in the evening, where they play round the ground, two of them together. After a time, they begin to make a furrow by working up the gravel with their noses, rather against the stream ; as a salmon cannot work with his head down the stream, for the water going then into his gills the wrong way, drowns him. When the furrow is made, the maie and female retire to a little distance, one to the one side, and the other to the other side of the furrow : they then throw themselves |
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t Report I., Appendtx, p. IT.
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* Report II., p. 12.
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OF THE SALMON. 267
on their sides, again corne together, and, rubbing against each other,
P°th shed their spawn into the furrow at the same time. This proeess ]s not completed at once. It requires from 8 to 12 days for them to lay ail their spawn ; and when they hâve done, they betake themselves to the pools to recruit themselves. He has seen three pair on a spawning bed at one time, and stood and looked at them while making the furrow and laying the spawn.* The account given of the same proeess by Mr. Little, agrées with
that just stated. The spawn is, as we hâve said, deposited in furrows formed in the
gravel, and is afterwards covered over with loose gravel, so as to re- sembie, says Mr. Little, an onion bed in a garden. In this state the ova remain for weeks, or sometimes much longer, apparently inert, like seeds buried in the soil. The period at which the young fry begin to rise, dépends much on the season of the year. In an early spring, the fry cornes forth early, and later when the spring is late. Generally they begin to rise from the bed about the beginning of Mardi, and their first movement is usually completed by the middle of April. Mr. Little has never, himself, seen the first appearance of the beds after évolution has commenced, and previous to the fry quitting them ; but persons employed by him to protect the beds in the upper branches of the rivers, describe the young animais as rising from the beds like a crop of oats or thick braird of grain, rushing up in very great numbers. The tail first rises up, and the young animais often leave the bed with a portion of the investing membrane of the ovum about their heads.f Mr. Halliday has also observed them, when disengaged from the
spawning beds, with a portion of the skin of the ovum sticking to their nose like a scale.* From experiments carefully made, by placing the spawn, in its dif-
férent stages of évolution, and also young fish, in sait water, in which they did not survive long, it is inferred, that the spawn of salmon, if deposited in the sea, would not be evolved ; neither would the young fish, in the earliest periods of its life, be able to exist there.§ Srct. II.—Of the Descent of the Fry tb the Sea, and of their
subséquent Growth and Movements. Having thus described the proeess of spawning, and traced the
series of changes exhibited in the évolution of the ovum, we hâve next to follow the progressive movements of the young fry from the place °f their birth in the river, to their arrivai in the océan. When |heir évolution is completed, and they hâve disengaged themselves ■r°m the spawning beds, they keep, at first, in the eddy pools till they ?jton strength, and then prépare to go down the river, keeping, says ^r- Little, near to its sides, and proceeding on their way till they • Report I., p. (il, 2. t Report I., p. 10Ï).
X Report I., p. 62. § Report II., p. 92.
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208 NATURAL IIISTORY
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meet with the sait water, when they disappear.* Wïiether the river
be early or late, the deseent of the fry is made much about the same time in ail. It begins in the month of Mardi, continues through April and part of May, and sometiraes even to June.+ Mr. Halliday also describes the fry as making towards the edges of
the river soon after birth, and keeping the easy fresh water about its sides ; afterwards, as they become stronger, they go more towards the mid-stream ; and, when the water is swelled by a little rain, they move gradually down the river. On meeting the tide, they remain for two or three days in that part where the water becomes a little brackish from the mixture of sait water, till their constitutions become inured to the change, when they go oft to sea ail at once, sinking down in the bed or channel in the middle.J From the end of March till the middle of May, lie lias seen them thus descending; and in particularly dry seasons, when no floods occur, they sometimes could not get down, for want of water, until the month of J une.& To ascertain the précise course of their deseent, both in rivers and
in their estuaries, Messrs. Shepherd and Sime were, many years ago, specially appointed, under légal authority, to examine the river and estuary of the Tay, by going up the said estuary and river in the month of April, when the fry were descending; and a little above a place called Carpowe Bank, where the frith appears to begin, they met with the fry at the sides of the river, where they disappeared in the deep water, and where, with a small net, they caught many of them in the very middle of the channel. Above this point, and ail the way upward to Perth, the fry were visible to the eye alongthe sides of the river. || The reason why the fry thus descends by the margin in rivers, and by the mid-ehannel in estuaries, is apparently, says Dr. Fle- ming, becausethe margin of the river is the easy water, and, conse- quently, best suited to their young and weak state ; but when they reach the estuary or tideway, then the margin of the water being there most disturbed, the fry avoid it, and betake themselves to the deepest part of the channel,—disappearing alike from observation and capture, —:and so go out to sea. Hence, they are never seen in the pools on the banks of the estuary, nor caught in any of the nets used there in taking the small fish.** The young fry, at this period of their growth, are called sometimes smolts, or samlets : they are of very différent size and weight, according to their âge, varying from half an ounce to two or more ounces. As they are never seen or taken by salmon- fishers after they enter the sea, it is probable, says Dr. Fleming, that they go into deep water at a distance from shore. After remaining some weeks in the sea, the samlet returns to the
coasts and rivers, being then about a pound or a pound and a half in weight : in Scotland it is then termed a grilse. The grilses seldom, says Mr. Little, appear till nearly the middle of June, and weigh then from two to two and a half, or three pounds, increasing in size half a « Report I., p. 109. t Report I., p. 62. J Report Is, p. 115.
§ Report I., p. 63. |j Report I., p. 93. »* ReportI., p. 111,112.
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26!)
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OF THE SALMON.
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pound a week. By the end of the fishing season, they weigh from
seven to nine pounds.* In the river Severn, they are said to retum from the sea towards the end of June, or beginning of July, weighing then from two and a half to three pounds, rarely four pounds ; but by the end of August, says Mr. Ellis, they grow so large as to weigh from four to eight pounds.f At tins stage of growth they are called botchers; of thèse, some of the lurger ones go up the river to spawn : others are considered to retum to the sea, and corne up again the next spring of the year $ they then weigh from ten to fifteen pounds, when they take the name of gillings. With respect to the subséquent growth ofthe salmon, itis considered
that, in the river Severn, the young salmon, which, in the spring bf the year, weighs from ten to fifteen pounds, has increased, in the fol- lowing months of December and January, to eighteen and twenty- five pounds ; and, in another year, would attain the weight of thirty- five or forty pounds, which is as large as they are now ever taken in that river, lt is not doubted, however, that if they escape the nets ofthe fishers, they would grow to a .still greatersize ; a salmon hav- ing, heretofore, been taken, which weighed fifty-two pounds when oui of season; and which would, doubtless, hâve been of greater weight, had lie been taken while in the condition of a clean fish. In the river Lee, in Ireland, Mr. G. Shepherd "also states, that
the grilses, or peels, as they are there called, which retreat to the sea, weighing from eight to ten pounds, make their re-appearance in the river during the following autumn, weighing from twenty-ibur to thirty, or even thirty-four pounds.§ Many of the witnesses state, that the skill and persévérance of the
fishers are now so great, that, under the stimulus which ready markets and high prices afford, very few of the clean salmon, which once pass up our rivers, are again permitted to retum to the sea ; and, conse- quently, few salmon are now taken of more than one year's growth. In ail the fisheries north of the Tay, with which Mr. Hogarth is ac- quainted, the proportion of grilses to salmon has, for many years past, been gradually increasing, so that, though the total weight of fish taken may not hâve diminished, the quantity of salmon has, and this deficiency has been eompensated for only by the increased weight of grilses. The cause of this decrease in the proportion of salmon, is owino-, Mr. Hogarth states, to the too assiduous and close manner of, fishing, by which both the number and size of salmon hâve diminished. "I amquite satisfied," he adds, " that ail our rivers are over-fished, even those as to which the total weight of fish has increased."|| The great proportion of grilses to salmon, in some of the Irish rivers,
'sremarked by Mr. Halliday;** and Mr. Little states, that, though *he total weight of fish in the river Foyle, in Ireland, has much in- Creased: yetit is mostly made up of grilse, it being seldom that any 'arge salmon is taken in it. In the Shannon, the fish are a great deal * Report I., p. 11), 112. + Report II., Appendix, p. 13. J Ibid.
* Report II., p. US. 1| Report IL, p. 104, 109. •• Report I., p. 64.
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270
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NATURAL UISTORY
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larger ; few of them being under twenty, and many thirty-five or forty
pounds, and upwards.* After the process of spawning is completed in the river, the parent
fish, says Mr. Halliday, retire to the adjoinirig pools to recruit. In two or three weeks from that time, the maie begins to seek lus way down the river ; the female remains longer about the spawning ground, sometimes until April or May. The fishes which hâve thus spawned are denominated kelts. Thèse kelts, or spent fish, corne down the river, says Dr. Fleming, during the spring months, from February to May, inclusive ; so that two or three months may intervene between the déposition of the spawn and the descent of the parent fish ; varying, probably, according to the degree of strength in the fish to undertake such migration, and the condition of the river in regard to the quantity of water. In their progress to the sea, when they reach the estuary, they pursue a course preeisely similar to the fry,—not roaming about the banks like a clean fish, but keeping m the mid-channel. They are, atthistime, comparatively weak ; and, in thus betaking themselves to the deepest parts of the channel, they are better enabled to resist the deranging motion of the flood-iide, and to take advantage of the ebb tide in accelerating their migration to the sea.f Sect. III.—Of the Migrations of the Salmon hetwixt the Rivers
and the Sea. We hâve seen that the brood of the salmon, after a short résidence
in the sea, rcturn to rivers greatly increased in size. Many praetical fishers,—those especially connected with the river fisheries,—contend that not only the young brood, but the older salmon, always make efforts to revisit their native rivers. But when we consider, says Dr. Fleming, the numerous foes wliich unceasingly persécute the salmon during its abode in the sea, which must necessarily mix the families or tribes belonging to différent estuaries and rivers, it seems difficult to conceive how, after such intermixture, the breeds of différent rivers could again separate and collect into their original groups4 The as- sertion made by several experienced witnesses, that they can discrimi- natethe salmon of différent rivers by original peculiarities of form, may be met by thatof others equally experienced ;—Mr. Halliday, for ex- ample, who dénies thatany such distinction is practicable. " That sal- mon, however, do frequently differ considerably in point of form, from one another, I hâve repeatedly witnessed," says Dr. Fleming, " by looking at the fish taken at the same place by the same net, and col- lected together in a boat ; but thèse variations are not greater than in other species of animais, subject to variations in the place of their rési- dence, and in the quantifies and qualities of their food."§ The migration of the salmon from the sea to the river, and back
• Report I., p. 112. f Report II., p. «8.
% Report II., p.70. $ Report II., p. 10.
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271
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OF THE SALMOfl.
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again from the river to the sea, would seem, in certain rivers, to take
place at short intervais, through every period of the year. But though the disposition in salmon to enter rivers, at short inter-
dis, may be universally the same under similar circumstances; yet the fact that they are found in difFerent rivers at différent times, seems to point to some différences in .the circumstances and conditions of those rivers which counteract thèse natural dispositions. Thus, in the rivers Ness and Thurso, in Scotland ; in the Severn, the Eden, and others, in England; and in the Shannon and Lee, inlreland; the nionths of December, January, and particularly February, are de- clared, by various witnesses, to be the best times in which salmon are taken in those rivers, both in regard to the quantity and quality of the fish ; and some of thèse rivers begin to fall off after this period, and, towards April and May, yield few or no fish. Other rivers again, as the Tay and the Tweed, do not yield fish so soon as the former, but continue to afford them, in a marketable condition, till September; and others are said not to repay the expense of fishing them till Mardi, or even April, and to yield the best fish in May and June. This dif- férence oftime, in the appearance of the salmon in différent rivers, cannot be ascribed to any différence. in geographical position, as far as regards thèse islands ; for the Ness, which is one of the earliest rivers in Britain, is situated in the highest latitude. It must, there- fore, be sought for in some local circumstances and conditions, which, more or less, adapt particular rivers to the taste and habits of the fish. As the fish seem to décline entering rivers when much reduced in
température, so, at other seasons, they seem equally to avoid them when the température is too high. During the summer season, the water, in many rivers, becomes so small, and gets so hot, that the salmon will not enter them, but linger upon the coasts and about the mouth of the river. " In one very dry and warm season, when stake- nets were in use in the estuary of the Tay, the salmon,'' says Mr. Halliday, "didnot even approach the highest stake-net during the neap tides ; but, when the spring tides became high, the fish then came up to those nets and were taken : when, again, thèse latter tides fell °ff, the nets on the lower parts of the frith caught a great deal more fish, which did not then float up so high as the upper nets." * Many other witnesses give a similar testimony as to the refusai of salmon to enter rivers when much heated. The température of the sea is pro- bablythat best suited to the economy of thèse animais; and those rivers, therefore, which corne nearest to that température, will pro- oably be preferred by them ; and, as the ordinary heat of fishes is very near to that of the médium in which they live, a température either muoh above or below that of the sea is, in ail likelihood, unsuited to tneir nature. If, however, freshes and floods occur in any particular river during
:J*e hot season, salmon then move up them, even many months before "e spawning season. Some of thèse may remain in the upper parts |
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• ReportI., p. T2.
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272 XATIÎRAL IIlSTORY
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of rivers, if they find water sufficient to liarbour and protect tiiem?
until that season arrives ; but others, as we hâve seen, avail themselves of subséquent floods to revisit the sea, in which alone they may be said to thrive. When it is supposed that salmon is in season at différent periods of
the year, in différent rivers, the supposition is so far correct : it does not, however, dépend upon the state in which the fish is at that period, but on the state the river is in. Salmon are extremely nice, andonly go into fresh water when it is exactly to their taste ; and when the river is in a state to induce fish to enter it, they are gotten of much finer quality than at a period when they do not enter so readily.* In the migrations of salmon from the sea to the river in the
winter and spring months, their course through the estuary seems altogether différent from that which they pursue in autumn. In the latter period, impelled by the instinct of propagation, they pursue their route in the most direct way through the mid-channel, rushing up with the greatest eagerness where there is water sufficient to convey them, and braving ail obstacles on their ascent : in the former, they roam over the banks of the estuary and of the mouths of rivers, borne up with the flowing tide as far as it will carry them, and often retuming again to the sea with the ebb tide. It is, indeed, only when thus roaming over the banks, that salmon are taken in the estuaries, where stake-nets are employed ; thèse nets being made to extend upon the coasts between high and low water mark. That salmon move upwards and downwards with the tide, is testified by many witnesses who hâve seen and intercepted them in their downward course ; and, by the fact, that stake-nets are commonly provided with ebb as well as with flood courts, on purpose to mcet tins disposition in the salmon, and do ac- tually catch sometimes as many fish in their downward as in their up- ward course. But why, it may be asked, do salmon thus visit the coasts of the sea and of the estuaries of rivers, linger upon them, and seem indiffèrent about entering rivers, unless they are, in ail re- specte, suited to their taste ? To this, they are apparently impelled by the strength of the appetite, which, next to that of propagation, exerts the greatest force over the movements of animais—viz. hunger. " On the banks of estuaries, salmon," says Mr. Halliday, "find a
greatdeal of food;" he has taken a great many salmon in the frith and estuaries, with worms passing through them ; such worms as are to be seen on those banks.f During the fishing season of 1823, Mr. Moir received ail the sal-
mon caught in the stake-nets set between the rivers Don and Y than ; also the whole of the fish taken in the Bay of Nigg ; those taken, likewise, at the Bridge of Dee, and at nine other small fisheries in that river. As ail thèse fish were eut up for the purpose of being preserved in a fresh state, he had an opportunity of examining the stomachs. In the stomachs of those taken in the upper river fisheries, he could never |
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* Report II., p. J21, 2. f Report I., p. 61.
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273
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OF THE SALMON.
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detect any kind of food ; whereas, those taken in the sea were fre-
quently gorged with food, whioh was prinoipally sand-eels. That salmon do obtain the chief part of their food during their ré-
sidence in sait water, seems certain, from the fact attested by various persons, that they are in greatest perfection when taken out of the sea, or very shortly thereafter ; and that they fall off in condition in proportion to their abode in rivers. " Salmon taken in the sea," says Mr. Halh- day, " are by far the richest and best; they are both weightier and fatter, and in firmer condition. If detained in fresh water, at any sea- son, they become unsound ; and if this happen during the warm weather ofsummer, they are soonrendered unlit for food."* From the facts thus stated respecting the migration of the salmon,
at différent periods of its life, it would seem that it can begin to live only in fresh water, and that, in the earliest period of its existence, sait water is fatal to it ; that, at a period somewhat later, it descends rivers on its way to the sea, where it increases rapidly in size ; and, in two or three months, returns again to the river. With respect to the causes which influence thèse alternate migrations
of salmon, it would appear that they move towards the sea chiefly in search of the food found on its coasts, and on those of estuaries ; whilst the chief impulse that urges their movements up rivers, is the propaga- tion of their kind, where alone the spawning process can be duly ex- ercised. As to the cause of their seeking fresh water, when not urged by that impulse, we can offer no other reason than that of a sort of instinct, which incites them to remove occasionally into fresh water, in which alone they were at first able to exist ; whilst the appetite for food calls them again back to the sea. Perhaps, if the water of rivers were always in sufficient quantity,
and perfectly suited to the taste and economy of salmon, they would be moving backwards and forwards from the sea to the river, and from the river to the sea, at intervais more or less great ; and, therefore, the différent periods in which they appear in différent rivers, are owing to the différent circumstances and conditions in which those rivers may be, rather than to any natural différences in the economy or habits of the figh. How far they move into the deep sea is nbt known, but that they roam over the coasts, at great distances from the mouths of rivers, >s certain from the fact of their being captured in such situations. * Report I., p. 19.
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T
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274
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H ORSE-S HOEING.
[Continued from page 230. I
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Fig. 4 exhibits the shoe that was proposed and adopted by Pro-
fessor St. Bel, at the first establishment of the Veterinary Collège. He appears, on coming to England, to hâve been struck with the number of lame horses amongst us, and attributed it to the shape of the shoe. He determined on effecting an altération ; and, perceiving that the natural foot was concave, was led to apprehend that the bad effects of our System resulted from the flat bearing surface of the shoe on the ground. Accordingly, he produced that above represented : it is flat next the foot, and deeply concaved below ; fullered completely to the heels for ornament and lightness, and the holes stamped fine in the English manner. " Its breadth should be considerably less than that of the common shoe, as it is totally unnecessary to cover any fart of the sole ;" and "its breadth at the heels should be one half that of the toe ; and its thickness should decrease gradually from the toe, so as to be reduced to one-half at the extremity of the heels."* From tins de- scription, it is easy to gather the causes of its failure in gênerai prac- tice. St. Bel insisted particularly on a light shoe, and totally over- looked the necessity of extensive bearing on the ground ; which is the more important to be attended to, as in the ordinary ruinous course of shoeing, the feet of most horses become smaller every year, instead of * St. Bel's Eléments of Farriery, lto. 1197.
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HORSE-SHOEING. 275
mcreasing, as they ought to do ; and, in gênerai, are never so large as
at four years old. Let it also be remembered, that the unshod natural f°ot, besides being proportioned in size to the body, takes considérable bearing-also, at times, on the outer edges of the sole and bars, and occa- sionally on the frog ; by this means relieving itself very much. If, then, a narrow, trim, concave shoe be applied to the foot, especially those small, contracted feet we too often meet with, the animal will usually be found to step with less freedom than if the weight were distributed over more points of bearing ; for the whole must necessarily repose on the outside rim, and produce the same effeet -as a man expériences in walking upon skates or " high-heeled shoes; he goes, as the jockeys say, « like a cat on nut-shells." This rim, at the toe, is soon worn away, and -then the shoe présents a bearing something like a ring eut horizontally,—the worst figure that can be imagined for a horse to go upon. So plausible, however, were St. Bel's arguments, that he had no difficulty in convincing the subscribers of the Collège, and from them the concave shoe received a fair trial : it was.not found to possess the supposed advantages over the common one ; and, for the reasons we hâve stated, itmust, of course, be more oppressive. Thèse causes of its failure, we believe, were not explained at the time ; but being generally condemned in practice, it was laid aside at the death of St. Bel. |
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Fig. 5.
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the heels ; rather longer for those horses which hâve the wall weak,
t 2
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27(5
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M. VATEL ON THE PULSE OF ANIMALS.
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but in good feet it need not reach beyond the middle of the foot." A
similar shoe is mentioned by Blundevill, De Grey, and other old writers, and called the Lunette, but Lafosse is the first who used it to bring pressure on the frog. This thin-heeled shoe was quickly tried, eon- demned, and forgotten, in France ; and it is only revived hère, in order to show the origin of the nnfortunate doctrine of frog pressure, which has been fostered for thirty-five years underthe auspices of our Collège. For, soon after Mr. Coleman's accession to the Chair, he espoused, most warmly, this abandoned French doctrine, in his work on the Foot and Shoeing, hereafter to be noticed ; and it forms part of the hrëtory of Lafosse's shoe, that it was again tried on English ground, under the Professor's -eye, and universally condernned by the best Veterinary writers in this country. But the mistaken principle on which it was appKed—offrog pressure—is still persisted in. This shall receive our earliest attention and unreserved criticism, and « Mr. Coleman\s Pa- tent Horse Shoes " will form a distinct «hapter. . !o aniJs odt iudt oldsd'otq
an iwdi aldathii snot ■ noii&tmi luinisq teora M. VATEL ON THE PULSE OF ANIMALS.
' • ;• ni njiinjsvhc Jeots ,:
On the Puise of Domestic Animais.
M. Vatel, in his valuable work on Veterinary Pathology, gives
the following Table of the standard puise of the différent animais :__
"In a state of health, the puise of domestic animais offers very great
variations with respect to the frequency of the beats. " That of the ordinary Horse makes from ..........32 to 38 pulsations in a minute.
That of the Ass . • from 48 to 54 do. do.
...... Ox and Cow ------ 35 to 42 do. do.
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...... Sheep ...... 70 to 79 do. do.
----- Goat ...... 72 to 76 do. do.
------- Dog .. ------ 90 to 100 do. do.
___ Cat ...... ] 10 to 120 do. do."
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277
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ON BLISTERING HORSES.
BY MR. B. CLARK.
(In Rees's Cyclopadia.)
Bmstering is a remedy much in use in the Vetermary art, tor pro-
ttioting the removal of a great variety of disorders; more especially, however, in reducing morbid émargements of bone, or morbid thick- enings of any of the softer parts, where its utility is principally obvious. The vesication of the skin of the horse is attended with some re-
markable circumstances in which it difFers from the human, especially in the greater irritability of the skin; for the cuticle of the horse is raised by a blister of Iess strength than is required in raising the human cuticle ; whence, perhaps, it may be inferred, that its sensation also is more acute. It is probable that the skins of animais covered with hair are, in gênerai, more irritable than naked-skinned animais ; the oil of turpentine producing a most painfui irritation both in the horse and the dog, when applied to the skin, but not so in man. Irritants, however, ofthe skin, without any blistering or vesication,
may be had recourse to with very great advantage in the Veterinary art; astheycan, without injury to the parts, be very frequently re- newed, and with the happiest effects. i The mildest applications of this description, are the animal and
vegetable oils ; as hog's-lard, and the oil expressed from linseed or olives : where more irritation is thought requisite, the addition of the essential oil of origanum, or the oil of turpentine, will readily afford il. Lard alone, rubbed on the skin of the horse, we hâve often observed to produee a sensible irritation and increased warmth in the part,—so susceptible is this part in thèse animais,—and may serve as a basis from which we may proceed to the higher degrees of stimulus; firing the skin with the actual cautery, in Unes more or less close, being the highest degree of irritation to which we can or ought to proceed. That irritation which is produced by the cantharides, is, of ail others,
*e believe, the most useful in its effects. It should be applied mixed w'th lard, or olive oil ; to which it is usual to add the dried juice ofthe e,1phorbium. As however, it is ever désirable to avoid unnecessary implication in the remédies we prescribe, by which their effects are rendered more certain, and the inductions more easy and clear ; so we |
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278 ON BLISTERING IIOBSES.
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proposed to try this medicine by itself, to ascertain its précise effects ;
and being mixed with olive oil, it was applied to the skin of the leg of the horse : no distinct vesication of the part followed, but it produced a considérable heat, and formed a brown scab, with very little dis- charge of sérum ; but, on the contrary, was particularly dry and irri- tating to the horse. We hâve since omitted it in the blister, and, we believe, without the smallest détriment to its opération; for the can- tharides, when they act properly, and are not applied too strong, pro- duce a plentiful vesication, and a copious discharge of thick sérum, almostof the consistence ofhoney. We hâve found also the pyroligneous acid, or the acid obtained by
the distillation of wood in close vessels, and properly concentrated, a cutaneous irritant of very useful qualitics. After the skin has been simply wetted with it, it slightly inflames it; and the cuticle, after two or three days, cornes away dry, bringing with it any foulness of the skin, for the removal of whicli it is most particularly serviceable. We hâve known some, from motives of economy, omit the cantha-
rides in their blister, and use, instead of it, sulphuric acid. It in gê- nerai, as far as we hâve seen, forms a dry, black scab, and is by no means so useful in its effects as the former. It is a common habit with farriers practising medicine, to mix cor-
rosive sublimate with their blister ; and, where it may be désirable to destroy the skin, this should be used, but not otherwise ; for it is no vesicatory, but a most violent caustic, soon destroying any living matter with which it cornes in contact ; and we hâve seen, from the ignorant use of it, the most déplorable effects, by its bringing off extensive sloughings of the skin, and even penetrating to the parts beneath, and so mjuring them, as ever after to render the horse unserviceable. There is an effect produced by the cantharides on the skin of.the
horse, which, as far as we know, has not met with much attention; though it is very remarkable, and not analogous to its effects on the human skin : it is that prodigious thickening of the integuments, after the opération of the blister, which sometimes does not subside for many weeks, being a great desightment: a blister, therefore, if one could be devised, not producing thèse effects, would be a désirable thing in the Veterinary Pharmacopœia. This effect we should, however, re- mark, is not constant. |
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27.9
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i
PROFESSOR COLEMAN AND THE QUAGGA.
DR. ENDALL AND PHILLIS. Professor Coleman, in a late Lecture, related an extraordinary
story of a chestnut marc that was bred from with a maie quagga ; and that afterwards the same mare was again bred from by a black Arabian horse, but that the offspring still exhibited a very strong and striking resemblance to the quagga, in form, colour, mane, tail, &c. But this wonderfuî occurrence falls very far short of the following marvelloits circumstance—The late Dr.Endall, a learned physician. and a great connoisseur in pointing and setting dogs, in a convers- ation once on the subject of puppies, related the following singular taie of a bitch lie had, of the setting kind :— As he was travelling into Hampshire, going through a small village,
the mastiffs and cur dogs ran out barking, as is usual when gentle- men ride by such places : among them he observed a little ugly ped- lar's cur particularly eager, and fond of ingratiating himself with the bitch. The doctor stopped to water upon the spot, and whilst lus horse drank, could not help remarking how amorous the cur continued, and how fond and courteous the biteh seemed to her admirer; but provoked, in the end, to see a créature of Phillis's rank and breeding so obsequious to such mean addresses, drew one of his pistols and shot the dog dead on the spot ; then alighted, and taking the bitch into his arms, carried her before him several miles. The Doctor related farther, that madam, from that day, would eat little or nothing, having m a manner lost her appetite; she had no inclination to go abroad with her master, or come when he called, but seemed to repine like a créature in love, and express sensible concern for the loss of her gallant. Partridge season came on, but she had no nose; the Doctor did not
take the bird before her. However, in process of time Phillis waxed proud. The Doctor was heartily glad of it, and physically appre- hended it would be a means of weaning her from ail thoughts of her «eceased admirer : accordingly he had her confined in due time, and ^arded by an admirable setter of high blood, which the Doctor galloped his grey stallion forty miles an end to fetch for the purpose. *^ad that no accident might happen from the carelessness of servants, tne charge was committed to a trusty old woman housekeeper; and, as absence from patients would permit, the Doctor assiduously attended ne affair himself. But, lo ! when the day of whelping came, Phillis |
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280 SEA SERPENTS AND COLOSSAL MEDUSA.
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did not produce one puppy but what was in ail respects the very
picture and colour of the poor cur which was shot so many raortths before the bitch was at heat. This affair equally surprised and enraged the Doctor. For some
time he differed, almost to parting, with his old faithful housekeeper, —being unjustly jealous of her care : such behaviour before she never. knew from him ;—but alas! what reraedy ? He kept the bitch many years ; yet, to his infinité concern,. she never brought a litter but ex- actly similar to the pedlar's cur. He disposed of her to a friend of his in the neighbouring county, but to no puqiose ; the vixen still brought such puppies;—whence the Doctor tenaciously maintained, that bitch and dog may fall passionately in love with each other. The mare» perhaps, did the like with the quagga. .mboiqai ni gaJodhJ;
r
; gnhnb aiirarah SEA SERPENTS AND COLOSSAL MEDUSA. TiiK following extraordinary account has lately appeared in con-
firmation of the countless shoals of sea serpents which are to be seen |
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on the coast ol Bombay :—
10 bnuog
" I, myself, hâve seen them for hours, accompanying the sliip I was on board, in 1809, when going to Bombay; and every person I hâve
spoken to on the point hère, has appeared surprized that any doubt
could exist about it. Those which I saw might be about 40 feet long,
from estimation ; they were beautifully coloured, and moved as rapidly
as the ship, going seven or eiglit miles an hour : smaller ones were still
more common. On the coast of this island an immense médusa was
thrown on shore, in a violent gale of vvind, in 1819; it was within
seven miles of my Belomber estate. It must hâve weighed many tons.
I went to seeit when the gale had subsided, which was not for three days
after its being cast on the sand ; but it had already beeome offensive,
and I could not distinguish any shape. The sea had thrown it high
above the reach of the tkle, and I instructed the fishermen who lived
in the immédiate neighbourhood, to wateh its decay, that if any osseous
or cartilaginous part remained, it might be preserved : it rotted, how-
ever, entirely, and left no remains. It could not be Iess than nine
months before it disappeared; and the travellers were obliged to change
the direction of the road for nearly a quarter of a mile, to avoid the
offensive and sickening stench which proceeded from it."—Extract of
ahetterfrom C. Telfair, Esq.,Jul>/20, 1827, to R. Barclay, Esq-,
of Burg Hill.
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281
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ON THE
COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE OF THE MALE ANEF
FEMALE IN BREEDING. BY M. GODINE, JUN.*
From the commencement of my studies in Veterinary Rural Eco-
nomy,t I hâve observed that the most interesting problem to be resolved,in order to the préservation, improvement, &c, of the various species of domestic animais, was to détermine, as far as possible, by experiments and facts, the part or portion of influence that the maie and female separately contributes in reproduction. Having profited by ail favourable opportunities to make observations
and follow up my experiments during the time I occupied the Hygisen chair at Alfort,—since which time I hâve not lost sight of the subject, which I consider as the proper basis of ail plans for improvement,—I believe it useful to draw the attention of Agriculturalists and Veteri- narians to an attentive observation of my researches. My object is to submit my déductions to sound criticism—a crucible which tries and examines ail doctrines. I shall first give the observations and experi- ments I hâve made upon this subject, and endeavour to deduce from them the conclusions which appear to resuit therefrom. Ail the authors who hâve written on the management of horses in Arabia, appear to agrée upon a point which is completely at variance with our European ideas respecting the influence of the maie. I allude to the préférence which the Arabs give to the mare, and the almost exclusive share which they attribute to her in maintaining and preserving their breeds. They are so deeply imbued with this idea,; that nothing can induce them to sell a mare of the pure blood of Mahomet. If we may crédit ail thèse writers, the Arabs attach but little importance to the Préservation of stallions of the same blood : they assure us even that they sell them without hésitation, whilst nothing can induce them to Part with a valuable mare. This opinion, directly opposed to that observed in Europe, of the very marked influence of the maie, and his s«perior importance in breeding;—is it a préjudice or superstition of the Arabs, or a fact incontestably proved ? Now we should hâve no certain opinion to give on this point, if M. Damoiseau, Veterinary * Journ. Pract. Médecin "Vetérin., Marcb, 1828.
■ It is to be observed, that Rural Economy forms part of the Veterinary edu-
CaUoB in France. |
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282
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ON TUE COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE OF
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Inspecter of the Horse-market of Paris, had not furnished us with
documents which appear to décide the question. This Veterinarian has lived several years among the Arab tribes of the Désert, and observed ail the customs of this wandering people; and, besides that the facts which he states are in accordance with the best authorities in Europe, his remarks leave no doubt as to the motives of this belief of the Arabs. The Mussulmen, like ail superstitious people, venerate everything which has had any connexion with their great men. We know that, from time immémorial, the Arabs of the Désert hâve been mounted upon mares, which they regard as the most valuable part of their property. Mahomet, wishing to make known at Mecca, his native country,
the great victory near Demas,—a victory which secured to him the sovereign power,—chose a hundred of the best mounted horsemen of his army to carry this interesting news ; and ordered them to cross the Great Désert which separated thèse cities without stop or hait. Five only of thèse horsemen, mounted on their mares, arrived at Mecca ; the others remained on the road, their horses having perished with fatigue. To immortalize this victory, and ail those who had taken part in it,
Mahomet wished to ennoble, in some manner, the five surviving mares : accordingly, he made them a privileged and separate race, bearing the name of Koélana, or the pure blood of Mahomet : they were kept with particular care by the nobles of the country, who stained them round the eyes with ko'èl, from whence their name of Koéhlaan, which the Arabs pronounce Kohailan, and which travellers hâve changed to Kochlani. We comprehend now the reason why mares are preferred before
stallions in Arabia and Turkey; their superiority is at this day, in the eyes 'of ail good Mussulmen, a religious dogma, which admits neither of discussion nor doubt as to its reality or inconsistency. It follows, however, from this origin of the Arab horses of the first race, that they necessarily sprung from individuals of vigour and extraordinary strength ; and who, by that alone, deserved to form a stock of great distinction. The brilliant qualities of the horses of the Désert fully justify, at this day, that high réputation : however, the Arab mares which hâve been transported to Europe at différent periods, particularly with the army of Egypt, hâve not given us, especially in France, any proof of their superiority over the maie horses of the same race, either for service or for breeding ; notwithstanding the care they hâve received, they hâve not shown the same energy or the same capability of labour. |
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THE MALE AND FEMALE IN BREEDING. 283
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Covered, in France, by very distinguished stallions of the same blood,
">ey hâve given produce inferior to the mongrel race bred from French mares and Arabian stallions. The English, more experienced in this matter, hâve made the same remark upon the produce of the pure and mixed breed of Arabian horses ; they prefer, with reason, coïts bred from their own mares and Arabian horses. They hâve even a sort of prédilection for the mixed breed, especially on account of their increased height ; which point is not acquired to the détriment of their vigour or speed. Is this degeneracy of the Arab mare transported to Europe, an efFect of the change of climate, less sensible in the maie than the female? We wish to form no conjecture on this subject, we seek only for facts ; and we are not prepared to offer a reason for this observation deserving the attention of judges and physiologists. According to the tradition of the Arabs of the Désert, the Nedj'ud
was the berceau of their horses ; also those of the pure race' bore the name of Nedgdi. It is from this source that the Koéhlaan horses descended, divided into five familics, sprung from the five mares who bore the news of the great victory of Mahomet. The distinctive names of thèse five breeds are—Séhlauré or Selavoïs, Maniquyé, Zelphisa, Tréffyé, Tonayséy, the names of the fcvourite mares of the Prophet ; lie made them anoint their eyelids with koël, as a: dis tinctive mark of the individuals of illustrious families of those coun- tries, and which is only applied to descendants of reigning princes. This tatooing is commun in Asia and Africa, and belongs only to the chiefs of tribes. The Arab superstition adds, that Mahomet, wishing to enoble the five mares, placed his finger upon several parts of their bodies, saying to his people—" Behold the horses which the Prophet of the true God sends you to combat the Infidels." Thèse marks are transmitted to their descendants, say the good Arabs, who thus ex- plain the intermuscular cavities which are observable in ail well-bred horses, and which horsemen hâve called coup-de-lance. This ex- planation deserves to figure in the Arabian Taies, since it is very certain, that before Mahomet, the Arab horses bore thèse marks (de c°up-de-lance). According to this tradition, it is since this warlike Prophet that the
races and families of Arab horses hâve been preserved and perpetuated "y the dams ; it is thus that a coït bred of a Koéhlaan dam and a sire °» the Nedgdi race, is called Koéhlaan, the genealogy of the Arab h°»"se being transmitted only by the maternai side; as they call a Wedgdi coït, that which is sprung from a dam of that race and a sire °* another noble breed. |
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284 ON ME COMPARATIVE I.\'FI,UE.NeE OF
The Bédouins, or wandering people of Arabia, very much spread
over Africa and Asia, are exceedingly scrupulous about the choice en a stallion : among them it is a crime to cover an Arab mare with a stallion less noble than herself ; also they only admit to cover, such horses whose descent is well known. When they couple them, they draw up a certificate as rigorous as that which proves in Europe the birth of a prince : this document contains the truc pedigree of the mare and the stallion. If she is found in foal without the maie and female being verified, or if she lias been accidently covered, in the fear alone that this mare may hâve been undermatched, her coït is regarded as a bastard, and consequently ranks in the common claas of horses without pedigree,-—which they call Gdich, pronouneed Guedich,— however beautiful he may be ; and such a coït is sold at a low price : thusthere may be found among thèse discarded animais, horses of great value, and which can dispute for beauty and speed with the Arab of noble blood. In ail thèse cases of chance produce, they cannot be bred of inferior sires; since the Arab quits his mare but little, and it is always by stallions of blood, which belong to the Arabs of the same tribe, that thèse clandestine intercourses take place, for the Bédouins hâve seldom horses but of noble race. I form thèse conelusions from the above facts, that it is not then true, as authors assure us, that the Arabs attach no importance to the choice of a stallion ; and that, although their breeds of horses deduce their pedigree only from the maternai side, they do not the less admit the necessity, in order to préserve their original purity, to cross the mares with stallions of noble and well-known blood ; that it is to this scrupulous care that they owe, from time immémorial, the préservation of thèse precious breeds ; that it is from attachment to the precepts of the Koran that they are called by the name of the dam, and not from the opinion that has been falsely adopted by writers, of their denying the influence of the maie, whose important share in his productions cannot be doubted in any part of the globe. The horses of the Bédouins are always in their primitive state of
purity ; never hâve they been crossed with other races : they keep among them the most perfect horse, and prefer using their own stallion, although old and blemished, to employing a strange one, however perfect he may appear to them. Among the Oriental nations who lead a wandering life, we are acquainted with two other breeds, which are descended directly from the Arabian horse. The first, which is the most pure, is found among the Kurdes, who inhabit the borders of the Euphrates, in Mesopotamia, and who wander in the mountains |
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THE MALE AND FEMALE IN BREEDING. 285
of Kurdistan : their horses being descended from the Arabian raoe
Koéhlaan, they are preserved in their state of purity, but the climate, the food, and other causes, hâve changed their primitive form ; they are higher, and although as hardy as the horses of the déserts of Arabia, the Kurdes are more furnished, which they owe to the ex- cellence of their pastures in those régions : the Pachas and Turks of distinction prefer the Kurdes' horses to those of the Arabs, as being fitter for war. The people of Kurdistan always admit the superiority of the pure
Arabian stallion, and choose him in préférence to leap their mares : they keep with particular care the descent and pedigree of their races, and hâve a custom of slitting the left ears of horses foaled on a Friday, a day sacred to prayer and the Prophet. Twelve Ieagues from Killis there is a tribe, among which ail the
horses are mutilated ;by cutting off the tail, but not by castration : the reason given for this custom by the people of the tribe is, that they hâve adopted it to prevent the officers of the Pachas, who command in those countries, from robbing them of their horses. The second breed, or Turcoman horses, spring from the Hoéhlaan :
they takfe their name from a wanderihg people so called, who inhabit the fertile plains of Syria, in the neighbourhood of the city of Antioch, upon the borders of the Orontes. Thèse horses are stronger, and more ordinary than the Kurdes ; their form is more muscular and fleshy : they are found, however, to be very good, especially on the side of Jaffa, although the Bédouins call them Gdich, or Guedich, that is, bastards. They hâve the head large, the shoulders heavy, the tail thick and bushy, the coat coarser, and not so soft. The Turcomans, as well as the Bédouins, live by plunder ; they surprise and rob the caravans, consequently that their horses should possess courage, swiftness, and hardihood : however, they are less temperate than the Arabian horses. The Turcomans are careless in their choice of stallions. [To be continuée.]
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286
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
A Black Cart Gelding—Six years old,
Belonging to Messrs. Hanbury and Co., was admitted into the
Veterinary Collège stables on the 25th of January last, with the pénis (or yard) hanging down from the sheath, nonsiderably swelled and excoriated ; apparently occasioned by a stricture of the prépuce, or sheath, preventing the return of the pénis in its usual way. The horse remained at the Collège till the 6th of March ; during
whichperiod the following various treatment was pursued:—• Leeches, goulard water, bread-and-water poultices, warm water,
fomentations were applied to the part, scarifications also resorted to, and the pénis suspended by bandages; purging, diuretics, and rowels were not forgotten, and the horse was then taken away relieved. On the 18th of March, this horse was again admitted with the pénis
swelled, which was supposed to hâve been occasioned by some stimu- lating application having been applied to the part. Fomentations of warm water were directed to be frequently used,
the pénis kept up by a bandage, and the horse purged. 24th. Punctures or scarifications were made in the part, which was
again ordered to be suspended, and the purge repeated. 28th. The pénis and prépuce continued in much the same swelled
state ; bread-and-water poultice was directed to be applied. April 3d. Eight pints of blood were ordered to be drawn from the
fémoral vein, the poultice continued, and the horse again purged. The swelling of the parts was a little reduced by thèse remédies. 8th. The sheath was more swelled, and the stricture of the prépuce
was divided (as the horse could not void his urine) by Mr. Vines, and the horse relieved. 9th. Cold water was ordered to be applied to the part, and the horse
to hâve a diuretic bail. 12th. The cold water was continued, and the horse purged : tinc-
ture of myrrh directed to be applied to the prépuce twice a day, and the pénis supported, as before, with a bandage. The prépuce continued very much thickened and enlarged, and the
pénis partly drawn, but was occasionally retracted, showing that the parts were not completely paralyzed. Purging, and the application of a wash of sulphate of zinc and aluni
lotion, till the |
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287
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VETEBFNARÏ CASE.
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17th. When tincture of myrrh was directed, and the horse to be
again purged. The saine treatment, with tincture of myrrh, and the Pénis still suspended, was pursued till the 25th. The horse was again purged. 29th. Half an ounce of white hellébore root (veratri radix), in
povvder, mixed with a pint of water, was ordered to be given to the 'lorse ; and on the 30th. Six drachms of the same drug in a quart of water was given.
May lst. One ounce of white hellébore powder, in three pints of
*ater, was given : this dose produced great suffering to the horse, but ultimately its effect passed off. 3d. The pénis was amputated by Mr. Sewell.
Alas ! luckless pego, eut aff'in thy prime!—not "atone fell
swoop," "but by slow and cautious cuts." A eut—aburn; a eut—a Wn ; again—a eut and burn ; a eut and then a burn. Considérable hemorrhage Mlowed this peculiar opération; and cold
tyater was directed to be eonstantly supplied, to extinguish the effect of the hot iron. 5th. The horse "voided his urine with great difficulty, and in small
quantities ; appeared very much depressed in strength from loss of blood, which continued to be discharged at intervais. Fifteen grains of Croton powder were given, and a clyster of warm water. Professor Coleman, during his perambulations, iwo days a/ter
the opération, inquired if the horse could draw his yard !— (Query.)—Who is the consulting Veterinarian ? A wag observed—" The poor member was ' drawn into a bottle,'
°nd deposited in the Muséum." 6th. The sheath was still considerably swelled, and suppuration had
taken place. It was directed to be fomented frequently with warm *ater. 7th. The fomentation was directed to be continued, and the horse to
** purged. 9th. A seton was made under the belly, and the fomentations
°rdered as before. lOth. The sheath was increased, from the irritation of the seton, and
'hère was considérable tuméfaction under the belly. Purged, and the *3rnentation continued. Turpentine ointment to be applied to the seton. !3th. Considérable swelling from the seton, and the sheath much in
the same state. 'th. Same treatment was pursued up to this time, when the
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288 MONKEYANA. |
fomentation was discontinued, and half an ounce of white hellébore
powder directed to be given in water. The horse was taken away on the 23d, with the seton remaining, and
the enlargement and thickening of the sheath, though somewhat reduced in size from the swelling, far from being cured ;: the part originally diseased still remaining. |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
On Wednesday last, the 28th of May, the annual meeting of Go-
vernors and Subscribers to the Veterinary Collège took place at the Thatched House Tavern, St. James's Street, when about twenty only attended. The business was, to use a common phrase, "ready eut and dried " by previous private meetings ; and, of course, was so ma- naged as bestto suit the purpose of the Professor, Secretary-Treasurer, and Co. We understand that Messrs Cherry and Goodwin offered some
spirited remarks and remonstrances on behalf of, and with a view of benefiting the Veterinary Profession ; but, as we anticipated, with little effect. The time will corne, however, when the labours and per- sévérance of thèse vétérans in so good a cause will not be entirely thrown away. |
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MONKEYANA.
Some eminent writers hâve entertained an hypothesis, that mankind
arose from one family of monkeys, on the banks of the Mediterranean, who accidentally had learned to use the adductor follicis, or that strong muscle which constitutes the bail of the thumb, and draws the point ofit to meet the points of the fingers, which common monkeys do not ; and that this muscle gradually increased in size, strength, and activity, in successive générations ; and that, by this improvement in the sensé of touch, monkeys acquired clear ideas, and gradually be- came.men. |
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Printed by G. Duckworth, TO, Fleet Street.
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
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No. 7.] JULY. [1828.
Remarks on the royal veterinary collège.
Mdressed to His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, as
Président.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence has recently conde-
scended, it appears, to accept an office that associâtes him in some degree with our profession,—Président of the Veterinary Collège. It is so common for individuals in exalted stations to lend the sanction
°ftheir names to Institutions having the semblance of public benefit, that this circumstance, notwithstanding the singular mode of its annun- ciation to the subscribers of this misconducted and abused establish- ment, might well hâve passed without comment ; but for the extraor- dinary and astonishing observation made on that occasion by one of the Governors, "that His Royal Highness was desirous to express his high approbation of the manner in which the affairs of this Institution are conducted ! ! !" This praise was unnecessary, and, perhaps, superadded ; but if such a feeling were really expressed by His Royal Highness, it is clear that he has never seen the Rules and ■Régulations of this Collège, that he is unacquainted with the présent state of the Veterinary profession, and has been led into a belief, "y interested men, that it is the great source and support of true science; whereas itis now the sole means of suppressingit. This as- sertion may appear to be easily made and difficult of proof, but we who are honestly labouring to impress the public with a true sensé of the lïlagnitude of their losses, through the System of éducation and treat- ^ent pursued at this Collège, will take leave to lay before His Royal ^Jghness a short statement of facts, by means of which he will be eftabled to judge of the benefits it confers upon the nation, and see what lowdoes, and what it ought to, perform- It must first be premised, *Jat within the last half century the Veterinary art, throughout Ur°pe, has risen from the hands of ignorant and illiterate men, and
taU Keu its proper stand as a libéral and honourable profession. revious to this period, two Royal Collèges were established in
an°e, supported by the government, on a grand «cale—Professors
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290 RKMAKKS OX THE
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appointed to each separate branch of the art, superintendents appointed
—students obliged to study at least three years, and finally undergo a strict examination before a well-qualified committee of Veterinarians, with whom France comparatively abounds, and where also the pro- fession is entirely free from dependence on Doctorial aid, and is respected accordingly as a distinct and separate science. Mark the contrast. We, in England, were late in adopting public measures on this subject: there were good practitioners before this Institution was thought of ; and we hâve no hésitation in saying, that it would hâve been better left to the " march of intellect " and exertions of private individuals, than to be fettered, as it has been, by private opi- nions promulgated under public authority. Our Collège (as it is called) was established by a society of noblemen and gentlemen, in 1792 ; but becoming embarrassed in its affaire, on the death of its first Professor, St. Bel, the original laws were neglected, and it fell into the hands of a médical gentleman, at that time ignorant of Veterinary affaire, under whose conduct it has since continued, and whose théories, adopted in haste and inexpérience to meet the exigencies of his élévation, hâve since been taught and disseminated, instead of practical doctrines. Some years after, government attention was directed to the subject ; and as no other school existed, it became a public concern, in consé- quence of grants of money from Parliament in considération of sup- posed benefit accruing to the army service by the introduction of Ve- terinarians. It is chiefly supported by about 1200 subscribers who send their horses there, partly because it is called the Collège, partly because the patients are treated and obtain medicines at a much cheaper rate than can be afforded by any private practitioner. Under the pompous title of a Collège, it is simply a livery-stables or
Infirmary for Sick Horses, under the direction of a single Professor and his Assistant, who are virtually masters of the Institution: the former holds also a plurality of offices in the army. Thus he has the sole patron- age of the Veterinary department of the cavalry; and the latter isboth Treasurer and Secretary to the Institution. About sixty pupils, from ail parts of the kingdom, corne
annually and pay twenty guineas each to the Professor. There is' not hère, as in France, instruction on each branch of the art ; they are left to teach themselves in anatomy, pharmacy, and in the per- formance of opérations; they corne and go when they please; and, finally, instead of a proper practical examination, they appear before a Board composed—not of Veterinarians—but of médical gentlemen, who gravely question, pass, and pronounce upon the competency of |
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ROYAL VETEMN'ARY COLLEGE. 29]
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students to practice an art of which they themselves are ignorant. No
stated period of attendance is required ; and it lias been no uncommon S1ght for a raw shopkeeper to obtain, in a few months, the diploma of thèse gentlemen, authorising him to enter on a profession (the médical 3nd surgical treatment of dumb animais) demanding, beyond a doubt, •nore judgment than any other. It is to the insufficiency of this Collège, when compared with the
importance of its objects to the state and the nation at large, to which we would more particularly direct His Royal Highness's attention. We call upon His Royal Highness to déclare whether a fresh mid- «hipman can ever be fit to command a vessel after only four months probation : there are lubbers in stables as well as lubbers at sea ; and it cannot, surely, be less difficult to learn the anatomy, pathology, and liedical treatment, of a living animal, than the tactics of seamanship. Yet this tirae has often sufficed, and the conséquences of such admis- sions are to be seen in the dégradation and debasement of the profes- sion. As a matter, eertainly, of minor importance, the shabby build- ing that is dignified with this high title and pretension, is a disgrâce to the country from having the character of a National Institution, and to the profession from containing only a misérable muséum and utterly contemptible library. Since His Royal Highness has evinced such a laudable activity in visitiilg the Navy-yards, it would be by no means out of character to look in upon those cavalry gentlemen who hâve been so anxious to make our Royal Sailor Président of their company, visit them in their camp, and take a viewofthe arrangements. This Would be more than they contemplated ; for, however desirous they ttiight be to secure the patronage of His Royal Highness's honoured Iianie, it was with no wish to be subject to his scrutiny, or troubled With his commands. It would add to their conséquence to walk in the light of the Heir-apparent, while they secretly hope to find a nominal c°amander in the Lord High Admirai of England. He will keep to his ships, say they, and leave the horses to our ma-
nagement. Without doubt, His Royal Highness has been told that ">e public in gênerai hâve derived the greatest advantage from the Ve- terinary Collège. That many well-informed men hâve, of late years, a°opted this profession, and improved it even in spite of the false doc- tes they learned at St. Paneras, is very true ; but we boldly assert Bat not one of Professor Coleman's peculiar hypothèses, on any given. abject, has been practically useful to the country, in comparison with ls numerous flagrant errors; and that no System could hâve been pur- SUed more fatal to the horse, than that which has prevailed there u 2
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292 REMARKS ON THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
for the lâst thirty years. On the subject of shoeing, for instance,
he has- been so completely (craving pardon of His Royal Highness) at sea, as to maintain that the greatest pressure of the shoe should be on the softest part of the foot; and, in accordance with this principle, (frog pressure to wit) has taken out three patents for his private profit, but which he cannot prevail on his pupils or the public to employ. To hâve persevered in false doctrines on this point, is less culpable than to hâve opposed the truth ; when it is known that the average life of the horse, in a natural state, perhaps thirty-five years, is.cut short, in most instances, to twelve or fourteen, through the diseases brought on by the common practice of shoeing, which continues the same as when the Collège was instituted. No transactions, no useful works, not a single course, of experiments hâve been published by the Collège ; and yet His Royal Highness will hear numbers say that Mr. Edward Coleraan is an exceedingly clever man, and that the Veterinary art is greatly indebted to him. We will tell His Royal Highness what he can do, and what his performances hâve been. He is a man who does not change an opinion he has once formed, but can always support it by specious reasoning;—who pays more attention to exceptions than to gênerai rules ;—who is master of ail the arts of persuasion ; and, when seated with fifty raw pupils around him, can make them believe what he chooses—and best, when they cannot understand him. His performances hâve been of a nature that might be expected from such talents ; always succeeding in pleasing and persuading his pupils and hearers, and opposing new doctrines, lie has maintained popular favour from year to year by his address, without having done anything to merit it. His printed books are the living records of his errors, and he has wisely published nothing for the last twenty-five years. When the immense public importance of that noble animal, the
horse, is properly considered, His Royal Highness must readily agrée that such an Institution, so conducted, and producing such fruits, is totally inadéquate to the ends and objects in view, and a reproach to the British nation. It has hitherto had no rival ; but we believe the time is not far distant when the Veterinary art will cast off the tram- mels of private monopoly, and ail its accompanying evils. If His Royal Highness has actually been led, by the représentations of interested and designing men, to express high approbation of the manner in which the affairs of this Institution hâve been conducted, he may be assured that he is lending the shield of his sanction, unwittingly, to a system which, from the certain conséquences of its own venality and inefficiency, is drawing fast to a close. We entreat, therefore, His |
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Royal Highness's most serious attention to the subject ; nor can any-
thing insure him a more certain- place in the hearts and esteem of En- glishmen, who love and value their horses, than the crédit of reforming an establishment so laudable in its objects, yet so miserably perverted. |
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APPEAL TO THE VETERINARY PROFESSION.
There has been found, in the history of ail corrupt governments,
whether of nations, corporations, or collèges, a period at which they became past hope of reformation. Previous to this epoch, attempts may hâve been made to alter a part
of their narrow and crooked policy, with some slight prospect of suc- cess ; but corrupt bodies wifl seldom yield to the suggestions of reason or'the demands of justice; and when they retire sullenly from the field of argument, entrench themselves amidst their préjudice and abuses, bidding défiance to the complaints of the aggrieved party and the opi- nion of the world, it should always be considered as a good omen. For this is precisely the point at which their situation is precarious ; men who are easily put ofF with pretences, will rouse at a flat déniai of ail the rights they ask ; and it is équivalent to saying, we will grant you nothing ; our system is so rotten that it may be compared to a crumb- ling building, of which, if you remove «ne stone, the whole will corne down together. Such is the présent state of that vile oligarchy which has so long tyrannized over the Veterinary profession. It has just offered us the last insuit—the final indignity, by declar-
>ng that neither now, nor hereafter, will its members admit Veterinary surgeons to their councils, nor even permit us to hâve a voice in elect- mg our own associâtes. Nay, they hâve gone farther than this. But in stating the facts, let us be careful that blâme be thrown only where it is due ; and hère we cannot avoid becoming personal. We are ail aware of the exorbitant power that Mr. Coleman has exercised for niany years, and that in his trade of Veterinary surgeon manufacturer *o the three kingdoms, he has been aided by an examining Ccmmittee °f médical gentlemen ; and that he has, in many instances, executed "is orders with too much dispatch to guarantee the good quality of those he sent out. It is not our intention to say aught of the indivi- duels composing this Médical Committee, except that some of them,— "ïessrs. Green, Bell, &c, particularly, are eminent as comparative anatomists, and quite in their right places ; but there are several others ^ho appear to hâve no proper business there, and whose seats should |
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294 APPEAL TO THE VETERINARY PROFESSION.
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be occupied by practical men. The Professor and his Assistant, Mr.
Sewell, are the only Veterinarians ; snd when the peculiar doctrines of the former are considered, it will easily be seen that they can admit no others; for there is not a single eminent practitioner who will coincide with them on points of practice, or who would not hâve occasion to re- ject nearly every pupil for those very answers that he has got by rote to meet the day of examination. On that important subject, for instance, the Foot and Shoéing, Coleman's doctrines hâve been denied in' print, and given up in practice, for years past, as fcolish and impracticable. With no other Committee, therefore, than the présent, can the System be carried on; for, in this, he has the matter ail his own way. We foresaw what would happen when the first regular attetnpt was made to introduce Veterinarians. The plan has been laid before the Go- vernors at two succeeding meetings ; it has been bandied about between them and Mr. Coleman, and the Médical Examiners, and finally quashed in such a manner as to make it appear the act of the latter body. They once proposed to liave a distinct Committee, consisting wliolly of practitioners, with the two Professors, but the Governors objected to this plan, and the Examiners to the other, until, at length, at the meeting of the 18th June, the mask is thrown off, and we are flatly told " that the Médical Committee will admit no Veterinarians;" and further, to show that this was not a mère négative resolution, but the resuit of an active, arbitrary spirit, a law is proposed to exclude Veterinarians, merely beeause they are such, from ail public or gêne- rai meetings where other subscribers are admitted. The reason for this is very évident—none but practitioners know, or can expose, the manifold abuses in the government of the Collège, and the practice of its Professor. But let us not be so blind as to suppose either that the Governors
are concerned in thus withholding from the profession the rights which are enjoyed by other subscribers, or that the gentlemen composing the Examining Committee (excepting Sir Astley Cooper) hâve any real disinclination to admit a fair share of Veterinarians. No, it is Mr. Coleman, who dreads a scrutiny—who is the real author of this measure ;* and it is not the first time (we shall be understood) that he * It will not be disputed, tbat Mr. Coleman's power over the mincis of tbe
Governors is despotic. If he chose to déclare that Veterinarians were necessary on the Examining Committee, what could hinder their admission? The Board of Examiners are equally swayed by him and bis tried friend, Sir Astley Cooper, a flrm supporter of the ruling powers, nnd perfect master of intrigue. The examinations are held atternately at their private houses, and ail business is |
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APPEAL TO THE VETERIXARY PROFESSION. 295
«as contrived to nonsuit the deserving applicants by underhanded
means. If any one doubts that it is the act of the Professors, Mr. Sewell's mode of following up tins arbitrary law will afFord an évi- dence of their real feelings of hostility towards the independent mem- bers of the profession. We hâve been well informed, that he has thought proper, on his own authority, to déclare that no Veterinarians shall be subscribers, and forbids the clerk to accept any subscriptions from them for the future ; and this we répeat is on his own sole respon- sibility ;—so that a practitioner who may hâve a case beyond his own skill, or on which he may wish to hâve the highest reputed opinion, is precluded from sending it to the Collège, either for his own benefit, or that of the pupils, because thèse thorough-paced monopolists are afraid of permitting any one to see their deeds, who is capable of exposing their ignorance. This may be called an act of desperation : having rejected the
just claims of the profession, they deem it no longer necessary to dis- guise their intentions ; they deny us even common rights, and heap in- suit on indignity. Does Mr. Coleman mean tô say that he can find no Veterinarians qualified for the office, among the hundreds whom he has taught during 35 years ? He dare not urge such an argument : then he must admit that ne solely opposes their élection, because his peculiar system could not continue, if independent practitioners were to examine the qualifications of his pupils. We shall not multiply comments upon proceedings so flagitious ; if
the Veterinary profession are dead to ail proper sensé of their own honour, it shall not be our fault that the facts of their dégradation are not fairly placed before them and the public. Many of our readers doubtless may hâve been pupils of Mr. Cole-
Wan, and hâve received favours équivalent to their 20 guineafee; but allow us to remind them that there is a point where gratitude should cease ; that the welfare of the profession is distinct from his aggran- disement; though hitherto he has succeeded in persuading many, that ail who opposed his monopoly were enemies to the Collège and to science. We are friends to the art and to the Collège ; but, in common with
«very well-wisher to their advancement, we most cordially reprobate the conduct of the Collège rulers. Previously prepared in the same close conclave. Those best acquainted with the
abject, however, will not need thèse facts to be persuaded, that let who will 6 the nominal Governors, Mr. Coleman and Sir Astley aro tbe real ones. |
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LONDON VETERINARY SOCIETY.
Having presented our readers with the proposed Laws and Régu-
lations for a new Society in our last number, we shall novv proceed to give some account of the progress which it lias made during the in- tervening month. At the meeting on the lOth of June, a considérable number of re-
spectable practitioners attended, several of whom, in their zeal, had corne many miles from various parts of the country.—Joseph Good- win, Esq. in the Chair. The Laws and Régulations were discussed, and finally adopted,with
a few altérations which we consider as improvements. On the mem- bers proeeeding to the élection of officers, self-interest versus inde- pendence and science became too évident, the veil was rent in twain, and the cloven foot clearly visible. A coalition had apparently taken place, and a party formed for the express purpose of setting Mr. Coleman forth, and placing him in the Chair, as their Président; though,, in a letter to the Secretary, with the utmost condescension, he stated, that he couîd only accept the office on condition of not fulfilling Us duties ; for, be it remembered—Oh fie !—that this wholesale dealer in patronage, places, and patents, had accepted even this office, and that too, before his élection. Those independent and well-wishing members who attended for the
purpose of establishing a truly free and useful Society, strongly op- posed the élection of a man who, by his préjudices, patents, and médical committees, has thrown such obstacles in the paths of Vete- rinary science, and such discrédit on the members of the Veterinary profession. Many very strong and well-urged objections were also further offered why Mr. Coleman should not be regularly invited to become Président, particularly by that vétéran in our excellent cause, Mr. Cherry, whose arguments had considérable effect on the meeting. On itsLbeing proposed by Mr. Wm. Goodwin, and put to the vote,
that Mr. Coleman should be invited to become their Président, the insuit offered to many of the members by this proposition became évident, and the upright and manly course which the Chairman pursued in giving the casting vote against Mr. Coleman's élection, established the independence of the Society. The Society having now decided that the Président should be elected
from their own members, Mr. Percivall, sen., was proposed, but mo- destly declined the honour. Mr. Joseph Goodwin was then proposed |
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by Mr. Cherry, and seconded by Mr. Pereivall. Mr. Goodwin left
the Chair, and observed, that he wished the question to be decided inipartially. At this important period of the proceedings, those who had evinced a détermination to place Mr. Coleman at the head of the Society, appeared disposed to break up the meeting, rather than allowthe ballot for Mr. Goodwin to regularlyproceed. An adjournment was then moved to Tuesday, the 17th> at six
o'clock. At the adjourned meeting, F. C. Cherry, Esq. was unanimously
called to the Chair, Mr. Joseph Goodwin having communicated, by letter, his intention of retiring, chiefly because he had seen with re- gret that it was the wish of some gentlemen, on the previous evening, "tomake it nothing more than a Coleman club;" and also partly on account of his health. Much regret was expressed by the members at this détermination of Mr. Goodwin. The minutes of the former meeting having been confirmed, and
other business disposed of, It was unanimously resolved, that the thanks of the Society be pre-
sented to Mr. Youatt, for the use of his room. The following subjects were announced for future discussion :—
On Broken Knees, and their Treatment, by Mr. F. C. Cherry.
On Blistering, and the Methods of exciting Irritation of the Skin of
the Horse, by Mr. E. F. Cherry. Mr. Rogers produced a diseased brain which exhibited two singular
tumors of the plexus chorodes : the particulars of this case, Mr. R. promised to bring forward at the next meeting. Mr. F. C. Cherry exhibited a préparation of a strictured larynx,
in conséquence of a blow from the shaft of a chaise, near the point of the sternum. The mare became a confirmed roarer, and even with difficulty respired at ail. The opération of Tracheotomy was per- formed by Mr. Cherry, which completely relieved the breathing ; but, as it was found that whenever the canula was withdrawn, and the wound permitted to close, that ail the symptoms retiirned with violence, it was at length judged necessary to destroy the mare. It was then moved by Mr. Rogers, and seconded, that a summary
of the proceedings be transmitted to the Editor of " The Lancet," fequesting their insertion in his journal.—Carried unanimously. Resolved, that the next meeting be held on Tuesday, June 24th,
at Mr. Dermott's Anatomical Théâtre, in Little Windmill-street ; that gentleman having most liberally ofFered it for the use of the Society. "he meeting then adjourned. |
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298 ON THE D1SSECTING AND PREPAR1NG
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At the further adjoumed meeting, held at Mr. Dermott's Théâtre,
the Society assumed a more regular appearance. F. C. Cherry, Esq- was unanimously elected Président. It vvas moved and carried, that the lOth Régulation, relating to the invitation of the Médical Exa- mining Committee and Lecturers, should be acted on by the Secretary. The following subjects were proposed for discussion at the next
meeting :— Neurotomy, and the state of lameness proper for its employment, by
Mr. R. Rogers. Inflammation of the Lungs, and the treatment.
The diseased brain, exhibited on the last night of meeting, was
again produced, and the particulars of the case detailed and discussed. It appeared that the animal died from inflammation of the brain, pre•• ceded for some time by dullness ; but whether the tumors or over- exertion had been the exciting cause, was doubtful. Much interesting conversation, relative to broken knees and frac-
tured limbs, took place. Mr. Molden, of Winchester, a long esta- blished practitioner of the school of St. Bel, related some remarkable cases which had occurred in his practice. An excellent paper on blistering, and the relative value, strength,
effeots, &c. of the various substances employed for that purpose, was read by Mr. E. F. Cherry, and discussed by the Society. An adjournment was then moved, to Tuesday, July 8th, at seven
o'clock. Several médical gentlemen were présent as visitors, and took part in the debates, and a gênerai invitation was expressed by the mem bers to their Veterinary friends, as well as to médical gentlemen for the next meeting. |
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OBSERVATIONS
ON THE
DISSECTING AND PREPARING OF THE BODIES OF
ANIMALS. BY PROFESSOR CARUS.*
Though the art of anatomising the bodies of animais is essentially
the same as that practised upon the body of man, and though want of space precludes me from treating the subject minutely, I conceive that • From Introduction to " Comparative Anatomy," by Professor Carus, trans-
latée! by Gore, vol. ii. p. 389. |
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OF THE BODIES OF ANIMAIS. 299
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a few remarks may not be altogether unacceptable to those who feel
desirous of pursuing such studies for themselves. The first thing that I hâve to observe is, that ail dissections of small
a»d soft objects, e. g., worms, zoopbytes, insects, mollusca, and embryos, where it is désirable to obtain even tolerably aceurate re- sults, should be performed under water, by which the parts are képt floating and separated from each other; and, consequently, présent themselves more distinctly. A very simple contrivance for investigations of this kind may be
prepared in the following manner :—A mass of tough wax (not too soft) is to be laid upon one or more porcelain saucers or capsules, of différent sizes, which are then to be put in a warm place until the wax toelts so as to cover the surface evenly, to the depth of a half, or one- third of an inch. If the object to be examined be laid upon this sur- face, it may be fixed by needles in any position that is wished ; and, when covered with clear water, developed and dissected by means of suitable instruments. Of tliem, the best are very délicate forceps ; pointed, well-made, sharp-cutting scissars; and small knives like cataract-needles, some round, others with cutting edges, and fixed in slender wooden handles. For separating parts, I hâve also employed small horn probes and fine brushes; whilst, for examining them, agood magnifying glass is frequently indispensable. If it is wished to préserve a préparation thus made, wax, coloured
ai pleasure, as for the purpose of injections, is to be formed into little tablets about one-fourth of an inch thick : one of thèse is then to be Placed upon the saucer or capsule containing the préparation ; the latter may then be transferred to it, arranged suitably upon it, fixed "1ère 'by means of short needles, and both together then placed in alcohol. Nor must I forget to mention, that the examination of very délicate organizations may frequently be conducted with greater faci- ''ty and accuracy, if the object be previously allowed to remain some time in spirits, and thereby to become hard and contracted. This aPplies particularly to the dissection of nervous organs, and to the ex- attiination of very small embryos, of mollusca, and worms. There are various modes of destroying worms, insects, mollusca,
*c-> for the purpose of dkseeting, .vithout injuring their organization. Mollusca,—snails, for instance,—as Swammerdam has remarked, are ^ be allowed to die in water, because, by that means, their bodies S^ell, and ail the parts become more distinctly visible : they may afterwards be kept in spirits (though not too long) for dissection. Worms, the larger zoophytes, (for the smaller must be examined
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300 ON THE ADULTERATION
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whilst alive,) caterpillars, &c, and also the small amphibia, and
fishes, are best destroyed by means of spirits. Inseots, on the con- trary, by being dipped rapidly in boiling water, or in oil of turpen- tine. As regards the dissection of larger animais, we may hère use, with
advantage, knives of a larger size ; and, instead of forceps, suitable hooks with handles. In animais of considérable size we can generally make artificial
skeletons only after the bones . hâve been sufficiently cleaned by boil- ing or macération. In smaller animais, on the contrary, such as birds, amphibia, and fishes,—of which last, it is very difficult to make good skeletons,—the object will be best accomplished by at once making the bones as clean as possible, without injuring the capsular ligaments; soaking the préparation in water that is incessantly changed; and, lastly, bleaching itfor some time in the sun. Lastly, we may mention injections as affording a very essential as-
sistance in zootomical investigations for physiological purposes: in small animais, and in the more minute parts, thèse must consist of compositions of wax, very fluid and coloured ; but, above ail, of mercury. The latter, however, is not suitable for very soft bodies, e. g. medusae, &c, in which cases we may employ injections of coloured milk, and similar substances. 7 ■ //UCT ,D9^H 9ITÏJ 3R)
d i9bwoq oini hauo
l otnoJ ON THE ADULTERATION OF VETERINARY DRUGS.
" You rogue, here's lime in this sack too : there is nothing but roguery to be
found in villanous man.»—Henry IV. Part Ist, Act II. Scène 4., The adultérations which are practised in the various articles em-
ployée! by the Veterinary practitioner, are eifected to a much greater extent than is generally supposed ; and although there is as great a necessity for strictly attending to the genuineness of drugs, which are required in the treatment of diseases in animais, as to those used in human medicine, we regret to say that it is a subject so little attended to by the practitioner, who too often, from.,;not being sufficiently ac- quainted with the real nature of drugs, so as to be capable of judging of their qualities, becomes a ready prey to the avarice of unprincipled men, who are ever to be found travelling the country seeking those whom they can impose upon, and cram with their vile trash, without regard to the crédit of their customers, or the least feeling for the |
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301
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OF VETERINARY DRUGS.
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sufferings of valuable and noble animais. From having repeatedly
witnessed the ill conséquences of this practice, we hâve been induced to take up the subject ; but as a full exposition of the various adultéra- tions would occupy much space, and cause répétition, we think it best to defer giving the particulars until the drugs and préparations are separately treated of, when the observations which we hâve to offer will be much better remembered, and the importance of attending to the subject more strongly impressed. Those articles which are most commonly adulterated, are such as
are purchàsed in the form of powder, essential oil, &c. ; but othér préparations are equally liable, when purchàsed of a druggist, as mercurial ointment, for which lard and ivory black are substituted in certain proportions; Venice and common turpentine, for which com- positions of resin, oïl, &c, are got up ; powders of the various seeds, ginger root, &c, are constantly lowered with flour, bean, pea, oat, barley, or linseed meal, and much more frequently with finely ground sawdust ; and in most drug-houses, a refuse cask is kept for the ré- ception of ail tincture dregs, and other waste articles which the concern produces :and thèse, when dried and ground into powder, form the basis of the différent powders sold to Veterinarians as genuine pow- ders of aniseed, caraway, diapente, &c, when properly coloured and scented with a little of the true seed, powdered. The common carrot root is dried and ground into powder by one firm, and sold in place of that aromatic and somewhat tonic root, turmeric ; butthough carrots are an excellent fpod for horses in a récent state, they become a very différent one in dried powder—very inferior to any of the corn ttieals, though much superior in price.* Now, as it is not by any means easy to detect thèse adultérations (any
taore than to get rid of a bad horse when you hâve purchàsed one), but by far more easy to avoid them, we shall proceed to lay down what ^e consider the best and most effectuai means of avoiding them. First, unless the practitioner give a good and fair price l'or his
°rugs, he has no right whatever to expect a genuine article (and as a good horse is rarely or never considered dear, so with good drugs they wil] even j,e cheap at almost any price) ; for if the practitioner wisli a ^eaker effect from his medicines, he can very easily use a less dose, which ne will not only find quite as economical, but will admit of this great avantage, that he will know with à certainty—what he is giving, and * Dr. Reece, in his Gazette of Health for March, April, and June Iast, has piade
Soi«e very useful remarks and exposures on the practice of drug-grinders, well 0ttb the notice of our readers. |
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302 ON THE ADULTERATION OF VETER1NARY DRUGS.
what effects he ought to expect from its action ; and ail this too, with-
out risk, danger, or disappointment, provided he be fully acquainted with the subject, and if he should not, we hope, by our future descrip- tions, to afford him some information. It does not, however, always follow, that because a high price is
given for a drug, it will invariably be good ; much must dépend on the crédit of the seller : this, again, ought to strongly impress the necessity of every practitioner being able to distinguish a good from a bad or inferior article. In a catalogue of a large wholesale druggist, now lying before us, we observe a great many articles of différent qualities, as Nos. 1, 2, 3, "with a request at the end, that their cor- respondents specify as explicitly as possible the particular qualities of articles they wish, as described in the foregoing catalogue." This we consider ail very fair in the way of trade ; for if people will hâve cheap articles, they ought to know they must be inferior, provided the No. 1 is genuine, and corresponds with the price given for it: but we hâve nothad sufficient dealings with the house in question, to speak positively on the point ; and it would perhaps be rather dangerous to set too high an opinion on any firm, as we know of one large house vvhich prépares thèse adulterated powders in particular, for a considérable part of the minor houses and trade. Secondly, by purchasing good seeds, roots, &c, such as caraway,
aniseeds, ginger root, &c, and powdering and sifting them at home, which can very easily be done with a Iittle labour, by pounding them with a large iron pestle in a mortar, then sifting through a fine wire sieve, and preserved in proper places; they will be always found far superior in effect to any of those which are generally sold, though the latter appear a better looking and finer article. Those persons who prefer grinding their seeds, ginger-root, &c, can
do so even much easier than pounding them, by having a proper hand- mill set up for that purpose ; and so useful and convenient will thèse improved steel mills be found to the Veterinarian, that we can with confidence recommend them to their adoption, and they are now so made as to grind seeds, roots, &c. fine enough for use without even sifting. The best mills for grinding thèse articles, which we hâve seen on
inspecting a variety, are those made by Mr. Savage, Kenton-street, Burton-crescent, though we hâve not the least doubt but that there are many other good makers. The other suggestions shall be given under separate heads, in future numbers. |
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LITHOTOMY W THE HORSE.
(Fwm The Lancet.J "Liverpool, 26thMarch, 1828.
" Sir,—On Thursday last I operated upon a very valuable draught
norse, for stone in the bladder, with complète success. " Not having heard of any opération of the kind succeeding before,
I shall feel obliged by your inserting the above in as early a number °f the Lancei as convenient. "I am, Sir,
" Your most obedient Servant,
"Veterinary Surgery, "Robert Lucas, V. S. "Great Charlston Street."
" [P. S. We should feel obliged if our Correspondent would favour
Us with the particulars of this opération.—Ed. L.]" _______
"Sir,—I perceive from Mr. Lucas's letter in your Journal, of the
l2th April last, that he is not aware of the opération of lithotomy in the horse having been previously performed with success. For his information, and encouraged by your désire to be possessed of the particulars of the opération, I beg leave to transmit the following ac- count of a case in which I operated successfully some years ago ; it was published at the solicitation of the late celebrated Mr. James White, in the London Médical and Physical Journal for Oetober, 1824* About the same period an account of it was also given in the Sporting Magazine, and subsequently it has been quoted by Mr. Per- cival, in the 3d vol. ofhis valuable Lectures. I do not take crédit to myself as the first operator in a case of this kind, for Lafosse, in his 'Dictionnaire d'Hippiatrique,' published in 1775, mentions one whereinhe succeeded in cutting for the stone. " But his mode of operating was complicated, as he made two
latéral incisions in the neck of the bladder. Whereas by the mode I pursued, the whole was simplified, and the stone very readily ex- fracted. " I am, Sir,
" Your most obedient Servant,
"Guernsey, 17th May, 1828." « W. Mogford, Y. S. " Case of Lithotomy successfully performed on a Horse, commu-
nicated by James White, Esq., Veterinary Surgeon.
" To the Editors of the London Médical and Physical
Journal.
" Gentlemen,—The lollowing account of the extraction of a stone from a horse's bladder, has been communicated to me by Mr. W. * " It is useless to print papers in some journals. This opération, although
Performed, and pretended to be published*four years since, is scarcely known to " menjber of the profession.—^. L.» |
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304 LITHOTOMY IN THE HORSE.
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Mogford, who was some years ago my pupîl and assistant, and is
now a respectable practitioner at North Lew, near Okehampton, Devon. Should you think it worth the notice of your readers, 1 will thank you to insert it in your valuable Journal. " I am, Gentlemen,
** Your obedient Servant,
"James White.
"Wells, Somerset, Aug. 9th, 1824. " The horse is the property of James Veal, Esq., near Hatherleigh,
Devon. When taken up to be broke, he was found to be very restive, kicking off most of those who attempted to ride him; inconséquence of this he received very rough usage, and has since been ridden rather hard. When Mr. Mogford was desired to attend him, he observed a peculiar stiffness in the movement of the hind legs ; urine of a high colour and pungent smell, and a diibbling of urine from the pénis for some time after staling; puise between 70 and 80, and hard. By bleeding freely, clysters, fomenting and embrocating the loins, and a week's rest, he appeared sufficiently recovered to be sent to grass. He soon leaped over the gâte of the field, and, Crossing the country, got back to some pasture where he had been usually kept. This ex- ertion caused a return of his complaint, and Mr. Mogford was again desired to attend him. He found him in the same state as before de- scribed. Wishing to examine the bladder, he introduced his hand into the rectum for that purpose, and immediately felta hard substance, which appeared to him to be a stone in the bladder. He communi- cated the circumstance to Mr. Fisher, surgeon, of Hatherleigh, who could not be persuaded that it was a stoner until he had made the ex-'" amination himself, when he also felt it distinctly. Mr. Mogford therf proceeded to the opération in the following manner. "Having drawn out the pénis from the sheath, or prépuce, he
passed a rod of whalebone up the urethra, until the end of it could be felt in the perineum. He then eut down upon the end of the rod, and through the opening thus made in the urethra he introduced a director; and with a probe-pointed bistoury, continued the opening as far as the left side of the anus. He then introduced his right hand into the rec- tum, and the two fore fingers of his left hand into the bladder, and, without any difficulty, pushed the stone against the middie finger, by which he guided it to the neck of the bladder, and then easily forced it out through the opening in the urethra. The stone weighed rather more than four and a half ounces. Some parts of the stone appeared to hâve been broken off and left in the bladder ; thèse were easily re- moved by means of a pièce of soft sponge iied to a whalebone probe, and some water. The wound quickly h âed, except a small orifice, through which a part of the urine stii' passes ; but the horse has worked hard since, and suffered no inconvenience from it. Mr. Mog- ford has no doubt that a stoné of seven or eight ounces might be thus e.xtracted,' |
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"■v***^
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305
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AN
INQUIRY INTO THE ROT IN SHEEP.
[Continuée! from page 264.]
CAUSES OF ROT.
It will naturally be expected, that, before the delivery of my own
opinion, some notice should be taken of the various théories and hypo- thèses which hâve been advanced with respect to the Rot in animais. The disorder has been imputed,
lst, To a vitiated dew.
2dly, To a gruft which adhères to the grass after wet weather, or
the overflowing of running water.' 3dly, To the luxuriant and quick growth of plants in hot, moist sea-
sons. 4thly, To grazing upon certain herbs.
5thly, To fasciolœ hepaticœ, or their ova, being introduced into the
stomachs of animais, by feeding on swampy and low grounds in moist Weather. 6thly, It has been called'the sheep pox, by Professer Vibourg, of
the Veterinary Collège at Copenhagen.* 7thly, It is ascribod by Daubenton to poor die't, and drinking too
much water. 8thly, It seems to be occasioned by poisonous effluvia, which, under
^certain circumstances, are emitted from marshy soils. I lst. It was formerly the received opinion, that dews, under various ypreumstances, differ very considerably from each other; and there- fore we cannot be surprised that the Rot has been imputed to them. *or the préservation of health, it was then judged necessary to close the Windows of lodging-rooms before sunset, to prevent the introduc- tion of night air. Since it is believed that aqueous vapours ascend 'r°m the earth during the day, and fall again in the night, to refresh the ground and vegetables, which had suffered by a hot sun, the dew ls admitted to be pure water freed from earthy imprégnations, and to be sent for wise purposes. If the Rot were occasioned by the dew, it s"Ould appear equally on ail hands ; but since it is only to be found in °ertain places, and tinder peculiar circumstances, I think it cannot be attributed to this cause. 2dly. By beating rains, I can easily believe that particles of the soil,
°r the gruft, as it is called, will be washed among the grass. In this Vay> sheep swallovv it with '•»«■ food, as they do on many other oc- . asions; but how the textun a ' fabric of the liver can be so destroyed, to me quite incompréhensible. Soft and continued rains are much
°re dangerous to sheep than violent storms ; and flat and low lands,
t- "ere the water does not discharge itself freely, and remains some e upon them, are most liable to rot animais. |
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Tins is not projrerly a cause of the Rot.
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306
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AN INQD1RY INTO
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3dly. In wet, sultry weather, the grass grows Iuxuriantly; and, ai
sueh times, it is well known, sheep are most exposed to the Rot ; no wonder, therefore, that an attempt should be made to establish some connexion between this disorder and the herbs upon which they feed. And since no fresh vegetables could be supposed to spring up in a fevv hours, and be capable of producing such a virulent malady, they ini- puted it to some new and acquired properties in the plants themselves. If ail luxuriant pastures werefound to communicate the Rot in showery and hot seasons, this opinion would be more probable ; but as the dis- order is confined exclusively to certain grounds, we cannot suppose that it dépends upon any change of végétation. 4thly. Others hâve imputed this malady to feeding upon some parti-
cular herbs, and of thèse the Pinguicula vulgaris (the Butterwort), Hy- drocotyle vulgaris (the White Rot), Drosera rotundifolia, (round-leaved Sundew), and Drosera longifolia (long--leaved Sundew1), hâve been chiefly suspected. I hâve already observed, that twelve différent ani- mais are liable to become rotten, i. e. to hâve friable livers, and flukes in the pori biliarii and ductus communis, from feeding upon moist grounds. Of thèse, turkeys and poultry eat little grass, and pigeons none ; thèse, therefore, are not likely to suffer from herbage of any kind; besides, both the Butterwort and the White Rot are too pun- gent and sharp for gênerai pasturage. Accordingly, the former, and, I believe, the latter, is refused by sheep, cows, horses, goats, and swine. Sheep, however, do not reject ail aerid plants. In Italy, it is said,
they feed greedily upon the ranunculus arvensis, and hâve been poi- soned by it. When confined without other sustenance, they will eat the ranunculus sceleratus and bulbosus. Daubenton kept two sheep eight days upon this food, and they suffered no injury from it. This "~ experiment induces him to conclure, that neither of the latter plants hâve any tendency to produce the Rot. Had the last season been fa- vourable, I intended to hâve confined a few sheep of différent âges on suspected grounds ; and by killing them at regular periods, I expected to ascertain how far they had suffered from the soil and the herbage. By trials of this kind, with careful dissections, I conceive that much light would be thrown upon the Rot, and the disorders of sheep. It will be stated, in the progress of this Essay, that sheep hâve acquired the Rot by remaining only ten minutes on wet lands. In that time they could not hâve gorged much, even supposing them to be fond of any plants admitted to be pernicious ; and the disorder lias certainly been produced, where none of the suspected vegetables could be ever dis- covered. If the disorder is produced by feeding upon plants, I think it would occur most in spring or summer, when they are in the greatest vigour. 5thly. Of late this disorder has been attributed chiefly to flukes, or
fasciote hepaticae ;,* and they are supposed to be taken into the stomacb along with the food. If we admit the présence of thèse insects in every case of Rot, it
* SeeLetters, &c, by the Bath Agricultural Society. Amtenitat. Academ-
&C. For an account of their anatomical structure and form, see Bidloo, and » Paper by Mr. A. Carlisie, in the 2d vol. of Linnœan Trans. |
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307
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THE ROT IN SIIEEP.
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W<11 still be a difficult raatter to impute to them the friable state of the
"Ver ; they can only affect those parts with which they eome into con- tact—other portions are placed out of the reach of their influence. It may not be generally known, that, in some districts, most aged sheep contain flukes ; and yet many of their livers, 1 will venture to maintain, fi'om much expérience, are perfectly sound. Why, then, does it happen, that sometimes the liver is injured in
its texture, and at other times is not disturbed in its fonctions; by thèse insects? The hay* of moist lands, under certain cir- cumstances, gives a more virulent and dangerous Rot than any other. The contagions of the plague, and of severa] infective dis- orders, it is well known, are preserved for a long time in baies of cotton and in wearing apparel, from which they are emitted with in- creased virulence. We are, therefore, led by analogy to conclude, that the miasmata are preserved in the hay, which acts as a fomes to them, like cotton, &c. to human effluvia. On this principle the fact admits of a ready solution; though, on any other, we should hâve great difficulty in explaining it. To me it seems a very improbable supposition, that any being is able to live equally in moist grounds, in hay, and in the viscera of animais. The range of life will not, I con- ceive, admit of such a diversified existence. Formerly it was supposed, that human worms were invariably re-
ceived into the stomach and bowels with the ingesta, but the tinea and ascaris hâve never been discovered out of the human body: and as to the lumbricus, it is found to differ so much in its anatomical structure, that it certainly ought not to be confounded with the common earth- worm. I am informed, from respectable authority, that a worm, of a peculiar form, has lately been discovered in the mesenteric artery of liorses, and in no other place. In the 48th number of the Médical and Physical Journal, we are
favôured with some account of a very curious case, which was read before the Médical Society of Paris, by Citizen Deleau Desfontaines. He states, that a man, who had been afllicted with some anomalous symptoms, died suddenly. Upon opening lus body, a cavity was f°und in the middle of the concave surface of the great lobe of the bver : it was six or seven lines in diameter, and four or five in depth. This den contained a living insect of an extraordinary kind, and very inlike any hepatic worm that has been described by practitioners. It ^'as tour inches long, and of the thickness of a large silkwonn. The colour was of a brownish red, and its body was articulated in the form °f rings, each being marked by a white spot, in the middle of which %vas implanted a hair of a resisting nature, and extremely sharp ; sceh through a lens, it resembled the quills of a porcupine. The head of *he insect was armed with an articulated proboscis. The inferior ex- fremity terminated in a large flat tail, like that of a lobster. How insects, or their ova, can penetrate into the substance of any
•^ _ Observations et Inst. sur les Maladies des Animaux Domestiques. Mr.
fr r'£nt, of Fisherton, near Lincoln, has repeatedly found that the hay, taken it im s'"ne moist land in bis occupation, gives the Rot to-beeves and sheep, though e 9tacked and eaten in a dry and elevated pasture. x2 |
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«08
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AN' INQIHRY INTO
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viscus, or into the blood-vessels, during life, I am utterly at a loss to
conceive. I think it will be necessary for the supporters of such opi- nions, however numerous and respectable they may be, to find sonic of the fasciolœ out of the body, before they venture to assert, with so inucli confidence, that they are always admitted with the food, and are capable of living in other animais. John Christiani Froniinani observes, in a dissertation, entitled De Verminoso in Ovibus et Ju- vencis Reperto Hepate,* that lambs in the womb were found to bc affected with Rot. How fasciolae, or their ova, can, by any means, iind their way into the liver, before the birth of the lamb, is to me quite inexplicable. We know that a fœtus in utero is capable of suf- fering the fits of an ague,f whîch is admitted to be produced by mias- mata ; and therefore we are at no loss to believe, that miasmata can occasion the Rot in utero, with ail its conséquences. It has been asserted, that suckling ewes, and beeves of more than
two years old, are not capable of talring the Rot by grazing ; although calves, and sheep of ail agcs,J are certainly not exempted from it. We know, from expérience, that young persons are greater sufferers from contagious and épidémie disorders, than older people. As âge in- creases, the constitution becomes firmer, and the nerves obtain a de- gree of tone, or possibly of apathy, enabling them to resist impressions, to which they could not hâve been exposed at an earlier period without apparent injury. It is in this way, as I conceive, that kine acquire, by âge, a total exemption from the Rot, under circumstances which prove destructive to younger animais of the same species. I hâve likewise some reason to believe, that, as life advances, sheep become more and more secure, although they are never entirely exempt from the ravages of this fatal distemper. During pregnancy the animal economy undergoes an extiaordinary
change ; and, in conséquence of it, becomes enabled, in the hum an subject, to suspend some obstinate mental disorders, and the progress of pulmonary consumptions. From a knowledge of thèse circum- stances, I am inclined more readily to admit, that, during the period of suckling, ewes are in less danger of contracting the Rot than other sheep. Graziers are of opinion, that sheep, in new situations, are peculiarly exposed to the Rot ; and new settlers, it is well known, are more harassed with agues and remitting levers, in foreign climates, than the native inhabitants. In both cases, however, the prédisposition seems to décline gradually, though it is never entirely removed. Should thèse facts prove, upon further inquiry, to hâve been cor-
rectly stated, we must look to the nervous energy for an explanation of them ; and not to the action of flukes upon the liver, nor to any of the other causes enumerated above. I may likewise be permitted to state, that the hepatic worms of the twelve animais enumerated in a former part of this Essay, are of différent sizes, and probably of as many différent species ; but if they, or their ova, are invariably re- * Vide Ephim. Act. Natur. Curies.
t See Dr. Russel's communication in the Men). of the Med. Soc. of London.
X Balh, <fec, Essay*, vol. I.
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30!)
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THE ROT IN SHEEP.
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cfiived from moist grounds, they would resemble one another in every
particular. The same egg always produces the same animal. I may further observe, that the Rot always commences with inflam-
matory symptoms, and generally with an exudation of coagulable lymph under the liver. The quantity emitted varies in différent cases, from a table-spoonful to more than four times that quantity ; and it is in this substance, as I conceive, that the flukes are placed, when we hnd them, by some process of nature with which we are not fully acquainted. " Mr. J. G----------observes, that, on killing a sheep lately, which
was seemingly in good health, he examined the viscera carefully, and
in some of the passages leading to the liver (which appeared turbid) he found a whitish thick liquor, which appeared to be ail in motion. On applying a pocket-glass, he found it contained thousands of thèse flukes, which were apparently just hatched, and about the size of mites. Thèse, if the sheep had not been killed, would probably hâve soon obtained their usual size, and proved its destruction."* Mons. Veirac, a Dutch physician of great eminence, has carefully
dissected sheep, and déclares that flukes are sometimes notto be found even in the last stage of the Rot. Chabert, a celebrated Veterinary professor, observes, in an interesting memoir, that tainted sheep are niuch exposed to difl"erent kinds of worms. In such cases, the globu- lous tamia, he says, occupies the brain and Iungs. Hydatids establish themselves in the abdomen : other worms are to be found in the trachea and bowels. Lastly, flukes frecmently fix themselves in the liver, which, in that case, becomes swollen or ulcerated.. From ail thèse circum- stances, I am inclined to believe that flukes are never the cause of this • complaint, although they are commonly to be found in its advanced
stages. On the origin of worms I wish to be silent. The inquiry forms
no part of my présent design ; and my time is too much engaged to admit of unnecessary disquisitions. 6'thly. According to Professor Vibourg, the cow-pox has been found
to protect sheep from the Rot, which lie calls the sheep-pox infection. In Hungary too, as we are informed by Dr. De Carro, several pro- l'rietors hâve lately vaccinated their flocks, with the same expectation. I am inclined, however, to believe that both thèse gentlemen confound the Rot with the true claveau des moutons, which is a fébrile and eruptive disorder. This eomplaint bears a strong resemblance to the stnaIl-pox, and probably is to be superseded by cow-pox inoculation. The claveau, as the term is used, in this côuntry at least, is vague and 'ndeflnite. It comprises the scab and Rot, or pourriture; as well as the fébrile disease properly denominated claveau. Thèse are very différent affections, and ought not, as I conceive, to be included under ot*e gênerai appellation. ■ The great danger of introducing the claveau into thèse kingdoms,
along with the Spanish and Portuguese sheep, which are frequently im- Ported by the favourers of fine wool, has been forcibly stated to the * See Letters, &c, selecled from the Batn, <fec. Society, vol. I.
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310
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AN INQUIRY INTO
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public by the Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks.* The object is ol
national concern ; for if this fatal distemper once obtains a hrm foot- ing, it may be impossible to eradicate it from araong us. The Hotten- tots avoid the small-pox, by marking a boundary line, and punishing ail persons who hold any intercourse with the infected. Had the ex- ample of thèse savages been univcrsally adopted in the British empire, a vast addition would hâve been made to our population; for, before the practice of vaccine inoculation, upwards of 30,000 personsf were annually destroyed by the small-pox in Great Britain and Ireland. Should the claveau ever make its appearance in this island, the in-
fected sheep ought to be immediately killed, and effectuai régulations carefully enforced, to prevent its extension to other flocks. The dis- orders that occasionalîy attack our domestic animais are deserving of much attention ; and if some médical practitioners, of learning and expérience, were to be selected, for the purpose of investigating them, 1 conceive that important advantages would arise from the measure. When any epizoick makes its appearance in France regular prac-
titioners are immediately provided, at the expense of government, to inquire into its nature, and draw up a detailed report for the inspec- tion of the public. By thèse means, animal medicine has, of late years, made a very rapid progress upon the continent. I humbly con- ceive, that the Honourable Board of Agriculture, by adopting a similar measure, would hâve its sphère of usefulness considerably extended, and thereby be entitled to a still greater proportion of national appro- bation. îthly. Daubenton was led, by his penetrating genius, to reject the
opinions of preceding writers, and to endeavour to supply their defects. From observing that poor sheep, especially such as by feeding on dry food were induced to drink great quantities of water, became liable to Rot, he concluded too hastily that poverty of food and large draughts of water were causes of this disorder. I hâve repeatedly observed, that the Rot is only to be acquired from particular situations, and that moisture alone will never produce it, I hâve been informed, by war- reners, that in wet weather, the livers of rabbits always swell, and remain enlarged while the rain continues; they then recover their former dimensions ;—and ail this takes place without any inconvenience * See Mr. Young's Annals of Agriculture.
t See a very interesting account of the baptisms, burials, and deaths, by
small-pox, in the parish of Boston, for the last fifty-four years ; to wbicb are added, Retlections upon the probable Mortality in Europe, from the Small-pox, within the same period, and the happy Efl'ect of Cow-pox Inoculation. By the Itev. Samuel Partridge, M. A. F. R. A. S., and Vicar of Boston, in the county of Lincoln. According to the ingenious observations of Mr. Malthus, the cbief hindrance to population is to be sought for in the want of sustenance. Wbere that is abundant, the inhabitants of every country continue to increase, notvrith- standing other impediments, till they become equal to the average consomption of its prodace. And sinee the power of a nation dépends upon the number of subjects, it appears to be the leading policy of every government, as much as possible, to multiply the food, and facilitate its diffusion among the lower ranks ofmankind, in order to obtain an increased population. With this view, the diseases of esculent animais are entitled to every attentive considération, because the strongest nourishment, and most invigorating diet, is extracted from them. |
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311
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TUE KOÏ IN SHEEP.
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to tffe animais. 1 hâve it from unquestionable authority, that rabbits
are very susceptible of the Rot ; and, therefore, if it could be induced by moisture alone, the disease must be discoverable among them in ail vvet seasons ; and yet I know several large warrens where the dis- order is entirely unknown. 8th]y. I observed, in a former, part of this Essay, that the Rot in
sheep has been frequently contraeted in a quarter of an hour, by feeding upon marshy or moist lands, in hot weather. This information does not rest upon a single testimony. In the county where 1 réside, most butchers occupy some land, and are, inconséquence, vvell qualified to discover the causes and early symptoms of this disorder. To them it is well known, that for a few weeks after being tainted, sheep thrive more than at any other period: this eomplaint is often, therefore, pur- posely induced for the sake of increased émolument. "Les moutons qu'on veut vendre ou consommer dans le pays, font conduits, lors- qu'ils approchent du moment de cette destination, sur les pâturages qui avoisinent les étangs, ou sur les autres lorsqu'ils sont couverts de la rosée et pendant les pluies : on sent que ceux de ces animaux qui sont ainsi nourris prennent bientôt un embonpoint marqué, mais il est de mauvaise nature, et est un acheminement à la pourriture."* When I first entered upon this inquiry, I found it very difficult to
obtain any satisfactory information on the subject; but of late the butchers and occupiers of land hâve acted with a degree of candour and liberality that calls for my particular acknowledgments. I must not forget my obligation to Mr. Harrison, of Fisherton, near Lincoln, to whom I amindebted for a greatvariety of useful information;f and if the summerof 1802 had been calculated for the purpose, we had arranged a séries of experiments, which were to hâve been carried into exécution under the superintendence of the Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks4 Mr. Harrison résides upon a considérable inheritance, which was
formerly tenanted by his father and grandfather. It consists of high and low lands of a loamy and tenacious nature. While a brook which runs through the farm remains overflowed, and the water continues upon the adjoining fiât grounds, his sheep never suffer any incon- venience, though they are frequently obliged to wade for their provi- sions. As soon as the flood is subsided, the sheep can, at any time, be tainted in a quarter of an hour, while the land retains its moisture, and the weather is hot and sultry. The butchers are so well acquainted * See also Instruc. et Observ. sur les Maladies, <fec. ann. 1790.
t His information was communicated at a meeting of the Boston Agricultural
Society, in 1802 ; of which ï bad been previously elected an honorary member, *"ider circumstances highly gratifying to myself. For this and other marks of at- tention, I feel particularly indebted to ail the members of that useful and respect- ée institution. î Last season, a slight taint was given to a few sheep, by enclosing them in
a confined bog ; but the body of miasmata was too sniall, and they were not de- tained long enough on the ground, to produce any great eft'ect. Sir J oseph Banks, *bose zeal for the advancement of useful knowledge is unbounded, very obligingly £»me over from Rievesby to attend the examinations, and careiully opened the «Uiary ducts, without finding any flukes. |
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312
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AN INQUIRY INTO
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with the importance of this fact, that when my friend lias dispaséd of
any fat sheep, they are usually turned upon his rotten ground to make them thrive faster. Mr. Harrison has, by judicious management, laid the greatestpart
of his farm completely dry, and is now little troubled with the Rot, unless when he wishes to give it to some particular animais. His neighbours, who hâve been less provident, are still severe sufFerers by it ; nor are their misfortunes confined to sheep alone. Pigs, cows, asses, horses, poultry, hares, and rabbits, become rotten in this lord- ship, and hâve flukes in their livers. Many years since, the grandfather of this gentleman removed ninety
sheep from a considérable distance to his own résidence. On coming near to a bridge, which is thrown over the Barling's river, one of the drove fell jnto a ditch and fractured its fore-leg. The shepherd im- mediately took it in his arms to a neighbouring house, and replaced the limb. During this time, which did not occupy more than one hour, the remainder were left to graze in the ditches and lane. The flock were then driven home, and in a month afterwards, the other sheep joined its companions. The shepherd soon discovered that ail had contracted the Rot, except the lame sheep ; and as they were never separated upon any other occasion, it is reasonable to conclude, that the disorder was acquired by feeding in the road and ditch bottoms. A Lincolnshire farmer purchased some turnips in Nottinghamshire,
upon which he intended to winter a flock of sheep. The first division, eonsisting of about forty, were detained one night at a village near to the place formerly alluded to, by the overflowing of the Barling's Eau, and were put upon a pièce of flat land, which leads to the river. The water had not returned to its former channel more than a day or two. Every one of the forty sheep became rotten ; whereas the other divi- sion, which stopped nowhere by the way, escaped the disorder, and remained well. Sheep were formerly admitted into some adjoining pastures, in travelling to and from the neighbouring faits and markets; but so many of them contracted the Rot, that, for some time past, the graziers in this country will not suffer their flocks to stop for a moment near the village. I hâve repeatedly examined the suspected ditches and pastures, but never observed either flukes, or any of the plants to which the Rot has been attributed; though I must candidly acknow- ledge, that I ought to hâve sought for them with more care and atten- tion. Thèse ditches communicate with a rivulet, which frequently over-rides its banks, and the enclosures are then deluged with water. The soil consists chiefly ofloam or clay, and the surface is so flat and level on both sides of the river, that, for want of proper descent, the water is a long time detained upon the ground. I am credibly in- formed, that in this place the Rot affects svvine, hares, and rabbits, as well as sheep. I hâve likewise been informed, by Mr. David Wright, that a few
years since, as a drove of sheep were passing through a long lane in the parish of Irby, one of them, being weary, fell down in the middle of the road. The others were permitted to range at large, till their companion was able to travel. They were then driven altogether info |
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313
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THE ROT IN SHEEP.
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a pasture, and it was soon discovered that only the tired sheep had
escaped the Rot. As the flook had never been separated upon any oc- casion, we are entitled to conclude that the disorder was contracted while the tired animal remained upon the road. I could state several more cases of the same kind ; but as those
which hâve been related are sufficiently numerous, and can be attested by respectable witnesses, I do not think it necessary to swell the ac- count by further évidence in support of my opinion. From the various circumstances enumerated above, I think I am justified in attributîng the Rot in sheep, and other animais, to paludal effluvia; but with re- spect to their nature and constitution, it is very difficult to form any rational judgment, as they hâve hitherto eluded the most subtile and délicate inquiries. It must, however, be admitted, si causa latet, vis est notissima ; and consequently the subject, from its great import- ance to the public in gênerai, is entitled to a serious investigation. Without heat and moisture, no deleterious vapours can be gene-
rated ; and yet it is equally certain, that both thèse causes are insuffi- cient to produce either a récurrent fever or the Rot, since they are confined exclusively to particular situations. Other auxiliaries are therefore necessary; and I am inclined to believe that vegetable, or earthy particles, and probably both, are required, as well as heat and moisture, to constitute the noxious émanations or gases caJled mias- mata paludum. Probably it will be found, on further inquiry, that a great variety
of animal and vegetable effluvia are extricated in différent places ; and that many disorders should be attributed to them, which are at this time imputed to other causes. Poisonous vapours are extremely active, and sudden in their effects ;
of which proofs may be found in the history of every contagious and endémie disorder. We hâve, therefore, no reason to be surprized, that sheep and other animais are so immediately affected, by pasturing "i moist places where thèse effluvia are copiously produced in hot wea- tner. Other causes operate slowly, and require such a long continued aPplieation, that I do not think the Rot can be induced by them, Uiough I am of opinion that, by occasioning gênerai weakness, they "lake the constitution more susceptible, and lay it more open to morbid '^pressions. In the human body, we know that fatigue, cold, fasting, a«d other debilitating causes, are efficacious auxiliaries, although, of ti'emselves, they are totally inadéquate to produce any contagious dis- 0rder. They therefore seem to contribute equally, and in the same "'anner, to facilitate the opérations of marsh miasmata upon the human '°dy and other animais. |
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( To le continued. )
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314
XENOPHON'S RULES FOR THE
CHOICE, MANAGEMENT, AND TRAINING OF HORSES.
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[Continuée! from p. 222.]
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CHAPTER VII.
How to mount well, and hâve a good Seat on Horseback—Of the
Reins, and manner of holding them—Of working a Horse and wheeling about. 1. But when the horse shall hâve received the rider who is to mount
him ; we will now show how the rider may best exercise himself and his horse in the art of riding. First, therefore, he ought, with his left hand, to take gently hold of the rein, which is fastened to the lower part of the bit, or to the chain that goes under the chin, handling it lightly so as not to hurt the horse. When he raises himself in mount- ing, whether by taking hold of the mane near the ears, or if he springs from his lance,* then, with his right hand, let him take hold of the bridle near the shoulder, and of the niane at the same time, that he may not, in mounting, hurt the horse's mouth with the bit. 2. When he bas made himself ready to spring up, let him raise his
body with his left hand, and stretching out his right, let him lift him- self up (for, by thus mounting, his figure will not appear ungraceful from behind), but with his leg bent, and not touching the horse's back with his knee, but by throwing his leg over to the qff-side. And when his foot is clean over, then, with his thigh, let him seat himself on his horse. 3. But as it may chance that the rider leads the horse with his left
hand, and holds the lance in his right, it seems to us advisable that he should practise mounting on the ojf-side.f To do this, however, he * This manner of getting on horseback from the lance or spear, has not been
generally well explained. In the collection of the Pâtes Antiques of the cele- brated Baron Stock, there is, however, one which represents a soldier mounting his horse by the assistance of his spear. The spear is planted at the side of the horse, and has a hook on the sbaft, on which the man, placing his foot easily» bestrides the horse. This, at first sight, explains the above passage. t Another gem in the same collection, gives us the figure of a soldier standing
by a horse, in the attitude of going to mount him on the right side ; and there are manyother ancient impression^ which show the same thing. |
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XENOPIION ON THE HORSE. 315
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has nothing more to learn, than to perform those things with the left
side of his body, which he had before done with the right side. 4. But we commend this way of mounting, for the following reason :
—becausej-'vyhen mounted, he would be ready prepared in every re- spect, if it should be necessary to act against the enemy on a sudden. 5. But when he cornes to be seated, either on the back, or on a
cloth,* we do not approve of his being seated as in a chariot, but as if Standing erect with his legs somewhat astride ; for thus he holds firmer with his thighs to the horse ; and being erect, he will be better hable to throw thejavelin, and to strike with force from his horse, if it should be necessary. 6. The leg, as well as the foot, ought to hang loose from the knee :
for being held staff, if it should strike against anything, it would be liable to break. But the leg being pliable, would give way if it should encounter anything, while the thigh remains unmoved. 7. Indeed, the rider ought to exercise himself to hâve ail the parts
of his body as flexible as possible ; for thus he would be able to undergo more fatigue, and be less liable, if attacked, or pushed against, to be thrown from his horse. 8. But after being seated firro, he ought to teach the horse to re-
niain quiet till he has got everything he wants, and has separated the reins, and also placed the lance in such a manner that it might best be carried : then let him hold his left arm close to his side,—this being the most graceful posture, and giving the greatest hrmness to the hand. 9. We recommend reins which are even, and not weak, nor slip-
pery, nor thick ; so that the spear may be held in the hand when it *all be necessary. 10. But when the horse is to move forward, let him begin by walk-
Ing ; for this motion [is least violent. If the horse should carry his head low, let the rider hold the reins high ; but if more erect, then lower; for thus he will most display the horse's figure. H. Further, by being suifered to go his common pace for some
''•ne, he will sooner feel the use of his limbs, and more willingly obey ^e whip. But since it is more approved to begin from the left, the Jiorse would then best begin from this side; if, on his going ofif to the r'ght, upon being mounted, he should receive a stroke of the whip. 12. For wishir.g him to take to the left, he would begin from thence ;
and when he would turn on the left, then he would begin the inflexion. The Greeks, instead of saddles, used housings ; and some rode witbout any
Covering. |
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316 XENOPHON ON THE MORSE.
Fora horseis wont, when turning to the right, to lead with the right
foot ; and when to' the left, with the left foot. 13. We recommend that kind of exercising called the chain, which
accustoms a horse to turn on both jaws. And to change she exercise is good, that the jaws may be alike, by being exercised both ways. 14. We recommend, also, the exercising a horse in a straight line
rather than in a circular one. For a horse would thus turn more wil- lingly when tired with going forward ; and he would learn both to go straight, and to turn. 15. A horse should also be pulled in when he turns; for it is not
casy for a horse, nor safe, when going fast, to turn short; especially if the ground is rugged or slippery. 16. But, in pulling him in, he ought to pull the horse as little ob-
liquely as possible with the bridle ; as also, to sit as little obliquely as possible himself ; if not, let him be assured, that a little over-balancing is sufficient to bring himself and his horse to the ground. 17. When the horse, after having turned, looks straight forward,
tlien he should be animated to go swift. For it is certain, that in war, the tumings are either to pursue, or for the sake of retreating. It is proper, therefore, to use him, after having been turned, to go swift. 18. After the horse shall appear to hâve been exercised sufficiently,
it is right, when he has rested a little, to animate him on a sudden, to go onfull speed; and that to, as well as from, the other horses. And when this has been done, to let him remain quiet in some place nearest at hand ; and having stood still awhile, after turning him about, he ought again to be put on his speed. For it is certain, that occasions will occur, when he will need both of thèse. 19. But when, at length, it shall be time to dismount, it should
ucvcr be done among other horses, nor in the midst of a number of persons, nor out of the place of exercise; butwhere the horse has been l'orced to labour, there let him enjoy his rest. |
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CHAPTER VIII.
Of teaching a Horse to leap ;—Of riding him up and down steep
places;—And of having afirm seat on suc/i occasions. 1. But since it will be often necessary to ride swiftly up and down
steep hills, and along the side of them ; as also to leap over ditches, |
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XENOPHON ON THE UORSE. 317
and up high places, and to descend from them ; it is neccssary that thn
rider, as well as his horse, should Iearn and practise ail thèse things ; •or thus they would contribute to each other's safety, and would, it should seem, be more useful. 2. If any one should think that vve repeat the same things, because
We make mention of them again; this is not a répétition. For when a horse was purchased, we recommended that he should be tried if lie frère able to do thèse things. But now we say, it is necessary that he should be taught them ; and we mean further to show how he may learn them. 3. With a horse ignorant of leaping, the rider must take hold of the
leading rein, and, going first over a ditch, then pull him with it, that he may leap over. 4. But if he will not, let some one having a switch or whip give him
a very smart eut; and thus he will not only leap over the space required, but likewise much farther than is necessary. And afterwards there will be no occasion to strike him, for if he should only see some one coming behind him, he will leap. 5. When he has thus been accustomed to leap ditches, let him be
mounted, and led first to small, and then to large ones;" but when he is going to leap, let him be spurred. And, in like manner, let him be spurred when learning to leap up and down from any eminence ; for, by doing ail thèse things, in gathering himself up, he will do them with more safety to himself and his rider, than if he should drag his hinder parts after him in making his différent leaps. 6. He ought first to be practised to go down steep places on soft
ground ; which, having once been used to, he would much rather go down them than up them. But some persons fear lest the slioulders of their horses should be broken in riding swiftly down steep places : let them be under no appréhension about it ; knowing, that ail the Persians and Odrysians ride races down steep hills, who hâve horses no less sound than those of the C'-eeks. 7. Nor will we omit mentioning how the rider should conduct
û|mself on thèse occasions. He ought, then, immediately on thte "orse's raising himself, to lean forward ; (for the hinder parts of the "Orse would be relieved, and he would not shake his rider so much) ^o as soon as he came on the ground, throw himself back. For thus
e himself would be less shook.
°- When he leaps over a ditch, or goes up a steep place, it is v'sable to lay hold of the mane,* that the horse may not hâve the oi-renger, in his Horsemanship, remarks that this ptecept of Xenophon
s to be against trutb, and the principles of the art. To persons, however, |
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318
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XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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bridle as well as the ground to struggle with. But in going down a
declivity, he should hold himself back, and support the horse with the bridle ; that neither he, nor his horse, may be carried headlong down the précipice. 9. It is right sometimes to perforai the exercises in différent places,
and sometimes for a longer time, and sometimes for a shorter. For this will be less loathsome to the horse, than to be always exercised in the same place, and for the same length of time. 10. But since it is necessary for a rider to be seated firm, and hâve
his horse under command in ail kinds of places, and also to be skilled m the use of arms ; where the cbuntry is proper for it, the exercise of horsemanship in hunting is not to be blamed : but when such an op- portunity does not offer, it will be a «rrmri • -c ^ 7 r, • „ • n , , S°od exercise, if two horsemen
should agrée together, that the one should fly thr h a„ kindsof
places with h.s horse, and set off, often throwing his spear from behind
him ; and that the other, who was the pursuer, having his javelin rounded at the point, and his spear likewise done in the same manner, should, when he came within his reach, dart at him with his blunted javelin ; and when within reach of his spear, that he should strike him, in laying hold of him. 11. Itwould be right, too, when they close together, that having
drawn lus enemy towards him, he should suddenly push him back; for tins » the way to dismount him. It will then be the business of him who is pu led, to spur h,s horse forward ; for by doing so, he who is pulled wiQ more hkely throw the person off his horse who pulls him than fall himself. 12. But if, on two armies being opposed to each other, there should
be sklrm.shes between them, and they pursue one another into their camp, and then fly back into their own ; it is right on such occasions to know, that so long as any one is not far from his own people it is commendable and safe, after having wheeled about, to rush forward with the utmost speed against those *k> are nearest at hand, but when he cornes near the main body of the enemy, to pull in jlis horse. for thus he would, probably, be enabled to injure the enemy, and nôt be mjured by them. 13. The gods hâve granted Speech to men> that & may ]earn
what they ought to do. But you can certainly teach a horse nôthing by speech. If, therefore, when he does as you wish, you caress him, who hunt agréât deal, it will, perhaps, not appear in this light : as in leaping
there is nothing more dangerous than that the horse, when lowering his head to leap, should find the least restraint from the bridle, the jerk of which is apt to throw the rider on the neck, and make the horse lose his balance. |
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319
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XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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and when lie is disobedient, punish him, you will thus best teach him
to perforra what he ought. 14. This, indeed, is said in a few words, but it extends to the whole
art of horsemanship. For a horse will rather take the bridle than not, 'h when he lias received it, he takes something good for himself : and he would jump over ditches, and leap down from eminences, and will Perform ail the other things required of him, if he should foresee repose, after having done what was signified to him. |
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CHAPTER IX.
tfow to ride and mariage Horses which are spirited, as also such
as are sluggisk. 1. The rules which we hâve now laid down, will show how any one
•nay be least deceived in purchasing a coït or a horse ; and how he is least likely to be injured in being rode, especialJy if lie would display a horse having those qualities requisite in war. It will now be proper likewise to write down in what manner any one possessing a very spirited horse, or one very sluggish, may best manage either of them. 2. First, then, it ought to be known, that spirit in a horse, is what
anger is in a man. And as any one would least anger a man, who «either did nor said anything provoking to him ; so he who did not vex a fiery horse, would least anger him. 3. Immediately, therefore, on mounting him, care must be taken that
°e be discomposed as little as possible ; and after being mounled, he should be suffered to stand still a longer time than usual, and then be directed to go on by the most gentle signs. And having begun with *he slowest pace, let him be led on to a swift one, in such a manner that *he horse himself shall be least sensible of the change of motion. 4. A horse of a fiery nature is affected at every thing he sees,
flears, or feels, that cornes upon him on a sudden. It should, there- fore, be remembered not to do anything to him unawares. 5. If you wish, therefore, to slacken the pace of a spirited horse,
who is going faster than lie should, this must not be done by checking hûn on a sudden; but by pulling him in by degrees with the bridle, and stopping him gently and not forcibly. 6- And the riding such horses in a straight forward course, rather than
y toaking fréquent turnings, pacifies them ; and the letting them rest |
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320 XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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a long time, kecps theni likewise quiet and gentle, and prevents their
being heated and angered. 7. But if any one thinks, by riding fast, and on a stretch, that lie
shall, through fatigue, make his horse gentle; he judges contrary to expérience. For a high spirited horse, at such times, endeavours' most to get the better by force, and with anger, like a man who is angered ; and very often does irréparable mischief to himself and his rider. 8. An impetuous horse ought also to be held in, and not permitted
to go on full speed ; but by no means be suffered to run against another horse. Since, in gênerai, those horses which are the most ready to outrun others are the most impetuous. 9. And bits which are light are more proper than such as are rough ;
but if a rough one should be' put on, let it be made as loose as a light one. It is riglit, also, that the rider should particularly accustom himself to sit quiet on a high spirited horse, and touolj him as little as possible in any other part than where it is necessary for the sake of being seated secure. 10. It ought also to be known, that it is usual to stop a horse with
a whistling tone, and to incite him to go forward with a hissing one. But if any one should at first stop him with hissing, and animâte him to go forward with whistling, the horse would learn w go forward with whistling, and be stopped with hissing. 11. In like manner, no one ought to approach a horse I
pearance of being alarmed at any noise, or at the sound of the trumpet. nor exhibit anything to him that may give him trouble ; but at such a time, to do every thing possible to pacify him, and to lay before him lus dinner, or his supper, if it can be done. 12. The best counsel of ail, however, is not to purchase a horse that
is very impetuous for war. But with a very sluggish horse, it seems to me sufficient to say, that the contrary things should be done to those vit hâve recommended with a spirited one ( To be eonelitded in our next. )
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.321
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ON FRENCH SHOEING
Fig. 5.
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Fig 5 is the ordinary French shoe. It has never been used as hère
représentée!, in this eountry ; but we hâve been obJiged to give it in this place, in order to explain what has been amongst us falsely called French shoeing. The art appears to hâve continued nearly unchanged from ' very early period in France ; their common shoe is coarsely made, wide webbed, and usually concaved, considerably on its upper surface, and the toe is bent upwards, so as to form a blunt, obtuse toe, similar, at its first application, to the figure which our shoe pré- sents when it is much worn. This practice of turning up the toe is supposed by Mr. Clark to hâve originated from their having to fit na- tural unshod feet which were worn away at this part ; it occasions a difliculty in fitting the shoe to the foot, as the level is departed from : but this will be discussed hereafter, as we must recur to it when treat- 'ngof foreign shoes. The most important point of différence is in the shape and position
°f the nail-holes, which, in French shoeing, are placed very course, °r far from the outside edge, and are made with a very blunt stamp, forming a shallow, square nail-hole. The wall being the only part of the hoof that will bear nails, and in ordinary feet not more thsn half an ,nch thick, it follows that the nail-holes must always be made to come "early in the same position (that is, just overthe inneredge of the wall), ^hether the rim or border exterior to the holes be wide ornarrow; if narrow, as in most English shoeing, the shoe must stand within the Y
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322 OX FRENCH SHOEUSTG.
foot ; if wide, as in French, then the edge must project considerably,
or at least stand full. Novv there is the utmost différence, both to the ease of the horse and the préservation of the hoof, between thèse two methods. In the former case, ail that edge of the hoof which is pro- jecting over the trim, neat, English shoe, is rasped off by the work- man, giving the foot what he considers a round, neat appearance; but when the shoe is removed again, unless the hoof has grown re- markably, the wall will be found only about the thickness of a crown- piece; the next nailing becomes very difficult, and the smith excul- pates himself from ail that may follow, by calling it a shelly, brittle hoof; forgetting that it was made so by his own proceeding. This is one of the most gênerai and fatal abuses practised by our workmen. But with the French shoe, the edge cornes out so far beyond the hoof, that while the bearing is extended and made casier to the animal, the wall is maintained in its full width, as no part of it can be rasped away when the shoe is on. We should be inclined to attribute it more to this circumstanee, than any other practical reason, that horses in France are said to go better and with a firmer step than in England, though the différence may be chiefly and better accounted for by the vast variation that exists between the breeds of the two countries ; their horses being of a coarser kind, hâve much less elastic feet, and con- sequently they suffer rather less from the contracting effects of the fixed iron than our délicate steeds. This plan of broad bearing is sometimes carried to a great extent :
their shoe for mules, in the south of France, almost covers the whole foot, and sometimes meets like a bar shoe, and is then called flanche, or flat. Old Blundvill mentions the bar shoe under the same name of " Planche for weake heeles ;" and it continues, at the présent day, to be the last, the best, and almost the only resource of the common smith, when the foot is ruined by the fettering system and his own bad measures,—affording relief by the increased surface it présents to the ground, and by defending the denuded heels. We hâve given no plate of this well-known and useful shoe : it often
becomes the only one in which a horse can go with ease. The last nail-hole in French shoes is usually smaller than the others,
which is a good plan ; and the upper edges are often beat up round the hoof, instead of being filed off, as in our practice. Mr. Clark conceives that the broad web and coarse nail-holes are
adopted not so much from reflection or judgment, as necessity ; their iron being indiffèrent in quality, it would burst out if their coarse stamp were driven too near the edge. It is certain that St. Bel adopted the |
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, ON FRENCH SHOEING. 323
narrorv shoe and fine fullering ; but perhaps it was in compliance with
Fnglish préjudices, which, on the subject of shoeing, are particularly strong. Their reason for having so broad a countersink for the nail head is
not very obvious, unless it is because a head of that shape is easier made in a tool than ours are by hand : but this will be treated of when We corne to the subject ofnails. Their mode of driving the nail obliquely outwards appears to resuit
partly from the coarseness of the holes, which require that it should take that direction, and also from the thickness of the wall in their horses generally, which admits of this more simple and easy method being practised with safety. It does not answer so well with our thin, déli- cate hoofs, and is nothing more than a summary and less artful plan than our own. A few years ago it became very much the fàshïon to speak of
French shoeing as of something very superior to English, and one well known Veterinarian, in particular, was extremely warm in its praise : the shoe he recommended, however, was a mixed affair, being concave next the ground like St. Bel's, but turned up at the toe, and with French nail-holes : it had its day of réputation, but, from the rea- sons we hâve stated, of course no particular advantage attended it and it is now but little heard of. |
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STUPENDOUS LIZARD.
There is to be seen, near New Orléans (says Mr. Bullock, in his
Travels, lately published), vvhat are believed to be the remains of a stupendous crocodile, and which are likely to prove so, intimating the former existence of a lizard at least 150 feet long; for I mea- sured the right side of the under-jaw, which I found to be 21 feet along the curve, and 4 feet 6 inches wide ; the others consisted of numerous vertebrœ, ribs, fémoral bones, and toes,—ail corresponding in size to the jaw: there were also some teeth; thèse, however, were not of pro- Portionate magnitude. Thèse remains were discovered, a short time Slnce, in the swamp near Fort Philip, and the other parts of the ""ighty skeleton are, it is said, in the saine part of the swamp. |
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324
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ON CURB IN HORSES.
BY MR. BRACY GLARK.
(In Rees's Cycloftedia.)
Curb is a disease of the lower part of the hock of the horse, de-
rived from the French courbe, and curvus, Latin,* distorted or bent from the proper figure. The back part of the hock of the horse, seen in profile, is nearly straight, or a little bending inwards,—that is, from the point of the os calcis to the head of the mesocynium, or shank, where the disease appears. If the hock be exerted beyond its strength, this part is apt to swell, and form a curved line outwards, or rather baekwards, more or less elevated, according to the injury sustained. The advantageous purchase of the gastrocnemii muscles upon the os calcis seems to be the principal cause of the mischief ; the parts being unable, in violent and sudden action, to sustain their effect, though the tendons of this part are singularly wrapped round and strengthened, obviously to enable them to sustain thèse shocks by the flattened, or sheath-like, expansion of the perforatus tendon. In leaping, violent riding, hunting, dravving, and especially in military charges of the cavalry, when they are suddenly stopped at full gallop, and often with injudicious and unnecessary suddenness, and without previous prépa- ration, the horses are thrown on their haunches, and thus continually get diseased in this part, and often totally ruined. Nothing but im- perious necessity, or the actual combat, one should suppose, could justify the fréquent répétition of such a dangerous manœuvre ; much dépends, however, upon the hand of the rider in not making it injurious, as a very slight preparatiori or warning given to the horse is suflicient. Thèse curbs often grow hard, lose ail the active inflammation which attends their first production, and seem hardly to affect the horse's going ; at other times they are attended with considérable tenderness and lameness ; and it most frequently happens that the other parts oi * The term Curh, in the manège, is the désignation given by horsemen to
the bit, or mouth-piece, that is provided with a branch and chain. Kirble was the ancient word, and kirb shonld, we apprebend, be the proper mode of spelling it now, where any restraint is signified : on the contrary, where any curvature or inflexion is intended, this is the proper mode of spelling it, as in the présent article ; for they appear to us of différent origin and meaning, and from différent languages, and ought not to be confounded as they are at présent. |
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ORIGIN AND FROGRESS OF MUSEUMS. 325
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the hock suffer at the same time ; and spavin very frequently, and
sometimes through pain, accompany it. After the gastrocnemii mus- cles hâve attached their tendon strongly to the os calcis, they appear to send portions for a second attachment to the head of the shank, and there it isthe injury is sustained. In récent cases, the cold bathing of the part is the best remedy, and
rest, till the inflammation is subdued, with a dose or two of physic, if there is occasion. In more confirmed cases blistering, or in more desperate cases firing, is the best remedy : a straight line, in this case, is drawn by the iron down the back of the calcis and head of the shank, feathered on each side by diagonal lines at proper distances ; and as the inside of the hock is apt to partake of the mischief, it may be well tc- draw a straight line down its middle, forming an angle to the former, opening upwards, and closing pretty much as the figure of the hock itself does ; the diagonal lines from the former line forming with them a double feathered figure : the same also may be done to the outside, if the case shall happen to demand it. _______
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ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF MUSEUMS.
Antique Collections o/Natural Curiosities—Hippocentaur-Mu-
seum ofthe Emperor Augusius—Ancient Modes of Preserving penshable Substances—Egyptian MethodofEmbalming—Cere- cloths—Remains of King Edward I.—Ménageries—Origin and Progress of Modem Cabinets of Curiosities—Muséum Tradescantinum—Kemp's Muséum—British Muséum. Naturai, productions of uncommon form or beauty, and other rare '
pbjects, were, in the earliest âges, consecrated to thegods; and there 's reason to suppose that the firla collections of naturai curiosities were preserved in the temples. There they were guarded with a pious ré- vérence which secured them from neglect ; and, being handed down to s*icceeding générations, they at length accumulated to an amount that may be considered large in the then infant state of naturai history. kome account of thèse has occasionally been recorded, and a brief Numération of a few among them may not prove wholly uninteresting. Amongst other curiosities, the Temple of Juno, at Carthage, con- aining the skins of two of the hairy women discovered by Hanno on he Gorgades Islands, and which he deposited there, on his return, as d mémorial of his voyage. î!16 enormous horns of the wild bulls which committed such havoc
Maccdonia, were hung up, by order of King Philip, in the Temple |
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326 0R1GIN AND PROGRF.SS OF MUSEUMS.
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of Hercules ; and, in the Temple of Delphi, there were suspended the
horns of à Scythian animal, in whieh only the Stygian water, that con- sumed every other vessel, could be contained : thèse were presented by the Emperor Alexander, and the inscription by which they were accompanied, has been recorded by ^îlian.* In the Temple of Her- cules, at Erythris, were the horns of the supposed Indian ants : and in that of Isis, at Ca>sarea, the skeleton of the crocodile that was found in the attempt to discover the sources of the Nile. The skin of the serpent destroyed by the Roman army in Africa
during the first Punie war, and which both Pliny and Valerius Maxi- mus describe as being 120 feet in length, was hung up in one of the temples at Rome, where its jaw-bones remained until more than a century afterwards.t In the Temple of Juno, in the island of Melita (Mallct), a pair of
elephant's teeth, of monstrous size, were deposited ; and thèse having been carried away by the Admirai of Massanissa's fleet, were after- wards restored, on its being found that they belonged to a sacred place. In one of the temples of Diana, the head of a basilisk was shown ;
and the bones of that sea-monster to which Andromeda was supposed to hâve been exposed, were preserved at Joppa, whence they were afterwards carried to Rome. The hide of the celebrated Calydonian boar was exhibited in one of
the temples of Greece, in the time of Pâusanius ; and the huge tusks of the animal were afterwards brought to Rome, by order of the Emperor Augustus, and placed in the Temple of Bacchus. But the most extraordinary of ail was, doubtless, the hippoeentaur,
which is mentioned by several writers ; and which, as we are assured by Pliny, the naturalist, was preserved, in his time, in the cabinet of the Emperor. The animal was said to hâve been caught in Arabia, and to hâve been brought to Egypt, where, having died, it was pre- served in brine and transmitted to Rome. To those who, notwith- standing the authority of tins respectable author, may still be inclined to consider the existence of such a créature as fabulous, it may be ob- served, that St. Jérôme, who wrote in the fifth century, also mentions another hippoeentaur, in his life of Paul the hermit ; in which he de- scribes the monster, and says that it was notorious to the whole world, that in the reign of Constantine, it was brought alive to Alexandria, where it was publicly exhibited ; and, on its death, was preserved in sait, and sent to the Emperor at Antioch. Thèse curiosities were, however, rather kept in the temples as public
memorials, or relies of ancient times, than to serve the purposes of science ; and it does not appear that the learned among the ancients formed private collections of their own. The Emperor Alexander, indeed, ordered ail huntsmen, fowlers, and fishermen, to send what- everrare animais they obtained to Aristotle; andwe know tliat Pliny took every opportunity to procure rare productions of nature, in order * iElian, Hist. Animalium, lib. x.cap. 40.
f Pliu. Hist. Niit., Iib. viii. cap. 12. Valer. Max., lib. i. cap. S.
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327
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UR1GIN AND l'MOGKESS OF MUSEUMS.
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lo note their peculiarities ; but still we hear of nothing like a Muséum
of naturel curiosities, until the time of the Emperor Augustus, who, as we are informed by >Suetonius, had one in his palace. One of the chief causes, no doubt, that rendered such collections
rare among the ancienls, was the imperfect knowledge they possessed of the mode of preserving those objects that were subject to decay. The only methods with which they were acquainted, were those of immersion in brine, or in honey, or of covering with wax; ail of which were defective, and far inferior to that by spirits of wine, which com- bines the advantage of preventing putréfaction with that of perfect transparency. The more scientific modem process employed in ana- tomical préparations was wholly unknown. Of the methods then in use to prevent corruption, that by means of
sait was the most ancient, as it certainly was the most apparent, and the easiest of exécution. It lias been supposed to hâve originated in Persia ; and we hâve the authority of Dion Cassius, that when Phar- naces sent the body of his father, Mithridates, to Pompey, he had it placed in brine : but it seems probable that, in the East, nitre was more frequently employed for this purpose than common sait. At a later period, we learn that the heads of the early martyrs were pre- served in sait by the monks ; and Sigebert, who died in 1113, tells us that a similar process was used with the body of St. Guibert. The custom of preserving dead bodies in honey was also employed
at a very early period. The remains of several of the Spartans who died in foreign countries were thus prepared for transmission to their native home. The body of Alexander the Great is also said, by some authors, to hâve been thus deposited ; although we are told by others, that it was embalmed in the manner of the Egyptians : and so late as the Iatter end of the sixth century, that of the dethroned Emperor Justin was laid in honey mixed with spice. The Egyptian method of embalming consists in first extracting the.
brain through the nostrils, and injecting some viscous unguent in their stead ; then opening the belly and taking out the intestines, the cavity being washed with palm wine impregnated with spices, and filled with myrrh and other aromatics : this done, the body was laid in nitre during seventy days : at the end of which it was taken out, cleansed, and swathed in fine linen, which was gummed and ornamented with various painted hieroglyphics expressive of the deceased's character and rank. When this process was completed, the body was deposited in a narrovv coffin, enclosed in an outer case, and placed upright against the wall of the mausoleum of the family. It was in this manner that the mummies which hâve been preserved to the présent time were pre- pared; but it was only employed for persons of the highest distinction. Another less expensive method was by injecting a dissolvent into ail the cavities of the body; this, after a short time, carried off, in a 'iquid state, whatever it contained ; and the body, thus purified, being <h"ied by the nitrous process, was then swathed in the manner already "•entioned : the poor merely drenched the body with injections, and afterwards dried it in nitre. This invention is universally ascribed to the Egyptians ; and the ac-
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328 0RIG1N AND PROGRESS OF MUSEUMS.
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count communicated to us in the Mosaic writings, of the embalming
of the patriarch Jacob, sufficiently proves tlie antiquity of the custom, and confirms the common opinion.* But the period of the opération is there limited to forty days, while the mourning is said to last seventy. Among the nations of the East, dead bodies were sometimes'covered
over with wax ; and this practice, which was early introduced into Europe, gave rise to that of wrapping the remains of persons of dis- tinction in waxed cloth, which has been continued down to the présent day. Of this the annals of this country présent numerous instances. In that ancient record, the " Liber Regalis," we find directions, " that the remains of the kings of England shall be enfolded in waxed linen ; but in such manner as that the face and beard may be discernible, and that each finger be separately covered." Accordingly, when the tomb of Edward the First, who died in 1307, was opened, in 1774,fc the body was found thus enveloped, and the form of the features and the hands were still clearly distinguishable. The body of Johanna, mother of Edward the Black Prince, was also, as we are told, "wrappedin cered cloth r' and that of Elizabeth Tudor, second daughter of Henry VII., " was cered by the wax-chandler." Among the funeral charges of George II., is one for cere-cioth, and more ré- cent examples must be in common recolîection. However thèse various modes of conservation may hâve been applied
to scientific purposes during the reign of the Roman emperors, no trace of such an application can be discovered in the darkness of the middle âges ; but in the treasuries of princes there were sometimes found, among antiquities and curiosities of art, a few spécimens of the dried and stuffed remains of uncommon animais. When commerce had extended the intercourse between nations, thèse collections were enlarged : ménageries were also formed, to add to the splendour of courts ;f and while thèse diffused a knowledge of foreign productions, they also excited euriosity, and a taste for the more minute inquiry into the peculiar qualifies of their various contents. As literature re- vived. public libraries were established, and became réceptacles for such natural curiosities as were occasionally presented to them ; and in Universities, the Faculty of Medicine collected, for dissection, various objects from the animal kingdom, as well as human bodies, and pre- served the parts in spirits of wine. At a still later period, wealthy individuals began to form collections of curiosities, at lirst, probably, • "And Joseph commanded bis servants the physicians to embalm bis father :
and the physicians embalraed Israël. And forty days were fulfilled for him ; Cor so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed : and the Egyptians mourned for him threescoré and ten days."—Genesis, cbap. 1. v. 2 and 3. t So early as the reign of Edward II., the Sheriffs of London were command-
ed to pny the keepers of the King's leopard$, out of the fee-farm of the city, sixpence a-day for the sustenance of the animais, and three halfpence a-day for the diet of their keepers ; and that part of the Tower of London appropriated to the wild beasts was built for that purpose in the reign of Edward IV. ; but tbere was a ménagerie there even in the reign of Henry III., to whom the Emperor of Germany, in 1235, sent a présent of three léopards, which were kept in the Tower. |
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ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF MUSEUMS. 329
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n'ore calculated to please the eye than gratify the understanding ; but
Wese, as science became at once more extended and more defined, ^ere classed in distinct departments, and hence hâve arisen the various cabinets of natural curiosities now to be found in every part of the pivilized world. The earliest of thèse private collections, however, ■s not supposed to date farther back than some time in the sixteenth century ; and the oldest known catalogue upon any systematic plan, is that of John Kentmann, a learned physician of Torgau, in Saxony, ■>vhich was published in 1565. It consisted chiefly of minerais and other fossil productions; and although it only contained about sixteen hundred articles, it was then esteemed considérable, and cost, as the collector tells us, " sums which few could afFord to expend." The first muséum in this country was formed towards the middle of
the seventeenth century, by John Tradescant,* who procured the ob- jects of which it was composed, in many parts of Europe, America, and the Levant. His collection of coins and medals appears to hâve been valuable ; but among the natural curiosities mentioned in the catalogue which has been published under the title of "Muséum Tradescantinwn," are some that are not1 calculated to afFord a very high idea of the science or the discernment of the collector : for we find an egg of a griflin, and another of a dragon ; some feathers from the tail of a phœnix, and the claws of a ruck, " a bird able lo truss an éléphant ;" together with others of a similar nature. After Trades • cant's death, which occurred in 1652, this cabinet was presented, by his son, to the celebrated Elias Ashmole, who removed it to Oxford, where it forms a part of the iVshmolean Muséum. The next in order of time, was Kemp's Muséum, which was open
to public inspection in the Haymarket, in the beginning of the last century. It was originally founded by Mr. John Conyers, a well known antiquary; and among a great variety of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman anliquities, both natural and artificial, contained the ske- leton of an éléphant which was dug out of a gravel-pit in the neigh- bourhood of London, in 1689 : it was supposed to hâve lain there since the time of the Romans, for a battle is recorded to hâve been lought near the spot in the time of Claudius ; and in the same pit the head of a British spear was found, made of flint. The splendid collection contained in the British Muséum, was
founded in 1753, by Sir Hans Sloane, and was purchased by Parlia- tt>ent for the national use, for the sum of £20,000. To this was aftenvards added the Harleian collection of manuscripts, the Cottonian hbrary, and that of the King, with other large additions, the Etruscan Vases and other antiquities belonging to the late Sir W. Hamilton, and the Grecian marbles selected by Lord Elgin; which being now aTanged together, form one of the most valuable «abinets of literature a"d science in ail Europe. |
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* Gardener, for some time, to Charles F.
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330
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ON THE STRANGLES IN HORSES.
A Revietv, by M. M. Duchateau and Crepin, of an Essay
"On the Treatment of Strangles in Horses, by the Antiphlo- gistic Plan." Addressed to the Médical Society of Emulation of Paris, by M. Rodet, Jun., Corresponding Member.* Thb opinion of well-informed Veterinarians is made up as to the
cause and treatment of Strangles ; but dealers, and people in gênerai, form a very erroneous opinion of it. According to a popular author, the Strangles " consists in a poison
of an uncertain quality, which circulâtes in the blood unlil nature ?nakes an effort to throw it off] and it settles on a part which is usually the nose or underjaiv." If the poison be not expelled, that is, if the horse does not hâve the
Strangles, lie is generally considered in great danger ; and this opi- nion is even maintained by many pensons in the profession. M. Rodet, dissatisfied with this vague account, lias made experi-
ments which throw great light upon the subject, and has proVed the absurdity of the vulgar opinion. He considers the Strangles as an in- flammation of the throat, which differs in no respect from many other affections of thèse parts known under différent names. This author, who admits nothing ivhich expérience has not sane-
tioned, meets the advocates of the innate cause of Strangles with the following fact, which réfutes them Completel)7 :— The horses of ivarni eountries, such as Arabia, the coasts of Africa,
Spain, and even Italy, never hâve the Strangles,—a disease known only in the middie and northern parts of Europe. New, hâve, we nota right to ask, by what privilège the horses of the South are preserved from Strangles, if this affection were "solely to be attributed to the existence of a particular poison ? and also, why the Barbary horses (we cite them as an example) are less sickly and more vigorous than those of our own country, as they do not go through that purification—that cleansing which is hère considered so indispensable to the health of our horses ? The inflammation called Strangles cannot be attributed to a native
poison which circulâtes in the blood from the birth of the animal ; and it is not the effect of any single cause : it is referable, according to M. Rodet— Ist, To the disturbance of second dentition which takes place be-
tween the âges of three and five, and is sufficiently painful to cause an increased action, more or less, of ail the neighbouring parts ; 2dly, To the castration of maies ;
3dly, To the changes in diet and situation which young horses
undergo ; 4thly, To the unusual fatigue which they undergo in training ;—ail
* Jour. Fnif. Méd. Vét,
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331
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ON THE STRANGLES IN HORSES.
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Wrcumstances whieh happen about that period, and which add, more
°r less, to the activity of the first and principal cause. The fact before mentioned, on the subject of southern horses, still
comes in support of this opinion : they are free from the Strangles when not castrated, and left in their native country; but they lose this advantage if they are castrated, and taken young into cold and humid climates, where we find thera placed under the influence of the above causes. They do not carry with them the germ of the complaint, but they acquire it in the country to which they are taken. The errors in the treatment of Strangles hâve chiefly attracted the
attention of M. Rodet. In conséquence of the opinion that the Strangles, being a poison generated with the animal, is an indispensable complaint, —a crisis which is necessary to take place,—it is generally believed that vve ought to assist it as much as possible ; above ail, to be careful of checking it by bleeding, which, however, is the best means of cure. It is a great satisfaction to many people, when a horse with the
Strangles has discharged well ; it is a guarantee for bis future health— the more goes out, the lesS remains, they think. This reasoning, which appears singular to physiologists, is, however, without any exaggeration, that of many persons who are not devoid of knowledge ; but who, upon this particular subject, reason wrongly. Every day we hear amateurs and officers of cavalry complaining to dealers that they stop the Strangles on their horses, by bleeding'them when it shows itself ; and attribute ail the eomplaints which may afterwards occur, to the Strangles repelled, or badly thrown out. M. Rodet has not admitted any of thèse evidently erroneous opi-
nions : he treats the Strangles by the antiphlogistic plan, in which bleeding is a principal agent, by powerful counter-irritation (setons, blisters, &c.) The success which he has met with in this rational plan has been very great, as may be seen in his Essay, which con- tains the history of twenty-two cases treated on this plan, twenty of which were successful ; to the other two he was called too late, and in them he remarked a complication of symptoms. The author inquires, Upon what this generally-received opinion is founded—that stopping the Strangles, and the non-expulsion of the supposed virus, can hâve in- jurious effects. He observes, that the dealers who hâve horses on the point of showing the Strangles, disperse the nrst symptoms by repeated bleedings, which check the inflammation ; but they do not follow up the bleeding by any additional means to render its effects durable ; and, besides, they continue to keep the animais under the influence of the causes which first produced it. It results, that inflammation, im- perfectly treated, recurs again after a time, and gives rise to diseases °f more or less importance, which ought to be attributed to this bad treatment, and not to the bleeding ; which is good, and the most useful reniedy in our power. M. Rodet concludes, from the observations contained in his Essay,
. lst. That the Strangles, far from being an affection sut generis, Is truly an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, nostril, ,arynx, trachea, &e. : it may extend, by continuity or sympathy, to |
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332
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IIORSE CAUSES.
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the tissues which that membrane invests, to the glands, the lungs, and
even the stomach. 2dly. That bleeding, aided by other antiphlogistic means, to which
is joined the use of the most active counter-irritants, constitutes the proper treatment ofthe Strangles. 3dly. That bleeding, employed without the auxiliaries in question,
may certainly hâve the bad conséquences which hâve been attributed to it by ignorant people. The Memoir of M. Rodet is most interesting : it treats in a new
manner a subject on which much has been written, but which has not been well understood : lie has made a grand step in this départaient of Veterinary Pathology. |
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—---------
HORSE CAUSES.
■
■ .
In the Court of King's Bench, Weslmimler, June IGtli, 1828.
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FUI.LER. V. S1GMOND.
This was an action by a livery-stable-keeper, at Mary-Ie-bonne,
against Dr. Sigmond, a physician, who had hired a pair of carriage horses of him by the year. The déclaration alleged that the défendant had engaged to take proper care of the horses, but had failed to do so, and had, by improper treatment, caused the death of one of them. The action was to recover its value, which was stated to be about eighty guineas. By the statement of the Common Serjeant, and the witnesses whom
he called for the plaintiff, it appeared that in April, 182-7, the défen- dant had agreed with the plaintiff for the use of a pair of carriage horses, at 150 guineas per year. They were kept in the plaintiff's stables at Mary-le-bonne. The horse in question had died in December, 1827. A short time before, it was found to be unwell. The défendant had had it out on Monday, the 26th of November, and it was brought home in the evening wet and fatigued. On its return home the next evening it was found to be worse, and, atthe suggestion ofthe défend- ants coachman, it was bled. Mr. Fenwick, a jVeterinary surgeon, who was afterwards called in, found the animal in a very debilitated state, and he had no doubt that the bleeding, after the exertion it had undergone, was the cause of its death. It was only five years old, and a week before the bleeding was in a healthy state. Mr. Fenwick having, in the course of a few days, found that a re-action had taken place, bled the animal again, after giving it some medicine ; and in |
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333
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HORSE CAUSES.
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Jwo days after, it died. According to the agreeraent for the hire of the
horses, the défendant was to hâve a pair of young horses for day work, and a pair of old ones when he had occasion to go out at night. The plaintiff was in the habit of sending to the défendant to know whether he had occasion for the horses in the evening ; but on the evening in Question the person whose duty it M'as to call on the défendant omitted to do so, and it was proved that the young horses, which had been out pu the Monday, were not in a fit state to leave the stable on the follow- iig day. Sir James Scarlett, with whom was Mr. Brougham, addressed the
JUry for the défendant.—A livery-stable-keeper, who let out horses in this way, took ail the risk on himself, and could not maintain an action of this îcind, unless he proved that the party had treated the horses im- properly. Hère there was no évidence of improper treatment. The plaintiff, in letting out thèse horses to a médical man, did so knowing that they might be wanted at any hour of the night. He was not bound to supply the party with any particular pair of horses. His business was to see that the horses which were sent out were in proper condition to perform the work. If they were not in a fit state to leave the stable, he should take care that they did not go out. The défendant was not answerable for taking them out when they were not in a proper condi- tion to go. There was no évidence thathe had treated them improperly by exercise; and as to the first bleeding, supposing that to be impro- per, it was impossible to say that it had been the cause of the death, because the person who had been called in on the plaintiff's part, had thought proper to bleed the horse a second time. Lord Tenterden left the case to the jury, upon the single ques-
tion, whether the death of the horse was occasioned by the first bleeding. After a quarter of an hour's délibération, they found for the de-
fendant. |
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IMTT, ESQ. V. ALLEX.
This was an action on a warranty of a horse sold by the défendant
to the plaintiff, a gentleman residing at Kensington, in February last. The horse was warranted sound, and the price paid for it was forty guineas. It died on the 22d of Mardi, of a disease of the lungs. The °nly question in the cause was, whether that disease existed at the time of the sale. The horse was found to hâve a cough a few days after it had been placed in the plaintiff's stables. The cough inereased, and the plaintiff had the animal bled several times. On Seing opened j ter its death, it was found that several abscesses had formed on the j^gs, and the chest was full of water. Thèse facts were deposed to y the plaintiff's coachman and another witness. |
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334
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VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
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Mr. Henderson, a Veterinary surgeon, who examined the lungs,
stated that the whole of the disease might hâve taken place within a week from its first indication. There were tubercles on the diseased lungs. A cough always followed that disease, but there might be a cough without tubercles. Mr. Coleman, an experienced Veterinary surgeon, who had not
seen the horse, but had heard the statements of the other witnesses, deposed that the existence of tubercles was an indication of a slow dis- ease, but he was of opinion that a cough might be unconnected with tubercles. His opinion as to the existence of tubercles in this animal, at the time it was sold, would dépend upon what the condition of the animal was at the time it was sold. If it was fat, and in good condi- tion, he should say the probability was, that there were no tubercles. Sir James Scarlett, who appeared for the plaintif, then re-called
the plaintiff's coachman, who stated that the horse was in very good condition when it was brought to the plaintiiï's stables. Lord Tenterden. — Well, Sir James, are you in very good
condition ? Sir James Scarlett.—I think not, my lord.
Plaintiff nonsuited.
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
An aged brown Gelding,
Of the cart-horse breed, belonging to Messrs. Cook and Co., was
admitted on the I8th of May. The horse had been under home treat- ment for several days, as bleeding, &c. The disease was stated by Mr. Sewell to be inflammation of the
lungs. The puise was feeble, but very quick ; the mucous membrane lining
the nose appeared rather more vascular than usual, a slight discharge escaped from the nostrils, but the mouth did not appear particularly or unusually hot or dry : the horse evidently laboured under considér- able debility ; and the man who led the horse stated he had been exercising him for an hour or two, by the direction of the farrier, and that it was with considérable difficulty he got him to the Collège. The horse was placed in an open shed, and iive quarts of blood
taken away. Half an ounce of aloes was given in a bail, and a mash diet. The next day, the horse not being better, was directed to hâve a
rowel inserted in the chest : three quarts of blood were taken away, and clysters of warm water directed to be frequently given. |
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VETERWARY COLLEGE CASES. 335
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On the 12th, the horse, not being any better, a rowel was inserted
'n each thigh, and two drachms of white hellébore powder ordered to be given two or three times a day. 13th. The rowels were dressed with turpentine ointment, and the
hellébore discontinued, as it produced purging ; the puise was now Very feeble at 58. The next day the puise was found to be more fréquent, but ex-
tremely weak; the breathing difficult; great exhaustion, and the legs and ears cold. Three quarts ofblood were taken away ; cmother rowel inserted
in the belly ; the legs were directed to be well rubbed, and flannel bandages applied. THE HELLEBORE WAS AGAIN GIVEN.
I5th. The horse was considerably worse, and rapidly sinking under
this treatment, and in the course of the night he died. |
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Post Mortem Examination.
The lungs were found highly inflamed, and gorged with blood ; the
intestines also considerably inflamed (probably from the eifect of the hellébore). Query— Why was hellébore given ? Why take away blood, if in-
tended to subdue inflammation, and at the same time administer a dru«- to cause the same evil? Pray, Mr. Sewell, do attend to thèse points for the future. We beg leave to ask the Professor, for what purpose white hellé-
bore was administered at ail in this case ? We hâve always found this drug to produce inflammation of the stomach and intestines when given 'n large doses; but, for the better information of our readers, we hâve subjoined M. Magendie's observations and opinion on Veratrine, *hich is the active part of white hellébore root. In speaking of the action of Veratrine on animais, he states, " that
_ a sniall quantity corne in contact with the mucous membrane of the
"destines, it becomes inflamed, the irritation spreads, that purging
l^nd in some animais vomiting) will be produced." In a much larger
°se the substance induces a very great accélération of the circulation,
nd of respiration, soon followed by tetanus and death.
■"■ small quantity thrown into the jugular vein also induces tetanus
Q death in a very short time; and, even in this case, Veratrine pro-
Ces an effect on the intestinal canal ; for, on dissection, the mucous
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336
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VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
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membrane will be found highly injected and inflamed. The lungs also
présents signs of inflammation and of engorgement. A black Mare—Aged 6,
Belonging to Messrs. Cubitts, was admitted on the 5th of Jane,
which had been under previous treatment, as bleeding, &c. The disease was stated to be Catarrfh The mucous membrane of the nose was inflamed, and a considéra-
ble discharge présent: the glands under the jaw were also enlarged, the breathing difficult, and the circulation much increased. A mash diet was directed, and a rowel made in the chest.
6th. Not being any better, and the breathing still difficult, th
quarts of blood was taken away. Two draehms of aloes, with three of turpentine, were given in a bail, and a rowel inserted under the jaw. Late in the evening such a considérable degree of difficulty in breathing was présent, as to render bronchotomy neeessary in order to save the animal's life, which was accordingly performed by Mr. VlNES.
An incision was made through the integuments, and an opening
afterwards into the trachea ; a leaden tube was then intro duced, and properly secured with a bandage round the neek ; the animal was im- mediately relieved, and continued to breathe through the tube without inconvenience, till it was removed several days after, when respiration was completely restored through the natural air passages. The animal continued to recover till the 12th, when oil of tar was
directed to be applied to the wound left by the incision, which was dis- charging good pus, and throwing out healthy granulations. On the 13th, a solution of sulphate of zinc was directed to be ap-
plied. On the 14th, this application was changed for a solution of sulphate
of copper,; which was directed again on the 16th; and on the 19th the animal was discharged, relieved of the complaint, and the wound nearly well. |
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Printed by G. Duckworth, 76, Fleet Stree*.
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THE
FARRIER AND NATURALISA
No, 8.] AUGUST. [1828.
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THE BULL-DOG (Canîs Pugnax.)
"Dogs are nonest créatures, theynever fawn on those they love not; and I'ra
a friend to Dogs." Among the various breeds of dogs observable in this country, none
possesses a stronger daim to be considered an original native of it than the bull-dog; and his degeneration in foreign countries, when imported from this island, will, in a great measure, account for the imperfect descriptions given by some continental authors, as well as the silence of others respecting him. Buffon," who has written at length on the canine race, has given
only a few unsatisfactory lines respecting this extraordinary branch of it. He supposes that the shepherd's dog, brought into temperate cli-
mates, and among a civilized people, as those of Britain, France, and^Germany, would, by mère influence of climate alone, lose his rough aspect, his erect ears, his rude, thick, long hair, and assume the figure of a bull-dog. No such change, however, appears to take place even in the
smallest degree in this' country ; ne ver partaking of the round head, the under-hanging jaw, and smooth coat, of the bull-dog, they remain unalterably the same, and the supposition of this celebrated naturalist falls to the ground. Although Great Britain has always been famous for her fighting dogs, and long for her bull-dogs,* it does not appear from any accounts of them, that the bull-dog of the présent day was the one intended by ancient authors ; as the description they give accords much better with the mastiff, which was used for thèse purposes, and vvith which it has been confounded by some writers. The period at which this breed came into repute is unknown, and thas eluded the researches of the most vigilant on the subject : that the mastiff was the dog in estimation and use till within a few years, the writings of Diany appear clearly to prove ; for even so late as the time . of Gay, 'hat accurate observer of nature's varied forms and manners has * Abergavennyj. in Monmouthshire, once celebrated for a particular breed of
"ull-dogs, and famous for the sport of baiting, is now no longer heard of as such, *<id the breed is entirely lost. z
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]['""..,■..,.-< '. ...
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\\\ \-. \- \NV\A\
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338
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TUE BULL-DOG.
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exprcssly mentioned, in his Fable, the Bull and the Mastiff; and vve
can scarcely suppose, that had the bull-dog and the mastifF been as distinct as at présent, his criticaljudgracnt would hâve misplaced the one for the other. The Iate Mr. Sydenham Edwards, wiio paid very considérable at-
tention to the breeds of différent dogs, and who was also a most excellent judge of thèse animais, supposes "that about the time the mastiff was couimon in England, and after the time of Gay, when bull and bear-baiting, with similar amusements, were rapidly declining, especially among the great, the small Dutch mastiff, or pug-dog, wa£ much in fashion ; and probably, by accident or design, the mixture of thèse two produced the intermédiare variety in question, possessing the invincible courage of the one with much of the form of the other. Some objections may arise on account of the smallness of the pug; but it should be remembered, the dîminutive sizè of many of thèse créatures we are accustomed to see, is owing to their being bred as small as possible, for the purpose of lap-dogs,—their original size being much larger." The bull-dog is, in height, about eighteen inches, and weighs about
thirty-six pounds; head round and full; muzzle short; ears small,—in some, the points turning down—in others, perfectly erect, and such are called tubp-eared ; chest wide ; body round, with the limbs very muscular and strong; the tail thin and taper, curling over the back, or hanging down, termed tiger-tailed, rarely erected, exeept when the passions of the animal are roused ; the bide loose and thick, parti- cularly about the neck ; the hair short ; the hind feet turned outwards ; hocks rather approacliing each other, which seems to obstruct their speed in running, but is adjnirably adapted to progressive motion when combating on their bellies : but the most striking character is the under jaw almost uniformly projecting beyond the upper ; for if the mouth is even, they become shark-headed, which is considered a bad point. The colours are black, salmon, fallow, brindled, and white, wilh
thèse variously pied; the fallow, salmon, and brindled with black muzzles, are deemed the most genuine breeds, and the white to pos- sess most action : there is a strong gênerai resemblance between a brindled bull-dog and the striped hyœna. The preperties of the British bull-dog arc, matchless courage and
persévérance, even to death : bred for the combat, and delighting in it, he évinces, against an unequal adversary, invincible courage ;* * ])og-fanciers invariabiy prefer, and coasider ihose best bred, which are
large bebind the ears. See Plaie No. 2, of this work, Fig. 1, 2; also, Anima! Phrenology, page 73. |
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roused by injury, or led on by his master, lie attacks the most powerful
animal, and rushes upon it without the slightest indication of fear ; disdaining stratagem, he bravely assails tbe enemy in front—the bull, the buffalo, or bear; and if successful, fixes his powerful jawson the nose, bringing the head to the ground, pins it there, destitute of the power of résistance, till, in loud roarings, his superiority is confessed. The smaller animais, as rats, mice, &c, he rarely regards. Although the wounds the bull-dog inflicts are not severe, yet, by
his unsubdued and obstinate courage, he will, in gênerai, conquer any r of an equal or even superior size. It is probable that the teeth, not acting in immédiate opposition from the great projection of the under-jaw, may prevent his tearing iike other fighting-dogs : but the principal reason is his retaining to his uttermost the same hold ; and though successful in overpowering, not proceeding to destroy his ene- my. It is probable, too, this apparent deformity,—the elongation of the under jaw,—-facilitâtes his seizing objects above him in combating, as the nose of the bull, bear, &c. Destitute of scent, nearly incapa- ble of tuition, slow and sluggish in his manner, loose and irregular in his gait, in his pacifie moments he is apparently inoifensive and stupid, sulky in the eye, and averse to action ; but roused by noise, and easily wrought to a pitch of madness, seizing whatever présents or opposes him ; nor is he deterred from the furious assault by lacerated limbs or broken bones. They may be over-bred; that is, too deep game—suffering pain
without résistance. They are properly crossed with any other dog, where courage is the
requisite. The cruel and barbarous praotice of bull-baiting, for which this dog
was almost exclusively used, is now, by a humane act of the législa- ture, generally prevented ; but as the custom of baiting animais is one of considérable antiquity, we shall lay before our readers a brief out- line of what has been eollected respecting this disgraceful and crueî diversion. |
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ROYAL VETER1NARY COLLEGE.
H. Warburton, Esq. moved in the House of Commons, on
Friday night last, July 25, for a return of the account of ail grants Diade by the Parliament to the Veterinary Collège from its com- mencement to the présent time. ^e shall hâve to comment extensively on this subject hereafter.
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340 VETERINARY PROFESSION.
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VETERINARY PROFESSION.
In our endeavours to promote the improvement and amélioration of
the Veterinary Profession, by enlightening its members on what may be called their political dégradation, we hâve found it necessary to pass censure on the conduct of certain public individuals, and, as usual in such cases, our statements hâve been met only by a violent cry of par/y. We defy them to prove that anything like a party exists for this pur-
pose, but shall be gratified to learn that a sufficient number of persons are of our opinion on thèse points, to deserve that appellation ; as we cannot see why truth is less true, when supported by the suffrages of many, than when advocated only by a single impartial pen. We disclaim every other motive in the proceedings we hâve adopted,
than the welfare of the art ; and it matters not from whom or whence thèse statements proceed, when they are so correct, that from the com- mencement of this publication to the présent time, not a single fact or argument of ours has been controverted, or attempted to be denied by those whom they concern. Our pages are free—this silence speaks for itself. Those who may think our censure on Mr. Coleman is too gênerai,
must understand that, at some future day, we hâve yet heavier charges to prefer against his practice, than any that hâve hitherto appeared ; and it is not from "wantonness," as a correspondent supposes, but from a deep feeling of the injuries the profession has sustained at his hands, that we hâve been so severe. It surprises us that Veterinary surgeons can identify themselves
with a man who has always shown himself so regardless of their inte- rests, as to sacrifice them, on every occasion, to his own; and that they should permit themselves to be duped, when a single glance at facts will prove the above assertion. In our last number, it was shown that Veterinarians were excluded
from the Examining Committee of the Collège, by and through the means of Mr. Coleman, who, in short, could not retain his situa- tion if such admissions were to take place to a proper extent. Yet it is generally acknowledged that they are necessary—that the présent mode of examination is the greatest injustice to the profession and in- jury to the public; and that only a wish to perpetuate ignorance can dictate their exclusion. In order to see how much we will quietly bear, and remove ail
doubt respecting his intentions, it is proposed by his particular friend |
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amongthe Governors,to shut out Veterinary surgeons from the Collège
altogether, and not allow them even to become subscribers—lest they should expose his practice to the world ; and his deputy has issued orders that this exclusion shall be immediately enforced. What ought to hâve been Mr. Coleman's conduct in this case,
supposing thèse steps to hâve been resolved upon without his consent ? To hâve opposed them, which he could hâve done successfully ; or, in case of failure, he should hâve resented a déclaration so dishonour- able to the Veterinary body, by immédiate résignation. But he con- sented, it is said, to the admission of practical men on the Examining Committee ; of course he vvould do so, he could not act othenvise ; but that would not prevent him from using ail means in his power to prevent it, for we ail know that Mr. Coleman's public measures are uniformly of a circuitous character. It was threatened, that the Médical Com- mittee would ail resign if the régulation were adopted: there are some whose services we should be sorry to lose; butbetter so, than thatthings should remain in their présent state. It is absurd and ridiculous that men of one profession should alone décide on the qualifications of young men intended for another. There would be something rather more reasonable in a body of Veterinary practitioners granting diplomas to physicians, for they ought to be well acquainted with the gênerai principles of anatomy, physiology, and medicine ; while, on the other hand, the médical man can know little of the peculiar diseases of the horse, and is absolutely ignorant of those important subjects—the Foot and Shoeing. But it is enough;—in future we are to hâve no voice in electing our own associâtes; and for the disgrâce, we hâve this for a consolation—that such is the will of our mighty Professor : and the re- spect we must, of course, hâve for a man who taught us a string of errors, and for his " constituted authority," is to preclude us from any "wanton exposure" of his interested views. We repeat, that no deed of his is known to us in which he has not
consulted his private interest before that of the profession. What has he done to deserve so much gratitude ? Perhaps something formerly. We know that, many years ago, he proposed to recommend, to the utmost of his power, such Veterinary surgeons and shoeing smiths, as would enter into a bond to pay him 50/. per annum. This was pro- bably for the gênerai good of the trade. Another most disinterested scheme for our benefit was, his famous
plan of establishing branch Drug Establishments in every town in the kingdom, for the sale of horse medicines under the Collège sanction, finding, no doubt, that the post of druggist to the army was a lucra- |
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tive concern ; and nothing but the spirited remonstrances of the popilsv
led on by Mr. R. Lawrence, and the upright conduct of the Governors of that day, prevented him from executing this outrageous monopoly? which would hâve carried certain ruin to the country Veterinarian. His three patents, the Artificial Frog, the Clip Heel, the Frog
Shoe and the Spit Bar, might be adduced as so many separate proofs of venality : for a share in the first, it is said, he obtained some hun- dreds from an inexperienced pupiî ; and the rightto use the two latter— a right, by-the-bye, but seldom exercised—was once on sale to ail who would givc him ten guineas.* But we prefer to argue on a broader bearing: if those shoes, &e. were, in his opinion, so useful and im- portant, why does a paid servant of the public attempt to lirait their utility by patents ? or how does this conduct évince any liberality or regard for the interests of the profession ? That luminous discovery, of which we propose to give some account—his three farthing artificia! frog, was sold at the exorbitant priée of three shillings ; and his four guinea useless book is another instance of a true catchpenny. We mention thèse merely to say that we can more freely pardon the
worst extortion, tlian the manner in which he has depreciated the labours and abridged the profits of the Veterinary surgeon, by permit- ting the sale of cheap drugs atthe Collège. This is a cheap monopoly, and more destructive to the practitioner than ail the foregoing; but its considération must be deferred to another number. Our object is to ]ay before our readers a short account of wliat Mr. Coleman has done, and tried to do, for himself; and Iet his friends, inreturn, inform us of a single measure he has ever taken to advanee their interest or respect- ability. There are few men in the world who hâve his particular talent for conciliating the good offices of others, without ever doing anything to deserve them; but it will be acceptable to us to hear of any oetter motive to account for the gênerai apathy, than blind respect or stupid fear. But if, on one hand, there are but few who know and feel the amount of injury he has inflicted upon us, or are bold enough to speak their opinion ; so, on the other hand, the refuge of his cause is silence, and those who know it best, are best aware of its weakness. * Report says, that even bisprotêgè, Mr. StwBflj who oiigbt to hnve knovrri
better, was readily njiœezed out of a cool hundivd by the proper application of the frog pressure shoe of the ingénions Professor. |
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VETER1NARY SOCIETY.
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VETERINARY SOCIETY.
The members of this Society met on the 1 lth ult. to résume their
discussions, and, after the minutes of the preceding meeting had been read and confirmed, the subject of Ophthalmia, and its treatment, was proposed by Mr. C. Clark ; Grease, and its treatment, by Mr. E. F. Cherry. Letters were then read by the Secretary, from the following gentle-
men, in answer to his circular underRulelO:—From Dr. Pearson, Messrs. Brodie, Coleman, and Morgan, desiring to be considered as honorary members ; and from Sir E. Home, Dr. Cooke, Mr. Stanley, and Mr. Sewell, expressing their good wishes for the success of the Society. G. Dermott, Esq., Dr. Spurzheim, and Dr. Harrison, were pro-
posed, and elected honorary members. It was moved and seconded, that a statement of the views and ob-
jects of the Society should be prepared, and a Committee was ap- pointed for that purpose. Mr. F. Cherry produced the leg of a horse, in order to demoh-
strate a novel mode of opération in cases of broken knees, by excising the injured part of the skin, and making perpendicular latéral incisions in order to heal the knee without blemish. Dr. Cox, who was elected an honorary member, read a paper
on the Quarter Evil ; much interestmg discussion followed respecting the diseases of cattle in gênerai,—a subject heretofore too little at- tended to, and in the treatment of which there is great room for improvement. On the 23d July the Society met again, and after confirmation of
the former minutes, a letter was read by the Secretary from Mr. C. Bell, applauding the objects of the Society. The question of the best mode of castrating the horse was brought
forward and discussed ; but it was difficult to gather the opinion of the meeting ; for, as Mr. F. Cherry observed, dexterously and properly performed, almost any of the various plans in use would succeed ; but that so much depended on the previous préparations and subséquent attention which the animal received, as to make it difficult, without very numerous experiments, to décide. Some cases of practice were related, and the meeting adjourned
till seven o'clock on Tuesday, the 5th of August. Veterinary prac- titioners, and members of the médical profession, are invited to attend. |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE,
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VIEWS AND OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY.
The objecte of the Veterinary Society are to induce free discussion
on ail subjects connected with Veterinary science, and the practice of the art. The horse in ail states will, of course, be a Ieading object of attention. The breeding and rearing of live stock, and their treatment, both
in health and when labouring under disease, will also be subjects for discussion. Written communications on any of thèse points will receive candid
considération. It is intended to form a library of books relating to thèse subjects ; donations of books, and manuseripts or descriptions of scarce books, will, therefore, be acceptable. It is in contemplation to form a muséum ; anatomical préparations
of parts in health, and spécimens of morbid anatomy, with the history ofsuch spécimens, will, therefore, be acceptable. And it must be évident, that a library and muséum, so formed, will concentrate a body of practical knowledge, which would be sought for in vain while diffused throughout the profession. It is intended that books, manuseripts, and préparations, unless
made donations, shall remain at the disposai of the original contributors. With thèse views and intentions, the Veterinary Society call upon
the profession and the public for their cordial and powerful support; the names already added to their list, affbrd the best proof of the importance of thèse objecte, and the manner in which they are appreciated. |
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THE GODOLPHIN ARABIAN.
We may confidently assert that this famous stallion contributed
more to the improvement of our native breed, than any other horse before or since bis day : in proof whereof we add a list of his get; remarking, in corroboiation of the position advanced, that ail our présent Jirsl-rates partake of his valuable blood. Unlike the majority of foreign horses, no pedigree was brought
over with him ; indeed, it is altogether conjectural whence he came. AU we know with certainty is, that Mr. Coke obtained him in Paris ; |
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THE GODOLPHIN ARABIAN.
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tnat he parted with him to Mr. Williams, who at that time kept the
St. James's Coffee House ; and that the latter gentleman presented him to the Earl of Godolphin, in whose stud he died, in December, 1753, at Gogmagog, Cambridgeshire, aged twenty-nine. In 1730 and 1731, the Godolphin Arabian was teazer to Hob-
goblin (a son of Aleppo, by the Darley Arabian) ; and on the latter refusing to cover Roxana, she was put to the Arabian, and that cover produced Lath, admitted by judges to hâve been one of the finest and best horses that had appeared on the turf since the days of the Duke of Devonshire's Childers, by the Davley Arabian out of Betty Leedes. This accidentai circumstance, as it must be deemed, brought the Godolphin Arabian into repute, and the best mares were put to him,—happily for those interested in the breed of an animal, which, says Buffon, " déclines no service, exerts ail his strength, and, that his obédience may be complète, will strain every nerve till he even expires under his generous efforts." As something wonderful and strange usually accompanies celebrity,
Mr. Scott, author of " The Sportsman's Repository," in com- pliance with a time-honoured custom, tells us, that "he was actually employed in the drudgery of drawing a cart, in Paris;" but he does not acquaint us with the source whence he derived his information. Non lene ripœ creditur, says Virgil. It was generally believed, however, that he was stolen, and smuggled into France from the coast of Barbary. A faithful picture of the Arabian was taken by Stubbs (from
which the accompanying portrait was copied), who has introduced the cat towards whom this extraordinary stallion evinced so strong an attachment, from constantly living in the stable with him ; and this affection the horse manifested in a remarkable degree, on the death of his favourite. To conclude : the Godolphin Arabian was a bay horse, about fifteen hands high, with some white on the off hind pastern. colts.
Those against whose nam.es an asterisk (*) is placed, were the
Jîrst produce of their respective Dams. Name, colour, when foaled. Dam. Owner.
Alchymist, b.....1750 Crab mare • .a........- .Mr. Popham
Sabraham, b.......1T40 Large Hartley mare (1) Lord Godolphin
(1) This mare was got by Hartley's Blind Horse (a son ofthe Holder-
ness Turk), out of Flying Whig, by the Woodstnck Arabian. The Utile |
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THE GODOLPHIN ARABIAN7.
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Hartley Mare was got by Bartlet's Childers, also ont of Flying Whig. In
1732, Mr. Hartley sold both mares to Lord Godolpbin's stud-groom, for 200 guineas. Babrahani was a magnificent horse, sixteen hands bigli, master of eigbteen
stone. When in training, he beat Bustard, Little Driver, Old England, Sultan, Wafer, &c. Of his excellence as a stallion, the Stud Book affords ample proof. Few instances can be adduced of a horse running in such high form as Babraham did, and covering mares the saine season. Tbis fine racer andgood stallion died in 1760, aged twenty. Bajazet, b.........1740 Whitefoot mare........ Mr. Greville
April Mb., 1748, Bajazet beat Babraham, in a match, at Newm arket,
carrying 12 st. each, six miles, fifty guineas. Bajazet was sire of many good runners. Blank, b..........1740 Little Hartley mare ____ Lord Godolphin
An apt illustration of the uncertainty attending breeding is hère shown ;
aud which we cannot pass without noticing : Iilank and Old England, two brothers; the former was a stallion deservedly in high repute, butavery middling racer, while the latter proved an indiffèrent stallion, but a truly good runner. Take also Lath and Cade, both out of Roxana: the former, a racer of the first order, but, as a stallion, much below the mark ; the latter scarcely to be called a runner, but, as a stallion, rankshigh indeed, *Blossom, gr......174S Blossom.............. Lord Marcb
Bragg, gr.........1751 Blossom.............. Duke of Grafton
Buffcoat, dun......1742 Silverlocks............ Lord Godolphin
Cade, b. .........1734 Roxana (2)............ Lord Godolphin
(2) Roxana died within a fortnight after foaling, and Cade was reared
with cow-*s milk ; hence his name, cade, tame, soft; as a cade lamb. See
Johuson's Dictionary.
Chub, b...........1740 Hobgoblin mare, J T39 .. Lord Godolphin
Coït, b............1739 Diriger mare.......... Sir John Dutton
Colt,b............1739 Young Kitty Burdett------ Lord Godolphin
Coït, b............1741 Young Kitty Burdett____ Sir T. Reade
Young Kitty Burdett, the first produce of ber dam, bred by R. Burdett,
Esq., foaled 1720, was got by Old Smales (a son of Whynot), out of Kitty Burdett (sister to Whimsey), by the Darley Arabian ; grandam, the Young Child Mare, by tbe Harpur Barb ; great grandam, Old Cbild Mare, by Sir T. Gresiey's Bay Roan ; great great grandam, Vixen, by the Helmsley Turk, out of Dodsworth's dam, a barb mare imported in the reign of Charles the Second, and styled a Royal Mare. Soon after his Majesty's deatb, the Studmaster sold ber for forty guineas, at twenty years old, when in foal with Vixen. Coït, gr...........1754 Crab mare ............ Mr. Vernon
Creeper, gr........1752 Blossom.............. Lord Godolphin
•Cripple,gr........1750 Blossom.............. Lord Eglintoun
Cygnet, gr.........1753 Blossom.............. Lord Godolphin
DLoïb^^! } 'T53 SPinster .............. Mr- Pantoû
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347
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THE GODOLPHIN ARAEIAN.
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Spinster, perhaps better known as The IViddrington Mare, bred by Mr.
Croft, of Barfortb, in Yorksbire, in 1T35, was got by Partner, lier dam (sister to the dam of Cornforth's Forester) by Mr. Croft's noted stallion, called Btoody Buttocks : of which herse, it is to be regretted that notbing i'urther is known, than that he was a gray x\rabian, with a red mark on his hip, whence he derived his name. Spinster's grandam, sister to Guy, was got by Old Greyhound ; great-grandam, Brown Farewell (Matchem's grandam) by Makeless—Brimmer—Place's White Turk—Dodsworth—Lay- ton's Violet Barb Mare. In 1740, Spinster, then belonging to Mr. Widdrington, won the King's
plate nt Black Hambleton, beating fourteen others. She afterwards became the property of Thos. Panton, Esq. of Newmarket; and October lst, 1741, won the King's plate at that place, carrying 12 st. R. C. at/our beats ; beat- ing Folunteer, by Young Belgrade; Favourite, by Betbell's Arabian, who broke down after winning the second beat; and Staghunter, by Young Childers. Spinster was a brood mare in Mr. Panton's stud ; she was dam of Spinster, Sbepherd's Crab, Roeket's dam, and Fancy, by Crab ; Deputy ' and Posthumus, by the Godolphin Arabian ; Golden Grove, and a bay coït, by Blank ; a filly, by Snip ; and a grey coït, by the Panton Arabian. Dimple, b......... Hobgoblin mare, 1739.. Lord Godolphin
Dismal, gr........1733 Alcock Arabian mare .. Lord Godolphin
In April, 1738, Dismal won the great stakes of 1000 guineas, at New-
market, beating Careless and eight others. June 13th, won the King's plate at Ipswicb, beating the Duke ofBoIton's Poppet and three others. Dismal was sold toMu South, of Newmarket; and, in 1739, he won tbe King's plate at Guildford, 12 st. each, four mile heats ; beating Mr. Panton's Blsze, wbo won the third heat ; Lord Portmore's Spectre winning the first. Five others started, June 4th, won the King's plate at Salisbury, 12 st. each, four mile heats. Mr. Soutb's gr. h. Dismal....................2 0 1 1
Lord Weymouth's b. h. Figg, by Young Childers 3 0 2 2
Duke of Bolton's gr. h.Hope/ul.............. 13 3 3
The second heat was so closely contested betweeu Dismal and Figg, that
the winner could not be distinguisbed. July 18th, walked over for the King's plate at Canterbury. September
3d, won the King's plate at Lincoln, beating the Duke of Ancaster's Dart, wbo was drawn after the first heat. Dismal was never beat ; he covered, however, few blood mares. 'Dormouse, b......1738 Partner mare.......... Lord Godolphin
Entrance, b........1749 Hobgoblin mare, 1739.. Duke of Cumberland
Fe.-rnought, br.....1751 Hobgoblin mare, 1739 .. Lord Godolphin
îeather, b.........1751 Childers mare ........ Mr. Panton
'Gower Stallion, b. .1740 Whitefoot mare........ Lord Gower
«odolphiuGelding, |1T48 Hobgoblin mare) 1T39.. Lord Godolphin
Jatius, b...........1738 Little Hartley mare------ Lord Godolphin
"ïnfantj b.........1746 Hobgoblin mare, 1737 .. Lord Sandwich
*Lath, b..........172 Roxana .............. Lord Godolphin
"arlborough, bl... .1745 Large Hartley mare .... Duke of Marlborough
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348 THE GODOLPHIN ARAB1AN.
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Namo, eoloar, when foaled. Dam. Owner.
Matchless, b.......1754 Soreheels mare ........ Mr. Panton
Mirza, b. (3)......1749 Hobgoblin mare, 1737 .. Mr. Swymmer
(3) Mirza was never beat. Sir James Lowther offered to run hifff
against Snap for ten thousand guineas, and allow him four pounds, but the challenge was not accepted. Mr. Swymmer gave Mr. Panton 100 guineas for Mirza, and sold him to Mr. Greville for 450 guineas. After winning the Jockey Club plate, in 1758, at Newmarket, beating Matchem, Jaaon, Feather, and Forester, 9 st. each, B.C., Mr. Greville disposed ofhim to Sir James Lowther, at the price of 1500 guineas. Mirza proved a very in- ferior stallion. Mogul............ Large Hartley mare____ Lord Godolphin
Noble, b..........1744 Hobgoblin mare, 1739.. Mr. Greville
Old England, b___1741 Little Hartley mare___ Lord Godolphin
Posthumus, b.....1754 Spinster.............. Mr. Panton
Regulus, b. (4)___1739 Grey Robinson........ Lord Chedworth
(4) Regului, also, was never beat; when six years old he won cight
King's plates and a 601. plate—viz.: 1745, May 17th, 501. at Epsom ; beating Poppet, Brisk, and Chance.
(This race was run in the name of Sweetïips.) June 12th, the King's plate, at Winchester ; beating Teazer, by the
Bolton Starling. June 18th, walked over for the King's plate, at Salisbury.
July 2d, the King's plate, at Nottingham ; beating Wormvniod, by Hut-
ton's Blacklegs ; Champion, by Goliah ; and two others distanced. July 30th, the King's plate, at Canterbury ; beating Teaxer.
August 16th, the King's plate, at Lewes; beating Grey Linooln.
September lOtb, the King's plate, at Lincoln ; beating Champion.
October 3d, the King's plate, at Newmarket; beating Grey Lincoln ;
and Lowther, by the Lonsdale Arabian. 1746, Aprilthe 3d, the King's plate, at Newmarket; beating Teazer.
Regulus did notstart afterwards : on being taken out of training, he was sent into Yorkshire, where he proved himself a most valuable stallion ; be
was sire of many capital racers, and brood mares ; he covered at Ten Guineas. Thisgood horse died in the neighbourhood of Catterick, in 1765, aged 26. Skewball, b........1741 Whitefoot mare........ Lord Godolphin
Sultan............ Whirligig ............ Mr. Greville
Tarquin..........1745 Scarborough Coït mare.. Lord Godolphin
Weasel, b.........1752 Fox mare ............ Lord Godolphin
Whitenose, b......1742 Childers mare ........ Mr. Panton
FILLIES.
Amelia, b.........1748 Childers mare.......... Mr. Crofts
Anna, b...........1754 Cloudy................ Lord Townshend
Dainty, br.........1751 Crab mare............ LordMarch
Daphne, b.........1753 Fox mare ............ Lord Godolphin
Emma, b..........1751 Hobgoblin mare, 1737.. Mr.Lincoln
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THE GODOLPHIN ARABIAK. 349
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Name, «olour, when foaled. Dam. Owner,
*%,b............1750 Ilobgoblin mare, 1737 .. Lord Grosvenor
Fillj^b............1746 Large Hartley mare____ Lord Craven
"'lly.b............1752 Soreheels mare ........ Lord Waldegrave
pilly,b............1746 Whitefoot mare........ Mr. Dutton
"Brilliant's dam. .1738 Silverlocks............ Mr. Crofts
Hip's dam......1752 Hobgoblin mare, 17.37.. Lord Godolpbin
Marplot's grandaml751 Blossom.............. Lord Eglintoun
Merlin'» dam____1739 Little Hartley mare ____ Lord Godolphin
Pan'siam......1747 Hobgoblin mare, 1737..
IVell-done's dam 1739 Silverlocks............ Sir J. Moore
Jilt, gr............1749 Blossom.............,. Mr. Panton
•Miss Cranbourn, br.1753 Miss Western.......... Duke of Cumberland
Miss Western, the first produce of lier dam, a chestnut mare, foaled
1746, bred by Sir Robert Eden, was got by Sedbury (a son of Partner), out of Mother Western (tbe grandam of Eclipse), by Smith's Son of Snake— Montagu—Hautboy—Brimmer. In 1751, sbe won the King's plate, at Hambleton ; which event is said to hâve laid the foundation of the hand- some fortune accumulated by Mr. John Hctchinson, under whose care the mare was, and who backed her to win, to the extent of his then slender means. In thus alluding to Mr. Hutchinson, that others may be slimu- latea to follow the same patb, Justice and Truth recuire us to record, that, to persevering industry and tbe strictest integrity, he added much skill in training, and knowledge in breeding. Miss Windsor......1754 Young Belgrade mare .. Duke of Cumberland
♦Shepherdess, b.....1743 Hobgoblin mare, 1Ï39.. Mr. Martindale
Sophia, b..........174S Hobgoblin mare, 1737.. Mr. Harvey.
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BULL-BAITING. :
Roman Venatiœ—Combats ofWildBeasts—Spanish Bidl-Fights
—Etiglzsh Butt-Baits—Bull Running. If cruelty to animais could be justified by the examples of antiquity,
abundant authors might be found in the records of the ancients. The Venatiee, instituted by the Romans in honour of Diana, consisted in three distinct sports, which were ail designated under that gênerai ap- pellation : in the first, oxen, deer, and even sheep, were turned loose *nto the arena of the amphithéâtre, where the people were permitted J-o pursue them, and to appropriate those they caught to their own use ; "i the second, ferocious animais were made to combat with each other; a"d in the third, they were forced to contend with man. The men who actually engaged on those occasions may, indeed,
"e exempted from the charge of cruelty, for they were generally slaves |
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350
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EULL-BAITING.
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or malefactors, who were unwillingly compelled to risk their lives in
an unequal contestwith the most savage natives of the forest; but the nobility of Rome, who, in some instances, hired them, the govern- ment which permitted such exhibitions, and the people who delighted in them, must ail be included in the reproach. Thèse spectacles were commonly exhibited on the commémoration
ofvictories, and on other solemn occasions; and as the Italian terri- tory produced no other beasts of prey than the wolf and the bear, no cost was spared to procure every other species from abroad. Thus the poet Claudian tells us—
" AH that with potent teeth command the plain ;
AU that run, horrid wilh erected niane, Or, proud ofstately horns, or bristling hair, At once the forest's ornament and fear ; Torn from their déserts by the Roman nower, Nor strength cari save, nor craggy dens secure." The havoc thus made, was, indeed, so unrelenting, that three or
four hundred animais were sometimes butchered in one day ; and his- tory informsus, that the incredible number of 11,000 were destroyed during four months that were consecrated to the célébration of Tra- jan's victory over the Dacians. Among the animais that were matched against each other, the wild
bull was conspicuous ; sometimes being opposed even to the lion and the éléphant, and at others baited by dogs. They were also occa- sionally attacked by the men,—which custom is said to hâve been in- troduced by Julius Cœsar, who is supposed to hâve learned it from the Thessalians ; but the détails which hâve been preserved respecting thèse combats, arc not sufficiently minute to enable us to ascertain the manner in which they were conducted. Bull-fightjng is still a favourite sport among the Spaniards and
Portuguese, who, indeed, pursue it with a degree of enthusiasm that partakes more of a passion than a taste. They hâve large, uncovered amphithéâtres appropriated solely to that purpose, and men trained to the employment ; the combats are celcbrated with considérable share of pomp and ceremony, and are attended by persons of the highest rank, amongst whom crowds of élégant females are seen to join their plaudits when a successful matador has destroyed his opponent. The ambition of gaining this valued homage to their bravery some-
times induces young men of the highest families to venture their per- sons in the contest ; and a life thus sacrificed, is not considered as ignobly lost. The combatants appear on horseback, armed with a spear and sword, and gaudily dressed in a peculiar costume ; and after parading round the intérim- circle of the amphithéâtre, they ail retire, except one, who is to engage singly. A door, which communicates with the den in which the bull has been already confined, and goaded almost to madness, is then opened, and the animal rushes forth into the arena, snuffing the air and Jbellowing with rage. So soon as he perceives his antagonist, he generally eyes him for a moment ; paws the ground, as |
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351
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BTJLL-BAITING.
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*f bracing himself for the'assault, and then suddenly darts forward witli
terrifie violence. The dexterity of the combatant consists in evading «88 attack ; for which purpose lie gallops ofF, and wbeeling round the arena, still pursued by the infuriated bull, watches a favourable op- portunity to become, in his turn, the assailant. In this cenflict, the horses are often gored to death : or should the rider be dismounted by accident, he is then obliged, by the established rule, to continue the combat on foot, with the aid of the sword alone. He, in that case> wraps his left arm in his cloak, which he holds before him to distract the attention of the bull ; and, boldly advancing to the encounter, avvaits the moment that the animal bends his head with the intent to toss, when he instantly thrusts his sword into the chest, beneath the shoulder blade, and despatches him. In this manner successive bulls are destroyed; but they sometimes wreak their vengeance on their persecutors, and lives are not unfrequently lost in the contest. l'his custom is generally supposed to be hâve been derived from the
Moors ; but the large roofless amphithéâtre, the dens communicating with the arena, and much of the cérémonial, are ail evidently borrowed from the Romans. It is also to be presumed, that had it been established among the Moors, before their invasion of Spam, some remains of it would still be found in Barbary, where, however, it does not appear to be known ; and the stronger probabiJity seems to be, that it has existed among the Spaniards from a much more remote period of antiquity. The first Bitll-bait, in this country, is said to hâve been held at
Stamford, in Lincolnshire, about l20'J, in the time of King John, and had its rise from the following circumstance:—William, Earl of W arrene, Lord of tlie town of Stamford, standing upon the castle walls, saw two bulls fighting for a cow, in the adjoining meadow, till the butchers' dogs being roused therewith, pursued one of the bulls (maddened with noise and multitude) quite through the town ; which sight so pleased the Earl, that he gave the castle meadow, where first the bull's duel began, for a common, to the butchers of the town,* after the first grass was mowed or eaten, on condition that they should find a mad bull, the day six weeks before Christmas Day, for the continuance of the sport every year; which custom occasioned the proverb (used among the people and others, in that county and else- ^'here), As mad as the baiting-buU of Stamford.f In 166], another amateur of this sport, Mr. George Staverton,
bequeathed " the whole rent of his dwelling-house at Staines, to buy a bull annually forever; which bull was to be given to the poor of «le town of Workingham, in Berkshire, to be there baited, then killed, aud properly divided ; the offal, hide, and surplus gift-money, to be 'aid out in shoes and stockings for their children. The aldermen, * We helieve that not long since, u légal point and objection, relating tothis
Rrant, was brouglit forward, as not coming within Mr. Martin's act against c'iiehy to animais, but which we hava not hitherto heard the resuit of. t Butc'.^er's Siirvey of Stamford.
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352 BULL-EAITING.
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and one Staverton, if one of that name should be living in the town»
to see the work done honestly." Charity, therefore, was one plea upon which this practice was con-
tinued ; and the efforts made in the House of Commons to obtain its abolition were for a long time opposed and rendered abortive by the specious pretenee, that it tended to keep alive the spirit of the English character, and to forbid it would encroach on the liberty of the subject ! But ultimately, through the persévérance of Mr. Martin, an act to
prevent cruelty to animais was obtained, much to the crédit and humanity of that gentleman. If we accuse the Spaniards of barbarity, on account of their
attachment to bull-fights, we forget that they risk their own lives in an open encounter, and that if they are cruel, at least they are not cowardly; while hère, in this inhuman amusement, the bull is securely fastened to a stake by an iron chain or rope strapped round his neck, and with his horns muffled at the points. The range allowed to him is not large, and his dastardly assailants take especial care to keep beyond it,—irritating him by every means in their power, until they fini him sufficiently enragea to begin the sport. A single dog is then let loose ; and should he not succeed in pinning the animal, by seizing his nostrils and holding him to the ground, he is aided by a second, and a third ; but should he still foil their efforts, and gore or tire them, successive dogs are again turned upon him, until the ex- hausted victim falls beneath their united attacks. Bull Running was a sport confined to the town of Tutbury, in
Staffordshire,* as appears by the charter granted to the king of the minstrels, who amused the crowd attendant on the hospitality of the ancient Earls and Dukes of Lancaster. By the custom of the manor, since the year 1374, a bull was
annually given by the Prior of the Abbey, to the' minstrels. After having undergone the torture of having his horns eut off, his tail and ears docked and cropped, and his nostrils filled with pepper, his body was smeared with soap, and in that condition he was turned out to be hunted. When taken, or held long enough to pull off some of his hair, he was brought to the stake, and baited in the manner already déscribed. To the honour, however, of the inhabitants of the town, this custom was abolished in 1778. |
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• Plot's Nat. Hîst. Staff, chap. x.
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353
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IMPROVEMENTS IN THE VETERINARY PRO-
FESSION. SUGGESTED BY MR. F. CHERRY.
In the early part of December, 1826, I informed Mr. Coleman of
my intention to address the Governors of the Veterinary Collège re- specting the constitution of the Médical Examining Committee, and on other points connected with that Institution, and sent him, for pe- rusal, a letter I had written for that purpose. In this letter I brought arguments used by him, certainly for an-
other purpose, to bear on this particular question, and made them show, I think, in a strong point ofview, the necessity of having recourse to Veterinary surgeons to render efficient the examination of Veterinary pupils. Through the month of January, 1827, I endeavoured to ascertain
when and where the Governors of the Veterinary Collège held their meetings for conducting the affairs of that Institution; a direct answer to thèse questions was evaded by Mr. Sewell, to whom I was referred by Mr. Coleman. The replies of Mr. Sewell to my repeated applications, were pertinaciously evasive ; but they left it to be inferred, that no other meeting of Governors took place than an annual one. . Mr. Goodwin's opinions respecting the Veterinary Collège were well known;* and in the month of February, 1827, that gentleman and myself were invited by Mr. Coleman to détail the measures we wished to see carried into effect as most likely to promote Veterinary science : the invitation was accepted, and cordially acted upon on our part; many difficulties, however, occurred in pursuing tlie subject, but at length the points enumerated in the subjoined paper were unani- ûiously agreed to. "Several meetings having taken place between Mr. Coleman, Mr.
Croodwin, and Mr. Cherry, for the purpose of taking into considéra- tion some of the means by which the éducation of Veterinary pupils niay be improved, the Veterinary Collège made more useful, and the veterinary profession advanced, it has been agreed to propose the fol- 'owing altérations, and to support the attainment of them by ail means ,n their power :— "That the Committee of Examiners be increased to twelve mem-
bers, exclusive of the Président, and exclusive of Mr. Coleman, or * See Préface to Mr. Goodwin's Treatise on Shoeing, 2d édition.
A A |
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354 IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
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any other teachers at the Veterinary Collège that may hereafter be ap'
pointed, and that the new members be seleeted from the Veterinary profession. " That the nomination of the members to be added to the présent
number, be with the présent Committee, subject to, the approval of 3 majority of Subscribers présentât the next General meeting. " That each vacancy, as it occurs, shall be filled by a Veterinary
surgeon, until one third of the members, exclusive of teachers as above described, be Veterinary surgeons ; and that thèse relative proportions be preserved. " That the Président be a physician or surgeon.
" That an efficient Demonstrator be engaged, who shall be con-
stantly présent in the dissecting room from ten till four o'clock, during three days in the week, besides occasional attendance on other days, throughout the season, for dissections. "That experiments regarding the effects of medicines be made, and
the results of those experiments be accurately registered ; and also ail cases admitted into the Collège, and the resuit of those cases be like- wise registered, and so far promulgated as to be free to the access of Veterinary surgeons at ail reasonable times. " That, adverting to the advantages resulting from attendance at a
slaughter-house, it is désirable that one should be established on some part of the Collège property, or as near to the Collège as possible, so arranged and conducted as to avoid its becoming a nuisance. " Or, in the event of this measure being deemed impracticable, that
then a supply of subjects, not exceeding three at one time, be pro- vided at the expense of the Collège, for the purpose of obtaining know- ledge by experiments. " That prize medals be offered yearly to the profession, for the best
dissertation on any Veterinary subject which may be proposed by the Committee of Examiners. "That a catalogue of ail the préparations in the Muséum be forth-
with made. ' " That, in the event of Mr. Coleman introducing any person to a
share of the lectures heretofore given by himself, it shall be incumbeiit on such person to give the gênerai structure and economy of cattle, sheep, dogs, swine, and other domestic animais, the diseases to which they are subject, and the remédies proper to be applied. " That measures be forthwith taken l'or the formation of a Library-
" The foregoing propositions are agreed to, on the supposition that
the présent members of the Médical Examining Committee continue |
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VETERINARY PROFESSION. 35.')
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«leir services : but in the event of those services being withdrawn, the
'OJlovving propositions hâve also been agreed to :— ' That in the event of the présent teachers withdrawing the privi-
lège of gratuitous admission to their lectures, and other teachers not
c°nsenting to supply their place, that then arrangements be made by
l"e Examining Committee with some one teacher of anatomy, chemistry, surgery, and pharmacy, respectively, for the attendance of the whole °f the Veterinary pupils at one school ; or that teachers be engaged *o deliver lectures at the Collège at the discrétion of the Examining Coinmittee, sanctioned by the Subscribers at a General Meeting. " That towards defraying the increased expense of this proposed
^rangement, should it be necessary, the sum of Five Guineas be deducted from the amount of the fee at présent paid by each pupil to the ■Professor." The occurrences connected with thèse first steps towards the inde-
pendence of our profession ; towards increasing the facilities for its study ; towards rescuing it from leading-strings ; and towards placing 't on the footing on which it ought to stand in this country, famed for its horses and for its horse knowledge,—are of a character that deserve free and ample discussion : this they must receive from those who, thinking for themselves, will banish sophistries, and look steadily and impar- tially at the conduct of individuals who, by placing themselves, or being placed, in public situations, become fair subjects for public scrutiny. F. C. Cherry.
July, 1828. |
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ON CONDITION IN HORSES.
BY MR. B. CLARK.
(In Rees's Cyclo'pœdia.)
Condition, applied to horses, is used to signify that a horse is
0?!!-fed and °f g°°d aPPearance : '* als0 has another signification ; that
, ! "is being brought by suitable treatment into a state of body that gives "« the fullest use of ail his faculties in performing any very dimcult ^arduous exertion or exercise, as for hunting, racing, trotting, or the .^s of the manège. A horse that is moderately fat may be said to be ^ good condition,—and so he is for sale, or for slow, heavy drau«-ht tJirvice J but such a one would be totally out of condition for any'of e above exercises. To condition a horse for thèse, a proper share A a 2
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350 ON CONDITION IN HORSES,
of clean, nourishing food and exercise is necessary ; as much only a*
would confer the utmost point of strength and power, without adding any useless incumbrance of matter to the body that might clog the free- dom of respiration, or increase the weight and bulk of the animal, and impede, rather than assist, the fonctions of the organs, viscera, and limbs. This art, if properly ainderstood, should impart the greatest facility of vvind, and join to lightness of the body the greatest possible elasticity and strength of the muscular System. Such is properly the art of training, to which we refer the reader ; and in whieh, though great things hâve been done, more wonderful might be yet effected, if, to a well founded view of nature in thèse animais, were added ail that consummate and well placed artcould bringto lier assistance; for nature, we are led to believe, lias been but too often thwarted, instead of assisted, by the arts of stable-men, jockeys, and smiths. Though mère practice alone will teach much, yet, when combinée
with a just system or knowledge of cause and effeet, the art, whatever it may be, may be carried to much higher perfection than it can other- wise. For the présent we only treat of condition in horses for the eommon and ordinary purposes to which they are applied. To stable servants is left, in gênerai, the physicking, dieting, and con-
ditioning the horse; and a mystery has often, with the ignorant, more eharms than the clear face of truth herself. The eifects of drugs upon horses are very little known, perhaps, except the purgative effeet of aloes, and the diuretic effeet of soaps, and turpentines, and neutral salts; we hâve scareely any medicine whose effects we really know upon the horse, or that appears at présent likely to be known, yet are grooms ever physicking their horses with some drugs or other : good clean food in plenty, dry lofty stables, gentle exercise, and attention to the skin in keeping it clean, will bring almostany horse that isout of condition into condition,, unless there be some lurking disease. Yet nauseous drugs are added to their food, and they are pleased to fancy that the effects they expérience resuit from them ; though it is more probable, as far as they go, and in the uncertain and often idle doses in which they are exhibited, that they prevent, rather than assist, the purposes they hâve in view, and rather disturb their digestion and weaken the stomach, than assist it ; or more certainly render nauseous and loath- some the food they would otherwise relish : antimony, nitre, brimstone, elecampane root, &c, are among their secrets for this purpose. Anti- mony is, however, believed, by better judges than thèse, to affect the skin of the horse, and promote perspiration ; this it may possibly do. We may, however, just remark, that where it affects the skin, it has- the power of affecting the stomach ; but with pigs, horses, and a va- riety of other animais, it does not affect the one, and one should doubt whether, in thèse cases, it would affect the other; for in no quantity whatever,—and we hâve given four ounces at a dose,—does it appear to affect the stomach : nitre, in larger quantities than they are used to give, will increase the urine ; but how this promûtes condition, we hâve not yet been informed. The rest of their nostrums are obviously inert; at least their actual effects, when pushed till they become externally sensible, hâve never been exhibited ; and unless they are, we cannot |
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■ON CONDITION IN HORSUS. 357
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«now them. There is, however, another and a more certain purpose
Bnswered in the administration of the drugs, and to which the science ■°f medicine, in ignorant hands, is but too frequently made subservient, and without which, we believe, there would not be so much anxiety about the administration of them. There is one instance, however, in which we rejoice to hâve it in
our power to concur with thèse men in the use of medicine, and that is on horses coming from grass : this appears to be really a usefu] prac- t'ce ; and we think, from sufficient expérience, we can vouch for the fact, though, to give medicines without a direct indication for their Use, would, at first, appear répugnant to reason ; yet it is usual with grooms to give one, two, or more doses of physic on the horse being brought ont from grass, "to clear him out," astheysay; but if such ft'ere the only efFect, there would be no occasion for it, as the grass would very naturally corne away from him without its good effects. We shall give a différent account of the sudden change of life, from green, Telaxing, watery food, as grass, to dry hay and stimulating corn ;— from free, open air and nightly dews, and ail kinds of weather ;—to a *lose, low, foui, and crowded stable, the air of which is heated to an eXcess, and filled with stimulating exhalations from the dung ; the water which had been received in quantifies unrestrained, is now por- tioned out (though it is really more necessary) in misérable pittances. The body before exposed is wrapped in rugs and cloths, and the whole System becomes heated and inflamed by the sudden changes ; inflam- matory complaints of the lungs, eyes, palate, throat, intestines, and feet, are produced; and it is therefore useful on this account, in keep- ing off thèse attacks, to lower the habit by physic, after the horse has been a few days in the stable, and to pass, by slow degrees, to the excessive use of thèse vigorous stimuli. Dealers like to mix carrots with their corn, and bleed occasionally, and give bran mashes, which bas the same efFect. In turning out also, grooms are again for physicking their horses,
and under the same pretence of clearing them out, and preparing them tor grass. They will, however, be sufficiently lowered and reduced by the grass itself, without any additional réduction by physic. It 'flay not be an useless précaution, however, to withdraw, by degrees, tne use of the corn, previous to turning out and the removing ail sort °f clothing, to give water in greater abundance, that the change may n°t be too suddenly felt, and bring on broken wind, farcy, and the dis- ses induced by too great debility. . In Arabia, where the finest horses in the world are produced, a
1ate traveller in those countries (Mr. Barker) informs us of the extra- ?rdinary simplicity of their treatment of them. They do not use any 'istrument for dressing or cleaning them. They merely fasten them .° a picket, by the leg or a halter, to give them their food, which, j uring the spring, consists only of grass; and when the earth no °nger produccs that nutriment, they supply the want by camel's mille, ^hich, he says, is most assuredly préférable to any kind of grain.
■ beans, malt, oats, hay, and meadow hay, are the gênerai food of rses in England, and are supposed to be stimulant or invigorating |
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358 UNGUENTS.
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to the System of the horse in the order in which we hâve plaeed the©'
Barley was the ancient food for horses, the discovery of oats being comparatively of modem date. In the North of Holland they feed their horses principally on the black, sour bread, called bumpemicke, made of buck wheat ; and there it is eaten also by a large share of the inhabitants : for this purpose, they alight from their vehicles, and, without taking the horses out of their hempen traces, eut it in slices, and give them to eat. We observed that they appeared relaxed by it, but apparently without much debilitating them, as they seemed to do their work very well- (To be continued.)
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UNGUENTS.
How widely does the Collège praotice, of standing horses on wet
straw,* differ from the simple precepts of the ancients. Xenophon even forbids daily washing of the hoofs; "probably," says Mr. Clark, " because it rendered them too soft for their use without shoes." And the Romans were most assiduous in the use of unguents, finding they caused the horn to grow fast, and become tough and hard. So ex- tensively was this anointing of the hoofs praotised in those days, that it appears to us to hâve originated the word unguen or unguen- tum, for ail ointment whatsoever, from ungula, the hoof, and ungues, hoofs or claws ; though we believe this suggestion is a novel one, and it only occurred to us en passant. Ungula seems to be purely Latin, and the Greek words, /tipov, ointment, and oîtajj, the hoof, are dis- tinct in ail respects. It is probable that the first, or at least most gênerai and necessary,
application of ointment, was to the horse's hoof, from which, therefore, it took its name. Home Tooke observes, that language is derived from substantives, because they had first existence and gave rise to the other parts of speech. In this case the verb in-ungo, to anoint, the adverb inunguem ; and the whole family of ointments, unguentutn, may owe their name (if pharmaceutists hâve no objections to offer) to their former intimate and useful connexion wilh the hoofs of the noble horse. The French onguent, and even our ointment, hâve the same source. |
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* Seepage 251 in the Number for June.
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359
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AN
INQUIRY INTO THE ROT IN SHEEP.
[Continuée! ftom page 313.]
PREVENTION OF THE ROT. It is coufirmed by expérience, that whenever any place is laid dry
by judicious management, it ceases to occasion the Rot.* For my own part, I am acquainted with many sound parishes, which, during their open state, were so injurious to man, and to other créatures, that I cannot sufficiently impress upon my readers the importance of effectuai drainage for the préservation of health. When, from cir- eumstances, the land cannot be laid dry, during the summer months, it requires to be occupied with great caution, since moist grounds are the most prejudicial and dangerous to animal life. I hâve had occa- sion to observe, that miasmata are produced, in some way or other, by the sun's action upon moist ground ; and, therefore, when it is well covered with grass, early in spring, we hâve less danger to appre- hend, provided we maintain a deep herbage, till the commencement of frosty weather. Mr. Young, of Claxby, is of opinion, that when land is well co-
vered with grass, it becomes less dangerous to cattle. In 1792, he divided a flock of sheep, and placed fifty upon some good aftermath, where, in other seasons, the Rot had frequently prevaiîed. Only this part of his flock escaped the disorder; which he attributed to the mea- dow not having been grazed, before it was well covered, and defended from the weather. Some time since, he purchased a close in his own neighbourhood,
which was reputed to be unsound. Before any sheep wer& turned Upon it, he permitted the grass to grow, till it would cover a man's ancle ; and, during the whole summer, he took care that it should re- main an exceedinggood pasture. The Rot did not appear in the field, thougli an adjoining close, in his own occupation, and another in the tenure of Mr. Thorpe, of Owersby, suffered more than usual during this year. He ascribes his good fortune entirely to the length of the herbage, which defended and preservedthe soil and roots of the grass from the solar influence. It is well known, ttet a wet and warm au- tumn is always fatal to sheep, because, at diis season of the year, the sun's power is considérable. When farwers float their meadows, to produce aftermath, they should never discontinue irrigation until the grass be well grown ; by which means the soil becomes defended from the direct influence of the sun, and the génération of miasmata is pre- Vented. * See Lelters, &c. selected from the Bath and West of England Society,
v°l-i. p. 341. |
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360
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AN 1NQUIRÏ INTO
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Luxuriant pastures seldom rot, unless they be eaten bare in hot
weather. Whilst the ground iswell concealed, it is so completely defended and protected, that the sun exerts no deleterious eifects upon it. In the fatal year, so often particularized, Mr. Elmhirst, of Bag Enderby, an experienced and zealous agriculturist, who occupied two hundred acres of land in the parish of Croft, near Wainfleet, sold ail his heavy beasts, and many sheep, early in the summer. His pastures were thinly stocked with sheep only, during the rest of the year. The Rot was extremely destructive in ail the adjoining pastures, yet in his closes it never appeared. Tins exemption from the gênerai calamity of his neighbours, he attributed partly to his land being always well covered with grass, and partly to his grazing, during that summer, entirely with sheep. In wet weather, beasts and horses, by treading the ground, leave foot-marks, where the water stagnâtes; and, in conséquence of it, as he believes, the Rôtis produced. Injustice to the testimony of Mr. Elmhirst, it may be proper in me to add, that he has been an active and judicious cultivator of land on a large scale, for a great number of years. Every observation of his is, therefore, en- titled to particular attention. I hâve remarked, that sheep are most Iiable to Rot immediately
after losing their fleeces ; and in the month of November, when the cold first begins. No Rot can be contracted without warmth, or in spring, before the sun's influence is become considérable ; but when the disposition is once acquired, it can only be subdued by frost, or a long succession of cold weather. Gabriel Plats assures us, with con- fidence derived from the expérience of seventy-four years, that the only infectious months that beget the great Rot, are May and June, when excessive moistures befal those months.* In a few instances, it has appeared in April, when showery weather and great heats hâve prevailed. In ordinary years, meadows may be irrigated till May, without any injury to the occupier. In doubtful cases, the génération of miasms will be effectually restrained, by continuing a copious and regular watering till the grass is well grown. The late Mr. Bake- well was of opinion, that after May-day he could communicate the Rot at pleasure, by flooding, and afterwards stocking his closes, while they were drenched and saturated with moisture. In summer, rivers and brooks are often suddenly swollen by thunder-storms, so as to pass over their banks, and cover the adjacent low lands. In this state, no injury is sustained during the inundation ; but when the water returns to its former channe\, copious exhalations are produced from the swamps and low lands, which are exceedingly dangerous to the human constitution, and to sevsral other animais, as well as sheep. I formerly mentioned, that àwing the summer, Mr. Harrison could give the Rot to his sheep in a few minutes, by grazing them upon the moist soft land, from which the water of the Barlings had just retired. While there is any current, the sheep will never become tainted, although they often wade in search of their food. " The rainy season in Bengal lasts from the beginning of June to
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* See Boyle's Works.
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361
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THE ROT IN SHEEP.
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the middle of October. AU this interval is considered as an unhealthy
tune, but espeeially in the latter part of it., for the earth then begins to grovv dry ; the slime left upon its surface, consisting of decayed vege- tables, and other putrescent bodies, begins to corrupt, and the sun, by its violent and continued action, raises up into the air, not a pure wa- ter, but water impregnated with putrid particles of ail kinds." * " Till very lately, Cherson, a city endeared to Britons, as contain-
ing everything mortal of the philanthropie Howard, was the seat of naval architecture for the Euxine, and the résidence of a great number of men belonging to the naval establishment ; but it was found so very unhealthy in the months of July and August, during the prevalence of a psstiferous vvind, that cornes charged with a putrid miasmata, gene- rated by the great heats in the low grounds to the left of the Dnieper, which are regularly overflowed every spring, when the river is swelled with melted snow and ice ;—I say, it was found so unhealthy at this season, that the loss in men became a national object, even indepen- dent of considérations of humanity ; and it was abandoned for Nicolayef; yet not entirely, as the docks are still left for building ships, where two of seventy-four guns are now on the stocks. The necessary gar- rison is likewise left ; and as the profits of trade are considérable, I scarcely need add, that the unhealthy Cherson is not abandoned by the merchants, who we see brave ail climates, and ail extrêmes of température, where profit invites ; but, indeed, those very gains en- able them to évade the fatal blast, by quitting the city during its bane- ful influence, and leaving the seasoned clerks to transact the business. Theheat is quite insupportable, in the day-time, for two or three months of the year, while the evenings and nights are remarkably cool : an extraordinary phenomenon, which certainly assists the putrid miasmata in producing that fatal rémittent of this country, which laid the all-powerful Prince Potemkin in the dust, with so many thousands of the army that he commanded, and much more terrible to Russia than the Turkish cimeter, which lier cannon and bayonets kept at a distance."t The overflowing of the Nileputs a stop to the plague in Egypt; and
it is notorious, that formerly, agues and putrid fevers were muchjmore fréquent in the fens of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, in very dry than in wet seasons. Probably, since thèse counties hâve been better drained and cultivated, they suffer more in wet than in very dry sea- sons. According to Sir John Pringle, "The moisture and corruption °f the air were much increased by the inundations (which had been •nade about the fortified towns since the commencement of the war), and sensibly became more noxious upon letting offpart of the water in the beginning of summer, after the preliminary articles of the peace ^ere signed. For thèse grounds, which were once entirely covered, being now half-drained and marshy, filled the air with moist and putrid e*halations. The States of Holland being made sensible of this, by • Watson's Chemical Essays, vol, iii.
t A Tour through the Tourida, &c, by Mrs. M. Guthrie.
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362
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AN INQUIRY INTO
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the sickness which raged at Breda, and in the neighbouring villages,
gave orders to let in the water again, and to keep it up till winter."* When miasmata are once formed, they préserve their noxious
powers and destructive influence unimpaired, till the cold weather puts an end to their force and activity. In mild seasons, épidémie diseases hâve been known to afflict the human constitution, during the greatest part of winter ; and the pastures which hâve once become unsound, are only to be recovered by the setting in of frost, or a succession of cold days and nights. The autumn and winter 1799 and 1800 were remarkably mild and
warm. At Candlemas time, sheepthat were pasturing on the fen and commons at Washingbrough, near Lincoln, took the Rot, and died in the following autumn. No farmer in that parish recollected to hâve suffered, at any other time, from the Rot in spring. Mr. Thompson, of Horncastle, informs me, that many years since his brocher occupied a low wet close in the parish of Hatton, and lost ail his sheep before winter, of the Rot. From that time, the land re- mained unemployed till about Candlemas. It was then filled with strong, healthy sheep ; but they were ail rotten, and many of them dead before the following May-day. He recollects that there was very little frost during that winter, and, consequently, the effluvia were kept alive by the abundance of the herbage. Plats gives it for an in- fallible symptom, that when bées fail, and their hives feel light, a great Rot of sheep is to be expected : which gives a very seasonable warn- ing to bleed sheep under the eye, or in the moutb, as oft as they see occasion in the end of summer, or in autumn ; or to accustom those which are suspected, to lick sait in troughs, or to take some brine with dry food, as they may easily be trained to it by gentfe degrees ; or to force down a dose of sait, as is directed.f Where necessity requires the pasturage of moist grounds in summer
or autumn, the shepherd ought carefully to remove his flock into a dry situation before the evening, and provide them with corn, and good hay, or green food. A considérable farmer of Bohemia kept his sheep sound in the wet
and fatal year, 1769, by feedingthem every night, when turned under a shed, or into stables, with hashed straw ; and, by eating it greedily, they were ail saved. By this judicious practice, the sheep were re- moved to sleep in better air, as well as preserved in a more vigorous state ofbody. Sir John Pringle informs us, that persons hâve main- tained themselves in good health, during sickly seasons, by inhabiting the upper stories of their houses ; and I hâve reason to believe, that merely by confining sheep on high grounds through the night, they hâve escaped the Rot. After the dew is exhaled by the sun's heat, sheep may be suffered to
range in moist and swampy places, with less danger, because the * See Observations on the Diseases of the Army, p. 62 ; and Chanter I., of
the Air and Diseases of the Low Countries. f See Boyle's Works, vol. vi. p. 356. |
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363
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THE ROT IN SHEEP.
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miasmata which are formed in the night, and remain entangled among
the grass, or float in the lower part of the atmosphère, are chiefly dissipated with the dew. Therefore, unless they be very copiously produced in the day-time, or are unusually virulent, they will not be sufficiently concentrated to do much injury to healthy sheep. While at rest and asleep, the opérations of the System are more feebly performed, and then sheep are peculiarly exposed to diseased actions. By con- forming to thèse régulations, I hâve known one flock escape entirely, while others hâve suffered materially in the same open field. It is confidently asserted, that décoctions of bitter herbs, with sait,
hâve frequently preserved sheep from the Rot. Sait is supposed to constitute a part of Fleet's celebrated nostrum : and we know, that bitters are deservedly recommended to prevent intermittents, the dy- sentery, and other disorders, which originate from exhalations. In Oxfordshire, Dr. Lower bas frequently known six or seven
spoonfuls of strong brine and stale urine, with soot steeped in it, to be given with great success. This is done at spring and fall of the year, when the dew is counted most dangerous. This course of physic is continued eight or ten days, or till the sheep eat their méat heartily ; and if they were taken in time, there seldom died any in a whole flock. For the same purpose, Ellis recommends the following medicine in his Practical Husbandry :— " Take a peck, or better, of malt, and mash it, as though you would
brew it intoale or béer, and make eleven or twelve gallons of liquor; then boil in it a quantity of shepherd's purse, comfrey, sage, plantain, penny-royal, wormwood, and bloodwort; add yeast, and afterwards sait, to the mixture : then turn the liquor into a vessel. After April cornes in, give seven or eight spoonfuls to every sheep, once in the week, if the weather be wet, and if dry, not so often." * The mortality ofour soldiers, I am persuaded, would, on some oc-
casions, hâve been less considérable, had the situations for encamp- ments and military hospitals been chosen with more care and attention. They should always be placed upon dry grounds ; and, where it is prac- ticable, at a considérable distance from stagnant waters and moist plains. ' The evening and night air is to be carefully avoided in unhealthy
situations, except when duty obliges the soldier to expose himself to it. At such times, he should lie down as seldom as possible, or remain inactive, and ought to be covered with warm clothes. A dose of the bark, and a proper quantity of wine, or of some generous liquor, will * Both thèse compositions hâve a purgative opération ; and it is on the same
principle, as I conceive, that Doctor Harris, of Jamaica, has preserved so many inhabitants, especially new settlers, from the jellow fever, and the ravages of the climate. If persons residing in unhealthy districts, or between the tropics, Were occasionally to empty the intestines, in dangerous seasons, with neutral salts, and other cooling remédies, I think they would be enabled, by that means, frequently to avoid the accession of parenchymous inflammation, with ail its terrible conséquences. The medicine employed by Dr. Harris is calomel ; and, although I do not mean to object to its use in thèse cases, yet mercurials, under °ne form or anotber, are now so generally recommended, that I fear much in- jury has been done by tbeir indiscriminate application. ♦ i
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364 AN INQU1RY INTO THE ROT IN SBJ2EP.
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sometimes be necessary, to maintain the vigour of the constitution, and
protect it from surrounding exhalations. Those especially, who are exposed to the night air, should put on
additional clothing. In the rainy season, woollen clothes will be found both comfortable and necessary. It is a very fréquent custom with those who hâve resided long in Africa, to wear only a shirt and trow- sers, and in this dress to expose themselves at night, when the land- breeze blows, or, at other times, to sit in a current of air : but, how- ever agreeable the présent gratification may be, it is ahvays followed by a feverish dry skin, owing to a stoppage of perspiration, and very often proves a cause of violent diseases; so that it is a practice by no means to be imitated.* It is generally admitted, that ploughed fields, well laid down with grass seeds, are not in much danger for the first tvvo years. After this time, the herbage gradually déclines, and, in conséquence of it, sheep become liable to the Rot. In defenceless places, miasmata hâve been known to affect persons
at a considérable distance from their source. Of this Dr. Frazier lias favoured us with a remarkable and striking example, in the 55th No. of the London Médical Journal. Upon succeeding to his father's estate, Mr. Lomax, of Essex county, eut down a grove of trees, which obstruoted his view of the Rappahamac River, and of a marsh which lies near it. In the following and several succeeding years, in- termittents became very prévalent among the whites and negroes in his house. At length, suspecting the cause, he replanted the trees, and in a few years his family was again completely freed from the ague. The injurious effects of marshes and swampy districts may, therefore,
be moderated, by planting rows of early and late growing trees, to intercept the vapours, and supply oxygen to the atmosphère. Till expérimenta hâve been carefully made for the purpose, we shall
be unable to détermine at what distance brute créatures can be as- sailed by miasmata, and whether they are infected through the sto- mach or the lungs. I am of opinion, that the génération of noxious exhalations may be
restrained in some measure by judicious husbandry, and by covering the ground with mari or lime. Whether the same object can be ef- fectually obtained by animal manures or other means, is a matter con- cerning which I am not sufficiently informed; but since judicious drainage constitutes the basis of agriculture, and contributes essentially to the préservation of animal life, I would recommend this System to be vigorously prosecuted in ail moist situations. • See Med. Directions, &c. by Dr. Winterbottom, Pbysician to tbe Colony at
Sierra Leone. |
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365
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XENOPHON'S RULES
FOR THE
CHOICE, MANAGEMENT, AND TRAINING OP HORSES.
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fContinued from p. 320.]
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CHAPTER X.
The Whip and Spur not to be tcsed indiscreetly—Of the Manner
of Bridling. 1. If any one should désire to hâve a horse useful in war, and at
the same time stately and beautiful to behold, he must refrain from pulling his mouth with the bridle, and from spurring and whipping him, whichmany, by doing, think they show off their horses ; forsuch persons do quite the reverse of what they wish. 2. For, by drawing up their mouths, they blind their horses, and
prevent their looking before them ; and they become so frightened by being spurred and whipped, that they are bewildered, and run head- long into danger. But thèse are the actions of horses averse to being exercised, and that do everything awkwardly and without grâce. 3. But if any one should learn his horse to go with a loose bridle,
and to lift up his neck, and curve it under his head, he would thus lend a helping hand to make the horse do everything with which he is most pleased and delighted. 4. A proof that he is pleased with thèse things is, that when he goes
towards other horses, especially if they are mares, then he raises his neck, bends his head with quickness, lifts his legs high, and throws up his tail. 5. When, therefore, any one can prevail on him to do thèse things,
which he has done of his own accord, when he wishes to appear beau- tiful, he will then exhibit his horse pleased with being rode, and hav- ing a magnificent, stately, and beautiful appearance. How we think thèse things may be performed, we will now endeavour to show. 6. First, therefore, he ought to hâve not less than two bits. Of
thèse, let one be smooth, with large rings, and the other hâve rings that are heavier, and lower, and with sharp points; that when this hitter is put into his mouth, being offended with its sharpness, he may ta glad to get rid of it ; but that when he changes it for the light one, "e may be pleased with it for its lightness. And those things which |
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366
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XENOPHON ON THE HORSE.
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lie has been taught with the sharp bit, should be practised with the
light one. 7. If, however, despising its lightness, he should frequently bear
en it too much, large rings must be added, that, being forced to widen his mouth, it might be more under command. 8. The rough bit is made to operate more or less, according to the
working of the hands. But whatever number of bits are necessary, they should ail be easy and flexible ; for when a horse takes one that is stiff, the whole of it bears on his jaws, in the same manner as when any one lays hold of a spit, he takes up the whole of it. 9. But the other is like a chain, which is only firm where it is held,
but ail the rest is flexible. The horse, feeling this in his mouth, en- deavours to catch it with his teeth ; and by twisting his tongue and jaws about, lets it drop lower down than it ought. To remedy this, some rings are fastened in the middle, which the horse playing with between his tongue and his teeth, prevents his endeavouring to get the bit between his jaws. .10, If any one should be ignorant what is meantby a bit that is
flexible, and one that is hard, we will explain this. A bit is flexible which has large and smooth joints, that it may be easily bent; and every bit is easy in proportion as its joints are large and pliant. 11. But if the parts of the bit do not move easily, and are ill put
together, it will be hard. Whatever sort of bridle, however, is used, the rider ought to do ail the things hère mentioned with it, if he wishes to display his horse in the manner already described. 12. The mouth of the horse should not be held tight, so as to con-
fine it, nor so loose as not to feel the rein. But when, on being held up, he raises his neck, the bridle should be immediately given him; and he ought, besides—what we must not cease to repeat—be caressed whenever he does well. 13. But when he should perceive that the horse is delighted with
the raising of his neck, and the looseness of the reins, he ought not then to put him to anything difficult, or force him to labour, but caress him, as wishing him to repose himself. For, by confiding in this, he would be led into a swift career. 14. That a horse is pleased with going swift, may be known, be-
cause no horse when he gets loose goes slow, but runs. And with this pace he is naturally most delighted, if he is not forced to run longer than is reasonable. For whatever exceeds the bounds of rea- son, is not pleasing either to horse nor man. 15. When, however, he has been brought to move himself with
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XENOPHON ON THE HORSE. 367
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grâce, he should be accustomed, in the first riding, after wheel
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ins;
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about, to go into a swift career. But if any one should pull in a
liorse that lias been thus taught, and at the same tirae make him the signal to go forward, he would press forward his chest, and lift up his legs with anger, but not in a pliable manner. For horses, when they are vexed, do not raove their limbs with pliancy. 16. But if any one should give a horse thus inflamed, the bridle,
be will immediately bound forward with joy, in thinking himself free from restreint ; and, exulting in his graceful figure and supple joints, will endeavour to display that same élégance, as when he approaehes other horses. 17. And those who view such a horse, will call him noble, and
majestic, and well trained, and courageous, and superb ; and not only beautiful, but, at the same time, majestic to behold. If any one, therefore, desires qualities like thèse in a horse, we hâve hère shown how they are to be attained. |
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CHAPTER XI.
Of Horses for Parade, and for the Manège. ■ 1. But if any one wishes for a horse that is magnificent and splen-
d.d, and bnlbant, thèse things are not to belooked for in every horse; but such a one must be of a courageous disposition, and of a robust body. 2. The power of raising the body, does not dépend, as some think,
on the pliancy of the legs ; but in having the loins supple, and short, and strong (but we do not say those near the tail, but those between the sides and the haunches, near the belly). For such a horse would be able to extend his hinder legs far forward under him. 3. But if any one should raise such a horse with a bridle, he would
balance himself on his haunches, and lift up the fore part of his body, Sa as to display ail the lower parts of it to those who were opposite to W But when he has done this, the bridle ought then to be given to him, that he may do willingly that which is most beautiful to* behold lri a horse, and may appear to do so to the spectators. 4. There are some who teach horses to raise themselves, by striking
tfleir fetlocks with a stick; and others, again, order some one to strike l'iem on the upper part of their legs. 5- We, however, look upon that to be the best method which we
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368
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XENOPHON OV THE HORSE.
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have already raentioned ; that when they do what is required of them,
they should be suffered to rest. 6. For those things which a horse does by compulsion, as Simon
also observes, he does without understanding, and with no more grâce than an actor would perforai his part if beat and scolded ail the time. For both man and horse, when treated roughly, will do more things amiss than they will do well. The rider ought, therefore, by signs to teach him to do what is most beautiful and splendid. 7. If, therefore, after he has been exercised so as to be much
sweated, on perceiving that he raises himself well, you immediately get off and unbridle him, there is no doubt, but that he will always be ready to raise himself on his haunches when it is required of him. 8. Upon horses like thèse, the Gods and the heroes are represented
to have rode ; and such men as are able to ride them with address, are looked up to with admiration. 9. For a horse that raises himself well, is a sight so beautiful, so
astonishing, and so delightful to behold, that it attracts the eyes of ail those who see him, both young and old. And no one leaves him, or ceases looking at him, so long as he displays himself in his splen- dour. 10. But if the person who happens to be possessed of such a horse
is an officer, he ought not to be satisfied with enjoying this distinction alone, but should rather endeavour to make the whole of the cavalry under his command likewise worthy of being beheld. 11. Now, if such a horse should précède the rest, as those horses
are most esteemed who can raise themselves very high, and repeatedly, the other horses would, no doubt, follow him step by step: there would, however, be nothing splendid in this. 12. But if they were ail equally well exercised, and moved together
in exact time, neither too fast nor too slow, there would arise such a harmony from the justness of their motions, enlivened by their neighing and blowing, that the whole would exhibit a most striking spectacle. 13. And if any one should buy horses with judgment, and bring
them up so as to undergo fatigue, and exercise them skilfully, not for the purposes of war, but likewise for pomp and parade, nothing but ill luck could hinder him from rendering them much more valuable than when he bought them ; and he would not only have his horses esteemed, but he would be esteemed himself, for his skill in riding. As the Xllth and last Chapter of this work treats only Of défensive
Armour for Men and Horses, vre have omitted it. |
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369
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
An aged Black Gelding, Belonging to Lundy Foote, Esq., was admitted on the 21st of
April, with Inflammation of the Eye (Ophthalmia).* Fomentations to the eye, purging, and bleeding botli from the
jugular and angular veins, were directed, with mash diet, till the 24tb, ivhen Goulard water was substituted for the fomentation. On the 26th, half an ounce of aloes was given in a bail, and the
horse placed in an open shed. 28th. Half a drachm of calomel, with half an ounce of turpentine,
was given in a bail. May 2d, half an ounce of turpentine, with two drachms of aloes,
was given. On the next day, a seton was inserted under the eye, and the fomentation again resorted to ; the treatment hitherto used not having afforded relief. 4th. The seton was directed to be dressed with the turpentine oint-
ment. On the 7th, fifteen grains of croton powderwere given, and four drops
of the following infusion directed to be applied to the eye every day. Tobacco two drachms; boiling water six ounces: infuse for use.f lOth. The seton removed; Goulard water again directed to be
applied; again bled; two drachms of aloes and half a drachm of calomel given in a bail. 12th. Aloes, one drachm ; calomel, half a drain, every day.
14th. Infusion of tobacco, to be used twice a day.
lôth. Blood-letting again, with two drachms of aloes.
17th. Sulphate of copper, three drachms; and aloes, two drachms ;
in a bail. Goulard water, as before. 21st. Turpentine, 4 drachms ; sulphate of copper, 3 drachms ; to
be repeated every day, in a bail. 23d. Blood-letting again directed, and three drops of tincture of
°pium to be put into the eye every day. 31st. Two quarts of blood directed to be taken from the palatine
* Mr. C&leman states, that Ophthalmia, in the horse, is occasioned by dung,
"d breath, and urine, and perspiration, like goût in the liuman subject; but ûftt We ought never to reason by analogy, t Lundy Foote snuff is also occasionally blown into the eye as a remedy ior
^uthalmia, at tbe Vetciinary Collège. B B
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370 VETERJNARY COLLEGE CASES.
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arteries ; the eye to be fomented, and one drachm of aloes given in a
bail : the appearance of the eye was nearly the same, with great sécré- tion from the conjunctiva, &c, and the cornea very opaque. June 3d. Half an ounce of sulphate of copper, in solution, was
directed to be given: this very soon brought on tlie gripes; and to relieve which, a clyster of warm water, with one ounce of soft soap, was ordered. Two quarts of blood taken away ; the legs to be stimulated with turpentine liniment, and bandages applied ; clysters to be frequently given ; the blood-letting to be repeated ; and the horse to hâve as much cold water as he likes to drink. 4th. The extremities feel cold. and the respiration is laboured ; the
puise 68 ; the horse did not appear to hâve lain down, though some- what relieved ; the bowels were lax ; the bandages to be continued ; to hâve green food and raash diet. On the 5th, the puise 55 ; appeared better, and to hâve lain down ;
ordered two drachms of aloes, and a clyster. 6th. To leave off the bandages, and a rowel to be inserted between
the jaws; the horse feeds, and appears better ; has a slight cough, with a discharge from the nose. 7th. The rowel to be dressed with turpentine ointment.
9th. To hâve turpentine, six drachms; calomel, half a drachm;
given in a bail ; the eye still considerably inflamed, and the cough much the same ; to hâve mash diet and green food. 12th. Three drops of tincture of opium put into the eye.
On the 14th, the quantity was increased to five drops ; the eye
appeared clearer and less inflamed, and the horse somewhat fresher ; ordered tares and common diet. 16th. Croton seed and calomel, each ten grains, in a bail, every
day ; sulphate of zinc, thirty grains ; water, half a pint ; dissolve for a lotion, to be applied to the eye frequently. On the 22d, the opacity and inflammation was much increased ; the
lotion and bail ordered to be discontinued ; three pints of blood to be taken from the angular vein, and the eye to be fomented with water ; to hâve half an ounce of aloes given in a bail, and the same food as before. 24th. Goulard water to be constantly applied to the eye.
26th. Two drops of tincture of opium to be put into the eye, and
two quarts of blood taken from the neck. 27th. A rowel directed to be made under the jaw, the lotion dis-
continued, and half an ounce of sulphate of copper to be given in » bail. |
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371
|
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VETERIXARY COLLEGE CASES.
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- Jth. Considérable œdematous svvellings hâve takenplace in several
parts of the body, but more particularly in the extremities. Three quarts of blood were directed to be taken from the neck; the rowel to be dressed daily with turpentine ointment, to promote a discharge ; a uiuretic bail to be given, and clysters of water twice a-day. July 1. The extremities are rather reduced in size, but the face and
ràuzzle are considerably more swelled. The bleeding was directed io be repeated from the falatine arteries ; a rowel to be inserted in the chest, and also in eack thigh; to be dressed as the former: six drachms of turpentine and two of aloes to be given in a bail. 2d. The blood-letting was directed to be repeated, and a seton
to be inserted underneath the abdomen; the puise quick and feeble, and the horse worse. 3d. Sulphate of copper, tvvo drachms, and turpentine, half an
ounce, to be given in a bail ; the seton to be dressed with turpentine ointment. Punctures were made in the abdomen for the effused fluid to drain out : puise very quick and weak, and the swelling getting rapidly worse. 4th. The nostrils are nearly closed by the increase of the swelling,
which has extended higher up, and the mouth can scarcely be opened ; punctures were made under the jaw for the effused fluid to drain out; the puise was very feeble, above 80 ; the rowels discharged a sanious fluid, having ceased to suppurate. Mr. Coleman ordered calomel and opium, each half a drachm;
turpentine, six drachms in a bail. On the 5th, early in the morning, the animal fell, and after strug-
gling for more than two hours, died. Post Mortem Appearance.
A considérable quantity of sérum was found effused in the cellular
Membrane, more especially about the extremities, the head, and muz- zle. The muscular parts were blanched and flaccid, particularly the Wrt. Sérum was also effused into the cavity of the abdomen and chest. The mucous membrane of the intestines was inflamed. Since Mr. Coleman has favoured us with the four causes which,
according to his élégant définition, occasion Ophthalmia in the horse, ^e should thank him, or Mr. Sewell, or any other person, to account f°r the varied and inconsistent treatment pursued in the above unfor- tu"iate case. If ail thèse depletive measures—to wit, thirteen bleçdings, sundry
b b2
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•372 VF.TERINARV COLLEGE CASES.
rowels and setons, aloes, calomel, elysters, turpentine, croton-seed,
as well as opium, &c, divers times repeated, were necessary and not merely expérimental, for what purpose was sulphate of eopper sO perseveringly administered? A Bay Gelding, aged 5,
Belonging to J. Grissel, Esq., was admitted on the 15th of May,
with Man"-e. The parts most diseased were the neck and sides of the head. The
turpentine linimentwas well applied, and repeated on the 16th, Half an ounce of aloes was directed to be given in a bail. 19th. The Uniment was again well applied.
On the 20th, the horse was washed with warm water and soft
soap, and then exercised. 22d. Liniment of tar was directed to be applied instead of the tur-
pentine liniment. 23d. The same liniment was again used, and six drachms of aloes
given in a bail. 28th. The horse was washed, exercised, and the liniment again
applied. 30th. Liniment repeated.
June 2d. Repeated in a smaller quantity.
4th. The horse was washed, and exercised till dry.
6th. Twelve grains of croton seed were directed to be given, the
horse well exercised, and then washed with soap and water. lOth. Turpentine liniment was again ordered to be used.
12th. Exercise, and soap and water.
14th. Turpentine liniment once more.
lôth. Again exercised; soap and water; and on the
18th. The horse was sent out eured.
.noiiibfloo
A Chesnut Horse, aged 6,
Belonging to W. Windham, Esq., was admitted on the 18th of
April, to be castrated. Directions were given for the horse to be fed on mash diet.
On the 19th, six draohms of aloes were ordered in a bail.
On the 22d, the opération was performed by Mr. Sewell, when
the red IIOT iron, re»in, and cold water, were alternatelj/ and liberally used. Cold water to be constantly applied. 24th. The part was very much swollen, together with considérable
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VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES. 373
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•rritation of the System. Three draohms of aloes directed to be given
'n a bail, a common clyster, and fomentation to the part. 26th. Part beginning to suppurate, inflammation somewhat less ;
turpentine ointment to be used for dressing, and the fomentation directed to be continued. 28th. Ordered half an ounce of aloes in a bail, with tincture of myrrh
to be applied to the part. 29th. Turpentine ointment directed to be applied to the paît ; the
fomentation as before ; to hâve gentle exercise, and two drachms of aloes, with half an ounce of turpentine given in a bail. May lst. Appears better, and to be going on favourably.
9th. Considérable inflammation and irritation came on ; the discharge
decreased and became very fetid ; was directed to be bled to the quan- tity of two quarts, and hâve three drachms of aloes given in a bail. lOth. Warm water was ordered to be injected into the scrotum,
fomentations to be continued, and a common clyster given. 12th. Directed to hâve turpentine ointment applied to the part daily,
and the fomentations continued. t ]4th. Ordered half an ounce of aloes in a bal), and a clyster.
16"th. Oil of turpentine directed to be applied daily to the part, in-
stead of the ointment : the horse is reduced very low ; to be exercised by walking half an hour a-day. I9th. Appears about the same'; considerably reduced; fomentations
to be continued, and dressed with turpentine ointment. 22d. Four ounces of sait, and two pints of water directed to be
given every day. 24th. The horse appeared rather improved ; the swelling and dis-
charge lessened. Fomentations to be continued, and clysters occa- sionally. 28th. The sait ordered to be left oiF; the horse rather improved in
condition. June 9th. Ordered half an ounce of aloes in a bail ; going on much
the same. 20th. A solution of zinc directed to be applied to the scrotum every
day. .bâte 27th. Compound tincture of myrrh to be applied.
July 2d. Turpentine ointment ordered to be used daily. 25th. The horse still remains, the sore not quite healed, but im- Proved in condition. |
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374
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ON THE
COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE OF THE MALE AND
FEMALE IN BREEDING. BT M. GODINE, JCN.
[Continued from page 285.] On Breeding the Arabian Horse.
Mares are usually put to the horse in the spring: the Arabs choose
the period when she is horsing, and the leap is performed at liberty, and without constraint, that is to say, they are turned loose together. The stallion leaps the mare twice following, and he can cover three mares a day, which makes six copulations in twenty-four hours : our stallions in Europe could not perforai such service, for far the greater number of mares would not be got in foal ; it requires the energy and aetivity of the vital functions which distinguishes the Arabian horse, to perform service so exhausting and debilitating. Some Bédouins, who possess distinguished stallions, with well-
known pedigrees, travel with them from tribe to tribe, for the purpose of covering mares ; the commun price of a leap is a Spanish piastre. The owner of a stallion will not sell him for any price, during the covering season ; after this, it is easy to purchase him,—but always at a higher price, according to his qualities .and pedigree. At this period, it is not difficult to procure stallions of the best breed : travellers who prétend to the contrary are in error ; the maie horses are sold without distinction, from the first month of their birth, until the âge of four and Ave years old ; we even find among them but a small number above three, because the Turks buy them before that time, and the Arabs keep only those which are intended to cover. Thus they show themselves disposed to sell their coïts and stallions ;
whilst they are scrupulously attached to their fillies and mares : nothing can induce them to part from thèse. The mare continues her work during the period of gestation, often foaling a few minutes after a course. Under certain circumstances, she is obliged to travel with her coït a few hours after its birth. If the produce be a maie, they put over its nose the skin of a hedgehog, or a cross of wood |
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INFLUENCE OF THE MALE AND FKMALE IN BHEEDING. 37S
with sharp points, to prevent it from sucking, as is the practice
anaongst us, to wean them ; then the little one remains with its dam during this period of privation, and is nourished with the milk of camels, the Arab reserving for his own use that of the mare. If, on the contrary, it is a female, as she is more preeious in the eyes of her master, she is allowed to suck her mother during six weeks or two months ; at the end of which time she is weaned, and attached to the tent of the Arab, she partakes of his repast, and forms paît of his family. The Arab sojourns ail the year in the désert, lie camps near a
spring or brook, where végétation is most luxuriant ; the borders of thèse brooks affbrd reeds or sweet arondos, which their horses are very partial to, and which they reserve more particularly for the suckling mares, and the covering stallions. The remainder of the stud graze together upon the pasturage, after the reeds intended for the mares hâve been gathered and preserved near the tents. The stallions are separated and alone, to prevent promiscuous coupling ; they are secured by ail four feet, by means of cross shackles, composed of rough iron rings, which wound the pasterns and coronets ; and it is not rare in thèse régions to see thèse parts blemished and scabbed. They take more care of the mares, and give them more liberty; they are fastened with cords of camel's skin, felted with hair, and rarely are ail the four legs shackled at the same time, which exposes them less to injuries. The Arab horses which go beyond the usual height (five feet six
or seven inches) are loosely framed and weaker. Horses of this Iieight are rare in the désert; the Turkomans are higher and more fiirnished, their forms less shapely, their paces less graceful and lively, and the root of the tail is smaller. The Arabs attach great importance to this part; they measure its length with care, and believe that horses which hâve the tail too fleshy fail in vigour and wind, and that they are only proper for the pack-saddle. The most common colour of the horses of the Désert is grey ; seven-
eighths among the Bédouins are of this colour, the rest are bright bays pnd sorrels : the roan is found with the sorrel. Black horses are very rare in Arabia, but common in Angola, where they hâve white legs and blaised faces. It is generally believed, in Europe, that the fui], well-formed head
ls constantly found in the Arabian horse. This is an error. Among "e most celebrated races of Arabia we find horses with heads as long a°d strait as among the Norman horses in the plain of Caen ; only |
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376 OS' THE COMPAliATJVE INFLUENCE OF
they are more gruceful ami lighter. The Turks are partial to inis
form of head, because they find with it a better and more commanding shape. The influence of the stallion in Europe is beyond doubt; it is every-
where acknowledged as the niost powerful means of preserving or re- generating stock. I haie, un 'self, made the following observations :— The more tlie maie is superior to the female in strength and the energy of his vital powers, the more will his produce partake of his eharacter and appearance : this observation not only applies to the liorse tribe, but also to the bull and ram; it is shown particularly in the expéri- mental flock at Alfort, that this observation is founded upon uniform facts, repeated during many years. The matching of the maie with the female isr without doubt, of the
greatest importance in order to obtain a good offspring; but the choice of the maie is, in fact, the principal condition. The most beautiful mare covered by a weak and ill-formed stallion, will only produce an inferior coït ; whilst a weak and ordinary mare, by a stallion of blood and distinction, will give a produce resembling its sire, but not its dam. The stallion Désire, of the stud at Alfort, vvith a light and grace-
ful form, stanips his qualities and defects upon ail his produce, hovv- ever the mares may diff'er; coïts of his get resemble him in ail respects. I say this of ail the Arabian and English stallions wliose produce I hâve observed. The coït of a vigorous mare bears, on the contrary, the likenes of its dam, if the stallion is weak, or a bad constitution. Rhinocéros, and sonie otliers of the stud at Alfort, hâve furnished nie vvith numerous converse proofs of the influence of the sexes, when the female is more vigorous than the maie. In drawing a gênerai prmeiple from the facts which I hâve gathered,
Ibelieve myself justified in making the influence of the female consist principally in determining the comparative size andfull developement of the progeny. Thus a she ass covered by a horse, gives the bardeau a mule which resembles, in shape, the liorse more than the ass ; but which, in height, approaches more to that of the latter : on the contrary, a mare covered by an ass gives the proper mule, which is like its sire in form and temper, and the dam in height and size. Food, climate, and sonie other causes, may modify thèse results, but not destroy thèse princi- pes. Nothing is immutable—everything changes successively—na- ture is a vast laboratory where new modifications of new aggregations are continuai!}' combining, and the effects produced are disappearing insensibly ; animais, in common wilh ail other natural bodics, are |
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THE MALE AND FEMALE IN BREEDING. 377
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subject to thèse eternal laws. The horse bredin the warm régions of
Asia and Africa, loses his energy by slow degrees, when transported into the cold or temperate climates of Europe : to renew his constitu- tion and préserve his original qualities, it is necessary to go back con- tinuai!}- to the fountain head of life from whenoe he originated : witli- out this précaution he will gradually lose a portion of his nature through the change of climate and food, and, consequently, degenerate. The English, more enlightened than ail other nations on this im- portant branch of rural eeonomy, do not wait till thèse influences are pérceived ; without ceasing, they endeavour to perfect their various kinds of domestic animais ; and the stallion, from the Déserts of Ara- bia, cornes to renew, in their valuable breeds of horses, the primitive fire—the sacred fire, which would become extinct without this pré- caution. If we wish to follow, and, even in the end to equal, per- haps finally to surpassthem—for our climate is more favourable than theirs—it is necessary to adopt this wise and indispensable measure. The same principle applies to ail other species of animais, and it is not less évident in the sheep and the goat. (To be continued.)
- -------—
REMARKS ON THE TREATMENT OF RED WATER
IN COWS.* M. Sanitas states, in a short paper, that he adopted the following
treatment with good success in the case of a cow that was attacked with red water—viz. : a full and extensive bleeding, together with a spare diet, and clysters of cold spring water frequently repeated, as
h ^ i •
well as pourmg water on the Joins.
This was the only treatment employed ; and he states, that since
that time, he lias had occasion to treat the same complaint in a Chilian cow, where the bleeding and cold water, together with attention to the diet, efFected a cure. [Saline purgatives are found of great utility in this complaint, as the
Glauber and Epsom salts (sulphate of soda and magnesia), as well as common sait (muriate of soda), in their proper doses.—Ed. F.l «Jour. Pmt.Med.Véter.
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378
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Mr. Editor,
I HAVE taken in your publication from its first appearance, and beg
to thank you for much amusement and instruction ; but still, as in Solomon's day, there is an evil under the sun. Why endeavour to dégrade, in the eye of the world, the only constituted Establishment we hâve ? I take for granted you are, or hâve been, a membet of the Veterinary Collège, and any unnecessary exposure appears to me like the wantonness of Ham. Read again—"Under the pompous title of a Collège," and say if the same thing does not apply to ail the médical schools in London. Yet are English surgeons no way infe- rior to the French ; and if I may judge from the Continental Veteri- narians I hâve come in contact with, notwithstanding their ingenious essays, we are not, as practical men, at ail in the rear. This brings me to the object of my letter, which is to ask infor-
mation on a point where our practice is decidedly at variance. On the Continent they continue to eut out the cartilages in Quitter, and in very many cases of lameness they draw the sole. Is this latter cruel opération ever allowable? In contracted feet, for instance, vvould you not obtain a greater and more permanent expansion, the sole grow- ing entirely, de tiovo, than by merely thinning it ? I do not advocatc the System ; but, perhaps, some of your experienced and travelled correspondents will favour me with their opinion on the point, and they will greatly oblige, Sir, their and your
Most obedient humble Servant,
ri] biiB ; ib\ sao-g bssd M siowa nisjjB
[Mr. Coleman not being the father of our art, we owe him no par-
ticular paternal duty, and our modesty is not so great as to induce us to turn aside or go backwards, in order to avoid seeing the glaring abuses which exist atthe Veterinary Collège. We also should be glad to receive the opinions of Veterinarians on
Quitter ; but the mode of cure we prefer, and practise with good suc- cess, is that of excising the diseased portion of cartilage. It requires a much shorter period, and is every way préférable to the unscientific plan of coreing, which frequently fails. . The barbarous practice of drawing the sole ought never to be re-
sorted to.—Ed. F.] |
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379
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ACCOUNT
OF A
FIGHT BETWEEN A TIGER AND AN ELEPHANT.
BY GEORGE F1NLAYS0N, ESQ.
ÏN the midst of a grassy plain, about half a mile long, and nearly as
much in breadth, about sixty or seventy fine éléphants were drawn up in several ranks, each animal being provided with a mahawat and a hauda, which was empty. On one side were placed convenient seats; the Governor, mandarins, and a numerous train of soldiers being also présent at the spectacle. A crowd of spectators occupied the side opposite. The tiger was bound to a stake placed in the centre of the plain, by means of a stout rope fastened round his loins. We soon perceived how unequal was the combat. The claws of the poor ani- mal had been torn out, and a strong stitch bound the lips together, and prevented him from opening his mouth. On being turned loose from the cage he attempted to bound over the plain ; but, iinding ail attempts to extricate himself useless, he threw himself at length upon the grass, till, seeing a large éléphant with long tusks approach, he got up and faced the coming danger. The éléphant was, by this attitude and the horrid growl of the tiger, too much intimidated, and turned aside, while the tiger pursued him heavily, and struck him with his fore paw upon the hind quarter, quickening his pace not a little. The mahawat succeeded in bringing the éléphant to the charge
again before he had gone far ; and this time he rushed on furiously, driving his tusks into the earth under the tiger, and, lifting him up fairly, gave him a clear cast to the distance of about thirty feet. This Was an interesting point in the combat. The tiger lay along on the ground, as if he were dead ; yet it appeared that he had sustained no material injury, for, on the next attack, he threw himself into an atti- tude of defence ; and, as the éléphant was again about to take him up, he sprung upon his forehead, fixing his hind feet upon the trunk of the former. The éléphant was wounded in this attack, and so much frightened,
that nothing could prevent him from breaking through every obstacle, &nd fairly running off. The mahawat was considered to hâve failed In his duty, and soon after was brought up to the Governor with his |
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380 DISEASE OF SILK-WOBMS AND ITS CURE.
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hands bound behind his back, and on the spot received a hundred
lashes of the rattan. Another éléphant was now brought, but the tiger made less résist-
ance on each successive attack. It was évident that the tosses he re- ceived must soon occasion his death. Ail the éléphants were furnished with tusks, and the mode of attack,
in every instance,—for several others were callcd fonvards,—was that of rushing upon the tiger, thrusting their tusks under him, raising him, and throwing him to a distance. Of their trunks they evidently were very careful, rolling them cautiously up under the chin. When the tiger was perfectly dead, an éléphant was brought up, who, instead of raising the tiger on his tusks, seized him with his trank, and, in gêne- rai, cast him to the distance of thirty feet.—Mission loSiam and Hue. ■u nfimall'
■ sIito sAt Sflogishmj (lyipoo 1o ,bfirt oriw ,no9*oiii* ?is/o9iora fbs>d bas ,floitenimBx<) 'f tef ;eioiut wnonii' DISEASE OF SILK-WORMS AND ITS CURE. [0 hs-Aool Jud
In the southern parts of France, where silk-worms are raised, it is very common to observe the insects attacked by a disease called the jaundice, in conséquence of the colour acquired by them. Very care- ful examination is continually made for the discovery of such worms as may be attacked by it, that they may be removed, lest the disease, being contagious, should spread to the others. The Abbé Eysseric, of Carpentras, lias recourse to a remedy in
thèse cases, which, though apparently dangerous, has been warranted by the success of twenty years. He used to powder his worms over with quicklime by means of a silk sieve ; he then gave them mulberry leaves moistened with a few drops of wine, and the insects instantly set about devouring the leaves with an eagerness which they did not usually show. Not one of the hurdles upon which he raised his worms appeared infected with the jaundice. It was at first supposed, that the cocoons of silk were injured by this process : this, however, is not the case; and his method of practice is now adopted generally in the départaient of Vaucluse.—Bull. Univ. |
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381
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ON DISLOCATION OF THE PATELLA.
BY MR. F. CHERRY.
Mr. C. Percivall has lately published some cases of dislocation of
the patella, and lie refers to a book by Mr. W. Percivall, as the only one that takes any notice of this kind of accident. It is there stated, " Only one case of the kind has oome within our (Mr. W. Percivall's) observation ; but Mr. Charles Percivall has met with two instances of it." This statement ivas published in 1823 ; and as Mr. C. Percivall now gives a description of five cases occurring in 1824, 25, and 26, that gentleman must, altogether, hâve witnessed seven cases. One oi thèse cases had been for a week under the eye of a regimental Vete- rinary surgeon, who had, of course, undergone the ordeal of a non- Veterinary examination, and had, moreover, it is to be presumed, at- tended the lectures of the St. Paneras tutors ; yet he is stated to hâve called it "a very extraordinary case, and one that he could not at ail make out; but looked upon it as a case of Iameness arising from ex- posure to cold, having had several similarly affected." Hère, then, are seven cases occurring to one Veterinary surgeon,
and several occurring to another, who, however, could not make them out; which is tolerable good proof that the accident is of fréquent oc- currence; yet our Collège tutors are entirely silent respecting it. I must, therefore, ask, Does this arise from their little practical expé- rience ? It may be said, that thèse cases occurred in India, of which they know nothing; but the occurrence of this accident, though un- noticed at this fountain of Veterinary knowledge, as we often hear it called, is common in England also ; six cases having occurred in my own practice, five of thèse being dislocations outward, as ail Mr. C. Percivall's were, and one of them a dislocation inwards. In ail cases of dislocation outwards, the lifflfa is stiffly extended
backwards ; a position which every one acquainted with the anatomy d? the limb will see must necessarily be the case. Without requir- ing very accurate anatomical knowledge, a comparison alone between the two joints will point out the displacement ; and on pressure being made, the Patella jerks into its place, when the limb becomes "exed, and the horse uses it without any difficulty. In dislocation inwards, the limb is drawn up; and in the only case
I hâve seen, the pain was very considérable. In this variety of dis- |
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.382
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RED KAIN SUPPOSED TO
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location, pressure must be made outwards, and, in this case, I found
réduction extremely difficult. In both varieties of dislocation, the contiguous retaining parts are
considerably relaxed ; a récurrence of the dislocation raay therefore be expected ; and I hâve found, that it frequently takes place. In one case, after having reduced the dislocation, I immediately applkd a blister over the joint, and it did not recur. By exciting inflammation, a tightness is given to the parts, which allows time for the ligaments to regain their natural tone. F. C. Cherry.
July, 1828.
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RED RAIN SUPPOSED TO ARISE FROM BUTTER-
FLIES.
The following narrative seems curions and important, in connexion
with the various accounts of red rain. It is extracted from Gas- sendi's Life of Peiresc, p. 110-113:— " Through the whole of this year (1608) nothing gave M.
Peiresc greater pleasure than his observations upon the bloody rain, said to hâve fallen about the beginning of July. Large drops were seen, both (in Paris itself) upon the walls of the ce- metery of the greater church, which is near the walls of the city, upon the walls of the city, and likewise upon the walls of villas, hamlets, and towns, for some miles round the city. In the first place, M. Peiresc went to examine the drops themselves, with which the stones were reddened, and spared no pains to obtain the means of conversing with some husbandmen beyond Lambese, who were re- ported to hâve been so astonished at the shower, as to leave their labour and fly for safety into the neighbouring houses. This story he ascertained to be without foundation. "To the explanation offered by the philosophers, who said that the
rain might hâve come from vapours, which had been raised out of red earth, he objected that evaporated fluids do not retain their former hues, as is plainly exemplified in the colourless water distilled from red roses. Nor was he better satisfied with the opinion of the vulgar, countenanced by some of the theologians, who maintained that the appearance was produced by démons, or witches, shedding the blood of innocent babes. This, he thought, was a mère conjecture, scarcely reconcileable with the goodness and providence of God. In the mean- time an accident happened which discovered to him, as he thought, |
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.ARISE FROM TiTJTTERFLIES. 383
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the true cause of the phenomenon. He had found, some months be-
rore, a chrysalis of a remarkable size and form, winch he had en- closed in a box. He thought no more of it, until, hearing a buz ^îthin the box, he opened it, and perceiving that the chrysalis had heen changed into a most beautiful butterfly, which immediately flew away, Jeaving at the bottom of the box a red drop of the size of a shilling. "As this happened about the time when the shower was supposed to
hâve fallen, and when a vast multitude of those insects was observed fluttering through the air in every direction, he concluded that the drops in question were some kind of excrementitious matter emitted by them, when they alighted upon the walls. He therefore examined the drops again, and remarked, that they were not upon the upper surfaces of stones and buildings, as they would hâve been, if a shower of blood had fallen from the sky, but rather in cavities and holes where insects might nestle. Besides this, he took notice that they were to be seen upon the walls of those houses only which were near the fields ; and not upon the more elevated parts of them, but only up to the same inoderate height at which the butterflies were accustomed to flutter. In this way he explained the story, told by Gregory of Tours, of a bloody shower seen at Paris, in the time of Childebert, at différent places, and upon a house in the vicinity of Senlis ; and another said to hâve fallen in the time of King Robert, about the end of June, the drops of which could not be washed out by means bf water, when they had fallen upon flesh, garments, or stones ; but might be washed out from wood : for the time there stated was the season for the butterflies ; and he showed that no water could wash out thèse red marks from stones. After discussing thèse and similar arguments, in the présence of much Company, at the house of his friend Varias, they determined to inspect the appearance together; and, as they wandered through the fields, they saw many drops upon the stones and rocks, but only in hollows, or upon sloping surfaces, and not upon those which were presented to the sky." The butterfly observed by Peiresc, was probably the Papilio C.
Album, or common butterfly. It has been observed to deposit the same red fluid in England. |
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384
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TURF NEWS.
The pedigree oftbese horses is more strictly regarded, and carefully looked
into, than that of a Knight of Malta. ïhey musthave no bl»mished quarter In the family on either side for many générations ; their blood must hâve run pure, and untaintedfrom the great fivetunes great grandsire and grandam ; to be at- tesfed in the most nuthentic and solemn manner by the hand of the breeder. It isthis care of the breed, and particularly withaneyeto their strength, that makes ail the worlj so fond of our horses. Many thousands are carried out of England everyyear ; so that it is become a trade of great conséquence, and brings a vast balance of money to this country.—The fVorld, roi. i. No. 17, written by tbe EarlolBath, in 1753. RECENT SALES.
Mr. Pettit's Bobadilla, by Bobadil, out of Pythoness, to Ld. Sefton.
Mr. Richardson's Brownlock, by Blacklock, to Mr. Mills. Sir George Pigot's Chester Billy, by Whisker, out of Sunflower,
to his Majesty. Mr. Greville's Dandelion, by Merlin, out of Dahlia's dam, to Mr.
Bacon. Dicky Walkington, by Revenue, to Mr. Lamb.
Mr. Stonehewer's Goshawk, by Merlin, out of Coquette, to Lord
Wilton. Mr. Theakston's Grampian, by Walton, out of Eliza, by Rubens,
to Lord Southampton. "'" Mr. Ridsdale's Sharpset, by Cervantes, dam by Cornus, out of
Mareiana, to Lord Tavistock; and by his Lordship to Lord Southamp- ton ; now called Lepanto. Mr. Mills's Lunacy, by Blacklock, to Mr. Darnell, for the Stud.
Mr. Dilly's Othello, by Blacklock, out of Scancataldi, to Mr.
Giffard. Lord Wharncliffe's Pastime, by Partisan, out of Quadrille, to
Lord Sefton. PaulJones, by Partisan, out of Niobe, to Mr. Bacon.
Lord Grosvenor's Rosetta, to Lord Tavistock.
Lord Mountcharles's bay filly, by Tramp, dam by Smolensko, to
Mr. Dilly, and now called Trample. Mr. G. Edwards's Upas, by Abjer, out of Laurel Leaf, by Stam-
ford, to Mr. Molony. Marquis of Exeter's Zinganee, by Tramp, out of Folly, by Young
Drone, to Mr. W. Chifney. Zoffani, by Woful ; Segar, by Skim, dam by Rubens; and
Archer, by Skim, outofZeal ; to go to the Eastlndies. Sir Thomas Stanley's General Mina, by Caniillus, dam by Wil-
liamson's Ditto ; Mr. Payne's Helenus, by Soothsayer, out of Zuleika, by Gohanna; and Mr. Hunter's Lutsen, by Gustavus, out of Slnimp ; to go to Fiance. l'rinted by G. Duckworth, 76, Fleet Street.
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
No. 9.] SEPTEMBER. [1828.
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.'EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE.
There are few of our readers, it is to be hoped, who do not feel
pleasure in contemplating the beautiful proportions and graceful sym- Jhetry of a finely-formed horse, and who hâve not their own particular opinions as to the arrangement of parts, or, in other words, the points which are most material to produce that grâce and beauty. But it is generally admitted, that the true English hunter, represented în the annexed plate, is superior to ail other horses in figure, as much as in utility : he unités the most valuable qualities of them ail ; we shall, therefore, consider him as the standard, and as affording a proper accompaniment to the following remarks on make and shape, and defects to be avoided on purchase. As this subject has been so often handled by various vvriters, it can-
hot be expected that we should produce much new matter, without copying from the writings of others who hâve gone before us; and as we shall hâve occasion, hereafter, to advance our own views in conclu- sion, we hâve thought it best to présent our readers with the plain and straight-forward remarks of William Gibson, a writer who, though laid upon the shelf, possesses considérable merit in this department of horse-knowledge. He appears to hâve been a good judge and an admirer of the animal; and some, even in authority, hâve not dis- dained to borrow from his works. More minute than any later writer °n this subject, he is not, therefore, to be condemned : his remarks are practical and original, and there are few better guides to those who wish to know or buy a horse. |
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386
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THE PROPER NAMES OF THE EXTERNAL PARTS
OF A HORSE. As my intention, in this short treatise, is to render the knowledgc
of Horses, with the accidents and diseases to which they are liable, as plain and easy as possible ; therefore, that I may not deviate too far from the common method, I hâve begun with the names of the external parts of a Horse ; for, though many of his parts hâve their names in common with ail other animais, yet he has otliers that custom has ren- dered peculiar to him only ; and without some acquaintance with thèse terms and distinctions, we can ueither know much of a Horse nor of his Diseases. The first thing that cornes to be described in a Horse is his Head,
consisting of several parts, as the Ears, the Nose, the Mouth, the Forehead, the Eyes, and Temples, &c. The two hollows above the Eyes, so remarkable, especially in old Horses, are called the Eye- jiits. The Forehead is often called his Brow ; and that part of the Head which is the most backward, where it joins to the Neck, is called the Poil, or Noll ; and the juncture of the Head and Neck, the Onset, or Setting-on, of the Head. The Upper and Under Lips, including the Tip of the Nose, form the Muzzle ; and the Hairs that are scattered on a Horse's Under Lip, to the place where the curb of the bridle rests, is called his Beard. The inside of the Mouth, between the Lower Jaw-bones, where the Tongue lies, is called the Channel. The fleshy rows that run across the upper part of the Mouth, and are so distinguishable in young Horses, are called the Bars, which reach almost to the Palate. The Neck reaches from the Head to the Shoulders. The Hair which
grows along the upper part, is called the Mane ; and the part that is the most arclied, the Crest, which, in a fine Horse, full of vigour, rises semi-circulari; but when a Horse has been diseased or starved, so that his Neck sinks, he is said to be Crest-fallen. The Withers is the part that rises upon the top ofthe Shoulders, and
is composed of the highest Spines. It is from the top of the Withers that a Horse is measured, to know his height. From the Withers to the hind part of the Back, are the Reins,
which generally reach the length ofthe saddleto the highest Spine ; and in some long-backed Horses, a little beyond the length of a common saddle. Next the Reins are the Loins, which reach to the Croup; and where the Crupper lies, is termed the Channel. The Croup |
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PROPER NAMES OP THE EXTERXAL PARTS OF A HORSE. 387
reaches from the Reins to the Dock, and includes ail that Declivity or
Descent wliich goes to the Tail, and in men, and some other animais, is called the Rump. The body of a Horse is usually called his Carcass ; so that a large-
hodied Horse is said to hâve a large Carcass, and a slender one to hâve a small Carcass ; and when the body is compact and well made, he is said to be well Carcassed, or to hâve a good Carcass. The Flanks are sufficiently known, being the parts on both sides,
below the Reins, which reach from the short Ribs to the Haunches; and the Belly is that which reaches from the Brisket to the Sheath. The Shoulders inclose the whole Breast on both sides, beginning
from the Withers, and reaching downwards to the Fore Legs, or Arms. The Arms begin from the Shoulders, and the hind part which points
towards the Brisket is called the Elbow ; the Fore Leg, or Arm, reaches to the Knee ; on the inside runs the Plat Vein, which is often opened for lameness of the Shoulders or disorders of the Lungs. The part which reaches from the Knee to the Pastern is called the Shank ; be- hind the Shank is inserted into the Heel that strong tendon called the Back Sinew, which is so often subject to be strained or hurt. The Pastern reaches from the lower part of the Shank to the Foot :
vvhere it joins the Shank is called the Pastern Joint, or the Fetlock Joint, as some term it, from the tuft of hair that grows on the lower part of the Leg behind, above the Heel, which is called the Fetlock. The lower part of the Pastern, just above, and encircling, the Foot, is properly called the Coronet ; and the bone within, the Coronet Bone ; and where it joins the Foot, it is called the Coffin Joint. The Hoof is often called the Coffin, and the bone of the Foot the
Coffin Bone, because the Hoof incloses that bone, as in a coffin. The hair that circles round the upper part of the Hoof is called the Crown, or Coronet. The Foot consists of the Quarters, Sides, and Toe. The Quarters
inclose the Heel, composing the inner and outer quarter, and end ,vith the extremity of the Heel. The Sides and Toe need no descrip- t'on. The under part of the Foot is made up of the Frush, or Frog, and the Sole. The Frog rises from the middle of the Sole, and ter- minâtes at the Heel : it is more soft and elevated than the Sole, and ,s that part which the Farriers shape like the point of a spear when tney pare a Horse's Foot in order to his being shod. The Sole is ^at plate ofhorn which covers the bottom of the whole Foot, and ad- ores to the verge of the Hoof, where the nails are driven in shoeing. In the hind parts of a Horse are his Haunches, which begin at the
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388
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PROPER NAMES OF THE
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two bones on cach side which inclose the Loins, and descend to the
Ham, or Hock. The Stifle is that part which juts out from the edge of the Thigh to-
wards a Horse's Belly, when he is in any action that bends his Leg : it is the Knee-panof a Horse, situated on the middle joint of the Thigh, between the Thigh-bone and the Leg. The Whirl-bone is the upper end of the Thigh-bone, towards the Hip ; and when that happens to be much sprained, a Horse is said to be Hipped. The Thigh, or Gascoin, begins at the Stifle, and reaches to the
Ply, or Bending of the Ham, or Hock. When a Horse~ is round and plump in the Thighs, he is said to be well Gascoined. The Ham, or Hough, is the Ply, or Bending of the Hind Leg.
The round knob behind is called îhe Heel of the Hock, or Cappelette, according to some writers, and where the great Master-sinew is in- serted. The Shank, Pasterns, and Feet, having the same names and uses
behind, as before, need no further description. Thèse being the usual names and appellations by which horsemen
distinguish the several parts of a Horse, it remains only to take notice that the Right Side of a Horse is always called his Off Side, and his Left the Near Side, being that to which we always approach when we go to mount or handle a Horse. Upon this we also distinguish1 a Horse's several parts ; for instance, we say the OffLeg and the Near Leg, the Off Foot and Near Foot, the Off Eye and Near Eye, and so of others. |
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Of the Shape and Make of a Horse, and how his Parts should
beframed in order to appear comely and leautiful. Though the most experienced Horsemen are not always agreed in
some points relating to the Shape, Make, and Goings of a Horse, yet they almost always accord in this,—that there ought to be a just proportion in ail his Parts. That even when he is taken to pièces, and examined singly in his particular Members, though some defects may appear, yet when they ail bear a just correspondence one to another, and concur in such manner as to render h is action easy, just, and regular, such a Horse cannot be greatly disagreeable, but will, for the most part, move well, and with a tolerably good grâce. On the other hand, suppose a Horse lias same parts exquisitely fine, and others |
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389
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EXTERNAL PARTS OF A HORSE.
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indiffèrent, which frequently happens, it will mar his beauty, and
cause him to look disagreeable, and, for the most part, affect his Gait and Action. In order to hâve a Horse beautiful and finely made, it has been
agreed on ail hands, that his Head should not be long, nor too large ; rather lean than fleshy ;—his Ears thin and narrow, and of a becom- ing length, well set on, pointing inwards ;—his Brow, or Forehead, not too broad and flat ;—his Nose somewhat rising, and of a good turn ; —his Nostrils wide and thin ;—his Muzzle small ;—his Mouth neither deép, nor too shallow ; with a Star or Snip down his Forehead, or a Blaze,—which is no ways unbecoming, unless it be too large and dis- proportioned. Horses that are thus marked, hâve" generally one or more of their Feet white ; which is ffiisévery beautiful, and looks lively. His Jaws should be thin, and sufficiently wide,—not approaching too near together, nor too high upwards towards the onset, that he may hâve sufficient room to carry his Head easy and in good place ;—his Eyes well-formed, sprightly, and of a middling size ;—his Neck should be arched towards the middle, arising by a beautiful gradation out of his Breast and Shoulders ; the Muscles thereof distinct, but nowhere overcharged with Flesh, growing smaller and thinner as it approaches towards his Head ;—his Shoulders should be thin from the Withers, with a graduai enlargement downwards, that his Bosom, or Breast, be not too narrow nor too gross ;—his Fore Legs straight and well placed ; —his Joints lean and bony ;—his Knees not bending, and his Pasterns not too long;—his Feet round and smooth, and his Sinews firm and well braced ;—his Carcass rather round than flat;—his Back not too low, and, for strength and durableness, pretty even and straight;—his Ribs rather home than open, as they approach towards his Haunches ; —his Breech round, and the Muscles not too fleshy, but distinct ;—his Hocks, or Gambrels, neither standing too wide, nor too near toge- ther ;—his Hocks should be lean, and no ways puffed or fleshy ;—his Pasterns short ;—his Legs flat and thin ;—and his Tail set ou in a good place, rather high than low, rising upon every motion of his body. The more thèse properties concur in any Horse, the more beautiful he must be, especially when they correspond and agrée in due proportion one to another ; and the more a Horse is wanting in thèse, the more plain and ordinary he will appear. |
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[To lie continued.]
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390
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MR. COLEMAN versus THE PROFESSION.
In our last Number we pointed out a variety of measures Mr.
Coleman had taken for his ovvn benefit, that were directly injurious to the profession ; and we promised more fully to expose one part of his conduct in particular, which seems hitherto to hâve escaped observa- tion, or at least scrutiny. This is the sale of horse and cattle medi- cines at the Collège, at a priée, as their advertisement states, " so much below the ordinary charges of druggists, that a subscriber may, upon a large stable establishment, soon save the amount of subscription ;" and in the Table of medicines which accompanies this déclaration, we do indeed find, that the Collège dispenses at one fifth of the price the regular practitioner must charge to obtain a livelihood ! What is the conséquence ? Why, that a great number of the largest horse-keepers, in London and its vicinity/ resort to this tempting shop, become subscribers by paying two guineas, and procure their drugs so much cheaper than elsewhere. What is the efî'ect upon the Veterina- rian ? Not only does he lose directly a large share of business, but, in that which his skill or merit may retain, his fair profits are curtailed, and at every turn he is met by this objection—" Your charges are higher than those of the Collège." The influence of this depreciating System extends every where, andprevents our science from beingstudied, or carried on, as a libéral profession ; because the man of éducation and establishment can be no better remunerated than the cow-leech, who inherits or assumes his knowledge, and dispenses his mixtures from a hole in the wall, or a shelf in some forsâken fîre-place. As to the public, instead of profiting by this cheap shop, they are
always losers in the end, and for the following reasons :—Suppose the horse of a Collège subscriber is taken ill ; instead of sending to the Veterinarian for good advice, which is, in most cases, far more needful and important than physic, he has immédiate recourse to the universal panacea,—the Bail he has bought at the Collège. iVcting on his own judgment,* or rather his own head, it is ten to one that he administers the wrong, or gives too much, too little, or too late : thus time is lost ; and complaints, which might hâve yielded to prompt treatment, become serious ; till, mistrusting himself, the owner looks abroad for * It is surprising bow men, without any previous study to qualify them for the
task, will présume to pronounce on the maladies of dumb animais. Those most experienced, wi!l admit thatthere is nosubject more obscure, or requiringgreate* attention and expérience. |
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MR. COLEMAN V. THE PROFESSION. 391
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assistance. And where does he apply ? Not to the Veterinarian,
but to the smith, probably, who, from shoeing his horses, must know ail about them. This gentleman is sure to do something, by which the owner's pocket usually suffers as well as the animal ; and (we are supposing a bad but a common case) he is carried on another step in the wrong road. When the disease becomes desperate, and nôt before, the Veterinarian is called in, who has the crédit of perform- ing the last offices to the unfortunate horse, generally too far gone, unless his skill be super-human, to admit of restoration. On the next occasion, the owner, having exhausted the physic and his judgment as aforesaid, détermines to send the horse to the Collège; where he arrives, if the complaint be inflammatory, with aggravated symptoms, and that Institution becomes, for this time, his final resting place. It is thus that the Profession suifers, by having its weapons placed
in improper hands. We speak from expérience, and the knowledge of many cases where thèse results hâve occurred, injurious alike to the Collège and the praotitioner ; but most so to the latter. The public are decidedly losers, also, by being induced to act for themselves in ignorance ; in short, this cheap drug System is a gênerai nuisance of a kind which has no parallel. Such a scheme was no part of the original rules, which had public
utility for theirbasis; it is ameasure of Mr. Coleman's administration, and forms the climax of ail that he has done for us in his fatherly affection, and for which some would tell us he deserves our filial gra- titude. After carefully imbuing us with the principles of frog pressure, and granting us (with the assistance of his médical friends) a certificate for that purpose, we go forth into practice, to deal in articles which he has monopolized, and sells four times cheaper than we can. If this is paternal kindness, it is that of the Grand Turk, who strangles his children, it is said, as soon as they can run alone. But to whose benefit does this unjust measure tend ? No one can blâme Mr. Coleman, tnerely as the manager of a Joint Stock Company, for taking every advantage in his power; but does he deserve the thanks and plauditeof the profession for so doing ? Certainly not. Once more let our professional readers consider this subject, and
they will become convinced that this shameful monopoly is a chief •fteans of debasing our practice, and a gross injustice, on the part of ^e Collège, towards those whom it has educated. |
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392
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VETERINARY PUPILS AND CERTIFIATES.
The "March of Mind" is a term that well indicates the préser-
vation of established order, for, however rapid may be the advance, in a march every individual keeps the relative place in which he set out. But at the place called the Veterinary Collège, the march, it would appear, has become a race, in which the pupils hâve outstrippeo their Professor ; they hâve beaten, if they bave not, indeed, dis- tancée! him. It used to be the case, and, perhaps, the practice is still a whole-
some one, for the teachers to certify as to the good or bad conduct and the ability of the pupil ; but, at the Veterinary Collège, they manage thèse matters better,—at any rate, they manage them differently,—for there the pupils sit in judgment on their Professor, and issue, with officiai form, their testimonials of his ability. Take, for example, the following extracts :— " At a meeting of pupils held on the 6th of February, it was moved
by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Scott, and carried unanimously, "That not only is Professor Coleman's attendance, when health
permits, most regular ; but the practical observations he then and there makes are of so much importance, that they constitute a valuable branch of their instruction. (Signed) George Griffiths, Chairman.
George Johnston, Sec. pro temp."
Vide "Lancet," Feb. 23, 1828, page 768- But, Sir, to show you the real feelings of the pupils of the Vete- rinary Collège, they addressed a letter to Professor Coleman, on the 29th of January, approving of his conduct, and " requesting be would not leave his room till he should be sufficiently recovered to attend his officiai duties in the Collège. (Signed) George Griffiths. '•
George Johnston.
R. O. Hughes." Vide "Lancet," April 19, 1828, page il' Now, be it remembered that each pupil must receive a certificats with the signature, among others, of Professor Coleman, before h can receive the appointment of Veterinary surgeon to any of his M jesty's régiments of cavalry, or to those of the Hon. Eastlndia C° , pany, and the gift of thèse is supposed to rest principaîly with the sa' Professor : and although thèse individuals, who hâve given their nau>e-' |
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VETERINARY PUPILS AND CERT1FICATES. 393
corne forward merely as pupils of Mr. Coleman, they may, in reality,
be well educated and experienced practitioners ; in which case, I pré- sume, they can hâve no objection to state the grounds on which they found their pretensions to sit in judgment on the abilities of the princi- pal Veterinary surgeon to his Majesty's cavalry, and on the mode in which he discharges his duty of Professor of the Veterinary Collège : but if, on the other hand, they are pupils now imbibing their first ru- diments of Veterinary knowledge from Mr. Coleman, their opinions can be oflittle value, and the motives for giving them must, at any rate, be questionable, notwithstanding their names hâve the imposing addition of "Chairman" and "Sec. pro temp." F. C. Cherry.
May, 1828. If we take into considération the présent mode of examining can-
didates for certiiîcates, erroneously called Diplomas, and compare it with the original plan and rule laid down by the early founders of the Collège, we need no longer wonder at anything that pupils do or attempt, in order to gain the favour of their teacher, who lias the last boon they require at his sole disposai. At the establishing of the Collège, the best, and then only, course
to ensure the pupils' competency to practice was, that after a course of study of three years they should undergo a public examination, in the theory and practice of every branch of the Veterinary art; and those who were considered as perfectly instructed therein, should receive a Certificate, signed by the Professor, and confirmed by the Council. In course of time, thèse médical gentlemen, at first merely invited
for want of practical Veterinarians, became a regularly organized body, and instead of the three years' study, which was first intended to be the mark of compétence, their certificate given after a few months' attendance became the desired object of the pupils. At the head of this médicaljunta is Mr. Coleman; and, as he pos-
sesses almost unlimited power to award this certificate, we can easily divine the cause why ail such pupils as wish to obtain régiments, are so eager to obtain favour in his sight : and in proof of this, the Chair- hian Griffiths is commissioned, and bound for India ; the exertions of 4e others hâve been rewarded by diplomas; and the Président occa- sionally compliments such pupils as hâve been most active in opposing truth and science. |
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394
REGIMENTAL VETERINARY CASES.
Mr. Percival lately published a Case, wherein it was statedby hin»
that a brother Veterinary surgeon could not at ail make out the nature of an accident, so very évident, that Mr. P. decided on it, without the slightest hésitation, the instant he saw the case. He has since given a case of two excrescences, which his Editer
announces under the imposing title of "Hornsinthe Horse." To thèse excrescences Mr. P.'s attention was several times called ; but it was not till a year and a half àfterwards that he took the trouble to look at the horse, though one of his own régiment, and then this won- derful phenomenon was pointed out to him by the dragoon ! Another case of Mr. P.'s, respecting a wounded parotid duct,
évinces an equal degree of careless apathy with the foreo-oino- one. Thèse spécimens of want of ability, and of inattention in regimental
Veterinary surgeons, it is to be hoped, are instances that stand alone ; and, as far as my knowledge extends, they certainly are not applicable to the body of Veterinary surgeons in the army, who are as able and efficient as the nature of their establishment will allow them to be. However, such instances as thèse show that some revision of the
superintendence under which this body is placed, has become neces- sary, that the ddigent and meritorious may be clearly distinguished from those who are otherwise. F. C. Cherry.
July, 1828.
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THE VETERINARY SOCIETY.
At the meeting of this Society, on the 5th of August, several highly
respectable men were elected as members. The Laws and Régulations were submitted to a Committee for
altérations and improvements, which we hâve subjoined. A paper on the opération of Neurotomy, and cases to which it was
applicable, was read by Mr. Rogers, of Chelsea; and, after much discussion on the subject, it was proposed to be resumed at the next meeting. On the 19th, some new members were also elected, and the subject
of Neurotomy resumed ; when, from the gênerai opinion of the mem- bers, it might be gathered, that it was an opération only to be resorteo |
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VETERINARY SOCIETY. 395
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to in chronic cases of contraction whicli produce lameness, and sonie-
times inorder to relieve violent pain, in cases of Quitter, Canker, &c. It was particularly regretted, by several members, that since this
opération had been lield forward as so valuable an improvement in the Veterinary art as to be deemed, by the Governors of the Collège,, worthy rémunération to its supposed discoverer, Mr. Sewell, that gentleman had not, after a period of several years, given to the profes- sion and the public the particular cases to which the opération was applicable, and also a comparative view of the successful and unsuc- cessful cases.* The Président, Mr. F. Cherry, presented the Society with a pré-
paration of a section of the bones of the neck, showing a displacement between the second and third cervical vertébrée, whereby the foramen vertébrale was considerably diminished in size. The symptoms and conséquence of the pressure on the medulla spinalis form an interesting case, which will be given more at length hereafter. The importance of bringing the Members of a neglected Art into
fréquent and friendly intercourse must be obvious ; and it being évident that, from the free discussion of subjects connected with practice and principles, the advancement of Veterinary Science must be essentially promoted, a Society, entitled "The Veterinary Society," has therefore been formed. The objects of this Society are to induce free discussion on ail mat-
ters connected with Veterinary Science, and the practice of the Art. The Horse, in ail states, will, of course, be a leading subject.
The Breeding and B,earing of Live Stock, and their treatment, both'
in health and when labouring under disease, will also be subjects for discussion. Written communications on ail thèse subjects will receive candid
considération. It is intended to form a library of books relating to thèse subjects :
donations of books and manuscripts, or descriptions of scarce books, will therefore be acceptable. Anatomical préparations of parts in health, and spécimens of morbid
anatomy, with the history of such spécimens, are also acceptable. It must be évident, that a Muséum and Library, thus formed, will
coneentrate a body of practical knowledge which would be sought for in vain while diffused throughout the profession. * This opération, we are hanuy to state, is everywhere losing ground in
Public estimation.—En. |
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396 VETERINARY SOCIETY.
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It is intended that books, manuscripts, and préparations, unless made
donations, shall remain at the disposai of the original contributors. With thèse views and intentions, the Veterinary Society call upon the
Profession and the Public for their cordial and powerful support ; they wish for Members and Visitors of ail parties, that truth may be elicited. LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
1. Ail persons engaged in the practice or study of Veterinary Me-
dicine are eligible to be ordinary Members.
2. Candidates for admission must be recommended by two Mem-
bers, and in the following form :—
(Date)
" We, the undersigned, recommend Mr. , residing at ,
as an ordinary Member of the Veterinary Society."
3. This letter, being presented at any ordinary meeting, shall be
read by the Secretary, and the ballot for his admission shall
take place at the second subséquent meeting: the recommend- ation shall remain on the table at the intermediate meeting of the Society. 4. If, on the ballot, two-thirds of the votes shall be in the Candi-
date's favour, he shall be considered as duly elected.
5. The Member, thus elected, shall receive notice of his admission
from the Secretary ; and on the third night of meeting, at the
latest, after his élection, shall attend and pay to the Secretary the admission fee of One Sovereign; he shall thenbe introduced to the Président by one of the Members who signed the recommendation, and, by the Président, formally to the So- ciety ; he shall then sign his name in the book containing the Laws and Régulations. 6. If he neglect to attend within the time specified, the élection shall
be void, unless a satisfactory reason be given to the Society.
7. A rejected Candidate shall not be proposed again within Six
Months.
8. Gentlemen who, from residing at a distance, or from other
causes, may not be likely to attend as ordinary Members,
may be admitted as corresponding ones. They must be re- commended by at least one Member, and in other respects be elected as ordinary Members. They must pay the same sub- scription, and they are expeeted to furnish cases and subjects to be discussed by the Society. |
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VETEKINARY SOCIETY. 397
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9. Médical gentlemen, whose théâtres are gratuitously open to the
Veterinary Profession, the Members of the Examining Com-
mittee, and those vvho hâve distinguished themselves by researches in Comparative Anatomy, or in the Breeding and Treatment of Live Stock, and foreign Veterinarians, are eligible as honorary Members. They must be elected in the same man- ner as ordinary Members. 10. The Officers of the Society shall consist of a Président, four
Vice-Présidents, a Treasurer, and a >Secretary, to be elected
annually, who shall, collectively, form a Committee. 11 Ballotting Lists for thèse Officers shall be prepared al the first meeting of the Society after the lOth of June. 12. The Président shall be elected by ballot at the following meet-
ing, and shall be exempt from fine. 13. The other Officers shall also be elected on the same evening.
14. The Vice-Présidents, in the absence of the Président, shall
take the Chair in rotation ; and if the gentleman whose turn it may be shall be absent at seven o'clock, he shall forfeit the sum of Half a Sovereign, unless a reason for absence, satisfactory to the Society, be given. 15. The Committee shall assemble as often as they may deem
necessary.
16. A spécial meeting may bë oalled by six Members. The Secre-
tary shall issue the summonses, giving at least six days' notice.
17. Any proposition offered to the Society, as matter of new Iaw
and régulation, or which shall contain in it an altération or
amendment of any established law and régulation, shall be read to the Society at two meetings previous to that on which it is to be taken into considération. At that meeting, the Secretary shall, immediately after reading the minutes of the preceding meeting, read ail such propositions once over, ac- cording to the order they hâve been delivered in; which propositions shall be read a second time, with a proper pause after each : and if any of those propositions be moved and seconded, they shall then be taken into considération. 18. The Treasurer shall receive ail monies paid on account of the
Society, and shall defray any expense incurred; but he shall not pay any sum to the amount of more than One Sovereign, without the previous order of the Committee. 19. The accounts having been previously audited by the Committee,
a full statement of them shall be laid before the Society on the first meeting in every alternate month. rj |
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398 VETERINARY SOCIETY.
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20. The Secretary shall attend, personally, or by deputy, at every
meeting of the Society and of the Committee ; take minutes
of their proceedings, and conform to their directions. 21. The ordinary meetings of the Society shall be held on the first
and third Tuesday in every nionth, at seven o'clock in the
evening ; and on no occasion be prolonged after ten o'clock. 22. The Chair shall be taken at seven o'clock precisely, and the
business shall be conductedin the following order:—
The minutes of the preceding meeting shall be read, and,
being confirmed, shall be signed by the Président.
Recommendations for new Members shall be received. Members proposed at the meeting before the last shall be ballotted for.
New subjects for discussion shall be received, announced, and entered in the book.
The subject for the evening's discussion shall then be brought forward.
23. The subject shall be treated by the proposer in the form of a
written essay, which shall be read by himself or the Secretary ; and this essay shall be deposited with the Society. 24. On the lOth of June, annually, the Committee shall assemble
and consider whether it may be advisable to publish a volume or pamphlet of such essays as they may sélect, under the title of " Transactions of the Veterinary Society," at the expense of the Society ; the authors of such papers shall likewise be at liberty to publish them in their original form. 25. Every Member who is absent when his subject ought to be
discussed, shall forfeit the sum of Five Shillings; and his
subject shall be placed at the bottom of the list, unless a satisfactory reason be furnished to the Society. 26. No new paper shall be read after nine o'clock ; but cases of
practice may be discussed. 27. Each member may introduce a visitor at every meeting : the
name and address of the visitor, and the name of the Member introducing him, shall be entered in a book for that purpose. 28. Every Member shall be Hable to be called on for his proportion
of any expenses that may be incurred exceeding the amount provided by subscriptions and fines. 29. Any Member shall be at liberty to withdraw from the Society,
upon giving two months" notice of his intention to do so, and
paying his proportion of any expenses that may be incurred to that period. |
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ON MB. 1!. CLAKK's ESSÂYS.
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39!)
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The meetings of the Society will be continued on the first and third
Tuesdays in every month, at seven o'clock, at Mr. Dermott's Théâtre, Little Windmill-street. Books, préparations, and ail communications to be addressed (post
and carriage paid) to the care of the Demonstrator, at Mr. Dermott's Anatomical Théâtre, Little Windmill-street. |
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ON MR. B. CLARK'S ESSAYS.
In the présent Number will be found the conclusion of an article
on the Condition of Horses, written by Mr. Bracy Clark, for Rees's Cyclopasdia. In the columns of that voluminous work, this valuable Essay, with several others equally interesting, has been buried for many years; and we claim the thanks of the profession for having placed so much useful information in a situation where it is more readily attained ; and there are none concerned in the study or treatment of horses, who ought to be ignorant, though we believe many hâve been so, of the remarks which they contain. But it was to speak of Mr. Clark's merit, not of our own, that we hâve taken the pen, and to thank him for his past exertions, which hâve contributed so much to the interest of our Journal. Want of space has prevented us from commenting on the articles of Bleeding, Blis- tering, and Broken Wind, in former Numbers ; but, we doubt not, the name of the writer has secured them the attention of our readers. In the last, he gives a clear account of the discovery of the patho- logy of that disease, which had escaped the observation of former writers, and has since been variously represented to the crédit of °thers, though it is clear that the emphysœmatous state of the lungs, Miieh accounts satisfactorily for every symptom, and unravels the ^hole mystery of the complaint, had never been observed before. His accompanying remarks on the injurious conséquences of withholding A,rater from horses at work, under a false notion of preserving their ^ind, and also on the proper rule to be observed in bathing or wash- lng them in warm weather, particularly deserve the notice of stable- *eepers and post-masters, who lose a prodigious number of horses for ^ant of understanding and applying this valuable information, which, °onveyed in concise and unassuming language, might easily be passed Ver unheeded, without this notice, which may possibly induce some of Ur readers to recur to read the papers in question with increased ^ntion. |
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400
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ON MB. B. CLARK'S ESSAYS.
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On Bleeding, in No. 3, is an essay replète with good observation;
and it is cver to be remembered, that a single useful hint in the per- formance of so common a Veterinary opération, becomes of great real benefit to us, from the frequency of its récurrence in daily practice. Mr. Clark objects to the lancet for bleeding in the neck, because, in
the best hands, it may occasionally go too far. In another part of this Number will be found a curious trial, where, if the plaintiff had gained his cause, it would hâve been adjudged an unlawful instrument for this purpose. Puncturing the coronary artery, or bleeding at the coronet, is mentioned by Mr. C. It is not a common but a very good mode of local blood-Ietting, and applicable in a great number of cases where it is inconvénient, or not sufficient, to bleed from the toe ; nay, sometimes it is préférable to that method. His suggestion of a double spring fleam, to return the blade after making the incision, in order to prevent lacération of the neck, by a sudden start of the horse, lias Iately been adopted ; but we fear the instrument is too complicated, and, after ail, too imperfect. On the article Condition we need only remark, that it contains the
chief part of ail that can be said on the subjeet. Such as hâve waded with us through the unintelligible and mystified matter that is often found in books under this head, or been obliged to listen, as we are occasionally, to the milk and water, or jargon, of pretenders to know- ledge, will rejoice to meet with something that a reasonable man may pin his faith to. What he has said of physic, and the proper construction of stables,
we must advert to in future, at greater length, and contrast his opinions on the latter subjeet with those of other high authorities. We must conclude with a gênerai acknowledgment for the liberty we hâve taken with this gentleman's labours, and a wish that his leisure hours, having retired from practice, if not from this country, were devoted to the re-publication of some of his valuable works on Veterinary subjects. |
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401
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ON CONDITION IN HORSES.
B\' MR. B. CLARK.
(In Rees's Cyclo'pœdia.)
[Continuée! from page 358.] In the "Muséum Rusticum," is a proposition, founded apparently
on actual experiment, of feeding horses on carrots (vol. i. p. 333). The following remarks we think worth recording from that communication : —" I hâve a couple of hunters which I value as being very good horses ; and thèse I feed in the season with very little else besides carrots well cleaned from the dirt, and loaves made of the meal of barley and oats, and mixed sometimes with a small admixture of coarse but good wheat meal ; and if they require to be loosened in their bodies, I now and then give them some bran. As to hay, they eat, at this season, but little of it, of oats none at ail ; yet they go through their work to admiration." Furze or whinus has been found useful food in sustain- ing horses, after it has been been bruised, and the opines, or pnckles, crushed; this some horses will naturally do with their feet. Dr. Darwin relates, that on one particular common, ail the horses
do it; and that the fresh corners starve, till by imitation they learn this practice; as the common, in other respects, is very barren. InWales, mills, we understand, hâve been used for crushing the furze for cattle. Saintfoin is a food that horses are very fond of ; but, as they eat it
very greedily, too much should not be allowed at once, for fear of indigestion ; and it serves better for horses of a slow draught, being a coarse, heavy food. Sait is imagined an useful addition to the food of horses.* Sait
toiarshes hâve often a préférence given them over other ground for horses and cattle : whether it is the sait that in itself opérâtes benefi- cially, or whether the herbage itself is altered by it, and is rendered •nore salutary to the cattle, is not known. The same correspondent, "i the "Muséum Rusticum," says that sait, in substance, is abundantly "istributed in the mountains by the Swiss, for the use of their cattle and horses, who become excessively fond of it, and more healthy in consé- quence : it is conceived to be an antidote to worms and other forma- * The use of sait for horses is becoming gênerai in some parts of the South of
rance. It is given to riding horses to the extent of three ounces per day, and °r horses used for agricultural purposes to the extent of six ounces: with this °ndinient mixed with their corn, they beconie fat, and are kept healthy.—Ed. D D
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402 ON CONDITION' IN HORSES,
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tions in the body ; and the long continued use of it to cure them when
formed.—(Vol. i. p. 99.) Horses, lie observes, are fond of it with their oats. Horses, when at liberty, are almost ever feeding ; therefore long
fasting must beinjurious to the stomach, and should be as much as possible avoided : they would also naturally, there is reason to believe, feed principally during the night, and sleep during the day ; their sleep, however, is hardly ever, in health, profound and fast, but in a statc of watchful dozing. Horses are naturally gregarious, and though they will do very welî alone, company, where there is an opportunity, for it, is préférable for health. The stable should be lofty, so as not to confine an atmosphère about them loaded with exhalations from their own bodies and their dung : the loftiness alone of the stable is the best airing; ail partial drafts from doors, Windows, or holes in'the loft, as far as they affect them, are injurious ; for we hâve often remarked that though they bear the coldest weather ef our seasons, when turned out, yet they easily take cold from partial drafts in stables,—insomueh that persons not attentive to thèse effects, would hardly believe their facility. In cleaning the skin, the curry-comb is considered as a necessary im-
plement. In warmer climates, where the scurf cornes away more freely, this instrument is not so much used ; and hère it is often used to horses whose skins are particularly thin and sensible, yet no différence is made ; and though the animal expresses, in every way he can, the excessive torture it occasions, yet it is persisted in, and violence is often had recourse to to enforce it, and horses are thus rendered vicious and untractable. Where this is found to be the case, it would save much trouble and inconvenience to use a milder kind of comb, or to lay it aside altogether, and use a stiffbrush made for the purpose. It is more easy, by violence and punishment, to create vice, than to over- come a natural dislike by it. Warm clothing, on account of its keeping up a free perspiration,
tends to render the skin cleaner, makes the coat lie better, and hâve a more glossy appearance, and saves trouble. It is too often, however, carried to an excess, and two or three hot rugs keep the horse in a per- pétuai fever ; and as they are ail taken off when he is most exposed» in going out, the sudden check given to the perspiration by the ele* ment without lays the foundation of disease, and occasions inflammS' tions of the lungs, catarrhs, and coughs, that might as well be avoided by more moderate and judicious proceedings, besides the weakening effects of such violent perspirations, There is a principle in feeding |
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403
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ON CONDITION IN HORSES.
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them tliat ought not to be overlooked ; which is, that good food may
oe carried too far, till, instead of condition, it produces fever and disease, and destroys the condition it is meant to promote. O-reen vegetable food fills out the body ; and, from its weight and watery nature, weighs down the abdomen—giving an unsightly appearance. Some horses, however, can work with this, that more stimulating food does not suit so well. The dry diet braces the System and draws up the abdomen. The food is longer retained in the large intestines, ivhich occasions the flanks to appear full and rounded, and greatly adds to the beauty of the horse's make in thèse parts. Some horses, we hâve noticed, hâve voracious appetites, and devour
great abundance of corn and whatever is set before them ; yet always look meagre and out of condition. When this lias been the case, we hâve been led to believe that, by too much food, and by too heating a quality, the stomach and intestines hâve been paralysed, and lost their powers of forming chyle or absorbing it. Turning out to the green pasture will often bring them into condition, and they fall off again in the stable. Horses of small make and fiery temper are, we hâve thought, more particularly subject to this disease. Water, like the food, should be given often, and not in too large quantities. Stinting horses is a dangerous custom; it induces them, where there is an opportunity, to take enough at once to break their wind, or otherwise injure themselves (See No. 5, p. 209, Broken Wind). The skin, to look well and healthy, should be smooth, supple, and easy upon the muscles, free from knots, and by no means liglit about the ribs. The hair clean, bright, and glossy, lying to the skin, and not distorted °r turning away from it, or twisted, dr}r, or thready. The eifects of cold air on the skin of the horse, in setting up the
hair, is well known to the grooms, who cautiously avoid it. Exercise to animais by nature born to be fleet, is particularly ne-
°essary; besides the good it does, in moving and forwarding ail the Sécrétions and excrétions. This should be gentle or vigorous, propor- tloned to the strength and state of the horse, without distressing or too "nich fatiguing him. A gentle perspiration loosens the scurf, and makes h"n clean better. The hide soon gets foui; and a groom that has ^uch pride in the appearance of his horse is almost incessantly curry- n£> brushing, and hard rubbing the coat. . It is a customary thing with the dealers in horses, in forming a
Judgment of the actual state of the horse, and whether his condition
"1 admit of farther advancement, to handle the crest, or upper part
tfie neck which carries the mane ; if this be lax in the hand, and
d d 2
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404
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AN INQUIRY INTO
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easily pliant, it is presumed the condition may be carried farther; i>>
on the contrary, this part has a stiff, tense feel, it is considered that farther improvement is not to be expected. Among the acknowledged indications, also, of poverty and good con-
dition, is the poor mark in the buttock ; that is, the channel or dépres- sion running down the buttock at its posterior part—being a dépression formed between the sacro tibialis externus and sacro tibialis posticus muscles. If this channel is very visible and deep, the horse is out of condition ; if obliterated, so as to be hardly visible, he is considered in condition. Blood horses are more easily cleaned than the common kind of horses ; their coat is not so thick, it does not retain the perspi- ration so much, and the hair takes a better polish,—which makes an ex- perienced groom always prefer them. Too great excitement from the food, and undue fever, may be known
by the heat of the moutli, the fulness of the vessels of the eyes, the strength of the puise, and diminished appetite ; the skin also, and extremities, are found too hot or too cold : languor and weakness fol- low. The remédies are before stated. |
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AN INQUIRY INTO THE ROT IN SHEEP.
[Concluded from page 364.]
HISTORY OF THE ROT IN SHEEP. When in warm, sultry, and rainy weather, sheep that are grazing
on low and moist lands, feed rapidly, and some of them die suddenly, there is reason to fear that they hâve contracted the Rot. This sus- picion will be further increased, if, a few weeks afterwards, the sheep begin to shrink, and become flaccid in their loins. By pressure about the hips at this time, a crackling is sometimes perceptible. Now, or soon afterwards, the countenance looks pale, and upon parting the fleece, the skin is found to hâve exchanged its vermilion tint for a pale red ; and the wool is easily separated from the pelt. As the disorder advances, the skin becomes dappled with yellow, or black spots. About this time, the eyes lose their lustre, and become white and pearly> from the red vessels of the tunica adnata, and eye-lids, being con- tracted or entirely obliterated. To this succeeds debility and emacia" tion, which increase continually till the sheep die ; or else ascites, and perhaps gênerai dropsy, supervene, before the fatal termination. Thèse |
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405
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THE ROT IN SHEEP.
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symptoms are rendered more severe, by an obstinate purging, which
cornes on at an uncertain period of the disorder. In the progress of the complaint, sheep become what the graziers call chockered, i. e. affected with a swelling under the cliin, which proceeds from a fluid contained in the cellular membrane under the throat.* In five or six days after contracting the Rot, the thin edge of the
small lobe of the liver becomes of a transparent white or bluish colour, and this spreads along the upper and lower sides, according to the severity of the complaint. Sometimes it does not extend more than an inch from the margin. In severe cases, the whole peritoneum invest- ing the liver is diseased ; and then it commonly assumes an opaque colour, interspersed with dark red lines or patches. The upper part of the liver is sometimes speckled like the body of a toad, to which it is said to bear a striking resemblance : round the ductus communis choledochus, and hepatic vessels, a jelly-like matter is deposited, which varies according to the severity of the attack, from a table-spoonful or less, to five or six times that quantity. Upon boiling, the liver loses its firmness, and séparâtes into small pièces in the water, or remains soft and flaecid. Several graziers and butchers, with whom I hâve conversed at dif-
férent times, having observed that sheep are much disposed to feed during the first three or four weeks after being tainted, omit no oppor- tunity of producing it to increase their profits. When the first stage is over, flukes begin to appear in the pori biliarii, the ductus communis choledochus, and in the gall-bladder. At first, the quantity of thèse créatures is small; but, as the disease advances, they increase, and before death are often very numerous. In the last part of the com- * When the shepherd détermines to examine the eyes of a sheep, which ought
to be done frequently, he should place it between his thighs, and hold the head with both hands. He then proceeds to raise the upper and depress the under eyelid ; by which means, the blood-vessels of the tunica albuginea are brought into view. When they are red, and in great numbers, the sheep is supposed to •>e in good bealth. The caruncula lacrymalis, and inner surface of the eyelids, should be as red as the vessels on the eye-ball. If they are pale, and the veins ate in small quantifies, and faint-coloured, or livid,' the sheep is in a debilitated s'ate, or afflicted with th^ Rot. In ail cases, where the blood-vessels hâve en- '■tely disappeared, the mutton is bad. By frequently examining the eyes in dangerous seasons, I conceive shepherds might always discover the Rot before their sheep began to shrink, and, consequently, in time to prevent any material InJUry to their profits. Where the demand is considérable, and the market is n°t far distant, the grazier may always turn the Rot tp his advantage, by keep- InSthe tainted sheep while they continue to feed, and taking care to kill them 'm«iediateiy after they cease to thrive. |
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406
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AN INQUIRY IXTO
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plaint, they are sometimes to be found in the stomach, as well as in
the intestines and liver. This, like the viscéral disorders of the human body, may terminate in resolution, effusion, suppuration, or schirrus. lst, The complaint is said to terminate in resolution, when the in-
flammatory action goes off, without destroying the state and texture of the parts. However, I am strongly inclined to believe, that every considérable inflammation in the human body, and in other animais, although it ends in resolution, leaves behind it some remains, wilich may bc discovered by an experienced anatomist. When the vessels are thrown into inflammatory action for a few days only, effusion com- monly takes place, and the coats become thicker, and assume a bufly colour. Thèse changes in the sanguinary System often continue through life, and lay the foundation of many chronic and incurable disorders. Sheep that recover from the Rot exhibit very différent ap- pearances after death, according to the severity of the attack ; but the taint is seldom or never entirely removed. I was desired, within thèse few days, to look at the liver of an old ewe, that died fat, and con- tained fourteen pounds of suet in lier body. The back part of the small lobe was dappled with whitish spots ; the coats of the ductus communis and pori biliarii were considerably thickened, and more solid than usual. In colour, they resembled the human aorta in old people, and were full of flukes : in other respects the liver appeared to be sound and natural. The butcher asserted, that the variegated appear- ance and altération in the ducts, were occasioned by a slight taint of long standing, which had not bcen considérable enough to disorder the economy, or impair the health of the animal, sufficiently to prevent its feeding. 2dly, When sheep die suddenly in the first stage of the disorder, an
effusion of sérum, or of wheyish-coloured fluid, may be commonly dis- covered in the cavity of the abdomen, and then the peritoneum sur- roundingthe liver is generally covered with a membrane or coat of coagulable lymph. This form of the Rot lias been frequently con- founded with the resp or red water, though it differs from the latter disorder, in the colour of the effused liquid, in being much less dis- posed to putréfaction, and in several other particulars. Sdly, Abscesses in the liver exhibit another termination of this
malady. They are seldom considérable enough to kill immediately ; but, in conséquence of the absorption of purulent matter from theni* the sheep frequently waste away, and die hectical or dropsical. When the collections are small, sheep will recover sufficiently to bear lambs for three or four seasons, and afterwards become tolerable mutton. |
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THE ROT IN SHEEP. 407
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4thly, The most comraon termination~ is in schirri, or yvliat the
shepherds call knots in the liver. I hâve seen the whole substance of this important viscus so full of small roundish lumps, or schirrous bodies, that it was difficult to find any sound part in it. The first attack is unfortunately so very insidious, that the disorder is scarcely observ- able, before the animal begins to waste and lose flesh. In this ad- vanced state, it is said to labour under the Rot or pourriture,* from overlooking the commencement ofthe disorder. Hydatides are observed to affect schirrous and purulent livers more
frequently than others. When livers are much diseased, the butchers carefully conceal them from the public eye. To me it is always mat- ter of surprise, to find the mutton saleable in thèse severe cases. It shows, in an extraordinary manner, the accommodating power of liv- ing matter, which is able to maintain life, and increase corpulence, under such unfavourable circumstances. Shepherds and breeders, who make it a gênerai rule to kill every sheep that becomes indisposed, from an opinion that very few of them ever recover from any illness, would do well to examine the livers and other viscera of slaughtered sheep. By such a practice, they will soon be convinced that sheep are able to endure a great deal. I am persuaded that the uniform mor- tality among them proceeds more from ignorance, or erroneous treat- ment, than ihe inévitable tendency of their disorders. This inquiry would point out in a forcible manner the necessity of encouraging some médical person of good réputation and considérable expérience, to turn lus attention to the numerous maladies of thèse useful animais. The diseases of horses hâve, of late years, been regularly studied in most parts of Europe ; but to Britons, surely no Veterinary object is more deserving of encouragement than the management and health of sheep, with which our unrivalled commerce and national glory are so inseparably connected. " Les plus grands médecins doiveat re- chercher avec soin la cause et le remède d'un mal, qui menace de détruire des animaux utiles à toutes les nations ; et principalement à celles qui savent employer la laine pour les plus beaux ouvrages."— Daubenton. |
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* See Obs. et Inst. sur les Malad. des Animaux Domestiques.
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408
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OF SHOEING HORSES WHICH STRIKE OR CUT.
BY THE LATE MR. MOORCBOFT.
[The practice hère recommended by the late Mr. Moorcroft, is
entitled to more considération than it has yet received from the profes- sion. The theory of his plan for avoiding cutting, is founded on simple and satisfactory reasoning; but it has attracted less attention and gained fewer admirers than any one of the specious frog-squeesing sckemes of his junior colleague, Mr. Coleman, thereby evincing how great a superiority a plausible humbug has, for a time, over a really useful proposition. The loss which science sustained by the résigna- tion of this taiented Veterinarian, is greatly to be regretted. Repeated successful trials of the following plan, as a remedy for the fréquent inconvenience of cutting, induces us to recommend it, more particularly for the hind feet.] To prevent a horse from striking the foot or shoe against the oppo-
site leg, by which it is often bruised or wounded, is an important point, inasmuch as this accident occurs very frequently, and as it not only blemishes and disfigures the leg, but also endangers the safety of the rider. The parts struck in the hind leg, are the inside of the fetlock joint,
and the coronet : in the fore leg, the inside of the fetlock joint, and immediately under the knee ; which latter is called the speedy eut, from its happening only when a horse goes fast. Young horses, when first backed, generally eut their fore legs,
although naturally they may be good goers. This arises from their placing the foot on the ground too much under the middle of the breast, in order the better to support the burthen to which they are unaccus- tomed; but, by degrees, they acquire the method of balancing the weight, with the foot in the same direction it would naturally hâve were they without it. It may therefore be laid down as a gênerai rule, with such horses, that till they regain their natural method of going, the edge ofthe inner quarter of the shoe should follow exactly the outline of the crust, but should not be set within the crust, nor should the crust itself be reduced in thickness ; as both thèse practices tend to weaken the inner quarter, and to deform the hoof. And hère it must be observed, that the outer edge of the shoe should, in ail cases of sound feet, follow exactly the outer edge of the crust, exoept just at the heel, where it should project a little beyond the line of the hoof. *
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ON SHOE1NG HORSES WHICH STRIKE OR CUT. 409
Horses with narrow chests hâve their legs near together, and are
apt to eut when they begin to tire; and with thèse, the practice just mentioned should always be employed. Horses that turn their toes much outwards are, of ail others, most subject to eut. It has been asserted that this defect also happens to such as turn them much inwards ; however, the author does not recollect to hâve met with a single instance of this kind in the course of his practice. In horses of the first description, it has been long observed, that the inner quarters of the hoof were lower than the outer, and that the fetlock joints were nearer each other than in horses whose feet pointed straight forwards. Thèse two facts probably ledto a conclusion, that if the inner quarters were raised to a level with the outer, and so much the more as they were made proportionably higher, that the fetlock joints would be thrown farther apart, so as to admit of the footpassing by the support- ing leg without striking the joint. Accordingly, for the two last cen- turies, at least, it has been usual to make the inner quarter of the shoe higher than the outer ; and not only has this been the gênerai practice, but it has been regularly recommended by almost every writer from that time to the présent. And notwithstanding this method has very frequently failed of success, yet repeated disappointment appears never to hâve led to the circumstance of questioning the truth of the principle. Nay, indeed, the reliance placed upon it has been so strong, probably from the simplicity of the reasoning on which it was founded, that in the cases where it most particularly disappointed expectation, its failure was generally attributed to the practice not being carried sufficiently far ; and, accordingly, the shoe has been still more raised on the inner quarter, and the edges of the crust and shoe hâve been filed away. When with thèse expédients it likewise failed, the last resource has been a circular pièce of leather placed round the joint to receive the blow of the foot. It is now about four years sinee that a shoe, with the outer quarter
thick, and the inner one thin, was, for the first time—in the practice of the author, at least—employed in a case which had baffled many attempts on the old plan. On the first trial the horse ceased to eut, nor has he ever done it
s'nce ; which can only be attributed to his having constantly worn the satiie kind of shoe. This circumstance did not then excite in the mind °t the author any doubt as to the propriety of a practice which had so °ng and so generally been acknowledged, but was rather considered ls an extraordinary exception. However, other bad cases, which ecurred occasionally since that period, were treated in the same way, |
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410 ON SHOEING IIORSES
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and with the same suecess. Thèse facts, at length, led the author to
conclude that a practice which was so uniformly followed by suecess, in cases where the established one as uniformly failed, must necessa- rily repose on a better principle ; although, for a long time, he was completely at a loss how to explain it. For if the action of cuttirig did principally dépend upon the faulty position of the fetlock joints, and the feet, with respect to each other; and it appeared to be generally agreed that such was the fact, it should seem, that a means which, by raisingthe outer quarters, must throw the fetlock joints still nearer to each other, would necessarily increase the defect in question ; but as the reverse of this actually takes place, it might induce a suspicion, that there existe some other cause of cutting, which has been hitherto overlooked. A minute examination of this point would far exceed the limits allot
ted to this division of the work; and therefore, at présent, the author will confine himself to that part of the subject alone which is abso- lutely neces?ary to be understood. For horses, therefore, which eut theirliindlegs, the shoe, at the outer hcel, should be from half an inch to an inch in thickness, according to the kind of horse, and to the degree in which he may eut. The web of the shoe should gradually become thinner till it reaches the toe, which should be of the ordinary thickness, and from which it should slope off, and end like a tip in the middle of the inner quarter.* This shoe, in point of efifect, would be equally proper for the fore feet, were it not that in such horses as are used for the saddle, the fore feet being more charged with weight than the hind feet, are more particularly subject to be injured, and a horse thus shod on the fore feet, might go unsafe ; therefore it is expédient to let the inner quarter of the shoe be thin, and reach to the heel, but the outer edge should be bevelled off so as to slope inwards. The same kind ofshoe is equally well calculated to prevent the speedy eut; ob- serving to bevel off still more strongly the part which strikes, and not to put in any nails thereabouts. And hère it may be proper to remark, that in sound feet, the heel of the shoe should reach as far on the heel of the hoof as to admit of the angle formed by the crust and the bar resting fully upon it, but it should not be carried quite as fer as the end of the heel of the hoof. In order to ascertain what would happen to a horse shod with dif-
férent kinds of shoes, the following trials were made :— * For horses which eut only in a slight degree, a shoe of the same thickness
throughout, but reaching on the inner quarter only as far as the middle of the foot, will, in most instances, be foiind suflicient. |
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WI-IICH STRIKE OR CUT. 411
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EXPERIMENT I.
A horse with a narrow chest, who had never eut, and having
parallel shoes on his fore feet, was trotted at about the rate of eight miles an hour in a straight Une, over ground sufficiently soft to retain slightly the impressions of the shoes, but not to admit the feet to sink into it. Two parallel Unes were drawn along the track, including between
them the prints of the shoes. By thèse it was found, that there was regularly a distance of nine inches and a half between the outer edge of the near fore shoe, and that of the off fore shoe. EXPERIMENT II.
Shoes thick in their inner quarter, and, like a tip, reaching only
half way on the outer quarter, were then used ; and it appeared that the distance between the outer edges of the prints of the shoes, taken as before, was regularly reduced to eight inches and a half. EXPERIMENT III.
The same shoes were afterwards placed on the opposite feet, so that
the thick heel was on the outer quarter ; and the resuit, under circum- stances exactly the same as in the foregoing experiments, was, that the distance between the outer edges of the prints of the shoes was regularly increased to eleven inches. To account for thèse results, it is necessary to attend closely to the
différent efFects produced by the weight of the fore part of the body acting upon the two fore feet, when raised on the inner or outer quar- ters, during the opposite states of rest and action. And first, with regard to shoes raised on the inner quarter : whilst a horse so shod, is standing still, the fetlock joints are certainly thrown farther apart than when any other kind of shoe is used. Hence it was concluded, that the limb which supported the body would hâve its fetlock joint thrown so much outwards, as to keep it completely out ofthe way of the foot in motion. But it appears that the impressions made on the ground by such shoes, are an inch nearer together than those made by parallel shoes, and two inches nearer together than those made by shoes raised °n the outer quarter. And this may be thus explained : when the horse )s at rest, the weight is supported equally by the two fore feet, but the 'nstant one foot quits the ground, the weight is suddenly transferred to "■he other; and by the outer quarter beihg lower than the opposite one, the fore part 0f the horse has a tendency to fall over to the outside. 1 ° prevent this, the moving foot is suddenly brought close to the fet- |
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412 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE EARWIG.
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lock of the supporting foot, in order to relieve it by catching the weight,
and the foot itself is placed on the ground, too much under the middle of the breast. The same circumstance occurs to both feet in their turn; and the horse being thus in constant danger of falling to one side or to the other, is constrained to bring his feet near together to préserve his balance, and in doing this, strikes the foot against the opposite fetlock. It frequently happens that the more the toes are turned outwards,
the nearer the fetlock joints are brought together, and the more the horse is disposed to eut. However, this is true only to a certain extent; for if this faulty position of the lower part of the leg be carried artificially beyond a given point, instead of producing an increased degree of cutting, in most instances it remédies the defect altogether. The reason of this is just the reverse of what takes "place when the inner quarter is raised ; that is to say, when the weight of the fore part of the body rests only upon one leg, it bears too much upon the inner quarter, from its being lower than the outer quarter; and thus the horse has a tendency to fall over to the inside of the supporting leg. To prevent this, the moving foot is thrown farther from the sup-
porting leg, in order to maintain the balance ; and thus the foot misses the fetlock joint. |
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NATURAL HISTORY OF THE EARWIG,
I.nsbcts.—Class 5.—Order t. Culeoptcra.—Wings 2, covered by two shells,
dividedby a longitudinal suture.
Genus Forjicula.—Antennae tapering ; shells abbreviated ; wings folded and covered ; tail forked, resembling a forceps ; in each foot three joints.
Species Aaricularia.—Earwig.—Antennae of fourteen joints; browu ; body depressed ; shells tipped wilh white ; lengtb, when full grown, eight
lines.
The Earwig is coinmon and vvell known ; it is rather an ugly and
hostile-looking insect : its very name has given it a character of dread, and, consequently, is an object of destruction whenever or vvherever met with. This insect changes from its chrysalis state in the spring and early
summer months. From heaps of garden or field rubbish, dunghills, or hotbeds, they may be seen on fine warm evenings issuing forth in great numbers, immediately taking flight, rising to a considérable height in the air, where the/disport themselves on wing till darkness |
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413
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NATDBAL H1ST0RY OF THE EARWIG.
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sets in, when they descend, and retire to hiding-places till the next
evening. At this stage of their life they are of a pale yellow colour, about
four lines in length, and remarkably active and quick in their motions. Their appearance at this time, in size and colour, as well as in quick- ness of movement, both on wing and on foot, has induced some naturalists to consider them as a distinct species, under the désignation tÂforfieula minor ; and though further distinguished by two joints less of the antennes, yet it is probable they are only différent semblances of the same insect. It cannot be observed how often the same individuals take their
evening's flight ; but as they congregate apparently from the instinctive impulse of sexual association, it is Iikely they only continue their flight till that important act of their being is consummated. Throughout the summer and beginning of autuma, they are usually
seen lurking in holes of walls, joints, and in crevices of wood-work, or among any dry materials. As they are the natural prey of many kinds of birds, particularly the Picae, Gallina?, and several of the Passeres tribes, they shun the light, pass the day,—if not disturbed,—in their retreats, and issue forth to assemble together or feed during the night. They are one of the greatest plagues of the gardener ; for as soon
as the earliest (and which are also the choicest) fruits begin to be scented, the earwigs begin their déprédations ; generally eating a hole either close to the stalk of pomeous, or at the apex of drupeous fruits, disfiguring, if not destroying them. Apricots are their favourite re- past, and from which the spoiler abstracts almost ail their value. Many guests at the dessert, and particularly ladies, hâve hardly courage to take a Moor Park apricot on their plate, lest they should be disgusted with the sight of earwigs having possession of the cavity round the stone. Hence the gardener is ever at war with them, and especially in defending his wall fruit, for there the insects hâve not only safe re- treats, but also " the first fruits " to invite their voracity ; and as they are midnight plunderers, he can only place reeds and hollow stalks of plants to allure their entrance, and where they may be daily caught and destroyed. Though the richest fruits seem to be preferred by them, there are
toany other vegetable substances which serve them for food. The florist °ften has to regret the loss or lacération of some of his favourites : Wey eat the epidermis of stalks and leaves, sometimes the petals and stamina of the flower, and occasionally devour young plants, as those °f the French marigold (tagetus patula), and others. Throughout the summer and autumn they continue to increase in
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414 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE EARVVIO. '
size ; and in the latter season become unwieldy, and cease rising their
wings. The abdomen becomes much enlarged, from which circum- stance they ail appear to be females; this cannot, ho.vever, be ascertained, as there are no visible sexual marks in any stage of their existence ; but from the habitudes of other gênera in this class of in- sects, it is probable the maies die soon after the purposes of their life is completed ; and as we see the Ml grown ones skulking about the places where the young ones are resuscitated in the spring, it is likely the eggs are laid in the course of the autumn, and pass the maggot and chrysalis states duringthe winter. From the weapon-like appendices at the end of the abdomen, they
appear to be intended for offence ; and though used for the purpose of defence, this is not the sole use of those threatening instruments, but they are the organs, without which they could neither fold hor unfold their wings. When thèse are unfolded for flight, they are at least half an inch in length, and when folded lie under the protection of a shell not one-fifth ofthis length! The membranous and trans- parent wing has no tendinous or muscular motion in itself, but, by the assistance and form of the forceps, they are quickly folded, like a large map in an octavo volume, with the greatest adroitness. Such provision has nature made for the disposai of appendages so necessary to the animal at one time, and for the defence of the same at another, when the pioneering habits of the insect endangers the safety of those délicate organs. Another circumstance in the structure of this loathed insect deserves remark; its safety dépends on its power of secretino- itself from its natural enemies, by creeping into sinuous holes and cavities ; but this it could not do without such flexuosity of body, as its short shells allow ; for if it had shells, or elytra, covering the whole length of the abdomen, like the greater number of the tribe, it could not enter with facility into winding holes necessary for its safety. The name of this insect, in almost ail European languages, has
given it a character which causes a feeling of alarm, even at the sight of it. Whether or not they ever did enter the human ear is doubtful ; —that they might endeavour to do so, under the influence of fear, is more than probable ; and this, perhaps, has been the origin of their name, and the universal préjudice against them. As it is said that anatomists deny the possibility of their deep or dangerous entrance into the ear, it is a pity that this is not generally known, as it might défend the constitutionally timid from unnecessary alarm, and give a more favourable idea of a part of animal création, which forms a most necessary link in the chain of being. While the naturalist contemplâtes the economy of the earwig, he
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415
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ACCOUNT OF A SEA-SERPENT.
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cannot avoid notieing the wonderful power of instinct with which tins
despicable animal is endowed. In starting into active life from its dreary abode in the earth, and fitted at once to become a temporary inhabitant of the air, what but instinct opposes its not venturing forth until the evening, when the swallow and martin, and other muscivorous birds hâve fled the sky and retired to rest. The same unerring substi- tute for want of reason directs them to shun the light of day, lest they should be exposed to the view of their enemies ; and they ahvays prefer the most secret recesses of quiet and darkness, for the préservation of their existence, till the important work of securing a succession of their species is accomplished.—Quart. Jour., April. |
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ACCOUNT
OF AN
EXTRAORDINARY MARINE ANIMAL, OR SEA-
SERPENT. BY I. HARWOOD, M. D. F. R. S.*
In the autumn of 1826, whilst Captain Sawyer, of the ship Har-
mony, of Hull, was in pursuit of the Bottled-nosed Porpoise in Davis's Straits, north latitude 62, and west longitude 57, he observed a body floating on the surface of the water, which was at first mistaken, by himself and his seamen, for an inflated seal's skin, such as the Esqui- maux employ in the destruction of large aquatic animais, by attaching it to the harpoon by which they are speared, and thus tiring them out by its floating property. On a nearer approach, however, the object which had excited attention proved to be a living marine animal. The créature is still in the possession of Captain Sawyer, who preserved it in rum soon after being taken. Its capture was occasioned by its being, when first observed, almost worn out by unavailing efforts to gorge a species of perch of about seven inches in circumference, with which it appeared to hâve been long contending, as it exhibited very feeble signs of life. The organs of motion being extremely small, and its body greatly elongated, this créature would, on a cursory view, be by ail considered as an extraordinary kind of sea serpent, and this 1Qea is supported by a more close examination. This paper is a popular abridgment of Dr. Harvvood's paper in the Phil.
r"ns, 1827, p. 49.—From Eilin. Journal of Science. |
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416
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ACCOUNT OF A SEA-SEKPEXT.
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Its body is one uniform purplish black, except the filamentous
extreraity of the tail, which is much lighter. The total length is four feet six inches. The enlarged, and extremely elastic pharynx, com- municates with an enormous sac or air-vessel, extending in length, from the extremity of the snout, about twenty inches. When partially filled with air, this sac measured about nine inches in circumference below its union with the tail, and its greatest diameter, including the slender body to which it pertained, was four inches. The use of this enormous pouch Dr. Harwood is not able to discover. The skin, ail over the body of the Ophiognathus, is particularly
soft and slimy, yet it has a slight granular appearance. The spiracles, which are five and a half inches from the snout, are large, and of an irregular oval forai. Ail the fins are extremely small, the pectorals being composed of an adipose dise, which is terminated, and nearly surrounded by a narrow radiated membrane. The dorsal fin, which, like the rest, is very narrow, and provided with simple rays, commences at about eighteen inches from the snout, and terminâtes hisensibly upon that slender, tape-Iike filament into which the tail becomes converted, and which is continued twenty and a half inches in length beyond the posterior extremity of the dorsal fin. About this part of the dorsal fin, a few other minute filaments take their growth from it. The anal fin commences at the posterior union of the sac with the body, and ends at about fourteen inches from the extremity of the caudal filament. The body exhibits no apparent latéral Iine ; but, perhaps, the most curious structures which the créature présents to our notice, are connected with head and jaws. The almost entire absence of a tongue might, perhaps, prove one of its most characteristic distinctions, were we as yet sufficiently acquainted with the condition of this organ in those nearest allied to it. The teeth are disposed in a single row above and below ; above they exist only along the margins of the intermaxillary bones ; below they extend almost the whole length of the maxilla ; but the ossa palati are entirely destitute of teeth. Lastly, the jaw-bones are so long, and their articulation is such, that their capability of ex- pansion exceeds what I hâve seen in any other animal, the rattlesnake not excepted ; and, as in snakes, when fully distended, the edges of the jaws describe a large circle, and then appear but as the hemming of an ample sac, the pharynx, which usually occupies so small a space, being an equal participant in this extensile property. When the jaws were gently opened, they measured two and a half inches across, and three and a half from the front teeth to those below ; but while they possess this power of extension, their contractile power is no les* remarkable. |
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417
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THE LION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
COMMUNICATED BY A FRIEND.
Two varieties of the lion are found in South Afriea, namely, the
yellow and the brown ; or (as the Dutoh colonists often term the lat- ter) the blue or black lion. The dark-coloured species is commonly esteemed the strongest and fiercest. I doubt, however, whether there is any real or spécifie distinction ; for the mère différence of colour may be either altogether accidentai, or the conséquence of a variation of food and climate in différent districts. The lions in the Bushmen's country, beyond the limits of the colony,
are accounted peculiarly fierce and dangerous. This is, doubtless, owing to their unacquaintanoe with civilized man,—the possessor of the formidable roer, or rifle,—and still more, perhaps, to their natural awe of mankind having been extinguished by successful rencounters with the misérable Bushmen. Thèse poor savages, though they pos- sess the assagay or Caffer javelin, are déficient in address or courage to use it, as the Caffers do, with effect, upon this powerful beast of prey ; and their light arrows of slender reed, though often effectuai in ultimately destroying the largest and fiercest animais, by the infusion of a deadly poison through the slightest puncture, yet afford no avail- able defence against the direct attack of this ferocious and headlong antagonist. It is,said, that when the lion has once tasted human flesh he thence-
forth entirely loses his natural awe of human superiority. It is, at least, too certain, that when he has once succeeded in snatching some unhappy wretch from a Bushman kraal, he never fails to return regu- larly every night in search of another meal ; and often harasses them so dreadfully as to force the horde to désert their station; and will even follow them like a vampire throughout their wanderings, till they either succeed in destroying him, or till he has finally devoured the ^hole band. From appréhensions of such nocturnal attacks from the lions, thèse
^retched hordes are said to be in the habit of placing their aged and
'ifirm nearest the entrance of the cave or covert where they usually
eep, in order that the least valuable may first fall a prey, and serve
-s a ransom for the rest.
^he prodigious strength of this animal does not appear to hâve been
er'-ated. It is certain, that he can drag the heaviest ox with ease a
E E
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418
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M0\ OF SOUTH AFRICA.
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considérable way ; and a horse, heiîer, hartebeest, or lesser prey, he
finds no difficulty in throwing upon his shoulder and carrying off to any distance he may find convenient. 1 hâve, myself, witnessed an instance of a very young lion conveying a horse about a mile from the spot where he had killed it ; and a more extraordinary case, which occurred in the Sneuwberg, has been mentioned to me on good autho- rity, where a lion, having carried off a heifer of two years old, was followed on the spoor, or track,'for full five hours (above thirty English miles), by a party on horseback, and, throughout the vvhole distance, the carcass of the heifer was only twice diseovered to hâve touched the ground. Many examples, not less remarkable, might easily be added, which would fully prove the lion to be by far the strongest and most active animal, in proportion to his size, that is known to exist. Mr. Barrow has represented the lion of South Africa as acowardly
and treacherous animal, always lurking in covert for his prey, and scampering off in shame and fear if he misses his first spring. I ap- prehend, that that intelligent traveller has, in this, as in some other instances, been led to draw an erroneous conclusion, by reasoning too hastily from limited expérience or inaccurate information. The lion, it is true, not less now than in ancient times, usually " lurketh privily in secret places," and "lieth in wait" to spring suddenly and without warning upon his prey. This is the gênerai characteristic of every variety of the féline tribe to which he belongs ; and for this mode of hunting alone has Nature fitted them. The wolf and hound are fur- nished with a keener scent and untiring swiftness of foot to run down their game. The lion and léopard are only capable of extraordinary speed for a short space ; and if they fail to seize their prey at the first spring, or after a few ardent and amazing bounds, they naturally abandon the pursuit, from the consciousness of being unequal to con- tinue it successfully. The lion springs from nine to twelve yards at a single leap ; and for a brief space can repeat thèse bounds with such activity and speed, as to outstrip the swiftest horse in a short chase ; but he cannot hold out at this rate in a long pursuit, and seldom at- tempts it. The monarch of the forest is, in fact, merely a large cat, and he must live by using the arts of a cat. He would hâve but 3 poor chance with the antelopes, were he always magnanimously to begin a roaring whenever a herd approached his lair. He knows his business better, and, in fact, generally couches among1 the rank grass, or reeds, that grow around the pools and fountains, or in the narro^ ravines, throngh which the larger game descend to drink at the rivers ; |
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m
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LION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
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and, in such places, one may most commonly find the horns and bones
of the animais which hâve been thus surprised and devoured by him. Even in such places, it is said, he will generally retreat before the
awe-inspiring présence of man—-but not precipitately, nor without first calmly surveying his demeanour, and, apparently, measuring Iris prowess. He appears to hâve the impression, that man is not his natural prey ; and though he does not always give place to him, he will yet, in almost every case, abstain from attacking him, if he ob- serves in his déportaient neither terror nor hostility. But this habituai déférence is not to be counted upon under other circumstances, nor even under such as now described, with entire security. If he is hungry, or angry,—(and the latter mood of mind is supposed to be the unfailing accompaniment of a craving stomach with most lions, as well as with many men),—or if he be watching the game he has lrilled, or is othervvise perturbed byrage or jealousy, it is no jest to encounter him. If he does approach, the traveller must elevate his gun and take aim at the animal's forehead, before he cornes close up and couches to survey or spring upon him ; for, in that position, though he may pos- sibly give way to calmness and self-possession, he will tolerate no offensive movement, and will anticipate, by an instant and overwhelm- ing bound, any attempt then to take aim at him. Thèse observations are advanced, not in the confidence of my own slight expérience, but upon the uniform testimony of many of the back-country Boors and Hottentots, with whom I hâve often conversed on such subjeets, to dissipate the ennui of a dreary journey or an evening outspann in the interior. The Beohuana Chief, old Teysho (now in Cape Town), conversing
with me a few days ago about the wild animais of Africa, made some remarks on the lion which perfectly correspond with the accounts I hâve obtained from the Boors and Hottentots. The lion, he said, very seldom attacks man, if unprovoked ; but he will frequently approach within a few paces, and survey him steadily ; and sometimes he will attempt to get behind him, as if he could not stand his look, but was Jet desirous of springing upon him unawares. If a person, in such circumstances, attempts either to fight or fly, he incurs the most immi- nent péril ; but if he has sufficient présence of mind, coolly to confront him, without appearance of either terror or aggression, the animal will, in almost every instance, after a little space, retire. But, he added, that when a lion has once conquered man, lie becomes tenfold ^ore tierce and villanous than he was before, and will even corne into tue kraals in search of him, in préférence to other prey. This epicure E E 2
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420
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LION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
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partiality to huraan flesh in thèse too knowing lions, does not, in Tey-
sho's opinion, spring either from necessity or appetite, so much as from the "native wickedness of their hearts." The overmastering effect of the human eye upon the lion lias been
frequently mentioned, though much doubted by travellers. But from my own inquiries among lion-hunters, I am perfectly satisfied of the fact : and an anecdote which was related to me a few days ago, by Major Macintosh (late of the East India Company's Service), proves that this fascinating eifect is not restricted exclusively to the lion. An officer in India (whose name I hâve forgot, but who was well known to my informant), having chanced to ramble into a jungle adjoining the British encampment, suddenly encountered a royal tiger. The rencounter appeared equally unexpected on both sides, and both par- ties made a dead hait, earnestly gazing on each other. The gentle- man had no fire-arms, and was aware that a sword would be no effective defence in a struggle for life with such an antagonist. But he had heard, that even the Bengal tiger might be sometimes checked, by looking him firmly in the face. He did so. In a few minutes, the tiger, which appeared preparing to make his fatal spring, grew dis- turbed—slunk aside—and attempted to creep round upon him behind. The officer turned constantly upon the tiger, which still continued to shrink from his glance ; but, darting into the thicket, and again issu- ing forth at a différent quarter, it persevered for above an hour in this attempt to catch him by surprize ; till, at last, it fairly yielded the contest, and left the gentleman to pursue his -pleasure vcalk. The direction he now took, as may be easily believed, was straight to the tents at double quick time ! (To be continued.)
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To the Editor ofthe Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
Men who are educated for the higherbut more sedentary profes- sions, name Aima Mater the Collège where they receive or confirni that knowledge which enables them to play their parts honourably and successfully in life ;—they feel towards it a filial attachment, and to their order an esprit du corps, creditable to themselves individually, and tending to raise, in public estimation, the class to which they be- long. A father is surely the fitter parent to guide the horseman : in |
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CORRESPONDENCE. 421
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tins sensé I named the Veterinary Collège—not the Professor.
You call it a livery-stable. There is no law to prevent your calling Guy's Hospital a boarding-house ; but is it not as well to allow it to retain its proper title? Some of your expressions appear dictated more by private pique than by views to public utility. Union is strength; and the Veterinary, to rank as a libéral profession, re- quires to be supported, as well by the good conduct and skill of ail its members in their private practice, as by observance of the forms of common decency, when speaking of the institution to which they owe the high rank they now hold, than the practitioner of forty years ago. And hère, Sir, I must take leave of you, with good wishes for the
continued success of your work, with such altérations in the tone of its politics as may make it a furid of information and rallying point to Ve- terinarians—not a mère engine of party. I ara, Sir,
18 Aug. 1828. Your most obedient Servant,
A Farrier.
We hâve inserted this second letter of " A Farrier," not on account
of its particular merit, but because it contains somefching Jike the sen- timents of a number of Veterinarians who hâve been students at the Collège. They imagine it must be injurious to their interests to ex- pose its most glaring errors, or those of their preceptor ; and there is something very natural and not altogether blameable in this. But it would be extremely improper in us to indulge in this kind of esprit du corps. We hâve a duty to perform to the profession at large, from which we must not be deterred by any such représentations as those of our correspondent, who seems to be of opinion that the réputation of every individual dépends so much on that of the school from which he sprung, that we do right to maintain its infallibility " through ail nianner of report," and in spite of évidence and conviction to support the powers that be, and ail existing abuses. We, on the contrary, believe that everything connected with science ought to be open to remark. Union is strengtb, but a combination to stifle improvement and knowledge shall never receive our sanction. As to "private pique" and "common decency," the onehasnever
'nfluenced us—the other we hâve never offended. The Veterinary Collège is a livery-stable, and will bear no comparison with Guy's "ospital ; as in the former the horses are taken in for the sake of profit ~""~Jn the latter patients are received out of pure charity. |
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' 422
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HORSE CAUSE.
Bristol, Thursday, Aug.21, 1828.
NESBITT V. KENT.
Tue défendant in this case is a Veterinary surgeon residing in tins
city, and the action was brought to recover 60/., the alleged value of a horse which was the property of the plaintiiF, and which had died, as was said, in conséquence of the négligent and unskilful manner in which it had been bled by the défendant. Mr. Follett having opened the pleadings,
Mr. C. F. Williams stated the plaintiff's case. The learned gen-
tleman observed, that it had been for a long time the established custom, amongst farriers and Veterinary surgeons, in bleeding horses, to use an instrument well known and called a fleam. The défendant had, however, on the occasion which had given rise to the présent in- «juiry, had recourse to a lancet ; and the conséquence of this innovation in practice was, as he (Mr. Williams) would show to the Jury, that the horse, immediately after the bleeding, exhibited symptoms of in- flammation and extrême debility, and had, whilst proceeding from the defendant's to the plaintiff's house, dropped down dead. The com- plaint against the défendant was, that, deviating from the ancient and safe method of bleeding, he had recourse to a new one, which had caused such an effusion of blood as led to the death of the animal. When the horse was dead, the plaintiff sent to the défendant to request that he would come and examine him, with a view to ascertain the cause of the death. This the défendant refused to do ; upon which another Veterinary surgeon was called in, who ascertained, on examining the horse, that the vein had been eut through, and the artery punctured. This was the circumstance which had, by causing an extrême effusion of blood, produced the death of the horse. Thèse facts, Mr. Williams said, he should establish by évidence ; after which he should expect, with confidence, the verdict of the Jury in favour of his client. Robert Nesbitt deposed, that he took the horse to the defendant's
on the 20th of June. The horse was bled by the défendant with a lancet, in the right side of the neck, and about a gallon of blood taken away. After the bleeding, Mr. Kent remarked that there was a large swelling at the place which had been opened with the lancet. The |
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HOKSE CAUSE. 423
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swelling also liad extended up both sides of the neck. The défendant
ordered his man to chafe it with cold water, which was done for fifteen minutes. The défendant then desired witness to take home the horse gently, and chafe the neck with cold sait and water. He said witness might ride the horse if he pleased. Witness having led the horse a short way, rode it for half a mile, after which he dismounted, as the animal was very weak and bled at both nostrils. Witness went a short way for a farrier, leaving the horse with a man. Witness soon after returned, and before he got up to the horse the animal fell down, and died in two minutes after.! Cross-examined.—Witness took the horse home the nearest way.
The animal was well-bred, and had a very fine skin. Mr. Davis, who had been in the habit of attending upon horses for
twenty years, deposed that he examined the horse in question after death. He found that a great quantity of blood had escaped from the orifice, which he believed to be the cause of the horse's death. The vein was punctured through, and he thought the artery had been divided. There was a quantity of arterial blood in the throat. In the judgment of the witness, a lancet was not a proper instrument to bleed a horse with. It ouffht to be done with a fleam. Cross-examined.—Witness took from six to seven pinte of blood out
of the horse's neck. Witness attributes the death of the horse to the great loss of blood, and to no other cause. Witness did not examine the artery. The immédiate cause of the death of the horse was suffo- cation, in conséquence of the blood which had escaped after the neck had been tied up. Mr. N. P. Lee, a Veterinary surgeon, said, that a fleam was
safer to bleed with than a lancet, as the former had a guard. The witness was of opinion that the death had been oecasioned by cutting through the vein and puncturing the artery. Cross-examined.—Witness was educated at the Veterinary Collège
in London, under Mr. Sewell. That gentleman usually bled horses with a lancet. Another Veterinary surgeon gave similar évidence.
Mr. Serjeant Wilde, for the defence, said that he should prove that
the death of the horse had been oecasioned by the plaintiff's not com- plying with the defendant's directions, and that the défendant had not been guilty of any négligence whatever in the manner in which he had treated the animal. The learned Serjeant then called Thomas Higgins, who deposed—I am the defendant's apprentice ;
I recollect the défendant bleeding the plaintiff's horse. The animal |
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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was bled and bound up in the usual way. I hâve ahvays seen the
défendant bleed horses with a lancet. The défendant told the young man who had brought the horse to be bled, that in going home he must lead the animal quietly, and not ride it. A considérable time after he had taken the horse away, I met him in the street. He told me the horse was very ill ; and on coming up to the place, I found it was dead ; the young man had a whip in his hand, and spurs on. Mr. Williams, a Veterinary surgeon at Bath, deposed, that he had
always bled horses with a laneet. He never saw Mr. Sewell use any other instrument. A swelling in the neck, after bleeding, was no proof of want of skill in the operator. A person, who said that he had bled some thousands of horses,
deposed that the use of the lancet for that purpose was quite common. A horse-dealer said, that the animal, before the bleeding, was not
worth 201. Mr. Justice Park said that there was not the slightest ground for im-
puting négligence or want of skill to Mr. Kent; and the Jury found a verdict for the défendant. [Mr. Coleman, though a médical man, is averse to lancet bleed-
ing ; he recommends the use of the fleam.] |
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LITHOCOLLI, OR STONE GLUE,
FOR
PRESERVING WET SPECIMENS OF NATURAL HISTORY,
ANATOMICAL PREPARATIONS, &c. To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,:
A friend to whom I was known to hâve fondness for Natural
History contrived, some years since, to enlist me in his service to assist him in forming a collection of fishes and molusca ; but whenever the passage home was long, or we happened to expérience bad weather, my collection suffered, more or less, until I happened to meet, at Underwood's, in Fleet-street, with " Instructions for Collecting, Preserving, and Transporting Spécimens of Natural History, By John Chichester, M. D., of Cheltenhara." According to the advice contained therein, I hâve employed spirit
of915of our hydrometer; and, previously to placing the animais |
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425
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CORRESi'ONDENCE.
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therein, I hâve removed, by means of a soft brush, the mucus and
other impurities adhering to the surface ;* then taking care to place the animal in the jar in such a manner that it might float without touching the bottom, so as to guard against its being crushed in that part by the superincumbent weight. When the animal has been of extrême deli- cacy, I hâve placed it in a bag of linen of very open texture, or in a net, either of which is easily attached to the cork and the contents made to float at any convenient depth. For the perfect préservation of any animal, the spirit must be changed after a few days; and it is more essentially necessary in respect to those which run most readily into a state of décomposition. Until this treatise fell in my way, I never could obtain a lute by which I was able, properly, to secure the mouths of my vessels;—one that could be easily prepared, which dries and acquires complète solidity as soon as applied, on which spirit has little or no action, which does not fall oif in scales, which pénétrâtes the pores of the cork, and adhères perfectly, at the same time, to the glass. For a knowledge of this valuable composition, the Doctor tells us he
is indebted to M. Péron, a celebrated French naturalist : it is com- posed of the following ingrédients :—- Stone Pitch,
Red Ochre (well powdered),
Yellow Wax,
Spirit of Turpentine.
More or less of the pitch and oxide of iron, or, on the other hand, of oil of turpentine and wax, are made use of, according to our désire to hâve it more or less hard ; and this would, of course, dépend upon the climate to which it is to be exposed. A single experiment is suffi- cient to détermine the proportions. Melt the pitch and wax together; then add the ochre in small quantities at a time, and on each addition, stir the mixture well : when it shall hâve boiled for the space of seven or eight minutes, pour in the oil of turpentine, mix well, and continue the boiling. Ail necessary précautions must be observed to prevent the mixture
taking fire ; and it will be but prudent, in the event of such an acci- dent, to hâve close at hand a cover with a long handle to imme- diately shut up the vessel and thereby extinguish the flame. The vessel itself should also hâve a handle, and should not receive of the différent lngredients, at any one time, more than would be sufficient to fill, ,vhen melted, one-third part of its capacity. |
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426 CORRESPOXDENCE.
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In order to ascertain the quality of this lute, it is only necessary to
put, from time to time, a small quantity of it upon a cold plate, and its degree of tenacity will be ascertained in an instant. One of its great advantages is, that it can be prepared on ship-board, and employed immediately on taking a fish or molusca that one would wish to pré- serve in spirit. The Manner ofusing the Lithocolli, or Stone Glue.
After having adjusted the corks upon the mouths of the jars, and
wiped them with a pièce of dry linen so as to remove ail moisture, the cément is to be heated to the point of ebullition. It must be well stir- red up from the bottom ; and then, with a stick having an old pièce of linen rag attached to one end, a certain quantity is taken up, and with this coarse kind of brush a layer of the lithocolli is to be spread over the whole surface of the cork. Sometimes this substance pénétrâtes the cork and occasions the evaporation of a small quantity of the spirit, which, on escaping at the surface, leaves small openings, but whieh are completely stopped by laying on a second coat after the first has become dry. When the jars are small it will be sufficient merely to plunge the
neck into the melted mixture. By repeating the immersion two or three times, this covering will aequire the thickness desired. It is still useful to cover the jars so stopped with a pièce of linen,
which is to be well tied down with packthread, and then tarred over. If very large they should be still further supported by a strong string passed over them in such a manner as to form a cross upon the cover. I am convinced that jars prepared in this manner may, without any
injury, be turned upside down, and exposed to ail the tossings of the most violent tempest, as well as to the most intense heat, without any part ofthe alcohol beinglost. By making this known through your useful publication, you may
serve the cause of science, and oblige A Sailor and Bit of a Natdralist.
Liverpool, 2d July, 1828.
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427
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AN ACCOUNT
OF THE
SERVICES WHICH THE LITTLE BIRD CALLED
TROCHILOS RENDERS TO THE CROCODILE. BY M. GEOFFROY ST. HILA1KE.
On the 28th January, 1828, M. Geoffroy St. Hilaire communicated
to the Academy of Sciences of Paris, a paper upon two species of animais called Trochilos and Bdella, by Herodotus. ) The author began by announcing that his memoir was, properly speaking, only a commentary on a short passage from Herodotus. " When the crocodile," says this great historian, " feeds in the Nile,
the inside of his mouth is ahvays covered with bdella (a terra which the translators hâve rendered by that of Leech). " Ail birds except one fly from the crocodile, but this one bird, the
Trochilos, on the contrary, Aies towards him with the greatest eager- ness, and renders him a very great service ; for every time that the crocodile cornes to the land to sleep, and when lie lies stretched out with his jaws open, the Trochilos enters and establishes itself in his mouth, and frees him from the bdella which he finds there. " The crocodile is grateful, and never does any harm to the little
bird who performs for him this good office." This passage is one of those which lias most exercised the sagacity
of commentators. Some hâve Iooked upon it merely as a pleasant story, while others, in order to justify Herodotus, hâve pushed their zeal so far as to create an animal which could impose upon the croco- dile, and be capable of ail the actions attributed to the Trochilos. M. Geoifroy St. Hilaire proposes to show that Herodotus lias been
defended as awkwardly as he has been attacked unjustly. During his long résidence in Egypt, M. Geoffroy had repeated oc-
casion to ascertain that the story of Herodotus, though correct in sub- stance, was inexact only in some particular détails. It is perfectly true that a little bird does exist, which Aies incessantly from place to place, searching every where, even in the crocodile's mouth, for the Jusects which form the principal part of its nourishment. This bird is seen everywhere on the banks of the Nile ; and Geoffroy having suc- ceeded in procuring one, rccognized it as belonging to a species already |
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428
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SERVICES WHICH THE TROCHILOS
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described by Hasselquist, under the name of Charadrius JEgyptius.
There is, in France, a bird very like it, if not precisely the same, namefy, the small ringed plover. With his slender beak this bird can take nothing but the smallest in-
sects, the spawn of fish, or those molecular débris, those fragments of animal détritus, which the action of the waters throws incessantly upon the banks. If the Trochilos is, in reality, the little plover, the animais described
by Herodotus under the name of bdella, cannot be leeches (besides, leeches do not exist in the running waters of the Nile), but a very small insect of that species which swarm in those damp and warm ré- gions, known by the name of gnats in Europe, and of maringouins in America. Myriads of thèse insects dance upon the borders of the Nile, and
when the crocodile reposes on the land he is attacked by their innu- merable swarms. His mouth is not so hermetically sealed to prevent them from introducing themselves ; and they penetrate in such vast numbers, that the inner surface of his palate, which is naturally of a bright yellow, appears to be covered with a brownish-black crust. AH thèse sucking insects drive their stings into the orifice of the glands, which are numerous in the mouth of the crocodile. It is then that the little plover, who follows him every where, cornes to his succour, and delivers him from thèse troublesome enemies ; and that without any danger to himself, for the crocodile is always careful when he is going to shut his mouth to make some motion which warns the little bird to fly away. At St. Domingo there is a crocodile which so nearly resembles those
of Egypt, that M. Geoffroy could not distinguish them without great difiiculty. This crocodile is àlso attacked by the gnats, from which he would hâve no other means of delivering himself (his tongue, like that of the crocodile of the Nile, being fixed) if a bird of a particular species did not give him the same assistance that the crocodile of the Nile receives from the little plover. Thèse facts explain the passage in Herodotus, and demonstrate that
the animal which is there called bdella is not a leech, but a flying in- sect, similar to oux gnat. It is certain, indeed, that the word bdella signified, in Herodotus's
time, a sucker, but lately this term has been restricted, and is now especially used to dénote a leech. This considération permits us, strictly speaking, to suppose that Herodotus was not mistaken in the facts he has related ; but we can scarcely suppose that he knew posi- |
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429
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RFA'DERS TO THE CROCODILE.
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tively what where the animais which tormented the crocodile. If he
had known them, he would hâve called them by tlie particular name of conops, which he has given them in chapter 95, in . which he mentions their numbers and their excessive inconvenience; and since, contrary to his usual précision, he has contented himself with employing the word bdella (vague in his time), we ought to conclude that he did not know which kind of sucker incommoded the crocodile ; and this confirms M. Geoffroy in his idea, that Herodotus had drawn up what he has said of the crocodile from the information which lie obtained from the priests of Memphis. Herodotus is not the only ancient author who speaks of the services
which the crocodile reeeives from the Trochilos. Aristotle also men- tions it, only he mistakes the nature of the service which it performs. " When the crocodile," says he, " has his mouth open, the Trochilos Aies in and cleans his teeth. The Trochilos finds there sometliing that nourishes him. The crocodile feels the benefit he dérives from him, and he never does any harm to the Trochilos. When he wishes him to fly away, he moves his neck, in order that he may not bite him."* Pliny, speaking of the same fact, which he admits, like his prede-
cessors, gives another explanation of the actions of the Trochilos. " The crocodile," he says, " opens his mouth as wide as he can, and it is deliciously affected by the pecking of the bird."f M.Geoffroy St. Hilaire enters upon discussions which we are not able to lay be- fore our readers, respecting this sort of compact between the most dan- gerous of the lizards, and the very little bird which assists him ; that is to say, upon the mutual harmony established between them,—a har- mony so necessary, that the crocodile, incapable of sustaining alone the attacksof thèse dangerous enemies, would behold his race extinct if the Trochilos were to cease to give them his assistance. It is proper to add, that the ties of good will which existed between
the crocodile and the Trochilos were known to the remotest antiquity, and never, during succeeding âges, were they called in question. He- rodotus, .Aristotle, and, in later times, Pliny, ^lian, Philon, and many writers of the first âges of the Christian era, hâve described them without reserve, and without trying to modify them. Oflateit has been °therwise. Modem authors hâve shrunk from the marvellous charac- tcr of the phenomena. They either denied the fact itself, or they dis- * Aristotle's Hist. Animal, lib. 9, cap. 6.
•f Pliny, lib. 8, cap. 25. |
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430
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VETERINARV COLLEGE CASES.
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figured it to render it explicable. They went so far as to make the
Trochilos abird of the size of the thrush, armed with scales and thorns upon its back, and upon the ends of its wings. Thus, in wishing to limit the power and the resources of nature, they were led even to ridicule a truth to which the immédiate observation of facts has, in our ovvn day, conducted us. |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
An aged Brown Slallion,
Belonging to B. Shedding, Esq., was admitted on the 22d of July,
and the disease was stated to be Staggers. The horse appeared very dull and drowsy, the head was kept hang-
ing down low, and occasionally drawn to the offside. Bleeding had been resorted to previous to his being brought to the
Collège. Three quarts of blood was directed to be taken from the palatine
arteries, and six drachms of aloes, with two of calomel, to be given in a bail. A seton was passed over the occipital bone, a rowel inserted in the
belly, and a blister applied to the same part, with a mash diet. 23d. The head was directed to be kept constantly wetted with cold
water, the rowel and seton to be dressed with turpentine ointment ; three drachms of aloes, with six of turpentine, to be given in a bail. | 24th. The application of the cold water was directed to be con-
tinued to the head, the rowel and seton dressed as before ; three drachms of aloes, and four of turpentine, to be given in a bail. No apparent amendaient took place by the use of thèse remédies.
26th. The horse being nearly the same, the bleeding was directed
to be repeated to the quantity of three quarts, half an ounce of aloes given in a bail, and the cold water to be continued. 27th. Three ounces of blistering ointment directed to be rubbed into
the belly'; three drachms of aloes, and four of turpentine, to be given in a bail. 28th. The cold water to be continued, and two drachms of tartar-
ized antimony to be given in a bail. 29th. Tartarized antimony and aloes, of each three drachms, to
be given in a bail. 30th. Aloes, six drachms, with three of tartarized antimony, directed
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431
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VIÏTERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
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in a bail ; and the bowels not being acted on, a clyster was given.
The rowel and seton were still continued, 31st. A seton was passed over the os frontis, and the clysters
repeated. August lst. A rowel was made in the chest and under the throat ;
clysters directed three times a day, and the following bail to be given twice in the day :—Aloes and turpentine, of each three drachms, calomel half a drachm. 2d. The rowels were directed to be dressed with turpentine oint-
ment ; and one ounce of turpentine, with six drachms of aloes, given in a bail. The clysters to be continued. 3d. One ounce of aloes was directed to be given in solution, two
or three times a day, and the cold water to be continued. 4th. Six drachms of turpentine, with three of tartarized antimony,
directed in a bail, and the clysters to be continued. Bowels very torpid. 5th. Three quarts of blood directed to be taken from the jugular
vein, and an ounce of aloes given in a bail. 7th. Clysters directed to be repeated; six drachms of turpentine,
with the same quantity of aloes, to be given in a bail, whioh operated freely the next day. lOth. Fifteen grains of croton, and half an ounce of ginger and
turpentine, directed to be given in a bail. llth. Twenty grains of croton, and one ounce of turpentine, ordered
in a bail, and a clyster twice a day. 12th. A seton, about twelve inches in length, was passed down
each cheek, and dressed with turpentine ointment. The horse was obliged to be cast, in order to perforai this opération.
Half a drachm of croton and calomel was ordered to be given in a
bail. 13th. The same dose directed to be repeated.
]4th. A drachm of croton was directed to be given in a bail, and
half a pound of flour, made into balls, also to be given. 15th. The same quantity of flour ordered to be given, made into balls.
23d. The horse continued to get worse up to this time, when Mr.
Coleman tied both the carotid arteries, having before stated t/iat there was too great détermination ofblood to the head ; and further, that the cause, in this instance, was not the effect. After the opération, on the animal being got up, he fell down and
rolled over; and in the course of the evening he died. As the post mortem appearances of the brain and subjacent parts
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432
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VETERINARV COLLEGE CASES.
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in this case must necessarily be very considerably altered and deranged,
from so desperate and barbarous an opération, as well as from the casting and second falling of the horse, it would be the height of folly to attempt to draw any conclusions from them ; we hâve, therefore, to regret that we should, by thèse circumstances, be prevented from giving the sequel of the case. We consider it must hâve been a decided case of inflammation of the substance of the brain, and of the spinal chord. The constant stupor, heaviness, disinclination to move as well as eat, from the time of the animal's first admission ; the fréquent spasmodic draw- ing of the head on one side and upwards ; the peculiar appearance of the eye, obstinate costiveness, and, ultimately, the great difficulty evinced in attempting to eat and swallow, when labouring under de- creased action ; and likewise the particular motion, as well as the diffi- culty, in moving the limbs;—ail tend more fuUy to confirm and strengthen our opinion. A Bay Gelding, aged 5,
Belonging to W. Fuller, Esq., was admitted on the 30th of July,
with Farcy and Glanders. Several farcy ulcers and buds were found about the neck and hind
leg ; a discharge from the near nostril, ulcération of the mucous mem- brane, and an enlargement of the sub-maxillary gland on the same side. The animal showed no disposition to feed. Five drachms of sulphate
of copper, and two of turpentine, were directed to be given in solution. 31 st. A seton was passed in the face, and directed to be dressed
daily with turpentine ointment. August Ist. Five drachms of sulphate of copper to be given in
solution. 2d. The dose to be repeated, and a rowel to be inserted in the off
thigh. 8th. One ounce of powdered ginger, and half an ounce of turpen-
tine, were directed to be given in a drench. 9th. Half an ounce of sulphate of copper, and one ounce of powdered
ginger, to be given in a drink every day. 14th. One ounce of ginger directed to be given in a drench every
day. 20th. The drench ordered to be omitted, and the seton removed.
On the 22d, the horse died, having got progressively worse from
the time of admission. Printed by G. Duckworth, 70, Fleet Street.
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
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No. 10.] OCTOBER. [1828.
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THE TERRIER.
Canis Terrarius.
The name of this particular dog appears to be derived from entering
the holes in the earth after its game, and from the minute description given of him in Oppian's* Poems, it is certain the breed has been long known in this island, and so far appears to be an original native of it. Linnsus states, it was introduced upon the continent, so late as the
reign of Frédéric the First. And in ail probability, this is the Ver- tagus or Tumbler of Raii, and some other writers. He says, it used stratagem in taking its prey ; and some hâve gone so far as to say that he would tumble and play till it came near enough to seize ; but how- ever individual dogs may hâve been thus trained, nothing, it is certain, in any way exists, when untaught, to justify our considering it a natural quality, though some naturalists hâve erroneously concluded that a dog of such valuable and extraordinary properties was entirely lost. The most distinct varieties are, the crooked-legged and strait-legged ;
their colours generally black, with tanned legs and muzzle, a spot of the same colour over each eye ; though they are sometimes reddish fallow, or white and pied. The white kind hâve been in request of late years. The ears are short, some erect, others pendulous ; thèse and part of the tail are usually eut off; some are rough and some smooth-haired : many sportsmen prefer the wire-haired, supposing them harder biters ; but expérience shows this is not always the case. Much variety in the terrier arises from his being a small dog, and often bred for mère fancy. * Oppian lived in the days of Severus, a.d. 191.
F F |
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V V. \\ \V\ V, \V:
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434 VETEMNARY CERTIFICATES.
' The terrier is querulous, frctful, and irascible—high-spirited and alert
whcn brought into action ; if lie lias not unsubdued persévérance like the bull-dog, he has rapidity of attack, managed with art, and sus- tained with spirit ; it is not what he will bear, but what he will inflict ; his action protects hiraself, and his bite carries death to his opponent ; he dashes into the hole of the fox, drives him from its reeesses, or tears him to pièces in his strong hold; and he forces the reluctant, stubborn badger into light. As his courage is great, so is his genius extensive : he will trace with the fox-hound, hunt with the beagle, find for the greyhound, or beat with the spaniel. Of wild cats, martens, poîe- cats, wcasels, and rats, he is the vigilant and determined enemy : he drives the otter from the rocky clefts on the banks of rivers, and déclines not the combat in a new élément. In Scotland, the use of the terrier is to kill ; and there they breed
a fierce race : so great is their courage, they will attack and destroy the largest foxes, with which that country abounds ; following tliem into the cliasms in rocks, where they often perish together. Although terriers are used for the barbarous and cruel purpose of
baiting badgers, and fighting one with another, yet few will bear the severity of either : a cross of the bull-dog is often added to give them stay. The badger, though harmless in most respects, is a dreadful opponent to the terrier, nor could.he be overcome but by the craftiness. of the assailant, who attacks him under the breast and belly. |
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VETERINARY CERTIFIATES. ',",
The Certificate which is given to Veterinary students, after a few
months' attendance at the Collège, is usually denominated a Diploma ; but the public do not appear to be fully aware of the exact nature of this document, and, from some inquiries that hâve been made, we auç called upon to explain it. A Diploma is a document given under the sanction and authority of
some chartered body, and conferring some privilège on the person who receives it. We shall, therefore, proceed to show in what way the Veterinary Certificate is obtained, and how far it corresponds with the above définition. After three or four months' attendance at the Royal Veterinary
Collège, where there is no Demonstrator or teacher of anatomy who does his duty, the students hear a few old musty and obsolète opinions |
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435
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VENTILATION OF STABLES.
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read over by Mr. Coleman, learn a certain number of set answers to
well-known questions, which they repeat a few times to Mr. C. in his parlour; when, after three or four months' attendance, if they answer well and truly, and behave humbly and condescendingly, they are mostly promised, or are certain to obtain, the certificate—as charity children at Easter receive a plum bun if they repeat their catechism well through Lent. This, then, may be considered as the drama ; but now cornes the after-piece, or farce : a secret meeting is held at Cooper's Hôtel, in Conduit Street, or occasionally at Mr. Coleman's private house : fbrmerly' thèse farces were performed at the Freemasons' Tavern; but for some important reason, we présume, the pegs and wires were removed, as stated above, per- haps for the sake of putting a few shillings into " Old Charley's" pocket. Be this as it may, the practice is widely différent from that laid clown by the founders of the Institution, when a student was to undergo a public examination after a three years' study, and receive an unassuming certificate, which, when so gained, would be really valuable, and a guarantee which the public might dépend on. As it is, the worthless rag that a pupil now obtains, takes the imposing title of a diphma ; though not gained by an open display of rnerit, as ail diplomas ought to be ; nor conferring a single privilège on its possessor, or placing him, in any respect, above the practical or self-taught Vete- rinarian. Not that we wish, by any means, to depreciate the merits of many who hâve studiedat St. Paneras; far from it: but ratherto com- pliment them, on owing to their own talents and exertions, that skill and knowledge which they very well know is not required to obtain a certi- ficate. |
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ON THE
VENTILATION OF STABLES,
AND THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON THE SKINS
OF HORSES IN DIFFERENT STATES. BY F. C. CHERRY, ESQ.,
Veterinary Surgeon in the Army.
The breathing of a pure atmosphère is essential to the préservation
°f health in ail animais. Wilh horses (the immédiate object of this paper), so long as the
"leans which nature has abundantly provided for resisting the eftects F F 2
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43G
|
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VENTILATION OF STABLES,
|
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of heat and cold are not destroyed, great and sudden changes of tem-
pérature may take place without producing any injury. But when thèse means are removed or destroyed, the skin is power-
fully acted on by apparently slight causes ; and, through the médium of the skin, the funetions of health are frequently deranged to a con- sidérable extent. Among those means for equalizing the effccts of température,
which are considerably varied, the greasy scurf produced by the skin may be placed as the principal. The skin is continually producing this scurf; and as it approaches the surface of the coat, it becomes decomposed and is shaken off in the form of dust: the quantity retained dépends on the length and state of the horse's coat or hair. Thèse will differ in degree in différent horses, but ail hâve coats in
great measure proportioned in length to the degree of cold and wet to which the horse is exposed at the time of the coat being produced ; and therefore horses that stand in stables hâve their new coat generally short and fine, in proportion to the vearmth of the stable. This fineness of coat is only preserved by avoiding long exposure
to cold. Brightness is given to it by the currycomb, the brush, and the rubber; but thèse means, while they produce a bright, sleek, glossy coat, which, combined vvith other circumstances, indicate condition, necessarily render the horse so treated, obnoxious to a degree of cold that he might otherwise be exposed to with impunity. A due régula- tion of thèse means, according to circumstances, are essential towards constituting skill in stable management. The stables in cavalry barracks hâve of late years been surrounded
by holes of ail sizes, for the alleged purpose of ventilating them ; but there are no means provided for regulating the admission of air according to the state of the weather. They are, therefore, reduced to the condition of open sheds, and the horses standing in them are exposed to the great and sudden changes of température that are so fréquent in this climate. The conséquences are obvious to the eye of observation, in the misérable appearance of the horses thus confined in a situation so injuriously unnatural. |
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[Tobecontinued.J
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437
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ON THE ANTIQUITY OF HUNTING.
The origin of hunting may be traced to the earliest period of un-
civilized society. Nature points out the tenants of the forest to the uncultivated savage as his prey, and necessity teaches him methods for their destruction ; even when the arts of industry hâve provided man vvith other means of subsistance, and rendered him independent of the chase, the impulse which urged him to it remains, and it is then [pur- sued as eagerly for pleasure as it was before for food. Thus we nnd it practised in every âge and every clime ; and, while other amuse- ments yield to the innovations of luxury and the caprices of taste, the sports of the field alone remain unfettered by the laws of fashion, and tnaintain their empire as strongly over the polished génération of the nineteenth century, as over the rudest of their forefathers. But, if the passion for the chase be universal, the modes in whicli
it is indulged are varions. At first, when it was followed for suste- nance rather than for sport, little else was considered than the readiest manner of taking the largest quantity of game : for this purpose traps Were contrived, and permanent enclosures were formed in the woods, througli an opening into wliich the animais were driven when roused, and there caught. Thèse led to the construction of gins and moveable snares ; and it is not improbable that persons who resided on the banks of rivers attempted to catch fish in baskets, with the formation of which, it may be remarked that most savage nations are acquainted, and thus gradually discovered the method of making nets. Mention 's, indeed, frequently made in the Scriptures of nets both for hunting and fishing :* but a'though it is clearly proved by some passages, that H'c are there to understand sucli as were knit, yet it is not improbable ftat gins, composed of cords, are often meant where the translators hâve introduced nets ; and it, doubtless, is to them that we are to refer the metaphorical expressions in which " snares " are so often men- t'oned. They are, certainly, more ancient than nets ; they were long used by barbarous nations, both in hunting and in war, and^ they are not even yet exploded. Without alluding to the minor engines con- * " And I will make thee like the top of a rock. thou shalt be a place to
sfreadnets upon."— Ezekiel xxvi. 14. " And it shall corne to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-
S«di even unto En-eglaim ; they shall be a place to spread forlh nets : their fish "ait be according to their kijiiis, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding mauy."__
Qzelciel lxvii. 10.
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438
|
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CN THE ANTIQU1TY OF HUNTING.
|
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trived by poachers for the silent destruction of game, travellers who
hâve visited South America tell us, that the Spaniard who ranges the plains of Buenos Ayres in pursuit of the wild cattle that feed there in immense droves, relies wholly for success upon the lasso,* which is merely a long cord with a noose at one end, the other being fastened to his saddle-bow, where the rope is coiled. Thus prepared, he chases the herd until he approaches sufficiently near to single one out, over the horns of which he throws the noose : his horse, trained for the purpose, instantly turns short round, and, making a full stand, thus opposes his entire strength to the captive ; who, on his part, striving against the power by which he is held, draws in the opposite direction, and is thus, by his own efforts, confined to the spot until the hunter can despatch him. * Birds of prey were trained, at a very remote period, to assist in
the destruction of game. But at whattime the aid of the dog was first required for the same purpose, must be left to conjecture -r we présume that the instinct of au animal that has ever lived in social habits with man, could neither hâve remained long undiscovered, nor, when dis- covered, unemployed. That they were used in a very early âge, not merely singly, but in packs, in the modem manner, is évident from the splendid picture left by Virgil, of the hunting party of Dido and ^Eneas ; and, indeed, the whole description approaches nearly to the présent continental style, and, in some parts, bears a close resem- blance to even an English stag hunt. Many instances might be adduced to show the prevalence of hunting
at a very distant era in the East ; and the antiquity of the custom in Europe is sufficiently proved by an ancient legend, which is current among the villagers of Germany and the North of Italy, of an invisible hunter-sprite, who, from time immémorial, has been supposed unceas- ingly to chase some tyrannical Nimrod of old, whose cruelty occa- sioned his being transformed into a stag, and thus punished by the lex talionis. His halloo ! and the baying of his hounds, are often imagined to resound among the mountains of Bohemia and the Tyrol ; and many a peasant crosses himself, as he tliinks he hears the écho of their din borne by the wind along the lonely recesses of those Alpine solitudes. The subject of field sports being so extensive as to require separate
illustrations of the various modes in which they are pursued in différ- ent countries, will furnish matter for future Numbers ; but the following |
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* See No. \, page 40.
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439
|
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ON THE ANTIQTJITY OF HUNTING.
|
|||||||||
items of the nxpenses of the royal fox hunt in the time of Edward I.
will show something of the manner in which that diversion was prac- tised in this eountry about five hundred years ago, and will afford matter of curious spéculation to those accustomed to the numerously composed and splendidly attended packs of the présent day :— £. s. d
"Paid to William de Foxhunte, the King's huntsman
of foxes in divers forests and parles, ' for his own wages, and the wages of his two boys to take care of the dogs, from Nov. 20th, A. D. 1290, to Nov. lOtli, A. D. 1300, for each, per day, twopence.. !) 3 0 " Paid to the same, for the keep of twelve fox-<'ogs
belonging to the King, for the same time ; each dog, per day, one halfpenny ................ î) 3 0 " Paid to the same, the expense of a horse to carry
the nets, from Nov. 2<Jth, to the last day of April, 163 days, at threepence per day.........., . . 2 0 0 " Paid to the same, the expense of a horse, from Scp-
tember lst, on which day the hunting began, a/ter the dead season, to Nov. 19th, at threepence per day................................... 1 0 0 " Paid to William de Blatherwyck, huntsman of the
King's fox-dogs, for winter-shoes for himsclf and his two boys ; to each of them two shillings and fourpence................................ 0 7 0 " Paid to the same, for his habit during the présent
year.................................... 0 13 4
" Paid to the same, for habits for his two boys, ten
shillings each............................ 1 0 0
£23 7 1
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It will be seen from the above, that our ancestors enjoyed the
amusement of fox-hunting on foot, for the charge for a horse is expressly to carry the nets ; and, considering the vast disproportion between the value of money at that pcriod and the présent, we shall find that the expense was not so inconsiderable as it may at (irst ap- Pear. The account is translated from a document in the départaient °f the Comptroller of the Wardrobe to King Edward I., and is dated 'n the twenty-eighth year of that monarch's reign. It would appear |
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440
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VETERINARY SOCIETY.
|
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that William de Blatherwyck and William de Foxhunte were syno-
nymous, and the latter, we may présume to hâve been only a name derived from the office. In the original he is styled Wiïl o' de Fox- hunte. |
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THE VETERINARY SOCIETY.
At the Meeting of this Society, held on the 2d of September, a very
interesting paper on the subject of " Grease in Horses " was dis- cussed ; the impropriety of washing the legs, the great importance of diuretics, and the différence between the effects of the various astrin- gent local applications usually employed in this disease, were points particularly insisted on, and much good observation was elicited from différent gentlemen. The subject was handed over to the next evening, when it under-
vvent further considération. The Président, Mr. Cherry, at the Jast meeting, presented the
cranium of a horse, of which we are favoured with the following ac- count:— "A diseased cranium, wherein exostosis lias extended from the frontal
suture over the frontal, temporal, and malar bones, to the articulatory surfaces of the temporal bone, the condyle and upper part of the lower jaw also par-take of the disease. The subject from which this spécimen was taken, received a blow
from some unknown cause ; the integuments were wounded, and a small portion of bone considerably depressed ; the attendant symptoms were, a pronation of the head, stupor, disinclination to motion, and loss of appetite. The trephine was applied to an uninjured part of the bone, and the depressed portion elevated. A remission of symptoms ensued, and for some time the case appeared to be doing well. A difficulty in masticating, however, commenced, and continued gradually to increase until the lower jaw nearly fixed. For some time prior to death, the only sustenance that could be taken was sloppy mashes." |
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441
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ON MODERATE FIRING,
THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF BACON RIND, FOR THE
TREATMENT OF OSSEOUS TUMOURS. BY M. «ELLE,
Assistant Prof essor at the SchoolofAlfort.
M. Dutrosne, Veterinarian at Liseux, published, in 1809 and 1810,
in the " Dictionary of Agriculture," a mode of Firing in cases of windgalls, capped bocks, &c, and particulariy in cases of exostosis, splents, curbs, spavins, &c. This means, which consists in taking the rind of bacon with a small
portion of the fat, and placing it upon the part to be fired, the grease touching the hair, and to draw over the rind a red hot iron, of which the application is continued several times, and at short inter- vais, until the bacon is nearly melted away, leaving no blemish ; an incalculable advantage, as it sets aside the difficulty usually raised by owners of horses, when Veterinarians propose firing. Many practitioners hâve employed this means with différent success ;
some of them even with such unfortunate results, that they hâve re- nounced it for ever. It is, then, the object of thèse lines to settle the opinion respecting this powerful mode of treatment. Struck with the advantage of such an opération, I proposed as soon
as it became known to me to put it in use. I shall now only mention three facts, out of twelve or fourteen successful opérations which I hâve performed in this manner, and which hâve always reassured me. First Case.—The 13th of August, 1810, I was consulted respect-
ing a mule five months old, that had a spavin on the near hind leg, in conséquence of a kick. The swelling was hard, insensible, and about half the size of a large walnut. I shaved off the hair, and ordered frictions of strong mercurial ointment, which vvere continued until the 7th of the following October, without any useful effect. I then de- cided to employ moderate firing, after the manner of M. Dutrosne : I proposed it to the owner as a new measure, and a matter of experi- ment, and lie consented to it ; this was my first trial. The animal being cast, and conveniently fixed, I placed upon the exostosis a pièce °f bacon rind about five inches square, taken from the région of the sides where it is thickest, and covered with a layer of fat of the thick- "ess of a line : this I fixed to my liking with packthread, and held it With my left hand. I had put two firing irons in the iire, large and almond- |
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442 ON MODEBATE FIRIKG.
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shaped ; 1 notice ail thèse circumstances, because it it necessary that
the hog's skin should be of a certain thickness for the fire to penetrate iteasily and gradually, and that the meltingof the grease, which is the- vehicle of the heat, carried to the part, take place slowly. My cautery, scarcely a cherry red, was drawn lightly at intervais over the surface of the rind, until it was almost wholly gone and melted away, but not burnt through, to an extent at least twice that of the tumour. There supervened the day after the opération, which lasted at least an hour, a slight swelling of the part, and some days after, the epidermis rose and came away in scales, without any falling off of the hair. A month or six weeks after, the animal was sold perfectly sound. This success decided me to employ this means whenever 1 had occa-
sion. I hâve cited this opération to prove that I was one of the first who tried this proceeding. Passing over in silence the others, I arrive at two récent opérations ; the animais without doubt still exist, and Vetc- rinarians who are upon those stations can verify them. Second Case.—The lst September, 1827, M. le Vicomte de
Suleau, then préfet a Bourbon Vendée, and now préfet of Metz, showed me a very fine grey mare, of the Arabian race, lame in con- séquence of a tumour in the right shoulder. There was exostosis on the middle of the spinous apophysis of the
scapula, with a suppurating fistula. This tumour was of the size of a goose's egg, the animal very lame, pain intense, and heat extrême around the swelling. On probing the ulcer I found it four inches in depth, and running upwards, following the spine of the scapula. 1 proposed to open the fistula, and apply the cautery to the bottom. This measure alarmed M. de Suleau, and I suspended its exécution. I ordered emollient lotions of warm décoction of mallows, followed by the application of unguentum populum. The lameness diminished con- siderably; on the llth, the fistula was cicatrized, the exostosis still large, and rather painful. Frictions of mercurial ointment to the 19th, at which time the mare flinched a little only when trotting. On the 20th, afte/ having thrown and secured lier, I applied the médiate fire by menas of a large pièce of thick bacon rind, upon which I had left the thick- ness of a line of fat : the opération was long, and performed with carc ; it lasted two hours, for I always observed an interval between the application of each cautery. Two days after, I rubbed in equal parts of mercurial ointment and common ointment, and in twenty days the absorption of this exostosis was completed without leaving the least trace of fire. Third Case.—lu the month of October, 1827, a marc belonging
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À
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443
|
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ON MODERATE PIH1NG.
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to M. B---------, Curate of Petit Bourg, received a kick on the latéral
external part of the right hoek. There was considérable swelling,
hard and very painful, which caused great lameness. Bleeding from the vena saphena, emollient lotions, and applications of common oint- ment. The inflammation disappeared, but there remained an osseous tumour, insensible,'and not occasioning lameness : a month thus passed away. Frictions of mercurial ointment during five days, followed by the application of the médiate fire through the rind of bacon, per- formed with the above précautions. Three or four days after, we reeommenced the rubbing in of mercurial mixed with common oint- ment, which was continued for eight days ; and twenty-five or thirty days after the opération, ail swelling had disappeared. There was in this case a slight degree of inflammation, and peeling oiF of the epidermis with the loss of some hair, the cauterization having been prolonged on account of the size of the tumour; but there remained no trace of the fire. Since my arrivai at the Veterinary School, I hâve explained this
method to the pupils ; and many of them having expressed to me a désire to see the opération performed, I made an experiment in the latter end of May, 1828, upon a horse destined for the instruction of the students. The firing was performed on the outside of the sliank ; the pièce of bacon rind, taken from near the flank, was small and badly covered with fat ; besides which, one of the cauterizing irons was too large, on which account the opération was too quickly performed : I used it only twenty minutes, which was sufficient completely to scorch up the rind. After this there was considérable heat of the part, al- though the hair did not appear scorched. However, I represented to the pupils that the fire had been too brisk, and that the skin was burnt; and in fact, two days after, the vesicles appeared with inflam- mation and discharge, and about twelve days after there was a con- sidérable scar. In order to repair this mistake, and satisfy the curiosity of the pupils,
I tried it a second time, on the inside of the ofT hind Ieg of the same horse,—using this time a pièce of thick rind, covered with fat about a line in thickness. I provided myself with an almond shaped flat cautery, and took ail the customary précautions : the opération lasted an hour and half, after which there was a proper degree of heat about the part. The second day there appeared a slight swelling, on the fourth a serous discharge, and finally, the horse being killed eight days after, the part when dissected appeared as follows :— . The epidermis came away easily, and diew some hairs with it ; a |
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414 ON MODERATE FIH1NO.
|
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serous discharge was exuded from the surface of the skin, and it had
the appearance of a covering of pus. The skin was red, spread over with little ulcers, resulting from the removal of the epidermis ; when eut and dissected, it possessed ail its vitality : the true skin and the cellular membrane were tumified, and of a red colour, of which the swelling was mingled with that of the skin. Thèse évidences of local excitement showed the action of the firing : it is proper to say, that the irritation, and particularly the ulcération, arose in conséquence of the horse being left loose in his stable, where he had rubbed and bitten the cauterized part. But this last opération, performed with caution, had perfectly succeeded. I hâve entered into thèse détails, because I know that some Vete-
rinarians hâve tried this means, and that accidents hâve occurred with them, like that detailed in the first experiment, which hâve thrown discrédit on this manner of firing ; but it was only on lliose occasions when they hâve employed the bacon rind too small, and too thinly covered with fat ; also the cauteries hâve been too large, and too hot, and the opérations hastily performed. It results, then, from that which I hâve stated, that in order for this opération to succeed, it is necessary that the ossification shall not hâve been of long standing, nor totally devoid of sensibility ; that we excite the part, by means of mercurial frictions, some days before the opération ; and that, to facilitate ab- sorption, it is needful to continue the frictions afterwards. The rind ought to be thick, and covered with a Iayer of fat a line (an eighth of an inch) in thickness, so that the beat may penetrate gradually, in order that the opération may be longer ; also that the firing irons should be warmed to less than a cherry red température. They should be small, and passed lightly by intervais, describing a circular turn, over a space larger than the part to be cauterized. Finally, we ought to allow a short time between the application of
each cautery, in [such manner that the fat, gradually nielted, may pe- netrate easily and insensibly with the beat which it conveys into the part. The opération, however long, is only terminated when the rind and
fat is almost entircly melted, without being destroyed or pierced ; be- cause, then, the cautery cornes in contact with the naked skin, and scorches it. After the opération, the part should be inflamed without being burnt ;
and the animal ought to be tied with two straps, to prevent his biting himself. With ail thèse précautions, one is nearly always sure of suc- ceeding, at least my expérience lias constantly proved it so. I think |
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445
|
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CORRESPONDENCE,
|
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We may hâve the same success with windgalls, capped hocks, &c. ;
but, then, it may be necessary to substitute the ointment of hydriodate of potash for the mercurial,—an ointment which, moreover,' has alone succeeded with me in some cases of this sort. |
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THE VETERINARY ART IN FRANCE.
To the Editor of the Farrier and Nattjralist.
Sir,
in addressing to you a letter on French Veterinary affairs, I can-
not forbear expressing my admiration and approval of the bold style in which you hâve pointed out the defects, and exposed the misgovern- ment, of our own Veterinary Collège ; which exposure and criticism, however unpleasant to a few officiai characters and their dependents, must ultimately prove, and has already proved, of infinité service to the profession at large. Such as myself in particular,—who, thougb owing nothing to that Institution, neither bowing to its power nor ac- knowledging its doctrines, hâve yet been led to consider it as a place for teaching and improvement, which, if ail that remains uncontra- dicted in your Journal is true, it can scarcely be called,—are under especial obligations to you for enlightening their minds on this subject. The facts to which you hâve given publicity hâve, indeed, had such an effect upon my présent opinion, that I am thankful I received not an éducation in such a school, or under such masters. With so slight a respect for Collèges and Professors, perhaps the
following remarks may be thought impertinent or presumptuous by some of your readers ; if you think so, I must leave whatever in- formation this letter may contain, to be expressed in your own better language. I find the Veterinary art in this country is taught, practised, and
estimated, on a footing totally différent from what it holds in England. The ground of this différence, it appears to me, is to be found in the interférence of the government,—producing effects which hâve not been sufficiently insisted on, that I am aware of, by any of our writers who hâve visited France. The Institution at Alfort, which they modestly term the Veterinary
*>chool, is of such extent as to be an object of curiosity with many étrangers who visit Paris. It is situated about four miles from the c,ty> in an open, airy situation ; and having been formerly a convent, |
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446
|
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OORRESPONDENCE.
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there is a large pièce of ground attaclied. A high stone wall encloses
the buildings ; and that part which was, in former times, the garden, is now a spacious, overgrovvn thicket, intersected by silent walks, the resort of studious pupils, many of whom are to be seen with books in their hands wandering along the avenues. The buildings are irregu- larly disposed over a considérable space of ground, and some part of them much dilapidated : the Muséum lias been lately repaired, and it is in contemplation to erect a nevv théâtre and dissecting-room. There are apartments for a large number—(I know not how many)— of résident pupils, who are regularly sent from the various departments of the provinces, and are boarded, lodged, and clothed, at a sum, I understood, something under 40/. per annum. Tliey wear a regular uniform, blue or grey, with flat caps, and hâve, in every respect, the appearance of a set of grown-up school-boys, being subject to a strict set of house rules. Foreigners, at least English, are not admitted as résidents, but
only to attend the lectures and practice of the Institution. Three years is the regular period of study and probation, but many attend longer than that time, and none ever obtain a diploma in less. There are four or five Professors, besides Assistant-professors, each presiding over a separate branch of instruction ; the advantages and necessity of which are too apparent to require comment. On my second visit to Alfort, I was accompanied by my* uncle,
Mr. Bracy Clark, and we were received with distinguished politeness by M. Vatel, Professor of Clinical Medicine, who conducted us over the establishment. In every part of their arrangements, it is évident that their grand object is to teach the Veterinary art—to be a National School for that purpose,—and not to practtse it with a view to émolument, as Messrs. Coleman and Sewell do. Hère they are not anxious for subscribers, nor to vend cheap medicines; and I un- derstand that they even receive no fées for examining horses- previous to purchase. Such liberality might be expected to bringthem a host of customers ; but it must be recollected that an opinion given gratis, however good it may be, is seldom very highly valued. One disad- vantage, and a very great one to the pupils, attends their System ; it confines their opportunities of seeing practice, and combined with the inconvénient distance of four miles from Paris, is a chief cause of the scarcity of patients in the Infirmary : at tins time there are very few, and none remarkably interesting. It struck me that an establishment near, or in the city, possessing the same facilities for study, with greater scope for practice, would be likely to succeed. At |
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447
|
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OORUESPONDENCE.
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présent, it is certain that the Professors nie not ealled upon for nrach
exertion, although there is a considérable degree of émulation among them for professional réputation, which is honourable to them, and must lie useful to the science. There is a large forge, with six or seven well used fires ; but I
vvas quite surprized to Iearn that it ivas but seldom they shod a live horse, only when occasion required in the Infirmary, and never for the public—which is confirmed by the fact, that a mareschal expert, or common shoeing smith, flourishes almost under their walls. l'hey consume a large number of subjects in the course of their
minute dissections, and the practice is to fix the dead foot, by means of a kind of cramp, to the edge of a manger divided into boxes, which contain ail the tools, where the élève pares it and shoes it with perfect ease and safety. AH the pupils are obliged to turn a shoe, and obtain proficiency in this opération, before they are trusted to a living horse, or can receive their diploma,—a rule which I take the liberty of sug- gesting might be adopted with advantage at the Royal Collège of St. Paneras. As a Veterinary surgeon, I hâve been in situations, and so must others in the course of practice, where, without this acquisition, not even Mr. Coleman's plenary certificate—if I had happened to possess it—would hâve saved me from the disgrâce of being tutored by an ignorant smith, or the pain of finding my measures thwarted by his malevolence. To compensate for the want of horse practice, the " Chenil," or hospital for dogs, is nearly full ; but I should imagine the kennels might be better arranged : they are ail in one large apart- ment, where the howling and gnashing of teeth is such as might waken the dead, and cannot be very likely to accelerate their recovery. There 's a flock of sheep kept for experiment: two of them were confîned, having been inoculated with the rabid poison. There are, usually, several blood stallions ; but, at this time, only
one, the others having been sent to the departments—I also saw some cattle, and believe there is no branch of Veterinary science in which the French schools are not accustomed practically to engage. Lectures on Chemistry are regularly delivered; and for the study of
Médical Botany, there is a neatly cultivated botanic garden, where we °bserved several pupils engaged. Even agriculture is not neglected, n°r médical jurisprudence; but it is difficult to say what thèse Professions amount to : the French are fond of high pretensions, and a'l they teach on such subjects may probably be summed up in a few words. There is one accompaniment so truly French, that it °ught not, by any means, to be omitted ;—this is, a large open space |
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448 CORRESPONDENCE.
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in the midst of the shrubbery where the pupils, we were told, enjoy
the récréation of dancing. The Muséum I hâve heard highly spoken of, and regret that, being under repair, they.would not permit us to see it, because it was in disorder, but apprehend there was some other reason for denying us. AU the stables I saw were large and roomy, only ventilated by high windows. Of their practice it is impossible to speak from such slight observation ; but there is one point certain,—that press of business cannot be pleaded as any excuse for want of atten- tion. Galled withers appear to be rather common, and are occasioned, without doubt, by the practice of using such large awkward collars, which as if in order to be more oppressive, are often covered with a dyed sheepskin spreading ail over the shoulders, forming a useless, uncouth mass, larger than the shaggy hump of a buffalo, to which animal their short-jointed Norman horses bear, when so accoutred, a considérable resemblance. The policy of the French Professons, and the whole character and
economy of their Collège, appears to me to be explained by a view of its constitution. Government, I am informed, make an annual grant to the united schools of Paris, Lyons, and Toulouse, of above 200,000 francs. Thus the Professors receive fixed salaries, and are expected, of course, to furnish proofs of their activity and of the progress of the science, to the nation : and if no great steps hâve been really made in knowledge, they must dish up a few old facts in a new dress, and présent it as a "Traité sur la Morve," or a " Mémoire sur une Epizootie," and it is found to answer the purpose equally well. The rage for publishing is incredible ; and it is absolutely appalling
to look at their Veterinary libraries and catalogues. But thç Jength of this letter will preclude its insertion, if I do not speedily close. If this is favourably received, there are other points on which I shall
atîemptto address you. Your obedient servant,
Paris, Aug. 17. Charles Clark.
[This Jetter was too late for the last Number ; but we shall be
happy to hear again from Mr. C. Clark.—Ed.] |
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ON THE
TREATMENT OF HORSES' FEET.
BV" F. C. CHERRY, ESQ.,
Veterinary Surgeon in the Army.
The horse's foot, and the best methods of shoeing, though always
important considérations, hâve beconie rauch more so of late years from the improved state of the roads of this country, which allows indulgence in the inclination felt by most Englishmen, whether follow- ing the avocations of business, or in the pursuit of pleasure, to travel with rapidity. : Nailing a pièce of iron to a living substance, must at ail times do
violence to the functions of nature; for, although that substance, namely, the hoof, is insensible, yet it is elastic, and connected with parts highly sensible, which are changing their relative situation in regard to each other, at every step the horse makes. In bad roads, where the feet sink into the soi], and the motion is slow, the effect of this harsh treatment will scarcely be perceptible ; while on the hard plane surface of good roads, where the shoe scarcely makes an impres- sion, with its gênerai concomitant, the battering of the feet by fast travelling, it is experienced in the greatest degree. Thèse are truisms, though perhaps not always remembered ; but as
shoes of some sort are indispensably necessary, we see them assume a variety of forms, some of them ridiculous enough ; still the object in each case is, or ought to be, to protect the foot from wear with as little injury to its organization as possible. Osmer, an author with a great fund of good sensé, and whose
works merit re-printing, has said, "No particular method of shoeing', whatsoever, can take place, and this will happen from the différent nature, form, and texture of horses' feet." Agreeing with this opinion, and therefore believing that a rigid adhérence to uniformity must often produce mischief, I shall not enlarge on the subjects of " Prin- ciples," "Systems," and "Methods;" which hâve ail had their par- ticular advocates, though but few of them hâve answered the purpose for which they were promulgated. Those who most assiduously attend to the " nature, form, and texture of a horse's feet," and also to his action, will invariably be the best shoers; for even the only undisputed Principle, namely, that the shoe must be nailcd to the hoof, admits G 6
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450 TREATMENT OF IIORSEs' FEET.
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of modifications as to the particular parts into which the nails are to
be driven. There is, indeed, a point in practiee, namely, that of leaving a
space between the shoe and the sole, which has almost grown into a principle ; and we every day hear, that "the sole will not bear to be pressed upon." This, as far as it is meant that the sole and shoe must not be in contact, is undoubtedly true ; but then it is not the whole truth. The présent Professor of the Veterinary Collège has repeated, at
page 33 of his book on Shoeing, the well-known fact that " no animal, or any part of an animal, can be preserved in health, where the natural functions are perverted ;" but with the physiological fact, that every part of an animal, to continue healthy, must perform its functions, so strongly impressed on his mind, and so much insisted on by him on ail occasions, he seems, in his zeal to enforce the necessity of pressure to the frog, to hâve totally overlooked the sole, notwithstanding it forms about two-thirds of the ground surface of the foot, and is naturally so much exposed. His arguments in regard to the foot appear to be founded on the
supposition, that the horse in a state of nature, moves on a plane and unyielding surface, in which case the whole weight would unquestion- ably be supported by the prominent parts of the foot, which, in gênerai, are the hoof and frog ; the sole being concave, would, in that case, certainly not press on the earth, that is, supposing the surface to be plane and unyielding. But this supposition of a plane hard surface, is at variance with
truth ; and at every step made by the horse in a natural state, the sole is either pressed upon by the convexities of the earth's surface, when it is hard, or by the convex parts of the foot, entering into and passing that surface when it is soft, till the concave parts are pressed on, and prevent the further descent into the earth of the whole foot. Ail the writers of any note, since Professor Coleman's publica-
tion, already noticed, hâve followed his opinions, except Mr. Good- win, who differs with him in many respects ; and certainly the very excellent state of the horse's feet at Carlton Palace, under his direc- tion, tend more completely to show the goodness of his mode of treatment, than the most elaborately-written account could do, unsup- ported by such proof. In a book lately published by him, he refers directly to the particular point I wish to bring under considération, in thèse words :—" When a horse is in a state of nature, and on a |
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TREATMENT OF HORSEs' PEET.
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451
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yielding soil, the crust pénétrâtes the earth, and a considérable por-
tion of weight is consequently borne on the frog and sole, which shows that the crust and laminae in this state hâve not so much to support as when the animal is shod. There is, consequently, when shod, a double task imposed upon the crust and laminœ." The truth of thèse remarks is évident ; and if the ideas of the author of them were more fully developed, I am inclined to believe they would be completely in unison with mine ; but as he lias passed over this sub- ject in so cursory a manner, I shall proceed to consider it more at length. Adverting to the irregular and yielding surface of the earth in a
natural state, and to the large proportion of the ground-surface of the foot, occupied by the sole, it is évident that the latter must be exposed to, and receive much pressure ; therefore, any treatment which deprives it of pressure, must, according to true physiological principles, induce disease. The ear is accustomed to the term " pressure," though support
is equally, or perhaps more, correct. The sole contributes towards the support of the superincumbent parts, and the earth supports the sole, partly by immédiate contact, and partly by supporting the hoof to which the sole is attached. I do not mean to state that the sole sustains the whole weight of
the limb, or even an equal weight with the hoof; still it sustains weight to a given extent, and to deprive it of the support it naturally receives from the earth, déranges greatly the mechanism of the whole foot. That the sensible laminée elongate, and the sole descends every time
the foot sustains the weight of the animal, I believe to be true ; if, therefore, the shoe and the sole are allowed to be in contact, the sole cannot descend, but is in reality exposed to pressure from the whole superincumbent weight : the horny sole below, being in contact with the shoe, becomes a iixed point, and the sensible sole is then liable to be crushed, or at any rate to be bruised and injured by the descending bqne from above. |
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[To be continueJ.]
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452
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OBSERVATIONS ON THE COLOUR AND MARKS OF
HORSES.
[Continuée! from page 389.]
I shall now proceed to say something concerning the marks and
colours of horses, seeing so much of the beauty of a horse dépends upon his being well marked and of a good colour ; and also because his good or bad properties are sometimes denoted from his being of this or that colour, or his having such and such marks. Though indeed thèse signatures are not always to be depended on ; for daily expérience teaches us, that however truc thèse observations may prove in the main, yet we often meet with good horses that are very ill- marked and of bad colours, and sometimes very bad horses, that hâve almost ail the beauty that colour and marks can give them. How- ever, it is necessary for those who hâve any concern among horses to be more or less acquainted with such things. Tha chief and principal colours are the bay, the chesnut, the black,
the brown, the dapple grey, and the sorrel. For the white is for the most part originally grey, and turns sooner or later into white, as his limbs happento be lighter or darker; for the light grey coïts that grow the soonest white, hâve generally little or no dark mixture about their joints. The bays, perhaps so called from their resembling the colour of dry
bay leaves, are of various degrees, from the lightest bay to the dark, that approaches the nearest to the brown, but always more shining and gay. The bright bay is an exceeding beautiful colour, because a bright bay horse has often a reddish dash with a gilded aspect, his mane and tail black, with a black or dark list down his back. Also the middle colours of bay bave often the black list, with black mane and tail. And the dark bays hâve almost always their knees and pasterns black; and we meet with several sorts of bays, that hâve their whole limbs black, from their knees and hocks downwards. The bays that hâve no list down their backs are, for the most part, black over their reins, which goes off by an imperceptible gradation from dark to light towards the belly and flanks. Some of thèse incline to a brown, and are more or less dappled. The bay is one of the best colours ; and horses of ail the différent kinds of bays are commonly good, unless when accidents happen to spoil them while they are coïts. The true chesnut is generally of one colour, without any shade or
gradation : his hairs are often compounded of three colours, the root light, the middle dark, and the points of a pale brown, which makes |
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ON THE COLOUR AND MARKS OF HORSES. ' 453
an agreeable mixture, and differ from the sorrel in this, that the mix-
ture of the chèsnut is not so distinct and apparent to the eye, especially at any distance, because the hairs of the sorrel are often of several colours intermixed, wherein the red or fox colour generally prédominai». Many chesnut horses hâve their mânes and tails very near the colour of their bodies ; many of them hâve but little white about their legs, and frequently no mark, whereas the sorrel hâve generally a good deal of white about their legs and pasterns : many of the sorrels hâve a large blaze, and not a few are bald ail over the face, while their mânes and tails are sandy, or of a flaxen colour. Both the chesnut and sorrel are of degrees darker and lighter, and
I hâve seen some chesnut horses with mânes and tails as light as the sorrel, and the hair ail over their bodies approaching towards a fallow colour, only with a sort of the chesnut stain. There are many good and beautiful horses, both of the chesnut and sorrel ; but the latter, when they hâve much white about their limbs, are apt to be more faulty in their feet than those that are more uniform in colour, and they are also apt to be more tender in constitution. When a chesnut horse happens to be bald or party coloured, or to hâve white legs, which may be owing to some extraordinary affection in the dam, or some improper mixture in the breed, such horses are not very agree- able, for chesnuts are the least tainted in their colour of any other, and most people prefer chesnut to the sorrel, both in point of beauty and goodness. The brown is a colour not altogether so beautiful as the bay or
cliesnut : horses hâve also their degrees, some being light and some very dark. They hâve almost ail black mânes and tails, and often their joints are black, though not so shining as the bays, but rusty. Almost ail brown horses grow gradually lighter towards their bellies and flanks, and many are light about their muzzles. The most beautiful are those that happen to be iinely dappled, for the
plain brown are esteemed more ordinary. Many of them are coarse, but strong and serviceable, fit for draught, for burden, or for the wars. Black horses are very beautiful, especially when they are of a jet
shining black and well marked, and hâve not too much white. For as a grcat deal of white, especially when it spreads round their eyes, and a great way up their legs, adds nothing to their beauty, so neither does it add any thing to their goodness. The English black horses hâve more white than the black horses of any other country. I hâve known many fine Spanish horses, some Arabs, and one Egyptian (the °nly one I ever saw of that country), ail without. any white, and the |
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454 . OBSERVATIONS ON THE COLOUR
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Dutch and Danish horses seldom hâve much ; though a star or blaze,
and sometimes a white muzzle, and one or more of the feet tipped with white, always looks beautiful and lively, and is no diminution to the goodness of a horse, but most think an addition, from an opinion that horses without mark are generally stubborn and ill-conditioned, Some black horses hâve brown muzzles, and brownish on their flanks and between their hips. Thèse are often called black browns, as they are not a perfeet black, but approach near to the colour of a tawney black hound ; some are of a lighter colour about their muzzles, and are called mealy-mouthed horses ; and of this sort are the pigeon- eyed horses, vvhich hâve a white circle round their eye-lids, and their fundaments often white. But after ail, I hâve found many of the English black horses,.especially of the largest breed, not so hardy as the bays and chesnuts, &c. Those that partake most of the brown are generally the strongest in constitution. The greys are so diversified in colour, and so commpn and well
known, that it vvould be a needless curiosity to describe them parti- cularly. The dappled grey are reckoned the best, and are to be found in most parts of the world. The silver-grey is extremely beautiful, and many of them very good. The iron-grey, with light mane and tail, hâve also a gay appearance, but are not accounted the most hardy. The light plain grey and the pigeon coloured grey, soon change and turn white, as ail other greys do in process of time. The dappled grey keeps his first colour the longest, whieh is a sign of strength and durableness. Some of them I hâve known pretty old before they hâve changed, and never so perfectly as not to retain some vestiges of their native colour. The nutmeg-grey, where the dapples and other mixture participâtes of the bay or chesnut, is not only exceedingly beautiful, but most of the nutmeg-coloured horses turn out very hardy and good. The roans are a mixture of various colours, wherein the white pré-
dominâtes. Many of them turn out much better than they appear to be. Some are exceeding good, and those that hâve a mixture of the bay or nutmeg colour, arc sometimes tolerably handsome and beautiful. The roans hâve a gênerai resemb'ance to each other, and yet a very great diversity. Some are so strewed over with white, as if they were powdered or dusted with flour, and some as if milk had been spilt ail over their buttocks : others as if they were powdered with soot or lamp-black, and some as if their faces had been dipped in a bag of soot. Many of them are good road horses and hardy, which lias encouraged this breed more of late than usual ; and I hâve seen some roans from abroad that hâve looked vei v well in furniture. |
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455
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AND iMARKS OF HORSES.
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The strawberry approaches pretty near the roan in some things, but
in most resembles the sorrel, being often marked with white on his face and legs, whieh we seldom observe perfect without mixture, on the roan. The bay mixture in the strawberry is also of the highest colour, and makes him look as if he was tinctured with claret; some of this sort are both handsome and good, but are not very common. The fallow colour, the dun, and the cream colour, hâve ail one
common resemblance, and most of them hâve a list down their backs, with their mânes and tails black. The mouse-dun and lead colour are the most ordinary ; and because the list down their backs goes oif with a soft imperceptible shade like what we observe on the back of an eel, are from thence called eel-backed ; few people choose dun horses, though I hâve known horses of this colour prove useful in the hands of country people. The fallow and cream coloured horses are many of them both good and beautiful. Those are generally the best that, besides their mânes and taies, hâve muzzles and their joints black or chesnut, and their colour a little inclined to chesnut ; though I hâve known some with mânes and tails of a silver colour, not only extremely beautiful, but very good and useful. The fallow and tawny duns are often shaded with a darker colour, and sometimes faintly dappled, and look very fine in a set, when they happen to be well matched. There are many other colours of horses produced out of the great
diversity that are to be met with everywhere, which would be end- less and of no great use to describe, as the peach colour, starling, and fiea-bitten, &c, and ail thèse participate more or less of some of the colours already mentioned. I shall only further take notice, that some- times horses turn out very finely spotted, some like léopards or tigers, some like deer, with black, red, yellow, or other gay colours; and when thèse happen also to be comely in shape and appearance, they are generally reserved as présents for princes, or other great men ; though perhaps more for their singularity than any superior excellency in them. Others again are so disagreeably diversified in their colours, and in such a remarkable manner, that no gentleman would care to be seen upon their backs, or even suffer his servants to mak& use of them ; wherefore such are usually condemned to the meanest drudgery, and no properties they can hâve will be sufficient to recommend them to any other use. ON THE MARKS.
As for marks, I need say but little concerning them, after what 1
hâve already hinted, in describing the colours. Some hâve reckoncd |
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456 OBSERVATIONS ON THE COLOUR
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horses to be lucky or unlucky, as they happen to be this or that way
marked ; but I believe few persons in our times are so superstitious as to regard such things. Others hâve been so curious as to lay much stress upon them, and to dénote ail the good or ill qualities of a horse from his marks ; but as I can say little of this from expérience, I shall, therefore, only take notice, that a horse without marks has always a deadness in his aspect. A star is the most common of ail marks, and where that is wanting, it is often supplied with an artificial one. When the white descends pretty broad towards the nose, it is called a blaze ; when it descends into a smaller Iine, it is called snip ; and when most of a horse's face is white, he is then said to be bald. AU thèse marks are beautiful when they are not to extrêmes ; for a very large star is not reckoned so beautiful as one that is of a moderate size ; neither is that baldness that spreads over a horse's whole face and cheeks any ways becoming, as it gives him the looks of an ox, and such horses are often plain headed. When the white of a horse's face is divided in the middie, or any other part, or when a blaze or snip runs away to one side it looks somewhat disagreeable ; though, perhaps, it may be no diminution to a horse's goodness. Some black horses hâve their stars, or blazes, fringed round with a mixture of black hairs, which looks very well, only such horses (as I hâve observed already) are apt soon to grow grey-faced and look old, as are some of the browns. But when the bays and sorrels hâve their stars or blazes fringed, it is generally with their own colour, or lighter, and seldom has that effect. Novv as to the marks upon the feet and legs of horses, they usually
correspond with the marks on their faces. Bald horses hâve generally a good deal of white about their legs, and often ail four are white, which in them is not unbecoming. Horses with large blazes hâve often ail their four feet white also. But a horse that has no mark on his face, or but a small one, never
looks well with white legs, especially when the white rises above the fetlock. On the other hand, a bald horse, or one that has a blaze without any of his feet white, is but ill marked ;] and therefore a horse always looks best, when there is this correspondence and agreement in the marks. A horse that lias his near feet both before and behind white, and his off feet without any white, is but indifferently marked. The same where the marks are only on the off feet, without any white on the near feet. Some dislike horses for being traversed or cross marked, vie. the near foot before, and the off foot behind white, or on the con- trary, when the oif foot before, and the near foot behind are only |
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457
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AND MARKS OF HORSES.
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white. Thèse are usually judged to be the best marked, that hâve
only the near foot behind white, or both feet behind white, or when the near foot before, and both the hind feet are white, especially when at the same time a horse has a large radiated star, or a sraall blaze, on his face. When the white about the feet are indented with black, or any other colour towards the coronet, thèse feet are thought to be generally good, and when the coronet is spotted like ermine, the mark is so much the better. But where a horse's pasterns, hoofs, and ail his four legs are white, especially when the white rises above the knees or hocks, it looks ugly, and a horse thus marked has too much of pye-bald, which are seldom fit for gentlemen's use. The feather is another kind of distinction which we often observe,
especially on stone horses, and such geldings hâve short hair, and are finely coated. Some are of a round figure, and some long and narrow, in the true pcnniform shape, or like an ear of barley. The' round are often on the forehead, sometimes on the brisket and shoulders, and look like embroidery. Those on the neck lie immediately under the mane, and run down towards the withers. When the feather happens on both sides the neck, the mark is reckoned exceedingly good and beau- tiful. Sometimes feathers run down the fore arms, and sometimes on the thigh, and run towards the dock; and they may be observed on several other parts of a horse. But whenever they happen to be, they are almostalways signs of goodness, and some of them are exceedingly beautiful. [To be continuée!.]
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THE LION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
[Contiuued from page 420.]
Foor Gert Schepers, a Vee Boorof the Cradock District, was less
fortunate in an encounter with a South African lion. Gert was out hunting in company with a neighbour,—whose name, as he is yet alive, and has, perhaps, been sufficiently punished, I shall not make more "otorious. Corning to a fountain, surroundcd, as is common, with tall reeds and rushes, Gert handed his gun to his comrade, and alighted to Search for water. But he no sooner approached the fountain, than an etlormous lion started up close at his side, and seized him by the left ann. The man, though taken by surprise, stood stock still without SlruS'glJng">—awarc that the least attempt to escape would ensure his |
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458
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THE LION OF SOUTH AF1UCA.
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instant destruction. The animal also remained motionless, hoMmg
fast the boor's arm in his fangs, but without biting it severely,—and shutting his eyes at the same time, as if he could not withstand the countenance of his victim. As they stood in this position, Gcrt, collect- ing his présence of mind, began to beckon to his comrade to advance and shoot the lion in the forehead. This might hâve been easily effected, as the animal not only continued still with closed eyes, but Gert's body concealed from his notice any object advancing in front of him. But the fellow was a vile poltroon, and in place of complying with his friend's directions, or making any other attempt to save him, he began cautiously to retreat to the top of a neighbouring rock. Gert continued earnestly to beckon for assistance for a long time,— the lion continuing perfectly quiet. And the lion-hunters affirm, that if he had but persevered a little longer, the animal would hâve at length relaxed his hold and left him uninjured. Such cases, at least, they maintain hâve occasionally occurred. But Gert, indignant at the pusillanimity of his comrade, and losing patience with the lion, at last drew his knife (a weapon wliich every back-country colonist wears sheathed at his side), and with the utmost force of his right arm, plunged itinto the animal's breast. The thrustwas a deadly one, for Gcrt vvas a bold and powerful man ; but it did not prove effectuai in time to save his own life ; for the enraged savage, striving to grapple with him, and held at arm's-length by the utmost efforts of Gert's strength and desperation, so dreadl'ully lacerated the breast and arms of the unfortunate man with his talons, that in a few minutes the veins and muscles were torn to shreds, and his bare bones laid open. The lion fell at last from loss of blood, and Gert fell along with him. The cowardly companion, who had witnessed this fearful struggle from the rock, now, however, took courage to advance, and succeeded in carry- ing his mangled friend to the nearest house ; where such surgical aid as the neighbours could give was immediately but vainly applied- Poor Gert expired on the third day after, of a locked jaw.—The par- ticulars of this story were related to me by my late neighbour, old Wentzel Koetzer, of the Tarka, and by other respectable farmers if that vicinity, to whom both Schepers and his friend were vvell known- The circumstances of the following anecdote, which vvas related to me in the Landdrost's house, at Beaufort in the Nieuwveld, are verV similar to the preceding, though not equally tragical. A boor of that district, of the name of De Clerque, one day riding over his farm, had alighted in a difficult pass, and was leading his horsc through the loBë grass, when a lion suddenly rose up before him at a few yard's distance- |
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459
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THE LION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
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He had in his hand only a light fowling pièce, loaded with slugs ; and
hoping that the beast would give way, he stood still and confronted him (the plan universally recommended in such emergencies) ; but the lion, on the contrary, advancing and crouching to spring, he found himself under the necessity of firing. He took a hurried aim at the (brehead, but the slugs lodged in the breast, and did not prove in- stantly mortal. The furious animal sprung forward, and seizing De Clerque on either side with his talons, bit at the same time his arm almost in two, as he mechanically thrust it forward to save his face. In this position he held him a few seconds, till his strength failing from loss of blood, the lion tumbled over, dragging the boor along with him in a dying embrace. De Clerque, however, escaped without any fatal injury, and had recovered, and visited Beaufort a few days before I was there, in 1822. The hero of the following story is a Hottentot of the Agter Sneuw-
berg. I hâve forgot his name, but he was alive two years ago, when the story was related to me at Cradock, in that neighbourhood. This man was out hunting, and perceiving a buck (antelope) feeding among some bushes, he approached in a creeping posture, and had rested his gun over an ant-hill to take a steady aim, when observing that the creature's attention was suddenly and peculiarly excited by some object near him, he Iooked up, and perceived with horror that an enor- mous lion was at that instant creeping forward and ready to spring upon himself. Before he could change his posture, and direct his aim upon this antagonist, the savage beast bounded forward, seized him with his talons, and crushed his left hand, as he endeavoured to guard him ofF with it, between his monstrous jaws. In this extremity the Hottentot had the présence of mind to turn the muzzle of the gun, which he still held in his right hand, into the lion's mouth, and then drawing the trigger, shot him dead through the brain. He lost his hand, but happily escaped without further injury. Other curious particulars respecting the habits of the lion, and illus-
trated by anecdotes of his ferocity or forbearance, equally interesting and well authenticated, may form the substance of a future article. For the présent, the reader is probably as well pleased to quit the sub- ject as the writer has sometimes been himself, after a three hour's Palaver in broken Dutch—seated, perhaps, under a large mimosa, after light fall, in the midst of the Great Karroo—and looking round suspi- °iously now and then into the shade, to see that no shaggy monster, Vvith flaming eyes, was provvling round and overhearing the unfriendly talcs we were telling of his kinsfolks.—I shall close this paper with |
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460 THE LION OF SOUTH AFR1CA.
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an anecdote of Lucas van Vuuren, a Vee Boor, residing on the Iate
Colonel Graham's farm of Lyndoch, and for two years my next neighbour at the Bavian's River. It shows that even our Colonial lions, when pressed for a breakfast, will sometimes forget their usual respect for " Christian men," and break through their gênerai rule of "let-a-be for let-a-be."-—Lucas was riding across the open plains, near the Little Fish River, one morning about day-break, and observing a lion at a distance, he endeavoured to avoid him by making a wide circuit. There were thousands of springboks scattered over the extensive flats ; but the lion, from the open nature of the country, had probably been unsuccessful in hunting. Lucas soon perceived at least that he was not disposed to let him pass without further parlance, and that he was rapidly approaching to the encounter ; and being without his roer, and otherwise little inclined to any closer acquaint- ance, he tumed off at right angles—laid the sambok freely to his horse's flank—and gallopped for life. But it was too late. The horse was fagged and bore a heavy man on his back ; the lion was fresh and furious with hunger, and came down upon him like a thunder- bolt. In a few seconds he overtook, and springing up behind Lucas, brought horse and man in an instant to the ground. Luckily the boor was unhurt, and the lion was too eager in worrying the horse, to pay any immédiate attention to the rider. Hardly knowing himself how lie escaped, he contrived to scramble out of the fray, and made a clean pair of heels of it till he reached the nearest house. Lucas, who gave me the détails of this adventure himself, made no observations on it as being any way remarkable, except in the circumstance of the lion's audacity in pursuing a " Christian man," without provocation, in open day. But what chiefly vexed him in the aifair was the loss of the saddle. He returned next day with a party of friends to search for it and take vengeance on his féline foe. But both the lion and saddle had disappeared, and nothing could be found but the horse's clean picked bones. Lucas said he could excuse the schelm for killing the horse, as he had allowed himself to get away, but the felonious ab- straction of the saddle (for which, as Lucas gravely observed, he could hâve no possible use) raised his spleen mightily, and called down a shower of curses whenever he told the story of this hairbreadth escape. |
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[To be continuel!.]
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461
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ON THE CROCODILES OF THE GANGES.
BY C. ABEL, M. D., F. R. S.
On Tuesday, Mardi 23d, 1824, I received at Barrackpore, through
the kindnsss of my friend, Pr. Wallich, a large crocodile, measuring eighteen feet from the extremity of the nose to the end of the tail, which had been brought to him at the botanic garden by some fisher- men, who had taken it in the river. It had been dead several days when it reached me, and had apparently been destroyed by a spear driven into its neck at the junction of its head with the cervical vertebra, so as to separate the brain from the spinal marrow. This animal proved to be the Cummeer of the natives. In conséquence of its very putrid state, I was unable to examine its internai structure, but made such observations on its external characters, as enabled me to compare it with its described congeners. M. Cuvier divides the genus Crocodilus into three subgenera, which
he names—lst, Les Gavials ;—2d, Les Crocodiles proprement dits ; —3d Les Caimans (Alligator). Of thèse the gavial, or gurryal, of the natives,—the LacertaGangetica of Gmelin,—has been long known as the inhabitant of the rivers of India, and is distinguished by its elongated head. Of the true crocodiles, the Crocodilus hiporcatus is said by Cuvier to be the inhabitant of the islands and probably of the two peninsulas of India. The caiman, or alligator, has not, according to Cuvier, been found except in America. The Crocodilus hiporcatus is described by Cuvier as having " eight ranges of oval plates along the back, and two prominent projections on the top of its muzzle." In the cummeer brought to Barrackpore, the arrangement of the principal plates Were in four rows, or ratlier two double rows, occupying the middle of the back, with two other less prominent than thèse, one on each side ; two more traces ofrows were also visible, butonly traceable, in small scattered prominences. Of the projections on the top of the nose or muzzle (deux arêtes saillantes sur le haut du museau) there was no other appearance than two not very striking élévations, or knobs above the eyes, although between thèse and the end of the upper jaw the surface of the nose was rough with mammillated prominences. The s%ht différences which I hâve hère pointed out would not of themselves, Perhaps, suffice to make any spécifie distinction between the cummeer and Crocodilus biporatus, but I hâve also to mention a character ^'liich affects even the genus of the crocodile as characterized by Cuvier. |
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462
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ON THE CROCODILES OF TUE GANGES.
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This naturalist statestliat the whole family of crocodiles hâve fivc toes
before, and four behind, of which the three internai ones alone on each foot are armed with claws. Thus far the cummeer agrées with his description. But he further adds, that ail the toes of crocodiles are more or less united by membranes, or webs, as has also been stated by Lacepede and others; and adds that the crocodile, properly so called, in this respect has the character of the gavial, in which, he says, the îiind feet are palmated to the extremity of the toes. This character is wanting in the cummeer, in which the inner toe of the hind and two inner toes of the fore feet are perfectly frec, not being connected by any membrane. If this peculiarity be of constant occurrence, it makes the cummeer not only a new and undescribed species, but it also vitiates the description of the family and of the genus of crocodiles heretofore given. It would be prématuré, however, to décide on this question, till other opportunities of examining the animal shall hâve occurred, and it will hâve been sufficient to hâve pointed out the pecu- liarity to observers in this country. It should be observed of the cummeer, however, that Tiis teeth
correspond with those of the true crocodiles, in the mode in which those of the under are received into the upper jaw. "The teeth," says Cuvier, " of the crocodiles, properly so called, are unequal ; the fourth tooth on each side passes into a fissure, and not into a hole of the upper jaw. In the gavials the teeth are nearly equal, although in other respects they agrée with those of the crocodile. In the caïman, or alligator, on the contrary, the teeth are unequal, but the fourth tooth of the lower jaw on each side is received into a hole, and not into a fissure." In the cummeer there are thirty-six teeth in the upper javv, and
thirty in the lower. Thèse are ail in the form of blunt cônes, excepting the fourth in the lower jaw, which are rather more pointed, and might be compared to the canine teeth of large carnivorous animais. The two front teeth of the lower jaw pass into holes which perforate the upper jaw ; the second and third are received into small holes, and thc fourth into deep fissures visible on each side when the mouth is closed ; ail the other teeth of the lower ja,w enter small holes. The upper teeth, on the contrary, are ail received into fissures on the outside of the lower jaw, with the exception of the four hindmost, which are very small, and received into indexations of the lower jaw. Although the putrescency of the body of the animal prevented any*
deliberate examination of its internai structure, the contents of its stomach were exposed, and found to consist of the remains of a woman, |
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463
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THE WHfTE ELEPHANT OF SIAM.
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of a whole cat, of the remains of a dog and sheep, of several rings, and
of the separated parts of the common bangles worn by the native tt'omen.—-Edin. Jour. Science. |
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ACCOUNT OF THE WHITE ELEPHANT OF SIAM.
BY GEORGE FINLAYSON, ESQ.
We were first çonducted to the stables of the white éléphants, whieh,
being held in great vénération by the Siamese, are kept within the inner enclosure of the palace, and hâve habitations allotted to them quite close to those of the King himself. Of white éléphants there are at the présent time no fewer than five
in the possession of the King, whence we may infer that this variety is far less rare than we are accustomed to believe,—at Ieast that is so in the farther Peninsula of India. It has, however, seldom happened that so many hâve been collected at one period, and the présent is regarded as auspicious, in conséquence of an event so unexpected, and so much desired. A white éléphant is still reckoned as beyond ail value. Every effort is made to take them, when they are by chance discovered ; and the subjects of the King can perform no more gratifying service than that of seeuring them. They, and indeed ail éléphants, are the property of the King only. The appellation white, as applied to the éléphants, must be received
with some degree of limitation. The animal is in fact an occasional variety, of less fréquent occurrence indeed, but in every respect ana- logous to what occurs in other orders of animais, and, amongst the rest, in the human species. They are, correctly speaking, albinos, and are possessed of ail the peculiarities of that abnormal production ; but of thèse white éléphants, it was remarkable that the organ of sight was to ail appearance natural and sound, in no way intolérant cf light, feadily accommodating itself to the degrees of light and shade, and capable of being steadily directed to objects at the will of the animal. In short, similar in ail respects to that of the common éléphant, with the exception of the iris, which was of a pure white colour. In this respect they resembled ail the quadrupedal albinos that I had hitherto SeeD, as those among horses, cows, rabbits. This circumstance I should scarcely hâve thought worth the noticing, were it not that I shall hâve °ecasion to mention in the sequel an instance of an animal of the albino |
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464
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THE WHITE ELEPHANT OF SIAM.
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kind, possessed of the peculiar eye of tlie human albino. In one oï
two of the éléphants, the colour was strictly white ; and in ail of them the iris was of that colour, as well as the margins of the eyelids. In the rest the colour had a cast of pink in it. The hairs upon the body were for the most part yellowish, but much more scanty, finer, and shorter, than in other éléphants ; the strong hairs of the tail were darker, but still of a yellowish colour. In none did the colour and texture of the skin appear entirely healthy. In some the cuticular texture of the legs was interspersed with glandular knots, which gave a deformed appear- ance to thèse members. In others the skin of the body was uncom- monly dry, while the natural wrinkles were unusually large, secreted an acid-like fluid, and seemed ready to burst out into disease. Thèse beasts were ail of a small size, but in excellent condition, and one of them was even handsome. They were treated with the greatest attention, each having several keepers attached to him. Fresh eut grass was placed in abundance by their side. They stood on a large boarded platform, kept clean ; a white cloth was spread before them ; and while we were présent, they were fed with sliced sugar-cane and branches of plantains. In the same place we observed ratlier a fine-looking éléphant, but a
small one, which appeared to me to be a greater object of curiosity than any of the others. This animal was covered ail over with black spots, about the size of a pea, upon a white base. It is not unusual to observe a partial degree of this spotted appearance in the éléphant of Bengal, as on the forehead and trunk ofthe animal, but in this instance the skin was entirely covered with them. The greatest regard is entertained in Siam for the white éléphant.
He who discovers one is regarded as the most fortunate of mortals. The event is of that importance, that it may be said to form an era in the annals of the nation. The fortunate discoverer is rewarded with a silver crown, and with a grant of land equal in extent to the space of country at which the elephant's cry can be heard. He and his family to the third génération are exempted from ail sorts of servitude, and their land from taxation.—Mission to Siam and Hue, fyc. 1821-2. London, 1826. pp. 151-154» |
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465
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ON THE
COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE OF THE MALE AND
FEMALE IN BREEDING. BT JVlfGODlNE, JUN.
.1 [Continuedfromp. 3TT.] S
«An prdinary cow, and a bull without horns, will produce a calf
resembling the maie in appearance and character, without horns and that particular and unusual prominence of the transverse apophysis of the frontal bone. The milk of the female from"this cross proves also the influence of the father: it has the peculiar qualities of the hornless breed, less abundant, containing less whey, but more cream and curd, They hâve banished the malady from the cow-shed of M. Deboul- lenois, at Valenton, by changing the bull, without altering their treat- ment. In the sheep and goat, it is still more difficult to deny the all-powerful
influence ofthe maie. A he-goat of Thibet, and a common female, gives a produce bearing the particular mark of his breed : I hâve met with several instances. In the Merino sheep this truth does not require démonstration. By
the introduction ofthe Spanish ram into our common flock, divers breeds of sheep, more or less distinct, hâve become, throughout France, a single race, winch has exactly the same appearance, and difFer only in height. Climate, pasturage, or food, will modify the character of the animal : they would dwindle, the peculiarities of the race would even be lost, if they were not preserved by repeated crosses with maies of sélect breeds. I will give some remarkable examples :— AH intelligent men who hâve observed flocks of Mérinos, especially
those of Rambouillet, where the purity of the breed cannot be doubted, hâve remarked, that at the end of fifteen or eighteen years the pure sheep hâve lost the primitive beauty of their wool. Gilbert, whom science and the scFiools yet mourn, was devoted,
during the Révolution, to save the flocks of Mérinos of Rambouillet and of Croissy. It is this learned professor who has chiefly contributed to spread the désire for breeding Mérinos in France : he first observed this tendency to degeneration produced by the climate, and he had the noble candour to relate his motives in his course,-at Alfort : he felt the ^ecessity of going to Spain to choose there a new stock, in order to H H
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46*6 ON THE COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE
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renew, in the flock at Rambouillet, those original qualities which the
climate had already sensibly weakened : it is to this useful journey, undertaken with this noble intention, to which we owe his prématuré death. The new colony Gilbert conducted to Rambouillet and to Perpignan, has effaced that remarkable tendency to degenerate in the primitive flock, which, before this last introduction, had lost that fine- ness and elasticity which distinguished the Mérinos in Spain. The old flock at Rambouillet were of a larger size, the wool was
become longer, and thèse advantages had been acquired by the loss of an essential quality—its strength and fineness ; but the introduction of the Gilbert colony into the original flock quickly destroyed, in the succeeding breeds, this tendency to degeneration. If we still find some remains of it, it is among those got by rams of the first extraction in the flock : by their long fleece, and by their higher and longer carcass, the small and smooth face, we easily recognise the individuals which are degenerated by the influence of the soil and climate. I found, in 1810, 1811, and 1812, the same tendency at Ram-
bouillet; and, at this moment, this tendency is very évident: the connoisseurs who visit this royal establishment, and enlightened pur- chasers who corne there to procure rams, are aware of this notable change. It is, then, time to return a second time to the measures of Gilbert, and carefully to sélect a new and pure stock from Spain, if they wish to préserve, in France, this valuable establishment ; and as Spain has lost an immense number of this breed, it is necessary that the sélection should be confided to a good judge. I hâve many other facts to establish this influence of food and
climate ; but I shall only advance two, which appear to me to be décisive. Monsieur de Beyens, late under Prefect of Oudnard, took advan-
tage, in 1806, of a journey to Paris, to visit Rambouillet and Alfort. He wished to establish a colony of Mérinos upon his vast domains, , situated in that part of Holland which is near the coast, and where the pastures are very wet and strong,—two conditions opposed to the pré- servation of the health of sheep, and particularly of Mérinos. I pre- served him from a great deal of loss which would hâve followed : I advised him to make a trial, and to buy only twelve ewes and six rams of the pure breed ; of which half were to be got at Rambouillet, and the remainder at Alfort. I caused him to put round the neck of each of them a collar, with his name and number. I took from the left shoulder a lock of wool, which was classed and marked, indicating the âge and quality of each animal. Every year, at the shearing, M- |
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OF THE MALE AND FEMALE IN EREEDING. -467
Beyens sent me,—up to 1812,—a sample of wool, with a précise
statement of the animal to which it belonged. Thèse samples, classed yearly, showed proof of degeneration of the fleece to such a degree, that it would hâve been believed that I had reversed the order of a scale of improvement in a lialf-bred flock in the second year : the wool had lost its lineness and elasticity—it was long—it had none of its natural undulations—each bit was straight, and grown one half larger; and those spiral turns which were observed in the sample chosen pre- vious to the departure of the flock from France, werë no longer to be seen. In fine, if I had not known the integrity and, above ail, the honesty of M. Beyens, I should hâve thought he had deceived me. But at the end of three or four years, thèse Mérinos and their pro-
duce had lost, in the marshes in Holland, a great part of the beauty and character of the Merino fleece ; they had acquired new properties, that is to say, an extraordinary size and a colossal height : a four year old ram, which, on leaving Alfort, weighed 160 pounds, had acquired, in Holland, the second year of his removal, the exact weight of three hundred and twelve pounds. I was deceived in my expectation in respect to the following point—
namely, the diseases common to sheep which feed on marshes ; the rot did not show itself in this colony; and I believe this fact should be explained, by the properties which the sea water gives to pastures situated on thèse shores. This explanation has appeared to me more satisfactory, inasmuch as
the rot has not attacked any flock on the borders of the sea. The Abbé Carlier, who has made long and good observations upon diiferent flocks, has recorded this remark in his treatise upon Sheep. Proprietor of a large flock of Mérinos, I hâve very often experienced
the effects of pasturageand of climate upon the fleece: a number of Mérinos, removed only to a little distance, but quitting a Jow soil, abandoned and humid, for a dry pasture and on a chalky bottom, sensibly improves the wool in respect to fineness ; at the same time that it loses in length and weight, and vice versa. I hâve had a flock at Valenton, from which I hâve sent detachments to Picardy, to Brie, ^ Ville-Parisis, to Coupvrai, and Berri, and in the Gatinais country, vvhere, after remaining a year, the same animais presented very sensi- ble and apparent gradations, either to the naked eye, or through a microscope, in the quality and quantity of their fleeces. I draw, then, from thèse demonstrable facts, the following consé-
quences :—the soil, or, if you will, the food and climate, tend, with- °ut ceasing, to neutralize the properties of exotic breeds—to impress h H 2 .
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468 ON THE COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE
upon them, more or less, the properties inhérent in that soil. In fine,
to overcome this tendency of climate and food, it is necessary, then, to renew, without ceasing, from the original flock, and sélect the most robust maies, in order to overpower thèse effects. Behold the whole secret of the English ; itis to thèse well-combined
introductions of original blood, drawn always from the most pure sources, that they owe the superiority of ail the races of domestic ani- mais which exist in tbeir country. We hâve no other means; let us imitate thcm ;—let us hâve their persévérance, their sagacity, and we shall arrive at the same results. What is, then, the part of the female in the greatact of reproduction
of tlie speties ? I say, that when the maie prédominâtes, by his vigour, his constitution, and his health, she is limited, in some measure, to perforai the same office that the earth does for vegetables; she is commoniy nothing more than a réceptacle, in winch are deposited tlie seeds of génération, where the évolution of form is in accordance to the quality and abundance of fluid ; but the germs bear not less the spécial and proper characters of the maie who has ireprinted his stamp upon thêta. Such is, at least, the opinion which has arisen from niy researches and experiments on this subjcct. If I am correct in the other kinds of domestic animais, this same in-
fluence of the maie over the produce is not less clearly shown. A bitcîi, lined by several dogs of différent kinds, brings forth puppies
which resemble each, singly, the father that begot them. Thèse facts are so numerous, that I shall dispense with citing them. I hâve seen,' very often, the same litter of a hound bitch with smooth hair, consist- ing of individuals wholly différent from each other—some curs, some barbets, some bull-dogs, &c. It is in this place;, however, that I ought to mention an opposite
fact,—that of a bitch lined by a dog weakened by disease, gave a litter in ail respects resembling the mother, and none of them the father. The cross of a Gatineise sow, long and slender, with an English boar, has constantly produced pigs like the father, but higher. I hâve made the same observation with crossings of pigs of Siam
and Surinam with a French sow,—the product constantly taking the character and appearance of the boar. The cat tribe is not less included in thèse observations. The cat
of Chartreux, and that of Angola, matched with a common cat, pro- duces young like the maie. When we descend to another order of animais—the oviperous tribe,
—the veil which hides the opérations of Nature appears to rise before |
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OF THE MALE AND FEMALE IN BREEDING. 469
us, in order to expose lier mysterious works. How are we to deny
the all-powerful influence of the maie in the speoies of domestic birds, when we consider that a pullet which has not been impregnated by the coek has not the power to procreate, although she produces eggs which contain the liquid rudiments of an individual species of his kind ? This pullet, which is ready to lay, is, for a second, in contact with the cock ;—ail the preparatory opérations of nature is changed. If the maie is of the same sort, the incubated egg reproduces the same species ; but if the cock is of a différent kind, the instant this egg is ready to émerge, and by the effect alone of a little drop of liquid, a real me- tamorphosis is effected—a true transformation. A Russian cock with a French hen gives Russian chickens. The little English bahtam cock has the same4effect with the common hen ; it suffices to bring a new kind of cock upon a farm, entirely to change the chicken yard. Thèse facts are so common, that they need to be only simply set forth. The same influence of the maie extends from one species to another,
when conformity of organization permits reproduction which gives birth to mules : we know what varieties of birds are given by the canary pairing with the cock linnet, and the bullfinch with the yellow-hammer. I will finish with a less common cross of two kinds of birds—the phea- sant with oar common hen : a white hen paired with a cock pheasant gives a product like the mule which is called, in Pheasantry, the Coucard. I shall terminate this pieture of the influence of the maie by a last
fact, drawn from the flock of experiment at Alfort, which I hâve had under my direction during rive following years, and which hâve fur- nished me with very important observations. The voyage of Captain Baudin to Africa furnished me with four rams and four ewes from the Cape of Good Hope. We may say that this is quite a distinct species; they no more resemble the common sheep than the goat :—his harsh voice, instead of bleatmg; a true mane of long hair; red curls form his fleece, instead of wool ; his tail large, dragging, and of great length and thickness. The fleece in the maie lias a scent approaching to that of the he goat. This fleece is floating, as in that of the goat of Angola, felted and steeped with a liquid excrétion, which is not like the usual oiliness of sheep's wool. His gait is languid and very pecuiiar. Such are the distinctive characters of this race. An African ram was put to twelve ewes,—the most unlike him of ail
the flock at Alfort, by the fineness and beauty of their fleeces. At |
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470
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CORRESPONDANCE.
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the lambing I obtained twelve Iambs so resembling the ram that I was
obliged to brand them with an indelible mark, in order to know them from the lambs of pure African blood. Two xAirican ewes, crossed by a Merino ram, gave two lambs which, in form, voice, and fineness of wool, bore no resemblance hardly to their mothers. I hâve repeated this experiment for six years, and always with the
same results, at least that with an African ram. I should hâve trans- formed the flock into sheep of the Cape of Good Hope, if I had bred only from their half-bred produce. After such faets, known to the Professors and the pupils of Alfort
at this period, it is thought proper obstinately to refuse to open their eyes to the light, and to deny that the maie exercises an all-powerful influence over his productions ; that the female hère takes a weak part, Iess évident, and much more obscure than the maie with which she is coupled. From which I conclude, secondarily, that the choice of the maie is of the highest importance for the préservation, improvement, and renewal of species ; that in the same manner as he impresses upon his produce the stamp of his perfections, he transmits to them also his vices, his eonstitutional habits, and diseases ; from which it follows, that his choice ought to be made with particular care and discernment. |
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir, May I beg to trespass for advice under the following circumstances ?
But I shall first give you a short history of myself, to assist you in the better understanding the matter, and thereby enable you to give a more correct opinion. On one of those delightfully clear frosty mornings, which one occa-
sionally meets with in the month of December, and in a charming valley watered—but I fear, if I continue in this style, that you will commit me and my history to the shades of the Minerva Press ; so I shall merely say, that I hâve never been brought up to any business, or worked at any trade, but hâve from my boyhood been occupied in snaring hares, fishing, hunting, and increasing,—without having the fear either of Malthus or the parish officers before my eyes,—the popu- lation of his Majesty's dominions. I also served some years as an ensign in a régiment of militia, in which situation I very much distinguished |
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471
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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myself by my success amongst that portion of the fair sex usually em-
ployed as domestics. I hâve heard that there is at présent a vacancy at the East India
House for an Inspecter of Chronometers, and I wish to know from you if I am likely to succeed in an application for such situation. I am able, if a chronometer and a common watch are exhibited to me, to distinguish which is which, and therefore I cannot be altogether igno- rant of the subject : you will, perhaps, object that this is not sufficient knowledge to enable me to distinguish the comparative merits of différent chronometers ; and you will, perhaps, add that the Honourable East India Company's Directors are extremely particular in ascer- taining the qualifications of candidates for situations in their service. To the first portion of your reply, I beg to say that I should invariably, and without hésitation, give the préférence to one of them, as being in every way far superior, and (as I hâve always had considérable skill in gambling) I know, that if there were but two, it would be equal main and chance, but that I should be as correct as Broad or Webster would hâve been, provided always that one was superior to the other ; I trust I hâve now satisfied you, as I hâve no doubt I shall the Di- rectors, of my fitness. Now, for the Iatter part of your reply, look to the numbers that hâve been lately appointed Veterinary surgeons to the régiments of cavalry in their service, nine tenths of whom know as much about a horse as a horse knows about them ; and some of whom hâve admitted to myself that they were never on the back of a horse in their lives : but, Sir, I hâve another fact, and an astounding, nay a damning, fact it is, and, as Professor Coleman most happily expresses it, what is a physiological fact now, was a physiological fact ten thou- sand years ago, and will be a physiological fact ten thousand years to corne. Some caviller may, perhaps, say, when they hear my fact, that my fact is not a physiological fact :—let them say so ; but what is much worse, Ithink I hear you say that I am taking up rathertoo much of your paper, so hère is my fact for you,—« The Directors of the Honourable Company of Merchants trading to the East Indies, hâve appointed Mr. William Sewell (not Swel) inspecter," of what ?—why, what ? " inspecter of medicines !" Now, Sir, I hâve been toîd by those who know Mr. Sewell per-
fectly well, that he can without much hésitation, distinguish aloes from bluc vitriol; but that, beyond this, his knowledge of medicines is pre- cisely on a par with my knowledge of chronometers. Taking this circumstance as a précèdent, I hâve ventured thus boldly to address vou. |
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472
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CORRESPONDANCE.
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" I now, Sir, take leave of you, ad eternum ; only adding, that should
your opinion be unfavourable to my hopes, I shall heartily despise it. I am, Sir, your most obedient, An Old Soldier.
lOth Sept. 1828. Since our opinion is so indiffèrent to this vétéran, it shall be
spoken with freedom. We think his qualifications not precisely of the right stamp to entitle him to the birth he aspires to ; but with such an example as Mr. Sewell before his eyes, we bid him not despair of success. Our correspondent does not appear to be aware that inspec- tors, like Professors' assistants, are not always selected for their know- ledge of what they profess, but for their littleness of mind, ignorance, and meanness. |
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
Can you, or any of your readers, inform me whether or not there exists any remedy for the cure of wen in a dog's neck ? I hâve now in my kennel four greyhound whelps, about two months old, three of which are affected with an enlargement of the thyroid glands. As they are very well bred dogs, I am particularly anxious to try some plan before Imake use of the one generally adopted—namely, hanging. Should you notice this you will oblige Your obedient Servant and constant Reader,
G. E.
Sept. Yith, 1828. [We recommend G. E. to carefully try the effect jof Todine for the
diseasein his dogs.—Ed.] |
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
As you appear to be a bit of a knowing one, and well acquainted
with the affairs of our Collège, and with the whys and wherefores,
you will, perhaps, take the trouble to give me a little information on
the foliowing subject, and apprize me as to the çorrectness of such
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CORRESPONDEJS'CE. 473
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proceedings ; and whether consistent witli the Collège Rules and Ré-
gulations : likewise as to the corapetency and fitness of the Performer. Having now been hère for a good many months, I may, I think, fairly consider myself as an old pupil, when compared with some who hâve lately passed ; and as such, I hâve been long in the habit of hearing of our clerk's* intention of giving lectures" on Veterinary Materia Medica, Chemistry, &c. ; when, lo ! after the mountain's being in labour for many months, forth corne the lectures, not publicly and open to ail the students, but to a sélect few of the sanctum sanc- torum and Morton society ; and for the attendance at which, and for the supposed instruction in Pharmacy,— "By this sprig of a druggist so bold,
Who came so late from the Boro' of old,— they get a certificate with his signature, as under the authority and
sanction of the Royiil Veterinary Collège. Now, Sir, your opinion as to whether this young man be a fit and proper person to lecture on such important subjects, and whether such certificates be allowed to be given, and whether they are sanctioned by the Governors, will much oblige your constant Reader, An Old Pupil.
Royal Veterinary Collège, Sept. 5th, 1828. This is a subject to which our attention lias been called through
more than one or two channels, we shall, therefore, make a few fur- ther observations for the information of some other correspondent. No person is authorized to lecture at the Veterinary Collège, and con-
sequently not to give any certificate, but the person styled the Professor, and it is a part of his duty to instruct the pupils in Materia Medica, Chemistry, &c.r; and so well aware of the fact is Mr. Coleman, that he absolutely made an arrangement^ admitting the necessity of a par- ticular provision for that purpose, with Messrs. Cherry and Goodwin, when they were exerting themselves to improve and render the Vete- rinary profession more respectable ; but from whieh, in his usual shuffling and evasive manner, he completely bolted. It appeared at the late annual meeting of Governors, that this said
clerk had applied, under the sanction of Mr. Coleman, for leave to lecture at the Collège ; and thèse gentlemen taking it for granted, we |
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f See No. 8, page 355.
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* Mr. W. J. T. Morton.
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474
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RARE INSECTS.
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présume, that any person recommended by their iraraaculate Professor
must be désirable, did not object to the clerk's lecturing (at five-guineas a course, the same as Mr. Sewell's, we suppose ;) but clogged their consent with a condition that lie should undergo an examination before the Médical Examining Committee. This Mr. Morton has not thought proper to comply with,—we shall not inquire why ? and he is, there- fore, prevented from lecturing publicly. But though shunning a regular examination, it seems "this sprig of a druggist so bold" is not to be put down ; but -privately lectures, and gives certificates of attend- ance in défiance of rule and order,—knowing, perhaps, that this assurance will be overlooked by the ruling powers in considération of his secret services. It should be mentioned, as an addition to the qualifications of this
Collège clerk for a lecturer on Animal Medicine, that he is bv rirta» of his office prevented from being a Veterinary surgeon. |
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RARE INSECTS.
Furia Infemalis and Meggar.
There exists in Livonia, a very rare insect, which is not met with
in more northern countries, and whose existence was for a long time considered doubtful. It is the Furia Infemalis, described by Linnœus in the Noveaux Mémoires de l!Académie et'Upsal, in Sweden. This insect is so small that it is very difficult to distinguish it by the
naked eye. In warm weather it descends from the atmosphère upon the inhabitants, and its sting produees a swelling, which, unless a pro- per remedy is applied, proves mortal. During the hay harvest, other insects named Meggar, occasion
great injury both to men and beasts. They are of the size of a grain of sand. At sun-set they appear in great numbers, descend in a per- pendicular line, pierce the strongest linen, and cause an itohing and pustules, which, if scratched, become dangerous. Cattle, which breathe thèse insects, are attacked with swellings in the throat, which destroy them, unless promptly relieved. They are cured by a fumigation from flax, which occasions a violent cough. |
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475
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APII IDES.
Tins is a most, if not the most, numerous class of insects in this
country. There are several species of them ; but, as they receive their colour from the quality of the plant on winch they feed, naturalists hâve made many more species than there really are. On beans and aider they are called blacks ; on pease, shrimps; on hops they are called lice ; and on roses, vines, and peach-trees, they are called " the green fly." In spring and summer they are viviparous ; in autumn oviparous : are produced by animalcular génération, hence prodigiously prolific ; the maies, and some générations of females, vvinged, so that they spread over the face of the country in dry seasons witli astonishing rapidity. Their food seems to be a saccharine extract from the plant, as their excrément is the honey-dew, of which, in some seasons, the greater part of the sweet store of our apiaries is composed :—hence may be identified the plants which yield or contain the greatest share of sugar, and which is indicated by the quantity of honey-dew on their leaves : from the lime and maple trees it sometimes even drops from the points of the leaves to the ground ! The aphis are the natural prey of many other insects, particularly the beetle tube, as well as of the soft-billed birds (Motacilla), and are constantly attended by ants, Aies, and wasps, collecting their sweets. They injure and deform the leaves and tender shoots of plants, so as sometimes to kill them entirely. They are easily killed and extirpated by any acrid fumigation, par- ticularly that of tobacco : water impregnated with lime, or soft soap, is also recommended as an aphidefugc. |
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INNOCUOUS NATURE OF PUTRID ANIMAL EXHA-
LATIONS. A committee hâve been engaged in France in examining the cir-
cumstances relative to the knacker's opérations. His business consiste in killing old worn-out horses, and turning every part of their body to account. The most singular results which the committee hâve obtained relate to the innocuous nature of the exhalations arisingfrom the putrify- ing matter ; everybody examined, agreed that they were offensive and disgusting, but no one that they were unwholesome ; on the contrary, they appeared to conduce to health. Ail the men, women, and children, concerned in the works ol" tins kind, had unvarying health, and were |
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476
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ANIMALS OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
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remarkably well in appearance, and strong in body. The workmen
commonly attained old âge, and were generally free from the usual infirmities which accompany it. Sixty, seventy, and even eighty, were common âges. Persons who live close to the places, or go there daily, share thèse advantages with the workmen. During the time that an ^ épidémie fever was in full force at two neighbouring places, not one of the workmen in the establishment at Montfaucon was efFected by> jt. It did not appear that it was only the men who were habituated to the works that were thus favoured ; for when, from press of business, new workmen were taken on, they did not suifer in health from the exhalations. In confirmation of the above observations similar cases are quoted :
above 200 exhumations are made yearly at Paris, about three or four months after death ; not a single case of injury to the workmen lias been observed. M. Labarraque lias observed, that the catgut makers, who live in a continually putrid atmosphère, arising from macerating intestines, enjoy remarkable health. Similar circumstances were re- marked at the exhumations of the Cimetière des Innocens. Whatever disease the horse may hâve died of, or been killed for,
the workmen hâve no fear, adopt no précautions, and run no risk. Sometimes, when strangers are présent, they prétend to be careful; but upon close inquiry, laugh at such notions. They handle diseased as well as healthy parts always with impunity. They frequently eut themselves, but the wounds heal with the greatest facility, and their best remedy is to put a slice of the flesh about the wound. On inaking inquiry of those to whom the horse-skins were sent, and
who, besides, having to handle them when very putrescent, were more exposed to effects from diseases in the skin, they learnt that thèse men, also, from expérience, had no fear, andnever sufFered injury. Horse- skins never occasioned injury to those who worked them, but in this way they differed from the skins of oxen, cows, and especially sheep, which sometimes did occasion injury, though not so often as usually sup- posed.—Recueil Industriel. |
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ANIMALS OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
r
This is a very fine agreeable climate, and, with the excepti011 ol
catarrh, there are no épidémie diseases known ; and those complaults which are coin mon to children in Britain, such as measles, hoopwg- cough, small-pox, &c. hâve no existence in this climate. In sumnie |
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AN1MALS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 47?
the heat is very oppressive in the sun, particularly during the hot winds
from the N. W., which do not occur above a few days in a season. They induce a sort of nervous or feverish excitement during the day, and a chilly feeling in the evening from the sea-breeze, which then always sets in. Nothing more disagreeable is the conséquence. The native blacks are a wretched race of human beings, harmless and un- designing ; hâve little or no ingenuity, much less than many of the lower animais. They lie and live among the bushes like the beasts of the field, and seldom inhabit the same spot above once. They erect no hut to repose in during the night ; only collect a few branches of trees, which they fix in the ground, to shelter them on one side from the influence of the wind ; on the other they kindle a fire. Mimosa gum, fern roots, fish, snakes, opossums, bandecoots, and kangaroos, some of which they spear only with difficulty, form their common food. The very limited means of subsistence which the country naturally afFords, nécessitâtes them to travel over a great extent of surface in quest of food, which almost precludes the possibility of a permanent abode. There are, I believe, few countries in the world where there is such luxuriant végétation, and so little and so few of its products suited for the food of animais, than in this ; although, with culture and the im- portation of useful plants, no part will excel it in the course of years in the fertility of the soil and the variety and usefulness of its productions. Insects are numerous, various and troublesome, as is the. case in ail warm climates. Domestic dogs are a great pest in the town. Every house keeps from two to six, which bask in the hot sun during the day, and prowl and yell about the streets at night. I mention this only to remark, that I hâve never heard of a case of hydrophobia. Snakes, I am informed, are ail poisonous, of which there are a variety 'of kinds, varying also in the intensity of their venom ; the largestbeing not above fourteen feet long. Some of the smaller kinds are the most deadly. Quadrupeds are not numerous. The kangaroo (of which there are two or three kinds), opossums, and bandecoots, are the most remarkable. There are native dogs, but few in number. They often destroy sheep, and resemble, in appearance and disposition, something between a fox and wolf. Birds are much more abundant, and vary in size from the emu (an animal about six feet high, being a sort of ostrich) to small chirping créatures, little larger than the humming-birds in the West Indies,—black swans, crânes of various colours, white hawks, black and white eockatoos, and thousands of parrots of the most splendid plumage which fancy could suggest. Ducks and quails are also very common. Besides, birds that resemble our pigeon, pheasant, and turkey, are also |
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478
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MIGRATION OF BUTTEKFLIES.
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got in numbers. There are also a number of birds peculiar to the country
—one called laughing bird ; another the coachman, from its whistle ending in a smaek like a whip ; another the bell-bird, from its voioe being like the sound of a bell ; and so on. Most of the small birds appear to me to live on insects. We hâve swallows ail the season ; they resemble exactly those in England ; and bats too, measuring between the extremities of their outstretched wings from three to four feet. They are called hère flying foxes. Fishes are ail différent from those in England. Between them, notwithstanding, the people hère trace resemblances, and give many of them very improperly the same names. There are almost no shell-fish on the coast, with the exception of oysters, which grow and adhère to the rocks, and on such rocks only as are left uncovered by the water at low tide. Muscles also adhère to the stones that are always under water. Cookies are also plentiful in some places. Shells are so numerous that ail the houses are built with the lime they produce. Thèse shells are not just on the sea-beach, but lying in heaps and ridgcs ten and twenty feet above high water mark; and even at thèse places the sandy beach is without a shell.—Extract from a Letter to the Editor of the Edin. Jour. Science. |
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r MIGRATION OF BUTTERFLIES.
Madame de Meurin Wolff, being in the country with her family, in
the district of Grandson in the Canton de Vaud, perceived, on the 8th or lOth of June, 182G, an enormous quantity of butterflies (Papilio Cardui, L.) traversing the garden with great rapidity : they ail pro- ceeded in the same direction from south to north, not deviating to the right or left, flying close to each other, and not being disturbed by human beings. This continued for at least two hours ; the insects did not stop on the flowers; their fliglit was low and uniform ; the widthof the column was about ten or fifteen feet. Borrelli, at Turin, observed a similar circumstance with the same
butterfly, at the end of March in the same year. They also flew from south to north ; the air was filled in the places where flowers abounded, and at night the plants were covered ; their number diminished after the 29th of March, but some continued to appear until June. M- Huber, who describes thèse and similar appearances (which are not uncommon), supposes that the portion seen in Switzerland may hâve been a part of the column which passed over Turin. The caterpillars of thèse butterflies do not live in society, and are
isolated from the time they leave the eggs.—Mém. de Genève, va. 247. |
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479
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
A Bay Gelding, Four years old,
Belonging to----------Lowton, Esq., was admitted on August 24th,
with Inflammation of the Lungs and Pharynx.
Considérable difficulty in swallowing was observed ;—a weak, quick
puise ;—laborious and difficult respiration ;—cold extremities, ears, and muzzle, with the mouth hot and dry. The horse had been treated for illness, by two or three bleedings,
&c, prior to admission. Was directed to be placed in an open shed ; to hâve a mash diet,
two setons passed across the pharynx, and one in front of the chest. 25th. In the moming, the animal appeared rather better; but
purging coming on shortly after, four ounees of chalk was given in thick gruel ; and in the course of an hour or two the animal fell down, and showed symptoms of being in great pain, and the puise was very much quickened. Fomentations of hot water were ordered to be constantly applied to
the belly by means of rugs. The horse continued in nearly the same state till the middle of the day, without the pain or purging being lessened, when he died. Post Mortem Appearances.
The pharynx was highly inflamed, but the lungs appeared to be
only slightly so : the liver was of a pale ash colour, and considerably altered in its structure. A Bay Gelding, aged 7,
Belonging to H. Garling, Esq., was admitted August 12th, with an
Abscess, which had been of some time standing, in the oft" foot, and had been under treatment before admitted. The horse was very lame, and pus escaping at the coronet at the outer quarter of the foot. Four quarts of blood were directed to be taken from the toe, and a
poultice of bran applied, made with a solution of sait. Six drachms of aloes to be given in a bail, and a mash diet.
13th. A large fungous mass was found, both at the opening in the
s°le and coronet : directed to be dressed with a saturated solution of 21X10 ; pressure to be made on the part; the shoe to be taken off. 14th. Three drachms of aloes to be given a bail.
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480
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VETERINAR7 COLLEGE CASES.
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15th. The bail to be repeated, a bar-shoe applied, and the sore to be
dressed with compound tincture of myrrh. 16th. Half an ounce of aloes to be given in a bail, and the tincture
of myrrh applied daily. 18th. The aloes directed to be repeated.
20th. The sore to be dressed with a solution of zinc, instead of the
tincture, and half a drachm of croton to be given. 22d. Compound tincture of myrrh to be applied, and common tar to
the coronet. 24th. Half a drachm of croton directed to be given, and the sore
dressed with a solution of sulphate of copper. 25th. The solution to be applied daily.
28th. Twenty grains of croton directed to be given in a bail.
29th. Common tar to be applied to the coronet, sole, and wall of
the foot, and a solution of zinc to the sore. On the 31st, the sore was nearly healed ; directed to be dressed
with tar daily ; and on the 2d of September the horce was discharged, cured. A Chesnut Gelding, aged,
Belonging to J. Salvador, Esq., was admitted on the 15th of August,
and had been previously treated by bleeding, &c. A slight discharge was observed from the nose ; the legs cold ; the
puise weak, but about the natural standard ; and no inclination for food. A mash diet was directed, and three drachms of aloes and turpentine
given in a bail. 17th. Appeared much debilitated, had also a cough; but in other re-
spects much the same. Four ounces of sait was ordered to be given in a drink twice a day. ISth. Three drachms of aloes to be given in a bail.
20th. The sait to be continued ; to hâve potatoes to eat, with corn
andhay; appeared rathermore lively. 23d. A récurrence of inflammation came on ; quick puise and re"
spiration ; cold ears and extremities. Directed to be placed in an open shed, and hâve mash diet.
Three drachms of aloes and two of turpentine given in a bail twice
a day ; clysters frequently, and three quarts of blood taken fron1 tlie jugularvein; the legs to be well rubbed, and bandages applied. 24th. During the night he died. Printed by G. Duckworth, 76, Fleet Street.
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
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No. IL] NOVEMBER. [1828.
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THE CART-HORSE.
The hcavy drauf" orse is imdoubtedly the most highly domesti-
eated of his kind ; it is, therefore, by no means easy to détermine on what variety to represent as possessing most of his decided peculiarities. The horse we hâve given may be objected to by some, on accoùnt of being too light and straight Iimbed; and so he may be for a dray horse : but it must be recollected that onr description refers as much to the horse employed in agriculture, an* of which he may be considered a fair spécimen. If it be true, asmany natural historians suppose, that the Arabian horse is the oldest or original breed from which ail the various races hâve sprung, then how wonderfully do we see the in- fluence of food and climate exhibitcd in the altered appearance of this doinesticated monster. Without entering, however, into the merits of a question, on which, indeed, we hâve much to offer at a future period, it will be sufficient to slightly notice ail that we know of the history of the draught horse—premising that there are but few of the cart kind which do not partake, in some degree, of the rough indigenous breed which appears to hâve been the earliest in use in this country. Flanders was early celebrated for its large breed of horses; and it
must be chiefly, attributed to the climate, and the influence of low rich feeding, that they acquired in that country a greater bulk than any other. Denmark and Holstein were also famous for the large black kind :
it is rather difficult to know at what précise time the first importation took place in this country; but from them we derived the présent Enn-lish dray horse—superior to any breed in the world for size and strength, and those particular qualities which fit him for draught purposes. The Flemish breeds,it appears, havô undergone considérable change
and improvement in England, perhftps chf fly from the circumstance of |
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m . .■■ :
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482 ROYAL VKTERINARY COLLEGE.
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change of food and cliraate ; or it may be from a slight cross with the
large bony Norman horse, which formerly was the favourite for war and parade. At any rate, our présent draught horse differs from the Flemish, in being taller and bigger boned, more upright in the foot, and generally presenting a more muscular appearance. The Suffolk Punch is conspicuous as a variety, and there are many
others in différent parts of the kingdom. The exertions of the draught horse are not so violent, but he works
a far greater number of hours, than any other kind; and, indeed, it rarely happens,—unless in case of illness,—that a long interval of rest is allowed him. As was before stated, he is completely an animal of our own making ; and, in this point of view, more thorongh-bred than the blood horse, living a laborious and artificial life, which sub- jects him to several peculiar diseases, or rather modifications of dis- eases, différent from other horses. The chief of thèse are grease, gripes, inflammation of the lungs or viscera, andfarcy; ail of which assume a peculiar character in the draught horse, and require, in some sensé, a différent treatment. Their inflammatory complaints are very simple, arising, generally, from over-feeding and confinement, often occurring when they are first brought into town work, and thence termed the stable fever. As the pleasure horse often suffers from over officiousness, and too much regard to his appearance, &c, so the draught horse, on the other hand, is apt to be too little cared for in thèse respects ; his feet become the subject of canker, from want of cleanliness and attention, while the foui, unwholesome stables in which they are frequently crowded, favour the access of other complaints,— farcy, grease, and mange. Spacewill not permit us to do more than mention them at présent. Mr. Higgs, of Thames-street, published, in 1815, a little work
exclusively relating to the draught horse and his diseases, which may be perused by any one with advantage, as it is the only book of the kind extant, and, therefore, is perfectly original ; containing the opinions, too, of an able and experienced practitioner. This book has not been much heard or talked of, but possesses considérable merit. |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.
This Establishment, as originally constituted, was undoubtedly one of
the most praiseworthy and laudable that was ever formed in this or any other country ; for through the artificial habits to which we hâve sue- |
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4H3
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ROYAL VETERIXARY COLLEGE."
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jected theni, our domestic animais become liable to so many diseases
from which they are exempted in a natural state, that it becomes our proper duty to alleviate and remedy thèse calamities which wc hâve imposed, by every possible means in our power. Certainly nothing could more effectually answer this end, or be pro-
ductive of greater advantage to the interests of the public, as well as to the benefit of animais, than an establishment especially devoted to thèse objects, if it afforded fair opportunities to the studentof acquiring Veterinary science. At this Institution, a number of pupils are found anxious to obtain
that knowledgê, so important in their profession ; and it would give us pleasure to observe, on the part of the Professor and his Assistant, an equally ardent désire to communicate information in a systematic and regidar manner, in that highiy useful and important branch, Anatomy, on the nature of the différent diseases, their causes, effects, and the modus operandi of their remédies, actions, qualities, and différences. We should be the foremost to applaud the System of teaching pur-
sued at the Collège, if it were well calculated to promote the interests of the pupils ; but at présent we lament being compelled to acknowledge the truth of those allégations so justly complained of in a letter from some " Old Pupils," to bé found in another part of our Number. To the chief and most weighty of thèse complaints—viz. the almost
total absence of the Collège Demonstrator, Mr. Sewell, from the Dissecting-room, we hâve nothing to observe, excepting that the remedy rests with themselves. If our recollection serve us right, but a slight knowledgê of anatomy is sufficient to pass the examination ; but if no proper means are provided for instruction in this practically important branch, it cannot certainly be just that any pupil should be rejected for want of anatomical skill. A correct Manual, on which they might rely, would form some excuse for this otherwise unpardon- able neglect ; and, surely, to Mr. Sewell, with his commanding talents and happy mode of expression, the labour of preparing such a work would be a trifle. Neither of thèse advantages having hitherto existed, it is with unfeigned pleasure that we hear of the probability that a Demonstrator, indeed, will shortly be appointed; and we shall be most happy if, in our next, we are enabled to communicate the actual fact. The pupils only need appeal, in a respectful manner, to proper authority (the Governors), to hâve what they ask ; and it will be much their own fault, if, after paying for instruction, they submit to study without it. The omission oîpost mortem examinations is another subject of just
i»2 L
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484
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VETERINARY CERTIFICATS.
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complaint. Mr. Coleman, some montlis ago, gave particularordersthatno
horse should be removed until this had been properly performed. Hovv is it that his commands are disregarded ? What opinion can a pupil form of a case which he lias carefully watched to its termination, if the opportunity of inspecting the subject after death is denied him. It cannot be urged that préjudices exist on the part of the deceased's friends, or his master; we should rather be led to apprehend that an objection sometimes lies, on the part of the doctor, to a public investi- gation. |
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VETERINARY CERTIFICATE.
In conséquence of a Correspondent having made some further in-
quiries respecting the Vetcrinary Ccrtificate, we hère insert a copy of one, with a few additional remarks. «IstDayofApril, 1828.
" THESE are to certify, that Mr. Jerry Tape /tas attendedihe Veterinary Collège, as a Pupil, for three months; and having been examined by us, we consider him as qualified to practise the Veterinary Art. " Edwd. Coleman, Professor. "Wm. Babington, M. D.
" Wm. Sewell, Treasurer. "Sir A. P. Cooper, Bart. "J. Abernethy.
" George Peahson, M.D- «J.Cooke, M.D. "Joseph Henry Green- "B.C. Brodie. "Chas. Bell." Such is the vaunted Diploma! It must be understood, however, that not more than three or folir
of the médical gentlemen whose names are attached, usually attend H* examination ; the remaining signatures are to be obtained by callin# at their respective dwellings, leaving the paper and half-a-crovvn wltt1 the footman. The présent price paid for this document is three guineas ; certainly
an adéquate rémunération for considering a young man qualified to |
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ON CRIB-BITING IN HORSES. 485
practise that art in which Mr. Coleman has repeatedly asserted médical
men never become good practitioners : yet the public are led to believe that they are compétent to judge of Veterinary qualifications. As médical men, thereibre, on the faith of Mr. Coleman, they are
incapable of examining Veterinary pupils ; as comparative anatomists, &c, however eminent they may be, their talents are not called for, as iioihing of the sort is taught or studied at the Veterinary Collège, being deemed by Mr. Coleman as useless. |
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ON CRIB-BITING IN HORSES.
ET MR. B. CLARK,
In Rees Cycloyedia.
Crib-biting is a common vice of horses, and the term is purely of
English origin," which is not fréquent with the terms used in the management or diseases of the horse ; which are, for the most part, French or Latin strangely corrupted. The crib dénotes, in modem phrase, the manger, from manger,
French, to eat ; the crib being left for the fodder of cattle, to which the name is at présent exclusively applied. The original crib, since oats hâve been introduced, being fixed to the wall of the stable for the horse, has obtained the name of rack ; so that the term crib-biting to some would appear improper, to others too antique, or entirely obsolète. The crib-biting horse hasgenerally alean,constricted appearance,the skin being contracted about the ribs, a sunken watery eye, or else too dry : the muscles of the face also, as well as the skin, drawn up with rigidness. When unemployed in eating, his almost constant amuse- ment is to grasp the rail of the manger with his front teeth, then to draw himself up to it, as to a fixed point, by a gênerai contraction of àll the muscles of the head, neck, and trunk : at the same time the effort is attended with a grunting sound, apparently from air expelled by the mouth;—a relaxation succeeds, and then a new effort, slavering the manger very mueh with the tongue ; as, the mouth being held open, the saliva naturally takes this direction. The horse that has contracted this unsightly habit grows lean, his
digestion is sometimes impaired, and it is generally conceived he draws air into his stomach, which is the cause of this : his temper becomes soured, and, more or less, weakness and unfitness for service ensue. |
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486
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ON CKIE-BITING IN HORSKS.
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according to his natural strength ; for some do not appear materially n>
this respect to be injured by it, while others are obviously rendered much weaker by it, and more incapable of a proper day's work. It appears, indeed, that horses of a fiery, hot, and unkind temper, get most easily into this vice. How this extraordinary propensity is first created, has not been, we
believe, much attended to. With some it appears to arise naturally, as though the sucking of air gave them pleasure, or a relief from some sort of suffering. At first we imagined pains in the stomach from acidity, or other causes, might create it, as horses eat dirt, or gnaw the walls, to alleviate unpleasant feelings of this organ. The bad digestion and foui feeding are probably only a conséquence, and not a cause, of this malady. That horses at ail disposed to it may be easily led into it, by the practices of the grooms in cleaning them, we hâve little doubt : if they clean them before the manger, and irritate them with too severe a comb, and in parts where they cannot endure it, they seize upon the manger as a counteraction to their suffering ; and, in doing this, must first get a habit of it,and may extend it to the removing of otherpainsor distressful feelings. By this means, especially if the grooms,—and some hâve a happy knack of this after every bite,—put in a blow or stroke of the comb, they create a vice which may or may not continue after- wards, according to the situation and circumstances attending the individual. Some are said to get it by imitation of other horses : whether or not the same practices of the grooms, applied to several horses iil the same stable, should not be rather apprehended to be the cause, we are not assured : in one instance, we think, we observed this satisfactorily enough to be the cause, though it passed for imitation. To break horses of this vice is difficult. Cutting off the end of the
tongue has been recurred to] by some as a cure for it : the soreness created by this means destroying the inclination to the trick, for a time, when the habit, once being interrupted, might, or might not, again return. Another and more usual way with thèse horses, is to buckle a strap
tight about their neck—so tight as to prevent, by the constriction of th« throat, the power of doing it, or, at any rate, creating sufficient un- easiness to disincline them to it. In preventing the habit, it appea1"* but reasonable, with regard to such horses as are inclined to it, al^a)s to turn them from the manger before they are cleaned, with their heais to the heel posts, or to clean them in the open air ; or, by other means' avoid, as much as possible, irritating those that hâve preternaturaily thin and irritable skins, by too rough an iron comb, and t0 weaK through any regular habit of inducing biting after eaeh stroke of the |
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ACCOUNT OF THE FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP. 487
comb : for they learn to do this, at first only in the most sensibleparts,
as the flanks, the inside of the thigh, the belly, &c, and afterwards in every part, on the slightest touch of the comb, or even the sight of it. Some horses, it must be admitted, are truly difficult to clean ; many,
also, are rendered more so than they need be, by inconsiderate rashness and ill-applied severity. To prevent thèse associations and mischief, proper précautions cannot be taken too early against a habit of this kind; for once formed, it is not easily afterwards to be subdued, even by great patience and well judged measures. In concluding thèse remarks, we may observe that in the purchase
and sale of horses, this vice is not,unfrequently a subject of litigation : should we venture to interpose an opinion on the question usually agitated on those occasions, whether a horse be unsound or not, or, in other words, returnable or not, with this defect, we should say, If the warranty extended to soundness only, the horse is not returnable, as horses are often sound with it as to their going ; but if vice is stated in the warranty, the horse is unquestionably returnable, as it may be ranked among the worst of them. |
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP.*
BY M. DE LAFOND,
Veterinarian at St. Amand (Nièvre). ' ■
The foot of the Sheep, one of our most valuable animais, is attacked
bv différent diseases, more or less serious : that known by the name of Foot-rot is the principal, most troublesome, and of which, hitherto, but little has been known. Most authors hâve confounded this disease with that of the Thrush and Canker in the horse : we hâve, at last, discovered the cause of this disease, and think it useful to science to give the anatomy and pathology of it. In order to arrive at some data, we shall describe its mode of attack, progress, and nature, and also lay down a rational mode of cure. History ofthe Disease.—-The disease first appears on the internai
surface of the claw, where the skin terminâtes, forming the cutidural cavity. It first shows itself in one or more small conical pustules, white at the top, covered by a thin membrane, containing a whitish- |
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• Journal Pratique de Médecine Vétérinaire.
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488 ACCOUNT OF THE FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP.
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coloured lymph. They are frequently ruptured by the motion of the
animal, and présent small dcep ulcers, red at the bottom and edges: thèse sores soon discharge a white, purulent, stinking matter ; the horn is soon separated, by the discharge insinuating itself between the vas- cular tissue of the foot and the horn of the claw ; and the inflammation thus produced, is the cause of this troublesome disease. Perhaps, at first, one etoffl only wijl be attacked ; but after the
first pustule becomes ruptured, the disease generally extends to the others. The inflammation from the matter secreted, quickly extends itself to the whole vascular tissue of the internai surface of the last phalanges ; and, shortly after, the. horn becomes separated from the part, winch becomes flaccid, and disaharges a white pus, which after- wards becomes dark or black, stiaking, volatile, and infectious. If we ■rcmovc this discharge with care, we shall perceive the lamelke,
or the tissue covering the bone of the foot—(the podophyllous tis- sue.—Bracv Clark )—are fuller, elongated, and thickened ; and the intermediate spaces are filled with white matter, but we can per- ceive no traces of ulcération on the surface. At last, the inflammation reaches the bottom of the foot ; and then
détaches the sole, and becomes a dark matter of the nature before described. In some instances the sores become scabbed, and the inflammation
of the podophyllous tissue ceases, and new layers of horn is formed : the disease has then changed its course, and, wilhout judgment, it would be taken for Canker; but, on examination, we cannot raistake the new horn, which présents an uneven surface. In some instances the matter extends from the podophyllous tissue
to the inner surface of the sole, generally desceuding on the inner sid'e ofthe claw: this part, being harder, more readily resists the action of the pus, which only destroys the keraphiflla, or. horn-leaves ; and ultimately, from the inflammation being renewed, the matter finds its way to the upper part of the foot, and forces itself through the skin at the cutidural cavity. We then fmd that the inflammation is diminished or subsided, aiul
a new horn is secreted, and descends over the internai surface of the old '■ we can readily observe this appearance, by the claw becoming large»'» with différent waves and cavities wliich hâve fonned on the surface; after which the old is become useless. The disease does not always subside with the escape of the pus»
but extends to the sound tissue at the anterior angle of the bone, and the same course of the disease, as before described, follows. During |
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ACCOUNT OF THE FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP. 489
the continuance of this morbid state, the horn rapidly increases, and
the o!aw increases to two or three times its natural length, with a con- sidérable enlargement in size. If vve examine, with care, the podophyllous tissue, where the dis-
ease has existed for some time, we shall iind the keraphytta, or horn- leaves, and the parts covering the bone, thickened and changed into a fibrous texture, firmly adhering, and with difficulty separated from the bone, even by long macération. This is likewise covered with hardened processes, and more porous than in the natural state. We hâve only seen one instance, out of sixty-two cases which we hâve operated on, where the bones and flexor tendon hâve become diseased in conséquence of Foot-rot, although the disease had been of long standing. After our observations on the mode of attack, the progress, and
gênerai termination, of this disease, we shall find, in summingup, First, That the pustulous inflammation of the skin at the cutidural cavity and perioplic band, and also the internai surface of the inner foot, after a time, forms ulcers. 2dly, Inflammation of the podophyllous tissue, with increase of size,
and ail the parts of the keraphylla, or horn-leaves, accompanied by an unhealthy thick discharge, but with little or no smell. 3dty, The softening of the horn by the matter, after which a dark
or black stinking discharge is secreted. 4tl]!y, Evident marks of inflammation of the bones and flexor tendon,
and sometimcs, though rarely, of their becoming rotten. 5thly, and lastly, The constant propagation and locality of the
disease. In attempting to name and classify this disease, cannot we found it
on that already formed upon the différent structures ? After our varions researches in this disease, we hâve been led to believe that it ought to be cîassed under the head of inflammatory pustules of the skin ; and considering the nature and mode of attack, if we adopt the name of culidura, instead of the' coronary ring, we should then say it was cutidural pustules of the internai surface of the superior claw or hoof of the Sheep,—this is the name, then, which we propose to give. The mode of cure cornes next under considération. The first step
in the treatment, is to destroy the pustule, or ulcer, by the application of nitric acid,—a remedy first proposed by M. Morel de Vinde, which produces an excellent effect, for, in six hours after, the animal has been observed to be free from lameness : it forms an escar, which sloughs off in a few days, and a cure follows. In applying the acid, we |
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490 ACCOUNT OF THE FOOT-ROT IN SHEEP.
ought to take care that it goes far enough under the horn which has
become diseased ; and perhaps a feather will answer this purpose best. When the horn is separated by the matter, the next step is to re-
move it nearly to the sound part, and to clean away the pus carefully) and then apply the nitric acid; after which, a dressing of ^EgyP" tiacum. When the horn is destroyed, and we can see the dark or black dis-
charge, the cure is certain: it is then only nece&aryto clean the ke- raphylla, and apply a dressing of ^Egyptiacum ; the horn is quickly renewed, and, in a few days, the animal is safe. When the disease attacks the wall and sole of the foot, and thèse
parts become detached, the horn should be eut away till we arrive at the healthy part, and the same treatment is to be pursued ; and also apply some emollient substance to promote the growth of horn, for we observe the foot becomes dry and hard, which should also be protected by properly covering the foot,—not omitting to pass something between the claws. Two or three days, at farthest, after the opération, it becomes ne-
cessary to renew the first dressing, carefully examining the wound. If the foot is hot, and the old horn become detached, and the new horn growing up, there still exists white matter, which, on slight pressure, will be forced out ; the horn must be again removed, and the same applications had recourse to. During the cure, it will be necessary to remove their soil, and keep
the fold well covered with clean straw : by thèse means, sixty-two sheep were completely cured in twelve days, many of which were affected in three, and even ail four feet ; and the flock had been dis- eased for six or seven months previous. With regard to the contagion of the disease, my expérience does
not warrant my giving a decided opinion : the flock on which I made thèse observations was purchased in the month of March, 1827; and some of them, at that time, were affected : and in the month of N<>' vember, in the same year, forty-two were diseased. The flock of a neighbouring farmer which fed upon the same plain, and had, up t0 that time, been free from the disease, were found, on examinatio"' to be affected to the number of thirty-eight. |
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491
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EXPERIMENTS ON THE BLOOD.
BY MR. RICHARD VINES,
Veterinary Surgeon, Mr. Coleman's Assistant at the Veterinary
Collège.
(ABRIDGED FROM " THE LANCÉT.")
Being at a slaughter-house with some pupils, I selected for ex-
amination a young mare, which was brought tliere on account of a disease in her foot. After being destroyed we proceeded to dissect the abdominal viscera ; when, on detaching the cœcum from the colon, I observed the lacteal vessels situated in the mesentery and surrounding the lymphatic glands, nearthe spine, amongthe adipose substance, were greatly enlarged and containing red blood ; whilst those near the small intestines were much diminished, and containing a transparent fluid. I then examined those on" the concave surface of the liver, and found them containing red blood likewise. Those vessels which pass through the glands were full of blood. At first I thought it must be disease of the glands ; but on close
inspection I found they were perfectly healthy, and that the animal was living on her fat, by converting it into blood. A strong ligature was then passed round the superior part of the mesentery, above the mesenteric glands, as near the spine as possible, to prevent the fluid escaping. The intestines were then removed, with the liver attached to the stomach and duodénum. Thèse parts were sent to the Collège for inspection. I then examined the thoracic duct, and found it contained red blood ;
then the lymphatics in the lungs, and various other parts of the body, and found them containing a transparent fluid, those which transmitted red fluid only existing in the adipose substance in the mesentery. Every organ in the animal was in perfect health, except her foot. The
stomach and intestines contained only a few ounces of food. Case I.—A horse was ordered to be destroyed, which was done at
11 o'clock, A. M. At theusual hour, namely, six in the morning, he was fed. Examination after Death.—On opening the abdomen, and ex-
amining the lacteals, I found them full of a white fluid. I then opened the thorax, and exposed to view the thoracic duct ; on dividing which, there issued from it a white fluid. Of this I caught about half an ounce in a glass vessel, and set it aside. The following morning I found the greater part of it had coagulated firmly ; the quantity of |
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EXPERIMENTS ON THE BDOOD.
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sérum it gave mit being very small. To tins I applied heat, and found
it to coagulate likewise. Ail the différent organs contained in the chest and abdomen weje
in a healthy state, with the exception of the lungs, which were slightly diseased. Chronic glanders cxisted in the frontal and nasal cavities of the head-
Case II.—A horse died of inflammation of the lungs. On examina-
tion after death, he was found to hâve also a chronic disease of the liver. On the pcritoncal covering of which, I perceived ail the lym- phatics arising from thence contained red blood, and were greatly en- larged. The liver itself was considerably increased in size, weighing upwards of 80 lbs. The thoracic duct was full of red blood, which had coagulated in several places. The lymphatics in ail the othcr parts of the body were of the usual
appearances. Case III.—A glandered horse was destroyed. On examination,
the lungs were iound, in many parts, to contain tubercles. The lym- phatics arising from those parts were enlarged, and contained red blood. Those which arose from healthy parts possessed their usual appearance. I found also the left lobe of the liver diseased slightly, and the lymphatics arising from it containing red blood ; the right lobe was healthy, and its lymphatics contained a transparent colourless fluid. ; The fluid in the thoracic duct was nearly as red as venous blood. Case IV.—A horse was destroyed in conséquence of having broken
kne'es : both joints were laid open. Previous to this he was very fat. On examining the abdomen, I found a great quantity of adipose mat- ter in the mesentery. The lacteals, near the intestines, were of the usual appearance ; but as they passed through the lymphatic glands, they appeared very large, and contained red blood. The glands themselves appeared full of blood. The arteries which supply the glands, and which arise from the mesenteric arteries, were much larger than usual, as well as their veins. The thoracic duct contained red blood. Ail the organs within the
cavities of the chest and abdomen were in health. The intestines con- tained a small portion of food. Having made secure, as near the spine as possible, the mesenteric
arteries and veins above the glands; below them I took up the arteries and veins, passing a ligature around each. Opening one of the ar- teries, I introduced some quicksilver, which very soon appeared in the lymphatic glands, and from them passed into thé mesenteric veins and lacteals which contained red blood. From this I infer that tliere is à free communication between the mesenteric arteries and veins an** lacteals, by means of the arteries which supply the glands. Remarks.—From the first case, it appears that the chyle possèdes
ail the properties of blood, except that of being red. From the se~ cond, third, and fourth, that the lacteal and lymphatic vessels are the minute or finer part of the venous system, which correspond to the minute or finer part of the arterial system in which white blood circulâtes. |
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493
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EXPER1MENTS ON THE BLOOD.
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That under organic disease, or otherwise, thèse vessels, by receiving
an increased power frora those parts of the arterial System from which they arise, thereby become enlarged in size, and convey red blood like the large veins. I hâve carefully examined a great number of horses destroyed at
différent slaughter-houses for various diseases, both acute and chronic. In most of them I hâve found the lymphaticsof the chest and abdomen
containing red blood ; the thoracic duct containing a fluid of the same appearance, and this fluid undergoing the same change as blood drawn fromany ofthe veins. It is an established fact that the blood puts on a peculiar appearance
when an animal is labouring under disease : for when it coagulâtes it séparâtes into two parts—the superior part being of a yellow colour, which bas received the name of lymph or buffy coat ; and the inferior of a red colour. We frnd, however, a similnr thing takes place when in health ; but this has not yet been accountMW.10"! hâve, therefore, been mduced to try a great number of experiments, and am now able to prove the following facts :— 1. That if from an animal,—as, for instance, an nss,—being in
perfect health, feeding only on hay, and living in the open air at a température between 45 and 55 degrees, blood be drawn to the amount of two ounces, it will be found buffy. 2. That if the température be increased to beyond 60 degrees, the
blood will be found wholly red. 8. That if the température be reduced to below 35 degrees, the
blood will be wholly red also. 4. That if an animal in health, his blood being buffy, be made to
undergo moderate exercise, it will become wholly red, and will continue so for some hours afterwards. But when the circulation becomes tranquil, it will again put on its buffy appearance. 5. That should the exertion be continued to an immoderate degree,
the blood becomes again buffy. 6. When the venous blood, is buffy, the arterial is so likewise, but
in a Iess degree. In old weak animais, and those suffering from dis- ease, thèse changes are not so évident. 7. That if a horse or an ass being in health, and the blood buffy, be
destroyed by bleeding from the jugular vein, and the blood be caught in différent 'glass vessels, and allowed to ooagulate, on examination it will be found that that which flowed until the animal manifested symptoms of exhaustion from loss of blood, will be buffy ; whilst that which flowed after, even until the death of the animal, will exhibit no such appearance. |
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494
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EXPEKIMENTS ON THE BLOOD.
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8. That if from a horse or an ass being in health, and the blood
buffy, blood be drawn from the jugular vein to some amount, and the spinal marrow be divided as near the brain as possible, the arteria' blood, the moment respiration ceases, will become as dark coloured, as venous, and of the same température. And if from the same animal blood betaken from the right and left aurieles of the heart, and allowed to coagulate, that from the right will be found to possess the buffy coat, whilst that from the left vvill be entirely red, without the least appear- ance of buif. 9. That in young healthy animais the buffy coat is nearly white,
much resembling coagulated chyle. Whilst prosecuting thèse experiments on the appearance of the blood.
I was induced to notice its température, and found, lst. That in ail cases it is nearly the same.
2d. That the arterial is from three to five degrees hotter than venous.
3d. That those parts of the body which are supplied with red blood,
as the glutei muscles, &c, are several degrees hotter than those which are supplied with white blood, as the interior of the bail oftheeye, &c. On examiningan animal (horse or ass), andwheninthe highest pos-
sible degree of health and strength, and performing moderate exertion, the muscles are of a bright red colour; and if blood be then extracted, it will coagulate into a solid bright red mass, and give out a small quantity of sérum, while, on the contrary, if the same animal be ex- posed to severe cold, and supplied only with little food, the blood will be found to coagulate much more slowly, and to separate into two parts, white and dark red, constituting what is called buffy or inflamed blood ; and in proportion to the intensity of the cold and deprivation of food, so will the blood put on this inflammatory appearance ; and in proportion to the increasing strength of the animal, vvhen supplied with plenty of food, and-a more congenial température, so will the blood recover its original appearance. In strong and healthy horses, the blood may be rendered buffy, by drawing large quantities at short intervais, while the muscles become pale in colour, and their power greatly lessened. In short, any cause which produces debility will produce buffy blood. Mr. Hunter, in his work on the blood, considers the buffy appear"
ance to arise " either from an increase of animal life, or from an in" crease of a disposition to act with the full powers which the machine is already in possession of." (Vide Hunter on the Blood, paSe "° and 69, Vol. II.) This, I consider, cannot be the case, since we find it in horses turned out to straw-yards during the autumn and winter, when the vital powers are weak, in conséquence of a want |
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EXPERIMENTA ON THE BLOOD. 495
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of proper nôurishment ; but not in the spring and summer, when they
are in the foll enjoyment of good food. The blood is found to assume this buffy appearance in horses labouring under organic disease, as inflammation of the lungs, &o. The vital power of the animal having been exhausted from some exciting cause, the action of the heart and arterial System is found quicker than usual : some practitioners, there- fore, observing the blood then to be of this buffy appearance, consider this the highest stage of the inflammatory action ; the horse is there- fore bled and blistered largely, with a view to subdue the disease, but which treatment will tend to exhaust the vital pow'ers. In the latter stages of farcy and glanders, the blood is always buffy, the circula- tion quiek and weak, and the lymphatics of the extremities become distended with fluid,—ail indicating extrême debility. It appears, therefore, from this, that the blood assumes this white or buffy appear- ance when the vital fowers are weak, and the florid hue when strong. If, therefore, we examine the base of the blood, which is white (like the chyle), we find, that according to the vital property which is imparted to it from the atmospheric air in circulating through the lungs, it is found to assume this bnght red colour, and according to its diminution it will appear dark, red, and buffy ; this is likewise proved by the venous blood being darker in colour, and more buffy, than arterial. The température of the blood likewise varies according to the strength or debility of the animal ; for if the bulb of a thermo- meter be plunged into the jugular vein of a healthy ass, and afterwards into the carotid artery, the arterial blood will be found five degrees warmer than the venous : but in the debilitated animal there will be a différence only of one or two degrees, according to the diminution of vital power. The blood, therefore, when white, possesses less power than when red, which is seen in the minute vessels of the body ; but when from any cause thèse vessels convey red blood, their power be- comes increased, and not, as is generally supposed, diminished, so as to allow the red particles to pass : the blood in ail parts governs the action of its vessels, and not the vessels the action of the blood ; and according to the blood they receive, so will their action become increased or diminished. This I hâve proved by the examination of horses after death, which had been suffering under organic disease, or the effects of long abstinence ; for in thèse cases the fonction of di- gestion being suspended, a rapid absorption of the fat takes place to support life ; for no chyle being made in the intestines, the circulation of the blood there becomes greatly diminished, and the action of the lacteals of the first order almost ceases, while that of the second order, which arises from the former and lymphatic glands, becomes increased |
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496
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THE VETERINARY SOCIETY.
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to absorb the surrounding fat; atthe sarae time, on examining the nie-
senteric arteries at the root of the mesentery, as they pass betwecn thèse glands, they appear to hâve sent off large latéral branches, which ramify in the mesentery, and terminate in the lacteals of the second order; and this action vvill continue until ail the fat be absorbed, and the anima! then dies from exhaustion. From this it appears to me, that the lacteals and lymphatics are nothing more than the inferior order of vesscls of the venous system corresponding to the inferior order of the arterial system, in which ivhite blood is circulating; and that they can take on an increased action near the centre of the circulation, and become of the same charaeter as the real veins. |
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THE VETERINARY SOCIETY.
Tue Meetings of this Society hâve been held as usual, and during
the Iast month are become additionally interesting. On the first evening, the subject of Grease was further discussed ;
and in conséquence of the présence of several new visitors, some other important facts were elicited, and which were considered as throwing additional light on the prévention and treatment of this very common and troublesome disease. On the 21st, an able paper was read, by Mr. Charles Clark, on In-
flammation of the Eye of the Horse (Ophthalmia) ; in which paper the various causes and appearances of this complaint, and the states and âges of the animal in which it was most likely to occur, were particu- larly detailed, and the treatment most available in each case pointed out. A long discussion followed on the liability of particular breeds of
horses to this complaint, and the comparative value of différent remé- dies. Popular errors and vulgar remédies for this affection came next un-
der considération ; more particularly that of destroying one eye, in order to préserve the other ; but, as no very rational reason could be assigna for it, it appeared that the crédit which this, as well as various othel practices, had obtained, was due only to the periodical subsidence ° the inflammation. But, there bemg so much to say on this fréquent disease am°nS
horses, the Society were under the necessity of postponing question for discussion, ou its treatment, until the next mgnt ° meeting. The new arrangements which hâve been entered into appeared
give gênerai satisfaction. |
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497
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ON THE TREATMENT OF HORSES' FEET.
BY F. C. CHERRY, ESQ.
Veterinary Surgeon in the Army.
[Continued from p. 451.] Iiow,then, are thèse evils tobe prevented ? how is the sole to receive
a natural degree of support—adegree of support that will perserve its functions, and also those of other parts of the foot from being violated ; that will not expose to bruises or injury the sensible parts that it covers, by subjeoting them to a greater degree of pressure than nature intended them to receive ? Expérience lias shown, a iirm unyielding support to the sole to be
the greater evil ; and no support at ail being the lesser evil, it has become an adage in shoeing, that "the sole cannotbear pressure," and custom sanctions its being left without any support to its under surface ; while that given by the outer edge being attached to the hoof, is materially weakened by the ordinary paring of the foot, previous to applying a shoe. I believe it next to impossible to invent a shoe, or any mode of
applying a shoe, that will not produce either one or the other of thèse ill conséquences : it is therefore by stable management alone that the evil can be corrected; yet the gênerai System of management, which many claim crédit for observing, namely, that of making the foot clean by washing, and then leaving it so, without stopping of any kind, increases the evil. It is a common observation, that the feet of farm horses are less
liable to contraction, are more free from disease, than the feet of horses more carefully treated. This is accounted for in various ways ; but I am inclined to believe that it arises more from the gênerai support given to the whole ground surface of the foot, by allowing it to remain clogged with earth, than from any other cause, and that the state which common stable language calls one of neglect, is in reality one of high préservation. If a foot in this, so' called, state of neglect is examined, it will be
found moist, cool, and healthy, with the frog highly elastic ; while a foot that has been washed and left in the state just described, is dry, brittle, and full of cracks, with the frog hard and unyielding ; thèse are the appearances of the insensible parts : the conséquences resulting to K K
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498 TREATMENT OF HORSES' FEET.
|
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the whole sensible foot contained within the horny box or hoof, may be
imagined, when we consider the différence between this horny box, which is elastic in ail its parts, receiving support to its whole under surface, or resting only on a nairrow edge, at least twenty out of twenty-four hours ; for as to the frog being supported, or receiving pressure, it does not, among saddle horses and the best kind of coach horses, take place very frequently after they hâve been once shod. I may be told, that to stop the feet is a common practice : I know
that they are often daubed with cow dung, wet clay, or other similar substances to make them moist, and with tar or other ointments to make them hard ; but I do not know that stoppings for the purpose of support are used, though it is hardly possible that so obvious an ap- proximation to nature should be totally overlooked, as not to be found forming a part of the stable management of some reflecting individuals. But although I hâve said that a foot clogged with earth, and in a state of commonly called neglect, is in my opinion probably one of high préservation, I do not by any means intend to advocate the cause of dirt and slovenliness ; on the contrary, cleanliness and neatness in the greatest degree are perfectly compatible with the suggestions I shall offer ; indeed they are inséparable. Perhaps it may be possible to prépare some compressible and
adhesive substance, to fill up the cavity after the shoe is on, which shall give support to the whole foot, yet without impeding the full action of its elastic properties ; but as I am not acquainted with a substance that can, without manifest objections, be kept in the foot when on the road, I must confine my suggestions to stable treatment ; content that horses shall continue to be shod as they now are, by those who study "the différent nature, form, and texture of horses' feet ;" and I believe the practice of picking out and clean washing the feet of horses, immediately after they enter a stable, to be indespensably necessary ; but, this having beendone/ the foot should be jilledto a level with the shoe, with any substance that can be kneaded in by the strength of a mari s fingers or thumb ; or, in other words, a substance that will afford support to the whole surface of the foot. This treatmentjof the foot will make it approximate to its state 'n
nature : the greatest weight will be supported by the hoof resting on tl'e shoe, while the sole and frog will be supported in a degree appr"90'1" ing to what takes place on the natural surface of the earth wben tne horse is unshod. The descent of the sole is probably much more considérable wlie
the horse is going fast, with the additional weight of a rider, tnan |
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TREATMEXT OF HORSEs' EEET, 499
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other times ; therefore, when a horse quits the stable for work or
exercise, the foot ought to be picked out, andlhus any ill conséquences will be prevented that might arise from the stopping for support becom- ing hard and unyielding. This treatment certainly will not fully attain the object of constant support to the whole surface of the foot, similar to that which takes place in a state of nature, but it affords relief during the (very long period a horse remains in a stable, when in gênerai, by resting on the crust only, the functions of the foot are most violently perverted. The natural foot lias two large cavities between the frog and bars,
but I am not aware of any particular use being assigned to thèse cavities, by any writer or teacher, though the use of the frogforming one side of each cavity, and the importance of the bars forming the other side, hâve been elaborately considered by many. Now, thèse cavities on each side of the frog, are capable of per-
forming very important functions ; indeed, no less important than that of powerfully contributing to the expansion of the foot, and to the preserving of its elastic properties unimpaired. The sides of the frog are nearly perpendicular, but the bars slope
very considerably, so that the foot receives latéral or expanding pressure every time the bars rest on any convex substance ; and when the soil is yielding, the hoof, at every step, embraces a portion of it, which enters the cavities already noticed ; and, being compressed into a smaller space, equally gives latéral or expanding pressure. When the soil, from being adhesive, remains in thèse cavities, it becomes hard; and in this state, whenever pressed on, it acts somewhat as wedges, in ex- panding the foot. Nature has made a foot particularly strong at the heels, by a doubling
round, or reflection inwards, of the hoof; therefore it follows, from that unerring principle in physiology, that every part is suited to the functions it has to perforai—that the principal weight is borne by the heels : indeed a mère inspection of the position of the limb shows that this must be the case ; consequently, thèse wedges of indurated earth, are driven or pressed upwards with considérable force at every step. The shoe, however, in gênerai covers a part of thèse cavities, or at
least makes it more difficult for any projection from the surface on which the horse moves to reach the sloping internai hoof, or bar, and prcss it outwards ; but the natural soil, when soft, enters, notwithstanding the shoe, thèse cavities between the frog and bars, and the whole cavity of the foot generally, and becoming hard, when allowed to remain, pro- duces a somewhat similar effect to what takes place in a state of nature. kk2
|
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500
|
||||||||
TREATMEKT OF HO.RSE.S FEET.
|
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The critcrions of a perfect foot hâve been erroneously taken to be a
circular hoof and a large frog ; but there are many feet having thèse external appearances, that are of ail others the most difficult to manage, and which render the horse useless to a greater degree, if not entirely so, than generally takes place with strong narrow hoofs and small frogs, which, although they are attended with lameness, commonly leave a horse useful for many kinds of work in harness. Many of those feet with a full frog, and the hoof circular, hâve the
latter thin and weak : the sole is thin and weak in the same proportion, so that the foot, instead of having a certain degree of concavity, becomes flat, and in many cases convex. When convexity takes place, ail sorts of expédients, in regard to the form of shoes, are had recourse to, but none of them arrest the progress of the evil, since they are ail resorted to with a view to prevent the sole being pressed on. But when thèse expédients can no longer be employed with effect,
the treatment which I hâve suggested as being advisable, generally in a moderate degree, is adopted in the opposite extrême ; and the soles, from having had no pressure at ail, are, by taking off the shoes, exposed to some pressure in the greatest degree. This is done with a view to relieve the hoof, and at the same time to press the sole upwards towards its original situation. In thèse weak feet the benelit to be derived from filling the con-
cavity of the foot and shoe with some substance that shall give support to the sole, must be peculiarly évident : since, by giving uniform and constant support to a weak sole, and thereby relief to a weak hoof, the tendency to flatness and convexity will in most cases be overcome, and the necessity for rest without shoes be prevented. If the ideas that I hâve expressed of the form and fonctions of the
horse's foot are correct, therecan thenbenodoubt,thatto makehimstand on the hoof only, or even on the hoof and frog jointly, without pressure or support to the bars and sole, is a violent perversion of the fonctions of ail those parts, and tends to produce contracted feet vvhen the hoof is strong, and convex feet when the hoof and sole are weak ; and that to keep the hollow of the foot and shoe filled with any stifF substance that can be forced in by the strength of a man's fingers or thumb, under the précaution before mentioned of picking out the foot every day, or with any substance capable of afFording support to the whole surface of the foot, is one of the means most likely to diminish thèse evils. |
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Clapham, Octoler, 1828.
|
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501
|
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THË LION OF SOUTH AFRIGA.
[Continuel! from p. 460.J
Amongst other peculiarities ascribed to the lion, is his supposed
propensity to prey on Black men in préférence to White, when he has the choice ; or, as the Cape Boors explain it, his discrétion in re- fraining from the flesh of "Christian men" when "Hottentot folk" are to be corne at. The fact of tins préférence, so strongly alleged, need not be disputed ; but I am inclined to account for it on somewhat différent grounds from those usually assigned. The lion, like most other beasts of prey, is direeted to his game by the scent as well as by the eye. Now the odour of the woo'ly-haired races of men, and especially the Hottentot, in his wild or semi-barbarous state—" unkempt, un- washed, unshaven"—is peculiarly strong ; as every one, who has sat behind a Hottentot waggon-driver, with the breeze in his nostrils, knows right well. The lion, prowling about after night-fall in search of a supper, is naturally allured by the pungent effluvia, steaming for miles down the wind; and doubtless equally attractive to him as the scent of a savoury beef-steak to a hungry traveller. He cautiously approaches—finds the devoted wretch fast asleep under a bush—and feels it impossible to resist keen appetite and convenient opportunity. He seizes on the strong-scented Hottentot, while the less tempting Boor is left unnoticed, perhaps by his side, but more probably reclined at a little distance, with his feet to the fire, or within or under his waggon. The following anecdotes, illustrative of thèse remarks, were told me by old Jacob Mare, (my respectable and friendly fellow traveller across the Great Rarroo), who knew the parties personally. A farmer of the name of Van der Merwe had outspanned his
waggon in the Wilderness, and laid himself down to repose by the side of it. His two Hottentot servants, a man and his wife, had disposed themselves on their ready couch of sand, at the other side. At mid- night, when ail were fast asleep, a lion came quietly up and carried off the poor woman in his mouth. Her msster and her husband, startled by her fearful shrieks, sprung to their guns ; but without avail. Favoured by the darkness, the monster had conveyed, in a few minutes, his unfortunate victim far into the thickets, beyond the pos- sibility of rescue. A Hottentot, at Wolven or Jackall's Fountain, had a narrowthough
ludicrous escape on a similar occasion. He was sleeping a few yards from his Blaster, in the usual mode of his nation, wrapped up in his |
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502
|
|||||||
THE LION OF SOUTH AFR1CA.
|
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sheep skin carosse, with his face to the ground. A lion came softly
up, and, seizing him by the thick folds of his greasy mantle, began to trot away with him—counting securely, no doubt, on a savoury and satisfactory meal. But the Hottentot, en awaking, being quite unhurt, though sufficiently astonished, contrived somehow to wriggle himself out of his wrapper, and scrambled off, while the disappointed lion walked simply away with the empty integument. Numerous stories of a simiiar description are related by the back-
country farmers, and many of them sufficiently well authenticated to prove the gênerai fact of the lion's curious taste for "people of colour;" but I suspect there is also some degree of exaggeration about the matter, which will not fail to be exposed whenever we get the lion's, or at least the Hottentot's, "own account " of thèse transactions. r The following amusing story, which was related to me by some respectable farmers of the Tarka, who were présent on the occasion, would make a good figure in "The Lion's History of the Man."—A party of boors went out to hunt a lion which had carried off Rêverai cattle from the neighbourhood. They discovered him in a thicket or jungle, such as abound in that part of the colony, and sent in a nu- merous pack of fierce hounds to drive him out. The lion kept his den and his temper for a long time—only striking down the dogs with his mighty paw, or snapping off a head or leg occasionally, when the brawling rabble came within his reach. But the hunters, continuing in the mean time to pepper the bush at random with slugs and bullets, at length wounded him slightly. Then rose the royal beast in wrath, and, with a dreadful roar, burst forth upon his foes. Regardless of a shower of balls, he bounded fonvard, and in an instant turned the chase upon them. Ail took to their horses or their heels : it was " Devil take the hindmost !" One huge fellow, of greater size than alacrity, whom we shall call Hugo Zwaar-van-heupen, (or Hercules Heavy- stern), not having time to mount his horse, was left in the rear, and speedily run down by the rampant Leeutv. Hugo fell—not as Lochiel, " with his back to the field and his face to the foe," but the reverse way ; and he had the prudence to lie flat and quiet as a log- The victorious Leeutv snuffed at him—scratched him with his paw-— and then magnanimously bestriding him, sat quietly down upon his back. His routed companions, collecting in a body, took courage at length to face about ; and, seeing the posture of affairs, imagined their comrade was killed, and began to concert measures for revenghig him. After a short pause, however, the lion resigned of his own accord his stool of triumph, relieved jùs panting captive, and retreated towards |
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503
|
||||||||
THE LION OF SOUTH AFR1CA.
|
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tîie mountains. The party, on coming up, found their friend shaking
his ears, unharmed from the war, except what he had suffered from a very ungentlemanly pièce of conduct in the lion, who it seems had aetually treated his prostrate foe in the same ignominious sort as Gulliver did the palace of Lilliput on a certain occasion, and for which he was afterwards justly impeached of high treason. This story continues to be repeated as one of the best standing jokes of the Cradock District. The following occurrence is another évidence of the lion's gênerai
forbearance towards mankind, so long as other prey can be got. Three butchers' servants were crossing the Great Karroo, and, having halted near a fountain, withthe intention of resting for thenight, two of them went to collect firewood, the other remaining to knee-halter the horses, as is usual, to prevent them from straying. Whilst he was thus oc- cupied, three lions suddenly made their appearance, and selecting each a horse, brought down in an instant the two that were haltered ; the third horse, breaking loose from a bush to v/hbh he was tied, galloped off, with the third lion in chase of him. Of the two successful lions, one carried off his prey into the thicket, while the other, lying down beside his, watched the man, who, half stupified with the havoc, now began to think of making his retreat. But as soon as he moved, the lion began to growl and bristle up in a threatening attitude ; lying quietly down again, however, when he stood still. After several timid attempts, thus checked by his watchful adversary, he judged it advisable to remain stationary till his comrades returned. They did so soon after, and the lion, on seeing this reinforcement, resigned his prey and hastily retired. Another instance of the lion's préférence of horse flesh to human,
and even to Hottentot, occurred lately, at Jan van Zyl's, near the Brak River, Cradock District. A Hottentot servant of this family, riding home one night from a neighbouring farm where his wife resided, was pursued by two lions, and pulled off the horse by one of them, which, in the struggle, severely bit his leg and arm, but im- mediately left him without further notice, and joined his comrade in pursuit of the horse. The poor man was found next day by the herdsmen ; and was lately seen by a friend of mine, quite recovered, though with the loss of a hand and foot. |
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[To be continued.]
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504
|
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Natukalist.
Sir,
I hâve lately turned over the annexed paper ; it was written at the time it bears date, and intended for publication through another chan- nel. If you think it worth inserting in " The Farrier and Naturalist," it is at your service. *t\ I ara, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Clapham, Oct. 6, 1828. F. C. Cherry. THE VETERINARY COLLEGE.
As the Veterinary Collège is called a Public Institution, and those
who conduct it dérive the advantages of its being so considered, it is only fair that the acts of thèse persons should be open to public exa- mination and scrutiny; I therefore send for your perusal,—and itsbulk, when divested of the pompous form of a book, will probably not pre- vent its being inserted,—the accompanying—I hardly know what name to use, but suppose it must be dignified with the appellation of — work, emanating from Mr. Sewell, and subjoin a few remarks connected therewith. It appears that in May, 1817, the Professor's Assistant was ordered
to submit a Report of his visits to the Continental schools at the next General Meeting. Secondly, it appears that in June, 1818 (rather a long interval), a
ïteport of some kind was read by the Chairman at a General Meeting; but that Report, whatever it might be, is not recorded. Thirdly, it appears that in November, 1818, Mr. Assistant Sewell
printed a Report of his visits to the Continental Veterinary schools, that is, a Report of occurrences that took place in 1815 ; so that, at any rate, he has no claim to indulgence on the score of having been hurried. In this Report there is, indeed, a marvellous lack of Veterinary
intelligence,—it is brevity itself; indeed, any commentary that I could attempt must infinitely exceed the work. However, I shall notice one or two particulars The travelling Assistant, in pursuit of Veterinary science and Con-
tinental Veterinary schools, informs his readers of fourteen plsces honoured by his research; though, unfortunately for Veterinary science, in ten of them there was not a single patient; in two others, |
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CORRESPONDENCE. 505
|
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only a very few ordinary casualties ; and of the other two, though full
of patients, ail that regards thera is disposed of in a very few lines. But let not the readerbe too fastidious, since this travelling Assistant has discovered that at Vienna the thermometer either influences or indicates température, I cannot make out which ; that in France asses are kept to produce mules ; and, moreover, informs his readers, that the Inspector of the French Veterinary schools, stimulated, no doubt, by the présence of the English Assistant, actually devoted a whole day to inquiry of the principal Veterinary Establishment of France. Hère, however, a hiatus is to be found, as we are not told whether or not this Establishment condescended to answer the inquiries of its inqui- sitive Inspector, and, consequently, are left in the dark as to any in- formation it might give. I shall now merely add, that it appears a General Meeting in May,
1819, resolved, that in conséquence of the zeal and assiduity evinced by Mr. Sewell, " more especially in the additions which he has made to Veterinary science during his late tours upon the Conti- nent, and also in the skill which has been displayed by him in bringing into use very m any horses, by dividing and cutting out a portion of the nerves,"—or, in other words, paralysing the foot,—" the General Meet- ing request Mr. Sewell's acceptance of a gratuity of three hundred pounds, with an addition of iifty pounds per annum to his présent salary." With funds so ample and members so libéral, what may not be liere-
after expected from this flourishing Institution ! F. C. Cherry.
September, 1827.
"REPORT TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE VETE-
RINARY COLLEGE. " BY MR. WM. SEWELL, PROFESSOR's ASSISTANT.
" Having been directed by the annual General Meeting of the Go-
vernors of the Veterinary Collège, held last year, to give a Report of rny visits to the Continental Veterinary schools, the following was laid before them, read by the Président,* and is now respectfully addressed to the Subscribers in gênerai. * Did the late Duke of York really attend and read this brilliant Report, or is
it a-----palmed upon the public ?—we suspect the latter. A Secretary ought
to know better than mistake a Chairman for a Président.
|
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506 CORRESPONDENCE.
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" The return of peace having opened a free communication with the
Continent, 1 became desirous of visiting the various Veterinary schools which had been established at a much earlier period than our own ; and of endeavouring to ascertain the state of Veterinary science, or at least as much as a cursory visit to each of them would admit ; commencing with the earliest formed establishment, at Lyons.* With that view I proceeded there direct in November 1815, and being favoured with a letter to the Mayor of that city (by Sir Thomas Webbe, one of our earliest subscribers), I was readily introduced, by the same means, to the Director of the school, and kindly permitted to view the Muséum and ether parts of the Institution by repeated visits. " The Muséum contained many préparations of great utility and
novelty, appertaining to the Veterinary art ; such as full-sized muscular subjects, the same with the blood-vessels injected ; and also the brain and nervous System, entirely separated from other parts, in a fine state of préservation. The last are difficult to prépare, and not to be procured. " Many things of a minor description, but equally useful, are
amongst the collection; and an assortment of shoes of various countries. " The Infirmary stables are good of their kind, but not extensive ;
paved and drained in the ordinary way, and ventilated by the Windows only. There were very few patients in them, and those ordinary cases. There are appropriate places for other domestic animais, as dogs, &c. The forge is commodious, and well adapted for shoeing horses, and instructing the pupils in the art of making and putting on shoes, ail which is superintended by a Director of that particular branch of the art, who gives manual instructions. " A Botanical Garden is attached to the school ; lectures are given
on Botany, and also on Chemistry, in a room adjoining a laboratory. "The Théâtre of Anatomy is capable of containing about one
hundred pupils, where the lectures are delivered on that subject, and on Veterinary surgery and diseases. The dissecting-room is adjacent; and well suited to the purpose. "In the rear ofthe buildings is a yard and paddock, which are o°'
casionally used for the purpose of turning horses out. " Mons. Bredin, the Director, favoured me with spécimens of sh°es»
as used at the school, several Tracts on Veterinary subjects, and letters of introduction to the Inspector and Professor of Anatomy» °* *"e school near Paris. t * Oyened January 1, 1762.
|
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CORRESPONDENCE. 507
|
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" Arriving at Paris with a letter to Mons. Huzard, Inspecter of the
French Veterinary schools, he most obligingly facilitated the object of myjourney, bypermitting his sonto accompany me in a visit to the school, situated at Altfort, about four miles from Paris, and devoted a whole day to inquiry and inspection of that extensive Establishment, which is now the principal school * of France. ! > " The remarks relating to the several departments and arrangement
in the Lyons school, apply also to this, but which is in a more im- proved and complète state, particularly in regard to the Muséum, which occupies three large apartments ; the upper one of which is a complète and extensive library on Veterinary science, Natural His- tory, Agriculture, &c. A résident Librarian has the charge of it. "A powerful electrical apparatus is fitting up for médical purposes.
Instruments and implements of ail kinds are kept as patterns. " In addition to the lectures delivered at the Lyons school, hère are
given agriculture, rural economy, and médical jurisprudence. The latter I consider very important, and might be attended with great advantages, in this country particularly. " Stallions are also kept at the expense of Government, and annually
sent into the provinces, in order to propagate their respective races. With the same intention, asses are also kept to produce mules, which are much used in some provinces. - " The Infirmary stables and places for domestic animais are more
extensive than at Lyons, and the arrangement more sélect. " The forge and its appurtenances afford better opportunities for
instruction in shoeing, and opérations in that branch. A small porta- ble forge is also kept, to be removed to any part of the stables where its use is required. This appears to be exceedingly useful in urgent cases, and worth adopting. " A field of about six acres is set apart for agricultural experiments.
It was under a course of winter fallow. "I was obligingly presented with spécimens of various kinds of shoes
employed at the schools, and also with works on Anatomy, Medicine, Surgery, and other subjects relative to the Veterinary art. Some in- struments of a novel kind I also procured. " The Royal stables at Paris are well-constructed buildings, kept in
good order, paved, drained, and ventilated, like the school stables. The horses do not stand on litter during the day, as is customary in most stables in this country. They appear capable of containing |
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• It was opened in 1766.
|
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508 rORRESPOXDEXCE.
|
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about two hundred horses. An infirmary, stable, and forge, is at-
tached. There were four or five patients, ordinary casualties, but noue sick. Ail the horses are shod upon the plan of the Veterinary schools, under the superintendence of a résident Veterinary surgeon. " The French cavalry is also shod upon the same plan.
" Having derived great satisfaction and, I trust, improvement in Ve- terinary knowledge by the visit to the French Veterinary schools, I had leave granted, by the General Meeting in May, 1816, to proceed to those of Germany ; which I accordingly did, in July following, and arrived at Vienna in August, with a letter to Lord Stewart (Am- bassador at the Court of Vienna) from Captain Bamford, Adjutant of the Light Horse Volunteers, which procured me an introduction to Professor Waldinger, at that school.* " The Théâtre of Anatomy, Muséum, and means of theoretical in-
struction, are not so extensive as at Paris ; but there is great scope for practice, the stables and other accommodations being calculated to receive a considérable number of patients, ail of which were oc- cupied during the time 1 remained there ; where I had the opportunity of seeing some diseases peculiar to the season, which was then hot t and dry. Those were lamenesses, called fever in the feet, and lé- thargie attacks. " The lameness was treated in a similar manner to what is practised
in this country, but with the addition of being turned in a paddock, where the grass was high and kept watered, and well shaded with trees. The horses with lethargy were also kept in the paddocks under the trees, for the advantage of cool air. I also observed a shower- bath, under which the head is often placed : their médical treatment was of an opposite nature to what is practised in this country. From the numbers that were convalescent, it appeared more successful, al- though it does not accord with our gênerai theory of that disease. " The digestive organs and liver are considered as the seat of the
disease, and the vertigo coma, or léthargie affections, as merely symp- tomatic. The practice was consonant to their theory, and, as before stated, successful. - " The pupils are taught shoeing, practically, at the forge. 1
; " The shoes employed differ from our own, and those of the French school. Professor Waldinger favoured me with patterns. Books on the Veterinary art I procured at the school. * " Established by the late Emperor, Joseph the Second."
f " The range of Fahrenheit's Therraometer was from 72° to 88° in the shade, ■while I remained at Vienua." |
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CORRESPONBEXCE. 500
|
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" The stables * are not of the first order, but roomy, and floored
with wood; a common practice in Germany. It is prcferred to any kind of pavement, for its elasticity to the feet. " The other accomodations are very good ; such as box-stalls, and
places for other domestic animais. The Pharmacy and other offices are well arranged. " The stables hâve no other means of ventilation butby the Windows,
some of which open above the horses' hcads ; the plan of draining is very good. The litter is removed during the day, unless when re- quired for particular cases. "There is also a very old hermaphrodite horse, which partakes
mostly of the maie, of which it appears to be a malformation. " The impérial stable is a fine spacious building, capable of con-
taining several hundred horses. It is floored with wood, well drained and ventilated. "An Infirmary is attached, but there were no patients in it.
" There is also a forge, and a good contrivance to suspend a restive
horse for slioeing, or others for particular opérations. The horses are shod upon the school plan, and the cavalry also. "Prince Charles's stables are exceedingly good as a mode], on a
small scale ; the iioor is peculiar, wooden piles, or pièces, eut ont of a rounded figure, like large paving stones. Well drained and ventilated. " Arriving at Prague, I found nothing particularly interesting on
Veterinary subjects to detain me, therefore proceeded on to Dresden, at which city there is no school ; the pupils go to learn the profession at Vienna, Berlin, or Hanover. " The royal stables are, however, worth visiting ; the coaeh-horse
stable is probably the best drained of any jet seen ; a covered stream- let of watert passing down the centre, which keeps it always clean and sweet. They are also well ventilated, lofty, light, and spacious. and floored with wood. " The saddle-horses work unshod from spring until autumn, when
the wet season commences. Their feet are in a fine state" of préser- vation in conséquence. There were none sick or lame. I procured Saxon shoes at the King's forge4 "The kennel of boar hounds is worth attention, to observe the
variety of arrangement in every respect, breeding, &c. * " The buildings are considerably dilapidâtes, and a grant was expected soon
to rebuild the whole premises. They are constructed of wood." t "A branch of a rivulet, called the Weser, flowing into the Elbe close by."
î Saxon shoes procured in Saxony ! |
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510 CORRESPOXDENCE.
|
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" I arrived at Berlin late in August, with a letter of introduction
from the Earl of Harrowby to Mr. Rose (Envoy at the Court of Berlin), who accompanied me to the Veterinary school,* and passed several hours in viewing the greatest part of the establishment. " The Théâtre of Anatomy, Muséum, and Dissecting-rooms, form
one detached building, probably the most ornamental, handsome, and commodious structure of the kind in Europe. It bears some resem- blance to our late Théâtre, t and the new one at St. Thomas's Hos- pital, in Southwark. " The Muséum is less extensive than at Paris, but larger than that
of Vienna, and contains some novelties which they do not possess. It has a complète séries of skeletons, down to the smallest quadruped—- such as the horse, ox, sheep, dog, &c. &c. ; also birds, and the stufFed skin of an African horse, which had not the slightest appearance of a single hair upon it. It is of a dun colour, and is no doubt a par- ticular genus. " There is a good collection of shoes of différent countries. Pro-
fessor Nauman presented me with some spécimens of those used at the school. " The stables are well constructed, paved, drained, and ventilated.
" The box-stalls, and places for other domestic animais, are well
arranged. Litter is not used during the day, but sand strewed under the horses : an excellent plan for cleanliness, and particularly to be recommended. " The stables were full of patients of ail descriptions ; several lame
and léthargie, the same as at Vienna. "The practice, with a little variation, similar to that at Vienna-
There was also asuccessful recovery of alockjaw, by a différent re- medy from what we practice.£ " A riding-house is attached to the school, for the instruction of pupils
intended for the army, who receive pay from Government upon entrant- " The forge is well-conducted, and the pupils manually instructed by
the Director. The means of securing vestive horses for shoeing, °r opérations, are very ingenious, and worthy of imitation. "The king's horses are ail shod at the school forge. The cavalry lS
also shod upon the same plan. * " Established by the late King, Frederick II.»
+ Now, alas ! no more.
t " A method is pursued of allotting to tbe care of each pupil one or more p
tients : a highly useful plan, and particularly worthy imitation in our own Ins tution." |
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511
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COREESPONDENCE.
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" There is a beautifully-constructed warm and vapour bath, with a
room adjoining, capable of being heated by a stove, to reeeive the patients after bathing. " An ingenious hydraulic machine supplies either hot or cold water,
as the thermometer indicates. " There is likewise an excellent cold bath, supplied by a branch from
the river Spree, passing through the premises. " A water-engine is kept in use for médical purposes, and applied
in lethareic cases particularlv. " There is an excellent ice-house for médical purposes. Ice was said
to be used in some diseases successfully, wherein we consider it injurious. " A room is fitted up with the most powerful electrical apparatus
that, probably, was ever constructed ; said to be successfully employed in various diseases, such as 'paralytic attacks, tetanus or lockjaw, cataract, and gutta serena (paralysis of the optic nerves). " The Pharmacy, and other offices, are well arranged.
" There is a good Botanical Garden, and several grass paddocks,
well shaded with trees. A branch from the Spree amply supplying them with water. Some of the patients were turned out. " Near the Botanical Garden there is an excellent structure for dry-
ing préparations, and bleaching bones. It is open frame-work, upon the principle of an aviary. " There is an hermaphrodite horse, twenty-six years of âge, kept at
this school : it is similar to that at Vienna, and lias tushes like a stallion. " The royal stables are handsome buildings, and kept in excellent
order. They are well paved and ventilated, and sand used under the horses in the day-time. " They adjoin the Spree, into which a paved slope enables them to
cold bathe, or wash the horses at any time. " There were no sick or lame horses at the time of my visit.
" The royal barracks are kept in similar order.
" The ventilators admit of being opened and shut at pleasure. In
some instances the front of the stalls are floored with wood, to give elasticity to the fore feet. . " Before quitting Berlin, I procured ail the works of the existing
Professors, and several others. Also some useful instruments for re- lieving sheep and cattle, when afflicted with an over distention of the stomach, from gas being evolved, called Hoven.* They are very successfully employed in Germany. * " I hâve since sent several into the country to be made trial of."
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512
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CORRESPÔNDENCE.
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" Arriving at Hanover, I called upon the Assislant-Professor,
Houseman, whom I had seen in England. Was introdueed to Pro- fessor Havemann, of the Veterinary school,* and shown the Muséum, which is upon a small seale, but very useful. He obligingly answered ail my inquiries, and communicated his opinions on several subjects with great clearness, as to some doubtful points in physiology. He lias a good collection of the shoes of différent countries. " The Assistant-Professor presented me with some patterns of those
in use. " The tnfirmary stables were much dilapidated during the war, by
being occupied by foreign cavalry. There were no patients in them, so that the opportunités for practice is limited to the King's stables and out-patients. "The royal stud is sliod atthe school forge.
"The royal stables, which will contain between two and three
hundred horses, are near the school, and are fine buildings, well-con- structed, light, airy, spacious, clean, and well ventilated. The Win- dows hâve canvas shades, which I hâve not observed in other stables : doubtless an advantage, under a bright sun, and in hot weather. " Before quitting Hanover, I procured some useful Veterinary
works and instruments. "InHollandf there is no Veterinary school; but by observations
and inquiries I derived some useful practical information, andbrought home several spécimens of various kinds of shoes for healthy and diseased feet. " The royal stables at the Hague are well constructed, and in fine
order. Sand is used in the stalls in the day-time : they are well paved, drained, and ventilated. The heads of the stalls and bottoms of the mangers, being lined with glazed Dutch tiles, are kept in the cleanest state, with very little trouble. " In several other stables I observed a similar arrangement.
" At Brussels nothing particularly worthy notice appeared, but
the effectuai and simple manner of draining one large barrack staMe capable of containing about two hundred horses. It is well worth considération and trial in a public establishment." * " Estublisbed by his présent Majesty for the Electorate, now Kingdo"1 °
Hanover." . t " From this, and some other countries, were there are no Veterinary scnools,
pupils go to those of France and Germany." |
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513
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To the Editor of the Fakeier and Naturalist.
Sir,
The favourable réception which you hâve given to my former letter, induces me again to address you on French Veterinary aiFairs ; and it will be my study to offer only such observations as I am warranted in making from a short stay in that country, occupied chiefly in obtaining information on thèse subjects. The most decided feature in the con- stitution of the French Collèges, is that of their being completely under Government patronage,—a circumstance which adds to their importance, and is productive of some good effects—creating a degree of regularity in their system of teaching, and raising the profession in public estima- tion. As every pupil is obliged to submit to a prescribed course of study, which must occupy acertain time, and comprise ail the subjects which it is thought needful for the Veterinarian to understand, the tes- timonial they receive, after a public examination, is a valuable docu- ment, when contrasted with Mr. Coleman's certificate signed by his médical friends. The interest of the pupils is, or ought to be, the first and only considération ; for where each Professor receives only a regular annual stipend, éducation must be the leading object of the institution ; whereas, in the English school, which appears to be supported only by an association of persons for mutual benefit, the case is wholly diiferent, and the Professor lias an undeniable right to make his situation as lucrative as possible : the primary purpose of the establishment is getting money, and the instruction of Veterinary pupils is merely a secondary object; and, as the Collège at présent stands, a sort of favour conferred upon young men who désire to study this profession, viz., that of teaching the art and mystery of Veterinary surgery in considération of a stipulated sum. I do not believe, how- ever, that it is generally considered in this point of view, at least in the letters of various pupils I hâve seen in your journal,—they seem to speak rather as if they were claiming rights, instead of asking favours. Our English Collège is not bound by law to dispense Veterinary,
instruction, but the French schools are instituted for that particular pur- pose : they hâve no subscribers, and disregard private practice ; but are so much the servants of the public at large, as to be obliged to give professional opinion gratis to those who ask it. Thus far, Mr. Editor, I think you will allow they are superior to us ;
but still there are inconveniences in this System, though not equal in magnitude, I should suppose, to those complained of at St. Paneras. Législative interférence, beyond a certain extent, is decidedly unfavour- h h
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514
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CORRESPONDE!* CE.
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able to the progress of true knowledge, tliough it often givcs an im-
posing character to scientiiic institutions. It tends to check the active spirit of improvement in the Professors, and rather fetters the exertions of the pupil, vvhen the former receives a reguîar stated salary; and the latter is compelled, whatever may be his talents or abilities, to study a fixed period before lie can obtain a certificate of competeney. Embracing, as their system of éducation does, the whole field of
Veterinary science in its widest range, it is évident that much of the student's time is wasted in trifling studies,—things vvhich lie must in- fallibly forget, and that rather impede his progress in useful knowledge, by loading the mind with a variety of matters alniost unconnected with the subject of practice. It is not that agriculture and médical botany are wholly irrelevant to the Veterinarian's pursuits, but the importance which is attaclied to them in thèse French schools seems more to bespeak a dearth of intelligence relating to the horse ; and they are perhaps introduced as much with a view to render the student's path a little more crooked, for the sake of display, or to add another Professer to their corps, as for any other reasonable purpose. Had they exhausted the subject of the horse, or even made any
remarkable discoveries or improvements in his treatment, thèse remarks would be impertinent, but the contrary is the fact ; notwithstanding the diversity of their acquirements, and tlieir multitudinous writings, the French hâve not for a long period added anything very valuable to our stock of practieal knowledge,—not a new medicine, or new opération, hâve we been enabled to adopt, though decidedly prejudiced in favour of everything they send us. As practitioners, it does not appear, then, that they are superior to the
English ; at least the proof lies in what I hâve stated : though a much more numerous body, they hâve taught us nothing of late, while ail that is original and valuable has emanated from our island, and is now undergoing its ordeal among them. In minutiae the French excel, and they hâve also great command of précise scientific language, which is employed in setting forth the most trifling observation ; and their essays évince a degree of professional pedantry that would scarcely be tolerated amongst us. But a différent influence rules the affairs of horses in tbe two countries. The Veterinarian's authority is there established an" undoubted, whereas hère, as it were, we hâve but just obtained »rnl footing as a respectable class of men, and are still subject to be called in question, occasionally by the unlearned practitioner, by the cunnmg sportsman and imperious jockey, and even sometimes by an ignorant groom. |
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515
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COKRESI•0^•DE^_CE.
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The belief in jockey knowledge has no place at présent in France ;
and I was informed by an eminent practitioner in Paris, that the groom very rarely steps out of his proper province, to canvass the propriety of a Veterinarian's measures. To return to the schools ; their greatest fault is an excess of tlieory, which is exhibited in the publication of books of ail sorts and sizes. A vast quantity of books are dis- tfibuted at the annual examinations of the pupils, furnished by the Inspector-General of the Veterinàry schools, from his bookselling connection. However, it ought fairly to be stated that there exists a Iaudable
spirit of émulation among the profession in France, and not the least so at the Collèges. It is true that no discoveries or improvements of first rate importance hâve proceeded of late from their exertions, but they are indefatigable ih turning over and over again, and setting in new points of vievv, the various facts in Veterinàry science which are admitted to be correct, and re-discussing subjects which, with us, being once admitted, cease from that time to be inatter of debate. Having long taken the Iead in Veterinàry affaire, they justly claim seniority over ail other nations, and are extremely jealous of the improvements of foreigners. There is a kind of rivalship between their two most popular journals—the Recueil de Midicine Vétérinaire and the Journal Pratique. More has already been written on the opération of Neurotomy, in thèse periodicals, than has appeared alto- gether on the subject in England. Some hâve warmly espoused it; others condemn it as warmly : the resuit will probably be much the same as in this country, when the novelty of its first introduction has subsided. Their nationality, however, is fast subsiding in favour of Mr. Bràcy Clark's doctrines, which hâve been acknowledged and adopted by the Collèges ; and a new édition of his work on the Foot is now publishing at Paris. Extraordinary as it appears, it is never- theless true, that thèse opinions are nowhere denied but at our own Collège. Whatever the French may suppose are Mr. Coleman's" reasons for opposing them, it seems by this fact that they do not hold1 that gentleman's jûdgment in the very highest estimation. Bourgelat's rules for shoeing, and the proportions lie has laid down for the shoe, appeàr to hâve been quite satisfactory to the French ; and this subject has undergone but little of that discussion, and those various changes, which, for a long time past, hâve attended its practice in this country. At the same time their horses are very far from going, as somë writers hâve reported, universally w'ell ; on the contrary, a great number of them go miserably. It is true that the horses employed in their stages, ll2
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516
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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being of a coarse, hardy breed, suffer much less from shoeing, and go
better, than the same class in England ; but we hâve only to look at the numerous well-bred horses in the metropolis, to learn that the evils of contraction and lameness are no better averted by their method than ours, when it is fairly tried on the same kind of feet—for it is on this particular that everything dépends. As they are now making great exertions to improve their stock by importations from Britain, and at- tention to breeding, there can be no doubt that, in a few years, the observation that French shoeing is superior to ours, will be no longer passable at ail. I must agrée, Mr. Editor, in gênerai, with your remarks on this
subject, in a former Number, but am inclined to attribute even more to the extent of the bearing surface their shoes hâve upon the ground. Seldom they project less than a quarter of an inch on the outside. This plan of coarse nail holes, and projecting shoes, is particularly suitable on their light sandy roads, which are very favourable to the wear and nailing. Yours, &c.
Charles Clark.
Stam/ord Street, Blacfcfriars,
Oct. Uth. |
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\ To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Mr. Editor ;
As you hâve been kind enough to insert my letter in your last Number, and also to answer my inquiries relative to our Clerk's (or Pharmacien, as he sometimes styles himself,) lecturing and giving certificates, I shall again take the liberty of troubling you with a query or two, respecting the office which Mr. W. J.T. Morton fills at the Veterinary Collège. I hâve to regret being under the necessity of thus intruding upon you ; but trust that, after having been imposed upon,—for as such I consider myself,—I am most anxious to prevent others, particularly the new pupils, from suffering in the same v'aJ » and this I hope will be considered by you as a sufficient plea f"r my
request. Query lst. Does Mr. Morton receive an adéquate salary f°r tne
office which he fills as Clerk or Secretary to the Collège ?■
2d. Is he allowed by the Governors to receive a guinea each (.or
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517
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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any fee), from as many pupils as he can cajole, for free admission into
the Pharmacy, under the cloke of private instruction in dispensing ? 3d. Does Mr. Coleman sanction his selling his Lectures, by
Iending a manuscript copy to those who will pay him ? 4th. Is ittrue that a union of the Houses of Coleman andMorton
is in agitation ? I am, Sir, yours,
Royal Veterinary Collège, '": much obliged,
Oct. 12. An Old Pupil.
P. S. I hâve a few curious facts, relating to the office a certain
spruce person holds at the Collège, at your service ; and if you think proper, I will forward them. In answer to the first query, we hâve to observe that the Secretary-
ship to the Collège, an office which is held by Mr. Sewell, has a salary of from two to three hundred a year attached to it ; but it appears, in conséquence of the great number of situations which Mr. S. has monopoli zed, it has become necessary to add another person in the shape of a clerk; but as the employ was not deemed sufficient to occupy the whole time of one person, it was joined with that of the Dispenser—a situation occupying but a small portion of time : thus constituting about a moderate employ for one person ; and to which, independent of lodgings, fire, and candies, with some other advantages, a salary of eighty peunds a year is attached ; and we hâve no hésitation whatever in stating that we consider it a fair rémunération. Next, if the Governors permit the extortion of any sum from the
pupils, by the minor officers of the Collège, we consider it cruel and unjust, after the twenty guineas pocketed by Mr. Coleman; and we hope and trust that it is not done under their sanction, and if not, that they will take effectuai measures to put a stop to such a practice, which, however, can only be done by instituting proper lectures ; for if the pupils do not get sufficient pharmaceutical instructions from Mr. C, they do perfectly right in obtaining it where they best can. The practice of selling copies of Mr. Coleman's Lectures has
existed so long, that we cannot for a moment even suspect it has been done without his knowledge : we say nothing about his consent,—his love for money is, we believe, well known. We know nor care nothing of family affairs ; but are always
glad to receive information respecting the Collège, in the shape of facts, whether curions or otherwise. |
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A18
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CORRESPOXDENCE.
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To the Edilor ofthe Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
I hâve, with great pleasure, observed in your former Numbers, your
notice of our many grievances, and we pupils hâve to thank the Editor of this toork for many new improvements that are to be. It is confidentially announced, and that from good authority, that we are to hâve a Demonstrator. I hâve now been nine months at the Collège, and a regular attendant at the Dissecting-room, yet never hâve I had, or seen, a Demonstrator ; being destitute of which, we eut and slay (it cannot be called dissection) twice as many subjects as there is any occasion for. But my more particular object in writing thèse fevv lines, was to
acquaint you of the manner in which the dead are disposed of : the last five subjects were taken away, and I think only two pupils had the opportunity of seeing them ; when, perchance, we may catch a glimpse of a dead subject, we hâve no Demonstrator. Mr. S----------
looks, and does no more than look. Now and then there are some few
sentences drop from his lips, such as the following :—" You see, I said he would die,"—" Great inflammation,"—" Cut hère,"—" Cutthere;" and, lo and behold ! that is ail the wonderful knowledge we gain out of a subject, and away goes the horse to the knacker's, for which, I understand, Mr. S----------gets 11. ; but if a pupil dare to touch the
subject before this Assistant-Professor lias seen it, he is considered
worse than a félon. But I hope, Mr. Editor, you will not permit such misconduct and
irregularity to be looked over without notice. I shall conclude, by returning youthanks for the contents of past Numbers; and by insert- ing the above in your valuable periodical, you will much oblige many constant readers, and Some Old Pupils.
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
I admire, very much, the ingenious mode of applying the aetual
cautery through the médium of an intervening substance, as detailed
in the last number of " The Farrier and Naturalist," at page 441 ;
and although, from the statement there given by M. Gellè, it may be
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519
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CORRESPOXDENCE.
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by some considered as a modem mode of treatment ;—it is, in point
of fact, a very old one : our countryman, Gibson, quotes it from Solleysell, whose words are thèse :—■ " Shave the hair, knock, rub, and soften the splent ; then take a
pièce of the rind of bacon, not very fat, and lay it on the part with the fat side outwards ; afterwards apply a flat cautery, or red-hot iron, of the bigness of a'shilling, holding it upon the skin, and in the mean time order another iron to be heated, which must be applied on another part of the skin, but still over the splent ; continue, after the same manner, till the swelling be dissolved ; then lay a plaster over it, and shavings of clokh over that, taking care that the horse do not bite it off." The mode of blistering proposed by Sir A. Carlisle,* by a metal-
lic substance heated in boiling water and wetted silk, bears some re- semblance to this treatment, and perhaps the idea may hâve been derived from one or other of thèse sources. The following case of Fractured Jaw is also at your service.
July28, 1828. A black gelding, five years old, belonging to the
3d Reg. Dragoons, had 'one of the upper maxillary bones fractured, probably from rearing, and in descent striking the teeth on a cross bar. The three teeth remain firm in the fractured portion of the bone, and protrude forwards and upwards. The hemorrhage was stated to hâve been, at first, considérable ; but it had ceased when I saw the case, about three hours after the accident. The fleshy palate was îacerated and extensively separated. I replaced the bone, as nearly as possible, in its natural situation,
which was done without much difficulty, and secured it there by a ligature embracing ail the upper front teeth. To avoid the risk of mischief, by drawing hay from a rack, it was ordered that he should be fed only on bran ; eut hay was, a few days afterwards, mixed with the bran. July 30. The fractured bone remains in its place, and there are no
unfavourable symptoms. August 2. Is going on extremely well.
6th. Continues to go on well.
13th. Thelike.
20th. Thelike.
27th. The parts are now firmly united, and without any deformity.
The ligature was left to corne off of its own accord. There has not |
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* Vide Lancct, No. 1T1, page 315.
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520
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PAULTS AND DEFECTS TO BE
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béen a single unfavourable symptom ; and the parts being now strong
and healthy, the horse was this day dismissed to duty. F. C. CherR*ï.
Clapham, Oct. 23, 1828. —_____
THE FAULTS AND DEFECTS TO BE AVOIDED
IN BUYING HORSES. [Continuée! from-page 457.]
I belieVE most of those who hâve had any great dealings in horses
will readily agrée to this—that few things in common life are more difficult than buying a horse well ; and I hâve known many who hâve boasted of their skill and dexterity that way, and made greater pre- tences than others in the knowledge of horses, very much deceived, This is a matter that does not dépend upon a man's having more wisdom or parts than his neighbours, but upon long expérience, with a good taste or fancy, regulated with some judgement ; otherwise, a man is like to make but an indiffèrent choice. There are so many circumstantial niceties about horses, especially
in what relates to the shape, make, and going of a horse, and so much is said about the marks of goodness and badness in horses, that it would fill up a whole volume to recount half what we may hear talked in a few days upon that subject ; and therefore I shall only hère hâve a regard principally to such things as relate to a horse's being sound or unsound, as that which more immediately concerns my présent province, with such natural defects and imperfections as render horses the most unfit for common use ; and shall recommend those, who would be further instructed in such matters, to the writings of the Duke of Newcastle and others on the like subject. When a man is about to choose a horse, if he be ever so good a
judge, yet he must be forced to take some things upon trust, unless he be allowed a sufficient trial ; for several defects in a horse are of such a nature, that they cannot easily be discovered till a person has had him a short time in his own keeping. If a horse has a lameness in any part that is easily perceived ; if a horse's limbs are swelled ; if he has specks or defluxions on his eyes ; if he startles and Aies off at the signt of common objects ; if his feet are so plainly bad as to make him g0 crippling along; if he heaves at his flanks, and coughs ;—thèse, and many other such like, are defects that cannot be hid, even from those who perhaps know but: little of a horse. And as to the shape and |
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521
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AVOIDED IN BUYING HORSES.
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going of a horse, some criticise with more judgment, and are less
guided by fancy than others ; but the hidden faults of a horse are not so easily seen into. For instance, some horses, when turned six or seven years old, are subject to a dry chronical fixed cough, which cornes upon them at uncertain finies, perhaps twice or thrice a day —especially when such horses happen to catch a fresh cold. Some- times a horse with this malady coughs seldom, but often drinking : sometimes one shall never hear him cough while he is in exercise, but as soon as he cornes into a stable, or stands still any time after riding, he falls into a véhément fit of coughing, which often lasts but a little while. Sometimes he shall not be heard cough more than any other sound horse for several weeks ; and when the owner is ready to think him recovered, he shall fall again into his old way of coughing ail of a sudden, and without any symptoms of a fresh cold. As this is a malady that cannot be easily cured, and often, though not always, endangers a horse's wind, so it is not easily discovered by any ap- parent symptoms to the buyer, unless by chance he sees him fall into one of his fits of coughing ; for the method that most people take to try a horse's wind, by pinching the windpipe, will make any horse cough dry and hollow : so that a man by such trial may be easily deceived ; and there will be but little altération in the flanks, unless a horse be old, or his wind pretty far gone. The goodness or badness of the eyes is another ^thing wherein.
the best judges are sometimes mistaken, for most people regard the clearness and transparency of the eye, which indeed ought to be considered ; but it is worth observing, that horses, before they are six years old, hâve not that transparency in their eyes which they arrive at afterwards, because while they are young and growing, their juices are viscid and balsamic ; so that their eyes look thicker or clearer in proportion as their blood and juices happen to be more or less in a good state. The same may be observed in ail horses that hâve colds, when the vessels of the eyes are full : the eyes at times look thick, and sometimes inflamed ; and a blow on the eye, or a bite, will hâve the same effect, when there is not the Ieast danger of blindness. It is not, therefore, always the clearness of the eye that dénotes its
goodness, but a man is also to form his judgment from other indica- tions, particularly from the form and manner of the eye, which includes not only the body of the eye, but the eyelids, eyebrows, and ail the parts belonging to it. Many good eyed horses hâve a heaviness in their countenance, with a lowering brow ; yet great numbers of this aspect go blind with cataracts when they are about seven years old, |
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322
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FAULTS AND DEFECTS TO EE
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or between seven and eight, and sometimes later. Those are the
most suspicious where there is a bunch of fullness between the upper eyelid and the eyebrow, with a fulncss round the under eyelid, so that the eye appears as if it were environed in a ring. Such horses are often fleshy about the head and jaws, which, upon every cold, or other slight accident, exposes them to defluxions on their eyes. When the eye is extremely flat, or sunk within the orbit, it is
always a bad sign, even though there be no defluxion or humour upon it. A small pig eye is none of the best, nor a very large gogling eye : the one often perishes for want of nourishment, occasioned by some defect in the nerves, or the arteries that supply it with blood ; the other by being too much exposed to accidents, and by having too great supplies of nourishment. That eye is almost always weak which is of a longish oval figure,
especially where the two corners are narrow like the shape of an almond. When the coat or membrane that rises from the under part of the eye happens to be large and thick, so as to press the eye-ball, and the caruncle or kernel on the inward corner next the nose is spongy and moist, though there is a remedy for tins defect, yet such horses in the end generally go blind. When the eyes are bad, the muscles or movers of the eyes are
generally weak ; so if the eye looks dead and lifeless, the best way of trial is to hold up the horse's head in the same manner as when a drench is to be given which will draw the eye upwards ; and if it remains there fixed and immoveable, or has a languid motion, it is a pretty sure sign the eye is bad ; and this trial will, for the most part, hold good whether the eye be moist or dry. Some regard the colour of the eye, which, however, is différent
according to the différence of colour in horses ; and indeed we are so far to regard the colour, that if the iris or circle that surrounds the pupil or sight of the eye be distinct, and of a pale variegated cinnamon colour, it always dénotes a good eye. For the iris is always most distinct where the humours of the eye are most clear and pellucid ; and those horses hâve the best eyes which, in colour, resembie the eyes of a sheep or goat ; but few horses arrive to that perfection of colour and transparency,till they are at least six years old or upwards. On the other hand, if the iris or circle round the pupil be of a dark muddy colour, and does not appear distinct and variegated till one approaches near the eye, and if the narrow sky-coloured verge (which we observe more or less in most horses on the outside of the iris) |
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j
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523
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AVOIDED IN BUYING HORSES.
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happens to be of a milky hue, it is no good sign. Nevertheless,
wall-eyed horses hâve, for the most part, good eyes. Some in examining the eyes hâve a regard to the colour of the
horse, which I take to be no sure way of judging ; for as there aie good horses of ail colours, so there are good eyed horses of ail colours. The grey, especially the pigeon or dove-coloured grey, are the most suspected ; also the iron grey, and the dun, &c. But I think I may say, from expérience, that whatever colour is most common among horses, so as to exceed in number, abounds most with bad eyes. And 1 hâve observed as many bad eyed horses among the blaek coach breed as any other. Most people in examining a horse's eyes, lead him under a gateway,
or some shade, that they may see perfectly the colour and transparency of the eye ; but the best way is to observe his countenance when he cornes first out of a dark stable into a strong light, for if he has any weakness in his eyes, he will wrinkle his brows, and look upwards to receive more light : and if the pupil at the saine time be large, it is a bad sign ; and, therefore, the best way is to look to a horse's eyes first in the shade to observe the dimensions of the pupii, and if that lessens upon his coming out into a strong light, it is almost an infallible sign that the eye is good. | Some suspect ail horses that startle to hâve bad eyes—indeed many
bad eyed horses are apt to startle. But a horse that stares and looks upwards, lifting his feet high when he moves, and as if afraid to touch the ground, such is more likely to hâve bad eyes than one that startles ; for many horses startle merely out of fear, and I imagine not a few from some defect in vision, viz., from seeing objects indistinctly at some distance, in ail which cases the eyes may be strong and durable, though many fancy them to be weak. But if a horse frequently startles when no object is before him that might cause him to startle, we may then suspect his eyes to be but indiffèrent. Upon the whole, that eye is generally good vvhere the eyelids are
thin ; where the outward coat or tunic of the eye is also thin and délicate ; where the caruncle next the nose is small and dry; where the eye is transparent and sprightly ; vvhere a horse has a bold resolute look, and takes notice of objects without fear. On the other hand, when a horse moves his ears backwards and forwards, and seems surprised at every noise or motion of the hand ; when he raises his feet high, is uncertain in his vvalk or step, and unequal in his goings ; when his eyes appear full and swoln, with a fleshy circle round them, or when they are sunk or flat, or of a longish oval figure ; when the outward |
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524
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VETERINARr COLLEGE CASES.
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coat is thick and covers a great part of the eye-ball, and glands or
kernels of the eye are spongy and moist;—ail thèse dénote the badness of the eyes, and are often the forerunners of blindness. [To he continued.] |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES.
A Chesnut Gelding, Seven years old,
Belonging to Matthew Wyatt, Esq., was admitted on the 6th of
August, and the disease stated by Mr. Sewell to be Dyspepsia. The horse was out of condition, and did not feed well. Was
directed to hâve hay and corn diet, and a bail given composed of two drachms of powdered ginger, the same quantity of sulphate of copper, with sufficient turpentine to make it into a bail. On the 8th the dose was directed to be repeated.
lOth. Farcy tumours were to be seen under the belly, and the glands
under the jaw enlarged ; likewise a discharge from the nose. A rovvel ordered to be made in each thigh, and one ounce of pow-
dered ginger, half an ounce of sulphate of copper, and the same quantity of turpentine, formed into a bail to be given. 12th. The enlarged glands directed to be blistered, the bail to be
repeated daily, and the rowels to be kept discharging. 14th. An ounce of powdered ginger to be given twice a-day in a
bail, and to hâve potatoes to eat with the corn. 15th. Sulphate of copper, half an ounce; powdered ginger, one
ounce : to be given twice a-day. 16th. Two ounces of ginger, and three drachms of sulphate of
copper, to be given in a drink. 17th. Two ounces of ginger, and two drachms of sulphuric acid, to
be given as a drench, in three pints of water. 18th. The dose to be repeated.
19th. Three quarts of blood directed to be drawn from the jugular
vein. Mr. Coleman stated, as a reason for this, that taking away
blood acted as a tonic. From the 20th and 21st the horse became rapidly worse, from the
effect of the tonic, and which did not appear to be a suitable one for the complaint. The discharge from the nose became much worse, he breathed with much diificulty, and refused ail food ; and in the night of the 22d he died. |
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VETERINARY COLLEGE CASES. 525
Post Morletn Appearance.
The lungs were tuberculated, the mucous membrane lining the
nose, the nasal frontal, and maxillary cavities, were ulcerated. A Broivn Gelding, Four years old,
Belonging to W. Wimbush, Esq., was admitted on the lst of Oc-
tober, with Broken Knees : the accident had happened nearly a week before. The capsular ligament was eut through, and the periosteum cover-
ing the bone also destroyed, with the integuments considerably eut and bruised, and the synovia escaping. The wounds were direeted to be well washed with warm water,
turpentine ointment to be applied and a bran poultice over, with a mash diet. 2nd. Four quarts of blood direeted to be drawn ; one ounce of
aloes given in a bail, and the same dressings continued. 3d. Oil of tar direeted to be applied instead of the turpentine oint-
ment, and the poultice as before. 5th. As the swelling was rather reduced, the poultice was direeted
to be discontinued ; oil of tar to be applied twice a-day ; and a band- age to the part. Seven drachms of aloes to be given in a bail. 7th. Oil of tar to be applied as before, and five drachms of aloes
given in a bail. The horse gradually became worse till the lOth. When the parts were considerably swollen, and with great
and gênerai irritation. Fomentations were direeted ; after which, turpentine ointment,
three drachms of aloes in a bail, and a bran poultice at night. The case proceeded, with the symptoms increasing, till the 14th, the
same treatment being pursued. On the 16th, the animal became rapidly worse, and died in the
course of the day. As the parts were in a state of sloughing and mortification, little
more could be observed than that in the fall a pièce of bone had been broken, which Mr. Sewell asserted was an exfoliation, when, four or five days after, he condescended—as a particular favour—to ex- plain as he termed it, the injury the parts had sustained. Amongst other remarks, of somewhat similar nature, he stated that there were no signs of active inflammation présent. N. B. The parts were nearly in a state of décomposition, and were
obliged to be well washed at a pump before he ventured to approach |
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526
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VETERIXARY COLLEGE CASES.
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them. We are by no means friendly to such unealled for delays m
examining diseased parts ; and though it may answer some persons objecte, the benefit to the pupil is entirely lost. CASTRATION.
A Bay Morse, Five years old,
Belonging to H. Gibbs, Esq., was admitted on the J3th of Oeto-
ber to be castrated. He was directed to be kept on a mash diet. ]4th. Six drachms of aloes were directed to be given in a bail.
16th. Two drachms more were ordered ; and on the
17th, he was castrated on by Mr. Sewell : the Professor being at
his country seat, of course was not présent. The opération was performed in Mr. Sewell's best style ; several
new pupils were présent and appeared rather amused with the novelty, of the tliing when contrasted with the rustic and simple opérations which they had been accustomed to see,-—of the alternale applications of colcl water, red hot iron, resin, &c, when the hissing and smoke might well be compared with a modem improved steam-engine. But not- withstanding, the case is hitherto going on well. Nature does occa- sionally beat when pitted against Art. A Bay Gelding; Six years old,
Belonging to T. Devas, Esq., was admitted on the 9th of July
with Inflammation of the Foot ; when, after the usual routine of bleeding in the toe, poulticing, aloes, a rowel in the chest, a seton through the frog, standing on wet straw, not omitting the grasshopper shoe, the horse became afFected with Farcy on many parts of the skin, particularly about the hind quarters and neck. Rowels were inserted in several parts, and aloes, with turpentine, given internally, and blisters were applied to some of the farcy swellings. He now became evidently Glandered. The glands under the jaw
were enlarged; a disoharge took place from the membrane lining the nose, which also appeared ulcerated. Between the 31st July and the 21st October, when the horse was
destroyed, pounds of sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), Mr. Assistant Sewell's once boasted spécifie for Glanders, were administered ; but in this as with his other vaunted cases,—alas ! one of his worthy friends among the Governors, has even gone so far as to say that Mr. S. was not considered by them to hâve sùcceeded in curing Glanders ; notwithstandiug they hâve so liberally rewarded him, and his advertising to the world his fortheorriing and (noie no more) mighty spécifie. |
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527
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ACCOUNT OF A BATTLE OF ANTS.
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On the animal's being examined after death, the lungs were fbtmd
tuberculated and weak in their substance, the mucous membrane of the nose and cavities of the head uleerated, and exhibiting the usual appearanee observedin Glanders. |
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ACCOUNT OF A BATTLE OF ANTS.
EY M. HANHAKT."
The author in this memoir deseribes a battle wfitcni he saw between two species of ants ; one the Formica rufa, and the other a little black ant, which he does not name, (probably thefofusca). In other re- spects there is nothing new on this subject, this kind of combat having been described in détail, and in a very intercsting manner, by M. Huber, (Recherches sur les mœurs des Fourmis, 1810,) a work to which we refer, not being able hère to enter into the requisite détails. M. Hanhart saw thèse insects approach in armies composed of their
respective swarms, and advancing towards each other in the greatest order. The Formica rufa marched with one in front on a line from nine to twelve feet in length, flanked by several corps in square masses composed of from twenty to sixty individuals. The second species, (little blacks,) forming an army much more
numerous, marched to meet the enemy on a very extended line, and from one to three individuals abreast. They left a detachment at the foot of their hillock to défend it against any unlooked-for attack. The rest of the army marched to battle, with its right wing supported by a solid corps of several hundred individuals, and the left wing supported by a similar body of more than a thousand. Thèse groups advanced in the greatest order, and without changing their positions. The two latéral corps took no part in the principal action. That of the right wing made a hait, and formed an army of reserve ; whilst the corps, which marched in column on the left wing, manœuvered so as to turn the hostile army, and advanced with a hurried march to the hillock of the Formica rufa, and took it by assault. The two armies attacked each other and fought for a long time
without breaking their lines. At length disorder appeared in various points, and the combat was maintained in detached groups ; and after a bloody battle, which continued from three to fourhours, the Formica rufa were put to flight, and forced to abandon their two hillocks, and go off to establish tliemselves at some other point with the reinains of their army. |
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528
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THE COCCUS L.ANIGERA.
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The most interesting part of this exhibition, says M. Hanhart, was
to see thèse insects reciprocally making prisoners, and transporting their own wounded to their hillocks. Their devotedness to the wounded was carried so far, that the Formica rufa, in conveying them to their nests, allowed themselves to be killed by the little blacks without any résist- ance, rather than abandon their precious charge. From the observations of M. Huber, it is known, that when an ant
hillock is taken by the enemy, the vanquished are reduced to slavery, and employed in the interior labours of their habitation.—Bull. Univ. Mai 1826. , - |
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THE COCCUS LANIGERA, OR WOOLLY AMERICAN
BLIGHT
Is an important injurions insect. It is said it was first introduced
from France by a Mr. Swinton, brother of the late Lord of Session Swinton, in Scotland : he was a lieutenant in the royal navy, and, marrying a French lady, settled at No. 6, Sloane Street, Chelsea, where he established a Foreign Nursery, and published a French Newspaper. That this gentleman introduced the insect to the neigh- bourhood of London is probable, as his collection of apples, in 1790, was sadly overrun with it ; but it must hâve been in England long before that time, because it was common on crabs, and even thorns, in the wild copses of Buckinghamshire, in 1795. It is not generally known that there are two species of coccus fréquent in our hedges and underwoods, designated ovate and reneform ; they are both found on the smooth bark of young ash-poles or trees, and sometimes on the red willow. Both species may be collected, and they appear to yield the dyeing matter of as deep a tint as that from the cactus cochinillifer. Washes of lime water, laid on with a strong brush in winter and early spring, are destructive to them ; and soft soap and water is also useful in the spring, because its glutinous consistence prevents their migra- tion, and it may be otherwise offensive to them. They are imper- ceptible to the naked eye when very young, and it appears they can even insinuate themselves under the bark : before they bring forth their young they become stationary, and construct for themselves nurseries for that purpose, composed of some exuviœ from their bodies, whi°n are formed into a brown hemispherical shell, as on orange trees, p'nes' ash, &c., or into an efflorescent fibrous covering, (hence lanigera,) as on apple, larch, and Weymouth pine, &c. |
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Printed by G. Puckworth, 76, Fleet Street.
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THE
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FARRIER AND NATURALISA
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No. 12.1
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DECEMBER. [1828.
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MR. COLEMAN'S INTRODUCTORY LECTURE.
The Professor of the Royal Veterinary Collège delivered his
Annual introduetory Lecture ou Wednesday last, on which occasion he was more than usually diffuse in his remarks respccting the inaptitude of médical practitioners to acquire the knowledge necessary to con- stitute a veterinary surgeon. To his usual statement of comparative anatomy leading to comparative physiology and pathology, and con- sequently to error, he tins year added to the other comparatives, that of comparative treatment as the climax of thèse errors, resulting from veterinary practice being attempted on the basis of a knowledge of anatomy and physic as regards men, and that expérience was essential to make a compétent veterinary surgeon. Thèse opinions, given as the resuit of close observation and long ex-
périence, may, to ordinary miads, seem at variance with the déclaration purporting to be that of his colleagues in the Médical Examining Com- mittee—that they alone,—though not one of them is remarkable for a knowledge of horses, or for expérience or skill in veterinary practice, though ail deservedly celebrated for a knowledge of their own pro- fession,—are compétent to examine the veterinary student as to his veterinary acquirements -, and who, with ail due form, déclare that, having examined such student, they, being physicians and surgeons, consider him as qualilied to practice the veterinary art. Perhaps tht ingenious Professor may be able to reconcile thèse
apparent contrarieties ; but until he does so, the principles of the Professor, and the practice of veterinary surgeon making, must be held to be at variance. The circumstance of the automaton Deputy Pro- fessor having been called a member of that Committee does not alter the fact. The Professor complained that the Veterinary Collège,—that is, him-
self,—had been accused of having done nothing for veterinary science. M M
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530 MR. COLEMAN'S [NTRODUCTORY LECTURE.
That he has been accused, and that justly and repeatedly, of baving
done only a small part of what might reasonably be expected from so wide a field for experiment and observation, and the unbounded patronage conceded to hira in the name of the Veterinary Collège, is perfectly true. To rescue his réputation from this imputation, he stated his intention to enumerate the discoveries there made : but thèse can hâve been but very uniinportant, or his memory must hâve failed him ; for, at the head of thèse discoveries, he placed that of navicular disease, by a gentleman, with whom, however, he stated himself to differ as to its nature, and added, that ' though this cause for foot- lameness might hâve jbeen known to others, yet this gentleman was the first who published it.* Hère, again, the Professor's memory must hâve deceived him, or he must never hâve read the able works of La Fosse and Osmer. At the conclusion of the Lecture, he was addressed by apupil,who,
rising in his place, requested the Professor to inform him to whom the pupils were to apply for anatomical démonstrations ? The Professor replied, To Mr. Sewell, as principal, and to Mr. Vines, as assistant. It is, therefore, to be hoped that this duty, which has been so long in abeyance, will be now duly and efficiently discharged. The same pupil went on to state that he had been reproachcd by Mr.
Sewell, with being at the stables of the Collège at improper hours, and requested to be informed if any régulations existed on the subject of attendance, that lie might comply with them? Thèse inquiries, though made in words, tone, and manner, most respectful, were too much to be tolerated even by the urbanity of the vénérable Professor, who eut the matter short by saying, that it was beneath him (the Professor) to answer such questions ; that he (the inquirer) was actuated by a spirit to excite discontent ; that he would never make a veterinary surgeon ; that he had better quit the Collège ; and that he (the Professor) would take care that he (the question-asking pupil) should do so. Tnquiry could not, of course, be pursued, after this rebuke ; and the
Professor, having for the moment lost his usual self-possession and courteous demeanour, quitted the Théâtre with somewhat less clamorous plaudits than usual, F. C. Cherry-
Clapfiam, Nov. VUh, 1828.
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* Quere— Wlien and where ?—Ed.
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: 531
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ON NAVICULAR DISEASE.
8Y MR. CHARLES CLARK.
As the term navicular disease has never been very correctly defined,
it is necessary to state that what I hère raean to express by it, is that lamentable complaint in the fore feet of horses, which passes under the scientific appellation of groggy lameness ; by which Veterinarians in gênerai mean to infer that there is disease of the shuttle bone, in which, also, they unblushingly admit that there is no cure, and usually resort to the expédient of cutting out the nerves going to the feet, in order thereby to destroy the sensation of pain ! Perhaps it might be as intelligibly defined to be that kind of chronie
lameness which people usually attribute to hard labour. I propose to show that groggy lameness (for we must use this term to be under- stood) is uniformly caused by the " inflexible pièce of iron called a shoe," and that it may be entirely prevented by the use of a jointed shoe ; and also that disease of the shuttle bone does not exist in one half of those cases in which the horse is saidto be lame from navicular disease, and is nerved accordingly. It is now generally admitted, that the rigid, fixed shoe, bypreventing
the natural play of the foot, causes pain, inflammation, and contraction, Now let us for a moment consider, when the foot is thus confined, what must take place at the articulation of the coronet and foot bones, commonly called the coffin joint. This joint, being the last in the ex- tremity, is, from its situation and structure, peculiarly required to hâve some degree of yielding in unison with the expansion of the foot; but when that motion is denied, and the foot fixed immoveably by iron and nails, the shock which it receives during fast action, as in galloping^ becomes extrême, and the natural conséquence is inflammation, more or less severe. This is shown by the state of shod feet on dissection, which appear uniformly red and inflamed, while those that hâve never been shod (that is, fettered) will be found clear, white, and natural. This inflammation, long continued, must cause a rapid absorption of the synovial fluid : irritation is still kept up, the periosteum becomes inflamed and injured, and nothing is more likely than that disease will ensue. The most common change to be observed in thèse parts, is the ad-
hésion of the shuttle bone, which lies transversely across the middle of the foot, with the perforans tendon, which passes expanding beneath it: M m 2
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532 ON NAVICULAR DISEASE.
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the sole becoming too concave and perfectly unyielding, in some con-
tracled feet, may occasion this adhésion by its upward pressure. At other times, small speculte of bone are thrown out ; and in some cases there is ulcération of the bone, usually beginning in the middle ; but thèse are more rare. Often, indeed, vve find the whole contents of the foot,—bones,
cartilages, and tendons,—united in one solid mass ; this is the resuit of a tendency to ossification, when once begun, but my inquiry relates to thatbeginning. Howorwhyit does commence?—And there can be no elucidation so satisfactory as that which ascribes it to the fixed state [of the foot induced by shoeing. For it is clear (as Professor Coleman says, most justly), that if a :'part does not perform its natural fonctions, it must become diseased ! Such are the appearances in certain feet. I hâve never heard or seen any sufficient cause assigned for them by others, but they are said to constitute navicular disease ; and as there can be no efFect without a cause, are we not justified in attributing it to the common shoe ? Some are content to consider it as arising spontaneously, but ï
must discard their very weak argument, having so good and sufficient a reason to render. The opinion I hâve advanced is confirmed by the fact, that horses' feet, shod from the first in expansion shoes, hâve never been found toossify, ulcerate, or adhère in the coffin joint: when they shall do so, I give up the question ; but it is found, that, with freedom and elasticity, health and vascularity are preserved. Those whose shoeing practice would be condemned by admitting the facts hère stated, will doubtless continue to call it a disease sut generis. As to the external or diagnostic symptoms of this complaint, they are
of so obscure and ill-defined a character, that no man can déclare its existence with certainty, except in the last stages; and it is therefore very common to pronounce a horse lame of navicular disease, when, in reality, he is sufiering from simple contraction. This is the primary and gênerai evil : the diseased shuttle bone is
merely a concomitant symptom, and comparatively very rare ; but not being supposed to be a conséquence of the shoe, it has been a favourite subterfuge, and served for âges past to conceal its mischievous eifects. Thèse complaints hâve no doubt existed ever since iron horse shoes
became gênerai, though never to such an extent as now ; and the old farriers, when called to such cases, were in the habit of saying tna* the horse had the coffin-joint lameness, which removed ail blâme from their shoeing: and in the présent enlightened day, this more mysterious term, "navicular disease," which throws no new light on |
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ON NAVICULAR DISEASE. 533
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the subject, and is merely a new name for an old thing, is employed
for the same laudable purpose,—to disguise the real evil of contraction, and the baneful effects of the fixed shoe ; nothing being easier than to assert the présence of a complaint that can only be certified by dissection of the foot,—one that cannot be shown if it really exists, nor positively denied if it does not. Contraction has ever been the bugbear of the Veterinary profession, whieh they neither knew how to prevent or to cure ; so that lameness was referred to a nominal disease, wben it was not easy or politic to explain why a horse at eight years old should be an incurable cripple. It is true that cases of disease in thèse parts may arise from various definite causes ; the puncture of a kennel nail may cause adhésion of the tendon, so may the violent application of corrosives in the cure of thrsshes. There are cases of fracture, too, sufficiently obscure to baffle the bestjudgment. On the other hand, we find, in the vast majority of contracted feet,
on dissection, a perfectly sound state of the shuttle bone ; yet, during life, a nerving practitioner may safely predicate the navicular disease, since proof is then impossible. There is a certain class of prejudiced persons who would rather believe the most vague and ill-founded asser- tions about foot-lameness, than admit the evil influence of t.heir ne plus ultra, the common shoe. Thèse hâve seized on it with avidity, and magnified it into a most important disease,—nay, even hâve gone so far as to déclare that contraction was harmless, and had nothing to do with lameness ! Such u-ere the'opinions of "Nimrod," expressed in the Sporting Ma-
gazine, some years ago : lie déclares that ail that had formerly been obscure to him, respecting the foot, was rendered clear, by supposing that this disease really did exist in nearly every case of chronic lame- ness ; and seems to consider itthe solution of every difficulty, and the key to foot knowledge. Men readily Iend credence to a theory they cannot understand, vvhile the glaring deformity of contraction, and the thousands of feet narrowed to two thirds of their natural width by it, can be seen with unconcern. The very term, "groggy lameness" which even professional men
disdain not to use, implies,—if it mean anything,—that the complaint is not well understood. Some call such horses foundered ; which is incorrect, as the word "founder" is only applicable to a particular state of this organ, in which the coffin bone is sunk and the sole con- vex below. This is an error from high authority. Under the new name of "navicular disease," it has been claimed
as a new discovery; but even if the old farriers had been ignorant of |
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534
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ON NAVICULAR DISEASE.
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it, La Fosse and Osmer, it would appear from tlieir works, were welï
aware of it. Respecting the cure of this disease. In former times, the farrier,
after informing the unfortunate owner that his horse was lame in the eoffin joint, was accustomed to recommend firing, blistering, scoring the hoof, and tuming the horse to grass ; or, in some cases, to pro- nounce him incurable. But the modem Collège Veterinarian takes bolder ground : overlooking contraction and the shoe entirely, lie calls it the navicular disease, and advises Neurotomy. If ever there was an opération, the fréquent performance of which is a reproach to scientific surgery, this is one. It is far more discreditable, when performed without a suffieient cause, than amputation in the human subject, which John Hunter somewhere compares to the executioner's duty : it is, in many instances, like cutting the Gordian knot we hâve not skill to untie ; and rendering the materials useless. As an occasional resort, in peculiar cases, it is, doubtless, allow-
able and useful ; but the bare necessity for its common practice im- plies something fundamentally wrong in our treatment of the foot. Why make cripples by shoeing, and relieve their pain only by destroy- ing sensation? But as this opération, after succeeding in somé instances, and failing in many more, is now falling into disrepute, less need be said of its injurious tendency; which is decidedly to lead the public to disregard contraction, under the false supposition that its eiFects might be removed by this (disgraceful) resource of cutting out the nerves. For it is certain, that hundreds of horses bave been nerved for pretended navicular disease, whose lameness arose only from simple contraction occasioned by foot fetters,—cases, too, the major part of them, in which the judicious application of expansion shoes would hâve given permanent relief. Much has been said respecting this disease, but no explanation given,
I believe, of the manner in which it is occasioned : this I hâve attempted to supply ; and in so doing, to show, that having the same baneful cause as contraction,—being, in fact, merely a symptom of that dis- ease—it may be prevented by the same simple means,—by allowing to the foot of the horse that needful expansion which nature has not denied to any animal on the face of the earth. |
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Siamford-street, Nov. 10.
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535
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ON THE
APPEARANCE OF THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS UNDER
DIFFERENT STATES OF EXCITEMENT. BY MR. RICHARD VINES,
Veterinary Surgeon, Mr. Coleman's Assistant at the Veierinary
Collège.
(FROM " THE LANCET.")
Having stated, in a former communication,* that the blood of the
horse or ass, when in perfect health, after being vvell fed and mode- rately exercised, assumed a bright red colour ; and the blood, which was then abstracted, coagulated quickly into a solid uniform mass, without any séparation of the red part ; and, on the contrary, if the same animal were exposed to a low degree of température, and allowed only a small quantity of food, that the blood, under those circumstances, gradually assumed a darker colour, coagulated slower, and, during its coagulation, separated into two parts, a superior white, or straw- colour, and an inferior dark red, thus constituting what is commonly called buffy, orinflamed blood; and that in proportion to the degree or intensity of cold, and the deprivation from food, so the blood assumed this buffy appearance ; and again, in proportion to the increased strength of the animal, when supplied with a due quantity of food, and placed in a more congenial température, that the blood recovered its original state. I likewise stated, that the blood assumed this buffy appearance in
healthy horses, from drawing large quantities at short intervais, and also that any cause that debilitated the system would likewise render the blood of this appearance. On further investigation, and from numerous repeated experiments
and observations, I hâve clearly ascertained and proved, that the blood assumes différent appearances, varying according to the circumstances under which the animal is placed. When the animal is in perfect health, and moderately excited, the colour of the blood will become brighter, and the coagulating property will be increased ; but, on the contrary, that in both, when under great (as well as diminished) excitement, the colour and coagulating property will be found gradually to diminish. Under the former circumstances, both the venous and arterial blood
assume a brighter colour, coagulation takes place quicker, and the consistence will be found to be iirmer, without any séparation of the red part, and this appearance will be seen, whether a small or large quantity be taken; but if the exertion be carried to a great excess, or if the animal breathe an impure atmosphère, or be exposed to a low degree of température, and at the same time not allowed food, or to be exercised, the venous and arterial blood will then gradually appear of a darker colour, coagulation will be slower and weaker, and, during |
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« Lancet, No. 195,_Vol. xii.
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536 APPEARANCE OF THE BLOOD OF ANIMAIS
the coagulation, the red part will separate, at fiïst in a siight de-
gree : but this appearance is only to be observed on drawing a small quantity, but afterwards to a much greater extent, by taking a larger portion ; but in the advanced stages, and as the animal becomes more exhausted, it then gradually fails to assume the buffy appearance, from its coagulating property being too far diminished. From thèse facts, it becomes évident, as I hâve previously stated,
that the venous and arterial blood assumes différent appearances, vary- ing according to the circumstances under which the animal is placed ; thus, while in health, and under moderato excitement, its colour and coagulating property gradually increases ; but, on the contrary, both when under great as well as diminished excitement, its colour and coagulation will be gradually diminished. The following table will give a more comprehensive view of the
subject :— |
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The middle portion, Fig. 1, is intended to represent the appear-
ance of the blood, either venous or arterial, under moderate excite- ment, coagulated into an uniform firm mass, without any séparation. The three latéral portions, on each side, are intended to represent
the colours and coagulating property, diminishing those on the right side from too great excitement, and those on the lelt, from diminished excitement. Fig. 2, on each side, show the blood darker in colour than Fig. 1 ;
and, during the coagulation, to hâve separated into two parts; asupe- rior, which is either white or straw-coloured, and an inferior, or red part. The two next portions, Fig. 3, likewise show the blood coagulated,
but still darker in colour, with a larger portion of the white or straw- coloured part, and a smaller of the inferior or red. The two outside portions, Fig. 4, represent the blood of a darker
colour than the last, but without any séparation of the parts, owing to its weak coagulation. From this, it appears évident, that the remote causes which increase
the colour and coagulating property of the blood, are, pure air of a moderate température, good food, and moderate exercise ; but, on the contrary, those under which it diminishes, are, violent or long-continued exertion, severe pain, increased température, or any of thèse causes in combination with high feeding : this is very frequently to be observed in the spring of the year, and summer months, while the thermo- meter is high ; when it is very common to fmd inflammation of the lungs, eyes, and othcr inflammatory diseases from too great excite- |
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UNDER DIFFERENT STATES OF EXCITEMENT- 537
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ment of the System ; again, other remote causes also render the blood
in this state, by diminishing the action of the various organs of the body, as impure air, long exposure to wet or cold, without food or exercise ;* this we find to be the case in the autumn and winter, while the thermometer is low. It therefore appears, that while the causes which support the func-
tions of the différent organs of the body are duly and moderately applied, the colour and coagulating property of the blood gradually increase; but, on the contrary, if thèse causes are gradually withdrawn, or carried to too great an excess, then the colour and coagulating pro- perty will gradually diminish ; thus it will be found, that as the animal increases in strength, the blood will coagulate stronger and quicker, l'rom containing a larger portion of animal matter; but as the animal diminishes in strength, and while under great or diminished excite- ment, the blood coagulâtes slower and weaker, from containing a smaller portion; its quick coagulation dépends on the quantity of animal matter it contains. The blood of strong subjects is always greater in weight, and coagulâtes stronger and quicker than that of weak ones ; thus, as the animal increases in strength, while in health, and under moderate excitement, the blood coagulâtes stronger and quicker, from containing a larger portion of animal matter ; and again, as the animal diminishes in strength, as while under great or diminished excitement, the blood gradually coagulâtes slower and weaker, from containing a much smaller portion. This white, or buffy part, commonly called self-coagulable lymph,
or librin, may therefore be considered as the base of the blood of ail animais ; it assumes différent colours, and possesses coagulating pro- perties, varying in animais, and in différent parts of the body of the same animal : in the strong parts it appears red, from possessing a high degree of vital power, while in the weak or finer parts, it appears white, from possessing a much lower degree of vitality; in strong sub- jects, and in the strong parts of the body, it coagulâtes strongly and quickly, from containing a large portion of animal matter : hence, it lias receivedthe name of fibrin, from a supposed resemblance to mus- cular or fibrous texture ; but, on the contrary, in weak subjects, and in the weak and finer parts of the body, its coagulation is much slower and weaker, from its containing only a much smaller portion. It also assumes différent appearances, varying according to the circumstances under which the animal is placed. When in perfect health, and mo- derately excited, it appears of a bright red colour, and coagulâtes without any séparation ; in this state, we may consider it as possessing the highast degree of vital power ; but, on the contrary, that is, from too great, as well as from diminished, excitement, in conséquence of its vitality being diminished, it then appears darker in colour; coagu- lation becomes slower and weaker, at first in a slight degree, but afterwards to a much greater extent. B I therefore deny the hypothesis of the blood being a compound fluid, * The blood has likewise the same appearance, when the hoise is under the
influence of Digitalis. |
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538 VETERINARY PROFESSION.
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while circulating in the living body, and of the lympli, red globules,
and sérum, but consider it as live animal mattcr, capable of assuming eitherafluid or solid form; and that, while in the state of a fluid, it possesses a higher degree of vital power than when in a solid statc; that it assumes différent colours, and possesses various degrees of solidity, varying in animais, and in différent parts of the same animal, which dépends upon the quantity of animal matter it contains previous to its coagulating, or assuming the solid state. I consider its base as originally white, and that it dérives its colour and coagulating pro- perties from the combination of atmospheric air, when circulating through Ihe lungs ; this appears from the artcrial blood being always greater in weight, and coagulating firmer and quicker than either the lympli or chyle; and I consider that its différent colours indicate its various degrees of vitality ; for, in the strong parts of the body, it ap- pears red, from possessing ahigh degree of vital power; while, in the weak or finer parts, it is white, from having only a much lower de- gree of vitality. The Iacteal and lymphatic fluids may, therefore, be considered as
venous blood. This appears from their assuming différent colours, and possessing coagulating properties, varying according to the différent states of the animal. In strong and healthy horses, if destroyed while in perfect health, and under moderate excitement, the lymphatic fluid assumes a white, or straw-colour, in those parts of the lymphatic Sys- tem situated near the circumference and centre of the circulation ; but, on the contrary, in many of those which are destroyed when under great, as well as diminished, excitement, it commonly assumes the same character of dark venous blood in those parts of the lymphatic System, situated nearest the centre of the circulation, as the thoracic duct, and the second order of the lacteals and lymphatics. This we find from the fonctions of digestion being suspended, from severe pain produced from open joints, punctures in the feet, &c. ; also by expo- sure to severe eoîd without food. Royal Vêler inary Collège,
Oct. 15, 1828. |
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VETERINARY PROFESSION.
In a former communication, at page 353 of the " Farrier and
Naluralist," I stated certain measures deemed necessary towards the improvement of the Veterinary profession, and the attainment of which Mr. Coleman had undertaken to support by ail the means in his power. Those measures having been so lately published, and to be found in the 8th Number, need notbe recapitulatedhere. But no sooner was the first step to be taken towards giving thèse
engagements effect, than new objections were presented on the part of Mr. Coleman, and restrictions called for that would hâve neu- tralized what had alrcady been donc ; and the hope of obtaining his |
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VETERINARY PROFESSION. 530
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support to the measures he had already agreed to, as being necessary,
was Iost : indeed, it appeared that his principal object was, by a mixture of collusion and évasion, to obtain delay. That amendaient in the existing order of things was necessary, could
not, however, be denied ; and it was accordingly stated, by Mr. Coleman, that the Médical Committee of Examiners had resolved to recommend to the General Meeting of Subscribers to appoint a Vete- rinary Examining Committee, consisting of the Professor, the Assist- ant, and a limited number of Veterinary surgeons: no Veterinary student, in future, to receive a diploma, until examined and approved by both Committees. The duties that were to be performed, or any détails respecting its organization and proceedings, were not men- tioned. At length the Annual General Meeting of Governors and Sub-
scribers, for 1827, took place on the 28th of May : the only sub- scribers who attended, besides gentlemen designated Governors, being Mr. Goodwin and myself. At that meeting there was a gênerai feeling, on the part of the
Governors, towards adding Veterinary surgeons to the existing Com- mittee. There was, indeed, one exception ; and the remarks made by that gentleman, afford ample matter for future commentary : it is sufficient hère to state, that he alone raised his voice against a mixed Committee. At the meetings that had previously taken place between Mr. Cole-
man, at his solicitation, Mr. Goodwin, and myself, Mr. Coleman had declared that the members of the Examining Committee were not averse to a limited number of Veterinary surgeons being added to that Committee ; and the proposai to add one Veterinary surgeon to every two physicians and surgeons who might then, or thereafter, be on the Committee, was considered, by Mr. Coleman, so moderate and rea- sonable, that he expressed his conviction it would be acceded to by the members of the Médical Examining Committee, without opposition or without reluctance ; indeed, that they wished some change of that kind to be made. But when the feeling in favour of adding Veterinary surgeons to the
Médical Examining Committee, on the part of the Governors, be- came manifest, it was met by Mr. Coleman rising, and giving it as his opinion, well knowing the feelings, individually, of every member of the Médical Examining Committee, that they would not sit with Ve- terinary surgeons ; that if such a measure was carried, they would, one by one, withdraw. He did not assert this merely as his belief, but he stated the reasons that would induce them to withdraw; and |
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54G VETERINARY PROFESSION.
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thèse were, among others, th.it the examinations would be made in-
conveniently long, and that they could not give time to go through them : but be it remenibered, that a fee of three guineas, and, under some circumstances, a fee of five guineas, is paid for such examination ; for which fee, however, the pupil is entitled to as many répétitions of examination as the Committee please to give. And hère, it may be remarked, that, supposing the assertions of Mr. Coleman to be true, that the Médical Examiners cannot give time to more lengthened ex- aminations, it must follow, of course, that they will be induced to limit the number of examinations, in order, equally, to prevent the -consuming of more time. It is évident that this System, supposing it to be truly described, is well calculated to ensure the passing of every pupil who has assurance and persévérance ; for any one thus endowed, may, by continuing to présent himself to thèse gentlemen with so little time to spare from their other duties, be sure to pass, for the sake of being got rid of : his fee has been already received ; gentlemen hâve but little time; his présence becomes troublesome ; no more money is to come from him ; and therefore he must pass, that another fee-payer, and aspirant for a Veterinary diploma, may be admitted in his place. Thèse are the necessary conséquences of the opinions of Mr. Coleman, being founded in truth : whether they are or are not so, is a question between him and the members of that Committee for vvhom he under- took to speak. But besides thèse assertions of Mr. Coleman's, or reasons of the
Committee already stated, as to their being called on to give too much time to the duties they hâve undertaken to discharge, another most cogent statement was also made by Mr. Coleman; and this was, that at présent, the Examiners came to the Committee in the expectation of meeting friends and enjoying their conversation ; and if Veterinary surgeons were admitted, they feared that this enjoyment would cease. It was not, however, distinctly stated, whether such enjoyment was to cease merely from the Veterinary surgeon urging a protracted exa- mination, and therefore, most probably, an efficient one ; or whether thèse Veterinary surgeons, ail of whom hâve been created such by tins Committee, are so stupid, illiterate, and narrow-minded, that a sélection cannot be made from among them fit for the associâtes of gentlemen. Judging, however, from the choice they hâve made, they cannot be very fastidious on this point. They hâve selected Mr. Sewell as their colleague. Mr. Sewell,
remarkable for secrecy and évasion, is selected as the successor of Mr. Cline, the early, warm, efficient, and effectuai promoter of the Vete- rinary art;—the oldest member of their Board;—their Président,' Mr. |
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VETERINARY PROFESSION. 54Ï
Cline, a teacher of nearly lialf a century, with an unsophisticated
ruînd, and giving elucidations as clear as an unclouded meridian sun, is succeeded by Mr. Seweli, a mère Veterinary surgeon, with no more advantages of éducation than are possessed by many, and with infinitely less advantages than are possessed by some, members of the profession. A grave man, eertainly, with powers of communicating what knowledge he does possess naturally defective, and habitually cautious in exposing his opinions, whatever they may be, to the test of scrutiny and examination ; whose expérience is limited by the walls of the building at St. Paneras, called the Collège, and whose endeavours hâve been directed to confine the principles of his Vete- rinary practicc,—if, indeed, his practice is guided by principles,—to the same limited scope. With thèse disqualifying circumstances at- tending him, it may be asked, What has pointed him out as being the only Veterinary surgeon fit to sit at the same board with the members of the Médical Examining Committee? Is itthat he basa grave, self- important carriage ?—Isitthathe has an unruffleable temper?—Is it that he has patience under the jests and the ridicule of a superior?—Or is it in his having been the recording clerk of the fiât of a Non-veteri- nary Committee as to the fitness of a man to become a Veterinary practitioner, in which Committee he, a Veterinary surgeon, claiming to be an Assistant-Professor, had not the right to utter a single opinion, orask a question? That Mr. Seweli is a respectable practitioner, I admit; but I deny
that he possesses qualifications, either natural or acquired, so far above every other Veterinary surgeon in tins country, as to warrant his being selected as the first, the only, individual fit for the office of Mé- dical Examiner. It has been declared, by the Médical Examining Committee, that
under their management Veterinary science has not merely advanced, but has eminently flourished for thirty years ; but when this flourishing state is looked to for its fruits, the Professor Coleman, professing to speak for this same Committee, déclares that this flourishing profession eontains but one member that they will condescend to meet and act with in matters purely professional : and, be it always rememhered, that this individual can claim nothing beyond the being a mère Vete- terinary surgeon, with knowledge and expérience of the most limited description. I shall pursue this subject at a future period.
. F. C. Cherry.
Clapham, Oct. 1828.
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542
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HORSE CAUSE.
Court of Common Pleas.
EDMONDS V. DOBSON.
Tins was an action brought by Mr. Edraonds, a surgeon-dentist,
rcsiding in Argyll-street, on a warranty of a horse soldto him by the défendant, late Quarter-Master in the lst Régiment of Life Guards. Mr. Sergeant Wilde stated the case. The plaintiff having occasion
for a horse for his cabriolet, gave a good price (80/.) for the animal in question, upon the représentation of his perfect soundness. Shortly after the purchase, however, a suspicion arose that the horse was not quite as sound as he had been warranted, and he was submitted to the examination of Mr. Sewell, at the Veterinary Collège, upon whose déclaration of his unsoundness the animal was sent back to the défend- ant, but the latter refused to refund, and it became necessary for the plaintiff to seek restitution by légal means. The payment of the money, and the warranty given by the défend-
ant, were proved. Mr. Sewell stated, that he examined the horse on the 16th of May
last, and found an enlargement of the foot, which, on inspection, dis- covered a tendency to ossification of the cartilage. The defect was such as to induce him to pronounce the horse decidedly unsound. It was also proved that the horse had two broken knees, which had
occurred by some accident; but this did not constitute unsoundness. Mr. Sergeant Storks (who was assisted by Mr. Hutchinson) stated
the defendant's case, and called witnesses to show that the value of the horse was not affected by the indications described. Mr. William Percivall, Veterinary surgeon to the defendant's régi-
ment (the lst Life Guards), stated the resuit of his examination of the horse. He did not deny that there was a thickening, or ossification, of the cartilage, but it did not amount to unsoundness. He had no doubt that, with such symptoms, a horse could do the same degree of work in the same time, and with as much safety, as if he were free from blemish. The appearances might, or might not, extend beyond what existed at présent ; if they did not, then the animal was, in his judgment, certainly not unsound. Thomas Perry, the assistant to Mr. Percivall, gave similar testimony.
Mr. Coleman, of the Veterinary Collège, stated that he examined
the horse about May last, and observed some little déposition of bony matter on the cartilage, but it was not completely ossified. The wit- ness remarked that there was great diversity of opinion as to what con- |
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THE VETERINARy SOCIETY. 543
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stituted unsoundness. His own définition of unsoundness was this :
whenever there was such a defect of the structure or functions as to interfère with the duty of a part, and thereby of the whole, the animal must be considered unsound. In this case, although the déposition oi bone did not make the horse lame, yet if it went on, and the horse should hereafter become lame from that cause, he should say that it was unsound, When he examined it since, the seeds of the disease then existed. Another witness, who had the care of the horse, was called to
prove that he had never found any appearance of lameness. Mr. Sergeant Wilde, in observing upon the évidence, submitted to
the Jury, that the whole weight of it was in his client's favour; and that when they exercised their own common sensé in considering the case, they would assuredly find the plaintiff entitled to their verdict. Could it be argued, that one of themselves, if affected witli an ossifi- cation ofthe cartilage of the ankle, for instance, would be as good, or as sound, or as perfect a man as he was before. If some defect or détérioration of the System were to produce rigidity and the absence of ail elasticity in those parts which nature originally endowed with ex- pansée and elastic qualities, the man, to be sure, might limp a little, and might not be able to walk quite so well, but he would, doubtless, be better on the whole than before. Let them apply the same plain reasoning to the case ofthe horse. That was ail he desired. The Chief Justice recalled Mr. Coleman, and asked him if he con-
sidered the horse, when he examined him, in May last, capable of bearing the same labour with the same safety, as if free from ail de- fccts. The witness answered in the négative. The Chief Justice, in summing up, said, that this testimony of Mr.
Coleman appeared to him to put the defence out of Court. If the Jury considered it as confirmatory of the évidence for the plaintiff, the latter would be entitled to their verdict. The Jury immediately found a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages
80/. |
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THE VETERINARY SOCIETY.
Discussion on the subject of Ophthalmia was resumed at the meet-
ing of Nov. 4. The most important question appeared to be, Whe- ther, or not, this disease was attributable chiefly to the exciting causes of heat, bad atmosphère, exertion, &c. ; as it was argued, that if this was the case, attention in avoiding the access of thèse, would prevent the further récurrence of the compiaint, when the first paroxysm had |
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544
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THE VETEI^INARY SOCIETT.
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been promptly relieved by antiphlogistic treatment. But this was not
generally allowed to be the fact; as the majority présent appeared to be of opinion, that the first attack of inflammation often left the eye in so weak a state, as to dispose it more readily to take on a discased ac- tion. In proof of this, it was stated that Ophthalmia often occurred in horses that had always run in the open air, and at regular montlily periods, when no particular exciting cause could hâve existcd. Stimulating applications to the eyes were very generally reprobated;
though some gentlemen seemed to bc of opinion, that in certain after- stages it was a useful practice to stimulate, and common sait was stated by oae to hâve been used with success. Thèse facts were agreed to generally;—that there was no speeific
poison influencing this complaint ; that it depended more on a predis- posing weakness or defectiveness in the organs, than in any particu- lar exciting cause ; and also, that our treatment had hitherto not been so successful as might be desired, on account of various good reasons which were adduced. On the 18th, the Society had a very interesting and satisfactory
meeting; a considérable number of visitors were présent, andseyeral new members proposed. After the preliminary business was disposed of, a paper on the Blood, and its coagulable properties, was read by Mr. Vines, who demonstrated his laborious experiments by means of coloured diagrams, representing the chyle and blood of the horse ; the latter in a state of coagulation, as drawn under différent states of in- creased and diminished irritation or excitement; showing that nearly the same appearances were produced by both,—that is, that it separated in the same manner, when taken from an animal in a certain stage of debility, as from another labouring under excitement ; also, that it gave the same appearance on coagulation, in the extrêmes of excitement and of debility. To opinions so totally new, of course much opposition was made,
so that the principal part of the evening was taken up in explanation, Mr. Vines appearing prepared for every objection. The members were impressed with a deep feeling of the necessity of well understand- ing this subject ; and the important practical application of this gen- tleman's observations will come forward on the next evening, Tuesday, 2d of December, when, as usual, according to the libéral principles adopted by this Society, Veterinary surgeons and students, and médical gentlemen, are invited to attend and take part in the discussion. [We hâve suppressed some part of the report respecting this latter
paper, as it will appear more in détail in our pages, and is far too momentous to be so hastily condensed.—Ed, F.] |
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,*:!»'
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545
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ON T0RKEYS.
Tue bird which is known in this country by the name of a
"turkey," is generally allowed, was not, originally, a native of Eu- rope; but much différence of opinion exists respecting the time of its introduction, and the country from which it was obtained. The question whether this fowl was known to the ancients, dépends
uponjthe définition ofthe word meleagris, which has been commonly supposed to signify the turkey. But it has been justly remarked by naturahsts, that ail the ancients hâve related of the meleagris, can only be properly applied to the gallina Africana, or Guinea-hen with which there is no doubt of their having been acquainted. lu many respects, indeed, thèse birds bear so close a resemblance to each other, that a common description might apply to either. Thus, the figure of the gallina Africana, its drooping tail and naked head,' the fleshy excrescence on its bill, its unpleasant cry, and unsocial dis- position, as detailed by Clytus, the disciple of Àristotle,* ail corre- spond with the turkey; but the small pearly spots on the feather,'the size, and the curved form of the back, mentioned by the same author, are peculiar to the Guinea-hen; and, above ail, he has notnoticed, in his account of the meleangrides, those remarkable distinctions betweeri the maie and female—the strut of the cock with his outspread tail, the changeable hue ofthe membrane that hangs from his bill, andthe'tuft of hair upon his breast ; ail of which are too apparent to hâve escaped observation, and belong exclusively to the turkey. The distinction dravvn by Columella and Pliny, between the meleagris and the gal- lina Africana, is so immaterial, as scarcely to indicate more than a slight différence in the same species ; and it has been supposed, by Professor Pallas, with every appearance of probability, to apply to a variety of the latter, which bears a red crest, and is known as the Ninvida mitrata. Ancient authors assure us, besides, that the meleagrides were indigenous in Africa, which is the case with respect to Guinea-fowls, but where our turkey was never yet found wild. It seems clear, therefore, notwithstanding the assertion of the Hon. Daines Barrington, who has maintained a contrary opinion, that this bird was not known to the Greeks and Romans. This gentleman seems also to think, that the name which has been
given to this fowl, désignâtes its origin, and therefore that we should |
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• Athendœs, in Deipnosopb, lib. 14.
N N |
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510 ON TURKEYS.
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consider it a native of Turkey : but the same reasoning would appiy
to maize, or Turkey-corn, as it is frequently called, although it is well known to hâve been obtained from America ; and they who are conversant in inquiries of this kind, are aware that many new and curious articles forraerly acquired their names from countries to which they do not really belong. He lias also erroneously adduced the testi- mony of Leland, the antiquary, in aid of his assertion, that turkeys were known in this country in the fifteenth century ; for that author having mentioned, in his Itinerary, that ccqwns of grease were served up at an entertainment given to Edward IV., in 1(547, he has fanci- fully insistedthat the expression should be read " capons of Greece," which, thus converted, would mean turkeys. It moy also be hère remavkcd, that Buflbn lias fallen into an error
respecting the gattina Africana, transmittcd from the Romans, which, he says,. became extinct in Europe in the middle âges ; whereas, mention is made of them, in English writers, under the name o( Aves Africana, about the year 1287.* The most satisfactory conjecture that lias been formed on this sub-
ject, ascribes the origin of the turkey to America ; in support of which, we hâve the following proofs :— The first description that has been given of it, by any modem
author, is found in an aecount of the Western Indics, by Gonzalo di Ovicdo, who wrotc about the year 1525, that is, within thirty years after the discovery of America by Columbus. He describes it with great minuteness and accuracy, and with ail that interest which a rare object mightbe supposedto excite, but which would hâve been absurd, had the bird been already common in Europe ; and, being even at a loss for a name by which to designate it, lie calls it a large species of peacock ; the flesh of which, he says, is better than that of the Spanish peacock. Lopez de Gomara, whose history of Mexico was first pub- lished in 1553, also mentions it as peculiar to the newly discovered Continent, and says, that it was termed Gallo pavo, from its resem- blance both to the peacock and the domestic cock ; and there are various passages, to the same effect, in other Spanish authors. The earliest travellers who visited the northern shores of America,
found the turkey there in a wild state.f Kalm, who visited Pensyl- vania in 1748, says, that they run about there in the woods : and Smyth, who travelled through that country at a later period, assures * See Kennett's Parochial Antiquities, p. 28T.
t A veiy splendid and well-coloured engraving of the American wild turkey,
has been published by Mr. Audubon, F.L.S,, &c. |
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Ô17
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ON TURKEYS.
|
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us that they are to be found in the uncultivated wasles at the back of
Virginia, in flocks of many thousands. It is also said, that they are larger and better flavoured than those bred in Europe. As thèse birds are at présent found in both Asia and Africa, and
as thèse quarters of the globe hâve, by many, been considered as their native countries, it may not be uninteresting to inquire at what period they were carried thither. We are assured, by Du Halde, that turkeys were not indigenous in China; although he erronaously adds, that they were common in the East Indies. There is little doubt that they were carried to Persia by the Americans, and to Batavia by the Dutch. In the tirae of Chardin, they were, indeed, so scarce, that they were kept as curiosities in the Emperor's ménagerie ; and he tells us, in his travels, that they were originally brought from Constantino- ple to Ispahan by some Arméniens, who presented them to theKing, as rareties. Instead, however, of reeommending them, his Majesty, observing that the Persians were ignorant of the proper treatment cf the fowls, imposed upon the Armenian donors the further trouble and expense of preserving them. In the kingdom of Congo, on the Gold Coast, and at Sénégal, there are none but those belonging to the Eu- ropéen factories ; and varions authors state, that they are equally scarce in other parts of Africa. In the relation of Cavendish's voyage, in 1588, it is particularly mentioned that they found " Guinea-cocks, îvhieh we call turkeys," on the island of St. Helena ; and Mr. Bar- rington misapplies this circumstance, in support of his opinion, that thèse birds were not originally brought from America. But the name of " guiney-cocks," belong to what are now commonly callcd pinta- dos; and, even admitting that they were turkeys, it would not be sur- prising that they should hâve been found there, as the island had been previously visited by the Portugucse, to whom this fowl had been long familiar. Thèse proofs are, doubtless, of theniselves, sufficient to satisfy any
r.aturalist respecting the native country of thèse birds ; but they will lie strengthened if we consider the time and manner of their introduc- tion into other places. Had they come from Asia or Africa, many centuries ago, there can be no doubt that they must havè been common in Italy, and would thence hâve been dispersed over the rest of Eu- rope : but it does not appear that they were known there previous to the discovery of America. They are not alluded to before that period, by writers on agriculture who describe domestic poultry ; and the earliest mention of them in that country, occurs in an edict issued in 1557, N3V2
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548
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ON TURKEYS.
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by the magistrates of Venice, for repressing luxury, in which those
tables are enumerated at which aloTie partridges and turkeys were allowed. Some writers, indeed, hâve asserted that turkeys were known at a
much earlier period in France; but no proof of that has been adduced. In a description of the duchy of Burgundy, by Messieurs Courtpée and Beguillet, it is very confidently said, that they were brought from Artois to Dijon in 1385; but no authority is assigned. And in the same work it is also asserted, that they were brought from the Le- vant, in the fifteenth ecntury, by Jacques Cœur, to his estate of Beaumont, in the Gatinois; and by Americus Vespucius, to Portugal. This Jacques Cœur was treasurer to Charles VII., and was, by him, banished the kingdom in 1450. It is true that he then went to réside in the Levant, and M. de la Mare, in his treatisp on the Police, re- peats this story, of his having brought turkeys to France on his return from banisliment : unfortunatcly, however, for its oorrectness, he never did return, but died in exile, at the island of Chio, in 1456. Another tradition, which, although not proved, appears more probable, is, that they were first brought to France by Admirai Chabot, the discoverer of Newfoundland, in the beginning of the sixteenth century. The prévalent idea in France, that they were introduced by the Jesuits, seems altogether void of foundation. They were so scarce in that eountry, in 1570, that they were considered a splendid rarity at the wedding dinner of Charles IX. And the same monarch, on passing through the city of Amiens, condescended to aecept, from the magis- trates, a présent of twelve turkeys. Indeed, so late as the reign of Henry IV., we find that some dealers were punished for defrauding the eountry people of thèse fowls, under pretence that they were for the use of the Queen. Several authors assure us, that turkeys were brought to Germany so
early as the year 1530 ; but Gesner, who published his Ornithology in 1555, seems not even to hâve seen them. There is no certain accûunt of the period of their introduction into
England: they are not mentioned either in the list of Archbishop Nevil's feast, or in the Earl of Northumberland's Household Book, published in 1512 ; nor in the minute régulations of the royal kitchen, in the early part of the reign of Henry VIII., although ail the fowls there used are enumerated. But it is probable that it took place soon after that time : some authors say in 1530, others in 1532 ; and Baker fixes the period, in his Chronicles, in 1524, about the |
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ON TURKEYS. 549
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fifteenth year of Henry VIII., when, according to the well-known
distich— *' Turkeys, carps, hoppes, piccarell, nnd beere,
Came into England ail in one yeare." That they had become gênerai towards the latter end of the same
century, may be collected frora the following liues in Tusner's Ilun- dred Points of Good Husbandry, printed in 1585 fjV^jf : it vhov;
"Beefe, mutton, and porke, shred pies of the best, r. Pig, veale, goose, and capon, and lurkey welldresr.d ; Cheese, apples, and nuts, jolie carols to heare, • As then in the countrie, is counted good cheare." ■
--------~*M- ci sb THE FAULTS AND DEFECTS TO BE AVOIDED
IN BTJYING HORSES. {Continued frora page 524.]
The next thing to be regarded in the choosing of a horse, is his feet,
that they may be good and durable, for bad feet in a horse is like a house that h as a weak foundation, for such a one will do but little service. I shall not hère take much notice of the defects of bad shoe- ing, or other accidents ; for thèse will be treated of in their proper place, but of those chiefly which are natural to some horses that expose them, more than others, to lameness, or, at least, make them unfit for the most comnion uses, as hunting and travelling. The knowledge of the feet is reckoned more easy than that of the
eyes; and I hâve seen many guess, pretty well, of the goodness of a horse's feet, without any other examination, than just to view them as be stands or walks. However, I would advise no man to trust to so superhcial a judgment; for, though one may see the form and shape of the foot to be fair and promising, yet there are other things to be con- sidered, without which a good horseman may be deceived. A horse may hâve a well made foot and well proportioned; and
yet, if it chance to be thin and weak, the buyer will be disappointed of his expectations ; for such a foot is liable to be spoiled in shoeing, by * There was an earlier édition of tins work printed in 1557 ; but whether it
contained the Unes above quoted, bas not been ascertained : in later éditions they hâve been altogether omitted. |
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550
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FAULTS AXD DEFECTS TO BE
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travelling on hard, stony grounds, by too much drought in hot seasons,
or by too much moisture in winter. A thin foot is that wlicre the crust or horn is thin. This may be easily seen when the shoc is taken ofF, because the verge ail round the sole wil] appear thin, and where it is so, a horse will winch with the least touch of the pincers; but as this trial will scldora be allowed in buying of a horse, the best way, to those who would be acquainted with such things, is to observe the bottom of the crust, which is generally ragged, and where the shoe- nails are clenched and riveted. If thèse be high, is a token the foot is thin, and that there has not been sufficient hold for the na;ls without driving them a good way upwards in the crust. In a thin foot, the heels and frog are also apt to be soft and tender to the touch ; and, by reason of the weakness natural to such kind of foot, it sometimes turns awry, and one point of the hcel will stand Ligner than the other, though this may be also owingto the crcokedness of the pastem-joints, and will sometimes happen where the foot is tolerably strong, dut is most com- mon to such as hâve weak feet ; and where it is so, the horse wears his shoes more on one side than the other, and often causes him to eut and go lame in a îourney. As a thin, weak foot is justly reckoned a very great deteet in a
horse, so a very strong foot is not always the most eligib'e, but is liable to several accidents. A strong foot has the fibres of the hoof very distinct, and, for the most part, run in a straight line from the coronet to the toe, like the grain of oak, lignum vit», or any other hard wood that easily splits ; and though some such feet will last very well, and keep free from accidents, where sufficient care is taken to keep them moist and pliable, yet when tliey happen to be neglected upon a long journey, or much hard riding, cspecially on dry, stony grounds, they will go lame and tender, at the same time that no defect is to be seen on the foot. When a horse that has a strong foot takes up a channel-nail, or
happons to be eut into the quick with a sharp bone, a sharp flint, or pièce of glass, and a flow of humours1 follow upon such a wound or puncture, the confinement thèse meet with from the strength of the foot, create much anguish, and for want of vent below, frequently causes an éruption round the coronet, which proves, for the most part, troublesomc, and makes the cure tedious and uncertain, especially when such cases happen to fall into bad hands. I bave known some instances where the hoof and the sole hâve been
quite loosened from ail their attachments to the foot, the filaments and fibres that unité the horny part to the fiesh befng ail torn and pulled |
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551
|
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AV01DED |N BUYING HORSES.
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asunder ; and whcre this happens in any degree, it is apt to leave a
tenderness behind it, unless an uncommon care be taken to prevent it. But the greatest inconvenience in a hard, dry foot, is its being sub-
ject to refts and fissures, whieh cleave the hoof quite through, some- times from the coronet down to the bottom ; and this kind of foot is tlie more easily exposed to sueh accidents, that the horny fibres hâve a more visible, straight direction than where the foot is more soft and pliable ; thèse clefts being, for the most part, in the quarter, seldoiu admit of any other re'medy than extirpating the whole pièce that lies next the heel, which defect is, from then'ce, called a false quarter, whercin the cure is seldom so perfect, especially m the fore feet, as to leave no infinnity or blemish behind it. When tlic fissure, or cleft, does nol penetratc through the horn, but makcs a line on the surface, it is called a sand-crack, being very common in somc sandy countries, where the horses' hoofs turn dry, and crack with the heat of the sand. Thèse are but little regarded where the lines are superficial and not deep in the horn, and are often cured by rasping tliera out and kceping the foot cool and moist. However, it is a defect that must lessenthe value of a horse in proportion to the degree of goodncss or badness of his foot ; for when the foot happens to be otherwise bad, thèse blemishes often degenérate, and are of ill conséquence. The next defect I shall take notice of in the feet, is of those horses
that hâve narrow heels. Some horses' feet are tolerably good, even where the heels are narrow ; and when the foot is hot and inclined to rottenness, and the quarters lose the round turn that they ought to hâve, as they approach the heel, and look as if they were bent and pinched together, insomuch that the heels of some such horses are not above twofingers in breadth, then the foot is bad; and the way that many take to mend thèse kind of feet, by hollowing on each side the frog, and thinning the quarters to cause them to stretch to a wider shoe, makes them worse. Another thing that ought carefully to be looked into, is, that both
his fore feet be of equal size ; for whenever this defect is the least apparent, though it may proceed from the horse s using one leg more than the other, as it happens to working-men yvfto use the right hand and arm more than the left; yet when one foot is smaller than the other it is a blemish, and carries some doubt that such a foot may, in time, fail and perish; even as those do that hâve been hurt by acci- dents, or after old lamenesses in the shoulders, legs, and muscular parts,, where the foot, at last perishes, in proportion as the muscular and nervous parts shrink and diminish. |
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552
|
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FAULTS AND DEFECTS TO BE
|
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Another defect in horses' feet, is when they are flat and witliout
deptli. If such a foot happens to be strong, and the hoof sraootli, if the sole be also firm, and the frog no ways rotten or fleshy, such a horse will go over the roads tolerably well. But when a flat foot is shaped like an oyster, has niany rings or wrinkles, if the sole be soft, and the frog fleshy and spongy, it is a very great defect. Some horses are so remarkably faulty in this respect, that the frog bunches out be- yond the bottom crust of the hoof, that their shoes must be made hollow, and the plates so broad as almost to cover the whole bottoms of their feetto keep them from the ground. But, indeed, such horses arc only lit for draught, and not for the saddle. Some horses hâve tolerably good feet, not only that their heels are
low. Horses that hâve long yielding pasterns, are the most subject to this defect, and aiso those that hâve their pasternsvery small, short, and standing almost quite upright: thèse hâve generally long heels and flat feet, and their fore-legs coming straight down from the shouldcr to the foot, witliout any bending of the pasterns, and, for this reason, are frequently caîled Goat-legged. Many of the horses bred in the Fens are of this kind, hâve but an awkward use of their limbs, and make very bad travellers; and those low-heeled horses which hâve very long, yielding pasterns, are apt to hâve their heels wear quite to nothing upon a journey, and ail the care imaginable, in shoeing, can- not prevent it. A very high heel is another extrême, which greatly lessens the
value of a horse ; for even where such a foot happens to be strong and smooth, it is, nevertheless, the cause of unsteadiness in a horse's going, exposes him often to trip and stumble, to sprains in the coffin and pas- tern-joints, &c. There is one kind of horse, especially aniong the coach and cart
breed, very remarkable for a large deep foot, the horn extremely thick and scaly, the heels broad and mouldering, and are apt to grow so very fast, that the farriers, when they go about to shoe such horses, thinking to ease them of their great load, and to bring their feet into'a bettersize, pare and rasp them to such a degree, that they leave their feet much larger above the coronet and instep than at the bottom ; so that they always look as if they went upon pattens, which is not only very ugly, but such horses are scldom good for much. A very large foot, of any kind, is to be avoided in a horse, even
suppos;ng it to be, in itself, firm and good. But when I speak of a large foot, I mean only when it is disproportioned to his other parts ; for a large horse must, of course, hâve a larger foot than a small |
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553
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AVOIDED IN BUYIXG HORSES.
|
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one. But when we see the foot large and the limb small, in ail such,
it must be observed by those who hâve expérience, that the bones and
sinews are also slender, which not only dénotes weakness, but heavi-
ness and inaptitude to any brisk and vigorous action; and are, there-
fore, unfit for the coach or saddle, but to dravv in a cart or waggon,
or to carry a burden.
Sonie object greatly against white feet, as being generally worse
than those of any other colour. Indeed, when a horse has too many
of his feet white, they do not always prove the best; yetl hâve seen
white-footed horses hâve their feet such as the ablest judges could not
find fault with. When a foot is smooth and tough, of a middle size,
without wrinkles, neither too hard and brittle, nor too soft, and when
the heel is firm, open, and no ways spongy or rotten, and the frog
horny and dry, and the sole somewhat hollow, like the inside of a
dish or bowl, whatever be the colour, such a foot will, for the most
part, turn out good; though the dark or black hoof, where it resembles
thatof a deer, is generally best; and for this reason, those who are
the most curious about a horse's feet, do not choose such as hâve much
white upon their legs and pasterns, to avoid their having too many
Mhitc feet.
■ -
[Toiecontinued.]
————
METHOD OF OBTAINING THE FIGURE OF A PLANT.
A pièce of paper is to be rubbed over with powdered dragon's
blood, in the manner practised by engravers, and the small branch or leafof which the design is required, is to be laid upon it: by means of slight friction it soon takes up a small quantity of the powder, and being then laid upon moistened paper, an impression is to be taken in the manner practised for lithography, without a machine. This pro- cess may be usefully employed for preserving certain physiognomical and characteristic features, which cannot be retained by drying the plant.—Bull- Univ. E. vin. 339. |
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THE LION OF SOUTH AFKICA.
[Concludedfromp.503.]
I SHALL conclude thèse notices of this animal, (which, whether of any
value or not to the naturalist, are at least snfficiently well authenticated), with someaccountof a lion hunt, which I witnessedmyself in April, 1822. I was then residing on my ferai or location, at Bavian's River ; in the neighbourhood of which numerous herds of large game, and con- sequently beasts of prey,are abundant. One night, a lion, who had previously purloined a few sheep out of the kraal, came down and killed my favourite riding horse, about a hundred yards fiom the door of my cabin. Knowingthat the lion, when he does not carry oiF his prey, usually conceals himself in the vicinity, and is moreover very apt to be dangerous, by prowling about the place in search of more game, I re- solved to liave him destroyed or dislodged without delay. I therefore sent a messenger round the location to invite ail who were willing to assist in theforay, to repair to the place of rendezvous as speedily as possible. In an hour every man of the party, (with the exception of two pluckless fellows, who were kept at home by the women), appeared ready mounted and armed. We were also reinforced by about a dozen of the "Bastaard Hottentots," who resided at that time upon our territory as tenants or herdsmen ; an active and enterprising, though rather an unsteady race of men. Our friends, the neighbouring Dutch Boors, many of whom are excellent lion-hunters, were ail too far distant to assist us—our nearest neighboars residing at least 20 miles from the location. We we were, therefore, on account of our own inex- périence, obliged to make our Hottentots the leaders of the chase. The first point was to track the lion to his covert. This was effected
by a few of the Hottentots on foot : commencing from the spot wherc the horse was killed, they followed the spoor through grass, and grave], and brushwood, with astonishing ease and dexterity, where an inex- perienced eye could discern neither foot-print nor mark of any kind, until at length we fairly tracked him into a large bosch, or straggling thicket of brushwood and evergreens, about a mile distant. The next object was to drive him out of this retreat, in order to attack
him in a close phalanx, and with more safety and efFect. The approved mode, in such cases, is to torment him with dogs till he abandons his covert, and stands at bay in the open plain. The whole band of hunters then march forward together, and fire deliberutely one by |
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THE LION OF SOUTH AFR1CA. 555
one. If lie does not speedily fall, but grows angry and turns upon hîs
enemies, they must then stand close in a cirole, and turn their horses' rear outward ; some holding them fast by the bridles, while the others kneel to take asteady aim atthe lion as he approaches, sometimes up to the very horses' heels—couching every now and then, as if to measure the distance and the strength of his enemies. Tins is the moment to shoot him fairly in the forehead, or some other mortal part. If they continue to wound him inefFectually till he waxes furious and desperate, or if the horses, startled by his terrifie roar, grow frantic with terror and burst loose, the business becomes rather serious, and may end in mis- chief—especially if ail the party are not men of courage, coolncss, and expérience. If they stand close and firm, it is alleged that the lion will scldom, if ever, actually burst in upon them ; but if they are so infatuated as to take to flight, or get confused and break their ranks, he will infallibly make sad havoc among them. The boors are, however, gene- rally such excellent marksmen, and withal so cool and deliberate, that they seldom fail to shoot him dead as soon as they get within a fair distance. In the présent instance, we did not manage matters quite so scienti-
fically. The Bastaards,.after recounting to us ail thèse and other sage laws of lion-hunting, were themselves the first to départ from them. Finding that the few indiffèrent hounds we had, made little impression i on the enemy, they divided themselves into two or three parties, and rode round the jungle, firing into the spot where the dogs were barking round him, but without effect. At length, after some hours spent in thus beating about the bush, the Scottish blood of some of my country- men beganto get impatient, and three of them announced their déter- mination to mardi in and beard the lion in his den, provided three of the Bastaards (who were superior marksmen) would support them, and follow up their lire, should the enemy venture to give battle. Ac- cordingly in they went, (in spite of the warnings of some more prudent men) to within fifteen or twenty paces of the spot where the animal lay concealed. He was couched among the roots of a large evergreen bush, with a small space of opcn ground on one side of it ; and they fancied, on approaching, that they saw him distinctly, lying glaring at them from under the foliage. Charging the Bastaards to stand firm and level fair should they miss, the Scottish champions let fly together, and struck—not the lion, (as it afterwards proved),buta great block of red stone, beyond which he was actually lying. Whether any of the shot grazed him is uncertain ; but, with no other warning than a furious growl, forth he bolted from the bush. The rascally Bastaards, in place |
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556 THE LION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of now pouring in their volley upon hiin, instantly turned, and fled helter
skelter, leaving him to do his pleasure upon the defenceless Scots, who, with empty guns, were tumbling over eaeh other in their hurry to escape the clutch of the rampant savage. In a twinkling he was upon them, and withone stroke of hispaw dashed the nearest to the ground. The scène was terrifie ! There stood the lion with his foot upon his prostrate foe, looking round in conscious power and pride upon the bands of his assailants, and with a port the most noble and imposing that can be conceived. It was the most magnificent thing I ever witnessed. The danger of our friends, however, rendered it at the moment too terrible to enjoy either the grand or the ludicrous part of the picture. We expected every instant to see one or more of them torn in pièces ; nor, though a band of us were standing within fifty paceo with our guns cocked and levelled, durst we iire for their assistance. One was lying under the lion's feet, and the others scrambling towards us in such a way as to intercept our aim upon him. AU this passed far more rapidly than I hâve described it. But, luckily, the lion, after steadily surveying us for a few seconds, seemed willing to be quits on fair terms ; and with a fortunate forbearance, (for which he met but an ungrateful recompence) turned calmly away, and driving the snarling dogs like rats from among his heels, bounded over the ad- joining thicket, like a cat over a footstool, clearing brakes and bushes 12 or 15 feet high as readily as if they had been tufts of grass ; and, abandoning the jungle, retreated towards the mountain. After ascertaining the state of our rescued comrade, (who fortunately
had sustained no other injury than a slight scratch on the back and a severe bruise in the ribs, from the force with which the animal had dashed him to the ground), we renewed the chase with Hottentots and hounds in full cry. In a short time we again came up with the enemy, and found him standing at bay under an old mimosa tree by the side of a mountain stream, which we had distinguished by the name of Douglas Water. The dogs .were barking round, but afraid to approach him ; for he was now beginning to growl fiercely, and to brandish his tail in a manner that showed he was meditating mischief. The Hottentots, by taking a circuit between him and the mountain, crossed the stream and took a position on the top of a pré- cipice overlooking the spot where he stood. Another party of us occupied a position on the other side of the glen, and, placing the poor fellow thus between two lires, which confused his attention and pre- vented his retreat, we kept battering away at him, without truce or mercy, till he fell—unable again to grapple with us—covered with wounds and glory. |
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ON IIORSES, 557
• He proved to be a full grown lion of the yeîlow variety, about 5 or
6 years of âge. He measured nearly 12 feet from the nose to the tip of the tail. His fore leg, just above the knee, was so thick that I could not clasp it with both hands ; and his neck, breast, and limbs, appeared, when the skin was taken ofF, a complète congeries of sinews. His head, which seemed as large and heavy as that of an ordinary ox, I had boiled for the purpose of preserving the skull, and tasted the flesh from curiosity. It resemb'ed very white coarse beef, rather insipid, but without any disagreeable flavour. Our neighbours, the Nimrods of the Tarka, disapproved liiglily of
our method of attacking this lion in the bush, and said it was a wonder he did not destioy a fevv- of us. They were liiglily amused with the discomfiture of our three champions ; and the story of "Jan Rennie en de Leeuw" still continues to be one of their constant jokes against the Scotclimen. This is ail fair ; and it forais a just counterpoise in favour of our gocd humoured neighbours, when the Scottish farmers quiz them too unmercifully about their uncouth agriculture and antedilu- vian ploughs and harrows. I imagine the reader has now heard quite enough of the Liox, to
judge of his character as a neighbour and acquaintance. I was in- formed by the Bechuana Chiefs, that the lion occasionally surprises the Giraffe or Cameleopard in the manner hère described ; and that, owing to the amazing strength and fleetness of that magnificent animal, lie is sometimes carried away jîfteen or hcenty miles before it sinks under him. This fact, I believe, has formerly been mentioned by travellers, and has been ridiculed as absurd by European critics. But the sooth- fast évidence of my friend, old Teysho, the wise and sagacious Vizier of great Mateebe, Autocrat of ail the Bechuanas, is sufficient for me ; and will doubtless be allowed its due vreight, when the matter is again discussed bv the Sçavans of Paris and Edinburgh. T. P.
:o7 §mii:j______________
oi gnifinigsd ytoii «bw
a 8Bw sd b'iwori- H ORS ES.
mted Jiuoiia >
-
<< Saddle White Surrey for the fielii to-morrow.»—Shakspeaue. I love horses ;—a saddle is my throne : give me but the Bucephalus
I esteem, and i'faith I envy not the wealth of princes. Some men hâve twenty, some fifty horses—I hâve but one ; I never had but three |
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558
|
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ON IIOKSES.
|
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in my life : the two companions of my youth, alas! nre dust. M y
horse is a friend, I wcar him in my heart ; there is no place for an- other of the same speeies. His eye recognizes me—lie bounds with delight at our meeting—his whole soûl seems bent on pleasing me. What would he not attcmpt at my bidding? The îeast motion suffices —he never demurs, but takes a pleasure in obeying me, and often anticipâtes my wishes. There is no deceit in this. Some men use their horses as mère slaves. I never had sucl: an
acquaintance. Whip me the fellow who first set the brutal example of depriving thee ofthy cloquent ears ; they are even more communi- cative than thy spirit-sparkling eye : how palpably do they express thy sensations,—thy surprise, désire, terror, delight, and émulation ; they are speech to thee,—nay better—for theirs is a discourse which men of every tongue, as well as ail thy fellows, understand. Nature teaches them the art, or rather " the art itself is nature." Beshrew the tasteless bipeds who rob thee of the flowing honours of thy tail,— thy protection against the infinité tormentors of thy glowing reins, gallcd in the service of man, who pitilessly despoils thee of the fec of nature—thy very birthright, to bedeek himself with that which he as- serts would disfigure thee. I remember, when I was a mère infant, my grandfather used to
place me on the back of one of the most celebrated horses of his day ; I never beheld such a high-mettled créature since. He suffered very few persons to approach him, and only one man (his jockey) eVer ventured to ride. Restless, fiery, and impatient in the extrême, he subsided into a state of anxious, breathless stillness, the moment I (a puny helpless child) was placed on him ;—'twas like shedding oil upon a raging sea. Horses are as différent in their dispositions as in their outward
forms. There is jour horse mettlesome, and your incorrigible proser; your self-conceited, curvetting palfrey, and your plain-spirited, un- sophisticated, unaspiring dobbin ; your steed capricious, and your laudable, business-looking horse of application, and many hundred others ; besides your right-gallant cavallo, the most noble beast in the création,—a combination of beauty, strength, and activity,—a glorious example of nature's power (I love to meet such a créature in full unrestrained liberty and high spirits, on awide, race-tempting heath). They ail hâve their faults—even the very best of them ; but, in sooth, I am in marvellous good fellowship with the whole race, individually, and in the aggregate ; the very dullest rogues hâve a redeeming spark of good-naturc in their compositions. |
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.r)5()
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ON' IIORSES.
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The most admirable object on earth, is a fair woman gallantly
mounted on a beautiful palfrey. A sweet, calm-looking Quakeress, on a demure, milk-white animal, glided by me one evening as I was doting on the last rays of the setting sun. Dost thou think I shall ever forget the beautiful vision, rcader ? I seldom bcstow a thought on Alcxander, but Bucephalus, the most chivalrie of the race—the beau idéaloî steeds, occupies the sister niche in my mernory, to that which holds the Knight of La Mancha's never-to-be-forgotten créature— Rozinante. Who has not heard the pathetic song of " The High-mettled
Raccr ?" I should désire no greater glory than to hâve been the aulhor of that song. I often lament my incapability of turning a tune, merely because I cannot sing it. Didst thou ever notice, gentle reader, the poor Curate's Horse, of Hogarth? Oh! there is more patlios—but he can better tell his own story than I can ;—seek him, if, percliance, thou hast him not ;—read him well, and thou mayest know his whole life. Look into the natural history of horses ; 'tis very intcresting : unquestionably, the horse will amply repay thee for stiuly- ing him. " Magnificent créature ! so stately and bright,
In tbe pride of tby spirit pursuingtby flight !" Fain would I apostrophize thee for hours—" Fleet son of the wilder-
ness !"—" Joy of the happy !"—Delight of knight and lady fair in every âge !—what would chivalry be without thee ?—Thou art as- sociated %vith every thing that's gay or gallant in its records !—Thou art remembered, with advantages, at the tilt and tourney, with bright cyes beaming around thee, and "preux chevaliers," gorgeously be- decked heralds, and faithful 'squires in thy company;—fluttering hearts and ardent spirits breathing love and gallantry ail about thee. What limbs elastic !—What energy in every action !—What buoyancy of spirit beaming from thinc eye !—Who does not applaud thy gallant bearing? Friend of mankind ! I love thee. s;110o Chevalier.
. |
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______—
|
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500
|
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CUCKOO KEPT ALIVE IN CONFINEMENT FOR
NEARLY A YEAR PAST. Tms spécimen was taken from the nest of a titlark, near the village
of Currie, in the end of July 1827. It was then apparent!}' about a fortnight old, and was not fuïly fledged until six weeks after. At first it was fed with bread and raw eggs made up into a paste. Aller this, it was fed with roasted méat eut into small pièces; and ultimately with raw méat, which it prefers, but will not take îmless perfeefly IVcsIi. At présent it eats about a pound of méat weekly. It is very fond of insects of ail kinds, and in autumn seemed to prefer the larvée of butter- flies. Its first moult commenced in the end of Mardi last. Previous to this, the colour of the upper parts was deep brown, spotted with reddish-brown ; the breast and belly greyish-white, with transverse bars of brown. During winter, it was dull through the day, and restless at night,—flapping its wings for hours together. At présent, it is active through the day, and quiet at night. About the beginning of Mardi it was first heard to utter its peculiar cry, which it has repeated many times since ; and one morning in the end of April it continued crying for a whole hour. Its chirping cry was given up about January. At présent * it has a sharp weak scream, which it utters on being frightened or irritated. It did not eat of itself until nearly three months after it was found. It has always been very fond of( heat, and is ex- tremely sensible to cold,—shivering intensely when the température is low. When the sun shines upon it, it expands ail its feathers, espe- cially those of the tail and wings, turning its back to the heat. When eating, it holds the pièce of méat about three or four seconds, squeezing it with the points of its inaudibles, which is supposed to bc an instinctive action, the object of which is to deprive its prey of life, previous to swallowing it. The late Mr. Templeton, of Belfast, succeeded in keeping a cuckoo over winter, but it died in Mardi, when the first moult commenced. * The spécimen was shown at a meeting of the Wernfrian Society, lOih
April, 1828; but, unfortunately, at the beginning of this month, .lune 1828, it waschoked, in attempting to swallow some moss whicb chanced to be iii its cage. |
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*.
|
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se]
|
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Naturalist.
Sir,
As in ail probability you are in possession, ère this, of a report of Professor Coleman's Introductory Lecture, I shall not attempt any sketch of it, but confine myself to some occurrences immediately following it. On the Professor closing bis harrangue, and just as the plaudits
were commencing, one of the audience stood up, and begged to know of the Professor how a knowledge of anatomy was to be acquired without a Demonstrator ; he replied, that Mr. Sewell was the Demon- strator. The querist replied, that Mr. S. denied his holding ;the appointment]; and after some warmth on the part of the Professor, he told the querist that he (the Professor) degraded himself by answering his questions, &c. &c. When the plaudits were resumed, and the Professor had quitted the
Théâtre, there succeeded some hissing, with some cries of "Turn him out!" however, the gentlemen did not manifestany symptom of putting their " turn him out" into exécution : amongst thèse brave, I observed a strait„!ooking fellow, with a forehead villanously low, whom, on inquiry, ï learned was a discharged private from the Life Guards. The scène strongly reminded me of one I witnessed some years
since, at Offley's, near Covent Garden, in the box-room, where, in a box by himself, sat a late officer of dragoons, who had, unfortunately, compromised himself, and been. obliged to leave his régiment, and in the next box were three gents, having a good deal the appearance of mercantile travellers ; the latter expressed themselves in very strong terms of disapprobation of any person who had taken the benefit of the Insolvent Act, and finished, by declaring alto voce, that if such a man were to attempt to sit in a room with them, they would turn him out. My officer stood up, and, in a rieh Jrish brogue, sympathized much with their feeling on the subject, but ended by saying, " Such, how- ever, gentlemen, is your unfortunate situation, for I hâve taken the benefit of the Insolvent Act twice ; now, as to turning out, it is very well in theory, but not always easily reduced to practice." With this he sat down, and my travellers, in whom I suppose the organ of com- bativeness was more prominent than in the Vêts, proceeded to extremities; however, with the aid of candlesticks, pots, decanters, &c, the travellers saw fit to sound a retreat, and leave my officer in possession of the field. I suspect, if the Vêts had had recourse to the same expédient,
although there were neither candlesticks nor decanters in the way, that the resuit would hâve been similar. On our reaching the court-yard, Mr. Cherry, sen. declared aloud,
that the pupils ought to be grateful to the " gentleman, for the manly, fearless, yet respectful manner in which he advocated their cause ; and that he was sorry to find that there were in the profession, or likely to be in it, such Sweeps (as he poetically expressed it) as those who hissed. I fuUy agrée with Mr. C, that the honourable profession of a chimney sweeper would be much more appropriate for such persons, o o
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562 CORRESPONDENCE.
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than what ought to be a libéral profession. At the sarae time, I
must confess, so strong is the force of habit, that had I been witness to an act of parricide, or the appropriation of the communion plate of a church, I could not hâve been more shocked than I was, on hearing one so daring, as to question the man whom I had been for years in the habit of looking up to as Sqmething almost divine. On this occa- sion I acted as men usually do in such circumstances : I opened my mouth, and stared with ail my might at this "bold bad man;" I per- ceived that he was a mère man with a head on his shoulders. I afterwards found that he was in the habit of ornameniing this said head with a most extràordinary shaped old grey liât : so much for this outward man : however, I determined to learn more of him, and, on further inquiry, found that he was a médical man, fond of horses, and that he had devoted many years' attention to their treatment, both in healthand disease,—in short, a horse-man; and further, that he had been for sometime a pupil at the Veterinary Collège. But at length, to corne to the point, as the Professor said Mr.
Sewell was the Demonstrator-—is not the natural question, then, Is Mr. S. compétent to fill such a situation ? The unanimous answer of the profession would be, Most certainly not. I do not think there is scarcely one person that lias passed his examination sufficiently bête. to say otherwise. It may be asked, but where find a better ? I am certain there are many better, and few worse. What are his qualifica- tions? is he an anatomist? is he a man of either a classical or a gênerai éducation ? is he able to read the works of the continental ■writers, from whom alone we can obtain any sound veterinary know- ledge ? finally, is he, as Mr. Cherry emphatically and most properly expresses it, " a horse-man ;" that is, a man who is fond of a horse, can ride him, and drive him, and get him into condition ?—To each and every of thèse questions I answer, and the Professor can bear me out in it, most decidedly and nnequivocally, No ! As to his riding, I nevar see him on horseback that he does not torcibly remind me of an old woman in the act of performing a certain office of nature. I shall not attempt to describe his seat on the bench, or his fingering the rib- bons in his shay,—for higher I am sure he never got,—but shall only wish from my heart that either Nimrod or Viator, jun., could see him. And as to his knowledge of getting a horse into condition, I shall state one fact.—He has a well bred old horse, that he rides through the town, and of course frequently leaves standing at doors ; tast year he had this horse clipped, in the very middle of WINTER ! ! 1 Hoping you will excuse my having trespassed on so much of your valuable space, I beg to subscribe myself, Your very obedient Servant,
An Old Practitioner.
Canlerbury, ISth Nov. 1828.
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563
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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To the Editor of the Farrier and ±>atoralist.
Sir, I hâve put out my feeble powers in transposing into verse Mr. Sewell's celebrated Report. I believe, in the essay, I may lay claim to the merit of having, Verbatim et lileratim, adhered tomy text: should the production possess any other merit, you will, probably, give it insertion in your next Number. In which case, I may be induced to altempt l'art Second. f am, Sir,
\ ours, &c.
Hodibkas, Jun.
Report to the Governors of the Veterinary Collège of London.
By William Sewell, Assistant-Professor. A NEW VERSION.
The Professor's Assistant, whom the French call a "Swell,"*
The General Meeting commanded
To report his fam'd visits to schools Continental ;
Which he did, and the same to us handed.
(Visit to the Veterinary School al Lyons.)
He first went to Lyons, and there saw the Mayor, Who into the school introduced him ; Where he saw stables paved in the ordinary way, And ordinary patients within them. He saw the Muséum, and a subject entire,
For muscles and vessels injected ; A Botanical Garden, and Théâtres higher ; But he never once heard how they lectured. But the best of it ail, " in the rear of the school,'"
Was—What d'ye think ?—Why a paddock, Which he tells us, grand homme, by true Iogical rule, Was a place used for lame ones to lag out. With ail this information, and some spécimen shoes,
Several tracts and introductory letters, He set off for Paris to collect some more news ; What a blessing to hâve such a Pyrrhus ! (Visit to the Veterinary School at Paris.)
Arriving at Paris, and seeing Huzard, The Veterinary Director at Alfort ; He showed him his school, wherein he observed Ail that Lyons possessed of the same sort. * Vide Receuil de Médecine Vétérinaire.
o o 2 |
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564 CORRESPONDENCE.
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Electrics lie beheld, and instruments too ;
But never once saw them in motion : Economy rural, and médical too, Of the use of al! which he'd no notion. He saw ramping stallions, and jack-asses too,
Which the State kept for their propagation ; And informs us they did this respective^ too : I wonder if e'er they do not—in what nation ? There was a portable forge, and a field of six acres
Set apart for experiments rural ; But of what sort or what kind, less 'twere for potatocs.
Remains yet to be stated by Sewell. The royal stables at Paris were well built of brick,
The horses ail stood without straw : There were four or five patients, but none of them sick. Lack-a-day, Mr. " Swell," what a flaw ! Thus ended " Swell's " visit to France,
From which he got "great satisfaction," No doubt; for the Subscribers' argent Did he pocket by the glorious transaction ! |
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To the Editor oftke Farriek and Naturalist.
SiR,
Feeling sensibly (as I do) my but few attainments in Pathology, it is with no small degree of self-diffidence that I trouble you with the présent communication: but as the suppiy of matter to your truly use- ful and superior publication ought to be a powerful and influential considération in the mind of every one who lias his profession at heart, I hâve ventured to solicit the insertion (therein) of a case which, though not an entire rarity, yet is, I trust, sufficiently uncommon to merit a place in your pages for the perusal of any inquiring reader. The case which I am now about to relate, was a Stricture of the Œsophagus. The horse presented, whenfirst attended, every symptom of malignant Catarrh,—the parotid glands were considerably swollen, the mem- branes of the mouth and fauces were highly inflamed ; in conséquence of which arose a copious flow of impure, that is to say, fœtid, —saliva : a remarkable degree of laryngeal and trachéal irritation was présent, which caused a violent and almost suftbcating cough : there was not |
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CORRESPONDENCE. 565
much discharge from the nostiïls, but the characteristics, taken alto-
gether, were catarrhal in their most malignant form. I bled him to the amount of four quarts ; endeavoured to administer medicine, but found it impracticable ; gave clysters ; blistered his throat and wind- pipe extensively ; ordered a free admission of pure and atmospheric air into the stable ; clothed his body well to promote a proper action in the vessels of the skin ; directed a gargle of honey and vinegar to be applied to tne mouth ; and continued this treatment till the violence of the symptoms was, in a measure, abated; but, notwithstanding, there still remained an inability to swallow, though a désire to eat re- turned, from a cessation of the inflammatory symptoms. At this I was not a little surprised, and began to suspect something of a more serious nature ; and upon more minute examination, I discovered, when the horse attempted to swallow, a kind of regurgitative motion in the œsophagus, quite différent from that arising from a common "sore throat;" at the détection ofwhich, my father was induced to state to the owner, his firm conviction that a stricture had formed in the œso- phagus, and that ail hopes of his recovery must banish. The horse was redueed to a skeleton, and in a day or two afterwards died from literal starvation. Upon " fost mortent '' examination, I found the lower part of the
œsophagus, from its entrance into the chest, to the cardiac orifice, so far diminished in its calibre, as to entirely preclude the entrance of the finger into it. The lungs were diseased, the pharynx, or top of the gullet, showed marks of inflammation, and also the larynx and trachea : but thèse morbid effects I should consider as resulting from other causes unconnected with the stricture. But, however, Sir, permit me to observe, that I feel anxious to know what may hâve been the cause of the latter ; had it been in the intestinal canal, the sphincter of the bladder, or any other tubular formation whose lining is sensitive and vascular, I should hâve attributed it to some inflammatory cause ; but when it is found in a tube,, whose lining is insensible and cuticular, I do not know how to account for it, nor can I conceive what is its most probable and efficient cause. Perhaps the insertion of this letter ïnay induce some of your more able correspondents to consider the subject, and thereby furnish materials for future discussion. If so, the resuit will be a source of peculiar gratification to, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, Haniingdon, Nov. Glh, 1820. Vetertnarius. |
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566
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VETERINARY COLLEGE CASE.
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To the Editor of the Farrier and Nattjralist.
Sir, Seeing in your Number for October, 1828, a letter from a corre- spondent, signed " G.E.," respecting wens in dogs' necks, I am induced to make the following observation :—I am inclined to think that there is a prédisposition, in some breeds ofdogs, for thèse enlargements (more especially greyhounds and pointers), and which, in every appearance, resemble wens. I had two young pointers, from two to three months old, that were affected similarly to what " G. E." describes, and should hâve had them destroyed, had I not been persuaded, by an old sports- man, to try warm fomentations for atime: I did so; and the resuit was, that thèse wens turned out to be nothing more than tumours, which soon came to suppuration and required opening. Should you think this worthy of insertion, you will oblige your constant reader, F.W.P.
A Pupil at the Vet. Collège. P. S. Should " G. E." put the above in practice, a line from him, a« to the resuit, will be deemed a favour. |
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ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CASE.
A Bay Horse, aged 5,
Belonging to Prince Esterhazy, was admitted Nov. 15th, to be
Castrated, in conséquence of having committed the unpardonable crime of throwing his Princely master and fracturing his leg. " Poor animal ! hadst thou belongecî to us, thy fate might hâve been otherwise." On the 17th, half an ounce of aloes was given, which operated the
next day ; and on the 22d, the opération was performed in the new Shed which lias been
erected in the back paddock ; and which, from the strength of its beams, appears to be intended as an enduring monument of the skill and happy taste of the designer. The conception of this édifice ap- pears to hâve been taken from the rustic model of a cart shed. Whether we are to attribute Mr. Sewell's amendment in perform-
ing this opération, to the effeet of the CQld bracing his shaking nerves, or whether the supposition that he was in an operating théâtre in- duced him to exert himself, we cannot say ; but it was done in rather lesstime, if not better, than heretofore. |
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INDEX.
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B
Balsams, a description of, 206
Barks, on preparing, 206
Barthélémy, M., on the Amputation of
the Horse's Pénis, 232
Bazaar, a description of the Horse, 194 Beckman, Professor, on Ancient ïkorse- shoeing, 67, 122
Bleeding Horses, on, 113 Blight, American, 528 Blistering Horses, on, 277 Blood, experiments on the, 491, 5S.Î Bread, on feeding Horses with, 230 Breeding Arabian Horses, on, 374 -----------• Pheasants, on, 110
-----------, on the comparative Influence
of the Maie and Female in, 285, 374,
465
Broken VVind in Horses, 209 Bryer, Mr., on Abuses at the Veterinary Collège, 183
Bulbs, on Preparing, 206 Bull-baiting, history of, 349 ------Dog, a description of the, 338
Butterflies, a curious account of, 382
--------------Migration of, 478
Buying Horses, faults and defects to be
avoided in, 520
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Adultération of Veterinary Drugs, 300
Age, proof of the naturul âge of the Horse, 39
Aloes, Barbadoes, 23 ------ Cape, 22
----- Hepatic, 21
------ Socotrine, 22
------ to purify, 23
Alterative Medicines, explanation of the
term, 150
American Blight, 528 Amputation of the Pénis of the Horse, 232, 286
Anasarca, congénital, in aCalf, 216 Anatomy of the Domestic Cat, 65 --------------------Horse'sEye, 19, 54
Animal Exhalations, putrid, 475
---------Pbrenology, 34, 71, 106
---------s of New South Wales, 477
Anodyne Medicines, explanation of the
term, 150
Antacids, or Absorbent Medicines, ditto, 150
Antiseptic Medicines, ditto, 150 Antispasmodic ditto, ditto, 150 Anls, an account of a Battle of, 527 Ape, anecdote of an, 240 Aphides, an account of the, 475 Arabian, an account of the Godolphin Horse, 344
-----------Horses, on Breeding, 374
Arteries of tbe Head of the Sheep, 230
Astringent Medicines, explanation of the term, 150
---------------Lotion for the Grease in |
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Calf, congénital Anasarca in a, 216
Canary Birds, on the Management of. 192 '
Carminative Medicines, explanation of
the term, 150
Cart Horse, on the, 482 Carus, Professor, on Dissecting and Preparing Animais, 298
|
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Horses, 47
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- and Stimulating ditto, 47
|
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INDEX.
|
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Cases, Veterinary Collège, 94, 136, 237,
280, 334, 309, 430, 479, 524 Caterpillars, Spinning Organs of, 93
Cathartic Medicines, explanation of tbe
term, 150 Causes, Horse, Law, Barton ». Hick-
ling, 204 -----------Boucherett ». Greetham, 152
—-------Edmonds ». Dobson, 542.
-----------Fuller ». Sigmond, 332
-----------Nesbitt ». Kent, 422
-----------Pilt ». Allen, 333
Canstic Medicines, explanations of the
term, 151 Certificates and Veterinary Pupils, 392
Cherry, Mr., a case of Fractured Jaw in
the Horse, 519 _-------._ on Dislocation of the PateUa,
381
-----------on important Improvement in
the Voterinary Profession, 353
—-.----- on Instruction at the Vete-
rinary Collège, 61 |
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Commons, House of, Motion in the, re-
specting the Veterinary Collège, 339 Condition in Horses, 355, 401
Cordial Medicines, explanation of the
term, 151 Cow, on keeping a, in London, 139
----—s, Red vVater in, 3ÎT
Crib-biting in Horses, 485
Crocodiles oflhe Ganges, 461
----1-------and Bird called Trochilos, 427
Cuekoo kept Alive in Confinement, 500
Curb in Horses, 324
D
Doubenton, M., on bleeding Sheep, 175
Scab in"ditto, 170 |
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Decay in Trees, 143
Defects in Horses, to be avoided in buy-
ing, 520, 540
Demulcent Medicines, explanation of the term, 161
Dewhurst, Mr., on the Anatomy of the Cat, 65
Diaphorelic Medicines, explanation of the tej-m, 151
Diluent Medicines, ditto, 151 Dinner, Anriiversary, of the Veterinary Pupils, 194
-----------------observations on the, 201
Discutient Medicines, explanation of
the term, 151
Dislocations of the PateUa, 381 Dissectingand preparingAnimals, on, 298 Distemper in the Dog, 56 Diuretic Medicines, explanation of the term, 151
for Horses, 62
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Mr.
|
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■ Introductory Lecture,
|
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Colemans's, notice of, by, 529
----------on moderate Firing, 518
---------- on the Treatment of Horses'
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Feet, 449, 49T
----------- on Mr. Assistant Sewell's Report, 504
-----------on the Ventilation of Stables, 435
—------on Veterinary Pupils giving Certificates, 392
-----------Veterinary Examiners, on, by, 538
--------------------------------Regimental Cases, 394
Chlorate of Lime and Soda, 80 Clark, Mr. B., on Bleeding Horses, 113 --------------Blistering ditto, 277
--------------Broken Wrad in Horses, 209
--------------Condition ditto, 355, 401
--------------Crib-biting ditto, 485
--------------Curb ditto, 324
--------------Essays, Remarks on, 399
-------------- Gripes, Remedy for, 43
--------------Nomenclature of the Horse's
Foot, 161
-----------Mr. C, on the Veterinary Art
in France, 446, 513
-------------- on the Navicular Disease
in Horses, 531
Cobbett, Mr., on keeping a Cow in Lon-
don, 139 Cockney ata Hunt, for the first time, 43
Coleman, Mr. ». the Profession, 300
--------------and the Quagga, Dr. Endall
and Phillis, 219
Coleman's, Professor, Introductory Lec-
ture, 529, 561 Colic,Treatmentof Spasmodic, in Horses,
43 Colours and Marks of Horses, 452
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------------Bail, strong and mild, 63
-----------Drench, strong and mild, 63
------------Powder, 63
Dog, Bull, description of the, 338
------ gênerai Character of the, 45
------ Distemper in the, 56
------ Lines on a Newfoundland, 96
------ Mange in the, 20
------ Terrier, description of the, 433
------s, Wens in the Necks of, 566
Dongola Horses, a description of, 231
Drugs employed in theDiseases of Horses and other Animais, 21, 64, 306
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E
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Earwig, Natural History of the, 412
Eclipse, History of the Race-horse, 29 Elasticity in the Feet in Animais, 13 Eléphant, the white, of Siam, 463 ■—. and Tiger Fight, 379 |
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Emollient Medicines, explanation of the
term, 151
Errbine ditto, ditto, 151 Escharotic ditto, ditto, 151 |
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.INDKX.
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Essence of Mustard, 60
---------, Leeming's Blistering, 52
Expectorant Medicines, explanation of
the term, 151
Experiments on tbe Re-production of Domestic Animais, 64
Exterior of the Horse, on the, 385 External Parts of the Horse, Proper Names of, 386
Eye of the Horse, Diseases of the, 16, 53, 116
--------------------Stracture of the, 19, 54 |
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History of the Race-horse Eclipse, 29
-----------Natural, of the Earwig, 412
- Puppy, 82
Salmo Salar, or
|
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common Salmon, 265
Horse breaking in South America, 40 ---------, on the Cart, 482
-----------------Exterior of the, 385
----------------- External Parts, and their
Proper Names, 386
---------Shoeing, on ancient, 67, 122
------------------in England, 225, 274 '.
Horses, 557
Dongola, 231
Humanity to, 77
Lameness of, and Collège Doc-
|
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Faults and Defects to be avoided in buying
Horses, 520, 549
Feediug Horses with Brend, on, 236 Feet,TreatmentofHorses',byMr.Clierry, 449, 49T
Fightbetween an Eléphant and Tiger, 379 Figure of a Plant, Method of obtaining tbe, £53
Firing, on moderate, by M. Gellé, 441 ----------------------....._ . Mr. Cherry, 518
Flowers, on preparing, 206
Fluke worm in Sheep, on the, 25
Foot of the Horse, Nomenclature of the,
161
------Rot in Sheep, a description of the, 487
-----------------— Composition for tbe, 43
French Horse-sboeing, 321 Fret in Horses, Remédies for the, 42 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
trines, 242
—— Lithotomy in, 303 ------- Navicular Diseases in, 531
which strike or eut, 408
|
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Humanity toHr.rses, 77
Hunting, Antiquity of, 437 Ostricb, in South America, 40
|
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Huntsman, Outlandish, 48
|
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Inflammation of the Horse*s Eye, simple,
53 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
--------------------------------puriform, 116
--------------------------------specified, 116
Inoculation for the Strangles in Italy,
236
Insect, a description of a new, 264 ---------s, Rare, 474 |
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G
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ganglia in the Horse, 208
Glue, Stone, for prestrving Anatomical
Préparations, 424
Godine, M., on the comparative Influence of the Maie and Female in breeding,
281,374,465
Godolphin Arabian Horse, un accountof, 344
Grease in Horses, 47 Gripes, ditto, 42 Gums, a description of, 207 ------ Resins, ditto, 207 |
Jeûner, Dr. on the Distemper in Dogs, 56
Jockey Slang Vocabulary, 87 |
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K.
Kangaroo, on the Young of the, 208
Keraphylla, Abscesses of the, 162 |
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Lameness in Horses, Collège Doctrines
respecting, 242
Law reluting to Horses, 59, 126, 127, 152, 204, 332, 333, 422, 542
Laxative Medicines, explanation of the terni, 151
Leaves, on preparing and preserving, 207 Leeming's Blistering Essence, 52 Letters on Instruction at the Veterinary Collège, by Mr. Cherry, 61
--------on Humanity to Horses, by an Observer, 771
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H
Hare, Rumination of the, 168
Harrison, Dr., on the Rot in Sheep, 258, 305, 359, 404
Herbs, on preparing, 207 HistoryofancientHorse-shoeing, 67,122 -----------Bull-baiting, 349
-----------Horse- shoeing in England,225,
274
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s»
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INDEX.
|
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Letter on Lecture Slang, by E. G. D., a
Veterinary Pupil, 135 ---------- on Bursœ Mucosae, or Wind-
galls, by Veterinarius, 177
----------on Veterinary Education, by Ve-
terinarius, 180 - on Collège Abuses, by Mr. Bryer,
|
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Nomenclature of tbe Horse's Foot, 161
--------------------, Veterinary, by M. Vatel,
notice of a, 167
O
Ointment for Mange in Dogs, 20
Scab in Sheep, 76, 176
|
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183
|
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• on aTurkish OperationontbeEye
of tbe Horse, and Hind's Farriery, by Philippos, 184 - on the Veterinary Collège and
|
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Ostrich Hunting in South America, 40
Outlalidish Huntsman, 48 Ox, an accountof a fat, 127 |
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Quittor, by a Farrier, 378, 420
■'on the Veterinary Art in France,
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by Mr. C. Clark, 443, 513
--------on Mr. Sewell's Abililies as a |
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P
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Patella, Dislocation of the, 381
Pénis, Amputation of the, 232, 286 Pharniiicopœia of the Royal Veterinary Collège, 36
Plieasnnts, Instructions for Breeding,110 , on tame bred, 191 |
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Drug Inspector, by an Old Soldier, 470
■ on Wens in tbe Neck ol tbe |
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Dog, 472, 506
■—•-----on a Clerk's giving Veterinary Certificates, by an Old Pupir, 473,510
----------on Mr. Sewell's Neglect, by some Old Pupils, 518
Library, a short description of the Brilish Muséum, 241
Lime, Chlorate of, and Soda, 80 Liniment for Spavins, <fec. 52 Lion of South Africa, on the, 417, 457, 501, 554
Lithocolli, or Stone Glue, 424 Lithotomy in the Horse, 303 Lizard, a stupendous, 323 |
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Pnilippos on a Turkish Opération of the
Horse's Eye, and Hind's Farriery,!84 Pbrenology, its Utility and importance in
Animais, 34 , Animal, 71, 106
|
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Plant, method of obtaining a figure of,
553
Polydactylous Horse, on the Fœtus of a, 85
Post-horse, Sull'erings of the, 144 Profession, Veterinary, Mr. Coleman versus the, 390
Puise, on tbe, ol Domeslic Animais, 276 Puppy, Natural History of the, 82 Purgative Medicines, explanation of the term, 151
Putrid Exhalations, Animal, 475 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
M
Make and Shape of a Horse, 388
Mange in Dogs, 20 Marks and Colour of Horses, 452 Marmot making Ha}', 205 Medicines, Veterinary, 149, 206 -------------■ Diuretic, 02
------------- Purging, 21, 151
------------- Tonic, 112
Médusa, colossal, 280
Metempsychosis, ludicrous, 222
Mews, Royal, at Pimlico, description of
tbe, 49
Monkeyana, 28$ Moorcroft on Horses which strike or eut, 408
Muséum, British, a short description of the Library of, 241
Muséums, Origin and Progress of, 325 Mustard, Essence of, 60 |
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Quagga and the Professor, the Doctor
and the Setter, 279 |
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R
|
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Red Rain, supposed to arise front Butter-
ilies, 382
-------Water in Cows, 377
Repository, description of the London
Horse and Carriage, 145
Reproduction of Domestic Animais, Ex- periments on, 64
Resins, description of, 207 Roots, directions for l'reserving, 207 Rot in Sbeep, an Inquiry into the, 258, 305, 359, 404
------Foot, in Sheep, a description of the, 487
-------, a Composition for
|
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N
|
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Narcotic Medicines, explanation of the
term, 151
Navicular Disease in Horses, on the, by Mr. C. Clark, 531
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|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
the, 43
|
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INDEX.'
|
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Vatel, M., on Abscesses of the Kera-
phylla, 162 ------*------Eléments of Veterinary Patho-
logy and Nomenclature, 167
-------------on Ihe Puise of Domestic
Animais, 276
Vegetable Substances used as Medicines, 206
Ventilation of Stables, on the, 435 Vermifuge Medicines, explanation of tbe term, 152
Veterinarius on Bursa5Mucosœ,or'VVind- galls, 177 --------------------Veterinary Education, 180
—---------------Stricture of the (Eso-
phagiis, 564
Veterinary Collège, Royal, Cases— Abscess in the Foot, 479 Amputation of the Pénis, 286 Broken Knees, 525 Castration, 138, 372, 526, 566 Catarrb, 239, 336 Dyspepsia, 624 Farcy and Glanders, 188, 432, 526
Grease, 9& Inflammation of the Feet, 238 -----------------------------Foot, 95, 190
------------------------------Hock, 239
------------------------------Lungs, 95,
137, 138, 237, 240, 334
------------------------------Lungs and
Pharynx, 479
Lameness, 136, 137, 187,190 Mange, 372 Ophtbalmia, 94, 369 Poll-Evil, 94 Quittor, 189 Sore Heels, 137 Spavine, 94, 191 Staggers, 430 Veterinary Collège, Royal, Rise and Progress of the, 5 --------------------------Pharmacopœia, 36
--------------------------, on the mismanaged
and présent corrupt State of the, 87,
146 --------------------------Transactions, first
No. ofthe, 128
|
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Saddles, the Antiquity and Invention of
Horse, 223
Salés of Horses, 384 Salmon, cotnmon, or Salmo Salar, Na- tural History of the, 265
Scab, or Shah, in Sheep, 76, 176 Sédative Medicines, explanation of the term, 151
Seeds, on Preparingand Preserving, 207 Serpents, Sea, 280, 415 Shab, or Scab, in Sheep, 76, 176 Shape and Make of a Horse, 388 Sheep, Arteries in the Head of the, 230 --------on Bleeding, 175
-------------Foot-rot in, 487
-----------------------------, Composition for
the, 43
-------------Rot in, 258, 305, 359, 405
-------------Scab, or Shab, in, 76,176
Shoeing, Antiquity and History of
Horse, 67, 122
----------, on French Horse, 321
----------, History of, Horses in England,
225, 274
Horses which strike or eut,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
408
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Silkworms, a Disease of, and Cure for,
380
Slang, a Letter on Lecture, 135 -------Vocabulary, 87
Soda, Chlorate of, and Lime, 80
Spinning Organs of Caterpillars, 93 Stables, on the Ventilation of, 435 Stimulant Medicines, explanation of the term, 151
Stomachic ditto, ditto, 151 Stomachs of Animais, 76 Strangles in Horses, 330 -------------, Inoculation lor, in Italy, 236
Structure of the Horse's Eye, ] 9, 54
Sudorific Medicines, explanation of the term, 151
Sufterings of the Post-horse, 144 |
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< Meeting of the Go-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Terrier Dog, a description of the, 434
Tonic Medicines for Horses, 112 -----------------------, explanation of the term, 152
Trees, Decay in, 143 Trochilos, a Bird which renders services to the Crocodile, 427
Turf News, 384 Turkeys, on, 545 |
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vernors, 218
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
-, Remarks on the,
addressed to his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, as Président, 2S9 —----------------------, Motion respecting,
in the House of Commons, by Mr
Warburton, 339 -, without a Demon-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
strator of Anatomy, 483
--------------------------, Report to the Go- vernors, by Mr. Assistant Sewell, 505
--------------------------ditto, ditto, in Verse, 563
Veterinary Art, in France, Letters on
the, 445, 513 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Unguents to Horses' Feet, 358
Unsoundness in Horses, 59 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
lOlbWï
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
INDEX.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Veterinary Drugs, Adultération of, 300
----------— Examiners, by Mr. Cherry, 543 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
W
Wales, New South, Animais of, 476
Warburton's, Mr., Motion in the House of Commons respecting the Veterinary
Collège, 339
Wardrop, Mr., on the Diseases of the Horse's Eye, 16, 53, 116
--------------------------------- Structure of the
Horses Eye, 19, 54
Warrantry of Horses, 59, 126, 127, 542
Water, Red, in Cows, 377 Wens in Dogs" Necks, 472,566 Wind, Broken, in Horses, 209 Woods in Veterinary Uses, 208 Worms, Silk, a Disease in, and Cure for, 380 ---------- in the Livers of Sheep, 25
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Improvements, important,
suggested by Mr. Cherry, 353 jjfe |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-Medicines, 21, 62, 11:
|
149,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
200
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Médical Society, 253
proposed Laws
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Régulations, 253
Profession in England, Import-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ance and présent Estimation of the, 50
------~---------------, an Appeal to the, 293
■ on the, 340, 538
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-----------Pupils and Certificates, 392,
434,484
-----Regimental Cases, 394
-Society,261,343, 395,440,490,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
543
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-, Rules and Régulations
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of the, 396
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-, Views and Objects of
the, 344
Vines', Mr., Experiment on the Blood, 491, 535
Vocabulary, Slang, '87 |
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Xenophon'sRulesfor the Choic<?,Manage-
ment, andTraining of theHorse, 169> 217,314,365. |
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END OF VOL. «.
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Printed by G.Biy;kworth, 76, Fleet Street.
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