942 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



which tlicre are few indeed, who do not wish to be thought well 

 informed. 



But sucli knowledge is neither hereditary nor intuitive, nor to be 

 acquired by mere outside acquaintance with the animal in health, 

 or casucxl external observation of his diseases. That it may be reli- 

 able, and of use to us in our daily treatment of liim, everj'tliing 

 connected with his physical structure, his wants and uses, must be 

 scanned and studied, first in its individual aspect, and then in its 

 various relations. His natural history needs to be known, that we 

 may understand his habits and constitution, and how to develope 

 his qualities to the best advantage, in the artificial condition we 

 consign him to. His form and anatomy must be examined, that 

 wo may judge rightly of his motions and proportions, and be able 

 to detect with certaiutj^ the seat and nature of the injuries he is 

 exposed to in our service. The physiology and uses of the differ- 

 ent organs and structures of his body must be investigated, that 

 we may be prei^ared to find out and comprehend the diseases and 

 changes of condition, consequent on his domestication and usage. 

 Chemistr}^ dietetics and hygiene, must be consulted, to show us 

 how to feed and keep him, as best suited to promote his health and 

 powers of endurance. Mechanics must be studied to make his labor 

 give the best results, with the least amount of vital expenditure ; 

 'and pathology and therapeutics known, to enable us to restore him 

 to usefulness, when lamed or diseased. 



Such are but the more important of the points of inquiry, that 

 must be studied, before we can tell with any thing like certainty, 

 what is right or what is wrong in our treatment of the horse : 

 their investigation, arrangement and application being comprised in 

 the less common and more scholastic term, veterinary science. And 

 the bare recital of them is enough to show that more is required of 

 those who would aspire to a proficiency in this kind of knowledge, 

 than the mere practice of stable duties, horse shoeing or jockey- 

 ship. 



As a proof of the advantages believed to arise from the special 

 study of a subject of so great importance, the civilized nations of 

 Europe have long ago devoted a portion of their attention to the 

 cultivation of veterinary science. Colleges for teaching it have 

 been established in almost every eminent seat of learning. Gov- 

 ernments have aided its extension by patronage, employmcmt, and 

 pecuniary support. Men of talent and liberal education have become 

 its practitioners and teachers. And some of the proudest names in 

 human surgery the world ever produced, have helped it forward. 



In these countries, therefore, and under such advantages, not 

 only is every thing connected with tlie horse investigated by the 

 light of science, and ascertained with all its accuracy, but the pop- 

 ular notions upon tlie subject among tliose classes of the community 

 that are far beyond the immediate influence of study, are also gen- 

 erally true to nature, and practically useful, if not always strictly 

 scientific. IIow different it was before veterinary science was 

 cultivated, and how different it is still, where it has not been intro- 

 duced, it is scarcely necessary to say. On these points, the absurd 



