Observations. | 43 
with these critical attacks, have neither time nor capacity to 
reason about the structure of animals, in parts either visible 
or hidden. If they theorize on the subject, fear and hesita- 
tion are the result—and the beast dies, before their conclu- 
sion is formed. The violent explosions of wind, issuing from 
the orifice after incision, may not have occurred under Mr. 
Steele’s observation, but the fact can be proved by many wit- 
nesses. Nor would it be a difficult task to produce cattle now 
perfectly sound, and in high health, which have been pierced 
for, and cured of the disease, in other parts than those gene- 
rally known to be the most safe. If a perforation or incision 
fails in the part recommended ;—I repeat—that no danger 
apprehended from wounding. the intestines, can be put in 
competiton with the certainty of death, unless this kind of 
relief is boldly and instantly applied. Country people want 
stimulus and support in such undertakings ; and not addi- 
tions to their natural hesitations. And the chances are more 
against the beast not being pierced at all, than its being done 
in a wrong place. In an instance falling under my own na- 
tice, the account given by Mr. Baker was read, after the ope- 
ration and effect were over. Every one present declared, that 
had he been a witness to the whole process of disease and 
remedy, he could not more exactly have described every 
symptom and circumstance then actually exhibited. In one 
instance a small tin candle mould, and in another a hollow 
piece of elder, was inserted into the orifice ; to prevent its 
closing, and the exterior and interior incisions from being 
displaced, in the way described by Mr Baker. 
I am aware that zeal misapplied produces many irrepara- 
ble mischiefs, both in the small and great concerns of the 
world. But I am so confident on this subject, that I hesitate 
not, to confirm all I have said, m the communication upon 
which Mr. Steele has (no doubt from the best motives) ani- 
madverted. 
Ricuarp Peters. 
