152 Oti the Yelloiu Water of Horses. 



much used in Kentucky^ where this disorder has been 

 prevalent and fatal. When more accurately informed, 

 I will communicate the result of my farther enquiries."* 



Richard Peters. 



jBelmont in Blockley^ September^ 1799. 



* August 1807. Ever)' thing I have since been informed 

 of, convinces me of the inefficacy of palliatives, and feeble 

 applications, or remedies. There is no chance of saving an 

 horse zvhe7i the disease is Jixed, but by some such powerful 

 course, as is before mentioned. 



A respectable friend, Samuel Chexu Esq. of or near Chester 

 town Maryland^ informs me that the ijelloxv water has been 

 rife, and has lately carried off many horses in his neighbour- 

 hood. He lost four, after following the mode I pursued. 

 Too copious bleedings are there condemned. But he saved 

 a horse, with little or no bleeding, and the free use of mercu- 

 ry ; with the other auxiliaries I mention, viz. cover, rubbing 

 and good nursing. Whether the blisters were applied or 

 not, I do not recollect. He agrees with me (and I have 

 heard of various instances) that if the horse lives, till the ca- 

 lomel touches the mouth, his recovery is ensured. The 

 chances are against any horse taken with the yellow water. 

 Without powerful remedies, his fate is fixed ; and with them, 

 uncertain. It is better that, by bold remedies, some should 

 be saved, than that all should perish. 



I have not yet been able to discover any local cause, for 

 the infection of my horses. Unless a pit^ into which the vnick 

 was throv/n immediately out of the stable (deep and walled 

 round to hold a great quantity of manure, and covered) may 

 have assisted to promote, or caused the disease. The vapour^ 

 or fumes^ oi fermenting mucky must be noxious. I have long 

 banished all pits and dung" holes^ as being injui'ious to ani- 



