168 On Gypsum. 



fore the gypsum was used or known, as to its qualities 

 applicable to husbandr}'. They occur now, in marsh- 

 es, and other places, where no plaister is strewed. Fogg 

 or after -math^ and second crop hay^ alvra^s produce 

 these salivations^ in a gi^eater or less degi-ee ; particuku"ly 

 in wet seasons. Unmixed clover hay, especially \vhere 

 the crop was luxuriant, and not salted, always disagree 

 "svith horses if exclusively fed. Hoving is common in 

 Europe, in countries wherein the plaister is unknown, 

 or not used in agi'iculture. 



The defiuxions produced on horses by the above 

 mentioned causes, aflord temporaiy relief in complaints 

 of heaves or broken wind. This indication of nature 

 might be improved upon, for the discovery of some 

 palliative, or if practicable, a remedy, for this obstinate 

 disease. Bleeding is useful, but has no permanent ef- 

 ficacy. It is probable that a course of calomel, in an 

 early stage of these complaints, would either cure or 

 palliate. 



If any apology for this communication to the societ}', 

 be necessar}-; it must be found in my persuasion, that 

 it is incumbent on persons who have been in long ha- 

 bits of strewing the gypsum, to give information of their 

 experience. Whatever may be its disadvantages, may 

 now be pointed out, by those who have felt them. My 

 obligations to it, invite and justify the opinion, that it 

 will continue to aiford important advantages to the 

 community, as it has, for a long course of time, been 

 personally beneficial to me. I presumed too, that 

 it would gratify curiosity, to be infomied of the hum- 

 ble and confined beginnings, from whence this ex- 

 tensive am.elinration in husbandry originated^ in this. 



