MODERN FARRIER. 135 



the practice of bleediig frequently, or at stated 

 times, is exceedingly improper, as it disposes the 

 body to become lax, weak, and plethoric. 



' In bleeding, therefore, a due regard must always 

 be had to the constitution, age, strength, &c. of 

 horses, and the state or habit of body they are in at 

 the time. 



' It is commonly said tliat the taking away a little 

 blood from liorses, even when they are in health, or 

 when they are in the least indisposed, will do no 

 liarm : this in one sense may be allowed to be lite- 

 rally true ; but wliy draw blood from them on every 

 trifling occasion, unless there may be such symptoms 

 attending as may require it ? 1 have observed in 

 many horses who have been very frequently blooded, 

 and which may be easily known from the cicatrices 

 or marks on the neck veins, that their blood had 

 lost much of its tenacity, together with a consider- 

 able portion of its florid and red colour. Butchers 

 who slaughter calves may find their account in 

 bleeding them frequently, as it renders their flesh 

 white, by taking away the red particles of the blood. 

 But in horses it is quite otherwise ; as they are des- 

 tined for hard labour and active exercises, it impairs 

 their constitutions, subjects them to disease, and 

 hastens a premature old age. 



*As the blood of horses, more especially those 

 who are constantly employed in hard labour, or in 

 active exercise, when drawn from a vein, appears 

 of a darkish or deep red colour, even in the highest 

 state of health, it is commonly said to be bad blood, 

 and more so when a thick yellow or buff"-coloured 

 crust forms on the surface after it is cold; hence 

 these appearances are said to require repetition of 

 bleeding ; for it very unluckily happens, that most 

 of the diseases to which horses are subject are 

 thought to proceed from some impurities or humours, 

 as they are called in the blood, which require to be 

 drained off* by bleeding, and other evacuations.' 



