288 MODERN FARFtlER. 



ter or safer than castor oil, one pint of which may 

 be given for one dose. An experienced farrier re- 

 commends three or four ounces of common salt, well 

 dissolved in water-gruel, with eight ounces of lin- 

 seed oil. He adds, ' Though we have prescribed 

 linseed oil, there is no doubt that castor oil is pre- 

 ferable : but this cannot always be procured readily ; 

 and as many may object to the expence of it, where 

 the disorder is but trifling, linseed oil may on such 

 occasions be substituted. Salad oil is still better. 

 We have recommended common salt, in preference 

 to Glauber's and Epsom salt, because it is more 

 certain in its effect, and may be given in smaller 

 doses.' 



Here it may also be proper to observe, that no- 

 thing is more useful as an article of diet for sick or 

 convalescent horses than water-gruel, provided it is 

 properly made ; and as this is seldom done, we shall 

 give the best method of making it. Take of fine 

 and sweet oatmeal, four ounces ; water, two quarts. 

 Put the water over a slow clear fire to boil, and mix 

 the oatmeal gradually with as much cold water as 

 will make the mixture quite liquid. Add this to 

 the water over the fire before it gets very hot, and 

 continue to stir the whole till it boils. The gruel 

 is then made, but may be improved by letting it 

 simmer some time longer over a slow clear fire ; for 

 horses are very nice, and perhaps would not touch 

 it if in the least smoky. Should the gruel be too 

 thick, add warm water. 



146. IVeariness. 



Mr. White says, that ' fermented liquors, such as 

 beer, porter, or wine, having been often given with 

 great advantage, in cases which required cordials. 

 I have often seen horses, that have been so fatigued 

 with a long chace or journey as to refuse their food 

 and appear quite exhausted, wonderfully refreshed 

 by taking a cordial ball in a pint or more of beer. 



