X PREFACE. 



on any otlier subject they would treat with the 

 utmost contempt. 



Few things can be more aftecthig to a con- 

 templative and humane mind, than the suffer- 

 ings of a mute and patient animal, the estimable 

 contributor to our pleasures and comforts, when 

 afflicted with some violent disease in which 

 nature exerts her utmost efforts to relieve herself; 

 but how must this scene of distress be heighten- 

 ed, could the proprietor be convinced, that the 

 very men he applies to for assistance only ag- 

 gravate the evil by their ignorance. 



The most learned and experienced physi- 

 cians confess the insufficiency of their art, and 

 consequently their attention is directed to the 

 means of rendering it less fallible. To men of 



this 



