130 ON RESPIRATION. 



reasons may be adduced to prove that this is not 

 the fact. 



Horses which are addicted to this habit, 

 generally perform it whilst they are masticating 

 their food. 



During the convulsion there is a great loss 

 of saliva, which escapes whilst the mouth is 

 open and fixed upon the edge of the manger. 

 As the saliva is a very essential agent in diges- 

 tion, it will be reasonable to conclude that the 

 loss of it must be prejudicial to the animal, in- 

 asmuch as the digestive powers of the stomach 

 will be insutiicient for their proper functions. 

 From this cause, therefore, ensues the flatulence, 

 or collection of wind in the stomach and intes- 

 tines of horses of this description. Again, that 

 the wind is not drawn into the stomach through 

 the mouth and oesophagus, may be proved by 

 tlie mechanism of the organs of respiration, 

 which have been described. If the animal 



sucked 



