THE HORSE. 



775 



1. Its effects upon the circulation of the blood. It will appear very evident that this contrivance 

 must seriously interfere with the return of blood from the brain, and thus lead to an accumu 

 lation of venous blood, producing eventually a state of coma, the severity of which will 

 depend upon the duration and intensity of the compression; and, further, it must impede 

 the flow of arterial blood to the brain. This deficiency of arterial blood is characterized by 

 a want of nervous sensation, and a disarrangement of the nervous parts. 



2. Its effects upon the veins. The sudden, intermittent, and violent muscular action of 

 the neck, together with pressure of the lower jaw, would induce more or less permanent 

 distension of the veins, which in all probability would ultimately become varicose. 



3. Its effects upon the arteries. The pressure of the blood within the vessels, and the un 

 natural muscular contraction of the neck, would lead to laceration of their inner coats, 

 resulting in enlargement of the vessels, and thus form aneurisms. 



The consequences of the above conditions would lead to increased pressure upon the 

 nerves of the neck, causing pain to the animal, and, further, it would predispose the unfor 

 tunate victim of fashion to such diseases as megrims, apoplexy, coma, inflammation, and 

 softening of the brain.&quot; 



NATURAL POSITION. 



UNNATURAL POSITION. 



Youatt-says: &quot; Roaring is an unnatural, loud, grunting sound, made by the animal in the 

 act of breathing, when in quick action or on any sudden exertion ; it is manifest unsoundness, 

 as impairing the function of breathing. Among other causes of it, is that which the folly, as 

 well as cruelty, of man has introduced the system of tight reining.&quot; 



The leading veterinary surgeons of Europe and America denounce its use, both on 

 humane and sanitary principles, and its continued use seems to be simply to conform to the 

 caprice of fashion, regardless of the consequences. 



The overhead check is fully as objectionable in all respects as any other, while it pro 

 duces a very awkward carriage in a horse, since the neck and head are kept drawn back 

 unnaturally high, while to relieve the neck the horse throws his nose out, giving him a gait 

 about as graceful as that of a camel. 



Whenever the check-rein is used at all on the horse, it should be made so long that he 

 can drop his head when going up hill, as far as he would without one. It is to be hoped 

 that farmers and horse owners generally will give this subject more attention, and look upon 

 it in its true light. The logic of the old Scotch stage-driver on this point could not well be 

 controverted, when he said, &quot;&quot;We dinna use em. You winna get half their power with 

 em crimped up so.&quot; 



Frosty Bits. Never put a frosty bit in a horse s mouth. If iron bits are used in 

 severe weather, always warm them by putting them in water, holding them in the hands a 



