118 Farcy. 



of the Animalj wliereasj the Farcy seldom or ever remains station- 

 ary, but, on the contrary, gradually spreads through the system, 

 which it generally undermines slowly, but sometimes, suddenly 

 breaks up, with a rapidity that is truly astonishing. In the latter 

 case, there is little for the Veterinarian to do, except to look on; 

 just as the Physician is too often obliged to do, during the progress 

 of Pulmonary Consumption. Nevertheless, if the means which I have 

 recommended, be had recourse to on the first attack of Farcy, we 

 may frequently predict a successful issue of the disease. There is 

 no complaint in Horses, which has given rise to more absurd nos- 

 trums, or a greater number of specifics, than this, of which we are 

 treating. And the faith even of a man of science, might stand 

 some chance of being staggered by the testimonies, which many re- 

 spectable people have frequently borne to the efficacy, of some of 

 these boasted remedies. But, all the mystery which hangs about 

 this subject, maj'^, I am confident, be completely and satisfac- 

 torily explained, by the circumstance of the true, being frequently 

 confounded with the Water-Farcy, and some other diseases, to 

 which, although, it has some resemblance, it may, nevertheless, be 

 very easily distinguished from. Else, how will common sense help 

 us to a solution of the alledged effects, with which the practice of 

 sewing up garlic, or quicksilver, in the ears of Horses, supposed to 

 be affected with Farcy, is said to be attended, or to explain the 

 asserted efficacy, of certain charms and exorcisms, which, many 

 persons far above the vulgar, profess to have faith in. 



To the avowed believers, however, in such sort of miracles, 1 

 address no arguments, because their minds are of such a cast, as to 

 be proof against the power of reasoning. But, as I have too fre- 



