214 THE ADVENTURES OF A GENTLEMAN 



flammation or fever, are subdued, anxious attention 

 should be given to the horse's diet. Gruel and bran 

 mashes will keep the bowels slightly relaxed, and 

 should be continued till he shows signs of returning 

 appetite ; but some time should be suffered to elapse 

 before he is indulged with his usual food. 



It is no uncommon thing for the owner to abandon 

 the case as hopeless, when he sees his horse sponta- 

 neously lying down. I believe this to be a great 

 mistake : a horse, in great pain, will lie down and 

 roll himself about; but I have often -heard it re- 

 marked by very experienced men, that, unless to re- 

 lieve himself, where the legs or feet are injured, a 

 horse that is ill will continue standing as long as his 

 strength will permit; it is considered a favorable 

 sign if he lies down on the litter, without being com- 

 pelled by actual debility ; and it follows of course, 

 that instead of relaxing exertion, all the remedies 

 should be pursued more actively to save him. 



In cases of recent local injury, fomentations, poul- 

 tices, and local bleeding, are generally serviceable ; 

 this is particularly the case in strains of the back 

 sinews or accidents to the foot. It is very important 

 in such cases to watch closely the operations of the 



