266 



CYCLOrEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



7. — "Crib-biting. — Although there is some difference of opinion among 

 veterinary surgeons on this point, crib-biting must be regarded as unsound- 

 ness. This unnatural sucking in of the air must be to a certain degree 

 injurious to digestion, must dispose to coiic, and so interfere with the 

 strength, and usefulness, and health of the horse. Some crib-biters are 

 good goei-s, but they would have probably possessed more endurance had 

 they not acquir.^d this habit; and it is a fact well established, that as soon 

 as a horse begii-s to become a crib-biter, he, in more than nine cases out 

 of ten, begins t) lose condition. 



8. — "Curb co.istitutcs unsoundness while it lasts, and perhaps while the 

 swelling remains, although the inflammation may have subsided : for a 



YEARLING MORGAN FILLY. 



horse that has once thrown out a curb, is for a while at least, very liable 

 to do so again on the slightest extra exertion. A horse, however, is not 

 returnable if he should spring a curb five minutes after the purchase, for 

 it is done in a moment, and does not necessarily indicate any previous 

 unsoundness or weakness of the part. 



9. — "Cutting, as rendering a horse liable to serious injury of the legs, 

 and indicating that he is either weak, or has an awkwardness of gait 

 inconsistent with safety, should be considered as unsoundness. 



