558 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



but promotes the natural secretions, particularly that 

 of urine, and is one of the best and safest medicines 

 that can be given to horses on such occasions. 



Common salt given to horses which do not appear 

 to thrive when there are no symptoms of an inflam- 

 matory disease, has a very good effect ; it promotes 

 digestion and the natural secretions, it makes them 

 take on flesh and coat well. 



Antimony is useful as an alterative, but the coarser 

 kind is ill prepared, and frequently as injudiciously 

 prescribed. 



If coarse and black like gunpowder, it should always 

 be rejected. 



The best is ponderous, and composed of long shining 

 needles, and this, if levigated into fine powder, may be 

 given with safety. 



Medicines exhibited in disease also require caution 

 and discrimination. In speaking of the treatment 

 of sick horses, Mr. Clark says— 



"It is amazing what different kmds of compo- 

 sitions are forced down horses' throats on these oc- 

 casions, of which the following is a striking instance : — 



" A gentleman in London was greatly prejudiced in 

 favour of vinegar as a cure in many diseases. His 

 favourite horse was taken ill in very warm weather, 

 and as he thought vinegar was a very cooling thing, he 

 ordered a pint to be given to his horse at once. 



" It was no sooner swallowed than the horse lay down, 

 stretched himself out, and died. Unluckily the na- 

 ture of the horse's complaint was not known, as the 

 owner would not suffer him to be opened. As I never 

 knew or heard of any other instance," continues Mr. 

 Clark, " where such a quantity of vinegar was given 

 at one time, I cannot take upon myself to say what 

 effects it may produce, but it is very probable iu tne 



