192 GIVING BALLS, DEBILITY 



have not got. Instead of being hypochondriacs 

 themselves, they become so on behalf of their 

 horses. 



Supposing, then, you feel a doubt as to 

 whether your horse is ill or not, use logic. If 

 you suspect fever, apply a good test by using 

 a thermometer. In paragraph 217 a, under 

 " Temperature in Horses and Stables," by Lieu- 

 tenant-General Sir F. Fitzwygram, Bart, (third 

 edition, Longmans & Co.), this passage occurs : — 



"The ordinary temperature of the blood has 

 already been stated to be about 99° F, In 

 diseases of an inflammatory nature, or when 

 fever is present, the temperature of the blood 

 becomes increased above the normal standard, 

 and is an important guide in determining the 

 condition of the patient. To ascertain the tem- 

 perature of a horse, a small clinical thermometer 

 is necessary. This is inserted in the rectum, 

 and must be allowed to remain for one or two 

 minutes, when it may be withdrawn, and the 

 index hand will indicate the exact temperature 

 of the patient." 



A horse's pulse is taken at the angle of the 

 lower jaw. A "blood 'un " beats 40 to the 

 minute, cart-horses 30. 



It may be asked, if I am going to send for a 

 vet on all doubtful occasions, why study amateur 

 vetting at all ? The answer is as clear as the 

 question. If you take an interest in healthy 

 horses, you are bound to wish them kept in good 

 health, and therefore everything which helps to 

 make your stud fit will prove interesting to you. 



