CRIB-BITING AND WIND- SUCKING. 153 



moted by the application of hog's lard coloured with 

 very finely powdered burnt leather. 



MEGRIMS OR EPILEPSY 



may proceed from the effects of the sun in very hot 

 weather, from congestion of the blood-vessels of the 

 brain and head, or from disordered stomach or indiges- 

 tion. The horse when at work suddenly evinces a dis- 

 inclination to proceed, appears bothered, and shows un- 

 accountable perverseness — sometimes staggers and falls. 

 Release him at once from whatever work he may be at ; 

 if the cause can be descried, treat in the most reason- 

 able way accordingly. If the illness is supposed to 

 proceed from the heat of the sun or congestion of the 

 head, dash water on the head and keep it enveloped in 

 cold wet cloths ; also cool the system by aperients, giv- 

 ing rest for some time. If from indigestion, repeated 

 mild aperients should be administered. 



It is a strange fact known to those who are experi- 

 enced on the road, that these fits are seldom or never 

 taken during work at night. When such attacks are 

 habitual the animal is only fit for farm- work. 



CRIB-BITING AND WIND-SUCKING. 



Some able veterinarians declare these habits to be 

 the result of an endeavour to eject acidity from the 

 stomach as the horse cannot vomit, while others com- 

 pare it to the human belch. It is almost impossible to 

 cure a crib-biter ; the only thing that can be done is, 

 to palliate and prevent it, which is essential, as the 



