CRIB-BITERS AND WIND-SUCKERS. 541 



belching or eruct ation causes further derangement ol' the stomacli, 

 the increased formation of gases, and the consequent tympanitis. 

 I was at first disposed to tliink that the first ojDinion was the cor- 

 rect one, as it is quite possible for air mixed with saliva to be 

 swallowed; but further experience inclines me to the latter, 

 namely, that gases are expelled, and that increased disorder of 

 the stomach is induced by the habit. A chronic crib-biter may 

 be easily recognised by the appearance of the incisor teeth, 

 which are worn and rounded at their anterior borders, and by 

 an enlarged or hypertropliied condition of the muscles which 

 depress the jaw, the sterno-maxillaris, stylo-maxillaris, &c., and 

 generally by the mark of a strap on the neck. 



A wind-sucker smacks liis lips, gathers air into his mouth, 

 extends his head, or presses it against some solid body, arches 

 liis neck, gathers liis feet together, and undoubtedly swallows air, 

 blowing himself out, sometimes to a tremendous extent. Of the 

 two vices this is the worst, a wind-sucker being more subject to 

 colic, indigestion, and poljoiria than a crib-biter. 



To prevent crib-biting, a muzzle or a neck-strap made for tlie 

 purpose is sold by saddlers ; and for wind-sucking a strap 

 studded with sharp points of iron opposite the lower part of the 

 jaw, is the best j)reventive ; whilst the indigestion from wliich 

 these animals seem to suffer is best combated with purgatives, 

 alkalies, rock salt in the manger, and regular work. Want of 

 work, indigestion, and the irritation of teetliing are generally the 

 causes of these vices. 



