THE MODERN IIORSE DOCTOR. 251 



so (there might be such a ease) the lameness may subside, so that 

 the owner would be spared the expense, and his horse the pain, 

 of an operation. 



Neurotomy, observes Mr. P., "has other objects besides the 

 removal of lameness. Both the cestral and generative functions 

 have been restored through neurotomy. Brood mares that have 

 proved barren in consequence of painful lameness annihilating in 

 them all sexual desire, and that have ceased to have at the usual 

 season any return of the oestrum, have, from losing such pain, 

 had their natural generative functions restored, and become again 

 good breeders." 



" In 1822," writes Mr. Rock wood, " a chestnut mare at Oakley, 

 the property of the Marquis of Tavistock, went very lame in the 

 near foot behind, in consequence of complete ossification of the 

 lateral cartilages and extensive ossific disease around the coronet. 

 She scarcely ever placed the foot upon the ground, but generally 

 moved upon three legs. Her sufferings prevented the periodical 

 oestrum. She had not bred for years. About two months after 

 the operation, she went to work, and moved round; she has bred 

 several healthy foals, and works as usual." In this view the 

 author looks upon neurotomy as a curse rather than a blessing, 

 for the United States can already outdo any nation on earth in 

 the number of her horses laboring under some form of ossific dis- 

 ease ; and for them to call in the aid of neurotomizers only to 

 add to the countless host of deformed animals would increase 

 their number to a deplorable extent. A mare having " complete 

 ossification of the lateral cartilages and extensive ossific disease 

 around the coronet," ought never to be put to a stud ; the suppres- 

 sion of her periodical oestrum, and the annihilation of her sexual 

 desire, would be a public benefit, to say the least, while it should 

 teach us that nature strives by all the means in her power to 

 perpetuate nothing but what is calculated to retain the stamp, 

 perfection, and beauty of its original type. The suppression of 

 the generative function is in this case, as also in many others, the 

 operation of that law which limits all animated creation to certain 

 bounds, beyond which they cannot go without forfeiting their 

 right and title to the protection of those harmonious laws which 

 the God of nature has thrown around them. 



