CRIB-BITINO. 211 



Jiot generally carry as much flesh as otliers, and have not their 

 endurance ; on these accounts, crib-liiting has been, and very 

 properly, decided by the highest authority to be unsound- 

 ness. 



It is moreover one of those tricks which are exceedingly con- 

 tagious. Every companion of a crib-biter in the same stable, 

 is likely to acquire the habit, and it is the most inveterate of all 

 habits. The edge of the manger will in vain be lined with iron, 

 or with sheep-skin, or with sheep-skin covered with tar or aloes, 

 or any other unpleasant substance. In spite of the annoyance 

 which these may occasion, the horse will persist in his attack 

 on the manger. A strap bnckled tightly round the neck, by 

 compressing the windpipe, is the best means of preventing the 

 possibility of this trick ; but the strap must be constantly worn, 

 and its pressure is apt to produce a worse affection, viz., an 

 irritation of the windpipe, which terminates in roaring. 



Some have recommended turning out for five or six months; 

 but this has never succeeded, except with a young horse, and 

 then but rarely. The old crib-biter will employ the gate for 

 the same purpose as the edge of his manger, and he will often 

 gallop across a field for the mere purpose of having a bite at 

 the rail. Medicine is altogether thrown away in such a case. 



The only remedy is a muzzle, with bars across the bottom ; 

 sufficiently wide to enable the animal to pick up his corn and 

 to pull his hay, but not to grasp the edge of his manger. If 

 this is worn for a considerable period, the horse may be tired 

 of attempting that which he cannot accomplish, and for a 

 while forget the habit ; but in a majority of cases the desire of 

 crib-biting will return with the power of gratifying it. 



The causes of crib-biting are various, and some of them be- 



