PREFACE 



THE FOUETH EDITION. 



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The Author's first edition of this work was published in the year 

 1831, at the request of the ' Society for the Diffusion of Useful Know- 

 ledge,' with a view of supplying a work of reference in connection 

 with the natural history, general management, and treatment of the 

 horse, in health and disease. Since then it has passed through two 

 other editions, the last of which, by the late Mr. Gabriel, appeared 

 in the year 1861. 



In undertaking the preparation of a fourth edition, the Editor has 

 endeavoured as much as possible to carry out the original intentions 

 of the author in accordance with the rapid advancement which 

 veterinary science has of late years made. In doing this, consider- 

 able alterations have been made. The remarks on the ' early history 

 and the different breeds of horses,' and the ' treatise on draught,' are 

 nearly unaltered. The illustrations of the age of the horse, and some 

 remarks on Mr. Earey's method of * breaking in the horse ' from 

 Captain Eichardson's work, also remain as in the last edition. In 

 other respects the present edition will be found to have undergone 

 a thorough revision and arrangement, many fresh diseases have 

 been introduced, and the nature and treatment of others considered 

 in accordance with the principles of veterinary science at the present 

 day. 



