AGRICULTURE AND THE HORSE. 407 



through a narrow rack. A feed-box, so constructed as 

 not to furnish an opportunity for cribbing and biting, 

 elevated not much above the stall-floor, and easily 

 cleaned, is the best contrivance I have seen. 



I take it for granted that no man will compel his colt 

 to stand on a manure-heap, unless he wishes to injure 

 his feet ; and that the stall will be kept as clean as time 

 and circumstances will allow. 



But you will say to me, — those of you who are espe- 

 cially anxious to place the horse in as unfavorable a 

 light as possible, and to cool the enthusiasm of his 

 friends, — that, in spite of all your care and attention, the 

 animal will be sick and unsound. I know it. But let 

 me tell you that he need not be sick half as much as 

 he is, nor unsound half as often, if proper measures 

 are taken to preserve his health, and to prevent and 

 cure his unsoundness. 



With regard to his health, it is easier to preserve it 

 than it is to restore it. The natural condition of the 

 horse is one of robust health, of good digestion, of 

 strong respiratory organs, of calm and even circulation. 

 He has no especial tendency to those diseases which 

 torment the human race, and lurk in our swamps and 

 cellars and water-springs, and crowded habitations, and 

 thronged cities. A few epidemics peculiar to himself, 

 and one or two inflammatory disorders, constitute the 

 great bulk of his ailments. And yet the loss of horses by 

 disease is enormous. What the precise character of the 

 disease is, its symptoms, its local complications, its pre- 



