INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 37 



book of reference to thofe authors of different 

 countries, who have treated on veterinary fub- 

 jecls. It alfo (ketches out a good general out- 

 line of practice for the veterinary furgeon : 

 But how much to be regretted it is, that this 

 gentleman, who, although a man of learning, 

 of good understanding, and good fenfe, was 

 utterly devoid of practical knowledge of Horfes, 

 or of anv of thofe animals on which he under- 

 took to treat, had not fubmitted his manufcript 

 to the correction of fome friend of experience 

 in thofe matters. Such a difcreet proceeding 

 might have faved the reputation of his book, 

 by purging it of many errors, fome of which 

 are of fo extraordinary a complexion, that it 

 is fcarce poffible for a man who has any know- 

 ledge of the matter to perufe them with a grave 

 face. What pig-breeder but muit fmile at the 

 directions of Mr. Mills, to cut pigs at fix 

 months old ; and to put flores up to fat upon 

 wheat, allowing them fcarce any thing to 

 drink ? 



Whilft Mr. Mills is quoting our late writers 

 on farriery, or Sharpe on the operations of 

 furgery, he is always rational and inflruclive ; 

 but why attempt to revive the exploded and 

 irrational whimfies of Vegetius and the an- 

 cient writers? Even the authority of the 

 Maifon Riijlique will, at this time of day, and 

 m this country, fail to induce the enlightened 



d a fportfman 



