FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



ities well, and insure fresh air, but no draught ; 

 then, leaving him alone until he gets better, it 

 will generally be but a few days before he is all 

 right again ; nor, beyond a simple febrifuge, and 

 a liniment for the sore throat, could the most 

 skilled veterinarian do anything further. It is, 

 of course, best to send for him when available (as 

 he nearly always is) but this is written for those 

 who may not care to go to that expense. 



Rigid cleanliness must be enforced, and the 

 nose, eyes, etc., as well as the surrounding wood- 

 work, gently sponged and cleaned with tepid 

 water, for a sick horse is generally rather nasty. 



The head may be steamed if there is much 

 accumulation of mucus, and if the throat is very 

 sore, but if this is done (hot water and vinegar is 

 as good as anything) the head and neck must be 

 carefully dried, and protected by a hood, or harm 

 may ensue. 



A thermometer is useful if understood, but is 

 dangerous in the hands of an amateur, for the 

 reason that he will always be " panicky" if he 

 uses it. A horse's temperature constantly varies, 

 and the odd degree or two of change from normal, 

 which may seem to presage fever, has very prob- 

 ably no significance. One should experiment 



