8 PREFACE. 



general treatment, so that by reference to the contents a 

 gentleman can discover, in ordinary cases, the nature of 

 his horse's ailment, and give his directions accordingly, 

 thereby becoming himself master of the situation. 



It is not here intended to underrate the skill of a good 

 veterinary surgeon, only to dispense with the necessity of 

 sending for him on all trifling occasions. 



The writer has searched for this desirable information, 

 without success, in the many books already published ; 

 being himself a lover of horses, and having some knowl- 

 edge of the animal's habits and requirements, and know- 

 ing that many of his diseases are occasioned by ignorance 

 of the simplest rules of health, neglect, or bad treatment, 

 he undertakes the present work. It is with an earnest de- 

 sire to alleviate the sufferings of this most valuable animal, 

 as well as to assist his owners, that he gives some plain 

 directions with regard to his treatment in and out of the 

 stable. C. W. 



