MISCELLANE OUS. 115 



heat, being allowed to swallow, when the whole system 

 is overwrought, water or even grain ; a very few mouthfuls 

 of either does the business. When done his feet will be 

 feverish, and he will be stiff all over ; will often not be 

 able to rise. The only thing to be done, and the sooner 

 the better, is to take from him from one to two gallons of 

 blood from the jugular vein. Take off shoes all round, 

 and poultice feet with fresh cow-droppings, to cover foot 

 and pastern with it, if possible; or, if not to be had, 

 bran or linseed-meal mixed with warm water. Put on 

 fresh poultices five or six times a day, and for some time, 

 until he is able to bear his weight comfortably on his feet. 

 Feeding all the time green food, not a mouthful of grain, 

 but as many carrots and as much hay as he wants, or, if 

 to be had, grass. When he is sufficiently able -to feed and 

 take care of himself, let him be turned into a soft meadow 

 for a few months. It often ruins a horse for all his after- 

 life, and a very little care would prevent it. No matter 

 how tired a horse may be, if you will only wash out nos- 

 trils and mouth, and under and around the root of his 

 tail, dry rub his ears, straighten his hair, and give him 

 either hay or grass, but the latter to be preferred, let 

 him eat of these what he will for half an hour, then give 

 him water and a mash of scalded oats and ship-stuff, and 

 he will be all right next day. If he will eat a little hay 

 before his water there is no danger of founder, unless he 

 should be in a draught. 



One other cure for founder, if the horse can be taken 

 soon after the mischief is done. Get him into a profuse 

 perspiration, in plain English, sweat it out, blanket him 

 all over, hood and body blankets (if on hand), make him 

 trot, gallop, or anything, to get him well sweated; then 

 in a close stable, where no draught can reach him, scrape 

 well and rub. Give some tepid water mixed with a quart 



