*38 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK. 



titj of this unctuous matter is spread over the surface of the 

 skin, and is contained in all the pores that penetrate its sub- 

 stance; and the skin becomes pliable, easily raised from the 

 texture beneath, and presenting that peculiar yielding soft- 

 ness and elasticity which experience has proved to be the 

 best proofs of the condition, or, in other words, the general 

 health of the animal. Then, too, from the oil in ess and soft- 

 ness of the skin, the hair lies in its natural and proper direc- 

 tion, and is smooth and glossy. When the system is deranged, 

 and especially the digestive system, and the vessels concerned 

 in the nourishment of the animal feebly act, those of the 

 skin evidently sympathize. This oil is no more thrown out; 

 the skin loses its pliancy; it seems to cling to the animal, 

 and we have that peculiar appearance which we call hide- 

 bound. * * * 



"Besides the avenues already mentioned, through which 

 proceeds the unctuous fluid that supples and softens the skin, 

 there are others more numerous, by means of which a vast 

 quantity of aqueous fluid escapes, and perspiration is carried 

 on. As in the human being, this actually exists in a state 

 of health and quietness, although imperceptible; but when 

 the animal is excited by exercise, or labors under some stages 

 of disease, it becomes visible, and appears in the. form of 

 drops. 



" This process of perspiration is not, however, so far under 

 the control of medicine as in the human being. We are not 

 aware of any drugs that will certainly produce it. Warm 

 clothing seems occasionally to effect it, but this is more in 

 appearance than in reality. The insensible perspiration can- 

 not escape through the mass of clothing, and assumes a vis- 

 ible form. * * * Of the existence of absorbent vessels 

 on the skin, or those which take up some fluid or sub- 

 stance, and convey it into the circulation, we have satisfac- 

 tory proof. A horse is even more easily salivated than the 

 human being." * 



*The correctness of this opinion we do not regard as fully established. 



