UORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 409 



tending that of the transfer of venous blood, would b^j a procedure 

 more consistent with the known laws of physiology than is the 

 case when venous blood is transfused. It is possible that some 

 animals might be benefited by the transfusion of venous blood, 

 provided the heart and lungs of the patient are in a healthy state, 

 so as to insure sufficient oxygenation; otherwise, the rapid con- 

 Huraption of the little oxygen absorbed would be likely to end in 

 asphyxia. If the function of the lungs be impaired by disease, 

 then the process of aeration of the blood is checked, and the blood 

 can not circulate, notwithstanding the healthy state of the heart. 

 In verification of this fact, as regards the very important function 

 of respiration and aeration, we may mention that Dr. Austls 

 Flint, Jux., has lately demonstrated that the condition of oxy- 

 genation of the blood is necessary to the performance of the vital 

 functions, and that a want of capillary power (occasioned by im- 

 perfect oxygenation) throws all onus on the heart, and that the 

 heart is insufficient for the labor. In one of his experiments, after 

 capillary circulation had entirely ceased, the chest was opened 

 md the heart found beating regularly. 



Management of the Horse's Foot in the Stable. 



[t is my firm belief, based on a knowledge of the physiology 

 of the foot, that soft bedding, containing the usual amount of 

 filth, is, in many cases, the exciting cause, not only of tender- 

 ness and contraction, but also of many muscular affections. I 

 rejoice to find horse-owners exercising their reason in this depart- 

 ment of stable management, because it is one step in the right 

 direction, and will put a stop to those glaring absurdities whW 

 are constantly practiced just because they have the sanction oi 

 antic^uity, or because Neighbor So-and-so recommends them. 

 Reason teaches that the health of the whole animal fabric is best 

 promoted by cleanliness and ventilation (by which a ])ure atmo- 

 sphere is insured), and by food suitable in quantity and quality 

 to tlie s])ecial wants of the animal. Hence, what reason teaches, 

 mail should practice. 



Lt is unreasonable, therefore, to suppose that a horse can be 

 benefited by standing on a soft bed, composed in part of the de- 

 filing excrem'^nts of his own body, which are constantly decom- 

 posing and forming gaseous vapors unfit for respiration. K lirl 



