Farcy ; its Symptoms. 203 



fest themselves for montlis, it is working in secret, 

 and its malignant effects are sure to show them- 

 selves sooner or later, and all at once break out 

 in a most malignant form, and in all probability 

 in a few days death will close the scene. Some- 

 times a considerable swelling takes place about 

 the head, especially in the region of the muzzle, 

 and from which an extremely foetid mucous fluid 

 is discharged, various portions of the body will 

 assume a mangy appearance, swelling in the 

 limbs will follow, the heels will become cracked, 

 and exhibit all the appearance of grease, the 

 animal in most cases becoming emaciated and 

 weak. Farcy assumes many different appear- 

 ances in its various stages. It is no uncommon 

 thing for one hind leg to swell suddenly to a 

 large size, accompanied by abrupt projections 

 and depressions, and which the poor animal will 

 be unable to move. This is generally accom- 

 panied with a considerable degree of fever. The 

 above swelling differs considerably from that 

 which is usually called farcy humour; in this 

 the skin presents a red and shining appearance, 

 from the whole surface of which exudes a thin 

 fluid, accompanied by great lameness, the fet- 

 lock is round, tumid, and smooth, and swollen as 

 far as the heel. This disease is in consequence of 

 being over-fed, and the want of proper exercise 

 at the same time. Painful and disagreeable 

 as this malady is, frequent fomentations of a 

 decoction of marsh-mallows, and smart doses of 

 medicine will speedily reduce the swelling, and 

 especially if the swollen part is well rubbed and 



