66 PHYSIC. 



upon the molar teeth; while the hand appears to be placed in a some- 

 what dangerous position. For if, under excitement, the horse can become 

 so oblivious as actually to bite through its own flesh, how would the 

 hand of the operator fare when the closing of the jaws should lacerate 

 the lingual body? The only advantage which can attend upon Mr. 

 Gowing's proposed plan must result from the smaller outrage it offers, 

 thus leaving the amiable disposition of the animal the better chance of 

 controlling its emotions. 



It is, therefore, demonstrated the tongue can afford the operator no 

 decided protection ; the question, consequently, resolves itself into which 

 of the methods affords the hand the greatest immunity, should the animal 

 become alarmed. The author cannot but think the outside of the jaw is, 

 under such circumstances preferable to the interior of the mouth. 



ME. qowinq's excellent manner of deuverinq a ball. 



However, the method proposed by Mr. GoWing for holding and deliv- 

 ering the ball is unobjectionable. According to the plan adopted by that 

 gentleman, the knuckles are not elevated ; but the hand is extended, the 

 thumb and fingers being all brought upon one level and all held close 

 together. The ball is placed between the fore and middle fingers, on 

 the same level as the hand generally, being retained simply by slight 

 lateral pressure. In this position it is introduced, and evidently de- 

 mands less space for its entrance than was required according to the 

 former system. When the ball has been advanced to the desired situa- 

 tion, a separation of the fingers allows the morsel to drop into its place. 



Some stress, however, is laid upon the manner of clasping the head 

 after the ball has been lodged. Mr. Gowing claps-to the jaws and evi- 

 dently contemplates holding them in apposition. This is a mistake; 

 for the muscles of the horse are not to be controlled by the utmost power 

 of the strongest human being. The old custom, which applied friction 

 on the most sensitive portion of the horse's body, the writer esteems as 

 better calculated to distract the attention of the quadruped. 



The delivery of a horse ball is, however, rendered difficult in propor- 

 tion to the number of persons who surround the animal, and to the noise 

 made on the occasion. For the above reason, all the pupils at public 



