224 



EYILS OF MODERN STABLES. 



length one is sensible of an irritation behind the ear. The head is turned 

 toward the side ; the body is curved to the full extent ; and the hind leg 

 brought forward. Then, the groom not being present, the toe of the hind 

 shoe can touch the part, and the horse luxuriates in a hearty titillation. 



When the head was turned, toward the quarters, however, the collar- 

 rope, being attached to the halter, was also stretched in that direction. 

 The hind foot having performed its office, a desire is felt to return it to 

 the natural position. The attempt is made ; but this is found to be im- 

 practicable. The creature strains against the opposing force, but its 

 struggles only render its comfortless attitude the more fixed. The truth 

 is, that while devoted to the act which allays cuticular irritability, the 

 pastern has slipped over the collar-rope. Such a mishap not only fiies 

 the leg, but fastens the head. With the neck bent and one leg disabled, 

 the animal cannot exert half its power ; neither can simplicity compre- 

 hend the source of its unnatural constraint. Long continuance of the 

 position becomes painful; alarm seizes upon timidity; the struggles 

 grow desperate ; and the poor quadruped, at length, is cast with terrible 

 violence upon the straw which had been shaken down for its repose. 



CAST IN THE COllAR-ROPE. 



The animal is lucky which should be overthrown in a limited space 

 and escape serious misfortune. It can hardly encounter such an acci- 

 dent and rise from the ground uninjured. The slightest consequences 

 are contused wounds or fractures of small osseous prominences. The 

 worst result, however, usually follows the body being forcibly contorted 

 throughout an entire night. Bones have been dislocated, or a limb has 



