DICTIONARY OF THE VETEhlNARY ART. 207 



dulness and heaviness about the head ; the pulse was not 

 much affected, but there was loss of appetite. The animal 

 appeared as if suffering much pain in the head, generally- 

 keeping it lower than the manger. These symptoms were 

 followed by delirium, convulsions, and death. In another 

 case, when probably the water had accumulated very gradu- 

 ally in the ventricles of the brain, the horse appeared to be 

 free from pain, except when the circulation was hurried by 

 brisk motion, when he would fall down in violent spasms, the 

 fit seldom lasting but a few minutes. This horse, being of 

 scarcely any value, was destroyed, and upon opening the 

 brain, about six ounces of water escaped." Sir George Mac- 

 kenzie has described two kinds of this disease, which some- 

 times happen to sheep : " the first consists of an accumu- 

 lation of water in the ventricles of the brain; the other — 

 which is most common — arises from animalculae, called hy- 

 datides. In this case, the water is contained in cysts, or bags, 

 unconnected with the substance of the brain, on which it acts 

 fatally by pressure. Yery soon after water has begun to col- 

 lect, either in the ventricles or cysts, the animal shows evi- 

 dent and decisive symptoms of the disease. He starts, looks 

 giddy and confused, as if at a loss what to do ; retires from 

 the flock, and sometimes exhibits a very affecting spectacle of 

 misery." 



Breaking. The breaking of young horses is a matter of 

 great importance, and should never be intrusted to any one of 

 a cruel or harsh disposition, as, under such a master, the very 

 best tempered horse may be rendered vicious. They are often 

 broken when much too young ; they are often found racing 

 at three, and in constant work before they are four years old. 

 This is one of the causes of contracted feet and lameness, that 

 are continually presenting themselves to our notice. Farmers 

 in general put their colts to work too young ; and although 

 exercise may improve their growth and constitution, yet this 

 advantage is more than counterbalanced by their being shod 

 at a period when their foot is tender. 



Breeding. (See Breeding, part first.) 



