HORSES. 151 



new rum, and this destroyed them. In such cases, the 

 litter should be removed beyond the reach of any ani- 

 mals, and the stall and furniture whitewashed, with a 

 liberal portion of salt in the wash; and the harness 

 should be carried off, and brushed, washed or oiled. 

 For these lice will live long without food, and then re- 

 vive and increase. We have kept them alive nearly a 

 week in a phial, without food. 



MOULTING, OR SHEDDING THE HAIR. 



This IS not a disease, but a condition that requires 

 attention in the management of the horse. It takes 

 place in the spring and fall, — more thoroughly or sud- 

 denly in the spring, and then the animal is more affected 

 by it. It produces indisposition to a moderate extent ; 

 sometimes a slight fever, as the vital power, which, in 

 health, is equally distributed through the whole system, 

 is, in this condition, determined to the skin, and employed 

 in the reproduction of hair. Consequently, there is lan- 

 gor, and less capacity for labor. 



At these seasons, give cooling and loosening food; 

 manage carefully, clothe well, and let the labor be less 

 than usual. More than common attention to currying 

 and rubbing is necessary while the moulting process is 

 going on, as it will remove the old hair and promote the 

 growth of the new. 



ABORTION. 



Abortion frequently happens to mares. It often arises 

 from over-exertion during the latter period of pregnancy. 

 They are also liable to various accidents in the pasture, 

 which caitse them to slip their foals ; such as kicks, 

 tumbling into holes and ditches, leaping over fences, 

 &c. Stinting the mare in the quantity of her food, or 

 food of a bad quality, is a cause of abortion. On the 

 contrary, if she be fed high and not worked at all, there 

 is equal danger of miscarriage, by high condition and 

 idleness, causing inflammation and other disorders. 

 Therefore avoid extremes, and when the beast is near 



