320 A TREATISE ON HORSE.-BREEDING. 



self- abuse in the males of our domestic animals, many of 

 which, especially the better-bred and more valuable ones, 

 are fed on stimulating food and kept idle most of their time. 

 But besides idleness and restraint of sexual intercourse, there 

 are other causes of the habit, among which may be mentioned 

 special generic disturbances and excessive generic potency, 

 and which are more frequently met with in the bull than in 

 the stallion. 



When masturbation is practiced frequently organic dis- 

 ease of the testicles may result; also, weakness of the loins, 

 loss of power of propulsion, loss of flesh, and general emacia- 

 tion; spermatorrhoea, as well as so-called clap, besides im- 

 potence, may supervene, and these so much the sooner if the 

 animal is kept on low diet with the idea of thus lowering 

 his sexual excitement. 



The subject of prevention is of course one of great impor- 

 tance. If the animal practices masturbation by the .aid of 

 his own body or limbs it is next to impossible to prevent the 

 same. Chastisements are of no use, and shame is out of the 

 question. Among the remedial measures are unrestrained 

 liberty outdoors, but which, especially with the stallion, is 

 not generally practicable; also moderate work in the field or 

 on the road, and regular but moderate use in the stud or 

 herd. The main object is to prevent the exercise of the 

 habit, if possible, but no means have been devised by which 

 this can always be done successfully, especially when the 

 habit has been long indulged in. The means adopted in 

 human practice cannot very well be carried out with the 

 same result. Among these we may, however, mention occa- 

 sional blistering of the prepuce, or ringing it with silver 

 wire, somewhat similar to ringing of the nose of swine. 

 While the habit, by these or similar means, and by constant 

 watching, or by applying a straight-jacket during the night, 

 may prove successful in the human family, such stringent 

 measures cannot be effectually applied in the case of animals, 

 as the chances are that when the restrictions or applications 

 are omitted, or*after awhile, the animal will return to its old 

 habits. Internal remedies, such as bromide of potassium, 

 continued for some time, reduces sexual desire and potency, 



