144 The House Fakrier. 



chronic irritations indicated by short breathing and 

 troublesome coughs, will be avoided. 



CONSUMPTION. 



This malady extends alike to horses as to human sub- 

 jects. It is not hereditary, but the conformations which 

 lead to this disease are, and thus far the disease. 



If a narrow-chested, flat-sided horse is attacked by in- 

 flammation of the lungs, or severe catarrhal fever, ex- 

 perience tells us that we shall have more difficulty in sub- 

 duing the disease in him, than in one deeper in the girth 

 or rounder in the chest. 



If such animals, however, are used in the country where 

 they have the advantage of pure air, simple yet nutri- 

 tious food, and judicious management, they may live to 

 the average age of horses generally. There are locations 

 that are ' favorable to the development of consumption, 

 such as low, wet lands, where the humid atmosphere pre- 

 vents a full and free evaporation of the insensible per- 

 spiration ; such an atmosphere is no less injurious than 

 that of a crowded, unventilated stable. 



The principal cause of this disease will be found in the 



evils of domestication. Numerous instances have been 



known where the horse and cattle that have been subject 



to these and kindred diseases have entirely recovered by 



their removal from low, damp stables to dry, warm and 



airy ones. 



Symptoms. — The horse is sadly emaciated — he long 

 continues so — his coat stares — his skin clings to his ribs 

 — his belly is tucked up, notwithstanding that he may 

 have plenty of mashes, and carrots, and green meat, and 

 medicine — his former gaiety and spirit do not return, or 

 if he is willing to work, he is easily tired, sweating on 

 the least exertion, and the sweat most profuse about the 

 chest and sides — his appetite is not restored, or, perhaps, 



