166 AMERICAN STABLE GUIDE. 



Antimony, Sulphur and Nitrate of Potassa or 

 Saltpetre in certain proportions is not an American nos- 

 trum, but of English origin, and is often used by persons 

 in the American stable, not so much for fattening pur- 

 poses as for giving a fine coat, which it will not fail to do. 

 It must, however, be remembered that antimony is a metal 

 difficult of solution, and consequently injurious to the pas- 

 sive organs of the body, such as the liver and kidneys, in 

 which, after death, it can be seen throughout their sub- 

 stance. 



Assafgetida. — This gum-resin is a substance of frequent 

 use for the promotion of the appetite and spirit of the 

 horse, and some, on account of the alliaceous smell, tie a 

 piece of it to the bridle bit to prevent horses from " catch- 

 ing" any disease. It is a good bitter and will promote the 

 appetite, but has no effect as a preventive of sickness. 

 Gentian Root would be a good substitute for assafoetida 

 for the stomach of the horse, when given in half ounce 

 doses. 



Carraway and Coriander Seeds singly, or combined 

 with Fenugreek, are great favorites with many persons for 

 promoting the appetite, but are too costly; and moreover, 

 better and more economical substitutes can be had. 



Sweet Oil and Mustard Seed are used by some sta- 

 blemen to smooth the coat — one ounce of oil to a teaspoon- 

 ful of the mustard seed. It will here be observed, that the 

 oil is a good fattening material when given to animals in 

 doses not sufficient to move the bowels or disturb the 



