168 AMERICAN STABLE GUIDE. 



Snake Root — Virgmiana Aristolochia Serpenteria. — 

 A great, and perhaps the greatest and most favorite of 

 all the stable bitters for the conditioning and laying of 

 the coats of carriage horses — at least it is so in Philadel- 

 phia. There are few coachmen in this city who have not 

 recourse to its efficacy. The root, after being gathered and 

 dried, is fit for use. A portion of it is placed in an earthen 

 or iron pot or vessel, covered with cold water, and allowed 

 to steep for an indefinite time. The liquor only is used, 

 and poured on and mixed with the evening meal every 

 night, or till the expected improvement, whether of appe- 

 tite or condition, or both, be satisfactory. It certainly does 

 not ofiier those objections which exist against other articles 

 in use for conditioning horses. 



The above-named articles in use by stablemen and others 

 are, as a rule, given to the horse without the knowledge or 

 consent of the owner, but in the most secret manner. 

 Certainly the owner is seldom if ever appealed to for any- 

 thing for such a purpose, but he may be and is often told 

 .that time, &c., will improve the animals of the stable, little 

 suspecting the use or effects of drugs. 



Our substitute for any or all of the above, either 

 harmless or injurious to the horse, is composed of materials 

 indicated by the general condition and constitution of 

 horses, viz., a disposition to anemia or thinness of blood, 

 and consequent want of spirit and fineness of coat or hair. 

 These conditions are best met when the materials for blood 

 making enter the stomach, coupled with those substances 



