152 0?i the Yellow Water of Horses. 



much used in Kentucky^ where this disorder has been 

 prevalent and fatal. When more accurately informed, 

 I will communicate the result of my farther enquiries."^ 



Richard Peters. 

 Belmont in Blockley, September^ 1799. 



* August 1 807. Every thing I have since been informed 

 of, convinces me of the inefficacy of palliatives, and feeble 

 applications, or remedies. There is no chance of saving an 

 horse xvhen the disease is jixed^ but by some such powerfuj 

 course, as is before mentioned. 



A respectable friend, Samuel Chexv Esq. of or near Chester 

 town Maryland^ informs me that the yellow zuater has been 

 rife, and has lately carried off many horses in his neighbour- 

 hood. He lost four, after following the mode I pursued. 

 Too copious bleedings are there condemned. But he saved 

 a horse, with little or no bleeding, and the free use of mercu- 

 ry ; with the other auxiliaries I mention, viz. cover, rubbing 

 and good nursing. Whether the blisters were applied or 

 not, I do not recollect. He agrees with me (and I have 

 heard of various instances) that if the horse lives, till the ca- 

 lomel touches the mouth, his recovery is ensured. The 

 chances are against any horse taken with the yellow water. 

 Without powerful remedies, his fate is fixed ; and with them, 

 uncertain. It is better that, by bold remedies, some should 

 be saved, than that all should perish. 



I have not yet been able to discover kny local cause, for 

 the infection of my horses. Unless a pity into which the muck 

 was thrown immediately out of the stable (deep and walled 

 round to hold a great quantity of manure, and covered) may 

 have assisted to prom.ote, or caused the disease. The vapour^ 

 ox fiimes^ o^. fermenting' muck^ must be noxious. I have long 

 banished all pits and dimg holes^ as being injurious to ani- 



