XX PREFACE. 



A^'hicli the simple owner of tlie horse retains to the present 

 clay. Numerous instances of this description could be 

 given. Another method of operation briefly stated will 

 be sufficient for the Author's purpose. A horse is 

 affected with some malady — the owner sends for one 

 of those quack doctors , on his arrival he orders a fowl 

 to be got, which is bled to death — the vital fluid is pre- 

 served, and the animal is compelled to drink of it ; the 

 imposter receives his reward, walks off, not forgetting 

 to carry the fowl with him, on which he enjoys a 

 hearty meal at the expense of the simpleton who em- 

 ployed him. While not hesitating to condemn all 

 impositions, quackery, and superstition, the Author, of 

 course, does not mean to imply that all his countrymen 

 are equally susceptible of imposition, equally credulous 

 or superstitious. E"o, that is very far from his intention. 

 Neither would it be true. That this belief exists pretty 

 extensively is a fact, but it is mostly confined to the 

 least educated part of the community. Men of intelli- 

 gence occasionally try such remedies, but they are 

 induced to it, sometimes by their workmen, often through 

 curiosity, and generally as a last resource. That super- 

 stitious practices of this kind are still in operation, is 

 much to be deplored, as it is a proof of backwardness in 

 this age of progTCSs, but the prevalence of these 

 absurdities the Author believes to be owing to proper 

 means not being used by those whose duty it is to take 

 the initiative in improving and encouraging everything 

 that would tend to the advancement and prosperity of 

 the country, and the spread of enlightened and liberal 

 opinions. The people supply the taxes, and they have 



