CLOTHINa. 119 



nature of the disease, the breed of the patient, the kind of box 

 and its position, and the previous habits to which the animal 

 maj have been inured. If the box be in an exposed position, 

 or facing the north, or the west, and if the season of the year 

 be unfavourable to the patient, and the disease be of an acute 

 nature, the clothing will require to be plentiful, and of a very- 

 comfortable kind. But if the weather be warm and agreeable, 

 if the box faces the south, and is well sheltered by other build- 

 ings, the clothing need only be light, — perhaps, a hnen sheet, or 

 a thin cotton rug may prove sufficient. 



If the habitation be comfortable, we are not advocates for 

 much clothing. Por a coarse bred horse, we seldom use more 

 than a single woollen rug thrown evenly over the body of the 

 animal, and fastened lightly with a surcingle. "With high bred 

 horses, it may at times be necessary to have a hood, a breast 

 cloth, and woollen bandages for the limbs, and perhaps an 

 additional rug as well. The best criterion however to judge by, 

 is the state of the coat of the patient. If the hair rises, and the 

 animal becomes chilly, clothe more heavily ; but if it remains 

 glossy, the temperature of the body equable, and the animal 

 appears comfortable, it is all that is required. In some diseases, 

 as in Inflammation of the Bowels, it is impossible to clothe the 

 patient. The violence of the animal will prevent it. But when 

 recovery has commenced, and the violence disappeared, it is then 

 necessary to clothe well, in order to assist the restorative powers 

 as far as possible. It is impossible however, to lay down rules 

 to meet the exigencies of every case. Experience is necessary in 

 this as in most other matters connected with the management 

 of the horse. If the patient be clothed too heavily, an 

 uncomfortable state of excitement is produced ; while too little 

 clothing is also prejudicial. The skin is the index, which if 

 closely noted, will at aU times prove a sure guide in this matter. 



