6'2 THE HORSE. 



been generally supposed tough and good in nature ; 

 a reality to the extent of my own experience. Rheu- 

 matism in horses is extremely difficult of distinction 

 from other causes of lameness or stiffness. It might 

 not be difficult, granting we could ascertain no other 

 cause. The affection in the horse results precisely 

 from the same cause as in the human patient, a partial 

 or general cold-stroke which may hit the shoulders, 

 loins, hips, or the limbs, particularly the hock joints. 

 It may arise from various accidental exposures, to 

 standing in a current of cold air when heated, or from 

 long standing in cold water during unfavourable 

 seasons. In a recent case, the horse will limp, or 

 go with a dropping or catching action at the set 

 off, recovering as he waxes warm ; but under the 

 influence of the chronic affection, he will, through the 

 piece, have at least a strong semblance of lameness. 

 This last stage is incurable, and very common with 

 posters and stagecoach horses. With rheumatism 

 in the knees or shoulders, horses are extremely 

 unsafe, being liable to drop down instantaneously, 

 as if knocked down. 



SECTION XI. 



To refer to the general appearance and condition of 

 the horse, an object of consequence to a purchaser out 

 of the hands of strangers ; when the animal shall ap- 

 pear unthrifty and lean, his eyes dull and spiritless, 

 his hide tight and unyielding to the feel, the coat 

 rusty and dead, and the hair staring, he is labouring 

 under the malady styled hidebound or surfeit. 

 This morbid state of the body neglected, may be 



