CUIS-BITERS AXD TVIND-SUCKERS. 541 



belching or eniclation causes furtlier derangemenc ol'tlie stomaclV, 

 the increased formation of gases, and tlie consequent tympanitis, 

 1 was at first disposed to tliink that the first opinion was the cor- 

 rect one» as it is quite possible for air mixed Avith saliva to he 

 swallowed ; hxit further experience inclines me to the latter, 

 namely, that gases are expelled, and that increased disorder of 

 tlie stomach is induced by the habit. A chronic crib-biter may 

 be easily recognised by the appearance of the incisor teeth, 

 which are worn and rounded at their anterior borders, and by 

 aji enlaj-geil or hypertrophied condition of the muscles which 

 depress the jaw, tlie sterno-maxillaris, stylo-maxillaris, &c., and 

 .generally by the mark of a strap en the neck. 



A wind-sucker smacks his lips, gathers air into his moutli, 

 cxtenda his head, or presses it against some solid body, arches 

 his neck, gathers his feet together, and undoubtedly swallows air, 

 blowing himself out, sometimes to a tremendous extent. Of the 

 two vioes this is the worst, a wind-sucker being more subject to. 

 colic, indigestion, and polyuria than a crib-biter. 



To prevent crib-biting, a muzzle or a neck-strap made for tlie' 

 pui"pnse is sold by saddlers ; and for wind-sucking a strap 

 studded with sharp points of iron opposite the lower part of the 

 jaw, is tlie best preventive ; whilst the indigestion from wliich 

 tliese animals seem to suffer is best combated with purgatives, 

 alkahes, rock salt in the manger, and regular work. Want of 

 work, indigestioE, and the irritatio:a of teething are generally the 

 ciiuses of these \tcea. 



