Observations > 43 



with these critical attacks, have neither time nor capacity to 

 reason about the structure of animals, in p^rts either visible 

 or hidden. If they theorize on the subject, fear and hesita- 

 tion are the result—and the beast dies, before their conclu- 

 sion is formed. The violent explosions of wind, issuing from 

 the orifice after incision, may not have occurred under Mr. 

 Steele's observation, but the fact can be proved by many wit- 

 nesses. Nor would it^be a difficult task to produce cattle now 

 perfectly sound, and in high health, which haVe been pierced 

 for, and cured of the disease, in other parts than those gene- 

 rally known to be the most safe. If a perforation or incision 

 fails in the part recommended ; — I repeat^— that no danger 

 apprehended from wounding the intestines, can be put in 

 competiton with the certainty of death^ unless this kind of 

 relief is boldly and instantly applied. Country people want 

 stimulus and support in such undertakings ; and not addi- 

 tions to their natural hesitations. And the chances are more 

 against the beast not being pierced at all, than its being done 

 in a wrong place. In an instance falling under my own no- 

 tice, the account given by Mr. Baker was read, after the ope- 

 ration and effect were over. Every one present declared, that 

 had he been a witness to the whole process of disease and 

 remedy, he could not more exactly have described every 

 symptom and circumstance then actually exhibited, tn one 

 instance a small tin candle mould, and in another a hollow 

 piece of elder, was inserted into the orifice ; to prevent its 

 closing, and the exterior and interior incisions from being 

 displaced^ in the way described by Mr Baker^ 



I am aware that zeal misapplied produces many irrepara- 

 ble mischiefs^ both in the small and great concerns of the 

 world. But I am so confident on this subject, that I hesitate 

 not, to confirm all I have said, in the communication upon 

 which Mr. Steele has (no doubt from the best motives) ani^ 

 madverted. 



RichaUd Peters* 



