128 INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 



dish, and partly of a violet hue; those masses are 

 accounted best which are clear, or a pale reddish co- 

 lour, and variegated w^ith a number of elegant white 

 tears. This drug has a strong fetid smell, somewhat 

 like that of the garlic, and a bitter acid, biting taste. The 

 smell resides entirely in the essential oil, which arises in 

 distillation. It is the most powerful of all the fetid 

 gums, and is a most valuable medicine. It acts as a 

 stimulant, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, emmenagogue, 

 and anthelmintic, and its action is quick and pene- 

 trating. 



When a small piece of the asafoetida has been placed 

 in the manger of a horse in health, I have known him 

 to st-and for months in a stall next to one violently 

 diseased without taking the infection, or any ill con- 

 sequence resulting from their contiguous situation. 



Preventive. — Take of asafoetida, one ounce, divide 

 it and wrap each piece in a clean linen rag ; nail one in 

 the bottom of the manger the horse is fed in, the other 

 in the bottom of the bucket in which he is watered. 

 The above quantity will last about three months ; at 

 the expiration of which time it must be replenished. 



A small piece confined to the bridle bit, will have 

 the same effect when a horse goes from home, or enters 

 on a journey. 



GRAVEL IN THE HOOFS. 



The gravel in the hoof is an incident that happens 

 lo horses in travelling, and is brought on by small 

 stones or grit getting between the hoof and shoe, set- 

 tling to the quick, and then inflame and fester ; it pro- 



