140 Diseases of the Horse. 



keen sense of perception, which secures for him an inti- 

 macy and friendship with mankind scarcely enjoyed by 

 any other creature. The intelligence of both by simple 

 intuition is creative of an adaptability which secures the 

 happiest results : the higher coming down, the lower 

 rising — thus meeting and blending in mutual concord, 

 confidence, and understanding, which, earnestly studied, 

 are unique. 



It is not surprising that we should attach an important 

 value to our friend and companion — the horse. We 

 acquire such knowledge of his powers and the signs of 

 unquestionable health, that it is no longer possible that 

 we should neglect anything which shows a falling off in 

 that particular. Our interests are intimately bound with 

 his, and we leave no stone unturned in order to sympa- 

 thise with him, comprehend his malady, and relieve his 

 suffering. There is not another animal, saving in some 

 respects the dog, which, under disease, so seconds our 

 endeavours, and appreciates by a wonderfully acute intel- 

 ligence any efforts to alleviate his agony. He is but little 

 removed from ourselves, and his muteness proves no 

 barrier between us. On the contrary, day by day we 

 know each other better, and the love is so deep, on his 

 part at least, that the trust is never broken, and faithful- 

 ness characterises him to the end. Would that human 

 friendship could always boast of that standard to the 

 saving of crushed hopes and endless despair. 



The knowledge acquired by daily contact with animals 

 is first evident in the judgment we are able to form as to 

 the state of health, and subsequently in our ability to 

 recognise departures from that standard. Having learned 

 to estimate the signs of health, the faculty of discovering 

 those of disturbance becomes equally as acute. This 

 study is often acquired by men of no scientific pretensions, 

 and proves to be of great value ; but to the veterinary 

 practitioner it is of immense importance, especially when 

 it is exercised upon the suffering animal. Few men, 

 however learned in the general habits of the horse, can 

 convey in description even a tithe of the information 

 which a practised veterinarian may gather at the side of 



