398 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



the iiiaide of the thighs, flanks, chest, and face, where the skin ia 

 not so thick, and more sensitive than some other regions of the 

 body. Some horses, especially those of a strongly-marked, nervous 

 temperament, have very sensitive skins, and can not even bear ;) 

 fly to light on their bodies without evincing signs of pain an<» 

 irritation. On such the curry-comb should be used gently and 

 in a spirit of mercy. There are other horses, however, especially 

 those of the lymphatic temperament, and whose skins are less 

 sensitive, who can bear the action of the curry-comb without 

 much flinching, and it is the duty of a merciful man to consider 

 this matter when cleaning a horse. Thoroughbred horses, which 

 include a vast number of the sanguine temperament, have a very 

 active circulation over the whole surface of the body, and this 

 vast circulation, through the superficial vessels, argues a delicate 

 sense of touch. To them the curry-comb, unless used very gently, 

 is severe torture. 



Horses and Cattle should have a Supply of 



Pure Water. 



Although few persons think it worth while to pay much atten- 

 tion to this department of husbandry, yet a little reflection will 

 convince any reasonable person of the value and importance of 

 furnishing animals with a constant supply of pure water. Pure, 

 cool water is said to be a God-send to a thirsty throat ; and as ani- 

 mals are apt to have thirsty throats, they should be permitted to 

 enjoy a luxury which costs but a trifle, and operates very favora- 

 bly in promoting their health. All classes of domestic animals 

 have as great an aversion to impure, filthy water as ourselves, and 

 the former will often turn away with disgust from the filthy stuff 

 called water which is often found in water-troughs on the road- 

 side, and within the precincts of the barn and in some pastures. 

 The common, stagnated pond-water, which many poor creatures 

 sire compelled to imbibe, is often the exciting cause of disease, 

 especially in the Western States, where decayed vegetable matter 

 abounds. 



Pure water will never injure an animal. I do not believe the 

 stories which are told about horses becoming fouudered in conse- 

 quence of drinking pure water. In a majority of cases, Mr. Fast- 

 man is Uarneable. He has probably either overdriven or over- 



