HEDICINES, OB DRUGS. 403 



could not realize how such a change could be brought 

 about by the treatment employed. It was not unusual to 

 have persons smell of my hands or clothing to see if they 

 could discover some peculiar odor about me to account for 

 so great an achievement. 



On this account, I think it advisable to explain what 

 medicines are supposed to do this, and their effects. The 

 main object in the use of odors, or scents, has been to attract 

 attention, and divert it from the real means of control. 

 Many odors, or scents, will in some instances affect the 

 nervous system greatly. Blood, a buffalo robe, or any 

 offensive odor, will intensely excite many horses. In 

 trapping for mink or other animals, it is no uncommon 

 thing for the hunter to conceal the smell of his hands from 

 the trap, and attract the animal to it by using some odor 

 that is agreeable to him. Asafetida put on the bottom of 

 the boots will cause wolves to follow the wearer eagerly. 

 While this is admitted, there is no odor or medicine that I 

 know of and I have experimented carefully with all those 

 supposed to have this power, without obtaining decidedly 

 satisfactory results that will make a wild horse approach- 

 able and induce him to follow, or make a vicious horse 

 gentle. 



What is supposed to be the great medicine for doing 

 this is called the "Arabian secret," which consists of two 

 parts of the oil of rhodium, and one each of cumin and 

 anise, to be kept in separate bottles and corked tightly; 

 but practically it makes no difference whether they are 

 kept separate or not. A little of this is to be rubbed on 

 the hands, and while held before the horse, approach from 

 the windward side; when near enough, rub a little on his 

 nose, when the horse, it is claimed, will follow anywhere. 

 Other essential oils are recommended for the same purpose, 

 but their effect is really no better than good apples or any- 



