850 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



through this peculiar performance, we cannot look upon it 

 in the light of a mere habit, but as an instinctive mode of 

 seeking relief, sometimes practised when the first motive 

 has ceased, and hence becoming an inveterate propensity. 



We find, then, that crib-biting is most prevalent among 

 horses that pass long, wear}^ intervals in the stable, con- 

 suming a diet of " oats and hay, varied," as Dr. Kitchener 

 facetiously says, " by hay and oats, for a change." Such 

 an animal, in a close and impure atmosphere, and without 

 the slightest excitement for eye, ear, or brain, may well 

 have a disordered stomach, and fall into a solitary and, to 

 him, agreeable pastime. Crib-biting has been cured in an 

 early stage by a common stimulant; and this would point 

 to a confirmation of our opinion. A lump of rock salt 

 placed in the manger has stopped it, to which we would 

 add another of clialk, or damp the food and sprinkle on it 

 carbonate of soda. 



The name " crib-biting " is a blunder. The horse does 

 not " bite " his " crib " ; the manger is simply used as a 

 point of pressure for the upper teeth, and thus the animal 

 is enabled hy pulling back to act on the muscles of the 

 gullet, and to force a portion of the oflfending acid gas up 

 a passage which is so constructed as to prevent vomiting. 

 The human being in a state of dyspepsia is relieved in 

 like manner by an eructation, but through a more open 

 channel. 



For the cure of crib-biting a turn out at grass is recom- 

 mended. This arises from a misapprehension of the case. 

 The crib-biter will at once make for a gate-post or rail as 

 soon as the fit comes on. 



We would advise in every case the treatment of crib- 

 biting as a case of windy colic, chronic gastritis, or of 

 indigestion, according to the methods already laid down ; 

 and where it is evident that the practice has, which we 

 doubt, become a mere wanton pastime, to try the muzzle, 

 not neglecting to persevere with the medicinal remedies. 



Wind-sucking we take to be an imaginary variety of 

 crib-biting — a distinction without a difiference. 



