08 RESPIRATION, WHAT ? [BOOK I. 



quently attempts to bite the operator. As the 

 nerves of a horse are the seat of no distinct disease 

 (the relaxation of the curtain of his eye being a 

 constitutional defect), and all further explanation 

 would be unnecessary, we shall content ourselves 

 with adding, that they consist of small cords, white 

 and roundish, like threads ; and are certainly the 

 vehicles of pain, which vibrates from one to the 

 other, pleasurable sensations being conveyed by the 

 same means to the sensorium, or brain*. The 

 nerves are closely connected with the circulation, 

 as well as with the brain, where they originate. 



Reader, 

 31. Respiration is the act of drawing in the air 

 by the expansion of the lungs, the cells whereof 

 thereby become filled to their utmost, the ribs are 

 distended, and the midriff pressed back upon the 

 stomach, liver, &c. This is inspiration; the ex- 



* Conscience (consciousness), which agitates the nerves by the 

 faculty of thinking, when applied to the evils that are in the world, 

 does sometimes cause the accession of fever to those delicate organs 

 in human nature ; but brute animals, being denied those powers (or 

 of memory, except as regards the means of prolonging life) are little 

 likely to contract " nervous fever ;" although that state of fretfulness 

 some high-bred horses are prone to, partakes of a good many symp- 

 toms of the human ailment, and may be cured by the same means. 

 Sedatives, quiet, and a cooling regimen are those means. The loose 

 stable now much adopted, contributes greatly to soothe the fretful 

 horse. When the same fretfulness, or despondency, comes over a 

 horse, out of condition, or whose condition has been recently reduced, 

 he acquires low fever. See what is said under this head in Book II. 



