CHAP. II.] EFFECTS OF ILL USAGE. 139 



For, in this second cavity digestion is supposed to 

 be completed, much liquid being found therein ; and 

 we know that here, in a corner, termed its " ap- 

 pendix," are frequently deposited hard matters, as 

 earth, stones, and other substances, little compatible 

 with the purposes of nutrition, as noticed at section 

 46 ; but whether these ever pass off by stool re- 

 mains in doubt, and we are left to conclude that it 

 is much less sensible than the other intestines. In 

 size, it may approach to twice that of the stomach of 

 the individual ; and it is placed near the surface of 

 the belly, lying on the left, about midway between 

 the fore and hind near leg. Here it is exposed to 

 damagement from a variety of causes ; the stable- 

 boy, while dressing him, often hits the horse here 

 with the curry-comb ; the dealer tries whether his 

 new purchase is a roarer by striking him hard with 

 his lash whip, whilst he holds up his head short ; 

 and we have frequently seen one of the most noted 

 jobbers and breakers in London terrify his " restive 

 customers" into obedience, by a kick of his foot 

 skilfully placed on this part. The facts are quite 

 notorious ; what is worse, they long remained uncor- 

 rected. The consequence of this kind of hard 

 usage is, that the caecum * loses its functions, more 

 or less, whereby certain heavy substances are not 



* The muscles of the coecum being stronger than any other part of 

 the intestines, are compelled by the blow to contract forcibly, as do 

 the intercostal muscles of the ribs, whereby the air in the lungs is 

 suddenly expelled, and, if he be affected, the horse groans as the air 

 passes the upper part of the wind-pipe. 



