214 AIR — VENTILATION OF STABLES. [BOOK II. 



victims to every species of inflammatory diseases. 

 These results were known to many, in various 

 circles, about the time of the establishment of the 

 Veterinary College; and the mutual communications 

 that thence resulted, proved the impolicy of the 

 old plan of adding heat to heat, and increasing the 

 disposition to acquire disease, of the lungs in par- 

 ticular. A revolution which had recently taken 

 place in the human practice regarding the treatment 

 of inflammatory and febrile disorders, also con- 

 tributed to open the eyes of our veterinary prac- 

 titioners in this respect, and they (not to appear 

 behind-hand) adopted the direct contrary practice 

 at its greatest extremity : Mr. Coleman advised 

 turning the horse into a loose box, without cloth- 

 ing, leaving open the apertures of the stable, not 

 paying any regard to the seasons. Nought, how- 

 ever, could be more absurd than to suppose that a 

 disease which is produced by cold air should have 

 the continuance of greater cold prescribed for its 

 cure ! The rebuke is painful, but necessary. 



Our practice has been, to afford the animal as 

 much fresh air to breathe as could possibly be al- 

 lowed, consistently with keeping out a draught or 

 current ; taking care also that none whatever should 

 be directed towards his body, nor any enter the 

 stable from the windward in stormy or cold sea- 

 sons. With these precautions, in a loose box and 

 well covered up about the chest, but not tightly, he 

 would ever be found turning round to that side 

 where the most air was to be obtained, as if by in- 



