478 STRAIN OF THE BACK, ITS SEAT [BOOK III. 



phorated spirits, or ultimately a mild blister, are 

 useful and proper, according to the circumstances 

 just set down. 



4. String-Halt, 



Cause. — A cold, and consequent rigidity of the 

 sheath of the flexor tendons, whereby the mem- 

 branous connection between them, and the tendo 

 plantarw is destroyed. — See page 443. 



A catching up of the hind leg at every step the 

 horse takes, constitutes what is termed string-halt. 

 It is one of the incurables ; but this consideration 

 shall not deter us from observing, that this over- 

 action of the hind leg may be brought about by art, 

 or rather the ingenuity of man operating upon a 

 known function of nature. 



The cause, naturally arising, is very obscure ; but 

 the horse-exhibitioners, having occasion for much 

 show at their amphitheatric courses, sought to bring 

 on this " high show" by puncturation. To them let 

 the secret belong ; it is barbarous and unseemly. 



5. Strain of the Back, 



When the immediate covering of the bones, de- 

 scribed in Book I. at page 65, become relaxed, and 

 thereby fail to hold the joints together sufficiently 

 firm, the consequence naturally arising from this 

 circumstance is, that they bend a little out of place, 

 at every movement the animal makes, and the least 

 accident confirms the strain, or rather sprain. 

 Merely straining or stretching will effect this evil 



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