No. 144.] 67 



among stock, and the fatality which may attend upon the same, 

 in the absence of all due and competent assistance from authori- 

 tative sources. 



The introduction and spread of educated veterinarianism, would 

 gradually amend the present malpractices of shoeing, and reduce 

 the amount of loss which so extensively and widely arises from 

 contraction and foot ailments, and would overturn many erroneous 

 ideas and modes of treatment, which prevail far too usually, in 

 regard to many complaints : among horses, such as mistaking the 

 shoulders as the seat of lameness, in an affection termed "sweeny," 

 when the true seat is invariably in those tissues and articulations 

 of the foot-joints, contained within the hoofs; of an inflammatory 

 condition of the ey,e, represented as a disease called "the hooks," 

 and for the cure of which that beautiful mechanism, the mem- 

 hrana nictitans, is barbarously hooked hold of and cut away, 

 thereby causing permanent uneasiness and irritation to the poor 

 animal, and eventual blindness; the fatal error of administering 

 remedies for colic or spasm, where the malady is enteritis or in- 

 flammation of the bowels; and innumerable other fallacies and 

 errors, whether as regards diseases, or in relation to ventilation, 

 diet, general care, &c. Among cattle, and the other domestic 

 animals, equally flagrant misconceptions and practices are pre- 

 valent with so-called cattle-doctors and some owners; and all 

 this proclaims the occasion which exists for that better implanted 

 knowledge, derivable alone from veterinary reform, and legitimate 

 sources of scientific and true information. 



Perhaps, in no direction more than in that of improved breed- 

 ing and rearing of stock — and more particularly horses — would 

 reliable and accessible veterinary data prove serviceable and of 

 high account. In all countries, the breeds of horses have been 

 held to be of primary moment, to the welfare of agricultural aad 

 all other general interests, and improvements have been solicit- 

 ously encouraged. In France, the government studs command 

 the utmost attention and care. In England, agricultural associa- 

 iioDS, and systematic breeding for the turf, have been the main 

 sources of the world-wide character of the horses of that coun- 

 try. It is to the number, and the purity of race everywhere care- 



