58 EXCESSIVE FEAR. 



through all the ramifications of character, the same in- 

 tensity of fear and resistance is shown to a greater or less 

 degree, in proportion to the sensibility of the animal and 

 the intensity of impression made upon the mind. The in- 

 tensity of the impression may be even so great as to destroy 

 life. Several instances of such a fatal result have been 

 brought to my notice. In Ligonier, Ind., a few years ago, 

 a fine horse dropped dead from excessive fear of the cars. 

 Such an occurrence took place in Chicago a few years since, 

 and during the burning of that city one such instance has 

 been authenticated. 



All impressions, it is supposed, are made upon a series of 

 concentric nerves in a certain location of the brain, called 

 ganglise, which retain and throw them off by reflex action 

 under like circumstances. Being of a primary character, 

 when excessive in strength, they subvert and control the 

 reason, and thus the character is strongly marked, if not 

 controlled by them. 



Hence the many instances of insane fear and resistance 

 resulting from being once frightened. 



I could refer to many instances of such insanity coming 

 under my own observation. A bay mare, owned in Green 

 Castle, Pa., in 1865, was entirely fearless of all objects but 

 a robe, the appearance of which would make her furious. 

 When seen at a distance of thirty feet, she became so reck- 

 less as to break away from all restraint, plunged against a 

 heavy door, breaking it down, and ran away. When brought 

 back, I took her in hand. When shown even a corner of 

 the robe at a distance of twenty feet, she would plunge, 

 squeal, strike and kick in the most reckless manner. The 

 shock to her nervous system was so great that I feared she 

 would not bear it, and it was only by the most careful treat- 

 ment I was able in forty minutes to bring it near and throw it 

 upon her, and ultimately she did not care anything about it. 

 When in Cleveland, an interesting case of this character, 

 owned by Dr. Keegan, was brought me. Many years before, 

 when standing in the street, the wind blew a blanket from 

 the horse's back, falling under him, and it so frightened him 

 that ever afterwards a blanket could not be brought near 

 him. This horse was entirely fearless of all other objects, 

 could be driven up to cars, but a blanket was to him an 

 object of the greatest terror, resisting its appearance by 



