THE MULE. 91 



clean tlie parts well with castile-soap, and apply mu- 

 riatic acid. If you liave not this at hand, a little tar 

 mixed with salt, and placed on oakum or tow, and ap- 

 plied, will do nearly as well. Apply this every day, 

 keeping the parts well dressed, and the feet according 

 to directions in shoeing, and the trouble will soon dis- 

 appear. 



CHEST FOUNDERS. 



Mules are not subject to this disease. Some persons 

 assert that they are, but it is a mistake. These persons 

 mistake for founder in the chest what is nothing more 

 than a case of contraction of the feet. I have repeat- 

 edly seen veterinary surgeons connected with the army, 

 on being asked what was the trouble with a mule, look 

 wise, and declare the complaint chest founder, swelling 

 of the shoulders, &c. I was inclined to put some faith 

 in the wisdom of these gentlemen, until Doctor Braley, 

 chief veterinary surgeon of the department of Washing- 

 ton, produced the most convincing proofs that it was 

 almost an impossibility for these animals to become 

 injured in the shoulder. "When mules become sore in 

 front, look well to their feet, and in nine cases out of 

 ten, you will lind the cause of the trouble there. In 

 very many cases a good practical shoer can remove 

 the trouble by proper paring and shoeing. 



BLEEDING. 



It was always a subject of inquiry with me, who 

 originated the system of bleeding ; and why it was that 



