92 THE MULE. 



all kinds of doctors and physicians persist in taking tlie 

 stream of life itself from the system in order to preserve 

 life. In the case of General Washington, which I copy 

 from the Independent Chronicle of Boston, January 6, 

 1800, the editor, using " James Craik, physician, and 

 Elisha C. Dick, physician," as authority, states that a 

 bleeder was procured in the neighborhood, who took 

 from the General's arm from twelve to fourteen ounces 

 of blood, in the morning ; and in the afternoon of the 

 same day was bled copiously twice. More than that, 

 it was agreed upon by these same enlightened doctors, 

 to try the result of another blood-letting, by which 

 thirty-two ounces more was drawn. And, wonderful 

 as it may seem to the intelligent mind at this day, they 

 state that all this was done without the slightest alle- 

 viation of the disease. The world has become more wise 

 now, and experience has shown how ridiculous this sys- 

 tem of bleeding was. What is true in regard to the 

 human system is also true in regard to the animal. 

 There are some extreme cases in which I have no doubt 

 moderate bleeding might render relief. But these cases 

 are so few that it should only be suffered to be done by 

 an experienced, careful, and skillful person. My advice 

 is, avoid it in all cases where you can. 



COLIC. 



The mule is quite subject to this complaint. It is 

 what is commonly known as belly-ache. Over doses of 

 cold water will produce it. There is nothing, however, 

 so likely to produce it in the mule as changes of grain. 



