HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 408 
tending that of the transfer of venous blood, would bz procedure 
more consistent with the known laws of physiology than is the 
case when venous blood is transfused. It is possible that some 
animals might be benefited by the transfusion of venous blood, 
provided the heart and lungs of the patient are in a healthy state, 
so as to insure sufficient oxygenation; otherwise, the rapid con- 
sumption of the little oxygen absorbed would be likely to end in 
asphyxia. If the function of the lungs be impaired by disease, 
then the process of aeration of the blood is checked, and the blood 
can not circulate, notwithstanding the healthy state of the heart. 
In verification of this fact, as regards the very important function 
of respiration and aeration, we may mention that Dr. AUSTIN 
Virnt, Jun., has lately demonstrated that the condition of oxy- 
genation of the blood is necessary to the performance of the vita! 
functions, and that a want of capillary power (occasioned by im- 
perfect oxygenation) throws all onus on the heart, and that the 
heart is insufficient for the labor. In one of his experiments, after 
capillary circulation had entirely ceased, the chest was opened 
and the heart found beating regularly. 
MANAGEMENT OF THE Horsk’s Foor in THE STABLE. 
It is my firm belief, based on a knowledge of the physiology 
of the foot, that soft bedding, containing the usual amount of 
filth, is, in many cases, the exciting cause, not only of tender- 
ness and contraction, but also of many muscular affections. I 
rejoice to find horse-owners exercising their reason in this depart- 
ment of stable management, because it is one step in the right 
direction, and will put a stop to those glaring absurdities whic’ 
are constantly practiced just because they have the sanction or 
antiquity, or because Neighbor So-and-so recommends them, 
Reason teaches that the health of the whole animal fabric is best 
promoted by cleanliness and ventilation (by which a pure atmo- 
sphere is insured), and by food suitable in quantity and quality 
to the special wants of the animal. Hence, what reason teaches, 
man should practice. 
It is unreasonable, therefore, to suppose that a horse can be 
benefited by standing on a soft bed, composed in part of the de- 
filing excrements of his own body, which are constantly decom- 
nosing and forming gaseous vapors unfit for respiration. If dirt 
