CHOKING. 111 
their master’s property without exertion on their parts. Their pride 
centers in the blooming coats of their charges. They have a large con- 
fidence in all sorts of condition balls. Such secrets constitute the mys- 
tery of their craft. As a general rule, the faith is proportioned to the 
strength of the ingredient. Arsenic is, by the lower order of stable 
keepers, contemplated with positive love. Vitriol, in the uneducated 
groom, engenders the warmth of passion. Niter breeds delight; and 
confidence is, by the better sort of horse attendants, bestowed on any 
filth or trash. Raw tobacco has some repute; but the ashes of the 
weed, collected and wrapped in several papers, are much more esteemed 
in the generality of stables. Half a pint of human urine, forced down 
the cleanly throat of the horse, is not an unfrequent benefit bestowed 
upon the animal; but, happily, this specific is recognized only by the 
more learned of the class. Of all things, however, to amend condition, 
perhaps, a raw egg driven into the horse’s esophagus, before any food 
has been consumed, may be honored by the most universal regard. 
Nevertheless, be the condition-worker what it may, the groom gen- 
erally keeps his own counsel. Arsenic and vitriol are commonly favorites 
with agricultural carters, who poison their horses with the intention of 
over-much kindness. Tobacco ashes and eggs are popular with the 
more refined of the order. Both classes, however, are too self-confident 
and too ignorant to have any fear of consequences. With the groom, 
the egg is thrust into the fasting gullet. Its size excites the contracti- 
bility of the muscular fiber; the substance is soon grasped by the living 
tube with spasmodic tenacity. There it is retained. The symptoms con- 
sequent upon choking are soon exhibited ; but the groom looks on un- 
moved. At first, he thinks the evidence of agony is proof in favor of his 
charm; subsequently he resolves, with the cunning of ignorance, “not 
to split upon hisself.” 
Now, in a case of this description, never depend upon any report you 
may have received. Recollect choking may spring from two opposite 
causes. The symptoms may result from disease, as strangles; or they 
may arise from any tumor pressing against the respiratory channel. In 
that instance, however, remove the cause, and the effect will cease. Of 
genuine choking, during health, there remain two sorts: the high and 
the low choke. Thus, if the substance has become fixed in the pharynx, 
or has only passed six inches down the cesophagus, the symptoms are 
urgent. The remedy must be at hand, else the life is quickly lost. 
In the high choke the head is raised; saliva bedews the lips; a dis- 
charge soils the nostrils; the eyes are inflamed and watery; the coun- 
tenance is haggard; the breathing audible; the muscles of the neck are 
tetanic ; the flanks heave ; the body is in constant motion ; the fore legs 
