140 HYDROTHORAX. 
to the stable early on the following day, to his surprise he beholds the 
horse actually looking better. The pain has evidently abated, if not 
altogether departed; the eye is more cheerful; the manner more en- 
couraging. Having observed this, attention rests upon the flanks. The 
A HORSE DYING OF HYDROTHORAX. 
motion of these parts is greatly increased. They are now forcibly 
brought into action. The suspicion is awakened. The ear is applied 
to the chest. Near the breast bone, or low down, all is very quiet. A 
little higher up nothing can be heard; but rather past the middle of the 
ribs the sound of breathing is once more detected. Again and again is 
the experiment repeated, until the disappointed proprietor is forced to 
believe that which is against his hope. 
Still clinging to chance, after conviction has gained possession of his 
mind, there is another trial he will make to render despair a certainty. 
He seeks some man—any one will do; and having found a loiterer, he 
returns with him to the stable. He places this individual upon one side 
of the horse, and tells the man to slap the side of the animal with the 
open palm, when the word “now” is spoken. This being arranged, the 
master goes to the opposite side. He puts his ear to the place where 
the silence ceased. Having assured himself the spot he has chosen is 
correct, he pronounces the monosyllable ‘“‘now.” Directly afterward a 
dull sound is heard, and a metallic ring or splashing noise is soon after- 
ward audible. 
All now is confirmed, yet, ‘‘to make assurance doubly sure,” the owner 
tries to take the pulse at the jaw. There is none to be felt! The hand 
is then placed near the chest, upon the left side and over the region of 
the heart. The sensation of a throb, coming through water, is percepti- 
