BROKEN KNEES. 407 
enforced not only obliges additional muscular action, but it disqualifies 
the animal to see the ground. In England there should be no objection 
to a blind horse, since such of the species as have eyes are, by the preju- 
dices of society, seldom permitted to use them. The horse, being urged 
on when virtually blindfold, must of necessity stumble upon any unusual 
impediment being encountered. Such an accident shows no fault in the 
quadruped; but the man is truly responsible for those consequences which 
his folly has induced. 
When a horse stumbles, never raise your voice—the creature dreads 
its master’s chiding; never jag the reins—the mouth of the horse is far 
more sensitive than the human lips; never use the lash—the horse is so 
timid that the slightest correction overpowers its reasoning faculties. 
Speak to the creature; reassure the palpitating frame; seek to restore 
those perceptions which will form the best guard against any repetition 
of the faulty action. When the legs are weak, the greater should be the 
care of him who holds the reins. No cruelty can restore the lost tonicity 
of the limbs; therefore all slashing is utterly thrown away. If the 
reader regard his own safety, let him not, when riding, hold the head up, 
or, when driving, sanction the employment of a bearing-rein. No inhu- 
manity can convert an animal with a ewe neck into the creature with a 
naturally lofty crest. The disguise of such a defect as a head badly 
placed on the neck is an impossibility. Therefore, if you are desirous 
of a well-carried head, think of it when making the purchase. Pay 
something more, and any kind of quadruped is obtainable ; but be above 
the meanness which purchases for a low figure, and then endeavors to 
palm off its cheap article as a jewel procured at the highest price. 
When a horse has been down, never judge of the 
injury by the first appearance. While the animal 
stands in the yard, order the groom to fetch a pail, 
with milk-warm water and a large sponge. With 
these he is to clean the knees—not after the usual 
coarse and filthy fashion now universal; not by first 
sopping the part, and then squeezing the soiled sponge 
into the pail whence more fluid is to be abstracted. 
The dabbing and smearing a wound simply irritates 
it; and the dirt, having all entered into the pail, the 
fluid is rendered unsuited to after cleanly purposes. 
To perform the office properly, the knee should 
not be touched. The sponge should be saturated, 
then squeezed dry above the seat of injury. The  "® PROPER way 70 wAsH 
water thus flows in a full stream over the part, and, 
by the force of gravity, carries away any loose dirt that may be upon 
