ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 191 



stood; and whether it proceeds from a bad habit, or a defect in 

 the false palate and back part of the mouth, still remains un- 

 discovered, and therefore we shall not indulge in any speculative 

 opinions as to its origin. 



"One serious effect of this trick is the wearing down of the 

 teeth; and instances have occurred where they have been 

 broken. It has likewise been found that crib-biters are more 

 liable to colic than those without this vice. 



"It has been fpund that crib-biting is acquired by horses 

 being in the stable with one which has the trick. Among the 

 expedients which have been resorted to for the cure of crib- 

 biting, the edge of the manger has been lined with iron, also with 

 sheepskin besmeared with aloes, tar, and other disagreeable sub- 

 stances, but all with no effect. The only thing in this case is to 

 resort to a preventative, and that will be found in the use of a 

 strap buckled tightly around the neck, which has the effect of 

 compressing the windpipe and rendering it impossible to resort 

 to it; but no sooner is the strap removed than the horse re- 

 commences his old habit, so that it must be constantly worn to 

 be of use. But the continued use of it is apt to produce irrita- 

 tion in the trachea, and this will terminate in the affection termed 

 roaring. A five or six months' run in a field has been tried 

 without proving a remedy. Crib-biters are generally in low 

 condition. 



"A muzzle barred across the bottom will prevent crib- 

 biting. This must be made only of sufficient width to allow 

 full action to the lips, so that the animal may pull his hay from 

 the rack and eat his corn, but so close as not to admit of him 

 grasping the edge of the manger. Crib-biting is legally con- 

 sidered an unsoundness. 



"Wind-Sucking. — This is so intimately connected with 

 crib-biting that it may properly be considered a modification of 

 it, as it is accompanied by a want of condition and the same 

 bending of the neck, with the head drawn inward, is manifested. 



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