PREFACE. 9 



to waste money, time and trouble upon hopeless cases, or to give 

 up too hastily the cure of an animal that might still be saved. 



The non-professional may not be able to treat many diseases 

 or execute the operations described here ; but in others which 

 require instantaneous aid, such as wind-dropsy, he must help 

 himself, and he can cure diseases like scab, foot- rot, etc., as well 

 as the veterinary surgeon. It is also of considerable advantage 

 to him to know the nature of the disease, its degree of danger, 

 and whether delay is admissible. He can make the necessary- 

 arrangements, separate the sick from the healthy in contagious 

 diseases, and continue properly the treatment commenced by 

 the surgeon. 



Another, and not the least important, object which I have in 

 view is, that the reader may be induced to form a higher opinion 

 of the veterinary science and of its disciples than has hitherto 

 prevailed. 



All connoisseurs agree that veterinary science, in theory as 

 well as in practice, has made great progress in the last thirty 

 years — greater perhaps than during all preceding times. I can- 

 not too earnestly advise owners of cattle to avail themselves of 

 the services of really educated practitioners, for they act against 

 their own interests by following the advice of quacks and ignor- 

 ant persons. The trifling fee of the surgeon should not be taken 

 into consideration when, as is often the case, the safety of a 

 whole flock or herd is at stake. 



The publication of this book is therefore not at variance with 

 the recommendation to employ educated veterinarians, for its 

 object is a twofold one ; and time will, it is hoped, demonstrate 

 its success. The motto which I would like farmers and cattle- 

 owners to adopt is, "Help yourself when possible, and employ a 



veterinarian in other cases. 



A* 



