INTRODUCTIOK 



In introducing this volume to our readers, it is well to state 

 at the outset that in the preparation of it we have paid more 

 attention to its practical usefulness than to flowery language 

 and literary flourishes. We have endeavoured to produce a 

 condensed manual of veterinary science in such a form as 

 would place it within the reach of every man who keeps a 

 horse : hence we have been obliged to condense our matter, 

 and deal with the principles of the science rather than with 

 the details of individual cases. We present it to the public, 

 not with the idea that we have added much that is new, or 

 added much to what is already known of the nature and 

 treatment of disease generally ; but being thoroughly Cana- 

 dian, and in a great measure the result of our experience in 

 the country, we trust it may prove more useful than any 

 similar work in circulation; for it is well known that the 

 difi'erence of climate, the consequent change in constitution 

 and temperament, and the irregular management of our 

 horses, produce corresponding changes in the nature and 

 treatment of the diseases to which they are liable — hence 

 British and French works are inapplicable to horses in 

 Canada. 



In collecting our materials we have endeavoured to follow 



