VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE. 723 
Mr. Catterall: Now, how would “overdriven” apply to the 
driver ? 
Mr. Harris : He was doing it. 
Mr. Catterall: That is one class of offence — doing it ; but the 
other? Suppose the magistrates come to the conclusion to convict. 
Mr. Harris : I am quite willing to take the responsibility. 
Mr. Addison then called the following evidence : — 
Mr. Thomas Heaps , veterinary surgeon, said he was present from 
about one o’clock until they went into the last field. Did not see 
any overdriving or ill-treating ; certainly not. He should think the 
work was not too much for the horses to get through. Was after- 
wards called in to see the horses. The grey horse that died, died 
from acute laminitis, arising from overheating. He had not the 
slightest doubt about it. Examined the grey horse before it died, 
and also after death. 
By Mr. Harris : Am in practice now. I believe the horses would 
have been taken ill without the work, because of the flour, which 
produced a large amount of constipation. Saw as much as half a 
bucket of flour given to the two horses, not once or twice, but 
repeatedly. Examined the feet of the horses. There was sloughing 
and division of both the fore feet. The grey horse was the worst. 
I differ from Mr. Greaves as to the cause of death. I deny that the 
horse died from overwork. 
William Dacre , veterinary surgeon, Bolton. Examined the two 
horses with Mr. Heaps, and agreed with him. Saw the black one 
while alive. 
Mr. A. Challinor , veterinary surgeon, Bolton, was present when 
these horses were bought for Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Co., for 
the purpose of working mowing machines. Was present at the 
post-mortem examination. Saw the black one when ill. Agreed with 
Messrs. Heaps as to the cause of death. 
By Mr. Harris : The laminitis may have been caused by over- 
exertion, but I don’t think so. I will not undertake to say that the 
horse did not die from overwork, but don’t think so. 
John Smith Darwen, veterinary surgeon, Bedford Leigh : Knew 
these horses before the trial. They were in good condition. Don’t 
think the amount of work waa too much, considering the time they 
did it in. Attended the post-mortem. In my opinion the laminitis 
was produced by the flour. Once had five cases of laminitis on 
one farm, from the men getting to the wheat and ignorantly giving 
it to the horses out of mistaken kindness. 
By Mr. Harris : Flour is sometimes given to horses by way of 
nutriment, but they should be very careful. I drive my horses 
sometimes as much as fifty miles a day, and am compelled to do it. 
Other witnesses having been called for the defence, 
The magistrates retired for consultation, and returned into court 
after an absence of a quarter of an hour. 
Mr. Catterall said the decision he was about to pronounce was a 
unanimous decision, which was more satisfactory than if they had 
been divided. The magistrates were unanimously of opinion, after 
