D< ) MEST I CAT ED A N f M A LS. 
477 
armed with a whip or some other means of attack or defence, then 
it becomes necessary to act with prudence. Although it frequently 
happens that the animal is more frightened than vicious, still it is 
as well to take proper precautions in order to avoid the danger of 
kicks and bites. A vicious, mischievous animal may usually be 
known by his obstinately presenting his croup, and refusing to 
assume any other position, or advancing his head and opening his 
mouth in a threatening manner. A veterinary surgeon who has to 
examine such an animal must rapidly approach his left shoulder, 
and, in order to protect himself from the fore-feet and teeth, seize 
the halter firmly with the left hand, resting the right hand on the 
shoulder, and keeping the arm extended and the body slightly in- 
clined forwards, in order that his legs may not be too near the animal. 
With the arms thus firmly supported, and the hands, one placed 
on the chin and the other on the shoulder, a sort of buttress is 
formed, which keeps the animal quiet sufficiently long to admit of 
his eyes being covered, or barnacles or a muzzle being put on, or 
his bridle or harness, or some other means by which still more 
command over him may be obtained. 
A snaffle-bridle with two straps is used to master a vicious and 
furious horse, and prevent him from injuring the man who rides or 
conducts him. When this is on, the animal can seldom injure any 
one, be he ever so vicious and dangerous. When his eyes are 
covered, and he is kept with a firm hand between two straps, he is re- 
duced to prompt obedience. He should then be caressed and not ill- 
treated, and caused to move round in a circle ; and when he is 
thus thoroughly conquered, he will submit with a certain degree of 
resignation, and even in this position go through painful operations. 
These means, so simple in their application, have often been of 
service to me ; and during my practice in the army, especially in 
farms and remote places, where we seldom meet with courageous or 
intelligent assistants. 
I have constantly remarked that horses the most difficult to fire 
either in hobbles or in the frame, or even in harness, will yield to 
the most simple means. It is only necessary to cover their eyes, 
and turn them round and round in a circle for a little while, and 
they are quickly reduced to passive obedience. I have thus ac- 
complished the shoeing of several horses that were the terror of 
the farriers. Nor is this means less useful when the animal is to 
be placed in the trevis, or to be cast Under all circumstances, a 
veterinary surgeon must retain his presence of mind, prudence, and 
courage. He must never get between the horse and the wall if 
the animal is in the least vicious, and must approach him from the 
side, and not from the front or back. In order to lead a vicious* r 
horse that has been bridled out of a stable or the ranks, the 
VOL. XVII. 3 R 
