CONTRIBUTIONS TO VETERINARY SCIENCE. 263 
knuckling was in part due to were the conformation of the 
mules ; such as the short and obliquely sloping downward 
direction of the pelvis ; straight limbs ; small tarsal and pha- 
langeal joints ; short and upright pasterns ; and a long 
vertical foot, frequently allowed to grow to seven or eight 
inches in depth. This acquired aptitude, arising from their 
being reared and worked in hilly countries, combined with the 
improper treatment of the foot by the native farriers. 
Though many of the mules in the Crimea were rendered 
useless from the above-mentioned causes, I generally suc- 
ceeded in rendering them serviceable by means of shoeing, 
with the exception of two, which combated all pedal 
mechanical contrivances, and as a last resource I was 
necessitated to resort to tendiotomy. The preparatives being 
attended to, I operated accordingly first on No. 1 on both 
hind legs, and on No. 2 on one leg only, the other being 
quite aplomb mite . The usual treatment being observed, 
Case 1, at the end of four weeks, had so far recovered that he 
was able to take daily exercise ; but, unfortunately, at this 
period the animal became infected with glanders, and had to 
be destroyed. Being curious to learn to what extent the 
healing process had gone on, I examined the limbs, and was 
surprised to find the divided ends of the tendons united with 
a tissue of nearly the same texture and organization. Case 2, 
when visited by Mr. Gloag, M.R.C.Y.S., at the end of five 
weeks, could walk tolerably well, and daily went a distance 
of two miles to water. At the end of six weeks the animal 
was able to perform camp-duty for the first time in its life, 
and he afterwards continued to be useful. I do not wish it 
to be inferred that tendiotomy was crowned with the best of 
results, for there still remained the natural disposition to 
knuckle. 
MARASMUS. 
The symptoms exhibited by the animals that died in this 
wretched state, were depilation of the skin, with desquama- 
tion of the cuticle; eyes sunk in their orbits; the entire 
absorption of adipose tissue; skin dry, and immoveably fixed 
to all parts of the body ; diminution of all the secretions, 
giving rise to impaired digestion and constipation of the 
bowels ; urine scanty, and of a deep colour ; appetite 
voracious; back roached; and animals standing with their 
feet all drawn together, and presenting at last a frightful and 
deplorable spectacle. 
The abnormal appearances, post-mortem , were strikingly 
