382 ON THE DISEASES OF THE HORSES IN CANADA. 
Mr. Turner, who has resided fourteen years in Canada, informs me 
that neither has he seen a single case. And of the latter disease 
(farcy) only one case has come under my observation. 
Megrims, 
I am of opinion, is of pretty frequent occurrence, having had a 
greater number of cases than I can remember in the same space of 
time elsewhere ; which I attribute to the plethoric state of the 
generality of horses in this country, it being next to an impossi- 
bility to keep them from becoming gross and loaded with flesh. 
Mr. Turner informs me he has had a great many also, and has 
known several instances, where, from precautionary measures not 
having been taken, it has ended in staggers and death. 
Diseases of the Eye. 
The result of my experience is that diseases of the eye are here 
of much less frequent occurrence also ; not having seen a case of 
the specific or constitutional ophthalmia since my arrival in the 
country. In addition to which, I may observe, that I have rarely 
met with cataract, or any tendency to unsoundness in the eyes, in 
my examination of horses from time to time for the service. 
Sandcracks 
Are by no means uncommon, and frequently take place in winter, 
from the hoofs being rendered exceedingly brittle by the intense 
frost. During the months of December, January, February, and 
March, the growth of horn is very trifling, and the shoes at this 
time do not require removing oftener than once in six weeks or 
even two months : one set of shoes will last the whole winter. 
In addition to the shoes being turned up at the heels an inch high 
(the outer calking being made quite sharp), there is also a tri- 
angular pointed toe-piece, both of which from time to time, as oc- 
casion requires, are sharpened afresh. With shoes of this de- 
scription, as you may suppose, injuries of the coronet, or between 
hair and hoof, are of frequent occurrence; and I can assure you 
they often inflict most serious wounds, requiring, from the severity 
of the weather, the greatest possible care and attention. 
P.S. — In my exposition, in my last letter to you, of the cause of 
there being so many unsound horses throughout the province 
(principally from lameness), I omitted to make mention of a most 
injurious custom, one which greatly contributes towards this la- 
mentable state of things, viz. that, in consequence of the gene- 
