5G0 OSTITIS AFFECTING THE RIBS OF A HORSE. 
sincerely hope it never will. I have made many inquiries 
on this subject, and have not heard of a single case, nor seefi 
anything approaching to it. As a general rule diseased 
horses get well much quicker here than in England. 
In castrating colts, we first drive them into the stock- 
yard, then get a rope, with a slip knot, over their heads, and 
puli at it until they fall from choking ; their legs are then 
secured, and the operation performed. Immediately after- 
wards they are turned out again. I never knew one of 
them ever take any harm. All our colts are very wild, 
as they are never put into a yard or handled, except when 
old enough for the market. 
There are now many wild horses in the back country 
that have got from the runs, and are herding together 
and breeding, as do the cattle and pigs, of which we have 
immense numbers. I am sorry that I have not more in- 
teresting matter for you, and I fear that this is ill-suited for 
your excellent Journal ; howbeit, it is at your service to do 
with it as you please. Trusting that many days of happiness 
are in store for you. 
Believe me to be yours truly, 
S. Mortlock. 
Adelaide, South Australia ; 
June 25, 1855. 
OSTITIS AFFECTING THE BIBS OF A HORSE. 
By Jas. Moon, M.R.C.Y.S., Kingston. 
On the 22d of Nov., 1854, I was sent for to see a bay 
gelding, belonging to B. — , Esq., of Esher, which was said 
to have a small swelling on his near side. On examination, 
I found the enlargement, which was about the size of a ban- 
tam’s egg, to be situated on the 9th rib, eight or ten inches 
below the spine. I imagined that it was caused by a blow 
against the box door, as the horse had been lying in a loose 
box for a month previous to this time, in consequence of 
lameness of the near fore limb. The enlargement was hard, 
and not very sensible to the touch. I therefore gave direc- 
tions that it should be well fomented with tepid water, and 
have some discutient lotion applied to it three times a day. 
I likewise administered an aperient, consisting of Aloes, 5vj. 
On the 24th, no reduction of the swelling having taken 
