27? 
ON BROKEN WIND IN FRENCH HORSES. 
By Nimrod. 
Dear Sir, — You it very interesting papers in the number for 
the present month, on the subject of broken wind, and in which 
my name and opinion are introduced, call forth a remark. 
On reference to a former letter of mine, in which I allude to 
the paucity of broken-winded horses in France, it will be seen 
that it is not to the moderate rate of speed exacted from them 
that I alone attribute it, but to other causes besides ; being well 
aware that thousands of English horses, thus afflicted, never 
go beyond the walk in their work. 
I have not that letter at hand, but to the best of my recol- 
lection I reckoned the following among the causes of general 
soundness of wind in French horses : — 1st, Their being kept all 
the year round in the stable, and thereby little subject to at- 
mospheric influences. 2dly, Their bodies being generally kept 
in a relaxed state by bran and wheaten straw, the alterative 
properties of which — I mean the straw — are greater than are 
generally imagined. 
With respect to water, it is a curious fact, that the French 
give it to their horses — and ad libitum too — just before they 
go to work ; the effect of which is, as one journey in the coupe 
of a diligence will exhibit to more senses than one , a speedy dis- 
charge of the food, and, consequently, the absence of pressure 
on the parts affecting respiration. 
Under a pressure of business attendant on a few days’ visit to 
London, I have only time to thank yourself and the profession 
for the lenity shewn towards my opinions, which can have only 
experience for their basis ; and on my return home will, with 
your permission, offer you a few remarks on the subject which 
has called forth this hasty scrawl ; as also on the case of a horse 
which died of fat, given in a late number of The Vete- 
rinarian. 
In the meantime, I remain truly your’s. 
London, May 10, 1837- 
[We have great pleasure in stating, that we have reason to hope that 
we shall be often favoured with communications from this interesting and 
excellent correspondent. How many invaluable points of practice can such 
a man illustrate, when inclination prompts and leisure permits ! — Ed.] 
VOL. X. 
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