ON IIOCK LAMENESS, 
067 
I have never had a doubt on my own mind as to both these 
cases being rabies ; but as there was no witness to the fact of the 
horses having been bitten, it remains still simply matter of 
opinion. At any rate, they were extraordinary cases, and I hope 
you will think them deserving a corner in The V eterinarian. 
ON HOCK LAMENESS. 
By Professor Dick, of Edinburgh. 
My Dear Sir, 
What between spending last week at our great agricultural 
meeting at Dumfries, and the presentone with our races, and other 
matters, I have only to-day, while on the coach travelling to 
Falkirk, been able to look over your last number, in which 1 find 
two letters on “ Obscure Hock Lameness ,” and a prefatory note by 
you regarding the wood-cut, which very accurately represents 
what Mr. Spooner describes, perhaps rather more boldly marked 
than I have usually found it. With your description, however, 
you will excuse me for observing that I do not altogether agree. 
You state there “ is evident discolouration and depression — there 
is loss of substance.” I allow “ there is apparent ulceration,” 
but I contend it is only apparent ; that there is no “ loss ” of sub- 
stance nor yet “ depression ,” and that there is only apparent “ dis- 
colouration — were I to admit these, I must admit all. Mr. 
Spooner wishes to clear himself from the supposition that what he 
states in his letter of July was a challenge to the profession for 
neglecting him and this, his supposed discovery. I can only say, 
had I not thought it such, he would very probably never have 
seen my letter ; but with this attempt to clear himself of egotism, 
he again falls into the same error, and accuses me for allowing 
the subject to lay over for six years. I would wish, however, to 
ask, what right he has to expect me or any one else to expose the 
errors of others as they appear in print, unless it suits our fancy, 
time, and convenience. Not having the volume by me with Mr. 
Spooner’s first paper, it would appear that I was wrong in sup- 
posing myself a nominal Editor at that time ; this, however, will 
not alter the case of Disease or Not. 
I had written thus far with the determination of sending you 
this for your November number, when I was interrupted ; and ten 
days having now elapsed, it must stand over for another month. 
But now for the question. Mr. Spooner states that his first case 
was one of “ lameness in one of the hind legs, attended with a 
slight degree of heat and 1 tegumentaC swelling about the hock. 
