586 
REVIEW. 
other fact happened which might have been attended by the same circum- 
stances, and with which of the facts they are most consistent. 
“It has been very justly observed that when the proofs are dependent 
on each other, or when all the proofs are dependent upon one, the number 
of proofs neither increase or diminish the probability of the fact ; for the 
force of the whole is not greater than the force of that on which they de- 
pend, and if this fails they all fall to the ground ; but, when the proofs are 
distinct and independent of each other, the probability of the fact increases 
in proportion to the number of the proofs, for the falsehood of one does not 
diminish the veracity of another. 
“ A difference between witnesses on points of little importance affords no 
reason to suspect their veracity : these variations in testimony occur every 
day, in the transactions of common life, and may be explained on the com- 
monest principle of human nature. Men relate facts as they observe and 
remember them, and the powers of attention, observation, and memory are 
infinitely diversified. 
“ A difference in the manner of relating important circumstances is per- 
fectly natural, and what might be expected in the ordinary course of things ; 
on the contrary, it is the exact coincidence in minute particulars that shows 
contrivance and creates suspicion. 
“In all cases the best evidence in points at issue must he given of which the 
nature of the thing is capable. 
“ A smaller quantity of proof and more general evidence will be allowed 
where the certainty of the fact lies within the knowledge of the other party. 
All evidence is to be weighed according to the proof which it is in the 
power of the one side to produce, and in the power of the other to con- 
tradict. • 
“ Hearsay evidence of a fact is not admissible. 
“ How far, and in what cases, opinion is evidence is next to be consi- 
dered : in ordinary matters, where, from a statement of facts, the jury, in 
the exercise of sound and ordinary understanding, are capable of arriving 
at a just conclusion, the opinion of a witness is neither requisite nor admis- 
sible ; but, in matters of science , it is otherwise, provided that he backs his 
opinion by such reason as may be satisfactory to the understanding of his 
hearers ; and this is the principal qualification of a veterinary witness, — 
that he makes himself intelligible to ordinary comprehension.” 
A HORSE KILLED BY WASPS. 
As Major-General Dalton, of the Royal Artillery, was 
driving with his family in an open carriage, on the afternoon 
of August 31st, a large swarm of wasps, darkening the air 
by their numbers, attacked his horse, stinging it in every 
part of the body in a most frightful manner. They pitched 
in hundreds upon the horse, a very valuable and high- 
spirited animal, pursuing the carriage for nearly a mile, and 
endangering the lives of all who were in it, who, however, 
fortunately escaped with only a few stings. On reaching 
home the horse had suffered so severely that it was found 
necessary to send for a veterinary surgeon, and every neces- 
sary remedy was resorted to, but the shock given to the 
nervous system, and the high state of inflammation produced, 
caused its death in forty-eight hours. 
