626 
ILL EFFECTS OF 11YE-GRASS. 
slings, and was consequently cut down. Seeing there was 
no probability of bis recovering, I bad him destroyed two 
days afterwards. 
Post-mortem examination. — The integument surrounding 
the fetlock was three parts of an inch in thickness, evidently 
the result of a previous attack of disease. The capsular 
ligament of the joint was ulcerated, so as to allow of the 
escape of synovia. Serous effusion existed between the 
flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament, and also between 
the latter and the metatarsal bone. The synovial membrane 
was much inflamed, and a similar effusion to that existing 
above the fetlock had taken place between the tendons 
below' the pastern bones, which involved, to a greater or less 
extent, all the articulations. 
THE ILL EFFECTS OF RYE-GRASS. 
By S. H. Withers, M.R.C.V.S., Bristol. 
Dear Sirs,— In last months number of your Journal 
there is a communication from Mr. Evans, of Bridgenorth, 
describing the ill effects produced on horses by feeding upon 
rye-grass, and mentioning a similar instance having occurred 
in the practice of Mr. Litt, of Shrewsbury. 
Having cultivated the Italian rye-grass for the last twelve 
years, and fed horses upon it in all stages of its growth, I was 
much surprised at these remarks, and upon consideration I 
felt convinced that it was not the Italian but the English 
rye-grass which was meant; and upon writing to both 
Mr. Evans and Mr. Litt, I find that my conjectures were right. 
The English rye-grass grows coarse and straw-like, and has 
comparatively but little nutriment; and I can readily under- 
stand that the functions of the stomach may become deranged 
consequent upon its sole use, especially when hungry animals 
are turned into a pasture sown with this plant. 
The Italian rye-grass is easily digested, and contains much 
saccharine matter; and although I have never turned horses 
on it to graze, the crop being much too valuable to allow of 
this being done, yet I have fed them upon it, directly from the 
scythe and also when cut into chaff, in ad libitum quantities, 
and without even a case of colic supervening. I would 
strongly recommend this grass to the profession in cases 
where a tonic and gentle alterative is required. With care, 
three or four crops can be obtained in the year, and it comes 
