HOW TO BIT* A HORSE. 
40& 
are marked with circular depressions, running parallel to the 
coronet, it is certain that severe inflammation has existed at 
one time in the sensible portion of the foot, and is consequently 
liable to return again. See that both fore feet, as well as the 
hind ones, are of equal size, and ascertain that they are quite 
cool, and equally so. Attend to what we have already said 
respecting the examination of the sole, and its proper form. 
Thrush may be detected by the fetid smell of the foot, 
besides the other symptoms which we have described. 
As the feet of horses are of such importance, we would 
especially recommend to all to acquire a thorough know¬ 
ledge of them ; and we know no better plan than to attend 
daily at a well-employed shoeing-forge, and for a small 
gratuity the smith will allow the various feet to be ex¬ 
amined ; and if he has had experience, he will be able to 
point out readily the indications of disease. He will also see 
why differently formed hoofs require the shape of the shoe to 
be modified, and adapted to the peculiarity of structure, or 
probably existing disease. 
The next important point to be attended to is the wind 
and breathing of the animal. Study all we have said on 
the different complaints connected with the lungs; namely, 
roaring, broken wind, whistling, &c. The wind may be 
tested by pinching the windpipe immediately behind the 
jaw. If the horse give a long sharp cough, it is an indication 
that he is sound in that respect ; but if the cough be short 
and hollow, it may be inferred that he has unsound lungs : 
let gentle pressure on the windpipe be frequently repeated 
in order fully to test this. Be sure to perform this test 
with your own hand, as dealers know that by compressing 
the windpipe firmly with one hand and the fore-finger oi 
the other, the horse is forced to cough while they do so, which 
produces that shrill sound considered a test of good wind, 
