88 
A CASE OF VIOLExNT COUGH, AND 
You mention, at page 350, in “Cattle,’’ two cases of what you 
call inflammation of the pericardium, but which were equally so 
inflammation of the heart itself; and the animals died because the 
heart was inflamed. You say that these diseases are very difficult 
to be detected in their early stage; but I have had to encounter 
many cases of what I call inflammation of the heart, and which 
I have always considered must be cured at the first attack, or not 
at all. In the first case of this description that came under my 
notice, I discovered certain symptoms that, ever since, have pre¬ 
vented me from being at a loss to discover the true nature of the 
disease; so that if the animal was not cured in a day or two, I 
could be satisfied that I was discharging my duty in recommend¬ 
ing that it should be destroyed. When destroyed, effusion in 
the pericardium has always been found. The above disease, 
symptoms, progress, and treatment you shall have at another 
time. You have inserted part of a former communication of 
mine in your last Number, page 543, and you desire my name 
and address. Well, sir, 1 have no particular objection to giving 
you my name ; and I am sorry that you have it not in your list 
of veterinary surgeons, being a great lover of that science. 
I will tell you how I became one of the vulgar or common far¬ 
riers, as old Bracken calls them:—My father w'as a respectable 
farmer, but loss of cattle and other disappointments much re¬ 
duced him ; and it was my lot, at fifteen years of age, to go 
and live with an uncle, who was in extensive practice as a farrier 
and cow-leech. I remained with my uncle about five years, during 
which time I became greatly attached to the study of the diseases 
of the horse, the cow, and the sheep. I then engaged with a large 
farmer to look after his horses and cattle, besides a flock of sheep 
varying from 500 to 1000. I continued with him also about five 
years, and then came to my present residence, and from little to 
little I have accumulated a pretty extensive practice as a farrier, 
still holding communication with my uncle, who is independent. 
Thereby, now, sir, I should very much like to change the terms 
farrier and cow-leech into veterinary surgeon ; and, therefore, if 
you will kindly inform me of the rules of the Veterinary College, 
and the requirements, and expense, and time necessary to become 
a member of that establishment, you would oblige me. And 
now I will give you a case or two that, perhaps, may be rare to 
vou. 
On Ajiril 14^A, 1836, I was desired to examine a cow. I 
found her with her muzzle extended as far as it possibly could 
be, coughing incessantly—a discharge of saliva from the mouth, 
and of foetid matter, mixed with half-masticated food, from the 
nose. I thouo'ht at first that there was some obstruction in the 
