050 
DISCUSSION ABOUT DRENCHES. 
have pointed out the strength and the atrocity of my recommen- 
dation. Nobody to whom I have shewn it has betrayed the least 
symptom of dismay. 
The truth is, Mr. Markham does not understand the full force 
of the words which he reads, or which he writes: his own paper 
sufficiently proves that he is one of those who begin to dispute 
before they have learned to understand. 
The next passage which Mr. Markham quotes is that in which 
I say, “ Now, you are never to give a draught to any horse un¬ 
less you think he will die without it.” He does not inquire why 
I give this caution, but represents me as saying, “ It is the fear 
of death which is to make us fly to the aid of medicine thus ad¬ 
ministered.” I meant that, and said as much. If a draught be 
so dangerous as to produce death, nothing but the fear of death 
can justify the employment of such a remedy. 
Mr. M. continues: Now, suppose that I found my horse la¬ 
bouring under the effects of spasmodic colic,—even if I did not 
think that he would not die, but that I would relieve him of a 
considerable portion of his pain, would I not immediately give 
him a drink?” This is all he says about the passage to which 
he refers. 1 am left to suppose that, in such a case, he ivould 
give a drink, and that therefore every body should do so. If he 
would do it, it must be right, and he must act accordingly; but, 
to prevent mistake, Mr. Markham had better tell us what he 
means by the effects of spasmodic colic : at the same time he may 
tell us if he really would give the drink, for 1 do not know enough 
about him to answer his question correctly. 
Mr. M. proceeds to another assertion which I made. I said 
that the safest way of giving a draught is to administer it 
when the horse is lying, as he mostly always is in the cases which 
imperiously demand a draught.” In this sentence I assert two 
things, each quite distinct. Mr. M. makes no separation ; and 
I am at a loss to perceive which of the two he aims at. He says. 
Now, Mr. Editor, I am sorry for this; for the time is arrived 
when the whole agricultural portion of the country is looking up to 
the veterinary profession, and watching its every movement, while 
the amalgamation between veterinary and agricultural science 
is effecting.” The man must certainly be of a very soirowful 
temperament. There is nothing here to set anybody a-crying. 
But though he were brimful of sorrow, and could shew that he 
had cause to weep, that would be no argument against the truth 
of my position. I believe it will remain as true as ever, whether 
he be sorry or glad. If he mean that he is sorry to read it, be¬ 
cause he thinks it false, he ought to have shewn where the false¬ 
hood lies : when he does that, we may, perchance, be disposed to 
