2S2 ON THE DISEASES OF FARM HORSES. 
minates in gangrene, which, if otherwise treated at the com¬ 
mencement, might have had a successful result. 
These visceral diseases are frequently confounded with that 
of enteritis, or inflammation of the bowels, and by farmers 
always treated alike. This error invariably proves fatal to the 
patient, for the stimulating drenches, which might prove bene¬ 
ficial in one, is certain to cause death in the other. 
It is desirable that the farmer should be able to make a 
distinction between simple colic and enteritis, which may 
generally be done by attending to the symptoms of each. In 
cases of colic, there is very little acceleration of pulse, except 
during the paroxysms of pain. The extremities are also warm, 
and there are intervals of cessation from pain, which is much 
abated by a discharge of wind or feces. But in inflammation 
of the bowels, the pain remains equable and fixed; the pulse is 
rapid, hard, and thread-like, sometimes almost indistinct; the 
breathing is considerably accelerated; the extremities are icy 
cold ; and obstinate costiveness prevails from the commence¬ 
ment. Enteritis is, fortunately, not a very common disease in 
farm stables ; but when it does occur, it may generally be 
traced to errors in diet. 
With respect to visceral diseases generally, it would appear, 
from their being more prevalent during the latter part of autumn 
and commencement of winter, that the state of the atmosphere 
has some predisposing influence. At this period of the year 
the atmosphere is frequently moist and relaxing; and under its 
influence the muscles, and with them the heart and arteries, 
lose power and tone : the textures also become relaxed, and the 
perspiration which accumulates in the long close hair of farm 
horses during work perpetuating the relaxation. In this state, 
the stomach and intestines also participate in the loss of tone ; 
and hence disease perhaps so often occurs at this season on 
very slight errors of diet. 
There are a few simple rules, founded on the experience of 
some of our best practical farmers, on the management of horses 
that may be introduced here with advantage. 
(1.) The earlier the horses are watered and fed in the 
morning, and the longer the intervals between that time and 
yoking, the greater chance is there of the food undergoing 
perfect digestion. Ordinary farm-work is not likely to in¬ 
terfere with the digestive process; but active exercise or 
severe cart-work are likely to do so, and should always be 
avoided soon after a meal. 
(2.) The mid-day meal and full one hours rest should never 
be interfered with. The practice of accomplishing a day’s 
work in one yoking, by keeping the horses at work for eight 
