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Veterinary Jurisprudence. 
HORSE CAUSE. 
Communicated by John Kent, M.R.C.V.S., Bristol. 
BRISTOL COUNTY COURT. 
(. Before Sir John Eardley E. Wilmot, Bart., and a Special Jury .) 
STABBINS V. KNEE. 
A day was appointed, and set apart for this trial on Nov. 22d, 1858. 
In June, 1857, a heavy goods van, belonging to Mr. Knee, with an 
estimated weight of five tons lading, came in contact with a one-horse 
potato-cart belonging to Mr. Stabbins, and knocked one wheel into a 
small ditch, and the horse off its legs. In the scramble, the horse re¬ 
ceived a scratch inside the near knee. The plaintiff claimed more than 
£20 for damages. 
The trial was a very long one, so that I shall only give a short sketch 
of what is usually styled the scientific or medical evidence. 
After the accident, the horse brought the load of potatoes twelve 
miles into Bristol, and took the empty cart about twenty miles home 
on the same day. The collision occurred about two o’clock in the 
morning. 
Mr. Stone , for plaintiff, having opened the case, called Mr. Cade. 
Are you a veterinary surgeon ?—Yes. 
Practising in Bristol ?—Yes, as assistant to Mr. Withers. 
You attend patients for him ?—Yes. 
Do you remember being sent for to Worle, by Mr. Stabbins, the 
plaintiff in this action, to see a horse that had been injured by a col¬ 
lision with the defendant’s van?—Yes. 
Just tell the court and jury, in what state you found it; and now 
Mr. Cade, in giving your evidence, do not be afraid of Mr. Kent. I 
found a very serious lacerated wound inside the off knee (it was the 
near knee). 
It was a very serious injury, was it not?—It was a very serious 
injury. 
What did you do to it ? Of course you put it under proper medical 
treatment.—I did; I dressed it, and applied cold pads, and told Mr. 
Stabbins to keep the horse quiet, and should it become more serious, or 
not go on well, to telegraph to me, and I would come immediately. 
When did you see it again ?—In three weeks from that time. Mr. 
Stabbins then requested me to see it again. 
And you did so?—I went, and saw it again. 
How did you find it?—The wound was healed, and I directed that the 
horse should not work, but that he should have walking exercise for a 
month, and then have gentle work. 
Cross-examined by Mr. Edlin. 
Pray, Mr. Cade , how long after the collision was it when you first 
saw the horse ?—Two or three days. 
Did I understand you that it was a very serious injury ?—Yes. 
A very serious injury ?—Yes, a very serious injury ; it was sloughing. 
