I 
738 NEWS AND ITEMS. 
while the ordinary weight of large bull hides is eighty-five 
pounds. The hide at the head was two inches thick and had to 
be cut out, having been too thick to be tanned. The largest 
leather working machinery known to the trade was too small to 
work this hide, which necessitated some trimming. The hide 
contains nearly one hundred square feet. 
Starting a Balky Horse. —The following contribution to 
the numerous and varied “ sure cures ” for a balky horse is 
credited to John Haines, the manager of the Tewkesbury stable: 
‘‘For the benefit of those who have been caused a great deal of 
anxiety by a balky horse and have lost trains as well as their 
tempers and even sometimes ruined the horse, the next time 
they should have the experience or should run across a balky 
horse, no matter how bad he is, let me tell you how to start him 
ninety-nine times out of loo. Of course it may fail one time in | 
loo. When a horse balks, no matter how badly he sulks or how 
ugly he is, do not beat him, do not throw sand in his ears, do j 
not use a rope on the front legs, or even burn straw under him. j 
Quietly go and pat him on the head a moment, take a hammer i 
or even pick up a stone in the street, tell the driver to sit still, i 
take his lines and hold them quietly while you lift up either < 
front foot, give each nail a light tap and a good smart tap on 
the frog. Drop his foot quickly and then chirp to him to go. 
In ninety-nine cases out of loo the horse will go right along ; 
about his business, but the driver must keep his lines taut and ! 
not pull nor jerk him back. If I have tried this once I have tried 
it 500 times, and every time I have suggested it people have ^ 
laughed and even bet $5 and bottles of wine. So . far I have i 
won every bet. This may make you smile, but a horse has 
more common sense than most people are willing to give i 
credit for. The secret of this little trick is simply diversion. I 
am a firm believer that with kindness and proper care and treat¬ 
ment a horse could be driven with a string.” 
FOR SALE. 
A substantial and commodious brick veterinary infirmary, office and residence, cen- “ 
trally located in a thrifty city of 25,000, and surrounded by a very rich agricultural and | 
breeding country. ! 
The leading practice of the entire region has for fifteen years been and is still being I 
conducted in this property. ‘ 
It is offered at less than 60 per cent, of cost, with cash payment sufficient to insure i 
sale, balance at low interest and as long time as may be asked. i 
An exceptional opportunity for an energetic, up-to-date man. i 
Address W. L. Williams, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. , 
