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shake off the farina, or lightly brush it off with a soft hair-pencil, upon a piece of white paper; then take a single tale of isinglass between the nippers, and, breathing on it, apply it instantly to the farina, and the moisture of the breath will make that light powder stick to it. If too great a quantity is found adhering to the talc, blow a little of it off; and if there is too little, breathe upon it again, and take up more. When this is done, put the talc into the hole of a slider, and applying it to the microscope, see whether the little grains are laid as you desire, and if they are, cover them up with another talc, and fix the ring, but care must be taken that the talcs do not press upon the farina in such a manner as to alter the form.

FARM. See AGRICULTURE. FARRIER, is the designation of the smith who devotes his attention chiefly to shoeing horses, and to curing them of all kinds of diseases. Perhaps it would be difficult to quote any profession which could competite with this in self-sufficiency and ignorance; nor would it be easy to estimate the damage done by this tribe, who, having a technical jargon peculiarly appropriated to their presumptuous quackery, continue to deceive a large portion of the community, and generally hold a very improper intercourse with grooms, &c. whence not only expensive jobs are unnecessarily created, but the constitutions of the unfortunate animals which are committed to their care, are often very seriously injured. We trust that what we shall state relating to the succeeding article, will contribute to remove the deception, and to enable every person to form some judgment of the ailings to which horses are subject. The term farrier is derived from the French word ferriere, which relates particularly to the bag of implements used by the marechal, or person who confines his operations to this branch of smithery.

FARRIERY, as may be seen in the preceding article, originally implied nothing more than the art of applying iron, or other substances, to the feet of horses, whereby to defend them from the injuries to which they are subject in travelling on hard surfaces. It was probably owing to the opportunities afforded to the smiths, while shoeing horses, of observing the various diseases of the foot, and consequently of haranguing on the subject, that they, in time, acquired an undue reputation for perfect ability in not only that particular, but

for a general knowledge of whatever related to the animal at large. It will not surprise us to find persons so ignorant, as our forefathers of yore were, yielding thus implicitly to the presumptuous claims of the farrier; indeed, when we consider how little was known of the art of medicine, and of the very structure of the human frame, it must appear that no other alternative presented itself. But we cannot look back to later dates without feeling both astonished and ashamed at the indifference, indeed the inhumanity, with which that most useful animal, the horse, has been so long treated.

Happily, however, in these days of improvement, when science has in so many instances removed the mists which clouded the vision of our ancestors, and has proportionally enlarged our ideas, the eye of research has been turned towards the sufferings of the brute creation, and a new profession has sprung up, which not only adds to our stock of medical information, but, while it removes that imputation of cruelty, which had too long stained the character of an enlightened age, promises to reward our kindness and assiduity, with the most liberal remuneration. In this we allude to the establishment of a Veterinary College, where, under the auspices of the most dis, tinguished and public-spirited characters, the whole art of medicine and of surgery, so far as they relate to horses, &c. together with the true principles of shoeing, and of treating horses while in a state of disease and of health, are publicly taught by a surgeon, who has made them his study, and who has the designation of Professor of the Veterinary Art.

Such an establishment, which was not novel on the Continent, was truly a desideratum; like most of our important improvements, it was first proposed and acted upon by a foreigner, Monsieur St. Bel, who, in the year 1788, came over from France, and observing the lamentable want of veterinary knowledge, published proposals for the establishment of a college. The matter was not, however, noticed until the Agricultural Society of Odiham, in Hants, seeing the vast benefit which must inevitably re. sult from such an institution, agreed to support Monsieur St. Bel. He was accordingly nominated to the professorship, under the patronage of many eminent characters. The Duke of Northumberland was elected president; and the list of vice-presidents was graced with the names of Earls Grosvenor, Morton, Oxford, and Rivers, Sir

George Baker, Sir T. C. Bunbury, Sir William Fordyce, and the celebrated John Hunter, Esq.

Vicinity to London being an important object, and a pure air no less indispensable, Pancras was fixed upon for the scite of the college. Its success, however, was not, in the first instance, much to be vaunted; indeed its stability became somewhat doubtful, owing to a variety of causes. The fact seems to be, that St. Bel, though a perfect enthusiast, and to a certain degree skilled in the veterinary art, had not that complete acquaintance with the subject which so conspicuous a situation imperiously demanded : he was also deficient in that peculiar ductility of disposition, and that accommodation to the opinions of others, which in every instance are prepossessing, and to a man in his situation were indispensable. He died in 1793, and Messrs. Coleman and Morecroft were appointed joint professors. Both these gentlemen appear to have been highly qualified for the pre-eminent situations they held: Mr. Coleman being a surgeon who had distinguished himself by a work of great merit, and Mr. Morecroft being a medical gentleman who had visited the continent, for the purpose of acquiring as complete an insight into veterinary operations as the schools in that quarter could furnish. The latter, however, ultimately retired, and left Mr. Coleman to fill the professor's chair, which he does with infinite advantage to the public, and with no less credit to himself.

A sum is allowed annually by Parliament towards the support of the college, which also derives some aid from the fees of students, and from subscription. The donation of twenty guineas makes a subscriber for life, and the payment of two guineas yearly gives the same title for that term. In either case the privilege of sending two horses to the veterinary hospital, free of all charges, except for keep, is thus acquired. His Majesty has given considerable importance to the institution, by requiring that all veterinary surgeons, employed in the army, should have passed examination at the college, and he has eminently served the whole of the cavalry corps by conferring on those surgeons the rank of commissioned officers. The various lecturers on medicine and surgery, who have so handsomely contributed their efforts towards the success of this important establishment, have on all occasions vied in promoting its welfare, and in extending its influence; by allowing the stu

dents to attend at their respective lectures, free of expense, those liberal professors have essentially served the institution.

We shall now endeavour to lay before our readers a concise account of the present improved mode of shoeing, and of treating diseases, as practised at the college.

The first object which comes under notice is the mechanical operation of shoeing. It would be entering on too extensive a field, were we to enumerate the various forms that have been recommended, together with the reasons assigned for the supposed superiority of each: we must content ourselves with describing the method now in use.

Mr. Coleman has the shoes made three times as thick at the toe as at the heels, because they wear more forward than behind. By this means the heels are less oppressed with weight, and the frog is allowed to come down to the ground: a matter of extreme importance. The nails are all placed forward, four on each side, but not approaching too near the heels, that they may not obstruct the elastic powers of those parts. The old method of fullering, i. e. making a groove in the shoe, being found injurious, by often breaking away the heads of the nails, they are now counter-sunk in conical or wedge-shaped holes, so that they may be driven up close to their thickest parts, and be out of the way of accident. By this means the nails and shoes appear as one body, and always wear together.

For horses which go in shafts, or are used in hunting, it is usual to make shoes with only one heel, which should be outward, The horse's heel must be rather lowered on that side, and the inner heel of the shoe somewhat thickened so as to balance, and bear equally. By this easy precaution a good footing is obtained, and cutting is effectually prevented. The best breadth for the shoe of a medium sized horse is said to be one inch at the toe, and three quarters at the heel; the weight about eighteen or twenty ounces. Light saddlehorses should not have shoes exceeding sixteen ounces; and, unless local circumstances prevail, twelve ounces will be generally found preferable.

In order to fit the shoe without causing the horse to stand too much on his heels, the under part of the crust, or wall of the hoof, is pared away to receive the excess of thickness in front; for the bottom of the shoe ought to be perfectly flat, without any stubs or calkings in front. Paring away the

heels is a most destructive practice, except in case of absolute excrescence in those parts; nor should the bars, (or diagonal ridges) that extend from the heels to the frog, or central projection, ever be cut more than is absolutely proper for the purpose of keeping them in a clean and healthy state. When it is considered how much the elastic power of the heels depends on the bars, which act as a spring between them and the frog, it must appear unreasonable that they should be shaved away, as is too often done by farriers, under the idea of preventing corns; though by such a process corns are created. A good open heel is the indication of a powerful foot; hence the sides of shoes ought not to be much contracted. When the heels are tender, what is called a bar-shoe, ought to be applied. By this simple contrivance, which saves them from pressure on uneven surfaces, many a horse has been found serviceable that must else have been condemned to the slaughter-house.

The frog appears to be the part on which the horse chiefly depends for a spring, or resistance, at the bottom of his foot. If this part does not touch the ground, the whole motion will be derived from the upper parts of the limb, and a very uneasy gait will inevitably follow. This points out the necessity for leaving it fully at liberty to come in contact with the ground. Some horses have been ruined by inattention to this point, and some few have naturally a defect in that part. To provide against such circumstances, Mr. Coleman uses an artificial frog, which receives the pressure, and gives the greatest firmness to the tread. It is usually but a temporary expedient, as the frog commonly grows and renders the substitute unnecessary.

Having given a general, but very correct outline of the process of shoeing, we shall proceed to a brief statement of the various diseases, &c. which usually come within the farrier's notice, in their alphabetical order.

Anarsarca, or dropsy of the skin, is generally called the water farcy, owing to the fluid being dispersed through the cellular membrane of the skin. It is known by pits remaining after the skin has been pressed by the finger; and, usually, proceeds from a deficiency of the absorbents, or an excess in the inhalents; from jaundice, hydatides, or previous inflammation. The cure is usually effected by stimulant applications, and by diuretics; smart friction,

and gentle exercise, if long continued, are highly serviceable; the food should be nourishing. When only the lower extremities are diseased, rollers dipt in spirits, or in oil of turpentine, will generally remove the complaint. Horses are most subject to anasarca at spring and fall: when shedding their coats. If eruptions take place the cure is much facilitated: but they ought to be mildly treated, and suffered to heal voluntarily.

Ascites, or dropsy of the belly, may be known by the local swelling, which when gently struck undulates so as to be sensibly felt by the hand. This complaint arises from the causes just described, and occasions considerable thirst, short breath, and an obvious diminution of urinary discharge. To cure this complaint, every means should be used for strengthening, and accelerating, the secretion in general, and for promoting the circulation of the blood and fluids. Drastic purges, diuretics, sweating, and in some cases mercury, rarely fail to render important service. This disease, however, is apt to recur, unless the constitution be completely fortified, and the general habit brought into due state.

Bleeding, or blood-letting, should be performed with a lancet of a suitable size; the fleam being very uncertain on large rolling veins; and in the thigh, &c. absolutely dangerous: often producing violent inflammation, and sometimes incurable lameness. The jugular-vein is usually opened in common cases; especially when the head is the seat of disease: in other instances the plate-vein, or that within the thigh. In the first case a piece of thin cord should be passed round the horse's neck a little above the withers, and the part be wetted, so as to shew the vein. The quantity must depend on the case; but one or two quarts for periodical bleeding are enough to be drawn from a full-sized horse in good condition: in some cases much greater quantities must be taken. When the bleeding is to be stopped slacken the line, and pass a pin through the lips of the orifice; then taking a few hairs from the tail or mane, or a piece of thread, pass over the head and point of the pin therewith, in an alternate (i. e. a figure of 8) direction, and make fast.

Breaking down, as it is usually called, proceeds from a rupture of the suspensory ligaments, and chiefly happens to young horses in training. In this instance the fetlock nearly touches the ground, but the

foot can be bent when raised. Few cures are made, though much palliation may be effected, by reducing the inflammation in the first instance, raising the limb, especially the heel, so as to throw the weight on the other leg, and to relax the part. By this precaution, added to bleeding, purging, and the use of bracing applications, or eventually by firing, the limb may gradually become equal to very light exercise; but never can be depended upon, or be deemed sound.

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Broken wind, this complaint is supposed to proceed from a rupture of the cells in the lungs in the moment of the wind's being expelled from them, a check occurs which gives occasion to a second effort, thus causing a division in the sound: hence the term under which this complaint is known. The causes of this rupture are numerous, but the following are among the most frequent; viz. catarrhs, working after a full meal, or after drinking freely: girth ing too tight: being suddenly put into hot stables after standing out in a cold air, &c. &c. This complaint, we believe, does not admit of a perfect cure; but, by much care, may be greatly relieved. The food should be compact and nutritious, such as corn and old hay. Carrots are excellent in this case, as are parsnips, and beet roots: probably on account of the saccharine matter they contain. We have heard, that molasses have been given in the water, (which should be in very small quantities,) with very great success. Some have used tar-water; others praise the effects of lime water; but the greatest dependence should be placed on very sparing supplies of substantial food. The exercise ought to be regular, but never beyond a walking pace. If the symptomatic cough should prove troublesome, take away about three quarts of blood every third day.

Canker, is a sharp humour, called the thrush, which, in some instances, attacks the sole of the foot, and does inconceivable mischief: if neglected, it will in time, destroy the whole foot. The appearance of this complaint is decided; it rising like a fungous excrescence, covering the diseased part, and must be completely extirpated before a cure can be expected. Cut away freely from the horny sole, and dress the surface with a solution of lunar caustic dipped in tow. Fasten on well, as much depends on pres. sure: if the shoe be ribbed with cross bars, all the better. Raising the opposite foot, VOL. III.

so as to make the horse bear on the canker. ed one, will facilitate the remedy.

Catarrh, often called morfoundering, is usually the effect of cold, and produces the same symptoms as among the human species. Sometimes acute fever attends; in such case the greatest service will be rendered by warm diluting drinks; or eventually by mild purges, aided by bleeding. Warm clothing, and a warm mash suspended in a nose-bag, will afford great relief. The glands should be covered with flannel, moistened in a mixture of hartshorn, one part, and olive oil, four parts. Avoid whatever is heating, and be careful to keep the bowels open, the skin moist, and the bedding abundantly supplied. stable ought not to be kept too hot, as it would render the horse tender in his lungs, and perhaps induce to broken wind. Encourage the running at the nose: if ob structed the glanders would probably ensue.

The

Corns, consist of extravasated blood, or lymph, collected between the crust, or wall of the hoof, and the bars. These, in general, proceed from bad shoeing, espe cially from the heels being contracted, by hard labour, and improper pressure. Cut away as far as the extravasation, and apply a pledget of lint, dipped in tincture of myrrh, or in balsam of Peru. When the corn has been cut, the horse should be turned out to grass, without shoes, if practicable; or, if his labour cannot be dispensed with, let a chambered shoe be put on; so as to avoid pressing the part.

Cough, when this is symptomatic, it will disappear as the complaint which it attends may be removed; but if chronic, the cure will be uncertain, difficult, and tedious. The following cheap recipe has often proved serviceable. Tar eight pounds, lime twelve pounds, water six gallons; mix well, and give a quart every morning.

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Cracks, in the heels, usually proceed from a gross habit, or from filth, or from washing the legs without rubbing them dry. Sometimes the cracks discharge a quantity of sharp ichor, which must be frequently removed, or severe excoriations may follow.' Wash with strong soap-suds, lower the food, give mild purges, or diuretics, and, if the habit be full, bleed freely. Avoid all greasy applications, and allow no ligatures: wash often, and dry carefully.

Diabetes, or a profuse discharge of urine, is generally considered a fatal disease: it I

is often brought on by violent medicines, especially diuretics, which should be carefully avoided in this complaint. Bad food is also a frequent cause. The surest remedy, if any can be so called, is to feed the horse with fresh blood, or with strong meat broth; avoiding vegetables, unless it be good wheaten bread. Opium, bark, chalk, and such tonics, and correcting medicines, as also the volatile liver of sulphur in small doses, will be usually found to give relief; though a perfect cure is scarcely to be expected.

Diarrhea, or looseness, often follows the injudicious use of strong medicines; and Especially where astringents have been given. The complaint is sometimes critical; in which instance it should not be checked, but treated with copious diluents of a soft kind. Sometimes hard labour, in bad weather especially, with bad stabling, or bad food, will induce this complaint, which is to be treated with great caution; lest it should degenerate into dysentery, inject the anodyne clyster, and give the following drink twice daily: opium two drachms, ipecacuanha three drachms, prepared chalk four ounces, thin starch a pint: mix, and drench with it. If it does not answer the intention within four days, at farthest, give alum whey, as recommended for the dysentery. Avoid all astringents, but give no cold drink, and encourage sweat by means of good clothing. Litter well, and allow a moderate current of air if the stable be hot.

Dysentery, or flux, commonly called molten-grease is a most painful and dangerous complaint. The animal is usually afflicted with tenesmus, and voids a great quantity of slimy mucus, and but little dung. This disease arises from a great variety of causes, and in some seasons is said to be epidemic.

The safest purge, in the first stage, is about a quart of castor oil. If that does not remove the fæces, give calomel four drachms, gum arabic two drachms, with honey enough to form a bolus. On all occasions ample clysters of gruel, linseed, water, &c. should be frequently injected. In obstinate cases administer the following: take ten poppy-heads, boil them in six quarts of water till only a gallon be left, add starch enough to soften into a thin mucilage, throw up three or four times, daily. Internally the following may answer. Opium two drachms, ipecacuanha four

drachms, nux vomica, in powder, one
drachm, port wine one quart. Mix and
Let the
repeat morning and evening.
horse be well clothed, so as to keep his
skin moist; the stable should not be hot.
If the dung smells offensively, the stable
must be fumigated and kept extremely
clean.

Farcy is easily removed in its first stage, when it consists of merely a superficial inflammation, but if suffered to proceed, it. quickly taints the circulation, and often induces the glanders. It is highly infectious; in the first instance each bud or swelling, should be burnt with a hot iron, or by caustic; but when the blood is infected, (which is known by the buds being ulcerated, and a discharge at the nose,) the strongest medicines must be used. Let a scruple of corrosive sublimate, levigated, be mixt with butter, or in gruel, and given in two doses; i. e. night and morning. If the bowels should be affected, the must be less; but if no uneasiness be produced, it may be increased to half a drachm, or even to two scruples. If the. sublimate should prove too powerful, substitute a drachm of calomel, night and. morning. Green food is peculiarly serviceable. Destroy the clothing after a cure; or the disease will be regenerated.

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Fever must always be traced to its cause, and its particular species, must be ascertained before medicine is given. If the common inflammatory symptoms are indicated by the pulse, the eyes, and the general action of the horse, bleeding, to the extent of three or four quarts, according to size and condition, ought to be immediately practised: after this rake, and throw up the following clyster: gruel, or broth, 3 quarts; common salt (or Epsom salt, if at hand). 4 ounces; brown sugar, 4 ounces, and sweet oil, or melted butter, or lard, 4 ounces: ad-› minister blood warm, in a gentle manner. Give the following twice, daily: emetic tartar, 2 drachms; nitre, 1 ounce; mix ina pint of gruel, or form into a bolus with honey. Avoid whatever is heating; let the animal be kept in a cool stable (not, windy or damp) and clothe moderately. Let him. have plenty of warm drink of a diluent kind; such as bran-water, hay-tea, scalded malt, or warm ale; which last, ought, however, to be very mild. Leave a little very sweet hay for him to pick at: if at a proper season, green tares, or other young artificial grass may be given in small quantity. Avoid

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