The horse, in the stable and the field : his varieties, management in health and disease, anatomy, physiology, etc., etc

Front matter

M -XX

A OROU!’ OK KAVOUIUTK!

IN THE STABLE AND THE FIELD

Preface

We believe it may be asserted, without fear of contradiction, that no book has yet been published, in the English or any other language, which even professes to give a complete description of the Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and General Management of the Horse, in a form and style suited to the country gentleman of the nineteenth century. It is true, that some of these departments are adequately described in separate works ; but they are generally written in technical language, suited rather to the Veterinary Student than for the use and comprehension of the ordinary reader. The writings of Percivall in England, and of Girard, Chauveau, and Colin in France, contain full and accurate details of the Anatomy and Physiology of this animal ; while the Structure and Diseases of his foot have been the subjects of various elaborate treatises by Bracy Clark, Spooner, Coleman, and Turner, in this country. But in order to reach the information which he requires, the reader has to wade through many long and wearisome chapters, wholly irrelevant to the practical subjects in which he is interested, and he therefore gives up the study in disgust as a hopeless task. So ' also, in reference to the general diseases of the horse, PercivalTs “ Ilippopathology ” is a mine of information ; but it is so elaborate, and so diffuse in style also, that it is consequently never or rarely seen on the library shelves of the private gentleman. Stable management was well described by Stewart, of Edinburgh, five-and-twenty years ago, and his work still continues to be the best manual on this particular subject ; but since it was written many great changes

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IV

PREFACE.

have been introduced into general use, and it is therefore now somewhat behind the times. For these reasons the author of this work has thouglit that a book, combining all the above subjects, treated in a practical manner, and in a style popularly intelligible, yet containing the most recent views of eminent authorities in veterinary knowledge, would supply a deficiency which has long been complained of by all who are interested in the proper management of the horse.

In order to compress within the limits of one volume the information which has hitherto been spread over so many, it has been necessary to forego all attempts at illustration by anecdote or by records of cases ; and the several chapters, therefore, will be found to contain only what is absolutely necessary for the elucidation of each subject, with the aid of numerous engravings, carefully executed by the Messrs. Dalziel, after drawings by Barraud, H. Weir, Zwecker, Scott, &c. &c. For the first 304 pages the author has drawn solely upon his own resources ; but in the remaining chapters he has received the assistance of two veterinary surgeons of good standing in their profession. Since the first edition appeared, the chapters on the anatomy of the bones and ligaments have been entirely rewritten, and numerous errors which had crept in there and elsewhere, from causes which it is unnecessary to explain, have been carefully corrected. It is therefore hoped that the utility of the book, which has been so well received by the public in its imperfect state, will be increased as an aid to the large class for whom it was written ; and if the author has succeeded in attaining this object, it will be a source of pride and gratification to him that he has been enabled to promote the interests of those who keep horses, as well as to ameliorate the txeatment of the noble animal which forms the subject of his book.

Chapter I. Early History Op The Horse

PAOB

The Horse of Scripture— The Greek Horse — That of the Romans — The Arab of Antiquity — Egyptian, Libyan, Numidian, and Moorish Horses — The Original British Horse — Ancient Methods of Using the Horse 1

Chapter II. Natural History And General Characteristics

synonyms and Classification in the Scale of Creation— Habits — External Form, as indicated by Points — Proportions— Period of Mat urity— Average Age — Periodical Moulting— Mental Development — Small Stomach ... 5

Chapter III. The Horses Op The East. 1

The Barb — the Egyptian Horse — The Horses of Dongola and Abyssinia — Other African Horses — The Modern Arab — The Persian Horse — The Turkish Horse — Other Asiatic Horses — The Australian Horse 15

CHAPTER IV. TnE HORSES OP THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

The South American Horse — The Mustang — The Indian Pony — The Canadian Horse — The Morgan Horse — The Amercian Trotter — The Narraganset Pacer — The American Thoroughbred — The Vermont Cart-horse Ihe Conestoga

Chapter V. European Continental Horses

Spanish and Portuguese Horses— The Italian Horse — The German Horse— The French Horse -The Flemish Horse— The Hanoverian Horse— The Russian Horse — The Norwegian and Swedish Horses

VI

Chapter VI. Tiie English Thoroughbred Horse

rxo*

General History — The English Thoroughbred Horse of 1750 — His Origin —

The Modern Thoroughbred — Increase of Size and Symmetry — Comparative Stoutness— Early Maturity— Object of Encouraging the Breed— Essentials in the Thoroughbred — Purity of Blood — External Formation — Height — Colour — Coat, Mane, and Tail — The Thoroughbred Hunter and Steeplechaser 53

Chapter VII. Half-breds, Cobs, And Ponies

The Half-bred Hunter — The Irish Hunter — The Charger — The Covert, Road, and Park Hack — The Ladas’ Horse — Cobs, Galloways, and Ponies — The Carnage, Brougham, or Cabriolet Horse — The Heavy Machiner — The Phaeton Horse — The Gigster, or Fast Trotter 95

Chapter VIII. Agricultural And Drat Horses

The Old English Black Cart-horse— The Suffolk Cart-horse — The improved Lincolnsliire Dray-horse— The Clydesdale Horse — Other mixed Breeds . .112

Chapter IX

on The locomotive action in the various paces.

Natural and Acquired Paces — Distribution of Weight — Attitude assumed in Standing — Mode of Progression — The Walk — Trot — Canter— Hand-gallop — Extended Gallop — The Amble — Racking, Pacing, and Running — The Paces of the Manege — Leaping 119

Chapter X. The Principles Of Breeding Applicable To The Horse

Theory of Generation — In-and-in Breeding— Crossing : Advantages and Disadvantages attending on each Plan— Causes of a “ Hit” — Importance of Health or Soundness in both Sire and Dam — Best Age to Breed from — Time of Year best suited to each Variety of the Horse — Influence of Sire and Dam respectively — Choice of Sire and Dam — Selection of Blood in each Class — The kind of' Horse most likely to be Profitable to the Breeder— Concluding Remarks on Breeding 137

Chapter XI. The Brood Mare And Her Foal

The Hovel and Paddock — General Management of the Brood Mare — Treatment when in Foal— After Foaling— Early Management of the Foal- Weaning— Castration . . 156

CONTENTS.

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Chapter XII. The Breaking Of The Colt

PACK

Mr. Raley’s Principles and Practice — Ordinary Method of Breaking for the Saddle— Superiority of the Latter, when properly carried out— Breaking to Harness — Dr. Bunting’s Break 164

Chapter XIII. Stables

Situation and Aspect— Foundations — Superficial Area and Height required — Stalls versus Loose Boxes— Hay Chamber and Granary — Best Materials for Walls, Floors, Doors, and Windows — Drainage and Water Supply — Ventilation and Lighting — Fittings— Harness Room — Coach-house — Servants’Rooms — Plans of Stables — Necessity for airing New Stables . . .186

Chapter XIV. Stable Management

The Coachman, Groom, and Helper — Stable Implements, Clothing, &c. — Food and Water — Theory and Practice of Feeding — Bedding— Dressing or Grooming — Clipping, Singeing, and Trimming — Use and Application of Bandages — Management of the Feet — Exercise 214

Chapter XV. Stable Management, Continued

Recapitulation of Daily Duties — Proper Temperature — Remedies for Stable Vices and Bad Habits— Preparation for Work — Ordinary Sweating — The Turkish Bath— Physic — Final Preparation — Treatment after Work — Summering— A Winter’s Run — The Straw-yard — Care of Saddlery and Harness 256

Chapter XVI. Riding And Driving

Saddles— Bridles — Mounting and Dismounting — The Seat — Management of the Reins— Use of Spurs — Modes of Starting the Horse into Ins various Paces — Riding to Hounds — Out-door Vices and Bad Habits— Harness — Driving a Single Horse— A Pair — Four-in-Hand 282

Chapter XVII. Classification Of The Various Organs, And Physiology Of The

SKELETON.

Classification of the various Organs — Structure of Bone — Of the Skeleton in General— The Artificial Skeleton— Number of Bones composing the Skeleton— General Anatomy of the Spinal Column — Of the Head and Face —Of the Hyoid Arch— Of the Thoracic Arch and Anterior Extremities—

Of the Pelvic Arch and Hind Extremities — Of the Tail — Of the Fore and Hind Extremities considered as Organs of Locomotion 305

CONTENTS.

viii

Chapter XVIII. Inscriptive Anatomy Of The Several Bones

The Head — Bones of the Cranium — Of the Face — The Lower Jaw — The Teeth — Os Hyoides — Character of Vertebrae in General — General Character of the Cervical Vertebrae — Peculiarities of certain Cervical Vertebrae — General Character of the Dorsal Vertebrae — Peculiarities of certain Dorsal Vertebrae — General Character of the Lumbar Vertebrae — Peculiarities of certain Lumbar Vertebrae — Os Sacrum — The Coccygeal Vertebrae — The Ribs and their Cartilages — The Sternum — The Scapula— Humerus — Forearm— Carpus and Metacarpus — The Phalangeal Bones — The Pelvis — Femur and Patella — Bones of the Leg — Metatarsal and Posterior Phalangeal Bones 314

Chapter XIX. Of The Joints, And The Tissues Entering Into Their Composition

General Remarks — Cartilage — Fibrous Tissue — Fibro-cartilage — Synovial Membranes — Classification of the Joints — Their Movements — Articulations of the Vertebral Column — Ligamentum Colli, or Great Cervical Ligament, and other Peculiarities of the Vertebrae of the’ Neck — Movements of the Vertebrae in General, and of certain of tbeir Joints in particular — Thoracic Articulation — Temporo-maxillary Articulation — Peculiarities in the Articulations of the Lumbar Vertebrae — Lumbo-sacral Articulation — Coccygeal J oints — Sacro-iliac Articulations — Ischio-pubic Symphysis — The Shoulder Joint — Elbow Joint — Knee Joint — Intermetacarpal Articulation — Fetlock Joint — Pastern Joint — Coffin Joint —

Hip Joint— Stifle Joint— Tibio-fibular Articulation — Hock Joint and Articulation between the Bones of the Tarsus — Tarso-metatarsal Articulation— i'ennina Articulation of the Posterior Limbs 349

Chapter XX. The Muscular System

Physiology of Muscle — Cutaneous Muscles — Muscles of the Head — Anterior Maxillary Region — Muscles whose office it is to move the Lower Jaw — Muscles of the External Ear — of the Eyelids — Ocular Region — Muscles of the Tongue — of the Pharynx— Laryngeal Region — Superficial Muscles of the Neck and Trunk — Lateral Cervical Region — Inferior Cervical Region — Inferior Cervico-occipital Region— Superior Cervico-occipital Region — Muscles connecting the Scapula with the Head, Neck, and Trunk — of the Thorax — Dorsal Region— Muscles of the Abdomen — Superficial Abdominal Region — Deep Abdominal Region — Pelvic Region— Muscles of the Fore Extremity — External Scapular Region — Antero-inferior Scapular Region — Internal Scapular Region — Postero-internal Scapular Region — Postero-external Scapular Region — Antero-external Humeral Region — Postero-internal. Humeral Region — Muscles of the Arm and Fore-leg — Muscles of the Haunch — Gluteal Region — External llio-femoral Region— Anterior Ilio-femoral Region— Internal Elio-femoral Region— Deep Muscles of the llio-femoral Region — Anterior Femoro-crural Region — Posterior Femoro-crural Region 3S3

CHAPTER XXL

THE THORACIC ORGANS AND THEIR APPENDAGES.

Contents of the Thorax — The Blood — General Plan of the Circulation — The Heart and Arteries — The Veins — Physiology of Respiration— Mechanism of the Pulmonary Apparatus — The Nasal Orifices and Cavities — The Larynx — The Trachea and Bronchi — The Lungs— Pulmonary Glands 407

CONTENTS.

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Chapter XXII. The Abdominal And Pelvic Viscera

PACE

The Abdomen and its Contents — Physiology of Digestion — Absorption

S tincture of Glands and Physiology of Secretion— Depuration, and its Office in the Animal Economy— Anatomy of the Salivary Glands, Pharynx, (Esophagus, and Stomach— The Intestines— Liver— Spleen— Pancreas- Kidneys— Pelvis— Bladder— Organs of Generation, Male and Female . . 424

Chapter XXIII. The Nervous System

Physiology of the Nervous System— Chief Divisions of the Nervous System — The Spinal Cord — Medulla Oblongata— The Encephalon — The Sympathetic System 438

CHAPTER XXIY.

SPECIAL ORGANS.

The Organ of Smell— The Eye — The Ear — The Organ of Touch — The Foot . 444

Chapter XXV. The Diseases And Injuries Oe Bone

General Remarks — Splints — Ringbone and Sidebone— Ossification of the Lateral Cai-tilages— Bone Spavin— Exostosis of the Humerus and Scapula — Fistula of the Withers — Poll Evil — Caries of the Jaw — Osteo Sarcoma — Fractures 453

Chapter XXVI. Injury And Diseases Op The Joints, Muscles, Ani) Tendons

Diseases of Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament — of Cartilage and Synovial Membrane—Iniiamed Tendinous Sheaths — Inflamed -Bursae Mucosae — Strains — those of the Back and Loins — of the Shoulder — of the Knee — of the Fetlock — of the Coffin Joint— of the Suspensory Ligaments — of the Backsinews — Breaking Down — Strains of the Hip Joint, Stifle, and Hock — Curb — Dislocation — Wounds of Joints 467

Chapter XXVII. Disease3 Op The Thoracic Organs And Their Appendages

General Remarks— Catarrh— Influenza — Bronchitis— Chronic Cough— Laryn-

f'tis — Roaring, Whistling, &c. — Pneumonia and Congestion — Pleurisy— leurodynia — Phthisis — Broken Wind — Thick Wind— Spasm of the Dia- -Diseases of the Heart— of the Blood-vessels in the Chest and

Chapter XXVIII. Diseases Op The Abdominal Viscera And Their Appendages

General Remarks — Diseases of the Mouth and Throat — Gastritis— Stomach Staggers — Dyspepsia — Bots — Inflammation of the Bowels — Colic — Diarrhoea and Dysentery — Strangulation and Rupture— Calculi in the Bowels — Worms — Disease of the Liver — of the Kidneys— of the Bladder— of the Organs of Generation ' 497

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CONTENTS.

Chapter XXIX. Diseases Of The Nervous System

Phrenitis, or Mad Staggers— Epilepsy and Convulsions — Megrims — Rabies — Tetanus— Apoplexy and Paralysis — String Halt

Chapter XXX. Diseases And Injuries Op Certain Special Organs

Diseases of the Ear — Inflammation of the Eye— Cataract— Amaurosis — Buck Eye— Surfeit— Hidebound — Mange— Lice — Mallenders and Sallenders — Warbles, Sitfasts, and Harness Galls— Grubs — Bites and Stings of Insects— Swelled Legs — Chapped Heels — Grease — Warts — Corns — Sandcrack — False Quarter— Quit! or — Thrush — Canker — Laminitis — Seedy Toe — Contraction of the Foot — Navicular Disease— Accidents to the Legs and Feet

Chapter XXXI. Constitutional Diseases

Fevers — Anasarca — Glanders— Farcy

Chapter XXXII. Operations

Shoeing — Administration of Chloroform — Methods of Confining the Horse — Bleeding— hiring — Setons and Rowels — Blistering — Castration — Docking and Nicking — Unnerving— Reduction of Hernia — Administration of Physic — Clysters— Back-raking

Chapter XXXIII. Tit® Action Of Medicines, And The Forms In Which Thet Are

PRESCRIBED.

Alteratives — Anaesthetics — Anodynes — Antacids —Anthelmintics — Antispasmodics — Aperients — Astringents — Blisters — Caustics — Charges — Clysters — Cordials — Demulcents — Diaphoretics — Digestives — Diuretics— Embrocations—Emulsions— Expectorants — Febrifuges — Lotions — Narcotics— Refrigerants—Sedatives — Stimulants — Stomachics — Styptics —Tonics — V errnifuges, or Worm Medicines

Chapter XXXIV

List of Veterinary Druxs, with their Actions and Doses . . .

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Appendix

On tue Law of Soundness, and on the Purchase and Sale of Horses 501

THE HORSE.