The countryman's experience

Front matter

S LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. J

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#|iw .^- :. loisrisM |o I

Preface

THE HORSE.

Under this first division will be considered those animals which aid the powers of man. It naturally begins with considering the Animals which constitute the most valuable part of the farmer's property; their origin (fee.

It is hoped that this volume will contribute to the amusement, and the profit of the farmer and better the condition both of himself and of the animals entrusted to his care.

They may afford him a useful counsellor, when employed in the labours of his station, and raise his mind to a serious, but delightful contemplation of the objects which Providence has spread around us for our admiration and profit.

In the Sacred Volume, which, beside its higher claims to stand at the head of the Farmer's Library, contains the oldest authentic record of past transactions, we are told that, so early as 1650 years before the birth of Christ, the horse had been domesticated by the Egyptians. When Joseph carried his father's remains from Egypt to Canaan, ''there went up with him both chariots and horses." One hundred and fift}^ years afterwards, the horse constituted the principal strength of the Egyptian army. Pharaoh pursued the Israelites with "six hundred chosen chariots, and with all the chariots of Egypt."

From the records of the Old Testament, we are likewise enabled to ascertain the precise period of time, when in Egypt and Canaan, and the neighbouring countries, this minimal began to be domesticated. 1920 years before the birth of Christ, when Abraham, having left Haran, in obedience to the divine command, was driven into Egypt by the famine which raged in Canaan,(Gen. 12. 16.) Pharaoh offered him sheep and oxen, and asses and camels. Horses would doubtless have been added had they been subdued in Egypt.

When, fifty years afterwards, Abraham journeyed to Mount Moriah, to offer up his only son, he rode an ass, which, with all his wealth and power, he would scarcely have done, had the horse been known.(22. 3.)

Thirty years later, when Jacob returned to Isaac with Rachel and Leah, an account is given of the s

number of oxen, sheep, camels, goats, and asses, which he sent to appease the anger of Esau, but not one horse is mentioned. (Gen. 32. 14.)

It is not until twenty -four years after this, when the famine devastated Canaan, (Gen. 14. 19.) and Jacob sent into Egypt to buy corn, that horses are first heard of. "Wagons" probably carriages drawn by horses, were sent by Joseph into Canaan to bring his father into Egypt. It would seem, however, that horses had been but lately introduced, and were not numerous, or not used as beasts of burden ; for the whole of the corn, which was to be conveyed some hundred miles, and was to afford subsistence for Jacob's large household, was carried on asses.

It appears, then, that about 1740 years before Christ, horses were first used in Egypt; but they soon afterwards became so numerous as to form a considerable portion of the Egyptian army: and when the Israelites returned to Canaan, the horse had been introduced and naturalized there; for the Canaanites " went out to fight against Israel with horses and chariots very many." (Joshua 11. 4.)

The sacred volume, therefore, clears up a point upon which no other record throws any light — namely, the period when the horse first beca:me the servant of man, at least in one part of the world, and that the most advanced in civilization, and before Greece was peopled- A long time must have elapsed before man was able to ascertain the value and peculiar use of the animals that surrounded him. He would begin with the more subordinate — those which were most easily caught, and most readily subdued; and the benefits which he derived from their labours would induce him to attempt the conquest of superior quadrupeds. In accordance with this the writings of Moses shew us that, after the ox, the sheep, and the goat, man subdued the ass, and then the camel, and. last of all, the horse became his servant: and no sooner was he subdued, and his strength and docility and sagacity appreciated, than the others were comparatively disregarded, except in Palestine, where the use of the horse was forbidden by divine authority, and on extensive and barren deserts, where he could not live.

From Egypt the use of the horse was propagated to other and distant lands; and, probably, the horse himself was first transmitted from Egypt to several countries. The Greeks atlirm, that Neptune struck the earth with his trident, and a horse appeared. The truth is, that the Thessalians, the first and most expert of the Grecian horsemen, and likewise the inhabitants of Argos and Athens, were colonists from Egypt.

The Bible likewise decides another point, that Arabia, by whose breed of horses those of other countries have been so much improved, was not the native place of the horse. Six hundred years after the time just refered to, Arabia had no horses.

Solomon imported spices, gold, and silver, from Arabia; but all the horses for his own cavalry and chariots, and those with which he supplied the Phoenician monarchs, he procured from Egypt.

In the seventh century after Christ, when Mahomet attacked the Koreish near Mecca, he had but two horses in his whole army; and at the close his murderous campaign, although he drove off twenty-four thousand camels, and forty thousand sheep, and carried away forty thousand ounces of silver, not a horse appears in the list of plunder.

There is a curious record of the commerce of different countries at the close of the second century. Among the articles exported from Egypt to Arabia, and particularh^ as presents to reigning monarchs, were horses.

In the fourth century two hundred Cappadocian horses were sent by the Roman emperor as the most acceptable present he could offer a powerful prince of Arabia.

So late as the seventh century, the Arabs had few horses, and those of little value. These circumstances sufficiently prove that, however superior may be the present breed, it is comparatively lately that the horse was naturalized in Arabia.

The horses of Arabia itself, and of the south eastern parts of Europe, are clearly derived from Egypt; but whether they were there bred, or imported from the south-western regions of Asia, or, as is more probable, brought from the interior, or northern coasts of Africa, cannot with certainty be determined.

Chapter 1. Pathology

A general Pathology of acute diseases is made the special object of this work.

The Horse is more like man, in regard to general structure, and the pathology of his diseases, than any other animal.

As a rule, although not without some exceptions, the causes which produce disease in man, operate similarl}^ upon the Horse, having the same effect upon the one, as upon the other; and the same remedies may be used for both with equal success and effect.

In the long train of maladies to which the Horse is subject. Fever, or acute action, occurs in nine tenths ot all the cases: and it is equally true; that in all diseases of acute character, fever is present as a primary,or as an attendant condition. These causes are ever present and active in an attack of acute diseases, and to which it may be wholly attributed; viz:

First, a derangement of the sensorial or nervous system. Second, a derangement ot the circulatory System — Blood. Third, a derangement of the secretory and excretory functions — fluids.

THE DIRECT

morbid causes of Acute diseases in the Horse are referable to four classes, namely :

1. The application of cold to the surface of the Dody, and to the lungs, producing recrementiceous

8i THE HOKSE.

action, or a return of perspiratory matter from the surface to internal organs, leaving the vessels of the surface in a closed or spasmodic condition : this is by far the most common cause of Acute disease.

2. Irritating substances generate within the body of the horse, wholly independent of any organic action : this class of causes is usually generated in the passages, and consists of worms, acids, mucus, and other irritating substances, resulting from unwholsome feed, creating suppressed bile, by fermenting or by some putrefactive process. 3. Slorbitic agents generated out of the animal body, consisting either of deleterious floatings in the air, or of the sensible properties of the atmosphere, or, finally of the mechanical causes, namely : miasma, noxious gasses, heat, cold, electricity, humidity, and mechanical injuries.

4. Those which are generated by morbid organic action of the living system, constituting the various contagions; such as glanders, distemper, etc.

The principal causes embraced in the last two heads are so extensive in their influence on the horse, and so indispensable to be understood; that a thorough investigation should be given them.

The different diseases are fully furnished with the proper facts as they severally occur, in the after pages of this book, it being too tedious for the present subject.

The inflammatory diseases of the horse are numerous, but his fevers are few : a febrile state being generally brought on by the inflammation of some important organ. Inflammation may be considered as general or diffused, and local or confined, and both seem to arise from an affection of the blood vessels, and perhaps from a peculiar state of the

PATHOLOGY. * 9

blood itselfc

General or diffused mjlarnmation constitutes fever or extensive inflammatory affection, and appears to consist in an increased action of the heart and arteries, accompanied with an increase of heat. In some instances where the fever is purely symptomatic, and dependent on the inflammation of some important organ, as the lungs, or the intestines, the circulation appears retarded rather than increased, from interruption arising to its passage through the heart.

Local or confined inflammation is also dependent on an affection of the blood vessels, but confined principally to the blood vessels of the part affected.

It is betokened by redness of the skin, tumor ogr swelling, heat and tenderness, with pain. Inflammations, both diffused and local, are brought on by excitements, such as over feeding, excessive heat, reaction produced after cold, and the reaction produced by inordinate exertion.

Those more exterior, arising from injuries, the application of improper substances, &c. Inflammations terminate in various ways; but it is to be remarked, that in consequence of the very large circulatory system of the horse, his febrile affections rage higher, and terminate sooner than in man.

The usual termination of inflammatory affection in the horse, are by resolution, effusion, suppuration, and gangrene.

10 THE ETJE.

Chapter II

Bowersmith's Receipes and Formula For the Cure and Treatment of DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

A knowledge of the anatomy of the eye, which is rarely understood by the uninitiated, would take too much space in this small volume to write on in detail. I will therefore be brief, giving on the subject what may be more readily understood by the general reader, reserving further observation on the subject to be given in this book.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

In the first stages of the disease, apply a Wash or Lotion, according to the season of the year. If the eye or eye-lid is much inflamed, bleed in the

THE KTK. 11

vein below the eye, and rowel about three inches below the e^^e. Move the rowels every day ; let them remain ten or twelve days, ajjply the Wash or Lotion every day until cured. It is, also, best to use some of the Cleansing Powder every day.

The horse should be kept on low diet, and not over-heated or worked very hard. Bran mash is the b^st to feed; do not feed corn. If there is a white speck in the centre of the sight of the eye, seemingly deep seated, there is no help, as the nerve is affected; but if the eye-lid swells, or the eye runs water, there is a good chance to cure, with attention. If there is a film over the sight, take 2 grs. of Sugar of Lead, 4 grains Chloride of Lime, one drachm Tincture of Opium, 2 ozs. soft w^ater, and apply every day.

EYE WASH FOR COLD WEATHER.

Linseed Oil 1 pint. Spirits of Ether 2 ozs.. Gum Camphor ^ oz. Mix and let it stand in some warm place until the oil cuts the gum, then it is fit for use. Apply every morning with a vial.

EYE WASH FOR WARM WEATHER.

Sugar of Lead 2 drachms. Sulphate of Zinc 1 dr. Tincture of Opium ^ oz., 1 pint of soft water. Wash the eyes out well with cold water, and then apply the medicine every day, as directed above.

INDIAN EYE WATER.

Take a small handful of what is called Eye bright, several sage leaves, several privy leaves, and steep them in a bowl of clean soft water; cover the bowl and set it in a large kettle of water: let it boil 30 minutes, settle, take it off and add 2 chargers of gun powder; stirring well, then strain, settle and bottle for use. This is one of the best vegetable Eye waters ever made for any and all sorts of sore eyes. You can weaken it by adding soft water as the case requires.

TO MAKE AN EYE WASH FOR MAN OR HORSE.

By subsequent experiments, I have found the following remedy to work well with either man or beast.

Take three hen eggs and break in a clean white bowl, beat well, and add one quart of pure rain water. PUice it in a kettle of water and let it simmer over a slow fire, stirring frequently until it comes to a boil. Then take off and add ^ oz. sulphate of zinc, ^ oz. tincture of opium, mix well and strain through a fine cloth three times. Let it stand in the same vessel in a cool place for two days, when a curd will be formed, which will be found to be an excellent poultice for inflamed eyes, strengthening the lachrymal ducts and vision.

After the curd is removed, strain the liquid again and bottle for future use. It can be applied by dropping into the eye from two to three times a day after the e^'es have been washed in cold water.

BLIND OR WOLF TEETH.

Blind or Wolf teeth. If such is the case, these teeth may be discovered, the former by rubbing

THE EYE. 13

your thumb over the gum of the upper jaw, between the molar grinder and the tusk; it never comes through, but its presence is indicated by an unusual lump. When such is the case, throw the animal as directed on a former page, and with a sharp knife, make two deep incisions crosswise over the tooth, and with a forceps take firm hold of the tooth and extract it, if posible without breaking.

Wolf teeth are found immediate^ below the molar grinder, and should be removed in the same manner as Blind teeth.

These teeth effect the sight by their fangs extending over the lachrymal gland or duct, leading from the eye into the nostril, thus obstructing the usual discharges through its natural passage, causing inflammation of the duct, and a film to cover the sight.

After the teeth are removed, in either case a cure can be had by the use of the Eye Lotion and a dose or two of the Cleansing Powder.

CATAEEH OF THE LACHEYMAL, OE POLYPUS IN THE NOSE

This disease is caused by an increased secretion of the mucus in the lachrj mals, which should flow in watery substances from the eye, and pass off through the ducts into the nostrils, but instead, it runs down on the outside under the eye. It is in fact, if neglected, as likely to lead to total blindness as the Moon E^^e. Its presence may be ascertained by the eye lashes and hair on the side of the head falling off*. Its attacks are usuall}^ in both eyes at the same time, and causes much fever.

The horse should not be fed corn or other grain, but put on pasture. The best treatment for this disease is to bathe the eyes frequently in cold water, cause counter-irritation, as directed in the preceeding article, and use freely the Cleansing Powder and Eye Lotion for at least two weeks, or until a cure is seen to be effected.

The polypus is an enlargement about two inches above the nostril, and frequently the size of a hens egg, which is a cyst or sack being filled with water, or thick fluid; this secretion on the lachrymal, inflames the eye. I have cured hundreds of cases by slitting the sack open and syringing it nearly full of corrosive linament; first putting on a twitch and slitting it open at the lower end; so that the contents can run out freely.

MOON EYES.

Which are known to Scientific practitioners as Specific periodic opthaima is a disease more to be dreaded than an^^ other, to which the eye may be subject.

The sclerotic or outer white coat of the eye wears a deep seated, red appearance over the entire cornea. This may be attributed to a morbid condition of the Blood, which effects more or less, all the weaker members of the Horse, which if neglected will lead to total blindness.

The best treatment for this disease is to cleanse the blood thoroughly, get up counter irritation, by bathing under the throat with the corrosive liniment; and use freel}' of the Cleansing powders.

DISEASE OF THE TENDOX. 15

FISTULA.

A large tendon being connected with muscles, and ligaments is situated upon the top of the shoulders, immediately under the upper part of the shoulder blade, where it acts as a sort of a pad for the bone to rest upon, and thus prevents the friction of pressure against the ribs. The scientific name for it, is the serrates major; but it is better known as the tough "leather or whitleather :" This ligament reaches over and across the back, and by a cartilaginous substance, is joined to the points on the yertibra or back-bone.

There are a great many causes which produce Fistula, among which are a fevered and morbid condition of the blood, in connection with many other mechanical causes, which to enumerate would be of no practical advantage to the reader, as the management of the different diseases is our main object, and our especial desire.

The reader can acquaint himself with the treatment and management of this loathsome disease, by reading with care and attention, the following recipes.

FISTULA OR Poll Evil, before it breaks.

Examine the affected parts carefully with 3'our hand; if you think no matter has accumulated, make a cloth sack laro'e enouo'h to cover the enlargement; fill it with coarse salt, moisten the outside of it thoroughly with Corrosive Liniment: apply the sack thus prepared to the enlargement for two or three nights. If there is no matter, the enlargement will disappear rapidly under the action of the poultice. If there is matter present, the sooner it is lanced the better, and the same treatment may then be used, as would be required had it broke and discharged without assistance.

In connection with the above treatment, I give a secondary one, which in my practice I have used with marked success in several difficult and doubtful cases; effecting cures, where help seemed imposible.

When the disease first manifests itself, and swelling is perceptible, apply the Corrosive Liniment once a day for three or four days, after cleansing thoroughly with castile soap and soft tepid water: then use freely of the German Ointment; after it has maturated and suppuration has set in, run a seton from the top to the bottom ; which can be readily done by the assistance of a long seton needle; wet the seton every other day, with the following Liniment: which can be easil}^ prepared; —

Mandrake Root 2 lbs.; boil slow for 30 minutes; strain; then simmer slow until quite thick; then add 1 oz. Corrosive Sublimate, ^ oz. of Balladonna; shake freely before using. This application to be used until the pipes are all destroyed and have sloughed ofi:*and pure blood is seen to run freely; then the rowel may be removed, the parts well cleaned with Castile soap and soft water; when with the German Ointment freely applied, the diseased parts will be readily healed. During the first stages of the disease a free use of the Cleansing powders should be made, to regulate the morbid action of the blood.

Chapter III. Glanders

The next and the most formidable of all the diseases, to which the horse is subject, is Glanders.

It was described by writers fifteen hundred years ago. It was then and now is a loathsome and contagious disease. The most expert Pathologists state that there are about twenty seven different forms in which this disease is said to manifest itself. It has ever been considered to originate from impure blood. A derangement of the Circulatory System ; namely, the blood. The foul and morbid matter absorbed by the various tissues, and taken into the blood is absorbed therefrom, by the secretive powers of the liver, and converted into bile, which is conveyed into the duodenum or upper portion of the small intestines, where it unites with chyme, (or partially digested food) completes digestion and separates the mass into refuse matter to be conveyed away by the intestines; and the chyle, a milky substance which is taken up from the intestines by the lacteals and carried into the blood, in which it circulates and is carried to every part of the system, furnishing those elements necessary to sustain a healthy growth of the different parts of the animal. No matter what the external, internal or exciting cause may be, the real direct cause of a large proportion of all acute, and chronic or lingering diseases, are the fruits of bad blood.

The multifarious forms in which diseases manifest themselves, would afford a theme upon which

18 THE HORSK.

I might write volumes; but as all tlie varied forms of disease which depend upon bad blood are cured, or best treated by such medicines as take up from this fluid, and excrete from the system, the noxious elements, it is not of practical importance that I should describe each minutely: but as all blood diseases require for their cure a similar treatment, it is of no practical utility to know just what name to apply to any certain form of diseases, so you know best how to cure it which we will give in the present work.

No disease will run into Glanders which has not to a considerable degree impaired the blood and broken down the constitution; and every disease that does this will run on to glanders. It is proper to state, that the left nostril is the one usually affected with the disease, or even by ulceration of the nostril for two or three years, when ulcers on the membrane of the nose, have appeared, the constitution will be evidently affected. The horse will loose flesh; his belly will be tucked up; his coat will be unthrifty and readily slough off; a slight cough will be heard; the appetite will be impaired; the strength w^ill fail; the discharge from the nose will grow more perulent, discolored, bloody, stinking; the ulcers in the nose will be larger and more numerous; and the air passages being obstructed, a grating, choking noise will be heard at every act of breathing. The lungs are now diseased; they are filled with tubercles or ulcerations, and the horse dies an emanciated and loathsome object.

GLANDERS. 19

CATARRH OR COLD.

Catarrh or cold is many times mistaken by the inexperienced, and called glanders. An acute action with fever accompanies cold and loss of appetite and sore throat, (causing quidding of the food, and gulping of the water are sufficient indications of the latter,) the discharge from the nose is profuse, and perhaps purulent: and the glands under the Jaw, if swelled are moveable ; and there is a thickening around them; and the}^ are tender and hot. With proper treatment the fever abates; the cough disappears ; the swellings under the throat subsides; and the discharge from the nose gradually ceases, or if it remains it is usually very difi'erent from that which characterizes glanders.

AN INDIAN CURE FOR GLANDERS.

1 qt. of cider vinegar; 4 oz. honey; 2 oz. golden seal; 1 oz. Elecampane; and a piece of rock alum the size of a hens egg', all pulverized and stewed 15 minutes; take oif and add ^ pint lard. Give your horse 4 spoonsfull in each nostril with a little horn, once a day for three days, holding the horses head in such a position, that the contents will pass into the stomach. I have proven this to be good in cases of Strangles, Catarrh, Nasal gleet, and distemper. All diseases of the glands are best treated and cured by Alteratives, or such medicines as purify the blood, illiminates the morbid matter from the system, and carrj^ off the disease.

A GOOD ALTEEATIYE.

4 oz. of Jimson seed pulverized ; 4 oz. oak bark powdered; mix these powders with as much vinegar and flour as will make a stifl' dough; work them well and give one the size of a walnut each day greased so it will slip down with ease.

A GERMAN CURE FOR GLANDERS, DISTEMPER, SORE THROAT, STRANGLES, SURFEIT, HIDE

Take annis seed, cummin seed, fenigreek seed, fine powder of elecompane roots; of each 2 oz. add 2 oz. of brown sugar; 2 oz. flour brimstone; 1 oz. licorice ball; dissolve it on the fire in -^ pint of white wine; when done take 1 oz. of oil of annis, and 3 oz. colts foot, then take lard, oil, pure honey, sugar, molasses, of each half a pint; mix the above in wheat flour, using enough to make a stiff" dough ; place it in a hogs bladder and tie tight and put it in a Jelly pot. They will last a year.

The manner of useing is this; make them into balls, the size of a walnut; as you desire to use them; grease well and give one each day.

Strangles are peculiar to young horses. The earl}' stages resemble common colds, with some degree of fever and sore throat, generally with distressing cough, or at least frequent wheezing; and when an enlargement appears beneath the jaws, it is not a single small gland; but a swelling of the whole of the substance between the jaws, growing harder towards the middle, and after a while appearing to contain a fluid which breaks, and inflames the membrane of the nose, until the same be-

COLIC. 21

come iiitensel}^ red. The discharges from the nose are purulent or mixed with matter, ahnost from the first; and when the tumor has bursted; the fever will abate and the horse will speedily recover.

TREATMENT FOR STAGGERS.

Poultice the throat well with a draught made of flax seed meal and sprinkle well with ground mustard. The nostrils should be well steamed with a decoction made of vinegar, tobacco and mustard, boiled in a quart of oats; and put in a sack and tied to the horses head-stall. Renew your poultice till the swelling becomes soft; then lance; be careful to feed boiled oats or bran; adding a sufficient quantit}^ of Cleansing Powder to regulate the System.

COLIC.

Colic, in general,is a severe pain in the bowels, of which there are several varieties ; as, Spasmodic Colic, Flatulent Colic, Billions Colic, and many others. The two first of which are the most prevalent among horses. They therefore demand our special attention. To be able to treat either of which successfully, one must needs be thoroughly acquainted with its causes, symptoms, and remedies. We take up the subject of Spasmodic Colic, first, for it is more fatal in its results and of greater prevalency among horses than any other species of this disease. It is characterized by sudden and violent spasms. The animal appears to suffer the most extreme pain; paws and stamps violently, shifts his position almost continually, biting his

22 THE HOPvSE.

breast and flanks, and assuming almost every position imaginable, will lie down, roll over on his back, get up and frequently turn round once or twice, and looking sorrowfully and wistfully at his flank. The spasms usually last from lifteen to twenty minutes, after which time the horse will rest easy and apparently, comfortable. But this is of short duration, and if relief is not immediately given, the poor animal will be subjected to the same violent tits and spasms as before, but with increased streneth and severity.

The common causes are application of cold water to the body while in a heated condition, drinking too much water while the blood is heated, and the stomach in a warm or feverish state, produced by unwholesome feed, or over feeding. With the following treatment I have met with marked success. In the first stages of the disease, throw a handful or two of Salt down the horse's throat. If this does not give relief within fifteen minutes, give the following drench: 1 oz. Tincture Opium, 1 oz. Sulphuric Ether: 1 oz. Tincture Camphor; ^ pint warm water. If not better in thirty minutes, repeat. If it should become necessary, and the nervous system can not be relaxed by the above treatment, bleed freely from the neck vein, back rake the rectum, and give warm soap-suds and tobacco clysters.

FLATULENT COLIC.

This is produced by an accumulation of gass in the stomach and small intestines, causing the stomach and belly to swell and extend, and the rectum to protrude. When the swelling becomes great,