Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1877-10-25

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an apparent feeling of soeanfert Thirst, de-
pending largely upon the G.aiity OF the
food consumed, upon the temperature of
the atmosphere, upon the kind ct work the
animal Inexperienced, and upon the secre-
tons and excretions going on, is OF less sig
niaieance than the appetite. Still, an abb
senoe of any desire to drink, or extraordi-
naryythirstiness, are indications OF existing
disorders.
Ruminants, if compelled to subsist ex-
clusively on fluid food, masfaes, etc., do not
raminate, but cannot remain very healthy
either for any length Of time.
The excrements, though of course lie
ent as to consistency, shape, color, etc., ac-
cording to the species of animal and the food
consumed, afford frequently also a vafsa-
bic indication concerning the state of health.
The excrements of a healthy animal are Of
usual size and consistency, destitute of any
uncommon, foul, OF any sour smell, free
from any foreign admixtures. such as blood,
matter, ETC., and are voided at regular ill.,
teryals and ia usual quantities.
THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION.
A healthy animal breathes slowly, regu-
arly, quietly, and without any
or CONSPICUOUS exertion, Amy audible, UNI
easy, forcible, or difficult respiration, at
tended with an uncommon dilation of the
~nostrils, or any abnormal or any extraordi-
nary movement of the ribs or the tanks, is
a sign of disease. Even if the animal is ex-
ercised or excited, the breathing, although
accelerated. must be performed without any
noise or difficulty, and be re-
duced to it's nolzeaAl slowness within a short
time after the exercise is discontinued. or
after the excite rseilt ceases. In Illuminating
animals, however. and also in hogs aud
dogs, the respiration may become consider
ably accelerated and even audible, II the
weather is very hot, and especially if, at the
same time, the stomach is we'll filled with
food, without constituting a sign Of disease.
A healthy animal does not cough, unless
to do SO by extraordinary and tenn
porary means, such as irritating the larnyx
by pinching the animals throat, and then
the cough is always short, energetic and
loud. A vigorous snorting often observed
in horses indicates "good wind" Cattle
kept constantly in the stable and fed on wet
food, but particularly such as are fed with
distillers' wash, etc, are usually affected
with a short, peculiar, hacking cough,
which is of little consequence, and cannot
be considered as q very bad sign. Under
all other circumstances. however, any
coughing must be looked upon as a symp-
tom Of disease.
AM5 l4a
Healthy animals bear their neck, head
and ears, according to the natural habit of
their breed or species are lively, attentive;
remain with the herd, /. e., do not linger
behind; offer resistance, unless very gentle
and well-broken, If a nan tries to catch
them and are attentive to any strange
sight or noise. An animal that. droops its
head and ears, is inattentive and Indifferent,
and fingers behind in a herd, cannot be
looked upon as a healthy animal. Look
and expression must he free and vigilant,
and the eye clear and lively. The c%onjunc-
iva mucous membrane of the eyelids) and
eyehall must prvsent q clean pink color, or
in sheep exhibit a plainly-visible net of fine,
red-coiored blood vessels. Any other color
of the conjuntiva, and in sheep an invisible
or a pale color of those blood vessels, and
also a pale, dirty white, yellowish or BLUSH
color of the skin, are indications of i'll health.
Healthy cattle lick their nose and upper lip
quite frequently, and keep those parts
clean. Animals naturally vicious or tricky,
may be considered as tolerably healthy, as