The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1878-01-31

L tdLlou- VI tAlSllL- 1A-SA1NiE
Remnants, If compelled to sub
sist exclusively on fluid food, mash
e., etc. do not ruminate, but can
not remain y,ry healthy either for
any length of time.
The excremcnts, though u course
different az to consistency, shade,
color. etc., according TO the species
Of animal and to the food consum-
ed, afford frequently, also a valua-
bic indication concerning the state
Of health. The excrements Of a
healthy animal are o usual size and
consistency, destitute of any IN
common, foul, or any sou smell,
free from any foreign admiXtures,
such as blood, matter, ETC.. and are
voided at regular intervals and III
usual quantities.
THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION.
A healthy animal breathes slow
ly, regularly, quietly, and without
any uncommon or conspicuous ex-
ertion. ANY audible, uneasy, for
chile, or difficult respiration, attend
ed with an uncommon dllatlon OF
the nostrils, or any abnormal or any
extraordinary movement of the ribs
or the fanks, is a sign of disease.
Even if the animal is exercised or
excited, the breathing, although
accelerated, must be performed
without any uncommon noise or
difficulty, and be reduced to its nor
NAL slowness in a short time after
the exercise is discontinued, or at
ter the excitement ceases. In ru-
minating animals, however, and
also in hogs and dogs, the respira-
ton may become considerably ac-
CELEBRATED, and even audible, if the
weather is very hot, and especially
if, at the same time, the stomach
is well filled with food, without
constituting a sign of diseases. A
healthy animal does not cough, I'M
less caused to do so by ex~traordina-
ry ana temporary means, such as
irritating the larnyx by pinching
the animals throat, and then the
cough is always short, energetic
and loud. A vigoroug snorting Of
ten observed IN horses, indicates
good wind. Cattle, kept constant
ly in the stable and fed on wet food,
but particularly such as are fed with
distiller's wash, etc., are usually
affected with a short, peculiar,
hacking cough, which is of little
consequence, and cannot be consid-
cred as a very bad sign. Under all
other circumstances, however, any
coughing must be looked upon as a
symptom of disease.
Healthy animals bear their neck,
head and ears, according to the
natural habit of their breed or spe-
cies; are lively, attentive, remain
with the herd. e., do not linger
behind; offer resistance unless gen
tie or well broken, if a man tries to
catch them; and are attentive to
any strange sights or noises. An
animal that droops its head and
ears, is i%nattentive and Indifferent,
and fingers behind in a herd. can
not be looked upon as a healthy
animal. Look and expression must
be free and vigilant, and the eve
clear and lively. The coniunctiva
mucous membrane of the eyelids)
and eyeball must present a clean,
pink color, or IN sheep exhibit a
plainly visible net of fine, red-col-
ored blood vessels. Any other col
or of the conjunctiva, and in sheep
an invlsibleness, or a pale color of
those blood vessels, and also a pale,
dirty white, yellowish or blush
color of the skin, are. indications Of
lll-health. Healthy cattle lick
their nose and upper lip quite fire.
quently, and keep those parts clean.
Animals naturally vicious or tricky
may be considered as tolerably
healthy, as long as the same display
their vices or exercise their tricks;
but are decidly sick if tricks and
vices appear to be forgotten. The
latter return when convalescence
sets In. In mich COWS, a diminu-
ton or cessation of the ~secretions
of milk, unless caused by a change
OF food, constitutes one of the first
symptoms of nearly every disease.
All movements of a healthy ami
NAL are performed with compare
tive ease, alacrity and energy. A
tardy, weary, slow, or unsteady
gait, and easy or p~rofuse ~perspira-
ton without any adequate cause, a
lasting exhaustion, or extraordina-
~ slow recuperation of strength,
and an immediate loss of appetite,
after any uncommon exercise or
performance of a hard work are
signs Of poor state of health
Veterinarian, IN Chicago Tribune.