The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-29
HIS OWn VETERINARIAN.
Every Farmer Should Qualify Himself


Doctor His Animals When They are Ill.
There are many situations in which
the farmer finds himself, where il
would be greaHy to his benefit if he
could act al once, and wisely. As the
owner of stocf., especially. is his sa-
gacity and Self-posSession liable to be
severely tried. in the various emergen-
cieS which ma arise among his own
herds. and those OF his neighbors. How
Is ne TO acquiI this necessary informa-
ton. and prepare himself to meet these
unexpected occurrences? Perhaps
he may have 1ad the opportunity of
witnessing thf actions of others in SIM
liar circumsta noes, and if he is a man
of observation. he has stored away the
information thus acquired. and will
bring il out y lenever the occasion pre-
SCENTS itself. Possibly his own dearly
bought experience may have prepared
him for prompt decision in these mat
tiers. If he is a man of fair education.
he has protited by the perusal of many
excellent papers on veterinary sub
jects which are offered in our best agri-
cultural Journals. OF course it is to
the press that the great body of our
farmers must look for this desired in
formation. but how happy would it be
for them if they could enjoy the adj
vantages of instruction in agricultural
zoology. 1t IL lamentable that more
stress is not laid upon the necessity Of
ditlusin@ this knowledge by our agri-
cultural colleges. not only among their
own students, but also the farmers in
their vicinity. To the young men. who
intend to become large stock raisers,
or to have extensive diaries. AID even
to those who are already established. a
course of lectures upon the anatomy
and functions of the digestive. gener-
alive, and tactical organs, of
the structure of the limbs. ewes,
etc, and especially of the horses foot,
would be most admirable and accept
able, especially if with this knowledge
was combined practical illustration OF
how to act under various ciIcumstan-
ceS and in emergencies. How little is
known OF the wonderful formation of
the foot of the horse! What fortunes
and unnecessary suffering would be
based upon the anatomy of the organ.
could be spread among the owners in
preparation of the foot for the shoe.
and in the treatment of Its diseases
Then again, such lectures should in
form the hearers. as to the action and
the proper administration, of medicines
upon the domestic animals-a knowl-
edge of great Importance, which very
few possess. We little think of the
amount of ignorance which prevails on
this one point, and how much useless
pain is thereby caused. Under the
diffusion of correct Knowledge. vast
army of cruel and injurious supersti-
tons would be put TO flight. Fewer
hapless cows would lose their caudal
eXtremities under the plea that some
visionary malady would thereby be re-
moved. Important appendageS to the
salivary secretionS. or the organ of
sight, would not be barbarouslv cut
away as parasites. NoXious ingred-
tents would no longer be rubbed on
the noses and between the horns of
milch cows. to prevent the gargct. nor
would highly cauatic and stimulating
substances be introduced into fresh
wounds. The farmer would also be
better prepared to defend himself
against the host Ct ignorant charlatars.
who come down upon him with tkeir
useless nOstrums, warranted to cure
every malady which has appeared or
NAV come among his animals. Until
the happy time arrives, when eGuca-
ton shall take she place of ignorance.
the intelligent fan must depend
upon such resources as he has at hand in
the hour of need, being careful to err
only on the side OF moderation
GJi.Y:"0,} iqT1cnlturiSS