Chest founders.

Mules are not subject to this disease.  Some persons assert that they are, but it is a mistake.  These persons mistake for founder in the chest what is nothing more than a case of contraction of the feet.  I have repeatedly seen veterinary surgeons connected with the army, on being asked what was the trouble with a mule, look wise, and declare the complaint chest founder, swelling of the shoulders, &c.  I was inclined to put some faith in the wisdom of these gentlemen, until Doctor Braley, chief veterinary surgeon of the department of Washington, produced the most convincing proofs that it was almost an impossibility for these animals to become injured in the shoulder.  When mules become sore in front, look well to their feet, and in nine cases out of ten, you will find the cause of the trouble there.  In very many cases a good practical shoer can remove the trouble by proper paring and shoeing.

Bleeding.

It was always a subject of inquiry with me, who originated the system of bleeding; and why it was that all kinds of doctors and physicians persist in taking the stream of life itself from the system in order to preserve life.  In the case of General Washington, which I copy from the Independent Chronicle of Boston, January 6, 1800, the editor, using “James Craik, physician, and Elisha C. Dick, physician,” as authority, states that a bleeder was procured in the neighborhood, who took from the General’s arm from twelve to fourteen ounces of blood, in the morning; and in the afternoon of the same day was bled copiously twice.  More than that, it was agreed upon by these same enlightened doctors, to try the result of another blood-letting, by which thirty two ounces more was drawn.  And, wonderful as it may seem to the intelligent mind at this day, they state that all this was done without the slightest alleviation of the disease.  The world has become more wise now, and experience has shown how ridiculous this system of bleeding was.  What is true in regard to the human system is also true in regard to the animal.  There are some extreme cases in which I have no doubt moderate bleeding might render relief.  But these cases are so few that it should only be suffered to be done by an experienced, careful, and skillful person.  My advice is, avoid it in all cases where you can.

Colic.

The mule is quite subject to this complaint.  It is what is commonly known as belly-ache.  Over doses of cold water will produce it.  There is nothing, however, so likely to produce it in the mule as changes of grain.