By docking the tail of a horse, his shape and external appearance are sometimes improved, yet the operation is not without its consequences, such as inflammation, nervous irritation, fistulous ulcers, tetanous, etc. It is hoped that the time is not distant when this barbarous and senseless custom will be abolished, and the stern hand of the law laid upon every man who thus mutilates God’s creatures. Yet if the senseless operation is done, dress the wound with HUMPHREYS’ VETERINARY OIL, which keep applied to the wound. Give first fifteen drops of A.A., and after a few hours, the same of B.B., which may be repeated from time to time to relieve the soreness and inflammation. Fractures Fractures of the bones of the horse occasionally occur in consequence of some severe blow, contusion, fall, or other injury. They are discoverable from the _difference in shape_, _swelling_, _lameness of the part_, and especially by the “CREPITUS,” or grating sound, which occurs from moving the two fractured ends of bone together. In all doubtful cases, this crepitation is the reliable criterion. In the more palpable cases, the distortion, loss of the use of the part, and extensive swelling, remove all doubt. Among the most common are fractures of the ribs, forming a swelling over the place, which is very sensitive to pressure. Of the pelvis, rendering one hip lower than the other. Of the leg, rendering movement and use of the limb impossible, the point below the fracture swinging about useless. Fractures are _simple_ where a single break occurs in one bone, _compound_ when the surrounding parts are lacerated, and _comminuted_ when bones are broken up or fractured in different directions. The treatment of all fractures rest upon very simple principles. Bring the broken parts to their natural position, keeping them there until they unite, the more perfectly this is done, the more perfect will be the result. Unfortunately, from the weight of the animal, and often his intractability, this is not always easy or even possible. But, on the other hand, nature will eventually heal even the worst cases, requiring, it is true, a longer time, and leaving behind very sad traces of her faulty workmanship. So that in treating a fracture, all these elements should be taken into consideration. _Fracture of the ribs_: Bathe the swelling with HUMPHREYS’ MARVEL WITCH HAZEL, and the parts will soon unite. _Fracture of the haunch bone_ cannot be reduced, but nature will ere long heal it, though with some distortion, one hip will be lower than the other.