Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/106

88] have often procured relief. Considerable benefit has also been derived from the sudden affusion of cold water upon the head; from the use of stimulant clysters; and the burning of feathers, or other fetid substances, held near the nostrils. The patient ought to avoid whatever is difficult of digestion, such as heavy salt meats, fish, milk, and cheese. His diet should be light, and taken in small quantities; while he must endeavour to resist and counteract the propensity to sleep, by frequenting chearful company, taking daily and moderate exercise in the open air, or similar exhilirating means.

, in Farriery, a disorder to which horses are frequently liable. It is easily discovered, when the animal rests his head with his mouth in the manger; is often inclined to eat, but generally falls asleep with the food in his mouth, and frequently swallows hay or corn without chewing it.—In such case, emollient clysters are equally useful and necessary: it will also be advisable to take a little blood, if the horse be young and robust, but in old animals, diligent curry-combing, and moderate walking, or occasional bathing in the sea, or a river, will be more conducive to their cure. Volatile salts, and other pungent odours, are here likewise of service, and should be often applied to the nostrils.—The following alterative purge may be administered, and repeated, if there be a prospect of recovery: Take one ounce of socotrine aloes, half an ounce of myrrh, two drams of asafœtida, a similar quantity of gum ammoniac, and one dram of saffron. These ingredients are to be carefully mixed, and formed into a ball, with syrup.

Such remedies are generally attended with success, if the horse be not old, but in the possession of its vigour. Farther, it is a favourable symptom, if he have a tolerable appetite; drink freely, without the drivelling; lie down and rise carefully, though seldom. But, if the contrary circumstances occur, and the animal be altogether listless, taking no notice of whatever happens about him; if he dung and stale rarely, while he is sleeping and dozing; these appearances prognosticate a speedy dissolution, which cannot be prevented by art.  LETTER, in its primitive sense, denotes a character of which the alphabet is composed; but it is commonly used to signify a written address to an absent person. The term letter is often, though ironically, confounded with epistle, which more properly applies to scripture, or the writings of the ancients; but, according to its modern import, to a poetical, or other formal declaration.

A letter ought to consist of three parts; namely, the introduction, the subject on which it is written, and the conclusion. In familiar correspondence, the first may occasionally be omitted; more rarely the third; but by no means the second, as it is the most essential part of a letter.

If the nature and dignity of style be considered, a letter admits of every modification of language. Hence a confidential tone may prevail in friendly and facetious correspondence; a middle style, partaking of the serious and didactic, in letters on business, as well as in narratives of events, and  cal