This is one of the most destructive of diseases with which the horse family is afflicted, and one that has set the best veterinary skill of the world at defiance.  A remedy for it has yet to be discovered.  I have deemed it proper here, however, to carefully describe its symptoms, and to recommend that all animals showing symptoms of it be kept by themselves until their case be definitely ascertained.  When you have ascertained to a certainty that they are afflicted with the disease, destroy them as quick as possible.  See, too, that the place where they have been kept is thoroughly cleansed and sprinkled with lime, for the disease is contagious and the slightest particle of virus will spread it anew.  Farcy is but one stage of this terrible disease, but is not necessarily fatal while in this stage.  It should, however, be treated with great care and caution.  Farcy can also be conveyed to others by inoculation.  Any one who has had the field for observation the author has for the last four years, would become convinced that the recommendations I am about to make describe the only course to be taken with this contagious disease.  The number of its victims under my observation were counted by thousands.  All that can be done is to prevent, if possible, the disease taking place, and to destroy when ascertained to a certainty that the animal has contracted it.  I would say here, however, that this subject will soon be thoroughly handled in a work soon to be published by Doctor Braley, head veterinary surgeon of the army.  He will undoubtedly throw some light on the subject that has not yet appeared in print.

Symptoms.

First:—­When it appears in a natural form, without the agency of contagion or inoculation, dryness of the skin, entire omission of insensible perspiration, starring of the coat.  Sometimes slight discoloring can be observed about the forehead and lower part of the ears.  Drowsiness, want of lustre in the eye, slight swelling on the inside of the hind legs, extending up to the bu-boa.  This condition of things may continue for several days, and will be followed by enlargement between the legs.  The inflammation incident to this may entirely subside, or it may continue to enlarge, and break out in ulcers on the lactiles of the lymphatic, which accompanies the large veins.  In the last case it has appeared in the form of Farcy.  This being the case, the countenance assumes a more cheerful look, and the animal otherwise shows signs of relief from the discharges of poisonous matter.  If it remain in this state, death is not generally the result.  If the system be toned up it will sometimes heal, and the animal will seem to be in a recovering state of health.  Yet, from watching the symptoms and general health of the animal afterwards, you will be convinced that the disease is only checked, not eradicated.  Acting in the system, it only waits a favorable opportunity to act as a secondary agent in colds, general debility, or exposure, when it will make its appearance and produce death.