NEAR-SIDE.—The near-side of a horse is the LEFT SIDE, and of course the side on which the rider goes to mount. The right-side of the horse is always called the OFF-SIDE; but the _right_ side, or the _left_ side, is never so termed, when speaking of a horse. It is the invariable custom to say, that horse is lame of the "_near_-leg before;" the other, is evidently defective in the "_off_-leg behind."
NECK.—The neck of a horse has been so often enlarged upon under a variety of different heads, that little or nothing is left useful, entertaining, or instructive, to introduce upon the subject. All that can be required, will be found largely explained by referring to "HORSE" and "FOREHAND," where, if it is not already remarked sufficiently, it may be here more forcibly inculcated; that a horse with a short neck, is in general lower before than behind; that he is never easy in action; carries his head low, and lifts his legs with difficulty; is much addicted to tripping, or rather _blundering_, and with that pleasing perfection (so gratifying to the sensations of his rider) is always in danger of FALLING; in addition to which, it may be observed, that a horse of this formation is neither fleet or handsome.
NEEDLE-WORMS—are small white worms with a sharp-pointed head, having their seat in the rectum of a horse, from whence they are frequently discharged with the dung, but are difficult to dislodge and extirpate entirely. By their unceasing action, (twirling and twisting in the dung when expelled,) it is natural to conceive, how very much they irritate, disquiet, and distress an animal where they have acquired possession; of this there needs no greater proof, than the excrements frequently and suddenly coming away in a liquified state, as if the horse was under a course of physic. And this is evidently the cause why horses eternally teazed and persecuted with these diminutive enemies, always appear low in flesh, rough in the coat, sunk in the eyes, and depressed in the spirits: eternally labouring under internal disquietude, they derive but little advantage from REST, or nourishment from FOOD. They are sometimes not only reduced, but eradicated, by ANTIMONIALS; but as this is not always to be relied on, MERCURIAL PHYSIC is justified upon the broad basis of experience, as the only _infallible_ mode of extirpation.