On Hoven Cattle. 



rectum (or last gut) is distended externally, sometimes 

 four or five inches. The beast falls, and exhibits signs 

 of the most severe pain and torture. Its groans are 

 piteous and distressing. 



Cures. 1st, Immediately stab the animal, on the left 

 side, between the hind rib and the hip bone, not too 

 near the latter, ^vith a pen knife, or other small knife; 

 stand near the left shoulder, with your left hand on the 

 back of the animal, and perform the operation, two 

 or three inches deep, with your right, to avoid being 

 kicked, which sometimes, though rarely happens. If 

 he lie doAvn, the hind legs may be secured, for the 

 moment with a cord ; be not afraid of wounding the 

 intestine. The knife must pierce the abdomen, to let 

 the wind escape. If one incision fail or close, im- 

 mediately make another; the operation has been re- 

 peated seven times, on the same bullock, in different 

 distended paits of the belh', and succeeded at last. — It 

 does not ahvays wound the gut; as the wind is between 

 that and the exterior pai;ts. Vast explosions of wind, 

 often \Q.ry fcetid, with water of a reddish colour, will 

 issue from the orifice. A knife sharp at the point, and 

 not edged far, a short blade, or one AATapped round with 

 cord or rags to prevent its going too deep, is the best. 

 But be not nice as to this. The disease will be certainly 

 mortal, unless instantly relieved ; therefore think not any 

 remedy too daring. A large butcher's knife has been 

 used, when a penknife was not at hand. After the 

 evacuation of wind through the incision, give a warm 

 clyster. It may be composed of oil, fish pickle, mo- 

 lasses, and if no pickle, some salt. In xh^ '■^ Museum 

 Rusticuni'^ in 1764, and Mr. Wynn Baker's report to 



