36 Sprain or Clap in the Back-Sinew* 



tion after Firings by gently and regularly stimulating the action of 

 the absorbents, yet if the Animal be subjected to hard work or rapid 

 motion for a continuance, whilst the new active inflammation excited 

 by the Cautery, is going on in the part, then will the same effect fol- 

 low, which has been already described as taking place in consequence 

 of blistering immediately, after the injury has been inflicted. I con- 

 sider therefore, that a period of at least two or three months, is the 

 smallest space of time that ought to be allowed for a Horse to remain. 

 ' at grass after Firing, especially if the operation has been performed 

 with severity, or upon a large surface of skin. It will not, I hope, 

 be inferred from the preceding remarks, that I am an advocate for 

 the indiscriminate use of the Cautery, in cases of this, or any other 

 sort. For this would be exposing myself to the. charge of unne- 

 cessary cruelty or great absurdity. Nevertheless, I cannot help con- 

 sidering a good deal that has been written upon this subject; of late 

 years, as proceeding from a mere affectation of humanity, and as a 

 sort of clap-trap for popular applause; because my experience has 

 long ago convinced me, and therefore now enables me to pronounce 

 decisively, that not only several diseases of the I^ones, but also many 

 of the stubborn Chronic Diseases of other parts, admit of no other 

 remedy tlian the actual Cautery. 



1 am further of opinion, that the operation should be performed by 

 drawing longitudinal lines only, on the skin, from one third to one 

 half an inch asunder^ and that the old practice of Firing in the form 

 of diamonds, has nothing but its fancifulness and antiquity, to re- 

 commend it. 



Certain it is, that it adds very materially to the eventual deformity^ 

 by the unnecessary sloughs which it occasions in the skin. U is., 



