I)ifammat:on of the Bowels. 187 



But, if the purgin;^ continue violent after the offensive smell of 

 the foeces has nearly di'^^appeared, it will be proper to check it, by 

 means of decoctions of starch Mr. White is of opinion that the 

 preparation called Arrow- root, which (as he has properly remarked) 

 is nothing" more than a pure kind of starch, is decidedly superior to 

 every oilier, and strongly recommends its use in this disease. 



Pi»rliaps as the starch of commerce is seldom properly edulcorated 

 by a sufficient number of washings, and on that account generally 

 contains some acetous acid, which is generated in the process of its 

 manufacture, the Arrow root powder may, for this reason, be pre- 

 ferable. This gentleman advises that eight ounces of the Powder 

 should be mixed with a little cold water, and afterwards added to a 

 g'allon of boiling water : the whole to be well stirred, and after boil- 

 ing a minute or tw^o, to be removed from the fire. A quart of this 

 mi.xture to be given every hour until the purging be checked. 

 There need not be much solicitude about the food of the animal. 

 As .s3on as the inflammation is subdued, and the acrimonious 

 matters in the Bowels are evacuated, his appetite will return, and he 

 will be able to digest what he eats. A small quantity of fresh-made 

 Bran Tdash may be offered to him from time to time, and if he de- 

 cline eating, should be immediately removed. In this, as in most 

 other diseases, instinct prompts the animal to prefer grass to every 

 other kind of food — if it can be procured, therefore, it should be 

 offered to him. Tepid thin gruel, white water, or (as some Horses, 

 will not touch these) plain water not too warm, should be presented 

 to him in smalt quantities, every hour or two. But, he ought not to 

 be permitted to distend his stomach by drinking too much at a time. 

 ^s the Fever goes off and the Bowels return to. their ordinary stat?^ 



