BLEEDING 285 



the coating of the vein, which may produce severe 

 cases of inflammation. If the fleam is sharp, which 

 it always should be, a blow with the doubled fist will 

 answer the purpose of a blood-stick. 



The jugular vein is the part usually selected for 

 general bleeding. It is necessary to blindfold the 

 horse, or to turn away his head from that side from 

 which blood is to be taken. The hair is smoothed 

 along the course of the vein with the finger, which has 

 been previously moistened ; then with the third and 

 little fingers of the left hand, in which the fleam must 

 be held, sufficient pressure is applied to the vein so as 

 to bring it completely into view, taking care, however, 

 not to distend it too much, as the too rounded surface 

 is apt to roll or slip when the blow is given to the 

 fleam. The particular part from which the blood is 

 taken lies about two inches below the union of the two 

 branches of the jugular vein at the angle of the jaw. 

 (See Plate in, fig. i,/.) The fleam must be placed in 

 a direct line with the course of the vein, and over the 

 precise centre of the vein, with its point as close as 

 possible to the skin, without touching the vein. A 

 sharp but not heavy rap from the blood-stick or fist 

 on the back of the fleam, directly over the blade, will 

 cut through the coating of the vein, and the blood will 

 immediately flow after the fleam is withdrawn. A 

 large-bladed fleam should always be preferred, which 

 will make a greater opening, and thus facilitate the 

 operation ; besides, what is of greater importance, 

 blood drawn speedily has far more effect on the system 

 than double the quantity taken slowly ; and the wound, 

 although larger, will heal as fast as a smaller one. A 

 slight pressure on the neck with the pail, or other 

 vessel used while blood is taken, will be enough to 

 cause the blood to flow sufficiently fast. Some persons 



