614 MEDICINE. 



POULTICES. Few horsemen are aware of the value of these simple applica- 

 tions in abating inflammation, relieving pain, cleansing wounds, and disposing 

 them to heal. They are applications of the best kind continued much longer 

 than a simple fomentation can be. In all inflammations of the foot they are 

 very beneficial, by softening the horn hardened by the heat of the foot and con- 

 tracted and pressing on the internal and highly sensible parts. The moisture 

 and warmth are the useful qualities of the poultice ; and that poultice is the best 

 for general purposes in which moisture and warmth are longest retained. Per- 

 spiration is most abundantly promoted in the part, the pores are opened, 

 swellings are relieved, and discharges of a healthy nature procured from wounds. 



Linseed meal forms the best general poultice, because it longest retains the 

 moisture. Bran, although frequently used for poultices, is objectionable, be- 

 cause it so soon becomes dry. To abate considerable inflammation, and especially 

 in a wounded part, Goulard may be added, or the linseed meal may be made 

 into a paste with a decoction of poppy-heads. To promote a healthy discharge 

 from an old or foul ulcer ; or separation of the dead from the living parts, in 

 the process of what is called coring out ; or to hasten the ripening of a tumour 

 that must be opened ; or to cleanse it when it is opened, two ounces of common 

 turpentine may be added to a pound of linseed meal : but nothing can be so 

 absurd, or is so injurious, as the addition of turpentine to a poultice that is 

 designed to be an emollient. The drawing poultices and stoppings of farriers are 

 often highly injurious, instead of abating inflammation. 



If the ulcer smells offensively, two ounces of powdered charcoal may be 

 added to the linseed meal, or the poultice may.be made of water, to which a 

 solution of the chloride of lime has been added in the proportion of half an ounce 

 to a pound. As an emollient poultice for grease and cracked heels, and espe- 

 cially if accompanied by much unpleasant smell, there is nothing preferable to 

 a poultice of mashed carrots with charcoal. For old grease some slight stimu- 

 lant must be added, as a little yeast or the grounds of table-beer. 



There are two errors in the application of a poultice, and particularly as it 

 regards the legs. It is often put on too tight, by means of which the return of 

 the blood from the foot is prevented, and the disease is increased instead of lessened; 

 or it is too hot, and unnecessary pain is given, and the inflammation aggravated. 



POWDERS. Some horses are very difficult to ball or drench, and the violent 

 struggle that would accompany the attempt to conquer them may heighten the 

 fever or inflammation. To such horses powders must be given in mashes. 

 Emetic tartar and digitalis may be generally used in cases of inflammation or 

 fever ; or emetic tartar for worms ; or calomel or even the farina of the croton 

 nut for physic : but powders are too often an excuse for the laziness or awk- 

 wardness of the carter or groom. The horse frequently refuses them, especially 

 if his appetite has otherwise begun to fail ; the powder and the mash are wasted, 

 and the animal is unnecessarily nauseated. All medicine should be given in 

 the form of ball or drink. 



RAKING. This consists in introducing the hand into the rectum of the horse, 

 and drawing out any hardened dung that may be there. It may be necessary in 

 costiveness or fever, if a clyster pipe cannot be obtained ; but an injection will 

 better effect the purpose, and with less inconvenience to the animal. The 

 introduction of the hand into the rectum is, however, useful to ascertain the 

 existence of stone in the bladder, or the degree of distension of the bladder in 

 suppression of urine, for the bladder will be easily felt below the intestine, 

 and, ai the same time by the heat of the intestine, the degree of inflammation 

 in it or in the bladder may be detected. 



RESIN. The yellow resin is that which remains after the distillation of oil 

 of turpentine. It is used externally to give consistence to ointments, and to 



