PHYSICKING. 195 



on during the clay, and wetted every half hour 

 with the sal ammoniac lotion, p. 208. The 

 greatest difficulty, however, always attends the 

 bringing any " go-wrongs " up again, even in 

 the best hands ; and if the sprain has been 

 at all severe, it is useless, as well as cruel, to 

 attempt it, for you run the risk of ruining the 

 leg for life. 



As a general rule, then, no purgative physic 

 should ever be administered within six weeks of 

 running. When exceptions do occur, however 

 short time you may have to spare, never be 

 persuaded to ram it down the throat without 

 some little preparation, for if gripes, in train- 

 ing, supervene from this cause, inflammation is 

 generally close at hand. Bran mashes should 

 at least be given for one day previous at all 

 the feeds, and not more than two pounds of 

 grass allowed until the muzzle is put on at nine 

 o'clock; but unless a sprain or hurt has taken 

 place, and the horse is about to be laid up, more 

 than one day cannot well be spared for bran 

 mashes without his going somewhat back in 

 condition, for one full day must also be allowed 

 after the physic has set, so as gradually to increase 

 to the former diet, as any sudden introduction 

 of dry grain into the bowels immediately the 

 purging ceases is always hurtful, and frequently 



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