STRAXGLES. 53 



forming matter and coming to a head, which they have a great 

 tendency to do. But if this can not he done, the next best 

 thing to bo- done is to bring the swelling to a head as fast as 

 po'ssible. And, fortunately, the same thing that is the very 

 best for the former purpose, if it does not accomplish it, is 

 also the best for the latter. It is, to draw a good blister over 

 the part affected. For this purpose 



Take — Cantliarides, (Spanish flies), pulverized ..2 ounces. 



Tincture of cantliarides 2 ounces. 



Spirits of turpentine ^ pint. 



V Mix, and let stand two hours, shaking it frequently. 



Clip oif the hair as close as possible from the throat, down 

 between the jaws, below the swelling. Rub the blister in with 

 the hand, using about one-third of the liquid the first time, 

 and over all the space from the throat down between the jaws, 

 and as wide as their under edges. Be sure to rub the liquid 

 in thoroughly. The next day repeat the same process, regard- 

 less of any blisters that may have formed. After this, if the 

 swelling seems to be going down, the application need not 

 be repeated oftener than every second day ; but, if not, every 

 day until matter has formed, and come to a point. As soon 

 as this occurs, which will be known by some part of the 

 tumor becoming soft — generally the center, but sometimes to 

 one side — it must be opened. Take a sharp-pointed knife; 

 hold the blade firmly between the finger and thumb, and pass 

 it quickly into the softened part of the tumor, deep enough to 

 reach the matter or pus, and from an inch to an inch and a 

 half wide, so that no pressing or squeezing will be required, 

 which should never be done. To prevent the horse from tear- 

 ing himself while the blistering is being done, he must be so 

 tied that he can not rub his jaw against his leg, the manger, 

 or stall. He should be blanketed from the start to keep liim 

 warm, and must be kept in a stall where he will have fresh 

 air. 



