196 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER 



With respect to sewing up a wound, as it is called, 

 there are circumstances which sometimes render it 

 highly improper ; in deep wounds, for example, where 

 the external opening is not very large, or in wounds, 

 where the divided parts have receded from each other, 

 and there is difficulty in bringing them together ; in 

 the former case, the matter would be confined ; in the 

 latter, much irritation would be caused by the stitches. 

 In both cases, the inflammation would be considerably 

 increased ; but in superficial wounds, and where a flap 

 of skin is separated, it will be proper to stich it up ; but 

 on no account, should there be any stimulating fluid 

 introduced, such as tincture of benzoin (frier's balsam) 

 as Dr. Clater advises. It would be sufficient, should 

 there be any dirt, or other matter, about the wound, 

 to wash it ofl* with warm water. Wounds of the belly, 

 through which the bowels press out, are highly dan-* 

 gerous, and require the most delicate management. 

 The first thing to be done, when this accident happens, 

 is to put back the bowel into the belly as tenderly as 

 possible ; but if any dirt, hair, or other matter be ob- 

 served on the intestine, it must be carefully washed 

 off* with warm water. When the bowel has been re- 

 placed, the wound must be stitched up, by means of a 

 crooked needle and threads doubled, or small twine, 

 well waxed (with bees wax ;) a bandage is then to be 

 applied. The animal is to be kept at rest, on a spare, 

 open diet, of grass, or bran ; and, if in any degree 

 costive, a dose of castor oil may be given. The treat- 

 ment of the wound is of little importance : the great 

 object is to keep the bowel in its situation. It some- 

 times happens, that a great deal of air gets into the 

 intestine, after it has escaped from the belly, and sO 

 distends it as to render it difficult if not impracticable, 



