358 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. 



in lung diseases; but since we have become acquainted 

 with the superior qualities of aconite, digitalis is not now 

 w^orth keeping in the veterinary Materia Medlca. More- 

 over, digitalis is a dangerous medicine, from the fact that 

 it accumulates in the system, for a time, and all at once, 

 its effect is manifested in the weak action of the heart, so 

 that in many cases, the heart ceases to beat altogether. 



Doses. For horses and cattle, twenty grains of the pow- 

 dered leaves. 



Disinfectants. — I have, in two portions of this book, 

 referred to the importance of a better acquaintance on the 

 part of farmers and stock raisers with this subject. 



Volatile Disinfectants may be divided as follows : 



1. Chlorine. 



2. Kitrous acid fumes. 



3. Sulphurous acid. 



These diffuse themselves through the air of stables and 

 barns, and neutralize the poisonous gases which are given 

 oif from the excrement of animals, whether in health or 

 disease. 



Fixed Disinfectants. — These are such as can be 

 mixed with the excreta and decaying matter, without 

 destroying them for manure. 



1. Perchloride of iron. 



2. Permanganate of j)otash. 



3. Gypsum — Sulphate of lime. This is not a great one, 

 but it is useful. 



4. Charcoal. This, in fine powder, should be thrown 

 into damp stables and barn-yards, as it will not only re- 

 move unpleasant smells, but will make good manure. 

 Kefuse tan bark, and other vegetable substances, made into 

 charcoal, is cheap, and of great utility as a disinfectant, 

 and adds to the quantity and value of the manure. 



