184 THE POLL-EVIL. 



CHAP. XXXIX. 



ON THE POLL-EVIL. 



The poll-evil is an abscess near the poll of a 

 horse, formed between the poll-bone, and the 

 upper vertebras of the neck. It generally pro- 

 ceeds from bruises, or inflammation being trans- 

 ferred to these parts from fevers. This last is the 

 most difficult to cure. When it proceeds from any 

 external violence, it may be easily cured by rubbing 

 the part well once a day with the bracing mixture 

 (No. 107, p. 145), or (No. 108, p. 146). After- 

 wards bleed, and give him a gentle purge ; and, if 

 necessary, repeat it two or three times. After 

 proper purging, bleeding, and the application of 

 the above astringent mixtures, a cure may be 

 expected in most recent cases. 



But if the tumor, or swelling, does not begin to 

 abate in a fortnight's time, after this treatment, let 

 all the hair be clipped off, and well rubbed with the 

 blistering essence (No. 133, p. 174) for three or four 

 successive mornings, ten minutes each time. This 

 will either bring it to a suppuration, or otherwise 

 soon disperse it. If the swelling proceed to sup- 



