724 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



ment, viz : hot water, hot poultices, etc., to hasten its formation, 

 and then open it at the lowest point. The direction of the cut 

 should usually be made in the direction of the folds of the skin, 

 unless you are to cut deep enough to injure a muscle, in which 

 case cut lengthwise with the muscle. But never cut across 

 arteries, veins, or nerves, unless it is absolutely impossible to avoid 

 it. In opening an abscess on an animal's belly, always think of a 

 rupture, as it is easy to mistake the one for the other, and open- 

 ing a rupture would be a very serious matter. After an abscess 

 has been freely opened, keep it open and syringe it thoroughly 

 with the carbolic or white lotion. (See Index.) Wash it thus, 

 once oj twice a day. 



Lampas. This is very common in young horses ; and it is 

 called a disease, but it is not certain whether it should be called 

 a disease or not. Sometimes the gums become so swollen as to 

 be level with, or even extend above, the teeth. In such a case it 

 may be necessary to make two or three cuts in the gums, being 

 careful that you do not cut above the third bar, or you will have 

 profuse hemorrhage. Then feed soft food for a few days. Wash- 

 ing the mouth with 



Alum, . . ' . . . . 4 drams. 



Water, ........ 1 pint. 



three or four times a day is beneficial. The brutal practice 

 which was and is still sometimes resorted to of using a hot 

 iron, is entirely unnecessary, and should always be condemned ; 

 and cutting with a knife is very seldom necessary. 



Wolf-teeth. These teeth occur just in front of the first 

 grinders. In some rare cases they cause trouble ; yet it is not 

 determined that such teeth have any thing whatever to do with 

 causing eye troubles. Such teeth are of no use, and may be 

 removed with a pair of forceps ; or a punch or large nail may 

 be placed against the tooth, strike the nail or punch with a light 

 piece of wood, and thus knock it out. The forceps are best, as 

 knocking them, often breaks them off. A heavy piece of wood or a 

 hammer should not be used, or the first grinder may be injured. 



General Indigestion. This is a very common trouble; 

 and the animal affected likely eats well ; but his food does him 



