314 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



severe cases of inflammation. If the fleam is sharp, which 

 it always should be, a blow with the doubled fist will 

 answer the purpose of a blood-stick. 



The jugular vein is the part usually selected for general 

 bleeding. It is necessary to blindfold the horse, or to turn 

 away his head from that side from which blood is to be 

 taken. Tlie hair is smoothed along the course of the vein 

 with the finger, which has been previously moistened ; then 

 with the third and little fingers of the left hand, in which 

 the fleam must be held, sufficient pressure is applied to the 

 vein so as to bring it completely into view, taking care, 

 however, not to distend it too much, as the too rounded 

 surface is apt to roll or slip when the blow is given to the 

 fleam. The particular part from which the blood is taken 

 lies about two inches below the union of the two branches 

 of the jugular vein at the angle of the jaw. See plate iii. 

 fig. 1, p. The fleam must be placed in a direct line with 

 the course of the vein, and over the precise centre of the 

 vein, with its point as close as possible to the skin, without 

 touching the vein. A sharp but not heavy rap from the 

 blood-stick or fist on the back of the fleam, directly over 

 the blade, will cut through the coating of the vein, and 

 the blood will immediately flow after the fleam is with- 

 drawn. A large-bladed fleam should always be preferred, 

 which will make a greater opening, and thus facilitate the 

 operation ; besides, what is of greater importance, blood 

 drawn speedily has far more effect on the system than 

 double the quantity taken slowly ; and the wound, although 

 larger, will heal as fast as a smaller one. A slight pressure 

 on the neck with the pail, or other vessel used while blood 

 is taken, will be enough to cause the blood to flow suffi- 

 ciently fast. Some persons introduce the finger into the 

 mouth between the tushes and the grinders, which by gently 



