THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 125 



abscess is formed, more particularly when there is an 

 inclination towards mange. Blows of all description 

 on the head, however obtained, will bring on Pole Evil ; 

 but none so soon as those administered by a set of 

 brutal unfeeling carters, who, instead of assisting a 

 horse, and endeavouring to make him understand what 

 is required, take the butt-end of their stick or whip, 

 and, to the injury of the animal, strike it most severely 

 over the head. Some assert that this disease some- 

 times proceeds from a peculiar habit of body ; but the 

 generality of practitioners are against this assertion. 

 As soon as discovered, the attempt to cure should not 

 be delayed, since the disease spreads with great rapidity. 

 The occipital and parietal bones have not unfrequently 

 been affected with it ; and it has been known to pene- 

 trate the parotid gland. Its worst symptoms are pre- 

 sent when it attacks the articular ligaments, and pours 

 the malignant discharge into the spinal canal, which 

 then brings on paralysis. 



Treatment. — ^When the inflammation is first per- 

 ceived, and is found to be but slight, it has sometimes 

 yielded to the following application : — 



Sal Ammoniac - - - 4 ounces, 



Sugar of Lead . . . li ounces, 



Vinegar _ _ _ - 1 pint, 



mixed. 



This lotion should be applied by means of a cloth 

 large enough to draw over the ears, two holes having 

 been cut in it for that purpose. By these means, the 

 rag will adhere closely to the pole, and it should be 

 kept constantly wet with the lotion. 



Wlien the inflammation is great, it will be necessary 

 to try the effects of a blister, and then apply the above 



