THE IMPROVED ART OF FARREEUY. 1 73 



blemish. But there are times when the skin will se- 

 parate a few days after the operation, even with the 

 greatest care, but whatever ulceration arises then may 

 be much easier treated and cured than penetrating the 

 skin with the cautery itself. Thus it is evident that 

 in the use of this instrument care and judgment are 

 very necessary ; not only must the operator apply it 

 skilfully, but he must guard against the efforts of the 

 tortured animal. 



Twelve hours after the use of the cautery gently 

 spread some oil or lard over the lines, this softens the 

 skin and prevents any likelihood of separation. 



Blisters are only to be used after firing when the 

 bony tumours for which it has been applied are of great 

 extent, or the affections have been of long standing 



Bandages should be carefully avoided. When ul- 

 ceration takes place, dress the cracks with the follow- 

 ing ointment : — 



Resin - - - - - 1 ounce. 

 Hog's Lard . - _ . 5 ounces, 

 melt these over a fire, and when nearly cold, add — 



Calamine Powder - - - 2 ounces. 

 This is to be well mixed and then applied to the 

 sores. 



It is a good practice to turn a horse out to grass for 

 three or four months after the operation, as great exer- 

 cise or hard work will produce inflammation, and de- 

 stroy, in some instances, the effects firing was intended 

 to obtain. 



If there is no opportunity for this, the horse should 

 be soiled in a loose box, for ease and quiet are abso- 

 lutely essential for at least three months afterwards. 



Firing has been recommended as a certain method 

 of preventing any bad effects from the bite of a mad 

 animal : sometimes an iron whose extremity is I'ounde';' 



