THE IMPROVED aRT OF FARRIERY. 515 



2.. Oil of Castor. 



In very large doses, this occasions some disturbance 

 of the bowels, and does not often operate as a laxative ; 

 but in doses of eight or ten ounces, repeated every five 

 or six hours, it proves frequently an excellent laxative, 

 when more drastic matters are inadmissible. It is apt 

 to be descried, and numerous experiments are detailed 

 to prove that it is noxious as well as inert : but hardly 

 any two experiments agree. I have used it for years 

 without experiencing any ill effect,- but often the best 

 from its use. It is true, it can never gain a character 

 as a certain aperient ; it is, on the contrary, an uncer- 

 tain one, unless joined with a watery tincture of aloes, 

 or with the neutral salts, when the mixture seldom 

 fails, if mashes have been in use : alone, it must be 

 owned it is not always safe as a purgative. It is 

 always a safe and invaluable purge witli a dog. 



3. Oil of Olives 



May be substituted for castor oil when the latter 

 cannot be obtained. It is the principal luediiiiii in the 

 composition of liniments, and enters into many oint- 

 ments. 



4. Oil of Linseed 



Is considered as a pectoral by old farriers, and was 

 much used in coughs, but is now seldom given. It is 

 also a certain laxative, and more to be depended on 

 than olive oil, and often more than castor oil. 



