626 THE HORSE 



and squeezed out with the hand before being introduced inside the greased 

 nostril, where it is to be retained by gentle pressure, and the horse compelled 

 to inspire through the sjionge only and expire through the other nostril. It 

 is convenient to use the left hand for retaining the sponge in position and 

 the right for compressing the other nostril during each act of drawing air 

 into the lungs, and relaxing it during each expiration. The patient not 

 only succumbs to the method quicker than by any muzzle we have seen 

 used, but is under such complete control that one can increase or diminish 

 the degree of insensibility in the patient at will. Those horses which go 

 under quickly come out quickly, and there is no safety in the prolonged 

 inhalation of a mixture of atmospheric air and the vapour of chloroform ; 

 experience of a very large number of horses and other animals under the 

 influence of this agent induces me to say that it is the better plan to subdue 

 them quickly with pure chloroform alone. 



If casting is objected to, either from the absence of hobbles, or from 

 fear of injury to the horse, a soft bed of straw should be provided, and a 

 strong halter must be put over the muzzle with two cords, one of which 

 should be held by a man on each side. These will serve to guide the 

 horse in falling; but it is extremely difficult to make sure of his going 

 down where he is wanted to lie ; and there is also considerable time lost 

 in securing him after he is down, which the safety of the operator 

 imperatively requires. The effect of the chlorofoi'm must therefore be 

 kept up for a much longer time than if it is given after the horse is cast 

 and secured. 



