FRUSH. 439 



we would, perhaps, prefer applying to the frush of a horse in a 

 similar state whom we had an opportunity of confining within 

 doors. I should then, unscrupulously, apply a sharp dressing, 

 such as the compound solution of sulphate of copper*, or the 

 chloride of antimony, or even undiluted nitric acid, according 

 to the exigencies of the case. I know there is a feeling in the 

 minds of grooms and farriers, and in those of some veterinarians 

 too, against such " sharp" treatment ; and I am not ashamed to 

 confess I have felt, and perhaps do still feel, at times, some 

 hesitation at so acting. I have, somehow or other, imbibed this 

 vulgar notion, or, as I believe it to be, " popular delusion," and 

 cannot altogether disencumber my mind of it ; notwithstanding, 

 I can with great force and truth say, that I never saw " inflamed 

 eyes" — for they are said to be the seat of the apprehended me- 

 tastasis — arise out of the arrest of the discharges from frushes ; 

 though I have many times witnessed, and indeed expect, in 

 certain cases, inflammation of the foot and lameness from it 

 after the first application of such acrid and caustic dressings : 

 and therefore do I invariably take care to prepare the way by 

 low diet and physic; and also, wherever such lameness does 

 ensue, take pains to mitigate it all in my power by warm baths 

 and poultices, and abstinence for some time to come from any 

 repetition of such dressings, should they again be found needed. 

 Were I to set about to offer any list of the various medica- 

 ments, either in the shape of simples or compounds, which have 

 at one time or another, and by one person and another, recom- 

 mended and extolled for " the cure of frush," I might, I verily 

 believe, enumerate all the articles of the veterinary pharma- 

 copeia, and the medical almost as well. Alum, nitre, calomel, 

 chloride of lime, the oxydes and sulphates of zinc, iron, copper, 

 verdigris, sulphuric and nitric acids, hydrochloride of antimony, 

 the spirituous tinctures, tar, &c., have all been called into requi- 

 sition. Not that above one-tenth of them are really required ; 

 though frushes in general, like troublesome old ulcers, often do 

 best under change and variety of dressing. A very old unguent, 

 and I think — and I believe I shall be supported in my opinion — 



* According to Mr. Morton's formula : — see his " Veterinary Pharmacy." 



