riRiNa. 351 



FIRING. 



The object in firing a horse is to produce an external inflam- 

 mation where counter-action is required, as in spavin, ringbone, 

 curbs, etc. The operation may be performed upon the animal 

 while standing, by placing a twitch and side line upon him ; 

 but if the surface to be fired is extensive, and the animal high 

 strung, it is better to cast him, particularly where a number of 

 oblique, vertical, or horizontal lines are to be drawn. Firing 

 is not practised at the present day to the extent that it formerly 

 was, and when it is practised every endeavor should be made to 

 prevent, as far as possible, the blemishes which always follow 

 the operation. Yarious forms of irons have been adopted to 

 accomplish this end. The author gives the preference to the 

 feathered iron, which is brought down to a very fine edge, and, 

 opinions are entertained by veterinary surgeons as to the ad- 

 vantages resulting from deep firing as compared with those 

 accruing from surface firing. In the author's judgment, if firing 

 is resorted to at all, it should be done effectually. His attention 

 has recently been called to a firing iron devised by A. Maillard, 

 Esq., of Bordentown, New Jersey, which is the best adapted in- 

 strument that has ever passed under his notice. It consists of two 

 pieces of iron, octagonal in form, about one and a half inches 

 long by one and a quarter wide, one piece containing five 

 round-pointed projections, placed one at each corner and one 

 at the centre, and the other four points, so arranged as, when 

 fitted together, to fill up the intermediate spaces of its opposite ; 

 both irons being used alternately on the same parts without ex- 

 tending the surface fired. This iron will probably supersede 

 any iron in use, and thanks are due to the inventor for his ia- 



