THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 81 



totaller. The effects of constant fomentation are per- 

 fectly incredible to those who have not been eye-wit- 

 nesses of the almost miraculous way in which inflam- 

 mations and swellings have been reduced, by this very 

 simple remedy. The power of hot water might seem 

 to bear some affinity to that of its own condensed 

 vapour — the mighty steam — considering that, amidst all 

 the arcana of a racing stable, nothing has rendered more 

 effectual service, upon an emergency. It is not long 

 since a great favourite for the Derby was disabled, the day 

 before running, by an untoward encounter which took 

 place between his hock and the door-posts. The swell- 

 ing was enormous, bat, by a fomentation — I fear to 

 say of how many hours' continuance—it was completely 

 reduced ; the horse was able to run, and ra,n his best, 

 far better than he ever ran again, being second in the 

 race. We have not all, however, unlimited relays of 

 boys ; and the due supply of hands, necessary for the 

 use of the sponges in such cases, might not accord with 

 the convenience of many hunting stables. The knee- 

 buckets, therefore, will be found invaluable. I do not 

 mean to say that they are entirely to supersede the local 

 application of poultice to a wound ; but where there is 

 lameness, proceeding from a blow upon the leg, a thorn, 

 or, in short, from any kind of injury to leg or foot, and 

 producing pain, arising from inflammatory action, hot 

 water is your resource. It will either prove in itself a 

 remedy, or will be the best preparation for more active 

 measures. A tub may be made ot such dimensions as 



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