THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 93 



saiy, you will meet, halfway, and obviate the occurrence 

 of, an evil which may be incurable. I have found such 

 incalculable advantages from salt-water bandages, that 

 I would strongly urge the use of them in every stable. 

 Soak linen or woollen bandages in salt and water, strong 

 enough to float an egg ; let every horse stand, in them 5 

 and keep them constantly moist by frequent application 

 of the liquid, as it is in evaporation that the benefit con- 

 sists. They will preserve good legs cool, and will freshen 

 those that are stale, in a manner not to be expected from 

 means so simple.^' They should be removed at night, 

 or they will become dry and hot, thereby destroying their 

 effect, if kept on too many hours without being renewed. 

 I have said salt and water, because it is within immediate 

 reach of every one, and may be prepared, ad lihituin, 

 by the bo}'s who apply it. Vinegar and saltpetre are 

 more active in their effect ; but without touching upon 

 the goulards or washes of the farrier, I have wished to 

 mention only those plain precepts within the practice 

 of every master of a horse. More may be done by the 

 proper use of hot and cold water, than by any other 

 two prescriptions to be found in the book of knowledge. 

 If, at the close of the season, you think a horse's legs^ 

 without calling for the iron, or for the punishment of 

 blister, micrht still be better for something more than 

 rest, nothing is more likely to renovate him thoroughly 

 than mercurial charges. A common charge, made of 



* Two ounces of sugar of lead, mixed with half a pint of vincgai', form a 

 lotion wliich has proved an admirable specific. 



