DOCTORING. 



i(i^ 



taking plenty of time to bring him on terms of familiarity — 

 then drawing his tongue gently to the right side of his 

 mouth, into which the right hand with the ball held between 

 the first and second fingers, was inserted, and the physic 

 quietly pushed down. 



It must not be supposed, however, that the operator's 

 work is over the moment that he has withdrawn his hand ; 

 horses have a marvellous facility for bringing up medicine, 

 and will do so three and 

 four, and even five times in 

 succession, but rarely, I 

 think, if properly adminis- 

 tered. It is a good plan to 

 close the animal's mouth at 

 once, and hold it so with 

 the left hand, while the 

 right gently rubs the throat 

 and manipulates the upper 

 lip. A ball can be seen, 

 if watched for, travelling 

 downward along the gullet, 

 and once it is thus viewed the task of physicking may be 

 considered complete. 



It ought not, however, to be given in a hard state. If 

 kept made up it must be re-made and softened. A drachm 

 each of saltpetre, ginger, and Barbadoes aloes will form a 

 mild aperient, when made into a mass with a little soft soap. 

 If a stronger one is desired, the quantities may be doubled. 

 I object most strongly to giving medicine by a drink. 



HOLDING horse's JAWS. 



