POISONED WOUNDS. 



155 



matter, which is certain to collect at the bottom. To 

 avoid such occurrences, it is in many cases proper to 

 convert a punctured into an incised wound. When, 

 from neglecting this, the matter is denied an outlet, an 

 incision must be made to allow it to escape, otherwise 

 much harm will ensue from its burrowing between the 

 different textures. Fomentations will also here be ser- 

 viceable, and should be preferred to poultices. To 

 apply them, place well-boiled meadow hay, when very 

 hot and moist, within a fold of old blanket or woollen 

 cloth, and lay it on the injured parts, taking care to 

 renew the heat frequently, by dipping the bundle in the 

 hot decoction. 



(1 12.) Bruises and Sprains. These, unless severe, 

 need not be interfered with. When the shepherd, 

 however, considers it necessary to make any applica- 

 tion, he cannot do better than foment the part for an 

 hour or so with meadow hay, in the same manner as 

 recommended for punctured wounds. 



(113.) Wounds of Joints. Such wounds are highly- 

 dangerous and apt to baffle the most experienced. 

 The grand object in every case, however, where a cure 

 is attempted, is to produce a speedy union of the 

 wound, as directed in (108) to (109). If the injury be 

 extensive, the best thing the farmer can do is to slaughter 

 the animal. 



(11 4.) Poisoned Wounds. It is said that sheep are 

 sometimes bitten by snakes, and strange stories are 

 told of their milk being sucked by these reptiles. Ik, 

 such a case but small dependence can be placed on 

 any inward treatment, beyond the administration of 

 one or two full doses of castor oil. If the bite can be 



