MEDICAL PREPARATIONS. 671 



ach in quantity of a tea-spoonful it relaxes the entire system 

 in a few minutes, and is of great value in cases of lock-jaw. 

 Its operation is perfectly astonishing. A tea-spoonful pul- 

 verized is a dose, and is to be given in connection with a 

 large dose of salts. This scab has a peculiarly strong and 

 somewhat ofiensive smell; but the horse appears to be fond 

 of it; and if the hands be rubbed with it, and held under 

 his nose, he will stand perfectly still, in seeming quiet en- 

 joyment. He often puts his head down and rubs his nose 

 against the scab, which, no doubt, has some pleasant and ben- 

 eficial eftect upon him. N'ature has probably provided this 

 substance to meet some of his wants or to relieve some of 

 his sufferings. We are of the opinion that its use as a med- 

 icine in any quantity is decidedly injurious, and should be 

 sparingly indulged. It has been used by some in breaking 

 wild horses, in the first steps in catching and gentling. We 

 have tried it for this purpose, and would most earnestly dis- 

 courage its use. .^ 



