PHYSIC. 



63 



all former objections, and to have invented a balling-iron wbicli seems 

 to possess all the qualities that such an instrument is capable of exhib- 

 iting. The restraining bars of this last amendment are formed of pol- 

 ished steel, and are covered with a stout piece, of India-rubber tubing, 

 thus in some measure protecting the mouth of the creature from injury 

 by what hitherto was the exposed metal. The lower bar, moreover, is 

 attached to the handle, and the handle can be readily raised or depressed 

 by turning the nut situated at its base. It can, therefore, be quickly 

 adapted to any possible capacity of jaw. 





THE USUAL MANNER OP GIVINO A BAIi. 



Such a form of immunity is, however, seldom sought, save by the very 

 mexperienced in the veterinary practice. A few years of active employ- 

 ment enables any person to discard this defense. A suflScient security 

 is in all ordinary cases afforded by the horse's tongue, which, when a 

 ball is about to be administered, is grasped by the left hand, and with-' 

 drawn to the right side of the mouth. The hand thus employed is fixed, 

 being lightly pressed against the inferior margin of the lower jaw; for, 

 when retained in such a position, the tongue is pressed upon the fore- 

 most of the huge molar teeth. Of course, the animal, thus held, cannot 

 approximate its jaws so as seriously to harm the operator without biting 

 its own flesh ; by that circumstance is safety supposed to be rendered 



