474 MATERIA BIEDICA 



is requisite to render this drencli astringent, two tlracluns of 

 catechu may be added. 



PURGATIVE DRENCH FOR CATTLE. 



No. 1. Epsom salts, or common salt ... 6 ozs. to 1 1'o. 



Warm gruel 1 quart. 



Ginger 1 dr. 



Macrnesia, or carbonate of soda . 1 oz. — ■ Mix. 



No. 2. Castor oil .... 1 pint. 



DRESSING. An operation of some Importance in the 

 management of horses ; and consists in currying, brushing, and 

 wisping them, when kept in the stable. This is done, not 

 merely with a view of removing the dust that may be collected 

 on the coat, but to keep up a healthy degree of action in the 

 perspiratory vessels, or pores of the skin. AVhen this is ne- 

 glected or improperly done, the perspirable matter hardens or 

 thickens, and remains about the roots of the hair, and has the 

 appearance of a whitish dust or small scales, which often cause 

 an itching, and make the skin feel dry, and the coat appear 

 coarse or wiry, instead of being soft and shining, as it is in a 

 horse that is properly dressed or groomed. Horses that are not 

 properly exercised have the more occasion for good dressing ; 

 and the operation is more easily and more effectually performed 

 when a horse has been previously exercised until he perspire 

 moderately. Notwitlistandlng the improvement which regular 

 and careful dressing makes in a horse's ap])earance, it is not 

 improbable that the skin may be thereby brought to a degree of 

 delicacy or sensibility which is not consistent with the employ- 

 ment for which the animal is wanted, and may render him very 

 liable to diseases. Yet, on the other hand, it is to be considered 

 that the artificial manner in Avhlch horses are generally kept and 

 fed, may render the skin or perspiratory organ a much more 

 essential emunctory than it would be were they kept and fed in 

 a manner more conformable to nature. 



In India, our cavalry soldiers, instead of using a brush, dress 

 their horses with a coarse glove, made of the same material as a 

 horse's nose-bag. This, I should think, although not so good as 

 a brush, may be advantageously employed for rubbing the legs. 

 The term dressing is likewise used to denote any application 

 made to a wound or sore. 



EGYPTI ACUM. — Linimentum j^rurjiris. Liniment of 

 Yerdio-rls. A preparation made by boiling together five ounces 

 of powdered verdigris, one pound of honey, and seven ounces of 

 vinegar, until they are incorporated. This Is a good remedy for 

 thrushes or diseased frogs. 



ELDER. — Sambucus. This tree is com.monly found in 



