INJUEIES TO THE KNEE. 99 



counterbalanced by the action being better calculated for 

 rapidity of trotting. 



Jane we will have shod a little heavier, adding a couple 

 of ounces to each shoe. If I thought she had hit her 

 knee from her own fault, I would put the two ounces on 

 the outside of the shoe. But as I am satisfied the injury 

 arose from bad handling, we will make the shoes to 

 balance. It is reduced to a certainty with me that a 

 horse's way of going can be greatly modified by an un- 

 equal shoe. I had one horse that hit himself violently on 

 the shin with the outside of the forefoot, and on weight- 

 ing the shoe he escaped the blow ~on the shin, but did 

 what was worse, hit his knee. While Jane is working- 

 slow, we must try to reduce the enlargement, and bring 

 the knee to the natural size. To effect this, we will irri- 

 tate the cuticle with oil of cedar, and then apply mer- 

 curial ointment, or some preparation of iodine. I have 

 been very successful with this mode of treatment. 



In case of a recent injury to the knee, a very different 

 course would have to be followed, by placing the feet in a 

 tub, and giving a thorough bathing with hot bran tea, 

 applying it for an hour or longer, then swathing with 

 flannel bandages wet with the tincture of arnica, reduced 

 by adding three parts of water to one of tincture. Should 

 the inflammatory symptoms not be abated the next day, 

 apply pounded ice, to be followed by a strong decoction 

 of mullein leaves of course, dispensing with all fast 

 work, lessening the feed considerably, and giving acidu- 

 lated drink. If at a season of the year when grass or 

 green corn blades can be got, give a plentiful supply of 

 them, with a bran mash not too often. I am in favor of 

 giving green food more than mashes, and will give you 

 my reasons for the preference at a future time. 



Yv r e can leave this blacksmith safely, as I will warrant 

 him to do the shoeing as directed ; so we will walk back 



