Firing. '65 



The iron should be used at a full red or white heat, and 

 the part touched as lightly as possible, so that a distinct im- 

 pression is made. More than one leg should not be fired at 

 one time. 



Various forms of cauteries or " firing irons " are used. 

 Those with a narrow edge, about as thick as a dime, so that 

 the firing may be performed in parallel lines- across the 

 limbs are preferable, as leaving the least blemish. The same 

 may be said in favor of Prof. Williams' iron for *' pyro-punc- 

 ture,'' which leaves hardly any blemish, and makes a deep 

 impression on the structure. It is represented in the follow- 

 ing engraving : — 



FIG, 16. — PROF. WILLIAMS' lEON" FOR " PYRO-PUNCTURE. " 



As in blistering, the hair should be closely shaved before 

 the iron is applied ; and the operator is wise to convince him- 

 self that the animal is securely fastened before the procedure 

 begins. 



On the day after the firing, the part should be smeared 

 with neaf s foot or other bland oil, and this repeated daily 

 until the swelling subsides. A rest of several months is ad- 

 vised after the oj)eration, as if the animal is put to work too 

 soon the disease will most probably return, and the pain have 

 been needless. 



A method of firing is adopted by some veterinarians which 

 obviates the objections made to the process, and is often very 

 effective. It is based on the fact that the boiling point of 

 fat is about three times that of boiling water, and that by 

 applying boiling fat to the part at a temperature of say 600° 



