The Shepherds* Guide. 101 



ed, examine carefully whether it exists within 

 the hoof. This is discovered by pressing the 

 hoof all round, below and above ; from which, 

 if the animal winces, and discovers pain, we may 

 conclude that beneath^ the foot is diseased : and 

 the first measure to be taken is, by carefully 

 paring away that part of the hoof, to afford a 

 discharge to the confined matter. This will be 

 much facilitated by dipping the foot repeatedly 

 into water, as hot as can be borne without scald- 

 ing : and from time to time, carefully paring the 

 hoof with a sharp knife, until it is perforated 

 so as to let out any matter which lies beneath. 

 This partial scalding contributes likewise to the 

 cure of the milder species of the disease, which 

 exists only at the edges, or between the hoofs : 

 and even when the inflammation has commenced 

 beneath, it will frequently check it, and prevent 

 the formation of matter. 



In the next 'place, let the foot be carefully 

 cleansed from all offensive matter, wiped perfectly 

 dry, and the surface of the ulcer destroyed by 

 washing the part in the milder complaint with 

 a strong solution of sugar of lead in vinegar, or 

 a strong solution of white vitriol. Where the dis- 

 ease is more malignant, or has made greater pro- 

 gress, more caustic applications are necessary ; 

 such as the ley of wood ashes, which has been 

 rendered caustic by slacking in it quick lime 

 a strong solution of Roman vitriol, or a mixture 



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