MODERN FAimiER. 75 



by a small root, the best way to extirpate them is 

 by tying them with a waxed packthread, or a hair 

 line, making the ligature tighter by degrees till the 

 substance falls off; afterwards it may be healed with 

 common digestive ointment, or bathing it frequently 

 with spirit of wine or tincture of myrrh. 



' But, wlien a wen is broad on its root or place of 

 attachment, and has several origins, like cords or 

 strings, it is then tiie safest way not to meddle with 

 it. If the cure be practicable, it must be done by 

 excision or caustic. The first dressing must be with 

 dry tow, and afterwards v. ith the common digestive. 

 If much fungous flesh arise, it may be dressed with 

 red precipitate; and where most required, the sore 

 may be strewed with precipitate and burnt alum in 

 powder, of each equal quantities mixed. If yet 

 stronger escharotics, be required, equal quantities of 

 powder, of blue vitriol, and of red precipitate may be 

 used ; or the part may be touched with a feather or 

 pencil dipped in butter of antimony.' 



48. The Poll-Evil. 



Symptoms. — This disease is very similar to a 

 fistula in the withers. It is an inflammation and 

 consequent suppuration between the poll-bone and 

 the first vertebra of the neck. The ulcer is some- 

 times very obstinate ; and when it extends beyond 

 the skin, the matter sometimes insinuates itself be- 

 low the ligament of the neck, usually called ' ta^ry 

 waxy ;' and it not unfrequently produces a caries or 

 rottenness of the vertebras. 



Causes. — This disease generally proceeds either 

 from a blow or hurt on the head, by a horse's hang- 

 ing back in his collar, by striking his head against 

 the rack or manger, and is frequently produced by 

 a blow given on the head by brutal coachmen or 

 carters. Sometimes it is caused by a shy horse 

 jerking up his head against the top of the stable 



