118 MODERN FARRIER. 



cases. There should be several instruments of the 

 same kind, that when one becomes too cool, another 

 may be ready of the proper degree of heat. The 

 heat of the iron intended for the present case should 

 be that of a cherry-red. In applying the iron, the 

 parts adjoining to the mortified place are to be passed 

 over with the edge of the instrument in successive 

 parallel lines, so as the heat may penetrate to the 

 living parts, and thus produce such a degree of 

 healthy action as may enable them to throw off the 

 mortified slough. When the iron has been applied 

 for a sufficient time, which must be regulated by 

 the nature of the part, and the extent of mortifica- 

 tion, the wound is to be covered with a pledget 

 spread with some stimulating ointment. 



2d, Firing is employed to brace the skin, and to 

 strengthen the sinews. The instrument above de- 

 scribed is used on this occasion, but its heat must be 

 somewhat greater. The mode of applying it is to 

 pass the edge lightly and quickly over the skin, de- 

 scribing parallel lines from one end of the part to 

 the other. When one iron has been used in this 

 way, a fresh one is to be taken, and made to retrace 

 the lines first formed, beginning where the last iron 

 left off; and this is to be repeated as often as appears 

 necessary, taking care not to destroy the texture of 

 the skin. It is recommended by some to apply the 

 hot iron so as to burn away the hair, for some time 

 previously to firing the skin ; as much time is other- 

 wise lost before the proper impression can be made 

 by tiie iron. After firing, a blister is sometimes 

 applied, as this is thought to increase the good effect 

 produced by the iron. When firing is employed on 

 tlie hind-legs, or on any part where the operator 

 would be exposed to danger from the horse's kick- 

 ing, it is necessary to confine the legs by means of 

 fetters. 



3d, This operation has been found useful in spa- 

 ving, ring-bones, old callous swellings of the back 



