128 MODERN FARRIER. 



The part should also be frequently fomented, and 

 washed with a solution of sugar of lead. It will 

 also be advisable to rub some blistering ointment on 

 the inside of the thigh. 



73. Bleeding. 



The operation of blood-letting is of very consider- 

 able importance to a horse ; and much danger often 

 results from its being improperly performed. The 

 vein usually opened runs along the neck, and is 

 called the Jugular vein. 



The vein is usually opened by means of a fleam, 

 which is forced into the vein, by striking it with a 

 small wooden mallet, called by farriers a blood-stick. 

 There are many objections to this mode of bleeding. 

 In the first place, it is extremely clumsy ; and, if 

 the vein happens to roll, which is very commonly 

 the case, a large wound may be made in the skin, 

 without drawing blood. Again, horses are easily 

 frightened by any sudden motion of the hand ; and 

 some persons have a way of shaking the blood-stick 

 before they give the stroke ; and, in doing this, they 

 often use more exertion than is necessary. The 

 animal, alarmed at these strange motions, tosses up 

 his head, and thus renders the stroke uncertain. 



Many prefer the ordinary lancet used by sur- 

 geons; and, in several cases, particularly of local 

 bleeding, this is the most convenient instrument. 

 But in opening the jugular vein, we do not consider 

 it as much superior to the common fleam. When 

 this latter is employed, the back of it should be 

 made of considerable thickness ; as when it is too 

 narrow, as is commonly the case, when the in- 

 strument is struck with the stick, it sinks into the- 

 channel of the vein, which is often not opened, '^ 

 as the prominent muscles of the neck receive the 

 stroke. 



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