152 POULTICES. 



any part of a limb above tlie feet, is the leg of a strong 

 woollen stocking. This in fact is the best medium we can 

 procure to apply a poultice to the hock and knee joints '■> 

 while for the head, throat, and neck, strong canvass will 

 answer the required purpose. 



lY. — In fixing poultices, avoid tying them tight, par- 

 ticularly with straps and ties that are narrow, and sharp ; as 

 these articles when fixed tight to the limbs, press into the 

 skin, and sub-tissues ; and by doing so, cause the structures 

 both above and below to swell considerably. 



Y. — Yv7"hen a poultice is necessary, it should always be 

 applied so as to insure its substance being in direct or 

 immediate contact with the skin. 



It is a common practice to put the poultice into a canvass bag, 

 and secure the latter and its contents to the part diseased. 

 This is a bad method, and is apt to inflict more pain and 

 disturbance by undue pressure, than is counteracted by the 

 good which the poultice may do. 



To secure a poultice properly to the knees, or the hocks, 

 proceed as follows : — Fii'st place the stocking leg to the part 

 requiring the poultice, by drawing it over the foot, then bandage 

 the limb from the foot or fetlock joint, up to the lower part of 

 the stocking ; then place the poultice within the stocking, and 

 work its substance thoroughly and evenly to every part requir- 

 ing its soothing influence ; then securely close the open mouth 

 of the poultice bag, by means of a broad soft tie, and the 

 operation is complete. 



The application of the bandage has a two-fold eflect ; it 

 prevents the poultice from slipping down or falling out at the 



