168 PrEGATlVES. 



of extensive organs," says Mr. Touatt, " setons afford only 

 feeble aid: their action is too circumscribed," — an opinion with 

 which I entirely coincide. 



Formerly setons were landed as a remedy for Spavin : after 

 trying them, however, in over thirty cases of the kind, I cannot 

 report in their favour. 



To cause a seton to produce its full effects, it is necessary 

 that it should be moved to and fro at least once or twice daily. 



When a seton is placed where it is intended for some time 

 to remain, do not secure the ends of the tape by tying them 

 together ; it is better to secure them to small pieces of wood. 

 AVhen the ends are tied, the seton forms a closed loop, which 

 may accidentally become fixed to a nail or a hook, and the 

 seton in consequence be torn out of its matrix. 



Tincture of calendula, or tincture of arnica, may be applied 

 to the seton occasionally as a dressing. 



PuEGATiTES. — A purgativo is at times a remedy of great 

 value. They are necessary to procure condition, and to aid in 

 retaining it when procured. They act by rapidly ridding the 

 system of much superfluous matter, when the body of the 

 animal is gross and foul. They are valuable in cases of Acute 

 Grease, in cases of "Worms, and in numerous instances of a 

 kind which, in spite of all ordinary dieting, the animal is 

 spiritless and unthrifty. In cases of this nature we have 

 known a purgative produce a change in the general health of 

 the animal little short of the marvellous. 



No class of men are better acquainted with the value of 

 gentle laxatives and purgatives than horse dealers. It is by 

 constantly grooming their animals, by a diet skilfully managed, 

 by weU regulated exercise, and by the judicious administra- 

 tion of purgatives, that they are enabled to produce such 



