74 Horses and Horsemastership, 



Where a hot poultice can be used it is usually made 

 of bran or bran and linseed, and in inflammation of the 

 feet, corns, and such like troubles where it is advisable 

 to soften the horn, the addition of vinegar is of great 

 assistance. Linseed is, of course, often used by itself, 

 and is probably better than bran for abscesses, indolent 

 sores, 'Arc. Poultices should always be made large and 

 thick. In poulticing a foot a bag, such as an old feed 

 bag, should be nearly filled with the poultice and the 

 foot placed in it. The mouth of the bag should be tied 

 round the horse's leg, but not so tight as to check the 

 circulation. 



THE PULSE 



is a most important indicator of the animal's state of 

 health. The pulse is usually " taken" by placing the- 

 first and second fingers of the right hand a little in front 

 of the angle of the lower jaw. There will be found an 

 arterv, and by very gentle pressure the beating or 

 pulsation will be felt. 



In the healthy adult the pulse beats from 36 to 40 

 per minute. 50 to 60 indicates fever, while in some- 

 diseases it may be as rapid as 120. 



The "tone" of the pulse is, however, often of more 

 value to the veterinarian in making his diagiiosis than 

 the rate, though in most instances he is guided by both. 



