PHYSICINQ. , 47 



PHTSICINa. 



% A horse sliould be carefully prepared for the 

 action of physic. Two or three bran mashes 

 given on that or the preceding day, which should 

 be continued until the dung becomes softened, 

 as a less quantity of physic will then suffice. 

 On the day which the physic is given, the horse 

 should have walking exercise, or may be gently 

 trotted for a quarter of an hour twice in the 

 day; but after the physic begins to work, he 

 should not be moved from his stall. A little 

 hay may be put in the rack, and as much mash 

 given as the horse will eat, and as much water 

 as he will drink with the coldness off. Aloes is 

 the best purgative, for there is no other that is at 

 once so sure and safe — the dose is from J to 1 

 ounce, if the horse is properly prepared. The 

 only other purgative on which dependence can be 

 •placed is the croton; the dose varies from 1 scru- 

 ple to J a drachm. Linseed oil is an uncertain 

 but safe purgative, in doses from a pint to a pint 

 and a half Epsorn salts are an inefficacious ^ 

 remedy except in the immense dose of a pound 

 and a half, and then they are not always safe. 



