NICKING. 53 



the tail. When the depressors are entirely cut in 

 two, one end of them will suddenly draw towards the 

 rump, and the other will slip or shoot out of the 

 wound about half an inch, which must be cut off 

 smoothly and even with the wound. 



2d. The second incisions must be made like the 

 first, from which they must be distant about three 

 inches. 



3d. The third incisions should be made like the 

 second, except deeper. If any artery should be cut,, 

 it is no cause of alarm ; as a plentiful bleeding is ot 

 infinite service in speedily curing the tail thus operated 

 on, and the blood is easily stopped by wrapping the 

 tail up with a small quantity of salt, added to a handful 

 of flour, or by placing him in the pulleys ; though from 

 a gallon to a gallon and a half of blood would not be 

 too much to lose. 



4th. After nicking, the tail should be washed in 

 strong salt and water, and the horse may not be pul- 

 leyed for three or four days, at which time all blood, 

 dirt, &c. should be carefully removed, not only from 

 the under part of the tail, but from amongst the hair 

 also, and should be kept clean until he is cured, which 

 will be about three weeks ; by which time should he 

 not be fat, his condition will be much improved. 



5th. The tail should be taken out of the pulleys - 

 every three or four days, unplatted, and washed clean 

 with strong soap-suds. 



6th. Bleed every five or six days, taking from a 

 half to a gallon of blood at each bleeding, and if the 

 tail appears much inflamed, bleed oftener; it will 

 remove fever and inflammation, and cause the wounds 

 to heal very quick. 



