STRAINS. 133 



a poultice made of a strong decoction of red oak bark 

 and meal, once a day, until the swelling abates ; but 

 in bruises that cannot, by these means, be dispersed, 

 and by pressing with the finger you discover that mat- 

 ter is formed, then the shortest way is, to open the skin 

 and allow the bruise to discharge its contents : after 

 which it will heal in a very short time, by keeping 

 it entirely clean with soap suds alone. Bat after dis- 

 charging the matter, if the w^ound should appear rotten 

 and of dark colour, indicating mortification, together 

 with any very considerable inflammation, bleed plen- 

 tifully ; feed on bran, oats, long green food, or light 

 food of any kind, and again apply the red oak poul- 

 tice, which will very soon cure the inflammation, 

 cleanse and alter the appearance of the wound. After 

 which, any of the simples recommended for w^ounds, 

 may be employed in speedily healing. 



.M«lS^9*H— 



STRAINS. 



Strains, in whatever part of the horse, either pro- 

 duced from running, slips, blows, or hard riding, are 

 the relaxing, over-stretching or breaking ihe muscles 

 or tendinous fibres. A strain, unless uncommonly 

 bad, may be cured in a short time, by applying the 

 following remedies : ' ^ 



Number 1. Take of sharp vinegar, one pint; spirit, 

 of any kind, half a pint; camphor, one ounce; mix 

 them well together and bathe the part injured twice a 



