86 ORANGE COUNTY 



of the left han'l, which holds the fleam, pressure is 

 made on the vein sufficient to bring it fairly into view, 

 but not to swell it too much, for, then presenting a 

 rounded surface, it would be apt to roll or slip under 

 the blow. The point to be selected is about two 

 inches below the union of the two portions of the 

 jugular at the angle of the jaw. The fleam is to be 

 placed in a direct line with the course of the vein, and 

 over the precise centre of the vein, as close to it as 

 possible, but its point not absolutely touching the 

 vein. A sharp rap with the hand on that part of the 

 back of the fleam immediately over the blade will cut 

 through the vein, and the blood will flow. A fleam 

 with a large blade should always be preferred. A 

 quantity of blood drawn speedily will also have far 

 more efiect on the system than double the weight 

 slowly taken, while the wound will heal just as readily 

 as if made by a smaller instrument. A slight pressure, 

 if the incision has been large enough and straight, and 

 in the middle ot the vein, will cause the blood to flow 

 Bulliciently fast ; or, the finger being introduced into 



