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 tfrat 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. But after dis- 

 charging the matter, if the wound 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 wounds, 

 may be employed in speedily healing. 



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 the muscles 

 or tendinous fibres. A strain, unless uncommonly 

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

 following remedies : 



Number I. 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 



