146 POLL-EVIL. 



So soon as the fistula assumes a formidable appear- 

 ance, fomentations of bitter herbs should be employed, 

 such as wormwood, camomile, bay leaves, mullen, 

 life-everlasting, &c. boiled in water to a strong decoc- 

 tion, and after being strained, should be applied hot as 

 the horse can bear it without giving pain, by means 

 of large woollen cloths. This application promotes 

 suppuration, and when matter is formed let the tumour 

 be opened, so that its contents may be completely 

 evacuated ; after which let the sore be nicely washed 

 with strong soap suds, and apply the following oint- 

 ment once a day : Take of verdigris, half an ounce ; 

 copperas, half an ounce ; oil turpentine, one ounce ; 

 ointment of yellow rosin, four ounces ; to be well mixed 

 together. As soon as healthy matter is discharged 

 from the fistula the ointment may, be discontinued, 

 and nothing more will be necessary, except keeping 

 it perfectly clean with strong soap suds. 



When the fistula first makes its appearance, it may 

 be removed or prevented by placing a rowel or seton in 

 each shoulder, just below the swelled or inflamed part 

 which should be kept running two or three weeks. 



POLL-EVIL. 



THE poll-evil, like the fistula, proceeds from some 

 blow, bruise, or external injury, and its consequences 

 are much to be dreaded. A horse thus diseased would 

 be well sold almost at any price, though the cure is 

 tolerably certain, .yet extremely slow. The poll-evil 



