POLL-EVIL. 147 



is an abscess or swelling found in the sinews, between 

 the noil bone and the uppermost vertebra of the neck, 

 immediately on the poll or nap of the neck. When 

 this swelling first makes it appearance, bathe it fre- 

 quently with hot vinegar ; and if the hair be fretted 

 off, with an oozing through the skin, make use of equal 

 parts of vinegar and spirits of wine ; but if there be 

 an itching, with heat and inflammation, the safest way 

 will be to bleed plentifully, and apply a red oak poul- 

 tice, which will sometimes disperse the swelling and 

 put an end to the disease. But whenever the tumour 

 is critical, having all the signs of matter, and appears 

 not benefited by the applications already recommend- 

 ed, it will be advisable to bring it to a head as speedily 

 as possible, with the following poultice : Corn meal, 

 marsh mallows, oil turpentine, and hog's lard. When 

 the tumour becomes ripe or full of matter, it may be 

 either opened or permitted to break of itself; if opened 

 with a knife, great care should be used to prevent 

 wounding the tendinous ligument that runs along the 

 neck under the mane. When the matter appears to 

 be on both sides, the tumours must be opened on both 

 sides, and the ligament between remain undivided ; ii 

 the matter flows in great quantities, resembling melted 

 glue, and is of an oily consistence, it will require a 

 second incision, especially if any cavities are dis- 

 covered by the fingers or probe ; these should be 

 opened by the knife, and the wound should be dressed 

 with spirits of turpentine, honey, and tincture of myrrh, 

 until light and thick coloured matter is found. Cleanse 

 the sore well with strong soap suds and a sponge ; 

 then take of verdigris, half an ounce ; oil of tur- 

 pentine, four ounces; of blue-stone, two ounces; of 

 green copperas, half an ounce ; mix them well to- 

 gether, and hold them over a fire until they are as not 

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