98 PNEUMONIA. 



cient in the summer; but during the winter it should 

 be rubbed into the part for at least a quarter of an 

 hour. The liquid form of blister therefore may give 

 the groom a little trouble, but it is more beneficial 

 in its operation, more gentle in its action, and alto- 

 gether more manageable in its effects. In all good 

 practice it has entirely surperseded the old and filthy 

 form of blistering ointment. 



Let the reader, however, not forget the hints which 

 have been thrown out concerning the proper period 

 for resorting to counter-irritation. The inflammation 

 should have diminished before the blister is applied. 

 During the intensity of the disease a blister will 

 not rise at all; or it may increase the general irri- 

 tability and thus augment danger ; but when the 

 primary inflammation has to a certain degree abated, 

 the blister is an excellent adjuvant. It is always 

 an unfavourable symptom when the blister does 

 not rise. Either the original inflammation is too 

 intense, and absorbs too much of the vital power 

 to permit any other part to be excited ; or the 

 favourable moment has passed, and the system is 

 utterly exhausted. 



The horse should be turned into a cool, but not 

 cold box. A cool and airy situation will be likely to 

 lessen the inflammation and fever ; but air too cold 

 w T ill drive the blood from the skin and (he extremities, 

 and determine it still more injuriously to the inflamed 

 part. For this reason, while the air is cool, the clothing 

 of the animal should be rather warm, the legs should 

 be bandaged, and the perspiration, sensible and in- 

 sensible, should be promoted, as causing a salutary 



