NICKING. 189 



In a very few cases, however, the bleeding was 

 troublesome : then a large pledget of tow, dipped 

 in the following styptic wash, was placed upon the 

 stump ; and using some of the long hair of the tail 

 instead of strings, these were tied so as to retain the 

 application firmly in its situation. After twenty-four 

 hours the hairs may be loosened ; but the tow should 

 not be touched — it should be suffered to drop off. 



RECIPE (No. 46). 

 tic Wash. 



Take — Ergot of rye, one ounce ; 

 Make a tincture of it, by adding twice the quantity of turpentine. 

 Mix this with two ounces of the tincture of galls. Bottle for use. 



This bleeding having been arrested, no other treat- 

 ment is required in the majority of cases; and the 

 horse will do much better at work than standing idle 

 in the stable. This, however, was a very foolish and 

 cruel practice. It was frequently followed by lock- 

 jaw. It was supposed to amend the appearance of 

 the animal; but no cruelty can make a bad form a 

 good one. The horse's tail was shortened ; but, as 

 regards quality, he still remained such as nature 

 made him. • 



NICKING. 



Docking was a practice formerly fashionable ; now 

 happily abandoned. Nicking, however, was a filthy 

 operation, and had nothing to plead in its excuse- but 

 the supposed better carriage of the tail which by the 

 barbarity was produced. A horse, nevertheless, with 

 his tail always on the cock, was at length perceived to 



