SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS. 201 



not easily removed ; and these horny bodies, termed 

 sit-fasts, when once established, remain firm in their 

 situations : hence, to distinguish them from fluctuating 

 or moveable tumours, they are designated sit-fasts be- 

 cause they require forcible removal before they will 

 disappear. 



To get rid of the sit-fast is not difficult. It may be 

 dissected out; but the wound is sometimes long in 

 healing, and it is oftener made so by the horse being 

 put to work before it has thoroughly closed. A blis- 

 ter also will likewise cause a slough ; but, when the 

 animal must work on, perhaps it is to be preferred to 

 the knife; because, while removing the growth, it 

 also stimulates the flesh beneath, and thus disposes it 

 to heal. A little of the blistering ointment ought to 

 be daily rubbed upon, and a small distance around, 

 the substance it is desired should be cast off. This 

 stimulates the secretive surface, and causes it to pour 

 out a quantity of fluid under the cuticle, which, being 

 thereby separated from the* true skin, comes away, 

 and with it also the sit-fast. The blister, however, 

 will generally have altered the action of the part; 

 and, when it recovers from the first effect, healthy 

 skin may be produced. 



SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS. 



Few ointments agree with the horse; wounds, 

 whether superficial or deep, will in general be more 

 speedily healed by the application of tinctures or 

 lotions. The tincture of aloes is cheap, and for or- 

 dinary purposes as good as many others. 

 k 5 



