216 OPEN JOINT. 



lines being of a lozenge form and near to each other, 

 more particularly at the centre of the wound. 



The object of this is to produce considerable in- 

 flammation, with consequent swelling ; and so mecha- 

 nically to close up the wound. A pledget of tow 

 dipped in tincture of aloes must now be placed over 

 the part, and bound down by a calico bandage four 

 inches wide, and about four yards in length ; which 

 must be applied as equally as possible, and not re- 

 moved for six or seven days. 



There must be very great swelling, and the horse 

 must be suffering considerably, in order to justify the 

 removal of the bandage before its time ; but two or 

 three little snips in it, above and below, may give 

 some ease. 



It will seldom be found that when the bandage is 

 first removed the orifice will have been perfectly 

 closed ; therefore the iron should be ready, and be 

 applied again, but not so extensively or so severely. 

 The budding-iron may also be resorted to, in order 

 more effectually and deeply to sear the edges of the 

 central opening. Once more the wound should not 

 be opened for a week ; and even then a third applica- 

 tion of the iron may be necessary. This plan of 

 treatment, however, is very severe ; and certainly is 

 not to be justified by any appeal to scientific principles. 

 The iron does no more than the bandage would do 

 without it ; for the last, quite as much as the swelling 

 induced by the fire, stops the flow of the joint-oil; and 

 the cautery cannot be supposed to expedite the heal- 

 ing process. The cautery, moreover, induces a slough ; 

 and suppuration must ensue. Now, to dam up pus is 



