222 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



(B) A SIMILAR APPLICATION, WHICH MAY BE USED 

 ALTERNATELY WITH THE LAST. 



Copper filings J ounce. 



Nitric acid ..... 1 ounce. 

 Mix and use in the same way. 



Mild Solid Caustics. — Verdigris, either in powder or 

 mixed with lard as an ointment, in the proportion of 1 to 3. 

 Burnt alum, used dry. Powdered white sugar. 



Mild Liquid Caustics. — Solution of nitrate of silver, 5 to 

 15 grains to the ounce of distilled water. Solution of blue 

 vitriol, of about double the above strength. Chloride of 

 zinc, 3 grains to the ounce of water. 



Quicklime, sprinkled over ulcerated surfaces, is a con- 

 venient escharotic. 



Charges. — Thick adhesive plasters spread over parts 

 that have been strained or weakened ; they are applied 

 warm, and left on while adherent. Charges are not much 

 used by modern veterinarians, a more extensive acquaint- 

 ance with the animal economy teaching us that there is 

 but little activity in what are considered as external bracers. 

 Nevertheless, there are some other points of view in which 

 we may place this matter, to prove that " charges " may be 

 of much service in some cases, if it is merely to act as a 

 bandage, or to protect from cold. In this way a " charge " 

 becomes a useful application to the loins in rheumatism ; 

 not only as it protects the affected part from cold, but also 

 because of the resin proving a useful stimulant. Any 

 strong adhesive, as resin, pitch, etc., melted with wax or 

 oil sufficient to keep it from being too brittle, may be formed 

 into a " charge," and applied warm on the part ; and as it 

 cools it should be covered with flocks of wool or short tow. 

 Another favourite and effective *' charge " in ligamentary 

 lameness consists of common salt with the white of egg. 



The following mixture makes a good charge : 



Burgundy or common pitch . . 5 ounces. 



Tar 6 ounces. 



Yellow wax ..... 1 ounce. 



Melted together, and when they are becoming cool, half a 

 drachm of powdered cantharides well stirred in. This must 

 be partially melted afresh when applied, and put on the 



