232 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



(B) Another Fever Ball. 



Emetic tartar 1 J to 2 drachms 



Powdered acacia gum . . .2 drachms. 

 Linseed meal as above. 



(C) COOLING DRENCH. 



Nitre 1 ounce. 



Sweet spirit of nitre . . .2 ounces. 

 Tincture of digitalis . . .2 drachms. 

 Whey 1 pint. 



(D) COOLING MASH. 



Nitre 1 ounce. 



May be given in a bran mash. 



Fomentations. — These open the pores of the skin and 

 promote perspiration in the part, and so abate the local 

 swelling, and relieve pain and lessen inflammation. They 

 are often used, and with more eflfect, when the inflammation 

 is somewhat deeply seated, than when it is superficial. The 

 effect depends on the warmth of the water, and not on any 

 herb which may have been boiled in it. They are best applied 

 by means of flannel frequently dipped in the hot water, or 

 on which the water is poured, and the heat should be as 

 great as the hand will bear. The benefit that might be 

 derived from them is much impaired by the absurd method 

 in which the fomentations are conducted. They are rarely 

 continued long enough, and when they are removed the 

 part is left exposed and wet, so that the cold of evaporation 

 often does more harm than the warmth of the fomentation 

 does good. Blaine says — and we think the hint valuable — 

 he, in many cases, fomented first and then applied a poultice 

 or liniment. 



Gruel. — An article of great importance in veterinary 

 practice ; care should, therefore, be paid to its preparation. 

 It must be thick when intended as a cordial or for nourish- 

 ment ; if as a diluent, it can hardly be too thin. Above all 

 things, let it be prepared in scrupulously clean vessels, and 

 never smoked. A horse that has had smoky gruel oflfered 

 to him will with difficulty again be induced to taste it, 



