THE HORSE. 23 



a few carrots well boiled and mashed, should be applied, 

 which will generally effect a cure ; yet, after a few days, 

 when the cracks have healed, a thick flannel cloth should 

 be bound round the affected part, and remain for four or 

 five days. It will greatly assist the full recovery of the 

 animal if, while under treatment, he be kept on green 

 food, and little or no grain be allowed him. If he be 

 able, he ought daily to be moderately exercised. 



POLL-EVIL. 



This disorder results from some contusion or injury 

 about the head, which produces a swelling, that eventu- 

 ally breaks. "When it first makes its appearance, blis- 

 tering will greatly abate the inflammation, and may scat- 

 ter it; but if this should fail, cold lotions, a moderate 

 dose of physic, and bleeding, will usually effect the ob- 

 ject. If the swelling still continue, it can be brought 

 to a state fit for opening by warm poultices. After open- 

 ing, it is important that the wound should be thoroughly 

 cleansed before it is permitted to heal. 



LAMENESS IN THE STIFLE. 



The stifle is a very tender part of the horse, and very 

 subject to injury ; but it can generally be cured if taken 

 in season. A horse that is lame in the stifle generally 

 treads on his toe, and can not set his heel to the ground 

 without great pain. 



Remedy. — For merely a strain in the stifle, take vine- 

 gar and a small quantity of oil of spikenard and worm- 

 wood, and bathe while warm, holding a hot shovel near 

 the affected part ; this will soon contract the ligaments 

 and effect a cure. But should the stifle be out of place, 

 it will be necessary to bring it to its usual position by 

 tying a rope round the foot, and drawing it back for two 

 or three minutes, as much as the strength of one man 

 will allow. This operation sometimes needs repeating 

 two or three mornings in succession. It may be neces- 

 sary to apply a stifle-shoe to the foot of the well leg, to 

 cause the animal to stand on the lame foot for two or 

 three days. After the above treatment, take white-oak 

 bark, and the bark of the sumac, in equal quantities, and 

 a small quantity of tobacco ; boil them for one hour in 



