560 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



greasy substances to a fresh wound makes it suppurate^ 

 and become a sore, and consequently Friar's balsam, 

 or tying or bringing the sides of the wound together by 

 means of adhesive plaster, will in most cases prove the 

 best remedy. We would therefore recommend the 

 shepherd to have always at hand a piece of adhesive 

 plaster in case of need ; and he should have a bottle 

 of Friar's balsam, or the following preparation in his 

 possession, which will ansv/er equally well in fresh 

 wounds : — - 



Saltpetre, finely ground . . i ounce, 

 Spirit of turpentine ... 2 ounces, 

 Opodeldoc ..... 4 ounces. 



When sheep are bitten by that species of snake 

 called the viper, or adder, the wound being so small, it 

 is seldom known until considerable swelling has taken 

 place, in consequence of the poison entering the 

 system. The only specific which we know in such cases 

 is to administer doses of castor oil to the extent of 

 from three-quarters of an ounce to an ounce and a 

 quarter. Half-an-ounce of hartshorn, mixed with 

 water, has been also found effectual in allaying swell- 

 ing produced from the bite of the viper. 



FRACTURES. 



When bones get fractured in sheep, if in the limbs, 

 the ends of the bones should be placed in contact, and 

 splints of wood placed round the part, firmly bound 

 together by means of a plastic bandage an inch and a 

 half in breadth ; and where this cannot be conveniently 

 procured, broad tape may be substituted, which should 

 be replaced as soon as a proper bandage can be had. 

 A piece of pasteboard will also answer the purpose of 

 splints. The bandage should be wound round in a 



