WOUNDS AND BITES. 91 



strong cord he should be tied up to a staple in the 

 wall ; being thus carefully secured, the huntsman may 

 search for thorns or stubs in his feet and limbs, in 

 safety, as all attempts to do any mischief to the 

 operator will be unavailing. 



Many are the accidents to which all dogs, but more 

 particularly fox-hounds, are liable, such as cuts, 

 bruises, strains, and punctures, from thorns and stubs, 

 as well as from deep and severe bites from their com- 

 panions. The tongue of the dog has generally been 

 considered as the best remedy for a wound, but from 

 experience I should say, that in nine cases out of ten, 

 the remedy only increases the grief, by keeping the 

 place open until it becomes morbid; and from want 

 of sufficient inflammation to heal it, an obstinate can- 

 cerous sore is not unfrequently the consequence. 

 Blaine, in speaking of the wounds in dogs, says, 

 " However bad, they are not generally much attended 

 to, from an opinion that the animal's tongue is the 

 best dressing. This is very questionable; in some 

 instances, I am certain, no application can be worse 

 to a wounded dog, than his own tongue. Whenever 

 dogs are at all inclined to foulness, as it is called, 

 a sore so licked is sure to become mangy, and to be 

 aggravated by the licking." 



After cleansing the wound from dirt, and well 

 fomenting it in hot water, the following applications 

 will be found infallible in all simple cases : 



FOR BITES AND CUTS IN HOUNDS. 



Balm drops, two ounces 



Tincture of myrrh, two ounces 



Nitrous acid, half ounce. 

 To be rubbed on the wound. 



