60 THE FARINIER'S 



Poll Evil. 



The poll evil is an abscess or swelling found in 

 the sinews, between the noil bone and the upper- 

 most vertebrae of the neck. When this swelling 

 first makes its appearance, bathe it frequently with 

 hot vinegar; and if the hair be fretted off, with an 

 oozing through the skin, make use of equal parts 

 of vinegar and spirits of wine; but if there be an 

 itching, with heat and inflammation, the safest way 

 will be to bleed plentifully and apply a red oak 

 poultice, which will sometimes disperse the swell- 

 ing, and put an end to the disease. But whenever 

 the tumor is critical, having all the signs of matter, 

 and appears not benefited by the applications al- 

 ready recommended, it will be advisable to bring it 

 to a head as speedily as possible, with the follow- 

 ing poultice; corn-meal, marsh-mallows, oil turpen- 

 tine and hog's lard. When the tumor becomes 

 ripe, or full of matter, it may be either opened or 

 permitted to break of itself — if opened with a knife, 

 great care should be used to prevent wounding the 

 tendinous ligament that runs along the neck under 

 the mane. When the matter appears to be on both 

 sides, the tumors must be opened on both sides, 

 and the ligament between remain undivided; if the 

 matter flows in great quantities, resembling melted 

 glue, and is of an oily consistence, it will require 

 a second incision, especially if any cavities are 

 discovered by the finger or probe; these should be 

 opened by the knife, and the wound should be dres- 

 sed with spirits of turpentine, honey, and tincture 

 of myrrh, until light and thick colored matter is 

 found. Cleanse the sore well with strong soap- 

 suds and a sponge, then take of verdigris haif an 

 ounce, oil of turpentine four ounces, of blue stone 



