128 THE FARMER'S 



led, there are circumstances which sometimes ren- 

 der it highly improper; in deep wounds, for exam- 

 ple, where the external opening is not very large, 

 or in wounds, where the divided parts have receded 

 from each other, and there is difficulty in bringing 

 them together; in the former case, the matter would 

 be confined ; in latter, much irritation would be caus- 

 ed by the stitches. In both cases, the inflammation 

 would be considerably increased; but in superficial 

 wounds, and where a flap of skin is seperated, it 

 will be proper to stich it up; but on no account, 

 should there be any stimulating fluid introduced, 

 such as tincture of benzoin [frier's balsam] as Dr. 

 Clater advises. It would be suflScient, should there 

 be any dirt, or other matter, about the wound, to 

 wash it off* with warm water. Wounds of the bel- 

 ly, through w^hich the bowels press out, are highly 

 dangerous, and require the most delicate manage-^ 

 ment. The first thing to be done, when this acci- 

 dent happenSj is to put back the bowel into the 

 belly as tenderly as possible; but if any dirt, hair, 

 or other matter be observed on the intestine, it mast 

 be careftilly washed ofi* with warm water. When 

 the bowel has been replaced, the wound must be 

 stitched up, by means of a crooked needle and 

 threads doubled, or small twine, well waxed (with 

 bees wax;) a pandage is then to be applied. The 

 animal is to be kept at rest, on a spare, open diet, 

 of grass, or bran; and, if in any degree costive, a 

 dose of caster oil may be given. The treatment 

 of the wound is of little importance: the great ob- 

 ject is to keep the bowel in its situation. It some- 

 times happens, that a great deal of air gets into the 

 intestine, after it has escaped from the belly, and 

 eo distends it as to render it diflicult if not imprac- 



