BOOK VI. XVI. i-xvii. I 



XVI. It often happens that an ox wrenches its Hemedies 

 shoulders either owing to the weight of its load on a ghouid^re^'* 

 somewhat prolonged journey or when, in breaking and dam- 

 up the ground, it has to struggle against an un- 

 usually hard patch or a root which gets in its way. 



When this happens, blood must be drawn from its 

 front legs — from the left leg if it has injured its 

 right shoulder and from the right leg if the left 

 shoulder is affected. If it has injured both shoulders 

 rather seriously, veins will have to be opened in the 

 hind legs as well. If the horns are broken, pieces 2 

 of linen soaked in salt and vinegar and oil are put 

 upon them and the same things poured over them 

 for three days after they have been bound up ; next 

 on the fourth day axle-grease and Uquid pitch in 

 equal portions and pulverized pine-bark are applied, 

 and, finally, when they are already beginning to 

 scar over, they are rubbed with soot. 



Ulcers, too, if they are neglected, generally swarm 

 with worms. If they are drenched in the morning 

 \vith cold water, they shrivel up with the cold and 

 die. If they cannot be got rid of by this method, 

 horehound or leek is pounded up and applied 

 with a mixture of salt; this promptly kills these 

 creatures. After the ulcers have been cleaned 3 

 out, linen bandages must be immediately appUed 

 with pitch, oil and stale axle-grease, and the 

 wounds must be anointed outside with the same 

 medicament, so that they may not become infested 

 by flies which, when they settle on the ulcers, breed 

 worms. 



XVII. The bite of a snake is also fatal to oxen, and f^Xtefof 

 the poison of certain lesser animals is also hurtful, sn^'kes and 

 For an ox while grazing often lies down unawares Limais and 



for diseaseg 

 jog of the eye. 



