APPENDIX. — WOUNDS OF CAVITIES. 32 7 



danger, however, is proportionate to the ex- 

 tent of the injury, and is always greater wlien 

 any of the parts contained in the chest or 

 belly are injured. This kind of wound is most 

 liable to happen in military service, and is 

 most commonly inflicted with the bayonet and 

 ball. Even in small wounds of these im- 

 portant cavities there is danger of inflam- 

 mation taking place in the bowels : it is ne- 

 cessary therefore to close the wound as 

 neatly and expeditiously as possible, by 

 sewing it up; taking care however that the 

 needle do not pass through the fleshy parts, 

 but merely through the skin. It is proper 

 also to bleed accordin"" to the strenoth and 

 condition of the animal, and to give a pur- 

 gative drauGcht. If swellinty and inflammation 

 come on, foment frequently with a decoction 

 of the bitter herbs. (See Fomentations.) If the 

 wound do not unite by the first intention, 

 white matter will soon make it's appearance. 

 A little tincture of benzoin may then be ap- 

 phed. In extensive wounds of the abdomeil 

 or belly, the bowels often come out through 

 the opening, in which case there is consider- 

 able danger, though the bowels may have 



