DRAGON*S BLOOD — DRENCH. .75 



iieve the animal, while a ball would require 

 several hours to produce any effect. Far- 

 riers commonly compose their drenches, 

 with ale whatever the qualities of the other 

 medicine may be, which is extremely ab- 

 surd, since the properties of the liquid 

 should always correspond with the virtues of 

 the other ingredients. Cordial drenches^ 

 therefore, may with propriety be made with 

 ale, but those of a contrary tendency should 

 be mixed with water gruel, or water. 



The best instru ment for giving drenches 

 is the horn of an ox; the opening being cut 

 obliquely in the form of a spout. Bottles 

 are sometimes used on an emergency to give 

 drenches, but they are attended with dan- 

 ger, and should be handed cautiously. In 

 giving a drench, the horse's tongue should 

 be held with the left hand, and when the 

 head is sufficiently elevated, the medicine is 

 to be carefully poured into the throat, im- 

 mediately letting go the tongue, while the 

 head it kept up until the drench be swallow- 

 ed. Drenches are very seldom given with 

 dexterity, and great part of the medicine is 

 sometimes wasted. Every groom should 



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