SUTURING MATERIAL, DRAINAGE BANDAGES. 61 
The methods, which have thus far been frequently applied 
in place of drainage, are 
(1st) The depressed suture. 
(2nd) The row of sutures. 
(3rd) The secondary suture. 
These three styles of suturing will not be discussed any 
further here, as they really belong to the domain of surgery. 
The last material to consider in the adjustment of an anti- 
septic bandage is the cord or band which holds it in place. 
As the only object of this cord is to retain the bandage in 
place, its form and construction is really of no great import- 
ance; but opinions, as far as veterinary science is concerned, 
differ-somewhat on this subject. Hence I will make a few re- 
marks about it. | 
It has always been supposed that the bands should be firmly 
woven so as to stand the strong strain caused by the violent 
movement of our domestic animals. Therefore linen bands 
with woven edges were used, and for the hoof a special style of 
fastening, the so-called chain bandaging, has been invented. 
My experience, however, has taught me that these linen bands, 
on account of their lacking elasticity, squeeze the wound and do 
not cling to the body; also, that the successive turns slip from 
each other, thus permitting the bandage to get easily loose, 
and finally come off. In a word, I found that linen bands, 
aside from their high price, are the most unfit material for 
bandages in existence. On this account I now use only 
cambric and mull bands 5 m. in length and 7 cm. in width. 
They have all the advantages and are much cheaper than 
linen. Before putting them on, I usually soak them in a 1 
per cent. sublimate solution, to make them fit better as well 
as to disinfect them. 
