THE LIPS. 117 



low matter, the Friar's balsam will usually dispose them to 

 heal. 



As, however, the constitution is now tainted, local ajiplications 

 will not be sufficient, and the disease must be attacked by inter- 

 nal medicine, as soon as the physic has ceased to operate. 



The most effectual constitutional remedy is the diniodide or 

 copper. It is a stimulant of the absorbent vessels, and a tonic. 

 The gentian root is usually combined with it. Cantharides, in 

 small quantities, may be advantageously added. An indication 

 of its influence is a soreness of the diseased parts, arising from 

 the absorbent vessels being roused into .increased action : the 

 agent should then be for a time withheld. 



The animal should be generously fed, have green food, if pos- 

 sible, and a free circulation of air.* 



THE LIPS. 



The lips of the horse are far more important organs than 

 many suppose. They are the hands of the animal, and without 

 them he could not convey his food to his mouth. The lips are 

 composed of a muscular substance for the sake of strength, and 

 a multitude of small glands, which secrete a fluid that covers 

 the inside of the lips and the gums, in order to prevent friction, 

 and likewise furnish a portion of the moisture so necessary for 

 the proper chewing of the food. 



The lips of the horse should be thin and well kept together ; 

 and the depth of the mouth should be considerable. The oor- 



* Note by Mr. Spooner.- — The cure of farcy materially depends on the ex- 

 tent to which the constitution is affected by the disease. If it be confinea 

 to a single extremity, particularly one of the hind ones, or if the euperiicial 

 absorbents are alone affected, there is then a very reasonable prospect of 

 establishing a cure. The application of the caustic, as advised in the text, 

 is very proper ; but we may also materially assist the case by rubbing 

 into any swollen part, or along the com-se of the absorbents, an ointment 

 consisting of 



Iodine 31 



Lard H 



Mercurial ointment ... 5 1 



to be incorporated together. 



Advantage will also be felt by the internal exhibition of five to ten grains 

 daily of hydriodate of potash in combination with a mineral tonic, such as 

 sulphate of iron, three drachms, and gentian, two drachms. The ointment 

 as well as the ball must be continued for some time. 



We have siicceeded in many cases by this mode of treatment, though it 

 must, be acknowledged that there is no disease, to which the horse ia liable, 

 so deceptive as this. When the external symptoms are most favorable, the 

 ulcers healed, and the swelling reduced, the disease will sometimes break 

 out again, and prove rapidly fatal 



