144 



BALLIlf& lEON OB GAG. 



SO as to form a point, the hand is rapidly passed into the mouth 

 of the patient back to near the entrance of the throat, where 

 the ball is deposited and the hand rapidly withdrawn, after 

 which the operator steadies the head of the horse until the 

 medicine is swallowed, a fact which may be readily known 

 when it takes place, if the operator looks to the left side of 

 the neck. 



By securing the tongue of the horse as directed, two 

 advantages at least are gained ; the first is, if the animal 

 should attempt to get away, the organ cannot be injured ; and 

 secondly, so long as the operator firmly holds the tongue down 

 to the jaw, a groove or chan- 

 nel is formed for the right 

 hand to slide upon during 

 the act of giving the ball; 

 while, again, by holding the 

 fingers of the right hand in 

 close contact, and at the 

 same time pointed forwards, 

 the teeth of the patient can- 

 not injure them with the 

 same facility as though the 

 fingers were spread out. 



Ballisg Ieon oe Gag. 

 Por my own part, I seldom 

 or ever give balls without 

 using what is called a ball- 

 ing iron or gag, which is an instrument for the purpose of 

 opening the jaws of the horse, and retain them so for the short 

 time it may be necessary to occupy in the giving of the ball. 

 The proper form of the gag is shewn in the annexed engraving. 



