152 potriiTiCES. 



any part of a limb above tlie feet, is the leg of a strong 

 woollen stocking. This ia fact is the best medium we can 

 procure to apply a poultice to the hock and knee joints ; 

 while for the head, throat, and neck, strong canvass will 

 answer the required purpose. 



IV. — In fixing poultices, avoid tying them tight, particu- 

 larly with straps and ties that are narrow and sharp ; as these 

 articles, when fixed tight to the limbs, press into the skin 

 and sub-tissues, and by doing so cause the structures both 

 above and below the poultice to swell considerably. 



Y. — When a poultice is necessary, it should always be 

 applied so as to insure its substance being in direct or 

 immediate contact with the skin. 



It is a common practice to put the poultice into a canvass bag, 

 and secure the latter and its contents to the part diseased. 

 This is a bad method, and is apt to inflict more pain and dis- 

 turbance by undue pressure, than is counteracted by the good 

 which the poultice may do. 



To secure a poultice properly to the knees or the hocks, 

 proceed as follows : — First place the stocking leg to the part 

 requiring the poultice, by drawing it over the foot ; then ban- 

 dage the limb from the foot or fetlock joint up to the lower 

 part of the stocking ; then place the poultice within the stock- 

 ing, and work its substance thoroughly and evenly to every 

 part requiring its soothing influence ; then securely close the 

 open mouth of the poultice bag by means of a broad soft tie : 

 the operation is then complete. 



The application of the bandage has a two-fold efiect : it 

 prevents the poultice from slipping down or falling out at the 



