164 BIEECIION AND DEPTH OE THE ITNES. 



enjoyed by the animal; and secondly, from the increased 

 vascular action set up within tissues previously enfeebled. 

 East alone has been known to effect a similar result ; but it 

 neither does it so speedily nor so effectually as when associated 

 with firing. 



Direction of the lAnes. — The direction in which the Hnes 

 should be cauterized upon the skin is another matter for consi- 

 deration. It is at all times desirable that the animal should be 

 as little blemished as possible, especially if we can avoid doing 

 so without performing the operation less effectually. As a 

 general rule, the Unes should be scored across the hair. By 

 this means the hair, if not destroyed in its growth from the 

 operation, wiU grow over the lines, and thus hide them as far 

 as practicable. 



Side-bones and ring-bones should be fired in lines parallel 

 to the top of the hoof; a sprained flexor tendon in lines across 

 the limb ; while in spavin (if this rule be adhered to) the ope- 

 rator wiU. require to vary the lines according to the variation 

 in the direction of the hair. The rule now laid down cannot, 

 however, be adhered to upon every occasion ; as sometimes in 

 firing it is the best to burn one deep line and leave it to heal, 

 iu which case it is generally necessary to cut the line to the 

 utmost length it can be taken over the part affected. 



DeptTi, of the Lines. — "With regard to the depth that the 

 lines should be burnt, no positive rule can be laid down. Some 

 time ago this question was debated by veterinary surgeons with 

 great warmth : one party contending that very deep firing was 

 alone worthy of consideration and practice; while a second 

 party contended that very deep lesions were barbarous and 

 unnecessary, and advocated the lines to be of moderate depth. 

 It is a question, however, which cannot be settled exclusively 



