272 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 
stick ie preferable for the purpose of striking the fleam. There is 
a vibration between two hard bodies when they meet, which, in 
this instance, is favorable to a quick and moderate puncture of the 
vein. After the vein has been opened, mcderate pressure with the 
edge of the can which catches the blood is sufficient te seep up 
the flow. It may z!s0 be encouraged by putting a finger within 
the horse’s mouth. The requisite quantity of blood being drawn, 
remove the can. Tke remaining process of securing tlie vessel 
is of equal importance. The sides of the orifice are first to be 
brought in opposition, without pinching them, and without draw- 
ing them from the vein. The same cautions should also be ob- 
served when the pin is introduced. Let it be small, with an 
irregular point, and, when inserted, wrap around it a few hairs 
or a little tow. 
Common, however, as this operation is, and qualified as every 
one thinks himself to perform it, yet there are very serious acci~ 
dents which do arise occasionally. It has occurred that the carotid 
artery has become penetrated. When the puncture has been made 
through the vein, the accident is known immediately by the forci- 
ble and pulsatory gush of florid arterial and dark venous blood 
together. In one instance of this kind, which occurred to a French 
practitioner, he immediately thrust his finger into the opening 
through the vein, and thus plugged up the artery. intending to 
wait for assistance. In this state he remained, we believe, an 
hour or more, when, removing his finger, to his surprise, he found 
the hemorrhage iad ceased, and did not again return. In another 
case, where an English practitioner accidentally opened the carotid, 
he placed a compress on the orifice, and had relays of men to hold 
it there for forty-eight hours, when it was found the bleeding had 
stopped. 
The almission of air is also another serious accident that now 
and then attends bleeding. It sometimes happens from the sudden 
removal of the fingers or blood-can, or whatever was used to dis- 
tend the vessel by obstructing the return of the blood. This, being 
suddenly taken away, allows the escape of the blood toward the 
beart, and occasions a momentary vacuum, the air being heard to 
rush with a gurgling noise into the vein through the orifice; it 
then mixes with the blood, and occasions, in some instances, almost 
immediate death, The animal begins to tremble; he next staggera, 
and finally falis ia 2 state of convulsion. If the quantity of air 
