DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 293 
evil curring in former years was unnecessary, and occurred in 
consequence of neglect, injuries, and abuse. The disease first 
makes its appearance in the form of a local tumor, of an inflam- 
matory character. Soon it runs into the suppurative stage; pua 
or matter is secreted, and we then have a common abscess, which 
may result in fistala of the poll. 
Cuuses—The disease may arise from blows and bruises. Horsea 
when located in low-roofed stables are apt to strike the poll against 
the ceiling, or a beam, or the upper part of the doorway, and fre- 
quent repetition of the act either ends in induration (hardening) 
or poll-abscess. Some grooms are in the habit of occasionally 
jerking the animal’s head by means of the halter, and some horses 
are very restless in the stall, and are often seen to jerk their heads 
upward, forgetting that they have any halter around their necks, 
until they feel the pain which they themselves inflicted. The in- 
jury, slight as it may be, often remains undiscovered or unattended 
to unti! considerable tumefaction or even suppuration has set ia. 
The case may then become protracted, and exhaust the patience 
of all concerned. Excessive friction on the nape of the neck from 
oridle or halter, or pressure from either one of these causes, pro- 
duces poll-evil; and the halter, by being fastened too tightly, is + 
fertile cause in producing this affection. Dirt and filth are oper 
ative, aiso, in producing this malady. It is well known that the 
poll is a part which very seldom makes the acquaintance of the 
brush or curry-comb, yet it is the locality of considerable dust and 
scurf; and sometimes, owing to accuinulations of the same, a cu- 
taneous eruption arises, and the itching sensation consequent causes 
the horse to fret and rub whenever he can geta chance. The evil 
goes on, until what was at first superficial now becomes deep- 
seated. The bungling and cruel manner of sometimes forcing a 
small collar on a large horse often does mischief, and lays the 
foundation for poll-evil. Some persons are in the habit of bracing 
the horse’s head downward with the martingale, so as to bring the 
lips and chest in close proximity, yet forget that the strain comes 
on the poll and bruises the soft parts. 
Treatment.—Should the tumor be discovered in its early stage, 
tefore matter has formed, the parts should be bathed often with a 
portion of vinegar and water, equal parts; or else a cold-water 
Uressing or pad may be applied, which should be reapplied as fast 
4g it becomes drv Half an ounce of powdered chlorate of potass 
