DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 117 
quickly rubbed as dry as possible, an application of alcohol rubbed 
over the wet part, and a dry blanklet snugly fitted over the animal. 
If the hot applications appear to benefit, they may be tried on three 
or four consecutive days. Unless every facility and circumstance 
favors the application of heat in the foregoing manner, it should not 
be attempted. If the weather is very cold or any of the details are 
omitted, more harm than good may result. Mustard may be applied 
by making a paste with a pound of freshly ground mustard mixed 
with warm water. This is to be spread evenly over the sides back 
of the shoulder blades and down to the median line below the chest. 
Care should be taken to avoid rubbing the mustard upon the thin 
skin immediately back of the elbow. The mustard-covered area 
should be covered with a paper and this with a blanket passed up 
from below and fastened over the back. The blanket and paper 
should be removed in from one to two hours. When pneumonia fol- 
lows another disease, the system is always more of less debilitated 
and requires the careful use of stimulants from the beginning. To 
weaken the animal still further by bleeding him is one of the most 
effectual methods of retarding recovery, even if it does not hasten 
a fatal termination. 
Another and oftentimes fatal mistake made by the nonprofessional 
is the indiscriminate and reckless use of aconite. This drug is one 
of the most active poisons, and should not be handled by anyone 
who does not thoroughly understand its action and uses. It is only 
less active than prussic acid in its poisonous effects. It is a common 
opinion, often expressed by nonprofessionals, that aconite is a stimu- 
lant. Nothing could be more erroneous; in fact, it is just the reverse. 
It is one of the most powerful sedatives used in the practice of medi- 
cine. In fatal doses it kills by paralyzing the very muscles used in 
breathing; it weakens the action of the heart, and should not be used. 
Do not give purgative medicines. If constipation exists, overcome it 
by an allowance of laxative diet, such as scalded oats, bran, and lin- 
seed mashes; also, grass, if in season. If the costiveness is not re- 
lieved by the laxative diet, give an enema of about a quart of warm 
water three or four times a day. 
A diet consisting principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, 
when in season, grass or corn fodder is preferable if the animal 
retains an appetite; but if no desire is evinced for feed of this par- 
ticular description, then the animal must be allowed to eat anything 
that will be taken spontaneously. Hay tea, made by pouring boiling 
water over good hay in a large bucket and allowing it to stand until 
cool, then straining off the liquid, will sometimes create a desire for 
‘feed. The animal may be allowed to drink as much of it as he 
desires. Corn on the cob is often eaten when everything else is 
refused. Bread may be tried; also apples or carrots. If the animal 
