674 



OPERATIONS. 



precautions (p. 651), as regards health and climate, which should 

 be observed before blistering, apply equally well to firing. The 

 back tendons and suspensory ligament, as already said, should 

 not be fired unless all imusual heat and other signs of inflammation 

 are absent from them. 



There are two forms of firing, — (1) by lines j (2) by puncture. 

 For the first method, the ordinary wedge-shaped iron (Fig. 172) is 

 employed. It is pointed, and has a convex and moderately sharp 

 edge, which is about 3J inches in extent. Cast-steel irons are the 

 best, as they are not apt to " scale.'' When making several parallel 





Fig. 172. — Wedge-shaped firing iron. 



lines, it is convenient to lightly mark them with a double iron 

 (Fig. 173), which consists of two ordinary irons welded together, 

 so as to have their edges parallel and at a distance of about half 

 an inch from each other. Using this ensures all the lines being 

 exactly the same distance apart. After the double iron has done 

 the scoring, the lines should be deepened with the single one. If 

 the double iron is applied too strongly, the skin between the lines 

 will be liable to slough. Generally, the operator should have a 

 couple of spare irons heating, while he is firing with the one in 

 use. If an iron is rusty, or has scales on it, it should be filed clean 

 before being employed. 





Fig- 173- — Double firing iron. 



The hair should be closely clipped off the part to be fired. The 

 iron should be used at a bright red heat, obtained from a charcoal 

 fire for preference. To render the subsequent blemish as little as 

 possible, it is generally advisable, when firing the legs, to draw 

 horizontal lines, about half an inch apart. If the extent of the 

 blemish is of no consequence, the iron may be passed through 

 the skin, in which case, the lines should be a little wider apart. 

 Care should be taken, at parts where there is flexion, such as the 

 front of the hock and back of the knee, not to fire too deeply, 

 lest a troublesome wound might be produced. Firing by lines 

 is the most convenient method for sprains of the back tendons 

 curbs, ringbones, side-bones, and thorough-pins. The skin should 



