BLOOD-LETTING. 19S 



horse is blindfolded on the side on wMc/li lie is to be bled, 

 or his head turned well away. The hair is snaoothed along 

 the course of the vein with the moistened finger; then, 

 with the third and little fingers of the left hand, which 

 holds the fleam, pressure is made on the vein sufficient to 

 bring it fairly into view, but not to swell it too much, — 

 lor men, presenung a rounded surtace, it would be apt to 

 roll or slip under the blow. The point to be selected is 

 about two inches below the union of the two portions ot 

 the jugular at the angle of the jaw. The fleam is to be 

 placed in a direct line with the course of the vein, and 

 over the precise centre of the vein, as close to it as pos- 

 sible, but its point not absolutely touching the vein. A 

 sharp rap with the bloodstick or the hand on that part of 

 the back of the fleam immediately over the blade, will cut 

 through the vein, and the blood will flow. A fleam with 

 a large blade should always be preferred, for the operation 

 will be materially shortened, and this will be a matter of 

 some consequence with a fidgety or restive horse. A 

 quantity of blood drawn speedily will also have far more 

 effect on the system than double the weight slowly taken, 

 while the wound will heal just as readily as if made by a 

 smaller instrument. There is no occasion to press hard 

 against the neck with the pail, or can ; a slight pressure will 

 cause the blood to flow sufficiently fast. 



When sufficient blood has been taken, the edges of the 

 wuand saould be brought closely and exactly together, and 

 kept together by a small sharp pin being passed through 

 them. Bound this a little tow, or a few hairs from the 

 mane of the horse, should be wrapped, so as to cover the 

 whole of the incision ; and the head of the horse should he 

 tied up for several hours, to prevent his rubbing the part 

 against the manger. In bringing the edges of the wound 

 together, and introducing the pin, care should be taken 



