274 MIDLAND C )UNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
they prevent feeding ; they thicken the integument ; and I have seen 
the tumours recede after their application; as soon as abscess 
fluctuates open boldly, by which we gain two advantages. We rid 
the body of an impurity sooner than if the abscess were left to 
break, and we get a clean-edged wound always more favorable for 
healing than a ragged one. Sometimes when abscesses are tardy or 
situated internally it is necessary to perform tracheotomy to prevent 
suffocation, and as it is so simple an operation in our patients, I 
would not defer it too long. Many a valuable animal has been lost 
from this cause, and disrepute brought on a fine and humane opera- 
tion. Only let the animal in its great efforts to breathe draw matter 
into trachea, and then will be set up such irritation in bronchial 
tubes and lungs as will defy all after treatment. As regards medi- 
cine, very little is required unless we get complication of disease ; 
and as the tendency is always of an adynamic character, never 
deplete, bleeding and aloes scrupulously avoid. If you have consti- 
pation be content with enemas and diet. I frequently use a mixture 
of Potass. Nit. c. Spt. iEther. Nit. and Liq. Ammon. Acet. ; not so 
much with the view of a medicine as a wash for the mouth, giving 
it gently out of a soda-water bottle, when it acts to some extent as a 
gargle, and oft have I seen w’itli satisfaction the benefit the poor 
animal seems to derive from it. The mouth, from being clammy, 
becomes clean ; the mucous membrane, which was pallid and un- 
healthy, assumes for a time at least something like a natural tinge ; 
the eye also brightens, and the horse will frequently attempt to feed. 
After the active stageof disease has passed over, tonics are not only ad- 
missible but often called for, and should we fear any tuberculous state 
being left, combine also the preparations of iodine. If any thicken- 
ing remains in neighbourhood of larynx, simple blisters or blisters 
of iodine may be used. Of all treatment in such cases, and when 
we have any cause to dread impediments to respiration, I w 7 ould 
recommend the setons, having great faith in them for chronic affection. 
They will not cure confirmed roaring, neither will any other treat- 
ment, but as their action can be kept up for an indefinite period 
without fear of blemish, they beat blisters, and are far preferable 
than to me the absurd practice of firing the throat to remove any 
thickening or chronic affection of the larynx. 
After an animated and profitable discussion, in wfincli all joined, 
the thanks of the meeting were presented to the essayist, and he 
was requested to allow his essay to be published, to which he 
acceded. With vote of thanks to the chairman the proceedings 
terminated. 
