818 mr. Wilson’s reply to mr. hill, 
tion of deep firing in two cases, in one of which (a case of 
ringbone) I fired to the depth of half an inch. The other was 
an instance of the existence of a large indurated tumour on 
the front of the knee-joint, about the size of an ordinary 
melon, in which I fired to fully the depth of an inch. 
I am happy to say that both cases are doing well, and I 
shall have much pleasure in showing them to Mr. Hill, or any 
member of the profession. 
The next point in which Mr. Hill differs with me is my 
recommending firing for “ lampas,” which, he says, “is the 
most barbarous of all practices ; an operation cruel as it is 
needless ; an operation that every member of our profession 
should look upon as ignominious to his calling.” 
He further goes on to observe that “lampas” will give way 
to the use of the lancet, and feeding the animal for a few 
days on soft food. 
Mr. Hill’s method of treatment is perfectly in accordance 
with the scientific treatment taught at our colleges, but I still 
maintain that the use of the actual cautery is the best ; and 
why ? — because after the parts have been properly burned, 
the animal will resume his natural feeding in much less time 
than if the lancet had been used. Again, after using the 
lancet, I have found the disease to return, which I have not 
seen after the use of the iron. 
I therefore contend that the practice which cures in the 
shortest space of time is the best, and cannot be cruel when 
it alleviates pain. 
It is generally the custom in this town to use the firing- 
iron for “ lampas.” The owners of horses do not believe in 
the lancet, and, if one practitioner refuses to perform the 
operation to the satisfaction of the owner, another will soon 
be found to do it. 
I would not care for this, and would certainly refuse to 
operate, did I consider it unnecessary ; but I think it more 
cruel to keep the animal from taking his usual quantity of 
food, and, consequently, act according to circumstances. 
If Mr. Hill will refer to my former remarks, he will find 
that I am directly and decidedly opposed to unnecessary, and 
consequently cruel operations. 
Mr. Hill also says that firing for “lampas” “is more 
severe, equally absurd, and infinitely more cruel than the 
operations of cutting dogs’ tails or docking horses.” 
Now I beg most distinctly to disagree with Mr. Hill in 
toto on these several statements. 
I think that the generality of veterinary surgeons who 
have seen much practice will, in the course of their experience, 
