388 
HERNIA. 
was supposed the bowels had protruded for thirty- six hours, 
or perhaps even more. 
In this case a portion of omentum accompanied the intes- 
tines, and which, as it was much lacerated, I removed. Here, in 
consequence of strangulation and exposure, the bowels had 
become much thickened from interstitial infiltration, and 
assumed a dropsical aspect, therefore in order to return them it 
was necessary either to lessen the bulk of the intestines, or 
to enlarge the rupture (situated high up the flank). 1 pre- 
ferred the former course, and scarified very extensively the 
peritoneal coat of the intestines, and after fomenting them, 
effected their return. The subsequent treatment in this 
case, with only some slight difference, was similar to that 
recorded in the first, and with the same result. 
In 1845 I accompanied the gentleman with whom I served 
my apprenticeship, and who will, I am sure, excuse the 
freedom I have taken in referring to the circumstance — to 
see a strong two year old cart colt, the property of Mr. Howe 
of Borkham, Colyton, Devon, which had in the early part of 
the day of our arrival become ruptured — by running against 
the catch of a gate — in the abdomen, inside of, and posterior 
to, the stifle, without wounding the integument, but sepa- 
rating it from the thigh to a considerable extent. The fissure 
in the abdomen was about three inches in length, and the 
intestines had escaped and occupied the space between the 
separated skin and the thigh. The colt was cast ; the skin 
laid open immediately over the rupture ; the intestines drawn 
back and returned into the abdomen ; the edges of the wound 
in which were brought together and closed, and likewise that of 
the skin. The animal was released from the hobbles, subjected 
to treatment similar to that above described, and ultimately 
did well. 
Much has been written and said about the danger of 
wounding the peritoneum of the horse, and although I am 
far from asserting or denying that such accidents are 
destitute of danger, I cannot but believe it has been mag- 
nified, as the cases I have so imperfectly recorded will in 
some measure give proof of; more especially, as they are neither 
isolated nor selected cases. 
It will be observed that in the treatment adopted there 
was a marked departure from that usually had recourse to 
under similar circumstances, and my antiphlogistic friends 
will be tempted to exclaim, with Hamlet, “ Oh ! what a fall- 
ing off is there ! ” but to this I incline, in some degree, to 
ascribe the success attending it. 
Not infrequently our patients are “ gathered to their 
