90 
THE WARM BATH. 
in use for several years; and which, had I been aware that it had 
been so little known, should certainly have been communicated 
to your Journal long ago. 
I was in the habit of using this remedy for many years : first, 
in the form of a steam-boiler, with a hole through the centre, 
placed on a stove or charcoal furnace ; the horse being covered 
with blankets, sustained by hoops, &c. But for the last nine 
years I have used a horse-box, covered over, when I wanted it for 
a hot bath, precisely in the manner represented by Mr. Field, 
whose father (one of the best operators l ever saw) I am proud to 
say I had the honour of being acquainted with more than forty 
years ago. It may be truly said of him, that he was the Sir 
Astley among veterinarians; and I am sure the profession will 
feel indebted to his son for publishing to the world his vapour 
bath, which is certainly on a grander scale than mine ; but the 
principle is the same, and it is equally adapted to the purpose for 
which it is required. 
My apparatus consists simply of a shop stove, with a boiler on 
the top, part of which enters the stove, in the manner of beer 
warmers, and an iron flue goes through the wall to carry off the 
smoke, with a stop-cock to regulate the steam, in order to pre- 
vent scalding. When I want to foment any particular part, the 
steam is conveyed to it by a metallic pipe passing through a hole 
in the side of the box: these holes are, of course, stopped up when 
I use the vapour-bath. 
One of the most extraordinary cures in the whole course of my 
experience was effected by this plan. A mare had run away at 
full speed with a cart, and, coming in contact with a tree, dislo- 
cated her shoulder by the concussion. She recovered, with the 
loss, however, of one eye. She was then the property of Colonel 
Brock, of this island ; she now goes in a job-carriage, and is quite 
sound. After being placed in the box, she was supported there 
a considerable time (being unable to move) by means of a sling 
passed under her belly, and fastened to each side of the box. 
This is, perhaps, the best kind of support in use. 
I also use the box as a cold water bath for the feet, by 
simply placing a slip of wood across the centre of the bottom 
of the box. 
In 1836, the influenza, which was then very prevalent in this 
island, was accompanied by great prostration of strength and 
cedematous swellings ; and I attribute my universal success in its 
treatment to the use of the vapour bath. 
One or two cases are worth noticing. Messrs. Guerin Bro- 
thers had an old horse that was covered with these immense 
swellings all over the body, and appeared, when I saw him, to 
