314 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
severe cases of inflammation. If the fleam is sharp, which 
it always should be, a blow with the doubled fist will 
answer the purpose of a blood-stick. 
The jugular vein is the part usually selected for general 
bleeding. It is necessary to blindfold the horse, or to turn 
away his head from that side from which blood is to be 
taken. The hair is smoothed along the course of the vein 
with the finger, which has been previously moistened ; then 
with the third and little fingers of the left hand, in which 
the fleam must be held, sufficient pressure is applied to the 
vein so as to bring it completely into view, taking care, 
however, not to distend it too much, as the too rounded 
surface is apt to roll or slip when the blow is given to the 
fleam. The particular part from which the blood is taken 
lies about two inches below the union of the two branches 
of the jugular vein at the angle of the jaw. See plate iii. 
fig. 1, p. The fleam must be placed in a direct line with 
the course of the vein, and over the precise centre of the 
vein, with its point as close as possible to the skin, without 
touching the vein. A sharp but not heavy rap from the 
blood-stick or fist on the back of the fleam, directly over 
the blade; will cut through the coating of the vein, and 
the blood will immediately flow after the fleam is with¬ 
drawn. A large-bladed fleam should always be preferred, 
which will make a greater opening, and thus facilitate the 
operation; besides, what is of greater importance, blood 
drawn speedily has far more effect on the system than 
double the quantity taken slowly ; and the wound, although 
larger, will heal as fast as a smaller one. A slight pressure 
on the neck with the pail, or other vessel used while blood 
is taken, will be enough to cause the blood to flow suffi¬ 
ciently fast. Some persons introduce the finger into the 
mouth between the tushes and the grinders, which by gently 
