FIRING. 
321 
makes an active liquid blister ; and for milder applications 
hartshorn has been used. 
In treating of sprain of the back sinews, page 119. we 
recommended a blister in certain cases ; however, this must 
never be resorted to while any heat or tenderness remains 
about the places affected, as this would only increase the 
superficial inflammation, without allaying that which is 
more deeply seated, and might produce enlargements of 
the limb, and finally obstinate ulcerations, and thereby 
render the horse unfit for work. It is a mistake to suppose 
that blistering is beneficial in grease, as it rather increases 
than diminishes the complaint. Blistering in cold wintry 
weather must be done with great caution, because if the 
part should be exposed to cold it is very likely to end 
in grease. Blistering all round the limbs is not only a 
cruel but a dangerous practice, and ought never to be 
resorted to. 
FIRING. 
We cannot contemplate the use of firing without associ¬ 
ating with it a degree of cruelty ; but in many cases it must 
be had recourse to as the only method of removing the com¬ 
plaint. The principle on which firing is adopted is by 
exciting some superficial parts, and thereby, by counter¬ 
irritation, relieving deeply-seated inflammatory action. This 
strong remedy has also the effect of exciting the absorbents 
to carry off bony matter which is apt to be secreted in the 
limbs. In short, it is the most powerful stimulating agent 
with which we are acquainted; but should never be had 
ecourse to, except when there is no chance of milder re¬ 
medies being effectual. 
When it becomes necessary to fire a part, the hair is 
cupped as close as possible, and afterwards shaved ; so that 
