328 
MANUAL OP MODERN FARRIERY. 
irritation. In deep-seated inflammations many favourable 
results have been experienced in the use of setons. For 
example : in inflammation of the navicular-joint, great ad¬ 
vantage has been derived from a seton, although the reverse 
is the case with frog-setons for all diseases of the foot. 
But where there is inflammation in the larger organs, 
we must not expect to reap great advantage, as their 
power of action is too limited. Where the chest or intes¬ 
tines are affected, a rowel or blister will be found far more 
effectual. 
Where there are abscesses or tumours in the withers or 
poll, the seton should be passed entirely through from the 
bottom to the top, by which the fluid will be discharged 
and the accumulation of more prevented. They are espe¬ 
cially valuable in deep fistulous sores, by giving an outlet 
to the matter secreted in them, which if not discharged 
would cut deeper into the parts, and without being thus 
worn off, the disease would never be extirpated. 
DOCKING. 
It has been a long-established custom to dock the tails of 
horses, convenience justifies it and fashion guides it. The 
length of the stump varies with the taste of the times, or 
the fancy of the owner. A medium length is undoubtedly 
the best, and a very short one is not only unseemly, but 
also a very great injury to the animal, as he is thus de¬ 
prived of that which nature intended as a switch, and as a 
substitute for hands to drive off insects. 
The operation of docking is performed at different ages 
of the animal; some consider it best to do it at two years, 
while others think the earlier the better. From what we 
have ourselves noticed, we coincide with the latter opinion. 
At a fortnight it may be done with perfect safety, and even 
