The Farmers Own Book 7

The Farmers Own Book 7

ON BLISTERING.

 

The Spanish fly in its action is intense, yet superficial. It plentifully

raises the cuticle, yet rarely injures the true skin and therefore seldom

blemishes. The application of other acrid substances is occasionally

followed by deeply seated ulceration; but a blister composed of the

Spanish fly alone, while it does its duty, leaves, after a few weeks

have passed, scarcely a trace behind. The art of blistering consists in

cutting or rather shaving the hair close, then rubbing on the ointment at

least ten minutes. As soon as the vesicles have risen, which will be in

something like 20 hours, you may relieve the animal by the application

of olive or neatsfoot oil. In inflammation of the lungs, &c., it should

be made to act sooner. The principle of the blister is, that no intense

inflammation can exist in the neighboring parts at the same time. An

infusion of 2 ounces of the flies in 1 pint of oil of turpentine, for

several days, is frequently used, and with good effect. This is a sure

and safe remedy. If in the winter blanket the horse to keep him warm

until he is over it; put a blanket over the head also if very cold.

 

 

TINCTURE OF ALOES AND MYRRH.

 

This will answer well for dressing either fresh or old wounds. Take

 

8 ounces of powdered aloes,

1 “ “ myrrh,

1 quart spirits of wine,

1 ounce water,

 

Put these into a bottle and shake every day for two weeks, when it will

be ready for use. This is an excellent preparation, and can be relied

on. Any person having horses should never be without this tincture, the

cost being but a mere trifle, and will often and in every case save time,

trouble and expense, where there is use for it.

 

 

TINCTURE OF OPIUM.

 

To make the above take 2 ounces of powdered opium and 2 pints spirits of

wine, put into a bottle and shake well every day for a week, when it will

be ready for use.

 

 

COMMON BLISTERING OINTMENT.

 

To make the above ointment which may be used for blistering in

inflammation of the lungs, bowels, &c. Take

 

1½ pounds of lard,

2 ounces venice turpentine,

2 “ rosin,

2½ “ spanish flies, powdered,

 

Melt the rosin, turpentine and lard in any common vessel, and when the

mixture begins to cool put in the powdered flies; mix well by stirring.

Before applying the blister clip or shave the hair off and grease, rub

well for ten minutes. After it has acted, grease with lard or oil.

 

 

FOR RING BONE OR SPAVIN.

 

The following will be found very useful for removing ring bone or spavin,

or any other bony substance. Take

 

8 ounces of spanish flies,

1 pound of lard,

1 “ rosin,

6 ounces of venice turpentine,

 

Melt the lard, rosin and turpentine over a slow fire, and when beginning

to cool add the spanish flies. Apply three mornings in succession; and in

twelve hours after the last application dress with lard; keep out of the

water while blistering, which may be reduced with oil and used for the

purpose of irritating and removing inflammation, lameness, &c. The horse

should not get wet while blistering.

 

 

SPIRITS OF PIMENTO.

 

To make spirits of pimento take

 

½ pound of ground allspice,

1 quart of alcohol.

1 “ of water,

 

Put these into a bottle and shake well before using. It is now ready for

use though it is better to let it stand several days. This is a good

lotion for the wind colic after the gas has been removed.

 

 

TINCTURE OF IODINE.

 

To make this tincture take 1 ounce of iodine, 1 pint of spirits of wine,

and mix well. It is very good for enlarged glands of the neck, joints and

muscles, and may be used twice a day without taking the hair off.

 

 

LINIMENT FOR SPRAINS, SWELLINGS, &c.

 

To make this liniment, which will never fail in curing sprains,

swellings, &c. &c. Take

 

2 ounces hartshorn,

2 “ spirits camphor,

1 “ oil of turpentine,

½ “ laudanum.

 

Mix well together and put into a bottle, being careful to keep it well

corked.

 

 

COOLING LOTION FOR INFLAMMATION

 

This is an excellent lotion for wounds of the eyes, &c. to be used after

bleeding freely. Take

 

2 drachms sugar of lead,

1 “ white vitriol,

1 pint lime water.

 

Put them into a bottle and shake often, so as to dissolve the

ingredients. Apply it as a wash, bathing the parts affected two or three

times a day.

 

 

FOR THE SWEANEY.

 

This is a troublesome disease, and is very common amongst horses. It can

easily be detected by examining the withers, which will be slightly sunk,

and the skin becomes very tight to the muscles and flesh; and if suffered

to run on, the horse will get very lame and the skin tight, and the

withers much sunken. I have seen horses frequently have it on the rump

or near the hip bone; it would cause the horse to become very lame. This

disease should be attacked when first discovered, and never suffer it to

run on until the horse becomes very lame and the parts much sunken.

 

 

REMEDY.

 

Take 1 pint strong vinegar,

“ 1 gill spirits turpentine,

“ 1 oz. pulverized saltpetre.

 

Put all into a bottle, shake, mix and dissolve well, and it is fit for

use. Rub the liniment on the sunken parts with the hand as much as will

soak in twice a day, until it becomes sore, and the skin gets loose;

then apply once a day until all is used. This liniment will never fail

in curing if applied properly, and is the only safe and sure remedy for

sweaney. I have never known it to fail; you may grease with sweet oil 1

day after using the last time. This liniment will take off the hair, but

it will do no harm, as the hair will come out in a short time as fine as

ever, and will not leave the least blemish. The liniment must act on the

skin, and if it does not make sore or act on the skin, add more spirits

turpentine. If you have a horse that has the sweaney, do not put yourself

to the trouble of getting any person to cure it for you, or purchase any

quack medicine for it; but go to work and cure it yourself, which can

be done for 12½ cents. The horse should not be worked while using it. I

have known it to be cured whilst working the horse, but the animal should

not be punished in that way. In case the first dose does not entirely

relieve, use the second time: this you will have no need for if you do

not work the horse.

 

 

HOW TO THROW OR MAKE A HORSE LAY DOWN.

 

Whatever you may intend the horse to do, it is always necessary to give

him some idea what you wish him to do, and repeat whatever it may be

until the horse is sure to remember it. To make a horse lay down, bend

the left fore leg until the hoof is nearly bottom upwards; then fasten a

loop over his leg above the pastern joint firmly, so that he cannot get

the foot down: next fasten one end of another strap around his right foot

above his hoof; place the strap through the left leg where it is bent;

keep the strap in your right hand; keep on the left side of the horse;

let the bridle have a strap to it; bring this up over the opposite-side

of his neck, grasp it with your left hand, drawing the strap steady,

so as to draw his head to the right; pull steady with the right hand

strap, bearing against the shoulder to cause him to move; when he does

move, he will come on his knees; keep the strap tight, so that he cannot

straighten his leg; keep him in this position, turning his head towards

you; bear against his side slightly with your shoulder with an equal

pressure; in ten minutes or so, he will be down. As soon as he is down,

he will be conquered; and you can handle as you please; keep his head up,

now you may take off the straps, straighten out his legs, rub him about

the face, head and neck with your hand the way the hair lays; handle

all his legs gently, and he will soon learn that you won’t do him any

harm. After he has laid some 15 or 20 minutes, let him get up again.

Rest him a short time, and make him lay down again as before: repeat the

operation three or four times which is sufficient for one lesson; give

him 3 or 4 lessons, and he will lay down by taking hold of one foot, and

tapping him on the other leg with a stick while you have hold of his

foot--finally he will lay down from the motion of the stick. Before you

attempt to make a horse lay down, place a thick bed of hay on the floor

or ground, so that he cannot hurt himself in the least. If your horse

is very scarry, fretful or skittish after you have given him one or two

lessons, take something that will rattle or any thing that is calculated

to frighten him, rattle it and pass over his head and about him; he may