lanket snugly fitted over the animal. If the hot applications appear to
benefit, they may be tried on three or four consecutive days. Unless
every facility and circumstance favors the application of heat in the
foregoing manner, it should not be attempted. If the weather is very
cold or any of the details are omitted, more harm than good may result.
Mustard may be applied by making a paste with a pound of freshly ground
mustard mixed with warm water. This is to be spread evenly over the
sides back of the shoulder blades and down to the median line below the
chest. Care should be taken to avoid rubbing the mustard upon the thin
skin immediately back of the elbow. The mustard-covered area should be
covered with a paper and this with a blanket passed up from below and
fastened over the back. The blanket and paper should be removed in from
one to two hours. When pneumonia follows another disease, the system is
always more of less debilitated and requires the careful use of
stimulants from the beginning. To weaken the animal still further by
bleeding him is one of the most effectual methods of retarding recovery,
even if it does not hasten a fatal termination.

Another and oftentimes fatal mistake made by the nonprofessional is the
indiscriminate and reckless use of aconite. This drug is one of the most
active poisons, and should not be handled by anyone who does not
thoroughly understand its action and uses. It is only less active than
prussic acid in its poisonous effects. It is a common opinion, often
expressed by nonprofessionals, that aconite is a stimulant. Nothing
could be more erroneous; in fact, it is just the reverse. It is one of
the most powerful sedatives used in the practice of medicine. In fatal
doses it kills by paralyzing the very muscles used in breathing; it
weakens the action of the heart, and should not be used. Do not give
purgative medicines. If constipation exists, overcome it by an allowance
of laxative diet, such as scalded oats, bran, and linseed mashes; also,
grass, if in season. If the costiveness is not relieved by the laxative
diet, give an enema of about a quart of warm water three or four times a
day.

A diet consisting principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, when in
season, grass or corn fodder is preferable if the animal retains an
appetite; but if no desire is evinced for feed of this particular
description, then the animal must be allowed to eat anything that will
be taken spontan