the evil to its minimum. The animal may jar his
frame when he kicks, but even then there will be less force in the
concussion than if it impinged upon the solid plank, and cuts and
abrasions can not be inflicted by a properly made cushion. Hobbles are
also rightly recommended with a view to the required restraint of
motion, so applied as to secure the leg with which the kicking is
performed, or even both hind legs, in such manner as not to interfere
with the movement of lying down and rising again and yet preventing that
of kicking backward. Boots similar in pattern to those which are used
for the prevention of shoe boil are also prescribed. These are placed
above the hock and retained by straps tightly fastened. We apprehend,
however, that the difficulty of retaining them in the proper place
without the danger of chafing from the tightness of the straps may form
an objection to their use. Notwithstanding all precautions, hocks will
be capped in the future as in the past, and the study of their treatment
will always be in order.

The mode of dealing with them will, of course, be greatly influenced by
the condition of the parts. When the inflammation is excessive and the
swelling large, hot, and painful to the touch, the application of warm
water will be very painful. The leg should be well fomented several
times a day, for from 15 to 20 minutes each time, a strong decoction of
marsh-mallow leaves being added to the water, and after each application
swathed with flannel bandages soaked in the same warm mixture. A few
days of this treatment will usually effect a resolution of the
inflammation; if not complete, at least sufficiently so to disclose the
correct outlines of the hygroma and exhibit its peculiar and specific
symptoms. The expediency of its removal and the method of accomplishing
it are then to be considered, with the question of opening it to give
exit to its contents. If the fluid is of a purulent character, the
indication is in favor of its immediate discharge. No time should be
lost, and it should be by means of a small opening made with a narrow
bistoury. If, however, the fluid is a serosity, we prefer to remove it
by punctures with a very small trocar. Our reason for special caution in
these cases is our fear of the possibility of the existence of diseased
conditions of a severe character in the pseudo joint. For the same
reason we prefer the treatment of those growths by external
applications. In the fir