e made into
balls, as medicines requiring to be given in large doses, oils, caustic
substances, unless in small dose and diluted and thoroughly mixed with
the vehicle, deliquescent, or efflorescent salts. Substances suitable
for balls can be made up by the addition of honey, sirup, soap, etc.,
when required for immediate use. Gelatin capsules of different sizes are
now obtainable and are a convenient means of giving medicines in ball
form.

When balls are to be given we should observe the following directions:
In shape they should be cylindrical, of the size above mentioned, and
soft enough to be easily compressed by the fingers. If made round or
egg-shaped, if too long or too hard, they are liable to become fixed in
the gullet and cause choking. Balls may be given with the "balling gun"
(obtainable at any veterinary instrument maker's) or by the hand. If
given by the hand a mouth speculum or gag may be used to prevent the
animal from biting the hand or crushing the ball. Always loosen the
horse before attempting to give a ball; if tied he may break his halter
and injure himself or the one giving the ball. With a little practice it
is much easier to give a ball without the mouth gag, as the horse always
fights more or less against having his mouth forced open. The tongue
must be firmly grasped with the left hand and gently pulled forward; the
ball, slightly moistened, is then to be placed with the tips of the
fingers of the right hand as far back into the mouth as possible; as the
tongue is loosened it is drawn back into the mouth and carries the ball
backward with it. The mouth should be kept closed for a minute or two.
We should always have a pail of water at hand to offer the horse after
balling. This precaution will often prevent him from coughing out the
ball or its becoming lodged in the gullet.

_Pastes or electuaries_ are medicines mixed with licorice-root powder,
ground flaxseed, molasses, or sirup to the consistency of honey, or a
"soft solid." They are intended, chiefly, to act locally upon the mouth
and throat. They are given by being spread upon the tongue, gums, or
teeth with a wooden paddle or strong, long-handled spoon.

_Liquids._--It is, very often, impossible to get balls properly made, or
to induce owners or attendants to attempt to give them, and for these
reasons medicines by the mouth are mostly given in the form of liquids.
Liquids may be given as drenches when the dose is large, or they may,