_Preliminary Remarks._--As oxen, sheep, and pigs are liable to have
accumulations of matter, in the form of abscess, resulting from injury
or from the natural termination of diseases, it becomes a matter of
importance that the farmer should rightly understand their character and
treatment. If a foreign substance enters the flesh, the formation of
matter is a part of the process by which nature rids the system of the
enemy. A poultice relaxing and lubricating will then be indicated. If,
however, the foreign body shall have entered at a point where it is
impossible to confine a poultice, then the suppurative stage may be
shortened by the application of relaxing fomentations, and lastly, by
stimulants. It is a law of the animal economy, that, unless there be
some obstacle, matter always seeks its exit by an external opening; and
it becomes part of our duty to aid nature in her efforts to accomplish
this salutary object. Nature requires aid in consequence of the
unyielding character of the hide, and the length of time it takes to
effect an opening through it. Animals are known to suffer immensely from
the pressure a large accumulation of pus makes on the surrounding
nerves, &c., and also from the reabsorption of this pus when it cannot
readily make its exit. This is not all; for, if pus accumulates, and
cannot in due time find an outlet, it produces destruction of the
blood-vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissues. These vessels are
distributed to the different surfaces; their supply of blood and nervous
energy being cut off, they decompose, and in their turn become pus, and
their open mouths allow the morbid matter to enter the circulation, and
thus poison the blood. Hence it becomes our duty, whenever matter can be
distinctly felt, to apply that sort of poultice which will be most
likely to aid nature.
There is no article in the _materia medica_ of so much value to the
farmer as marshmallows; he cannot place too much value on it. Whether he
uses it in his own family or confines it exclusively to cattle practice,
it is equally valuable. It has numerous advantages over many similar
remedies: the most important one to the farmer is, that it can be
procured in this country at a small cost. We have used it for a number
of years, and in many cases we consider it our sheet-anchor. In short,
we cannot supply its place.
Mr. Cobbett says, "I cannot help mentioning another herb, which is used
for medicinal purposes. I mean the marshmallows. It is amongst the most
valuable of plants that ever grew. Its leaves stewed, and applied wet,
will cure, and almost instantly cure, any cut, or bruise, or wound of
any sort. Poultices made of it will cure sprains; fomenting with it will
remove swellings; applications of the liquor will cure chafes made by
saddles and harness; and its operation, in all cases, is so quick that
it is hardly to be believed. Those who have this weed at hand need not
put themselves to the trouble and expense of sending to doctors and
farriers on trifling occasions. It signifies not whether the wound be
old or new. The mallows, if you have it growing near you, may be used
directly after it is gathered, merely washing off the dirt first. But
there should be some always ready in the house for use. It should be
gathered just before it blooms, and dried and preserved just in the same
manner as other herbs. It should be observed, however, that, if it
should happen not to be gathered at the best season, it may be gathered
at any time. I had two striking instances of the efficacy of mallows. A
neighboring farmer had cut his thumb in a very dangerous manner, and,
after a great deal of doctoring, it had got to such a pitch that his
hand was swelled to twice its natural size. I recommended the use of the
mallows to him, gave him a little bunch out of my store, (it being
winter time,) and his hand was well in four days. He could go out to his
work the very next day, after having applied the mallows over night. The
other instance was this. I had a valuable hog, that had been gored by a
cow. It had been in this state for two days before I knew of the
accident, and had eaten nothing. The gore was in the side, making a
large wound. I poured in the liquor in which the mallows had been
stewed, and rubbed the side well with it. The next day the hog got up
and began to eat. On examining the wound, I found it so far closed that
I did not think it right to disturb it. I bathed the side again; and in
two days the hog was turned out, and was running about along with the
rest. Now, a person must be criminally careless not to make provision of
this herb. Mine was nearly two years old when I made use of it upon the
last-mentioned occasion. If the use of this weed was generally adopted,
the art and mystery of healing wounds, and of curing sprains,
swellings, and other external maladies, would very quickly be reduced to
an unprofitable trade."
_Lubricating and healing Poultice._
Powdered marshmallow roots, }
Marshmallow leaves, } equal parts.
Moisten with boiling water, and apply.
_Use._--In ragged cuts, wounds, and bruises.
_Stimulating Poultice._
Indian meal, }
Slippery elm, } equal parts.
Mix them together, and add sufficient boiling water to moisten the mass.
Spread it on a cloth, and sprinkle a small quantity of powdered cayenne
on its surface.
_Use._--To stimulate ill-conditioned ulcers to healthy action. Where
there is danger of putrescence, add a small quantity of powdered
charcoal.
_Poultice for Bruises._
Nothing makes so good a poultice for recent bruises as boiled carrots or
marshmallows.
_Poultice to promote Suppuration._
Indian meal, a sufficient quantity.
Linseed, a handful.
Cayenne, 1 tea-spoonful.
To be moistened with boiling vinegar, and applied at the usual
temperature.