Part 40 (1/2)

A mixture of chalk, saleratus, and soda is often given by farmers; yet they do not afford permanent relief. They do some good by correcting the acidity of the stomach; but the animals are often affected with diarrhoea, or costiveness, loss of appet.i.te, colic, and convulsions.

Attention to the diet would probably do more than all the medicine in the world. Yet if they do get sick, something must be done. The best forms of absorbents are the following: they restore healthy action to the lost function at the same time that they neutralize the gas.

FORMS OF ABSORBENTS.

Powdered charcoal, 1 table-spoonful.

” snakeroot, half a table-spoonful.

” caraways, 1 tea-spoonful.

Hot water, 1 quart.

Mix. To be given at one dose, for a cow; half the quant.i.ty, or indeed one third, is sufficient for a calf, sheep, or pig.

_Another._

Powdered charcoal, 1 table-spoonful.

To be given in thoroughwort tea, to which may be added a very small portion of ginger.

_Another, adapted to City Use._

Subcarbonate of soda, 1 tea-spoonful.

Tincture of gentian, 1 ounce.

Infusion of spearmint, 1 pint.

Mix. Give a cow the whole at a dose, and repeat daily, for a short time, if necessary. One half the quant.i.ty will suffice for a smaller animal.

_Drink for Coughs._

Balm of Gilead buds, half an ounce.

Honey, 2 table-spoonfuls.

Vinegar, 1 wine-gla.s.sful.

Water, 1 pint.

Set the mixture on the fire, in an earthen vessel; let it simmer a few minutes. When cool, strain, and it is fit for use. Dose, a wine-gla.s.sful, twice a day.

_Another._

Balsam copaiba, 1 ounce.

Powdered licorice, 1 ounce.

Honey, 2 table-spoonfuls.

Boiling water, 1 quart.

Rub the copaiba, licorice, and honey together in a mortar: after they are well mixed, add the water. Dose, half a pint, night and morning.

_Another._