Much, however, might be done by care in packing, to prevent injury to the withers and bruising of the back-bone.  When the withers begin to swell and inflammation sets in, or a tumor begins to form, the whole may be driven away and the fistula scattered or avoided by frequent or almost constant applications of cold water—­the same as is recommended in poll-evil.  But if, in despite of this, the swelling should continue or become larger, warm fomentations, poultices, and stimulating embrocations should be applied, in order to bring the protuberance to its full formation as soon as possible.  When full, a seton should be passed, by a skillful hand, from the top to the bottom of the tumor, so that all the pus may have free access of escape.  The incision should be kept free until all the matter has escaped and the wound shows signs of healing.  The after treatment must be similar to that recommended in the case of poll-evil.  The above treatment, if properly administered, will in nearly all cases of fistula effect a cure.

Collar-galls.

Sore necks, saddle-galls, and stilfasts, are a species of injury and sore, which are in many cases very difficult of cure, especially saddle-galls on mules that have to be ridden every day.  One of the best remedies for saddle gall is to heighten the saddle up as much as possible, and bathe the back with cold water as often as an opportunity affords.  In many cases this will drive the fever away and scatter the trouble that is about to take place.  This, however, does not always scatter, for the trouble will often continue, a root forming in the center of what we call the saddle-gall.  The edges of this will be clear, and the stilfast hold only by the root.  I have had many cases of this kind occur with the mule, both on his back and neck, mostly caused on the latter part by the collar being too loose.  And I have found but one way to effectually cure them.  Some persons advise cutting, which I think is too tedious and painful to the animal.  My advice is to take a pair of pincers, or forceps of any kind, and pull it out.  This done, bathe frequently with cold water, and keep the collar or saddle as much free of the sore as possible.  This will do more towards relieving the animal and healing the injury than all the medicine you can give.  A little soothing oil, or grease free from salt, may be rubbed lightly on the parts as they begin to heal.  This is a very simple but effective remedy.

Thrush.

This is another trouble with which the mule is afflicted.  Cut away the parts of the frog that seem to be destroyed, clean the parts well with castile-soap, and apply muriatic acid.  If you have not this at hand, a little tar mixed with salt, and placed on oakum or tow, and applied, will do nearly as well.  Apply this every day, keeping the parts well dressed, and the feet according to directions in shoeing, and the trouble will soon disappear.