ABSORBENTS.
Remarks.—Absorbents are composed of materials partaking of an alkaline character, and are used for the purpose of neutralizing acid matter. The formation of an acid in the stomach arises from some derangement of the digestive organs, sometimes brought on by the improper quantity or quality of the food. It is useless, therefore, to give absorbents, with a view of neutralizing acid, unless the former are combined with tonics, or agents that are capable of restoring the stomach to a healthy state. This morbid state of the stomach is recognized in oxen by a disposition to eat all kinds of trash that comes in their way, such as dirt, litter, &c. They are frequently licking themselves, and often swallow a great deal of hair, which is formed into balls in the stomach, and occasions serious irritation. Calves, when fattening, are often fed so injudiciously, that the stomach is incapable of reducing the food to chyme and chyle: the consequence is, that a large amount of carbonic acid gas is evolved. Many calves and lambs die from this cause.
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 diarrhœa, or costiveness, loss of appetite, 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. |
| Powdered snakeroot, | half a table-spoonful. |
| Powdered caraways, | 1 tea-spoonful. |
| Hot water, | 1 quart. |
Mix. To be given at one dose, for a cow; half the quantity, 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 quantity will suffice for a smaller animal.
| Balm of Gilead buds, | half an ounce. |
| Honey, | 2 table-spoonfuls. |
| Vinegar, | 1 wine-glassful. |
| 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-glassful, 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.
| Balsam of Tolu, | half an ounce. |
| Powdered marshmallow roots, | 1 ounce. |
| Honey, | half a gill. |
| Boiling water, | 2 quarts. |
Min. Dose, half a pint, night and morning.
Drink for a Cow after Calving.
| Bethwort, | 1 ounce. |
| Marshnmallows, | 1 ounce. |
First make an infusion of bethwort by simmering it in a quart of water. When cool, strain, and stir in the mallows. Dose, half a pint, every two hours.