806. To extricate Horses from fire.—If the harness be thrown over a draught, or the saddle placed on the back of a saddle horse, they may be led out of the stable as easily as on common occasions. Should there be time to substitute the bridle for the halter, the difficulty towards saving them will be still further diminished.
807. Method of rendering assistance to persons in danger of Drowning.—This desirable object appears attainable by the proper use of a man's hat and pocket-handkerchief, which (being all the apparatus necessary) is to be used thus:—Spread the handkerchief on the ground, and place a hat, with the brim downwards, on the middle of the handkerchief; and then tie the handkerchief round the hat as you would tie up a bundle, keeping the knots as near the centre of the crown as may be. Now, by seizing the knots in one hand, and keeping the opening of the hat upwards, a person, without knowing how to swim, may fearlessly plunge into the water with what may be necessary to save the life of a fellow-creature.
If a person should fall out of a boat, or the boat upset, by going foul of a cable, &c., or should he fall off the quays, or indeed fall into any water from which he could not extricate himself, but must wait some little time for assistance—had he presence of mind enough to whip off his hat, and hold it by the brim, placing his fingers withinside the crown, and hold it so, (top downwards), he would be able, by this method, to keep his mouth well above water till assistance should reach him. It often happens that danger is descried long before we are involved in the peril, and time enough to prepare the above method; and a courageous person would, in seven instances out of ten, apply to them with success; and travellers, in fording rivers at unknown fords, or where shallows are deceitful, might make use of these methods with advantage.
808. To prevent excessive Thirst, in cases of emergency at Sea, in the summer-time.—When thirst is excessive, as is often the case in summer-time, during long voyages, avoid, if possible, even in times of the greatest necessity, the drinking of salt water to allay the thirst; but rather keep thinly clad, and frequently dip in the sea, which will appease both hunger and thirst for a long time, and prevent the disagreeable sensation of swallowing salt water.
809. Best mode of avoiding the fatal Accidents of Open Carriages.—Jumping out is particularly dangerous, (the motion of the gig communicating a different one to the one you give yourself by jumping), which tends very much to throw you on your side or head. Many suppose it very easy to jump a little forward, and alight safe: they will not find it so on trial. The method of getting out behind the carriage, is the most safe of any, having often tried it when the horse has been going very fast. Perhaps it is best to fix yourself firm, and remain in the carriage.