Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/525

Rh invigorating influence of the air will beneficially operate on the human system, and greatly contribute to the establishment of health.  RING-BONE, in farriery, denotes a hard swelling on the lower end of the pastern, generally extending half way round the fore-part of the horse's leg: it is thus termed, from its resemblance to a ring.

This malady frequently arises from strains, and similar accidents; though, when affecting the hind-pastern, it is often occasioned by forcing young horses too early on their haunches. When the tumefied part is distinctly perceivable round the pastern, without affecting the coffin-joint, it is easily cured. But, if it originate from some strain or defect in this joint; or from a callosity seated under the round ligament that covers it; the cure is generally difficult, and sometimes impracticable; because the disorder is apt to degenerate into a, and eventually to form an ulcer upon the hoof.

Ring bones occurring in colts and young horses, frequently disappear, without the aid of any application; and, while the substance remains tolerably sound, blistering will, in general, prove a sufficient remedy. But, if the swelling be of long continuance, and has become hard, it may then require both blistering and firing. In order to perform this operation with success, the iron employed, should be thinner than that commonly used for such purpose, and the lines or razes, must not be made above one quarter of an inch apart, crossing each other obliquely. A mild blister, extending over the cauterized parts, should next be applied; and, after having produced the desired effect, it will be requisite only to cover them with the common defensive plaster, which will in most cases complete the cure.  RING-WORM, or, (Herpes miliaris), an eruption on the face, which consists of numerous small pustules, that rise closely in contact with each other; appearing generally in a circular form, and being attended with painful itching.

These pustules never suppurate, and cannot be easily cured; often breaking out at certain periods of the year, even after they have been apparently removed. The usual application, in this affection, is the common black or writing-ink; but frequent friction, or embrocation of the eruption with mushroom catsup, has sometimes been attended with success. The following preparation has likewise been recommended; though we have had no experience of its effects: Take the roots of wild or garden sorrell; let them be washed perfectly clean, bruised in a stone mortar, and steeped in strong white-wine vinegar, for two or three days. At the end of that time, the liquor will be fit for use, and the ring-worm should be rubbed with it three or four times in the course of the day, and every night, previously to retiring to rest; the roots being left in the vinegar as long as any of this liquid remains.  RIVER, a current or stream of fresh water, which flows in a bed or channel, from its spring or source, and empties itself into the sea.

Rivers form one of the chief ornaments of the globe: while they serve not only to carry off superfluous rains and springs; but, from the great numbers and varieties of fish they contain, likewise