Scratches of a cat are best treated by smearing, and that freely and continuously for an hour, and then afterward at longer intervals, fresh butter on the part affected. If fresh butter be not at hand, fresh lard—that is to say, lard _without_ salt—will answer the purpose. If the pain of the scratch be very intense, foment the part affected with hot water, and then apply a hot white-bread poultice, which should be frequently renewed. 290. _What is the best application in case of a sting either from a bee or from a wasp?_ Extract the sting, if it have been left behind, either by means of a pair of dressing forceps, or by the pressure of the hollow of a small key—a watch-key will answer the purpose; then, a little blue (which is used in washing) moistened with water, should be immediately applied to the part; or, apply a few drops of solution of potash, which may be instantly procured of a druggist, as he always keeps it ready prepared, or “apply moist snuff or tobacco, rubbing it well in,” and renew from time to time either of them if either of these be not at hand, either honey, or treacle, or fresh butter, will answer the purpose. Should there be much swelling or inflammation, apply a hot white-bread poultice, and renew it frequently. In eating apricots, or peaches, or other fruit, they ought to, beforehand, be carefully examined, in order to ascertain that no wasp is lurking in them; otherwise, it may sting the throat, and serious consequences will ensue. 291. _If a child receive a fall, causing the skin to be grazed, can you tell me of a good application?_ You will find gummed paper an excellent remedy; the way of preparing it is as follows: Apply evenly, by means of a small brush, thick mucilage of gum arabic to cap paper; hang it up to dry, and keep it ready for use. When wanted, cut a portion as large as may be requisite, then moisten it with your tongue, in the same manner you would a postage stamp, and apply it to the grazed part. It may be removed when necessary by simply wetting it with water. The part in two or three days will be well. There is usually a margin of gummed paper sold with postage stamps; this will answer the purpose equally well. If the gummed paper be not at hand, then frequently, for the space of an hour or two, smear the part affected with fresh butter. 292. _In case of a child swallowing by mistake either laudanum, or paregoric, or Godfrey’s Cordial, or any other preparation of opium, what ought to be done?_ Give, _as quickly as possible_, a strong mustard emetic; that is to say, mix two teaspoonfuls of flour of mustard in half a teacupful of water, and force it down his throat. If free vomiting be not induced, tickle the upper part of the swallow with a feather; drench the little patient’s stomach with large quantities of warm water. As soon as it can be obtained from a druggist, give him the following emetic draught: