In case of wood-choppers, hunters, etc., away in the backwoods, or in any other case where this precaution is necessary, they should provide themselves always with bandages, Monsel's solution, and a roll of adhesive plaster, and then they are prepared for nearly all cases of accidents that may befall them.

The worst feature about a wound is the bleeding, unless, as in case of gun-shot wound, a vital part is injured. We will suppose, however, that unfortunately one received a wound, either from some sharp instrument, or a gun-shot wound, or some part of his body was lacerated, contused or punctured from some cause, and that the wound was bleeding freely. Before the wound is dressed the character of the bleeding is to be noticed. If the blood is dark-colored and flows regularly in a stream, it is venous blood, and you will be able to control it easily; but if it is bright-scarlet, and spurts out in jets, some artery has been wounded -- always a dangerous accident. If the wound is a gun-shot one and received in the trunk, all you can do on the moment is to hermetically seal the wound. Take the adhesive plaster, and cut a piece from it large enough to cover the wound well, and then apply over the wound so as to seal it effectually against escape of blood or entrance of air; or take a rag and shape it in a pledget, and tie it on the wound firmly with a bandage or handkerchief. If internal hemorrhage occurs, you cannot do anything, and the patient will probably die.

If the wound is in the arms or legs, then you can always do something. If the bleeding is venous, you will be able to arrest it by applying cold water. Elevate the limb, and use compression. If this does not arrest it, apply some of the Monsel's Solution, which is a solution of the persulphate of iron, which quickly stanches the blood by coagulation. After the hemorrhage has ceased, apply a bandage. If the blood comes out in jets, you may know that an artery is wounded, and that no time is to be lost. No styptics will arrest hemorrhage from any important artery, but in such cases instantly apply the Spanish windlass, which is made by tying a handkerchief around the limb, and twisting it with a stick, until the hemorrhage ceases. This compression is to be maintained, until the patient can have the attention of a surgeon. Be careful, however, to apply the windlass above the wound towards the heart.

If you have to deal with any ordinary wound, cut, etc., draw the edges together with strips of adhesive plaster, and put on cold water dressings.