428 THE SANDAL. 



especially in dry weather, the sole becomes hard and rigid, and the horse goes 

 lame, or becomes lame if he were not so before *." 



One of two substances, or a mixture of both, is generally used for stopping 

 the feet clay and cow-dung. The clay used alone is too hard, and dries too 

 rapidly. Many horses have been lamed by it. If it is used in the stable, it 

 should always be removed before the horse goes to work. It may, perhaps, be 

 applied to the feet of heavy draught-horses, for it will work out before much 

 mischief is done. 



Cow-dung is softer than the clay, and it has this good property, that it rarely 

 or never becomes too hard or dry. For ordinary work, a mixture of equal 

 parts of clay and cow-dung will be the best application ; either of them, how- 

 ever, must be applied with a great deal of caution, where there is any disposi- 

 tion to thrush. Tow used alone, or with a small quantity of tar, will often be 

 serviceable. 



In the better kind of stables a felt pad is frequently used. It was first intro- 

 duced by Veterinary Surgeon-General Cherry. It keeps the foot cool and moist, 

 and is very useful, when the sole has a tendency to become flat. For the con- 

 cave sole, tow would be preferable. 



The shoe is sometimes displaced when the horse is going at an ordinary pace, 

 and more frequently during hunting ; and no person who is a sportsman needs to 

 be told in what a vexatious predicament every one feels himself who happens to 

 lose a shoe in the middle of a chase, or just as the hounds are getting clear away 

 with their fox over the open country. 



Mr. Percivall has invented a sandal which occupies a very small space in the 

 pocket, can be buckled on the foot in less than two minutes, and will serve as a 

 perfect substitute for the lost one, on the road, or in the field; or may be used 

 for the race-horse when travelling from one course to another ; or may be truly 

 serviceable in cases of diseased feet that may require at the same time exercise 

 and daily dressing. The following is a short sketch of the horse sandal. 



Toe-Clasp "/ / Toe-Clasp 



-Hinge 



Toe-Clip ^r- Toe-Clip 



Tip 



Middle Bar 

 : ' Side Bar 



Heel-Clip 



* Stewart's Stable (Economy, p. 127. 



