306 SPONGES, SCRAPERS AND BOOTS. 



SPONGES. 



In selecting a sponge a choice should be made of one 

 that is free from large holes and any hard particles and 

 which when bent backward or twisted does not open out. 

 The grain should be fine and of a firm but not hard text- 

 ure. The size of the sponge should be determined by the 

 use for which it is intended, and each sponge should be formed 

 by a natural growth and not by the cutting up of a large 

 sponge. (See Fig. 174.) 



SCRAPERS. 



Scrapers are made in a variety of forms and of various 

 materials. The one that finds the most favor is made of a 

 narrow strip of brass with wooden or leather handles at the 

 ends. The two other shapes in common use are shown 

 in Figs. 178-180. The one illustrated in Fig. 179 is the 

 form preferred by the writer, but it is open to greater abuse 

 in the hands of a careless or brutal servant than that made 

 of a plain strip of brass. 



BOOTS. 



Boots are coverings used on the horse's legs or feet for 

 the purpose of protecting the covered part from being in- 

 jured by "hitting," " brushing," "speedy cutting," or "inter- 

 fering," as the contact of one limb with another is called. 

 They are made on two general principles, one as a preventa- 

 tive and the other as a protection. The former are designed 

 with a projecting attachment which warns the horse when 

 he travels too close. The style is shown in Fig. 186. Those 

 made for protection are fastened to the leg by straps and 

 buckles or with tape according to the material of which the 

 boot is made. Hence the uncertainty of the effect of a boot, 



