432 BANDAGES. 



feet. The cleanest and most simple substances, all of the 

 properties of which are known, should alone be used. Blue 

 clay, peat moss or a felt swab are excellent agents for the 

 conveyance of moisture. 



BANDAGES. 



Bandages are of several kinds and are used for various 

 purposes. The method of putting them on depends upon 

 the effect desired. The material of which bandages are 

 made should be about eight feet long and four inches wide. 

 At one end the corners should be turned in, forming a V to 

 which the tapes are sewed. It is generally conceded by 

 horse owners of experience that under ordinary circum- 

 stances hand rubbing or the application of cold water from 

 a hose is more beneficial than the use of bandages. This 

 verdict is in a large measure due to the fact that in many 

 instances hand rubbing or the strengthening and refreshing 

 effects of a cold douche is productive of the best results, 

 and when misapplied the consequent harm is not so great 

 as if warm bandages are used when cold ones are needed or 

 vice versa. The misuse of bandages is so general, owing to 

 the ignorance of the effects produced by the materials used, 

 that aside from indicating the bestowal of some attention, 

 the average horse would fare better if the care of the legs 

 was limited to hand rubbing. In fact, many horses in time 

 grow dependent upon the effects produced by bandages, for 

 which effects at the outset there was no need. 



FLANNEL BANDAGES. 



Flannel bandages are used to increase or stimulate the 

 circulation, and hence are employed under the following cir- 



