THE CARE OF HORSES. 311 



authorities condemn this practice, and I am inclined 

 to think that cold water is better. Wet rags tied 

 around the coronet will serve the purpose ; and a 

 sponge arrangement for the outside of the hoof can 

 be bought. Peat-moss bedding also, as I have said, 

 encourages a quick growth of horn ; and probably the 

 very best means for this purpose, though one not 

 often practicable, is to turn the horse out in a pas- 

 ture, part of which is salt marsh. I have known an 

 extraordinary growth of hoof to be promoted in this 

 manner. 



For rheumatism and sprains, also, sea water is a 

 remedy. Its tonic and strengthening effect upon 

 horses is remarkable. In one case that fell under my 

 observation, a severe lameness in the shoulder of a 

 little bay mare was cured by a course of sea baths. 

 Her owner took her into the water with him one day 

 as an experiment : the mare liked the process, and 

 followed her master into the waves every day there- 

 after for a month, by which time she had completely 

 recovered. 



In another case, a horse received a severe sprain in 

 one of the hind ankles. Hot and cold water were ap- 

 plied alternately till the inflammation disappeared, 

 and then a bandage was put on, and kept wet with sea 

 water. In four days the ankle was as good as ever. 



I might add here, that, in all cases of sprains, per- 

 fect rest is absolutelv necessarv ; and there is no 

 better remedy than cold water, applied by means of 

 a linen bandage, continually wetted. But the bandage 

 should be taken off at night, for it will become dry in 

 an hour's time or less, and in that condition it is heat- 

 ing and harmful. For sprain of the hock, or of other 



