274 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARFrERY. 



from grass or straw to hot stables and corn. At firsV 

 there will be a simple heat and itching of the part ; the 

 horse will be observed to rub one leg against the other, 

 and sometimes to stamp with his foot, the whole sur- 

 face appearing more red than before, but perhaps with- 

 out much enlargement. If this state be not attended 

 to, there succeeds an oozing out of a serous discharge 

 from a kind of crack, of which there are sometimes 

 several. 



Occasionally the suppurative state follows so closely 

 on the adhesive inflammation, that purulent matter 

 appears to flow from them from the first; but if suffered 

 to proceed, pus always makes its appearance first or 

 last. 



In this early state of turmid itching, scruffy heels, 

 frequently little more is necessary than a sturnine 

 wash, having first well cleansed them with soap and 

 water and well dried them afterwards, removing as 

 much of the cuticular eruption as possible 



When the case has proceeded to form cracks, it will 

 be adviseable to attempt a stoppage of the discharge 

 by some desiccative powder, as white lead and tutty 

 in equal quantities. If with an inflammatory state 

 there is an ichorous discharge, the saturnine ointment 

 is to be preferred, avoiding still wet applications ; but 

 when an ulcerative process is fully established, the 

 cracks showing much virulence and tenderness, then 

 something more is necessary, as a moderate bleeding 

 with alteratives, and a nightly bran-mash ; or even one 

 or two doses of physic may be prudent if the horse 

 should be of a very gross habit. 



The cracks themselves should be carefully washed 

 with warm water whenever the horse returns from 

 exercise ; after which, bathe with any mild astringent 

 lotion as the following : — 



