88 THE HORSE 



stitute is " Snowflake Axle Grease," a petroleum prod- 

 uct. An old-fashioned hoof ointment is the following: 



Tar 2 parts 



Beeswax 1 3^ parts 



Honey i part 



Beef or mutton suet 2 parts 



Whale oil 4 parts 



Mix, and melt together in a hot water bath. Wash 

 the feet clean, and apply this dressing every third day. 



Another Is as follows : 



White rosin 4 ounces 



Spirits of turpentine 6 ounces 



Linseed oil 4 ounces 



Beeswax i ounce 



Tincture of camphor I ounce 



Mix together in a hot water bath. 

 That very successful trainer, John Dickerson, strong- 

 ly recommends the following hoof ointment : 



Five pounds each of sweet, unsalted butter, vaseline, and 

 Burgundy pitch. Set to simmer, but not to boil. 



Linseed oil Is not a bad hoof dressing; and a sponge, 

 tow, absorbent cotton, or any other absorbent sub- 

 stance can be soaked with " Snowflake Axle Grease " or 

 linseed oil and tied over the frog of the foot In such 

 a way that It will also come up against the cleft between 

 the heels. 



In most cases, I doubt if It makes much difference 

 whether the moisture is supplied by water or oil or 

 both; but In the case of a brittle foot It Is certain that 

 oil should be used, as the foot would not be brittle if 



