^ FALSE QUARTER. 289 



CTer, in shoeing, owing to the nail not being properly pointed^ 

 or, in some cases, from the iron not being good splits, one 

 part turning inward and the other outward. These acci- 

 dents are not always the fault of the smith, and he should not 

 be unjustly censured for what he could not obviate. If such 

 punctures are properly attended to, serious consequences rarely 

 ensue. The practice of closing up the wound after removing 

 the nail, glass, or other sharp substance cannot be too strongly 

 condemned. It is doubtless in consequence of this senseless 

 practice that so many horses are lost from lock-jaw, which 

 does not generally make its appearance until the animal has 

 apparently recovered from the wound ; though upon an exami- 

 nation of the foot pus will often be found secreted within the 

 hoof. 



When a horse picks up a nail, or is pricked by the smith, a 

 poultice should at once be applied to the foot, and kept on 

 for several days ; a cathartic ball should also be given, that the 

 bowels may be in good order ; after the removal of the poul- 

 tice, apply the tar ointment, and no further trouble may be 

 anticipated. 



FALSE QUAKTEK. 



This is an imperfect formation of horn at the quarter, which 

 is generally of a lighter color than the other part of the hoof, 

 and is divided by a seam from the top to the bottom. It is 

 the result of injury from quitter and other diseases, rendering 

 the heels weak, and requires the protection of a bar shoe, 

 which should never bear upon it, as it mav occasion lameness. 

 19 



